Sat 22 June 2013 by The Guardian Newspaper

S A T U R D A Y COVER 49

Umbrella In The Storm: Can PDP Survive The Current Internal Crisis?

E D I T I O N

TRAVEL 26

NEWSFEATURE 48

LIFE&STYLE 24

Was Queen Of Sheba An Ijebu Woman?

Celestial Church Of Christ Set To Vanquish Disunity Demon

Bisi Fayemi… Woman Of Inestimable Value

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,595

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

PDP Govs Seek Amaechi’s Return From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja HE Peoples Democratic T Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) said yester-

From left to right: Mrs Nkiruka Ogboruche, Community Investment Manager, Guinness Nigeria PLC; Dr Ronke Desalu, Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); Prof. Folasade Akinsola, Head of Department, Department of Ophthalmology, Guinness Eye Centre (LUTH) and Mrs Adrianne Nwagwu, Head Sustainability and Responsibility, Guinness Nigeria PLC, at Guinness Nigeria donation of eye equipment to Eye Centre in LUTH, Lagos yesterday.

Emergency Rule Takes Toll On Borno Residents From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri

… As Roads Closures Lock Down Residents, Fuel Prices, Fares Rise

OR residents of Borno FMaiduguri, State, particularly the state capital,

gency imposed on the state, as well as Adamawa and Yobe by President Goodluck Jonathan last month. Apart from finding it difficult to communicate with

and environs, life is beginning to take a new shape as a result of the state of emer-

the rest of the country following the shut down of communication networks by the security agencies, the haulage of cattle, sheep, goats, smoked fish and other

basic food items from the state to other parts of the country, and vice versa, has been disrupted since the decCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

LIFE&STYLE 24

Ousted PDP NWC Members Lobby For Positions Ahead Mini-convention

day that it had started the process of reconciling its 23 members to remove all elements of rancour and mudslinging within the party. It also said that the reconciliation process would lead to the return of Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi back to the party from suspension. Amaechi is currently in court to challenge his suspension from the party, but PDP-GF Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, weekend said: “We are in the process of reconciliation. Peace is gradually returning to the party and among the governors. We are exploring all avenues to bring back everybody to the fold.” The rank and file of the governors broke into two factions after some of the 36 governors disagreed over the re-election of Amaechi as chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and a rival faction, led by Plateau State governor Jonah Jang emerged. Akpabio, who spoke to journalists after the inaugural meeting of the Prof Jerry Gana-led PDP Convention Planning Committee, noted that the governors of the party were worried that their number had decreased from 29 to 23, saying: “Our intention is to increase the number by the next election. “Reconciliation among govCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

Presidency, Govs, Service Chiefs Meet On Crude Oil Theft RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan has charged governors in oil-producing states, service chiefs and multinational companies to work out an aggressive approach to tackle crude oil theft. The President gave the charge at a close-door meeting he presided over on Thursday night at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting had in attendance, Vice President Namadi Sambo, governors of Akwa-Ibom and Delta states, Godswill Akpabio and Emmanuel Uduaghan, respectively. Ministers, Service Chiefs and major players in the oil sector were also in attendance. In an interview with State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of

Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke, said the focus of the meeting was to find ways of ending oil theft. She said it was agreed that a much more aggressive approach was needed to stop the crime. The News Agency of Nigeria (NANS) quoted her as saying: “We are continuing with what has been done, but we are becoming much more aggressive. “Earlier today, we met with a number of multinationals; we have come up with various pointers which must be addressed in an indepth manner over the next 10 days.

“Technical team is going to meet across all the stakeholders; they will break into various committees because, as I said, it is many- pronged and must be addressed with a multi-pronged approach. “Over the next 10 days, we will form the relevant committees, they will meet and we will move to implement very aggressively.” Allison-Madueke expressed dismay at the alarming rate of oil theft, which she said, had negatively effected the nation’s resources. She stated: “The meeting was called with all relevant stakeholders to address a very critical issue of crude oil theft.

“(Crude Oil theft) At this point in time… has become quite critical to the point that it is affecting our excess crude and revenue accruing to the federation account from the proceeds of our output. “As you can see, Mr President has called governors of affected states, all the multinationals, multinational chiefs, all the Service Chiefs as well as NPDC, NNPC and other ministers who are related stakeholders.” Speaking on the same issue, Uduaghan said that the alarming rate of oil theft in the country needed urgent solutions because of its effect on revenue generation for

the country. He said the effects of the oil theft on the economy had become so dire because of the monolythic oil-dependent economy of the country Uduaghan said: “We should look forward to the reduction in the quantity of crude oil that is being stolen from Nigeria. “The challenge we have now is that a lot more oil is being stolen than we used to have and that is affecting the economy of the country as less fund is coming to the treasury,” he said. “You know that our economy is still dependent on oil and until we move it away from oil, we will still contin-

ue to depend on oil.” The governor added: “That is why some of us are emphasising the issue of creating an economy beyond oil and that is what we call in Delta, ‘Beyond Oil.’ The governor alleged that oil theft was perpetrated by members of the local community aided by the multinational community. He, however, said that the issue could best be resolved by collective efforts, using proactive measures. Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama, and Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, were also in attendance.

Amaechi Will Soon Return, Says Akpabio CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ernors is ongoing. If you noticed, almost all the PDP governors were in attendance. Even the recently recalled brother of mine, Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State also attended the meeting,” Akpabio said. Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who is the Secretary of the committee for the mini-convention now rescheduled for July 20, this year said all sacked national officers would be free to recontest. “We are only trying by holding the mini-convention to regularise what INEC (the Independent National Electoral Commission) complained about in the case of the national officers removed.” Ekweremadu, however, maintained that while all the candidates that contested the election would be free to re-contest, nominations would still be open to others to contest. Gana said 4000 delegates were expected at the convention. He said: “NEC (National Executive Committee), in its wisdom, essentially adopted the list of delegates from the 2012 convention, because we are actually reconvening to do the business we should have done properly, and where there are variations, we are referring this list of delegates to the states for ratification. They will bring it back as quickly as possible. “I want to assure you that NEC has essentially adopted the list of delegates for the 2012 convention for this coming convention. “So, there is not going to be election of any more delegates. The offices that are vacant will be opened to all interested members of the party and we have already written to INEC to inform them that the NEC of our party has resolved to reconvene the convention on July 20 for the national convention.”

President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Coordinator of Honorary International Investor Council, Baroness Lynda Chalker and other participants after the closing ceremony of the 14th meeting of the council yesterday in Abuja.

Borno Residents Groan Under Emergency Rule CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 laration of emergency rule on Tuesday, May 14, this year as a result of Boko Haram insurgency. Due to the imposition of dusk to dawn curfew in Maiduguri metropolis and road closures, market prices have increase as much as 150 cent. per The closures of the Maiduguri-Bama and Maiduguri-Damboa roads by the Joint Task Force (JTF) and Military Special Operations Forces (MSOF) to prevent the fleeing Boko Haram terrorists from their Sambisa Games Reserve Forests (SGRF) base have also locked down many residents of Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Chibok, Damaboa and as far as Biu, about 187 kilometres south of Maiduguri. Borno State, according to the Commissioner of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Dr. Asabe Villita Bashir, supplied over 75 per cent of fresh water and smoked fish to central and southern parts of Nigeria before the emer-

gency rule last month. Already, residents of Maiduguri are hard hit, as they have been cut off from the rest of the country, as two of the six major roads into the metropolis remain inaccessible to motorists and other truck drivers from the Lake Chad Basin areas. Dahiru Ibrahim, chairman of Bama road chapter of National Union of Roads Transport Workers (NURTW), yesterday said: “Residents, including our drivers and passengers, have also become incommunicado since the last month when the military ordered the shutdown of MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat mobile telephone services in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states to limit communication among Boko Haram insurgents, including their collaborators and financiers, and their ability to launch fresh attacks and killings at Alau Dam, Ansarudeen Secondary School, Maiduguri. He said the closure of roads by the JTF under the emergency rule in Borno and Yobe states have also caused the non-supply of vegetables and other essential food items, such as fruits, milk and eggs to the Maiduguri Monday Market (MMM) and other markets in the town.

Vegetables and other essential food items are supplied from the outskirts of the metropolis, from Damboa, Lake Chad Basin areas, Jos and Baga, which was recently attacked by the Boko Haram insurgents on April 16, leading to the death of over 50 people and destruction of property. The scarcity of vegetables, milk and eggs has led to soaring prices of the essentials as much as 100 per cent at the major markets in the town. A market survey yesterday at the Maiduguri Monday Market (MMM) also showed that the prices of tomatoes, onions and pepper have shot up by 100 per cent, with a plastic container of tomatoes that used to sell at N100 a few days ago now selling for N200. A 50-kilogramme bag of onions now sells for N20, 000, as against N10, 000 a few days ago, while the price of a crate of eggs has shot up to N1, 500, as against the old price of N850. The scarcity and sharp rise in prices have forced many housewives, who could not cope with the new price regime, to resort to cooking with dried vegetables of okra, spinach, garlic, meat and fish supplied from the local fishponds of farmers in Maiduguri. A military source said the closure of roads leading into

Maiduguri was to facilitate the manhunt of fleeing insurgents escaping from their camps, which are under surveillance and attack. The source added: “The closure of the roads leading into the city of Maiduguri and the indefinite shutdown of the mobile networks were inevitable to prevent the fleeing, but wounded insurgents from escaping from their destroyed training camps and hideout bases in central and northern parts of Borno State. “The locals, including residents of the metropolis, have to bear the inconveniences of travelling to relations and other destinations outside Maiduguri. “We are getting them (insurgents) on an hourly basis, as about 20 terrorists were arrested last Sunday and more are being arrested at the various military posts at the closed roads.” The Guardian also learn that over 2, 560 residents of the borders towns of Gamboru/Ngala, Damasak and Banki in Borno State, as well as Geidam and Yunusari in Yobe State have fled, alongside the terrorists to Differ and Bosso in Niger and Chad Republic, respectively.

Residents, farmers and transporters, including top government officials in Borno State, yesterday expressed mix feelings on the emergency rule, lamenting that they have been locked up and cut off from their residences, farmlands and the outside world, following the shutdown of four Global System of Mobile Communications (GSM) networks and the two major roads by JTF and MSOF. The measures adopted by the soldiers, according to the affected residents, have made life more “difficult and frustrating,” as all the means of communications and commuting to family members and business associates within and outside the state are blocked or cut off completely for 38 days running. Even farmers living in the Lake Chad Basin areas and communities along the two closed roads have been unable go to their farmlands to till and plant their crops this season, fearing arrest by the soldiers for defying the closures. A farmer in Konduga, Ishaku Yuguda, who owns a 50-hectre farmland on the MaiduguriDamaboa road, said: “I am afraid, and I cannot risk my life and those of other family members, along with other farm workers to go to my farmland and commence land preparations and planting.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

NEWS

Ousted PDP NWC Members Intensify Lobby For Positions Ahead Mini-convention By Samson Ezea FTER series of nocturnal meetings and consultations among the stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) throughout the week in Abuja which led to the resignation of 20 members of the National Working Committee (NWC) whose election into office was faulted by INEC, and the subsequent setting up of a caretaker committee to run the party till the mini-convention slated for July, The Guardian learnt yesterday that the affected members

of the NWC have already commenced lobbying for a recall at the convention. One of the affected members, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that members of the caretaker committee were nominated by the party’s governors and other stakeholders in the party who are loyal and committed to President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term agenda. “From the way the whole thing is going, the mini-convention slated for next month might

just be to ratify the members of the caretaker committee through election which will make it difficult for any of us to come back again, unless those of us whose godfathers are in the good books of the Presidency,” the source said. The member revealed that apart from the INEC report, the majorreasontheywereaskedto resign was that some powerful people in the Presidency and the national leadership of the party were of the opinion that they were working with anti-

Jonathan governors in the party. He said: “That is why no member of the Caretaker Committee was nominated by antiJonathan governors and stakeholders in the party. But despite the development, some of us were nominated and supported by pro-Jonathan governors in the party. So, we are already reaching out to them to seek for their support to stage a comeback at the zonal and mini-convention in July.” The Guardian learnt that some

members of the Caretaker Committee were also lobbying to be elected at the mini-convention and that some of them, specifically one from the SouthSouth zone who has held a higher position in the party, was assured before his nomination that he would be elected at the convention as a way of keeping his state governor in check ahead of 2015. Meanwhile, a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party from Southeast zone, disclosed to The Guardian that

despite what transpired during the NEC meeting on Thursday, it was obvious that all was not well in the party. The member said the countenance of some of the governors and party stakeholders during the meeting showed that they were not happy with the way things were going in the party. “Apart from Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom who is also chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, no other governor of the party was allowed to talk at the meeting. Some of them from the North who had been talking tough were absent, a pointer that the crisis within the party is not abating. “I am worried that the crisis started almost two years before the next election and it might spell doom for our party,” the member stressed.

Governance In South Africa Will Not Suffer Should Mandela Die, Says Mbeki South African FsaidORMER President, Thabo Mbeki, has that the eventual death of

President Goodluck Jonathan (left); Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Dan Majen Kano, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (right); Dan Burman Kano, Alhaji Ahmed Ado Bayero; Mallam Munir Sanusi; and Tabaron Dan Maje of Kano, Mallam Abdulqadir Mustafa Abdulqadir during a visit to the Presidential Villa to convey the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero’s appreciation to the President for his support at his recent celebration of his 50th year on the throne.

Court Orders Mobil To Pay $83.4m Education Tax To FIRS By Bertram Nwannekanma OBIL Producing Nigeria Unlimited was yesterday ordered by the Tax Appeal Tribunal, Lagos Zone, to pay the sum of $83.4 million (N13 .09 billion) to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as education tax liability for the year 2008. The five-man tribunal

presided by Mr. Kayode Sofola (SAN) gave the order in a landmark judgment on an appeal filed by the oil exploration company against the FIRS. The company filed the appeal on May 5, 2011, after the FIRS issued it an education tax assessment of $83.4 million for the year 2008. Mobil’s counsel, Mr T. Emuwa, had

claimed that the assessment breached the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the company with the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 2000. Emuwa said the 2000 MoU allowed the company in computing its education tax liabil-

ity to deduct all amounts it incurred in paying taxes and levies to the Federal, State Governments and other agencies. However, the FIRS, had through its counsel, Mrs B.H. Oniyangi, claimed the 2000 MoU was signed for a threeyear term, adding that its validity ended on January 1,

Robbers Invade Bank At Agbor, Cart Away Millions Of Naira From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba HE quiet town of Agbor, Ika South Local Council of Delta State, was thrown into panic in the early hours of yesterday when a 10-man gang of armed robbers came calling at an old generation bank. During the violent hold up whichlastedforaboutanhour, an unspecified amount of money, which a source said

ran into several millions of Naira, was looted at the bank. The commando style operation, according to a source, resulted in panic as other banks in the town hurriedly closed business to their customers as the rampaging robbers shot sporadically into the air with sophisticated weapons to scare people away. The source who witnessed the

daring robbery explained that the hoodlums stormed the bank in a Toyota Hiace mini bus at about 10a.m. just when the bullion van drove into the bank’s premises. He said that the superior fire power of the robbers apparently overwhelmed the security guards, who took to their heels, as the hoodlums bulldozed their way into the banking

hall and reportedly carted away numerous iron boxes containing large sums of money. There was bedlam at the busy Old Abraka road where the bank is located and the nearby neighbourhood of Boji Boji, as traders, market men and women, and other artisans scampered to safety throughout the duration of the operation.

Cynthia Was Chained, Strangled, Says Witness By Bertram Nwannekanma POLICE officer attached to A the Area E Police Command, Festac Town, Lagos, Mr. Joseph Edo, yesterday told an Ikeja High Court that the late Cynthia Osokogu, who was murdered by her facebook friends at Cosmilla Hotel,

Festac, in July last year was chained and strangled to death by her killers. The witness, who investigated the matter, also told the court presided by Justice Olabisi Akinlade that two of the accused persons actually traded words during interrogation at the police station on

who strangled the late Cynthia to death. The late Cynthia was allegedly drugged, raped and strangled by her alleged assailants, Okwumo Nwabufor and Olisaeloka Ezike. They were arraigned by the Lagos State government on charges bordering on conspiracy to com-

mit murder, murder and felony. Charged along with the duo for recklessness and negligent act and possession of stolen property are Osita Orji, a pharmacist who sold the Rophynol drug to them and Nonso Ezike, who pawned the deceased’s Blackberry phone.

2003. According to Oniyangi, the Federal Government had through a letter issued by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on January 17, 2008, also confirmed that the MoU had expired. The counsel contended that the 2000 MoU was replaced by the Petroleum Profits Tax Act (PPTA), which was used to issue the disputed assessment. In the judgment, Sofola agreed that the said MoU was only for a three-year term, noting that there was no evidence before the panel that it was renewed. He said: “The 2000 MoU thus expired at the end of 2002. The parties never did anything to keep it alive longer, as stated in clause 7.1. In effect, clause 7.1 contains an’option to renew’, exercisable at the joint instance of all the parties. This option was never exercised, an thus no renewal or extension was triggered.” Sofola said the appellant was no longer entitled to make deductions allowed under the 2000 MoU in calculating their education tax. “The PPTA is the legislation in force and cannot be subordinated to the mere contemplations of the MoU. We uphold the respondent’s (FIRS) assessment of the appellant to education tax of 83,414,793 US dollars. We order the appellant to pay accordingly,” Sofola added.

Nelson Mandela would not impact on the country’s governance. Mbeki told newsmen that the global icon’s health is improving after a two-week stay in a Pretoria hospital. He dismissed suggestions that Mandela’s eventual death would impact on governance, law, and order or policy direction in South Africa. Mandela, who turns 95 next month, was admitted to the intensive care unit on June 8, his fourth hospitalisation since December. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Mandela has been receiving treatment for a recurring lung infection. “I maintain very close contact with the family and doctors about Nelson Mandela’s condition. I think we need to understand what has been said publicly by government, which is the fact that Nelson Mandela’s health is improving.

Kaigama Preaches True Faith To End Insecurity From Chidi Iloamaeke, Jos HE Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, has said that the solution to the nation’s insecurity situation is the presence of true faith. Speaking to The Guardian in an exclusive interview during the Jos Archdiocesan celebration of the Year of Faith held at St. Williams Catholic Parish, Zawan, recently, the Archbishop said there is insecurity in the country simply because there is the absence of true faith. He said: “If there was faith, whether it is Moslem faith or Christian faith or other religious faith, we won’t have this insecurity. That we continue to fight, continue to shed innocent blood, continue to destroy people’s means of livelihood, yet we profess one religion or the other, shows an absence of faith.

ThE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

NEWS

FG Raises Panel For Centenary Day Celebration articulating of activities for the grand finale of the Centenary Celebrations, the 100th hE Federal Government yes- anniversary of the birth of terday inaugurated the Nigeria via the amalgamation organizing committee for the of Northern and Southern January 1, 2014 grand finale of Protectorates. the Nigeria Centenary Performing the inauguration Celebration with the FCT on behalf of President Minister, Bala Mohammed as Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the the Chairman. Secretary to the Government of The nine-member committee the Federation (SGF), Senator has among its terms of refer- Anyim Pius Anyim outlined the ence the organization and other terms of reference of the

committee as the sensitization of the general public and creation of awareness on the significance of the celebration; liaison with ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government for cooperation especially in the areas of logistics, security and participation; and identification of suitable personalities to be invited to the historic event. The SGF told the committee members that the Federal

Ijaw Leader Lauds Uduaghan On Micro Finance Scheme

Don Charges African Countries To Improve Governance

From Terhemba Daka and Tsokar Karls, Abuja

By Onyedika Agbedo hE coordinator of Ijaw T Monitoring Group and former Publicity Secretary of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Comrade Joseph Evah, has lauded the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for extending the administration’s microfinance scheme to Delta State indigenes living in Lagos. Speaking during the public presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries of the scheme at Ajegunle in Lagos by the state Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Mrs. Asedieu, Evah said he was delighted by the administration’s concern for the welfare of the people of the state. “This is unbelievable; I made this request to the Governor just two months ago to assist

thousands of Deltans suffering in Lagos without hope and he brought this succour to his people. The Governor has shown that his concern for the welfare of his people goes beyond the people physically living in our homeland. We are grateful to God for giving the people of the state a listening governor,” he said. he thanked the microfinance team led by Asedieu for projecting the scheme with all their strength, which has made it a reference point at the United Nations as a road map in sustainable development in Africa. Asedieu told the crowd that the presentation would be carried out in phases because of the large number of applicants involving all the tribes in Delta State living in Lagos, and that the Governor’s vision was to carry everybody along in his development agenda.

By Gbenga Salau OR Africa to take its rightFnents ful place among the contiof the world, and to be

Government considers the centenary as a unique opportunity for Nigerians as a people to re-inspire the unity of the country despite the myriad of challenges besetting the nation. he added that the government was looking forward to a grand finale of the centenary celebration that would not only be memorable, but also serve as “a testimony to our renewed commitment to

must begin to come out stronger in their thinking and engagement of the world. Locating his topic within Nigerian context, he wonders why Nigeria cannot be one of the leaders in the world despite the fact that it has produced many great minds who have contributed to world discourse in terms of arts and innovations, such as Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe among others. he maintained that it is up to

a shining light to the rest of the world, its leaders must make the citizens the centre of governance as well as develop and engage its thinkers in policy formulation. This was the position of Professor Abdul Karim Bangura in Lagos on Friday at the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation, (CBAAC)/University of Lagos Public Lecture Series, held at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium. The Professor of howard ORMER Secretary General of University, USA, who spoke the Commonwealth, Chief on the topic, ‘Democratic project and the human con- Emeka Anyaoku, yesterday in dition across the African Abuja expressed concern Continent’, said that Africans about what he described `the worrisome statements’ being made about the 2015 elections by a number of high-profile citizens. Anyaoku, made the observation in Abuja on the occasion of a lecture to commemorate the 2013 Nigeria Public Service Day. “We hear declarations from notable nationals that the president in 2015 must come from a specific area of the country. “We also hear at the same time from similarly notable nationals that a different area must have its full two terms of eight years. “In our ethnically and religiously diverse country that is still to cohere fully into one nation, the potential consequences of the failure by either side to win the presidency in 2015 are the grounds for my

SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2013

Two Years Of The 7thLegislative Assembly:

What’s The Score Card?

the present generation of Nigerians to bring Nigeria to its true glory. The don, who has five doctorate degrees from different fields, also stated that African countries must come together and work together, if not, it would remain at the bottom. In his speech, The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, said Nigeria, as many parts of Africa, is con-

fronted with the challenge of poverty, disease, unemployment, illiteracy, terrorism and many other ills. he however believed that the country could overcome the challenges through resolve to make democracy work. The DG of CBAAC, Prof Tunde Babawale, said that though the condition may appear hopeless, there are in recent times signs of recovery in some parts of the continent.

stop and think of the implica- rent “very serious insecurity tions of such comments on r challenge confronting the the country’s stability. country. Anyaoku, who was the “Politicisation of the chalChairman of the occasion, said, lenge reinforces an environto promote national solidarity ment that conduces to the and entrench democracy, “our activities of the Boko haram.” politicians and leaders of Citing similar incidents in the thought must move away from United States (US), United section-based to policy-based Kingdom (UK) and India in the politics.’’ past, Anyaoku said leaders of According to the News Agency political parties and ethno-culof Nigeria (NAN), he said that tural groups should, in the campaigns and advocacy of interest of national security, support for candidates should support the Federal be based on the manifestos of Government’s moves to check political parties outlining poli- the excesses of the group. cies and programmes for “The latest killings of 16 stuaddressing the various chal- dents in Borno and Yobe, and lenges facing the country and the burning of 50 schools its citizens. should stir our national conAnyaoku added that competi- science,” he said. tion among individual candidates for political office should be driven by specific pledges of how to serve the various concerns of the electorate rather than sheer quest for position

Anambra Guber Aspirant Promises More Jobs

lowering of the unemployment figure of the state from 95 PLUS: hE unemployment rate in per cent to about 35 per cent Anambra state, one of the within the first two years as a LOST interest in men and marin the country, has key priority of his administrariage when my husband died. I highest now reached an all-time high tion if he wins. asked God to kill the interest, never of about 95 per cent, says one he said Gov Peter Obi has done to resurrect it. And since my hus- of the front liners in the state’s his best, but it was not good band died, I have never lusted after 2014 governorship race, Dr enough. “It was under his Ekelem. watch scores of citizens were hY tertiary any man; all I needed is to do what Ifeatu Speaking at Amawbia, Awka murdered and dumped in Ezu, Education in God has handed over to us....” yesterday, the United States of Amansea River, without proper Southwest ‘Progressives’ America-trained medical investigation. states is no go area for — ARCH. MARGARET EKHOE BENSON- expert who is vying on the “Therefore, I intend to create a platform of the African most families. IDAHOSA Democratic Congress (ADC), ministry for the Vigilance Services as a way to register all admitted that his humble employable adult males while background prepared and monthly stipend of about N20, motivated him to vie for the 000 would be paid to each one The Guardian On Sunday is new, fresher, bolder; a delight to behold state’s top job. until they were fully absorbed and more importantly, reader-friendly! Book a copy today. Dr Ekelem said he considers in one office or another.” From Chuks Collins, Awka

IBRU CENTRE

Education With Tears W

committee and FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed assured that the national assignment given to the panel would be carried out with utmost diligence, high sense of responsibility and to the glory of the Nigerian nation. The committee members “will do the utmost to ensure that Nigeria is bequeathed with a landmark and memorable Centenary Day celebration come 1st January, 2014,” he said.

Anyaoku Expresses Worry Over Comments On 2015 Elections By Notable Nigerians worry.” power. for he, therefore, called on politihe also appealed to politiF cians and opinion makers to cians not to politicise the cur-

TheGuardian hE position is that the National Assembly has become too costly to manage. At the same time some quarters feel the lawmaking capacity of the legislature is less than adequate. Yet, the legislature remains an important component in the presidential system that is not easy to do without. What’s the way out? Read the detail in The Guardian on Sunday.

live together in peace and harmony while collectively working together for the uplifting and development of Nigeria”. According to the SGF, the event with the theme ‘One Nigeria; Great Promise’ is designed to celebrate Nigeria’s history, unity and diversity, as well as hopes and the great promise that inspires the people and their shared values. Responding on behalf of the members, Chairman of the

“I

PERSPECTIVE:The Tinubu’s Offensive Speech In London

Awotona

Awotona For Burial, Dies At 63 hE death has occurred of T Mrs. Abiola Amope Awotona (Nee Reffell). She passed away

on the 18th of June in Atlanta, USA. She was aged 63. According to a statement made available to The Guardian by the family, friends and family will hold a Service of Songs for her in Nigeria on Thursday 27th June at St. Jude’s Anglican Church Cathedral, Ebute-meta, Lagos between 5-7pm. Burial takes place in Marritta, Atlanta, USA on Saturday 29th June”.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

NEWS

Southeast Begins Search For Metuh’s Replacement From Chuks Collins, Awka NTENSE political consultaIhorse-trading tions, manoeuvrings and have continued at the highest level within the Southeast geo-political zone of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in search of a suitable replacement to Chief Olisa Metuh, the erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the par-

ty. Metuh, who was among the embattled top egg-heads of the party that were forced to resign their positions was caught at the wrong side of emotions of the geo-political zone for a catalogue of reasons.These include alleged incompetence, inaccessibility, aloofness and insensitivity to the needs, aspirations and expectations of his people. A founding father of the par-

ty in the state, Chief Nnadubem Nwakwesi from Nnewi and who addressed journalists in Awka yesterday disclosed that Metuh was a let down to the zone , as he shot his doors to the people the moment he got into the office. He stated that the former publicity secretary rendered himself completely inaccessible to every segment of government and people from the zone, and that he proved to be

incompetent in such a high and very demanding office and was no match for a firebrand like Alhaji Lai Mohammed of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), who was constantly on top of his game. Nwakwesi disclosed that Mohammed had constantly remained miles ahead of Metuh, who tottered behind with lame excuses, instead of keeping other opposition

parties on their toes. “Metuh is no match to Chief Lai Mohammed who has become the hallmark of political opposition in contemporary Nigeria political history. He has made a Lilliput out of Metuh. Southeast has budding firebrand public relations experts who could dictate the pace for other parties to follow,” he said. He named Chief Okey Muo-

Aroh and Chief Chike Udenze as good and able materials,who could fit into the vacant seat. Another stakeholder, Mr. Isaac Ezufoh, who is from Ideani, described Muo-Aroh, a former elected Idemili North Council Chairman and a founding father of the party in the state, as “capable and able party man who regularly accepts any challenging party assignment”.

FG To Settle Medical Bills Of NANS Officers From Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia HEERING news came the C way of some of the victims of the auto-crash that involved 12 leaders of the National Association Of Nigerian Students (NANS) as the Federal Government has promised to settle the hospital bills of the surviving student leaders currently being hospitalised. Minister of Education, Prof Rugayyatu Ahmed Rufai, who made known the government’s readiness during her visit to the surviving two victims at a hospital, expressed the Federal Government’s sympathy to them, the association and their families.

Nwosu Seeks Free Election Into PDP’s Committee From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki ORMER presidential aspiFPeople’s rant on the platform of the Democratic Party, (PDP), Mrs. Caro Nwosu, has said that nothing short of a free and fair election for the scheduled fresh convention of the party should produce replacements for the National Working Committee (NWC) members, who resigned, would satisfy the spirit and letters of electoral law.

Delta Leaders Hail Supreme Court Judgment

Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Yero, at this year’s Nigerian Public Service Day lecture in Abuja… yesterday.

Jonathan Extols Ado Bayero’s Virtues At 83 From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan has paid glowing tributes to the Emir of Kano, Dr. Ado Abdullahi Bayero, who celebrated his 50th anniversary on the throne as well as his 83rd birthday anniversary. Jonathan praised Bayero for his wise counsel, competent and diligent leadership, say-

(CBN) and Dan Majen Kano, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi at the Presidential Villa to convey the Emir’s appreciation for the President’s support and representation at his recent celebration of his 50th year on the throne, saying the nation owed the Emir a huge debt of gratitude for his efforts, which have greatly helped to prevent Kano’s large population of youth

from falling under the influence of extremists. It said the President restated his condemnation of the recent attack on Bayero, describing it as reprehensible. “We thank God Almighty for sparing his life. We will continue to pray that God should grant him many more years of fruitful service to the people of Kano and Nigeria,” the statement said.

resolve the intractable problems associated with flight schedule in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. She lamented that the inability to articulate and adhere strictly with original flight schedule in accordance with the existing international travel regulations has continued to be a source of embar-

rassment and a dent on previous success recorded in hajj operations in the country. Akinjide also charged the team to ensure that the unfortunate incident of last year in which many of the FCT intending pilgrims could not perform the hajj due to inability to secure visas do not repeat.

FG Inaugurates Hajj Team From Terhemba Daka, Abuja

S the preparations for the ELTA Leaders has congratD ulated Dr. Emmanuel A2013 hajj operation for Uduaghan for his victory at Muslim pilgrims in to the the Supreme Court. They also thanked the Justices of the Supreme Court for satisfying the electorate and the society at large by dismissing the request of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) governorship candidate in the 2011 governorship election, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru. In a statement issued yesterday in Asaba by the Director of Communications of the People’s Movement, Mrs. Ibifuro Tatua, the leaders lauded the judiciary for not yielding to calculated lies about elections in the state, describing the past three governorship elections as the most transparent ever seen in the history of the state.

ing it was one of the main reasons why extremists, terrorists and insurgents have failed to establish firm roots in the state. A statement by the Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, quoted the President speaking at an audience with a delegation from Alhaji Ado Bayero led by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gathers momentum, Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olajumoke Akinjide, has

inaugurated Amirul Hajj panel for the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. Inaugurating the committee yesterday, the minister tasked the Amirul Hajj team under the leadership of General Mamman Bagudu (rtd.) to collaborate with the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) and other stakeholders to

Edo PDP Women Seek SURE-P Utilisation From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE women wing of Edo T State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday called on the people of the state to take advantage of the Federal Government’s Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) in the state and

which they said would ameliorate challenges of unemployment and “untold hardship”. They said hardship has been visited on the people following the ban placed on commercial motorcycles by the Edo State Government. State Woman Leader, Mrs. Lindsay Egbe Tes Sorae, who spoke yesterday while meet-

ing women leaders across the three senatorial zones in the state, said they were gathered to express sympathy with people of the state for the state’s government recent actions. “We are gathered here to express our concern over what our people are passing through because of the ban on bikes and also strikes in

public schools. “We sympathise with them as mothers. We want to urge you to take the advantage of the Federal Government SURE –P to cushion whatever pain you are going through.” The women also expressed confidence that the party would take over the mantle of leadership in the state come 2016.

Collapsed Building Survivors Want Low-Cost Houses By Debo Oladimeji HE survivors of the colT lapsed building in Mushin, Lagos, have called on the Lagos State Government to provide affordable accommodations for them. Spokesperson for the survivors, Nojeem Bello, 54, regretted that the victims, who are now rendered homeless and scattered like sheep without shepherds around Lagos, include toddlers, pregnant women and the elderly.

NBA Emphasises Importance Of Technology To Legal Profession By Bertram Nwannekanma HE Nigerian Bar Association T (NBA) has emphasised the importance of technology to the judiciary system. The association members, who spoke in Lagos during a seminar on productivity tools for legal practitioners and small law firms organised by the NigeriaBarAssociation,Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) said technology was important to meeting the evolving nature of the legal profession. The Chairman, International Legal Practice, Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN), said the training was meant to train younger ones through knowledge impact.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

NEWS

Govt Appointees Go Underground To Avoid Contractors’ Harassment From John Ogiji, Minna FFICIALSof Niger State govO ernment officials in Niger state have abandoned their offices and have gone underground following constant harassment by contractors demanding for the payments for completed jobs. In addition to this, relatives and family friends demanding financial assistant have forced commissioners, chief executives of government Boards and Parastatals to stay

out of offices, forcing many of them to now carryout official assignments from ‘hideouts.’ It has become a regular feature in the last two years that most commissioners, political appointees, Chief Executives of Boards and Parastatals now operate from their houses or even guest houses to avoid harassment from the begging members public. Not even the government house is spared from this ugly development as the place is

always deserted especially each time the Governor travels out of the country. The seat of power only comes to life whenever he returns. Some people who spoke to our correspondent on the development attribute it to the resolve of Governor Babangida Aliyu not to approve monies above certain millions for ministries anytime he travels out while others believe it is part of political eye-service common with politicians who pretend

absolute loyalty when the master is around. Others however said resorting to staying at such hideouts is a way of warding-off unwanted guests. “If you stay in the office, some of these people will come to disturb you for personal problems because they believe that politicians have money to throw around.” A source who craved anonymity also said, “Some will even go as far as coming to beg for money to marry and

to do naming ceremonies while others will dress up from their house to visit government offices asking for petty things such as that they are hungry and again needed money to buy food for their families.” Many of such political appointees give stern warnings that anybody that comes to look for them should be informed that they have travelled out of the state on official engagement without specific date of return.

FG Officials Attacked By Imo Youths From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri OP officials of the Federal T Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Thursday evening escaped death when irate youths of Ofodim, Umuneke autonomous community in Isiala Mbano Local Council of Imo State, in their numbers, over powered and attacked them. The entourage, led by the Special Assistant, Media and Strategy, to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Olukayode Oyeleye, included the Imo State Director of the ministry, Mr. Clement Iwunze, a senior Procurement official in the ministry, the Imo State President of Agro Dealers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Tony Abarah, the Imo State Correspondent of The Guardian Newspapers, Mr. Charles Ogugbuaja. They were in the premises of the newly built but yet to be commissioned ultra modern Agro Facility Centre for the sales of Fertilizers, improved seedlings, equipment hiring, including tractors, direct to farmers, when the hoodlums suddenly gained entrance into the premises with knives and dangerous weapons assaulting, embarrassing and ordering the officials to vacate the premises and head to the palace of the monarch of the community to answer some questions or be killed.

Eighth Day Prayer For Mogaji Tomorrow RRANGEMENTS have been A concluded to hold the Eighth-Day Prayer for Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the late mother of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, tomorrow. According to the burial committee, the prayer will hold between 12noon and 3pm at Tafawa Balewa Square, on Lagos Island. Alhaja Mogaji died last Saturday in her sleep. She was 96

Sirleaf For AES Conference HE President of Liberia, T Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will be the keynote speaker at the annual conference of Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies (AES) holding by 9a.m next Tuesday, June 25 at the Eko Hotel and Suites. With the theme, “Transformational Leadership: Springboard for Sustainable Development,” the Chairman, AES, Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu said that the “academy organizes conferences annually in furtherance of its relentless pursuit of the total transformation of our dear nation.” He said: “The essence is to continually generate solutions to perceived or identified problems that are bedeviling our collective development as a nation. “These are subsequently forwarded to the government in the form of conference reports for consideration and adoption in the formulation and execution of government policies,” he said. Speaking further, Ajagu said that the rationale for this year’s theme stems from the academy’s “quest to awaken everyone to the fact that, beyond the rhetoric’s of transformational leadership as a mantra, jingle, slogan or public relations gimmicks, the concept is a potent tool in all intent and purpose for sustainable development when well adopted and engaged.”

Court Sacks Council Legislator In Benue From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi This is the Iwochang Bridge across the Qua Iboe River connecting Okoroutip and 24 other communities in Ibeno Council of Akwa Ibom State built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under Dr. Chris Oboh.

HE Benue State Local T Government Election Petition Appeal Tribunal,

Nutritionists Advise Mothers To Scale Up Nutrition For Infant’s First Two Years

presided over by Justice Adam Onum, has nullified the election of Mr. Terkimbi Akaaka (PDP) who doubles as the leader of the Vandeikya legislative council, representing Mbajor Council Ward in Vandeikya Local Council of the state. In his place, the Tribunal ordered that Mr. Terhemen Abuul (PDP) is the duly elected councilor from the ward. Delivering judgment on the appeal filed by the appellant challenging the return of Mr. Akaaka, Justice Onum who was assisted by Justice Kpam Baaki and Justice Elizabeth Kpojime stated that the return of Akaaka as the winner of the election for Mbajor council ward in Vandeikya LGA was not only illegal but null and void.

By Joseph Okoghenun S Nigeria continues to experience high rate of infant deaths, nutritionists have called on mothers to scale up nutritional value for their infants in the first 1,000 days of life. Infants’ first 1,000 days of life, also known as child’s first two years of life starts counting from day one of a woman’s conception to the first two years of the child’s life. President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Prof. Ngozi Nnam, said the importance of nutrition in child’s first 1,000 days of life cannot be over-emphasised as the days

form the critical period of child’s brain and cognitive development. Nnam, who spoke at the close of a two–day media workshop organised by Nestle Nigeria in conjunction with Development Communications (DEVCOM) on nutrition, water and rural development, said the first two years of life determine what a child would become in life and his or her future contribution to the society. She advised mothers to practice exclusive breast-feeding for the first six-months of life and gradually introduce complementary foods including

vegetables and fruits along with breast feeding for the next two years of a child’s life. Nestle Nigeria Scientific and External Affairs Manager, Mrs. Chioma EmmaNwachukwu said, “For infants and children under the age of two, the consequences of under nutrition are particularly severe, often irreversible, and have adverse implications for the future.” Emma-Nwachukwu said babies who are malnourished in the womb have a higher risk of dying in infancy and are more likely to face lifelong cognitive and physi-

cal deficits and chronic health problems in their future life, adding that malnutrition weakens a child’s immune system, thereby giving rise to common infections such as pneumonia, diarrhoea among other child killer diseases. “The first 1,000 days of life is from conception to the second birthday. This determines the health and cognitive ability of the child for the rest of his life. There is a window of opportunity between pregnancy and age two where 1000 Days can shape a child’s future,” EmmaNwachukwu said.

Jalingo FMC In Need, As Ekiti Procures Ambulances From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti and Charles Akpeji, Jalingo HE Governing Board members of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo have collectively agreed to pressurise the relevant authority to make available to the hospital facilities it presently lacks. According to the Board members who were in Jalingo, Taraba state yesterday for their inaugural meeting, training and retraining of hospital staff, would be encouraged so as to boost the morale

of the medical officers, whom the Board observed “are very hardworking.” Led by the Board chairman, Wing Commander Wisdom Wolu (Rtd.), the members said that, “in-service training is something that you cannot throw away because without training, the staff would not know what they are doing and growth and efficiency will not be there.” The Board, Wolu further assured, will work round the clock to ensure that the institution is not starved of funds

to execute “all its projects that have positive effects on the patients, staff, the state and the country at large.” Meanwhile, in pursuance of the commitment of the Dr. Kayode Fayemi administration to providing quality healthcare and emergency services to the people of Ekiti State, the State Government has taken delivery of no fewer than six customised intensive care ambulances and eight fire-fighting vehicles. Governor Fayemi who made this known in Ado Ekiti while

receiving the Management team of the Federal Medical Centre, (FMC), Ido-Ekiti, led by the Hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr Majekodunmi Ayodele, stated that the vehicles were procured to provide stand-by emergency services in different parts of the State. Dr. Fayemi, whose administration’s free health programme has benefitted no fewer than 720,000 citizens, said the six newly purchased ambulances, which will complement the ones earlier purchased.

Church Holds Crusade OE Ministries Worldwide Z will embark on a 10-day crusade from July 1 to 10 at its headquarters at Plot 25, Jimoh Odutola Street, Iganmu Industrial Estate, Lagos. President and Founder of the ministry, Rev. (Dr) Patrick Anwuzia said the crusade, which begins at 4.30pm daily, is to restore people’s confidence through signs and wonders. He added that those attending should come with seven prayer requests.

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

METRONOTES

CWFI Tackles Challenges Of Women At the second edition of Ladies-InWaiting event organised by the Lagos chapter of the Christian Women Fellowship International (CFWI), women gathered to relive the impact of the organisation on their lives and yearned for more, as the PresidentGeneral, Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa ministered to them. By Ekwy P. Uzoanya URSUANT to the commitment of Christian P Women Fellowship International (CFWI) to touch the lives of women, make them count and impact their world, women from all walks of life gathered in Lagos last Wednesday to tap into the good works flowing through the organisation founded by Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa. The programme was the second of the Lagos Ladies-In-Waiting event in Lagos designed to address the challenges women face when there is a delay in their heart’s desires, and how to look up to God to meet their needs; be it favour, influence or prosperity. Mrs. Benson-Idahosa, wife to the late Most Rev. Benson Idahosa, founder of the Church of God Mission International, a church with its International Headquarters in Benin City was well positioned for the role, having gone through the experience of delay in her life when she was waiting for her first child. At Civic Centre, Victoria Island venue of the event, the hall was full to the brim. The women sang and danced to the soulful music flowing from the standby band. They raised their voices in supplication to God Almighty, and relived testimonies that flowed from the previous CFWI meeting. In her ministration, Mrs. Benson-Idahosa prayed that each of the women in attendance would have testimonies that would follow the event. The Archbishop recalled testimonies from last year event ranging from gift of babies, deliverance from sicknesses and other forms of troubles of life. Speaking on the topic, “Waiting Not To Waste,” she told the gathering that “faith is voice-activated” and those who have waited should just believe and their believing would not be in vain. “No matter how long and rough, you will have a tangible miracle,” she

Cross section of participants at the event said. According to her, “God respects faith. His pleasure is to be believed; he has hidden trust and capability in his word. If you want to please God, believe his word. He can compress time and make it good for you. He opens doors of healing, doors to family.” The National Outreach Director of CFWI, Mrs. Anwuli Okafor said the organisation which was founded in 1974 by Mrs. Margaret BensonIdahosa with a handful of women believers of Jesus Christ, is all out to touch the lives of people and make such lives count. CWFI, Okafor highlighted, further seeks to promote the dignity of womanhood and expand the space for women in leadership in the church and public life; provide relief to widows, women and girls in distress; and prepare the girl-child for an empowered womanhood.

These functions, she outlined, are discharged through the following: • CWFI Rural Mobile Clinic for villages and hinterlands to provide basic medical care for women and their families. • CWFI Micro Credit Scheme, which economically empowers women and alleviates the burden of poverty. • CWFI Restoration Centre that caters for battered women, rehabilitation of prostitutes, and cares for battered, abandoned and abused children. Under its skill acquisition programme, women are opportune to acquire skills ranging from fashion designing, hair styling, catering; bead, hat and powder and soap making. Through this, women are helped to earn income and contribute meaningfully to family and community development through businesses established to demonstrate skills

acquired. It is also involved in campaigns and public awareness on issues concerning girl child and women education, HIV/AIDS and trafficking of women and girls. Its Christian growth activities border on indepth Bible teachings, through which women are taught to be functional in their churches because they are “saved to serve,” based ion its belief that service opens doors to God’s blessings. Besides chapter activities, she said CWFI organises annual international convention that attracts an average of 20,000 – 25,000 women delegates from across the country and other parts of the world including Ghana, Togo, Cameroun, BeninRepublic Congo, Russia, United Kingdom, United States of America, China Germany and Malaysia.

Kano Moves To Check Street Begging Through Youth From Abba Anwar, Kano

Kwankwaso O restore sanity in Kano State, T especially Kano metropolis, the state government is putting in place measures to ban street begging and send all non-indigene Almajiris (child street beggars) back to their states of origin. This step, seen by many residents as a serious effort at dealing with one of the most debilitating social ills in the northern part of the country, has received commendations.

According to the Commander General of Kano State Hisbah Board, Mallam Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, arrangements were in top gear to send an Executive Bill to the state Assembly to enact a law that would ban all forms of street begging in the state. “Kano State is seen as the only haven for street beggars in the country, but that must stop. The most disturbing part is when a black street beggar is arrested in Saudi Arabia, he will be deported to Nigeria through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, thinking that all black street beggars are from Kano. This is embarrassing.” He further noted that a recent survey of street beggars in Kano revealed that 65 per cent of them were not indigenes, but were brought from other states across the north. Daurawa disclosed some of the women, who were street beggars, were deeply engaged in prostitution, thereby resulting in unwanted pregnancies and eventual increase in the number of child street beggars. Street beggars are seen and categorised into two- the child beggars, known as almajirai (almajiri is singular form) and adult street beggars,

who are mostly disabled or physically challenged. Of recent, the Kano State Hisbah Board rid Kano streets of about 100 women and child beggars, out which 70 were sent back to their states of origin, an action that was commended by people in the state. “This is a good and bold step in the right direction. People should be made to understand that begging is not and can never be a practice encouraged by Islam. “Our noble religion abhors begging, the way it is done, by such nuisance,” said a man who identified himself as simply Baballiya. Another way of dealing with the issue of street begging, according to an organisation called Almajiri Foundation of Nigeria, is to encourage every household in the communities to take the responsibility of one almajiri in their residences through a concept it called ‘one house, one almajiri.’ Sani Muhammad Ali, Assistant Secretary of the Foundation, said the organisation wants government to upgrade its social policy to drastically reduce the menace of street begging in the state and elsewhere. “We also advise and encourage the

state government and other state governments where street begging persists to try and establish rehabilitation centres for the able-bodied street beggars and destitute centres for the old ones that cannot do anything productive in society. While supporting the state government’s effort to put a halt to street begging, the Foundation, however, differed on the approach it has adopted. It commended the state government establishment of youth empowerment programmes, but observed that part of the reasons some youth engage in street begging was youth restiveness; hence it lauded the setting up of over 20 craft schools by Governor rabiu Kwankwaso administration to curb the vice. In the same vein, the Kwankwaso administration has sponsored over 1000 youths on scholarships abroad, over 500 of who are studying for their second degrees. Out of the remaining, 100 were sent to study aeronautics engineering in Jordan, another set of 100 were sponsored to study pharmaceutical sciences, in addition to 25 studying marine engineering in India and the

United Kingdom (UK). To also encourage residents to obey traffic laws and ginger the civil service towards quality service delivery, the state government has engaged the services of over 500 to work as traffic assistants under the Kano Road Traffic Agency, which has drastically reduced unruly behaviours on the streets of Kano. The federal government recently estimated that there were eight million out-of-school almajiris roaming the streets. It was also gathered that most of them were from the northern part of Nigeria, which ostensibly informed federal government’s decision to construct modern almajiri schools across the region. The Kano State Hisbah Board appears determined to see the end of street begging on the streets of Kano. If it succeeds in this attempt, it would no doubt be a pilot for other states, especially in the northern states. As one social critic put it: “Security challenges could also be checked when the issue of street begging is wiped away. These beggars are nothing more than bunch of nuisance in our society.”

THe GUArDiAn, Saturday, June 22, 2013

MeTrOnOTeS From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City

FTer what looked like a respite, there was renewed cult war in edo State, which as at last week, had reportedly claimed about 20 lives, although the Police dispute the casualty figures and have refused to disclose the number of persons killed. The Guardian gathered that not less than 20 lives were lost as a result of reported clash between members of the Eiye Confraternity and the Black Axe. Besides, at least 10 persons have been reportedly arrested by the Police over the clash, while it was learnt that some of the leaders of the gangs were on the run, following the determination of the security agencies in the state, in collaboration with the state government, to hunt the suspects down. The cult war took a twist penultimate Saturday, as The Guardian reliably gathered that suspected cult members snatched a riffle from a Police inspector attached to the Surveillance/Anti-robbery Squad Team A of Ogida Police Station, who was on duty on that night. it was further gathered that the affected officer was on duty with his colleagues less than 50 metres from the station when the incident happened and that his armed colleagues seemed helpless and may have been remanded by the Police authorities. The incident was said to have happened at around 7.30 pm and barely 24 hour after, a youth leader in Ova community in egor Council, victor Odigie, was reported to have been trailed by three masked men along a bush path leading to his house, who shot him inside his Mercedes Benz car and fled. The three men were said to have trailed their victim on a motorbike, which they abandoned after removing the plate numbers. The deceased was said to have been rushed to a public hospital, where he was confirmed dead and his body deposited in a morgue. Also, The Guardian learnt that members of the rival cult groups went to the home of one of the suspects, currently on the run, whose father was said to be a member of one of the warring groups, to resolve issues bothering on money. it was while they were settling the issue that the suspect went upstairs and came back with a pump action gun and shot a member of the rival cult group in the leg. The victim was rushed to the nearest hospital by his colleagues, while the suspect escaped. Consequently, his (victim) colleagues mobilised and went for a reprisal attack, visiting the homes of members of the rival cult group. This, according to sources, led to the various attacks, started from Ogbelaka area of Benin City, and spreading to idu Owena, after Ugbowo, isihor, Ugbiyoko, Textile Mill road, new Benin and igbesanwa areas. Apparently worried by the incident, Governor Adams Oshiomhole was said to have convened an emergency security meeting last penultimate Friday and charged security operatives to fish out the killers; hence the arrest of ten persons, just as efforts are being made to find peaceful resolution of the crisis. Though the state Commissioner of Police, Folusho Adebanjo, did not confirm the number of persons killed, he described the killings as unacceptable and vowed that the Police would

renewed Cult War in Benin: residents Panic, Police Caution deal with the situation. “We are not relaxing at all; we are in search of the leaders behind this. Some persons have been arrested, while some are in the run. “The killings will stop, because the Police are on alert now. i can assure you that anybody arrested will be dealt with very seriously. “All security agencies in the state are concerned. The governor is equally concerned and residents of the state are concerned, so we will not relent to stop this madness. “it is very sad that people no longer value human lives,” he said. And as a confirmation of the threat to deal with the issue, 10 arrested suspected cultists, among other suspected criminals, including armed robbers, kidnappers and other criminals, were paraded on Thursday by Adebanjo. He said officer of the command recovered arms, including two AK47 rifle and magazines, 23 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, twohorse magnum pump action guns, one englishmade cut-to-size double barrel gun and 107 live cartridges from the suspects in the last three weeks.

While parading the suspects, Adebanjo reiterated his call to criminals and cultists to leave the state or face the consequences, just as he solicited the cooperation of the public to give useful information to the police. While commending the ban on commercial motorcycles in the state, Adebanjo said: “i remember when i assume duty here, i warned all the criminals to relocate or repent. Some of those who have not obeyed the order are the ones you are seeing here now. “The edo State Police command is working tirelessly to make sure that edo people sleep with their two eyes closed. We are doing everything to make sure that the state is very peaceful and we will not relent. “This is to warn all the criminals that they should desist from their acts or leave the state, as we are going to continue to pursue them.” He continued: “Some of them are armed robbers, kidnappers and those involved in the recent cultists killings. “i want to thank the good people of edo State for their collaboration with the Police and if we all work together, we can have a peaceful socie-

ty. “We need their assistance and cooperation, as we cannot do it alone. everybody must join hands to make the state a peaceful place. We urge the people to continue to support us and give us useful information. “By next week, they will charge to court. There are some that we cannot parade, because investigation is ongoing, but i assure you that they will be charged to court next week. This parade is our operation for three weeks. “We have arrested some of the cultists, with some of them on the run, but we will not relent. We must get then, because cultism will not be allowed to thrive in edo State. “i wonder why students will be killing themselves. i don’t understand, but they will be treated by criminals; we are not going to spare them in anyway.” He was optimistic that the ban on commercial motorcycles in the city would help check the excesses of criminals in the state. “The ban on Okada is a very good thing is for security purposes, because a lot of crimes being committed in Benin City are bike-related

Group Doles Out Cash Gifts To Petty traders, Artisans under the ejigbo LCDA where our sole concern is to reach out to the less-privileged and the masses at the grassroots thereby empowering riven by the passion to give back to the society by reaching out to the less-privileged both the youths and women by giving them assurance they are still remembered by their under the ejigbo LCDA, The Crusader society and are not neglected. Movement, an offshoot of Action Congress of nigeria (ACn) recently held a Mass Assisted programme geared towards supporting petty traders and artisans to boost their volume of trade and capacity. The Crusader Movement is a group formed to economically improve the standard of living at the grassroots. To commemorate June 12 in the memory of the late political icon, Chief Moshood Abiola, the movement made cash gifts to beneficiaries andpledged the implementation of populist programmes yearly starting with this year’s theme “ Mass Assistance Programme for Petty traders and Artisans.” The event, held under the ejigbo LCDA in Jakande estate, witnessed over 100 participants The Secretary General Crusader Movement Dr and beneficiaries from the six wards. Olusunmade Olatunde presenting the token funds to The Chairman of Crusader Movement Prince the beneficiaries of the Mass Assisted programme for Adebayo Onakoya said: “ This is a movement petty traders and artisans, held in Lagos recently.

By Ibukunoluwa Kayode

The mass assisted token is a support for petty traders and artisans, which is just a part of what crusader stands for. We are a movement that also caters for youths under our wards through bursary, provision of employment opportunities and legal services as the case may arise for women …” The Secretary General of the movement, Dr. Olusunmade Olatunde, said: “ At crusader we are driven by passion to save the future by putting the present to work. This is a movement that is concerned about the welfare of the masses at the grassroots. We have to come to a place where things must change; more nigerians than ever before now suffer under the daily grind of poverty. Unemployment is also a rising concern among our youths, while our women suffer all sorts of abuses.” Olatunde pledged to implement more populist programmes and to serve the grassroots to improve the standard of living under ejigbo LCDA. Over the months, he added, the movement has been involved in other activities like providing financial assistance to selected widows in all

the wards under us, bursary awards to selected students of higher institutions, health education and interventions for female child rights, women empowerment programmes etc. “We are driven and managed by members’ donations and people who voluntarily give to sponsor our humanitarian cause for the needy. A painstaking process of identification of the beneficiaries was undertaken at committee level where names of awardees were picked randomly from all the wards under ejigbo LCDA; Ailegun, Oke-Afa, ilamoshe, Fadu, ifoshi and Aigbaka,” he added. According to one of the beneficiaries, a hair stylist, Mrs. Beatrice eneanya, “i am very happy with this token donation disbursed to us to boost our volume of trade and capacity. it will go a long way in my business because i believe every little drop will definitely yield increase.” Another beneficiary, a pepper seller, Mrs. Adeola Adeyemo, commented, “ i am pleased to be among the beneficiaries of this mass movement. This actually implies the masses have not being forgotten, that we still reside in the heart of people who have God-fearing hearts,” she said.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

‘Govt Needs To Design Agric Policies With Youths In Mind’

NEWSINTERVIEW

Omole

Officially, 40 per cent of Nigeria’s cultivatable land is in use, and the World Bank estimates that this has risen to 50 per cent. The potential to double land use and hugely improve productivity is clear. Less than half of the land good for farming is being explored; the population involved in farming is 60 to 70 per cent; output of food per capita is among the least in sub-Sahara Africa; crops, livestock and fish have potentials for providing food and nutrition. But the paradox is that there is threat of hunger and poverty as 70 per cent of the population lives on less than N100 (US $ 0.7) per day and youth unemployment is increasing daily. Smallholder farmers who constitute 80 per cent of all farm holdings, have inefficient production system. Furthermore, there is regular shortfall in national domestic production. Food import is thus a common feature. But agriculture is a key sector that can affect majority of Nigerians if properly harnessed. How far do you think the Federal Government’s efforts has gone in resuscitating agriculture? The truth is that the agricultural population is ageing. So, agricultural policies should be made with the youth in mind. Agriculture should be made attractive and lucrative, not a dirty job to the youths. It is By Joseph Okoghenun time government encouraged the private sector to invest in mechanised (commerWhat are the achievements and challenges in cial) agriculture. We need programmes that agricultural sector today? will entice the youth into agriculture. The GRICULTURE in Nigeria represents roughly youths should be the focus of agricultural 40 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). development. If the youths in Nigeria have In the past, agriculture was seen as a developsome sustainable assistance programmes, ment issue. However, the Minister of many of them would rather prefer to live in Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina is changing their rural environments than hustle in the mindset of Nigerians that agriculture other urban areas for inexistent jobs. For should be seen as a business, and that the govme, I think government needs to intensify ernment must be taken out of the business, as efforts in this area in its bid to resuscitate the government has no role producing anyagriculture in Nigeria. thing. Nigeria used to be responsible for 27 per Investing in agriculture can be transforcent of global groundnut trade, 47 per cent of mative, especially for the peasant farmer, palm oil trade and 18 per cent of cocoa trade, where the sector employs nearly two-thirds but this is now zero for the first two, and near of the population and accounts for an averzero for cocoa. age one-third of GDP. Women produce 60 Today, Nigeria imports 500,000 tonnes of to 80 per cent of food in the rural commubrown rice and two million tonnes of white nities, and the World Bank estimates that rice, but aims to be self-sufficient in each of growth in the agriculture sector is twice as these by 2013 and 2015 respectively. Adesina effective at reducing poverty as growth in took the government out of fertiliser distribuother sectors. This investment will help the tion as corruption made a mockery of its world’s poorest people earn their way out attempts to get fertiliser to poor farmers. He is of poverty. In addition to fueling economic now seeking private sector investors that are growth, investment in agriculture will also prepared to invest in irrigation, mechanisation enable the world’s poorest countries to betand warehousing to build up the sector. ter feed their people and withstand future

Mr Emmanuel Omole, a member of the Cassava Growers Association, is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lagosbased Pattersons Integrated Resources Limited, an agricultural development company specializing in agricultural production and agro-allied services in both livestock and crop production. Omole, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Farm Management from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAB) and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan (UI), says Nigeria needs to design agricultural policies with the aim of making the youths interested in the sector.

shocks from changing global food prices, weather patterns and financial crises. Access to tools, fertilisers, seeds, and information is urgently needed to help communities prevent another food crisis. Safety nets like cash-for-work programmes are also needed to ensure that the poorest families do not descend further into poverty. In the longterm, food security and economic growth will require significant investments in agriculture and rural development. With better infrastructure, improved technology and training, and access to financial services, farmers could benefit from increased crop yields and stronger connections to domestic, regional, and international markets. As it has been identified, agriculture should be seen not as a development programme, but as a business like other sectors. Agriculture has a lot of potentials, particularly in the area of job creation and income generation. It is sad that despite the vast natural resources Nigeria is endowed with, we still battle with unemployment and food crisis. If properly harnessed, the agricultural sector can generate jobs for the teeming youths in the country, thus increasing food production. In the 70s and 80s, Nigeria had farm settlements in various locations across the country. Today, all the farm settlements have become

The truth is that the agricultural population is ageing. So, agricultural policies should be made with the youth in mind. Agriculture should be made attractive and lucrative, not a dirty job to the youths. It is time government encouraged the private sector to invest in mechanised (commercial) agriculture. We need programmes that will entice the youth into agriculture.

shadows; they are now deserts. I am of the opinion that the Federal Government should create enabling environment by way of infrastructures and good policies for the private sectors to revive these farm settlements. Let the agricultural development companies be engaged in reviving these settlements. We do not know why companies like us that specialise in agricultural consulting, agricultural training, agricultural production and farm management, extension services, agricultural input sales and supply as well as farm planning and feasibility study, should not be involved actively by government in agricultural transformation. Agriculture is too important to the lives of youths to be allowed to rot away. Take Ogun State with 20 local government areas for example. Assuming there is a functional farm settlement in each local government, a good number of graduates of agriculture from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Ago-Iwoye and the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, could be gainfully employed. This will of course have positive ripple effects viz-a- viz job creation, increased food production and income generation for the workers. In his recent speech, Akinwunmi said the Nigeria Agricultural Transformation Agenda hopes to create 3.5 million jobs and add 20 million tonnes of domestic food supply by 2015. He further stressed that Nigeria is shifting focus towards farming. It is sad that Nigeria has 84 million hectares of land and only about 60 per cent of it is cultivated, particularly by peasant farmers. Of this 60 per cent , only 10 per cent is in high quality seeds, fertilisers, mechanisation, and good irrigation. Agriculture should be industrialised and made a major revenue earner for individuals and the country at large. What are the challenges the government is facing in its efforts to turn around agriculture? Good policies, when properly implemented, will give us the desired results. Implementation, using the right people to implement the policies, is very important. In addition, if government wants to give any incentives by way of inputs subsidies, these should be given at the right time, knowing fully well that agriculture is time bound. For instance, in the Southern part of Nigeria, agricultural season begins by March/April. So, any support to be given to farmers, be it inputs such as seeds, fertiliser, or cash support should be done as early as February or early March. If given later than this period, will not be used for the intended purpose.

Lighthouse

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Truth Has No Elder Brother... HOUGH he sent many innocent T Southerners to their early graves (and tortured many others like Obasanjo, Chris Anyanwu, Prof. Odekunle etc) Hamza AlMustapher, Former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, Sani Abacha, is now fighting to escape death by hanging… They will always be dangerous bedfellows. They will always collude with foreign interests to undermine the interest of the rest of us. The Leopard never changes its spots. We have had 99 years to prove this. Fifteen years ago, on July 7, 1998, Chief M.K.O Abiola, an illustrious Southerner renowned worldwide for his philanthropy, was murdered by Northern elements —-with the help of their foreign collaborators. Having been so helpful (and close) to many Northern leaders and talakawas alike, Abiola (who was Deputy President of the Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs while the Sultan was President) thought he had Muslim brothers and friends in the “North”. After all, they always greeted him with crimson smiles. He then committed an unforgivable sin: He attempted to be Nigeria’s President. And he had the effrontery to defeat Tofa, the Northern boy. Abiola realized his mistake too late: He lost his mandate. He lost his freedom. They shot and killed his wife, Kudirat. Then they killed him. The “North” and its Army rode roughshod on the whole nation. They shot many Southerners on the streets. They imprisoned many more. They sent special killers after others. They regard no Southerner as friend. In fact, every good Southern material is seen as a threat to “their interest”. And they have always targeted the Best of the South —- Awolowo, Soyinka, Rewane, Fewehinmi, Ken Saro-wiwa (They doused his dead body with acid), Alex Ibru, Abraham Adesanya, Frank Kokori, Fela, Ajasin, etc On April 13, 1983, two Nigerian newspapers had carried frontpage stories of a plot by the

Crimson Smiles… CIA to assassinate both Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief M.K.O. Abiola. The killing was to be masterminded by then US Ambassador to Nigeria, a balding Scorpio, named Thomas Pickering. The liquidation of the two Southern figures, the report said, was in “America’s interest”. The US refuted the reports furiously. Then it waited for 15 years … On July 7, 1998, Abiola was murdered by US envoys in Abuja. Thomas Pickering led he team! The plot by Northern elements to murder Abiola had been leaked weeks earlier to the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. In his Book, “You must Set Forth At Dawn”, the professor narrates how a curious interplay of circumstances had prevented him from accessing urgent messages sent to him about the plot. He accessed the message too late. Indications that “Northern interests” and “American Interests” would collude began to emerge shortly after Abacha’s death on June 8, 1998. Abacha’s successor, Abdulsalami Abubakar, had refused to release Abiola from prison though he released others. Rather, he started making suspicious trips to Britain and America. (Fooled by a dimple he spots on his chin, some

HE political drumbeat of 2014 T gubernatorial election in the State of Osun is, no doubt, gathering momentum. It is weird and surprising that those at the forefront of the opposition drumbeats have refused to come out with concrete programmes to challenge Governor Rauf Aregbesola and my party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). As a student of politics, I know that elections are (meant to be) won with laudable programmes, peoples acceptance, not boastful claims and wilful distortion of facts. Any other means to victory is definitely crooked and unconstitutional. Unfortunately and surprisingly, Senator Iyiola Omisore is at the forefront of the opposition drumbeats, doing all he could to gain media presence. I thought it was not worth giving him any response, but it appears that keeping silent has emboldened Omisore to go on and on, making wild claims. However, against the backdrop of the boastful misadventure of threatening to stop the convoy of the governor to the Nigerian Tribune interview of Sunday, February 10, this year and the usual Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) beer parlour remarks, silence seems no longer golden. In a nutshell, Omisore has made futile attempts to launder his image, flaunting an integrity and a pedigree he does not possess.

In the State of Osun, this is politics of yesteryear. Omisore has been so blindfolded by his inordinate ambition that he fails to realise that the people of Osun’s parameter for gauging political reliability has left the days of United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), when you had to be Abacha’s friend; and the barometer of measuring trust and performance are no more where they left it, when it was just a question of posturing. The people have had the opportunity of juxtaposing two governments and have clearly chosen. Led by Aregbesola, the ACN in the state sought and obtained the Almighty God’s consent to liberate the people. We consulted far and wide; drew up our plans, programmes and manifestoes from both bureaucratic and technocratic perspectives. Between 2005 and now, we have campaigned into the nooks and crannies of the state, brandishing our manifestos to the people. We also taught the people how to defend their votes and ensure same count. In Osun East Senatorial District, from which I was elected, we did not only campaign in the cities, we traversed the rural areas. Not at one time did we meet the PDP campaigning; they were still under the spell that guns and machetes would be used to snatch ballot boxes and write results. Without equivocation, the Aregbesola Administration has per-

Yemi Ogunsola yemiogunsola@gmail.com 08069074718

persons had described Abubakar’s look as “cherubic”. What could be cherubic in an Abubakar who insisted that Abiola should forget his “presidential mandate” as condition for his release. What manner of Abubakadabra justifies the demand that the owner of a voiced his fears then that these delegations were “up to no good.” Tony Blair (that haunted fellow) was so brazen as to tell Nigerians to forget the mandate given to Abiola in the June 12, 1993 presidential election —- an anti-democratic crap he would never utter about his own country. Today, 15 years later, those who murdered Abiola, are walking free; some of them prancing around as statesmen. The trio of Babangida, Abdulsalami and Buhari shunned the Justice Oputa reconciliation panel. Those who think this is “living in the past” had better remember that to prevent Goodluck Jonathan, a “Southern boy” from the Presidency, “they” hid Yar’Adua’s carcass for close to 12 months…deployed the Nigerian Army behind the back of Jonathan, the Commander-In-Chief of The Armed Forces. And later vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable. Then they unleashed Boko Haram. Amidst all the treachery, they keep beaming those crimson smiles… The price of unity with the “North” —without proper re-negotiation —- is “Elongation of Evil Days”. Is that what we wish to bequeath to our children in the South? stolen good should forego the same good as condition for settling the matter?) Delegations from Europe and America also began trooping into Nigeria. A colleague

Aregbesola, Omisore And I By Babajide Omoworare

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

Aregbesola

formed well. This is clear to all and sundry, except sworn critics, blind politicians or those craving “Abuja attention.” Performance of this nature is not by accident; it is purposeful, and it is a result of painstaking planning and strategic implementation. Aregbesola has made the welfare of the people the focus of his administration. Infrastructure under Olagunsoye Oyinlola Administration was dilapidated. The governor has successfully taken the state from its disorganised state of nature, where we met it, and has put it on the path of ideal governance. Governance in the state is now responsible, responsive and reliable, with several agencies set up to take care of various needs of the people. In this day and age, I can’t imagine how PDP managed the state without a waste, traffic, signage and hygiene management agencies, among others, to say the least. We do not expect a warm embrace

The Crab Keeps Vigilance With Stalked Eyes… Let Lagos authorities watch out for aerial attacks, and keep gas masks handy.

from the past wasteful government, where Omisore was a major stakeholder. However, we expect constructive criticism, application of logic, adherence to decency and suggestions of meaningful options. The State of Osun has been turned into a “work yard.” Is Omisore aware of the qualitative leap in the education sector with the phenomenal and second- to-none tablet “Opon-Imo” with 56 tutorials and free textbooks covering about 17 subjects and over 40,000 practice questions for students in SS1-SS3? What about the free uniform given to every student, free quality and nutritious lunch for 254,000 elementary school children provided by 3,000 women recruited by the state government, properly kitted and groomed for that purpose? These and several others are exceptional dividends of democracy that can be least imagined by Omisore and his ilk. The PDP in the state has recently been fed with tissues of lies that Omisore’s woeful loss and my victory at the Osun East (Ife/Ijesa) senatorial district polls of April 9, 2011 is a subject of litigation. The truth is that I won that election squarely, in a free and fair atmosphere, largely devoid of the usual votes stealing, ballot box snatching, violence and result writing. I scored a total of 119,652 votes, while Omisore scored 51,315 votes. I won with a margin of 68,337 votes. For record purposes, Omisore did not win his Moore Ward in Ife East Council; he scored 1,084 votes, while I scored 1,131 votes. He did not even file a Petition in the Electoral Tribunal. At least, I was not served with any court process and I did not appear at any tribunal. One cannot, but wonder why a man who wants to be governor and claims to have integrity will lie so

effortlessly. Omisore also did not win in 2007, when I first contested against him. If the compilers of the World Guinness Book of Record had been observers at that election, that election will go down as the most rigged election in the whole world. I showed a video to the tribunal where three young men cast 1,350 votes for Omisore at the Odo-Eran (Abattoir) polling unit of Ajebandele Ward in Ife Central within one hour. The Court of Appeal ruled in my favour on October 29, 2009 that the election was fraught with malpractices and violence and ordered a fresh election. In the wisdom of my party, we decided not to participate in that election, so as not to waste the lives of our polling agents, since we do not trust the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Prof Maurice Iwu. I sincerely hope that Omisore knows the difference between popularity and notoriety; perhaps he has not had introspection on himself or his followers have hidden reality from him. Listen to the street and hear people out, he is far from being accepted by anyone. The task of rebranding is not too difficult for communication experts, but in this instance, it comes with an arduous responsibility of shedding a steadfast image, an engraved nature, an ingrained character and an archetypical background. Where is the standard of an Omoluabi? My secret prayer is that PDP fields Omisore in the next governorship election against such a productive and performing governor like Aregbesola. Like the Americans say “Bring him on”! -Omoworare is a serving senator

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

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

Solutions To Overlapping Word Game ‘23’

Overlapping Word Game ‘24’ 1. Convince somebody of 2. Dentistry practitioner 3. Long angry speech 4. Relating to skin 5. Unable to find way 6. Not changing 7. Reduce 8. Hire somebody 9. Kind 10. Produce 11. Hard work 12. City in Osun State 13. Shaft on which wheel turns 14. Creditor 15. Means of steering ship 16. Knowledgeable through study 17. Attracted 18. Learning experience 19. Moving forward 20. Sewage system 21. Discrimination directed at age 22. Bring into country illegally 23. Follow 24. Departure

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

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

On The Path Of Winners OCUS brings tremendous power to life. Without it, you cannot accomplish much. But with focus, your talents and abilities gain direction and these pay off by producing results. One, focus does not come naturally to humans. Because of our culture of choices, most people are pulled in various directions. Worse still, you find yourself enmeshed in areas you don’t really care about. The solution to such a predicament is focus. Poet William Matthews wrote and I paraphrase: One well-cultivated talent, deepened and enlarged, is worth more than a hundred shallow faculties. The first law of success is concentration, to bend all the energies to one point, and directing all to that point, looking neither right nor left. Two, focus increases your energy. If you desire to achieve something, get what your target is. The mind doesn’t focus on achievement until it has clear objectives. After the Americans landed on the moon, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) attributed their success to focus. Albert Siepert, Deputy Director of NASA asserted that NASA succeeded because it had a clear-cut goal and expressed its goal. By doing this, NASA drew the best of men to the goal and gained the support of every department of government to achieve the goal of landing a man on the moon and bringing him back alive. Three, focus lifts you. Scholar and educator, David Jordan, said, “The world stands aside to let pass anyone who knows where he is going.” In a sea of mediocrity, just knowing what you want and pursuing it distinguishes you from everybody else. Four, focus expands your life. Narrowing your view or horizon widens your perspective. If you want to expand your capacity or talent, then focus on your objective. Five, you have to intentionally sustain your focus to be able to attain your goals.

How Focus Lifts Your Talent What separates the superstar from the mediocre is that the winners concentrate just a little bit longer. In his book, Laughter, Joy and Healing, Donald Demaray narrated the story of a young journalist who was being criticized by his father because he didn’t seem to be making much progress from his career. Undaunted, the young man wrote back to his father, explaining that he had a plan upon which he was focused. His intentions were as follows: At 30, he would be a great news reporter. At 40, he would be a distinguished editor. At 50, he would be a great writer. At 60, he would be a great novelist. At 70, he would be a great grandfather. At 80, he would be a great admirer of beautiful women. And at 90, he would be a great loss to the community. Demaray said that the father got a good laugh from the letter and was gratified when he began to see his son’s career progressing along those lines. Several years ago, I memorized a definition of success to guide me in my career: success is the progressive realization of a predetermined goal. From this I realized, success is a process, not an event. And a process takes time and focus; only focused people can direct their talent for achievement. Therefore, if you d e -

MAILAFA ADEDOJA AKURE EXAMINE NEST STRIVE VERMIN INDIGO GONDOLA LAGOS OSHODI INTER REED EDITOR RESTED EDUCATE TENSION ONTOLOGY YUGUDA ANTHEM MANTU UMBRAGE EXCLAIM AIMS

sire to be a champion, you must make focus your friend. Six, make every action count towards the attainment of your wishes. Editor, publisher and man of letters, Elbert Hubbard, wrote: “A retentive memory may be a good thing. But the ability to forget is the true token of greatness.” Champions forget because they know the past is irrevocable. You are running a race, so you cannot afford to look behind. Your eye should be on the finish line. You must be magnanimous by being too big to let little things disturb you. Seven, focus on the present. Make your job your focus. Striving for success is like car driving. It is good to check your side view occasionally. You cannot give full attention to it otherwise you would be unable to make appreciable progress. Eight, stay focused on results. By doing that, you will find it easer to stay positive and encouraged. In your march towards becoming a champion, you will meet various people. Their impact on you will reflect thus: refreshers will inspire your dreams and energize your talents. Refiners will sharpen your ideas and clarify your visions. On the other hand, reducers will try to reduce your vision and confine you to your comfort zone. Projectors will deny your talent, hinder your efforts and impede your

progress. If you remain focused on results, you will stay grounded. Nine, develop your priorities and follow through. If you chase two rabbits, both will escape. Focus on your targets, concentration is the key to achievement. Focus on your strengths, what you commit yourself to determines what you are. It makes you into a completely different person. Focusing on your weaknesses will deter and weaken you. Your goal should be to make every action count towards the results you desire. Our champion today is Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915), the American editor, publisher and author of moralistic essays. As head of sales and advertising of a private company, he became a freelance newspaperman. Hubbard retired in 1892 to found his Roycroft Press in 1893 in New York. He modelled his company after William Morris’ communal press which he had visited in England. From 1895, he issued monthly, the famous “Little Journey” booklets that impacted greatly on the lifestyle of U.S. cities of the time. Hubbard’s pleasant biographical sketches of famous persons became best sellers. He also started The Philistine, “A message to Garcia” appeared in the Philistine in which the importance of perseverance was drawn as a moral from a Spanish /American War incident. In 1908, Hubbard began to edit and publish a second avant-garde monthly magazine,The Fra which preaches originality as the art of concealing your source and that human progress comes outside of the rules, otherwise we would never have anything new. Hubbard’s business expanded to include furniture, leatherworks and an art school. His radicalism paid off with a run-away success. But he died tragically in the sinking of the ocean liner, Lusitania in 1915. Valuable collection of his writing are Little Journeys, (1915) 14 volumes and selected writings, (1923) 14 volumes.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

JUSTHUMAN

Help Block That Hole In Gabriel’sHeart By Juliana Idoko IFE has been pretty difficult for 18-monthLa hole old Gabriel Aloma. He was diagnosed with in his heart and requires a minimum of N1.7 million for a reconstructive heart surgery in India. This amount is what stands between this boy and a normal life. Unfortunately, raising the money has been difficult for his poor parents who are already selling their belongings to buy his drugs. But Gabriel can be helped to live if benevolent Nigerians come to his help urgently. Gabriel was presumed normal at birth, but his mother, Caroline, started noticing his breathing problems four days after. She started treating the baby for cold and then pneumonia. Unfortunately, his situation worsened. She took him to the Health Centre where he was eventually referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). There, he was diagnosed with a hole in the heart when he was six months old. Now Gabriel has palpitations and struggles to breathe. He lives one day at a time, surviving on drugs and liquid foods only. Gabriel, who cannot swallow or tolerate solid food, needs the drugs to sustain him until his family could raise the money for surgery. In a letter of appeal dated 23rd of February 2013, and signed by the Consultant Paediatrician/Paediatric Cardiologist, Dr B.A. Animasahun, she explained that little “Gabriel is being managed as a case of Congenital Heart Disease (Double Outlet Right Ventricle with Pulmonary Stenosis)” According to the consultant, Gabriel requires surgical intervention, which will cost an estimated sum of N1.7 million, including travels.” To ensure that the donated fund is judi-

ciously used for this patient and purpose, the letter, which implores well meaning Nigerians to assist this poor little boy, indicates that donations be made to the hospital account with the following details and teller forwarded to the Department of Paediatrics, LASUTH. Bank: Skye Bank Name of Account: LASUTH Radiology-II Account No: 1770580238 Gabriel’s parents are already selling their property to buy the drugs required to sustain him while they pray for assistance from well meaning Nigerians to help their child to live. Caroline who narrated their ordeal since the diagnosis explained that they are banking on the benevolence of people to save their child because “even to eat has become a problem”. Gabriel’s father also pleaded with Nigerians to assist them with whatever they can to save the little boy, no amount was too small. Their Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Pius Omofuma and Mr Sunny Madukaibe, the Coordinator of Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the same parish St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ibah Housing Estate are soliciting on behalf of his parents and also doing all in their power to help the family raise the money. Speaking with The Guardian on the plight of little Gabriel, Fr Omofuma explained that he has, recently, through the parishioners, raised a sum of 2.7 million naira for one of them with kidney problem, just before Gabriel’s own came up. He pleaded with public-spirited Nigerians to help the distraught parents. Fr Omofuma can be reached on 08023271740; Gabriel’s mom, Caroline on 08037271789. Her account name and number are: Mrs Alaoma Ogechi Caroline. First Bank Acc No: 3044079030.

Gabriel

Boko Haram Victim, ASP Wellington, Dying Gradually

By Anthony Chidubem Nwachukwu

T 54, Asiayel Wellington, an Assistant A Superintendent of Police from Ayakoromo in Burutu Local Government of Delta State, had already committed 29 years of his active life into serving his fatherland. He was already planning how to repackage his life after serving in the police force as he was due to retire in the next six years when he must have put in 35 years of meritorious service. A dependable police officer, Wellington was serving at the State CID, Kano, and was full of life and expectations. He was leaving his office after the day’s work at the Bombai Police Barracks on January 10, 2012, unaware that tragedy awaited him a few minutes ahead.

Shortly after he stepped out of the office, the barrack came under a surprise attack by the Boko Haram Islamic sect. He was shot and his spinal cord was affected. He was eventually hospitalized at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for several months. Following the visit of President Goodluck Jonathan, the InspectorGeneral of Police and the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, however, promises were made to fly him outside the country for treatment, following the recommendation of the doctors at the Aminu Kano Hospital, as his case could not be handled in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the wait for the fulfillment of those promises regarding his treatment now seems to last for eternity, as none of those promises have been fulfilled. As his health began to deteriorate the more, he appealed for a loan of N2 million from his bank, while his family also raised another N2 million, with which he was flown to Fortis Hospital in India, where he had stem cell transplant and plastic surgery for a bed sore injury. He was to return to India six months later for further surgery. After he arrived Nigeria, he discovered that the plastic surgery had ruptured because it did not heal well from the

inside. He was taken to Island Hospital for treatment, but when he could no longer afford the bill, he was discharged and brought to Crescent Clinic and Maternity Home, a private hospital on Airport Road, Effurun, Warri. There, the Ministry of Health Joint Task Force Against the Operation of Illegal Hospitals stumbled into him. After narrating his ordeal to the team and its accompanying pressmen, he appealed to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for assistance to return to India, the same appeal he extended to the State Commissioner of Police, as he was attacked during official assignment. That his health is deteriorating is an understatement. The hospital where he is right now has nothing on ground to alleviate his plight. So pathetic is it that the man who had served his nation with enthusiasm and vigour, is now reduced to a near vegetable, burdened by over 18 months of illness. Some promises were made in various quarters but were never fulfilled. Wellington is in dire need of urgent help to get back on his feet again. As his health continues to fail, his hope lies in God, and the assistance of fellow Nigerians. For assistance, Wellington could be reached on +2347030804364.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

TheGuardian

Saturday, June 22, 2013 17

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Love&Life

... Celebrating The Feelings You Share!

With Michael Uchebuaku

Princess

IN THIS EDITION True Confession:

‘I Just Found Out That My Boyfriend Cheated On Me’ Love Adventure:

‘My Husband Deceived Me With Kisses While He Slept With Women Outside’

Igbo Ukwu: Great Igbo Archaeological Site! Romantic Jokes Link-Up (Love/Dating Connections)

Love News Man Sues Clinic For Using His Sperm To Impregnate His Ex-girlfriend True Confession From Abroad: I Rigged The Easter Raffle

Name:

Niyola

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

‘My Husband Deceived Me With Kisses While He Slept With Women Outside’ I

am married under a year, met my present husband just months before we married. He was romantic, courteous, respectful, and a man of God….. until we got married. I have found texts, calls, Facebook messages, chat lines in his call history since that day. The thing that has me writing at 2:30 am is the sheer pain and shock I suffered from being 13 weeks pregnant and texting another woman that is telling me my “husband” has

ed on feels in some way responsible. I know it’s not right, but I can’t help to feel all kinds of emotions from anger to hate to pain. I know I need to pray when dealing with a liar and a very hard to refocus myself since I’m cheat is to leave. That’s healthy logi- hormonal, sick, and upset. cal advice. I think I’m writing to, in I just wish I was dreaming right now some way, vent to the world but unfortunately its a reality that the because I know when I bring this husband that cooks, cleans, takes care up to him, he will lie, lie and lie of my three-year-old better than his some more. own dad, runs me bath water for When someone cheats, I’m not when I get off work, kisses me and sure why, but the one getting cheat- tells me he loves me every day is out

Love Adventure been visiting her at work, frequently contacting her. The worst is she has been to our home with details about a certain picture that I had noticed turned face down one day when getting home from work. I’m so frazzled that I have no tears or feelings. Of course the best thing to do

making a fool of me on the internet in every store or gas station he goes to etc. CULLED FROM: www.experienceproject.com *Do you have an amazing or adventurous love experience to share? Tell us how you met. Email your story to: ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714, 07032944123.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

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LOVE&LIFE

‘I Just Found Out That My Boyfriend Cheated On Me’ Dear Love Doctor, Y boyfriend of eight years cheated six years ago and I just found out. I found out from one of his old friends. When I approached him about it he denied. Finally he admitted it but said it only happened one time and he regretted it. I don’t understand how he kept it from me for six years. We now have a four-year-old child and he has a son that is 12 and I have raised him since he was three. I’m finding it hard to make a decision on whether or not I should leave him. He has been without a job for four years now and hasn’t really made an attempt to get one either. He never really has been able to keep a steady job throughout our entire

Romantic Jokes A Prostitute’s Advice A man went to a pub with his wife. When he left for the counter to buy drinks, a prostitute approached his wife and whispered: “You must demand cash before sex. I know him he doesn’t pay.”

Words Of Wisdom Never give up because great things take time. Love will find you wherever you are.

Love Dictionary What is Candidiasis? Candidiasis or thrush is a fungal infection (mycosis) of any of the Candida species (allyeasts), of which Candida albicans is the most common.[1][2] Also commonly referred to as a yeast infection, candidiasis is also technically known as candidosis, moniliasis, and oidiomycosis.[3] Candidiasis encompasses infections that range from superficial, such as oral thrush and vaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases. Candida infections of the latter category are also referred to as candidemia and are usually confined to severely immunocompromised persons, such as cancer, transplant, and AIDS patients, as well as nontrauma emergency surgery patients.[4] Superficial infections of skin and mucosal membranes by Candida causing local inflammation and discomfort are common in many human populations.[2][5][6] While clearly attributable to the presence of the opportunistic pathogens of the genus Candida, candidiasis describes a number of different disease syndromes that often differ in their causes and outcomes.[2][5] Classification Candidiasis may be divided into the following types:[3] • Angular cheilitis (perlèche) •Antibiotic candidiasis (iatrogenic candidiasis) • Candidal intertrigo • Candidal paronychia • Candidal vulvovaginitis (vaginal yeast infection) • Candidid •Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis • Congenital cutaneous candidiasis • Diaper candidiasis • Erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica • Oral candidiasis (thrush) • Perianal candidiasis • Systemic candidiasis Signs and symptoms Symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the area affected.[7] Most candidial infections result in minimal complications such as redness, itching and discomfort, though complications may be severe or even fatal if left untreated in certain populations. In immunocompetent persons, candidiasis is usually a very localized infection of the skin or mucosal membranes, including the oral cavity (thrush), the pharynx or esophagus, the gastrointestinal tract, the urinary bladder, or the genitalia (vagina, penis).[1]

er isn’t what you think it should be. Think hard about whether the choices you’ve made still make sense to you. If not, it’s time to have you aren’t happy about his lack of a very honest talk with your employment. He hasn’t had a job boyfriend about where this relasince your child was born? What’s tionship is going. Perhaps you want that about? Yes, the economy has to renegotiate expectations. made it hard for lots of people, but At 30, you two aren’t kids. You you also say he hasn’t kept a job ever. know what the responsibilities of Since you brought it up, I’m guessing adult life and parenting are. Let this it’s not really okay with you. be an opportunity to think about Maybe your current distress about what is and isn’t working for you long ago cheating is a way you are both and to make some important telling yourself that your life togeth- changes.

relationship.

True Confession

Advice: He didn’t bring it up because he was hoping you’d never find out and he wouldn’t have to deal with it. It wasn’t an honest choice, but I can understand how, with each passing day, he thought maybe it didn’t have to come up. If he has been a good partner and father for the last six years, you have reason to forgive him and to move on. But I’m also hearing that

*Send your comments/stories to Love Doctor. E-mail: ireto007@yahoo.com If you’re in a crisis, call 07031028714 or 08023700641. For free marriage/relationships counseling, call Love Doctor Mike 07031028714, 08023700641 or Chris 08023913619. Visit www.romancestory.org *Buy GSM Database of 79 million and E-mail database of one million for adverts, campaign and others. Visit: www.eeetonline.blogspot.com

CONFESSION FROM ABROAD

‘I Rigged the Easter Raffle’ A

year ago I worked for an advertising company. It was very much a boys' club. There were only three women in an office of 20 and as the receptionist, I copped the brunt of their bad behaviour. There were a lot of jokes that in most companies would have been seen as sexual harassment but where I worked, it was the norm. To dare challenge any of them would have been an instant firing and I knew I'd never have the money to go up against these men in a legal case. I was unhappy there but I was constantly on the lookout for new jobs and had to put up with it until I found something new. Every year, the office did a huge Easter charity raffle in conjunction with a client function. The prize was always something very grand. The year before, it had been a trip to the Maldives and this year it was a new car. I had been driving around in my old heap of junk for the previous six years and was desperate for an upgrade, but my wage wouldn't allow it. I was put in charge of distributing the tickets to all the clients and collecting the money so I hatched a plan. One night I stayed back late and scanned all the tickets and sent them out to the clients. When they were returned to the office I kept them aside in my desk drawer. After a month of collecting the tickets, I waited until a few people were around and made it obvious that this year I would be purchasing a ticket. With fingers crossed, I exaggeratedly pro-

claimed my excitement as I put $100 into the tin where the money was being kept. The day before the draw, I stayed back late. As the last of the men left the office, they yelled out an inappropriate comment and it was then I knew I was going ahead with my plan. I shredded all the scanned tickets and put them in the bin for the cleaners that night. On all the original tickets, I painstakingly filled out all my details. The next night at the function I could barely contain my nerves. My hands were sweating and I was filled with regret at my decision but it was too late to back out. Finally the time arrived for the managing director to draw the winner. He beckoned for me to bring over the box with the tickets in it and microphone in hand he yelled out to one of our biggest clients to come and draw it out. The next minute or two was a blur, but my name was called out and as I was already nervous, I'm sure my shock and disbelief at winning looked real. There was a moment of sheer terror when the usual jeers that it was "rigged" and should be redrawn were yelled out. That's when I thought the client may dip his hands in again and it would be all over for me. However, people clapped and patted me on the back and congratulated me. I quickly removed the box and gave it to one of the caterers to put in the skip to destroy any evidence of my deception. After the evidence had been destroyed I beamed, I finally had something to show for the two years of mistreatment. It was only a couple of months later that I finally found a new job that I loved and where I was appreciated. To this day I still

feel guilty about rigging the draw but not so guilty that I don't enjoy driving around in my lovely new car. Your say: Do you have an Easter tale to tell? Share your stories below.Picture posed by models. Your say: Have you had a similar experience? Share your stories and thoughts below.

Have you experienced a similar situation? Tell us your story. Call 07031028714. Courtesy: womansday.ninemsn.com.au NB: Call Mike on +2347031028714 if you have a story from abroad to share with us.

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

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

LOVE&LIFE

Igbo Ukwu:Great Igbo Archaeological Site I

GBO Ukwu is an archaeological site near the modern town of Onitsha, southeastern Nigeria. The site was part of the Nri Kingdom, and it was used in the 10th Century AD. The site has several parts, including a main burial, and associated caches and shrines. Igbo Ukwu was a burial place for elite personages, and the burials identified there were interred with a large quantity of costly goods. The principal burial is of a person buried sitting on a stool, in fine clothing and rich grave effects such as over 150,000 glass beads, and accompanied by the remains of at least five attendants. Elaborate cast bronze vases, bowls and ornaments were discovered at Igbo Ukwe, made with the

lost wax technique. The bronzes are among the earliest cast bronzes in sub-Saharan Africa. The bronzes were manufactured locally; but the glass beads are an indication that the Nri Kingdom was also involved in considerable longdistance trade. Igbo Ukwu was excavated by Thurstan Shaw in the 1960s. Courtesy: www.archaeology.about.com Photo: www.onlinenigeria.com *Are you an upcoming model, artiste or actor/actress? Call Mike via 07031028714, 07032944123, 08023700641. *If you want to advertize or sponsor Love & Life call 07031028714, 07032944123

Man Sues Clinic For Using His Sperm To Impregnate His Ex-girlfriend

HERE is an interesting torts lawsuit out of Houston where Layne Hardin, 44, is suing Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates, PA, for allegedly giving two vials of his sperm to an ex-girfriend who proceeded to have his child. She is also suing the former boyfriend. The boy is now two years old. Hardin says that Tobie Devall has never let him see the boy while her lawyer says that he has never asked to see the boy. Hardin made the donation for a woman with whom he already had a 12-year-old child. However, he alleges that Tobie Devall

child. Her attorney said he has never requested to see the boy. The lawsuit names both emotional and bluffed the facility employees and left with the potential financial liability for the child. vials in a brown paper bag. She went directly to In this case, it is the hospital that is most a doctor’s office in the same building and was at risk. If Devall claims prior approval, the inseminated. jury is left with a he said, she said situation. Devall alleges in a countersuit that he told her However, the hospital should have a clear that she could use his sperm and her lawyer and sufficient process for the removal of says that Hardin is just a “money grubber” who such material to avoid cases of misreprewants cash from Devall’s wealthy family and sentation. For most people, having a biologthe facility. ical child does create a significant emotionHardin said Devall has never let him see his al burden, not to mention a feeling of per-

Love News

sonal intrusion and violation. It is interesting that there was no criminal charge. Such material is valued on the market over what would constitute a felony since it can be purchased from sperm banks. If the allegations are true, there would be fraud and misrepresentation as well as a fascinating case of conversion. What do you think? Courtesy: jonathanturley.org *If you want to advertize or sponsor Love & Life call 07031028714, 08023700641, 07032944123.

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

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RELATIONSHIP

Give That Blind Date A Chance

By Alita Joseph

OUR friends have set you up with their male friends with the hope that you two would make a love match. Yet you remain single and continue to search. Don’t feel bad about it. There is nothing wrong with you. You are taking your time because you know that a relationship should last a

lifetime. However, chances are that from the many dates your friends have arranged, you have missed not one potential, but three. How? It is possible that you go out with them with a set idea of what he must look like and how he must behave at that early stage to show that he/she has to be The One. So you feel disappointed when he is 3”cm too short. You also believe that the ground has to

shake at first meeting for you to know that he is the one. So when there is no “earthquake” or even a “minor tremor”, you do not see love happening at all. But you can go from blind date to love everlasting if you are prepared to give that man with good manners a chance —- by learning to love him. There is a good foundation already because you have met through mutual friends. So class may not be an issue. It is also possible that all of you have similar interest. Differences would therefore not create a big gulf. So meet a new date with a positive mind. Your friends have done most of the job for you. He knows that, like him, you desire a life partner. Show interest in him. Your friend who arranges the date has felt that the particular person would match you more, so give a chance for something good to develop. But she may not be quite correct in your taste, so you are right if you decide that you would not be seeing that person after that night. But where there is the slightest connection, follow it up. Look at it as another opportunity to end your searching. He may turn out not what you want, but the experience would help you in the next relationship. Give yourself a time within which you would know if a strong union would develop by dating only him. Remember that you already have some likeness at the beginning. Make sure that you are not making a mountain out of a molehill by imagining

Unrequited Love… By Kemi Amushan

OST times we fall in love with men that don’t love us back and then we ask ourselves what exactly it is we are doing wrong. And it’s even more depressing when the man loves someone else while we are just there dying inside. The dating game is a win or lose situation. It’s either you get that man and be happy or you lose him and be heartbroken and miserable. So if you’ve lost your man to another woman, how do you win him back? I’ll answer that question for you soon. If there’s a man in your life that you like in a special way but he seems currently more attracted to another woman or you are in a relationship right now but you have that nagging feeling that your man secretly loves another woman more than you, then this Newsletter is for you! Today, we’ll answer that ageold question: “How do you win over the other woman?” We’ll get to the root of the matter in a moment. But first, I’d like to tackle an even more important question, in my opinion: “Is he worth it?” Ask yourself that question. Here’s the thing about winning in life and love: Sometimes, winning in love means losing a guy. Why? Because sometimes, a guy simply isn’t worth fighting for! For instance, if you’re in a relationship with him but he is obviously seeing another woman behind your back, then it’s probably best to just leave him. Why fight for a guy who won’t even fight for you, right? So that’s my first piece of advice, ladies: Be honest with yourself. Just keep it real. Does he treat you well? Does he deserve your love? Or is trying to “win” him back really a losing battle for you? Here’s my second piece of advice when it comes to men who love other women: Now

knowing and doing are two different things. It’s one thing to know you have to leave a guy but it’s a totally different thing to really leave a guy. Agree or disagree? You may have been in that situation before. I have; so trust me when I say this. You’re in a relationship with a guy who’s so obviously bad for you but you keep going back to him. It doesn’t matter how abusive he becomes, or how many times you break up with him, you end up crawling back to him, because you can’t stand being alone. You’ve fallen into the trap of thinking: “A bad boyfriend is better than no boyfriend at all.” Duh! How dumb can you be? Here’s my message, ladies: “Winning” in love isn’t about having a boyfriend. “Winning” in love is all about having good relationships. And it starts with the most important relationship of all which is loving yourself first. Now the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself! After all, if you don’t love yourself first, then no one else will. Right? You can’t give what you don’t have, after all! The reason so many of us stay single and miserable well into our 30’s or 40’s is because we try so hard not to be single. We chase men, we hook up with manipulative bad boys, we “fight” over guys with other women, and so on. As a result, we lead messy love lives that no man wants to be a part of. It’s like pain. Why do we dislike pain so much? Simple, because we actively try to avoid pain. Day in and day out, we’re focused on avoiding pain. We work so hard to take it easy. Naturally, when pain comes, it’s especially uncomfortable. Right? But what happens when you accept pain as part of life? You actively try to get used to it isn’t it. You find better ways to cope with pain. And, over time, you realize that pain is actually making you better, stronger, more

resilient, and even happier. The same thing happens when you try to love yourself. When you spend your days actively trying to get men to love you, then obviously every single rejection, defeat, or failure will hurt terribly. But when you first love yourself, when you accept yourself completely, then everything suddenly becomes easier. Life becomes easier. Work becomes easier. Maintaining friendships and family ties becomes easier. And you bet, attracting great men into your life becomes easier, too! Now, if there’s an “other woman” in your life, if the man you love seems to like her more than you, then I’m willing to bet that that “other woman” loves herself more than you love yourself. And that’s why she’s winning. So, if you want to win, start loving yourself! Now if you didn’t know this before, then you better recognize now that the best men out there are attracted to the happiest women in the dating game. So, if you tend to be too quiet, or too depressed, or too desperate, you won’t be attracting men anytime soon. (And when you do, they’re usually the scum of the dating game - players, cheaters, liars, and so on). If you keep finding yourself in miserable situations in love, then I suggest you build your relationship with yourself first. To the happiness we all deserve. Good luck in love and life, cheers.

that you have fallen in love with him. It is possible that what you feel is genuine love, but make sure by noting one thing he has done and how that singular act makes you feel. Has he shown a sense of commitment to the relationship? To show you that he is thinking of a long term, he should show interest in you. It may appear early, but your relaxed approach makes you honest enough to speak about your expectations. Your discussions may have therefore touched on family, future and even children. When you meet your best friend’s friend, you feel keen because you know that he is likely to be like your friend, and you are excited at meeting someone who is likely to be your friend too. Although you are looking at possibilities, you are not desperate, so ask questions. Enquire about his family. Ask him what he thinks about marriage. A man who wants to marry another woman or keeps a string of women when he is married would not hide his belief. He is more forthcoming knowing that he is among friends, so he will tell you his mind. Remember that like you, he wants to be honest. Bimbo the cupid, has told him, her husband’s best friend, who is still single, that she knows a good match. So he is checking you out. But he may not be desperate to commit to you. He will therefore be honest and tell you that he does not believe in monogamy. Ask him what happened in his last relationship. Why did they break up? Be prepared too, because he will ask his own

THE GUARDIAN, saturday, June 22, 2013

22 LoVE & LIFE

WEEKEND with AMARA

08033832503 Email: amara@amarablessing.com

Are You A Father? EposITING your sperm does not make with you? You claim it’s about the D you a father. You are a father when you work of the kingdom and service know how that child clothes, feeds, and goes to school. You are a father when you take part in the upbringing and disciplining of the child. You are a father when that child can run out when he or she hears the sound of your car just to give daddy a hug. You are not and will never be a father because your sperm brought that child to this world; anybody can do that. I want you to read this message from Dr Myles Munroe The church is the wife of Christ and He loves the church more than anything else. God wants you to leave His own wife (the church) alone and face your own wife. Yes, preach to His wife, rebuke her, and correct His wife, but go home to your own wife and sleep with her. Go and find out more about her and allow me to find out more about my wife. shut down that church and go home to your wife. You cannot love His wife more than He does. His wife (the church) is a very mean woman and is going to destroy you if you don’t run into the arms of your own wife. I always tell the members of my ministry that if my wife needs me and you are dying, we are going to have a funeral. I don’t care what your title is; go home and take care of your wife and home. The word father in Hebrew means source and sustainer. It is not enough to be a source, are you sustaining that thing you sourced? You deposited the semen and so what? That doesn’t make you a father if you cannot sustain your baby. Your wife is also your baby and so you must feed, clothe, and protect her. Do you pay the children’s school fees? some men spend more time with other women than with their wives and you call that Counseling. You are a liar! some wives need to make appointment to see their husband; is your wife one of them? When was the last time she saw and shared intimacy

to the nation; you are of all men most miserable. Look at the home this way: You are the president of the company called “the home”. Your wife is the vice president; you don’t execute projects without first getting her advice. Your children are the board members; you must tell them why you do whatever you choose to do Your relations and neighbors are just clients who must come in and go. If you have to bond the house together, it must be a corporate effort. Managment of the home is the greatest test of a man’s ability. You win other’s children but lose your own kids. You are miserable. Are you one of those men who send their kids to church but don’t take them to church? Wherever you go at night, if your kids can’t go with you, you are in the wrong place. If the language of your friends can’t be heard by your kids, you are in the wrong company. If your kids cannot pick up your books and read and get blessed by them, you are reading the wrong book. And if they cannot drink that which you drink, you are taking in the wrong thing. The power of a father spans through generations. Whatever you are doing right now is personal but never private. Whatever you are doing right now will affect four generations because that is what you are carrying in your loins. You need to break certain curses, hereditary curses over your life. Your great grandchildren are in danger now because you are doing stuffs that are harmful to him tomorrow. May God break that history that is frustrating and destroying you through your family line. The fathers supposed to transfer the testi-

IMAGE AND ETIQUETTE With Pamela NoW very good A friend of mine was distant and non-communicative when we first met. I wanted to converse, I had heard some intriguing things about this personality and was very much interested in hearing what this person had to say. It was just both of us and a common friend and apart from a few non-committal but polite responses, the said person totally ignored me! I leaned back in my chair, resigned to the fact that the insightful conversation I had banked on was not to be. You see, I would later find out that something had made this friend of mine uncomfortable and therefore, defensive. To worsen the case, I tended to look straight at this person and that was somewhat discomforting to say the least. Thank God all things do not end at first meetings. Nonetheless, we had to hurdle over the perceptions we both drew from our first meeting. First impressions matter; they do. so much so that in subsequent meetings, we instinctively try to validate our perceptions of people. It is a trained and experienced mind that remains open to be possibly proved wrong. We are all guilty of it, I dare say. It is faster and easier (though less effective) to put people in a box than treat them as individuals. The latter requires much more work. It is wise to expect that people will draw a conclusion of our entire life based on a first meeting. Having this in mind, we must make allowances and be careful that we are always sending the right impressions that each situation requires. Within a few seconds people judge Your social position Your educational level Your economic level Your level of class

monies of God to their children. You must stop leaving the family up to the woman. Rise and take responsibility. Go and turn your home into a university and see yourself as the president of that university. The family is Gods system for transfer of values. The family should never be substituted by the state. The state may transfer information but not morality and values. Let them ask how you can stick with just one woman all through your life; they won’t even believe you when you say you have not cheated on your wife. Let them know that in your country (heaven) you don’t commit adultery and you are faithful to one spouse. In your country, any woman who winks at you is crazy in your eyes. You are from another kingdom. When you are faithful to your baby (wife) today, you are not stupid; you are doing that for four generations in your loin.

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Taking Away The Guess Work Your level of accomplishment Within a few minutes people draw conclusions about our humbleness our dependability our capability our compassionate nature our reliability our intellect our approachability And our self confidence And these conclusions we make in the first few minutes: Four Timeless And priceless Elements of Great First Impressions Make Eye Contact Making eye contact with another human being is a way of validating their existence. You acknowledge a person’s presence by meeting their gaze. In discussions, it is an unmistakable statement or gesture of acknowledgement and attention. This factor is of utmost importance.

Always be ahead, you cannot lead from behind. If your wife prays for one hour, you should pray for five hours. If she easily gets angry, lead her by teaching her how not to be angry. If you don’t civilize your children at home, they are going to find civility outside. Let your children find their identity in your home. Never have children outside the context of marriage; generations after you will pay the price. I put it to you that if men are going to be men ,real men in the home, they must live it. These must come from your family Responsibility Accountability Respectability Morality Values self worth and self-acceptance Convictions and beliefs You have read the message from Dr. Myles Munroe. Dont forget; it takes a father to raise a child and that is why you have children celebrating their step and foster father more than their biological father. Who are you to your biological child? Do you have a healthy relationship with him or her? I know that some fathers don’t have relationship with their children because of the devilish woman who has decided to keep the children away from him. May God see you through this. But there are fathers who are just useless that they don’t care about their home. some, because of marriage to one evil woman, have forgotten about the children and their future. Remember, there is tomorrow and you evil woman, those children may be your life in years to come. I pray that The Lord will give you the spirit of a husband and a father. I believe you don’t want to fail; we all want to succeed. I know things are getting tougher (more reasons for family planning), but you should get your children and wife to feel blessed for having a father like you. If your wife must have great respect for you, you must love her and show her that your family is all you have got.

However, there is such a thing as a discomforting stare. This can happen when a person is uncomfortable with your presence, or feels like your gaze is bordering on intrusion or even just a culture clash! Whatever the case may be, it is worthwhile for you to pay attention to whoever you are with. Most times, a person’s body language or attitude can give you a clue as to how comfortable the person is. Assess a person and revise your approach if need be. If you perceive a person to be intimidated by your direct gaze, shift your gaze to the bridge between both eyes. Also, avoid looking someone for less than four seconds; it might suggest that you have shifty eyes or are uncomfortable with their presence. smile strategically A genuine smile is worth so much more than it is generally recognized (The operative word being ‘genuine’). It is a smile that comes from a sincere heart, reaches the eyes and lights up the face. Most often, when such an ethereal smile is seen, it is received totally and treasured! Why? Because it is rare! How many beautiful smiles do you honestly remember? some of the best smiles I have ever received have come from children – a smile is so pleasing to receive from an honest heart! This isn’t far out of reach from adults; you just have to choose to like everyone regardless of whether they are likable or not and reach forth in honesty. Genuine warmth (or love) is capable of melting the hardest of hearts. ‘What’s in a name that which we call a rose…’ – William shakespeare Who is the person who has no identity? Everyone holds onto some sense of identity, no matter

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what. one aspect of who we are, or of our identity, is our name. Whether a person feels inferior or confident, he or she will appreciate the acknowledgement of his or her name consciously or subconsciously. Ask for a person’s name, repeat it to get it right and say it a number of times in conversation. I wouldn’t say more than this except to urge you to try it out! Be Gracious In Word And In Deed It is as rare as an honest smile to find a gracious personality. With all the sham and harshness in this broken world, it’s little surprise that we are inclined to keep to ourselves most of the time. However, in truth, it pays more to be kind that to be a recipient of kindness. offer your time, give of your wealth, both material and immaterial, be sincere, be gentle, be thoughtful, be gracious! We ought to be inspired by the fact that we are most like our Lord when we are loving or gracious: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son…” – John 3:16(KJV). What’s the secret of being sincerely gracious and staying so regardless of what life throws at you? Expect nothing in return save a longing to delight our Lord and Master, Jesus. May God bless and keep us all, pamela Image and Etiquette addresses general perceptions, societal norms and expectations and personal expressions with the goal to cultivate social graces, suavity and a dignified presence for personal development and effective interpersonal relationships. If you have questions on Image and Etiquette, please send them to askpamela@regalgraces.com or SMS 08116706879. Pamela also covers Online Correspondence Courses, Workshops and Keynote speeches on Corporate Image and Etiquette, and manages Perfect Healthlife Center. For online correspondence courses email: info@regalgraces.com with the title “Online Course (Saturday Guardian)” for our promotional price. 08116706879 (sMs only).

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

LOVE & LIFE 23

MARITAL SEX By Juliana Idoko OMEN are said to be complex W beings but even more complicated are men. Though ‘all men are the same,’ goes the popular saying, proper knowledge of a guy’s idiosyncrasies is required to live peaceably with him. That is why we decided to hear from the horse’s mouth to know what makes them tick. What is going on in their minds with regards to matters of the heart – dating, relationship, sex and everything in between. Check out their awesome relationship advice to women. “Men can’t read your mind. If you know what you want, be upfront rather than expecting us to read between the lines and getting disappointed later. It’s frustrating when women get mad at us about that!” – Brian. “It’s really attractive when a woman takes initiative in bed; your man won’t think any less of you. The norm in so many of my relationships has been doing 80 percent of the work and taking 80 percent of the initiative in the bedroom. I feel very refreshing when it is like 50-50.” – Mike. “Despite what you may have heard or your experience in the past, know that men can indeed have a platonic relationship with another woman. Some women can get really jealous for no reason. Some think there’s no such thing as a platonic relationship with another woman, thinking that either one or the other of you would want to go further. It’s important for women to know that those relationships can and do exist with the opposite sex. So, don’t drive yourself crazy over them.” – Greg. “Sometimes we just need time to hang out with the boys. Just because

you aren’t invited out to the bar doesn’t mean you have anything to be upset or jealous about. I usually find that time away from my woman makes me appreciate the time we have together so much more that I think of hurrying home again”. – Ben.

trated when we try to solve things”. – Ben. “Don’t talk about your exes, or your insecurities unless we bring them up”. – Brian. “Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I love to see a woman dressed up. Plenty of women can get away with wearing a net or anything, but I’ve always appreciated women that play up their differences. It’s sexy”. – Ben.

“Accept it when we say you look beautiful. It is not all the time that we flatter. It’s frustrating when you give a girl a compliment and she disagrees. We weren’t asking for your approval on our opinion, just telling you how great you look”. – Mike.

“One hard fact women fail to appreciate is that there are pretty ladies out there. It’s okay if he thinks a celeb is hot or your neighbour is cute– you’re still going home with each other at the end of the night”. –John.

“It’s a turnoff for me when a girl pretends to like something just because I like it. I want to know who you are and your interests. If we disagree about stuff, let’s have fun disagreeing about it and if any of it winds up being too important, then, well, it won’t work out and that’s fine”. – Mike. “It’s great when a girl shows affection when it’s the two of you, or shows she cares in a different way, like doing something nice, completely unsolicited. An independent woman is really attractive”. – Brian. “Don’t be shy to suggest dates, movies and other fun activities that interest you. It’s nice to have something else to talk about other than ourselves, children and the food”. – Karl. “When it comes to sex, mix it up. Whatever your guy does to you, he had to learn it somewhere. It usually means he likes it too, so take a hint from the places he touches you and try them right back on him”. – Greg. “If you want to do something nice

“Little gestures go a long way. We appreciate those random and natural pecks, kisses and hugs. It lets me know that she likes me. It’s a really nice, unprompted way to be reminded that she cares”. – Greg.

Relationship Advice From Men To Women for a guy, do it, but don’t always expect something in return. Don’t assume your guy will always reciprocate and proceed to get mad when he doesn’t”. – Karl. “Communication about sex is really important. We want sex to be great for the both of us, and it’s very helpful to talk about things (what works for you, what doesn’t). Having a sense of humour about it can also make it easier and more

fruitful. But be gentle with our ego. We want such conversation to be constructive and instructive”. – Laz. “When you complain to a guy about something, know that he’s probably thinking about how to fix that problem. Men don’t complain just to vent – we’re also looking for a solution. If all you want is for us to listen, be sure to tell us beforehand so you don’t get frus-

“Don’t underestimate the power of a compliment. A few kind words that show us you’re into us go a long way. If we’re in the beginning stages of getting to know you, it makes us feel much more at ease – a subtle way of giving us the green light. –Laz. “Don’t get upset if it takes us a while to text you back. Sometimes we just have other things going on at the time”. – Karl. “Everybody knows that men often think they know more about something than they really may. It’s in our chemical make-up. For a lot of us, it’s how we both try to impress you and show you we care. Sometimes you’ve got to let a guy be a guy – even if we’re goofing up”. John.

Be Converted “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 18 vs 2-3 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” Rom. 14 vs 17. “Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest, all the days of the life of thy vanity…” Eccl. 9 vs 9. “Report ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…” Acts 2 vs 19. HEN I gave my life to Jesus, I did not grow W taller, or fatter or smaller. There was no much physical change. I still had the same voice, skin colour, and face. But I had changed. I had been converted. It was difficult for some people to know until they saw the change. The voice was the same, but the words had softened. My face is the same but the looks have changed. So, is it in marriage. Conversion is absolutely necessary. And to be converted, repentance must take place. Repentance here actually means a change of mind and ways of seeing things. And the kingdom of heaven does not necessarily mean a place we go after we have died. It is a system where God rules. And it is righteousness, peace, and joy. Is that not what we want in our marriages? Not just meat and drink. Some women got married because they want to have children, bear a man’s name, or have a house they would ‘control’. They want a place where they are in

charge. For the man, it may be that they want a sex partner, or children, or a sense of responsibility or status. Whatever is your reason; peace, joy, right behavior should characterize your home. That of course takes conversion. How do I mean? * Be converted and become a little child: If you marry and you think you’ve known all that you need to know, you are wrong; and you may have serious headaches. The problem of some spouses is that they came into a marriage and think they have all the answers and that they would change their spouses, in-laws and can dictate things. Children get to a new place and

choose to learn. Only when we are children, or converted to become a child that we learn. We need to be teachable. Husbands shouldn’t think that just because they are men, they know it all. Please seek counsel. People suggest that couples should stay alone, and should not share their problems with third party. I don’t know where they got that from. But I can assure you that you n e e d people to help you. Some things in marriage will confuse you if you don’t ask questions. Read books, yes, but seek practical counsel. See, even the internet is not all true. Anything can be pasted on line. Please be careful. Have a pastor! Attend seminars. Be teachable. Only children can be humble enough to be corrected. They are generous, forgiving and funloving. To have peace and progress in your home, you must become like a child. Laugh, joke, learn, play. Jesus actually said ‘a little child’. Little children may be a nuisance sometimes, yet they are lovable. So natural, yet so sweet. Jesus also said that in that same Matthew that we should receive children (Matt. 18 vs 5). Please receive your spouse, as you receive a child. You see and appreciate their innocence, and love them unconditionally. * We must be converted to our spouses: The idea of ‘knowing’ our spouses depicted as sex is deep. If you are a man, try knowing what it is to be a wife, submissive, loyal, and dutybound. Understand how they behave, and why they are the way they are. Your particular spouse is the subject here. Learn them. And relate with them ‘according to knowledge’. If the bible says women are ‘weaker vessels’, it doesn’t mean they don’t have strength, or are incapable… it only means that they are fragile, and mistakes with them can be deadly. So, know how to relate with your spouse, so that your prayers won’t be hindered. When I taught children, I did many childish

things. I learnt children psychology. I Communicated in their language. I Didn’t expect them to know what I know. ITold them only what they can really understand. I answered their questions wisely. They would laugh, and yet learn. Do that to your spouse. Always testing, and trying, and rating will weaken the fun in your marriage. Be a bit flexible. Rules can be changed (principles are fixed). Accept your man. Know him, love him, understand him. Our psychology really determines what we do. *Convert things for positive use: we all have two parts of us. Nothing in us is useless. We have the very nice, loving, honest person, and the other part we don’t usually express unless we are deeply scratched. Convert the nottoo-fine traits, to enhance the fine person. That is what righteousness is about: channel actions and emotions rightly. Sexual desire is good, but we need to channel it rightly. Too much talking can be a disaster, but we can convert it to good. We can brighten and liven up our homes with jokes and laughter, and intelligent discussion. Most of the bad things in us are actually good things used wrongly. That is what being born-again is about…. It is just a conversion. You can convert nagging into chatting and intelligent interaction. You can make bad things work for good. That is what the bible says “all things work together for good to them that love…”. Have you tried it? If you can bring laughter and peace to your home, you are in the right. Some food should not be eaten in a raw state. Cook them a bit, process them, remove the poison, be a new creature. I care! E. C Samuel 08027173447 sms only Intimatefaithministry@yahoo.com

TheGuardian

24 Saturday, June 22, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Life&Style

WOMAN

Bisi Fayemi: Golden Years Of An Amazon… Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi is an accomplished woman, who has devoted a lot of attention to fighting the cause of women and for a better society. It was a remarkable event when she turned 50 recently.

but the death of

From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti

the former deputy governor of the state, Mrs. RS. Bisi Fayemi who turned 50 last Tuesday Funmi Olayinka, who was like a sister to her, is a peculiar First Lady who rose to ‘starmade her to celebrate it low key. dom’ not because of being the wife of Ekiti State At the thanksgiving service held at the GovGovernor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, but for her unernment House Chapel in Ado Ekiti, Mrs. common intelligence, candour, hard work, phi- Fayemi looked back and summarised her life lanthropy and ability to harness human and as “most inspiring and fulfilled.” material. These qualities have made her excel in According to her, “the journey has been full many local and international organisations she of ups and downs, full of challenges, trihas served. umphs, and travails and looking back now, I She is among the few ladies in Africa who have just thank God that I have had more cause to won many international laurels for their roles laugh and rejoice in my life than to cry and rein uplifting the standard of women worldwide. gret.” In fact, in April 2009, Mrs. Fayemi was named She said despite the fact that her father was by New African Magazine as one of the 20 most very strict, he was very proud of her, which influential African women on the continent. gave her a lot of confidence to aspire and In March 2011, she was listed among the world achieve greatness in life. She said, “So, coming leading 100 personalities working for the inter- from that kind of background gave me a lot ests of women and girls by Women Deliver. She of confidence; it boosted my self-esteem is also the recipient of the 2011 David Rockethrough life, through school, through going feller Bridging Leadership Award, one of the back to the United Kingdom, getting marmost prestigious awards in the field of philanried. Being part of a political family has thropy, given by the Synergos Institute, New taught me that it is important to stand up York. for what I believe in.” Since her husband became Governor of Ekiti Speaking glowingly of his wife, Governor , State on October 16 2011, Mrs Fayemi has been Fayemi, disclosed that the faithfulness actively involved in a range of policy advocacy and commitment of his wife to God was and social inclusion programmes. She is the an impetus towards achieving success Chairperson of Ekiti State HIV/AIDS Control in his struggles. He said, “If my wife had Agency (Ekiti SACA). Mrs. Fayemi advocated the not been a faithful person, if she had not domestication of the National Gender Policy, been a committed person, if she had making Ekiti the first state in the country to do not been a trusted person, I can also. She is also Chairperson of a 50-member ways say with certainty that I won’t Technical Consultative Committee on Culture, be standing before you as the govArts and Tourism Development. In collaboraernor of this state.” tion with other stakeholders, she led the camHe commended his wife for alpaign to enact a Gender-Based Violence ways being there for him as his Prohibition Bill, which was signed into law in source of encouragement November 2011. She Chairs the Management and a pillar of support Committee, which monitors the implementathrough both good and tion of the law in Ekiti State. Mrs. Fayemi’s advo- hard times. cacy fast-tracked the establishment of the “I’ll like to say that Family Court in the state, and her intervention she is a quiet pillar beled to the recent establishment of the first Ekiti hind the scene, but defSocial Intervention Center for the rehabilitainitely she is not and tion of women in distress. she is not a silent supThe Ekiti State First Lady is the Founder of the porter either. She is very Ekiti Development Foundation (EDF), a nonactive; to some people, too governmental organisation that focuses on active —- to a fault. But I genuinely feel that women and youth development launched in not only has Ekiti got two for the price of one, June 2011. Since its establishment, EDF has supbut that they are not even sure sometimes ported hundreds of women groups and civil so- who is governor,” the governor stated. ciety organisations across Ekiti with economic Speaking on the life of service Mrs. Fayemi is empowerment, health and political participaliving, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, tion projects. Most Reverend Felix Ajakaiye, described her EDF also convenes an annual Ekiti Gender as a gift from God to the entire world and Summit in collaboration with the Ministry of lauded her philanthropic lifestyle, urging Women Affairs, Social Development and GenNigerians to emulate her by multiplying der Empowerment. EDF’s projects include the wealth and not poverty. Mother and Child Records Book – the first of its The cleric pointed out that something good kind in the state, Breast Cancer Awareness Cam- can still come out of Nigeria with the emerpaigns and the Ekiti Food Bank. Mrs. Fayemi is gence of leaders like Fayemi and his wife in the initiator of the Multiple Birth Trust Fund in governance, who believe in selfless the state; the founder of the Forum of Spouses service and making life more comfortable for of Ekiti State Officials and founder/co-convener the poor. the Forum of Women in Leadership, Ekiti State. He described Mrs. Fayemi and her husband Mrs. Fayemi had every reason to roll out drum as the icon of democracy, who struggled hard to celebrate what she called “50 years of Grace”

WOMAN

PEOPLE

and Methodist Girls’ High

in far away England, to ensure that the annulment of June 12, 1993 election, won by the late business mogul, Chief M. K. O Abiola, was reversed by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s regime. According to him, “June, 12, 1993 was a dark time in the history of this nation. After the annulment of the election, Dr. and Mrs. Fayemi (who was still carrying a baby inside her) were seen protesting on the streets of London. This shows how far a child of God could go to ensure justice and society that is full of hope. Born in Liverpool, England on June 11, 1963, Mrs. Fayemi attended Grace Children’s School, Lagos, between 1970 and 1973; Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School 1973 –1978;

GARDENING

School, Lagos, for A’ Levels 1978 –1980. She had her first degree and Masters in History from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) between 1984 and 1988. She also received masters in Gender and Society from Middlesex University, UK in 1992.

The journey has been full of ups and downs, full of challenges, triumphs, and travails and looking back now, I just thank God that I have had more cause to laugh and rejoice in my life than to cry and regret

HOME & DECOR

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

From Adamu Abuh, Abuja LDER statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark turned 86 recently. And though advanced in age, he is still very much passionate about issues that affect the polity. In particular, he is pained that not much is being done to tackle the menace of corruption, which is fast turning Nigeria into a laughing stock in the eyes of the international community. He is of the view that the situation has been worsened by the inability of the judiciary and members of the Bar to live up to their responsibilities. As such, he is canvassing for the establishment of a special court to handle cases involving corrupt practices in an expeditious manner. The Ijaw leader and former Information Minister in the first republic, who is also a lawyer noted: “In those days, the judiciary was strict, incorruptible and dignified, so were the lawyers; not today when our lawyers hold brief for both sides, fronting for a client. Those who became Senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), some of them no longer look like SANs today. The respect is going down. They do not care about the welfare of younger lawyers. They pay them small allowances and while some of them use the money to buy private jets and so on. Today, to become a SAN, you have to know people. But in those days to become a SAN, you have to work for it. “It is now common place for many judges to be accused of being corrupt. Look at the judge who was posted to Asaba to try Ibori of 170 charges. He gave judgment in two hours. Is Ibori not serving sentence now in England? Did he not say he was guilty and admitted his guilt? But here in Nigeria, he was discharged and acquitted of the same charges. That same judge is still there and nobody has said anything to him. “In this country, the constitution of Nigeria does not provide for perpetual injunction against any person who is to be investigated for criminal offences. So anybody can prevent the police from arrest, you can’t prosecute or try him. What type of society do we belong to? And the judge who gave that type of injunction is still parading himself around. “For five years, over 15 governors have been standing trial; some of them are now

Clark

‘With Corruption Still Endemic In Society, We Cannot Make Progress’ Senators, nobody talked. When a case goes to the court, nobody can interfere until judgment is given and you have to appeal. So we have problem in the judiciary today. Not only that some of them are not qualified to be there, they have become corrupt. Look at the problem facing the former President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Justice of Nigeria at the time. People turned it into politics. That was scandalous and disgraceful for this country. The judiciary needs to be looked into seriously so that the bad eggs would be removed and cases could be tried with confidence. “I have also called for a special court where all corrupt cases could be tried between six months to 12 months. If the man is free, discharge him. If he is guilty, sentence him. For a case to remain in court for five years, six years untried and the man is moving freely enjoying his ill-gotten wealth is very bad.” Asked what would be his advice to the current CJN, Justice Maryam Alooma Mukthar to redress the problem, he said: “I will encourage her to go ahead and be courageous and upright. She is a dedicated Chief Justice of Nigeria but we all have to encourage her to clean the judiciary.” On the claim that obsolete procedural rules were responsible for the delays in adjudicating on cases in the law courts, he said: “Those who are enjoying from the proceeds of this corruption are responsible for amending the laws or changing the laws. So they are not also prepared to change the laws. There is a law revision com-

mission. How long does it take to revise the evidence law or to review the evidence Act and amend it? Government should set up special courts to try this cankerworm. “We cannot make progress with corruption in our society. It has swallowed almost everybody, almost everybody. So if there are laws, making it difficult for cases to move on, let them be amended and reviewed. That should be the priority of the Attorney General of Nigeria and the Bar.” Speaking on the secret of his longevity, he said: “It is partly hereditary but mostly because I lived my life on day-to-day basis. I don’t envy anybody. I speak my mind on any issue I feel strongly about; I speak the truth and damn the consequences when I feel I should do so and when I go home to sleep, I sleep freely. Nothing disturbs my mind wherever I see something that is a lie; if it is not true, I can’t stop saying it just to please somebody, when I say it, I would have spoken my mind. If I offended you, I am ready to apologise to you any other day. And as I said, I don’t envy anybody. I live my own life. Right from the day when I was a young man, our father used to tell us do not copy another person. Reminiscing his childhood days, he noted: “To attain the age of 86 is the blessing of God. I feel humbled, happy and fulfilled. When you look back, so many of our friends, your age mates have passed on. “When I was young, I must say young men in

PEOPLE We cannot make progress with corruption in our society. It has swallowed almost everybody, almost everybody. So if there are laws, making it difficult for cases to move on, let them be amended and reviewed. That should be the priority of the Attorney General of Nigeria and the Bar.

the first Republic; people felt that those who were in government at that time were old men and they had a different pattern of life, no. These were young men in their 20s, 30s and 40s, 50 was one of the highest age at that time and they were dedicated to serving Nigeria. They considered Nigeria first before themselves. Even though there was corruption, it was minimal. When you think of yourself first and take almost all the money that comes to government, it is bad. You take 80 percent and give the people 20 percent; that is why there is not development in Nigeria. “The people who were in government in the first Republic were not different, the only difference was that they thought of Nigeria first before themselves. The rigging of election was also minimal. I think it was only the rigging of election in Western Nigeria during Akintola’s time in the 1959 election that people actually felt if a man wins a free and fair election there would be no problem. But when you try to impose yourself on the people, the people will resent because that is not their choice. That led to operation wetie in Western Nigeria and that led to the first military coup in Nigeria in 1966 January. “People were being killed, people ran away from their homes. Another thing is that there is so much tribalism in Nigerian politics today. At that time, nobody was talking about where you come from. In our town, Warri the urban district was for everybody. The Igbos were elected chairmen, there were councilors Ezereaku, Dimbe and so on. When you have even if Warri was regarded as a place for everyone, people like … an Uroboman was chairman of that local government council for 8years the question is what have you done to the people? The people will vote for you. Ethnicity was not there too much. If you come to the regional level people like Nnamdi Azikiwe was more popular in Lagos and the West that he was in the East. It was reported that during the regional elections it was alledged that the NCNC won. Zik won elections in Yoruba land but today it is not possible. They say go to your home, go and contest elections in your home. They would even tell your own wife. “There is this argument that you have a wife who is now part of you they say let them go to her home. That is the pettiness in our politics today there was no much pettiness in the politics at that time. Now that one has reached a certain age, politics in Nigeria has no become a profession and money making venture. Today there is no more shame how would you find a situation whereby legislators who have been found guilty or are undergoing trial and they have no shame they move around they are even more vocal that is not the type of politics people played in our time. “The nationalistic feeling was so strong not now when a man from Ijaw land sees nothing wrong in what an Ijaw man does where an Igbo man feels that there is nothing wrong as long as it is an Igbo affair it’s a wrong society. Today, apart from the Yoruba’s in Lagos, the next groups are the Igbos but they don’t contest elections even if he contests and he wins they will rig it against them. This oneness is no longer there. In our time, you hold office where you do not consider your family different from other families. For example, when I was Commissioner for Education, my sister was to go to Queens School Ede, she thought I will give her scholarship, I said no, what would people think? I won’t give you scholarship because I felt she shouldn’t be given preferen-

TheGuardian

26 | Saturday, June 22, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Travel&Tourism

... Explore, experience the best of destinations!

Welcome to Bilikisu Sungbo Shrine: “Women and Dogs Are Not Allowed Here” For some people in the South West of Nigeria, Bilikisu Sungbo Shrine in Oke-Eri, Ijebu North-East, Ogun State has been a ‘Mecca’ of sorts. Pilgrims who thronged the shrine especially during Eid alFitr Sallah believe that the tomb of Bilikisu is a holy place where prayers are answered. Other visitors who come to the tomb do so to satisfy their curiosity. The legendary of a woman whose beauty and substance drew King Solomon to her palace is no slight attraction for tourists even from distant land. This week AJIBOLA AMZATvisited the burial place of Bilikisu Sungbo, the woman whom the locals consider the Queen of Sheba mentioned in the Bible, and the Bilikis mentioned in the Koran. There, he was told by the keeper of the shrine that though women are the major congregants at the shrine, it does not admit females and dogs. Yet, it is a place where many women who could not conceive had been blessed with the fruits of the womb. T the entry point of Oke-Eri town, an old mosque A stands on the left side. The road in front of the mosque stretches into four directions. On the left, the road leads into the bush. It is a crooked road. Yet, there is evidence that the road was once tarred, for there are fragments of asphalt-coated granites here and there. At a point, the road veers left and heads further into the bush. Few metres ahead, there is a white fence with a golden gate. The

Bilikisu Sungbo’s tomb.(Inset)Baale Olugbosi

colours are faded, and green moss has started to form on the white wall. The arch above the gate reads: “Her royal majesty Bilikisun Sungbo Oke-eri”. Bilikisu, the people of Oke-Eri believe, is Queen of Sheba, the mysterious woman of power and wealth who, according to the Bible account, visited King Solomon or Suleiman (as known in Islamic world) on hearing of his wisdom. Both the Bible (First Kings 10:1-13) and Koran (34th Chapter) recorded her history. Another account revealed that the king returned the visit. Why women and dogs are not allowed At the entrance, the keeper of Bilikisu Shrine, Pa. Raifu Rufai Idowu, 70, removed his slippers, and requested that The Guardian reporter and the rider of motorcycle taxi that brought them do the same. “It is a holy ground, and women are not allowed beyond this point,” he disclosed. “Why are women not allowed to enter?” The reporter queried. “Bilikisu herself forbade women from stepping over her gravesite; we only abide by her instruction,” he replied. The old man recounted the story of a white man, Captain Ross, who once visited Oke-Eri to see Bilikisu’s resting place. “The white man insisted on entering the shrine with his wife and dog in spite of the warning by the community. ‘I am going into that place, not without my wife and my dog,’ said the white man. When the elders of the community could not dissuade him, they let him go. But he never returned with his wife and dog. Both died on the way before they reached the vil-

lage. It was only the man that returned alive.” Grave seriousness etched on the Pa. Idowu’s lined face as he narrated the story. True or false, no woman has since then dared to enter the gravesite again. That incident, said the keeper of the gravesite, put paid to any doubt among the women of Oke-Eri who initially thought their men had been discriminating against them. Another exception was the case of a female journalist who insisted on entering the shrine, Pa Idowu recollected. This happened recently. Her request was refused, the lady felt discriminated against and threatened hell and brimstone. “It took the intervention of the Ba’ale to stop her,” he said. In a conversation with a few natives, the women retold the story of the deviant white man. “...Both the woman and the dog died mysteriously, no one knew what killed them. That is why it is not good to be too curious,” they said with a tinge of triumph in their voice. Do any of these women worry over gender inequality that the non-admission into Bilikisu’s shrine raises? The woman said they were not worried over such exclusion. “Women come here, pray and their prayers are answered. That is what matters.” One of the women added: “Besides, the place is no longer a secret place. They show it on TV during festival, so what we cannot see physically, we can see on TV. And nobody is forbidden to see it on TV” The shrine After the ritual of removing shoes, Pa Idowu led the way to Bilikisu’s burial place through a bush path. Located inside a pavilion, the tomb is delineated by four pairs of pillar, painted green and supported by iron rod. Fine grains of sand, which spreads across the burial ground, gives a soft feel to the feet. Legend has it that no dirt has ever defiled the pristine condition of the burial site. It is a space almost the size of a long tennis court, but Bilikisu’s tomb only occupies a small section of the ground. Yet, the burial chamber is long enough to accommodate body of four or five adults. Some fashion of oral tradition claims that Bilikisu could have been buried with some of her slaves, for she was a woman of means and substance. But the keeper of the shrine has a different explanation, “Bilikisu was a giant”. But, it is yet to be proven whether a giant was among the many

women of King Solomon, if indeed it is true that King Solomon dated and married Queen of Sheba, as some legend claims. Notwithstanding, the myth shared among the locals suggests that Bilikisu was a settler at Sungbo Eredo. But her presence was not noticed until a hunter discovered her and her retinue of slaves. By then she had already established a domain for herself. Tourist value of Bilikisu Sungbo shrine Sungbo Eredo, as the domain of Biliksu in Oke-Eri is called, drew a global attention in 1999 when an archeologist from University of Bournemouth, Professor Patrick Darling lent credence to the tourist value of the shrine. Though the professor could not ascertain the connection between the legendary of Bilikisu Sungbo and the account of the Queen of Sheba, he was reported to have said that the world is “beginning to bring out the tremendous political and cultural achievements of black Africa” through such discovery. But Baale of Oke-Eri, Baale Bisiriyu Olaitan Olugbosi does not share the optimism of Professor Darling. Baale believes that with the kind of government in Nigeria, cultural advancement is a still a distant reality. Baale who will be celebrating his 90th birthday in July recollected several attempts he made in the past to get the attention of the government to the tourist centre. “Many times I have called on the Ogun State government to come and develop this place as a tourist site. But it is like speaking to the deaf wall. The previous government promised to put up infrastructures, they even started constructing building, but the structures are now abandoned.”In fact the two uncompleted buildings in the shrine are already surrounded by bush. And the natives who could have contributed to develop the shrine hardly show interest in what goes on in the shrine. “It is like a case of a prophet not being honoured in his home,” said Wale, the motorcycle rider who has been sojourning in Oke-Eri since 2011. In spite of the apathy of the governments and the natives of Oke Eri, people from other places who value the sacredness of Bilikisu Sungbo shrine, Moslems and Christians, do not miss the annual pilgrimage. For those ones, Bilikisu Sugbo shrine is a ‘Mecca’ behind their backyard.

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

HOME&DECOR

Styling With Blocks By Ekwy P. Uzoanya LASS blocks are still very much in use as decorative objects in architectural design or build contemplated. They are used in various buildings such as those used for homes, offices and places of worship. Used in the interior and exterior of structures, glass blocks offer tremendous design opportunities that can capture any imagination. They offer luxurious look that can blend with many architectural styles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether for building new homes or remodelling projects. The blocks are known for their long-lasting beauty, ability to transmit light, and durability. They are as durable enough to

look as good even in 20 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time. In using them, it is possible to create a particular kind of mood since they come in a variety of colours such as blue and green, and in bubble, frosted, transparent and redid styles. Versatile in use, glass blocks can be used for internal areas such as straight walls; curved applications for dividing partitions and allowing light to get to corridors. Kitchens and bathrooms benefit greatly from the elegant ambience glass blocks create. Glass blocks can be used to make a contemporary shower stall. One of the coolest uses is to purchase a special moulded shower base that has a wide ledge made especially for the waterproof glass block. One of the walls of the walk-in shower stall has a tight curve that eliminates the need for a shower door. These blocks can also be used to support a peninsula bar that is used for chatting or informal eating. They allow sunlight to stream into this otherwise hard to light location. They can also be incorporated into home items like bookcases. Place individual glass blocks apart from one another and lay boards across them. Note that all bookshelves can be unstable and safety hazards around small children. Use different size heights of block to accommodate different sized books. Externally, glass blocks can be incorporated into garden features with introduction of lighting in a manner that creates moods.

Space Enhancement With Mirrors IRRORS serve various purposes in homes. M They reflect light, open up spaces and are generally used for decoration. To have the beauty effect of mirrors, there are some guidelines to follow in hanging them in any space around the house. Use large mirrors in tiny rooms. This is because a large mirror when used in a small room creates the illusion of depth. Mirrors are also used to cover empty wall space. In doing this, ensure they are not placed where they reflect an unpleasant thing like un-

attractive furniture or a pile of clutter. They are ideal in dressing rooms and corners where they can be used to create a focal point. One bold piece can set the tone for the entire room. Interior decoration experts also say that the use of mirrored furniture such as a mirrored chest of drawers or mirrored coffee table is a way to enhance your home. However, they caution that mirrored furniture should not be used in a busy room. They also point to areas where mirrors should not be used. These include the kitchen and on ceilings.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

28 |

With Sereba Agiobu-Kemmer HERE is something very special about T plants which grow in the bottle garden. Viewed through the glass sides, they take on

sereba.agiobu.kemmer@ngrguardiannews.com

A World In Miniature – Beauty In The Bottle who designed a tiny, portable green house. These so-called wardian cases, which used to transport vulnerable plants, have long been

Spot under the stairs where Latimer has kept bottle garden for 27 years ago. a vibrant intensity of colour and shape that is actually caused by the optical effect of the curved sides of the container. In their compact environment, the plants seem to inhabit a private and somewhat mysterious world of their own; you often get the feeling that you have transported a miniature jungle into your home. Bottle gardens or terrariums are commonly

Plant growing out of jam jar popular for growing delicate creatures at home. Growing plants in a bottle garden is easy and requires low maintenance in terms of water and sunlight. A bottle garden is a container similar to a terrarium in which plants are grown. They usually A cocktail affair for a perfect gift used as a form of decoration, or as a substitute garden in areas with little space, such as patios or apartments. With lack of space and time for maintaining huge gardens, garden enthusiasts are resorting to bottle gardening. Being easy to create and maintain, bottle gardens are also used in schools as an economic way to study miniature eco-systems within

clean off the dirt that accidentally falls on the sides obscuring the view. Planting Indoor plants, place the seeds or small seedling in the soil using tweezers. All the plants that you choose must be small. This type of gardening lends itself well to plants that require high humidity tropical plants like Anthurium, Maranta, species (Herringbone plant, prayer plant, Calathea, species (zebra plant, peacock plant, rattle snake plant) Cryptanthus (Earth star) Vriesea splendens,

nance. Planting and caring for a bottle terrarium garden can be a fun and rewarding hobby. It is easy for anyone to grow a terrarium. Bottle and container types If you are new to the game, you might prefer to start with something less expensive and ambitious like a jar or bottle. It will need a wide neck for easy access and to look attractive. A gold fish bowl is ideal, or for children, a big jam jar. The idea of a bottle garden is to create a world in microcosm. It will have its own special habitat. First choose the bottle or container, ideally, Pretty display of hanging bottle gardens Crotons, Fitonia species (snakeskin plant, painted net leaf) Cordylines, Draecaena, Hoya Carnosa (wax plant), Neantha bella (Parlor palm), Pilea (creeping jenny, Aluminium Plant, friendship plant, artillery plant). This is because the bottle will trap moisture. This type of garden is very good for cacti and other succulents too. You can choose dimunitive ground cover plants and house plants. After you have chosen one or two plants to grow, use either your hand or a long forked

Cacti world in fish bowl it should be glass, though plastic is okay, as long as it is transparent. As well as the container, you’ll need some good quality potting compost, gravel or pebbles, sphagnum moss, charcoal and of course the plants. Soil The soil for the bottle terrarium must be a specific type. At the very bottom, put one or two inches of small-sized gravel or pebbles

Bottle garden lying on side bottles with a narrow consist of glass orits plastic neck and small opening. Plants are grown inside the bottle with little or no exposure to the outside environment, and can be contained indefinitely inside the bottle if properly illuminated. The oldest known bottle garden in existence was planted in 1960 and sealed in 1972 by David Latimer a Briton. In his 10-gallon bottle, in which he planted four seeds of spiderwort (transdescantia) in 1960, which he last watered in 1972. For the last 40 years, it has been completely sealed from the outside world, yet it has continued to thrive in its sealed environment filling its globular bottle home with healthy Collection of bottle garden foliage. Lush just like any other plant, Mr. A hanging plant world with dracaena and sand. This will provide good drainage base for the plants. Add a thin layer of actithe confines of a classroom. They can also be vated charcoal on top of the drainage layer used as a control mechanism, enabling the to minimise any smell caused by decomposiinternal environment of the bottle to be tion within the bottle. An additional layer of effectively controlled and isolated from outsphagnum moss will prevent the soil from side stimuli. The bottle garden is a special settling into the drainage layer. Cover sand kind of green arrangement which is attracand pebbles with potting soil. This should be tive and creates a micro climate in which good quality and pre-dampened. You can selected plants grow in harmony. Growing use a small piece of sponge tied to a long plants in a contained indoor garden or terrarstick to wipe off the inside of the glass to ium can be fascinating to develop and look beautiful, too. The idea began with the 19thCentury medical doctor and botanist, Nathaniel Ward,

Beauty the cat stares at a world in microcosm

GARDENING

Bottle gardening in cookie jars Latimer’s bottled specimen has survived and thrived using the cycle of photosynthesis despite being cut off from the outside world. How the bottle garden grows? Bottle gardens work because their sealed space creates an entirely self-sufficient ecosystem in which plants can survive by using photosynthesis to recycle nutrients. A bottle garden has the essential requirements of soil and water for survival of plants that are housed in it, as well as a reservoir of water, as water is trapped inside the bottle unable to evaporate. The carbon dioxide from plant respiration is used for photosynthesis, and the oxygen from photosynthesis is used for respiraDavid Latimer with oldest bottle garden he planted in tion. As such, they require almost no mainte1960, 53 years ago, watered last 1972 and still thriving.

Decorative desktop with succulent aloes stick to dig a small hole in the soil and put the plant’s roots in. The rootball should be covered with soil. Stamp the soil back firmly around the roots and then water gently. Do not mix plants with different requirements, especially in terms of water. Growing a thirsty plant next to a cactus will make for difficult maintenance. Hctiora Bambusoides is an unusual looking cactus that will provide a novel feature in a bottle garden. It is epiphytic,

Painted netleafs growing in glass bowl its branches of club-shaped joints (about 1/6 inches in diameter) jutting in all directions and angles. The flowers are star-shaped and orange or yellow in color. It adapts well to the bottle garden setting. Plants with one or more of the following in their scientific names may be suitable abbreviatus (shortened) brevis (short) forma minor (dwarf form), humilis (low growing), micro (small), minimus (very small) minor (small); nanus (dwarf); parcus (small); pumilus (dwarfish); repens (creeping) Caring for your bottle garden It is important not to over water the garden. You should only water it when the top surface of the soil is dry or when no condensation is observed on the glass – it is always better to underwater than over water to prevent the growth of fungus or mold.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

FASHION

The Lady In Red By Ibukunoluwa Kayode

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

Noëlla Coursaris Musunka Named As AFWL 2013 Ambassador OËLLA Coursaris Musunka has N joined fellow ambassador, Ghanaian model and philanthropist Menaye Donkor Muntari, and champion of African fashion, as an AFWL 2013 Ambassador for the third edition of the fashion event taking place from August 1- 3 in London. A fierce activist who works towards the empowerment of African girls and women, Noëlla has spoken at the UN and at the Kinshasa Parliament, and has had her work featured on the BBC’s Focus Africa. She spoke during

the Opening Plenary of the 2012 Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting and she hosted the 2013 Cinema for Peace Gala for Humanity, where Ben Affleck received an award for his work in DR Congo. On her appointment as AFWL Ambassador 2013, Noëlla said: “I am honoured to be an ambassador for AFWL 2013 as I strongly believe in the power of fashion to inspire and connect people. I am delighted to be representing African designers and to help them showcase their talents for the world.”

TheGuardian

38 | Saturday, June 22, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Entertainment Stories by Sony Neme IX months after the Ultimate Note musical Swinners contest by Christ Embassy, none of the 12 have received their prizes. Not even Sinach, the overall winner who is entitled to a $36,000, a new car and $3,000 monthly salary for a year. Evangelist Kathy Woghiren ran the one-week event that is supposed to be an annual show for the church members. According to an insider who spoke on condition of anonymity, “Entries were drawn from across the world. The venue of the event’s finals was the Love World Convocation Arena on December 24, 2012, Christmas Eve party with Pastor Chris. The 12 winners were Sinach, T Sharp, Sophia, Ayodele Vincent, El zacai, Isaiah, PU, Kasid, Casey (of Glo Naija fame), Soltune, Viva, Marx Okereke and Chris Shalom.” He said, “These were the finalists from the 25 entries that entered for the show from across the world. The first five were the supposed ‘Ultimate 5’ whose entitlements are causing ripples within the respected church, not to talk of the verbal promises for the remaining nine.” From the official website, The Guardian gathered that the same Sinach is one of the foremost Praise and Worship leaders of our time with a divine ability to stir the presence of God in every place she ministers. According to our source, “The award-winning song writer and music minister has blessed and inspired millions all over the world with her music which is laden with the message and power of the gospel. Sinach has ministered all over the world with her man of God, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, on whose platform several miracles were manifested. She boldly testifies that Pastor’s message is the content of her music. He lamented: “Pastor promised us some huge amounts of monies to help us with our music careers since December 24 last year. Guy, as we speak, we have neither heard nor seen anything like the money. We are 14 in number who participated in the musical contest: The Ultimate Note.” He further revealed that apart from Sinach, the first (T Sharp) and second runner up (Sophia) were to get $50, 000 and 30,000 respectively; while Ayo and El Zaccai who emerged fourth and fifth positions were promised $6,500 each, same for each of the other contestants. “Man of God money we never see, or hear anything about it ever since then,” he added. Reminded that the pastor may not be aware of their predicament, due to his very busy evangelical scheduled worldwide, he retorted: “That is my point. The main reason I need the media to help bring our plight to his (pastor’s)

Christ Embassy Yet To Fulfill Ultimate Note Pledge Six Months After, Winner Alleges

Sinach attention, because it is very much unlike him to deny us our monies.” He believed someone must have cornered the monies and Pastor Chris may not be aware of that. “This show I am talking about was a live broadcast on all our networks across the globe. So, you can imagine these same viewers to hear

that none of us has gotten our prizes. The most painful aspect of it all is that many of the contestants, including myself, owe studio session fees, with great hopes of fostering our individual careers from the promised monies. But we are in a dilemma as we have no clue as to what has become of the words from a man we all revere. Man of God must hear this because some-

Why Amstel Aligned With 2face’s Campus Connect ganizations and individuals who desire to reach their target audience. One of such is the recently concluded Amstel Malta/Tuface Campus Connect Tour. The tour, which was sponsored by Amstel Malt, the premium and original low sugar malt drink from the stable of Nigerian Breweries plc, played host to Nigerian’s Afro hip hop singing sensation, Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly called 2face, and other talented musicians. The Indoor Sports Hall of the University of Lagos where the event 2face held was packed full as celebrated RANDS have continued to develop stars and students turned en mass strategies that combine entertain- for the last day of the six-campus ment and brands to their target audi- music tour. ence. This explains why smart brands According to the Brand Manager, are riding on the growing union beAmstel Malta, Miss Hannatu Ageni tween music and youth developYusuf, who expressed appreciation ment. They are tapping into the for the impressive turnout and the growing value of Nigerian music, es- outstanding musical performances, pecially those with international val- “Amstel Malta has always champiues as Nigeria has produced some oned and advanced the cause of talented artistes that are creating youths by encouraging them to be needed platforms for corporate orthe best that they can be. Tonight’s

Sony Neme nemesony@yahoo.co.uk 08111813096

performance is also a clear demonstration of being able to connect to the University students and the good people of Lagos.” Miss Yusuf added: “The Amstel Malta brand has a penchant for promoting positive values in the youths in a bid to chart a good course for Nigeria as a nation. 2face and his friends have been awesome and Amstel Malta, the low sugar premium brand from Nigerian Breweries is indeed delighted to be associated with them”. She promised that the next edition will be bigger and more exciting as the team will do a proper analysis to adjust and add on some ideas to create that moment of interaction with Nigerian hip hop stars and the students. The Campus Connect gig train, which also made stops at the universities of Benin, Port Harcourt, Institute of Management Technology, Enugu and the University of Abuja, had several budding and notable artistes thrilling fans. They included Ranson, Money B, Hype M.C, Efa, Young Grace, 2Sec, Rocksteady, Damy Crane, Sheyi Shay, Rough Coil, Vector, Solid Star, Phyno, Sound Sultan and the winner of Amstel Malta Show time in 2012.

one is playing pranks …” he posited. Efforts to get the management of the event were thwarted as a security man at the church entrance at their Kudirat Abiola Way, headquarters told The Guardian that the event manager’s name was not known to him, and he was not authorized to allow journalists access to the church secretary.

IGERIA’S leading innovative N telecommunications company, Etisalat Partners Etisalat Nigeria, has created more mobile value and fun for its musicloving customers with Nigeria’s first branded Spinlet music application called the Etisalat Spinlet Digital Music App, in partnership with international digital music download service, Spinlet. The App, according to the promoters, is designed to enable Etisalat customers download and share a broad collection of ethnic and international songs on their mobile devices with its affordable pay-per-download model, giving the advantage of free live streaming. The launch concert on Friday, June 14 at the Oriental Hotel,. Victoria Island, Lagos, witnessed performances from top Nigerian music artistes. Among the performers were Wande Coal, Olamide, Skales, Dammy Krane, Show Dem Camp and JJC. Also not left out were DJs Xclusive and Neptune; Nigerian Idol winners – Mercy Chinwo and Moses as well as several other upcoming acts such as female rapper Coco Ice, Lace, Sean Tizzle, Frank D Nero, Falz, Ketchup and Jhybo. Guests were also treated to rib cracking jokes by comedian MC

Spinlet On Digital Music App Bash who teamed up with Jimmy of Beat FM as hosts for the night. The Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Wael Ammar, who threw more light on the new mobile music service, said the application was yet another innovative service from Etisalat to bring personalization and interactivity to its customers. Ammar said, “For our customers, downloading and sharing music is now cheaper, easier, mobile and legal. Etisalat customers now have access to an almost limitless library of musical content on the go. We have also made the application very easy to use and affordable. For us at Etisalat, it is about designing fun and entertaining services for customers because they are the centre of our business and we take them very serious.” On his part, the Chief Marketing Officer of Spinlet, Mark Redguard, confirmed that: “The core essence of the Etisalat Spinlet Music App is

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

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ENTERTAINMENT Stories by Sony Neme

Brymo Leaves Chocolate City On Principle HERE has been a breach; T that is why I am leaving Chocolate City,” was how

Brymo with 2012 Channel-O music award HE excitement level is fever pitch. T It is expected as it is already over a Legend Dubai Consumers Return month into what many have described as ‘The deal of the year’: The From Unique Shopping Experience Legend Real Deal National Consumer Promotion. Of the 25 consumers that Legend Extra Stout has pledged to take to Dubai and back, 17 have emerged in two separate raffle draws held in Lagos and Port Harcourt. While on the all-expense paid trip to Dubai, the ‘Legends’ are taken through a tour of important Dubai landmarks and shops for gift items worth N1 million at one of the city’s biggest shopping malls. The first raffle draw held at De Dems Bar, Egbeda, Lagos, had produced nine winners, seven of who have gone to Dubai and have returned richer. They are: Uchechukwu Dennis Chukwu, Nwabuoke Ikechukwu Ambrose, Oluwabusuyi Kelvin Olubusuyi, Solomon Okoro Ike, John Akoji from Abuja, as well as Temitope Ogunyemi and Austin Nwakaife. James Nweke from Kano State and Aghedo Cyril Sadiq Ehinoria from Lagos could not make the first trip. They however joined the next batch of consumers that emerged at the second raffle draw held at the Lesukaa Events Centre, Port Harcourt. The eight lucky consumers are: Ozioko Bethran Ikechukwu,

Orphan, Broadcaster Excite Glo X Factor Judges T was real drama, talents and dreams at the last audition of the Glo X Factor, as 28-year-old Ekiti State indigene, Niniola Apata, received a rare standing ovation from all the X Factor Judges. This took place during her performance at the Lagos audition broadcast on television stations across Ghana and Nigeria as captured in Episode Five over the weekend. And the trio of Onyeka Onwenu, MI and Reggie Rockstone couldn’t help but confess that they had never witnessed anything like the superlative performance of Niniola since the show started. Unfortunate, she had lost her father to assassins in 1995. MI was first to describe the performance of Niniola who sang “To Love You More” as unbelievable. For him: “I can’t believe the notes you are hitting!” Onyeka on her part confessed having goose pimples all over

Okotie Oritsuwa, Tom Madaki, Omoleye Folasade Grace, Wilson Prince Osah, Sunny Odomoke, Ishalaiye Ayodele Aghedo and Emuejevoke Oputu They recently returned from Dubai where they shopped for items worth N1 million in 60 seconds. Mr. Funso Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager – Legend and Life, Nigerian Breweries Plc, has however assured that all consumers that emerge will be assisted in getting the documents to aid their travelling to Dubai. All they need to do is purchase a bottle of Legend Extra Stout, look under the crown cork for a unique numeric code and SMS the number to 30380. 24-year-old Ayodele Ishalaiye, resident in Lagos is a Youth Corps member currently serving in Ebonyi State. Ishalaiye said: “When the call first came in, I was in Ebonyi undertaking my National Youth Service Corps programme. At first, I thought it was a con to swindle me of my corper’s stipends that we normally called ‘allawee’. I was very excited to fly down to Lagos, because I had always come by road. He said the highlight of the trip was when the 60- second shopping experience. He said, “Initially I was apprehen-

her. “Oh my goodness, there is talent in this place,” she summed up. Another contestant who got three from all the judges was 25year-old Nnani Akah, who sang ‘One naira’, a song made popular by MI. He was very impressive with his melodious voice and wonderful ad libbing. Nnani said that if he won the show, adjudged as the world’s biggest music reality TV show, he would spend the N24 million prize money to complete a block of classrooms that he started constructing with his resources as a Youth Corps member in Dogunahawa village in Plateau State. The performance of 49-year-old trained broadcaster, Princess Pat Mohie, who thrilled with a rendition of Chaka Khan’s ‘Ain’t Nobody’ was simply inspiring and was described by Onyeka as sassy. Music teacher, Darlington Timothy, who brought four of his students to the show, got some music lessons from the judges who advised him to cut down on his theatrics and give the listeners the benefit of his beautiful voice.

sive, because I didn’t know what was in stock for me. But I thank God I was able to pick valuables that are very useful for my immediate needs. I picked 39 ‘Inch LED TV, Home Theatre, and many other expensive home appliances.” Oritsuwa Okotie, from Delta State, on his part said, “In Dubai, I saw a very beautiful city, with a likeable nationality that has a culture of self-sustenance. The lifestyle of the people and the way they relate, the level of development and many other monumental legacies the city possess.” 54-year-old Tom Madaki, an indigene of Kaduna is a pensioner that meritoriously served in the Nigerian Army, and even defended his fatherland during the Nigerian Civil War. The veteran, after quitting military service also worked as an accountant in the Kaduna State Civil Service for 10 years. All through the course of his stewardship, he never had the opportunity to travel abroad. Mr. Madaki said: “For me, the trip has transformed my life in a way. Before now, I had no international passport, but Legend got one for me, together with my other travel documents free of charge. Then exposure is another important thing that I gained.

Brymo summed it up after addressing the media at Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday. The young entertainer who signed on with the record label in 2011 with a contract that is expected to run through 2015 and two more albums had to take a walk due to irreconcilable differences with a label that brought him to the limelight. Though he is not ruling out reconciliation in future, for now, the game is over, he insisted. Hear him: “April 2012 was the formal release date of my album. Before then, I was told my album was going to be released online for two weeks before the introduction of my album to the market. I asked of the protection against free downloads from online, and I was assured it was fool-proof; but that was not to be as I later confirmed that my work was freely being downloaded. Nothing was accounted for as at the time of the release into the street.” He added, “My worries increased as I was shocked to find out that a portion of the music released to the public was removed. When I confronted the label management, I couldn’t get any response, so I had to personally approach the IT officer and ensured my efforts were not jeopardized. These and many issues that I am not satisfied with made me to make up my mind about leaving the label. That is the reason for the twitter that I sent out.” The Son of a Kapenta crooner said after he broke up with the label, there was an agreement by both parties to keep away

from making a public show of their parting ways, but he accused the record label of ditching the gentleman agreement as the issue went online. Hear him: “I decided to tell my story because I discovered that Chocolate City had gone online against our agreement to separate amicably and avoid making public comments. Since I didn’t send the story online, they did, that is why I am out here to clarify issues. I have been cheated. It is a contractual problem. The manager, Sam Lolo, whom they introduced to me was withdrawn as soon as we agreed to go our separate ways. I have moved on with my career. And I am free to make music with anybody.” On the accusation of misbehaving and refusing to perform at shows arranged for him to push for the sales of the album, Brymo said, “That is not true, because it became clear to me that the company was more interested in presenting the Chuck Boy group (that has him and two others), than Brymo as a brand. It was becoming a hindrance because whenever I am needed for anything, they don’t believe in contract, it becomes a family affair. But when I needed anything, they will refer to the contract. At 27, I know what I want and I am out against any ojoro (cunning).” He stressed that he shunned the London performance with Ice Prince to save his reputation and his voice for other shows also in London. “I made up for that with a free show. But before now, Ice Prince never consider me import enough to even be anywhere near him, why did I suddenly become so important to his performance. I just heard him asking ‘where Brymo? No proper introduction; and he expected me to jump on the stage. I had to back out.

Nigerian Idol 3 Winner Ready With New Singles ...As Etisalat CEO Hosts First Exclusive Listening Session RIDAY, June 17, was remarkFwinner able for Moses Obi-Adigwe, of the Etisalat Nigeria-

creative, daring and dynamic spirit which is very important to us as a comsponsored Nigerian Idol Sea- pany. He has not disapson 3, as he was hosted by the pointed us and it is great to management of the telecom see that he has been workgiant at their Banana Island, ing hard even after the Ikoyi, Lagos office. show,” he said. Moses enIt was for the first exclusive tourage included the Manlistening session for his new aging Director of Optima songs, Love Letter (featuring Media Group (OMG), Mr. RoEva) and Beautiful, written by timi Pedro. Moses with his signature afro- Mr. Evans later held an excentric and soulful touch. The clusive and the first listenevent reveals that Moses is set ing session for the brand to release the first set of his new, yet-to-be released sinsingles. He disclosed this dur- gles by Moses. The two ing the visit last week. songs, Love Letter (featuring In his welcome address, the Eva) and Beautiful, had been Chief Executive Officer of Eti- written by Moses with his salat Nigeria, Steven Evans, signature afrocentric and said it was reassuring and soulful touch. “These are heart-warming to see that very outstanding works Moses was still as passionate coming from Moses! Conas he was during the show. gratulations. We believe “We are very pleased that these songs will do very well. Moses has that innovative, We’re very committed and

Moses with Mr Rotimi Pedro and 1st runner-up, Debie Rise emotionally attached to the Nigerian Idol. It is something we want to turn into a long-term relationship, because it is a genuine partnership,” said Evans. Mr. Pedro, who commended Moses for his commitment to music and swift production of the new singles, revealed that 13 other

contestants, including Jay Feel, Abasi Akang and Efezino, have also been working hard in the studio. He noted that while ex-Idols took a couple of years before releasing their first singles, Moses has changed the tune in record with two songs which are ready to thrill the Nigerian and international audience.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

40 |

ENTERTAINMENT Stories by Sony Neme UESDAY, June 18, 2013 marked the beginning of a new dawn in the annals of the movie industry in Nigeria. It was a day that representatives of the Nigerian film industry set aside other activities to analyze issues affecting the movie industry at the National Theater, Iganmu Lagos and. To underscore the seriousness attached to the assembly, they deliberated all day on the state of the industry but with particular emphasis on the N3billion Presidential Intervention Fund, which for them is inadequate. For them, “The release of the guidelines for accessing the capacitybuilding fund has no input from the industry and its elected leaders, contrary to the agreement reached with the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister for Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. The Nollywood Summit, which is expected to become a regular event, was convened by Nigerian Motion Picture Experts Group (NMPEG) a Nollywood Think Thank, hosted by Film & Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria. The Summit, anchored by Paul Obazele (producer) and Zack Orji (actor), was attended by regulators and other stakeholder with over 600 delegates from all over the country

Nollywood Summit Dissects Salient Issues Affecting It participating. With the success of attendance, the Nollywood Summit has a bragging right as the first single largest gathering of practitioners since 1904 when a Briton Mr. Stanley, showed the first film at Glover Hall, Lagos. Notable among those who bared their minds on the state of the industry and the way forward were veteran film maker, Chief Eddy Ugbomah (OFR), Mrs. Bola Athar, Deputy Zonal coordinator, South West, National Film and Video Censorship Board; Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja, Head, Film office, Lagos State Film and Video Censorship Board; Fathia Ansah Plange, Chief Operating Officer, African Film and Entertainment Investment summit, and Mr. Bond Emeruwa of the CoaliOkonjo-Iweala tion of Nollywood Guilds and Associations among others. undemocratic and not reflective of At the end of the historic day, they the wishes and aspirations of the inresolved that the orderly growth dustry. and development of the industry is “The guidelines are unprofessional not possible without input and diand inconsistent with global best rection from the stakeholders and practice. It is an abnormality for asowners of Project Nollywood, but sessors to be anonymous as it denies that “N3b (less than USD $13m) is grossly inadequate to reposition the applicants the opportunity to assess their assessors and where necessary, industry. They also faulted the apchallenge the decision of the board. pointment of members of the ministerial committee (on the grant) as Additionally, some members of the

Alariwo’s Comedy And Music Jam For Akure NTERTAINMENT will take a E new direction in Akure, Ondo State next Saturday, June 20 in the Laff and Dance concert. This is being packaged by Crossover Entertainment, Adage Media and Microplus media. The event is expected to parade 10 comedians, four musicians and a DJ. According to the multi-talented entertainer Rotimi Martins, a.k.a Alariwo of Africa, the show tagged “Laff ‘n’ Dance”, “ is targeted at lovers, friends, relatives and families who would be experiencing an entertainment event like never before as all roads lead to the prestigious Adegbemile Hall. Its 15 Acts, one stage and one show of comedy,

music and dance.” The cross-over king further said, “This being staged in Akure, my second home because I know that Ondo people are rich in cultural values are lovers of the arts. So, I feel it’s better to bring entertainment to them, instead of them going out of the state to catch their fun.” Expected to feature are top comedians like Gbenga Adeyinka, Koffi, Omo Baba, Mc abbey, Lepacious Bose, Funny Bone, Bash, Laff up, the Omoghetto girls, Eniola Badmus and Bimbo Thomas, with special appearance by ace broadcaster/comedian Yemi Sonde. Musicians on parade would be by Sunny Neji, Weird Alariwo MC, Jaywon and Lkt.

Ibinabo committee have vested interest in training. There is therefore a conflict of interest. “Consequently the Summit rejects the guidelines on accessing the three hundred million naira capacity building tranche of the N3b Presidential Intervention fund. The scope of the fund has to be expanded; membership of a guild /association must be a mandatory

precondition for accessing the fund. Such guilds must have been existing and functional before January 1, 2013. “The Summit hereby establishes a committee to work out modalities for constructive engagement with the government. The members of the committee whose mandate is to report back to the industry within two working days are: Mr Bond Emeruwa (Coalition of Nollywood Guilds and Associations), Mr Norbert Ajaegbu (Film & Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria), Mr Perekeme Odion (Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria) and Mr Chima Okereke (Directors Guild of Nigeria).” Others are Ms. Ibrahim (Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners), High Chief Aina Kusoro (Yoruba Film Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria), Representative of Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria, and Representative of Association of Movie Practitioners. Also included in the committee are Mr. Tony Anih (Screenwriters Guild of Nigeria, Representative of the Convener, Nigerian Motion Picture Experts Group (NIMPEG 1), and Mr. Theodore Anyaji (Association of Movie Producers).

Felabration Connects To Movement Of The People HE theme for this year’s annual celebraT tion of the late Afrobeat musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is tied to one of his hit songs: Movement of the People (MOP). This has become the tradition for the event that holds within the premises of the New African Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos. And incidentally, that was also the name of the political party he formed in 1979. Though the date is yet to be made public, the choice of this theme by the Felabration committee connects with one of Fela’s legacies as the only Nigeria musician to have a cult-like following. Even with his demise 16 years ago, he still remains the only Nigerian entertainer with that reputation. MOP is in two parts -- MOPI and MOP 2. Movement of the people as a vehicle of social engineering was a progression from Young African Pioneers, another mass movement platform also initiated by Fela. It documents Fela’s belief in inspiring a potent mass movement of people that could affect the type of changes he advocated on the

African continent. Perhaps, the most hilarious, albeit profound statement by Fela on MOP is recorded in the song Coffin for Head of State which chronicles his attempt to seek justice for the destruction of his house and the death of his mother by alleged unknown soldiers in 1977. The relevant lines in the song captures the tedious trek by the Young African Pioneers and Movement of the People carrying a symbolic coffin to Dodan Barracks, the then Nigerian seat of government. This episode of a mass movement of people on a distance walk was re-enacted at Fela’s death in 1997. For seven hours, Nigerians from all walks of life paid their tributes to a man they admired for various reasons by walking alongside his casket from the Tafawa Balewa Square Onikan-Lagos to Fela’s Kalakuta Republic in Ikeja where his remains was buried. It is instructive to note that there was never such mass movement of the people and there has never been another like it since.

One-On-One With New Entrant, Sentorino after he came out with another hit song, Wahala, which VER the past few was a bit of a hybrid techno years, Sentorino has been sound not very common in one of the most exciting new Nigeria. voices in Afro hip-hop. He’s de- Sequel to that, he released anlivered a stream of dynamite other single called African songs, and generally diswoman, that later became one played swagger, unpreof music’s top-selling songs, dictability, and ferocity not which made him an artist heard from an Artist in years. with sold-out tours and a slew Little of that, however, is on of awards his long-awaited debut Sentorino, who sees album, Take Over. himself as a focused Born Tosin Akinola, (also artiste, known as Sentorino), he is a recently turned a graduate of the University of lot of Lagos with a Bachelor’s degree in banking and finance in 2011, However, he followed his heart to his first love, music. Currently signed to fledgling hip-hop label Audacyti Entertainment, he released his hit single titled Give it to me as is hot, which became a top summer 2012 banger. The hit single was played as the background song for the Wiz Kid tour in USA 2012 in NYC. After focusing on his music career, Sentorino has captured the public’s eye with his first Sentorino hit Give it to me as is hot soon By Tony Nwanne

VERGREEN musician, Manny Eke, a.k.a Chief E Chef of Naija, has released a new single titled ‘Okele’. The song will be on air from July and it

Manny Eke

will also be available in major music stores and outlets nationwide. The new track signals the kick-off of a novel initiative which seeks to provide food for all Nigerians. The initiative, we gathered, would be championed by Chief Chef Food for all Advocate, CHEFAAD, a non-governmental organization committed to soliciting and educating citizens on the need for food availability. The Afro Naija singer is no stranger to the Nigerian music scene having been in the industry for the past three decades. Already plans are on for him to partner government at all levels, as well as corporate organizations and individuals for support to be able to meet with his selfimposed task of providing food for the less-privileged in the country. Part of the statement made available by his management reads, “Our focus on the new song is not just to entertain but to pass a message that will address a vital issue in our society —that of food scarcity. This initiative is also in line with the Golden Penny Celebrity Cooking Competition that Manny Eke won in 2006. We have always looked at how we can strategically align the cooking award to a song that will make meaning to our fans and also drive home some key messages.”

heads by coming into the music scene as a supremely confident, powerful artiste in any one of the many guises he has chosen to inhabit. Known as a ladies’ man due to his outstanding good looks, he displays a wide range of talents, stuffing his verses with complex internal rhymes, agile shifts in character and voice, and twisted, offbeat wordplay. He’s been most often bracketed with Chris brown and Wiz Kid, but those comparisons are more about music style and rising popularity.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

DIARY

Opeyemi Akpati of Body You Treasure, Executive Director, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Middle East and Africa, Brad Boyson; Managing Consultant, Kendor Consulting, Adaora Ikwuemesi and President SHRM, Oliver Nnona at the 2013 SHRM Strategic roundtable in Lagos…recently

With microphone is the Brewery Manager, Mr. Ukeje Udah; Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji; Brewery Area Public Affairs Manager, Mrs. Emete Tonukari and some governor aides during the governor’s visit to Nigeria Brewery factory in Aba…recently

Commercial Manager (Service and Support) of CFAO Electro-hall, Ope Akintomide; Group Managing Director CFAO Plc, Steve Faderin; Director, Business Solutions, Sharp, Tomoo Shimizu; Marketing Manager, Middle East/Africa, Stanley Samuel; Country Manager, Sharp Middle East/Africa, Nelson Jose and the Assistant Marketing Manager, Sharp Middle East/Africa, Sukirti Kakkar at a press conference to herald the launching of new range of Sharp Products in Lagos…recently General Manager Protea Hotel Select Emotan (PHSE), Benin City, Mrs. Esther Rogers; Fraser Neil Johnston and Mr. Smith Rogers at the VIP cocktail function organised by PHSE for guests in Benin City…recently

General Manager, Protea Hotel Select Benin City, Fraser Johnston; Archbishop Margaret Idahosa, Laurie Idahosa of Benson Idahosa University (BIU) and Edo State Commissioner for Finance, John Osagie Inegbedion, during award- giving event of We Play to Win Benin City 2013 sponsored by Protea Hotel Select in Benin City, Edo State…recently

Some members of staff of Alcatel-Lucent Nigeria at the launch of the GNeX Knowledge Transfer Project, organized by Alcatel-Lucent in University of Lagos…recently

Dr. (Mrs.) Adewunmi, Fed. University of Agric, Abeokuta; Mrs. Jacqueline Yemi Odiadi, President, NAUW, Lekki Branch; Barr. (Mrs.) Comfort Idika-Ogunye, Guest Speaker; Dr. (Mrs.) Comfort Oniade, National Sec. NAUW; Mrs. Arinola Oluwo (Membership/Welfare) Lekki Branch; Dr. (Mrs.) Yusuf, Fed. University of Agric, Abeokuta. During the recently held NAUW seminar in Lagos, on Women and their Role in Leadership.

President /Founder Zoe Ministries Worldwide, Rev. (Dr) Patrick Anwuzia (middle) and some set of newly ordained Pastors of the church in Lagos ...recently

Mr. and Mrs. Irebami Emmanuel after their wedding at CACA Oke Iyanu, Alagbole Akute, Lagos…recently

Bride’s father, Mr. Abdul Azeez Adams (left), groom’s mother, Mrs. Kofoworola Adeniran (2nd left), bride’s mother, Mrs. Olabisi Adams (right); groom’s father, Alhaji Lanre Adeniran (2nd right) and the Couple, Mr. Adeyemi Adeniran and Mrs. Abibat Gbemisola Adeniran (middle), after their wedding in Lagos…recently

TheGuardian

42 | Saturday, June 22, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Arts&Culture Ebedi ResidencyFor Writers... A Haven In Need Of Govt, Corporate Support Stories by Anote Ajeluorou ET at the foot of a hill in ancient, serene Ebedi town, the Dr. Wale Okediran-inspired Sresidency for writers has continued to be a haven for writers from across the African continent. From Uganda, South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe and, of course, Nigeria, Ebedi International Writers Residency has hosted some of the finest, young literary minds defining and shaping a continent’s writing culture. So far, such writers as Doreen Baingana (Tropical Fish), Dul Johnson (Why Women Won’t Make it to Heaven), Igoni Barrett (From the Cave of Rotten Teeth), Yewande Omotoso (Bom Boy), Barbara Oketa, Ayodele Olufintuade (Eno’s Story) and many more have drank from the serene, inspiring well of Ebedi. Each year there are no less than three sessions with no less than three writers admitted into the residency, solely financed by Okediran, with provision of feeding and board in a four to eight weeks’ stay. With three writers – Ghanaian Macdell Kofi Joshua Sackey and Nigerians’ Chiaka Ukachukwu Obasi and Taofeek Olayiwola – who recently had a six weeks’ stay at Ebedi, the profile of the only writers’ residency resort in West Africa keeps rising and gaining acceptance among writers. But just like their counterparts that had tasted the serene and salubrious ambience of Ebedi, these three writers are not happy that the noble objectives of Ebedi as conceived by Okediran, medical doctor-turnedwriter and politician, are yet to penetrate the thinking of various governments and corporate Nigeria so as to come to its aid and boost it. For them, Ebedi International Writers Residency programme is an incubation ground for literary creativity not unlike the many talent hunt and reality TV shows enjoying massive monetary endorsement from corporate Nigeria and showing on various TV stations, gulping several millions of naira to sustain them annually. Although tucked away in the quiet of Ebedi town in Oyo State, these three writers still found it odd that the beauty and value of this unique writers’ resort was yet to be discovered and properly harnessed as part of nurturing the creative endeavours of young Nigerian, nay Africans in the hallowed field of writing, clearly

The three resident writers - Ghanaian poet, Macdell Kofi Joshua Sackey; Nigerian novelist, Taofeek Olayiwola and Nigerian playwright, Chiaka Ukachukwu Obasi, last Saturday at the presentation at Ebedi Community Grammar School, Ebedi the continent’s most successful creative cultural engagement and export to the outside world, with four Nobel Prizes to show for it! For Olayiwola, who writes in Yoruba, Ebedi residency, which started in 2010, ought to have had corporate financial support by now so its burden didn’t rest solely on its founder Okediran alone. That way, he stated, the gains of the residency would be deepened and its impact far fetched among African writers. With another literary prize, Etisalat Literature Prize newly opened to first time published authors of African origin, the nurturing, incubating workroom Ebedi provides would go a long way in getting the creativity of the continent’s writers soaring. “So far the programme has been on selfsponsorship”, Olayiwola lamented, “People should come and support it. Various governments’ empowerment programmes for youth should also be extended to Ebedi International Writers Residency programme, as a way of promoting creativity. The value of Ebedi to literary creativity is limitless.

Government and companies should support this project.” Obasi, a dramatist, also called on government and corporate bodies to support Ebedi, as part of a wider support for cultural expression in the country and the continent. He particularly called on corporate bodies that regularly sponsor musical shows and other entertainment talent-hunt projects to look the way of writers as well, particularly Ebedi. Sackey, who was apparently excited at what Ebedi offers writers, also called for international collaboration to make Ebedi even better to continue to nurture the aspirations of the continent’s writers. For these three writers and several others like them, who have passed through Ebedi, whereas writing is sometimes viewed as a reclusive and intellectual engagement, it still has ennobling society as its central, and support for it could no longer be denied it by those with the means to do so, whether government or companies.

Another Look At The Burden Of Womanhood In Call Me Joke COMING-OF-AGE story, Call Me Joke by A Nosa Oke is the love Odyssey of one woman that soon goes sour. Joke’s bitter experience with her husband, Uzoma is the perfect love story of two unlikely beings, who fall in love in spite of everything else. But when the harsh reality of social relationships and role expectations set in, Uzoma caves in to pressures and leaves Joke in hapless abandonment. But it’s the cruel irony of a society that sees in the woman the carrier of evil burdens and responsibilities that should otherwise have been shared by both man and woman. Joke’s inability to bear children after years of marriage is the exit door Uzoma needs to abandon her even when her barrenness is traceable to the several abortions Uzoma asked her to undergo while they were undergraduates; they were pregnancies Joke had for him in their giddy days of unrestrained love. Such cruelty is the stuff of which life is sometimes made. And so Joke must forge ahead, must seek love elsewhere and move on beyond Uzoma’s pettiness and to a place where she must spread her love wings and soar high. Uzoma impregnates another girl and decides to leave Joke. But he falls into a trap

he unwillingly sets for himself. It soon dawns on him that the attraction in him is the cars Joke provides, which he cannot take away with him to his new relationship. He is stunned by the cruelty of it all.

Joke’s story is the classic tale of the city girl blinded by sheer ambition to get to top at the absence of the values that govern society. For Joke, her banking job comes first before any her marriage, before satisfying the sexual needs of her husband. Her obsession with her job and her drive to reach the top, which she does admirably, costs her an otherwise happy marriage. Although jobless, Uzoma, like other men in his society that expects some level of attention from his wife, takes the first opportunity to jump ship, and how hard he falls! But Joke has the last laugh. She finds love in an older man with other wives, an easy lure many a young woman falls for in the city that has its own set of perverse rules. Call Me Joke is a work of celebration of the triumph of the human spirit, the celebration of a woman, who, though heartbroken at the cruel twist of fate, soon learns to turn her woe into triumph. Call Me Joke calls to question some issues in marriage relationships, especially the issue of childbearing. Shouldn’t adoption also be an option for cases of barrenness such as the Uzomas have to contend with? Call Me Joke tangentially touches on this touchy issue and many more…

ND, at the closing ceremony last Saturday that attended these three writers’ stay at A Ebedi, which involved active participation of local school students of Ebedi Community Grammar School, poetry reading and recitation, singing and dancing and a quiz contest, was held. This was part of activities of community service for residents; it required resident writers to interact and impart useful, creative skills to the school’s students. A literature schoolteacher Prince Femi Olalere commended Okediran for his vision in setting up the residency to encourage creativity and for consistently spending his money to sustain it thus far. He also thanked the residents for imparting the students, further noting, “We thank the residents for grooming the students in different creative areas like dancing, singing and writing. I want to say that the students have learnt a lot from the resident writers’ mentorship. Indeed, they are privileged to be learning from the resident writers. It’s my hope that the students would make use of what they have learnt from the writers to improve their lives”. Rasaq Ibrahim recited a visionary poem, ‘I have a dream’; a 3-woman act staged a skit on drunkenness and Maryam Adewole and Deborah Rowland read poems in Yoruba. All three writers (Sackey, Olayiwola and Obasi) testified to the conducive ambience Ebedi International Writers Residency offers writers in helping them continue and complete ongoing works, and the hospitality the community also offered them in their short stay. Obasi, who just completed work on Fatherland, said, “I will remember most the hospitality of Ebedi people. Okediran and his people have shown us brotherly love. I’ve had no distraction to write. It’s been wonderful spending some weeks here. It’s the right place Okediran has set up. It’s hard to see a full time writer without the distractions of workaday life; the environment here is serene. I have enjoyed it so far”. “I’m greatly encouraged by the camaraderie radiating in this community,” Olayiwola reminisced. “Within the last three weeks that I got here, I did a great deal. I’ve never had it so serene, so cool, so friendly as Ebedi. I’ve had a wonderful experience. The serenity has really helped me a lot; it’s as if we have lived here all our lives!” The Ghanaian was probably more effusive, when he noted, “I’m going to miss the ambience, the serenity; this place is conducive for writing; it’s a fine place to cogitate and write! I’ve completed two books – on poetry and children’s story. I’m inspired by nature”.

THE GUARDIAN Saturday, June 22, 2013

ARTS

Soyinka

By Wole Soyinka

IGERIANS who are old enough will surely recall the source of the above title. For others, I ought to narrate its origin. Fortunately, early this year, I delivered a lecture at the University of Ibadan, where I made a passing reference to the true owners of that copyright. Here is the relevant section: “At the passing of a short-lived dictator, his successor decreed two weeks of mourning, two weeks during which the nation went into a coma. Even the television and radio stations closed down – nothing but martial and funereal music was played, while churches and mosques took over the abandoned air-waves to drown the nation in suras and canticles of lachrymose outpouring. A very sharp group quickly formed something that was called the National Mourners Association – clever lot! While the nation was quarantined and bogged down in the orgy of lamentation, they were touring the world, sponsored by government, to take the gospel of anguish to every corner of the world that boasted a Nigerian diplomatic mission.” Yes, that was at the death of General Murtala Mohammed. But now, we turn to address the latest progenies of that association, operating in a different clime and context, but cacophonously enmeshed in variations on that ancient tune. When that day comes that individuals encounter hostility over their sensibilities in dealing with loss in their own way, privately, away from public eye, with or without symbolic public gestures, then we are witnessing the end, not simply of plain civility, but of civilization, and the enthronement of Fascism. It is not the intolerance and excess of a moment’s excitation, but of a cultivated arrogance and will to imposition, one that attempts to dictate the private responses of others to shared events. Once again we are confronted with the Nigerian phenomenon of the egregious appropriation of what is not on offer and thus, is not subject to dispute. Where frustrated, these claimants reel out chapters from their Book of Imprecations. Let it be stated here, for the avoidance of doubt, that I am a solid believer in the collective rites of Farewell. I believe in Ritual. Humanity is often assisted to recon-

Achebe

The Village Mourners Association cile with loss in a collective, and even spectacular mode. The choice to participate or not, however, belongs to each individual, including even those who arrogate to themselves the mission of imposing on others their own preferred mode of bidding farewell. These self-righteous clerics are dangerous beings, especially where they flaunt the credentials of secular learning and gather in caucuses of presumed Humanities. From the herd, the mindless Internet fiddlers for whom the landing of a planetary probe, or a medical breakthrough is simply distraction from fraudulent internet mailing, nothing less is expected. What menaces the collective health of society is when the deserving highs of intellectual application of the former, become indistinguishable from the loutish low of the latter. I do not pander to the expectations of the sanctimonious. I can absent myself from any event, for reasons that are personal to me. I can absent myself as the result of a mundane domestic situation, as legitimately as from a visceral rejection of occupancy of the same space, at the same time, in the same cause, with certain other participants. I may absent myself for the very reason of my disdain for that breed which is certain to cavil at the very fact of my absence. Such specimens pollute the very space they claim to honour. Sputter and rage they may, but even the most illustrious of that ilk cannot control that choice, neither will they be permitted free passage to encroach upon, and abuse the private spaces of human responsiveness. I shall speak to them

directly: your psychological profile is commonplace. It is not the honour to Chinua that agitates you, no, it is your own self-regarding that seeks to be reflected in the homage to a departed colleague. It does not take a psycho-analyst to recognize this phenomenon of greedy acquisitiveness, even of immaterial products. Like emotional parasites, you feed off others, but you have never learnt to value what others give, or be thereby nourished. I recognize you, atavistic minds – was it not your type that once disseminated an unbelievably primitive accounting for Chinua Achebe’s motor accident? Here goes the story, for those who seek light relief from ponderous unctuousness: What happened was that I found myself unable to return to Nigeria for a Colloquium in honour of Chinua’s sixtieth birthday. My dramatic mind immediately scrambled for some striking manner of compensation. So I telephoned a business friend who had some agricultural connections in Delta State and told him: find the chunkiest, spotless ram in Delta State – all white or all black, but a thoroughbred of striking physique. Find a leather pouch, tie it to its neck with the following message and deliver it at the venue of the Colloquium. I no longer recall the exact dictated wording, nothing inspirational, just the usual felicitations and injunctions to turn that ram into asun for general feasting. Those who attended the event will recall the grand entry of the gift - as reported by one and all, including the foreign visitors, and Chinua’s reported reaction, seated

on the podium. He shook head and said, “Typical of Wole”. The ram was then led off to meet its destiny at the hands of the gathered. (As a side note, it was I who took a gift away from his seventieth at Bard University – a sobering flash of time past that resulted in my ELEGY FOR A NATION. I had that poem re-published to mark the day of his funeral.) Our story is only beginning. On the way back from that celebration, Chinua had his accident and was flown to the United Kingdom. At the first opportunity, I made my way there and called up the High Commissioner, DoveEdwin, who was certain to know the hospital location. It turned out that he also planned a visit that afternoon, and he agreed to give me a ride. We waited – I was joined by two others – waited, and waited, then a phone call came from him that the visit had been called off. The High Commissioner would explain why, on arrival – over a promised dinner, as compensation. That explanation was this: Dove-Edwin had received

Let it be stated here, for the avoidance of doubt, that I am a solid believer in the collective rites of Farewell. I believe in Ritual. Humanity is often assisted to reconcile with loss in a collective, and even spectacular mode. The choice to participate or not, however, belongs to each individual, including even those who arrogate to themselves the mission of imposing on others their own preferred mode of bidding farewell. These self-righteous clerics are dangerous beings, especially where they flaunt the credentials of secular learning and gather in caucuses of presumed Humanities.

communication that some of “Chinua’s people” – a university professor among them, who was named – had pronounced publicly that “Chinua should have known better than to accept a spotless ram from his enemy” – yes, that was the word used – “enemy”. I verified this report from various other sources. Later, an alternative diagnosis surfaced: “Chinua had been too long away from the chieftaincy politics of his hometown, otherwise he would have realized that the title that he took was coveted by some others – and these were deeply steeped in traditional psychic combat”. In short, those rivals “did him in”. Both diagnoses competed for dominance for a while, petering out eventually. Before the promotion of that alternative cause-and-effect however, Dove-Edwin had re-scheduled, and we had a most bracing, optimistic afternoon with Chinua. Yes, our patient was eventually told the cause of the earlier postponement, and he had a good laugh. On my return to Nigeria, I could not wait to take the opportunity of a public lecture to invite all desperate enemies to please send me their rams of choice – spotless, spotted, piebald, striped or nondescript – so I could treat starving writers to free meals in my home for the rest of the year. And I promised to taste a piece of each ram before serving. Yes, it is that same breed that continues to sow poison in the minds of the susceptible. Alas for you, it so happens that some of us insist on our own way of commemorating, of being there, even when absent. You, by contrast were never there, however ostentatiously you position yourselves at the event, or at vicarious gatherings to denounce, attribute sinister motivations, and inseminate hate against those whom your pedestrian vision cannot see. Your very loudness proclaims your absence. You were always absent. You will always be absent. So, this communication is not really meant for you but for those potential almajiri – whose minds you corrupt daily with your jeremiads in that accommodating madrassa known as Internet. As a teacher, I lament your failure to use the opportunity of the passing of a revered writer to turn your younger generation in enlightened directions. You have chosen instead to coarsen their sensibilities and breed in their minds misunderstanding, suspicion and above all – hate! You will have understood by now how I have come to view you as no different from the homicidal clerics who arm youths with kerosene and match, cudgel and knife, a few Naira in their beggars’ bowls, and dispatch them to set fire to structures of comradely cohabitation, of reflection, of mind enlargement, and destroy communities of learning. Your gospel of separatism goes beyond the geographical – in which I have not the slightest interest! – but the humanistic. The difference is in the weapon – in your case, poison, mind corrosion. The means – Internet, and its wide open, undiscriminating generosity. That is where you lay spores of poison, and doom future generations to a confinement of human relationships within the darkest corners of the mind. You are beyond pity. Kindly absent your selves from my funeral, when that event finally intrudes. Prof. Soyinka issued this statement on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 in response to ‘those who are making a mountain out of a mole hill’ owing to his absence from Prof. Chinua Achebe’s funeral

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

HEALTHFEATURE

‘Nigeria Needs To Develop Herbal Medicine To Meet International Standards’ Mr. Emmanuel Orgah, a Masters degree holder in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, is the Head of Product Development Unit of the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), a federal agency in charge of natural medicine development in Nigeria. He x-rays the development of herbal medicine in the country and the challenges. By Joseph Okoghenun HAT is your assessment of herbal medicine W development in Nigeria? I think it is doing well, considering the facilities and resources that are available. But the challenges are enormous. Most countries that have done very well in herbal medicine have certain basic facilities available to them. Inasmuch as we have the resources to use in traditional medicine, we lack technology, and the lack of technology is due to the economy that has been suffering for several decades. The issue of power is a major challenge also in scientific development in this area. The global market does not take any pharmaceutical drug, or herbal product unless there is science-based evidence for using them. That responsibility falls on the shoulders of scientists today. But scientists on their own, having the technical knowledge, also need equipment, basic resources and conducive environment to operate. This again at this time is a challenge. But we believe that even in the face of these challenges, efforts are being made to put a few products on line. Nigeria, I think, is doing well. It is a question of us being patient to wait for these results to come out. Do we have enough funding for herbal research? What do we mean when we say enough funding? When one conducts a research, let’s say $5 million in 2013, we expect that there would be output. Those outputs would require one investing another, maybe, $15 million in order to get to the next step. You may have funding for basic research. Herbal medicine research is not cheap. If you look at the international records, herbal drugs are developed at very expensive cost all over the world. Not just herbal drugs, but pharmaceutical drugs. Pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer spend so much to get one or two products into the market. So, the fund requirement for drug development globally is very, very high. Our desire is that since the traditional medicine practitioner has done most of the things that are essential, it is now left for us to provide scientific evidence basis for the use of these drugs Orgah and provide appro-

priate packaging. So, funding can never really be enough. But even scientists that are supposed to provide the basic scientific evidence for the use of herbal medicine seem skeptical a bout herbal medicine. Is that not a challenge? I do not think that scientists are skeptical about herbal medicine. I am a chemist and most of the organic chemists, chemistry lecturers and academia, are basing more than 90 per cent of their researches on herbal medicine. We do a lot of research on plants and natural products. We can’t really call them skeptics. If you look at records we have in a book called Nigerian Natural Medicine Book of Abstract, Volume 1 and 2, you will discover that Nigerian researchers have been involved and tried to create awareness since 1950s on herbal medicine. They are not really skeptical. But at then, as scientists, there are certain things that should not be. All Nigerians need to know the difference between claims and reality because a lot of people, because of the downturn in the nation’s economy, are using traditional medicine as a means of making money. Sadly, these people are not themselves traditional medicine practitioners; they just go onto the internet, read information and make claims that they can cure this and that. It is like the media community where there are quacks. So also among scientists there are quacks, and among herbal medicine practitioners, there are quacks. Some of the people out there advertising herbal medicine are people just trying to make money. Scientists are not really skeptical; they believe that traditional medicine works. But then, there are different aspects of traditional medicine. There is herbal medicine and there is spiritual medicine. We, as an institution as at today, are not carrying out research on spiritual medicine. What we are doing is to take a look at herbal medicine as at now. In the future when we have the technological base, maybe to study spiritual medicine, we will do that. As some scientists are making vigorous research on herbal medicine, medical doctors who are supposed to be prescribing these herbal drugs have come out on several occasions to warn Nigerians against herbal medicine. Is that not a

sign of lack of synergy among scientists? Herbal medicine researchers and orthodox medicine practitioners, I think, are all standing on the same ground. If for instance as a researcher, I find a particular natural product to have negative effect on the kidney, I will not recommend it to be used. I think that is what medical practitioners are saying. If you are using natural product that have toxic properties, those toxic properties have to be clearly defined. Sometimes you find out that some of the herbal medicine marketers combine orthodox drugs with natural products. These are quack and dangerous practices. What is the position of a medical doctor in the hospital? What he sees is the patient. When he sees the patient and there are issues as regards to complications in any of the major organs, he would want to find out what is causing it. And if the patient had injected some toxic components or plant materials and investigation reveals that those toxic components are the cause of the condition, he needs to come out clearly to say so. But that does not mean that everybody in the practice is doing that, otherwise we in the NNMDA would not be here. All Nigerians before the coming of the whiteman, depended on herbal medicine and if these drugs were so toxic, we should have all been dead by now. But we are here. The people

survived on these drugs, developed resistance against different diseases. And because some of these basic drugs are components of their meals and foods, Nigerians developed resistance against some diseases. I don’t think that the opposition of the medical doctors against herbal medicine is associated with the practice of herbal medicine. Rather, it is against some practitioners who don’t even know what they are doing. Even medical doctors have that kind of challenge. There have been some situations that in the course of surgery, some medical doctors make mistakes. Does that mean that the whole medical profession is wrong or they are all a bunch of quacks? No, the fact that one person has made a mistake does not mean that everybody is involved in that mistake. From scientific standpoint, both medical doctors and scientists stand on one point: quality herbal medicine. What are we losing by not developing our herbal medicine to meet international standards? A lot. It is estimated that the business of herbal medicine globally stands at about $160 billion yearly. Out of this amount, Nigeria and indeed most African countries, are not contributing anything. We are just a consumer nation; we are neither producing to take care of our people nor selling to the world. We are losing money in this aspect. The amount of money we are spending to import drugs would have been reduced if we had one or two effective drugs. Take malaria for instance. If we can get effective anti-malaria herbal drug, not only will Nigerians be using it, but other people in other parts of the world would be buying from us. Even if nobody buys from us, we are talking of a population of 160 million people. It is has been discovered that over 50 per cent of Nigerians suffer one bout of malaria every year. Imagine how much that costs. If we develop herbal drug to sell at the cost of N10 and sell to 80 million Nigerians yearly, how much is that? The fact that we do not have drug in this area is a major problem.

The global market does not take any pharmaceutical drug, or herbal product unless there is science-based evidence for using them. That responsibility falls on the shoulders of scientists today. But scientists on their own, having the technical knowledge, also need equipment, basic resources and conducive environment to operate. This again at this time is a challenge. But we believe that even in the face of these challenges, efforts are being made to put a few products on line.

YourMoney 45

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

BRANDINTELLIGENCE

With DESMOND EKEH desmondekeh@yahoo.com; 08023215535

‘NSN Endorsement Of Bournvita Is Very Satisfying To Cadbury’ Dele Anifowoshe is the Marketing Director, Cadbury Nigeria Plc. In this interview with NTIA USUKUMA, he explains why the company is celebrating Cadbury Bornvita’s endorsement by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) and the introduction of the new 500 grammes Bournvita pack. OU are celebrating the endorsement of Y Bournvita by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, with the introduction of the new 500 grammes pack. Was the new pack introduced to mark the endorsement? Not exactly! These are two different issues but they occurred close to each other. That is the reason we opted to hold this special event on the same day. The endorsement of Cadbury Bournvita came after a multi-step process including independent laboratory tests of the brand claims. This lasted several months. If you may recall, the formal presentation took place some weeks ago at the prestigious Golden Royale Hotel, Enugu and many government officials, nutrition practitioners from the industry and academia, and our trading partners were all present to witness that unique occasion. The new 500 grammes pack emerged from series of research, and being a consumer-focused company, we brought it into the market because it is the preferred choice of our teeming consumers. Everything we do is backed by consumer insight and research. The decision to upscale the flagship brand to 500 grammes was informed and backed by research both for the SKU and the refill box. I can recall that this same body endorsed Bournvita a few years ago. Do you just stroll in there for endorsement anytime you need it or does the endorsement have a life span? NSN is a body that is very careful as regards its reputation. So, there is a life span for every endorsement. It is not an endless thing. That previous endorsement was in 1994. This one is from May 2013 to April 2016. How relevant is this NSN endorsement? This endorsement is from the highest collection of nutrition experts in Nigeria. It puts our brand ahead of its contemporaries, as pacesetters in the food beverage market. You might like to note that Cadbury Bournvita is the only food drink in Nigeria endorsed by the NSN. Having pioneered the fortification of food drinks in Nigeria in 1994, it is very satisfying to obtain this verification by the experts, as we evidently stand tall when it comes to nutritional contents, rich cocoa taste and non-stop vitality. It proves to our consumers that Cadbury Bournvita is clearly a food drink that is rich in energy and essential micronutrients. What informed Cadbury’ decision to come out with the 500 grammes pack? What we have done is to re-size the 450 grammes Bournvita to 500 grammes. Everything we do is inspired by consumer insight, particularly the need to ensure that we are able to delight our consumers and come up with initiatives that will further reinforce their loyalty. The Bournvita brand has been in the market for five decades and as a leader brand, it as an innovative brand. We cannot afford to stand on one spot for too long; we need to continue to drive innovation and we need to come up with initiatives that will delight consumers. We are in a clime when affordability is an issue. So, stepping up the grammes for us is a big advantage for our consumers because in a way, they are paying less compared to when Bournvita was in 450 grammes SKU. It is better value for our consumers. When Bournvita was in 450 grammes size, it retailed in an average supermarket for about N600 to N700. If you divide that sum by 450 grammes you will get a price per gramme of about N1.50. Having upped its size to 500 grammes, it retails for N700 in an average

Anifowoshe

This endorsement is from the highest collection of nutrition experts in Nigeria. It puts our brand ahead of its contemporaries, as pacesetters in the food beverage market. You might like to note that Cadbury Bournvita is the only food drink in Nigeria endorsed by the NSN. Having pioneered the fortification of food drinks in Nigeria in 1994, it is very satisfying to obtain this verification by the experts, as we evidently stand tall when it comes to nutritional contents, rich cocoa taste and non-stop vitality. supermarket. If you then divide the N700 by 500 grammes, you will get N1.40 per gramme. So, it is of better value for our consumers in deed. The 500 grammes replaces the 450 grammes. Do you have any other product that is chasing the NSN endorsement? The reality is that we have to do things one step at a time. As it is, we have Bournvita as our flagship brand, TomTom as our flagship candy; and we just introduced Tang. We have just done one and I cannot let the cat out of the bag as regards plans for other products. But be rest assured that Cadbury Nigeria Plc, which is a member of the Mondelez International family, prides itself in producing high quality products that consumers love. As a philosophy, all our brands are of the highest quality. We have just done one and we are celebrating it and this will not be the last for sure.

What is the relationship between Cadbury Nigeria and Mondelez International? We are a subsidiary of Mondelez International family. In Nigeria, Cadbury is like a representative of Mondelez. Just the same way Nigerian Breweries is a subsidiary of Heineken International in Nigeria. The Bournvita Children Magical Flight was a great concept that endeared children to your brand. Now that you have stopped it, what plans do you have to engage children with the brand every year? If you are following the history of Cadbury, you know this is a new generation of management and we believe that there is time for everything. We have redefined the essence of the brand; we have also redefined who our target audience is. There would be other engagement platforms that we can deploy to further build the bond between Bournvita and the consumers out there. Magic Flight

was good in its time but this is a different line and we would be looking at other ways of driving that engagement and cementing that relationship between Bournvita and our beloved consumers. Which other brands does Cadbury intend to churn out to consumers in future? We are a very ambitious company; we live by adding value to our consumers and we believe that the best way to do that is to increase our portfolio of brands to be able to meet the needs of our consumers. We launched ‘Tang’ about four months ago and it is a very good brand; families and kids love it. We are still in the teething period of growing the brand and more will come. It seems the passion you use in positioning Bournvita and sometimes Tom Tom is not extended to other brands. Is there any plan to ensure that all your brands like Éclairs become market leaders in their various segments? All our brands are market leaders. Brands like Éclairs have been delisted. In our portfolio now, our brands are Bournvita, TomTom, Buttermint and Tang. We give all our brands very good support. After the last nations cup, Tom Tom hosted the Super Eagles and it was a big event. We support all our brands and they are all leaders in their various sector of the market. Without any doubt, they all get good support. You said all your products are market leaders in their various sectors. What did you do to ensure that they maintain that position? It is always challenging to continue to be a leader and the solution is simple — be consistent in what you do. You must invest in the brands, build the brands and ensure that the entire marketing mix is well integrated in a way that consumers will continue to see value in the brands. For us, pricing is important as well as communicating the key element of our brand essence. We run promotions to reward our consumers from time to time. Our distribution network is very good and we still keep working on our road to the market. From an integrated marketing point of view, we do invest substantially and will continue to invest, which is the only way to stay on top. How do you source cocoa for your beverage. Do you buy or do you have a farm? We have a cocoa processing facility in Ondo State called Starmark; it is now wholly integrated into Cadbury as one holistic organisation. It is like backward integration, we process our cocoa and we produce our Bournvita. We are in control of the entire process ‘end-to-end’ and that makes a whole lot of difference, which is a guarantee of quality. When we say, from pod to cup, it’s Cadbury Bournvita all the way; it shows we take charge in producing our raw materials. No other beverage producer is really doing this. Cocoa powder is our basic raw material and we need to produce a high quality raw material to produce quality cocoa beverage. We don’t go through suppliers, no outside involvement. We are in control of our raw materials and that gives us massive advantage in terms of processes and quality assurance. Do you intend to invest in research and development? It is another strong platform for maintaining leadership. Mondelez is an international company and we leverage on the research and development platform of the company in South Africa and Germany. Being a global organisation, we have that advantage, and off course, we get very good support from our regional research and development centre. There is hardly anything we do that they don’t get involved in, which has been a major advantage for us in terms of being very consistent with our quality and in driving innovation as well. Is Cadbury Nigeria the regional head of Mondelez group in Africa? Nigeria belongs to Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region of the Mondelez Group. Nigeria is part of West Africa, which comprises Nigeria and Ghana. West Africa is a component of Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEME). If you look at most global brand today, that is how they are positioned; and we are not any different although geographical boundaries may defer but our footprint is the same.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

46 YourMoney

BRANDNEWS SWIFT Acquires Direct-On-PC WIFT Networks Limited, a leading provider of wireless and Susers, fibre-based broadband services to business and residential recently announced that it has completed the acquisition of the 4G business of Direct-On-PC. With this transaction, SWIFT will acquire all the wireless/4G infrastructure and co-related customers of Direct-On-PC in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The satellite and enterprise business of DOPC remain unaffected by this transaction. “This acquisition is a significant milestone in our journey to advance our competitive position in the high quality broadband segment and footprint in the Nigerian market. It will improve our customers’ broadband experience and overall operating results as the cost efficiencies arising from the economies of scale of the streamlined operation will accrue to our various stakeholders,” the Managing Director of SWIFT Networks, Charles Anudu said. Anudu added: “The ultimate beneficiaries will be our current, future and DOPC’s erstwhile customers who will now be served by a network with a larger coverage and exceptional focus on customer relationships. We will continue to invest in new technologies and processes that deliver values that make sense to them.” The Vice Chairman of the Bhojraj Chanrai Group and Owner of Direct-On-PC, Mahesh Sadhwani said: “SWIFT and DOPC are a perfect fit as we share a common passion for innovation and customer satisfaction. I am happy that we found the SWIFT home for our 4G WiMAX customers as they will join an operator that has become the undisputed leader in both network quality and customer service in its category.”

BRANDINTELLIGENCE Nokia Mail For Exchange Extends To Asha Smartphones OKIA Nigeria has N announced that users of the Nokia Asha 311, 310, 309 and 308 can now send and receive office e-mails from the comfort of their mobile phones, giving them the opportunity to connect with work in and out of the office. The announcement follows the introduction of the Mail for Exchange app in the Nokia Store. The new app, which is compatible with the Nokia Asha 311, 310, 309 and 308, allows users to sync their email, calendar and contacts data with Microsoft Exchange 2003, 2007, 2010 Servers and Microsoft Office 365 Mobility Online Service. Marketing Manager for

Fibi Sausage Holds Family Forum In Lagos APIDO Foods Limited, makR ers of Fibi Beef Sausage Roll, continues to excite more fami-

The Vice Chairman, Direct-On-PC Mr. Mahesh Sadhwani (left); Managing Director, SWIFT Networks Limited, Mr. Charles Anudu; and the Chief Operating Officer, SWIFT Networks Limited, Mr. Chuma Okoye at a press briefing on the acquisition of Direct-On-PC by SWIFT Networks Limited in Lagos recently.

Lagoon Hospital Performs First Metallic Replacement In Africa HE international media is T currently extolling the heroic feat of a team of surgeons from Lagoon Hospitals who have performed the first surgery involving metallic replacement of the whole arm bone (humerus), shoulder and elbow joints on a patient. Lagoon is the first Hospital in Nigeria and West Africa to record this successful medical procedure. The team of surgeons was led by Dr. Segun Abudu, a renowned Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at the Royal Orthopedic Hospital Birmingham UK, seconded to Lagoon Hospitals since 2011. Speaking to journalists on this historic achievement, Chief Operating Officer (COO)

of the hospital, Dr. Naseem Mohammed, said: “Lagoon Hospitals have the facilities to perform all forms of surgical procedures including hip and knee replacements, keyhole surgery for the knee (arthroscopy) bone replacements with modern options correction of deformities using techniques that are only possible at very few specialised hospitals in the United Kingdom and USA.” Also commenting on this achievement, the Hygeia Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Lars Stork said: “Lagoon Hospitals continue to prove that we are indeed pioneers in ground-breaking surgery and other tertiary healthcare solutions”.

Astymin Nite Lights Up UNILAG Healthcare Plc, through its Astymin brand, recently F2013IDSON lit up the University of Lagos with the sponsorship of the edition of Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS) Astymin Nite. The Indoor Sports Hall of the university wore a brilliant outlook with bright lights embellished by the beautiful cream and burgundy coloured decorations and banners, which depict the Astymin brand and gave the event a radiant ambience and glamorous sensation. Astymin, a leading amino-acid based multivitamin brand in Nigeria, has been the proud sponsor of PANS national event for the past three years, providing moral and financial support to student-pharmacists. According to General Manager, Marketing, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Ola Ijimakin, the company is proud to be associated with PANS, which is the umbrella body of pharmacy students in Nigeria. “We believe in their ability to bring about a positive change to the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria. We are therefore using this platform to connect them with the Astymin brand and encourage them to achieve their full potentials,” he said.

Nokia West Africa, Kesiena Ogbemi explained that the introduction of the new app makes the Nokia Asha 311, 310, 309 and 308 ready for business. “It will enable users to take their office wherever they go, enhancing their overall mobile experience for work,” he said. Ogbemi added that Nokia is committed to enhancing the user experience by delivering more capabilities on the Asha smartphone range. “Last month, Nokia introduced LINE messaging app in the Nokia store and we continue to build the app ecosystem for Asha, which we introduced in 2011 to connect the next billion people in emerging markets,” he added.

lies as it brought together hundreds of people at a family forum in Lagos recently. Tagged ‘The Fibi Family Forum’, the occasion had in attendance several customers, distributors, retailers, representatives of regulatory bodies and the media, who came to identify with the Fibi Sausage Roll brand. The management of Rapido Foods used the gathering to restate its commitment to adding value to the lives of millions of Nigerians who have come to trust the unique experience of the company in culinary cervices and the tradition of excellence associated with the parent company, Rapido Ventures, over the years. Speaking at the Fibi Family

Forum, Chairman of Rapido Ventures, Mr. Forum Nneji thanked stakeholders of the company for their support since the launch of Fibi beef sausage roll. “I want to commend distributors, retailers and everyone in the distribution chain for making the brand available in homes, offices, schools and other channels of distribution. Indeed, the Fibi family forum presents an opportunity to express appreciation to different groups of stakeholders for the support so far received by Rapido Foods. The Fibi brand has endeared many Nigerians to the Fibi brand. It is a brand that is produced with natural ingredients for the best form of nutrition suitable for all segments of the population and as such no one will be left out,” he said.

Sony Unveils 84-Inch 4K LED TV In Nigeria ONY, the leading consumer Sunveiled electronics brand, has its latest 84-inch BRAVIA LED television. The Television boasts a 4K (3840 x 2160) LED panel, comprising 8.29 megapixels, which is four times the resolution of Full High Definition standard. In addition, the TV incorporates Sony’s proprietary ‘4K XReality PRO’ super-resolution high-picture quality engine. Featuring four times the resolution of Full High Definition and powerful sound, Sony’s revolutionary offering redefines future of home entertainment. Managing Director of Flying Dove Limited, Mr. Ashok Jain, was very happy to launch this product through its Sony Centers. He was confident that with the launch, Sony would continue to maintain the lead in the technology innovation and offering best quality prod-

ucts to customers in Nigeria. Seamlessly delivering highresolution large-screen picture with powerful sound and visuals to provide an immersive theatre-like experience, the latest BRAVIA LED television marks a distinctive entry with its class-apart features. Managing Director, Sony Middle East and Africa, Hiroyasu Sugiyama, said: “If you were amazed by the shift from Standard to High Definition, 4K with four times the resolution of Full High Definition, will rekindle or even exceed that sensation. It virtually eliminates the line between television and reality to offer an unprecedented and revolutionary viewing experience. The launch of this breakthrough 84-inch 4K BRAVIA television reaffirms Sony’s commitment to consistently delivering a superior product offering to our consumers.”

Chief Operating Officer, Rapido Foods, Mr. Isijola Oriade (left); the star prize winner, Adeshile Lekan of Kings College, Lagos, and Principal Consultant, Skyline PR, Mrs. Prudence Onyejiaka at the Fibi Family Forum held in Lagos recently.

IIDA Search Team Commences Hunt For 2013 Heroes HE search team for the 2013 T Indomie Independence Day Award for Heroes of

According to the Public Relations Manager of Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, the search exercise would take place in 10 locations in the country — Aba, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Lagos, Abuja, Benin, Minna, Kaduna, and Kano — and would last for eight weeks. The 10 locations will be grouped in three zones out of which two zones will be allocated to three locations each, and one zone to four locations. Each of the three zones would be monitored by a zonal coordinator. “There will be a search team which will comprise five searchers per location headed by a supervisor to ensure quality control and authenticity of the collected stories,” he said.

Cake Makers Hold Exhibition For Indigent Women

Nigeria, an annual corporate social responsibility initiative of Dufil Prima Foods Plc that is targeted at identifying, recognising and rewarding Nigerian children for unique acts of bravery and heroism, is set to hit various locations across the country this month. This much was contained in a recent statement made public by the company, stating that the aim of the search process is to gather true stories and experiences from the designated locations about children of ages 15 years and below who have at one time or the other performed exceptional acts of bravery and heroism.

LL over the world, women play an important socio-economic A role in nation building. Empowering women spells huge gains for a society. Recently, the International Cake Exploration

Star Rewards Consumers As League Ends

Society (ICES), which was founded in Michigan, United States of America, held a fundraising ball and cake exhibition in Lagos. The event was aimed at providing succor to unskilled and indigent women in the society. At the event, ICES representative for Nigeria, Mrs. Chineze Ibuoka of Honey Suckle cakes stated that the event, which holds once every two years, had been able to make tremendous impact in the lives of women. Speaking on the rationale for the event, Ibuoka said: “What informed this fundraising dinner is that we have a dream to empower as many women as we can in our society. In the cake industry, we realised that some how we have been blessed; and that our businesses are doing well. So, we decided to give back to the society that has helped us so much to build our businesses.” She added: “We are hoping to get more support from the government, corporate and private entities so we can work together in empowering more women. Over the years, we have gone on to see women whom we have empowered to excel in their businesses. And that gives us great joy and motivates us to do more.”

what is arguably one of the most creative consumer engageIStarNment platforms and reward schemes by any brand in Nigeria, Lager beer, the leading lager brand in the country has commenced the reward of 32, 179 lucky consumers with customised Ipads, DVDs and headphones. The lucky winners emerged from the just concluded unique and exciting Star League ‘Text and Play’ activation. On this unique activation, Brand Manager, Star, Mr. Omotunde Adenusi, stated that “Star Lager Beer has continued to keep its consumers actively engaged all year round through its exciting consumer engagement platforms that cut through music, football and exciting promotions and reward programmes”. He said the gift items will be personally delivered free of charge to the doorsteps of all winners across the country. During the course of the unique activation, the brand on four different occasions, doled out N500 recharge cards each to over 7, 000 participants to appreciate consumers for their participation and to show the caring nature of the brand.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

SHORT STORY By Segun Durowaiye (08055356855) th

was eight days to the 16 birthday cereIandTmony of Ayo, a young and beautiful girl, her parents had no inkling that something bad and disastrous would happen. That Saturday morning when Mr. and Mrs. Taiyelolu bade their only child farewell and left for their different destinations, they had no premonition that nature would show them its ugly side. Mr. Taiyelolu was a beverage marketer with Peterson Foods, while his wife was a trader selling kitchenware in the heart of Lagos. They lived a mini-flat in Akeredolu town, on the outskirts of Lagos. About an hour after the couple left home in search of their daily bread, the firmament started gathering for a torrential downpour. The sky became cloudy and a powerful breeze kept blowing over the entire area. The breeze started whistling eerily. People ran helter-skelter for their dear lives. Ayo was the only one at home; she became frightened when the breeze blew away a portion of their ceiling. The next minute, a tempestuous rain began, coupled with intermittent roars of thunder. The peals of thunder continued unabated for the next 30 minutes and the breeze blew away everything in its path. Ayo was aghast with fear. A large portion of their fence caved in and a monstrous whirlpool of rainwater rolled into their compound. “Help! Help! Help! Somebody help me!,” she screamed. The violent gush of rainwater was so fierce and gigantic that it broke down the door leading to their living room and occupied the entire space. Ayo had run inside the kitchen for safety. The violent rainwater pursued her inside the kitchen; then pulled down the window of the kitchen. All the while Ayo was weeping and shedding sorrowful tears as the water submerged her instantly. The tide then swept her away through the window, into the other street. She had never experienced such turbulence in her entire life. She was rolling along a wide path created by the tidal wave and was still screaming for help as she rolled with the violent waves of water. The rainstorm was calamitous and devastating. It brought down several houses, planks and trees; carried with it personal belongings of people. It destroyed cars and household properties worth millions of naira. For two agonizing hours, the downpour continued ceaselessly. It looked like the end of the world had come; something akin to Armageddon or apocalypse. There was no doubt about it Ayo was at the verge of dying. She had swallowed large amount of water and was gasping for breath. She had no strength to scream for help again. Suddenly, as the violent waves of water submerged and carried her along, she felt herself entwined and clustered among strong branches of a tree. She held tightly on to the tree branches, and heaved a sigh of relief. “Even if death comes”, she thought, “it would meet me here…” She clung tenaciously to the branches. About two hours later, the rain stopped abruptly. The terrific tide had disappeared, leaving behind tales of woe. A lot of people who had taken refuge on top of their houses started coming down when the streams of water had reduced. Ayo realized she was trapped on top of a tall tree and she hung tightly to the v-shaped branch of the tree. She looked down from the great height and felt dizzy and giddy at the sight of the distance to the ground. A painful tear dropped from the corner of her eyes. She hiccupped four consecutive times and vomited the next minute. The thought of dying through a great fall to the ground enveloped her faculties. She started crying sorrowfully. The fact was that Ayo had been ferried to a private farm by the torrents of the rainstorm and got stuck among the tree branches. The weather was now serene and calm when her parents arrived home from their business outing. The time was 5pm. They were both shocked to see the ruins caused by the rainstorm to their house. Ayo’s mum became anxious to see her daughter. She moved towards the bungalow and screamed: “Ayo! Ayo! Ayo, where are you?”

Trapped In A Rainstorm Her husband hurriedly joined her in search of their precious daughter. There was palpable and horrifying silence. Her mum’s heartbeat increased at an alarming rate when she couldn’t get an answer. They could only see the ruins and devastation of their house. In a split second, the thought of tragedy and death flashed through their minds. Now, they were not so mindful about the loss of their properties to the rainstorm but were more concerned to see their missing daughter. “Somebody help me! Where‘s my daughter?!” Mrs. Taiyelolu screamed in desperation. She was shedding painful tears and was really worried. Instantly, a search party was set up to look for Ayo. About 10 sympathizers who came to console the couple went in search of the missing girl. Mrs. Taiyelolu had vowed that she would commit suicide if her beautiful daughter wasn’t seen. Her husband was greatly disturbed and deeply agitated. He begged her not to kill herself as it would not solve the present problem, but further worsen it. Ayo’s mum was a fair-skinned, tall and robust woman. For five hours, the search party combed every nook and cranny of the locality but Ayo wasn’t found. It was even reported in the 7 pm news that a young girl by name Ayo Taiyelolu was missing after a terrific rainstorm ravaged the home of the Taiyelolus, sweeping away the innocent young girl. When it was around 11 pm and Ayo was yet to be found, her mum collapsed. She was rushed to the nearby St. James Hospital. Her husband was confused and heartbroken. The man simply

broke down and wept bitterly. “This will be double tragedy!” Mr. Taiyelolu said thoughtfully. “My daughter is missing, I don‘t know if she’s dead or alive, and my wife is in coma… O God, I’ll kill myself if the worst happens.” He was soliloquizing as he left the hospital premises, wandering aimlessly to an unknown destination. Mr. Taiyelolu, a tall, dark-skinned and lanky man had trekked for about 30 minutes and he became very weak and tired. He was so hopeless and worn out; he then sat down beside the road, not knowing where to go and what to do. His eyes were heavy with grief. He lowered his head in sorrowful meditation and wiped the dripping tears off with the tip of his shirt. Time was 11.45 pm. He shook his head in melancholy and obvious gloom. Just then, he

A lot of people who had taken refuge on top of their houses started coming down when the streams of water had reduced. Ayo realized she was trapped on top of a tall tree and she hung tightly to the v-shaped branch of the tree. She looked down from the great height and felt dizzy and giddy at the sight of the distance to the ground. A painful tear dropped from the corner of her eyes.

raised his head up and lo and behold, he saw his lost daughter hanging dangerously on a nearby tree across the road. He was elated. “Good God, that’s my daughter,!” he screamed in ecstasy. He ran and scaled over the fence and frenziedly climbed the tall tree to rescue her. “Oh daddy, I’m happy you’re here to save me!” Ayo exclaimed joyfully. “You’re a great dad! Where is mum?,” she asked. “She is in the hospital, let’s go,” he replied. Hand in hand, both father and daughter headed for St. James Hospital. When they got there, Mrs. Taiyelolu was still in stupor. The doctors scurried here and there to revive her. Ayo’s dad was really afraid for the life of his wife. Ayo moved closer to her mum and touched her forehead softly, then said: “Mummy, please don’t die, your daughter is here…” It was like magic! The sentence had a miraculous effect. Instantly, her mum opened her eyes to behold her lovely daughter. Joy enveloped both of them. Ayo’s dad moved closer and joined them in that moment of immeasurable joy. They were all smiling and giggling. “I’m happy you’re hale and hearty! Seeing you alive gives me great joy!” her mum replied. They all went home and thanked Almighty God for sparing Ayo’s life and that of her mum. Seven days, later, Ayo turned 16 and the birthday was well celebrated. Her friends and well-wishers were

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

48 |

NEWSFEATURE

‘CCC Set To Vanquish Demon Of Disunity’

Celestial Church of Christ, Cloudesley Square,London

Oshoffa

The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Unification and Reform Group, Nigeria and The Diaspora (working committee) comprises Universal Unification group under Prophet Olu Oshodi; Global Unification group under Prophet Johnson Shodipe; the CCC Northern Elders Forum under Evangelist Akin Arikawe; the Administration Group, under Michael Akinsoji, the CCC Unification and Renaissance Mission, under Prophet Emmanuel Asebiomo. Its task is to chart a new course of unity under one Pastor for the CCC worldwide. Some members of this body spoke to DEBO OLADIMEJI on the situation of leadership in the CCC and efforts so far made to move the church forward. N April 30, the Celestial Church of Christ O (CCC) Unification and Reform Group, Nigeria and The Diaspora published an advert in The Guardian which made many members of the church eager to know more about the CCC which has been without a true Pastor since the demise of the Pastor Founder of the church, Rev. Samuel Oshoffa, 27 years ago. The members of CCC Unification and Reform Group, Nigeria and The Diaspora (working committee) are working hard to bring to pass the prophecy of the Founder Pastor that ‘the spirit of the Lord will appoint his successor’. The coordinator of the unification committee, Rev. Emmanuel Asebiomo, Unification and Renaissance Mission, said the Unification and Reform Group, Nigeria and the Diaspora is the central body working for the unification of the church. “Unfortunately, you find out that most members of the church don’t even understand the concept of the church, even some elders. Some people don’t know who should become the Pastor. They don’t know what the CCC constitution actually says. It was held by the Supreme Court in 2004 that nobody can succeed the Pastor Founder Rev. Samuel Oshoffa except we rewrite our constitution,” he said. He regretted that the most important thing

people are talking about is the issue of Pastor! Pastor!! Pastor!!! “Whereas CCC worldwide should have a single Pastor and the last one we had was the Pastor Founder, Oshoffa. Since his death in 1985, we have had so many other pastors but none of them qualified to be called a Pastor,” he said. He disclosed that the late Oshoffa left three dioceses behind. The Republic of Benin Diocese, Nigerian Diocese and Overseas Diocese. These three Dioceses cannot individually produce a pastor. “The three have to come together to produce a pastor, prayerfully.” The prophecy Oshoffa left behind was that before his death, God would have revealed his successor and he would announce it to the whole world. “Incidentally, that did not happen. That has led to all this trouble. Today, Nigeria has several pastors,” he said. He explained that the constitution Oshoffa left behind was for the Nigerian Diocese alone. It does not cover Republic of Benin, neither does it cover overseas. “A Diocese cannot produce a Worldwide head. God has decided to use the unification committee to unify the church. We have started the work for over 10 years,” he said. He described the task of the unification of the church worldwide as their main assignment. “But we have so many other issues on ground. Like the administration of the church. Some had already established factions. Whichever way, none is constitutionally right to be called a Pastor,” he said. He added that the effort they are making now is to bring the church together and that God has made it possible for them to formulate a new administrative structure, recommended a financial guideline, drafted a new Nigerian constitution to replace the constitution Oshoffa left behind. “As at today, Republic of Benin (Diocese) has its own constitution. Nigeria (Diocese) has not had any one since the Pastor Founder died,” he said. The unification committee, he added, has

been able to produce a common Bible Lesson for the church. “In the lifetime of Oshoffa, the CCC worldwide has one single Bible Lesson,” he added. Another member of the unification committee, Evangelist Tunde Abai of CCC Igbekeleolu Parish, who has been a member of the church for over 35 years said that the Supreme Court had held in the case of Pastor AA Bada and Owodunni that the present constitution did not give room for easy succession of the late Pastor Founder. And since he did not name a particular person who will succeed him in that constitution, the next step was that the spirit of God will appoint his successor. “But all other pastors that have come after Oshoffa did not fulfill this condition. That is why they are not legally constituted to be called Pastor of the church,” he said. He said that they can only have a diocesan head in Nigeria. “That is, the whole Nigeria. The issue of Pastor is supposed to be a worldwide issue. That is, people representing various dioceses will come together, in one accord to appoint a pastor,” he added. The Pastor for CCC should emerge, he said, like the Pope emerges for the Catholic Church. On his part, Supreme Evangelist, Johnson Adebola, of Universal Unification Group headed by Evangelist Oshodi, said what is important is that the unification body has succeeded in drafting a constitution to replace the old one. “The Founder Pastor made one strong pronouncement that the spirit of God will appoint a Pastor for the church. Not by stage-managing. And the power that will descend on that coming pastor will even double his power. “That is what we were expecting to see. But our story is like the time when Moses went to get the book of the law. Before he came back, the Israelites had asked Aaron to lead them and make an image for them to worship as they were doing in Egypt,” he said. According to him, they were, in fact, dancing back by drawing away from the statement of the founder. And people among them who are spiritually gifted believe

that the utterance of the founder is still binding on every member of the CCC. He confirmed that after Pa J.K Owodunni took Pastor Bada to court, the court advised that they should go back and draft a new constitution to suit their purpose. “And with notable representatives. We have representatives from some of those people who have decided to make themselves pastors to work with us. We came out with a draft and the draft is still on the table to be presented to the elder council we inaugurated,” he said. He said that the bottom line is that it is the spirit of God that will appoint the Pastor who would succeed Oshoffa. “We have reached a level where we are waiting on the Lord for the Pastor of the CCC worldwide to emerge. But some people are financially committed, not having to do with heaven nor for the existence of the church. They are ready to become Pastor tomorrow, even today…,” he said. He added that people are now tired of “hooliganism” within the church. “We are working towards a situation where the spirit of God will descend to appoint a pastor for us. Like the way they appoint the Pope in Rome,” he said. Senior Evangelist Gabriel Awosanya, from CCC Central Bible Fellowship said that people must understand that what they are talking about is of paramount importance. “We need to present one voice to move forward. “Many ardent worshipers have left the church and many are still on their way out because of what is happening. God has said that this church is going to cleanse the world, if the church can come together.” he said. People are now running to CCC more than ever before, Awosanya said: “So we can’t give a population figure. The church still remains undivided, but the human beings are divided. Because it is through the blood of Christ Jesus that the church was formed. In spite of the confusion all over the place, the doctrine is still intact. The church is waxing stronger. The power is still there,” he said.

TheGuardian

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013 | 49

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Politics Chief Segun Adegoke, a frontline politician in Ondo State and member of the Adekunle Ajasin cabinet in the Second Republic spoke to NIYI BELLO in Akure about political development in the state. How did you see the judgment of the Election Petition tribunal in Ondo state? have gone through the judgment from the serialization of a particular newspaper, I did not only read, I went into the reasons why the petitions were thrown away, I must confess that the judgment was so thorough, so meticulous and the judge was so strenuous in putting out some facts, if one looks at it you will see that there was no point in going to the tribunal in the first instance, but we Nigerians, we have refused to accept defeat when it comes to election. Going through what the judge wrote, I consider it to be the best judgment I have ever read. Current legal authorities backed all arguments canvassed that were thrown out. There is no issue begging the question. Also we are in this country together, we know that that election was thorough was devoid of irregularity the security on the ground was so strong that nobody could play any game. They have their constitutional right to go to the tribunal. I am only happy that Nigeria is advancing, that judges are becoming more truthful and honest. Are you now saying that the judgment was a reflection of what happened on election day? Exactly, we were all here in the state, we saw what happened, there was no snatching of ballot as it used to happen in previous elections, there was no stuffing of ballot papers into ballot box as it used to happen, violence was reduced to the minimum, it was a free and fair election, the president of Nigeria must have received a report of that election, the president of the Senate must have received a report of that election, the Speaker of the House of Representatives must have received report, all these people congratulated Mimiko and testified to the fact that the election was free and fair. Forget that the tribunal now confirmed it than anybody else that the election was perfect. For instance, the issue of injection of names into the voters’ register, look at what the judge wrote, apart from the fact that law does not aid indolent, they had 30 days to the time, they did not complain, they could have complained that the list is not proper, they didn’t do that. What is even worse was that the sworn evidence of the witnesses was at variance with the petition. I only see it as an attempt by Oke to keep the people together; we are more concerned with the progress of the state and that of the country. But now that the candidate has said he would go to the Appeal court, at the party level what are you doing to dissuade him? Am not in a position to dissuade him, but I must say this is what my faction of the PDP is fighting against, that Oke went to the tribunal at all besides the fact that it is his constitutional right is a sign of indiscipline in PDP. If the president of the country, who is the leader of the party in his own wise counsel adjudged an election held against his party to be free and fair and somebody sponsored by that party decided to go to tribunal, if the party is well disciplined and want to enforce discipline, they should call him to order, the party’s pronouncement should be supreme, that is how to run a party. I am not in a position to tell Oke not to go to appeal; he will meet the same fate. The judgement is unassailable from the point of law. Talking about undercut in the judiciary, a section of the opposition is alleging that the judgment was bought, what is your response? Some of us that believe that PDP has to be restructured to fight a future battle were labeled PDP-Gbasibe just because we said we cannot put this party under one man’s umbrella, no man can turn a political party into his own estate and field anybody he feels will win election. I have been in this game for quite a while, as a politician if I belong to a party that party must be as good as what we expect that party to be but they did not believe that the party needs to be restructured, we said it sometimes ago that PDP is dying in Ondo state and that we need a political surgical operation for it to survive. But our people said we want to support Mimiko because he gave us money. In

Adegoke

Mimiko May Come Back To PDP, Says Adegoke a situation where a political party that held sway in this state for seven years lost all house of assembly seats, all the senate seats, all House of Representatives seats and even a former governor contesting senatorial election lost, you must know that something is wrong with that party. The headship of that party should be changed or restructured. But Akeredolu said the appellate court would rely heavily on forensic analysis? That is Akeredolu’s version, you will see what the man said about a forensic analysis, a forensic analysis will only be acceptable if it is genuine and there are laws that do make forensic analysis inadmissible. You see the problems with our politics are many, instead of Akeredolu who did not register in Ondo state, who did not have the intention of voting in Ondo state, who registered in Ibadan and wants to be our governor in Ondo state that is part of the so called injection. You will see that Akeredolu was not prepared to contest election but he came suddenly and wanted to be our governor. Oke also came he wanted to be our governor, oke who wanted to be national secretary of the party, later a minister then he discovered that probably we are short of rich people who want to be governor, so he ran back and the thing was stage managed, that is why the Director General of his campaign organisation said he was foisted on

us and that is what we are fighting in PDP. Now that the PDP Ondo state is in two factions, what are you doing to bring the house of the party back under one umbrella? The national chairman is doing a lot. Few weeks ago, a committee came from the southwest to hear the opinions of the two factions, they met with us and also met with the Agagu faction, they are preparing their report and we don’t know what their report will be, so there are lot of efforts. We attended one meeting in Abuja with about four governors in attendance, we have held series of meetings and am sure they will discover that it is necessary for us to unite because 2015 is nearby. We want an umbrella that will cover everybody and will make all members have a sense of belonging. So you mean you are trying to bring back all the people that have left the party including Dr. Mimiko? Yes, that is our major task. Long ago before the election we met at an open meeting and Agagu himself was there, we said this party had been battered beyond panel beating and that it was not possible for us to win this election that we were about to enter into, we suggested that we should talk to Mimiko and form an alliance with him so that our party members will not again be at a loss completely for another four years and then we could ask him if he could concede certain positions to us like the deputy

governor, like some commissioners and some parastatals. Mimiko was willing to do this and his condition is that we will not field any candidate for the election. But was Abuja aware that you made moves to collaborate with Mimiko? Yes, we communicated it to Abuja because when we prepared the document, we gave it to Mimiko to look at it. A copy was given to Senator Bode Olajumoke and it was sent to Abuja. We did not do anything on our own, they were even aware in Abuja that PDP is in a mess in Ondo state, that for us to win again, it has to be 2015 and that we should restructure the party for future election. It is difficult to call a candidate during election and say you probably may not win the election. It would have been different if the President had not said that the election was free and fair, for the president of a country to say that the election was free and fair against his party, it means Nigeria is moving forward. Why do you think it is difficult for Mimiko and Agagu to work together? I have no idea and I have not said it is difficult but the problem with Agagu is that he is an unforgiving person. Agagu did not like the way he left government and I doubt if he will ever forgive Mimiko for pursuing his own ambition to that extent; that may be a reason. You will discover that all the activities of Agagu are centred to anybody he preferred but not Mimiko and that should not be. You spoke about two tendencies in 2015, we will like you to shed more light on this, is any of these tendencies part of what will bring Mimiko back to the PDP? Yes, I believe that. Left to me alone, I believe Mimiko is a consummate politician and a very wise person who will not dissipate his energy in allowing Labour Party to field a candidate for the presidential election. So if he does not field a presidential candidate, where lies his interest? Because the parties that are going to emerge will be PDP and the APC, so if LP does not field a presidential candidate, definitely Mimiko must have an interest in who becomes the president of this country and my own conjectures in the light of his association in the past and even the support and goodwill he got from other parties, his best will be PDP, that is my assumption. This will then make the prediction of Mimiko coming back to PDP to become true. He has been showing that quite a while. When Jonathan contested, he supported Jonathan tremendously; he went into the air and asked members of his party to vote Jonathan. If he could do that few years ago and now he is still there definitely he will repeat that. Some of them are saying that if Mimiko comes to PDP he will be the leader of the party, if the party will be better off if Mimiko comes and you want the progress of the party, why should that be your problem? Why shouldn’t an ex governor continue to be leading the party. But Mimiko has said it severally that he will not leave Labour Party, how do you see your calculation coming to reality? That is what you expect a good leader to say, he won’t tell his people that they will leave their party, Mimiko is clever enough to know that to work with PDP will pay him more because he will still be able to push his followers to a bigger sea and he will still be in control, it will be like Labour Party expanding rather than trying to develop the party in other states, he does not even has the resources and he will not dissipate energy unnecessarily when there is a better cause. Whatever Mimiko is saying he is saying it like a nationalist, like a politician of note that wants his party to develop and he has done that. The party has developed, they have left a legacy in this state that PDP for years will continue to remember because those legacies are not perishable no matter what his enemies are saying. With the development in the PDP in Ondo state and at Abuja, don’t you see a situation where the national PDP will be divided into two? All these are in the realm of speculations; this is always a prelude to election. Tell me who of the people fighting Jonathan is better than him. Is it Buhari?, is it Tambuwal that they are trying to push out, is it Amaechi, is it Lamido, who among them is better? Who among them will have the experience that Jonathan has acquired over the years?

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

50 |

POLITICS Two weeks ago, Anambra State Governor Peter Obi was reported as saying that the much- awaited council election in the state would now hold in October this year. In this interview, Commissioner for Special Duties, Vincent Ezenwajiaku, spoke on that announcement and the lingering APGA crisis.

Why Anambra Politicians Are Excited About Impending Council Elections, By Ezenwajiaku By Ibukunoluwa Kayode HAT are your expectations of politicians, W with the Governor Peter Obi’s announcement of October as the date for council election in Anambra State? The announcement by Governor Peter Obi is welcome development; it will deepen democracy in the state and calm frayed nerves. The issue of non-conduct of council election dates back to the PDP regime in the state. Obi’s administration inherited it and then made several attempts to conduct the election, but legal actions by PDP in Anambra restraining him from conducting the election marred it till today. The governor’s detractors, including Chief Victor Umeh, capitalised on this to accuse the governor of being responsible for the failure to conduct council election in the state. With this announcement, skeptics will be put to shame, because council election will come to pass, unless there will be other unforeseen circumstances beyond the governor’s control that will scuttle it again. The happy thing about it is that the election will be a credible, free and fair one, because the governor, having been a victim of fraudulent elections, will ensure that ballots will count, so as to set another good legacy in the conduct of fraud-free council election in Nigeria and Anambra in particular. What could be the reasons for the unusual lull in political activities in the run to the governorship election in the state? There are many reasons for the unusual lull in political activities in Anambra, despite next year’s governorship election being only five months away. But it is mainly due to the fact that all major political gladiators for this election are all waiting for Obi to make the first move by presenting the APGA candidate, who will be the man to beat in the election. Most opposition parties’ aspirants from PDP, ACN, CPC, UPP, etc prefer to wait until Obi’s nominee for APGA ticket emerges. They are not only waiting to know the APGA candidate, but also want to know the senatorial zone he will come from, so that they can then plan their strategy to counter APGA in the election. Secondly, most opposition parties’ aspirants are afraid to enter the arena, because they are afraid of losing the election after spending huge amounts of money, knowing full well that it will be very difficult to beat APGA in the election, because of Obi’s numerous people-oriented projects, which have been adjudged the best since inception of the state. In fact, the popular sentiment in Anambra today is that Anambraians are all waiting for Obi’s anointed successor from APGA. They believe this is the only way to continue with the spate of development in the state through continuity with Obi’s development policy ANIDS (Anambra Integrated Development Strategy), which has transformed the state into the best in the Southeast and among the top three in Nigeria. Anambra today is rated as the state with the best network of roads in Southeast. It is economically and financially sound, as it has not taken any loan to execute its projects and is, therefore, not owing any organisation. These unequalled records have no doubt convinced Anambraians that there is no alternative to Obi’s continuity agenda. Political analysts have since predicted landslide victory for APGA candidate due to Obi’s enviable records in the state. Consequently, other parties’ aspirants are afraid to jump into the campaign

arena in a hurry. What do you think of the efforts by Umeh to reconcile the aggrieved parties in APGA? Umeh’s current reconciliation efforts are like medicine after death, because, no thanks to him, the party is factionalised and largely damaged. Obi is only trying to resurrect the party through the just-concluded national convention, which brought Maxi Okwu as National Chairman. Umeh crossed the red line by challenging all APGA leaders, especially Obi, the leader of APGA. There is no doubt that Obi inherited the leadership of APGA since the demise of our revered leader, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu in 2012. Umeh failed woefully to observe the laws of power and natural justice while in office; he stepped on the toes of many party elders and paid dearly for it. Every member of APGA is aware that Ojukwu handed over APGA to Obi and charged him to ensure that APGA government is enthroned in the whole Southeast. This is an assignment Obi wants to fulfill and is doing every thing possible to achieve it. For instance, a couple of months ago, APGA held a memorial rally at Ekwueme Square in Awka to mark the one year anniversary of Ojukwu’s death. Obi assembled APGA members from the five Southeast states and donated three branded buses and money to each of the themAbia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Anambra- to ensure the party’s flags are flying in these states. This is part of keeping the promise he made to Ojukwu. Ndigbo and Nigerians must not misconstrue the good relationship between Obi and President Goodluck Jonathan’s PDP-government to mean that Obi is planning to dump APGA for PDP or merge APGA with PDP. This insinuation is far from the truth. The fact is that Obi has rejected numerous overtures from PDP leadership to join the party, but insisted on leading APGA to greater heights, as he promised Ojukwu. In my view, Umeh is not the right person to reconcile the APGA he factionised; someone else has to step in and do the reconciliation. As you know, it is a well-established principle of law that “one cannot be a judge in his own case.” Umeh’s reconciliation effort will yield no fruits, as he is no longer the national chairman of APGA. The body and soul of APGA lie with the leadership of Obi, with Maxi Okwu as national chairman. This is the leadership that will reconcile APGA factions and achieve result and, as expected, Okwu has embarked on this project by inaugurating a 14-man Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Committee on June 10, headed by Chief Reagan Ufomba, APGA’s governorship candidate in Abia State in the 2011 general election, to reconcile

Ezenwajiaku

the factions and bring lasting peace to the party. But Umeh recently blamed Obi for the crisis, because he (Umeh) opposed the governor’s bid to impose his own candidates on the party for next year’s governorship election in the state? This is not true, but even if this is true, this practice is not strange or novel in our polity; it is a common practice all over the world for incumbents to try to influence the decision of who will be their successor. Our own polity, Nigeria, is replete with many such examples. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo single-handedly chose the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to succeed him, despite numerous PDP presidential aspirants, who were better and healthier than Yar’Adua. Former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, did the same by installing Governor Babatunde Fashola to succeeded him, just to mention a few. Why should Obi‘s case be a sacrilege? Obi has not made any mistake by wanting to influence the party’s choice of his successor. It is common in practical partisan politics. It is like a birthright of incumbents in African politics. Umeh should rather be blamed for challenging the leader of the party and incumbent governor on such a highly sensitive issue of choice of his successor. On the contrary, it is Umeh who is trying to impose on the party his choice of an Nnewiborn business tycoon, who is current-

ly campaigning aggressively for governorship on the platform of APGA. Obi has only made a statement about his preference for APGA to produce its governorship candidate from Anambra North senatorial zone, as the zone has not produced a governor since the creation of Anambra State. You can agree with me that this is not only equitable, but will also give the zone a sense of belonging. By doing so, the governor is also trying to keep APGA agreement with stakeholders of Anambra North, that it will produce APGA governorship candidate next year if the zone supported APGA in that 2010 election, an agreement the North fulfilled religiously. A man of conscience will always keep his promises and fulfill agreements entered into with others. To do otherwise negates a fundamental principle of Law “Pacta sunt servanda,” which means “agreements must be obeyed and in good faith.” Don’t you think the crisis dogging APGA leadership will make it difficult for the party to get a worthy replacement for Obi? Yes, I agree; we have a temporary crisis in the party, just like in any other party in Anambra State presently, but as you can see, it is being resolved gradually through court decisions. In addition, there are other overtures of peace being spearheaded by the new leadership of the party under Obi and Okwu to reconcile factions of the party, and I believe this will soon yield fruits and bring the crisis to an end. Of course, APGA leadership is not opposed to any reconciliatory move from Umeh’s faction, but the truth and the reality is that Umeh is no more the national chairman of APGA and will never be. But he is welcome to the APGA led by Obi with Okwu as national chairman.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

52 |

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

TheGuardian

Saturday, June 22, 2013 53

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Cover

PDP: Jonathan

Is The Umbrella Tearing Apart? By Godwin Ijediogor (News Editor) HE ruling Peoples Democratic Party T (PDP), touted by members as the largest political party in Africa, has had as

Tukur

Amaechi

Wammako

many crises as its size since its emergence on the political scene in 1998. It has also had the highest turnover of leaders, especially national chairmen, with some lasting less than 18 months in office. And under Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’s chairmanship, the crises has escalated and multiplied, as has the opposition to his leadership in his less than 18 months tenure, so far. This had led to calls for his ouster if peace and harmony must return to the party. Now, the umbrella has started to show signs of wear and tear with the suspension and recall of even governors elected on its platform. First, Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), was suspended for what the party saw as indiscipline and refusal to tow its line. Later, Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko was recalled less than one week after he was suspended from the party on June 5 at the end of a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) on the basis of ignoring invitations and lawful directives of the NWC and demonstrating contempt for an organ of the party. The reason was clarified the following day to include refusing to pick Tukur’s calls over a certain comment he had made. Wamakko had while dismissing his suspension, lamented that people such as Tukur were leading the party. This brought further pressure on President Goodluck Jonathan to rein in the drift in the party and discontent of (powerful) members put on edge by Tukur’s style. About the same time, the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC) had, a few months ago, declared that the process that produced 12 of the 16 members of the party’s NWC at its national convention last year was unacceptable and illegal. It stated that their emergence was void as the process violated paragraph 6.5 (1) of the guidelines for the conduct of last year’s congresses and national convention. INEC listed those affected as deputy national chairman, Sam Jaja; national organising secretary, Abubakar Mustapha; his deputy, Okechukwu Nnadozie; national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh; his deputy, Binta Goje; national youth leader, Garba Chiza; his deputy, Dennis Alonge Niyi; deputy

national auditor, Umar Ibrahim; national women leader, Kema Chikwe; her deputy, Hannatu Ulam; deputy national treasurer, Claudus Inengas; and national legal adviser, Victor Kwon. According to INEC’s Acting Director, Legal, Ibrahim Bawa: “The mode of election adopted for single candidates was not in accordance with the mode of election stipulated in paragraph 6.5 (i) of the guidelines for the conduct of the year 2012 congresses and national convention and, therefore, not acceptable to the commission.” But PDP questioned the INEC report which Metuh described at the time as “abnormal and sinister,” adding: “We are also worried about the aspect of INEC report that said that our convention was not in compliance with its guidelines and as such unacceptable.” He insisted that the party complied fully with its constitution and therefore had no need to be worried about the commission’s report. All these resulted in the setting up of a committee headed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, by President Goodluck Jonathan, which recommended their resignation. It was speculated that the President was also pressurised to ask Tukur to also stepped down, as being canvassed by most of the governors. But Tukur on Tuesday said he would not resign. Addressing journalists after a meeting with Jonathan at the First Lady Wing of the State House in Abuja, Tukur said elections would be held for the positions not contested for during the last NEC meeting. He dismissed as untrue and complete falsehood, reports that the President directed the party’s leadership to resign or be booted out by Thursday. Tukur told the State House correspondents that he would not resign as the national chairman of the party because “we are here to run the PDP.” He added: “It is not true that I am resigning. Resign for what? It is not true at all. We will continue to run the PDP.” He stated that himself, the National Financial Secretary, the National Auditor and the National Secretary, whose office is already vacant, were not affected. But he confirmed that eight NWC members, such as all the deputies, and all exofficio members whose elections were faulted by INEC would actually resign, and by Wednesday evening, some of them had started turning in their resignation letters, including Metuh. Tukur said: “The meeting with the President was about regularising the

Many believe Tukur survived due to the intervention of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark who must have prevailed on Jonathan to allow him a softlanding till the July 15 convention so as not to appear as if his (Tukur) and Jonathan’s opponents had their way by his ouster, especially having just recently failed to stop Amaechi’s re-election as NGF chairman. family of the PDP because there was INEC observation that some of the members of the NWC were not properly elected, so it has to be regularised. “Those who have not been elected will resign and they will go back. They will have the opportunity to regularise. However, the governors insisted on his ouster, just as Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu said on Tuesday at the State House after Jonathan’s meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly on the crises in the party that PDP leaders were still consulting over the fate of Tukur and other party executives. A former National Vice-Chairman (Northwest), Senator Danladi Sankara, said Tukur needed to go for sanity to return to the party, adding: “Our party is bigger than Tukur. His tenure has been nothing but disaster for the party.” But by late Tuesday, it was obvious that Tukur, Financial Secretary and the Auditor, might not go after all, as they were said to have received the President’s backing, viewed from the legal point. And on Thursday, he retained his seat at a crucial NEC meeting where several officials resigned and new ones emerged, with a vote of confidence passed on President Jonathan. Former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Chibudom Nwuche, replaced Jaja and Tony Okereke assumed the place of Metuh, with Chikwe replaced by Oyibo Nwaneri, all in acting capacity, after earlier mentioned NWC members had announced their resignation shortly before they were excused from the closed-door session of the NEC.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

COVER

PDP And Its High Turnover Of National Chairman By Godwin Ijediogor OLLOWING the planned transition to civilFAbdulsalami ian administration in 1999 by the Gen. Abubakar regime in 1998, the dismal human and democratic rights records of the military dictator, the late Gen Sani Abacha, a group of politicians, under the auspices of the All Politicians Summit, convened a meeting in 1997 to fashion a way out of the quagmire. But the group, led by former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, was brutally haunted by Abacha security agents. Soon, a group of 18, and later 34, political leaders dared the junta to form the G-34, which later became rallying point of the associations that metamorphosed into the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Article 14 of the party’s constitution specifies tenure of office for all elected executives at all levels. The national chairman, for example, is entitled for a four-year term, renewable by reelection, at the national convention. But since 1999, no chairman had ever completed his tenure, let alone re-contest, as the party’s leadership, especially at the national level, has been dogged by intrigues, horsetrading and scheming, all in an attempt by successive Presidents to have their way and pocket the party’s structures. The substantive chairmen were Chief

Gemade

Ali

Solomon Lar, Chief (now senator) Barnabas Gemade, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, and now Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed and Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje were appointed to preside in acting capacity. Lar emerged in 1998 and held the position until he handed over to Gemade in 2002. Gemade was elected national chairman after a tough competition with the late Chief Sunday Awoniyi to succeed succeeded Lar, in part due to zoning rules that favored giving the post to a northerner. But Gemade’s era was never smooth, coming at a time PDP faced a lot of implosions, aggravated by the face-off between the national headquarters and the Presidency. He acted almost independently and on sheer belief that Obasanjo could always honour any party decision forgetting that by PDP’s constitution, the President elected on its platform is the leader of the party. The contest for the position became fierce among Gemade, Nwodo (who was then National Secretary) and Ogbeh, but the latter emerged victorious, thanks to the weight of Obasanjo, making Gemade’s tenure one of the shortest. Ogbeh, ostensibly realising the circumstances of his emergence, did not over-reach himself and humbly recognised Obasanjo as a

Ogbeh

Ogbulafor

Nwodo

Haliru

Baraje

Tukur

godfather. But their romance did not last for long, as his closeness to Obasanjo’s deputy, Vice President Atiku Abubakar soon became his undoing at a time the President and his Vice were not having the best of relationship. It was no surprise that Obasanjo picked Ali, who had worked under him when he was head of state as Ogbe’s replacement and till date, the manner and circumstances surrounding the resignation of Ogbe from that position remains mysterious. Ali never opposed Obasanjo, and even if he did during the third term saga, he never allowed his dissention known to the public. Little wonder he remained till the end of Obasanjo’s tenure and supervised the party’s national convention that ushered in the late President Umaru Yar’Adua as Obasanjo’s successor. Ogbulafor emerged as the consensus choice at the party’s National Convention on March 8, as an alternative to the rival leading candidates- Sam Egwu (who was backed by Obasanjo) and Anyim Pius Anyim, when all 26 other candidates, including Egwu and Anyim, withdrew in his favour. Ogbulafor was eased out when he fell out of favour with the powers-that-be and forced to resign on the basis of clamour by party members who felt that he carried a huge moral burden over an allegation of corruption

against him. Nwodo was later chosen in his place. Even Nwodo did not last too long in that position, as he was off-loaded to take care of some interests, handing over the baton, in interim capacity, to his deputy, Dr. Haliru Bello from Kebbi State. Bello was later appointed Minister of Defence, paving the way for then national secretary, to take over, also in acting capacity. Tukur was elected to the position last year with the support of the Presidency, despite not being the choice candidate of his Northeast zone. But he has not had it rosy, especially with the state governors, who appear bent on seeing him off, following his controversial decision regarding the Adamawa state executive of the party. Not only that, some members of the national leadership are not at ease with his style of leadership and he has been courting enemies for himself and the president in the last few months through his actions and inactions, especially in the Southwest. This has re-enforced those oppose to him to push further for his ouster, which many believe might be around the corner, if the President must make in road in his second term ambition among the governors, who controlled quite a lot of the party’s voting struc-

Is PDP Umbrella Tearing Apart? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53 Governors Sule Lamido of Jigawa and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa states did not attend the meeting, but were represented by their deputies. Same for some of President’s supporters such as Governors Gabriel Suswam of Benue, Martins Elechi of Ebonyi, Sullivan Chime of Enugu and Ibrahim Shema of Katsina states. Amaechi was also absent at the meeting since he has been suspended. Many believe Tukur survived due to the intervention of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark who must have prevailed on Jonathan to allow him a soft-landing till the July 15 convention so as not to appear as if his (Tukur) and Jonathan’s opponents had their way by his ouster, especially having just recently failed to stop Amaechi’s re-election as NGF chairman.

Clark had earlier said Tukur had done no wrong and that the move to remove him was another ploy by anti-Jonathan forces to have their way. He stated: “I have observed from the print and electronic media the many discordant, unwarranted or cacophony of calls from some party members, including some governors, who have conspired with the opposition to cause confusion in the Jonathan administration to destabilise and undermine the government of Jonathan and the PDP; hence the unwarranted call on Tukur to resign his position. “Or is it not more reasonable for the objectors to call for a mini-convention after the NEC meeting of Thursday to correct the issues raised by INEC. “It is most disturbing that the party machinery is being

manipulated by disloyal party members, in collaboration with the opposition, for no valid cause, simply because they are nominated members of the NWC and are either being removed by court action or party disciplinary process. “It is therefore very unfair, unjustified for the constant harassment of Tukur by those who believe that without them, there is no PDP as a party, using the media for negative publicity, such as ‘no governor attended the chairman’s party’. “The ugly truth is that today, the PDP as a political party, is no longer in control of its various organs”. But how long Tukur survives will be determined by the outcome of the zonal meetings billed for July 13 and national convention on July 15. And his relationship with Anyim and members of his committee remains to be seen.

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

FITNESS

Old Fitness Untruths! There are some theories that have floated around concerning our fitness and how we should exercise, some backed up with science but as we know science evolves everyday. So we are finding some of those theories are being debunked. Below are some Lose fat in a specific area of your body by exercising it more E have all seen the adverts for machines, gadgets and workout DVDs that promise to get rid of those flabby underarms, tighten your hips or turn your stomach into an instant six-pack? As nice as these sound, the truth is that there is absolutely no way for you to selectively reduce fat in a specific area of the body. You can build muscle in a particular area but, you cannot get rid of fat that way. If you have been working out like that you probably do have a six-pack under that stomach—but you just can’t see it yet if you have layers of fat covering it. So instead of wasting your energy by spot training, your focus should be on using your entire body to burn fat through a mix of weight-training and cardio exercises. . Crunches And Sit-ups Build A Strong Core. Crunches are probably the most popular exercise for working the abs; however, science now

teaches us that crunches only target the top part of your abdominals and actually don’t improve your core strength that much. So, what’s the point of your fitness if it can’t help you easily do what you need to do in your everyday life? For a strong core, your abs, obliques, pelvic floor and lower back all have to be worked, so, your exercises should include compound functional full body exercises like planks, lunges and squats that target balance improvements. These movements build functional strength and support for your body no matter the activities you do during your day. A strong core keeps your back strong, resistant to pain and injury and improves your posture and balance. Always rest between strength-training sets One of the principles in weight training for many years was that you should rest for 60-90 seconds between sets. However, we can be more time-efficient than this by, alternating working different muscle groups with no rest in between. This is called circuit training and it is traditionally done in using weight stations that alternate between different muscle groups. So, you can basically work your chest, then work your back while your chest muscles rest then you go back to the chest while your back rests. An advantage of this is that because you keep your heart rate up throughout the workout, you not only build muscle—you also get the benefits of cardiovascular training. Per-

fect for those with limited time to work out! Doing lots of reps with lightweights gets you toned instead of heavy weights with low reps For some reason, it has been pounded into our heads that lifting lightweights makes you tiny and toned while lifting heavy weights will make you big and bulky like the Hulk. This isn’t true. Choose weights that challenge you. If you can lift a weight 20 times, it’s time to go heavier. Lifting heavier weights will not bulk you up unless you spend hours and hours in the gym and take steroids, so don’t be afraid to pick up the larger weights. Depending on your weight and how many reps you’re doing, you always need to select a weight that is heavy enough to get you to muscle exhaustion during your last couple of reps in a set. Exhaustion means your muscle has worked hard enough and is tired enough that you cannot do another rep with proper form. It’s so important to reach exhaustion because it’s at this point that your body starts to build more muscle. So, if you’re regularly doing bicep curls with 5-kg weights and could easily squeeze a few more reps or sets into your workout without really even feeling the burn, it’s time to up those weights! No pain, no gain. We’ve all heard this old phase, however, nothing could be further from the truth. While “feeling the burn” is a good thing and signals that the body and its muscles are working hard, there is absolutely no need for real pain. A good rule is that if you feel any pain, sharp or

WELLNESS & BEAUTY By Victoria Ekanem

Treating Dark Circles Under The Eyes (2) Creams RY to use light creams that are rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Avoid heavy night creams. There are also some specialist Dark Circle Removers available. Be careful to stick with quality brands and don't be tempted by the "miracle cures" that some products claim to be. For those who can afford it, Mary Kay TimeWise Even Complexion Essence is good. Its active ingredients include ascorbyl glucoside and niacinamide, which helps stop your skin from producing pigment. It's beneficial for all skin types, even if you don't have discolorations, thanks to its use of moisturizers, wrinkle-fighting peptides and numerous antioxidants like vitamin C. Cucumber Slices of cucumber or potato can be used to reduce puffiness and marks around the eyes. Close your eyes and cover your eyelids with a thin slice for up to twenty minutes. This soothes tired eyes and increases the circula-

tion to the skin around the eyes. Alternatively, apply a little cucumber juice to the area. You could even grate the potato, wrap it in thin cloth and place it over the eyes. Make sure to wash the area thoroughly afterwards and apply a little moisturising cream or oil around the eyes to moisturize the area. Detox Many people recommend detoxification to rid your system of toxins and rejuvenate your body. The skin can benefit greatly from such cleansing and that can only help the area around your eyes. Detoxing can involve fasting for short periods of time but you must ensure that you continue to take in plenty of water. Alternatively, you could simply cut out all the unhealthy foods that are a regular part of your diet. Promise yourself that, for at least a month, you will give up alcohol, caffeine, sugary drinks, fatty and sugary food, smoking, etc. Be honest

with yourself about what you need to give up and don't let a moment of weakness undermine your determination. For a more rigorous detox, try this plan. For at least a week, eliminate all the foods that you have eaten for the past six weeks. This isn't quite as sweeping as it sounds as most of us eat much the same thing every day. Also give up products containing gluten, dairy (milk based products like milk, butter, cheese) or sugar. Instead, eat different fish, fowl and vegetables. If you need to eat between meals, have a little fruit. Drink water and lots of it. After a period of detoxing, you should feel refreshed and rejuvenated and the dark circles under your eyes should be greatly reduced if not gone for good.

With Oyinkan Talabi (Bodyworks)

dull, stop, rest and modify the exercise. Do not take pain lightly or push through it. Pain is a sign that something is wrong with your body and it needs rest or a modification of the exercise (for example walking instead of running or doing a front lunge instead of a backwards lunge). Also important is, if you feel terrible, dizzy, blackout or have chest pains, you must take this very seriously and slow down (for cardio) or stop completely (for immediate severe pain). Additionally, if you’ve been working out very hard and feel like you might be overtraining, it’s important to give your body the rest it needs. Remember, exercise is supposed to make you feel better—not worse! When it comes down to it, some of the new rules for fitness are common sense and easier to stick with. Incorporate these new “rules” into your training and you’ll be amazed at what a difference such small changes can make! Love your

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June, 22, 2013

Change of Name ABIRI: Former Miss. Abiri Efeoghene now Mrs. Aziegbemhin Efeoghene. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ACHUZIA: Formerly Miss Veronica Achuzia now Mrs. Veronica Biose. Documents valid. Public note. ADDITION OF NAME: MARCUS: This is notify the general public that I, Marcus Aniekan Inyama now wish to be called Marcus Aniekan Inyama Asuquo. All former credentials and documents remain valid. MDCN, NPMCN, University of Calabar, University Calabar Teaching Hospital please take note. ADEBAYO: Formerly Miss Adebayo Abigail Tosin now Mrs. James Abigail Tosin. Former documents valid. Public note. ADEBAYO: Formerly Miss Bilikis Joke Adebayo, now Mrs Bilikis Joke Quadri. Former documents valid. NYSC & Public note. ADEBIYI: Formerly Miss Adebiyi Adeyemisi Mary now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Echi Adeyemisi Mary. Former documents remain valid. General public note. ADEDOTUN-ADEWALE: I, former Miss Funmilayo Grace Adedotun-Adewale now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adedotun-Adewale Funmilayo Grace. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEGBE: Former Miss Adegbe Margaret Ella now addressed as Mrs. Margaret Henry-Okpo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEGBOYE: I, Tolulo Adegboye Funmilayo is the same person as Adegboye Funmilayo Tolulo. All documents remain valid. Public note. ADEOLA: Former Miss Anuoluwapo Temitope now Mrs. Anuoluwapo Temitope Ibigbami. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADESIDA: Formerly Blessing Adesida now Mrs. Blessing Ashibekong. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADESINA: Formerly Miss Adesina Raimot Taiwo now Mrs. Aibinuola Raimot Taiwo. Docu-

ments note.

valid.

Public

ADEWALE: Formerly Miss Oluwatosin Abimbola Adewale now Mrs. Oluwatosin Abiodun Kehinde. Former documents valid. Public note. ADIGUN: Formerly Miss Adigun Adepeju now Mrs. Oyewole Adepeju. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGBABIAKA: Formerly known as Miss Rachael Abosede Agbabiaka wish to known and addressed as Mrs Rachael Abosede Aduroja. Former documents remain valid. Public note AGBEDOR: Former Miss Hassana Jafaru (Agbedor) now addressed as Mrs. Hassana Jafaru Popson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Agbedor. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGBOLUAJE: Formerly Agboluaje Monsurat Motunrayo now Mrs. Monsurat Motunrayo Adepoju. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGBOOLA: Formerly Agboola Bashiru Mayowa now Olawunmi Bashiru Mayowa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGBOOLA: Formerly Miss Opeyemi Idowu Agboola now Mrs. Opeyemi Idowu Fabiyi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGHA: Formerly Miss Agha Onyeoma Nkama now Mrs. Joy Onyeoma Chinedu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGU: Formerly MISS Agu Chinyere now Mrs Agu Chinyere Chinonso. Former documents valid. NYSC, public note. AJIDE: Formerly Miss Ajide Oluwabukola Temitope now Mrs. Adefisoye Oluwabukola Rhoda. Former documents valid. Public note. AKERELE: Formerly Miss Akerele Eronmwon Modupe now Mrs. Jubril Eronmwon Modupe. Former documents valid. Public note. AKHANOLU: Formerly Miss Akhanolu Eseohe Favour now Mrs. Agbonifoh Eseohe Favour. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AIYUDU: I, formerly Miss Aimiomode Eyenruwa Aiyudu now wish to be known as Mrs. Aimiomode Eyenruwa Abokitia. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. AJAYI: I, formerly Ajayi Aderonke Abigail now Mrs. Lanihun Aderonke Abigail. All former documents remain valid. Public note. AJAYI: Formerly Miss Omowunmi Rasheedat Ajayi, now Mrs. Omowunmi Rachael Oluwabiyi. Former documents valid. Public note. AKINTOLA: Formerly Akintola Folashade Hannah now Abidoye Folashade Hannah. All documents remain valid. Public note. AKINTUNDE: Formerly Mr. Akintunde Akintunde Babalola now Mr. Akintunde Olumide Babalola. Former documents remain valid.. Public note. AKOSILE: Formerly Miss Akosile Deborah Boluwadade now Mrs. Wale-lbinayo Deborah Boluwadade. Documents valid. Public note. AKPUDACHIE: Formerly Miss Akpudachie Rosemary Nwakaego now Mrs. Obiekwe Rosemary Nwakaego. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ALABI: Formerly Alabi Babatunde James now James Tunde James. Former documents valid. Public note. AMAO-KEHINDE: Formerly Miss Amao-Kehinde Adesola Oluwayemisi now Mrs. Oladunjoye Adesola Oluwayemisi. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ANAEKWE: Formerly Miss Chidinma Anaekwe, now Mrs. Chidinma Nwokedi. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ANI: Formerly Miss Ani Nonyelum Evelyn now Mrs. Ugwu Nonyelum Evelyn. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ANYEBE: Formerly Miss Naomi Adikwu is now Mrs. Naomi Peter Anyebe. All documents remain valid. And public take note. ANYOGU: Former Miss Ogochukwu Schol-

arstica Anyogu now wish to be known as Mrs. Ogochukwu Scholarstica Okeke. Former documents remain valid. APATA: Formerly Oluwatoyin Janet Apata now Mrs. Oluwatoyin Janet Ojo-Alo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ARINOLA: Formerly Arinola Akeem Abiola now Mr. Lawal Akeem Abiola. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ARUGBUONYE: I, formerly known as Miss Nwabugo Ijeoma Arugbuonye now Mrs. Nwabugo Ijeoma Opara. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ASUBIARO: I, formerly known as Miss Asubiaro Oluwatoyin Betty now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odofin Oluwatoyin Betty. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. ATTAHIRU: I, formerly Miss Fatima Attahiru now Mrs. Fatima Moses Oghagbon. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AYANDARE: Former Miss Ayandare Oluwabukola Elizabeth now Mrs. Atanda Oluwabukola Elizabeth. Former documents remain valid. General public note. AYENI: Formerly Miss Nimota Omodele Ayeni now Mrs. Nimota Omodele Akinade. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AYODEJI: Formerly Miss Titilayo Olawumi Ayodeji now Mrs. Titilayo Olawumi Adebiyi. All documents remain valid. Public note. AYORINDE: Forrmerly Miss Ayorinde Abidemi Mary now Mrs. Omotoye Abidemi Mary. Documents valid. Public note. AZEEZ: Former Miss Olufunmilola Tolu Azeez now Mrs. Olufunmilola Toluwalase Arosanyin. Former documents remain valid. Public note. BABAJIDE: Formerly Miss Babajide Iyun-Ade Leah now Ashade IyunAde Leah. Documents valid. Public note. BALOGUN:

Formerly

Miss Ololade Balogun now Mrs. Ololade Olukosi. All documents remain valid. Public note. BALOGUN: Formerly Miss Adekunbi Ariwoola Balogun now Mrs. Adekunbi Ariwoola Akanbi. Previous documents valid. General public note. BASHORUN: Formerly Miss Ayisat Annabel Bashorun, now Mrs Ayisat Annabel Zubair. Former documents valid. Public note. BASSEY: Formerly Miss Jane Uti Bassey now Mrs. Jane Uti Montadat. Former documents valid. Public note. BUSARI: Formerly Miss Ganiat Adefolake Busari now Mrs. Ganiat Adefolake Omotola Ogunde. Former documents valid. Public note. CHIDO: I Mr. Osuagwu Chidozie Chido (Esq) of Mpama village in EgbuOwerri; of Owerri North Local government in lmo state of Nigeria; now wish to change my names and those of my entire immediate family; known and addressed as Mr. Osuagwu Chidozie Chido now Emmanuel Charles Chiedozie (Esq). Formerly Mrs. Osuagwu Benita Osondu now Mrs. Emmanuel Benita Osondu. Formerly Master Charles Chiedozie now Emmanuel Charles Chiedozie (Jnr.).Â Formerly Master Osuagwu Emmanuel Ikechwukwu now Emmanuel Emmanuel Ikechwukwu. Formerly Miss Osuagwu Precious Akudo now Emmanuel Precious Akudo. Formerly Master Wisdom Onyebuchi now Emmanuel Wisdom Onyebuchi. Formerly Master Osuagwu Princewill Chukwuemeka now Emmanuel Princewill chukwuemeka. All former documents remain valid. General Public note. CHIOWA: Formerly Miss Oluchi Kalu Chiowa now Mrs. Oluchi Kalu Ogba. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, public note. CHUKWU: Formerly Miss Dorathy Chinyere Chukwu now Mrs. Dorathy Chinyere Okawale. Documents valid. Public note. CHUKWU: Formerly Miss Ugo Chukwu now Mrs. Ikeh Grace M. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

COKER: Formerly Miss Coker Olaronke Oluwaseun now Mrs. Ojo Olaronke Oluwaseun. Former documents remain valid. Public note. COSTA-ALEGRE: Formerly Miss Diana Nataniela Costa-Alegre now Miss Diana Nataniela Oluwaseyi Alegre-Oseni. Former documents remain valid. Public note. DAWODU: Formerly Raji Babatunde Dawodu now Isaac Babajinmi Thomas. Former documents remain valid. Public note. DEPIVER: Former Miss Depiver Evelyn Adedoyin now addressed as Mrs. Okumbor Evelyn Adedoyin. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EBITU: Formerly Miss Sophia Emem Ebitu, now Mrs Sophia Emem Weaver. Former documents valid. Public note. ECHEM: Formerly Miss Echem Mercy Ekemma now Mrs. Omaka Mercy Ekemma. Former documents valid. Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic UNWANA, Afikpo Ebonyi State, NYSC, public note. EDEH: Formerly Miss Edeh Obianuju Lilian now Mrs. Okoh Obianuju Lilian. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EDETANLEN: Formerly Miss Emily Ebeleya Edetanlen now Mrs. Emily Ebeleya Omole. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EFFIONG: Formerly Miss Peace Nathaniel Effiong now Mrs. Peace Mfon Christopher. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EFFIONG: Formerly Miss Eyo-Anwan Bassey Effiong, now Mrs EyoAnwan Kanu. Former documents valid. Public note. EGBASE: Formerly Miss Omomene Christiana Egbase now Mrs. Omomene Christiana Obanor. All documents certificates and correspondences made in the previous name remain valid. General public note. EGUNKOLA: Formerly Egunkola Omowunmi Opakunle now Opakunle Oluwaseyi Omowunmi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June, 22, 2013

Change of Name EGWUIYI: Formerly Miss Egwuiyi Ijeoma Esther now Mrs. Chukwu Ijeoma Esther. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

Fabiyi Omowumi Opeyemi now Mrs. Fayomi Omowumi Opeyemi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

EGWUNYENGA: Formerly Miss Esther Nkem Egwunyenga now Mrs. Esther Nkem Egwuenu. Documents valid. Public note.

FAKA: Formerly Miss Faka Emuejeaboghene Josephine now Mrs. Umolo Emuejeaboghene Josephine. Former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

EHIMEN: Formerly Miss Kate Ehibhajajemen Ehimen now Mrs. Kate Ehibhajajemen Eigbe. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EJEKE: Formerly Miss Ejeke Dinah Onyinyechukwu, now Mrs. Ofordum Dinah Onyinyechukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EJEKWOLU: Formerly Miss Onyinyechi Nonye Ejekwolu now Mrs. Onyinyechi Nonye Brenda Ashikwe. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EKEAGWU: Formerly Miss Ekeagwu Onyinye Yvonne, now Mrs Okwuagwu Onyinye Yvonne. Former documents valid. Public note. ENEBELI: Former Miss Enebeli Lydia Ify now Mrs. Abanum Lydia Ify. Former documents remain valid. General public note. ENE: Formerly Ene Lucy Cheluchi now Okafor Lucy Cheluchi. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. ETIM: Formerly Miss Edidiong Effiong Etim now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Edidiong Edidiong- Umoh. Former documents remain valid. General public note. EVANS-AGHETE: Formerly Miss Eunice Oghogho Evans-Aghete now Mrs. Eunice Oghogho Eso. All documents remain valid. General public note. EZEABASILI: Formerly Miss Virginia Nneamaka Ezeabasili now Mrs. Virginia Nneamaka Udemba. All former documents remain valid. UNILAG, Fidelity Bank and public note. EZEADEBOR: Formerly Miss Chibuzo Yvonne Ezeadebor now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Chibuzo Yvonne Ani. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. FABIYI: Formerly Miss

FARAJIMAKIN: Formerly Miss Farajimakin Iyabode Janet now Mrs. Ochuu Iyabode Janet. Former documents valid. Public note. FAYEMI: Former Miss Abimbola Rafiat Fayemi now Mrs. Abimbola Rafiat Edalere. Former documents remain valid. General public note. FEYISAYO: Formerly Miss Feyisayo Omolayo Ajoke now Mrs. Sonaike Omolayo Ajoke. Previous documents valid. General public note. GIFT: I, formerly Miss Gift Ehi Obaje now Mrs. Ogbeh Gift Ehi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IBEKU: Formerly Miss Mary-Joan Obiageri Ibeku now wish to be addressed as Mrs. MaryJoan Oguntosin. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. IBIGBAMI: Formerly Miss Ibigbami Itunu Olusola now Mrs. Adejumo Itunu Olusola. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IDEMUDIA: I formerly Miss Jane Osariemen Idemudia wish to be addressed as Mrs. Jane Osariemen Omo-Edohen. Former documents remain valid. General public please take note. IGWEGBO: Formerly Miss Igwegbo Nnedi Amara now Mrs. Chukwulobe Nnedi Amara. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IKEGWU: I, formerly Miss Ikegwu Chinwe Victoria now Mrs. Ezeka Chinwe Victoria. Former documents remain valid. Landover Company/United Airlines & public note. IKEKA: Formerly Miss Gloria Chinasa Ikeka now Mrs. Gloria Chinasa Miriukwu. Documents valid. Public note. ILESANMI: Formerly Miss llesanmi Cecilia

Abosede now Mrs. Okeowo Cecilia Oluwatoyin. Documents valid. Public note. ISAAC: Formerly Miss Priscilla Isaac now Mrs Priscilla Alex Nwafor. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ISINTUME: Formerly Miss Priscilla Ngozi Isintume now Mrs. Ngozi Isintume-Agu. Former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police Force, public note. ISMAILA: Formerly Miss Ismaila Habeebat Aduke now Mrs. Alade Oluwanifemi Aduke. Former documents valid. Public note. IWUAGWU: Formerly Miss Iwuagwu Patience Ogechukwu now Mrs. Anekwe Patience Ogwchukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IWUH: Formerly Miss Akudo Tina Iwuh now Mrs. Christina Akudo Samuel. All former documents remain valid. The public take note. JEBUTU: I, formerly Miss Jebutu Olusola Ruth now Mrs, Ajayi Olusola Ruth. Former documents remain valid. Public note. KALU: I, formerly addressed as Miss Kalu Comfort now wish to be known as Mrs. Comfort Kalu Ekuma. All documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Service and public note. KOLAWOLE: Formerly Miss Kolawole Funmilayo Iyabo, now Mrs Kadejo Funmilayo Iyabo. Former documents valid. Public note. KOLEOSHO: Formerly Miss Koleosho Oluwadamilola Latifat now Mrs. Efunwale Oluwadamilola Latifat. Former documents valid. Public note.

note. MADA: Formerly Miss Minakur Maigana Mada now Mrs. Minakur Gashau Mangga. All documents, certificates and correspondences made in the previous name remain valid. General public note. MAYOWA: Formerly Miss Mayowa Afolakemi Alake now Mrs. Ogunleye Afolakemi Joanna. Former documents valid. Public note. MICAH: Formerly Miss Micah Deborah now Mrs. Ekwugum Chukwuyem Deborah. Former documents remain valid. Abia State Polytechnic NYSC, public note. MMEGWA: Formerly Miss Ruth Chimemma Mmegwa, now Mrs Ruth Chimemma Kelechi. Former documents valid. Public note. MMOGONU: I, formerly Miss Chinwe Eunice Mmogonu now wish to be known as Mrs. Chinwe Eunice CharlesAnumele. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. MOKPO: Former Miss Mokpo Ufuoma Jessica now Mrs. Sapele Ufuoma Jessica. All former documents remain valid. Public note. MUOTANYA: Formerly Miss Muotanya Ogechukwu Catherine now Mrs. Nwachukwu Ogechukwu Catherine. Former documents remain valid. General public note. NDIOLO: Formerly Miss Ndiolo Eucharia Ifeyinwa now Mrs. Edeh Eucharia Ifeyinwa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NJIKONYE: Former Miss Hope Ugonma now Mrs. Hope Ugonma Akunso. All documents remain valid. Public note.

KOSHOFFA: Formerly Koshoffa Margaret Folakemi now Mrs. Bankole Margaret Folakemi. Documents valid. Public note.

NJOKU: Formerly Miss Njoku Tochi Thelma, now Mrs Ebikake-Paul Tochi Thelma. Former Documents valid. Public note.

LAWAL: Formerly Miss Lawal Olabode Mulikat now Mrs, Fashina Olabode Mulikat. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

NWABEKE: Formerly Miss Nwabeke Chisara now Mrs. Leonard Goodseed Chisara. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

LEGUNSEN: I, formerly Miss Legunsen Tosin Felicia now Mrs. IsholaJames Adeyemi Felicia. All former documents remain valid. Public

NNABUGWU: I formerly Miss Vivian Nnenna Nnabugwu now wish to be Mrs. Vivian Nnenna Igboko. Former documents remain valid.

Abia State University, NYSC and public note. NWACHUKWU: I, formerly Miss Ruth Chinasa Nwachukwu now Mrs. Ruth Chinasa Izege. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NWAIWU: Formerly Miss Onyekachi Winifred Nwaiwu now Mrs. Onyekachi Winifred Igbinedion. Former documents valid. STANDARD ORGANIZATION OF NIGERIA, public note. NWANKWO: Formerly miss Nwankwo Josephine now Mrs Osondu Josephine Enyidiya. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NWANORUO: Formerly Miss Nwanoruo Cecilia Adaeze now Mrs. Iwu Cecilia Adaeze. Former documents valid. NYSC, public note NWOSU: Formerly Miss Doris Ijeoma Nwosu, now Mrs Doris Ijeoma Ebose. Former documents Valid. Public note. NWUDOH: Formerly Miss Ifeyinwa Edith Nwudoh now Mrs. Alexander Ifeyinwa Edith. Former documents remain valid. The public take note.

ODION: Formerly Miss Odion Iziegbe Faith now Mrs. Overare Iziegbe Faith. Former documents remain valid. Etranzact & public note. OFOEGBU: Formerly Miss Ofoegbu Patience Akudo now Mrs. Obinna Akudo Patience. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGBENNAYA: I formerly Miss Ogbennaya Eunice Nkechi, now Mrs. Obineri Eunice Nkechi. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OGBUE: Formerly Mr. Ogbue Onyekachi Ikedinachukwu now Mr. Benaiah Onyekachi Ikedinachukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUBUIKE: Formerly Miss Ogubuike Mary Chinyere, now Mrs. Onugha Mary Chinyere. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNBERU: Formerly Mrs. Shakirat Abolanle Ogunberu now Miss Shakirat Abolanle Yusuff. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, Ogun State House of Assembly and public note.

OBAEMIASO: Former Miss Obaemiaso Onome Ogheneoghale now Mrs. Shakpoke Ogheneoghale Onome. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OGUNDE: Formerly Miss Ogunde Adesewa Omowunmi now Mrs. Mabadeje Adesewa Omowunmi. Documents valid. Public note.

OBASUNLOYE: Formerly Miss Bola Mary Obasunloye now Mrs. Bola Mary Kehinde. Former documents valid. Public note.

OGUNFODUNRIN: I, formerly known as Opekunle Iyeyemi Ogunfodunrin now wish to be known as Opekunle Iyeyemi Fodunrin. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

OBHIELO: Formerly Miss Obhielo Geraldine Osaremen, now Mrs. Adoghe Geraldine Osaremen. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OBIAGHANWA: Formerly Miss Obiaghanwa Adanma Vivian also known as Ray-Udeajah Adanma Vivian now Mrs. Obiora Adanma Vivian. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OBI: Formerly Miss Osafile Ruth Obi now Mrs. James Ruth Obi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. OBOTERE: Formerly Miss Obotere Owhofete Faith now Mrs. Akintunde Owhofete Faith. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

OGUNFODUNRIN: I, formerly known as Eunice Omotayo Ogunfodunrin now wish to be known as Eunice Omotayo Fodunrin. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OJUKWU: Formerly Miss Ojukwu Norah Ogochukwu now Mrs. Njeze Norah Ogochukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKEKE: Formerly Miss Okeke Faith Amaka now Mrs. Nwachukwu Faith Amaka. Former documents valid. Public note. OKEKE: Formerly Miss Anurika Okeke Blessing now Mrs. Joy Blessing Egbuabor.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June, 22 , 2013

Change of Name OKEOKPA: Formerly Miss Okeokpa Ezinne Jane now Mrs Ezekiel Ezinne Jane. Former documents valid. CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, UMUAHIA, public note. OKEOMA: Formerly MISS Okeoma Chizoba now Mrs Ugbaja Chizoba. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, public note. OKOLI: Formerly Miss Onyinye Joy Okoli, now Mrs Onyinye Joy Maduabuchi. Former documents valid. Public note. OKOLO: Formerly Miss Okolo Immaculata Nkechinyere now Mrs. Olisaeke Immaculata Nkechinyere. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKON: Formerly Miss Peace Edem Okon now Mrs. Peace Edem Inwang. Former documents valid. Public note. OKONKWO: We formerly Okonkwo Nnamdi Onyekachi, Okonkwo Ngozi Hope (Nee Ukaejiofor), Onyekachi Chikamso Excellence, Onyekachi Udodirim Grace, Onyekachi Nzube Promise now Elendu N n a m d i Onyekachi, Elendu Ngozi Hope (Nee Ukaejiofor), Elendu Chikamso Excellence, Elendu Udodirim Grace, Elendu Nzube Promise. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKONKWO: Formerly Miss Okonkwo Nkechi Ogochukwu now Mrs Ndinechi Nkechi Ogochukwu. Former documents valid. Public take note. OKPALAOJIEGO: Formerly Miss Cecilia Okpalaojiego (Mma) now Mrs. Cecilia Ezeonwuka. Former documents valid. Public note. OKPOR: I, formerly known as Miss Okpor Ndidi Patience now Mrs. Adetolu Oluwambe Ndidi. General public take note. OKOROAFOR: Formerly Miss Okoroafor Rebecca now Mrs. George Rebecca. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. OKOROAFOR: Formerly Miss Okoroafor Nkechinyere G. now Mrs Ibe Nkechinyere G. Former documents

valid. Public note. OKOROIGWE: Formerly Miss Ifeoma Okoroigwe, now Mrs Eboh Ifeoma. Former documents valid. Public note. OKUGO: Formerly Miss Okugo Stella Ebere now Mrs. Ekwueme Stella Ebere. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKUNUGA: I, formerly Okunuga Shadiat Abike now Dada wish to be known as Abidemi Abike. Former documents remain valid. UK Embassy & public note. OLADEJO: Formerly Miss Monisola Tawakalitu Oladejo now Mrs Monisola Tawakalitu Martins. Former documents remain valid. Public note OLADEPO: Former Miss Oladepo Abiola Oluwakemi now addressed as Mrs. Adeyeye Abiola Oluwakemi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OLAFARE: Former Miss Tolulope Kudirat Yemisi now Mrs. Kudirat Yemisi Esho. All documents remain valid. Public note. OLAITAN: Former Miss Ololade Funke Olaitan now Mrs. Ololade Funke Akomolafe. Former documents valid. Public note. OLANREWAJU: Former Miss Olusola Omolola Olanrewaju now Mrs. Olusola Omolola. Segun – Akiode. Public note. OLAPOSI: Formerly Miss Omobukola Rafat Olaposi, now Mrs Omobukola Chinomso Nelson. Former documents valid. Public note. OLATUNDE: Formerly Miss Olatunde Esther Olubukola now Mrs. Omilabu Esther Olubukola. Former documents valid. Public note. OLLA: Formerly Olla Oluwatoyin Gloria now Adebo Oluwatoyin Gloria. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OLAWAIYE: Formerly Miss Olawaiye Oluwaseun Oluwafunmilayo now Mrs. Gindeh Oluwaseun Oluwafunmilayo. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OLORITUN: Formerly Miss Oloritun Deborah Funmilayo now Mrs. Bamgbose Deborah Funmilayo. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, public note.

OLOWOKERE: Formerly Miss Olowokere Abimbola Christiana, now Mrs Odedeyi Abimbola Christiana. Former documents valid. Public note. OLUFOWOKAN: Formerly known as Miss Olufowokan Olufunmilayo Abidemi now Mrs. Folawiyo Tawakalitu Olufunmilayo. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. OLUWOLE: I, formerly known as Hikimat Aderonke Oluwole now wish to be known as Mrs. Hikimat Aderonke Habib. All former documents remain valid. OLUWUNMI: Former Miss Ifeoluwa Elizabeth Oluwunmi now Mrs. Ifeoluwa Elizabeth Alder. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OMOLADE: Formerly called Omolade Musiliat Omowunmi now Anjorin Musiliat Omowunmi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OMOSEDE: Formerly Agbons Flora Omosede now Aduku Agbons Flora Omosede. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OMOTAYO: Formerly Omotayo Oladele Oluwaseun now Oladele Omotayo Oluwaseun. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OMOTOSO: Formerly Miss Omotayo Aminat Omotoso, now Mrs Omotayo Aminat Senbore. Former documents valid. Public note. ONABANJO: Formerly Miss Onabanjo Barakat Bolaji now Miss Balogun Bolaji Omotola Barakat. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ONWUKWE: Miss Onwukwe Onyinye Chinenye is Nwachukwu Oninye Gift & Also Mrs Oruche Onyinye Gift. Former documents valid. Public vote. ONYEJEKWE: Formerly Miss Frances Nneka Onyejekwe now Mrs. Frances Nneka Andah. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ONYEJELAM: Formerly Miss Chidinma Esther Onyejelam now Mrs. Omeonyeozor Chidinma Esther. Former documents valid. Nursing/midwifery Council, Nigeria, public take.

ONYEKWERE: Formerly Onyekwere Ogoloma now Simon Ogoloma. Former documents valid. public note. ONYELO: Formerly Miss Okeleke Linda Onyelo, now Miss Okeleke Blessing Onyelo. Former documents valid. Public note. ORAKA: Formerly Miss Oraka Sarah Onome now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adeyilola Onome Sarah. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ORESANYA: Former Miss Oresanya Morounkola Temidayo now to be known as Mrs. Okunuga Morounkola Temidayo. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OROUWA: Formerly Miss Orouwa Nkemdilim now Mrs. Helena Nkemdilim Ronald. General public take note. OTEBELE: Former Miss Otebele Deborah now Mrs. Boyitie Deborah Ufuoma. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OWOLABI: Formerly Miss Owolabi Oluwakemi Abigael now Mrs. Oluwakemi Abigael Agoro. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OWOLABI : This is to inform the public that I formally known as Owolabi Ganiyat Taiye, henceforth should be addressed as Abu Ganiyat Taiye. OWOSANYA: Formerly Owosanya Kehinde Deborah now Gbadebo Kehinde Deborah. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. OWULU: Formerly Miss Owulu Roseline Uchenna, now Mrs Onwudinjor Roseline Uchenna. Former documents valid. Public note. OYEKANMI: Formerly Miss Oyekanmi Modupe Peace now Mrs. Osundare Modupe Peace. Former documents remain valid. General public note. OZURUMBA: Formerly Miss Ozurumba Rosemary Clara Onyinyechi now Mrs. Nkemdirim Rosemary Clara Onyinyechi. Former documents valid. Public note. ROY: Formerly Miss Queen Riccy Roy now Mrs. Queen Riccy

Adenegha. Former documents remain valid. Public note. SADIQ: Formerly Miss Olawunmi Raliat Sadiq, now Mrs Olawunmi Raliat Odufuye. Former documents valid. Public note. SALAWU: Formerly Miss Rekiat Bola Salawu now Mrs. Habibat Bola Nojeem. Former documents valid. Public note. SAMUEL: Formerly Mr. Samuel Segun Akiode now Mr. Michael Segun Akiode. Former documents valid. Public note. SEKONI: Formerly Sekoni Oluwabukola Oluwakemi now Mrs. O l u w a d a r e O l u w a b u k o l a Oluwakemi. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. SHOLAJA: Formerly Miss Omotayo Oluwaseun Sholaja, now Mrs Omotayo Oluwaseun Popoola. Former documents valid. Public note. SHONIBARE: Formerly Iyanu Abosede Shonibare now Mrs. Iyanu Abosede Jaiyeola. Former documents remain valid. Public note. SOSUMOBEE: Formerly Miss Judith Hodesime Olayori Sosumobee now Mrs. Judith Hodesime Olayori Gbadamosi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. SOYOMBO: Formerly Miss Soyombo Rukayat Anike now Mrs. Abiodun Rebecca Oluwaseun. Documents valid. Public note. SUNDAY: Formerly Miss Sunday Ann Iheoma, now Mrs. Ofu Ann Iheoma. All former documents remain valid. Public note. SUNDAY: Formerly Miss Ekaette Sunday now Mrs Mercy Aloysius. Former documents remain valid. Public take note TINSLEY: Formerly Emeka Lamar Tinsley, now Emeka Lamar Olebara. All former documents remain valid. Public note. TORITSEJU: Formerly Mr. Yomi-Okoro Toritseju now known as Mr. Toju Okoro. All former documents remain valid. General public note. UDO-AFFIA: Former Miss Enobong Delphine UdoAffia now Mrs. Enobong Delphine Omeruah. Former document remain valid. Public note. UDOH: Formerly Miss

Blessing Saturday Udoh now Mrs. Blessing Saturday Oseni. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UGBOMEH: Formerly Miss Ugbomeh Clair Adaolise now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ofili Clair Adaolise. Former documents remain valid. General public note. UGWUOKE: Formerly Miss Ugwuoke Nneka Regina now Mrs. Ugwu Nneka Regina. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UTUAMA: Former Miss. Utuama Oghenefejiro Barbara now Mrs. Smooth Oghenefejiro Barbara. All former documents remain valid. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and public note. UWAKAH: Formerly Mr. Christian Samuel Uwakah now Mr. Chris-Don Nkem Samuel. All documents remain valid. The public take note. UMUONUMA: We formerly known and addressed as Umuonuma now wish to be known as Umumma in Ameke Obioma Udi Local Govt. Area in Enugu State. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UZONNA: Formerly Miss Uzonna C h i d i m m a Clementina now Mrs. Effiom Chidimma Clementina. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ZAKARIYAN: I, formerly Miss Zakariyan Omowunmi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. O d u b a n j o Omowunmi. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22, 2013

TRANSITION

Tribute To Jeremiah Olu By Sim Ochi N August 20, 1975, I was one of the 120 boys O from all parts of Nigeria that arrived at the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, in the then North Central State to begin a grueling five-year Secondary/Military training course that was aimed at grooming and shaping young lads to junior leaders in the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For most of the 12-year-olds, that was the first time they were leaving their parents to journey mostly by train to a hostile and unfriendly military environment. Nevertheless, it was the beginning of a proud military career for most of them. A rural, lanky, light complexioned lad was one of the boys. He was Jeremiah Olu Taiwo Adetomiwa. We had earlier met as candidates from the then Western State during the interview stage in April 1975. From the beginning, Jerry was seen as taciturn, withdrawn and on the quiet side, much unlike the numerous barrack and city boys that reported to NMS with one form of mischief or the other. We saw him as a village boy we could upstage with tricks and in the class. Our first examination was to clear every doubt in that direction. The rural, quiet boy was among the best three, a position he maintained till the very end. With this feat, the Gbongan boy earned our respect until we left NMS in June 1980. Despite his highly cerebral nature, Jerry was the bridge between the high flyers, the middlemen and the backbenchers, always willing to explain things and generally encourage you. The way he simply approached dreaded science subjects like Mathematics and Additional Mathematics was to later earn him the nickname ‘Alikaka’, a corrupted version of Ali (BALOYE) Calculus. He was everybody’s friend, even his senior colleagues. He was not everything we were. He was not wicked to the junior

boys, a lot of us were; he was not a ‘Dodger’, most of us were; he didn’t partake in ‘Mango hunting’, most of us did; he was not sneaking out to the cinema, most of us did. The things Jerry did regularly and most of us weren’t doing were attending Padre Hour, Fellowship of Christian Students meeting and going to church. Jerry upheld these values till the very end. He was morally upright, religious, pious and kind. For most of his colleagues, it was fait accompli that Jerry would end up in the university, especially with his Grade One Distinction in the 1980 WASC Examination. Alas, Jerry and I, with some boys of the 1980 set found ourselves reporting to the Nigerian Defence Academy on January 3, 1981, as members of the 29 Regular Course. Although he was posted to Burma Company and I to Dalet Company, we found ourselves in the Naval Wing. Together with cadets from other schools, we began the journey to Generalship on that cold, windy January, no thanks to the hostile harmattan and even more hostile Senior Cadets. In no time, almighty Alikaka was in the forefront, as a Science Cadet, and as a Naval Cadet. He also upheld his very high moral values at a time most of us were struggling with the vices of adolescence. He maintained his sterling virtues as a boy, cadet, officer and gentleman. On commissioning as Sub Lieutenants, Jerry was one of the first few to own a car. We lived in Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos, courtesy of another course mate, Emmanuel Etim Etifit. Nobody knew the owner of the house or the car. It was simply the first person to pick the car. Such was the simple nature of this gentleman. Very early as young officers, Jerry was admitted to the great Obafemi Awolowo Uni-

Adetomiwa versity, Ife, where he read Electronics and Electrical Engineering and graduated with Distinction. He also attended several military courses, where he excelled. Jerry was a Directing Staff in the prestigious Armed Forces Command and Staff College and the Defence College of South Africa. He served his fatherland without holding back. He served on board Nigerian Navy ships; he commanded one of the ships. He served in Naval and Defence Headquarters, helping the Military hierarchy to formulate policies, directives and instructions. He served as Naval Assistant to the Chief of the Naval Staff. He served as a Director of Naval Signals and Logistics in the Naval Headquarters and the Staff College, respectively. In all of these, Jeremiah Olu Taiwo Adetomiwa distinguished himself. He was a bridge builder till the very

end. Jerry was a tee-to-taller till the end. We had this bet on the first officer to catch Jerry with a girl. We all failed, not even when he was in Great Ife. We were thus surprised when he sent invitation cards inviting us to Calabar for his wedding in 1996. We were relieved. We trooped to Calabar to see a very beautiful, God fearing young woman. In deed, our friend saved the best for last. God also blessed our friend with lovely children that walked in the path of the Lord with their parents —a good reward for an upright man. Although we are really saddened by this loss, we owe it a duty not to depart from his family. We will continue to pray and support the family. We also commiserate with his kith and kin in Gbongan. The Lord will continue to abide with you and give you the fortitude to bear this loss. I join members of the 29 Regular Course, serving and retired, his mates at the Nigerian Military School, his family, other Officers, Ratings, civilian staff and their families to commiserate with the Chief of Defence Staff and the CNS for this loss. I am very sure of one thing — our loss is God’s gain. I am sure Jerry is resting in the bosom of the Lord. God will continue to provide for his family. Jeremiah Olu Taiwo Adetomiwa was indeed a good family man, morally upright, exceptionally brilliant, hardworking senior officer and gentleman. They don’t often come this loaded, and we are proud that he was our colleague, compatriot, friend, brother, classmate and course mate. We are proud of you and we wish you eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord. Rear Admiral Babalola wrote on behalf of the Gentlemen Officer Cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy, 1981 Set, and Nigerian Military School, Zaria, 1980 Set.

Ambassador Segun Olusola, One Year After By Onyedika Agbedo OW time flies! On June 21, H 2012, Nigeria lost one of its best-known arts and culture aficionados, broadcasters, diplomats, and conflict resolution experts, Ambassador Segun Olusola. A versatile and pioneering figure in Nigeria’s theatre, he was also an extraordinary broadcaster, gallery owner, and an engaged culture activist. His death threw the Nigerian arts community into mourning and left all those who stick to professionalism in their vocations eulogizing his virtues in celebration of the exemplary life that he led. Born in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State on March 18, 1935, the late Olusola had his early education at St. John’s Catholic School and Wesley School, Iperu-Remo from 1941 to 1947 after which he also got admitted at the Remo Secondary School, Sagamu, for his secondary education. He proceeded to the United States of America for his university education between 1948 and 1961 where he attended Syracuse and Pittsburgh University respectively. After his university education, he returned to the country and worked with the Nigeria Broadcasting service (now FRCN), Ibadan, as Broadcasting Officer (1955-1959). He was also Executive Producer, WNBC/WNTV Ibadan, (19591964). The late Olusola was the founding Director of the Players of Dawn (1958-1964) and Theatre Express (1966-1969). Later, he was Controller of

Olusola Programmes, NBC–TV, Lagos, from 1965 to 1974. He became Director of Programmes, NTA Lagos (1974–1976); General Manager, (1976–1978); and Director, (1978–1987). In 1987, he was appointed Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU). He also served the country in various capacities. Olusola was a lecturer at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, between 1973 and 1974; the Chairman, National Festival Committee and the Nigeria Arts Council (1970); Director, Second All–Nigerian Festival of Arts and Culture (1971); and the Vice Chairman, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria Planning Committee for the Second All African Games in 1973. He was the creator and producer of the popular television programme, “The Village Headmaster” and Chairman, Programmes Committee Management Board, University of Lagos, Centre of Cul-

tural Studies. He also wrote the following books: Telecape: 20 years of TV in Africa (1979) and The Motorist Company. The late Olusola was the Jibulu of Iperu Remo; President, Remo Secondary School Old Students Association and Vice President, Alumni Association of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, 1993. He was also Chairman, International Centre for Arts, Lagos; founding President, African Refugees Foundation and Ajibola Moniya Gallery; past President/Fellow, Society of Nigerian Broadcasters; and Member/Trustee, International Institute of Communication since 1976. A YEAR after his death, the late Olusola, literarily speaking, came alive on Thursday as eminent Nigerians took turns to extol his virtues once again. The eulogies came at a memorial lecture organised by the African Refugees Founda-

tion (AREF) in his honour at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, with theme: “Promoting humanitarianism and social development as a value system in Nigeria: The role of government and private sector.” Speaking at the event, Governor Ibikunle Amosun praised the late Olusola, adding that he deserved the honour, noting that this was the time both the private and public sectors come together to promote humanitarianism and raise the living standards of the people. Also speaking, Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Wale Ojo, lauded the late diplomat, adding that he played meaningful roles that affected humanity positively by ensuring good relationships among countries. He added that the late Olusola performed his duties while alive with dignity and steadfast devotion as an ambassador of peace not only in Africa but worldwide. Earlier in his remarks at the lecture, the President/Chairman, Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development (IHSSD), Senator Ike Nwachukwu, urged participants to be good ambassadors of the good idea behind the event. He further urged participants to be good citizens and show compassion for others, adding that governance was not all about money making but service oriented.

Inyama

Ekwutosi Ezinma Inyama For Burial June 28 HE death has occurred of Mrs. Ekwutosi Ezinma Inyama nee T Achara. She was 55 years old. The sad event occurred in Houston Texas, United States of America on February 26, 2013. The late Mrs. Inyama had her secondary school education at Girl’s Secondary School, Awkunanaw, Enugu State and later proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she graduated with a Bachelors degree in Mass Communication. She worked with Unipetrol Nigeria Ltd as a Sales Representative for some years before setting up her own business in Abuja. She was also a Partner in Zeenac Team Consult, a firm of management consultants. She is survived by her husband, the Chief of Staff to former Senate President, Senator Adolphos Wabara and Principal Partner of Zeenac Team Consult, Mr. Sam Inyama, two sons and two daughters all based in the U.S. According the burial programme released by the family, her remains will arrive Port Harcourt International Airport on Tuesday June 25, 2013, and be received in her father’s compound in Umuaku Isuochi, Abia State on Wednesday June 26. It will later proceed to Arochukwu later the same day. A Christian wake keep will be held in her honour on Thursday June 27at her residence, Ezinma Court, Obinkita Arochukwu while her body will be interred on Friday June 28 after a funeral service at the Presbyterian Church, Obinkita Arochukwu, Abia State.

TheGuardian

60 Saturday, June 22, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Sports Brazil 2013 Confederations Cup game against Uruguay, but even that was not enough time to get used to weather condiHURSDAY night’s defeat of the Super Eagles tions against their South American foes. by Uruguay shows there is no substitute for Some are of the opinion that the injury to proper planning ahead of a major internation- midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, which ruled him out al competition. Some soccer pundits are of the competition, as well as the absence of impressed by the performance of the Super Victor Moses, Kalu Uche and Emmanuel Eagles in the game, but most believe the outEmenike severely depleted the team. come would have been different if Nigeria had A depleted strike force and midfield affected proper preparation for the competition. Nigeria’s goal-scoring ability, as Keshi had no As things stand, Nigeria’s 6-1 defeat of Tahiti options to fall back on. could be the least scoreline recorded by the In the game against Uruguay, Nigeria lost Oceania team in this competition with Spain because their strikers could not rise to the having already posted 10 past the hapless occasion. debutants. In a game involving two equally matched Uruguay are expected to score more goals teams, Uruguay started like a team on a misthan Nigeria did when they meet Tahiti on sion to annihilate Nigeria before the last fan Sunday to avoid the unlikely scenario they took his seat. In the first 10 minutes, the South would be eliminated on goals difference if the Super Eagles defeat Spain in their last group game. Could Nigeria have fared better in this competition? Some pundits believe the Eagles would have beaten Uruguay given adequate preparation. Coming to Brazil, the Super Eagles battled jetlag twice on the eve of the competition. After their trans-Atlantic journey to the US to play Mexico in a friendly, the team returned to Africa to beat Kenya in a World Cup qualifier following a three-day, 22, 000-kilometre journey back. It then went to meet Namibia in another World Cup qualifier and instead of heading straight to Brazil, the team were held up in Windhoek following a dispute over match bonus, and thus missed their flight to Brazil. So the Super Eagles arrived in Brazil on Sunday morning and met Tahiti on Monday. Luckily, even while adjusting to being 34,000 feet above sea level, Tahiti did not have much to protect them when the teams met on Monday. But Uruguay was a different ball game. The Eagles had three days to prepare for its

By Christian Okpara

Americans camped on Nigerian territory, forcing Super Eagles’ defenders and midfielders to remain permanently on the back foot. But gradually, the Super Eagles started to get to grips with the game and began to reap the rewards of attacking down the flanks. But midway through the first half, they lost concentration, allowing an innocuous cross to fall to Diego Lugano, who made hay. But the Super Eagles recovered to equalize through a rare Mikel Obi goal before the end of the first half. However, at the restart, despite their superior possession, the Eagles could no longer threaten Uruguay through the flanks as the South Americans somehow found the antidote to Uwa Echiejile and Ambrose Efe’s surge forward. The forced substitution of Nnamdi Oduamadi

Lessons Of Super Eagles’ Defeat By Uruguay

Super Eagles attackers, Joseph Akpala (right) and Ahmed Musa lament Nigeria’s defeat by Uruguay after their FIFA Confederations Cup Group B match at the Faonte Nova Arena in Salvador…on Thursday. PHOTO: AFP

also affected the team. Nigeria had numerous opportunities to kill off the game, but failed to do so. Uruguay on the other hand had only one moment of genius by Diego Forlan to thank for their win. That was the difference between both teams. Hade the Super Eagles such effective strikers as Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses or even Osaze Odemwingie, perhaps, the story would have been different. One other thing that came out of the game against Uruguay is the paucity of options in the Nigerian bench. The substitution of Brown Ideye and Nnamdi Oduamadi with Joseph Akpala and Michael Babatunde reduced the Super Eagles; attacking threat. In fact, Babatunde showed in the game that he does not have what it takes to be in a competition as big as the Confederations Cup. The match also showed that Sunday Mba needs a re-awakening as he has lost his touch since his heroic exploits at the Nations Cup. The result ended Nigeria’s 18-match unbeaten run, stretching back to May 2012. After the game, Uruguay Coach, Oscar Tabarez, promptly saluted the genius in his team. “Diego Forlan is a top striker with the way he uses both feet and the way he handles the ball. He showcased that talent. “Since the draw we knew that this was the huge match to play. We have taken a huge step toward the semi-finals but we’re not there yet.” Super Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi, who has been supportive of his team no matter the outcome of their games, said: “I think my players played well and played to instructions. It was just one minute’s lack of concentration that made the difference. Otherwise it was good.” While acknowledging the efforts of the Super Eagles at the competition, some Nigerians believe they could have done better. In a poll by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some of the fans blamed several factors, including poor finishing, inexperience, incessant experimentation of players, poor preparations, among others, to the loss. A former Enugu Rangers defender, Phinan Ozonweke, commended the team for a decent outing but noted that its attack performed poorly. “Keshi is gradually assembling the Super Eagles of our dreams, but there is still much work to do to arrive at a complete side. “The coach should look for experienced players to solve the goal scoring problems because if it had utilized its chances, it could have beaten the South Americans with a wide-margin,” he said. Another fan, Uche Ogbonna, urged Keshi to stop experimentation and concentrate on blending the players to get a formidable team. “It is disheartening to see Keshi drop most of the players that won the Nations Cup in South Africa for inexperienced players, at this crucial stage of preparation for next year’s World Cup. “More than half of the players who starred for Uruguay played at the 2010 World Cup and they are still playing together to enhance team cohesion,” he said. Lending a voice to Ogbonna’s view, Hillary Anajemba, a Sports Administrator, urged Keshi to stop inviting new players and concentrate on the team presently at his disposal. “Only experienced players such as Osaze Odenwingie and Obafemi Martins should be invited to beef up the team’s attack, as incessant invitation of new players would not ensure a formidable side,” he said. A former national team star, Adokiye Amiesimaka, said even if the Super Eagles lose their next match against Spain, he was already impressed with their performance at the tournament. “I was impressed; I think we did well, even though we lost, I like the attitude of the players is commendable. They kept it together to the end. They comported themselves well. “They were not cowed by their opponent’s two-time World Cup wins; they gave a good fight.