Saturday 25 Jan2014 by The Guardian Newspaper

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Saturday, January 25, 2014

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Directive To Lawmakers:

APC Denies Over-Heating Polity By Godwin Ijediogor (News Editor, Lagos) and Muyiwa Adeyemi (Ado Ekiti) HE All Progressive T Congress (APC) has dismissed insinuations that its directive to members to block the passage of this year’s budget and confirmation of all nominees to military and civilian positions, pending the resolution of the crisis in Rivers State, amounted to over-heating the polity or

NEWS 3

Gulak, Adeyemi, Jakande, Adebanjo, Others React To APC’s Directive On Jonathan’s Bills

Confab: Ohanaeze NEWS 4

Chieftain Discredits Nwabueze Group NEWS 5

Anti-Gay Law Will Not Affect HIV Fight, Says NACA NEWS 6

Nollywood star, delectable Kate Henshaw, speaks about her passion for fitness and wellness. See Page 23.

US Envoy Clarifies Stand On Gay Marriage

inciting the public. The party had in a communique issued at the end of its 8th Interim National Executive Committee Meeting in Abuja on Thursday urged its members in the National Assembly (NASS) to take the action until the Rivers crisis was resolved. That directive has continued to attract criticisms, especially from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its members. But APC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, told The Guardian yesterday that if anything, it is President Goodluck Jonathan that is over-heating the polity by his silence on the Rivers crisis. Asked if the non-passage of the budget as a result of the

directive would not hurt the people, he said: “Budget is about the people. Our members will block its passage because the people of Rivers are under siege because of the reign of impunity being supported by the President. “If the essence of government is the people of Nigeria, then a political party should be ready to protect the interests of Nigerians, even at some little inconvenience to the people.” He stated that there would be no need to block executive bills or passage of the budget and confirmation of appointments if President Jonathan makes it possible for peace to reign in Rivers. “If he fails, Nigerians should CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

SSS Storms El-Rufai’s Home APC Condemns ‘Harassment’ By Godwin Ijediogor (News Editor, Lagos) and Karls Tsokar (Abuja) PERATIVES of the O Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday afternoon stormed the residence of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai for reasons yet unknown, even as the former minister has gone into hiding. The siege came barely 24 hours after the Department’s Assistant Director, Public Relations, Marilyn Ogar, in a letter, warned members of the public against making inflammatory and provoca-

tive statements, pointing to threats of violence ahead of the 2015 general elections. “Such comments are offensive, misguided, and directed at stirring hate amongst Nigerians,” she said. It was ostensibly as a result that operatives, in a commando-style, stormed the Asokoro, Abuja residence of the Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), to effect his arrest. El-Rufai was earlier invited to the DSS Headquarters in Abuja for questioning on CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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2 | Saturday, January 25, 2014

El-Rufai’s Goes Into Hiding CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 some “issues bordering on his recent comments about political developments in the country.” It was gathered that the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was not at home when the operatives came calling. But sources said he was smuggled

out and has gone underground to allow the dust to settle. Some other sources in the neighbourhood said he had gone to the school to pick his children when the operatives came to arrest him at about 1.30 pm. He was said to have been immediately alerted of the

Ogoni Group Urges Amaechi Not To Attend Rally From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt ENSION has heightened in T Ogoni over the threat by Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi to attend the Save Rivers Movement rally in Bori, today. But a group, Concerned Ogoni Elders’ Forum has implored Amaechi not to attend the rally following the violent disruption of the earlier one planned for last Sunday by suspected ex-militants. Angered by the disruption of the rally, Amaechi had vowed to lead the rally rescheduled for today and dared the police to shoot him. “I will be there next Saturday. I am going there for a rally on Saturday and I invite Channels. First, we will try as much as possible to replace the things that are missing and stolen. On Saturday I will be there. “When they say former President Obasanjo is lying about snipers and one thousand names, they said Nigeria Police has no rubber bullets. Where did rubber bullets come from? Is it one of the snipers that shot at Magnus Abe? Could it be that they were aiming it at me? But for the first time, I will want to expose myself, I will be there. I will be there on Saturday. Let them come and shoot,” Amaechi said. The spokesperson of the Forum, Kobani Bere told journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday that tension has increased in Ogoni since the violent disruption of the Save Rivers Movement rally and the subsequent threat by the governor to dare the police. “The Forum considered the implications of recent politically inspired activities in the area (Ogoniland), particularly the incidences in Kpor, Gokana Local Government Area on Monday, January 13, 2014 and Sunday, January 19, this year in Bori, Khana Local

Government Area. “The Forum observed that the verbal, shooting and alleged physical attacks on some of our innocent youths by political thugs and stooges amongst us are of grave concern to us (Ogoni) as an ethnic nationality,” he said. Bere urged Amaechi to cancel his planned All Progressives Congress (APC) and Save Rivers Movement’s rally in Bori slated for today or any other date, in order not to heighten the already tensed atmosphere, and to forestall possible breach of the fragile peace in the area. According to him, officials of the Rivers State government and all politicians should desist from using Ogoni as a demonstration field for political violence. “All political gatherings or rallies intended to be held in any part of Ogoniland (Khana, Gokana, Tai or Eleme) should be communicated to the Police and the appropriate permit secured from the Police authorities before such gathering is organized,” he added. Bere said anyone who takes actions contrary to the above positions of the forum will be considered an enemy to the development and peaceful coexistence of the people of Ogoni and would be resisted accordingly. Amaechi, in his reaction to the Bori attack, likened the present Federal Government to that of late military ruler, General Sani Abacha. “There is serious danger for democracy, because what you are seeing here is close to what Abacha was doing. This is an Abacha’s government. Let us see the difference. Lives were being lost, people were being shot, journalists were being arrested. This is worst because even governors were not arrested under Abacha. But as a governor...When we speak, we speak because we are involved. You are a journalist; I don’t know whether you were born when Abacha was alive? If you were, then compare what is going on now and what was happening under Abacah regime. Just compare,” he said. He said the state government gathered that the state Police Commissioner called a meeting at the Police Officers’ Mess and declared war against the Rivers State Government and Rivers people.

development and advised to stay away from the house. However, the operatives were said to have resolved to stay put, as the security guards at El-Rufai’s home were said to have denied them entry and locked up the gate to the residence. The SSS had earlier invited ElRufai to clarify certain issues concerning his activities in recent times but he allegedly refused to honour the invitation under the pretext that he was having a pending court case with the Service. Efforts to speak with Ogar proved abortive, but a source within the service confirmed the development, saying that the invitation extended to ElRufai was a normal thing. “Nothing different form the usual, but El-Rufai is trying to prove that he is untouchable and above the law,” the source said. Meanwhile, APC has condemned what it described as harassment of its Deputy National Secretary, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, by the SSS, describing the storming of his residence in Abuja by armed operatives yesterday without producing any arrest warrant as “a shameful overkill.” In a statement issued in

Abuja yesterday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party expressed shock that the SSS was seeking to arrest ElRufai for merely exercising his constitutional right of free speech. The party said there was nothing inciting or extraordinary in the statement credited to ElRufai that there might be violence if next year’s general elections were not free and fair. “What our Deputy National Secretary said is a statement of fact and should not warrant any harassment, unless, of course, the DSS is saying that the 2015 general elections will not be free and fair. “The statement is a matter of cause and effect and amounts to a patriotic call for the 2015 general elections to be free, fair and credible. “If this statement now rankles the DSS, then the Department has a lot of explanation to do to convince Nigerians that it was not engaging in a witchhunt, considering the case instituted by El-Rufai against it over his illegal detention in a hotel in Awka during the Anambra governorship poll last November,” the party said. The party wondered why the DSS has suddenly found its

agility, “after playing dead when people like Chief Edwin Clark, Alhaji Asari Dokubo and Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife issued a direct threat to Nigeria’s continued existence over President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term ambition.” It added: “The DSS is free to join the police in becoming a partisan and compromised national institution, but it should weigh the consequences of such action on its long-term credibility.” Reacting, El-Rufai’s Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye in a statement yesterday said the armed invasion of El-Rufai’s residence clearly indicates the obvious that the SSS imagines itself as an agency immune from respecting fundamental rights, “a behaviour akin to a gathering of toughs before whom every citizen must quake.” He said El-Rufai had informed the DG SSS on Thursday that he would be exercising his right not to go to the SSS office, except a warrant is issued in that regard. “The assault on El-Rufai’s house continues a sorry tradition of serial violation of his rights by the SSS which has arrested him at airports

and hotels. The most recent was the action of the SSS in violating his right to freedom of movement in Awka during the Anambra elections. “Without any just cause or formal charge, the Directorate of State Security Services had unlawfully detained El Rufai, the Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress at the premises of Finotel Hotel, Awka, Anambra State, from the 15th day of November, 2013 to the 16th day of November, 2013. “During the period, Mallam ElRufai was not only restricted to Finotel Hotel, he was denied access to his congregational prayer as a devout Muslim and kept incommunicado without access to anyone and or the press,” Adekeye said. He maintained that the former FCT minister had sued the SSS over the matter, seeking eight reliefs, including an injunction to restrain the agency from further infringing on his fundamental rights. “The SSS is advised to diligently attend to this pending matter. Mallam El-Rufai will not be silenced. He will continue to do his patriotic duty of challenging INEC and the security agencies to guarantee the climate for free and fair elections in Nigeria by desisting from partisanship and the embrace of impunity”.

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji inspecting some furniture at the newly completed Broadcasting Corporation of Abia (BCA)administrative block alongside the Director General of the organization, Mr. Tito Ezemdi Ukeka and others in the state capital, Umuahia yesterday.

APC Insists It’s Not Over-Heating Polity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 blame him if the budget is not passed,” he added. Mohammed stated that APC has reached the end of its patience and its directive was the last resort on the Rivers crisis. He said the crisis started about 11 months ago and the party’s appeal on several occasions to the President to allow peace to reign in the state, and Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s letters to the President and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), were unheeded. “Those accusing us, what have they done since the crisis in Rivers started? What did they do when the Police teargased the people of Rivers? What did they do when five state governors of

PDP then visited Amaechi and were humiliated and assaulted at the airport? So, how does our directive to our members become an incitement?” He said although it was a difficult decision, it had to be taken because it is more beneficial to Nigerians who watch the situation in Rivers degenerate into anarchy. Mohammed noted: “Where else can a Commissioner of Police behave the way Mbu Matthew Mbu is behaving? We are slowly lapsing into a situation where impunity is becoming acceptable. “We are not inciting anybody and do not see how this action will lead to anarchy.” Asked how far the party could go with the directive, Mohammed said it depends on the President.

“If he restores rule of law and order in Rivers tomorrow, there will be no need to block his Bills. “But if he continues to allow the impunity in Rivers, he should be held responsible for the non-passage of this year’s budget and non-confirmation of his appointments. “If we allow the situation in Rivers to further degenerate, it will affect other states. It is capable of destabilising the South-South and indeed Nigeria as a whole,” he noted. But PDP governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, described the directive as unreasonable. Adeyeye said it was a demonstration of APC’s hatred for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“Only enemies of a country will take decisions that are geared towards shutting down the economy of the country and endangering its security. “Now, Nigerians are getting to see what these characters in the APC have been doing in the Southwest of the country. “If approval of service chiefs is not given by the National Assembly, just because there is political conflict in one out of the 36 states in the country, isn’t that an invitation to anarchy in the entire country? “If the budget is not passed, how will the National Assembly itself function? Won’t Nigeria’s economy collapse? And these people want to rule Nigeria. God will never allow

Saturday, January 25, 2014 3

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NEWS Health Workers End Warning Strike, Insist FG Has Not Met Demands By Joseph Okoghenun S the three-day warning A strike declared by health workers under the aegis of

Commander Guard Brigade Major Gen Emmanuel Atewe (left); Ambassador Samuel Hart; Inspector General of Police, Mohammad Abubakar; Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Caleb Olubolade; FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; and Chief of Staff to the President, Mike Oghiadomeh, welcoming President Goodluck Jonathan on his arrival in Abuja after attending the 2014 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, yesterday.

Gulak, Adeyemi, Jakande, Adebanjo, Others React To APC’s Directive On Jonathan’s Bills By Seye Olumide EMINENT Nigerians have R continued to react to the resolution by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), directing its members in the National Assembly to block all legislative proposals, including the 2014 Appropriation Bill, until the Presidency restrains its agents from interfering in the crisis in Rivers State. Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ali Gulak, has condemned the threat by the APC, describing it as antipeople. Gulak said the role of the opposition party in a democracy is to provide credible and constructive opposition to the ruling party by offering constructive criticisms and alternative solutions rather than plotting to derail the democratic rule with threats to abandon it constitutional obligations. In a statement issues in Abuja yesterday, Gulak said the threat by APC exposes the plot by the opposition to derail the nation’s democratic rule as such action was meant to jeopardise social and economic activities in the country. According to Gulak, “this is tantamount to declaration of war on the people of Nigeria by the opposition party and no responsible government would fold its arms and watch this happen; the opposition is taking the limits of its functions too far”. He said the opposition party was hiding behind the political crisis in Rivers State to expose its hidden agenda to make the country ungovernable. He noted that the PDP members in the National Assembly would go ahead and debate the 2014 budget

and the Ministerial list as well as the names of the new service chiefs for confirmation noting, “we cannot afford any shut down of government in a democracy where the state and local governments as well as corporate organisations depend on the Federal Government to source their revenue. Similarly, denying the country the services of the key commands of the military establishment will worsen the security situation in the country. Such an action would expose APC as a conglomeration of power hungry and irresponsible political actors whose goal is to use undemocratic practices to

attain power. This will not be accepted by Nigerians.” A chieftain of Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, however, sees the directive of the APC to its lawmakers as a mere game of politics between the party and the presidency. According to him, “APC is simply reacting to the game of politics the President Jonathan is playing by using the security agents to harass its members and they in turn are trying to use the numerical strength in the parliament to fight back.” While urging both parties to see reason, he urged the lawmakers to place the interest

of Nigerians above whatever they are doing. “It is unfortunate that the common man would be the one to bear the brunt of what both sides are doing,” he said. Former governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, also considered the scenario as a game of politics saying, “there is nothing too serious about it except that both parties involved does not consider the interest of Nigerians as paramount.” According to him, “the presidency and the APC can come to a compromise and resolve whatever is their differences without necessarily creating crisis or heating up the poli-

ty.” Reinforcing Gulak’s position, former president of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, Senator Smart Adeyemi, faulted APC’s claims as an assembly of progressives in the light of the directive. According to Adeyemi, “that the APC has allegedly directed its lawmakers to antagonise the PIB is most unfortunate for the party that claims to be progressive. It is undemocratic; it is unconstitutional, unbiblical and an unIslamic position by a political party in the history of modern politics.”

…As Rivers PDP, APC Bicker Over Instruction From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt HE All Progressives T Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State are bickering over the APC directive to its members in the National Assembly to block all the bills and ministerial nominees brought by President Goodluck Jonathan. While the APC interim chairman in the state, Davies Ikanya, has described the directive as a masterstroke, the PDP said the directive was unnecessary, hollow and mischievous. “With this decision by APC, let us now see which party is the majority in Nigeria and how the Presidency, which has in connivance with the PDP leadership frustrated all attempts by APC as the new majority party to assume its rightful position by taking over the position of House Majority Leader, among other important leadership positions in the House of Representatives, can function effectively,” said Ikanya.

He described as heartrending the brazen manner in which the rights of citizens of Rivers State was being breached by persons and institutions saddled with the responsibility of protecting them. He alleged that the PDP-led Federal Government, which he accused of making Rivers State virtually ungovernable, was working to export its lawlessness to the National Assembly. “PDP and the Jonathan Presidency have shown beyond every reasonable doubt that the only language they understand is force. “With this minimal force being applied by APC to restore sanity in the polity, restore order in Rivers State, reclaim its right in the National Assembly, grow our democracy and promote constitutionalism in our nation, PDP will be forced to wake up to the reality that it will no longer take the plight of our nation for granted and that it is no longer the majority party as that position is now occu-

pied by the APC,” he said. Ikanya said the party would not allow President Jonathan, who had single handedly ruined PDP and governance in Rivers State, to ruin the country’s fledgling democracy. “Mr. President can still retrace his steps and toe the path of honour, integrity, constitutionalism and democratic norms or continue with the infamy and impunity associated with his government that will surely consume us all,” he said. But the PDP in Rivers State has faulted the threat by the APC to block all proposals from the presidency through its members in the National Assembly for allegedly supporting lawlessness and impunity in Rivers State. The Special Adviser, Media to the state PDP Chairman, Jerry Needam, noted that the APC’s threat in itself is an act of lawlessness, unpatriotism and impunity aimed at grounding the law-making machinery of government.

He accused the APC of being a party which official policy and leadership style is anchored on disrespect for the rule of law and impunity, wondering why the APC leadership is not disturbed by the crisis rocking the state chapters of the party other than the situation in Rivers State if not for their pecuniary interests. “The PDP also expresses shock that Governor Amaechi, who unilaterally ordered for the arrest of the members of a faction of the party in 2010 and charged them for cultism, closed down the office of Dr. Abiye Sekibo, his opponent for the office of the Governor on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011, refused to abide by a court judgment in respect of the illegal sack of the council chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government and the replacement of the G. U. Ake leadership in the state, could be alleging acts of lawlessness and impunity when that is his stock in trade,” he said.

the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) ended yesterday, the health workers have refuted government claims that it had met their demands. They expressed their readiness to proceed on indefinite strike within the next two weeks if government refuses to accede and implement various agreements and court judgments in their favour. Reacting to a media statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health during the week, JOHESU President, Dr. Ayuba Wabba, told The Guardian over the phone that government was still foot dragging in implementing various agreements earlier reached. The Federal Ministry of Health had said during the week through a statement signed by Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Health Minister, Dan Nwomeh, that government has met the yearnings of the health workers. Refuting the claim, however, Wabba referred The Guardian to the minutes of the outcome of a conciliatory meeting JOHESU and AHPA had with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour and Productivity on Thursday, the day two of the strike.

Supreme Court Affirms Okorocha’s Election From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja MO State Governor, Rochas Isecured Okorocha, yesterday the highest judicial seal to his gubernatorial mandate as the Supreme Court affirmed his victory at the polls. Delivering the lead judgment in an appeal filed by the governor to challenge the decision of the Appeal Court, Owerri Division, Justice Clara Ogunbiyi upturned the Appeal Court’s verdict, which joined his predecessor, Mr. Ikedi Ohakim in the appeal instituted by a candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Senator Ifeanyi Araraume. The apex court held that there must be an end to litigation. The court also held that the application for joinder granted by the Court of Appeal is an attempt by Ohakim to re-litigate a matter that had long been settled by a properly constituted election tribunal. It also held that the lower court over-reached itself by assuming jurisdiction, a decision which it said gave Ohakim a second opportunity to challenge the election of Okorocha “through the back door.”

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NeWS

Confab: Ohanaeze Chieftain Discredits Nwabueze Group From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu CHieftAiN of Ohanaeze A Ndigbo, Chief richard Ozobu, has queried the competence of the Prof. Ben Nwabueze-led Concerned igbo leaders of thought to work out the igbo agenda for the proposed National Dialogue. Addressing a press conference in enugu yesterday, Ozobu said the Nwabueze group cannot represent Ndigbo, adding it is only Ohanaeze that can represent the interest of the igbos at the dialogue. the Nwabueze group had explained that the crisis in Ohanaeze necessitated the birth of the Concerned igbo leaders of thought to articulate issues that will be presented by the igbos at the dialogue. But Ozobu told journalists yesterday that only Ohanaeze as an umbrella body of Ndi-igbo has the powers and competence to speak for the people in such a national discourse. Ozobu said: “it’s unfortunate. Maybe we should consult our great grand-fathers through the traditional process to find out why this happens to igbo land anytime there is a serious issue we find this type of situation arising.i am saying that to represent Ndi-igbo where Nigeria is meeting it has to

be properly done by those who igbo’s have confidence in through an organisation they set up. And we have already said that vehicle is Ohanaeze, but the engine is not well; Ohanaeze engine is knocked. “One of the things holding us back on that extra state

given to us is Ndi-igbo agreeing to which state it is going to be. Nobody wants to face the facts. “the igbo position and Ohanaeze have no place for these side meetings that Nwabueze is having, and he should know better because he is the architect of that con-

ever position they take is what we are going to take as igbos. So both sides are not competent to speak for igbos. “there still time; the situation can still be remedied within 7-14 days. let’s go back to the constitution. let ebonyi State bring the

President General, call a meeting again and then affirm it. Other aspects can be suspended but the principal officers, those positions, who on daily basis are referred to in any igbo meeting-President General and Secretary General- something must happen to them.”

Niger to Distribute Uniforms, textbooks free to Students From John Ogiji, Minna He Niger State t Government has planned to commence the distribution of free uniforms to students in secondary schools throughout the state from this term. Government in the first phase of the project will distribute 37,000 pairs of uniforms to Junior Secondary School 1 (JSSi) students. Commissioner for education, Alhaji Danladi Umar Abdulhamid, who disclosed this in Minna on yesterday while addressing newsmen at the end of the state executive council meeting, said that government will spend over N55 million on the project. According to Abdulhamid, government had already paid 50 per cent of the total contract sum to the contractor. He added that each student would get the type of uniform

being used by his school. the commissioner said the success of the programme would lead eventually to the supply of uniforms to all categories of students in public schools throughout the state. the commissioner said to improve the learning of Mathematics, government

By Abiodun Fanoro PrO-DeMOCrACY group A in the South-West has commended the decision of the Niger and Jigawa states governors, Babngida Aliyu and Sule lamido, to use dialogue to resolve their differences with the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). the group, South-West Network for lamido (SNWfl), in a statement at the

SUNDAY, JANUArY 26, 2014

rancour in National Assembly Ne week of legislative rascality in the House. in spite of the court order restraining the leadership of the House of representatives from effecting changes in its leadership, lawmakers still went ahead to poke fun and jabs at the rules of the House, thus overheating the system. there is ceasefire now, but for how long? Join us as we take a look at the week’s events in the House and when next the fire will ignite.

has awarded contract for the supply of ‘Brain Builder’ A(1) Mathematics textbooks to be distributed free of charge to all category of students in the state. the N15 million contract, Abdulhamid said, is different from the policy of government which ensures the dis-

tribution of textbooks in major subjects to all students in public schools in the state. in the meantime the state government in a bid to improve its internally generated revenue iGr has decided to establish what it called a Commonwealth fund.

the Commissioner for information Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahaya who disclosed this this while addressing a news men said that the fund will enable the government to “save for the future, and generate more resources for the state”.

Group Urges Jonathan to Grab lamido’s Olive Branch, end Defection in PDP

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end of its meeting in the Ondo State capital, Akure, signed by its Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Gbolade, noted that the duo by their decision had demonstrated un-common patriotism, leadership by example and a boundless commitment to peace and the unity of the country, which in its view, had been under severe threat since the PDP internal crisis came into the open. the group recalled that lamido, as a true patriot and

a believer in an indivisible Nigeria,dearly paid for democracy during the administrationof late Gen. Sani Abacha, who imprisoned him. the group urged President Jonathan, as the leader of the party, to seize the opportunity presented by the choice of dialogue by the two governors to resolve the lingering crisis in the party. “Our group hereby calls on the presidency on who the bulk of the nation’s destiny

rests to explore the olive branch and dialogue opportunity offered by Gov. lamido and few others, to resolve the prevailing issues in the ruling PDP, by not only preventing further defection of other leading members of PDP to other parties, but also bring the aggrieved members back into the fold. this is germane to the development of Nigeria, where the whole world now knows that our sustained peace and togetherness is currently under

Bank Official Arraigned in edo for Attempted Kidnap From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City SeNiOr official of a new A generation bank in Benin City, Victor Ayemere, was yesterday arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Benin City, for alleged threat to life and attempted kidnapping. Ayemere was arrested by the Police in edo State following a petition by one

emekeme Joseph, who alleged that the bank manager had in October, 2013, gave false information to the police, portraying the petitioner as a kidnapper and in effect threatened his life. the bank official was arraigned yesterday by the police prosecutor before Magistrate P.e.Asemota with charge number MOr/27c/2014 where he

pleaded not guilty. He was accused of committing an offence punishable under section 125 (a) of the criminal code cap 48 Vol. law of defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976 as applicable in edo State of Nigeria. the accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail to the sum of N100,000, while the case was adjourned to 17 february 17.

Jaiz Offers to finance Power Project, fight Povert in Kano From Murtala Muhammed, Kano House in one of its rowdy sessions

fter the PDP’s eight years of ‘terror,’ it was FESTERING thought that the ‘progressives’ who are now in POLITICAL government would know better. Now they are VIOLENCE IN working hard to surpass the PDP in the use of OGUN STATE ‘snipers’.

ADAMU MUAZU:

BUSiNeSS:

eNiAl, purposeful and humble. Yet, the trouble with PDP is a handful. Will the former governor of Bauchi State change the course of this failing game for the ruling party?

the real reason why electricity is going down, down, down!

stitution. So everything must be done through the framework of Ohanaeze. “if Nwabueze has endorsed igariwey and his group and is saying Ohanaeze has accepted this thing, then we have to live by it because we said the umbrella organization is Ohanaeze and what-

IBRU: Cleric thumbs up for President Jonathan on Anti-same sex Law. The Guardian On Sunday is new, fresher, bolder; a delight to behold and more importantly, reader-friendly! Book a copy today.

AiN Bank Plc, has offered to Jfund extend its Sukuk product to the propose Kano state independent power project. Jaiz is partnering with the state government to empower small-scale business enterprises in its commitment to fight poverty in Kano.

its Managing Director of the Bank, Muhammed Nuru islam who hinted this when he visited governor rabiu Musa Kwankwaso also noted the commitment of the bank invest on human development initiative in the Country as part of its corporate social r e s p o n s i b i l i t y . While extolling Kano state patronage with about 40%

GNBC Marks 30th Anniversary OOD News Baptist G Church (GNBC), Surulere, will celebrate three decades of existence next Saturday. the celebration programme of the church, which was established in the living room of Mr. Gamaliel Onosode –a boardroom guru, technocrat and respected elder statesmanon february 1, 1984 com-

mences on January 31. According to a statement made available to The Guardian, there will be a colloquium and variety night of musical extravaganza on february 1 as part of the celebration. the statement added that thanksgiving service and awards would end the celebration on february 2.

share in Jaiz, the MD explained that Sukuk financial product would further fast track ongoing developmental projects in Kano. Mohammad islam maintained that steady growth recorded so far is already earning Jaiz a National and international credence. “During the last financial year ended 31st December 2013, we continued to drive our competitive edge through the use of unique and robust it platform in delivering exceptional customer services to our clientele. “this is in addition to our strategically distributed branches and unique product to offer are exciting market. “We have grown our investments by more than625% from N1.9bn to N12.5bn and our Customer Deposits took a massive leap of more than700% from N3.2bn to N22.5bn.

Saturday, January 25, 2014 5

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NEWS

Anti-Gay Law Will Not Affect HIV Fight, Says NACA By Joseph Okoghenun and Emma Eke HE National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has said that the anti-gay law, also known as same-sex marriage prohibition act, recently signed by President Goodluck Jonathan would not have negative effects on fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the country as being speculated in some quarters. In a statement signed by the agency Director General, Prof. John Idoko, and made available to The Guardian yesterday in Lagos, the agency said nothing in the act prohibits programmes

targeted at prevention, treatment, care and support for people living with HIV or affected by acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Nigeria. The statement reads: “On 7th January 2014, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, assented to the same sex marriage (prohibition) Act 2013, effectively making the provisions of the act operative law in Nigeria. The law has generated much debate and anxiety on the implications of the passage, especially as it affects HIV programming for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-

gender) community. “A perusal of the same sex marriage Act 2013, makes clear that the provisions thereof do not have any negative effect on the HIV/ AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support programs or any other such programs currently in operation in Nigeria. “Nothing in the same sex marriage (prohibition) Act 2013 refers to or prohibits programs targeted at prevention, treatment, care and support for people living with HIV or affected by AIDS in Nigeria. No provision of this law will deny anybody in require as guaranteed by the constitution.”

Meanwhile, Pastor Moses Alu of the Overseer of the Bride Assembly Church, Lagos has said anybody that is opposed to the Anti-Gay Law recently assented to by President Godluck Jonathan is not a respecter of God, because none of the holy books has any inclination for supporting that aspect of social practice. Describing such relation as pervasion, the clergyman said President Jonathan should be commended for signing the Bill into law despite pressures from a section of the human rights community. Speaking in an interactive

session to mark his 56th birthday celebration, taking place today at the church premises, Alu frowned at what he described as a blackmail by a section of the international community since the coming into effect of the law, which he said was reflecting the views of the people through their legislators. “In fact this is the time that all who have respect for the word of God, irrespective of religious affiliation, should publicly condemn the threat by US and parts of Europe bordering on withdrawal of aides to the country.

Removal of Tukur Will Not Solve PDP Problems, Says Shuluwa From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and elder statesman in Benue State, Abu King Shuluwa, has stated that the removal of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as the national Chairman of the party and his replacement with the former Governor of Bauchi State, Adamu Mua’azu will not solve the party’s problem. Shuluwa, who spoke while reacting to latest development in the party with The Guardian in Makurdi insisted that the problems of the party were not just Tukur, but President Goodluck Jonathan’s ambition for second term, among others. “As far as I know, Tukur wasn’t the problem of PDP, but Jonathan’s innate to run for next year’s presidential election,” he stated. He called on President Goodluck Jonathan to renounce his ambition to contest in the forthcoming election;notingthatunlesscertain things are put right, the party would continue to crumble.

Aspirant Promises Industrial Revolution In Benue From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Benue State, Mrs. Ada Chenge, yesterday promised to initiate policies that would promote industrial revolution and tackle poverty in the state. Chenge, currently the managing director of the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA), made the promise in an interview with The Guardian in Makurdi the state capital. Speaking on zoning principle of the PDP, the aspirant who is the first female mechanical engineer in the state said she was the most favoured aspirant to pick the PDP ticket being the only woman in the race that enjoys the sympathy of both maternal people, the Idoma and the Tiv people where she married to for the past 24 years.

Representative of Pope, Most Rev.Augustine Kasujja (left) Outgoing Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev.Felix Alaba Job,New Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin at the Installation of New Archbishop of Ibadan in Ibadan on Friday, PHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM.

NSCDC Rescues 9-year Old From Suspected Rapist From John Akubo, Dutse HE Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has rescued a nine year old girl by name Rugar Ibrahim Iro after Yahya Ma’azu of Kashin dila village of Malam Madori LGA of Jigawa State attempted to deflower her. The State commandant of the NSCDC Muhammad Gidado said his men arrested the suspect while attempting to rape the minor. He said the suspect admitted to committing the crime. Gidado said the little girl was rescued by the NSCDC officers on surveillance after the suspect had forced the victim on the ground and removing all her clothes including her under wears and over powered her. “However, medical test confirmed that there was no penetration. The suspect will be arraigned in court once the investigation is completed.” Gidado called upon parents to

monitor the movement of their female children and wards so that unscrupulous elements in the society would not take undue advantage of them.

In another development the commandant disclosed that a Juvenile suspected thief Salisu Datti (15yrs) was arraigned b4 a Juvenile delinquency Court, Dutse, Jigawa

State Capital by NSCDC. He said the residing Judge Awwal Balagu ordered him to be remanded at Juvenile Delinquency Home KafinHausa of Jigawa State for four

months with option of N5,000 fine to be paid by the father. He was tried under section 286 of Jigawa State Penal Code Laws.

Textile Union Leaders Fault Emergence Of Muazu As PDP Chairman ...Say He Has Case To Answer With EFCC, Still Serving As PenCom Head From: Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief NION leaders representU ing textiles and garment workers in the country, yesterday, faulted the appointment of the new chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, saying that he has a corruption case to answer with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Union leaders also appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan and other PDP Chieftains to consider removing Alhaji Mu’azu as the

new chairman of the party because “ he is still the Chairman of the National Pension Commission, a position he has not relinquish”. The National President of the National Union of Textiles, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), Comrade Olawale Hunsu addressing a press conference in Kaduna yesterday, said that “the emergence of Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, former Executive Governor of Bauchi State as the new National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is remarkable”, pointing out

that it also “raises new issue with his recent appointment as Chairman of the National Pension Commission (PenCom)”. Hunsu explained that the Federal Government should also note that the emergence of Muazu as the national leader of PDP further bring to the fore a moral problem, as the new party chairman was still having alleged case of corruption hanging on his neck with the EFCC. “ All of us are aware that before now Adamu was having a case with EFCC. There were some of the issues robbing on the mis-

appropriation of Bauchi State funds when he was governor. We would not go much into that. Again, his emergence as PDP Chairman would be a clash of interest when he is already the PenCom Chairman”. Hunsu: “We therefore call on President Jonathan not to politicize the position of the Chairmanship of the Board of PenCom as well as its Director General. The President should have an eye on institution building, which requires statesmanship and not partisanship. We cannot afford to play politics with the new pension scheme given the ugly experience of the recent past.”

Office Of Dep Speaker Trains 160 Imo Youths From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri ETERMINED to equip young minds with entrepreneurial skills for self reliance, the office of the deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, have selected 160 Imo youths drawn from the various organizations and Students Union Governments (SUGs), to undergo a entrepreneurship training programme at the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). Disclosing this on Thursday at the Senate Chamber of the institution, the deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, represented by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Chief Bright Nwelue, said the programme was in line with the 2013 budget in the training and research aspect as encapsulated in the constituency project which the deputy speaker’s office had attracted for the benefit of the target participants.

THE GUArDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

6 Saturday, January 25, 2014

NEWS Ebong, Ex-Union Bank MD, Others Get January 27 Trial Date

US Envoy Clarifies Stand On Gay Marriage

By Joseph Onyekwere

HE United States T Ambassador to Nigeria James Entwistle has clarified his

FEDErALHigh Court, Lagos A yesterday said it would continue with the trial of former chief executive officer of Union Bank Plc, Barthlomew Ebong and others on January 27. The accused persons, the former Managing Director of Union Bank, Barthlomew Ebong and three former directors of the bank, Henry Onyemem, Niyi Opeodu and Samuel Anyininuola are facing money-laundering charges. They are charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) together with a company, Falcon Securities Ltd, and its Director, Peter Ololo, on a 20count charge bordering on the offence. The suit could not go on as earlier scheduled yesterday, due to the absence of Justice rita Ofili-Ajumogobia. No reason was given for her absence. The suit was, however, adjourned to January 27. The accused were re-arraigned before Ofili-Ajumogobia in November 15, 2012, following the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Binta MurtalaNyako from the Lagos division. They were alleged to have unlawfully granted loan facilities to themselves without security and above the approved limit, without lawful authority from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Ebong and other executives of the bank were also alleged to have granted several credit facilities to Falcon Securities, in connivance with its alter ego, Ololo, without collateral. The offence is said to contravene the provisions of section 2(3) of the money laundering (prohibition) act 2004, and punishable under section 2(5) of the same act. The accused had all pleaded

Adeboye Advocates Praise As Expression Of God’s Goodness By Isaac Taiwo HE Pastor of The redeemed T Christian Church of God (rCCG), Pastor Adejare Adeboye has urged mankind to always give thanks to God as anything short of this will not suffice to express appreciation of His goodness and kindness. Delivering a sermon with the theme: “What Shall I render To God For All His Benefits”, at the rCCG Headquarters, The Throne of Grace, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Adeboye underscored God’s capacity of giving life to man enough to always appreciate Him. “One great benefit I will always appreciate is that God made me and not that alone, He made me for His pleasure. “My greatest appreciation rests on the fact that He could have chosen to make me any other thing, but He delighted in making me in His own image, after His own likeness. “He made me a man and I did not make myself. “He made me a black man and gave me the hair that befits me just as He made black woman and gave her the hair that befits her,” he said.

By Debo Oladimeji

statement on the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, which has been signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan. Speaking during the premiere of Shuga 3TV series by Silverbird in Abuja, the US envoy said: “I want, however, to clarify what I said to the press when I was

asked about this subject. Some of the subsequent reporting has suggested that I said the United States was going to cut back its support for HIV/AIDS programming in this country as a result of the bill. That is not the case. Let me be clear: our commitment, our pledge to support the HIV/AIDS fight in this country is unwavering. What I did say was that we, and I imagine all HIV/AIDS donors, will have to watch carefully how this bill is implemented and enforced

with an eye towards its potential effect on HIV programs here,” he said. He said that the Shuga series is a unique approach to addressing the AIDS epidemic. “Much of the great work in Nigeria towards halting the scourge of AIDS understandably focuses on traditional modes of outreach, treatment, and the prevention of HIV transmission … and using a medium like television allows us to expand our outreach exponentially, potentially reaching

tens of millions of Nigerians. “As we intensify our focus on helping youth understand the threat of HIV, a show like Shuga is incredibly important and influential. It allows us to communicate basic facts about HIV transmission and dispel the stigma of AIDS in a way that speaks with youth, rather than at them. As we seek to achieve an AIDS-free generation, it is imperative that we continue to innovate and support programs like Shuga to ensure

It is a family affair, irrespective of age. Children help their parents peel cassava after school hours in Ifo, Ogun State.

PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRAN

2015: Civil Society Warns Against religious Politics By Onyedika Agbedo COALITION of civil society A organisations has warned politicians against whipping up religious sentiments to gain advantage over their perceived political opponents in the build up to the 2015 general elections. Addressing a press conference in Lagos yesterday under the aegis of CSO Coalition for Democracy and Good

Governance, Declan Ihekaire of Concerned Human rights, Ismail Olawale of Centre for rights Advocacy in African, and Ibuchukwu Ohabuenyi Ezike of Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) frowned at the recent declaration by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) that the next governor of Lagos State should be a Christian. “We gathered on good authority that CAN is mounting pressures on the leadership of the

ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to ensure that it produces a Christian as its flag bearer in 2015. We learnt that CAN is already divided on the issue while Moslems have countered or are preparing to counter CAN on its position on the matter. “The Coalition is seriously worried and concerned about this development. religious matter all over the world, is a very volatile issue

and any society where religious crisis had developed, it was usually very difficult to control or resolve. … Crisis is an ill wind. It knows no boundary and can be destructive and unpalatable,” they said. The coalition urged people wishing to aspire to any position in the state, nay Nigeria to join political parties and seek the mandate of their party to offer him/her the platform to do so and not rely on sectarian partisanship.

Kwara Government Appeals To Banks In Offa To resume Banking rom Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin WArA State Government K yesterday appealed to managements of commercial banks in Offa, Offa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state to resume normal banking operations to alleviate sufferings of the people of the

town during business transactions. On Thursday, December 19, 2013 dare devil armed robbers raided some four commercial banks in Offa, leaving dead in the process a bank manager and three civilians. This was preceded by an attack on Offa Police station by the same rob-

bers, on the same day, leading to the death of six police officers. The development promptly led to permanent closure of commercial banking transactions in the town, thereby forcing the customers to come to Ilorin the state capital for transactions. Even in Ilorin,

FErMA To Embark On Preventive road Maintenance Initiative From Nkechi Onyedika, Abuja HE Federal roads T Maintenance Agency (FErMA) is to commence preventive maintenance of federal roads across the country to address cracks as soon as they develop, thereby preventing their total collapse. The agency is also consider-

ing giving out some of the roads to the private sector to run and keep them motorable all year round. FErMA’s Managing Director, Gabriel Amuchi, disclosed this at the recognition of excellence/award to outstanding staff of the agency in Abuja. He noted that due to inade-

quate funds, the agency has scaled all federal roads according to priority. Amuchi said: “It is cost-effective and helps in the movement of goods and services. If we do the preventive initiative very well and consistently, the fund requirement will be minimal more than when we are doing corrective repair.

that our message remains authentic and relevant,” he said. He said that over the past 10 years, the U.S. had committed and spent over $3.4 billion dollars on HIV/AIDS programs in Nigeria and will spend close to half of a billion dollars this year, adding “We will continue to stand with the Nigerian people and government in combating this disease, but achieving an ‘aids-free-generation’ will require much more support from Nigeria.”

commercial banks at present, close transactions by 2pm on weekdays. Speaking yesterday at the official presentation of three Hilux vans to security operatives in the town, the state governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed said the state had concluded plans to establish two additional police stations in the town to beef up security there. Offa, at present is arguably regarded as the second largest town in Kwara, after Ilorin. Ahmed, who was represented at the event by Secretary to the State Government Sola Gold, urged the people of the town to volunteer more information to law enforcement agencies as effective security network should not be the exclusive duty of the government and its agencies.

Mrs Fawole For Burial Jan 30 rS. G.A Fawole who died M recently, will be buried on Monday, January 30 at Ebony Vaults, Atan Cemetary, Yaba, Lagos. reception follows immediately at 6, Louis Solomon Close, Victoria Island from 4pm.

Suspected Bag Snatcher Faces Trial 38-year-old man, Tunde A Akinyele yesterday appeared before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly snatching a lady’s bag containing jewellery and cash worth N305,000. Tunde, whose address is unknown, is facing a twocount charge of conspiracy and stealing. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. But the prosecutor, Cpl. Adekemi Adeniran, insisted that the accused committed the offences on January 21 behind Ikosi High School, Ketu, Lagos, at 7.00 p.m. According to her, the snatched bag belongs to one Miss Nimota Yahaya. “The bag contained 10 necklaces and 10 earrings worth N250, 000, a mobile phone and N45,000 cash, all totaling N305,000,” Adeniran said. She said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Saturday, January 25, 2014 | 7

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

METRONOTES

LASU: No Longer At Ease Over Increased School Fees By Debo Oladimeji

VISIT to Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo campus will convince you that the Lagos State government is living up to his promise to turn around the education standard in the university. There are many building projects under construction. The Teslim Olawale Elias Law Library, for instance, has been completed and the students are already enjoying the facilities there. However, since the increase in LASU’s school fees, it has not been easy for many parents to pay the new regime of fees that many people had described as outrageous. The fees are N350, 000 (Medicine), N250,000 (Mgt. Sciences/Law and others) and N197,000 (Education). What is uppermost in the minds of most of the students, like Sulaiman Dabiri, a 100- level student of Industrial Relations, is how their parents will get money to pay the next school fees. “My mum has to borrow money from the bank to pay my school fees last year. I am the only one in the university. My siblings are in private schools, but their school fees are also high,” he said. Dabiri added that his parents are complaining. “Every time they talk about the school fees. Everybody is looking for money to survive, so people mind their own businesses on the campus,” he said. He disclosed that one of his friends, Tutu, who was admitted to LASU paid half of the school fees, but her parents could not get money to complete it. “I don’t see her again,” he said. Speaking in the same vein, President of Lagos State University Students’ Union, Mojirade Monsurat Hassan, a final year female student of Economics, said the issue of school fees is something that disturbs every student on the campus. “For me, I didn’t pay N250,000. I paid N25,000 as an old student. But directly or indirectly, the new school fees is affecting me. We have done our best to talk to the state government and the school’s management, but they are insisting that if we want better service on the campus, the school fees have to remain the way they are,” she said. Hassan added that the students’ union will not stop talking to the government about it. “We believe that the era of aggressive Aluta has passed. We are now doing intellectual Aluta; using our pens to fight the school’s management and the government. Now we write to them, we question them and we ask for our rights,” she said. She doubts that increase in school fees will make LASU a better place. “Students are no more choosing LASU in Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board( JAMB). In French Department, they have just one student in 100 level. How will one student read and understand, when he cannot even share ideas with his colleagues?” she said. Cultism has reduced on campus, she noted, because the school’s management and the students’ union have let the students know the negative effects of cultism. “The N250, 000 doesn’t have anything to do with cultism. After sampling some of the students who were involved in cultism, we discovered that most of them were students from rich homes.” She bemoaned that LASU is now becoming a school for the rich. “I even had younger colleagues who withdrew from the school because of the high school fees. The N50, 000 bursary given to each of the student who are Lagos State indigenes by the government, is not enough to augment their school fees. I have about three people who came to me for help. Unfortunately, I could not help them.” LASU, according to her, was set up by the government to provide affordable university education for Lagosians. “In 2005, the school fees was increased to N25,000; from that to N250,000 in 2011. It was very outrageous,” she said. She is optimistic that Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) who she described as a considerate person, will slash the school fees. The students’ union leader explained that the whole thing started when the governor came to the school and discovered that there were a lot of lapses in terms of infrastructure and the general development of the school. “The committee the governor set up to fashion out the way forward came out with the

full increment of school fees. If the school fees can be reduced to N100,000, it will be better,” she opined. She however admitted that the state government is already embarking on massive infrastructure development in the school. “I will say that the infrastructure is improving. That is as a result of the agitation of students. We have some buildings like the Senate, the school library and some other buildings are under construction. We want the contractors to complete the projects on time,” she said. On his own part, Chairman of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), LASU Chapter, Comrade Oseni Adewale, said the issue of school fees was raised during their discussion with the committee set up by the government to look into all the demands of SSANU. “They said that they were going to put the issue before the state government. “Our own stand as a union is that the government should try as much as possible to review the school fees downward, so that it will be able to meet up with the aims and objectives of establishing the university,” he said. He said the school fees should be such that it is affordable for the general public. “Because with the current school fees regime, it means that a lot of students from poor homes may not likely have access to university education.” On the issue of no vacancy, no promotion in LASU, he said, the committee promised to address that issue “to make sure that people are promoted as at when due.” Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), LASU Chapter, Dr. Adekunle Idris, commended the efforts of the Lagos State in transforming LASU. “The government is doing a great job in LASU by trying to put up a lot of new infrastructure. We don’t want to be ungrateful to

I even had younger colleagues who withdrew from the school because of the high school fees. The N50, 000 bursary given to each of the student who are Lagos State indigenes by the government, is not enough to augment their school fees. I have about three people who came to me for help. Unfortunately, I could not help them.

them,” he said. However, he said, they will continue to appeal to the Lagos State government to take a second look at the issue of the school fees. “What has the payment of school fees got to do with removal of cultism on the campus? Increment of school fees has nothing to do with the removal of cultism on the campus,” he reiterated. What the past administration did to stop cultism on the campus, he said, was to make students that are doing well to become the envy of other students. “The state governor, Fashola, the best governor that we have in this country, has done wonderfully well. But we are appealing to him to please give education to the children of the downtrodden. That is our appeal,” he said. Idris disclosed that the Osun State government had to reduce the school fees for students in Osun State University to ease off the financial stress on their parents. “I am convinced that the amiable governor of Lagos State can do the same thing. Lagos State being the richest state in the whole of West Africa, I want to believe that our governor can do something to prevent LASU from being the most expensive state university in Nigeria. The Lord will touch his heart and the hearts of the people in government to do something about this high school fees,” he said. Dr. Sola Fosudo, Director of Information, LASU, explained that based on the white paper submitted by the committee set up by the government on LASU, the school fees in LASU were increased. “That was done in 2011. And this is 2014. The old students have been paying the old fees, N25, 000,” he added. He disclosed that the students have settled down to the payment of the new school fees. “I can tell you that because I am an insider. The school is just rolling on and everything is going on as usual.” But he does not expect that everybody will support the increase. “I don’t expect that all the parents are going to support it. If you ask some parents about the money they are paying in the University of Ibadan (UI), some of them will still tell you that it is too high.” Fosudo said the fact that everybody may not agree to the increment of school fees does not mean that there is crisis in LASU. “Everything is going on well in LASU. But if

Idris

Fosudo

Adewale

Hassan

there are still some parents who feel that the school fees is too high, it is not LASU that increased the school fees. It is the state government. So they can channel their complaints to the government and make recommendations on possible considerations,” he said. He added that the recommendation made by the committee set up by the government to increase school fees must have been based on research and very wise counsel. “Because the positive ripple effects will begin to show in the next few years. It is already happening in the area of cultism. We are now admitting a crop of serious students who are determined to make LASU the best”. The Director of Information attributed the reduction in cultism in the university to the increment in the school fees. “Do you hear anything about cultism again in LASU? Most of the students in LASU are now serious minded. If your parents paid about N200, 000 for your school fees, will you go and be carrying cutlasses and guns? “Most of the students who are in LASU now are behaving well. If you are still thinking of LASU of yesterday, you are making a mistake. There is a paradigm shift. New policies that are being introduced in LASU are meant to make this university one of the best in Africa,” he said. Fosudo said that the students are no longer in cramped classrooms. “A situation where you used to have 100 to 150 students in a class. It has reduced to about 40 to 50 students. Manageable. When I was in UI, we were not more than 25 to 30 students in my class. So the lecturers knew the students.” Recently, he said, the National Universities Commission (NUC) accredited all the academic programmes in LASU. “If the NUC came and found out that your laboratories and your libraries are not well equipped, your classrooms are not well laid out, they will not give you accreditation. But all our programmes were accredited,” he said. As for the agitation for promotion by SSANU, LASU, he said, discussions are ongoing and everything will be resolved soon. “It is normal for unions to be agitating for better welfare in every organization. In LASU, they went on strike and they have called off their strike because they know that it is through discussion and dialogue that the issue can be resolved. I can tell you that very soon, most of them will be promoted. It is not by fiat. Very soon all the issues causing disaffection will be resolved.”

Saturday, January 25, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, January 25, 2014 | 9

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.

OVERLAPPING WORD GAME

Keep on filling the words in a clockwise direction until all the squares are completely filled, using the clues/ definitions below:

olulana3@yahoo.com

with OLULANA KAYODE O8023183727 Solutions To Overlapping Word Game ‘40’

Overlapping Word Game ‘41 1. Kashim ___, Borno State Governor 2. Joining in wedlock 3. Small rodent 4. Illegal 5. One in collection

Abubakar

Arrogate

Temper

Erudite

Teak

6. Burning fragment

Akume

7. Live somewhere

Ecstasy

8. Postpone

Asylum

9. Harshness

Umbrage

10. Of ancient Rome

10. Genre

11. Additional

11.

Reptile

12. Number after ten

12.

Learn

13. Extremity of object

13.

Nose

14. Injury

14. Second 15. Damask

15. Land

16. Sketch

16. Difficulty 17. Raise up 18. Formal statement of belief

17.

Hostile

18.

Lecture

19. Restore

19. FG-owned TV in the Ondo State Capital

20. Render

20. Tube for discharging urine

21.

21. Somebody behaving mischievously

22. Meander

22. Financial support for ex-spouse

23. Radar

23. Sailboat

24. Race

Resume

24. Correct

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

On The Path Of Winners

When To Apply Success Secrets By Bayo Ogunmupe REAT success comes from God. A father does not take pride in an ordinary offspring. A father only rejoices over his outstanding children. It isn’t godlike to be a failure. Success is the birthright of every human. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” By this He means you are a pacesetter. That others should learn how to get things done by looking at how you got your things done. However, success isn’t a gift. It does not happen by chance. You have to choose success before you can become a champion. Your choice determines your portion. All these were foretold in the Bible book of Romans chapter eight (Rom. 8: 29-30). So, your choice determines or generates forces propelling your success. Your choice is the compass that points to your destination. But success has secrets. Through research and experience, man has discovered the secrets of success. You have to discover God’s secrets to attain the success Jehovah has in store for you. So, here we shall explore the secrets that make for outstanding success. A consistent pursuit of these secrets will grant you access into the reality of the covenant of success. One, prayer is the first pathway to success. Sadly, we are too full of petitions, which is why we don’t have access into God’s secrets of success. We keep asking God to do things for us, but we never ask Him what we must do to gain our heart’s desires. The manner of your petition determines God’s response. David made the prayer of inquiry. God showed him the secrets and he put them to work. Man’s part is two-thirds of the deal. After asking God what to do, it is your duty to do according to your intuition. Then, Jehovah would be committed to confirming your success. But beware of misinterpreting the ordinances of God. Remember the way Moses spoke and how he lost his place in Canaan. Do things in moderation. Note that you may love God more than David, fear God more than Job and be meeker than

Sykes Moses, if you are not a seeker, you will die in ignorance and poverty. It takes a deliberate desire for success before you can gain an everlasting success. Success isn’t cheap. You have to pay a price for it. Two, in order to boost your desire for success, you have to sign a covenant of success with God. You affirm to Jehovah, build me a university and I shall propagate your mission for ever. Since success isn’t arriving at

the pinnacle of your career overnight, God shall bless you bit by bit till you arrive at your desired goal in your middle age. That teaches that success is an adventure accessible to those who dare to venture. Thus, when you advance regularly, you will be termed successful. Also, this journey to success must be remembered as a covenant walk with God. Which is why only godly people achieve lasting success. In order to gain God’s direction, you must do

things in certain ways. You must comply with God’s covenant details. God’s covenant of success hinges on wisdom, discipline and diligence. Three, wisdom, this is the basis of successful living. The quality of the wisdom of a businessman determines the success of his business. “Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding,” Prov. 4:7. Success in life is a function of wisdom available and the wisdom applicable. Wisdom makes stars in every field of human endeavour. “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament,” Daniel 12:3. Besides, outstanding success is impossible without a defined focus or purpose for living. And use your mouth wisely, because you are ensnared by what you say. By your words you are both justified and condemned, Mathew 12:37. The way some people talk lead them to failure, because they sow seeds of failure with their mouths. “He shall have whatsoever he saith,” Mk. 11:23. Stop reporting what is happening. Start emphasizing verbally what is written, what you wish for yourself, give the angels more work to do. God tied the formula for success to information, so get informed in the area you desire to excel. Four, discipline makes success. No undisciplined person ever rose to greatness. Discipline compels you to do the right thing at the right time. To wake up when you like, sleep anytime and receive visitors anytime is not the path to success. Direction plus instruction equals distinction. Until you are faithful at one level, you will never get to the next level. And never borrow, to do so you have abused your resources. Things don’t have to be convenient everyday. Finally, diligence. Though success is your birthright, no lazy man ever gains the hall of fame. God’s blessings flow through the works of your hands, Psalm 1:3. It is impossible to see success without diligence. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings, he shall not stand before mean men,” Proverbs 22:29.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

DIARY

Engr. Dr. Kombo M. Braide, FNSE, Engr. Denis Dania, FNSE (Immediate Past Chairman of NSE Port Harcourt Branch), rep of Hon. Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Engr. Adekunle Mokuolu, FNSE (Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers representing the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers Engr. Ademola I. Olorunfemi, FNSE), Engr. Kombo Theophilus-Johnson MNSE (NSE Port Harcourt Branch Chairman), Mrs. Kingta Theophilus-Johnson, HRH (Barr.) Dr. Temple N. Ejekwu and Engr. Prof. Y. O. Beredugo, FNSE, OFR, during the investiture of Engr. Kombo Theophilus-Johnson, MNSE, as the 17th Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers Port Harcourt branch on Thursday at Engr. Ishmael A. Banigo secretariat in Port Harcourt

Representative of the Honorary Consul to Lithuania in Nigeria, Mr. Charles Inomah; Honourary Consul to Liberia in Nigeria; Chief Mrs. Oprah Benson; Honourary Consul to Malta in Nigeria, Hon. Oluwole A. Lawal, Secretary-General to the honorary consul to Djibouti, Dr. Fola Rogers-Saliu at Radisson Blu Hotel Victoria Island at the recent meeting held in preparation for the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) summit slated for September 2014

Pupils of ABDEK private school, Shomolu, Lagos showcasing their talent during the school’s End of Year party in Lagos…recently

Mrs. Mayowa Ikuforiji, wife of Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly poses with some of the participants in the annual charity kidsport soccer championship competition of Orphanages homes in the state…recently

House of representative member representing Ifako\Ijaye\Ojokoro Federal Constituency, Hon Abayomi Ogunnusi (middle) in a group photograph with the youth leaders of the Constituency during Ogunnusi mid –term review in Lagos recently…

Head Girl, Ifako International Schools, Adeoti Basorun (left), a pupil, Chukwuemelie Okoke, Divisional Police Officer, S. P. Ajimuda Olatunji, another pupil, Chidinma Enwere, Head Boy, Afeez Agarawu and Muinat Sadiq of Juvenile Welfare Centre during the Founder’s Day / Corporate Social Responsibility of Ifako Int’l School in Lagos…recently

Director ICT at the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), Mr. Manny Emecheta, his daughter, Akunna Emecheta and wife, Lady Pauline Emecheta at the graduation ceremony of Akunna who recently graduated with M.Sc. Petroleum Engineering from Texas, USA.

Mrs. Ade and Mr. Ezenwa Chris shortly after their solemnization of Matrimony at the Christ the King Catholic Church, Omor in Ayamelvum local council area of Anambra State…recently

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, January 25, 2014 11

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, January 25, 2014

NEWSINTERVIEW

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Roadblocks Removal, Ban On Commercial Motorcyclists By Debo Oladimeji INCE the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sof office, Mohammed Abubakar took over the mantle he has done a lot to reform the Nigeria Police. One of the first things he did was to dismantle the roadblocks on our highways mounted by the police and replace them with motorized patrol. Unarguably, that has reduced extortion by police on the highways but it has not stopped the pains of travelling experienced by motorists and passengers. Mr. Yinka Aromolaran, a staff of Keystone Bank, regretted travelling from Abuja to Lagos in October last year by road because the vehicle he boarded was attacked by armed robbers close to what ought to be the police check point between Akure and Ilesa. “My wife, Monisola told me not to go by road. If only I had listened to her, I would not have been involved in the robbery incident. But I had to catch up with an appointment in Lagos,” he said. He recalled that he boarded a bus and left Abuja around 6pm on a Wednesday. “I paid N5,000 for my transportation fare. The journey was okay until we were attacked by armed robbers around 1am between Akure and Ilesa,” he said. He disclosed that the armed robbers blocked the road with a commercial bus. “The driver saw the bus and he wanted to reverse. In the process, he hit another broken down trailer that was parked at his back,” he said. He recalled that the armed robbers (four of them) came into the bus he boarded fully armed with AK 47, pistols and cutlasses. “They came into the bus through the back door. Ordered everybody to come out of the bus one by one and collected money and other valuable items.” Aromolaran disclosed that his Blackberry phone and other things were snatched. “My HTC2 Phone, necklace and N10,000 were also collected from me. The robbers were asking for ipad, phones and money”. He had to go back from Lagos to Abuja by air because of what happened. “The shock is still in my head. I had to cough out N24, 800 for my flight. I will never travel at night again. At least, in the afternoon somebody can still help you. Travel by air is safer. Let the government tighten up. Let them know the type of airlines to give licenses to,” he said Another victim of armed robbers, Mr. Olaniyi Adekeye, a resident of Isheri in Lagos recalled that his blue Toyota Corolla (2008 model) with registration number BDG 53 BD, was snatched at gunpoint around 5.10am on October 30, 2013 along Isheri-Igando road. He said after snatching his car, the armed robbers drove him through what used to be the police check point along Isheri-Igando road. Unfortunately, the police were nowhere to be found. He was later stripped half-naked by the men of the underworld, before he was let go. He reported the incident at Idimu Police Station the same day. He alleged that the police did not get their report ready until two weeks later. “I later went to the Police Control Unit on Oduduwa Way, Ikeja. They said they were not aware of it.” To Mr. Abdul Azeez Hussaini, a businessman based in Abuja, the police have just changed their uniforms, but their character still remains the same. “Recently, in Abuja I saw a department of the police called Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) extorting money from people. Extortion of money by the police has not stopped. The bribery and corruption is still there. Armed robbers now easily transfer their ammunitions by road after the removal of roadblocks. Let the police start doing the right things,” he said. Mr. Musa Ibrahim, one of the commercial motorcyclists on Bayo Oyewole Street by Balogun Bus Stop, Ago, Lagos, lamented that the police usually come to arrest them on streets which are not part of the routes restricted for okada(commercial motorcycles) by the government. “They come from time to time. They usually collect from N5,000 from any okada rider that they arrest. We are all riding our motorcycles with fear. Before, we used to use helmets. But since the ban on okada on the highways, we

Abubakar

Braide

stopped using helmets because we don’t need helmets on the street.” A member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Lagos, Engr. Kayode Balogun, said the ban on okada on highways also has its disadvantages. “I was due to catch an Aero flight by 11 am recently. I was held up in a very serious traffic on my way to the airport. In those days of okada, things would have been different. “But I don’t want to be selfish. Okada riders plying the highways in the past had led to the killing of so many people. I still believe that the government has done very well in banning okada from plying the highways,” he said. Balogun said that it is wrong for policemen to accost okada riders on roads not included in the banned routes. “It is part of the extortion by the police. It is so simple. Let the people know those roads or streets that okada can ply. Let everybody be on the same page: the okada riders, the citizenry and the police,” he said. He added that the removal of roadblocks on the highways by the police is good. “It has led to better flow of traffic. It has introduced some sort of sanity into the system. But be that as it may, you still find indiscriminate road blocks being mounted here and there by the police.” He said that the government should try and equip the police, noting that training and retraining of the police is very important. “If given adequate emolument, compensation and benefits, the Nigeria Police will be better. Removal of those bad eggs in the police will serve as deterrent to others.” A student based in Enugu, Mr. Asochi Ikechukwu disclosed that contrary to the slogan, ‘the police are your friends’, he was recently disappointed by the action of the police at a station in Enugu when he went to report an incident of careless driving which almost led to a fatal accident. He was sur-

prised that the police were asking for mobilization fund from him before they could go after the culprit. “After the policemen took my statement, they said that I have to mobilize them. I really could not understand what they were talking about. That was how I left the place to go to the hospital and treat myself,” he said. A Lagos-based engineer, Nnamdi Ubani said that very good policemen have been injected into the system by the IGP. “I like the way some of them are now doing their job. “But that said, one thing is this: corruption that has always been in the police of yesterday is still with the police of today. Despite all the reforms, the most important thing is to tackle the issue of corruption in the police and to flush out the bad eggs that are staining the image of the police,” he said. On his part, Arazu Solomon of Enugu State University of Science and Technology said that with the new police patrol vehicles given to the police by the Enugu state governor, crime rate has reduced in the state. A Lagos-based petroleum marketer, Mr. Sheu Ibrahim, averred that the police have not changed because many of them are illiterates. “We need educated policemen. In Britain, a policeman earns more than a graduate at the entry point because they know that they have to give something to compensate the police for doing risky jobs. The work of the police is to patrol not to stay in one place,” he said. In a chat with The Guardian, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Lagos State, Ngozi Braide said that since the removal of roadblocks by the IGP, crime rate has reduced in Lagos State. “Replacement of roadblocks with motorized patrol has really helped to reduce crime. Before, you see people complaining of extortion by the police. We don’t have such things again,” she said. She added that in those days of roadblocks, hoodlums knew exactly where the police were stationed and could easily attack them. “They used to manipulate certain things. In the case of motorized patrol, robbers cannot preempt the movement of the police. This element of surprise by the police has really yielded positive results. “I think policing is quite better now. In Lagos State throughout last year, we did not record any incident of bank robbery. We didn’t record any bank robbery from March 2012 when the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Umar Manko assumed office till date”.

But I don’t want to be selfish. Okada riders plying the highways in the past had led to the killing of so many people. I still believe that the government has done very well in banning okada from plying the highways

Manko She opined that many people don’t know the difference between stop and search and roadblock. “Policemen can flag you down to check your vehicles at any time. It is not the same thing as roadblock. During a roadblock, you see a barricade making it difficult for you to have access. We still need the presence of security men on our roads. Stop and search is key to policing,” she said. Braide added that the police are not spirits. “Do you know the population of Lagos State? You can’t stop and search every vehicle. Some of the stolen vehicles must have been recovered by the police but the owners may not know about it. Most of them don’t read newspapers, they don’t watch TV. There is a programme on Murhi International Television (MITV) called ‘People’s Palaver’. On that programme, we usually display the list of recovered vehicles every week.” She explained that most of the vehicles recovered by the police in Lagos were snatched outside Lagos. Crime, she said, is something that is associated with civilization. “You can’t rule out crime,” she said. Braide disclosed that the police are coming out with new strategies to fight crime in Lagos State. Concerning the arrest of okada riders on unrestricted roads, she said: “There are other things attached to the new Lagos State traffic laws that many people don’t know. Okada men are not supposed to carry under-aged children on unrestricted routes. “They are not supposed to carry a pregnant woman or a woman that is backing a baby. They are not supposed to carry two passengers. They are supposed to use helmets on those unrestricted routes. They are not supposed to carry luggage on top of their fuel tanks. They ought to have their riding permits on those unrestricted roads,” she said. On the issue of tinted glass she said: “If you want to tint your vehicle, there must be a reason for that. Get the necessary document to back it up. Take it to the Headquarters of Nigeria Police in Abuja and they will investigate whatever claims you have and they will then issue you a permit to use your tinted vehicle. “Tinted is tinted. Whether you put it by yourselves on your vehicle or it came like that. If it came like that and you have a reason to use it, you must get a permit.” She said that what she expects from Lagosians is maximum cooperation. “Criminals are not aliens. They are part of us. So, we should be able to report any suspected criminal in our environment to the police.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, January 25, 2014 13

14 | Saturday, January 25, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

TRAVEL&TOURISM

Cape Town Emerges Number One City To Visit In 2014

HE New York Times, United States of America’s foremost newsTnation paper, has named Cape Town the number one tourist destiin 2014.

ativity, cuisine and colour – including pink. Its strategic geographic position at the tip of Africa has seen foreign visitors stopping off at the Cape since the 1400s, each The South Africa’s second-largest city secured the top spot contributing unique cultural influences that make up the ahead of Los Angeles, the Vatican and the Seychelles in the fabric of modern-day Cape Town. American newspaper’s list of 52 places to visit this year. A mix of Malay, Dutch, French, Portuguese and African flavour Its natural beauty, diversity of its people and the role it played is reflected in Cape Town’s stylish restaurant menus, where loin the victory of democracy were attributed to making the city a cally produced wines complement popular seafood and curry preferred destination for people from around the world. dishes. According to the New York Times, Cape Town was described as a Discover wines at source in the famous Cape Winelands by place to meditate on freedom and the creative life that foltaking a day tour on one of six wine routes, and explore the lowed. historically rich adjacent towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek The city, ranks among the most beautiful in the world. With its and Paarl. larger-than-life mountain overlooking the City Bowl, harbour, If you’d prefer to tap into hops rather than grapes, a number white beaches and Robben Island beyond, this is a tourists’ of locally brewed craft beers are sold at pubs in and around playground. the city. Two World Heritage Sites, the sprawling Winelands, nature re- An abundance of flora may be appreciated within the city enserves, botanic gardens and a buzzing waterfront are just the virons, from the magnificence of the Kirstenbosch National start of the adventure. Botanical Garden to a World Heritage Site featuring more With a population of 3.7-million, Cape Town is South Africa’s than 9 000 fynbos (‘fine bush’) species in the Table Mountain second most populous city, a quintessential melting pot of cre- National Park.

Badagry History: New Book Set For Launch ans about the place of Badagry in the history of the nation. S NIGERIA continues to According to him, the events mark the centenary anleading to the amalgamation niversary of its existence; a of the Northern and Southern new book documenting the protectorates in 1914 began in history of Badagry, in Lagos Badagry. State will soon be published. The British interest of adminThe 58-page book written by istering Nigeria was first siga Badagry prince, Babtunde nified in Badagry in 1843 Ajose captures the details of when the Union Jack flag was the historical sites, festivals, first hoisted in Nigeria at museums and galleries in the Ahovikoh Quarters, Badgry, tourist town. he writes The author, whose earlier “Therefore documenting the works on the Slave Coast, history of Badagry is impor“Chronicle of Transatlantic tant for the understanding of Slave Trade” says it is impor- the Nigerian history.” tant to inform NigeriThe Akran of Badagry Kingdom, His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi 1, describes the book as “accurate” account of the tourist town because the author is not only a native, but has worked as a tourist guide in Badagry. In the preface to the book, President of Badagry Tourism Club, Mr. Peter Olaide Mesewaku says Badagry has always been referred to as “Pillar of Tourism in Nigeria.”

Ajibola Amzat

Saturday, January 25, 2014 15

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

SOCIETY Diya Gave Out Daughter In Marriage Recently, LT. Gen. Oladipo Diya (Rtd.) recently gave out her daughter in a holy matrimony at the United African Methodist Evangelical Cathedral Church, Abule –Ijesha, Lagos. Here are some faces that graced the event.

The newly wedded couple Mr. Oluwadmilola Omotayo Salawu with his wife, former Miss Oluwayemisi Diya

Chief Mrs. Josephine Diya with Prof. and Mrs. Rafiu Isola Salawu (Groom’s Parents) Prof. RSVP Oyinkansola Ajayi (Chairman of the day), The Couple, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the bride’s parents, LT. Gen Oladipo Diya (RTD) and Chief Mrs. Folasade Diya Oluwayemisi dancing with her father, LT Gen Oladipo Diya (RTD)

Bride’s Mother, Chief Mrs. Folasade Diya presenting a letter of Marriage Proposal to her Husband, Diya

The Presbyter, United African Methodist Evangelical Cathedral, Abule Ijesha, Lagos, Revd. Ola Timothy with the Curate, Revd. Ola Ogunbamowa

Mrs. Josephine Diya, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Oluyemisi and her Husband, Oluwadamilola, Diya and bride’s mother, Folasade Diya

Faces at the funeral service of Late Deaconess Deborah Olajumoke Olayiwola which took place in Lagos recently.

Children of the deceased: Mrs. Olamide Fadare, Mrs. Folashade Adekoya, Mr. Mudashir Omotayo Olayiwola, Mr. Rafiu Olayiwola, Mrs. Esther Olawunmi Lawal and Mrs. Aina Bamidele

The children and the Officiating Minister, Pastor Ola Popoola

The deceased daughter, Mrs. Olamide Fadare giving vote of thanks while her Husband, Oluwaseun Fadare Watches

The first son, Mudashir performs the dust-to-dust rite while the second son, Rafiu and the officiating Minister watch

Children and relations of the deceased

Pastor Ola Popoola and relations conducting funeral service at the grave

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, January 25, 2014

BUSINESSINTERVIEW

‘Nepotism, Favouritism Slowing Down ICT Sector In Nigeria’ MARTINS Uwoghiren is the CEO of Remisys Limited, Ikeja, Lagos, an ICT Solutions-oriented management professional with more than 15 years of cognate experience in United State of America. He is experienced in the implementation and integration of cutting-edge technology solutions for financial institutions, public utilities and higher institutions. He is a strategic planner with strong technical qualifications which he uses to provide vision and dedicated leadership for key technologies. Some of his expertise include network design and implementation, infrastructure management, security and system audit, enterprise applications / communication, automation control systems, databases and reporting. He has outstanding liaison and communication skills; proven by effective interaction with users, management, team and vendors. Before returning to Nigeria to set up Remisys, which he calls ICT change agent in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara Africa, he was CEO, Malcomprise Inc and he served in leadership positions at various major US corporations, including Reliant Energy, American Express and Energy Future Holdings.Uwoghiren has also served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations and he is a member of the Nigeria Computer Society, ISACA, ITIL, CompTIA, Microsoft Certified Professionals etc. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Information Systems from Pace University, and Bachelor of Technology Degree in Computer Information Systems from City University of New York. In this interview with LAOLU ADEYEMI, he speaks on his experience in the world of technology. When was Remisys Limited established and what was it established to serve? EMISYS is a leading global ICT services provider. Since 2002, we poised to help our clients address some of their most challenging issues, transforming the way that they do business. We drive down their costs, increase their profitability, enhance their market presence, and improve their agility. We offer a comprehensive range of ICT services, along with complementary business services and software development. We have a widespread geographic presence, with offices in Nigeria, United States and India. We have technology that can comfortably monitor and track equipment, ammunitions, cars and sensitive installations like oil pipelines nationwide in any location and from any location. We call this satellite close circuit monitor technology (SCCMT). It is a step above the present CCTV technology. We have a technology that can be deployed to spot the location of every oil pipeline within a particular range, or to spot the location of weapons. If there is any burst in the pipeline or change in temperature, or if a weapon is moved out of a designated location, an alarm is triggered to alert security personnel of the incident and a snap shot or video is taken of the incident. The camera records every activity going on around that environment and a live feed of the video is sent to personnel monitoring the location. Who are your typical clients? Our clients range from major corporations to dynamic start-ups, especially in the energy, finance, manufacturing, government and education sectors. They rely on us for everything from strategic consulting, enterprise service management, application development and support, server/hardware installation, helpdesk and remote support, data centre management; IT security, auditing and governance, unified communications through to temporary IT staffing solutions. We take pride in living up to our commitments, and have an unmatched reputation for delivering projects on time and on budget. You have worked extensively in utility service companies in America, especially in the power sector. Now that power sector has gone private, do you think that the government is doing the right thing? Yes, they have done the right thing, but I will not compare America with Nigeria, because each country has its own peculiarity vis-a-vis her people, culture, social life, values, economy traits and trends. I spent over 15 years of my work life in United States. During my stint with Reliant Energy and Energy Future Holdings; I managed the IT infrastructure and system for some of their power plants. I mean, the system that runs the operation of the facility. I was responsible for service development and roll out, implementation of IT strategies, customer service and vendor relationship management. Later, I was deployed to manage the service delivery team, where I was in charge of application development and infrastructure management. In the United States, most state governments have agencies that manage their bulk electricity system. In New York where I worked for over 10 years, this agency is called the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO). This agency is mandated to safely and reliably provide electricity to New Yorkers and neighboring states. In addition to planning for future power needs, they ensure the wholesale electric markets are fair, open and competitive. Because the wholesale electricity market is competitive, there are over 350 power generating companies in New York alone, competing to gen-

Uwoghiren erate power to the public. What the agency was doing is very simple and I hope the Nigerian government will emulate this. They setup a bidding system where all the generating plants compete to generate electricity to the grid. For example, if XYZ and ABC company bid to generate 5,000 megawatts of electricity between for 9 am – 12 pm for 30 days, the lowest bidder wins and the agency gives the winning bidder the right to generate power to the grid for that period and also pays other companies to be on standby in case the winning bidder fails to fulfill its obligation. Since there are no reliable technology to store bulk electric power, the agency measures and tracks power consumption every minute and with this, they are able to predict how much electricity is needed per hour. Hence electricity generated is not wasted and they are able to provide constant power supply. So I think privatizing the sector is good and I really applaud the government for taking this bold step. However, we still have a long way to go. Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET) and Operator of the Nigeria Electricity Market (ONEM) are doing a good job but they have even bigger tasks ahead of them. They should

be very transparent in order to attract more Independent Power Plants (IPP) into the marketplace, and must work tediously to carry all stakeholders along. More local and foreign investment companies should be encouraged to join the sector to create healthy competition. You worked with American Express. What will you say are the main issues that people are facing in financial technology in Nigeria? Cyber threat – almost all the banks in Nigeria rely strongly on technology to run their daily operations and with the enactment of the cashless policy, most Nigerians are forced to use online banking and less of ATMs. This change has created both threats and opportunities. To be successful, financial service firms must embrace this change, understand how it works and be a step ahead of the hackers to remain competitive. Unfortunately, some banks here don’t have good cyber defence strategies and they are very vulnerable and exposed. This applies to major corporations especially those that have custody of people’s information. They need to review their systems at least annually to check for vulnerability and then cure any defects or gaps identified. How would you advise IT executives of companies struggling to beat cyber-security threats

and also ‘keep the lights on’ a very tight technology budget? The problem is that most Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and the Boards don’t understand the importance of technology to their organization. This is mostly because some IT executives don’t have the stature to convince stakeholders in the company about the level of technology that should be invested in the company. If IT is properly aligned with the business and IT is seen as a partner in driving the success of the business rather than as a support department, then investment in IT will not be a burden to the company. Most CEOs or boards will not intentionally ignore investments whether in IT or other areas that will grow the business if they fully understand the risks of doing nothing. What technological changes are shaping the financial industry? The internet and mobile technologies are the major change impacting the banking sector in my opinion. Also, there has been rapid change in the adoption of these technologies as most Nigerians are getting used to transacting their business online. Yes, we still have some skeptics who will not do anything online because they fear losing their money to fraudsters. That will go away if there is strong assurance from the bank that their deposits are safe. If consumers are assured that their online transactions are secured and insured, their fears will be allayed and the adoption will even be faster than it is right now. Banks need to carry out more awareness campaigns to calm their customers. They can leverage the mistakes of others and learn something that did not work for them so we don’t make the same mistakes they did. What is your take on outsourcing? Would you recommend that companies outsource their IT department? That depends on the organization and what they are trying to achieve. Outsourcing is okay when the expectation and objectives are clear and both sides understand the deliverables and agree on ways to measure the deliverables. I advice partial outsourcing at first and if everything works as intended, then they can outsource the full IT operation. There is nothing wrong in outsourcing a function if there is someone else that can do it better and more efficiently. What are the challenges you think are slowing down the ICT sector? Nepotism and favoritism. I am a Nigerian, and I am not ashamed to carry the green white green colour with pride but in Nigeria, you are treated as a fourth-class citizen in your country. They prefer non-Nigerian expatriates even when you are more qualified. I have pitched for contracts in Nigeria. Many a time, we will be very qualified for these jobs but you will be shocked that nonICT companies will be given the jobs and sometimes, they will subcontract it to us eventually. This will never make the sector grow because it discourages innovation and stifles competition. It is disheartening. In America where I lived most of my life, everyone is given an equal opportunity to excel and most jobs are awarded on merit. We need to encourage Nigerians in the sector. The foreign companies get the mega jobs, use Nigerians to do the jobs and repatriate our money to their countries. One of the best heart surgeons in the whole of America is a Nigerian. The best gyneacologist in the world, a professor in UNIBEN, is a Nigerian. Philip Emegwali is a Nigerian. We have Nigerians that are first in different areas of their endeavors in the so-called developed world.

TheGuardian

Saturday, January 25, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Love&Life

... Celebrating The Feelings You Share!

With Michael Uchebuaku

IN THIS EDITION True Confession: ‘I Loved Someone That Didn’t Love Me’

Love Connections

Princess Of

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Love Adventure:

‘My ‘Perfect’ Husband Abandoned Me Twice’

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KURAMO BEACH: Beautiful Place To Unwind

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Romantic Jokes Link-Up (Love/Dating Connections)

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Risng Artiste

True Confession From Abroad:

Love News:

‘I Became A Stripper To Pay My Way University’

Soldier’s Lifesaving Parachute Transformed To Wedding Dress For His Bride

‘My ‘Perfect’ Husband Abandoned Me Twice’ AYBE I only have six years of relationship material, then I have to start over.” This was what I saw on my husband’s phone at five in the morning, weeks before our sixth anniversary. He was asleep holding his phone, and the screen cast an irritating green glow on the ceiling. I reached over, plucked his phone from his sleeping arms, and idly flicked through the open notepad entry without shame. He would use his phone to write me letters, draft blog posts and wry observations about his day. Andrew and I kept nothing from each other. We were a perfect couple. Friends and relatives would casually poke fun at how we hated being apart. I would gush at the office about the elaborate birthday surprise he’d prepared for me. I’d proposed to him on a rollercoaster two years earlier. Six years of being adored and supported had made me feel we were invincible, and that was enough to buoy me up when I felt insecure about myself – my weight, my career, my ability to be a functional adult. In the back of my mind, I knew it was vaguely unwise to pin all my self-esteem on one person, but he wasn’t going anywhere, so what was the problem? As I stared at the words six years start over, the world tipped sideways. I needed a safe explanation and an hour or two more of peaceful sleep in Andrew’s arms. Now standing next to our bed, I apologetically woke him and asked what this journal entry meant.

“M

Love Adventure “Just sit down for a sec, take a breath, just sit down,” he intoned, maddeningly calm. This, unsurprisingly, made me much less calm. Is there anything more infuriating than being told to calm down when you haven’t expressed anger? All I could think was that he wasn’t instantly apologizing and disavowing his words, that maybe this was A Real Thing. “I have to tell you something. I’ve been seeing someone.” The words seemed to hang in the air as I struggled to process. “Are you serious?” Andrew’s tone was measured, impassive and extremely fucking obnoxious. “It’s really important that you listen to what I’m saying and know that I am not kidding.” Reeling, I said the only thing on my mind. Not, “You bastard!” not, “Get out!” not, “You’re doing to me what my father did to my mother, congratulations on failing me in the most important way.” I asked, “Do you still want to be married to me?” “I don’t know.” The next two days were a blur of sobbed phone calls to family, blearily watching him pack a suitcase, and irrational attempts to return to work (I was nothing if not terrified to inconvenience people). I cried when I remembered our plans to holiday on a quiet beach this year. I cried when I remem-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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18 | Saturday, January 25, 2014

LOVE&LIFE Love Dictionary What Is Baby Sex Selection?

EX selection is the attempt to control the sex of the offspring to achieve a desired sex. It can be accomplished in several ways, both pre- and post-implantation of an embryo, as well as at birth, through conventional medicine or herbal means. In many cultures, male offspring are desired in order to inherit property, carry on family name and to provide support for parents in old age. In countries such as India, China and Nepal sons have been favoured over daughters. According to a 2011 Gallup poll, American parents favour boys by a 40% to 28% margin. The results were similar to a survey in 1941, when Americans preferred a boy to a girl by a 38% to 24% margin. The overall preference was driven by men, of whom 49% preferred a son compared to 22% who preferred a daughter. Men's preference for sons was most pronounced among men aged 18 to 29. Women, on the other hand, showed no preference for either sex, with 33% stating that they preferred a girl and 31% responding that they favoured a boy. Evidence suggests couples in the United Kingdom tend to pick sons and daughters in roughly even numbers. A 2009 study at the University of Ulster found that having sisters, as compared to brothers, can enhance the quality of an adult's life. Source: en.m.wikipedia.org; www.ask.com 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.

‘I Loved Someone That Didn't Love Me’ Dear Love Doctor, I fell in love with a girl who never loved me. She tried to pretend to be friendly towards me and managed to hangout with me for three months before she cruelly dumped me. It has been one week now since she threw me out of her life and I am still in pain. What should I do? From Sam. Love Doctor’s Advice: It certainly can be painful to have

True Confession a relationship end but do your best to get past it. Don't dwell on the past. Look forward and keep a positive attitude. This is an opportunity for a fresh start. Get out and meet people. Try to be cheerful and to spend time with happy people. You will find that often people return the favour and it will help you to realize what is important, which is to enjoy life as much as you can while you can.

Love News

Soldier’s Lifesaving Parachute Transformed to Wedding Dress for His Bride By Kathryn Hawkins

FTER using a parachute to survive a plane crash, Claude Hensinger gave the chute to his future bride to be used as a wedding dress. In August 1944, Major Claude Hensinger was returning from a B-52 bombing raid over Yowata, Japan during World War II when disaster struck: The plane’s engine caught fire, and it began to plummet towards the ground. Fortunately, Hensinger had a white parachute available for just such an emergency. He inflated the parachute as he jumped from the plane, suffering only minor injuries as he hit the rocks below. That night, he slept beneath the parachute to stay warm, not certain of his future: He and the rest of his crew were stranded in enemy territory, with no way to escape. Luck struck again the next day, however, when Hensinger and his crew were discovered by a group of Chinese allies. The soldiers made it out of Yowata safely, but Hensinger clung to that life-saving parachute as a keepsake. Three years later, when Hensinger decided to propose to his sweetheart, Ruth, he presented the parachute to her and suggested that she turn it into a wedding dress. Ruth decided to create a “Gone with the Wind” style dress, hiring a seamstress to make the bodice and veil, and completing the skirt by herself. She looked stunning as she walked down the aisle on July 19th, 1947. And the parachute’s life wasn’t over yet: Decades later, the Hensingers’ daughter and their son’s bride were so amazed by their parents’ story that both brides wore the parachute gown in their own weddings as well. Finally retired from “active duty,” the beloved dress is now in storage at the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

Lovers' Answers Game 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 The Engineer And The Frog An engineer crosses a road when a frog calls out to him, “If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess.” He bends over, picks up the frog and puts it in his pocket. The frog speaks up again and says, “If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one week.” The engineer takes the frog out of his pocket, smiles at it and returns it to the pocket. The frog then cries out, “If you kiss me and turn me back, I'll do whatever you say!” Again the engineer takes the frog out, smiles at it and puts it back into his pocket. Finally, the frog asks, “What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess, I'll stay with you for a month and do whatever you say. What more do you want?” The engineer says, “Look, I'm an engineer. I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog, now that's cool!”

Words Of Wisdom Never take your lover or partner for granted.

Love guide today. Your say: Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840. Send your comments/stories to Download the Colour Of Love App Love Doctor. E-mail: free at ireto007@yahoo.com If you’re in https://itunes.apple.com/ng/app/th a crisis, call for help: 07031028714, e-color-of-love-guide08131161840 or 08023700641. For free/id767393599?mt=8 free marriage/relationships counseling, call Love Doctor Mike Or search for Colour of Love in the 07031028714, 08023700641 or Apple App Store on your IPhone or Chris 08023913619. Visit iPad and download The Colour of www.romancestory.org If you want daily love tips and advice, download The Colour of Love guide on your iPhone or iPad now.

‘My ‘Perfect’ Husband Abandoned Me Twice’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 bered our plans to buy a house next year. Never before had I been so aware of my dependence on Andrew –- I’d moved out of my family home to be with him and had unconsciously accepted him as my guide into all things adult, like setting up bills, changing light bulbs and connecting our Wi-Fi. It felt as though everything that had kept me afloat had disappeared and I would simply drown. Then Andrew came back. Showed up outside my office and asked how I would feel if he didn’t leave after all. He said that a day without me had made him realize what he was giving up. In a haze of relief, I took him back and hugged him tight as we bawled together. We drove to his mistress’s house that night. I watched ‘Parks and Recreation’ on my phone in the car as he dumped her, trying to block out the yells I imagined coming from her apartment. I wondered what Leslie Knope would think of someone who treated women this way, then tried to stop wondering. What followed that one night of heartfelt promises and tearful apologies was one of the more humiliating weeks of my life. After admitting a four-month affair, I had expected Andrew to be putting me at Priority 1. The repentant husband who had seen his error and was determined to make it up to his forgiving wife. That lasted a day or so, then reality set in. I had a husband who told me, laying in bed, “You know, we still might not work out,” and baulked at the idea of deleting the secret Gmail account he used to correspond with his co-worker mistress.

Realizing he started the affair mere days after our intimate family reception was pretty frigging rough. We awkwardly tried to slide back into our usual routine, minus Andrew’s frequent “business trips” and the late nights at work. When Andrew came home, I had my life back, but it was a poisoned, distorted version of the happy life I’d thought we had. I suppose I was just seeing things clearly for the first time. Every day, I’d realize another incident he had lied about. His car hadn’t broken down when visiting a friend, delaying him for hours; he hadn’t been helping a colleague move instead of attending my family reunion. I’d bring these lies up, then worry that I was talking too much about my pain -– I didn’t want to drive him away again, did I? An expedition to the movies was a welcome distraction from the uneasy silences pervading our home. At the end of ‘21 Jump St,’ when Jonah Hill tells Brie Larson that she deserves a guy who won’t lie to her, I shift uncomfortably. I’m too terrified that he will leave again to begin considering what I deserve. Feeling like I was auditioning to remain in Andrew’s life took a toll, and I found myself constantly weepy and anxious. I read emails he’d written her, happily anticipating their life together where they no longer had to hide. Cue nausea and a crying jag in the shower. Andrew silently stood beside me at the drugstore as I told the pharmacist that my job had been really stressful lately and I was having trouble sleeping. I burst into tears when I heard a song from our wedding played over the mall’s speakers.

In an emotional, hours-long phone call, a social worker friend forcefully told me that my husband and I needed to spend time away from each other if there was any hope for our future. I timidly informed Andrew of this, and he agreed too readily for my liking. It was only four days apart before he contacted me to say he wouldn’t be coming home. No flipflops this time. That was six months ago now. He moved his stuff out, and moved right in with his mistress and her kids for reasons I don’t fully understand today. I had a meltdown period of about a month where I didn’t go to work and my mother cooked most of my meals. I oscillated wildly between not being willing to shower, to overly dramatic streaks of independence (“Thanks, but I’ll go grocery shopping alone because that’s how it’s going to be for the rest of my life now!”). After that meltdown month, I was functional, but deeply depressed. I knew the things I “should” be doing in order to get on with my life, but was also acutely aware that everything sucked anyway, so why bother. It’s the most irritating, useless thing to hear in the midst of a crisis, but it proved annoyingly true for me. Time does heal wounds. Comedy equals tragedy plus time. This too will pass, and so on and so forth. Actually, the only phrase that gave any sort of comfort was “Just keep swimming,” from Finding Nemo. My new mantra reminded me to put one foot in front of the other and have hope that one

day I’d be able to do more than that. Some concrete ways to “just keep swimming” were was surprisingly helpful in the early days. One was using the website chains.cc (although, the same overall effect could be achieved in a journal, poster board with gold stickers, whatever you want).

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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.

Saturday, January 25, 2014 | 19

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

URAMO Beach is a sandy beach in Lagos, Nigeria, located at the south side of Victoria Island, just east of Bar Beach and south of the Kuramo Waters lagoon. It was the location of numerous illegal shanties and cabins, some of them being used for music entertainment, bars and prostitution. Kuramo Water is the same as the Lagos Bar beach and it derives its name from the Kuramo Lake that borders it. This beach has over the years become a hot spot, home to various relaxation outlets, seaside bars, soup kitchens barbecue joints etc. There is also a variety of musical shows and jamborees staged at one time or the other. Kuramo is a fertile place to unwind and relax. Courtesy: Cometonigeria.com Are you going to get married or wed soon? Do you want us to cover your wedding or to report on your hotel/resort next? Call 07031028714, 07032944123, 08023700641. If you want to advertize or sponsor Love & Life call 07031028714, 07032944123.

LOVE&LIFE

Kuramo Beach:Beautiful

Place To Unwind

“I Became A Stripper To Pay My Way Through University’

HE year of my 21st was the worst year of my life. I had been dealt a double blow six months earlier, when my beautiful dad passed away from stomach cancer and my long-time boyfriend broke up with me. Things were financially stretched as I struggled to get myself through my vet science degree. I was utterly exhausted as I juggled uni with working nights teaching aerobics classes in gyms across Brisbane. To make matters worse my over-bearing mother had switched into over-drive and we fought constantly. Things came to a climax between my mother and I when the sprinkler sprayed water through the window and somehow managed to land on the computer just as I finished a 3,000 word assignment. It was nobody's fault but the tension caused another huge row with mum and I knew that I had to move out before we killed each other. I spent the next few days plotting my escape but $25 for the occasional aerobics class was not going to support me and I needed to earn some real money very quickly. As luck would have it, a solution appeared almost immediately. A friend of mine had arranged for me to meet up with a DJ at a local nightclub one Monday afternoon. The DJ was going to mix tapes that I could use for my aerobics classes. I had never been to this particular club before. I knew that it stayed open later than most of the clubs in the area and had a pretty sleazy reputation. It turned out to be a fantastic afternoon. The club had a huge music library and it was great fun mixing up Billy Ocean, Duran Duran and several big artists of the '80s to create the most dynamic aerobics music that had been played in a long time. The DJ also helped himself to the bar and after three Coronas, many of my worries seemed very far away. “You know, you could get a job here and earn five times what you make at gyms?” the DJ told me. I was surprised that working at a bar could pay so well. “Well you could earn $80 for four hours behind the bar or $350 for an hour's work.” He

True Confessions From Abroad was talking about stripping of course. I wasn't overly naive but had no idea that this particularly club turned itself into a strip joint each Saturday night. I don't know if it was the Coronas, the desperation of the situation or the lavish compliments that the DJ kept paying me, but the idea was very appealing. I had in fact been a dancer all through primary and high school and one main point of contention between my mother and I was that I had given it up. If only she knew. And $350 a week was enough to get me my own

place easily. I was in! The preparation was remarkably simple. I had numerous outfits from dancing and just needed to add some strategically placed velcro. The DJ was a huge help. Thrilled to have someone he could mentor, together we worked out a dazzling routine to Janet Jackson's ‘Black Cat’ that culminated in me pouring milk over my semi-naked body from a cat's saucer. Intrigued by the money and creative side, I totally lost focus of how sleazy my routine really was. The night of my stripping debut arrived quickly and I was very pumped about the direction

my life was taking. I strutted on to the stage like I owned it and except for one minor hitch — when I almost slipped on my discarded cat ears — the routine went off very well and was fantastically received. Clad in only a pair of bejewelled undies, I collected my props and made my way off stage, when one enthusiastic punter caught my eye. There in the corner perched on a bar stool was my grade 11 maths teacher. His name was Mr Right but we had always called him Mr Wrong because he was constantly hugging the senior girls, trying to get a look down their shirts. I, a girl who prided herself on being good, had just given him the complete show. Worst still, what would my beloved Dad think? My stripping career began and ended on that bizarre Saturday night. I toughed it out at home with my mum and eventually qualified as a vet. Now 12 years later, I am married with two sons. My husband, a school deputy principal, would be horrified if he knew what I had done. As for my sons, I try and teach them to treasure and respect woman, all the time blocking out images of me in my cat suit. Sometimes we see Mr Right out and about in the local area and it may be my guilty conscience but I am sure he winks at me. He still seems to be the same sleazy man he always was. I just hope he can keep a secret. courtesy: ninsn.co NB: Call Mike on 2347031028714 if you have a story from abroad to share with us.

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20 | Saturday, January 25, 2014

RELATIONSHIPS

When Government Finds You A Husband By Alita Joseph ECENTLY, there was a report of some women calling on RThese their state governments to find husbands for them. women, who were said to be up to hundreds in number, included divorcees, widows and other single women. They were quoted as saying that not being with a man had limited their lives or lifestyles, saying they wanted their state governments to give them men. However, I don’t think these women gave a second thought to their plan before they made it public. If they had thought over it, they would have seen that the disadvantages might outweigh the good side in the end. There will come good things certainly. Government as the parent in this case may provide the new couple for a good start. Give them money for furniture, a house possibly to live I, a job. But it takes a loving marriage to make this a blessing. So, I think the government is not in a position to give you the husband you want or need. Unless these women were calling on the government to marry them to its workers, majority of whom may be married or in hopeful relationships already. But even at that, they will realise that government is not so lenient. Government expects its worker to marry, but it would not tolerate too much nose about it. It is true that governments have sponsored marriages for a long time to encourage matrimony, but can government pick your life partner for you? You are an individual that know the type of man you desire, so one would not believe that you want to give up that right. How close to government are you anyway? In the past, parents picked spouses for their children. The practice became unpopular because there were a lot of injustices observed. It was like a child holding a grudge towards his parents because he though their meddling robbed him of a happy married life. And now some women, among the demand for portable water and stable electricity, have added another one to that list- husband. Before the government gets you a husband, it will have to obey its own law of not forcing a man to marry against his wish, particularly to a woman he does not know. In the end, government will look for those men who are desperate. And being desperate does not make them appealing. Government would not have time to look into their past for you. It certainly does not have the time to see if the two people being brought together would be suitable. So, government-issued husband may not work in the end. We cannot rule out the possibility that some couples among them will look at each other for the first and fall in love.

By Kemi Amushan EY guys and ladies! How are you? Hope H your love life is going great as expected. I will be happy if it is. In this week’s newsletter, I am going to be talking about dating or marrying a psychopath. And when I say psychopath, I mean a “not well in the head” type of man or woman. They are a lot of them out there looking innocent and harmless, after all, it is not written on their foreheads, or is it? Today, I will be giving you the signs that the guy or lady you are dating (or are even married to) is a psychopath. A friend of mine, Tunde, was telling me about an incident that happened to him recently and he felt like in a horror movie. Tunde started dating this girl six months ago and at first, things were incredible. She was the funniest, most attractive girl he had ever been with and he fell for her right away. She was also more direct in bed than any girl he has been with and it was pretty crazy for him. But lately, he started feeling like something was wrong in their relationship. Tunde said nothing had happened yet between them, but it seemed like she just suddenly gotten really cold towards him. And the other day, she snapped at him and called him an ass???? because he wouldn’t take her to dinner at this crazily expensive place. But then, five minutes later, it was like nothing had happened. He even found her flirting with a friend of his and when he confronted her on it, she told him he was imagining things. Tunde really liked this girl, but he felt like he was on pins and needles with her and when he tried to talk about the relationship with her, she just went blank. Tunde was really confused. I felt so sorry for him, but immediately I knew that that girl had serious mental issues. At first, I wanted to laugh, but seeing his downtrodden face, I had to put him out of his misery. I wanted to tell him to run the hell away from the relationship, but I would look like a bad

But there is also the bigger possibility that some among them will wake up in the morning and wonder what they had involved themselves in. I don’t subscribe to government doling out husbands, because it is a false marriage, a relationship hastily put together. You don’t know him and he does not know you. Remember that you asked for it and it is for this reason that you may have worked too hard to make it succeed, even when you see the difficulties early enough. You can walk out or end it, but you would not want to be in government’s book as a woman who could not make a home. I would suggest, therefore, that you look for a man yourself. Go out with friends. Don’t stay home lamenting your manless state; occupy yourself with things that make you happy. Accept invitations from decent men. If rumour is a problem where you are, meet at neutral places. If there is no intimacy involved, there would not be talks that would link you ro-

mantically with a particular man until you find him that you think completes you. Admittedly, eligible men are difficult to meet, but they are scarce because they care about the woman they associate with. So, when you do find him that you think you want, do not treat any meeting as if you have found the husband you have been searing for. Take time to know and show him that you can be a good wife to him too. Instead of bemoaning what you can’t do as a single woman, get involved with your community work. You will see that your life becomes richer all of a sudden when you are occupied by doing good things in your area. The right man will seek your hand in marriage and the government will know you as a good citizen of the state. You can be responsible without being attached to a man. You can contribute to the wellbeing of your community too as a single woman.

Dating A Psychopath? person if I did. Tunde didn’t really tell me much about the different things that had been happening in the relationship, so I had limited amount of information to work with, but his description of the lady made a lot of bells go off my head and the biggest bell that rang the loudest was the “wow, you might be dating a psychopath.” So, let us analyse what a psychopath is. Despite what you see on television and movies, psychopaths aren’t all serial killers or murderers (though they are those things too.) And not all psychopaths are guys, either (it is about 50/50, though male psychopaths are often more brutal, just like men are more brutal than women in general).

I read something sometime that about One per cent of the human population are born essentially without empathy (without the ability to feel what other people around them are feeling and certainly without the ability to feel guilt). That means if you live in a city of about 500,000 people, there are 5,000 psychopaths in your city alone, and a lot of them are in the dating pool. Actually, I hear all the time from both men and women talking about how they have been totally boondoggled and manipulated by somebody they were dating. Let me give you an example. Funke, who met the perfect man online, had a three-month affair. She spent and invested so much on this guy only for him to unceremoniously dump her when she wasn’t useful anymore. Toke told me about falling hard for a woman who cheated on him on an almost daily basis and then mocked and belittled him when he complained about it. There are a lot more than I really want to list here (because some of the stories are just awful.) Psychopaths are kind of the prototypical “wolf in sheep’s clothing” charming, attractive, willing and able to say exactly what you want to hear and totally incapable of giving a damn at the devastation they leave behind. So, how do you know if the woman you are dating is an actual psychopath (or just kind of mean)? The guy or girl you are dating might be a psychopath if . . . 1. They reek of glibness and superficial charm. (If a guy or lady comes across as too good to be true, he probably is. Psychopaths are great at preying on the emotionally needy, be they men or women. If he is everything you have ever looked for in a man, run. Such a guy does not really exist. Same for guys.

2. Has a grandiose sense of self-worth. (Is he/she kind of full of him/herself or always talking about how he/she is “better” than those around them? 3. Pathological lying. Does he/she lie easily and convincingly? If caught in a lie, does he/she just segue smoothly into another lie or make you feel like you are the one who is wrong? 4. Extremely cunning and manipulative. (Psychopaths see other people as useful as your average chair.) 5. Total lack of remorse or guilt. 6. Shallow affect (very little genuine emotion), laugh seems forced and prone to anger in short bursts. 7. Callousness. Doesn’t seem to care about others at all. 8. Unable to respect responsibility for his/her own actions. 9. Hyper and a need for stimulation at all times. 10. Extremely promiscuous. (Just because somebody is promiscuous doesn’t mean he/she is a psychopath, but all psychopaths are kind of sluts. Pardon my French). 11. Parasitic Lifestyle. (Do they constantly find ways for you to pay for everything? Do they always have an excuse not to pony up? Do they live off their long-suffering parents?) 12. Lack of realistic long-term goals. (Always looking for “the big break). There are more, but you probably get the idea. Now, if you are in a relationship with a psychopath, you might not be able to see what is really going on, because psychopaths are so damned charming. So, you should ask your friends, family and the person’s enemies if he/she is a psychopath (or even if they are not a psychopath, but are obviously just using you?) You need to get the hell out as quickly as possible, because a psychopath is never going to love you or care for you or change. This might be why so many women are attracted to psychopaths, because they are charming and glib and attractive and women fall into the trap of thinking they can “change him” if he just got the love of a good woman.

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LOvE & LIFE Saturday, January 25, 2014 | 21

WEEKEND with AMARA

08116706852 Email: amara@amarablessing.com

Guilty Or Not Guilty? Susual, my article last week attracted lots of attacks and criticisms from different quarters – fanatics and guilty pastors. But I am happy for one thing: those who are real to themselves appreciated me for speaking out. Anyway, the scriptures we read make it clear to us that the truth we know shall set us free. My writings are not for destruction but for the building up of saints and restoration of lost values. I know it can be painful and bitter at times, but we all know that change is always painful. Read the short write-up below from a beloved brother and friend, Pastor Ogochukwu Nweke.

‘Breaking My Silence On The Congregation That Ate Grass Saga’

to repel demons. Members fry their hair and wear suits they can’t afford so they can look like their pastors in the name of impartation (copycats), as though God didn’t make them original. Church leaders give their unemployed and young graduate group overseers targets for offering and membership, like evangelism is now marketing. And you in your small church, doing anointing service, handkerchief service, shoe sole service, phone call service, you put people’s names in oil bottles for whatever reason and you write your expectations for 2014 and bury them in a bowl filled with “holy water or holy oil” and keep it on a table you call family altar. Witchcraft begets witchcraft! These are all witchcraft meted out on people who have refused to look into the perfect law of liberty.

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? I have a lot to say. O God, I have a lot to say. We need Revival in the land.” Friends, like Pastor Nweke wrote, we truly need revival in the land. We now live in a generation and a country where pastors come up with all kinds of titles and programme themes just to lure their gullible followers. They now dress in military uniforms and come up with all sorts of gimmicks. They ask people to drop a certain amount of money all in the name of ‘I must marry’. We now have rascals who do nothing but bring shame to the name of Christ. The worst part of it is that they have put so much fear in their followers that they no longer fear God; they fear their pastor. Even the educated are falling for these rascals. Some of them change their names after committing all sorts of crime.

LOT of people have written about a certain A Pastor Lesego (if he is a pastor) from SA, who was able to convince his congregation to eat grass, the same people who at some point must have watched him and called him a “powerful man of God” because he was performing miracles and planned to travel miles unending for his crusades and healing programmes. I read with great chagrin the things that he has been called and how church folk say “how can the people not know the word?” Hypocrites! Remove the log in your eye before you remove the speck in your brother’s eye. Some of us wear bands blessed by our pastors for protection. Some of us believe that when they wear the certain “holy apparels” and die in whatever circumstance, we will go to heaven. A popular pastor once preached and referred to the anointing oil as the Holy Spirit in a bottle. His members drink anointing oil, bathe with it, and rub it on their lips (and foreheads) before they go for contracts believing it will bring them favour. Oh, may I add that they believe it will attract their “lifepartners” to them. We have had “change your smell” crusades where people pay outrageous amounts of money in the name of offering for a perfume spray (not the perfume o! But the spray). People have paid millions for pap (akamu, ogi). Pastors have poured salt at their church-gates

IMAGE AND ETIQUETTE With Pamela T is easy enough to remember to smile, shake hands firmly and speak up when we meet people we wish to impress for the very first time. However, on the down side, our corporate best, hairdo or our personality type no matter how imaginative we tried to present ourselves, can pull the plug on our deal. Sadly, the church we go to can have a bad taste in a prospective client’s mouth (yes, sometimes one can tell the church a person goes through by their mode of greeting, hairstyle or their choice of attire) or our dress sense can be an all too painful reminder of a distasteful relationship. That being said, it is not possible to please everyone all of the time, nor is it not healthy to try – not if you want to be true to yourself and to others also. Everything has its place – our personal presentation is very important. However, it is ineffective if it is a means to itself. For it to count, we must see past the outer shell of things. Most times, sometimes we can be so self-absorbed that true communication is hindered. Yes, they will remember your firm grip, perhaps your dress sense and how polished you looked. The bottomline however would be how you made them feel. So many first-impression formulas stop short of incorporating the other person and that is why they eventually amount to nothing with the other person. People come in various shades and idiosyncrasies and you need to be on your

Wondering why we have names like ‘Waterman and Stoneman’? Hear me, what is being preached by so many pastors is not the gospel of Christ. Littering the streets with rags and causing chaos all in the name of worshiping God isn’t godly. Fixing your loudspeaker and directing it to a residential estate isn’t godly. Disturbing people who are trying to get done rest in their homes isn’t part of the deal. Don’t call Governor Fashola anti-church because he is not; he is only trying to do what a good leader does. Recently, a particular church wanted to tempt their God by bragging to people that they were going to raise a dead man who was already buried. At the end of the day, after days of bragging and praying from morning till night, nothing happened. The police took them away-Oh foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you? Why do you set out to tempt The Lord your God? These days you have six churches in a building; all mushroom. Don’t you think you are driven by pride of life? Why can’t you humbly serve one another? What is the reason for your opening a church? Just because your wife wants to answer mummy and you have to do it your own way. God is not pleased because we Christians are crucifying Jesus Christ a second time! Pastors have succeeded in taking people’s faith away from the blood of Jesus and making them have faith in things, images, crafted for their own pockets. I recently heard how some members pay at least N5, 000 for their pastor’s picture. They now make so much money from olive oil. I heard one pastor telling his congregation that if they use the regular olive oil, their miracles won’t come. This very man who has a share in a business, brought his own olive oil and sells for N3, 000. What a way to deal with senseless and gullible folks who don’t know where they stand in Christ. Fellow Nigerians, liberate yourselves. Jesus has set you free. Stop putting yourself back into the yokes of these fraudulent guys. Go back to your Bible and start practicing the Christianity of the early church. And for you guilty folks, there is no point sending those messages because I am not moved one bit. I am on a mission to rescue God’s people from your devilish hold. The only thing you have to do to help yourself is to become real!

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

First Impressions, The Kind That Count feet to be able to relate to them on a deeper level than small talk. There are principles (like love and respect) that apply generally and yet, the punch is in the details. In one workshop I facilitated, a lady rightfully pointed out that she had two bosses, one a traditional African and another, a European. Looking the European in the eye was just what was asked for – etiquette (Western etiquette to be specific) requires that you have a steady gaze, which speaks of your sincerity and integrity. However, if she did this with her Nigerian boss, it would be interpreted as discourtesy and rebellion. We can see here that while the two bosses require honour and respect, they mean two different things to either of them! Picking up rules as they come to you and applying them hook, line and sinker will not serve you; you have to approach things in a more dynamic way – starting with the person in front of you. (Not all Nigerian bosses are strictly traditional) After you have done all you can to look good (do not feel guilty about that!) after all, forget yourself. Tell yourself that you’re going to meet someone interesting and you would like to get to understand them. Believe that you are likeable – Just reckon it so. Then try to make them feel as comfortable as

– or more than you do. Once upon a time, an elderly businessman went to market his product in another firm and found himself ushered into the Chief Executive’s office. After a brief presentation, his pitch was accepted for no apparent reason for how easy things went. At the end of the transaction though, he had to ask bluntly why he was being treated so well. The chief executive told him why; years ago, he was a salesman making cold calls to businesses, trying to sell his equipment. He met the elderly businessman and though his company had no use for the equipment he was selling, he had listened to him and he was hospitable and sincerely kind with his words. From this story we see that at first, there was no transaction – the elderly man didn’t even need to listen to him but he found him interesting and honourable enough to be hospitable and kind to the young man. Years later, he had his kindness paid generously – in kind and resources. That is the sort of first impression that truly matters. It is not limited to oneself, personal time or the circumstance at hand but to the other person; his or her comfort and human dignity. Whether you’re in a kingly attire or in a potato sack, what people will remember for most is how you

made them feel. If they felt pity or jealous, if your insolence or pride made them long for home, or if they were inspired by your positive disposition or humility, etc. if you made their day a little bit easier, if you inspired them to believe a little more in themselves and their dreams, if the sun shone a little brighter because you were with them, then chances are that you would live a lot longer in their hearts and memories, Yes, sometimes people build up a wall against something they perceive to be hurtful perhaps because of a past experience. But if you do not go all defensive by building up another wall of your own but create a beautiful crack in theirs by being even more sweeter and forgiving, you might just find a loyal friend at the other side. “Do for other people everything you want them to do for you…. Rather, love your enemies, help them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward. You will be the children of the Most High God. Afterall, he is kind to unthankful and evil people. Be merciful as your Father is merciful” – Luke 6:31, 35 & 36 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

Saturday, January 25, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

WOMAN Priscilla Ikeoghene Usiobaifo is the Founder and Executive Director, Brave Hearts Initiative (BHI), a non-governmental organization based in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Governmet of Edo State. Through the organization, she is improving knowledge and understanding of sexual and reproductive rights among youths as a means of reducing teenage pregnancy, and promoting awareness on the rights of young people in order to reduce gender inequality. By Ozo Mordi

O well in your small corner, your deed will resound and your reputation will spread far and wide. Miss Priscilla Ikeoghene Usiobaifo is doing just this. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Brave Hearts Initiative (BHI), a non-governmental organization based in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State. And her reputation is growing large; she has received a number of awards for her efforts. According to her, she set up the organization with the objective of improving knowledge and understanding of sexual and reproductive rights among young people in Akoko Edo as a means of reducing teenage pregnancy. There was also the need to promote awareness on the rights of young people in order to reduce gender inequality in Akoko-Edo, she says. Brave Hearts also facilitates the recovery of abused children, young persons and women from gender based violence, she adds, noting that she partners with like-minded institutions and stakeholders to build capacity. She posits also that the aim of the partnership is to empower young people with skills and information, which help them become active participants in development. The organization, she says, encourages the female to take pride in her gender by promoting the practice of feminist principle among young women in Akoko-Edo. They are a success of their initiative, she observes, adding: “As a result of BHI activities, more young people have become assertive and proactive on issues of gender based violence, especially rape and sexual harassment. “We have noticed an increase in the report of rape cases as against the culture of silence that was the norm. BHI has facilitated the recovery of more than 30 sexually-abused girls. “Young people now have a youth-friendly and a safe space to clear the doubt of their sexuality as BHI provides them with services and care. We have fulfillment in the behavioural changes in the youths we have reached, and our evaluation indicates a reduction in unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortion among the youths we have interacted with. “We have been able to deal with the myth on HIV/AIDS and the conservative view on sexuality education and gender disparities in Akoko-Edo Local Government as we get more positive response each day.” The female teenager who lives in the rural area is particularly at risk of sexual violence because of some traditional practices, she says. But she identifies street hawking and night parties as risk factors in that area. The use of hard drugs by young men is known to be the cause, she says. “At least, 90 percent of the young men who are involved are found to be high on Indian hemp and other mind-altering substances. “We at Brave Heart Initiative take cognizance that harmful traditional practices continue to rob young people of their rights to sexual health with girls and young women especially, subject to such norms that expose them to sexual violence. “We are also concerned that while countries have adopted several laws and policies to protect young people and provide them with services, such laws often have loopholes and are not domesticated.” She adds that these loopholes lead to discrimination and limited access to justice for the young people. “Young people in rural areas are vulnerable to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV due to many cross-cutting factors which include inadequate sexual health, the right information and services. There are

‘Poverty, Major Factor In Sexual

Harassment, Abuse’ a lot of sexual harassment/abuses and poor health behaviour. “But poverty has been the major factor. Girls engage in street hawking because they need to make a living. Most of them who go to night parties are thinking of making their lives better, so they are looking for the financial benefits. It is a sad scenario here in the rural area. I have seen cases of girls trading sex so they can eat and meet basic needs which their guardians cannot afford.” But the petit and pretty Priscilla says she enjoys what she does and would not quit. “It is the passion that keeps me going despite the challenges I meet daily. “I feel excited being able to serve as a succour to those in need. I get fulfillment and satisfaction. Once, I was at a local provision store when a teenage girl came in, a student in one of our outreach schools. She came there to buy sanitary pad. “She approached the attendant, made her purchase confidently. When she was done, she called me aside and thanked me for building her self-esteem. She told me that she felt so insecure in the past and could not have been able to make her purchase and explained how our lecture on menstruation in her school changed her perception on reproductive health and rights. With a big smile, I patted her on the back and reassured of our continued support and guidance.” On how the recent debate on early marriage could affect her ardent wish to create awareness and encourage girls to go to school, Priscilla says: “I subscribe to the school of thought that describes early marriage as modern day slavery. There is no better word to explain what goes on within such solemnization than slavery. Young people are in need of, and indeed have a right to receive comprehensive information, education, services, care and other social and legal supports in order to lead healthy lives afterwards.” But does Priscilla have the time to indulge in frivolities like other young people? She is in her 20s. “I am interested in fashion, but I do not consider myself as a fashionable woman.” On fashion in Igarra in general, she submitted: “I have not paid attention, but I notice that the youth are influenced by the music icons.” She is positive that Igarra babes cannot compare better with the Lagos girl when it comes to dress sense. “Absolutely, no comparison”, is the words of this diction-perfect and absolutely attractive young woman. “I do not have fashion style but I am very comfortable in jean trouser and a blouse.” The self-confessed feminist has time for friends and family, although she declares that she is single a t

the moment because she has not met the ‘one’ yet. “I am trusting that Almighty God will provide the partner that I deserve. I need to start a friendship that will lead to courtship before marriage.” How does the Igarra woman do in marriage? “I personally do not believe in theories that say that some tribes do better in matrimony. I see them as stereotypes and misconceptions. “As a feminist, I believe that marriage is about partnership. So I believe that the husbands need to be evaluated, not the women alone,” she responds. She describes herself

as “a young woman who is full of life. I enjoy talking and helping others. I am an African feminist and have been committed towards women’s right. I have lived most of my life in selfless service to humanity. “I do consider myself to be analytic and creative-minded. I am a team player who is capable of withstanding stress to achieve set goals. I am always ready to roll up sleeves for work.” Her parents are both teachers. “My father is the late Mr. Samuel Okoh Usiobaifo. He passed on in 1991. I have very little memory of him. My mother is Chief Mrs. Helen Fola Usiobaifo, nee Awolumate, a retired teacher who lives at Uneme Nekhua. My mother is the most generous person I have ever encountered. A disciplinarian, she threatened me about the dangers of getting pregnant before marriage. “I have an elder sister, Mrs. Bridget OsakweUsifo who played a unique role in making me who I am. She demonstrated a positive belief in my potentials and gave me the necessary support. “My uncle, Comrade Peter Ohiozoje Akpatason served as my financial backbone. His unflinching support to my initiative is commendable.” She spells out her advice to other young people thus: “As a firm believer in the Grace according to our Lord Jesus Christ, I do recommend that youth become friends with God. This friendship will enable them sail through the storms of life. “Be educated, reading will open your eyes beyond this tunnel view of life that is portrayed to us. It will also guide them on the steps towards achieving set goals. “Self-leadership; they must be able to lead themselves – set values, goals and be principled and helpful. Priscilla holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. She also has a certificate from Crea Sexuality, Gender And Rights Institute, Turkey. Brave Hearts Initiative won an Anti-Rape NGO Champion award introduced by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in 2011. She was the recipient of Leap Africa Annual Nigeria Youth Award in 2011. She was a finalist under the “Best Use Advocacy” of the Future Awards Nigeria in 2012. In October 2013, she was given Chairman’s Recommendation Award by Ekiti State for her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) community development initiatives.

Priscilla

TheGuardian

Saturday, January 25, 2014 | 23

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Weekend

CELEBR ITY

Nollywood Star Kate Henshaw Is Fit For Life

The last time popular Nollywood star, Kate Henshaw showed up on this space, she said, in response to a question on why she has kept a slim frame for a long time, that there was no secret to it than a determination to stay fit and healthy. “It is all exercises. I love to gym. It keeps you fit and healthy. Also I watch what I eat. I ensure that I eat well and eat only what my body can take”, she said last September, a few days to the formal launch of a coffee table picture book she had used to mark her eventful sojourn on screen. The award winning actress, brand ambassador and show host had promised then she was going to release a fitness DVD that would help women and her fans who want to look ‘as sweet sixteen’, that is, as fit and trim as she looks. Last week, the trained Microbiologist and one of the busiest and highest paid screen personalities who has become a role model to a couple of new entrants, called to say that the DVD was ready and that she was already preparing for a second print because the initial prints “have sold out”. She speaks about her new passion and declares that even though she is passionate about fitness and wellness, acting for her is a life long relationship. Excerpts:

where I come from, which is Cross River State and that I should remember that I am an African woman, but I feel that should not translate to me being unhealthy. I have also received numerous compliments that I do not look my age and for me that is a plus, seeing that I do not have to go through any surgical procedures to look the way I do. And I tell you that there are no disadvantages whatsoever. Health is wealth and a fit person is an active person. What if Mr. Right wants you to add up? Well that is If, and that is a huge if ... but

By Shaibu Husseini

HY a DVD on fitness and not a movie for your fans to enjoy and see Kate in action? My answer to your question is why not? Over the past few years, a lot of women and young ladies have approached me on how I have been able to maintain the same stature over the years, even though I have had my fat moments and I felt I needed to show them what worked for me. I mean, I have heard people even say it to my face that I never get old. Someone once called me every year young. The secret is what I have in the DVD I just released and hopefully, it will work for them too if they abide by it. Did you develop this passion, I mean for fitness and wellness, now or it has been there? It has always been there. I had always been active right from secondary school, taking part in all extra curricular activities and sporting events but in the past five years or so, I took my fitness to another level as I found out the immense benefits that follow exercising regularly. I cannot remember when last I was hospitalized and my energy level has improved as well. So keeping fit does it for me. Some people say I am even addicted to it and yes, I will agree that I am an addict and the gains of being fit are innumerable. It gives me a youthful feeling and my body feels good in my clothes while I also maintain healthy eating habits. Is it not expensive to keep fit, especially your type that involves dieting? Well, keeping fit has nothing to do with being wealthy and I do not totally believe in dieting. Dieting means you deprive your body of some vey essential nutrients found in food and that can be detrimental to one’s health. I eat everything in moderation and I like the way I look. Doesn’t it affect your having to get jobs that require people on the plus side? On the contrary, it does not affect my job in anyway. My brands have benefitted from my look and I still have flesh in vital areas as you put it (loud laughter). But again, people do point out that I should remember

then, the man in question who wants me to add up would have to accept me just the way I am or hit the road. Take me as I am or leave me as I am. Simple! So the DVD’s are right now on sale? Yes, the katesfitforlife DVDs are available in major stores on the Island, in Surulere and Port Harcourt. We are still working on distribution so it can’t get to all the nooks and crannies. It is also available online at girlyessentials.com, Konga.com and will be available on Buyam.com also. With the advent of the online stores, distribution is a lot better as the reach is wider. But beyond the DVD and also because you have mentioned it now, and I like the idea of holding classes, some women have asked me to do some classes for them. The challenge here being my schedule but I do know that most people are afraid of the gym. They get overwhelmed with the equipment they see in the gym and do not know where and how to start. Eating right is also important. That is why my DVD comes with a free six-week meal planner and Nigerian meals are available to pick and choose from on the website www.katesfitforlife.com So what is on your radar outside the fitness DVD? Well, as you know, the Nigeria’s Got Talent Reality Show is still on. So I am hundred percent committed to that talent-spotting programme. Aside from NGT, I have a few movie projects to do and also push the sales of my DVD as I intend to do another one. This one is for beginners. So there is a whole lot that I want to do and that is me. I always like to challenge myself and not find myself in a box. I want to be able to act, to write, to present shows on stage, radio and television, to work as a brand ambassador, sing if I have the time and generally do charity work. It is just about challenging myself and making an impression that will lead to greater opportunities. So, it is beyond fame and financial gains for me.

Celebritygist And more ... No Rest For Benita Nzeribe Even In The UK

OTABLE Nollywood actress and new N face of the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA), Benita Nz-

showed up on Facebook to announce that she has arrived the UK safely. She has since been posting pictures of her holiday experience in the UK, including the one she took at

elsewhere from the UK and she said: ‘No’ but that she visited the agency to assure them that “with NAMA, our airspace is safe for flying”. Talk of representing a brand well and working even when on holidays.

eribe is still in the United Kingdom on holidays. The actress of plenty credits zoomed out of the country shortly after Genevieve And the well-publicized prayer and thanksD’banj Still An Item giving session the management of NAMA T is the buzz in town. In fact, organized to close 2013 and to usher in the gist all over town is that the New Year. one of the biggest popular Nollywood actress, Genevieve Even Benita who is so elated about her Nnaji and pop singing sensation, D’banj are joining the league of brand ambassadors, travel agencies in the UK. having been named the face of NAMA, A fan asked if she was planning to head dating and may soon become a couple. Al-

though they have both openly denied that are an item, close sources have been squealing that Genny and D’banj have been spending reasonable time together in their various Lekki-Lagos homes. Another source even squealed that no day passes without them ‘seeing each other or talking on the phone for hours’. Although observers say that their closeness may just be one of those stunts they have been pulling for about two years now, a fellow who claimed to be close to the singer confirmed that the stars are ready to end the “guessing game so that they can get real”. Whether it is a stunt or it is for real, only time will tell.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

24 | Saturday, January 25, 2014

GARDENING

With Sereba Agiobu-Kemmer

The Tropical Garden In Different Climates ROPICAL gardens can be created anywhere T one so desires, with knowledge of the right plants and strategies to adopt to suit one’s cli-

matic zone and environment. So, it is possible to design a tropical garden in the Tundra. That could be too far-fetched, but what is not possible in the world today? Even in our own country, we speak broadly of being in the tropics, but we have different geographic areas with climatic differences and in which one has to make different choices most suitable for each area. The amount of rainfall varies from heavy rainfall for many months in the southernmost zone of the tropical rainforest jungles, which can still be divided to coastal sandy beach salt areas and deltaic area of mangrove forests. The rainfall lessens as you move north to the savannah open grasslands with shade trees and gradually to the arid desert-like areas with sparse rainfall. So, if we can have such clear differences in the tropics, which will determine the choice of plants, how much more care has to be taken in non-tropical, temperate or hot dry desert climate. A tropical garden can be difficult to build or maintain, the more the local climate differs from the natural habitat of your plants. A tropical garden features plants that require good rainfall or good irrigation or sprinkler system for watering. These gardens also need regular fertilizer and mulching. For tropical landscape, lush foliage is essential. Tropical gardens are filled with plants overlapping one another, on top of one another, filling space below and high up. A tropical garden is not the place for the plant collector that wants every plant to have its own spotlight position. Dense planting features include plants with very large leaves and vegetation that builds in height towards the back of the border, giving structural backbone. Large plants and small trees hang over the garden, leaving sunlight to hit the ground directly. Generally, tropical plants need hot and humid climate and between 23 to 30 degree Celsius or 75 to 86 Fahrenheit is considered ideal. Anything below or above is less than an ideal condition. Some species will not withstand cold or extremely hot weather, while some like full sunlight. Others (many species from rainforest) prefer filtered or indirect light, delicates such as orchids, tillandsia, bromeliads and ferns. That is why many are also good house or indoor plants. Another requirement is a free-draining loamy soil. To build a ‘tropical jungle garden,’ use bold herbaceous plants and trees with splashes of ‘hot’ colours, both in blooms and the foliage designed, to give a romantic experience. There will be trees, such as palms, jacarandas, poinciana (flame trees), various ornamental

Stately palm trees and Musa (banana) species, envelope the house in this picturesque riverside tropical garden.

Bed of Heliconia rostrata in an exotic tropical garden

Anthuriums in semi-shade are under-storey plants.

Clean geometric lines of fountain, manicured lawn and structural trees give this garden a cool, serene air.

Gardenia bush

sereba.agiobu.kemmer@ngrguardiannews.com and fruiting trees, Musa Species (bananas) and banana-like foliage of some ornamental gingers, strelitzia, heliconia, anthurium, caladium, celosia, fruit trees, like mangoes, citruses, coconuts, pigeon plums, cocoplum (chysobalanus icaco), bananas, pawpaw, star-apple, guava and sour-sop (dwarf varieties are available in all). There are also hostas (plantain lilies), shrubs and hedging plants, like ixoras, crotons, species of hibiscus, gardenia, enonymus, allamandas, oleanders, euphorbia such as the castor oil plant. The rest are vines, as ipomoea, gloriosa lily glorypea, black-eye susan, pothos, twinning bougainvillea, honeysuckles, and allamandas. It is a perfect setting for the epiphytic (air) or hoya plants, such as orchids, tillandsia, and bromeliads and for their terrestrial species. Some ferns are epiphytic, but they are mostly under-storey plants that cannot be exposed to direct sunlight for long period of time. They are ideal foliage fillers in a tropical garden. They not only give both structure and softness to the space, but also will benefit from the shade provided by surrounding plants. Moreover, they need to grow in moist soil, and one way to keep ferns moist is misting them. Bulbs and rhizomatous plants have a place in this garden. There will be plants like the cannas, Amazon lilies, amaryllis, dahlias, marigolds, geraniums, periwinkles, elephant ears, calla lilies, passionflower, fuchsias, rubber tree, cocoa (or chocolate) tree, coffee tree, avocado tree and palms. Tropical plants are just too many in varieties and kinds and of foliage and flowers, that is why the jungle atmosphere is easy to create in a natural zone of warm, humid weather that will see them thriving happily at whatever level and position appropriate for their kind. Tropical plants are lush and exotic and usually have thick, waxy leaves. Some are known as the ‘wax flowers’ or Hoya Plants (Ascepiad genus, family Apocynaceae) due to their texture and almost unreal appearance. They thrive in warm and humid conditions, but depending on the variety of Hoya, they can endure heavy rainfall for some months, just as they can also endure long dry spells. They are commonly used as indoor plants and need indirect light, but the amount of light required depends on the variety. They need small amounts of water and the soil to be kept slightly dry, since a very wet soil can end up killing the plants. They can be grown in pots that are not too big or in hanging baskets. They will also grow better if kept at a minimum temperature of 15 degree Celsius (59 Fahrenheit). Moving from the dense tropical rainforest South to the Savannah grassland, the vegetation is not dense, as it is more open, vast green grassland with ‘flamboyant’ shade trees, such as the royal Poinciana, flowers flame coloured orange and gold, Pulmeria rubra (frangipani) trees, palms, murianga, castor oil plant, dogonyaro, more or less like the plants of the rainforest without the ‘air plants’ that are the canopy and under-storey species. By rivers, streams and lakes are growing bulb and rhizomatous plants, such as lilies, aliums and water lilies. The openness of the savannah presents the setting for display of wide-brimmed (umbrella) or shade trees, with flashy flowers and prominent seed- pods that decoratively enhance the structural shape of the trees.

TO BE CONTINUED

Fence shaded by woody-stemmed vines of frangipani and bougainvillea rooted in grassy beds of neatly clipped ixora hedges and shrub and agave plant.

Houseplants of lovely Dracaena and Terrestrial Orchids, potted against lush green background.

Outdoor garden idea

Pathway to a Rainforest paradise at the Lagos-Lekki Conservation garden with large leaf hanging over wooden bridge.

Reaching for the skies; masquerade tree, royal palms, in a tangle the mix of colorful bougainvillea vine

EMPOWERNIGERIA /37

ASHISH THAKKAR

ONOS Global Entrepreneural Leader WEEKENDBEATS /36

MONDAYS–FRIDAYS IN THE GUARDIAN

satuRdaY, JaNuaRY 25, 2014

Demonstrating LASU students

LASU Shut Indefinitely Barely 72 Hours After Historic SUG Election By Daniel Anazia aRelY 72 hours after its history electronic voting (e-voting) students’ union election, lagos state university, Ojo, was again embroiled in crisis which has resulted in the indefinite shut down of the institution. life Campus gathered the crisis started following the vice

Chancellor, Prof. John Obafunwa refusal to re-open the registration portal for 1,292 students left to register for the second semester examinations because they couldn't raise the new N250, 000 school fees before the deadline day. the school management in its official bulletin, released on thursday

with the titled: ‘lasu Management Closes university indefinitely’, stated, “in the wake of the violent protest by some affected students of lagos state university (lasu) over the closure of the university portal

for registration of courses for rain semester 2012/2013 examination, the university management has decided to shut down the university indefinitely. also, examinations have been put off till further notice. With this decision, stu-

dents are expected to vacate the university premises until further notice,” the bulletin reads. according sources within the university, the students had on Wednesday, January 22, began a peaceful protest to press home their demand and get the university authority re-open the portal for them to do their registration. However, the protest took a different turn on thursday, as violence erupted, and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed as the students allegedly threw stones at the university vice Chancellor despite the presence of men of the Rapid Response squad (RRs) on the site. the university and indeed the students on Monday recorded landmark success as they adopted the electronic voting process (e-voting) in the election of the students’ union officials across its campuses — Ojo main campus, College of engineering epe, school of Mass Communication, surulere, and College of Medicine ikeja. the acting director of Press and Public Relations unit, dr. sola Fosudo, said the measure was taken to allow normalcy return. He added that management has resolved to address all the major problems that may have triggered the protest.

Be FocusedOn Your Dreams,don’t Be Deceived

Ravensbourne, Courteville launched Online e-learning

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Grooving Umuahia Tiwa Savage, D’Prince, Ruggedman & Others

Youth & Graduate Jobs Powered by Jobberman.com / 27

industry ready skills in a broad range of creative disciplines such as fashion, interior design, edititH visible gap in the Nigerian educational sys- ing and post-production, and web architecture. tem, especially in the area of technical and vocational educa- speaking at the official launch in lagos, GMd Courteville Business tion, Ravensbourne, a higher solutions, adebola akindele, education institution in the expressed optimism that ‘Relay’ united Kingdom, in partnership with Courteville Business will provide affordable, flexible and innovative world-class educasolutions has unveiled an online e-learning education in tion to Nigerian and anglophone african creative talents seeking to the creative industry tagged develop their technical knowl‘RelaY’ to help close the gap. Relay, an innovative online plat- edge and skills. form designed to provide education to deserving people in a best He said the courses have been possible curriculum is targeted developed by Ravensbourne’s at equipping learners with academic team and candidates

By Ujunwa Atueyi

that will go through the programme, which would commence in January 2014, and complete each module to become potential entrepreneurs in their own right. “With the partnership and support of Ravensbourne, RelaY is

a project that brings so much enthusiasm, seriousness and flexibility to education in Nigeria. RelaY online education process is designed to positively impact the lives of the Nigerian youth, which is in line with our vision.”

Rep Your Community By GCF idi CultuRe Festival, a G strong advocate of youth development and community building, has set out to action its acclaimed values. GCF strongly believes that youth empowerment and a fortified community is principal to the development of any society. it understands that a society must invest in its youth in order to position itself for advancement tomorrow, and that our environment has great impact in the lives of its inhabitants. it is with this superior understanding that GCF has started a movement that is leading up to its long awaited upcoming Festival. the first action on the Road to Gidi Culture Festival kicked off with a free concert at the lagos state NYsC Camp in November last year. all those who have encountered the sometimes dreaded NYsC camp can attest to the stress levels, so it was quitethoughtful of GCF to have treated the lagos state NYsC campers to an evening of entertainment and fun. the show provided unknown artistes such as uchman an opportunity to showcase their music to a crowd of over 3000 people, as well as sharing a stage with upcoming acts such as Nedu, Flowsick, Blink, tesh Carter and sammy. the exposure that these young artists got from the Gidi Culture Festival initiative has helped to foster their careers, and has created more visibility for them in the music and entertainment space. Chin Okeke continued, “We hope to make this a quarterly event, which we would like to roll out to other beaches across Nigeria. We have found that this sort of event encourages a sense of community and encourages local residents in giving back to their local community”. GCF is indeed a breath of fresh air. it is important that community building initiatives such as this are imbibed by the youth. We all can make a difference. this is a call to you, ‘Rep Your Community’

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Firm Unveils Training Platforms For Fresh Graduates By Tony Nwanne

TRAINING package to assist fresh graduates to acquire skills that will make them employable has been unveil by Poise’ Graduate Finishing School. The training, structured in line with the employability skill maps, ensures that everything related to

employment skills is adequately covered in order to adequately equip participants. Speaking on what prompted the school into that, Head, Poise’ Graduate Finishing School, Ukinebo Dare, said that Nigeria as a nation is faced with numerous challenges. “Prominent among them is the

unemployment suffered by its youths. Several opinions on a lasting solution have been given over the years but none seem to abate the ever increasing spate of unemployment experienced by millions of the nation’s graduates”, she said. It is against this backdrop, she said that the Poise’ Graduate Finishing School was set up to help bridge the

gap between the knowledge got from higher institution and the requirements of the workplace. “The three-month intensive training programme ‘Employability Skill Course’ run by the school is a strategic one. It has been designed in such a manner that will ensure its participant enjoys total transformation as far as developing employability skills is concerned. The programme is structured in line with the Employability Skills Map developed by the University of Kent”. During the course of the programme, she said that participants are made to take up certain projects that will help bring to bear their initiative, creativity, networking prowess and other salient abilities, including interacting with top-notch executives and high net worth individuals who will facilitate the classes. According to her, on completion

of the three months training, the school offers one to six months internship in reputable organisations to help the trainees put into practice the skills learnt. Since inception, she also said, the school has trained and transformed over 200 graduates into young executives. “With a record 85% employment rate for its graduates, the school has become the right place for graduates seeking to develop the required skills for the workplace environment and also for employers who seek to have the best minds working for them. “In order to make the training affordable while maintaining the standard, the school prompted a sponsorship packages and considerations for intending participants. One of such is a discounted sum given to religious bodies, which sponsor their graduate members. “

OAU Retains Rating As Nigeria’s Best Varsity By Dhikru Akinola HE Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has, again, been rated the first and the best university in Nigeria and authorities of the university are already celebrating the ranking of the public varsity as the best in Nigeria and eighth in Africa by the Spain-based research group Cybermetrics Lab. Shortly after the group released the latest rankings, the university issued a statement announcing the development. It also displayed the news of the rankings conspicuously on its website, announcing: ‘Latest Webometric Ranking: Again, OAU

Rated The Best In Nigeria, 8th In Africa’ University spokesman, Abiodun Olanrewaju, said the impressive ranking of the institution “underscored the premium placed on research, development, learning and teaching by the university’s administration.” In the last rankings released earlier this year, the university was also rated number one in Nigeria but 14th in Africa. OAU was established in 1962 as The University of Ife. The name was later changed to honour Nigerian nationalist, statesman and politician, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who died in 1987.

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FROM ThE DEsk OF ThE CEO

National Development Strategy I

together for scholars to study and debate, is designed on the understanding that all nine drivers are required for a group of NICHOLAS OKOYE, political leadFounder EMPOWER NIGERIA Initiative, ers within a political party or established within an Administration, to I am going to dive deep into the realm of Nation build their activity, spending and focus building as this is what is required for Nigeria. Whereas I write about the role of the individual around these drivers, which in turn will guarantee them the results. I often wonder why because we must have strong, committed and Political Leaders are so corrupt in Nigeria and intelligent individuals who will make up our Africa, it’s a catch 22, and they want to hold communities, and the communities make up onto power so they steal and steal and steal. the state, whereas the states and regions make And then they deploy the stolen wealth up the Nation. however once we have enough people that are committed to building a better towards the next election and spend and society for Nigeria what next? I have seen many spend and spend trying to buy votes, and state Governors and even Federal Ministers dab- intimidate the electorate into returning them to power. When their two terms are up, they bling about the place without a clear direction seek out other political leadership positions so or understanding of their role in Nation building. In fact if you ask half of our Political Leaders they can remain relevant, why? Well because once they are out of power they suddenly realtoday to define Nation Building, you would be ize that the money doesn’t satisfy, it’s the powsurprised that they would not be able to give er they really wanted, and it’s the power they you an educated intelligent answer. In this really love. And in the true sense of the word, respect we have decided to take the bull by the money into on itself cannot buy the power horn and provide our youths and leaders alike they crave, that comes only with a with the education they need for designing a Government title. so they unleash the war National Development strategy that works. A strategy that guarantee jobs are created, securi- chest they have kept in switzerland, and the circle starts all over again. ty is assured, standards of living are rising and our Nation is respected. Y IDEA for the political Leaders is different. If only they will listen, and if you know of NIChOLAs OkOYE’s NINE PILLARs OF any please refer them to this article. Why don’t NATIONAL DEvELOPMENT they study carefully my NINE DRIvERs OF NATIONAL DEvELOPMENT, and implement have therefore broken down the drivers of them as best they can. Guess what, if they do, National Development into nine drivers. The they are guaranteed to receive the praise and idea is that any local government Chairman, worship of the Nigerian people, and they will state Governor, Federal Minister, Presidential have people that are ready to die for them and Candidate or young aspiring they will literally live Leader can use this material as a forever. As people check list and a study guide in an will be talking about effort to uplift the lives of the them for hundreds Nigerian People wherever they of years into the may live in any part of this great future. And as for the nation of Nigeria. power they crave, it will never leave About the Nine Pillars them while they are The drivers of National alive, people will Development in which I have put continue to recom-

mend them for future appointments, people will consult them on every national or state issue before major decisions are made, children will structure songs and sing about them, Cities will erect monuments in their honor, the list is endless. There is no way this outcome can compare to dying with hundreds of millions in a swiss bank account, which will never even o to your dependents as you were so secretive when you set up the account that when you die, the bank takes it all as you have no next of kin in the ban’s records. What a shame for a great country like Nigeria to be saddled with such low and small minded political leaders.

LOvE ThIs jOB, I get to motivate young people and I get invitations to speak at young empowerment events from time to time, and I am currently working on the biggest thing this side of the Atlantic that will have a fundamental impact on millions of lives, and has the potential to completely change the direction for Nigeria. EMPOWER NIGERIA has come to stay and I outlined the guide for the entire year last week. We started well on the 11th of December 2013, and we have BIG hAIRY AUDACIOUs goals which we aim to deliver on.

For those that will join me on this journey of National rebirth, of Nation Building and of developing a NATIONAL DEvELOPMENT sTRATEGY that works for local Governments, state Governments and the Federal Government I have listed out “NIChOLAs OkOYE’s NINE PILLARs OF NATIONAL DEvELOPMENT” and in the coming weeks and months I will go into deep discussion of each driver in order to provide for our leaders a frame work for Leadership and Development that is built on strategy, Innovation, Ideas and Creativity.

We are very proud of this step by step process we have developed to provide the Nigerian young people with a path to success and happiness through entrepreneurship. I will break it down very carefully and I have reproduced it here for all the young people we are mentoring with this column.

Pillar 1; Government Policy Pillar 2; Access to Capital Pillar 3; Systems, Structure and Infrastructure Pillar 4; Talent and Skills Pillar 5; Markets Pillar 6; Energy Pillar 7; Strategy Pillar 8; Action Pillar 9; Communication

The Clear Path to Entrepreneurship

step One: visit the Empower Nigeria Center at Oshodi or visit the virtual show room at the web site www.empowernigeria.com . This process allows our young people to have deep reflection on what they really want to do with their life. Our team of Entrepreneur Advisors will guide you either online or in a face to face meeting, on choosing your passion. It is very important you choose an industry or a business opportunity that you are passionate about, because that is how you will succeed. People will work hard and long on a matter or an opportunity if they have passion for it. so if you have not thought about what your passion is then this would be a great time to do that. step Two: Register to join to the EMPOWER NIGERIA network. You can do this by registering online at www.empowernigeria.com. The registration is not only aimed at putting you on the CLEAR PATh TO ENTREPRENEURhIP, but it also gives to access to a lot of other goodies that have been lined up for you by the Empower Nigeria team. These include membership of the Empower Nigeria Telecommunications platform which allows every registered Entrepreneur to speak to each other for FREE. That’s right it is FREE to talk within the EMPOWER NIGERIA imitative so membership has its privileges. In addition to the Network, members have a good number of

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Bakery, Mixer, Bread, And Pizza Ovens Doughnuts, etc, The need for flour has made its availability a economic and political issue at various times throughout the history of mankind. Bread is a staple food prepared by baking a dough of flour and water. It is popular around the world and is one of the world’s oldest cooked foods .A wide variety of additives may be used, from fruits and nuts to various fats, to chemical additives designed to improve flavour, texture, colour, and/or shelf life. Bread may be served in different forms at any meal of the day, eaten as a snack, and is even used as an ingredient in other culinary preparaBaked foods are probably consumed in tions. As a basic food worldwide, bread has millions every day in Nigeria. The come to take on significance beyond mere major component is Flour, nutrition, evolving into a fixture in relia powder which is made by gious rituals, secular cultural life, and langrinding cereal grains, beans, or other seeds or roots(like Cassava). Flour is the main ingredient of all confectionaries and is a staple breakfast meal in mots parts of Nigeria, Flour also supports the making of major semi-foods such as meat pies, sausages,

guage. Different types include Wheat Bread, White Bread, Brown Bread, Lean Bread, etc. They could be sliced or unsliced and in this part of the world, we have the ‘Agege Bread’. Pizza on the other hand is an ovenbaked, flat, round bread typically topped with a tomato sauce, cheese and various toppings. The modern pizza was invented in Naples, Italy, and the dish has since become popular in many parts of the world.[1] An establishment that makes and sells pizzas is called a “pizzeria”. Many varieties of pizza exist worldwide, along with several dish variants based upon pizza. Pizza is cooked in various types of ovens, and a diverse variety of ingredients and toppings are utilized. Ever wondered why Pizza was

called pizza? The word pizza (Italian) pronunciation: [ pittsa], from the Latin verb pìnsere, to press and from the Greek p ktos, π , meaning “solid” or “clotted”) is Greek in origin. Baked Foods, Bread and Pizzas would make for an attractive commodity, I mean, Buyers, Investors and Entrepreneurs would definitely be attracted to such profitable commodity, which brings us to the Bakery Mixer, Bread/Pizza Ovens. The Bread/Pizza ovens go for very

affordable prices. If acquired, they sure would bring quick profits. Looking for something saleable and profitable? You should probably consider the Bread/Pizza Ovens. They sure would give you a good result if you spice it up with the necessary ingredients for success. You can become the next big thing in selling bread and pizza by contacting us on 01-2771388. Or visit our EMPOWER NIGERIA CENTER AT W2 Arena Shopping Centre Oshodi, Lagos. Good Luck.

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GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURAL LEADER

CASE STUDY

SHISH J. THAKKAR is only 30, but in less than two decades, the Ugandan-born maverick entrepreneur has accomplished what only few attain in their lifetime. He is the Founder and Managing Director of the Mara Group, a diversified conglomerate with approximately $100 million in revenues, according to Thakkar. Born in the United Kingdom, Ashish and his family moved back to Africa after surviving the historic Rwandan genocide and generational exile of African

ASHISH THAKKAR

National Development Strategy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 discounts that have been lined up for entrepreneurs which will not be available anywhere else. Step Three: Determine if you need financial support. We are lining up support for our Entrepreneurs which will mean that once you are a member of EMPOWER NIGERIA, you are sure to end up as an Entrepreneur, and not having money will not stop you. We are even pushing the envelope by setting up an EMPOWER NIGERIA FUND which will have several contributors from all over the Country and all over the world, all in an effort to ensure that there will always be funds to finance our Entrepreneurs. Once again our Entrepreneur Advisors will work closely with you to make sure that you have done all it takes to get prepared for Entrepreneurship and that our financing partners are comfortable with the risk you represent. Step Four: make your order. You are now ready to fill out an order form which will mean that you are about to transform yourself from a professional or an unemployed young person into an entrepreneur. If you are already an entrepreneur and you wish to expand your business by working with EMPOWER NIGERIA, you are also very welcome. If you are using financial assistance from one of our partners then you will be required to make a 20% commitment investment. If you are paying for your machines or tools with support from your own family or friends, then you will be required to make 50% investment and the balance will be paid on the arrival of your machines. Step Five: Get enrolled in the Entrepreneurship and Leadership Certification program. In order for you to be a successful Entrepreneur and make millions and maybe billions of naira or even dollars, you have to receive the training, exposure and capacity building required to get you there. Leadership is required for all successful people, and Entrepreneurship must be understood from a 360 degree basis before you can conquer the World. All our Entrepreneurs will reduce their chances or failure and dramatically increase their chances of long term success once they have been certified by our experts. Step Six: Receive your Machines or Business tools and get to work. The business opportunities we are working with you on are economically guaranteed to receive the demand of the Nigerian consumers. Our machines are tailored along the lines of business opportunities that our economics have pre-determined are either in high demand and have a present low supply or are imported products for which we will be substituting the imported products with the one manufactured by our EMPOWER NIGERIA ENTREPRENEURS. Get on the CLEAR PATH TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP today andsu change your life forever.

Ashish has successfully driven the growth of Mara by identifying opportunities to build businesses in under-served markets and by selectively partnering with international firms focused on expanding in Africa. Among Mara’s credits include building the leading corrugated cardboard packaging company in Uganda (Riley Packaging), founding a Pan-African IT services company (Mara Ison) and establishing an African business process outsourcing company operating in ten African countries (Ison BPO). Mara is still growing and still setting up in new countries, with operations in Cameroon, Angola and Botswana likely to commence by the end of the first quarter of 2013. Recent ventures include a 26,000-acre farming project in East Africa, a major hotel, convention centre, shopping mall and office park in Uganda, and a similar development in Tanzania. Entry into each country will present its own challenges. “Whenever we go into a new country, we map out each business, looking for areas where we’re not present, because we understand our businesses and we understand each region. Then we take advantage of trends,” Ashish says. “For example, in agriculture, we look for places where there is a shortage of food, where we could own land and where there is political stability.” Ashish and his Mara businesses and foundations are clearly making a fundamental difference to the way business is conducted across the African continent. Certainly there must be a whole generation of Africans who are now aware of Mara and of Ashish Thakkar and who have begun asking themselves how they could do something similar. Mara Group has received global recognition for its achievements and contributions not only in Africa but also worldwide. In 2010, Mara Group was identified by the World Economic Forum as a dynamic high-growth company with the potential to be a driving force for economic and social change. Ashish J. Thakkar was appointed as a World Economic Forum Global Young Leader. More often these days he’s referred to as a ‘billionaire philanthropist’, since he created a series of not-for-profit foundations that mentor and support thousands of African start-up companies and entrepreneurs, helping to put them on the path towards the riches he has made. Another key achievement has been establishing Mara Foundation – a social enterprise focused on encouraging and supporting emerging African entrepreneurs. The Foundation currently operates in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Nigeria and strives to create sustainable economic and business development opportunities for young business owners through services such as Mara Launchpad incubation centres and the Mara Ad-Venture Fund, a micro venture capital vehicle.

After having built up a business in East Africa, his parents were thrown out by the Idi Amin Administration and they resettled in Great Britain, in the Midlands city of Leicester. Here, his parents started over by selling ladies’ fashions, driving vans to markets all around England, often getting up at 3:00am. Ashish and his sisters shared the workload and the rewards. “If I sold a certain amount, I would get a bike or something,” he says. In 1993, when he was 12 years old, the family sold their business in the UK and moved to Rwanda. The Rwandan genocide began just months later, subjecting the family to weeks of terror as they hid in a hotel and watched bodies pile up around them. Finally, they managed to escape in a chartered plane. “We were literally back on the street. That’s what drove me and made me want to start a business,” says Ashish.

Ashish devotes much of his energy to commercial and philanthropic initiatives in Africa. African governments have taken note of Ashish’s incredible success and apparent leadership skills, and he now sits on a number of governmental advisory panels. He’s also an active member of the Commonwealth Business Council and the Young Global Leaders group of the World Economic Forum, which meets every year at Davos in Switzerland and has become a driving force for change. Ashish has been profiled by several publications and media outlets including Forbes, The Economist, CNN, Africa Business Journal, Ventures Africa, San Jose Mercury, Reuters and the BBC.

At the age of 15, after the family had moved and restarted its life yet again, this time back in Uganda, Ashish sold his personal computer to a family friend. The $100 profit he made convinced him that there could be plenty of money in Information Technology. More sales to friends, family, even his own school soon followed, as did a kind of ‘pop-up’ shop over the summer holidays.. In 1996 at the age of 15, Ashish borrowed $5,000 to start his first IT Company whereby he bought and sold computers. Within a year, he transitioned from a high school student to a full-time entrepreneur. Since starting out in 1996, Ashish J. Thakkar has built the Mara Group, a conglomerate of IT, real estate and manufacturing com-

Though he left school at age 15, Ashish is a keen learner, open to the wisdom of others. He shares this habit with his hero Richard Branson, whose Virgin conglomerate is united by its founder’s energy and enthusiasm. The two have become friends and Ashish will fly on the inaugural Virgin Galactic mission, becoming the first East African in space (for a fee of $200,000). “He’s such an amazing guy, he’s a great role model,” says Ashish. “He has the ethos of being true to yourself and to the world.”

families. Ashish considers himself a native son of Africa with strong Indian roots, of British nationality and a resident of the UAE.

To be a contributing writer or to inquire about any of our machines or Business Ideas, Please feel free to contact us: EMAIL: info@empowernigeria.com, WEBSITE: www.empowernigeria.com TEL: +234 1 277 1388 www.facebook.com/empowernigeria

panies with operations in 19 African countries and 21 countries worldwide, employing over 8,000 people through its investments and operations.

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Tiwa Savage on stage

S part of activities to mark the New Year, 2 Flame Entertainment in collaboration with Don Lulu Filmz recently staged a live music concert tagged Rush. Held at the Latinos Event Place, Umuahia, the gig, which paraded some of the leading acts in the country’s music industry, was just a perfect way for Abia State natives and Umuahia residents to begin the New Year. Though MAVIN Record’s stars Tiwa Savage and D Prince were headliners, the evening kicked off with local artistes, who had the opportunity of sharing the same stage with big guys. From Exnel to Muno and Slim Joe, the young stars succeeded in showcasing their music to the large crowd. Anchored by Big Brother Africa winner, Uti Nwachukwu, the gig also featured rap music sensation, Ruggedman, Sheyman and DJ Ken-

Chocolate City Plans Talent Hunt Show • Gets Another Nomination For Creative Industry Awards HOCOLATE C City is starting the year on a fantastic note with the launch of a first of its kind talent hunt show. The multiple award winning label, home to some of Nigeria’s biggest stars announced a major search for talented ri o ik a M and promising acts to join the label through an exciting talent hunt show. The CEO of the outfit Audu Maikori informed that the hunt is in response to endless enquiries from young Nigerians searching for the right platform to be introduced to the Nigerian market. “Through the project, Chocolate City hopes to provide and equip them with the needed skills and opportunities to invade both the Nigerian and International music industry.” Meanwhile the record label has also been nominated in the Music category for the 2014 Creative Industry Awards. Speaking on the nomination, Maikori noted, “this is the second time Chocolate City Group is being nominated for the Creative Industry Awards. It is heart warming that our efforts and contribution in developing Nigeria’s creative industry is being recognised.”

Grooving Umuahia With Tiwa Savage, D’Prince, Ruggedman, Others tucky, who got slots to treat the audience with best of their recordings. Other artistes that added colours to the event include Mora-chi and lots of upcoming comedians, who used the platform to sample their new works. In a chat with the organiser, Don Dulu, the show promoter informed that the package was targeted at en-

tertaining Umuahia residents. “It is first in the series of carefully planned new music and comedy concert tagged Rush. It is a celebration of music and comedy at its best and we had top musicians and comedians, who showcased their talent.” While expressing satisfaction with the success recorded at the maiden

ITH a whopping sum of N10 W million up for grabs, it was NGT Season 2: no surprise that thousands entered for the season two of the Nigeria’s Got Talent. But to get the finalist, who would compete for the prize, the judges now faced with the task of trimming down the long list. While the obviously talented ones have since secured their places in the contest, other are still praying and hoping for a ‘yes’ from the three judges. With 4 seats left in the finale, contestants are in a neck-to-neck battle, which pulls them closer to the sum of N10 million. For Oyindamola Kolawole also known as E-Flex, his chances of becoming N10 million richer just got closer, as he was able to beat 6 other contestants in the race to secure a spot in the finale. E-flex, who was chosen by the judges against a strong competitor, Diadems of Liberty Dance Crew, had his level of creativity and unique-

Tears, Laughter, As More Acts Secure Slots For The Finale ness working for him as the judges used that as a strong factor for their decision. “You make your act which is obviously very difficult as simple as ever. Your level of creativity is alarming and I think Nigeria needs more of such unique acts,” said an impressed Yibo Koko. Also securing a space in the last eviction show was D’ Naturals acapella group, who had the highest votes for the week. Meanwhile, Nollywood actress and judge in the show, Kate Henshaw, may have found herself in a wooing game when she appeared to have caught the eyes of one of the semi-finalists in the on-going

edition of the concert, he noted that the project aims at re-branding positioning the South East, South-South regions as choice destination for visitors and business, while making it a haven for entertainers.” Don Lulu revealed that, “Rush, which is fashioned in the trail of established shows such as Rhythm Un-

show. The charming, beautiful celebrity judge seemed to be heading for a conflict of interest at the weekend when Enuguborn singer, John Bethel opened his performance on the night by rehearsing on music, a sketched portrait of the actress, before un-

plugged, is expected to touch base in major cities and towns across the country. In a brief chat with Tiwa Savage after her performance, the Kelekele Love singer commended the organisers for giving her the opportunity to meet with her fans in that part of the country.

veiling a smiling image of Kate. This however, turned sour for the young man whose performance was summarily dismissed by judge Yibo Koko, who chided him for failing to work at meeting expectations and seeking to exploit an emotional angle.

The Diadems of Liberty Dance Crew, Andre Blaze and Kolawole at the audition

Tele Mi… something fresh from Mr. Songz Mi, which is also growing as a hit callertune with MTN subscribers, the platform where he had his Mandela callertune tribKcee did the magic. The singer, who wants to ute downloaded by over 2 million subscribers. be known as Mr. Songz, arguably holds the The new monster hit single from the title for penning the most hits over the pesongwriter, singer, performer and proriod of a year, working with a long list of esducer doesn’t just get a new video but a tablished and rising artistes. dance. With cameo from Del B, you can The 5 Star Music label mates collaborate once again on the Del B - produced track, Tele watch and learn the Tele Mi dance. O doubt, fine singer Harrysong has N found his rhythm in the music industry; it seems his relationship with label mate

Harrysong

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Nigerian Stars Lend Support To GenVoices clude Omotola Jolade Ekeinde, Omawummi, Timi Dakolo, Eku Edewor, Mai Atafo, Toke Makinwa, Omoni Oboli, Kemi Lala Akindoju and others. Obiageli Ezekwesili; Former Information Minister, Frank Nweke Jnr; Former Nigerian High Commission UK, Christopher Christopher Kolade and MD/CEO Sahara Group, Tonye Cole also participated in the Generational Voices (GenVoices) initiative. GenVoices is a growing global movement of 18-40 year olds supported by a dynamic group of older mentors & contributors. It was conceived as a means to convert the online and offline energy of young Nigerians into practical efforts towards national development. It is clear that without positive participation in governance and policy, this generation will be availed little opportunity to make wideToke Makinwa (left), singer Omawunmi and Eku Edewor at the event spread and definitive impact. The project focuses on birthing innovation, fostering voice to the project-driven HE Koga Studio, Ikeja, Voices Telethon, which was Lagos, was the place to be broadcast live on Channels TV, platform to harness the offline dialogue, encouraging acts of service and and online energy of young recently, as top celebrities and EbonyLife TV and Beat FM. driving distinguished Nigerians Among celebrities arrived Nigerians for practical efforts change. turned up for the 100,000 in their numbers to lend their towards nation building, in-

Olu Kode Returns With Shebelele By Olushola Ricketts T seems the days of Azonto, Skelewu and the likes are over with the release of Shebelele, a new single by Olumide Olabisi, otherwise known as Olu Kode in the entertainment industry The artiste, who has been on a sort of vacation from music for a while, was a former member of two groups of artiste called Kode. They sang Where dem dey ft. the late Dagrin and Baby Boo ft. Clever Jay and even dropped an album before the duo decided to go their separate ways. “Our individual differences also set in and eventually led to the breakup; it affected the deal with our record label too, Blackbridge entertainment. Everything just came to a halt but I did not regret the experience,” he said. Along the line, Olu had to chose between education and music. “It was a hard decision, but I settled for school,” he noted. On his new Afro-Pop single, Shebelele, Olu described the song as the new move in town, adding that it got some hilarious one-two steps. “You will get to see the video when it

comes out officially. I was in the studio with my producer when I got the inspiration; he played a beat and that was it. Kudos to Lah lah; I have been with him way back since the days of Dagrin. But Indomis did the mixing of the song.” Apart from Shebelele, the 300 level student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) disclosed that he had done other singles produced by Lah Lah as well. “We are just going to keep working and praying for the best; my friends and fans should expect more from me. Also, I’m planning to work with HomKode mies, Prodo and Spells.” Recalling his relationship with Dagrin, Olu described the late rapper as a friend and a mentor to many. “I really miss him and we were on the verge of recording another smashing hit before he died.” If he is not in the studio or in a show, another thing that takes his time is educa-

Limpopo Master Kcee poses with models

number five. Sitting pretty at number 2 is Davido with Skelewu - up one place from last

Events

problems. With a humble sense of responsibility and maturity, the initiative will guard the hopes of young Nigerians.

In association with

FEB 2014: LIVESPEECH PUBLIC SPEAKING AND PRESENTATION TRAINING WORKSHOP LAGOS Date(s): 01/02/2014 Location: Precinct Comfort Hotel Harvey Road, off Herbert Macaulay Road Yaba, Lagos Promoter: LiveSpeech coaching TICKETS: 31,500.00 BUY TICKETS HERE: www.afritickets.com

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AND COLLEGES EXHIBITION Date(s): 06/02/2014 Location: Oriental Hotel 3 Lekki Road, Lekki Lagos Promoter: Edumark FOR MORE INFO: www.afritickets.com

COUPLE XCAPE

tion. “This moment, I will be in the studio or in a show, the next moment in the class receiving lectures. This could be very tasking but I’m grateful to God,” he said.

Pull Over Takes Kcee To Number One On Naija Top Ten O doubt, Kcee has finally struck the out D’Banj’s Finally off the top slot in the week - while Wizkid makes a leap from N right chord in the industry, making definitive Naija music video chart, after number seven last week to number four; hits that kept him busy all through last jumping four places from last week’s year. This week, the former member of the defunct KC-Presh, leads the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10; his song Pull Over kicked

GenVoices will raise, support, fund and inspire projects, platforms and individuals to deliver social, technological, economic and political (S.T.E.P) solutions to Nigeria’s

thanks to monster hit, Jaiye Jaiye. Fans will also see five new entries storming the charts: Olamide’s Turn Up enters the chart at number four, closely followed by Burna Boy with Yawa Dey at number five. Mr 2Kay makes his Official Naija Top 10 debut with Bubugaga Remix at number seven, while DJ Xclusive occupies the number nine spot with Pangolo; Skuki’s Silifa rounds up the chart at number ten. The video of Sweet Like Shuga, the collaboration between Flavour, Chidinma, Sound Sultan, Kcee and Professor for the Shuga TV series, rises four places to number six, while Tiwa Savage, who plays Sade in the drama stays at number eight with Eminado. Every week, the Official Naija Top 10 powered by Star Music is put together by an elite panel of judges comprising Nigerian broadcasters, music specialists and tastemakers, working with MTV Base to pick the winners and losers in the week’s chart.

Date(s): 15/02/2014 Location: NOTAP HALL, BESIDE IKOYI REGISTRY 19 KINGSWAY ROAD IKOYI LAGOS Promoter: Highflyers International Ministries TICKETS: 6,000.00 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

VALENTINE’S WITH BRANDY AND UB40 Date(s): 16/02/2014 Location: Eko Hotel and Suites Adetokunbo Ademola Street Victoria Island, Lagos Promoter: Beat FM 99.9 TICKETS: 10,000.00, 25,000.00 BUY TICKETS HERE: www.afritickets.com

THE GUARDIAN

Saturday, January 25, 2014 35

YOUTHMAGAZINE

BOOK SERIES

Author Betty Ugona

Be Focused On Your Dreams, Don’t Be Deceived

ENNETH packed his bags to leave for the campus having to the cafeteria three weeks later. K gained admission into a prestigious university to study Civil “What is it? Is the test result out?” Kenneth probed. Engineering. He was very intelligent and he made straight As in his West African School Certificate Examination. Kenneth lost his father when he was barely a year old and his mum never remarried. She chose to stay single to take care of her only child. She was a pretty trader. She fried akara balls (beans cakes) in the morning for her numerous customers, roasted corn in the afternoon, and sold plantain and yam for their dinner by the corner of her house. Mama Kenneth, as she was fondly called by all who knew, was loved by her neighbors for her commitment in providing for herself and her only child amidst hardships and struggles. Kenneth never lived in the boarding school during this secondary school. He was always at his mother’s side after school, helping her to sell her wares. The bond between them was so strong neighbours referred to them as “Atu na Ututu, Sugar and Tea.” “Eh!” said Mama Kenneth as it dawned on her that her son was about to leave the house for the very first time, away from her. She began to cry, “Nwam!” (my child) she said, “I have heard a lot about life on campus, but I know my son, you have been brought up in the fear of the Lord. You are a good son, I am very sure you will prove me right and shame my enemies”. She walked towards him and hugged him, never wanting to let go. “Nnaoo (my son) she endeared, “please remember what we have passed through these years. Remember how your father died and how we lost everything to your uncles. Remember that they are watching to see what you would become in the future. Nna (my son), please note that it is in your hands to prove to them what God has ordained you to be. You can only fulfill your destiny when you make the right choices and decisions that will be of benefit to you in the future and to generations unborn. “Remember your promise to be there to take care of me. Allow God to be head and centre of every choice you must make”. “Nnaoo”, she went on, “please one more thing”, she said with tears rolling down her cheeks, “always ask yourself these questions when you are faced with multiple choices:” “How will God see the choice I’m about to make and how will He judge me? “What impact will it have on my mum and how will people judge me? “How will it affect me now, tomorrow and my entire life?” “Your entire life and future are dependent on the choices you make today. Like they say, you are the sum of your daily choices.” She blessed him and bid him farewell. Kenneth promised to remain a good boy and make her proud. He left for school with high dreams and visions dreams to become a successful Civil Engineer and make his mother proud. He vowed to wipe away the tears of agony and suffering from her face. Kenneth was determined to remove every reproach from his mum. He vowed to rebuild his late dad’s ruined reputation and prove to all that success does not only belong to those born with silver spoons in their mouth. He was determined to work hard. Kenneth left with a promising smile on his face, full of hope and determination. Life on campus was totally different from the life Kenneth was used to. Though very tempting, Kenneth was determined to remain focused. He faced his studies and made good results. By the time he got into the third year, he was on first class range. His mother was very happy and waited anxiously for the day of his graduation. She dreamt of her son being honored with the best grade in Civil Engineering, getting a good job, getting married to a beautiful and well-read lady with a good character. She dreamt of being a grandmother and being chauffeur driven and at last, to live in a cozy environment having retired from a life of struggles and pains. She prayed earnestly, “God please keep my son and protect him.” As Kenneth walked to his room one fateful evening after studying, a group of boys accosted him and invited him to join their group. He declined, but they were not satisfied and promised to come back. Two weeks later, they followed him to his room after lecture. “Boy O boy, what is on your mind? Braimoh asked him, “You have got all it takes to belong to this group. As you can see, we do not admit just anybody. You are very lucky to be considered. Think about it,” he said tapping him on his shoulder. “We will be back and by then, we hope you give us a positive answer.” Braimoh, a member of a very bad group on campus, had been on Kenneth’s neck to convince him to join their group. He employed so many means to enable him get closer to Kenneth. Was Kenneth able to keep standing by making the right choices? The choices we make amidst pressures! “Hi, Kenneth, congrats, you made it again as always” Braimoh said when he saw him on his way

“Yes o. So you have not heard? Braimoh asked. “You see, that is the opportunity we have as a family. We get to hear things before others do and as such can make changes at the source before the results are made public. But that’s by the way. What about what we discussed, have you made up your mind?” Braimoh went on, “How many years do you have left on the campus? Have you thought of life after university? How do you get a good job after graduation knowing that the competition out there will not favour you if you do not belong to the right family?” Having sowed a seed of deceit, he patted him on the shoulder and left. That night, Kenneth saw himself at the cross roads of his life. He had a choice to make “What do I do now?” he pondered, as he slept off thinking about the promise he made to his mother to make her proud. Six months later, Braimoh was celebrating his birthday. The news was all over the campus that only selected few have been invited and Kenneth was among the few. When the invitation was extended to Kenneth, he had a choice to make: accept the invitation and get to know the group better, or reject the invitation and stand his ground to remain a focused young man with dreams and visions. The choice was his. His choice, His future, His life. Eventually, after much pressure, Kenneth could not stand the temptation. He succumbed and accepted the invitation to attend the most talked about party on campus. And on that fateful day, Kenneth got ready and went to the party. There was so much to eat and drink. The high and mighty on campus were present and as he walked home that night, he thought to himself what a privilege to belong. “Hello Ken, how was the party? Did you enjoy it?” asked Braimoh. “Yes I did but come o o, how did you manage to bring all those people together, even the most dreaded lecturers on campus?” “That is what I have been telling you’, said Braimoh as he led Ken to his room. “Now ask yourself a sincere question. “Why shouldn’t you belong to this group and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer, with sons of the big men in the country as your associates? Come on, it is now or never, join us and be happy. You are very privileged as you can see. Use this opportunity to brighten your life.” On his bed that night, there was battles raging on in his mind. He had to make a choice. “It would not be a bad idea to be a friend of Mr. Dimkpa’s son who is very influential” he said to himself. “What of Mr. Usman’s younger brother? That would be a big catch. I won’t have problem getting a job after school. Looking at them at the party, they were all very happy and relaxed despite the hardships in the country.” “No wonder”, he said Tony, “whose parents I know toil day and night to make ends meet, lives ostentatiously on campus.” Seeds of deceit having been planted, Kenneth was at a cross road of life – to join or not to. After much battles and not being able to stand the test, he made a choice based on deceit and lies of the devil leading to destruction. Kenneth forgot his dreams to become an Engineer and to make his mother proud. He forgot who he was. And all the confidence he had built over the years he threw away and decided to put his life in the hands of a notorious group on campus. Oh! What a choice. Six months later, Kenneth pulled the trigger to prove his eligibility as a member of a strange family on campus. He proved tough; he was hailed and celebrated by his fellow members. To him he had proven to be a man, to his new strange family – a desperate fool was now converted. Unknown to his expectant mother, her dear son was about to be lost. Friends and neighbors, who had pegged him as a mentor, were in for a shock. To God the Creator, who endowed him with enormous potentials and talents, untapped resources are about to be buried. Kenneth went back to the village a week later to visit his mum. On getting home, his mother was very happy to see him. “Nnaoo”, Mama Kenneth called as she prepared food for her son, “you have not been yourself since you came back, and I have noticed some young men of bad reputation who have come to visit you. I hope you have not made any wrong choices?” “No mama”, Kenneth said “far from it. I remain your lovely and

obedient son.” Under the mango tree beside their house, Mama Kenneth was attending to her customers who had come to buy their regulars. She sliced open a piece of yam and added peppered stew in between the parts and served her customers. She proudly told anyone who cared to listen that her suffering will soon be over as her son would soon graduate as an Engineer. “Mama,” her son called, “em…em..” he stammered, “I want to go back to school to prepare for my exam.” “Oh! Why this night?” his mother asked, stunned. “Em, I have a test tomorrow and I need to be in school to prepare for it,” Kenneth said. “But I thought you were on break,” said his mum. “Mama, final year students are never on break,” he lied. “Oh nwam, Ogafuebe Oh! (oh my son, the journey would soon come to an end)”, she said as she hugged him, blessed and bid him goodbye. She turned to her customers and said “Hope you know who he is, he is my son, and he will soon graduate as an Engineer.” Kenneth left for school to meet his friends who were waiting for him for an appointment to confirm the initiation into the cult family. That night, a night never to be remembered, Kenneth had an assignment with his gang members, an assignment to kill. It was a duty that would bring to an abrupt end a promising life. As he prepared for the assignment at hand, Kenneth forgot the golden question from his mother on consequences of the choices he was about to make. How it will affect his mother? How it will affect those looking up to him back home? How it will impact his relationship with God? How will God judge him? And then how it will affect his life now, tomorrow and years to come? If only he knew how his future would be affected by what he was about to do. He was so much in a hurry to join others waiting for him outside. As he stepped outside, his mum’s voice re-echoed in his ears, “Nwam please don’t allow my enemies to laugh at me”. No. He shook off the thought that his mum would be disappointed if she got to know what he had gotten himself into. Off they went and while the faithful were getting ready to go for lectures, Kenneth and his gang members were on the run after committing a crime that left about three students dead. “What have I done? My life is ruined! Kenneth screamed as the girl lay motionless on the bed. They had just gang-raped her, and killed her boyfriend, the head of another cult on campus. The whole school was set on rampage as the two gangs fought. Kenneth was very scared as they ran for their lives. “Where is the protection you assured us? Kenneth yelled at Viper, the leader of the gang. “Go into hiding until the dust settles. Remember the oath we all took, in case anyone of us is caught do not disclose the whereabout of the rest,” Viper yelled back. “Oh what a life, what a terrible choice I have made”, cried Kenneth. Barely one month before Kenneth’s graduation when he would have emerged the best Civil Engineering student, he was nowhere to be found. The examination came and passed by. He missed the final exams, his hopes dashed and dreams killed. On several occasions, some strange and angry looking boys had besieged his village looking for him. His worried mother kept praying and hoping that her son had not made any wrong choices and joined the bad gangs on campus. “Mbanu (No it can’t be). He is a good boy”, she muttered to herself. The moon was full. Kenneth and his mother were outside, under the mango tree, packing their wares. All the customers had gone and Kenneth was agitated and in a haste to get into the house. Mama Kenneth wondered why her son was lately so much in a hurry to retire indoors. “Strangers” she thought. “Kenneth my dear ,when is your graduation? she probed. “Mama, we will talk about it later, let’s go inside first”, Kenneth retorted. “What happened to the usual jokes about how I was going to dress and walk out in front of everyone as my son’s name would be called out as the best student?” she thought deeply. Gbim, Gbim! Heavy knocks were heard on the door, “Open this door or everyone inside will die” an angry voice shouted. Kenneth knew that the game was up. Three members of his gang that committed the crime with him, had already been killed by members of the opposing gangs who vowed to kill them all. Before his mother could scream, the armed men were inside the house, Kenneth looked at his mother and all he could say was “I am sorry mother; if only I had made the right choices when I found myself at the cross roads of life”. They dragged him outside and killed him in front of his poor mother. As he struggled for life, he looked at his mother and muttered “I am very sorry, if only I had made the right choices no matter the immediate pain, if only I had believed in myself and resisted the temptation to belong.” Oh, the choices we make. “While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” – Stephen R. Covey

36 Saturday, January 25, 2014

THE GUARDIAN

YOUTHMAGAZINE

Onos on set during the shooting of Keep On Moving video

Stories by Chuks Nwanne NLIKE most entertainers, who would prefer U a loud party to announce their arrival in the showbiz industry, Onos breezed in smoothly without much glitz and razzmatazz. Armed with just her powerful vocals, she was convinced that her music would surely pave the way for her when the time comes. Beyond being a profession, music to Onos is Life. Though her sight gives you the impression that there’s nothing more beyond the looks, yet, in the dark skin is a jewel with a voice so rich and strong. And with influence from music greats such as Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Fred Hammond and Onyeka Onwenu, it was clear the French graduate had already chosen a path to follow; she’s not your regular gospel act. In February 2009, when she dropped her debut single, Dance, the picture became clearer on what to expect. Produced by Flo, the groovy track got favourable airplay on radio stations across the country. By the time the video was released in January 2010, keen observers predicted a bountiful future for the young talent. Directed by Clarence Peters, Dance was popular on TV station in Lagos and on MTV Base. Keep Moving, her 10-track debut album has great tracks such as Tomorrow featuring Lara George, Keep On Moving, Gidigba ft. Jay Lyricist, Na Your Love featuring Mike Aremu, Try Am featuring Kefee and others. With seasoned producers such as ID Cabasa involved, the album is a collector’s item. Since the release of her debut album, Onos has brought great dynamism into the music industry, especially the gospel genre. A great motivator, she sang for hope, peace and restoration to millions of lives out there. From Laff for Christ Sake concert hosted by Julius Agwu to Pink Pearl Foundation for breast cancer concert held in Asaba, City People Easter Fiesta and a couple of other concerts in Nigeria, Onos engaged well with her audience. In Istanbul, Turkey, she proved to be a showstopper, moving the crowd to the dance floor. Aside from the arrival of her baby girl, 2013 was a busy year for Onos, especially outside the country, where she treated her fans with her latest recordings. “2013 was quite a busy year for me; I shot the video for Keep On Moving, which was directed by frizzle and styled by Byge collections. Of course, the video got several nominations at the Nigeria Gospel Music Video Awards and the Best R&B video of the year; it has been on

WEEKENDBEATS

Smoothly, Steadily… Onos Keeps On Moving rotation in various stations as well. Last year was an opportunity for me to do a lot of restructuring with my management company, Ark Entertainment,” she said. Gradually, Onos seems to be reaping the fruits of her labour, with awards already trickling in. “I had several nominations for my music in 2013; f I was nomination for Best female vocalist in the Crystal Awards 2013, which I won. I also got three nominations in the African Gospel Music awards, which takes place in the UK. I also won Best Gospel Act at the City People Awards and also nominated in the Gospel Act of the Year for the Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA), the Nigerian Gospel Music Awards… the list goes on,” she enthused. While in the United States last year, “I played a concert in Houston, with other artistes such as Pastor William Murphy and Sammie Okposo. And I also had several ministrations in several Churches in Houston and New Jersey; it was a great opportunity to meet with my fans over there.” Not a novice to the music scene, Onos has been around for a while and sang with several choirs and groups before starting her solo career. Presently, she is a lead vocalist at the House on the Rock Church, Lagos. “The Gospel music scene in Nigeria is evolving; this is not how it used to be years ago. If you observe carefully, you will notice that gospel acts are striving for more excellence with their works. I know Rome was not built in a day, so, I believe things will definitely get better.” Even with their efforts and achievements so far, Onos feels Nigerian gospel artistes are yet to be given their place in the mainstream industry. “I don’t think they’ve gotten the kind of attention they deserve, especially in the mainstream; that’s when you are looking at the face of the music industry at large.” Done with the euphoria of 2013, Onos is back in the studio making fresh songs ahead of her next album. Already, High, her latest single, has dropped. “We are promoting it at the moment; it’s a dance track that will get you praising God. It

“If what I sing doesn’t impact the listeners positively then, there is no point singing it; my music has to have a message of healing to the minds of the listeners. Like a common saying, music is food to the soul. So, I want to feed the souls of men with greatness; stir people to live their dreams and give their life meaning with my lyrics.” As for doing secular music in future, “I’ve gone too far to turn back now; let’s just make Jesus famous,” she said. From the look of things, Onos seems to be enjoying motherhood. “The joy of being a mother… I can write a book on that; it’s a priceless gift you can’t explain in words. Your life has more meaning; the awards you receive can’t be compared to it. I’m really grateful to God for blessing my husband and me with our daughter, Anina on November 8, 2013; it was the best thing that happened to me last year. I pray that God will make me the best mother ever.” She continued: “She has brought favour and lots of sweetest that I can’t explain; l look at her every day, especially while she is asleep and I’m amazed at the work of God’s hands. I told you I can write a book on it, so, if you don’t stop me, that’s all we will talk about today,” she enhas a blend of English and Urhobo in it. I’m thused. also working on a video for the track as well; I Are we seeing another singer in Anina? plan to release other singles this year before “Well, that’s a question for her to answer rethe album finally drops.” ally; I will definitely encourage her in everyIn case you missed the maiden edition of her thing she is gifted to do, but I will allow her live music concert, For the Love of the Season, explore her gifts; we will listen to her to know which was staged at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Is- what she is passionate about then we will take land, Lagos, an opportunity is here for you to it from there. Because I had the opportunity to see what went down at the gig. develop my gift, that’s why I’m where I am “While we will be putting out the DVD, we today. So, I will give her the opportunity to dehave started plans for the second edition of velop hers as well whatever that gift it,” she the concert; details will come soon.” said. As for her latest collaboration with Jamaica’s Obviously, the Onos of 2009, who once walked Chevelle Franklyn on Dance remix, Onos said, innocently into the Rutam House for her first “it was an amazing experience; we are still put- interview with The Guardian, is entirely differting things together. However, the collaboraent from the diva we see today. tion with Chevelle will surely be part of my “A lot has changed; I see life differently espesophomore album; it’s something to look out cially with a child because, you are not just livfor. I have other projects we are working on, ing for yourself; you have someone depending but we will unveil them at the right time.” on you,” she concluded. At this point in her career, Onos is focusing Onos has shared the stage with big names on impacting life positively with her music. such as Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, Don Moen, Ron Kenoly and others.

THE GUARDIAN

Saturday, January 25, 2014 37

YOUTHMAGAZINE

WEEKENDBEATS

A Day Of Fun For Families, kids In Owerri

Audition Begins For Nigerian Idol Season 4 ll is now set for the naA tionwide search for the brightest music talents to

the late pop King, Michael Jackson. To spice up the evening, MC Organic, all the way from Magic FM, Aba, was called on to dish out rib-cracking from gigantic woofers. in the minds of residents of Owerri, jokes. Also, comedy duo, British PasWith Love 97.7 FM Port-Harcourt’s MC Imo State capital, who participated in tors, got slot to entertain the audience, the MTN Xmas Family Fun-Fair staged Warri Boy and anchor, there were no dull as well as popular Southeast dance moments as he spiced the event with jaw on January 1, as part of activities to breaking jokes that got many reeling with group, Pacrima Entertainment, who usher residents into the New Year. laughter. For minutes, the radio presenter wowed the gathering with their wellStaged at the Mall Aladinma, in the choreographed dance steps and acroheart of Owerri, the event brought to- held his ground on stage with jokes, but batic displays. later introduced other acts on the bill to gether some of the best comedians, With his creative delivery of clean, perform. musicians, dance groups and other clear and concise lyrics, fast-rising rap Up-coming hip-hop act, Chidi Rey, who performing artistes, who thrilled the artiste, X-Busta, got the biggest apwas the first to be introduced, wasted no audience with scintillating performtime in serving his beats. His special tribute plause of the day to the extent that his ances. fans besieged him with hugs when he song for MTN got many swinging to the Hardly had the dust settled on the sound of the beat. Next in line was another left the stage. Worthy of mention also excitement generated at various is Nigeria’s Got Talent’s competitor, churches and other places where peo- hip-hop act, Collenshy, whose energetic ple participated in their countdown to performance got the crowd cheering in ex- Sammy Sax, whose dexterity on the saxophone was applauded; he got the citement. If Collenshy’s performance was the New Year, when the Disc Jockey ecstatic crowd singing along to the began dishing out fantastic tunes that great, then, that of Vincent D African wonderful tunes blaring from his sax. Michael Jackson was wonderful, as he creimmediately began to draw ecstatic atively deployed dance steps reminiscent of Indeed, it was fun all the way. crowd to the venue. As if they had a premonition of what to expect, the audiHOUGHT the Yuletide season has T come and gone, but the sweet mem- ence had converged at the venue before ories of the celebrations will linger on mid-day, already dancing to the music

Hot Gets Hotter In Knorr Taste Quest Season 2 F you thin the season one of Icompetition, the Nigeria’s TV cooking Knorr Taste

label mate Harrysong, guests went wild in excitement as he belted his hit track, Limpopo. Quest Season 1 was hot, then By the time he performed Pull brace up for the new season of Over, his monster hit, everythe reality show, which prom- one was on his feet, while ises to be hotter. The new sea- some struggled to take a shot son, which was officially with the big boy. launched a week ago, at the Anchored by Lolo of WazoEko Hotel & Suites, kicked off bia FM, the event also witwith the usual exclusive nessed a puzzle contest that screening party. saw winners smile home with The evening, which kicked gift items, before the formal off with a networking/cocktail unveiling of the finalist for session moved into full swing this year cooking contest with dance performance on According to the organisers, stage. However, it was rave of over 10,000 entries were rethe moment, Kcee, who ceived from different parts of sparked up excitement in the the country before they were room. Performing with his finally pruned down to 40,

The Judges, Dr. Roberts, Gbubemi and Chuks

through a rigorous screening exercise in Abuja, Calabar and Lagos. Eventually, 14 finalists (comprising of 7 males and 7 females) made to the show proper. On the judging panel this season is Dr Roberts, who remains Head Judge, Gbubemi Fregene also known as Chef Fregz, and Chef Renee Chuks, the only female on the panel. The host of the show remains popular OAP, Manny of Cool Fm. Speaking at the event, the Brand Building Director, Unilever Nig. Plc, Mr. David Okeme asked viewers to expect the best this season. He stated

that the show, which is a platform for people to showcase their culinary expertise, would also bring to the homes of consumers the most exhilarating and educational cooking show in Nigeria. “It promises to be more engaging and captivating as the contestants would have to stand the heat in the kitchen where hot just got hotter.” Prizes up for grabs this season are; N2 million cash prize, a Ford Eco Sport SUV, and tons of Kenwood kitchen equipment for the first prize, N1 million cash prize and tons of Kenwood kitchen equipment for the second place and N500,000 cash prize and tons of Kenwood kitchen equipment for the third place winner. This season, all 12 contestants would go home with different Kenwood kitchen equipment and could also win cash vouchers if they win any of the special tasks in the season sponsored by Coscharis motors and Kenwood Electronics. For viewers at home, the show will be screened on NTA Network Friday 8-9pm, Silver bird Network Friday 89pm, AIT Network Saturday 7-8pm, ONTV Sunday 7-8pm, DSTV CH155 Saturday 8-9pm, TVC Sunday 8.30-9.30pm, WapTV (Startimes) Sunday 89pm, with a chance to win prizes.

grace the stage of reality music competition, Nigerian Idol. The audition for the season four of the Etisalat sponsored show, will hold in the cities of Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Benin, Calabar and for the first time Makurdi, starting from January 25 till February 23, 2014. The sessions, which will commence from the ancient city of Benin at the Excalibur Hotel on January 25, will hit Port Harcourt at the Presidential Hotel, on February 1. Monty Suites will be the location for the Calabar audition billed for February 8, while Makurdi will play host to the judges on February 15, at Smileview Hotel Extension. The final stage of the auditions will hold in Lagos at Dream Studios, Omole on the 22nd and 23rd of February. Speaking on the project, Etisalat’s Director of Brands and Communications, Enitan Denloye said the company was excited to be a part of the show for the fourth time running. He noted that the telecommunication company has identified the competition as a platform that recognises and celebrates music talent among the youth. “The Nigerian youth community is dynamic. However, music still remains a huge part of their culture. At Etisalat, the youth segment is one of our major markets, and that is why we are continuing our sponsorship of the Nigerian Idol competition to connect with them in a way they can easily relate with,” he said. On the inclusion of

Makurdi as an audition location this season, the company’s Head, Events and Sponsorships Modupe Thani informed that said it was necessary to spread the reach to other parts of the country. “There’s an abundance of talent in the country and Etisalat, through the competition, is giving them a chance to voice their dreams.” Meanwhile, Chairman of Optima Media Group and franchise owners of the show in Nigeria, Rotimi Pedro, has restated the organisation’s commitment to ensure that the standards from the past three seasons, in terms of content, production and interactivity, are surpassed with the new season. Nigerian Idol, a franchise of the internationally acclaimed Idol music series, is a nation-wide hunt for talented singers to compete and be discovered as Nigeria’s biggest music star. The show has produced Yeka Onka, Mercy Chinwo and Moses “Teddy bear” Adigwe as winners in the first, second and third Seasons respectively. Following auditions, the show will air on select terrestrial and cable television stations with the winner announced at a grand gala on the 1st of June. The winner of the show will get N7.5 million, a brand new SUV car, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry, and iPod. The first runner up gets N1.5 million, a Galaxy Tab, Blackberry and iPod while the 2nd runner up will receive N1million, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry and an iPod. In addition, each of the finalists from 4th to 10th place will receive N100, 000, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry and an iPod.

Moses, winner of Season 3

Brother’s Keeper Goes To The Cinema ll is now set for the offiA cial premiere of a new blockbuster from the stables of Oakfil Productions, Brother’s Keeper. Produced by Okey Ezugwu, the intriguing, yet suspense filled movie is billed to hit the cinems on Friday, February 7, at the Silverbird Cinemas, Victoria Island. The evening, which will start with a special cocktail and red carpet reception, enjoys sponsorship from brands such as Sensodyne, Top-Tea and Alvaro. Brother’s Keeper revolves around a couple whose marriage is threatened when the husband’s twin

brother dies. The husband whose is badly affected by the death of his brother starts acting weird. Trouble unfolds when his wife starts suspecting him of cheating with his late brother’s ex. According to the movie promoters, the flick dwells on issues ranging from deceit, betrayal, passion and crime, shedding light on the painful impact of mourning. Shot in Nigeria at various locations with top production output, the movies parades notable stars such as Omoni Oboli, Majid Michel, Barbara Soky, Beverly Naya and oth-

38 Saturday, January 25, 2014

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YOUTHMAGAZINE

FASHION

Dazzle In Trendy Cornrow Weaves Go back to the roots in the traditional hairstyles of the moment By Ibukunoluwa Kayode

EED to breathe some air into your scalp and want to have a break from those lace wigs, bonding and weave-on fixing? The cornrow is a perfect hairdo to opt for during this continuous heat season. It is the hairstyle divided into sections and braided to the scalp that allows free airflow to the scalp unlike other hairstyles. Cornrows are often formed, as the name implies, in simple, straight lines, but can as well be formed in complicated geometric or curvilinear designs. It is a traditional style of hair popular among the African women, which has been in existence as far back as 3000 B.C. This is a hairstyle most women love to appear in because of its natural portrait with its easy maintenance culture. Cornrows can be left in for weeks at a time if maintained through careful washing of the hair and regular oiling of the scalp. The cornrow can be woven naturally or with an attachment to create more feminine appealing looks. Gone are the days when cornrows were woven in just three popular traditional styles: the allback, suku and patewo. Now the trend has changed and lots of revamp is added to the style in weaving cornrows. The cornrow now combines with weaveon wings and woven in more complicated geometric and curvilinear designs. There are various cornrow styles rocking the fashion scene now in more charming headworks like Mohawk, faux pas, the Ghana weave and the old traditional styles of suku, all back and patewo, designed in complicated form to add beauty to the scalp. To add more beauty to the latest trendy Mohawk and faux pas looks, make sure your accessories make a bold statement. Especially your jewelleries, use big bold and colourful ones to command attention and make lips drop. Also go light on your makeover, be natural and simple as you can and let your hairstyle do all the talking.

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Saturday, January 25, 2014 39

YOUTHMAGAZINE

FASHION Emeka Winner of MTN Young Fashion Designer of the Year 2013, at last year’s Lagos Fashion and Design Week, 26-year-old Rodney Emeka beat off stiff competition from nine other contestants to take home the coveted N4million prize. The owner of McMeka menswear label tells Nike Sotade the secrets of his success in this interview. Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from? What’s your educational background? Y name is Rodney Emeka Igwedinma and the winner of MTN Young Designer of the Year award 2013. I am currently a student of University of Lagos, studying Accounting. I am from Anambra East Local Council in Anambra state. I come from a family of seven, of which I happen to be the last born of the house. My parents are Ebenezer and Monica Igwedinma. My dad is a retired civil servant while my mom is a tailor and we are a happy lot. Growing up, I schooled in Rivers state, Port Harcourt. I attended the township primary school, Oyibo for my primary education while I went to Government Secondary, Oyibo for my secondary education. As for my tertiary education, I started out at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso where I was studying Biochemistry, but when I developed my talent as a fashion designer, I had to leave LAUTECH for University of Lagos, where I started seeing things happen for me in my career. Although I spent many years at LAUTECH, I think it was a wise choice moving to UNILAG because it exposed me to a lot of things. I started my career in 2011 after leaving LAUTECH while studying a science based course and was forced to begin my university education afresh in Lagos having gained admission to study Accounting. Interestingly as a kid, I had enjoyed arts-based classes but due to family pressure I went through school as a science student. My decision to transit to Accountancy was based on my belief that the course would provide the best platform to fulfil my vision as a fashion designer. And it wasn’t hard to switch because I already had a combination of science and arts courses in my O’Level. How was it competing against other designers who trained abroad? I really don’t believe that someone’s background should be a limiting factor in how far one can go. It’s all about what’s inside of you – so I think that was what paved the way for me. During the auditions, I saw a lot of guys come in with swag, and I was challenged, amazed at some of the designs but I wasn’t intimidated. Yea, they came armed with fashion degrees from Paris, UK, Vienna but they didn’t move me. When I showed my brother what I was up against, we were just laughing. It was like a David and Goliath situation. Most of my friends just wished me all the best. When I made the top 10 shortlist, my close friends told me that they won’t shout or celebrate with me and that the only time they would rejoice is when I am crowned winner. This is the extent of belief and confidence that my close pals had in me. This kept me going. I had no fashion qualifications, whether local or international, but I believed in my work. How do you feel about winning? It’s everyone’s dream to be a winner. And so I was very elated when my name was announced as the winner. I have a certain fulfilment from winning the competition because I have put in a lot into this craft. Did you know that you were going to win? (Laughs) I so much prepared for it. At the last edition in 2012, I attended the closing finale where the winner was announced. I studied the process and workflow of how the models and designers presented their materials. That was on the 28th of October. From that point on, my preparations began for this year’s edition. What were the high points of your preparation? As part of my preparation regime, every month or at least once in two weeks, I tried to go through the some of the collections from the last edition of the MTN Young Designer’s competition at the LFDW. I meticulously studied the collection from Josh, last year’s winner. I also studied the show generally, trying to gauge the perception of people about their fashion choices and needs. It was a jour-

I Have Always Believed In Myself

– Rodney

Rodney Igwedinma, MTN young designer of the year 2013

ney that has taken about a year and has seen me crowned as this year’s winner. How do you plan to maximise the platform that your victory has brought? I worked very hard to get to this point in my career as a designer. However, this platform would help to popularise the McMeka brand within and outside of these shores. As a designer, you are expected to create look-books and participate in fashion shows; hence we intend to do all of these when the time is ripe whilst creating sites for people to be able to buy our collection online. Are you eyeing any international fashion shows? Right now, I am focused on taking the brand to the next level. As a brand, we prepare very well for whatever we are putting out there. So if these shows come, we will have to get ourselves ready to put our best foot forward at all times. Who are your favourite designers? As a bespoke men’s suit designer, I find inspiration from the Okunoren Twins, maybe because we are in the same line of business. But I dare say that they have got some interesting designs in their kitty. On the international front, I admire the works of Tom Ford, Oswald Boateng and DSquared2. I also look up to the works of Tiffany Amber, Mai Atafo and Lanre Dasilva. How would you define your personal style? I think I have taste, class and panache. This is in terms of tailoring clothes. What has brought me this far has been my finish line and the way my clothes fit on people. My clients like me because I know what I am doing. I am always focused and don’t rest until I get the job done. What’s your go-to style inspiration? I draw inspiration from art, the environment, nature and music. They provide the stillness with which I birth my design concepts. I listen to Enya, you don’t get to hear or

understand the lyrics but you are immersed and sucked in. I love rhythmic music and not a big fan of words in music. But then guys like Seal, Sade Adu and Barry White do it for me. On the home front, I love Asa, Praiz. I think Nigerian artists need to create a unique style for themselves. They can’t all dress the same way. The dress style in many of our music videos is boring because you see a lot of copycats and borrow-borrow. I would love to work with Lynnx and Dbanj- these guys have style. Where do you buy your fabrics and other sewing materials? I get most of my fabrics here in Lagos. It also depends on the clients I am meeting. There are some of them who want to use materials that are not readily available here. But usually, I comb through Tinubu and Idumota Markets on Lagos Island when I go out in search of fabrics. What is your dream car? Mercedes Benz G wagon. What is your favourite food? I love pounded yam and Nsala soup of 10 lives. If we walk into your wardrobe, what are we likely to find more? Something that has the highest number in my wardrobe will be… Shirts! Shirts! Shirts! Are you a jewellery person, like blings, chain or even wristwatches? No. I love the minimalistic approach to my dress sense. What fashion item do you love so much that you will love to have no matter how expensive? That will be shoes and more shoes. What are your favourite colours? I love colours like burgundy, orange and grey.

40 Saturday, January 25, 2014

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Saturday, January 25, 2014

PEOPLE

‘Nigerian Project Greater Than Any Individual’s Ambition’ Otunba Folorunsho Davies Owoyemi, a prominent leader of the Okuns, the Yoruba-speaking people of Kogi State, and former president of Okun New Initiative (ONI), who clocked 60 recently, recalled that life in the 1960s and 70s was full of pleasure and funs. He looked at Nigeria, 100 years after the amalgamation of the north and south protectorates and the place of the Okun people in the north, as well as the power configuration of Kogi and Nigeria. From Kolawole Timothy, Lokoja ORN on January 11, 1954 at Odo-Eri in Yagba B West Council of Kogi State, Folorunsho Davies Owoyemi was taken to Lagos by his parents, where he grew up and attended Methodist Primary School in Apapa, Lagos between 1962 and 1967 and Eko Boys High School, Mushin from 1968 to 1972. He also attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan, London School of Accountancy in England and University of Lagos. A fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, U.K, and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Owoyemi is a member of Ikoyi Club 1938, Island Club, The Club (Sheraton) and Lagos Lawn Tennis Club. Asked his role models, he Owoyemi said his early life was heavily influenced by the exceptional qualities and fine professional character of Chief Kola Jamodu, the former Minister of Industry, who he noted influenced his career choice from wanting to be a medical doctor to becoming an accountant after his secondary education in 1972. He felt privileged to train and work with foremost indigenous accounting firm, Messrs Akintola Williams & Co. for almost 10 years, where he cut his teeth in the profession, mould and shaped his character and diligence in all his endeavours in life. “To very many of us that are today alumnus of that great firm, the founder and indeed the doyen of the accounting profession in Nigeria, Mr. Akintola Williams, will never cease to be a role model to us, as we were privileged to be exposed to a thorough professional discipline and high level of competency. “Besides, there are other numerous individuals (old and young) that I have enjoyed relationships with and a quantum of mutual respect,” he added. Growing up in the 1960s and 70s, he recollected, was indeed full of pleasure and funs. “Although you may say there were not many good things, as are found today because of the massive development associated with this technological age, the few things that were predominantly our basic needs were available and also in high quality. “For example, health care delivery was at our doorsteps and other social amenities, such as water and environmental sanitation were of top priority to the local councils and our education in the public school system was perfect. “Those were the days when travelling via the railway was fun and security was a non-issue at that time.” In terms of employment opportunities, he recalled that jobs were waiting for even students who were yet to leave the secondary school, not to talk of university graduates, who had the luxury of having multi-national companies and government establishments queuing up in their institutions to offer them jobs before their final year examinations. In the political front, he said politicians of the First Republic had a clear idea and vision of what they wanted for Nigeria and there was positive and rivalry and competition amongst the three regions in terms of development to the ultimate benefit of the people. Owoyemi added that although the period was not totally devoid of political rancour, theirs were more of politics of ideas and ideals of democracy, with the larger interest of the country being the centrepiece of their actions and pursuits. On how far the Okun people, who have strug-

gled for relevance in the power configuration of Kogi State and indeed Nigeria since independence have fared, recounted that the Okun people have always been in politics even before the independence era and this dove-tailed to the First and second Republics, where their representation was indeed akin to what could be called to “make-up the number” particularly at the federal level. He noted that it was, however, a fair deal for Okun people in the Third Republic at the state level, where one of their own- Chief Sam Akande- became the Deputy Governor of the newly created Kogi State in 1991. He said the real political consciousness of Okun people probably did not come until the advent of the Third Republic, when there were two dominant political parties, the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC). Since then, he bemoaned, things have drastically changed, with political offices sharing becoming a major issue amongst the people of the state and politics being a game of number, thereby tilted the political equation in favour of a particular senatorial district. But he assured that all hands were on deck to craft out a mutually agreed formula to ensure equity and justice amongst Okun people in Kogi, which is sine-qua-non to the much needed harmony and peaceful coexistence amongst them. In terms of participation in governance at the federal level, Owoyemi said the period between 1999 and 2007 could be rightly described as the brightest moment for the people of Okunland. To him, that seemed to be the God’s ordained period of compensation for the hardwork, honesty, loyalty but seemingly non-commensurate treatment they had received in the power equation and deprivation of our rightly deserved position/status in the scheme of things, regarding federal appointments and political patronage. “Yes, we might be quick to accuse our people that occupied political offices at that time of not doing enough for us, we must all agree that it indeed rubbed-off on our collective psyche in some positive ways. “It was also a clear lesson that we have to be well prepared to take on opportunities as they beckon,” he stated. He recalled associating with a cross section of Okun sons and daughters at the beginning of the Fourth Republic, who were also core professionals, to bring their people to the mainstream politics of Nigeria for the purpose of relevance and share in democratic dividends. This move, he noted, was highly embraced by the people of Okunland, as he went on to became the president of Okun New Initiative (ONI), a movement that heralded a new consciousness in youths and supported by the emerging political class, which assisted in throwing up some quality individuals in the political sphere, not only in elective positions, but also in federal appointments. He also recalled the support of Prince Olusola Akanmode (a former Deputy Chief of Staff in the Presidency), current Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Yomi Awoniyi, and a host of others. “We ran what could be called an alternative government to the then All Nigeria Peoples Party-led government in the state, supporting self-help projects across villages and towns in the Okun area with our own resources. “This group was in the driving seat of the coalition of forces that eventually installed a Peoples Democratic Party-government in Kogi in 2003, with Kogi West maintaining its status as the stronghold of the party in the state,” he reminisced. Accordingly: “Since this platform has continued to be a reference point to all and sundry, for what it has helped to achieve, I would not say I have so many regrets. However, things could be better. “It is indeed our collective joy that this same platform had thrown up some of the high quality representations we have ever had from Okunland in the National Assembly, who have distinguished themselves. “I would like to say that God has indeed used these people a great deal to better the lots of people in Okunland.” On Nigeria’s struggle for nationhood 100 years after the amalgamation and whether there is really any reason to celebrate the centenary, Owoyemi said the struggle has been a consistent and continuous one. “While we are aware, as Nigerians, that we need a level of struggle to improve the lots of our peo-

Owoyemi ple and put the country amongst the comity of nations, we have recorded uneven momentum, ranging from rapid development, slow development, state of stagnation and indeed retrogression in some areas. “We can observe a haphazard development, particularly in the various sectors of the economy. “Perhaps, the heterogeneous mix of what constitutes the Nigeria nation, the tribes, religious beliefs and other primordial ties, have played a significant role in slowing down our development as a people. “It is true that we are gradually moving out of this, but we must recognise these impediments, which manifest mainly in our inability to look at issues without those considerations.” He stated that to compliment the efforts of the present administration in bringing about the much-needed development and poverty alleviation in the midst of plenty, the issue of employment and creating people-oriented projects that could almost immediately mop-up the latent and idle labour, which is abundantly available and leverage on the multiplier effects of such action should be focused on. He called for a firm commitment to the modernisation of the rail system across the country to conveying goods and persons throughout the country at a cheaper cost, leading to the potentials for job creation in all sectors, particularly the agricultural sector, which is endless in the circumstance. Owoyemi also suggested a lower interest rate regime, if the country is to encourage the needed growth in the real sector, particularly given the fact that a huge proportion of the public funds are outside the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) coffer. Speaking on how to stem the high level of insecurity in the country, Owoyemi, pointed at poverty, injustice and inequality as being responsible. According to him: “A situation whereby the gap between the opulently rich and haplessly poor people continues to widen is definitely not in the best interest of even the ruling elites. “The unemployment problem has continued to escalate and the citizen have become so angered, disenchanted, disillusioned and therefore desperate. “This situation has to be urgently addressed to bring a semblance of sanity back into our socie-

ty and thereby reduce the socio-political and economic tension in the land today.” In the same vein, he said it might worth the consideration of the federal government to intensify the current efforts at honing Nigeria’s relationship with neighbouring countries through bilateral arrangements other than those provided by the ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) platforms, particularly in the areas of social and economic cooperation, so as to reduce the level of animosity, envy and outright subterfuge currently going on. This is more so giving that most of the insurgents are hired aliens, who operate with outright brute, sense of vengeance and desperation. But he quickly added even in the face of all the above, “Nigeria has the capacity to triumph, come out stronger and better at the end of this unarguably dark tunnel.” For his thoughts for Kogi and Nigeria towards the 2015 general election, he stated: “It is every Nigerian’s prayer to see that the gulf between the poor and the rich is considerably bridged in the coming years. “This is certainly one of the major reasons for the present situation of no-love-lost between the opulently rich and the extremely poor people in society, the result of which is the permanent state of tension and acrimonious environment we have found ourselves. “For political elites to see things more in the national interest, as opposed to the individualistic nature of our political class, leading to a regime of profound hatred, mudslinging and sometimes, the extremist tendencies being witnessed without consideration for the grave consequences of such actions on our national unity.” He added: “The current situation of things in the polity is scary. There is, therefore, the need for great caution, as we move on to 2015. “We should always have it at the back of our minds that the Nigerian Project is indeed greater than any individual’s ambition, be it in politics or other spheres of life. “But equally important is the imperative to see to the economic growth of our neighbouring countries to ensure that the level of the hostility, envy, animosity and hatred is reduced. “Peace within us and around our neighbours would certainly help a great deal to arrest the very vicious attack we are witnessing in the country today.”

42 Saturday, January 25, 2014

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Arts&Culture Etiti, Bridging The Generation Gap

A scene in the play By Omiko Awa

ENERATION gap exits in different facets of G the society. The effect causes confusion and enculturation of popular culture, which in most case work against those embracing the new culture. These gaps often make the older generation, especially the conservative ones, resentful and would want to put the blames on modernity. While those of them that are inclined to the Christian or Moslem faith would be quick to describe the effects so created, as the perilous time. The young people, too, are not exempted, as the situation make frustrated and some time aggressive at

Cash Wale Steps Out With Ghen Gen Ti REMIERED only moments ago across P leading radio stations across Nigeria such as Ryhthm FM, Top Radio, Star FM, Rainbow FM and City FM among many, Fast-rising Nigerian Afro Hip-Hop artiste Cash Wale, aka Otunba Wale, is proud to debut with his brand new single Ghen Gen Ti. Produced by Cheeky Chizzy and mixed/ mastered by Indomix, who has worked with the likes of 2Face Idibia, D’Banj, W4, Sound Sultan and others, the track is a prelude to his debut album. Backed by fast-paced drum patterns, heavy keyboards and a pulsating baseline in an almost traditional alternative musical backdrop, Ghen Gen Ti sees Cash Wale creating a fitting pop/rap tune, switching his flow and wordplay and moving fluidly between his Yoruba dialect and Pidgin English. Following a very strong introduction into the Nigerian music landscape in 2013, which saw the artiste working with D’Tunes and supporting Davido on his recent UK tour, Cash Wale is poised for an even more exciting 2014 and Ghen Gen Ti seems like a stepping stone to a brighter future.

the actions and attitude of the older generation for not understanding the way they think, feel or and do things. They, in attempt to put a tagged at the situation, describe the generation before them as old school or old fashion. This theme takes the front burner in Etiti, All Eye On You, a play written by Jimi Solake, a foremost Nigerian dramatist, poet and art teacher. First presented at the rebirth of OAU-IFE festival, the play is a socio-political satire that is embellished with popular Yoruba proverbs, songs and dance. Depicting how the conflict between generations, priest/elders, representing the conservative element of the society, and the youths, representing the young revolutionary upcoming group holds the society to a stand still, the play shows that some of the friction happening in the society, either coming in form of myths, ethos, beliefs or practices are all

man by made to satisfy their greed. Unveiling the story through the story man, who later became Etiti, the local deity, the play shows how the elders widens the generation gap by keeping secrets those things the youth ought to know to improve themselves and the society. In a festival to propitiate Etiti, the youths marched to the shrine in their numbers to demand from the chief priest reasons they should still believe in Etiti, a deity that has improvised the people, especially the youths, as many of them are unemployed and have blink future. They demand to be given the privilege to meet the deity and get answers to their questions. The actions of the youths vexed the elders, who see their demands as a challenge to their authority, culture of the land and the status of

Shortlist of three for Etisalat Prize for Literature ELECOMMUNICATIONS company, Etisalat, T has announced the 2013 shortlist for the Etisalat Prize for Literature. They are Bom Boy by Yewande Omotoso (Modjaji Publishers) Finding Soutbek by Karen Jennings (Holland Park Press) We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo (Little, Brown and Company/Chatto & Windus U.K.). In its inaugural year, the Etisalat Prize for Literature is the first Pan-African literary prize created to recognize and reward debut fiction writers in Africa. The winner will be presented with a cheque of £15,000, an engraved Montblanc Meisterstück and will attend The Etisalat Fellowship at the prestigious University of East Anglia, mentored by Professor Giles Foden, author of Last King of Scotland. The shortlist was decided after a retreat in Morocco where the judges met to discuss at length the nine longlisted books. Pumla Gqola, Chair of the judges said, “We discussed each of the books on the long list in quite some detail, although considerably more time was dedicat-

ed to those books that were ranked differently by the judges. We are quite pleased to have reached yet another important milestone in the young life of the prize’. Sarah Manyika Ladipo said, “The diversity of these debut novels, both on the level of content and narrative style, makes this a very exciting shortlist. Whether it is Bulawayo’s coming of age story set in the context of contemporary global migration, or Omotoso’s cross-cultural tale with its slowly unfolding secrets and interconnected narratives of love and loneliness, or Jennings’ multi-layered exploration of history and allegory, each story is uniquely compelling. These are African stories with universal resonance. All three novels traverse time and space and at their core, each addresses the basic human condition”. Billy Kahora added, “The shortlist reflects what I had hoped for as a judge when I became involved with the Etisalat Prize for Literature – the recognition of the best, diverse and emerging voice(s) of contemporary African fiction today”.

Etiti. The youths were accused of desecrating the festival and the shrine. To appease the deity, whose wraths are immense, the youths were collectively asked to bring a health goat, three white cockerels, thirty five pieces of big snails, a bushel of palm oil, three bales of while poplin, two bottles of schnapps, kolanut, orogbo, atare and others. The young people were astonished with this demand, as most of them are unemployed and have no resources to get the sacrificial items. It is in the midst of the ensuring contention that Etiti appears in the shrine. The youths bracing up courage lay their demands before Etiti. They soon find out that the deity whom the followers have presented as unreachable and egregious to offenders is not only a benevolent god, but relevant to modern age and craves for changes in the way his faithful worship him. Admonishing the youths for using aggression to effect changes and imbibing in foreign cultures, Etiti berates the elders for rigidly adhering to pristine customs, which has made the youths to go after the worship of other gods at the expense of him. He, there, calls the elders assumed to be the custodians of culture to embrace reforms in the system and adopt programmes that are geared towards the empowerment of the youths and other faithful in the community. Besides the generation gap highlighted, other subthemes include corruption in governance and hypocrisy. The priests/elders seeing themselves as tin gods, demand all sorts of things from their followers on behalf of the Etiti, only to convert such items to their personal use. This goes to tell how those in power use the privilege of their position to enrich themselves at the expense of the people that voted them to power. Using the Yoruba community to address the issues of partisan, inequality and uneven development, Etiti stresses the need for our leaders to embrace change and always yearn to improve the lots of the people, especially the youths who are the leaders of tomorrow.

Saturday, January 25, 2014 ARTS&CULTURE

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

The Nigerian Prize For Literature Can Award Four Prizes The Same Year, Says Raji-Oyelade S the literary community awaits the final ceremony that A would make one its own, Tade Ipadeola, a millionaire by virtue of winning The Nigerian Prize for Literature 2013 worth US$100,000 in the poetry category, a notable literary figure, Prof. Remi Raji-Oyelade, has a word for the prize organisers and sponsors, Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) company. The professor of English, poet and President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), who was also in contention for the prize last year, has said the prize sponsors could do more to diversity the prize to the four genres a year instead of just one, as is currently the case. For Raji-Oyelade, the foremost gas company, with multi-billion dollar holdings, has the resources and wherewithal to award prizes for the four categories - poetry, fiction, drama and children’s literature – in one year rather than the cyclic thing of one category per year. He notes, “So, if we have multiple prizes, so much the better. I mean, with the kind of structures that NLG has now, it can replicate the prize in all the categories – prize for poetry, prize for prose, prize for drama, prize for children’s literature. I think that is what LNG can learn from ANA; that LNG can award the four prizes the same year and not wait for the cyclic thing it does now. And, it’s very easy for them to do. I’m sure those in the administration of LNG needs to look at the prize again. I don’t think money is the problem for LNG”. Although Raji-Oyelade acknowledges that ANA doesn’t have a tenth of the resources of LNG, it still awards multiple prizes each year to various genres of writing, as a way of carrying the entire literary community along. The fact that ANA members helped the gas company to fashion out the prize system at inception also convinces Raji-Oyelade it ought to take a cue from ANA’s award system that rewards all genres of writing the same year. According to him, “Among those who actually structured the prize for LNG were ANA members over 12 years ago. The difference is the prize money that goes with it. ANA does not award such a lump sum to just an individual. In fact, ANA does not have that kind of money to give out. I think that one of the ways there will be improvement is to begin to diversify so we can have multiple prizes within the same year so we don’t have to wait for four years in a circle because you can have the best work five years ago and that writer who refused to enter his work would have lost”. Although he didn’t eventually win the prize, he says making the best eleven poets in the country with his work, Sea of My Mind, was a boost and a vindication that he is still working hard as a poet. His work in 2009 was disqualified on a year that became notorious for a no-winner contest verdict. RajiOyelade notes, “This work is a vindication of the fact that one is hard at work; it’s just to prove that writing is an active thing. You don’t just talk it you do it. And that’s what I have achieved and I feel happy and vindicated about it all”. He also acknowledges that there is some kind of commendable radical change in the prize system in its 10 years of existence of adding value to Nigerian literature, and points out, “I think that the prize on its own has turned attention to the importance of writing, and has giving it some form of direction on how quality writing should be; writing should not just be a localized matter. Our publications should be able to stand not just against the test of time but should stand shoulder to shoulder with what is on offer around the world. There’s a certain form of improvement even in the quality of the published text, and I think LNG among other institutions should be com-

Raji mended for remaining steadfast in spite of certain controversies around it, in spite of arguments for and against The Nigeria Literature Prize. I think when you persevere as an individual or organization you can only get better. I think that’s what the prize has done for Nigerian literature”. Being among those who argued for the inclusion of foreignbased Nigerian writers in the prize system, Raji-Oyelade says he’s happy the prize is better strengthened today with such inclusion than before when it was merely localised. As he said, “I do not want us to look at it as onshore versus offshore dichotomy between home-based and Diaspora writers. I believe that those who are reading the poems go beyond the covers; the quality speaks for itself. I was one of those who clamoured for the inclusion of American and Europe-based Nigerian writers for the prize. I remember telling a friend back then that I didn’t want to be a big fish in small ocean; I want to contest against the best not just only on the local scene. It should really be a prize for all those who are writing good literature. The issue of the quality, the finishing is

Baba Femi Out With The Silicon Ballad By Ijeoma Opara AST rising artiste, Babafemi has released The Silicon Ballad, an eight-track album across major stores in the world. Babafemi has been in the music industry since 2009. Before then he belonged to a Christian group called AFC - All for Christ, a group that was together for a year before they went their separate ways. His tracks seeth with pleasure and take you on an emotional rollercoaster with his sonorous voice in singles like Far gone and Faaji. One thing Babafemi has achieved in this album is to show that he cannot be boxed in one genre as he raps and sings as well. His rap skills could be compared to the legendary Tupac from who he draws inspiration. But Babafemi settles on a more subtle style of rap to accommodate other styles of music where he has developed interest. Unlike most of his peers, he decided to stick to his first name, Babafemi, as stage name as well with Silicon as his alias. Babafemi is now working with Lacave Musik Paris, France that has helped to spread his music to an international audience. It has metamorphosed Babafemi into a superstar. He said he draws inspirations from everything around him. With a penchant for beauty and sensuality, he tries to generate unique new sounds. True to his beliefs, Babafemi pushes to evolve as a mature artiste with a

Commission Lists Over 100 Sites For Centenary Celebration By Chuks Collins HE National Commission T for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) has

By Anote Ajeluorou

talent to fuse different genres together in his music. He has the likes of Usher Raymond, Nas, Trey Songs, Movado, James Brown, fabolos, Damien Marley, 2Pac, Nickleback as his international influences and 2face Idibia, King Sunny Ade, Cool and the gang, Orlando Owoh as influences on the local scene. With The Silicon Ballad, Babafemi has set his sights on bigger things, which he hopes to achieve at his own pace.

listed no fewer than one hundred and three (103) monuments and sites, including the mausoleum of the first Governor General and leader of the nation, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe which has remained under construction since his passage many years ago, as national monuments and centres of tourist attraction. This, according to the Director General of the Commission, Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman was in part commemoration of the activities for the forthcoming nation’s centenary celebrations. Other locations and sites of national importance already proposed for the Commission’s formal recognition in parts of the country includes the tomb and final resting place of the late first Premier of the Northern Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in Bauchi state; the British Colonial Cemetery, at Akassa, Bayelsa state; the Mungo Park House-Asaba, and the Lander Brothers Anchorage both in Delta state. Also Bishop Ajayi Crowther’s home in Oyo state; The National Arts Theatre, Iganmu-Lagos; the Ifa Temple and the Oranmiyan Staff, both in Osun state; Mapo Hall, Ibadan; the Zuma Rock in Niger state and the Aso Rock in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja amongst many other important locations round the country. The Director General who was represented by the Director, Monuments, Heritage and Sites, Mr. Adebayo Oluremi Funsho during the five day sensitization workshop on the proposed national sites in the South-East geo-cultural zone, especially those selected in Anambra state, at Suncity Hotels Awka, said that the nation at present has sixty-five declared national monuments from twenty two states which

were not an adequate representation of the rich cultural heritage the country possesses.. Funsho said that efforts have been made to make the proposed list as inclusive of the most unique and outstanding cultural properties from all states of the federation. He pointed out that in the new list south-east zone have fifteen proposed sites out of which Anambra state account for six, Abia three, Imo one, Ebonyi two and Enugu three. Mr. Funsho said that the purpose of the workshop was to make stakeholders take active part in the cultural dialogue and make known to the commission their observations before the final declaration by the president Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. He pointed out that the avenue was to inform the various stakeholders and host communities of the good intentions and also to train them on their roles, responsibilities as well as their benefits in order to develop participatory involvement in the management of the national monuments and sites. “It is important to properly educate all stakeholders on their role in the care, protection and conservation of monuments and sites. “We want to emphasize that NCMM as the custodian of our national heritage can only be assisted to accomplish this onerous task and achieve its mandate when all other stake holders are actively involved.” the director decried the apathy of ownership of monuments and sites and would like to see a new partnership between the communities, local governments, the state governments and the commission to avoid unnecessary legal tussle that has characterised some sites which he noted may be an embarrassment to tourists. He expressed the optimism that the discuss would lead to a boost in the cultural industry of the nation and in the process employment would be generated for the teeming youths in such environments and beyond.

...Award Date Still A Guesswork INCE announcing the winner of the prestiSOctober gious The Nigerian Prize for Literature on 9, 2013, stakeholders have been waiting for the day the prize would be award to the winner, lawyer and poet, Mr. Tade Ipadeola. So, how soon will Ipadeola smile to the bank, with US$100,000 prize money? So far, prize organisers and sponsors, Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) company, has kept mum over the award status. Even the winner, Ipadeola, hasn’t heard a word and suffers from the seeming dramatic suspense like everybody else. However, feelers from the company on recent enquiry have shown some activity. The board, it was learnt, has recently met to fine-tune grey areas preparatory to fixing a date for the award ceremony. If this is true, then there’s a likelihood that something might happen next week or the week after. But until a clear statement comes from the foremost gas company announcing the date, it’s still guesswork when Ipadeola would receive his prize. But where would the prize be held? Ibadan would be the likely response from stakeholders in the literary circle. Why Ibadan, some might ask. Ever since scaling down its elaborate dinner award ceremony usually held in Abuja, the prize has been awarded twice. The first was at Nigerian

Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, in 2011. That year, Mai Nasara (Adeleke Adeyemi) won the Children’s Literature prize with The Missing Clock. The year before 2010, when the late Esiaba Irobi won with Cemetery Road, no formal ceremony was held. But in 2012 when Chika Unigwe won with On Black Sisters Street, the ceremony was taken to the university town, Nsukka, where Unigwe studied English. Her former teachers, students and the entire university community turned out to celebrate the Belgium-based laureate. Now, Ipadeola lives in Ibadan but studied in Ife. So, perhaps Ife will be it. But Ibadan has a strong pull, with some of the governing board members from that ancient city with its heavy literary antecedents. But whatever the venue chosen for the award ceremony, what is constant is the true value of the prize, which has continued to soar in the consciousness of Nigeria writers home and away. No doubt, writers may even be impatient with the delay in awarding the 2013 prize, as they eagerly await the next contest, which is for drama. In fact, some writers would wish that all the genres/categories were up for contention each year instead of the cyclic formula. That way four writers would smile to their banks with megabucks, as Ipadeola certainly would in a matter of days or weeks!

TheGuardian

44| Saturday, January 25, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

NaturalHealth Natural Health With G. C. Ihesie

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

Health Benefits Of Humor And Laughter Godwin Ihesie

O find supreme happiness and be in good health here on earth is the Creator’s Will for us all. He is the owner of everything in creation and there is absolutely nothing that a creature can give in return, except to be eternally grateful and to give Him thanks and praises always and be happy in whatever situation he finds himself - be it joy or sorrow. Expressing genuine happiness and joy, which come through the recognition and obeying the Will of the Most High is the greatest thanks we can give Him. Today, science has shown that the most powerful key to the prevention of the degenerative physical and mental disease lies basically in our ability “to keep the hearth of our thoughts pure,” which consequently brings us inner peace, joy, cheerfulness and happiness, “for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” He who does not think of how to harm or hurt or cheat or take undue advantage or bring down his neighbours will always be filled with love, and such a person will also radiate deep inner peace and will always be cheerful and happy at all times. The degree of health we enjoy in body and soul is in mathematical terms, directly proportional to the degree of our noble deeds, purity of our thoughts and the love we have for our neighbours. Diseases and Hell came into existence through the evil thoughts and works of men, and only men themselves can sustain these through their further evil works and activities. Those in these Neither Regions, i.e. the agents of Darkness, gain immensely from us, because they feed on our impure thoughts and our negative emotions. Therefore, through their representatives here on earth, they continually create strife, injustice, distrust, fear, anger, rage, jealousy, hate, disappointments, evil activities, etc. All these make highly susceptible individuals to constantly fill their minds with all manners of negative thoughts and destructive emotions. In this way, the mighty power

of the Creator flowing through us becomes dense and sinks downwards, instead of having an up-lifting effect. A hearty laughter or cheerful smile, we have been told, is “the strongest antidote to Darkness.” However, “it must not be a laugh of malicious pleasure!” It is important to note here that the most dangerous set of people are those who can smile to our face, but hidden deep inside them is the worst intention to cause us harm and severe grief. Most often, such people are victims of unhappiness, hate and fear. Studies have shown that people who allowed negative emotions and thoughts to control them usually become highly susceptible to diseases, such as hypertension, heart attacks, stroke, poor memory, depression, chronic fatigue and generalised body weakness, peptic ulcers, etc. In some of our previous articles, we had noted that every single thought or emotion held in the mind creates a chemical reaction in the brain. The longer the emotions are held within, the stronger the release of corresponding chemicals into the blood stream. If the thoughts and emotions are noble and uplifting, the chemicals thus produced work to enhance our general wellbeing and good health. However, if they are ignoble and evil, the chemical produced create disharmony and dis-ease within us. For example, the chemicals created from fear are perhaps the most caustic chemicals that can corrode the cells, weaken the mind, breakdown the physical and psychic immunities and even paralyse the spirit. Our emphasis in this write-up is that hearty laughter, which is the strongest antidote to Darkness and the best medicine for our body and soul, not that laugh of malicious pleasure that harms the

body. A hearty laughter and cheerful smiles stimulate the hypothalamus (brain) to release endorphins and serotonin into the bloodstream. These are chemical or hormones that relieve pains and make us feel good. A hearty laughter or deep heartfelt smiles is known to reduce the hormone-like cortisol that becomes higher in the blood when we are under stressful situation. Laughter is, therefore, a known stress buster. Laughter is known to help the body discharge some of the retained or hidden negative emotions that often result in chronic stress, which is the main cause of the modern day degenerative diseases. Laughter and heartfelt smiles help one to discharge retained inner tension and relax muscles tension, etc. Laughing helps in promoting blood circula-

tion, healthy blood vessels and healing damages caused by tension and chronic stress. In this way, laugh and humor therapies help reduce the risk of hypertension, heart attack, angina, strokes, etc. Laughter protects the heart. Laughter stimulates the body to release hormones and immune-boosting substances, such as interferon, which increase our innate resistance to all kinds of infection. Laughter lowers blood sugar levels in diabetic patient. A hearty laughter torches us deeply and can change our negative outlook in life to a positive one. Laughter or smiles that come from within is akin to an inner joy and happiness. A hearty laughter or cheerful smile that touches the soul is the strongest antidote to mental illness, such as alcohol abuse, depression, obsessive-compulsion disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, etc. Humor and laughter therapy has been found to help patients forget their physical, mental and psychic pains. “… A merry heart doesth good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). We, in this health column, heartily congratulate and thank many of our Nigeria comedians and “humor merchants,” who are not only positively revolutionising our entertainment industries, but most importantly are putting back smiles and laughter on the faces of many Nigerians. We wish them all the strength they need to carry on their good humorous work. We hope that in time to come, humor and laughter therapy will be extended to our main hospitals, orphanages, prisons, refugee camps, etc. Already, in most advanced countries of the world, many hospital and social and welfare institutions now incorporate humor and laughter therapies into their therapeutic regimen, using exchange of jokes, funny films, comedy, clown therapy (especially in children words).

PetLife With Dr.Tunji Nasir

HAVE dealt so much on the issue of responsible pet ownership, but really, the issue still scorches my mind, as I see on a daily basis irresponsible attitudes being displayed by some pet owners. The ingredients of responsible petownership, if you will recall, is the ability to provide good housing, feeding, medicals and love for the animal you call your pet. Above all, you must be able to understand the fragile relationship that should exist between you and the critter to define limits and interactions with other members of the public. Your fancy should not shatter people’s peace and the ownership of your pet should not constitute danger to other people. But how well have you fared? What bothers me these days is the rate at which I see a lot of animals on our roads-chickens, goats, sheep, dogs and cats, name themmost often in their dead states, and I begin to wonder how they got to the freeways to get killed by our ever “careless drivers.” Such dead animals are left to decompose on or by the road, commanding no attention at all from our council officials until they are

Stray Pets As Weapons Of Destruction thoroughly grounded and blended with the tar of the earth of the road. This kind of nuisance cannot be the definition of responsibility either to yourself as a pet owner or to the society you belong. It is only a contributing success to environmental

pollution and disintegration of our earth’s resources. Come to think of it; a lot of dangers actually lurk in allowing pets’ unfettered access to the roads, apart from being endangered themselves.

There is the risk of very fearful children and adults alike that will run upon seeing these animals and could really be injured or get killed in the process- or haven’t you heard of drivers trying to avoid these animals and ending up killing and maiming people and even themselves? There are also the public health crises that could be engendered. Say, for instance, a rabid dog on the loose biting people and other animals. The consequence can only be imagined, as the devastation could be in proportions more than what the often touted, but cannot be found weapons of mass destruction in Iraq can wreak in any locality. And because these animals defecate and urinate about, a lot of other very devastating diseases can also be transmitted to people, especially children, by way of contamination of the soil and other platforms. Worm infestation, abortion, imbecility, etc are all fatal consequences

that could result from our utter indiscretion in the way we keep our animals. Now, do we open our eyes and allow these dire things happen when we should be in absolute control of these situations? That is why I strongly plead for an advocacy that will ginger and compel our local council officials to be thoroughly abreast of their responsibilities to members of the public by arresting animals and owners who constitute themselves into potential dangers to others, just like in the days of the ever-famous maja, maja. At least, there are enough laws to back this proposed affirmative action to safeguard our lives and those of the animals. It is often taken as a joke if any news broke that animals or their owners were arrested for wantonly roaming the streets. What is not appreciated by our society is that you are what you make of your animals. It is often a reflection of your person- your degree of care, your humanity and the garb of your creation. And because we do this to defenseless animals, it is no wonder that we do it to human beings like us.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

SHORT STORY

The Great War Of Love! (1) By Segun Durowaiye (08055356855)

OME here Ireti,” Mrs. Mamora called her pretty daughter. “How much did Mallam Bature give you this time around?” “N5, 000,” she replied. “He said I should come back for the remaining N5, 000 around 6p.m.” “Ha! Haa!! Haaa!!! My belly is filled with laughter! I’ll swindle this foolish Mallam of all his money! He wants to marry my lovely and beautiful daughter. I’ll use all the tricks in the book to milk him dry! Ha! Haa!! Haaa!!!,” Mrs. Mamora giggled to Ireti’s surprise and consternation. For the past two years, it has been her habit to flatter and trick the Mallam to part with various sums of money as the occasion demanded. Mallam Bature was a successful trader who had a mini-mart very close to Mrs. Mamora’s house. Mrs. Mamora had the cunning and fraudulent habit of calling Ireti Mallam Bature’s ‘wife’. Everyday when Ireti came back from school, she would send her to the Mallam and cajole him to part with some money. At times, she would follow her daughter to the Mallam’s shop. She was a round-faced and robust woman in her late 40s. “Your wife is about sitting for her examination at school,” she would say. “Won’t you give her some money to take care of her educational and personal needs?” “I’ll do anything for my wife,” Mallam Bature would reply with smiles. “Take this N6,000. I hope this would make you happy.” “Thank you very much Mallam Bature,” Mrs. Mamora would reply. “Won’t you say thank you to your husband, Ireti?” “Oh, thank you so much Mallam Bature!” Ireti would say, wondering why her mum was using her as bait to swindle the diligent and hardworking trader. Ireti was 17years old and Mrs Mamora’s the only daughter. She was an innocent girl. Her dad, Mr. Mamora was a retired civil servant. Mrs. Mamora was a caterer by profession. Ireti was now in her final class in the secondary school. She was charming and very witty. Her mum kept using her to get extra money from Mallam Bature contrary to her natural disposition and character. Being a young girl still under the supervision and tutelage of her parents, she would obey her mum and do her wishes but deep in her heart, she hated the ungodly moves of her mum because she knew her mum was reaping where she didn’t sow. Mrs. Mamora was a society woman. She was indeed a Lagos socialite. All the money she could scrounge or filch out of the hardworking trader was used on frivolities and life’s vanities. She could buy expensive clothes worth several thousands of naira. There was hardly any weekend she wouldn’t attend a party. Her love for parties was really passionate and crazy. In her wardrobe were different brands of sophisticated clothing materials; ranging from lace, the guinea brocade, damask, satin, just name it. She also had expensive jewellery like gold, silver and so on. She could buy a shoe worth N100,000 for a particular occasion. Her insatiable thirst for the good things of life made her trade her lovely daughter for money from the soft-spoken Mallam Bature. The Mallam was in his mid-30s. Whenever Mrs. Mamora celebrated her birthdays, she would flatter the tall and lanky Mallam to part with reasonable amount of money. She even made it a habit to grab some monies from Mallam Bature while feigning sickness. “Go to your husband, tell him that his in-law is sick and at the hospital. Tell him to send me some money,” she would order Ireti. “But mum, you’re hale and hearty. Why do you have to bother Mallam Bature for nothing?” Ireti asked. “Don’t ask your mum stupid questions, Ireti. Go and meet him and make sure he gives you worthwhile amount before leaving his shop.” As soon as Ireti appeared at Mallam Bture’s shop, he would ask her:“What’s the matter Ireti? Is your mum okay?” “Yes, Mallam Bature…but she wants some money from you…” Ireti would reply feeling uneasy to frame such a big lie. “No problem Ireti… I’ll do anything for her so far you’ll be my wife,” he would reply and dip his hands in his wardrobe and count huge sums of money for the young girl without qualms. Ireti was often stunned and overwhelmed at the sheer generosity of the smooth-talking Mallam. “Thanks,” Ireti would say softly and head home to give her mum the money. When finally Ireti’s school certificate examination was around the corner, Mrs. Mamora approached Mallam Bature one Saturday afternoon. “Mallam Bature, my very good in-law, I want to let you know that your wife will be sitting for her final School Certificate Examinations. She’ll need close to N30, 000 as exam fees. I won’t mind if you contribute your own quota so that she can finish her school quickly and pack into your house.” “My in-law, tell Ireti to come on Monday morning to collect N20,000. Nothing is too big to do for one’s wife. I love your daughter so much, and I’ll do anything to put smile on her face!” he said with a toothy smile. The following Monday Mallam Bature gave Ireti the said amount without batting an eyelid. Ireti was so happy that the gentle Mallam could part with such amount for her forthcoming examinations. She thanked him profusely. Ireti sat for the School Certificate Examinations and amazingly when the results were released, she made all her papers excellently. She had the ambition of studying medicine and becoming a medical doctor.

“C

Mrs. Mamora’s unending wiles always defeat and conquer the wits of the generous Mallam who actually felt that truly, she would give him the hand of her beautiful daughter in marriage. The kind-hearted Mallam had fallen hook, line and sinker for the lies, flatteries and ruse of a clever woman. She always called him mugu and would giggle with laughter whenever she left his presence. Mugu in Yoruba parlance means a ‘fool’. About three months later, Ireti’s grandma died at the ripe age of 92. Mrs. Mamora went to Mallam Bature and told him about the development. “My mother is dead now Mallam Bature and we have to spend huge money for the burial and every other thing. Since I’m your in-law, it’s either you buy me a cow or you give me worthwhile amount for the burial ceremony.” “I’ m sorry about that,” Mallam Bature said politely, “May God grant her eternal rest. I’ll give you cash to buy a big cow, though I have cows in the north but that would be stressful bringing it down here. Come tomorrow afternoon and I’ll give you some money for the cow.” “Thank you very much my in-law,” enthused Mrs. Mamora, “Wo, my daughter will marry you immediately after this burial ceremony.” The following day, Mrs. Mamora visited the amiable Mallam and he gave her N200,000 cash as his own contribution. Mrs. Mamora was so happy that Mallam Bature fell for her antics once again. The Mallam even attended the burial ceremony with his friends. Two weeks after the burial ceremony, Mallam Bature called Mrs. Mamora and told her that he had invested so much in the life of his would-be wife. He said as a matter of fact, he’d be happy to take his wife home so that she could live with him, and even further her studies in his home. He explained that he had been very patient so far because of the love he had for his would-be wife “Ha! Haa!! Haaa!!! Ho! Ho! Ho!” Mrs. Mamora burst into raucous laughter. “So since all these years, you believe I’ll give you my daughter to marry? You must be sick or something! You’re the biggest fool I’ve ever seen! If you don’t leave my house I’ll shout you’re a thief! Who’ll marry an animal?!” “Me, a thief?!” Mallam Bature exclaimed, “Chei, I’ll show you I’m not a fool! You call me an animal! Oh God!” The ebullient and gentle Mallam was trembling and fidgety. He was sweating and rumbling like thunder. He turned and left the house in annoyance. Before dusk crawled in, Mallam Bature was back with about four hefty looking Hausa men. They kidnapped and eloped with Ireti right under the nose of her mum. The scene looked like a movie. The whole neighborhood was thrown into confusion as the tough-looking men forcefully went away with Ireti. Mrs Mamora was stunned and perplexed. When she re-

covered her senses, she sought the help of OPC men to deal ruthlessly and mercilessly with Mallam Bature and bring back her lovely daughter. “Beat them silly,” she screamed, “and bring my daughter back to me!” The OPC men were wielding sharp machetes, cutlasses and dane guns. They were about 20 in number. “Death to the Hausa men who kidnapped Ireti, our lovely daughter!” they chanted. “Death to Mallam Bature and his gang of kidnappers! We’ll spill blood to get back Ireti, our lovely daughter!” they continued screaming at the top of their voices. Their guns boomed and boomed. They came in two Volkswagen ‘Danfo’ buses. They drove on the street in a daredevil manner. People took to their heels and ran helter-skelter for the safety of their lives. It was like a war zone. People rushed into their houses and shut their doors. The booming of guns accompanied by war-like chants continued unabated as the OPC men approached Mallam Bature’s house at Oyite Street, Sango, on the outskirts of Lagos. Mallam Bature’s shop was first raided by the fearless OPC men. They set it ablaze. The raging fire consumed Mallam Bature’s shop and burnt it to ashes within some few minutes. Mallam Bature had no inkling of any trouble that evening. He was enjoying and salivating on the success of abducting Ireti from her mum. He had no intention of molesting or embarrassing the beautiful girl, but the insulting response he got from Mrs. Mamora was what ignited his anger and moved him into action. Ireti was sitting on a single couch in Mallam Bature’s parlour and she looked unruffled and calm. The benevolent Mallam was very happy that Ireti looked composed and relaxed as if she were at her parents’ house. Then she said for the first time: “Mallam Bature, you’ve stepped on hot charcoal by kidnapping me… my mum is not so soft and cool as you think. She’s hot-tempered. I pray she doesn’t deal with you in a manner you’d regret.” “Your mum won’t make me angry. She’s wrong to have treated me that way and even insulted me. That’s rude. If I’m not in love with you, I won’t be spending such huge amount of money on you. I’m ready to die for you Ireti. I mean it.” Mallam Bauture said thoughtfully. “I’m scared, Mallam Bature,” Ireti said, “because my mum could treat this matter in a very brash way, thinking you’d assault or injure me…” “I don’t think so. Let me offer you a bottle of soft drink, Ireti,” Mallam Bature replied confidently. He got up from the three-seater couch and was about heading for his fridge when he heard a thunderous bang on his door.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

YOURMONEY

Some residents of Oko-Oba area of Lagos State protesting poor power supply in the area…recently.

Complaints of erratic supply, over billing mount as new investors in the power sector battles to assert their competence and win the confidence of Nigerians. By Onyedika Agbedo ARELY three months after the Federal GovB ernment handed over 11 power distribution and five generation companies, created out of PHCN, to their private owners, the power supply situation in the country has worsened and there appears to be no remedy in sight. Vice President, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, who is Chairman of National Council on Privatisation (NCP), had during the handover ceremony, which took place simultaneously at the headquarters of the successor companies (SCs) across the country, assured Nigerians that the privatisation of the country’s power sector would lead to greater efficiency and improved power supply nationwide. Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anasthasia Nwaobia, who represented him in Ibadan at the handing over of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IEDC) to the new owners, the Integrated Energy Distribution Company and Marketing, the Vice President said: “It needs to be re-stated that the electricity power reform programme became imperative in order to improve efficiency, reduce losses and cost. No doubt, this reform will lead to increased access to electricity, engender private sector investment, improve infrastructure, and create employment for the growing population,” he said. In deed, there were high hopes across the country following the successful completion of the power sector privatisation process. Mr. Tunde Oladeji, a teacher had told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he hoped that “electricity supply will improve’’. Oladeji said he initially doubted the successful conclusion of the privatisation of the energy sector based on past experience. “But the realisation that privatising PHCN may result in customers paying for the exact power consumed is inspiring,” he said. Mr. Bisi Johnny of Idi-Seke, Osogbo, also told NAN that he was looking forward to a new power sector that would be truly responsible to the people. Johnny said that it was important for the new owners of the companies to fashion out ways of improving on power generation. Also, Mrs. Folabomi Ibiwoye, a housewife, had advised the new investors to endeavour to win

PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRAN

Power Supply: Still No Respite Even After Privatisation the confidence of the people through stable power supply and accurate billing. “A situation whereby we pay for what we did not consume is very bad,” Ibiwoye said. Exactly 86 days after Nigerians expressed their expectations and fears as the private sector took the driving seat in the country’s power sector, findings show that the performances of the new owners are far below the yearnings of the citizens. The Guardian investigations in some parts of Lagos State showed that residents now enjoy less hours of electricity supply since November 1, 2013, the date the private investors took over. The development has left Lagosians, nay Nigerians with no choice than to feel that the power sector privatisation exercise is a ‘ from frying pan to fire experience’ even if it is in the temporary. Mr. Matthew Ugwu, who runs a restaurant in Bale Street in Ilasamaja area of the state, told The Guardian that power supply in the area has been so poor that businesses that depend on electricity to function are really facing a hard time. “Now, we don’t know when to expect power supply and when not to. Since the new investors took over, power supply in this area has really been epileptic. The highest we have enjoyed electricity in this area for over six weeks now is between five minutes and 20 minutes maximum; and you don’t even know when to expect it. What can someone achieve with that kind of supply?” he asked. Explaining how the development affects his business, he added: “It seriously affects my business because I spend a huge sum every month on fuel and servicing of my generator. However, the most annoying thing is that these people still come with their bill every month; it is a clear case of extortion because I’m paying for what I did not consume.” Residents of Ago Palace, a community in Okota area of Lagos also expressed dismay at the power supply situation in the area.

“It used to be bad in the past but the situation now is killing,” said Mr. John Okechukwu a resident of Lateef Aregbe Street, Ago, Okota. Okechukwu said: “Before the so called privatisation and subsequent take over of the power sector by some private companies, PHCN used to ration supply for us in this area. Before November 1, 2013, our schedule for power supply was two-day on/one-day off and they were 80 per cent efficient. Any day they failed to keep to the schedule, we just knew that something had happened. These days, the situation is such that we hardly have supply.” He added: “Since Sunday January 5, this year, we have not had power supply for up to 20 hours on the whole; they have their data and can either validate or fault my claim. But I’m sure of what I’m saying. It was total blackout until last Saturday (January 18) when they restored supply and left it for few hours. After that, all we see is between five minutes to 15 minutes of supply. The situation has left most families in this area running on generator with attendant economic and health impacts. It is really an unbearable situation because they still come with their bill. “What is happening now is enough reason for government to insist on the issuance of prepaid metres. Like the defunct PHCN, these people are already taking advantage of Nigerians by making us to pay for what we did not consume. It is only a country like Nigeria that can condone that.” Both Ilasamaja and Ago Palace are being fed by Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, which was bought by NEDC/KEPCO Consortium. A civil servant, who lives in the Ketu area of the state, also stated power supply in the area has been erratic. Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company also feeds the area. The civil servant, who was particular about crazy billing, but does not want his name in print, narrated his experiences thus: “For the months of October and November alone, the

company estimated my bills to be N24, 000. Immediately, I wrote the Business Manager the following letter which was acknowledged by his office: ‘I write to draw your attention to a deliberate and mischievous overbilling of my flat at the above address to the tune of N24, 192.89 for the months of October and November. Although I have a metre, I wonder why your office decides to estimate my bill at alarming rate. Henceforth, I want the estimated bill stopped and the errors in the billings in the two previous months (October and November) corrected as soon as possible. It is noteworthy that after paying N2, 000 from the remaining debt of N29, 000 your predecessor, PHCN, forced on me, I am supposed to be left with a debt of N27, 000 in October. But your firm decided to increase that debt by over N7, 000 when it gave me N34, 420.27 as net arrears for October and estimated my bill for the same month as N9, 802,12, thereby escalating my bill for the month of October alone with about N16, 000. Is that fair? “The month of November is not any better as your firm also gave me N8, 981.00 as estimated bill, even though majority of the time, my family and I do not stay at home to use electricity supply, even when there is erratic supply. I am yet to figure out why my colleagues who live in similar flats in my neighbourhood would be charged about N2, 000 per month while I am being charged almost N10, 000 per month.’” He stated that his total outstanding bill as at December stood at over N67, 000. Although many have argued that the new owners would need ample time to be able to satisfy consumers, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, traced the shortage of electricity supply to some parts of the country to gas supply challenges, an excuse that the defunct PHCN always gave when it fails to perform. He assured that the challenges were “being squarely addressed by the Federal Government,” explaining further that the deterioration in the quantity of supply in Lagos was a direct consequence of the compounded gas shortage resulting from the recent extensive vandalism of the Escravos Lagos (Western axis) gas pipeline. Corroborating his view, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in a statement on Wednesday, January 22, titled ‘Status of Gas Supply to the Power Sector’ noted that the gas sector had been faced with a major challenge in pipeline vandalism, which has significantly eroded available gas supply to the power plants. NNPC said: “The consequence of this is the current situation of sub-optimal supply of electricity to Nigerians. As at the last weekend, over 30 per cent (480MMsf/d) of the installed gas supply capacity was out due to vandalism. This is equivalent to the gas requirement to generate about 1, 600MW of electricity. “The pipelines involved are the EscravosWarri segment of the ALPS A pipeline (190mmcf/d) and the Trans-Forcados crude pipeline (230mmcf/d). The remaining supply shortfall is due to faulty glycol pump at Utorogu gas plant (60mmcf/d). “The outage of the ELPS A pipeline has been on for over six months due to a willful act of vandalism at various locations between Escravos and Egwa location. Specifically, on June 25, 2013, an explosion rocked the pipeline.” NNPC stressed that the cumulative effect of the interruptions is a real drop in gas supply to plants assuring that “the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NNPC will continue to make effort to assure gas supply in a difficult environment. It is expected that a major improvement in power supply should be achieved within two to four weeks as the various repairs are completed.” The import is that Nigerians should not expect improved supply until about one month from now. And that is only possible if the corporation is able to complete the repairs as scheduled as it could take more time. And should there be further vandalism of gas pipelines to the power plants, further blackout awaits Nigerians, so be prepared. Even NNPC warned in the statement that “as you are aware, there is heightened effort by the Federal Government to address the challenge of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft. We believe these efforts are yielding results gradually, nonetheless, for as long as some crude theft persists, the gas supply situation remains vulnerable.” The question then is: When would crude theft stop in Nigeria to guarantee gas pipeline safety and usher in the era of stable power supply in the country?

YOURMONEY Saturday, January 25, 2014 47

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com With DESMOND EKEH desmondekeh@yahoo.com; 08023215535, 08111813032

BRANDINTELLIGENCE

Smart Phones: Tracking The Battle For Market Share Among Competitors By Abiodun Obisesan HE worlds of brands and marketing have T shifted on their axis in recent times and the speed of change is quite noticeable among several business climates. In the same breath, the relevance of digital technology and its impact on day-to-day business operations has accentuated the need for the acquisition of smart phones even in developing countries. Hence, the increasing trend in globalisation, consumption of technology as well as individualism will keep growing, as manufacturers of smart phones will continue to roll out mindblowing brands to outsmart competitors. In recent years, more manufacturers of smart phones are increasingly making strategic inroads into Nigeria, and indeed Africa. The reason for this is not far-fetched: Africa is seen as the new market, flowing with endless business opportunities. With the aid of water tight research on the smart phone market, it is clear that battery longevity, android make up, sharp picture quality, business friendly soft wares, memory bank and other cutting edge innovations underscore consumer preference of smart phone devices. However, the intense rivalry among players within the smart phone league and series of earth-shaking innovations has further plunged the woes of some smart phone companies. While some are struggling, playing catch up and gradually going into extinction, others are leading the pack. In the global market, Apple and Samsung continue to battle for supremacy; Nokia and Blackberry are still trying to cover lost grounds while Panasonic and NEC have pulled out of the global smart phone show down. Meanwhile, Techno has taken the sail off supposed smart phone leaders as it continues to show great promise in the Nigerian market. No doubt, consumer technology, more than any other factor, determines how market forces play out in the long run. For instance, Techno smart phones have witnessed a steady and astronomical rise in the Nigerian market. The relative success of an array of Techno smart phones is posing stiff, or call it cut throat competition among smart phones like Samsung and Apple range of products.

Speaking in a recent interview, Vice President, Techno Group, Awrif Chowdhury, who claims that Techno currently enjoys 25-30 per cent of the Nigerian market share, said that quality and affordability drives the Techno brand. “At present, Techno takes over 25-30 per cent of the Nigerian market share and it is still growing tremendously. In the mobile phone market, everything is rapidly changing because it is a very competitive technology. It is not like the automobile, TV or aviation industry. The pace of development is seemingly slow in those climes. However, in the phone market, everyone is trying to be unique and innovative because the market is not fully matured yet. The switch from 2G to 3G has also caused a swift surge to android phones. Different consumers want a 3G phone in order to enjoy the data size while others that can afford a higher phone go for bigger LCD brands. Every product is unique in that it reaches out to some segments of the consumer,” he said. However, with the exit of NEC and Panasonic, the only Japanese company standing is Sony, following the improving sales of its Xperia smart phones. Industry analysts have observed that Sony’s wide range of innovative smart phone products could be responsible for its continued relevance. This year, Sony unveiled a new cloud-based gaming service, which will bring classic PlayStation titles to a range of gadgets, from tablet computers to televisions. PlayStation Now is launching with a limited beta in the U.S. this month. Sony Computer Entertainment Chief, Andrew House, revealed the new initiative on stage at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. “Playing your favourite PS3 game on your television will become a reality,” he told audience members. The service is set to feature classic games from the three previous Sony consoles, all of which will be stored on cloud-based servers and streamed live to devices via the internet. PlayStation Four, the hand-held PS Vita console, and other computers, tablets and smart phones will be able to access the service as well as Sony’s latest Bravia TV sets. It seems customers will either be able to pay for individual titles or take out a monthly subscription for unlimited access to the whole catalogue. No

pricing details have yet been announced. Smart phone companies like Nokia, Samsung and Apple are not resting on their oars. For instance, Nokia, which has for years been strong in emerging markets with basic devices, is introducing new lower-priced phones with email and basic web browsing to target consumers in Africa and Asia-Pacific countries in particular. Commenting on the competition going on in the smart phone business, CEO and Lead Strategist, AsolutePR, Akonte Ekine, said the smart phone turf is indeed capricious as well as competitive. “It has really been a battle of strategic wit among manufacturers of smart phones. It is difficult to pin point that one smart phone brand is the runaway market leader. One can never underrate and undermine any smart phone brand, as it is in the case of Techno. Even supposed giants and mighty can lose out if they refuse to adapt to the changing whims of the end beneficiaries of their brands. The reasons

More Winners Emerge In Glo “text4millions” Promo

some former smart phone leaders are falling by the way side could be anchored on their inability to keep up with the dynamics of the consumers and innovations. I believe that brand innovation and functionality will drive the smart phone market this year. Consumers will also hang on smart phone brands that are trendy but easy to use,” he said. While Apple and Samsung continue to battle it out on the global stage over issue of patent right litigation, smart phone users are having a tough time choosing from a wide range of hightech and sophisticated phone brands. The focus on low-price smart phones could step up the challenge to market leaders, Apple and Samsung, which are best-known for their top-end iPhone and Galaxy S3 models. Lenovo, known for its PC business, has quietly become the fifth biggest smart phone maker in the world by almost exclusively focusing on a single market. The opportunities in emerging markets like Nigeria and other parts of Africa appear huge.

Auditions For Nigerian Idol Hold In Five Cities

PASTOR with the Redeemed Christian Church one network and I know I will win again,” he celebrating them. PTIMA Media Group has confirmed that A of God, Luka Yakubu and 15 other lucky sub- said. “Season Four of the Glo “text4millions” promo is Othe fourth season of Nigerian Idol will kick scribers who won prizes in the on going Season Speaking about the promo during the prize already delivering on its promise and will con- off this January with auditions in five cities

Four of the Glo “text4millions” promo have been presented with their cheques at a prize presentation ceremony held in Abuja recently. Yakubu thanked Globacom for making it possible for his family to be so mightily blessed early in the New Year. “I am very grateful to Glo for blessing me and my family in such a surprising way. Five million Naira can transform a hundred families. So, I will make sure I create a special place for Glo when I set up my business which will be the first food warehouse in West Africa”, he said. He urged other subscribers on the Glo network to continue to believe in Glo because of its superior services and for its integrity. “I bought a Glo SIM card because I heard it is a good network. I even asked for a special number. I want every Nigerian to believe in Glo because its promos are real. I believe in Glo’s integrity. Glo is extraordinarily unlimited,” he stated. Ikwen Emmanuel, a porter at the Protea Hotel in Asokoro, who won N50, 000 in the promo, was also ecstatic about being one of the lucky winners. “Glo might think that this is little money, but believe me, it is going to make a difference. I only played for one day before I was called to collect this money and I hope to win again,” he stated. For Anyanwu Simon, a fabrics dealer who had won N1milion in a previous Glo promo, winning the sum of N50, 000 again is a clear indication that Glo keeps its promises and rewards its subscribers. “Glo promises and never fails. This is the second time I’m winning as I collected N1million on August 10, 2013 in Lagos. Glo is the number

presentation, Globacom’s Divisional Director, tinue to give out huge rewards to loyal subLorenzo Gomez, said that Glo has a history of scribers who choose to participate in the prorewarding its subscribers with cash prizes and mo,” he said.

Babalola Samson (left), Luka Yakubu, Isaac Sunday and Oladosu Abdulrahman, after receiving their prizes in the ongoing Glo “text4millions” promo during the prize presentation ceremony held in Abuja recently.

across the country including Benin, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Makurdi and Lagos. The premium global singing competition, which seeks to discover talented singers and turn them into superstars, debuted in Nigeria in 2010. Since then it has become one of Nigeria’s favorite TV show. Nigerian Idol season IV will be produced by Optima Media Group while global brands, Etisalat and Pepsi return as major sponsors this season. Organisers say a new co-host will team up with urbane on-air personality, Ill Rhymz to deliver a captivating season. “The last three seasons have seen Nigerian Idol grow to become the most viewed music reality show especially among the youth,” the CEO of Optima Media Group, Rotimi Pedro said. He added: “The fourth season will be an even more exciting television experience as we have raised the standards in terms of content, production and overall interactivity with this edition.” Official sponsor, Etisalat and other sponsors have ensured that everyone is a winner on Nigerian Idols season four as all finalists will receive quality prizes. The winner of the show gets N7.5 million cash prize, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry, an iPod and a brand new SUV car. The first runner- up will get N1.5 million prize, a Galaxy Tab, Blackberry and iPod; and the second runner-up will receive N1million, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry and an iPod. In addition, each of the finalists from fourth to 10th place will also receive N100, 000, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry and an iPod.

48 YOURMONEY Saturday, January 25, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

BRANDNEWS

BRANDINTELLIGENCE Emirates Celebrates 10 Years Of Operations In Nigeria

SUV Winner Emerges In Ecobank “Giant Prize Giveaway” Promo

MIRATES, a global connecE tor of people and places, celebrates 10 years of success-

S part of efforts by A Ecobank to reward customer loyalty, Ohwofasa Peter has emerged the winner of a brand new Honda SUV, in the grand finale of the bank’s Giant Prize Giveaway Promo. The other winners are Adam Lucky, Kingsley Chukwuma, Oyebode Simiat, Akumagba Peter, Anibueze Bertha, Ekwueme Ifeanyichukwu, and Jaja Faith; they won Air conditioner, Blackberry phone, Deep freezer, Gen set, Home Theatre, LED TV and Washing Machine. Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Anthony Okpanachi, represented by Tunde Kuponiyi, Head, Cards and E-banking, said Ecobank Nigeria is part of the ETI Group. “Part of our vision and mission is to integrate the financial place in Africa. We are in this business because of the customers,” he said. He said Ecobank is committed to the African dream. “We integrate, support the economic growth of Africa; we started in West Africa, then spread to the east and now we are in 33 countries and still counting,” he said.

D’Naturals, E-flex Secure Space In Nigeria’s Got Talent Finale ITH four seats left in W the finale of Africa’s number one talent show, Nigeria’s Got Talent contestants are in a neck-toneck battle which pulls them closer to the sum of N10 million. For Oyindamola Kolawole, also known as EFlex, his chances of becoming N10 million richer just got closer, as he was able to beat six other contestants in the race to secure a spot in the finale. E-flex, who was chosen by the judges against a strong competitor, Diadems of Liberty Dance Crew, had his level of creativity and uniqueness working for him as the judges used that as a strong factor for their decision. “You make your act which is obviously very difficult as simple as ever. Your level of creativity is alarming and I think Nigeria needs more of such unique acts,” said an impressed Yibo Koko. Also securing a space in the last eviction show was D’ Naturals acapella group, who had the highest votes for the week.

Nigeria Project Manager-Affordable Housing, Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc, Boyer Aurelien (left); MD/CEO, LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, Godwin Ehigiamusoe; and PR Consultant, Mindshare, Joy Lasisi, during the press conference on sustainable finance and affordable in Lagos recent-

LAPO Partners Lafarge, AFD On Affordable Housing In Nigeria APO, a leading National L Microfinance Bank, is partnering with Lafarge and Agence Françoise de Development (AFD) to provide affordable housing to low-income earners starting from the western geopolitical zone. The official agreement, which was to the tune of N1 billion was signed by the three organisations last Tuesday at the Sagamu, Ogun State plant of Lafarge. In an interview, the Managing Director of LAPO, Mr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, stated that LAPO’s involvement is in furtherance of its commitment to

social and economic empowerment of persons at the bottom end of the society. According to Ehigiamusoe, “shelter is an aspiration of every human being rich or poor; thus there is need for a liberalisation of access to housing as house ownership is a symbol of maturity and fulfillment for everybody irrespective of gender or ones station in life.” The scheme tagged “lle Irorun” was initiated by Lafarge in response to the challenges of urbanisation in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, with housing gap estimated at 16 million units.

Nigeria’s Power Sector Is New Investment Hub, Says Report HE global publishing T research and consultancy firm, Oxford Business Group (OBG) in its recently published report has identified the newly unbundled power sector as the investment hub in Nigeria for the New Year. The report says that Nigeria’s power sector looks set to play a major role in addressing the country’s long-standing electricity shortage. The report said that amongst other sectors in the economy, the power sector looks set to command major investment compared to oil and gas, banking, manufacturing, among others. The Report tagged ‘Nigeria 2013’ contains a contribution from

President Goodluck Jonathan, together with a detailed, sectorby-sector guide for investors. It also includes a wide range of interviews with leading political, economic and business representatives, including the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Canadian Minister of International Trade Ed Fast and the former president of Brazil and Honorary President of the Lula Institute, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. OBG’s new report identifies the spotlight on Nigeria’s banking industry, providing wide-ranging coverage of the Central Bank’s efforts to improve the sector’s operating environment.

Maltina Clinches Most Trusted Brand Award brands that bond most with

ARELY three months after B winning two awards at the Advertisers Association of

Nigeria (ADVAN) Awards for Marketing Excellence held at the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, Lagos, Maltina, a premium malt brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, has won yet another award. The brand was picked as the “Most Trusted Brand” for 2013 by Brandhealth, a research agency dedicated to brands and their bonding with consumers. The research, which cut across many sectors, was carried out to determine the

consumers in terms of usage, awareness, loyalty, relevance, esteem and availability for consumption. Instituted in 2010, the “Most Trusted Brand” award is an innovative mechanism of opening up channels of dialogue between consumers and the brands in the Nigerian marketplace. It is arrived at solely through research and surveys. Unveiling the results of the survey, the CEO of Brandhealth, Mr. Emmanuel Udowima, said the essence of the awards is “to track the strength of brands relationships with their consumers.

In a related development, LAPO and Lafarge were recently recognised for their efforts in the provision of affordable micro housing scheme at the official launch of Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), which took place

recently at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. An invitation was also extended to a client of LAPO, Mr. Babatunde Adeogun, who featured in the Microfinance Housing documentary shown at the event.

UAC Foods Unveil Mini Gala Sausage Roll Gbagada Senior Secondary S part of its strategic School, Lagos, during the A thrust for brand building rounding off ceremony of the and extension, UAC Foods Limited, a joint venture business between UAC of Nigeria Plc, a leading indigenous conglomerate, and Tiger Brands Limited, a South Africa Leading Food Giant, has introduced Mini Gala Sausage Roll. The Mini Gala is a new additional packaging targeted at children as an extension to the Gala brand which is the first and the leading brand in the sausage roll category in Nigeria. The new Gala Mini Sausage Roll was unveiled to a cross section of students at

Free Weekend Classes organised as part of the Goodness League Initiative of UAC Nigeria Plc for Students in Lagos State in line with the “Doing Good” platform of the group. Speaking at the unveiling, the Managing Director, UAC Foods Limited, Dr. Tawanda Mushuku, explained that the introduction of the new Mini Gala Sausage Roll was in response to the yearnings of the teeming Gala consumers obtained through constant consumer research and feedback mechanism.

Meridian Brandy Gets Two New Packs Leads Nigeria Limited, IandKImakers of Meridian Brandy Meridian Ponche, has added two new Meridian brandy sizes into the Meridian family. The new additions are 100ml and 200ml. This is coming soon after the company commissioned its ultra modern factory in Agbara, Ogun State and promised to revolutionise the industry. In a statement released in Lagos and made available to newsmen by the company’s media consultant, Mr. Ambrose Njoku, the company said it considers affordability as vital in its marketing strategy. “It is important that we constantly take into consideration the purchasing power of our consumers and ensure that our products are readily affordable by them without tampering with our quality. We have come to the realisation that most people who would like to have our

Meridian Brandy cannot afford the 750ml bottle. Therefore, it makes sense that we introduce the same quality of Meridian Brandy in the 200ml and 100ml bottles.” The statement added that the introduction of Meridian brandy in 200ml and 100ml bottles is part of the promised innovations that will come with the commissioning of the company’s new factory, which is fitted with modern equipment of international standards. “We promised that with the commissioning of our ultra modern factory, we are going to introduce innovative products that will change the complex of the brandy market. The latest introduction is just the beginning of those innovative products and as time goes on, we shall continue to evolve better ways of making our products affordable and closer to consumers,” he said. Iki Leads is one of the leading distillery companies in the country.

ful operations in Nigeria this month, during which time it has carried more than 2.6 million customers on the route, becoming one of the airlines of choice for many in the country. Emirates started operations to Nigeria on January 2, 2004, with four flights per week from Dubai to Lagos linked with Accra in Ghana, using an A330-200 aircraft. Lagos became Emirates’ 73rd destination in its network and its 10th in Africa. Today, Emirates flies to over 140 destinations across six continents, 25 of which are in Africa. In 2005, just over a year after Emirates launched in Nigeria, it increased services from four to six flights a week, and following steady growth and demand, it became a daily operation in October 2005. On January 1, 2006, Lagos was delinked from Accra and became a direct service to Dubai. On February 1, 2009, a second daily service was introduced, and today each flight is served with a Boeing 777-300 ER. The Boeing 777300ER is the backbone of the Emirates’ fleet, efficient to operate and popular amongst customers.

American University Team Joins IABC Nigeria HE ommunications team of T the American University of Nigeria has joined the International Association of Business Communicators Nigeria Chapter under the corporate membership status, becoming one of a growing number of companies with corporate membership of the international association. The five-person AUN Communications Team that joined IABC in late December 2013 comprises Mr. Dan Okereke, Executive Director, Communications and his colleagues: Yusuf Mohammed, Innocent Nwobodo, Adeiza Atureta, and O. Omorogiuwa. Corporate membership of the IABC is open to a group of five or more colleagues working in the same organisation. The AUN team signed as bronze corporate members, entitling them to reduced membership dues as well as discounts on major events such as the IABC World Conference coming up in June in Toronto, Canada as well as other leadership and professional development courses. IABC President, Chido Nwakanma expressed great satisfaction that the Yola-based team of communication professionals is joining the global body. In a message to the AUN team, Nwakanma stated: “You are joining IABC at a time of great positive ferment as we seek to increase the velocity of programmes and activities for the benefit of members as well as to impact the leadership scene in our shores. We are certain to take cognisance of the membership in AUN as we plan programmes for 2014.”

TheGuardian

Saturday, January 25, 2014 49

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Cover By Joseph Okoghenun hrEE months running, there may not be an T end in sight for nationwide strike embarked on by polytechnic lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) as the meeting between the members and the Federal Government early this week ended in a deadlock. The strike is a result of failed efforts by polytechnic lecturers to compel Federal Government to pay attention, and resuscitate dying polytechnic education in the country. While the then Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was still lingering, ASUP resumed its suspended strike on October 4 last year to press home its demands at the end of its 75th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State. In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Chirman Clement Selchum after the meeting, the polytechnic lecturers accused the Federal Government of insincerity. Part of the statement said “the frustrating inertia of the Federal Government to convincingly fulfill any of the promises and agreements reached with the union before the suspension of the strike on July 17, 2013 on CONTISS 15 Migration for lower cadres, Needs Assessment of Polytechnics, release of Whitepaper of visitation to Federal polytechnics, discrimination between polytechnics and university graduates in job placement and career progression and the constitution of Governing Councils to Federal polytechnics earlier omitted” necessitated the strike. ASUP had gone on strike on April 17, 2013, more than two months before ASUU began its strike in June only to suspend the strike on July 17, after meeting with members of the National Assembly, and seeming conviction that government was making efforts to fulfill demands made by them. But few months after, ASUP returned to the trench, it has been having one meeting or the other with the Federal Ministry of Education. At the end of Tuesday meeting which ended in a deadlock, a mild drama erupted when the President of the National Association of Polytechnics Students (NAPS), Comrade Sunday Ogbonnaya, accused the lecturers of only pressing for their selfish demands, leaving behind hND-BSc dichotomy issue that is dear to polytechnic students. Ogbonnaya, however, also accused the government of insensitivity to the plight of students. Ogbonnaya warned that if the dispute between the Federal Government and the Polytechnic lecturers is not resolved within two weeks, the students would take to street. The threat appear empty, as the same NAPS led by Ogbonnaya had threatened protest in Abuja by mid-January to force government and ASUP to end the strike. ASUP President, Dr. Chibuzo Asomugha, who was embarrassed by the students’ poor outing questioned the sincerity of the Federal Government. Asomugha said the polytechnics lecturers had included the issue of discrimination against polytechnic graduates in their 13-point demand, but had to omit it, when the government team chose to tackle four: Non-release of white paper on visitation to federal polytechnics, the refusal of government to fund the implementation of Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS 15),

Jonathan

Wike

From ASUU To ASUP, The Strike Virus Continues would return to classes when they become strike-weary. Asomuhga said that while government intervened in other sectors that went on strike or threatened to go on strike, it had ignored the nation’s call for an end to the ongoing strike”. But the strike has since turn to a blame game by the stakeholders. Students are divided over who is guilty of the strike. While some are quick to blame Federal Government for her nonchalant attitude towards polytechnic education, others blame the lecturers for being selfish with the strike. Some others blame NAPS for being docile and not engaging the government enough

through protests to see immediate end to the strike. Some also blame the media for being quiet over the strike unlike the noise that was made while ASUU strike lasted. But journalists believed that the strike has lasted this long because ASUP has remained elusive as if it were running away from the media. Polytechnic alumni are not also not happy over the strike. The Forum of Nigeria Polytechnic Alumni Association (FONPAA) had frowned at the nonchalant attitude of the Federal Government toward polytechnic education and its inability to resolve the ongoing months industrial action embarked upon ASUP.

In spite of Tuesday meeting, observers said government has unwritten rule to frustrate the striking lecturers, as could be seen in government’s nonchalant attitude to the strike and which was reflected in its silence on it, in the hope, perhaps, that the polytechnic lecturers would return to classes when they become strike-weary. Asomuhga said that while government intervened in other sectors that went on strike or threatened to go on strike, it had ignored the nation’s call for an end to the ongoing strike

FONPAA accused the government of acting as if polytechnic education was not part of its agenda, adding that the government was only interested in resolving the ASUU’s strike only to turn a deaf ear to the yearning of the ASUP. In a statement signed by the Union Chairman, Emmanuel Ojo and Secretary Olayode Omorayewa, the body said the government’s failure to seek an end to the strike has shown the level at which the discrimination between university education and polytechnic has gotten to.

migration for the lower cadres and arrears from 2009 and needs assessment. The Supervising Minister for Education, Nyeson Wike, said the government had released N20.4 billion, to settle the CONTISS arrears to the polytechnic lecturers. According to him, the CONTISS salary structure being agitated for by the union has been approved and also included in the 2014 budget. In spite of Tuesday meeting, observers said government has unwritten rule to frustrate the striking lecturers, as could be seen in government’s nonchalant attitude to the strike and which was reflected in its silence on it, in the hope, perhaps, that the polytechnic lecturers

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Poly Students Lament Incessant Strikes From Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) ISS Ada Ikeogu secured admission into the Federal M Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state last year to study Public administration. Between last year and now, she has only managed to attend few classes after her registration. If things are the way they are suppose to be, she should be rounding off her first year in a few months time. “I have not written any exam since I secured admission. We have been on strike. They called us back the other time, only for us to write few Tests and class work, thinking that it would pave way for us to write examination but to no avail. I do not understand it any longer”, Ikeogu said. The case of Ikeogu is not different from that of many other

students in the Polytechnics across the country. Doors of the institutions have remained under lock and key against them. Ifeoma Anyalebechi in September last year secured admission at the Federal College of Education, Eha- Amafu, Enugu state. After her registration, she relocated from her base in Enugu urban to the school hostel at Eha-amafu. From then till now, she has been a regular visitor to her base in Enugu due to the strike action by her lecturers. On Wednesday, Ifeoma returned with some of her luggage saying that she only stayed back to do some class work. “We have not been having lectures and I am done with the class work, I have to leave the school. Nothing is happening. We are on our own nobody comes to class. “Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has been on

strike for sometime now over what they termed government’s nonchalance to the myriad of problems facing the sector.” At emergency meeting held by ASUP member in Enugu recently, the members in communiqué issued said: “It is the position of our union that the ongoing strike will be sustained until government address all the contending issues and also take appropriate steps towards repositioning polytechnic education in Nigeria” They said the demands are clearly in the direction of strengthening legal and institutional frameworks for the actualisation of the mandates of Nigerian Polytechnics, strengthening the capacity of teaching staff to actualise their deliverables as well as decimating the age long discrimination against the sector and its products.

50 Saturday, January 25, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

COVER Nigeria polytechnic education has been under siege as polytechnic lecturers under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) have been on strike for about six months to demand better polytechnic education among other sundry matters. While the blame game rage on, the ASUP President, Dr. Chibuzor Asomugha, has said polytechnics around the country would remain shut until the Federal Government meets the demands of the striking lecturers. By Joseph Okoghenun Why is ASUP on strike? SUP is on strike principally in protest over the failure of government to honour an agreement entered into by both parties in 2009. A few other exigent matters had cropped up in the intervening period and have formed part of the thirteen demands, which in 2012, we brought before government in our declaration of a trade dispute. On the whole, the objectives of our engagement are to strengthen the legal and institutional framework of Nigeria’s polytechnics, restore the dignity of our products, and deepen the capacity of academic staff. What has been the response of government towards the strike? In our estimation, and considering how the totally avoidable imbroglio has been allowed to deteriorate, government has failed to show requisite sensitivity, good faith and commitment to resolving the issues in dispute. Why is it that some polytechnics are in section while the strike is ongoing? The union has since come to terms with the fact that owing to constraints that are peculiar and circumstantial, a few of our chapters have not been able to participate fully in the strike. These constraints are as a result of extant lawsuits in some instances, and intra-chapter crisis in some others. Be that as it may, the majority of our members have resolutely complied and are still complying with the directive of NEC on the strike. It must also be noted that the circumvention of the collective struggle by any chapter is to the peril of that chapter since the union constitution provides very explicit penalty for such violation. Students under NAPS seems not to have supported the strike ,as they accused your union on Tuesday of fighting for your selfish reasons. Will you say the students have been bought over by government? We have evidence that the opinion canvassed by the President of NAPS at the meeting convened by the honourable minister of education is not representative of the position of the student body. Between the young man and the ministry, which invited him, they should be able to let Nigerians know what they are up to. Our concern is that such theatrics only go to echo our conviction that government is merely playing politics with polytechnic education. It is really a shame. What are the challenges towards prosecuting the strike? The major challenge in the course of the engagement is still the core challenge of the profiling of polytechnic education as second fiddle higher education. This, perhaps, has accounted for

Chibuzor

‘Government Is Playing Politics With Polytechnic Education’ the perennial neglect by government and the dearth of concern by Nigerians. Corollary to this is the challenge of public education and enlightenment with regard to polytechnic education. We will not also discountenance the need for massive grassroots mobilisation and motivation among our membership. On the whole, the challenges range from the environmental, to the institutional, the societal, the organisational, and perhaps the individual. Why is ASUP not as active in the media during the strike as ASUU was? Responsibility for the scant media presence of ASUP strike has been a subject for blame games. While the media have charged ASUP of media reticence, ASUP on her part has accused the media of bias toward the universities. However, I must commend the media for taking on the cause of ASUP and giving it such prominence that it has also come to command visibility in national discourse. Again, the measure of attention paid the ASUP struggle is a reflection of the interest, which the critical media publics, have in polytechnic education. How soon would the strike be called off? How soon the strike will be called off depends entirely on how

soon the government wakes up to its responsibility of fulfilling its social contract with the Nigerian public in regard of polytechnic education. When we suspended this strike on July 17, 2013, it was predicated on the assurance by government that within two weeks it would fully and unfailingly resolve four, out of the 13 demands, which it estimated could be done without difficulty. It has been six months counting since then, and government is still pussyfooting on the understanding. How do you think the strike would affect the nation’s tertiary education system? There is no gainsaying the fact that this strike, like all other strikes, has done extensive damage, not only to the subsector, but also to education as a whole in Nigeria. As operators of the system our pain is more acute in that we are compelled to superintend the deterioration. We will keep appealing that government should respond to the pain of our students, their parents and the stakeholders by meeting its obligations to the union, obligations which it willingly opted to fulfill in the short term.

The Strike Virus Ravages Polytechnics Apart From Strike, Federal Poly Ekowe Is Faced have serious adverse effect on the nation’s technology in the future. In the recent time, in order to put an end to the perennial problems of The Statement reads: “it is disheartening and ASUU in the country, government carried out a worrisome to note that Federal Government NEEDS assessment of the universities to enable do not pay due attention to Polytechnic educa- it come out with the funding portfolio of the tion in this country. ASUP had gone on strike institution. This idea by the federal government before ASUU embarked on its strike action. is a good gesture. “ Government had acceded to the demands of “ What is good for the goose is also good for the the public universities while that of the public genders. Government should also carry out a polytechnics is still lingering. What the govern- NEEDS assessment of the public Polytechnics ment should note is that university and polyand meet with the same without any further technic education play complementary roles delay to enable Polytechnic students resume for in enhancing the national economy. academic activities. “While university education is theoretically “Government should also provide adequate oriented, polytechnic education is technologi- fund for the full implementation of the aspect cally biased. Therefore, the discrimination of the migration from CONTISS 15 which is now between the two institutions is unwarranted. covered the lower echelon in the system as “As a matter of fact, polytechnic system of approved by the Federal Government recently. education holds the key to national economic The fact that ASUP had been on strike before and industrial development. It is surprising ASUU and the demands of ASUU had been met why the system is being neglected by the govwhile that of ASUP is still lingering is credence ernment. The economic fortune of the country to the neglect, marginalization and discriminathat is dwindling with low industrial and man- tion of polytechnic education by the governufacturing capacity today is as a result of the ment. In the interest of the national economy, discrimination between the HND and degree which the polytechnic system of education is holders in the country. Those who have basically meant to cater for, we call on federal acquired HND certificate who supposed to government to meet with the demands of ASUP have settled down to practice their profession as a matter of urgency.” are now looking for one university or the other While the faith of millions of polytechnic stuto obtain degree as a result of the discriminadents are hanging on the balance, the fight to tion against HND in the country. get back polytechnic education soon might be a “If government do not attend to this issue of hard one as ASUP is not united in the fight. discrimination on time, and put an end to it Already several polytechnics have pulled out of once and for all, nobody will be interested in the strike and this shows lack of unity of purPolytechnic education any more. And this will pose on the part of the union.

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With Administrative And Security Hiccups From Willie Etim, Yenagoa HILE the nationwide strike embarked W upon by Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) across the country has taken its toll on both the academic and nonacademic activities, the newly established Federal Polytechnic Ekowe located in Southern-Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa is rocked by internal crisis. The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Eniye Ekpebu is facing serious administrative and security crisis. The Governing Council of the institution is scheduled to meet to look into the issues raised by the factions and the community people over the alleged assassination of one of the factional leader in the crisis. Authorities of the polytechnic have debunked allegations that her Rector, Dr. Ekpebu was linked with the assassination of its staff whose name was given as Frank Moses. The Head of Public Relations of the Polytechnic, Mr. Okpoitari Diongoli, who spoke in Yenagoa described as unfair and mischievous to link the Rector with the murder of the 35 year old staff. Diongoli dismissed reports that the Rector was arrested by the police in connection with Moses’ death. He said the Rector was invited by the Police command to give some clarification on the murder of the staff. Moses was allegedly assassinated by yet to be identified gunmen near his residence on November 8 last year at Agudama Epie in

Yenagoa. Already, two staff of the institution allegedly linked with the killing of the staff were in the Police custody as investigation continues. “ The Police Public Relations Officer in the state has issued a statement that the Rector was not arrested, but invited to come and clarify some issues. The ASUP strike has caused significant disruptions in the Ekowe Polytechnic, this is besides several other issues prominent among which are the constitution of the Governing Council of the institution. Part of the agitations by ASUP for the elimination of the dichotomy between holder of University degree and Higher National Diploma, the review of the Act establishing Federal Polytechnic and the release of the white paper before the implementation. A lecturer in the school Mr Ebiowei, told The Guardian in Yenagoa, that Federal Government has been very slow in the implementation of agreement entered into with ASUP. Stakeholders including parents and students are frustrated, beyond that, it has also affected the academic calendar and quality of graduates the institutions are churning out. The strike has affected the Polytechnic education negatively being that Polytechnic education was designed to train middle level skilled manpower to service the productive sector.

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Saturday, January 25, 2014 51

COVER The Chairman, Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Comrade Yahaya Mustapha Bids, spoke with SAXONE AKHAINE on the on-going ASUP strike. According to him, Polytechnic teachers embarked on the struggle on patriotic ground to improve the quality of polytechnic education, devoid of selfish motives by the union. Therefore, Bids said that it is time the Federal Government meets the demands of ASUP for the benefit of the nation and the technological growth of the country.

‘Government Has Neglected Polytechnic Education For Too Long’

What are the pertinent issues in the on-going strike embarked upon by ASUP? ET us go memory lane on why polytechnics are on strike today. you see, polytechnic education is part of the legacy of the British colonial administration to really restore a vibrant economy through technological training for the uplifting of the society. This is through the provision of a system of education that would address mainly that aspect of training, which entails, not just theoretical but also practical aspect of learning. And this is the clear difference between those who passed through university education and those who passed through polytechnic education. There is this additional advantage of this practical experience because the trainings that come out of the polytechnic are not just theory-based, but they are trainings that link both theory and practical together. And there is more concentration on the practical aspect. Even in examination policy and other related issues, you will see that there is a deliberate tilt towards technology and science based education, where you have a ratio of 70 per cent science based and 30 per cent social science and business-based courses. So, you can see that polytechnic education is very crucial towards the upliftment of education and the economy of the Nigerian society. And this is also very true of the Asian Tigers who are what they are today because of what they gained through polytechnic education. But, unfortu- Bids nately the metamorphosis in this country has for example, when you look at the very big polytechnics, you talk about Kaduna been a very sad one. It is actually not what those who came out of the system thought of, Polytechnic (KADKOPLY) and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), because we woke up into a country where Lagos. But KADPOLY is undisputed the biggest. But, if you just look at the there seems to be more attention to the university education. And even psychology of the quantum of attention being paid to KADPOLY and YABATECH compared to that Nigerian society seemed to tilt towards university education, forgetting that each centre being paid to the smallest university, you will be really surprised. In other of the tertiary education level- the polytechwords, when you talk of the funding provided to KADPOLY with almost 30,000 nic, university and college of education- has students, with about 3,000 staff and more than 100 programmes (in fact KADspecific role to play towards the upliftment of educational standard and development in the POLY offers programmes that are not even run by Nigerian universities)… country. So, this is kind of tilt to the university What government gives to KADPOLY is far less than what it gives to the smallsystem made the government to have neglectest university. ed the polytechnic for a very long time- in its

policies, finances and translating into even how graduates of the polytechnics are treated when compared with that of the university. So, the whole thing has been very lopsided against the polytechnic, and these among other issues are what we are fighting to address once and for all. Why is the union coming out now to protest while problems in the polytechnics has been there for long? We didn’t just sit down and keep quiet, especially the academic community. We’ve been harboring, pleading and begging government to really see reason why there is the need to re-address what have been retarding polytechnic education, and what is required to move this country forward through polytechnic education. But, unfortunately it has been on deaf ears. you see, for example, when you look at the very big polytechnics, you talk about Kaduna Polytechnic (KADKOPLy) and yaba College of Technology (yABATECH), Lagos. But KADPOLy is undisputed the biggest. But, if you just look at the quantum of attention being paid to KADPOLy and yABATECH compared to that being paid to the smallest university, you will be really surprised. In other words, when you talk of the funding provided to KADPOLy with almost 30,000 students, with about 3,000 staff and more than 100 programmes (in fact KADPOLy offers programmes that are not even run by Nigerian universities)… What government gives to KADPOLy is far less than what it gives to the smallest university. And this problem has been all over polytechnics in the country, both federal and states. And severally governments have been reminded of the need to redress the problem, including that which concerns parity between diploma and degree holders. The Obasanjo administration had earlier said that there wound not be discrimination against the polytechnics. your students have been home for months since the strike action started and their parents are under serious agony. Is their no way the strike could be called off considering the negative effects on the economy, students and parents? Students should understand that we are on this strike so that we have a better learning environment. And that we want to graduate people who really know their left from right and not just for the sake of gathering people and having ceremonies without the requisite skills and knowledge. So, we are asking parents and students to come out and give us the support that is needed to make government understand the situation that the polytechnic education is facing. We have been tolerating and managing, now it has come to the extent that we can longer manage. And our conscience can longer allow us to continue to manage. That is why we are pleading to them. And let them also join us in advising the government over the problems polytechnics are facing in this country. you can even imagine the problem, government is keeping about two million students at home when we are having this security challenges, when they should be in school.

Why Jigawa Polytechnic Is Not Part of ASUP Strike, By Abdullahi ASUP Chairman Jigawa State Polytechnic Dutse, Mallam Sibu Abdullahi explained to JOHN AKUBO why the institution is not part of the strike. Why is your chapter of ASUP not part of the nationwide strike of the union? NITIALLy why the ASUP chapter of this polytechnic is not participating in the industrial action is because this chapter is that of a state-owned institution. In reality, there are peculiarities between the Federal institutions and state owned institutions. For us to join strike we have to communicate government through the commissioner. We have discussed with him on the demands raised by ASUP. There are demands that were already met by the State Government and the Commissioner of Education has told us that whenever there is evidence that the demands of ASUP have been met by the Federal Government, the State Government will be ready to meet the demands of the chapter. This is why we are not on strike. Another reason is before embarking on strike you must inform your chapter during congress. We had serious discussion at our congress and the congress was of the opinion that since the State Government is responsive to their demands we

have to respect it. What are the demands of ASUP? The demands of ASUP lies in the lower cadre migration which I believe has been met at the federal level and we have the copy of the letter. If we tender it today before the state government I believe they will honor it. Why we have not tendered it is because all the tertiary institutions in the state work in harmony, we are now discussing so that the State College of Education, College of Legal studies, College of Informatics and the other tertiary institutions in the state will now write a proposal for the implementation of the migration of the lower cadre. ASUP is agitating for many things. There are at least more than 15 issues since 2009 agreement reached with the federal government,ASUP demands have not been met. For the federal government to release the funds to pay the arrears for the implementation of the migration of the lower cadre and others have not been done. The case of State owned institution is that of copy and paste; the federal government will take the lead and the state governments will take a cue. In the entire country not more than four institutions have started implementing COMPACASS; the current salary structure being implemented by the Federal Polytechnics. In Jigawa, we have been paid COMPACASS it only remains the migration of the lower cadre.

Abdullahi

TheGuardian

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Politics Muazu And The Daunting

Muazu By Samson Ezea HE recent emergence of the former Bauchi T State governor, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after months of political crises and intrigues that consumed his predecessor, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, could be seen as the beginning of another journey for the party ahead of next year’s general elections. Unlike Tukur, Muazu’s emergence enjoyed the backings of the major stakeholders in the party, including President Goodluck Jonathan, PDP governors and other influential party members. But their support was not without conditions, including that he would not tamper with the party structures in the states or fight the governors. It was gathered that Muazu agreed to these conditions before his successor in office, Mallam Isa Yuguda, nominated him for the position. It would be recall that Tukur’s greatest political gaffes, apart from the allegation of highhandedness, was his open and consistent fights against the PDP governors, which led to the defection of some of them to the All Progressives Congress (APC) late last year. At a stage, the fear of Tukur, who enjoyed tremendous backing of the Presidency, was the beginning of wisdom for the governors, who

have been in control of the party’s national structure before the emergence of Tukur. It was alleged that in a bid to actualise his political dream of installing his son as the next governor of Adamawa State next year, Tukur single-handedly dissolved the party’s structure in the state loyal to Governor Murtala Nyako and replaced it with his handpicked loyalists. Already, questions are being raised whether Muazu would be different from his predecessor by stepping down his personal political ambitions and those of his loyalists to do the biddings of the governors and the President. Muazu, as a former governor on the party platform for eight years should understand the enormity of the governors’ influence in the party, which he equally enjoyed while in office, but how he would marry the two

remains to be seen. This would be one of his main challenges in office, and how he handles it will determine his clout and stay in that position. He has vowed to reconcile the party members, but that too has always been the sermon of his predecessors, most of who ended up further polarising the party and leaving party worse off and the position unceremoniously. So, what is the magic wand that Muazu would be bringing to the table in his reconciliation moves in the party ahead of 2015? How will his leadership accommodate the political interests of his former colleagues in the party without incurring the wrath of the incumbent governors, most of who were not in good terms with their predecessors? Truly, Muazu is not new to political intrigues in the party since 1999, especially whenever

With APC feeling it has become the majority party in the House of Representatives and so agitating for a change of leadership to reflect the changing fortunes, and some senators rearing to switch from PDP to APC soon, despite the denial of the move by the Senate leadership, Muazu would need to move quickly to avoid further isolation of his party

election inches closer. At the twilight of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in 2007, Muazu, who was also completing his second term in office, was among the governors touted to succeed him before the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was finally tapped. Regarding his own successor, Muazu was alleged to have worked against the emergence of Yuguda, to the surprise of many, as he instead threw his weight behind the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) during his administration, Alhaji Umar Nadada, a development that pitched him against Yuguda and his loyalists. This forced Yuguda and his loyalists, including current Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, to defect en masse to the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), on which platform they contested the governorship and senatorial elections in 2007, thereby sweeping PDP out of power. That was how Muazu himself lost the senatorial election to Mohammed in the election. Yuguda’s marriage to Yar’Adua’s daughter and his subsequent return to PDP worsened Muazu and his loyalists’ political woes in the state. With Yuguda’s strong grip on the politics of the state and at the centre, Muazu was hounded into political limbo.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, January 25, 2014

POLITICS rearing to switch from PDP to APC soon, despite the denial of the move by the Senate leadership, Muazu would need to move quickly to avoid further isolation of his party. This is made more urgent with the ongoing crisis in Rivers State not abating to give room for reconciliation and Wednesday’s defection of its 20 members in the Kwara State House of Assembly to APC. At the height of the intra-party crisis, Tukur had tactically set up counter forces to checkmate the estranged PDP governors. In Jigawa, the likes of the former governor, Senator Saminu Turaki and his loyalists, were staging a comeback to the party against al congress before Jonathan insisted on Governor Sule Lamido. Tukur’s candidature. In Kano, former Speaker of House of Senator Babayo Garba Gamawa, popularly called “BBG,” is equally said to be interested in Representatives, Alhaji Umar Ghali Na’Abba, and son of late former Head of State, Alhaji the race. Gamawa was the Majority Leader in the state Mohammed Abacha, were being empowered House of Assembly in 2007 and later became to take over the party structure from Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, now in APC. Speaker after the impeachment of Dahiru In Rivers, the party structure has been handJika. ed over to the faction loyal to supervising Babayo, who also hails from Bauchi North, was later appointed Deputy Governor follow- Minister of Education, Nyeson Wike, forcing Governor Chibuike Amaechi and his loyalists

Tasks Ahead A Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up by Yuguda to probe Muazu’s tenure allegedly indicted his administration for mismanaging N19.8 billion belonging to the state. The matter was reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Muazu was placed under investigation, forcing him to go into exile abroad. He remained abroad until the death of Yar’Adua in 2010. It was learnt that following the political differences that erupted between Mohammed and Yuguda on the former’s role in Jonathan’s emergence, through the ‘Doctrine of Necessity,’ as Acting President before the death of Yar’Adua, Mohammed sought Muazu’s political support to checkmate Yuguda in the state. Mohammed was later appointed FCT minister, which many saw then as a move to nip in the bud Yuguda’s alleged plan to engineer his recall process from the senate. With this development, Muazu returned to the country and was appointed chairman of the Board of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in 2011, but was later dropped following protests by the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) over his alleged corrupt practices. Last year, he was appointed Chairman of the Nigerian Pension Commission (PENCOM) Board. It was also gathered that even before Muazu’s nomination to replace Tukur, Mohammed, has been oiling his political structure in the state to contest next year’s governorship election, a move Yuguda appeared not to be favourably disposed to. But in politics, like it is said, there are no permanent enemies, but permanent interest; hence events leading to Muazu’s choice as Tukur’s successor did not surprise many analysts, who would also not be taken aback if all the centrifugal forces in Bauchi State later turn centripetal. For now and in tandem with the saying that charity begins at home, all eyes are on Muazu to see how handles the various political interests in his state and beyond without rocking the boat or stepping on the toes of the governors. In Bauchi, with the zoning arrangement, the people of Bauchi North and Central are already agitating for the governorship to shift to their zones next year, as Bauchi South, where Muazu and Yuguda hail from, will have cumulatively ruled the state for 16 years. Those alleged to be in the race already includes Mohammed, also from Bauchi South, who was Yuguda’s aide when he was a minister under the Obasanjo administration. Another aspirant is Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, the longest serving lawmaker from the state, who was a member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2011 before he was elected a Senator in 2011. He has served as House leader, and currently the Deputy Senate Majority leader. The fact that his zone has not produced civilian governor can be a plus for him. Nadada is also said to be still nursing the ambition to rule the state. Source said Yuguda and Muazu might have buried their differences to throw their weight behind Nadada as a way of compensating him and the people of Bauchi North for losing the election in 2007. Another prominent name being touted is the former PDP National Secretary, Dr. Musa Babayo, from Bauchi North, who is Yuguda’s in-law, his daughter having married Yuguda’s son in 2012. Many had expected Yuguda to support him to emerge as Tukur’s successor, but keen observers of Bauchi politics say it might be to enable him succeed Yuguda next year. In 2012, he was Yuguda’s choice for the post of national chairman and enjoyed the support of the northeast governors, which made it possible for him to defeat Tukur at the zon-

ing political developments in the zone ahead of this year governorship election in Osun and Ekiti states and next year general elections, LP appears to be formidable than PDP in the zone. Some PDP bigwigs, like former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and others have joined LP. A member of the national leadership of the party told The Guardian recently that before the middle of this year, many PDP top shots would join the party, with Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko as the rallying point. Even in the appointment of the new ministers, it was learnt that most of the estranged governors and members were not carried along. One of the founding members of PDP told The Guardian that the Muazu-led leadership, like previous ones, would face serious challenges in reconciling members unless the Presidency is sincere in the approach. “Muazu may have good ideas and intention on how to achieve genuine reconciliation in the party, but such will not see the light of the

Chairman of PDP Governors Forum and Akwa Ibom State Governor Godwills Akpabio, New PDP national Chairman Alhaji Adamu Muazu and Bauchi State Governor Mallam Isa Yuguda shortly after Muazu was elected as the new PDP Chairman in Abuja on Monday day if it will not be in the interest of the Presidency and its foot soldiers. “The persistent crises in the party since 1999 have been all about selfish political interests of the party stakeholders and nothing more. “I am sure 2015 will not be different, even with Muazu as the new party chairman.” According to him: “Obviously, the Presidency holds the ace, so if they are truly committed in resolving the lingering crises, including making peace with the defected governors, it will be easy. “But as it is now, it appears that the muchtalked about reconciliation, which has always been more of lip-service than genuine action, to defect to APC. ing the controversial impeachment of Garba In Gombe, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo is may end up the same under Muazu, because Gadi. the new leadership under Muazu may be Gamawa served as Deputy Governor till 2011 in a serious political fight with his predeceshandicapped with the external forces.” sor, Senator Danjuma Goje. before he contested for the Senate to repreWith the barrage of accumulated crises in In the Southeast zone, the situation is not sent Bauchi North. the party over the years, coupled with the different, as Enugu State Governor Sullivan However Muazu handles this various politirecent ones, it is obvious that the Muazu-led Chime is already in serious political fight cal interests and intrigues in his home state leadership would be facing daunting tasks and other states would go a long way in deter- with Deputy Senate President, Ike ahead of next year’s general elections. Ekweremmadu, ahead of 2015. mining his success or failure. These tasks, no doubt, require extra political In Ebonyi, Governor Martin Elechi, Secretary But many believe his greatest challenge sagacity, sacrifice and commitment to surahead of next year is how to convince the five to the Government of the Federation (SGF), mount, as very soon, aspiring party members defected governors to return to the party and Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, and Elechi’s predewould be on the neck of the leadership to cessor, Dr. Sam Egwu, are gearing up for a halt further defection of the governors and actualise their ambitions next year. political showdown. National Assembly members to the fledging This would be the true test of the Muazu-led In the Southwest, the party’s fortunes conAPC, a task many see as onerous and near national executive and time to tell whether tinue to dip due to the crises in the states. impossible. he would be different from his predecessors. More so, recent political developments, espe- Presently, the party is not in control of any How he is able to weather the coming storm state in the zone and some of its chieftains cially in Rivers, Sokoto, Kwara, Adamawa and would go a long way to define his tenure and Kano states are pointers that there might not have defected to either APC or LP. indeed PDP’s future in Nigeria as the domiThe recent allegation contained in be true and genuine reconciliation in the parnant political party since 1999. Obasanjo’s controversial letter to Jonathan ty any time soon. Certainly, only time would tell and on which With APC feeling it has become the majority accusing his Presidency of using LP as alternative platform to supplant PDP in the zone has side of history his leadership would be writparty in the House of Representatives and so ten thereafter, and that time is less than one agitating for a change of leadership to reflect made matters worse for PDP. Political watchers believe that with the ongo- year from now, as the clock ticks for Muazu. the changing fortunes, and some senators

Already, questions are being raised whether Muazu would be different from his predecessor by stepping down his personal political ambitions and those of his loyalists to do the biddings of the governors and the President. Muazu, as a former governor on the party platform for eight years should understand the enormity of the governors’ influence in the party, which he equally enjoyed while in office, but how he would marry the two remains to be seen.

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Change of Name ABAH: Formerly Miss Abah Rebecca, now Mrs Oboni Rebecca. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. ABBA:Former Miss Ochanya Juliet Abba now Mrs. Ejembi Juliet Ochanya. Public take note. ABEGUNDE: Formerly Mr. Abegunde Joshua Adekunle and Mrs. Abegunde Christiana Oghogho now Mr. Adeyemi Joshua Adekunle and Mrs. Adeyemi Christiana Oghogho. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ABIMAJE: Formerly Mr Abimaje Austin Monday, now Mr Augustine Iko-Ojo Abimaje. Former documents valid. Public note. ABIOLA: Formerly M iss Adefunke Abiola, now Mrs Adefunke Kevin Ugochukwu. All former documents remain valid. Public take note. ABIOLA: Formerly Miss Abiola Felicia Olaitan now Mrs. Adebayo Felicia Olaitan. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ABU: Formerly Modina Temitayo Abu now Mrs. Modina Temitayo Raufu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ACHIMUGU: Formerly Miss Achimugu Ojochogwu Victoria, now Mrs Augustine Victoria Ojochogwu. Former documents valid. Public note. ACHINIHU: Formerly Ogechi Mary Achinihu, Ogechi Marylyn Achinihu Ogechukwu Marylyn Achinihu now Mrs. Ogechi Mary Omafu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEBOYE: Formerly Miss Adewunmi Racheal Adeboye now Mrs Adewunmi Racheal Dina. Former documents remain valid. General public note. ADEBOYE: Formerly Miss Adeboye Olufunke Mojisola now Mrs. Adetola Olufunke Mojisola. All former documents remain valid. General public note. ADEKOYA: Formerly Miss Adekoya Olayemi Ayodele now known as Mrs. Ofolete Olayemi Ayodele. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. ADEKUNKLE: Formerly Miss Adekunle Betty Funke now Mrs. Akinbobola Betty Funke. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADELEYE: I, formerly Miss Olusola Abidemi Adeleye now Mrs. Olusola Abidemi Abegunde. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ADENE: Formerly Miss Edememe Priscilla Adene now Mrs. Edememe Priscilla Oladiji-Wusu. Former documents remain valid. K.P.M.G Professional Services and

public note. ADERINOLA: Formerly Aderinola lsrael Olugbade now Dominion lsrael Olugbade. Documents valid. Public note. ADETOLA: Formerly known as Miss Adetola Opeyemi Gloria now addressed as Mrs. Ehimika Opeyemi Gloria. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEUSI: Formerly Miss Adeusi Adeyinka Olaide now Mrs. Olatunji Adeyinka Olaide. Former documents valid. Public note. ADEWALE: Formerly Miss Titilade Jumoke Adewale, now Mrs Titilade Jumoke Oyedeji. Former documents valid. Public note. ADEYINKA: Formerly Miss Adewoyin Adelola Adeyinka, now Mrs Akinwale Adelola Adeyinka. Former documents valid. Public note. ADEYOOLA: Formerly Miss Motunrayo Abeni Adeyoola, now Mrs Motunrayo Abeni Yusuf. Former documents valid. Public note. ADIGUN: Formerly Miss Adigun Clementina Olufunmilola now to be known & addressed as Mrs Olafare Clementina Olufunmilola all former documents remain valid. Public note. ADUKE: Formerly Omidokun Nafisat Aduke now Omidokun Rachael Adesunmbo. Documents valid. Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and Public note. AHUNANYA: I, Miss Uloma Ahunanya and Miss Ngozi Ahunanya is one and same person, now wish to be known as Mrs Uloma Achor. Former documents valid. Public note. AIJEBA: Formerly known as Patricia Ebehiremen Aijeba and Patricia Ehi Aijeba now wish to be known as Patricia Ehi Enegela. All fomrer documents bearing former names remain valid. Public note. AINA: I, formerly Miss Olubukola Dolapo Aina now known as Mrs Adesanya Olubukola Dolapo. All former documents remain valid. Public note. AJAYI: Formerly Miss Ajayi Tolulope Olubunmi now Mrs. Akindusoye Tolulope Olubunmi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AJIBODE: I formerly Adewunmi Falilat Ikuyajesin, now Adewunmi Falilat Ajibode. Public note. AJIBODE: I Formerly Abiola Idowu Ajibode, now Abiola Ismail Ajibode. Public note. AJIWE: I, formerly known as Ajiwe Oyindamola Elizabeth now wish to be addressed as Emiola

Oyindamola Elizabeth. All documents remain valid. Public take note. AJUMOBI: Formerly Olufunke Aanuoluwapo Ajumobi now Mrs Olufunke Aanuoluwapo Oluwatuyi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AKAEGBUSI: Formerly Miss Akaegbusi Chioma Scholastica now Mrs. Ezennia Chioma Scholastica. Former documents valid. Public note. AKALA: Formerly Miss Akala Oluwabukunola Oluwaseun now Mrs. Olufemi Oluwabukunola Oluwaseun. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AKHIMIEN: Former Miss Akhimien Florence Omolefe now Mrs. Ajayi Florence Omolefe. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Ogechi Lovina Amuka now Mrs Ogechi Lovina Obi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AMUSAN: Formerly Mr. Amusan Kayode Martins now Mr. Kayode Oyejide Phillips. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. ANASTASIA: Formerly Miss Anastasia Ndidiamaka Ike now Mrs. Anastasia Davidson Chime. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ANI: Formerly Miss Joy Nkiruka Ani now Mrs. Joy Nkiruka Azikiwe. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. ANSELM-OMEH: Formerly known as Deborah Bridget Bennett now wish to be called Deborah Bridget Anselm-Omeh. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

AKINADE: Formerly Miss Akinade Olubisi Adeola now Mrs. Agboola Olubisi Adeola. Former documents valid. Public note.

ANTHONIA: Former Akinbi Aderonke Anthonia now Akinbi Aderonke Favour. Former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKINRINADE: Formerly Miss Adefunke Olawanle Akinrinade, now Mrs Adefunke Olawanle Akinrinade- Aderibigbe. Former documents valid. Public note.

ANYAECHIE: Formerly Miss Gloria Ije Anyaechie now Mrs. Gloria Ije Coker. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AKINSANYA: Formerly Akinsanya Omolola Eniola now Olusanya Omolola Eniola. Documents valid. Public note. AKINTONA: Formerly Miss Akintona Rukayat Oluwatosin now Mrs. Arowolo Rukayat Oluwatosin. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AKINYOSOYE: Formerly Miss Oluwatoyin Folasade Akinyosoye now to be addressed as Mrs Oluwatoyin Folasade Adeyeye. Former Documents valid. Public note. AKPUCHUKWU: Formerly Miss Onyinye Lucia Akpuchukwu now Mrs. Onyinye Lucia Onyenezi. Former documents valid. Public note. AKPUSI: Formerly Bridget Chioma Akpusi and Juliet Ifeyinwa Akpusi, now Bridget Chioma Chinyelugo and Juliet Ifenyinwa Chinyelugo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ALAKE: Formerly Miss Alake Funmilola Deborah now Mrs. Babatola Funmilola Deborah. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ALIYU: Formerly Miss Ibironke Aliyu now Mrs. Ibronke Owolabi. Former documents remain valid. Little Saint Montessori School Ilupeju, Lagos and general public note. AMUKA:

Formerly

Miss

ANYADI: Formerly Miss Anyadi Nwakaego now Mrs. Mary Nwakaego Oguh. Previous documents valid. FCE(T)Akoka, public note. APATA: Formerly Miss Apata Blessing Aanu now Mrs Emmanuel Blessing Aanu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AROSANYIN: Formerly Miss Arosanyin Oluwajuwonlo Hannah now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Edwards Oluwajuwonlo Hannah Favour. Former documents remain valid. General public note. ATANDA: Formerly Miss Aminat Omowumi Atanda. now Mrs. Omowumi Aminat Dadson. Former documents remain valid. General public note. AWE: Formerly Miss Awe Omolola Moradeke now Mrs. Olaseinde Omolola Moradeke. All former documents remain valid. Public note. AWOJANA: Formerly Awojana Samson Olugbemi now Olubiyi Samson Olugbemi. Documents valid. Public note. AWOTUNDE: I, formerly Miss Awotunde Awoyemisi Dupe now Mrs Folorunsho Oluwayemisi Dupe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. AWOYEMI: Formerly Miss Rasidat Gbeminiyi Awoyemi now Mrs. Rasidat Gbeminiyi Soyombo. Former documents remain valid. Public take note.

AWOYEMI: I, formerly known as Awoyemi Shadiat Adeola now want to be called Akinfenwa Haleemah Adeola. General public to take note.

Chetachi Daisy Ugwunnah now wish to be addressed as Mrs Chetachi Daisy Wele. All former documents remain valid. general public note.

AYEGBUSI: Formerly Miss Omolara Matina Ayegbusi now Mrs. Omolara Matina Sanusi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

CHIJIOKE: I, formerly known as Miss Helen Chijioke Peters is now to be known as Mrs. Helen Peters Muojekwu. Anambra State University and general public note.

AYENOR: Formerly Miss Obatare Ayenor now Mrs. Obatare Ogbor. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

CHINWENDU: Formerly Miss Chinwendu Obum Onyema now Mrs Chinwe Chikere Orji. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AYODEJI: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayodeji Oluwakemi Titilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mr.s Adeboye Oluwakemi Titilayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHUKWUMERE: Formerly Ikechukwu George Chukwumere now Prince Joseph Obi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AZAKA: Formerly Miss Azaka Augustina Uche now Mrs. Ojakominor Augustina Uche. Former documents valid. Public note.

CHUKWUDI: Formerly Chikwendu Chukwunalurum Chukwudi now Shaw Jason. Former documents valid. Public note.

BALOGUN: Formerly Miss Blessing Ebunoluwa Balogun now Mrs. Blessing Suleman Momoh. All other documents remain valid. Administrative Staff College of Nigeria and general public note.

DEDEKUMA: Formerly Dedekuma Mary Oghenetejiri now Akpomedaye Mary Oghenetejiri. Former documents valid. Public note.

BELLO: Formerly Miss Bello Alimot Omoseeke now Mrs Adeleke Alimot Omoseeke. Documents valid. Public note. CHANGE OF FAMILY SURNAME: ENYIA: We, formerly known as Dike Ogbuefi Enyia, Gene Ogbuefi Enyia, Dr. Emeka Ogbuefi Enyia, Neonma Ogbuefi Enyia, Chidi Ogbuefi Enyia, Nwachukwu Ogbuefi Enyia, Ijeoma Ogbuefi Enyia, now wish to be known and addressed as Dike Ogbuefi Enyidike, Gene Ogbuefi Enyidike, Dr. Emeka Ogbuefi Enyidike, Neonma Ogbuefi Enyidike, Chidi Ogbuefi Enyidike, Nwachukwu Ogbuefi Enyidike, Ijeoma Ogbuefi Enyidike. Our former documents remain valid. University of Calabar, University of Uyo College of Medicine and Faculty of Law, Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, First Bank Nigeria, The general public please note. CHANGE OF FAMILY SURNAME: FAGBEMI: Family of Mr & Mrs Samson Aiyenigba Fagbemi now known as : Mr Samson Aiyenigba Olugbemi, Mrs Janet Ifedun Olugbemi, Miss Blessing Oluwatoyin Olugbemi, Mr Emmanuel Olaoluwa Olugbemi, Mr John Oluwasegun Olugbemi, Master David Oluwadare Olugbemi. All former documents remain valid. Kaduna Polytechnic, Federal Staff SchoolKaduna, Benson Idahosa University, Federal Radio Corporation Of Nigeria( Frcn),Lviv National Medical University, Maylomedical CHETACHI: I, formerly Miss

DARAMOLA: Formerly Miss Daramola Ajoke Janet now Mrs. Samuel Ajoke Janet. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EBRI: Formerly Miss Ebri Abaloke Felix, now Mrs. Bassey Abaloke David. All former documents remain valid. General Public note. EDEH: Former Miss Edeh Maureen Nneka now Mrs. Njoku Maureen Nneka. Former documents remain valid. Ecobank Nigeria Limited and general public note. EDMUND: I, formerly Balafagha Racheal Edmund now Mrs. Balafagha Racheal Imeh James. All former documents remain valid. Public note. EGBUNIKE-AWACHIE: Formerly Ken Uzodinma Osit a d i n m a Egbunike-Awachie now Ken Egbunike. Former documents valid. Public note. EKURE: Formerly Miss Irene Avwerosuo Ekure now Mrs. Irene Avwerosuo Akhimien. All former documents remain valid. Public take note. ENEMUOH: Formerly Miss Enemuoh Chimelogo Vivian now Mrs. Ike-uwakwe Vivian Chimelogo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EREGBOWA: Formerly Miss Victoria Osarugue Eregbowa now wish to be addressed as Mrs Victoria Osarugue Mogbeyiteren. Former documents remain valid. UBTH,RRBN and Public note.

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Change of Name ETUK: Formerly Miss Blessing S. Etuk, now Mrs Blessing S. Ogbonna. Former documents valid. Public note. EZEANYA: I, formerly Miss Chioma Cythia Ezeanya now known as Mrs. Chioma Cynthia EzeugoOrji. All former documents remain valid. Public note. EZE: Formerly Miss Eze Blessing Chinyere, now Mrs Chukwujekwu Blessing Chinyere. Former documents valid. Public note. EZEH: Formerly Miss Florence Ezeh now Mrs. Florence Kosisochukwu Emmanuel Ubah. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EZEPUE: Formerly Miss Ezepue Nkiruka Edith, Now Mrs Onwudiwe Nkiruka Edith. Former documents valid. Public note. EZIEFULA: Formerly Mirian Chinonso Eziefula now Mirian Chinonso Onwubiko. Former documents remain valid. Public note. FADAIRO: Formerly Miss Fadairo Faidat Ololade now Mrs. Akinde Faidat Ololade. Former documents valid. Emzor Phamaceuticals Ltd, public note. FADIPE: Formerly Fadipe Moses now Mr Adebayo Moses. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. FALAYI: Formerly Miss Falayi Oluwatosin Mary now Mrs Arokoyo Oluwatosin Mary. Former Documents valid. Documents valid. FALODUN: Formerly Miss. Falodun Bolanle Oluwatosin. Now Mrs. Gogo Bolanle Oluwatosin. All former documents remain valid. Public Note. FAMUREWA: Formerly Mr. Olugbenga Emmanuel Famurewa now Mr. Olugbenga Emmanuel Olumurewa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. FAMUREWA: Formerly Joy Obiageli Bisola Famurewa now Mrs. Joy Obiageli Bisola Olumurewa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. FAMUREWA: Formerly Master Oluwaseun Paul Famurewa now Master Oluwaseun Paul Olumurewa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. FAMUREWA: Formerly Master Oluwaseyi Joshua Famurewa now Master Oluwaseyi Joshua Olumurewa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. FAROTIMI: I, formerly known as Mr Farotimi Oluseye Oladele now wish to be called Mr Olurotimi Oluseye Oladele. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

FATAI: Formerly Miss Fatai Rukayat Abosede now Mrs Oke Rukayat Abosede. Documents valid. NYSC, public note. FOFAH: I, formerly Miss Fofah Evelyn Temitope now wish to be addressed as Mrs Isioye Evelyn Temitope. All former documents remain valid. General public note. GIFT: I formerly Miss Gift Ihechi Victor -Akinnaso now wish to be addressed as Mrs Gift Ihechi Akinnaso. All former documents remain valid. General public note. IBEAKO: I, formerly Mr Ibeako Forever Valentine Chinenye now known as Mr. Ngwu Forever Valentine Chinenye. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IBEAKO: I, formerly Mr. Ibeako Udoka Stephen now known as Mr Ngwu Udoka Stephen. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IBEABUCHI: Formerly Odochi Florence Ibeabuchi now Odochi Florence Umeadi Okeke. Documents valid. Public note. IBEKWE:: Formerly Miss Ibekwe Cecilia Uzoma now Mrs. Obi-Okeke Cecilia Uzoma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. IBINAIYE: Formerly Miss Olamide Felicia Ibinaiye now Mrs. Olamide Felicia Adejumo. Former documents valid. Public note. IDEGWU: Formerly Miss Rose Ufor Idegwu now Mrs. Rose Ufor Adollo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IDOWU: I, formerly Miss Folashade Oyindamola Idowu now Mrs. Folashade Oyindamola Anthony-Abiola. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IFEANACHO: Formerly Ifeanacho Chukwunweike Christian now Udechukwu Chukwunweike Christian. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IGBOLEKWU: Formerly Miss Gladys Chijioke Igbolekwu, now Mrs Gladys Chijioke Nwachukwu. Former documents valid. Public note.

tience Asukwo Akpan. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IKWUNZE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ikwunze Oluchi D., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anyaegbu Oluchi Doreen. All former documents remain valid. General Public note. IKWUNZE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ikwunze Chinwe L., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nwokocha Chinwe Lynda. All former documents remain valid. General Public note. IMHANYEHOR: I, formerly Miss Lovetha Imhanyehor now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Lovetha Irabor. Former documents remain valid . Public take note. IMIEWARIN: Formerly Miss Blessing Onosengbuan Imiewarin now Mrs Blessing Onosengbuan Okanigbuan. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IROKWE: Formerly Miss Irokwe Chituru Charity now Mrs Kalu Chituru Charity. Former documents valid. Public note. IWUANYANWU: Formerly Miss Oluchi Happiness Iwuanyanwu now known as Mrs. Oluchi Happiness Nelson. All former documents remain valid. Public note. IWUCHUKWU: I, formerly Dr. Miss Iwuchukwu Ugonna Ozioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. Mrs. Onwumere Ugonna Ozioma. All former documents remain valid. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and the general public take note. IWU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Iwu Sylvia Chiamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okonkwo Sylvia Chiamaka. All former documents remain valid. General Public note. IYEKE: Formerly Iyeke Chukwuemeke Princewill now Chukwukamadu Chukwuemeke Princewill. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IZUAGBE: Formerly Miss Izuagbe Janet Elomi, now Mrs Janet Chris Omoike. Former documents valid. Public note.

IHEKWEME: Formerly Miss Ihekweme Loveline Chinwe, now Mrs Ekemgba Loveline Chinwe. All former documents remain valid. General Public note.

JEROME: Formerly Rachael Anyoande Harrison Jerome now Rachael Anyoande Tawo. Documents valid. NYSC, public note.

IKEGBUNAM: Formerly Miss Ikegbunam Nneka Callista now Mrs. Nweke Nneka Callista. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

JOEL: Formerly Miss Esther Joel now Mrs Esther Albert. All former documents remain valid. Public take note .

IKELIONWU: Formerly Mrs. Chika Fidelia Ikelionwu now Mrs. Chika Stella Ikelionwu. Former documents valud. Public note.

JOHNSON: I, formerly Johnson Folayemi now to be known as Folayemi Oyebade. All former documents remain valid.

IKWO: Formerly Miss Ikwo Essien Akpan now Mrs. Pa-

KADEJO: I, formerly known

as Miss Kadejo Anifat Adesola now Mrs. Jimoh Anifat Adesola. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

wish to be addressed as Mrs Nneka Philomena Biriai Williams. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

KALU: Formerly Miss Gladys Johnson Kalu henceforth Mrs. Gladys Johnson IykeOkafor. All documents bearing my former/maiden name remain valid. All concerned Authorities and public note.

NURUDEEN: Former Miss Esther Omoyele Nurudeen now Miss Folasade Ester Omoyele. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

KANU: Formerly Priscilla Onyenachiya Kanu now Mrs. Priscilla Onyenachiya Osagie. Former documents remain valid. LASU, O.O.U, general public note. KEHINDE: Formerly Miss Taiwo Deborah Kehinde now known as Mrs. Taiwo Deborah Olusegun. Former documents remain valid. Public note. KOFI: Formerly Onajite Adams Kofi now Onajite Adam Oro. All former documents remain valid. General public note. KOMOLAFE: Formerly Oladayo Opeyemi Komolafe now Mrs Oladayo Opeyemi Aladegba. Former documents remain valid. Public note. KOMOLAFE: I, formerly Miss Oluwakemi Margaret Komolafe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwakemi Margaret Oluga. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. LAWAL: I, formerly known as Miss Abiola Foluke Lawal now wish to be known as Mrs. Abiola Foluke Olubiyi. All former documents remain valid. Public note. MAKANJUOLA: Formerly Miss Makanjuola Olubunmi Funmi now Mrs Adebayo Olubunmi Funmi, All former documents remain valid. General public take note. MBAKWEM: Formerly Miss Mbakwem Annastecia Ulumma now Mrs. Eluwa Annastecia Ulumma. Former documents remain valid. Public note. MEGWALU: Formerly Miss Megwalu Onyinye Doris now Mrs Mokezie Onyinye Doris. Former documents remain valid. Public note. MENSAH: Fomerly Miss Theresa Ayo Mensah now Mrs Theresa Ayo Yawson. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. MORGAN: Formerly MISS Dorathy ( Utibe) Koffi Morgan, now Mrs. Dorathy Aniebiet Tom Akpanmkpah. Former documents valid. Thasious Int’l Co. Ltd, World Evangelism Bible Church & public note. MOSAKU: Formerly Miss Mosaku Moyosore Oluwakemi now Mrs. Oluwatayo Moyosore Oluwakemi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NNEKA: I, formerly miss Nneka Philomena Orji now

Onyekachi Odo now Mrs. Martha Onyekachi Bernhard. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ODUNTAN: Formerly Miss Oduntan Oluwaseun Modupeola, now Mrs Akolade Oluwaseun Modupeola. Former documents valid. Public note

NWADI: Former Miss Nwadi Vivian Chidinma now Mrs. Egwim Vivian Chidinma. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OFFIONG: Formerly Miss Asa Essien Offiong now addressed as Mrs. Asa Essien Eyo Itam Eyo. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

NWAFOR: Formerly Miss Charity Chime Nwafor, now Mrs Charity Chime Chukwudi Igbom. Former documents valid. Public note.

OGBOYE: Formerly Miss Samiat Abiola Ogboye now Mrs. Samiat Abiola Bello. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

NWANEKEZIE: Formerly Miss Nwanekezie Thelma Chidera, now Mrs Anyaso Thelma Chidera. All former documents remain valid. General Public note.

OGBUINYI: Formerly Miss Euphemia Ngozi Ogbuinyi, now Mrs Euphemia Ngozi Iyi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

NWOSU: I, formerly known as Nwosu Francis Chiedo now wish to be known as Chijioke Francis Chiedo. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

OGBU: Formerly Uchenna Bethia Ogbu now to be known as Mrs. Uchenna Bethia Dumbili. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

NWOBI: Formerly Miss Nwobi Jacinta Onyinyechukwuamaka now Mrs Okonkwo Jacinta Onyinyechukwuamaka. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OGHAIMEH: Formerly Miss Faith Oghaimeh now Mrs Faith Ukiakhe Peters. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

NWOKO: Formerly Miss Helen Chika Nwoko now Mrs. Helen Chika Anosike. Former documents valid. Public note. NWORIE: Formerly Nworie Elaias now Mr. Igwe Moses. Former documents remain valid. United Nigeria Textile Plc, Ikorodu and general public take note. NWOYE: Formerly Miss Nwoye Patricia Ugonnia now Mrs Ajana Patricia Ugonnia. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NWOYE: Formerly Miss Anthonia Afoma Nwoye, now Mrs Tonia Afoma Akaeze. Former documents valid. Public note. OBADOFIN: Formerly Obadofin Moyo Lily now Mrs. Ajayi Moyo Lily. All former documents remain valid. OBIAGU: Former Miss Chinwe Victoria Obiagu, now Mrs Okeke Chinwe Victoria. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ODO: Formerly Miss Josephine Obiageli Odo, now Mrs. Josephine Obiageli Ajima. Former documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Service, public note. ODO: Formerly Miss Odo Christiana Onyekachi and Ogbu Sylvester Chika, now Mrs Chukwuka Christiana Onyekachi and Mr John Sylvester Chukwuka. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ODO:

Former

Martha

OGODIO: Former Samuel Salawu Ogodio now Samuel Salawu Odiyeye. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUMELU: I, formerly Miss. Ogumelu Kosisochukwu Ebubechukwu now known as Mrs. Kosisochukwu Ebubechukwu Forever Ngwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNBIYI: Formerly known as Oluwatobi Moses Ogunbiyi now wish to be known as Oluwatobi Moses Olubiyi. Public note. OGUNBODEDE: Formerly Ogunbodede Retioluwa Eunice now Sarafa Iretioluwa Eunice. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNDANA: Formerly known as Miss Kadirat Bukola Ogundana now Mrs. Bukola Favour Adeusi. All former documentsremain valid. Public note. OGUNDIPE: Formerly Miss Ogundipe Tolu Ayomikun now Mrs. Afolabi Tolu Ayomikun. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNGBUJI: Formerly known as Ogungbuji Olamide Gabriel now wish to be known as Olabinjo Olamide Gabriel. Former documents remain valid. General public note OGUNLEYE: Formerly Mrs. Naomi Ogunleye now Mrs. Naomi Michael. Former documents valid. Public note. OGUNLEYE: Formerly Mary Bunmi Ogunleye now Mrs. Bunmi Omobomi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

58 Saturday, January 25, 2014

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Change of Name OGUNLEYE: Formerly Miss Ogunleye Oluwaseun Ruth now Mrs. Mary Adesanya Oluwaseun Ruth. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNMODEDE: Formerly Olufunke Pade Ogunmodede now Olufunke Pade Usman. Former documents valid. Public note. OGUNMUSIRE: Formerly Oluwadamilola Olayinka Ogunmusire now Mrs. Oluwadamilola Olayinka Giwa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNSANYA: Formerly Miss Oluwakemi Abimbola Ogunsanya, now Mrs Oluwakemi Abimbola Ogundoyin. Former documents valid. Public note. OGUNSEEMI: Formerly known as Ogunseemi Ayodele Ayonimofe now known as Akinbobola Ayonimofe Ayodele. Former documents valid. Public note. OGUNWO: Formerly Miss Ogunwo Ariyike Eunice now Mrs. Akinbobola Eunice Ariyike. Former documents valid. Public note. OGUNWO: I, formerly Margaret Mboso-Owo Akpan, now Margaret Mboso-Owo Ogunwo. Public note. OGUNWOLU: Formerly Miss Ogunwolu Tawa Adekemi now Mrs. Obatomi Adekemi Tawa. All documents remain valid. Union Bank of Nigeria and General Public Note OGUTA: Formerly Henry Danwell Oguta Oyobolo now Henry Donwell Oyobolo. Former documents remain valid. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), public note. OHADEKWE: Formerly Miss Ohadekwe Chika Joan now Mrs. Okwuashi Chika Joan. Former documents remain valid. UNIBEN, public note. OHANWE: Formerly Miss Chiamaka Nneka Ohanwe now Mrs. Chiamaka Nneka Agboso. All former documents remain valid. Public take note. OJEKUNLE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Tawakalit Oluwakemi Ojekunle now Mrs. Oluwakemi Tawakalit Odufejo. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OJUDUN: Formerly Miss Olufunke Grace Ojudun, now known as Mrs. Olufunke Grace Daramola. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OJUMOOLA: Formerly Miss Busayo Olasumbo Ojumoola now Mrs. Busayo Olasumbo Ogunti. Documents valid. LSG, public note. OKECHUKWU: Formerly known as Miss Okechukwu Ifeanyi Kate now addressed as Mrs. Elvis Unam Kate.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

cilia. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

Mercy. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OKE: Former Miss Oke Olufisayo Olaposi now Mrs. Adetunji Olufisayo Olaposi. All former documents remain valid. Genera; public note.

OKOYE: Formerly Juliet Nwaife Okoye now Mrs. Juliet Nwaife Anadi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OTETIPEN: Former Mr. Otetipen Celestine now addressed as Mr. Andrew Celestine. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OKPENYA: Formerly Okpenya Victoria Ochanya now Mrs. Udoh Victoria Ochanya. Former documents remain valid. NASSARAWA-Polytechnic, Sparkling Property Company, public note.

OTI: I, formerly Miss Oti Oluwaseun Ayobami now known as Mrs. Aina Oluwaseun Ayobami. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKEKE: Formerly Miss Okeke Precious Ogechi now Mrs. Nnakife Previous Ogechi. Former documents valid. Public note. OKEKE: Formerly Okeke Donatus Ifeanyi now Orazurukwu Don Ifeanyichukwu. Documents valid. Public note. OKEMUO: Formerly Miss Okemuo Stella Chidiebele now Mrs. Ezemenari Stella Chidiebele. Former documents valid. Public note. OKEOWO: Former Miss Olabisi Kudirat Okeowo now Mrs. Olabisi Kudirat Adeyinka. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. OKETOKUN: Formerly Miss Oketokun Funmilayo Silifat now to be known & addressed as Mrs Akindele Funmilayo Silifat all former documents remain valid. Fed. Min. Of Lands, Housing & Urban Development take note. OKOLI: I, formerly Miss Okoli Ndidiamaka now becomes Mrs. Nwachukwu Ndidiamaka Agnes. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Dispensing Optician Registration Board of Nigeria, and Public note. OKONGWU: I, formerly Mr. Okongwu Pio Chibuzor Anthony now known as Mr. Chibuzor Pio Chibuzor Anthony. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. OKON: Formerly Miss Enefiok Bassey Okon now Mrs Enefiok Augustine Akpan. Former documents valid. Akwa lbom State Universal Basic Education Board (Subeb), public note. OKORIE: Formerly Miss Okorie Mercy Akaemenwa, now Mrs. Akabuike Mercy Akaemenwa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKOROMADUKA: Formerly Nwadiogo Ogochukwu Okoromaduke now Nwadiogo Ogochukwu Ude. Former documents remain valid. General public please note. OKOKORO: Formerly known as Mr. Okokoro Christopher now wish to be addressed as Mr. Olowojoba Christopher. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OKONJI: I, formerly Miss Faith Nduka Okonji now Mrs. Faith Nduka Olise. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OKOYE : Formerly Miss Okoye Chinelo Cecilia now Mrs Muokebe Chinelo Ce-

OLA: Formerly Ola Olabisi Helen now wish to be known as Adeyenuwo Olabisi Helen. Former documents remain valid. Ocean Suites International and public note. OLAYIWOLA: Formerly Olayiwola Olabisi now Mrs. Adegbenro Olayiwola Olabisi. Documents valid. Public note. OMEH: Formerly known as Deborah Bridget Bennett now wish to be called Deborah Bridget Omeh. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ONUIGBO: Formerly Miss Doris Chibuzo Onuigbo, now Mrs Doris Chibuzo Onwuka. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ONUEGBU: Formerly Miss Onuegbu Ihuoma Ogechi, now Mrs. Umelo Ihuoma Ogech. All former documents remain valid. General Public note. ONWUNEME: Former Miss Onwuneme Thecla Nkiruka now wish to be addressed as Nwankwor Thecla Nkiruka. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. ONYEJIUWA: Formerly Miss Ugochi Edith Onyejiuwa, now Mrs Obiekwe Ugochi Edith. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ORIRE: Formerly Miss Oyind a m o l a Olufunke Orire,now Mrs O y i n d a m o l a Olufunke Tom- Asaolu. Former documents valid. Public note. OSENI: Formerly Oseni Mutiat Morenike now Akanbi Mutiat Morenike. Former documents valid. Public note. OSIEBE: Formerly Osiebe Ufuoma Joy now Eze Ufuoma Joy. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OSIDIPE: Formerly Mrs. Olasunbo Boyede Alaba Osidipe now Ms Olasunbo Boyede Alaba Oyetayo. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OSHODI: Formerly Bukola Eunice Oshodi now Mrs Bukola Eunice Ige. Public note OSINYEMI: Formerly Osinyemi Olufunke Mercy now Mrs. Falana Olufunke

OTIMEBHO: Formerly Miss Egbadon Patricia Joy Otimebho now Mrs. Patricia Oladapo Babajide. Former documents remain valid. General public note. OTUNBA: Former Miss Otunba Abiola Oluwaseun now Mrs. Adebola Abiola Oluwaseun. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OWUNNA: Formerly Miss Victoria Ngozichukwuka Owunna now Miss. Victoria Vincent. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OYEKA: Formerly Oyeka Joy Precious Amarachukwu now Chukwukamadu Joy Precious Amarachukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OYEH: Formerly Miss Evelyn Oyeh now Mrs. Evelyn Oghenekewe Joseph Ogheneruona Okugbene. Documents valid. Public note. OYEWALE: Formerly Oyewale Edwinia Aderonke now Mrs Akinbritto Edwinia Aderonke. Documents valid. Public note. PACHECO: I, formerly Oluwayemisi Rita Pacheco now wish to be Mrs. Oluwayemisi Rita PachecoOjo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Mrs. Abiola Aminat Adesanya. Former documents remain valid. General public note. SEYE-FAROTIMI: I, formerly known as Mrs. Seye-Farotimi Ibironke Oludolapo now wish to be called Mrs. Olurotimi Ibironke Oludolapo. All former documents remain valid. Public note. SHEU: Formerly Sheu T. Orikemi now Jimoh Tijani Orikemi. Documents valid. Public note. SOLATE: I, formerly Miss Solate Folakemi Omowumi now Mrs. Omole Folakemi Omowumi. All former documents remain valid. The United States of America Embassy and general public note. SOYEWO: Formerly Adejoke Enitan Soyewo now Mrs. Adejoke Enitan Malik. Former documents valid. Public note. SUNMONU: Formerly Miss Mojisola Sunmonu now Mrs. Mojisola Peter Okoh. Former documents remain valid. Public note. SUNDAY: Formerly Miss Sunday Blessing now Mrs. Anjeluwa Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public note. TALABI: Formerly Miss Talabi Olufunke Omolola now Mrs. Arishe Olufunke Omolola. Former documents remain valid. UNIBEN, Public note. TEJUOSHO: Formerly Miss Tejuosho Omolara lrewale now Mrs Falodun Omolara lrewale. Documents valid. Public note. UDEAJA: Formerly Miss Udeaja Joan Ukamaka now Mrs. Muoghalu Joan Ukamaka. Former documents valid. German Embassy, public note.

PHILEMON: Formerly Miss Philemon Oluwakemi Eoudias, now Mrs Oluwole Oluwakemi Eoudias. Former documents valid. Public note.

UDENSI: Formerly Miss Udensi Eunice Erinma now Mrs Elijah Eunice Erinma. Former documents valid. Public take note.

PONLE: Formerly Miss Ponle Temilade Oluwabunmi now Mrs. Adedeji Temilade Oluwabunmi. Former documents valid. Public note.

UDO: Formerly Miss Ekaette David Udo now Mrs. Linda Ofonmbuk Aderi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

RAJI: Formerly Miss Raji Susan Morufartu now Mrs. Ikediashi Susan Morufartu. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

UGBAJA: Formerly Miss Justina Ekwutosi Ugbaja, now Mrs Tina Ekwi Oruche. Former documents valid. Public note.

ROSEMARIAM: I, former Miss Rosemariam Mordi now wish to be Mrs Rosemary .B. Arowosegbe. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

UGWUOTA: Formerly Miss Ugwuota Ogechukwu Catherine, now Mrs Ozougwu Ogechukwu Catherine. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

SANYAOLU: Formerly Miss Olubukola Oluwaseun Sanyaolu now known as Mrs. Olubukola Oluwaseun Osikoya. Former documents remain valid. Public note. SANUSI: I, formerly known as Miss Abiola Aminat Sanusi now addressed as

UGWU: Formerly Miss Ugwu Udoka Esther, now Mrs Omeke Udoka Esther. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UKOLO: Formerly Miss Nana Fatima Ukolo now Mrs. Nana-Fatima Anianu. Former documents valid. Public note.

UMUNYA: The Street former known as UMUNYA Street, off Industry Road Aba is now called NEWLIFE Crescent, Aba. Public please take note. UWANDU: Formerly Miss Uwandu Vivian Amarachi, now Mrs Ogaraku Vivian Amarachi. All former documents remain valid. General Public note. VAIKOSEN: I, formerly Miss Vaikosen Ufuoma. E. now wish to be addressed as Mrs Omoru Ufuoma. E. All former documents remain valid. General public note. WILLIAMS-EKIKO: Formerly Enem Mary Boniface Williams-Ekiko now Enem Mary Boniface Egbunine. Former documents remain valid. Public note. WOGU: Formerly Miss Ijeoma, Precious Obineche now Mrs Ijeoma Precious Edozie-Wogu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. YINUSA: Formerly Kafayat Yinusa now to be addressed as Adeola Victoria Oyebode. Former Documents valid. Public note. YUSUFF: Formerly Miss Yusuff Mutiat Oladunni now Mrs. Sotikare Oladunni Mutiat. Former documents valid. Public note. YUSUFF: Formerly Miss Aminat Omolola Yusuff now Mrs. Omolola Adebunmi Ajayi. Former documents remain valid. Pension Ltd & general public note. ZACCH-AMPITAN: I, formerly Miss Aderonmu Olasumbo Muraina, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Olasumbo Abimbola ZacchAmpitan. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

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Saturday, January 25, 2014 59

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ISSUES & POLITICS Dialogue Can Resolve Our National Question, Says Oritsejafor President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, spoke to journalists on the need for a fruitful national conference as panacea to questions over Nigeria’s nationhood and the 1914 amalgamation, while applauding the law prohibiting same sex marriage/relationship. SEYE OLUMIDE was there and reports. HAT is your opinion on the debate W whether the 1914 amalgamation expires this year; hence the need for Nigerians to renegotiate their unity? I think that is the more reason why the national conference is necessary. Whether we call it sovereign national conference or national conference or whatever, what is inevitable is for Nigerians to discuss. Let me go to the extreme to say that even if the outcome of the dialogue is not going to be implemented, it will still give Nigerians that opportunity to talk. The level of impunity and pride by certain group of people who feel they own Nigeria with all kinds of things going on are the more reason the conference is necessary and everything should be on the table; nothing should be left out. It will heal the wounds in peoples mind, because they will be able to speak their minds. Anything bottled in will either implode or explode. We can agree or disagree. I think we have reached the point where just a group of people should not determine the destiny of the nation. I think Nigerians should decide what they want and how they want it. National dialogue is a part of the democratic process and we must do it very quickly. I think it is the right step in the right direction. Are you worried that political parties are now playing up religious sentiment as a means of propaganda? I am very troubled. They don’t like people like us saying certain things; they look at us and accused us of heating up the polity, even when

Oritsejafor all we do is react to the reactions of other people. It is very frightening. Are we aligning along religious lines? If that is what is happening, it is very dangerous for Nigeria. They shouldn’t pretend about this; they should come out and tell the truth, because that is what we see. We should please allow Nigeria be and allow the people to decide what they want. It is a very dangerous direction if we go that way. The body language we see is not good for this nation and I think the press must help us to get the message across that this is very dangerous for the unity of this nation. I pray it shouldn’t go that way, so that we can come together and not try to divide this nation. I am being very selective in my choice of words. I wish Nigeria well. I believe that 2013 was a year of discovery, 2014 for me is a year of recovery and I see Nigeria being able to recov-

er. We have an incredible opportunity to recover and I hope and pray and believe God for recovery. Do you hate Muslims, as some people allege? I have thought over it severally, whether some people think before talking. What I stand for is justice for both Christians and Muslims all over Nigeria. Some things certain people do are on front pages, but 99 per cent of Nigerians don’t even know what happened. And I asked a question, where are the civil rights group? What is their mission? Sometime ago, the Sarawa nation or ethnic nationality in Tafawa Balewa Council of Bauchi State paid me a solidarity visit. They have picked their paramount ruler, but the governor refused to give him staff of office, because they are Christians. The council headquarters was moved, which should not be, according to the constitution without the approval of the National Assembly, but they’ve done it. The governor closed down the only girls’ secondary school in their area, but while the Muslim girls were moved to other schools, the Christian girls were left to roam the streets. Where are the civil rights and human rights groups? Where are those who write on Boko Haram everyday? Are these not the issues they ought to be fighting about? Now when I speak like this, people get upset with me. When I say things like this, people say oh, he hates Muslims. I don’t hate Muslims, but I hate this discrimination. I have a calling to be a voice for these people, who no one else will hear or even know exist. Nobody is saying anything. I am trying my best to say something, but they are drowning my voice. Certain persons want to divert attention to make it look like I am wining and dining with government and that is why I sleep in Aso Rock. How would you rate President Goodluck Jonathan administration’s commitment to the plight of the average Nigerian? I don’t speak for government, but I noticed that they have tagged this year’s appropriation

a Budget of Employment. I don’t know whether it is some of the things some of us keep saying that has led to this, because the situation is really bad, people are hungry and suffering. I think apart from education, unemployment is probably a major challenge in this country today. People need to be gainfully employed. I said late last year that I would like to see a situation where all elected and appointed office holders in Nigeria at all levels forfeit half of their salaries for one year to be put into a dedicated account run by credible Nigerians and used to help in this area of unemployment. What is your reaction to the law prohibiting same sex relationship in Nigeria? The reaction of the President and members of the National Assembly to the signing of the bill outlawing the same-sex marriage, despite Western pressure, is a welcome development. It shows there is still the fear of God and respect for the country’s culture by our representatives. CAN appreciate the trouble taken to ensure that the process for such a law was followed before the President appended his signature. I think it is expedient for all those talking about human rights and international conventions to remember that there is always a limit to certain rights and that those who go out of their ways to overstep the limits now know the consequences of their actions. The culture and morality are intricately linked and must be given recognition. Yes, there must be human rights, but when they are without limit; they become recipes for the destruction of any society. The culture and morality of a people must be taken into cognizance, because it is important to remember that culture and morality are intricately linked with each other. Most Nigerians believe that same sex marriage is offensive to us as a people. While we love all human beings created by God, we also believe that human beings must have restrain and consciousness about their emotions and thoughts. I will simply appeal to those who are choosing their interests above others to allow individual countries to develop according to their cultures and moral worth or importance.

RE: Lagos State Budget 2014- Mr. Akabueze Should Address The Issues By Senator Musiliu Obanikoro HE sad but wide gap between democracies of developing T countries like ours and those of enviable advanced economies is characterized by larger than life poise of elected and appointed officials who are meant to serve the people. Once in office, many of our leaders put on the garb of impunity deserving no query or having no need to be accountable to the people on their stewardship of the affairs of the state they govern. When asked by the citizens, they retort to verbal abuse, declaring such concerned citizens as opposition forces to hide their ineptitude. Oftentimes, it is to hide their fraudridden conducts in their administration of peoples’ trust. The above describes the response of Mr. Ben Akabueze, the Lagos State Government’s Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget to my review of the Lagos State Budget 2014 as presented to the State House of Assembly in October last year. Instead of providing clear responses to the key issues raised concerning the Lagos State Government Appropriation bill 2014, Mr. Akabueze resorted to insulting my person and questioning my qualifications and capacity to have written the piece titled “Lagos State Budget 2014- The Phantom Zero deficit budget”. While such statements and insinuations are pretentious and laughable, Mr. Akabueze needs to be enlightened that at a certain level of leadership, which I am proud to have attained, it is customary and a worldwide practice to have dedicated professional writers who help leaders present their thoughts and opinions in manners that touch lives and influence the populace. Some impactful professional writers and the leaders they serve include; Jonathan E. “Jon” Favreau for President Barack Obama, Micheal Waldman for former President Bill Clinton, Phillip Collins for Tony Blair, and Simon Kordonsky for Vladmir Putin just to name a few. The challenge usually at this level, is to engage writers who can best articulate your thoughts and ideas in the most effective manner, and ensure understanding and connection to the target audience. Let me use this opportunity to thank my team of dedicated individuals who have outstandingly helped me achieve this objective over the years. I will restate again the few key questions that have drawn out the government of Lagos State to attack my person on the budget 2014 while refraining from joining them in the hollowed pit of unprofessionalism. Is it reasonably justifiable to expand recurrent expenditure by 14.85 per cent at the expense of capital expenditure just because it is the last budget that the administration would be implementing? What other critical information does the Lagos State government require for

planning that it could not obtain through the combination of the last census it conducted; the electoral register; death and birth registers at the hospitals; tax registrations; school registers; vehicle and drivers’ licensing processes; for which it requires the residents’ registration exercise, and hence the allocation of public funds for such exercise at the expense of improved development programmes for Lagosians? Where is the zero deficit in the Budget 2014 in which the State proposes to borrow N99.7 billion to fund debt repayments despite the fact that it concluded a N87.5 billion bond issue in December 2013? What are the details of the cumulative amount of N15.7 billion allocated to “special building/strategic projects” and “special duties” under the Ministry of Special Duties, and “special expenditure” under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget? These are the questions Mr. Akabueze should address in clear languages to Lagosians. Perhaps I should thank Mr. Akabueze for pointing out the omission of the hurried N7.5 billion supplementary appropriation made by the government at the 11th hour to pay for the questionable repurchase of the Lekki-Epe Concession Contract, in my mention of the 2013 total appropriation. I am, however, worried that in his capacity, he considered that omission of all the key issues raised in my write-up, factually wrong enough to discredit my analysis. I am sure learned Lagosians and Nigerians are clear on who is being pedestrian between myself and Mr. Akabuze as a representative and ranking member of the Lagos State Government. Mr. Akabuze’s ignorance about my person, which cannot be excused for a serving Honorable Commissioner of our great State, was highlighted by his comment on my non-qualification as an economic/financial expert as a precondition to being able to understand and analyze a budget. For the purpose of Mr. Akabueze’s education, I managed the Lagos State Bulk Purchasing Corporation (LASBULK) in the early 1990s, with responsibilities for large financial assets and related liabilities on behalf of the people of Lagos. And as an elected Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government Authority (LGA) in 1997/98, I produced and managed the largest local government budget in the State, and perhaps in Nigeria, at the time. I was also privileged to have served as the Commissioner of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture under the predecessor of Mr. Akabueze’s principal. At that time, we did not create bogus expenses and overheads. As a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, my responsibilities included the national budget review/appropriation with the related oversight functions. As an Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I had a foreign mission budget

Fashola and appropriation under my stewardship. And in my current role as the Chairman of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) governing council, I have a first level oversight function over the budget of the agency. For the record, and perhaps to satisfy Mr. Akabueze and his likes, my Baccalaureate and postgraduate degrees are in Public Administration obtained from Texas Southern University (TSU), Houston, Texas USA in 1983 and 1986 respectively. These were ahead of the over 20 years of fulfilling professional and political experiences briefly summarized above. In addition, I make it a point of duty to attend executive courses yearly. Just recently, I completed the executive programme “Emerging Leaders” at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, Massachusetts, USA with spe-

cial focus on preparing leaders for democratic societies and contributing to the solution of public problems. The truth is my passion, commitment, and long standing love for Lagos and her prosperity cannot be wavered by half fast responses exercised by Mr. Akabueze and his handlers. It certainly cannot deter me from constructively challenging the apparent insults to our common sensibilities as currently being displayed by Mr. Akabuze and his principals. Finally, I cannot conclude without responding to the diversionary invitation to a public debate on the myriads of unwholesome policies of the government he serves. The apparent lack of professionalism that Mr. Akabueze displayed in his response to basic questions on the budget he supposedly prepared disqualifies him as a person worthy of engagement. In addition, Mr. Akabueze does not have the mandate of the people of Lagos State. It is his principal who owes Lagosians an answer for his management of their resources. It is him that, on behalf of other concerned citizens of Lagos State, I would be willing to ask a few questions on his stewardship of Lagos State, in public if he prefers. Obanikoro writes from Lagos.

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60 Saturday, January 25, 2014

POLITICS

Why Niger Operates Joint Account With Councils, By Commissioner The operation of joint accounts between state and local councils in some states in the country has generated a lot of controversy, leading to the clamour for the autonomy of the councils. In this interview with JOHN OGIJI in Minna, the Niger State Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Yusuf Tagwai, explains why the state cannot do without operating a joint account with the councils, among other issues. OULD you give us an insight into the state C and local council joint projects initiated by the present administration? Well, we call it joint projects because what we do is that we warehouse whatever we get from the Federation Account and our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) into one purse. At the end of the month, we first attend to first line charges like salaries related issues and some projects. The reason is that if we leave each local government to spend its funds, I can assure you that out of the 25 local councils that we have in the state, less than five will survive. Let me give you an example. If you give Chanchaga council all its money, it cannot pay its employees because of their staff strength. So, what we do at the end of every month is that when we get the allocation, we first of all pay salaries and salaries related issues of all the 25 local governments. We also pay all the Emirate Councils. At the end, whatever that is remaining, we will sit down and share to the councils for their operations. One of the major joint projects between the state and the local councils is the 10-kilometre roads project. How far has it gone? The project, I would say, is a success story. At the same time, it is not a success story because in some local councils, we have achieved about 90 to 100 per cent success while in some others, it is a very sad story up to the extent that we had to revoke a few of the contracts and reaward them.

But to be honest with you, if not for the joint projects between the state government and the local governments, may be only one or two councils would have been able to construct 10 kilometres of road. But because of the joint account, we have been able to embark on the 10-kilometre roads project in every council in the state. In fact, about two local councils are using their roads now while others are in the pipeline. Apart from the road, which other joint project has the state undertaken with the local councils? Another project between the state and the local governments is the Ward Development Projects, which is being jointly funded. This is a programme where every ward is given N1 million each at the end of every month to do a project of their choice. At the beginning of the programme, each of the 274 wards were being given N500, 000 but it was later reviewed upward to N1million after an Executive Bill was sent to the state House of Assembly to pass a law institutionalising the initiative. And for the first time in the history of the state, some rural communities now know that there is government and have been given a sense of belonging. They now have a forum and an opportunity to decide what they want and are involved in the process of achieving it through the Ward Development Projects. If not for joint projects, we cannot be able to achieve anything in some local councils honestly speaking. In fact, we have a few others like the recent facelift carried out by the state Ministry of Transport at the Nigeria Air Force Training School in Minna. It is a joint project because it was the local councils and the state Ministry of Finance that paid for it since the direct beneficiaries are our students from our local governments. So, the joint projects are many and scattered across all the 25 local councils of the state. The issue of joint account between the states and local governments has generated a lot of controversy in the country because of the belief that the state governments are shortchanging the councils by not giving them the opportunities to collect their allocations

TRANSITION Computer Whizkid, Onome, Bows To Sickle Cell Anaemia From Chido Okafor, Warri LEX Onome Edema, who A passed away at an unripe age of 37, may, perhaps, have mulled the unjust blow life dealt him when he was born in 1977 with sickle cell anaemia. Six months after his birth, until he passed on January 6, 2014, he reportedly fought a great battle for life, having been in and out of bouts, as a result of his health condition. It was learnt that his last bout on January 6 was so intense; he inevitably bowed to the genetic disorder that had haunted him all his life. Yet, in the midst of all the pains and severe illness, Onome, a computer science masters degree holder, accomplished his goals in life. The dream of setting up his own computer solutions firm was actualised, when he established Six Point Zero Limited - an organisation he

nurtured until his untimely demise. Having touched lives with his computer proficiency, it is little wonder his burial at his hometown, Ujevwu, Udu local council, Delta State, on Tuesday January 21, 2014, drew a lot of sympathisers from far and wide. Onome’s guardian in Port Harcourt, Chief Mrs. Veronica Ajuebon, the Ogheremo of Okere Urhobo kingdom, is pained that there is not much awareness and action in addressing sickle cell anaemia in Nigeria, despite the fact that many families are affected by it. She described Onome as a lively child and full of life, adding that he was always in and out of health crises but that in his last moment he couldn’t come out of the challenge, and passed away. Ajuebon told parents with affected children: “My experi-

ence is very heartbreaking, having been so close to Onome. Parents with children suffering from sickle cell anemia should try as much as possible to do a lot of research, to know more about the disease. Nobody is talking about it. Instead, some people say, ‘don’t marry somebody that has sickle cell’, which is very wrong. Someone with sickle cell should have a wife or husband because he is not disabled. The stigma is even worse than that of HIV. Even HIV patients have an arrangements where they marry each other.” The family might take solace in the words of Father Esegine Barnabas, who performed the funeral rites for the deceased at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warri: “Our brother, Alex, has fallen asleep in the peace of Christ, in the faith and hope of eternal life.”

directly from the Federation Account. What is your take on that? Well as I said earlier, in Niger State here, without the operation of a joint account, some local governments in this state cannot pay salary to their staff not to talk of embarking on any development project. We have about five local governments in Zone C Senatorial district of the state that are viable, while I will also say that there is another one in Zone A area of the state. But every other local council apart from these, if they were to be given their own funds directly from the Federation Account, they would go bankrupt in two months. In view of what you are saying now, what was the situation of things with councils before now? Before the coming of the present administration in 2007, it has always been joint account and joint projects. The last administration in the state also operated a joint account because without a joint account and joint projects between the state and the 25 local councils, nothing can work. I do not know of other states but in Niger State it cannot work. You must have observed that we have never had labour unions strike in Niger State because the Governor has directed us to ensure that on 26th of every month, salaries must be paid. What is your conservative estimate of the staff strength of the local councils in the state? When I came in as the commissioner, we had about 60,000 staff, which included both primary school teachers and local government employees. But now, because of the on-going screening exercise, we have brought it down to about 55, 000 and we are still working on it and I am sure it can still go down. On the average, what does it cost your Ministry to offset the monthly salaries of the 55,000 staff? Our salary cost is over N2 billion every month and if you want to know the Ministry’s Account, it is on the Internet for you to check it yourself. We usually remove over N2 billion from what we get every month and that N2 billion is salary-related cost like pension, gratuity and

Tagwai so on. With this situation of things at the local government level, are you saying that the state cannot cope without the operation of a joint account with the councils? Obviously, it is not possible. Even the so-called autonomy will make some councils fold up. If local councils are given their autonomy, may be it may work in some states; but in Niger State it will not work. If it is given, I can tell you to give them six months, and the same local councils would come and beg that they should return to the operation of joint accounts as well as joint projects between the two tiers of government. How much has the state expended so far on the joint projects between the state and local governments and how many projects have you been able to capture? We have been able to jointly execute projects worth over N60 billion and about 11,000 projects have been captured, including the Ward Development Projects and the 10-kilomtre roads projects.

Iyom Josephine Akaigwe For Burial Feb 6 HE death has occurred of T Iyom Josephine Obiamaka Akaigwe, nee Okechukwu. Also known as Erico Nwanyi, she was aged 76 years. The deceased, married to the late Chief Gabriel Akaigwe, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police, lived in many towns across Eastern Nigeria where her husband served. She was engaged in business and had a popular shop at the Abada section of Ogbete main market Enugu. She belonged to many social

and religious organisations both in Enugwu Ukwu Anambra State, her hometown and Enugu where she resided. According a statement signed by Innocent Akaigwe for the family, her remains will be laid to rest in Enugwu Ukwu on Thursday, February 6, 2014, after funeral service at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Enugwu Ukwu. She is survived by many children and grandchildren.

Akaigwe

Pa Felix Nkwazema Unaegbu Passes On HE death has occurred of T Pa Felix Nkwazema Unaegbu of Unaegbu Ikpeawujo family of Umuoparaocha kindred, Umuokirika Umuoba, Uratta in Owerri North Local Council Area of Imo State. Pa Unaegbu, who passed on peacefully at 103 years on December 20, 2013, was the Patriarch of the family. His remains were laid to rest on Thursday, January 16,

Nkwazema

2014, at the Unaegbu Family compound, Umuoparaocha, Umuoba, after a funeral mass at Christ the King Catholic Church (CKC) Umuoba, Urrata. The family thanksgiving also took place at the same church on Sunday, January 19, 2014. He is survived by eight children, 25 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

TheGuardian

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Saturday, January 25, 2014 61

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Sports CHAN 2014 From Adeyinka Adedipe, Cape Town sports, just like in other endeavours, defeat is always hard to In fact, it is a bitter pill, which is difficult to swallow. And IifNaccept. any team ends up being defeated or in other words, turns out to be a failure, that team will definitely be left in the cold and the players would become instant orphans. Moreso, it may take some time for them to reappear in the national team or they may never be selected to play for the country again. The future of the coach is instantly thrown into doubt, while the football federation comes under fire. The above scenario aptly paints the current situation in South Africa where the latest defeat the Nigeria Super Eagles handed down to Bafana Bafana has not only torn the football fraternity apart, but the whole nation is devastated that Nigeria has continued its dominance over their national team. Many of them believed that the CHAN was an opportunity for their team to defeat the Eagles, who they have never beaten in any competitive game. The fact that some of the players in the CHAN team also play for the main team gave the South Africans the conviction that this was their time to beat the Eagles, coupled with the fact that the Nigerian team was yet to show it was in South Africa for serious business after the defeat to Mali and the shaky performance against Mozambique. However on match day, the Eagles surprised the South African team and their fans with flawless display especially in the first half, racing into a two goal lead before making victory certain with a third goal early in the second half. All the Bafana Bafana could get from their late rally was a consolation goal from the penalty spot. Goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim also redeemed himself ‘stopping every other thing the South African threw at him.’ Some of the supporters began leaving the stadium as soon as the Super Eagles scored the third goal, while it took courage on the part of the supporters club to continue backing their team. It was heart wrenching for the fans and they wondered what their team needed to do to halt the Eagles dominance. The first public outburst came from the highest ranked sport officer, Fikile Mbalula, the South Africa’s Sports Minister, who called 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,” Mbalula told a packed press conference after the disappointing game. “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 yesterday (on Sunday)… 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 lamented. While Mbalula expressed the sentiments of many South Africans, Shadow Minister of Sport and Recreation, Winston Rabotapi, called the minister’s comments ‘immature and disgraceful’. “The Minister – who is responsible for the promotion of sports 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. “While we share the pain of the loss, especially as the host country of the tournament, it is shameful and disheartening to see Minister Mbalula turn his back on the team that represents us all as South Africans. If we celebrate Bafana’s win, we should stand together in times of defeat,” said Rabotapi. 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 that the system needed overhauling, while youth development must be taken seriously if football has to return to its place of pride in South Africa. He said the country’s U-17 team had not played a competitive

Coach Igesund with his player

Disappointed Bafana Bafana players

For South Africans, Eagles’ Defeat, Too Much To Bear match in 10 years, and wondered if the team even existed. He noted that it was going to be difficult to have a strong Bafana Bafana team if youth development is neglected. He stated: “I am not with the minister on this. I am surprised that he is turning the heat on the team instead of taking the blame. They have failed to do the right thing by developing football at the youth level because that is where the talent would be discovered. The earlier the authorities realise this, the better.” He said the Nigerian team is doing well because there were lots of talents coming through, while he commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for putting in place a system that has put up a system that aids identification and development of talents who cut their teeth in the Under-17 team before graduating to the national team. “The Nigerian team is currently the World Champions and the goalkeeper, Dele Alampasu is in the squad at CHAN. It means that the NFF is looking towards the future. But for us, our U-17 team has not played in 10 years, so I wonder how we can rob shoulders with the top teams in Africa.” Nigeria was a little harsh, saying the team that had beaten world and European champions, Spain in a friendly, while also doing well against topsides like Brazil, Holland and Norway. The South African rued the absence of some of the experienced players, saying their inclusion could have helped the team against the Nigerians. He also blamed the defeat on the profligacy of its Under-fire coach, Gordon Igesund, who was full of praise for the Eagles, said he had no mandate before the competition and he would continue to pilot the team to greater height. He said his job was not on the line and he would ensure he assesses the team’s performance with a view to knowing what would be done to change the fortunes of the team. Igesund blamed the uproar over the team’s strikers, noting that it could have been different if they took some of the chances that came their way, He said: “The Nigerians played a good game and I must commend them for the win. They capitalised on how errors and that is the way to win a game. But

we will have to regroup and move on as we prepare for the qualifiers for the 2015 African Nations Cup.” While admitting that his team missed the chance of beating Nigeria for the first time in a competitive game, Igesund stated that his Bafana Bafana would get another opportunity in future. “The defeat to Nigeria is not the end of the world. We will get another chance some other time.” “We have played 28 games till date and have won 14, lost 7 and winning seven, scoring two eight goals in the process. This is not a bad statistic but I am sure we will get another shot against Nigeria. We have beaten world champions, Spain and lost narrowly to Brazil, Holland, Norway and these are topsides that are highly rated by FIFA.” He debunked claims that he had a mandate from the South African Football Association (SAFA), assuring that he would continue unless he is told to stand down. He also said Sunday’s defeat to Nigeria wasn’t his career lowest point, pointing out that they would have to learn from the loss and move on. The South Africa Football Federation (SAFA) boss, Danny Jordan put to rest immediate call for Igusend’s sack, saying that an assessment would be made after the CHAN event. He, however, said that the coach might stay with the team until the end of his contract in June. Jordan said the SAFA would also launch a ‘Vision 2022’ programme, which would see football enjoying a lot of support from the schools where the talents discovered, would be nurtured. He also stated that the U-17, U-20 and U-23 teams would become very active with quality players graduating to the senior team - 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 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 to change the name, Bafana Bafana, which has become a global brand.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, January 25, 2014

SPORTS S part of South Africa’s preparation for the ongoing A Champion of Nations (CHAN 2014), Bafana Bafana played a friendly match against the current best team in the world, Spain. Their performance in that match, perhaps, their best ever, lifted the spirit of all South Africans and raised hope about their prospect at the championship. They defeated Spain! It is in that spirit that they started CHAN, on a great note, winning their first match and drawing the second. All they needed was a draw in the last match and they would be firmly on course to winning Chan 2014 and ending their drought of international trophies since 1996 when they hosted and won the African Cup of Nations. Then came the third and decisive match against Nigeria. It did not require an oracle to predict what was likely to happen in that match. Tradition becomes a very rich tool for analysts, that is, the history of the countries’ previous meetings in international football. When something is repeated time and again and produces a predictable result it could become a tradition. Looking back at that encounter, South Africans now concede that deep down many of them knew that the outcome of that match was a foregone conclusion even before the match was played. It reflected in the tame way the Bafana Bafana played as they had done through the years every time they came face to face with the strength, the speed, the physicality and the confidence of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. For the umpteenth time Nigeria defeated South Africa again! This time it was easy and almost effortless! So frustrating was the outcome of the match that terminated the anticipated fairytale of South Africa that football in that

Super Eagles’ defender, Solomon Kwambe (left) contests with South Africa’s Parker during the group match at the ongoing CHAN.

Super Eagles – The Jinx Team Of South Africa country may be adversely affected for a long time to come depending on what the country does now. South Africans are churning and turning their football upside down to find out, amongst other things, why the Super Eagles have become their jinx team. I have also even read somewhere that the authorities are contemplating a change of the official name of the team, Bafana Bafana, to something else, as if the problem lies in the name! I can totally identify with the present frustration and confusion of South Africans. It happened to Nigeria too a long time ago. For almost 30 years the Green Eagles (as the national team of Nigeria was known at the time) could not break the invincibility of the Black Stars of Ghana every time the two countries met. The history of their encounters from the 1950s and 60s through most of the 70s was a depressing litter of losses. At that time it was always taken for granted that Nigeria would lose to Ghana in any match. With scandalous score lines like 50 and 7-0 even at home in Nigeria, the average Ghanaian disrespected Nigerian football, and this was reflected in the confident and superior posturing of Ghanaian players during matches against Nigeria that they almost always invariably won! It was such a frustrating, devastating, psychological trauma that haunted Nigerian football for years. Nigerians dreaded being grouped along side Ghana in any competition. Nigeria needed to break down this barrier that was holding back the country’s march to potential greatness that was lurking yet remained unachieved. Even when Nigeria won the African Cup of Nations for the first time in 1980 many Ghanaians still say that the country would not have won it if the Green Eagles had met the Black Stars in the course of that campaign. It is hard to even dispute that because Nigeria had not won an important match against the Blacks Stars for years before that. The lone victory recorded during the Ghana/Nigeria Sports Festival of 1973, or so, was mired in controversy. What is a fact, however, is that in 1983, a certain Chibuzor Ehilegbu led a whole new generation of Nigerian footballers (assembled following the country’s disastrous campaign at the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations in Libya) - Ali Jeje, Paul Okoku, Peter Rufai, Segun and Femi Olukanmi) - under the tutelage of a Nigerian coach, Adegboyega Onigbinde. The team was immune to the psychological infection that had afflicted previous generations. It went to Ghana and broke the ‘calabash’ containing the genie of the Black Stars’ invincibility through a masterful display, by this new set of players, of a new spirit, a new style of play and a new attitude. That defeat of Ghana on their home ground marked the end of the jinx and of Ghana’s dominance over Nigeria! Things changed dramatically thereafter. Nigeria started to

Segun Odegbami win everything in sight in Africa. The reverse of the past with Ghana now became the case. Ghanaians started to dread meeting Nigeria in any competition and at any level of football. Against Ghana, in the past three decades, Nigeria holds the ace! How did this turn around come about? The answer will make an interesting seminal inquiry that would interest South Africa as they perch on this precipice. The fear of Nigeria could destroy them or spur them on to greater things depending on how they view it, what lessons they take from it and what they do to arrest the situation. I hope readers would now start to understand the ‘authority’ (which many term as arrogance) with which I sometimes make my humble predictions about matches. Many times I take the easy route of looking at the established tradition between teams. Aside many other critical factors that come into play and consideration, there is always a place for tradition, the repeated results of matches that follow a set pattern. I may have no empirical data to justify my assertion, but I know that there is something rooted deep in the psyche of players and teams that contribute to performances, degree of confidence a team exudes, comfortability of players in a match, belief in self, and, subsequently, the result of matches. That’s why often times I dare to stick out my neck and make predictions of matches with the ‘certainty’ of an oracle. It is all part of the beautiful game beyond the game of football. That’s why I can confidently predict that Benin Republic will not win the African Cup of Nations in the next 50 years. That’s why I can confidently say that it will be easier for an elephant to pass through the eye of needle than for Ethiopia to defeat Nigeria in a football match played anywhere in the world for many years to come. That’s why I can confidently also say that South Africa will continue to be Nigeria’s ‘wife’ in football until some revolutionary or drastic steps are taken to break the jinx. I can already see bile rising and several people fuming in anger at the arrogance of my predictions. That’s okay by me. I love South Africans and South African football, but until they find an answer to Nigeria, I will continue to enjoy how they groan and grope in the dark to find an answer to Nigerian football. I can tell them what Nigeria did in 1983 with Ghana, but it will not be for free, and I cannot guarantee the same formula will work, if you know what I mean. But meanwhile, I return to the great entertaining spectacle that CHAN 2014 has become.

CHAN 2014:

Angry Athletes Carpet Sports Minister Over $100,000 Offer To Eagles By Gowon Akpodonor HE decision by the T Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi to dangle the sum of $100,000 (about N17 million) on the Super Eagles Team B to beat Morocco in today’s quarterfinal tie at the on-going CHAN in South Africa is not going down well with some athletes who are currently in Abuja camp preparing for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Abdullahi had announced on Thursday through his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Julius Ogunro, that the $100,000 package was “to motivate the Eagles to give their very best in today’s quarterfinal clash against the Moroccans. However, some of the athletes who won the last African Junior Athletics Championship in Mauritius are crying blue murder saying that the Minister’s gesture to the Eagles was a clear indication that he (Bolaji) cares

only for footballers and the coaches. Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, the athletes express sadness that “the same minister who told us late last year that the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration would no longer reward athletes and players during competitions within Africa has turned around to dole out such huge amount of money to the Eagles to Morocco in a quarterfinal match.” “If the minister can give the Super Eagles the sum of $100,000 to beat Morocco in a quarterfinal match, what stop him from rewarding us after working so hard to win the African Junior Athletics Championship in Mauritius? You can see why we call him a minister for football,” the athlete said. Speaking further, the athletes said: “This same minister told us after we return from Mauritius last year that no more reward anyone competing in Africa competitions. Yet he is giv-

ing $100,000 to the footballers to beat Morocco. The funniest part of it is that the $100,000 is just for the boys to win their quarterfinal match. What will happen if the team qualify for the semifinal or win the trophy? It is the duty of the minister to recommend to the Presidency to host us for doing the country pound in Mauritius. Our

God will be sad with the minister if he fails to so because we worked so hard to top the medals table in Mauritius,” the athlete added. In August last year, the Nigerian Junior athletes overcame a stiff challenge from South Africa, Uganda and Kenya in Mauritius to top the medals table at the 2013 African Athletics

Championship and have been waiting for a presidential reception in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s policy of rewarding athletes who did the country proud in international competitions. The reward never came even after the presidency had honored the Super Eagles for winning the 2013 African Nations Cup in

Team Nigeria’s Divine Oduduru (left) won the 200m gold at the 2013 African Junior Athletics Championship in Mauritius. The athletes are saying that the Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi cares only for football

South Africa. “This same government also rolled out a red carpet reception for both the U-17 (Golden Eaglets) and the U20 (Flying Eagles) even when they fail to win their African titles in Morocco and Algeria last year. It was that reception that gingered the Golden Eaglets to victory at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates. They also hosted the U-17 Youth Athletics team after winning the AYAC Games in Warri. So why should ours be different. Could it be somebody has collected money meant to host us? I can’t understand what is going on and this is bothering us on daily basis in the camp here,” the athlete said. Efforts to speak with the minister (Abdullahi) or the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Gbenga Elegbeleye on the issue have proved abortive. Not even the minister’s SA on Media and Strategy, Ogunro, could be reached on phone yesterday.

Saturday, January 25, 2014 63

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SPORTS European Round-Off

Transfer Gossip

Seedorf Faces A Tough Task At Milan, Baresi Insists AC Milan captain, FnewORMER Franco Baresi believes that coach, Clarence Seedorf faces a tough task in getting the Rossoneri back on track. The Serie A side parted company with Massimiliano Allegri earlier this month, after a dreadful first half of the season, and appointed Seedorf as the 46-year-old’s successor. The Dutchman aims to follow in the footsteps of highprofile coaches such as Arrigo Sacchi, Fabio Capello and Carlo Ancelotti, who all guided Milan to great success during their respective spells at San Siro, but Baresi fears Seedorf could struggle because of club’s current financial problems. “Every coach has his own story. Some of them were experienced when they came to Milan and others were not. A lot of factors decide whether a coach will be successful,” the Rossoneri legend told Goal. “You need a great team and the faith of the club, but you also need a bit of luck. Ancelotti, for example, joined Milan at the perfect moment when they had an amazing squad. Seedorf faces a much bigger challenge. “Milan are going through a difficult moment. Things are changing and the club’s economic situation is no longer like before. “You might have some amazing ideas, but it’s going to be hard if you are not working with the best material. “I hope Ancelotti serves as an inspiration to him, even though their situations are different. Ancelotti remains the best Milan coach from recent years, both as a human being and for his methods.”

IVERPOOL could turn to LBrazilian Spartak Moscow’s midfielder,

Baresi then went on to discuss the role of Mario Balotelli at Milan and stressed that the striker could become a key man for the Rossoneri, even though an individual can only do so much for the team. “Balotelli himself is not completely aware of how much he could give to the team yet,” the former defender argued. “Football is a collective game, though. Individuals are important, but they can only do so much. “Look at [new signing] Keisuke Honda for example. He might encounter some difficulties because he has joined a team that is struggling.” The former Italy international also had his say on Milan’s philosophy and insisted that they should stay true to their AC Milan’s Dutch new coach, Clarence Seedorf shouts instrucown style rather than try and tions to his players during the Italian Serie A match against copy teams like Barcelona Verona at San Siro stadium in Milan last weekend. and Ajax. “For me, Milan should focus Arsenal Unlikely To Sign Anyone, Says Wenger on their own philopshy and RSENE Wenger will sign anyone. We are not style,” he mused. “It’s a good close to anything,” he told says Arsenal are “unlikely thing to look at how other clubs work, but it’s difficult to to sign anyone” in the January reporters. “If something exceptional copy the Barcelona model. transfer window, but refused turns up of course we will do We’re talking about a differ- to rule out late activity. Goal exclusively revealed on it.” ent country, a different culMeanwhile, Wenger revealed January 11 that Arsene Wenger ture and a different style of is plotting a January move for that he is keen to tie captain football. “Milan will have to be rebuilt Draxler, while Schalke sport- Thomas Vermaelen down to step by step, with a new and ing director Horst Heldt longer terms. The Belgian, whose current ambitious project. This is insisted last week that the deal is set to expire in 2015, club are yet to receive a congoing to take time. has struggled for minutes “Milan need young and good crete offer. Arsenal have also been after falling behind Per players. That’s the path the linked with recognised strik- Mertesacker and Laurent club should follow. The goal should be to become compet- er talent following injuries to Koscielny in the pecking the likes of Theo Walcott, order - starting just three itive again. “And let’s not forget that though Wenger ruled out a Premier League games. He said: “I’m ready to extend Milan are still in the bid for Dimitar Berbatov but Vermaelen’s contract. He is a left the door open for an Champions League. The team quality player and I’m open to will give its all in the round of “exceptional” opportunity. “It’s looks unlikely that we it.” 16.” Milan take on Atletico Madrid in the round of 16, with the first leg of the tie taking place at San Siro on February 19. VERTON goalkeeper, Tim come under pressure for the Howard says Manchester recent poor results but United’s players must take Howard says it is the players the blame for their recent who are to blame. slump and not coach David “David Moyes has come in Moyes. for a lot of criticism but the The Red Devils are currently one thing I will say is that in seventh place in the he’s never kicked a ball for Premier League, five points Manchester United,” the forbehind Everton and 14 mer United shot-stopper points off top spot. told Sky Sports. United have also been “As players you have to knocked out of the FA Cup in stand up and be counted. It’s the third round and suf- a very easy thing to talk fered fresh misery on about the manager and Wednesday when they lost unfortunately that’s the to Sunderland in the Capital pressure of it. One Cup semi-finals. “But those players won the Their Scottish boss has title last year and are a damn

Howard Blames Players, Not Moyes E

English FA Cup Fixtures

Sunderland’s Spanish defender, Marcus Alonso (left) vies with Manchester United’s Belgium midfielder, Adnan Januzaj during the English League Cup semifinal second leg match at Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday. PHO-

Romulo, 23, who has also been scouted by Arsenal and Chelsea, after learning that Lucas Leiva could miss up to two months with a knee injury. Stoke City striker, Peter Crouch could be re-united with former manager, Harry Redknapp who hopes to take the 32-year-old to Queens Park Rangers. West Ham are closing in on a double swoop that would see Italy internationals Antonio Nocerino, 28, and Marco Borriello, 31, arrive at Upton Park on loan. Cardiff City’s proposed loan move for winger Wilfried Zaha, 21, means they will have to sign Manchester United’s Fabio da Silva, 23, on a permanent basis because a team cannot sign two loan players from the same Premier League club. Monaco striker, Lacina Traore, 23, could still be allowed to move to Everton despite a serious injury to his team-mate, Radamel Falcao. Newcastle striker, Papiss Cisse, 28, has rejected the chance to join Borussia Moenchengladbach on loan, which could scupper Alan Pardew’s attempt to sign the German club’s 23year-old striker, Luuk De Jong. Chelsea captain, John Terry, 33, is resigned to leaving the club at the end of the season. Wayne Rooney’s agent will hold talks with Manchester United over a new contract for the 28-year-old England striker. Meanwhile, Manchester United may continue to spend after the transfer of Juan Mata from Chelsea, with midfield cover for the

injured Michael Carrick needed. The Old Trafford club’s unusual use of intermediaries to conclude the deal for Mata may stem from their strained relations with Chelsea over last summer’s dispute over Wayne Rooney. Striker Javier Hernandez wants to quit Manchester United because the 25-yearold Mexican fears a lack of first-team action could end his World Cup hopes. Juan Mata’s £37m move to Man Utd has cast a doubt over the future of Japan midfielder, Shinji Kagawa, 24. The president of Trabzonspor says a deal to take Demba Ba, 28, to the Turkish club has been halted since his Chelsea teammate, Fernando Torres suffered injury. Real Madrid’s club-record signing, Gareth Bale, 24, says more British players should follow in his footsteps and move overseas. Blackpool chairman, Karl Oyston wants talks with sacked manager Paul Ince about the future of son Tom, 18, who has been linked with a move to Monaco. Liverpool defender, Glen Johnson may be forced to miss the World Cup finals in Brazil this summer after Brendan Rodgers admitted the 29-year-old will be out for “an indefinite period of time” with a groin problem. Aston Villa boss, Paul Lambert is ready to end his interest in Norwich City midfielder, Wes Hoolahan, 31, after having a £1m bid rejected. Tottenham goalkeeper, Brad Friedel, 42, denies that goalkeepers are eccentric and lack tactical perception as he takes the first steps into management by signing up for his coaching badges.

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Liverpool Swansea Cardiff Charlton Watford Brighton Sheff Wed Yeovil Hull Kidderminster Crystal Palace Everton

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good side.” The United States international has, however, backed the reigning Premier League champions to finish the season strongly. “I have no doubt that they’ll be right in the thick of it,” he added. “They are the reigning champions and still have a lot to prove

to everyone. “This season was always going to be one which everyone had an eye on. Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down and there was always going to be a lot of scrutiny. “I still expect them to come good and push us but hopefully we can keep them down there.”

English Premiership Table

Team Arsenal Man City Chelsea Liverpool Tottenham Everton Man Utd Newcastle Southampton Aston Villa Hull Norwich West Brom Stoke Swansea Crystal Palace Fulham West Ham Sunderland Cardiff

P 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22

GD 24 38 23 25 3 15 9 4 4 -7 -6 -17 -5 -14 -6 -17 -26 -11 -15 -21

Pts 51 50 49 43 43 42 37 36 31 24 23 23 22 22 21 20 19 18 18 18

TheGuardian

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Saturday, January 25, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Australian Open Nadal Too Strong For Federer N as anticipated a semifiIgame nal as you’ll find in the of tennis, Rafael Nadal absolutely dominated Roger Federer yesterday at the Australian Open to advance to his third Australian Open final. Nadal beat the four-time champion of this event 7-6 (4), 6-3, 6-3 in a match that was simply vintage Nadal, with the ‘09 winner hitting jaw-dropping winner after jaw-dropping winner that was simply too much for the 32-year-old Federer. The first set was tight and exciting, but when Nadal finally took it in the tiebreaker the numbers started to lean his way. It’s that first set that is so important when these two go at it, with Nadal moving to 7-0 in Grand Slams against Federer when he takes the first set. The second set turned into a typical NadalFederer match of late, with Federer going for bigger shots to shorten the points which led to the first break of the match. It seemed no matter what Federer did in that second set it was Nadal who was not only returning the ball, but returning it for a winner.

Take it…Rafael Nadal fires a shot at Roger Federer yesterday on the way to his Australian Open final for the third time. Photo: AFP

Forget The Ticket, Keshi Tells • We Will Surprise Nigeria—Benabicha • Champion To Pocket N127 Million UPER Eagles coach Stephen Swarning Keshi has sounded a note of to Morocco that the Eagles is the team to beat in the competition ‘at this moment’ after surviving a not-too-impressing group stage. The winner of the on-going 3rd edition of Orange African Championship Nations (CHAN) will pocket USD 750, 000 (about N127 million), while the runner-up will get USD 400,000. All 16 national teams will share 3,2 million USD, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Although Keshi refused to openly boast about his side, he said yesterday he was taking each game at a time. “We don’t want to talk much; we would prefer to do all the talking on the pitch,” he said. Keshi assured that goalkeeper and team captain Chigozie Agbim would pilot the team to safety in today’s quarterfinal cracker against Morocco. “He had a slow start but made some very outstanding saves against Bafana Bafana. Such heroics are makings of a champion,” he said. The Super Eagles lost their first encounter 2-1 to surprise

packets Mali before edging Mozambique 4-2 in the second game. They then came with guns blazing knocking out hosts South Africa with a clinical performance. On his part, Morocco coach Hassan Benabicha said today’s quarterfinal clash against the Super Eagles at Cape Town

Stadium might turn out to be the match of the tournament. Benabicha whose side walloped Uganda 3-1 in the last Group B match to top the standings said his side had been improving with each outing so were the Super Eagles. Morocco had drawn 0-0 with

were wake up calls for us. We however, showed against Uganda what we are capable of doing. The match against Nigeria should be the match of the tournament; talk of a final before the final and this is it,” said Benabicha.

Ferguson To Head UEFA Coaching Team Moyes Heads To Germany To Scout For Players ORMER Manchester FFerguson United manager Sir Alex will head an elite coaches forum for Uefa after being appointed coaching ambassador for European football’s governing body.

Uefa president Michel Platini said the former Manchester United manager would lead the group, which meets annually, as well as taking a role on a technical coaching panel.

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Zimbabwe before wasting a glut of chances when they allowed Burkina Faso to come from behind and hold them to a 1-1 draw in the second game. “The two games against Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso

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Ferguson, 72, who left as United boss in May after winning his 13th league title with the club, said: “It is an honour and a privilege to accept this role as ambassador for Uefa.” Following a meeting of Uefa’s executive committee meeting in Nyon, Switzerland, Platini told a news conference: “Sir Alex will be chairman of the

forum of elite coaches that meet every year. “He will also be a member of the technical study group of the Champions League and the European Championship.” Meanwhile, David Moyes is ready to step up his interest in Patrick Herrmann and Dante by travelling to Germany to watch them in action.