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OURGIRLS 52 Terrorists Killed As Military, Gunmen Clash In Borno • Nine Fleeing Residents Killed In Crossfire From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri ROOPS of the 7 Division of T the Nigerian Army and suspected gunmen of the Boko Haram sect in over two dozens of Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles, clashed yesterday morning at the Mainok Village Market in Borno State, resulting in the death 52 terror suspects and nine traders attempting to flee the crossfire that lasted for over half an hour. Mainok is a farming community 60 kilometres west of Maiduguri, the state capital. According to military sources in Maiduguri, the gunmen planned to attack the village, which holds its weekly market on Fridays, to “terrorise and extort money and food items from the traders.” “We saw the insurgents in their several Hilux vehicles and motorcycles advancing

The late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

PHOTO: NAN

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Ado Bayero Buried From Abubakar Mohammed, Azimazi Momoh Jimoh (Abuja) and Murtala Muhammed, Kano HE Emir of Kano, the late Alhaji Ado Bayero, was yesterday laid to rest in the ancient city, with thousands

of sympathizers thronging the venue of his interment. President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed sad-

•Jonathan, Mark, Others Mourn ness and a deep feeling of great national loss over his demise, just as Senate

President David Mark described his passage as a big blow and a monumental loss to the nation.

Bayero passed on in his palace in the early hours of yesterday, according to one of his sons, the Tafida of Kano

and the district head of Kumbotso Council, Alhaji Hammed Ado Bayero, who confirmed his death. According to the Special CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

2 | Saturday, June 7, 2014

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Nigeria-US Step Up Collaborative Efforts On Insurgency By Mohammed Abubakar And Kanayo Umeh, Abuja

• Sierra Leone Offers To Assist Nigeria

IGERIA and the United N States of America have reached an agreement to

abducted Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State. The collaborative effort was the outcome of the meeting between the Nigerian military, led by the Chief of

restrict disclosure of operational information in the ongoing efforts to rescue the

Defence Staff and the leadership of the United State (US) Interdisciplinary Team for Assistance to Nigeria yesterday to discuss the process in efforts to rescue the abducted

girls. Coordinator of National Information Centre and Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, while briefing journalists in Abuja, said: “It was resolved that the subse-

Sawyer, Former Liberian Leader, Warns Nigerian Govs Over Pension Laws From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt ORMER Liberian President, Prof Amos Sawyer, has warned Nigerian governors against passing pension laws that smack of acts of desperation by out-going incumbents. He said although there is a need to ensure that retirement packages are formulated as part of the transition process, the packages are more likely to be supported by the population when they are prepared as part of the overall governing process with the advice of experts and in an open and transparent manner. The ex-Liberian leader gave this advise in his keynote address titled: ‘Transitioning Out, Making The Most Of Life After’, which he delivered at the 4th retreat of the Nigeria

Governors’ Forum which was held at Government House, Port Harcourt, Rivers State yesterday. Sawyer stated that most, if not all public office holders, would like to live life after office in dignity and with relevance. He noted that concerns about security, especially physical and financial, and about maintaining social standing and public respect and approbation are key elements of the concern about living life in dignity. He however stressed that there is a need to ensure that retirement packages are formulated as part of the transition process for incumbent governors. “These packages can be resisted by the public when they are perceived as acts of desperation by out-going incumbents;

or when seen to be unreasonable feather-bedding. “An expert team can be hired to study the circumstance of life after office and provide some guidance for enactment of legislation. This could be a project for the secretariat of this Forum. In this way, individuals are spared the arguments and insinuations, which in themselves can detract from public respect as one leaves office. So it is better to institutionalize the process of determining the retirement package of out-going leaders,” he said. Sawyer advised the governors

that one of the ways to address the demands for financial and material help when they leave office is to engage in social and charitable work as part of a collectivity or through a foundation or charitable institution. He explained that leaders who exit office with goodwill are usually able to work with others in establishing or strengthening communitybased and other types of nongovernmental organizations, strengthening scholarship programmes and microcredit and savings and loans associations, among others.

quent phases of the efforts will feature continuous engagement among the partners, while also recognising the need for less pressure to disclose operational information as is usually mounted on the Nigerian military. “There is the need for Nigerian particularly, the media, to recognise the fact that the process of rescue could be hard and time consuming particularly when both the partners have agreed that the use of force is not often the primary.” On the confiscation of some national newspapers by the military, Omeri assured that the exercise was purely a routine security action and should not be misconstrued for any other motive, as it “has nothing to do with the content or operation of the organisations or their personnel, as is being wrongly imputed by a section of the media. “While government and the military appreciates and,

indeed respects the role of the media as an indispensable partner in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations, and the overhaul of the country’s democratic credentials, we appeal to Nigerians not to rush to judgment on sensitive issues. The military will not deliberately without cause, infringe on the freedom of press.” Omeri spoke just as President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone yesterday pledged his country’s support for Nigeria’s effort to overcome the current security challenges and called for solidarity from fellow African countries. Speaking to State House correspondents after his meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Koroma said Nigeria’s strategic position in Africa, in terms of population and economy, makes it imperative for all Africans to condemn the atrocities of Boko Haram and join hands with Nigeria to end its menace.

Nine Fleeing Residents Killed In Borno Crossfire CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 towards the village on this road to attack and kill people while we were patrolling the Maiduguri-Damaturu road this morning. “On sighting us, the armed terrorists opened fire on us, so we had to retreat because of our numerical strength and firing power, after killing over four dozen suspects that attempted fleeing the village.

“Nine of the terrified and confused villagers were also feared dead, while the suspects who escaped are being pursued,” said a military officer who participated in foiling the attack. The source further disclosed that the insurgents drove through the Mainok Cattle Route that links the Sambisa Forest before attempting to launch “multiple attacks” on the village and its market square yesterday morning. “The corpses of the killed suspects could not be retrieved as the insurgents carried the bodies of their fallen members into pickup vans to prevent the attackers from being identified by the military and other security agencies,” said the officer. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tanko Lawal, confirmed the killings of the suspected terrorists by the military in one of the villages on the Maiduguri-Damaturu road and death of some fleeing residents in the crossfire.

Mammoth crowd of mourners at the burial of Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero in Kano yesterday.

PHOTO: MURTALA MUHAMMED

Jonathan, Mark Mourn As Ado Bayero Is Buried CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, in a press statement, the President, on behalf of himself, his family, the federal government and the people of Nigeria commiserated with the emir’s family and all the people of Kano, over whom the departed Emir presided illustriously as traditional ruler for more than half a century. The statement reads in part: “The President joins them in mourning the monarch, whose uncommon leadership qualities and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress and prosperity of Nigeria combined to make him one of the most respected traditional rulers in the country during his long and very successful reign. “The President believes that Bayero will always be remembered and honoured by the people of Kano and all Nigerians for his immense wisdom and competence as a traditional ruler, as well as for using his exalted throne to build bridges of unity, friendship and harmony across the nation.” The President reaffirmed his declaration on the occasion of

the late emir’s 50th anniversary celebrations last year that Bayero was one of the most decent and respectable Nigerians he has had the privilege of interacting with, and he will always treasure pleasant memories of their last meeting earlier this year. He prayed that the Almighty Allah would receive his soul and grant the good people of Kano a worthy successor, who would carry on his good works and wise rule for the well-being and benefit of all Nigerians. In his reaction, Mark lamented that Bayero departed at a time when his wise counsel would have been needed to navigate through the nation’s trying times. He said: “Ado Bayero was a peacemaker. He made Kano home for all. He was accommodating. He preached love, unity and good neighbourliness. He was adetribalised leader who made the nation his constituency.” The Senate President recalled that the late monarch was among the few Nigerian leaders who worked hard for the unity and indivisibility of the country, especially during trying times. “His contributions to the peace and unity of Nigeria cannot be

wished away. The nation owes him a measure of gratitude for his contributions to the socio-political and economic development of the country,” he added. Mark therefore urged Nigerians, especially the present crop of leaders, to emulate the great virtues of patriotism, philanthropy, honesty and good leadership quality which the Bayero was known for. He sympathised with the government and people of Kano State, especially the bereaved family, even as he urged them to take solace in the fact that Bayero lived a successful and truly accomplished life worthy of emulation. Bayero who would have been 84 next month, celebrated his Golden Jubilee in June last year. The son of Abdullahi Bayero, the former emir who reigned for 27 years, he ascended the throne in October 1963 as the 13th Fulani emir. Four kingmakers, who are members of the emirate’s council of traditional leaders, would meet after the burial to select and nominate/submit candidates as his successors to the state government,

which will make the formal announcement. To be eligible, a candidate must be a male member of the Ibrahim Dabo family, whose clans include the Bayeros and Sanusis. Some of the likely contenders include a senior emirate councillor, Abbas Sanusi who is the late emir’s nephew; Lamido Ado Bayero, the late emir’s eldest son; and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who is a great nephew of the late emir. Many dignitaries, including Vice President Namadi Sambo; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar; and Minister of the Federal Capita Territory (FCT), Bala Mohammed were in Kano for the burial. Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who left the venue of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) retreat in Port Harcourt, was joined by his Adamawa and Sokoto counterparts - Murtala Nyako and Aliyu Wamakko- in Kano for the interment. Kwankwaso’s deputy, Umar Ganduje, had earlier told journalists, while formally announcing the death of the emir, that Bayero died about 4a.m.

Saturday, June 7, 2014 3

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NEWS

Ado Bayero: His Life And Times From Murtala Muhmammed, HElate Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, was born on July 25, 1930 to the royal family of Abdullahi Bayero and Hajiya Hasiya of the Fulani Sullubawa clan that has presided over the emirate of Kano since 1819. Bayero was the 11th child of his father and the second of his mother. At the age of seven, he was sent to study at the Maikano Zagi Islamic education. He started his education in Kano, studying Islam, after which he attended Kano Middle School and graduated from the School of Arabic

Studies in 1947. He then worked as a bank clerk for the Bank of British West Africa until 1949, when he joined the Kano Native Authority. He attended Zaria Clerical College in 1952. In 1954, he won a seat to the Northern Regional House of Assembly. Bayero served as the chief of the Kano Police and head of the Kano Native Authority Police Division from 1957 to 1962, during which he tried to minimise the practice of briefly detaining individuals and political opponents on the orders of powerful individuals in Kano. He later became the Nigerian Ambassador to Senegal, during which he enrolled in a

French language class. In 1963, he succeeded Muhammadu Inuwa, the 12th Emir of Kano, who only reigned for three months on the throne. On October 22, 1963, he enthroned as the 13th Fulani Emir and the 56th ruler of the Kano Kingdom. Bayero remains one of the longestserving Emirs in the history of the emirate, with his 50-year reign. During his time, the emirate was transformed from a powerful native authority into a custodian of Hausa language and Islamic traditions. Bayero became Emir during the First Republic, when Nigeria was going through rapid social and political

changes and regional, subregional and ethnic discord was increasing. The death in 1966 of many political agitators from Northern Nigeria and the subsequent establishment of a unitary state not only consolidated a united front in Northern Region, but also resulted in a spate of violence there, including in Kano. Bayero’s admirers credit him with bringing calm and stability during this period and later crises in Kano. As Emir, he became a patron of Islamic scholarship and embraced Western education as a means to succeed in a modern Nigeria. In 1984, Bayero was placed on

travel ban alongside his close friend and the Ooni of Ife, Okunade Sijuwade, by the military government of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari over their visit to Israel. In 2002, he led a Kano Elders Forum in opposing the onshore/offshore abrogation bill. On January 19, last year, the late Emir escaped an attempted assassination, which left two of his sons injured and his driver and bodyguard dead. A former Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Bayero, until he passed on, was the Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.

He Lived An Exemplary Royal Life, Says Mimiko NDO state Governor, O Dr Olusegun Mimiko has described the death of the Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero as a great loss to the nation and most unfortunate “especially at this time the nation is looking up to the likes of deceased for restoration of national peace.” Governor Mimiko said this in his condolence message to the late Emir’s family, the Kano Emirate and his entire subjects, which was signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Hon. Kayode Akinmade. Praying that God should grant the late Emir eternal rest, Mimiko said the deceased lived an exemplary royal life and was a blessing to his subjects in particular and the nation in general.

Amaechi Mourns IVERS State Governor, R Chibuike Amaechi has described the death of the

Former Minister of Works, Air Vice Marshal Hamza Abdullahi (left); Minister of Works, Arch. Mile Onolememen; Father of the Day, Chief Edwin Clark; Author, Engr. Guy Eboe Otobo; his wife, Tina; former Military President and chairman of the occasion, Ibrahim Babangida; and Book Reviewer, Ambassador Dele Cole at the launch of the book, “A life on the Roads” at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: CHARLES OKOLO

Wada, Fayemi Extol Bayero’s Virtues From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado-Ekiti and John Akubo, Lokoja OGI State Governor, Idris Wada, has sent a condolence message to the family of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero and the entire people of Kano State, on the death of the royal father. Similarly, his Ekiti State counterpart, Kayode Fayemi, described his death as a monumental loss to Nigeria. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr. Jacob Edi, Wada extolled the virtues of the departed royal father even as he urged the family to emulate his exemplary life. He said his demise would leave a vacuum in the country’s diplomatic circles and wished the deceased eternal rest, noting that death is an inevitable end for all mortals. Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, also described Bayero’s demise as the end of an era of one of the longest and most prosperous reign in the history of traditional institutions in Nigeria.

He Exuded Enormous Charisma, Yero, NDF Say From Saxone Akhaine, Kaduna HE Northern Delegates Forum (NDF) has extolled the virtues of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, even as they lamented his death. NDF in a statement yesterday said they received with heavy heart the news of the passing away of the Emir, noting that he devoted the better part of his life to bringing together

the people of Kano State and helping them to unlock their potentials towards socio-economic development and peaceful coexistence. Also, Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has expressed sadness over the death of the Emir, saying his death marked the end of an era in the modern history of Kano Emirate and the traditional institution in the

country. The spokesman of NDF, Mr. Anthony Sani, who signed the statement said “it is against this backdrop that one can reasonably imagine the body of the Emir lying in both peace and pain; the peace associated with death, and the pains of what he has left behind, a society at war with itself brought about by misguided approach to

resolving perceived grievances.” Yero said in a statement: “The late Ado Bayero will forever be remembered as a great ruler who brought enormous charisma to bear in evolving a peaceful and prosperous Emirate. For over half a century that he reigned, Kano witnessed massive growth and advancement in all spheres of human endeavours.”

Yuguda Condoles Kano Govt, People From Ali Garba, Bauchi AUCH State Governor, Isa B Yuguda, has condoled the government and people of Kano State over the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr) Ado Bayero. Yuguda, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ishola Michael Adeyemi, described the death of the monarch as a great loss not only to the people of Kano State and Kano Emirate alone but also to the North and the nation as a whole. The governor, who expressed shock over the death of one of the most revered traditional rulers in the country, declared that death is an end to all mortals and can come at any time appointed by Allah. He described the late Bayero as a unifying factor who

ensured that peace reigned not only in his domain alone but also everywhere in the Northern region, adding that his fatherly role would not be

forgotten in a hurry. Yuguda urged the immediate and extended family of the deceased Emir, and the entire people of Kano State, to accept

his death in good faith and as an act of Allah because, according to him, “we must all die one day, death is a must to all of us.”

Bayero Lived ForItJustice And Unity, Says PDP said: “Indeed, this is a sad From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja HE National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it received the news of the death of the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Ado Abdullahi Bayero with great shock and intense sadness. In a statement released in Abuja yesterday by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the party noted that the valuable wisdom of the late Emir would be missed.

day. Our nation and the world have lost an uncommon personality, a great African and a quintessential monarch.” PDP described the late Bayero as a detribalised Nigerian and statesman who sacrificed the greater part of his life for the stability, oneness and development of our dear nation.” “The late Emir personified dignity and finesses. Till death, he was the longest serving and unarguably one of the most respected Emirs in the history of Kano Emirate; a

devout Muslim who, despite his exceptional attainments left us great lessons as a very strong symbol of godliness, tolerance, justice, honesty and service to our dear father land. “He was an excellent administrator and entrepreneur who played key roles towards the political and economic development of our country while his contributions to national discourse remained pivotal to the sustenance of democracy and good governance in Nigeria,” the party added.

Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, as sad and a huge loss to the nation. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. David Iyofor, Amaechi said the Emir’s death was a big blow to the traditional/cultural institution in the country. “Nigeria has lost a reputable icon, an excellent traditional ruler, and one of the most revered,” the statement said. He condoled the Emir’s family, the people and government of Kano State over the death of the monarch. “The sad exit of Bayero is not only a huge loss for his family and state, but one for all of us. He was a reputable leader,” he added.

CAN Commiserates With Bayero Family From Nkechi Onyedika, Abuja HE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commiserated with the Bayero family, the Kano emirate, the government and people of Kano State over the demise of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero. In a statement yesterday in Abuja, President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor described the late Emir as a revered traditional ruler, an icon of the Kano emirate council and an elder statesman who stood for the peace and unity of Nigeria at all times. Oritsejafor observed that the death of Ado Bayero is indeed a huge loss to the nation, his family and his community especially at a time when his wise counsel is most needed to help tackle moral decadence in our society and the growing menace of insurgency ravaging parts of our dear country.

4 Saturday, June 7, 2014

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NEWS Tafida, Atiku, Amosun, Others Eulogise Bayero IGERIA’s High N Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), Alhaji Dalhatu Tafida, yesterday joined other Nigerians in eulogising the late emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero. Mourning the death of Alhaji Ado Bayero, the 13th Emir of Kano, Tafida told the Europe Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in London that Bayero’s death was “a big loss to Nigeria and the nation’s traditional ruling council.” The envoy said the late Bayero, who reigned for 51 years, contributed immensely to the development of the nation’s traditional ruling council. According to him, he is respected not because of the size of his emirate but due to his humility, courage and selfless service. Similarly, a cross section of Nigerians in London, who spoke to NAN, described the late Bayero as a father and symbol of unity and strength, which Kano emirate represents. NAN recalls that Bayero, 84, left London last month after a three-month medical visit. Also Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun has expressed regrets over the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero. This was contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta yesterday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama. Similarly, the Ooni of Ife, Oba

Okunade Sijuwade, described the death of Bayero as a personal loss to him and the country. Sijuwade said this in a statement issued in Ile-Ife, Osun by his spokesman, Mr Funmilola Olorunisola. “The devastating news of the passing away of his majesty, Alhaji Bayero, came to me as a rude shock. “A personal friend of many decades, the late emir was a great leader of substance, a scholar in his own right, and a man who doesn’t take no for answer; he was a friend indeed,’’ he said in the statement. Also reacting to the demise, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji lbrahim Sulu-Gambari, described Bayero’s death as a great loss to the country. The traditional ruler said many achievements were recorded in the social and economic sectors during the reign of the late emir. Sulu-Gambari prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest while giving the Kano Emirate Council the fortitude to bear the loss. In Abeokuta, the Osile OkeOna Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, also condoled with the people of Kano. Tejuoso told NAN that Bayero was a well-respected monarch whose position would be very difficult to fill. Meanwhile, a former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says he has lost a father in the late Bayero. Atiku, in a statement, said

that his relationship with the late emir was that “of a father and son” spanning over three decades. The former vice president said that the late Bayero was not only loyal to his people in his immediate domain, but to Nigeria and humanity at large. He recalled the significant contributions of the deceased to sustaining the unity of Nigeria during the Jan. 15, 1966 political crisis. The former vice president said it was the late Bayero’s role that earned him the respect of the late Dim Chukuemeka Odumegu-Ojukwu. On another hand, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed profound shock and sadness at the death of the Emir, saying his demise came at a time that his great wisdom and wealth of knowledge are much needed to help Nigeria to surmount its challenges. In a statement issued by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the late Emir was a symbol of peace and unity, reaching far beyond ethnic and religious divide to help foster a united N i g e r i a . The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, also described the passage of the late Emir as an irreparable loss to the nation. Reacting to the sad news, Senator Ekweremadu said the late royal father was a “man of many parts who departed in a blaze of glory.

TheGuardian on Sunday Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2014

POWER SECTOR: Road Map To Endless Darkness INCE President Jonathan launched the power sector road map in 2010, daily experiences of consumers of electricity do not show any clear vision. Even the privatization and selling of former Power Holding Company of Nigeria has not translated into a different experience. The power infrastructure is still one huge monopoly of which the Federal Government remains the sole, incompetent player. While other stakeholders wait anxiously for when Abuja’s exclusive stranglehold on the sector will expire, what we serve you this Sunday are stories of recurrent drops in megawatts, rickety transmission facilities, inappropriate billing system, excuses and endless promises!

SPECIAL REPORT

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Managing Social Relations In A Season Of Hysteria

Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, CFR, JP, the Asagba of Asaba, Says; “Nigeria Should Not Disintegrate, But What We Need Is Regionalism.”

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Experts Urge Students To Study Hard By Joe Adiorho IGERIAN students in secondary schools have been charged to concentrate in their studies in order to get good grades that would enable them gain admission into tertiary institutions and excel in future careers. The charge was made at the State Senior High School 1, Alimosho, Lagos, during a career day programme tagged: ‘Meet-aMentor,’ organised by Hope Builders Skill Development and Acquisition Foundation (HBF). Executive Director of HBF, Mrs. Adu Folayemisi Benedecta, said that Meet-a-Mentor was designed for secondary school students, especially those in public schools, to address the problem of complacency among young Nigerians of school age. Adu explained that the programme, sponsored by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), engaged professionals in different fields of studies such as medicine, law, banking, information and communication technology (ICT), biochemistry, journalism, aviation, insurance and others to share with the students the foundation of success.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

NEWS Military Confirms Searching Newspapers’ Vehicles From From Madu Onuorah (Abuja) Muyiwa Adeyemi (Ado Ekiti) and Charles Coffie Gyamfi (Abeokuta) OLDIERS yesterday confiscated most of the newspapers brought to Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, and sealed off vendors’ office in Oke-Iyinmi in the heart of the capital, even as Defence Headquarters has confirmed “a thorough search of vehicles conveying newspapers and newsprints” by its troops across the country.

• As Soldiers Seize More Newspapers Defence Headquarters said the search was based on intelligence reports that vehicles owned by newspaper houses where being used by “anti-patriotic agents” linked with the Boko Haram insurgents for “movement of materials with grave security implications”. Stating that the military will not deliberately and without cause infringe on the freedom of the

press, Director of Defence Information, Major- General Chris Olukolade said in a statement that “the exercise has nothing to do with content or operation of the media organisations or their personnel as is being wrongly imputed by a section of the press,” adding that “ the military appreciates and indeed respects the role of the media as an indispensable part-

ner in the ongoing counterinsurgency operation and the overall advancement of our country’s democratic credentials.” The soldiers who searched all newspapers offices in Ado Ekiti did not allow vendors to distribute the newspapers as they whisked them away. Some of the newspapers affectedincludeThe Guardian, Nation, Daily Trust and Leadership. None of the soldiers was ready to speak as they claimed to be

acting on instruction “from above.” There was a pandemonium in the capital city early in the morning as combat-ready soldiers stormed Oke-Iyinmi is search of newspapers and their distributors. Armed soldiers similarly stormed newspapers distribution centre in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, and interrogated staff in charge of sales of the various national dailies yesterday.

Govt Appoints Abubakar As 11th Emir Of Gombe HE Gombe State Government T has approved the appointment of Alhaji Abubakar ShehuAbubakar as the new Emir of Gombe. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Bage, presented the letter of appointment to the new emir at the Gombe Central Mosque yesterday. Shehu-Abubakar will be coronated to succeed his late father, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar who died in a London hospital on May 27. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ShehuAbubakar, the second son of the late emir, was until his appointment the Santurakin Gombe. Bage said following the death of the emir, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo had to reconstitute the council of kingmakers of the emirate. He said that the emirate kingmaker submitted the names of three candidates to the government out of 10 applicants to the throne. He said that after consultations with stakeholders, Dankwambo approved the appointment of Shehu-Abubakar. The Chief Imam of Gombe Central Mosque, Khadi Aliyu Pindiga, presented a copy of the Holy Quran to the new emir yesterday. Born on December 17, 1977 in Gombe town, the new emir attended Gombe Children Primary School, Gombe, between 1982 and1988; and Government Science Secondary School, Gombe, between 1989 and 1995. He attended the University of Maiduguri from 2001 to 2005 where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Shehu-Abubakar was a Supervisory Councillor in the Gombe Local Government Council between 2006 and 2007.

Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako; Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko; Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Gov. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State during NGF retreat in Port Harcourt ….yesterday PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO

Catholic Bishops Seek Release Of Abducted Chibok Girls From Nkechi Onyedika, Abuja ATHOLIC Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for an end to reckless killings and spilling of human blood in the country as a result of terrorism, ritualism assassinations and kidnapping. They also called on the Boko Haram sect to release the Chibok girls who have been under their captivity for the past 54 days. President of the conference

marriage and family life have become grossly diminished by ideologies, religious extremists and politicians such that human life has become cheaper than a loaf of bread. Pointing out that no religion supports killings, the cleric called for objective examination of the flurry of destruction of human life and the bastardisation of family institution and values that have sustained human communities.

He said: “Life is a gift from God and the dignity of every human person is not diminished by biological, socio-economic or political circumstance. The church has maintained that to take ones life or life of another person is a mortal sin. “This includes the use of contraceptives, induced abortion, infanticide, homicide and all forms of murder many of which are taking place in Nigeria and the world.”

Osoba Dismisses Defection Rumour From Charles Coffie Gyamfi, Abeokuta

*Says Election Will Settle Grievances In Ogun APC

HE leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, yesterday dismissed speculations that he and his loyalists were planning to defect to another party, insisting that though they

feel cheated, they are still members of the party. Osoba, who addressed his loyalists at a rally in Abeokuta, urged them to remain calm and peaceful because whatever disagreementthat exists between his faction and that of Governor Ibikunle Amosun “is a political

matter”,which will be resolved politically. Internal crisis has polarised the party into two factions as a result of which the party held parallel congresses to elect separate executives. But the party’s national leadership on Thursday inaugurated the executives of the Amosun’s

faction as the authentic one. The former governor told members of his faction at the rally that “they (leadership) have given their judgment, God’s judgment is coming,and that is your votes” He added: “Let us face where we are going.

Minister Asks IGP To Investigate Alleged N35b Fraud From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja

Shehu-Abubakar

and the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, who made the call at the International Family and Pro-Life conference in Abuja, urged Nigerians to commit themselves to prayers and work for peace, adding that absence of peace endangers human life and denigrates human dignity. Kaigama noted that throughout the world, human life and the enduring values of human dignity, sanctity of

THE Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, has urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, to investigate an online media allegation that two of his children had stashed away the sum of N35b in two Nigerian banks as well as owing an offshore

account. The minister, who reacted to the allegation yesterday in Abuja, described it as nothing but criminal fabrications by the authors, noting that he has no son called Ibrahim contrary to the claim of the online publication. An online media had last week alleged that two children of the minister, whose names it gave

as Ibrahim and Shamushdeen, stashed away a staggering N35 billion in Unity Bank and United Bank For Africa (UBA) Plc as well as an unnamed offshore account. But the minister, in a petition to the IGP, called for a thorough investigation of the allegations with a threat to sue the media organisation if the investigation proved contrary to her

claims. Mohammed, while denying the allegation, insisted that his children have no domestic or offshore account with Unity Bank or UBA. He urged the police boss to prevail on the media organisation to disclose the full identities of the ‘Ibrahim’ and ‘Shamushdeen’ it referred to in her reports so that people would be better informed.

NASFAT Declares Tomorrow For Prayer And Fasting Over Terrorism By Chris Irekamba ORRIEDby the incessant W killings, abductions and disruption of economic

activities in the country, Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) has declared tomorrow as a day for prayer and fasting nationwide. Therefore, the society has directed all her zones and branches, including those in Diaspora to use the occasion to solicit for Allah’s relief from the crises that have besieged Nigeria. In a statement signed by NASFAT President, Alhaji Sheriff M. Yussuf and the General Secretary, Mr. Lukmon Folorunsho, NASFAT said: “This prayer and fasting is in line with the Qur’anic injunction that whenever mankind is confronted with evil (like the one our country is currently experiencing) as a result of the atrocities of the insurgent group, Boko Haram,) the surest counterforce to use is to seek Allah’s refuge and help. Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) Worldwide has declared Sunday, June 8, 2014 as a special day of fasting and prayer. Besides, NASFAT will also seize the opportunity to pray for Allah’s comforting grace on all those who have suffered personal losses in the spate of the evil attacks and abductions, as well as beseech Allah to reveal and bring to justice the perpetrators of the heinous act against humanity.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, June 7, 2014

NEWSFEATURE

Ado Bayero: A Quintessential Emir

By Femi Alabi Onikeku

URING his life, the late Ado Bayero displayed ability to forge relationship across ethnic and religious divides — A trait that deserves emulations by many of today’s leaders. “His Highness and I have been old friends. We met some five years ago under rather different circumstances,” said the late Ikemba of Nnewi, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu, during a speech at the 1966 installation of Bayero as Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsuka. “His Highness was then a Chief of Kano Native Administration Police and I, a young Major in the Brigade Headquarters in Kaduna. We met again soon after my arrival in Kano in January 1964 as Commander of the 5th Battalion of the Nigerian Army. It was during this period, through constant official and social contacts that our acquaintance blossomed into what I am proud to call firm friendship,” Ojukwu said. The relationship about which the late Biafra leader spoke was to yield no small dividend. According to Ojukwu: “I was in command at Kano during the crisis of January 15, and I judge it a great tribute to our friendship that, in close co-operation, Kano was kept insulated throughout from the turmoil and bloodshed of those days.” Born on June 15, 1930, the late Ado Bayero was the 56th ruler of Kano, having ascended the throne in October 1963. He was born to Alhaji Abdullahi Bayero, who was at the time the Emir of Kano, and who ruled for 27 years. He was named after the first son of his father, who had passed on earlier. He grew up in the palace and was under the watchful care of a prominent royal slave, Maikano Zage, as tradition demanded of princes at the time. Muhammadu Sanusi, Ado Bayero’s half brother, ascended the throne following the death of Abdullahi. Sanusi ruled from 1953 to 1963, when he was dethroned. Muhammadu Inuwa, an uncle to Sanusi, was already aged when he took over. He died three months after. From Switzerland, where he had gone to study, Ado Bayero was summoned to fill the vacuum in October 1963. As was customary for Hausa/Fulani children, at the time, Ado Bayero received Islamic education quite early in life. He is reported to have been under the tutelage of one Hajiya Malama Umma, wife of Walin Kano Suleiman. Here, he distinguished himself, showing brilliance and skill at various aspects of the lessons. The young Bayero began his quest for Western education at Kofar Kudu Primary School inside the palace. He was at Kano Middle School from 1942 to 1946. At the School of Arabic Studies (1946-1947), he sharpened his knowledge on Islam. He moved on to Clerical College in 1952. Ado Bayero began his foray into public service in 1947, when he took up a job with the British Bank for West Africa. Leaving the financial institution, he took up a job with the Kano Native Authority, rising to the enviable position of Chief Clerk of the Town Hall Council. His time at the Native Authority availed him opportunity to embark on courses at the Clerical Training Centre in Zaria. He also did a course on Local Government in the United Kingdom.

He replied: “In fact, I don’t even know what shock is. What do you mean by shock? What I believe is that whatever happens to me on this earth is destined to happen to me by Almighty Allah. So, there is no point in showing any fear, as whatever happens to any person is already pre-destined to happen to him. Therefore, wherever such things happen, whether good or bad, what is required from that person is to thank Allah; if it is for good, exercise patience.”

WHAT many Nigerians might not know is that the late emir had had experience of partisan politics, having contested and won elections into the Northern Region House of Assembly on the platform of the Northern Peoples Congress in 1954. He resigned as a member of the legislative body in 1957 and was appointed Chief of Kano Native Authority Police; a position he held until 1962, when he was appointed Nigeria’s ambassador to Senegal. While he served as police chief, Ado Bayero was reported to have made effort at curbing the practice of arbitrary detention of persons by powerful individuals. It is reported how a man was apprehended on the allegation that he insulted the Sardauna of Sokoto. The late Bayero had asked the arresting officer whether he was the Sardauna. The man replied in the negative. Bayero promptly ordered the release of the arrested. Another man was accused of vilifying the then emir of Kano. The late Bayero told the officer on the case that the emir was his father and as the son, he had opted to forgive the man.

EXTOLLING the virtues of the late emir on his 50th coronation anniversary in the Daily Trust of June 14, 2013, former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida said: “Alhaji Ado Bayero is undoubtedly one of the most pre-eminent personalities in contemporary Nigerian history. He is an exceptional emir in the history of emirates in Northern region of Nigeria because he witnessed several changes brought about by the various administrations that governed Kano from the time it was a province to its current status of a state. “He is the people’s emir because of his deep-seated love and sense of justice, fairness and equity in all his dealings with his people and council. He is a very disciplined and highly cultured and unassuming person with an exceptional capacity to embrace changes patiently but without compromising the status of the institution he represents.” The humaneness of the late monarch came to the fore when he openly wept on account of the loss of life that followed Boko Haram attacks in Kano. President Jonathan had paid him a visit to commiserate with him over the attack, which left more than a hundred persons dead. As the late Ado Bayero read from a prepared speech, he broke down intermittently, as palace guards, on each occasion, formed a ring around him, shielding the weeping leader from public glare. The late Bayero had gone on to lament insecurity in Kano, urging Jonathan to act and save his people from further harm. During his 2007 visit to the emir, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, remarked: “Your Royal Highness, your efforts at promoting religious tolerance, calming tensions, and advocating communal harmony throughout Kano are a symbol of your commitment to the cause of peace and coexistence, and an inspiration to all of us. “While here in your palace, I want to tell the entire Muslim community in Nigeria through you: America treasures your friendship and honours your faith. Islam is a religion that inspires hope and grants solace to more than a billion Muslims around the world, including millions of American Muslims.”

Late Ado Bayero The late leader’s style of training his children is worthy of emulation. He was said to have sent his children to public schools at all levels of education. He didn’t thing it proper that they should receive any preferential treatment above their peers because of their royal bearing. According to a social commentator, Sheu Mustapha Chaji: “His children mixed with other children in the community in day to day activities, unlike other elites who cut off any sort of relationship between their children and those of the poor.” Extolling the late Ado Bayero’s virtues, Chaji added: “Education, especially building of Islamic schools, were his major priorities. He also donated huge amounts of money to build schools within and outside Kano. As indication of his great concern for religious knowledge, the great emir needed no long notice to attend any occasion at an Islamic school. “As Nigeria’s Heads of State testify, Ado Bayero is among few royal and religious leaders that have never begged for any favour for themselves while in office. This showed that Ado Bayero was not the type that uses his office to solicit personal favours.” Ado Bayero was attacked on January 19, 2013. He was returning from a function at a mosque in Kano city when gunmen on motorbikes opened fire on his convoy. Although, the emir was unhurt, others were not as lucky. The

incident claimed the life of six persons and left two of his sons injured. The emir was flown abroad the day after for medical attention. He returned home on February 27. The incident might have finally shattered the myth that any individual is immune from target by terrorists. Although no group took responsibility for the attack, fingers were pointed at Boko Haram, given especially its previous assaults on Muslim leaders. The late leader, while he lived, had avoided openly denouncing the Boko Haram sect. And it remained the subject of speculation as to who wanted the emir dead. The first attempt on the life of the emir of Kano was in July 2010. The monarch narrowly escaped being shot by a lone gunman during Juma’at prayer at the Central Mosque. Following investigation by security operatives, it was discovered that the suspect, a 19-yearold man, was acting on the instruction of another person to murder the emir. Bayero also received a notice of intention to attack his palace in 2011 by unknown gunmen. With the assassination attempt against him in hindsight, and typical of a true Muslim, the late Ado Bayero voiced total submission to the will of Allah when he was asked if he had ever experienced shock or fright.

THE late Ado Bayero had a taste of misfortune when his wife, Hajiya Rabi, passed away, following a brief illness on May 23, 2013. She was popularly known as ‘Uwar Soron Kano’, meaning ‘superior among the emir’s wives’. Aged 67, the late Rabi, in accordance with the tradition of the emirate, was buried in the palace cemetery. The tenure of the late Ado Bayero witnessed steady decline in authority vested on the emirate. Once, it stood as an influential native authority. Today, it is merely a “custodian of the Hausa language and Islamic traditions”. Speaking to the media, shortly before the commemoration of his 50th year on the throne, the late Ado Bayero expressed regret that his position robbed him of the joy of meeting his childhood friends. “Friends that we grew and played together with during my childhood days are unable to have access to me now. Sometimes, it is only when we go abroad to places, like Saudi Arabia or England that we see without hindrance. The protocol involved is too cumbersome for some of my friends,” he had said. In 1984, the Buhari/Idiagbon junta suspended the late Bayero and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade, from office for six months. It followed the latter’s visit to Israel, which at the time had no diplomatic relations with Nigeria. The rulers were also restricted to their domains for a period of time. Until his death, the late Ado Bayero served in various capacities, some of which included Chancellorship of the University of Ibadan, University of Maiduguri and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

TRAVEL&TOURISM

Bethel: House Of God As Tourist Centre

A cross section of members of Ikosi Congregation, Ketu, Lagos after their tour of Bethel Home, Igieduma, Edo State…recently By Joseph Okoghenun LL over the world, Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their house-to-house preaching and teaching activities. But the organisation’s Bethel home, which coordinates and provides essential support for its global preaching work, is gradually becoming a significant tourist centre in Nigeria. The bethel is a Hebrew name, which means “ House of God.” Most countries in the world have their Bethel Homes. But 850 volunteers, who are part of 20,000 volunteers of global bethel families, manage Nigeria’s Bethel Home. Volunteers have the prefix, brother or sister attached to their name depending on their sexes. Located at Igieduma in Edo State, the Nigeria Bethel Home, receives many visitors, as tourists are called in Bethel Homes. Tour of the centre is free of charge. All kinds of tourists, regardless of their religion affiliations and backgrounds, often feel the need to visit the facility during holidays. According to one of the tourist guides, Mr. Chukwudi Okorie, an average of 3,000 tourists visited the home on May 1, which was a public holiday for Workers’ Day. However, tourists are only allowed to tour the facility on weekdays: Mondays to Fridays, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, The Guardian was told. Many prominent Nigerians, including a former head of state, have toured the Bethel Home facility one time or the other. The Guardian learnt that some tourists travel all the way from Lagos, Port Harcourt and other distant parts

of Nigeria to tour the facility. Those who have toured the facility described the experience as amazing while those who have only heard of the place are eager to visit. The Nigeria Bethel Home occupies a space of about 138 acre, which takes about 50 minutes to tour round from one end to the other. Welltrimmed lawns and flowers give the facility the ambience of a nature garden. Some of the trees, however, produces edible fruits like coconut, which The Guardian was told, is not expected to be plucked arbitrarily either by the volunteers or tourists. “ There are brothers whose assignment it is to pluck these fruits. The fruits are stored, prepared and served to all bethelites during general meals. “ No other bethelite is expected to pluck these fruits at will. We can only pick the ones that have fallen off on their own. If everyone were to pick these fruits at will, there are some bethelites that will never taste these fruits, especially the elderly and female volunteers,” Okorie said. Animals walk freely around the premises of the home. This may be another feature that may amaze a first time visitor to the facility. Deer, monkeys, grass cutter among other animals are easy sight to behold in this fenced facility. The most amazing thing about the animals is that the animals are not afraid of any harm, even when they see human beings. Okorie explained that the animals were fenced into the centre about three decades ago when the centre was which was then a forest was

being built. As a group, those who serve at these facilities are known as the Bethel family. Like a family, the volunteers live and work together, enjoy meals together, and study the Bible together. A number of necessary services are performed in the Bethel Home. For example, while some members of the family work in the kitchen, others prepare nutritious meals; do cleaning, housekeeping, laundry, or maintenance for other volunteers. These assignments contribute to the family’s high standard of cleanliness and global preaching work. The home prints 41 million copies of The Watchtower and Awake! Yearly in nine lan-

guages, and ships Bible literature to Nigeria and five other countries in West Africa. Not one of the volunteers receives a wage or salary. But everyone, The Guardian learnt, is entitled to a room, board and an allowance to assist with personal expenses. Aside several offices, which house various departments, the centre also has at least six dormitories where the various volunteers stay, either as couples or single bethelites. While some of the bethelites are old people, others are young. The home depends on two big boreholes for its water needs. After the water from the bore is treated, they are stored in big tanks tank, Oko-

rie said hardily could be filled by two trailer trucks. Various fuel dispensers at the centre meet the fuel needs of the several cars and buses in the home. Many of the volunteers “walk” the centres with their personal bicycles or the ones belonging to the facility. Cars are basically meant to travel to far distant parts of Nigeria. There are also car wash centres and vehicle maintenance units that take care of the needs of the various cars in Bethel. The neatness of these units is a beautiful sight to behold for any tourists. Like every Nigerian home, the bethel facility does not depend on public generated electricity 100 per cent, but on four generators for its elec-

tricity power needs. The Guardian learnt that each of the generators, which calculate the power needs of the facility and switch on accordingly, is about 250 KVA. One interesting thing about these generators is that they are devoid of noise that often accompanies generators in most homes and firms. Underground drainage system ensures that the facility is never flooded and it is well drained even when it rains heavily. The Guardian learnt that the home has standard football field, basketball court, and other sporting facilities for the residents. These facilities help the residents keep fit and healthy.

Centenary Celebration: NIHOTOUR Plans Mega Food Fair From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja S PART of its contribution to Nigeria’s Centenary celebration, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), has planned a major food and cultural fair in Abuja. Comprising exhibition of Nigeria’s cuisines, conference as well as cooking competition, the event holds between June 24 and 26 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja with a theme, One Hundred Years of Food, Culture and Hospitality in Nigeria. Director General of the Institute, Dr. Munzali Dantata, who unveiled the plan during the week, said the exhibition would bring together, stakeholders in the country’s food industry, who will be expressing, through their presentations, Nigeria’s food evolution from farm to table. “We are telling a food story from farm to table. We are reaching out to the Ministry of Agriculture because it has a mandate at the beginning of the chain,

which is the farm where foods are produced. “Then, at the other end of the supply chain are cooked or processed foods whether in private homes or restaurants. We want to look at a 100 years of food history - what the British found us producing and eating and what we are eating now. In his contribution, National President, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Tomi Akingbogun, commended NIHOTOUR for coming up with such programme at a time insecurity has impacted negatively on the country, especially the tourism sector. He noted that the world tourism body had projected a decline in tourism growth in the country due to the prevailing security situation. “Tourism growth is expected to drop this year in Nigeria. The private sector is already feeling the pains but the toughness is also affecting NIHOTOUR. So, I commend the Institute for being able to package the event”.

President, Hotel Owners Forum, Abuja (HOFA), Engineer Ekong Onofiok, also appreciated the efforts of the organizers at recognizing the role of the private sector in tourism and hospitality development. According to him, the industry cannot thrive without the contributions of the private sector. For the Chairman, Nanet Suits and Deputy National Chairman, FTAN, Prince Ini Akpabio, packaging remains a major obstacle facing global acceptance of Nigerian cuisines. He also believed that operators can synergies on linking movie, food, hospitality and tourism industries for maximum benefits. “ It is necessary to bring our food to the fore. Though they are rich in taste and nutritional contents, we must seek equipment for preparation and presentation. Our food is unique and there is need for unique equipment for preparation”, he said.

TheGuardian

8 | Saturday, June 7, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Politics ‘E-Eleven Inconsequential To Determine Fayose’s Fate’

From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head South West Bureau Ado Ekiti)

Femi Ajiniran, chairman of E-Eleven, a socio-economic group in Ekiti State that has great influence in the economy of the state, which recently kicked against the ambition of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate and former governor, Ayo Fayose, vowing to use all legitimate means to stop him from winning the election, speaks on why the group that coordinated Fayose’s ‘impeachment’ in 2006 has not stopped hunting him.

From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head South West Bureau Ado Ekiti)

Chief Segun Akinwunmi, a former commissioner in Ekiti State and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described E-Eleven as an inconsequential group that cannot determine who wins this month’s governorship election in the state, insisting that former governor, Ayo Fayose, was not impeached in the face of law. HAT is your reaction to assertion by the EW Eleven group that your candidate, Ayo Fayose, is a misfit to govern Ekiti State again? The E-Eleven syndrome was the product of the last five or six years. By the way, who are they? Who are their fathers in Ekiti politics? I have been in politics since 1978 and occupied various positions, such as councillor and council chairman in the old Ondo State, as well as commissioner for over four years under Fayose. So, I know what it takes to be in politics. Are they saying the whole of Ekiti people are in the pocket of 11 people? Who are they? If anybody should lay claim to give direction to Ekiti politics, it is we the veterans that should do that, as in civilised countries, not these upstarts who are seeking relevance in the form of E-Eleven. They are inconsequential to decide who governs Ekiti. Most of them do not have a residential apartment in Ekiti and cannot contest as a councillor and win. Yes, they have succeeded in reconciling Oni and Fayemi and that is the end. Mark it; EEleven will never thrive in Ekiti again. We are watching and the battle has just begun. I served in the committee that fought for the creation of this state, along with other prominent indigenes. Where were these E-Eleven then? They just come to harvest where they never sowed. We shall show them politics. What is your take on the seeming contradiction in Fayose’s position in the INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) form he filled in, saying he was never indicted by any panel, despite being impeached based on the panel’s report that he was fraudulent? If you were here in 2006, you will know that the impeachment process was inconclusive, to the extent that the first committee set up to investigate charges against him said he was not guilty, but the House of Assembly went ahead, which is against the law, to go and pick a Judge and ask him to do something else. It is the governor that can appoint a Chief Judge, and not the House of Assembly. But the Assembly wrongly passed a vote of no confidence on Fayose. So, the process was inconclusive to the extent that a state of emergency was declared, and the National Judicial Council (NJC) dismissed the Judge, who claimed to have presided over the matter. If you are playing a match and it was inconclusive, will they declare a winner? Are you saying Fayose was not impeached? In the face of law, he was not impeached, and there is a judicial pronouncement by the Supreme Court that impeachment, for whatever it is worth, is an administrative convenience that does not have a place in law. That is why Chief Iyinola Omisore was able to contest for the Senate and served for eight years, despite the fact that they claimed to have impeached him as a Deputy Governor under the late Chief Bola Ige. So, if Omisore could not be stopped, I see nobody that would stop Fayose, more so as the process was rash, rushed and inconclusive, leading to the declaration of state of emergency. With the rancour among the leaders of the PDP, do you see the party winning the election? Between 1979 and now, I have been involved in six governorship elections, starting in the

‘Why E-Eleven Is Against Fayose’

HAT is the aim of the E-Eleven group in Ekiti W State? The whole essence of our coming together to

Akinwunmi old Ondo State. In 2003, the primary was inconclusive, but while waiting for the run off, the powers that be announced Chief Segun Oni and we accepted in the interest of the party. It is that interest of the party that will now work for Fayose. The contest now is not between Fayemi and Fayose; it is between Fayemi and people of Ekiti, who have seen the best Fayemi could offer and which is not good enough for us. If you compare Fayemi and Fayose, I am saying that Fayose achieved more than Fayemi. Oni said he declined to endorse Fayose because he is not a role model Ekiti people can be proud of? I don’t even know Oni’s understanding of a role model. I would rather advise that if he has any personal grudge with Fayose, let him go and settle it. He should find a means of overlooking what he cannot cure. Whatever you cannot cure, you must device a way of living with it and endure it. Today, Fayose remains one of the best models Ekiti can boast of. He doesn’t give in to frivolities; if he says anything, he will stand by it. Oni became governor by chance and providence, and I think that should satisfy him. Are you saying that Oni’s exit will not affect the chances of your party in the election? Oni may have left the PDP, but his hearts is with the party. Go and found out, deep inside him, he is with the PDP. I want to say that sooner than later, Oni will return to PDP. All his foot soldiers are with the PDP and working for the success of Fayose and the party. But some former PDP governorship aspirants have also called Fayose names and are yet to cooperate with him? In politics, it is not new for people aspiring for certain positions to say many things, just to get attention or achieve their dreams. But God will pick his own person. It is good sportsmanship that after a big contest, like that, and the winner emerges, you accept it in good fate. Virtually all the former aspirants are still with Fayose. Even those who are not here physically would soon be here. So, let them say whatever they want say; it is part of the struggle. In a struggle, you try to do anything to get the results, but once you get the result, you repackage and make it attractive to the people. You can see people like Dayo Adeyeye and others are with us here. Fayose said he is a changed person; is that not an admittance of being bad before? I know that in typical African tradition, age plays an important role in the life of a man. It is at times synonymous with maturity. As at the time he contested in 2003, he was barely 40 years. Fayose will be 54 this year; that is enough to make him mature, even more matured than Fayemi.

form this group is gradually coming to reality and we can say we have achieved the reason of our existence, which is basically to uplift the standard and development of Ekiti, so that we can get to that Promised Land. In specific terms, what are your achievements? In the last 10 years of its existence, for about seven years our members have been at the helm of affairs- former governor, Segun Oni, and Governor Kayode Fayemi. With this, you can see our role in the political development of the state. In the area of economic development, right from inception, we directed that all our members should make Ekiti interest paramount in any decision they are taking in their private lives. I will not like to mention the names of individuals and companies sited here by our members, but we have done a lot in the area of employment generation. Those are the kinds of commitment we are trying to put in Ekiti to galvanise the economy. So, I was surprised when Fayose people said we are anti-development. Who is anti-development? We can point to our patriotic zeal to develop the economy of the state, but let them tell us what they have done and what they can do and how many people they have engaged. I am yet to see any proof where Fayose has engaged any Ekiti man. What we have seen is bringing people together and turning them to becoming thugs, harassing people everywhere, which is not the kind of thing we are talking about. We have been receiving threats from different people that they are going to beat or kill us, but that is not the kind of politics we need in this state at this age. In 2014, I don’t expect anybody worthy of becoming a councillor to threaten people because of an election. Between 2005 and 2006, this group was in the vanguard of the fight against Fayose and now you have started to criticise him. Could it because he is not your member? We have nothing personal against Fayose; he is an Ekiti person and to that extent, we see him as our brother. But in every family, you will have some members you cannot handover the leadership of the family into their trust, even if he is the firstborn. Fayose happens to fall into that category. We cannot handover the reign or the authority of the state into such hand. He is incompetent, not cultured, not informed and not educated. In 2014, we have got to the point where we desire someone who has the mental capacity to manage resource and be a model; Fayose cannot do this. We need somebody who has the temperament to manage people; Fayose does not have it. We need somebody who people can look up to as a symbol of Ekiti value; certainly Fayose does not fit in. We cannot see that omoluabi Ekiti cherish so much in him. This is 2014; we have gone beyond having a governor that does not know his right from the left. From the beginning of his campaign, he has offered nothing. There has not been any serious issue raised by him to convince any reasonable person why he must return to Government House.

Ajiniran In 2006, he was a governor and Ekiti people chased him away. We are against him not because he is not our member, but simply because he is completely outside the radar of what Ekiti people wants. We have anticipated a credible candidate from the PDP, but unfortunately it presented a candidate that does not measure up to the minimum standard we expect of a councillor, not to talk of a governor. So, nobody cam blame us for PDP’s miscalculation. Why can’t you allow people to decide his fate, instead of taking him to court? One of the major objectives of our group is to ensure credible and good character, nurtured by good upbringing to be at the helm of affairs in this state. We applied to INEC to give us entire forms submitted by all the candidates, went through them and discovered that there are areas in the form where he was asked whether he has been indicted by any panel of inquiry or administration before and he said no. One of the reasons why he was impeached was that he was fraudulent. For him now to turn round and say he has not been indicted is perjury, and we believe the law court should be able to tell us whether we are right or wrong. We have pointed the information to the people and the government to know the contradiction in the form he filled. Fayose’s campaign organisation said your group owes the state government a lot of money and since the time you have been managing Fountain Hotel and you have failed to remit a dime into government coffer? When I read the allegation in the newspaper, my first reaction was to ignore him, because I was more disappointed in him. The truth is that E-Eleven has nothing to do with Fountain Hotel and that is much I can tell you now. E-Eleven is a group of people. I am an investor in the company that owns Fountain Hotel. The name of the company that bided for the running of the Hotel is Consolidated Alliance, which agreement with the government, and later asked people interested in the hotel to come and invest. There are several indigenes of Ekiti that invested in the company. It will not be normal to start mentioning their names, but they know them and not all of them are members of E-Eleven. About 70 per cent of E-eleven members invested in the company. We have many Ekiti indigenes outside E-Eleven with substantial shares in the company. I don’t think the company owes that such ridiculous amount Fayose mentioned. Are you not concerned that the election might turn out to be a contest between the masses and elites? It is always like that. The elites are better informed and expected to see light better, rather than the masses that most times do not see farther than their immediate environment.

Saturday, June 7, 2014 | 9

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POLITICS

‘Jonathan Needs Citizens’ Support To Transform Nigeria’ Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah voluntarily resigned from his fledging banking career to start Masters Energy Group. The Oke-Oji of Abia spoke about Nigeria’s economy, President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda and other burning issues in the polity. Onyedika Agbedo

HAT do you think is weighing Nigerian economy down from reaching its full potential? Good governance and sustainable development are key panacea to socio-economic and political challenges of any nation. Since independence in 1960, Nigeria has been beset with myriads of issues and problems militating against its march towards greatness. These tended to impinge on the rapid socio-economic and political development of the country, whose potential to be among the greatest nations of the world and transform into an economic super power is unarguably manifest from its vast natural and human resources and the recent rating as the biggest economy in Africa. But of recent, the effective and visionary leadership that the President has been showing, in spite of the unusual challenges facing him, has become the driving and motivating force to the sustainable development that we are witnessing. So, no matter what has happened in the past, we all must look forward and find a way to support and encourage the President, because governing the country at this critical point in time is not an easy task. Some Nigerians, especially those in opposition, would not share your opinion? What do you expect? There is just no way every one of us will share same opinion, but we have to realise that in the past, commitment to transforming the country in all ramifications, as the envy of others, has been elusive. Accusing fingers were pointed at the centre, but the truth is that the landscape of Nigeria is inundated with a vast array of both mineral and agricultural resources, including oil and gas

Ogah resources, which if properly harnessed and exploited by the various states, will propel Nigeria beyond the level it is today. This is even against the background that countries that are less endowed than our nation has moved astronomically to be at the commanding heights of world economy. Countries like Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Germany are among the countries, which are less gifted than Nigeria in terms of natural resources. Yet, they have progressed to be among the top economies of the world. Some of these countries have graduated from nations of want and poverty into nations that others now depend upon for their sustenance and survival. This is a path that we ought to have taken for long, which we are just embarking on of recent through the wise economic council of our pragmatic coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Ngozi

Okonjo-Iweala. This is one of the main reasons I call all hands to be on deck to encourage this regime to lay the solid foundation that will take us to the Promised Land. I think the problem is that in the past Nigerian leaders did not come to terms with this stark reality you have just painted or they did but rather chose to ignore it out of their self-centeredness… Well, I must admit with you that in the past, commitment to genuine desire to sincerely transform Nigeria into an enviable nationhood was thrown overboard and consigned into the oblivion and on the altar of greed and mediocrity; though we have in the last 15 years of democratic rule floated one socio-economic agenda or the other, all tailored towards making Nigeria great and respected among the nations of the world. But once this is enunciated, it becomes yet another opportunity to milk Nigeria and Nigerians dry and instead of advancing, the country begins to drift into the unknown. This is one of the reasons we have to applaud the recent Made-in-Nigeria car policy of this administration that will soon role off Nigerian cars across African streets, create massive employment and spearhead the industrialisation of the nation as many technologically driven industries are going to start springing up. Ostensibly, what is happening now is the type of leadership the nation has been craving for and the good news is that this leadership is what President Goodluck Jonathan has come to offer and he needs our collective efforts and support to achieve this. Sitting at one corner pointing accusing fingers is not going to do anyone any good. The problem of the country has always been with policy implementation, not formulation. What makes you think the economic policy you talked about will not end up in waste paper bins like previous ones? One must confess that since the leadership of Nigeria rightly constitutionally fell into the hand of Goodluck Jonathan, he has firmly and wisely introduced his own development mantra, which he christened ‘The Transformation Agenda’. The concept and philosophical base of the

Transformation Agenda is designed to impact positively on the lives and well being of the over 170 million Nigerians and reverse the stigma of being ranked among the poorest countries of the world. The good thing about this Transformation Agenda is that it has been modeled in such a way that succeeding governments can continue with it. It should be understood that transformation as a terminology is an ideal based on total and comprehensive change in an individual, society, institution or country. And this is where President Jonathan’s critics seem to be missing it. The Transformation Agenda is not an individual thing; it’s not about Mr. President or his party and government. It is about getting it right individually so that we can get it right collectively. It is about setting a resolution, a transformation plan that will affect the way we do things as a nation. Every one of us has been crying about corruption or lamenting about careless attitudes towards government work and lack of institutional leadership needed to drive the citizenry to a great height. And our leader wisely stepped out to say ‘the key to that is first set a transformation agenda in place’. It is not a Jonathan call; it is a national call. How does this affect Nigerians individually? From the individual point of view, transformation will target the physical, the psychological, the spiritual the emotional, the moral, the ethical and the religious nature of man. It involves the whole being of man. Similarly, transformation as it affects institutions and nations also involves the entire structure of a nation. The transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is actually premised on these ideals. The agenda seeks to translate the Nigeria economy and restructure and transform Nigeria into an enviable state. But, if truth must be told, these cannot be achieved in isolation. It needs the radical involvement of the citizenry to accomplish. We are too quick to celebrate the great accomplishments of leaders elsewhere forgetting that the transformations those leaders achieved at their nation was out of the unbiased loyalty and deep-rooted commitment of the people, be it in

‘ILand’ Have What It Takes To Take Imo To The Promised

Ahead of Imo 2015 governorship election comes a young and dynamic entrepreneur, Mr. Okey Ezeh who recently declared his interest to contest for the seat on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Ezeh, a graduate of Mass Communication from University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), who had a stint at Citibank for more than a decade, before venturing into private business, admonishes Nigerians to always inquire into the antecedents of those seeking public office before supporting them. Speaking with journalists in Lagos recently, Ezeh said he joined the race with the conviction that his wealth of experience, track record and achievements will make a difference in governance. SAMSON EZEA was there and reports. You have declared for the governorship race in Imo state, what do you think you can do differently? ITHOUT blowing my trumpet, I was born into a humble family and I diligently worked my way to where I am today. So I have paid my dues. For some time now, I have engaged in charity and so many youths in the state have benefitted from it and they are presently doing well. Many of them are employers of labour today. I believe that people’s word should be their bond. I have plans on how to take Imo state to the next level economically, socially and otherwise. Governance is not a tea party, but leaders or those seeking public office must be sincere and transparent while dealing with the people. If elected as governor of the state in 2015, I will run an allinclusive, result-oriented government in line with global best practices. My government would not be government by family association, but using the best talents to turn the state around. I will create real jobs for the teeming unemployed youths. It is possible for me because I have been in the business of creating thousands of jobs as an individual. The problem of governance in Nigeria is lack of credibility on the part of the leaders. Majority of them are dishonest and see public office as a means of amassing wealth. It should not be, rather it should be a call to service. Why the choice of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as a

platform to contest? I have done my homework and discovered that APGA is like a movement in Imo state and the rest of Igbo land. Our people are so passionate about the party and we cannot wish it away. Our choice of the platform is not a mistake, but a well-thought and widely-consulted decision. What is your assessment of the present government in the state? Without sounding immodest, the government of Governor Rochas Okorocha has done fairly well in some areas, but that is not enough for a state like Imo with great human and material potentials. The state is supposed to be setting the pace for other states in the country. There are enormous mineral resources wasting due to neglect by government. The same goes with the agricultural sector. If the state government is committed and sincere, the state can be the food basket of the nation. The potentials are there, it is just to harness them. The present government’s initial rescue mission, which appears to have failed, should not last for more than four years. A rescue mission is expected to be short-lived, but it seems Okorocha’s government lacks well-thought out plan. That is why the state has become disorganised. The state, as it were, was covered by what the governor called ‘rescue mission sloganeering, with the quality of schools becoming scandalous. The state is now littered with substandard and uncompleted projects and we have less than one year to 2015 election. In Imo, we cannot run and maintain proper schools. The quality of education is poor. We have mass unemployment. We have substandard infrastructure and there is no cohesive programme to put things right. The state is where it is today because we have a rescue mission that does not have a master plan. What the state needs to do in 2015 is to elect a leader like me who will bring out a well thought-out plan that would see industries and the productive sector of the economy working once again. The people should scrutinise those whose only claims of livelihood are businessmen, because such people have no verifiable means of livelihood. The theme of the 24th World Economic Forum on Africa, which took place in Abuja, was “Forging Inclusive Growth, Creating Jobs”. How correct was this theme given the current economic realities in the country today? Growth is a means to an end rather than an end on its own. Growth should not just be about some arcane statistical juggling act. It should be the proverbial horse that drives the cart

of development. It should translate to the existential realities of citizens as measured by living standards, level of self-esteem needs, freedom from oppression and even the quality and scope of choices. On paper, Nigeria is one of the fastest growing emerging markets, but also one of the most abysmal performers on the Human Poverty Index. I think the theme reflects a consciousness by government to correct this seeming paradox. There is the notion that there is a dearth of skilled manpower in Nigeria despite the large army of unemployed people in the country. Do you not think this is a disincentive to creating jobs? I totally agree that the quality of skilled manpower in Nigeria has plummeted over the years and I really do not think there is any prize for guessing the cause. Our educational system, now comatose, has been in a freefall for years and it is an illusion for anyone to dream economic development without a quality public educational system. I see no strong nexus between the quantum of jobs that can be created and the quality of available manpower. We are not talking about hitech jobs here. All that we need to revolutionise the employment situation is to go back to the basics. Fiscal discipline, improved infrastructure and sustained investments in agriculture and education can lift a significant percentage of the population out of the poverty trap within 10 years. When you pull people out of poverty, you would have empowered them with greater choices even in job placements and required skill-sets that will drive production. Ezeh

10 Saturday, June 7, 2014

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BUSINESS INTERVIEW

‘Nigeria Is The Largest Importer Of Rice In The World’ RICHARD Olafare is the President of Seeds Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Savannah Seeds And Livestock Ltd.,Jos, Plateau State. He spoke with DEBO OLADIMEJI on the agricultural transformation agenda of the Federal Government and how to ensure food security in Nigeria. HAT is the history of seed industry in W Nigeria? Seed industry in Nigeria started developing in 1993. I was working with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan then when we decided to have an association that will govern seed production, marketing, research and all the rest of them. There were three seed companies in Nigeria then. We had Premier Seed, United Africa Company (UAC ) and UT seed. The problem was that before then, there were not enough improved seeds for farmers to obtain good yields. Most of them were relying on their saved seeds. And some of the germplasm in terms of yield, were very low. The principal actor that brought about the seed industry in Nigeria was maize. Through hybridization, I think it was during the regime of former Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, they contracted the production of hybrid seeds to IITA to develop hybrid seeds for Nigeria which they did. The seed industry primarily is to produce and market improved seed varieties and sell them to farmers in Nigeria. Unfortunately, initially, the output was very low. How did you overcome the initial challenges? There were a lot of challenges as regards adoption. Farmers who were used to old varieties were reluctant to change to new improved ones. It was not free. They had to pay for the improved seeds. Nigerian farmers are resource poor. We were faced with market problems. We were faced with adoption problems. When you produce and you don’t have market, it is a problem. The market is the farmers, and when the farmers are not adopting, there is little profit coming in. There were other attendant costs like other inputs that you use to produce seeds. The cost of fertilizer was very high, ditto agro chemicals. Government comes, government goes, they left their different policies. You know Nigerian governments’ policies are not sustainable. And getting financial assistance from the banks is another problem. Over the years, not many banks want to lend money to farmers. Nigerian banks are commercial-oriented. Initially, some big companies came to Nigeria like Premier Seeds. Obasanjo later sold it to Pioneer. Pioneer folded up. UAC was a big company before it folded up. At the end of the day, you find out that there was huge overhead to produce seeds. Until recent developments in Nigeria, there had been some interventions by the government but they were not sustainable. Why were those interventions not sustainable? There is this subsidy that ought to get to farmers, subsidy on seeds, fertilizers and agro chemicals. The principal driver there was fertilizer. Fertilizer was supposed to be a secondary input to quality seeds. Most of the fertilizers then that were supposed to get to farmers as subsidy didn’t get to them. Until about two years ago, all our resources were limited to petroleum. What has changed in the sector? When President Goodluck Jonathan came with his programme of agricultural transformation, it was like bringing back the hope that we thought that was lost. We started seeing green light. We embraced it and supported it under the food security programme of the Federal Government. Before 2009, all the seed companies in Nigeria were just about eight and the production was not up to 4,000 metric tons. One single seed company in Nigeria today is producing that. The government contacted the association to produce seeds and sell to farmers. Unlike before, this present government backed us with bank guarantee of about 75 per cent of loan. Although it is a trading fund that cannot sustain us, but we don’t have any alternative. At least they help us to buy back the seeds from the farmers. Now I can tell you that we have about 69 seed companies in Nigeria. Why do we import food items when we have the capacity to feed ourselves? Nigeria is a blessed country. We have land and we have the ecology that can grow both swamp, irrigated and upland rice. But the breeding stock is limited. What it entails is to

get large quality of classes of breeders seeds, foundation seeds to produce certified seeds. And it is these certified seeds that we give to farmers to produce large quantities of grains. At least we have about 10 millers in the country today that produce quality rice than the one they make in India, China and all that. And our own rice is even sweeter than their own. What they do is that they bring those rice that were produced over 10 years ago. All that the farmers produce in those countries, the government buys back from them. The older ones in the stores, that is the one they milled and send across to Africa whereas if we are producing on our own, it is on a yearly basis that we will be putting new rice into the market. As it is coming out from the field, we distribute to the millers and they mill. Most people prefer that. We have the advantage to produce some crops that can compete favourably anywhere in the world. We can produce rice, maize, wheat. The land is there, the farmers are there. Over the years, interventions come in and out. You will find out that some of the farmers are knowledgeable enough to produce these seeds and grains. What has been their problem is market. When they produce, they don’t have the market to sell. So, they are limited to subsistence farming, produce and eat. Now with the food value chain approach, we have the producer in there and the end user there. We try to link the farmers who are the producers to the users who are the millers. What is not there is how these farmers can get finance to produce. The farmers are there. It is just to encourage them to have access to facility. How many small scale farmers have access to funding? It is the big farmers, the commercial farmers, that have the access. Almost about 70 percent of our production in Nigeria is by small scale farmers. Very few commercial farms are obtainable. If you aggregate the production of all the small scale holders, it is very big. We can produce enough to feed ourselves, it is just the will. You know, most of the things we produced in Nigeria, like maize, we feed the neigbouring countries like Niger. What are the efforts you are making to solicit for foreign investors to partner with you? There are Nigerian investors who are actually going into rice milling everyday. In 2009, there was one Alhaji Mohammed in Kano, he owns Homezat Farms International. He invested all his income in bringing in mills from Indian and China. He is one of the primary investors in rice milling in Nigeria. Today, he competes favourably with whatever rice that comes to this country. He invited me to the National Assembly, when he was still there serving. He said his limitation was raw materials, how to get paddy rice to feed his mill? He said that he got to know that I produce large quantity of paddy rice in Plateau and in the South West. When I got to his mill in Kano I saw the effort of this man... What he needed then was the operating cost to run the mill. He was looking for assistance from the bank. They were all reluctant. I then married him with a bank. He got half a billion naira that year as loan. He is running the factory comfortably now. We have Nigerians who have actually invested in the production of rice. What we are doing now is to reduce the quantity of imported rice into the country. At this level, the government should be able to stand on its feet and slam the door like most other countries did for importation of rice. If you know how much we spend everyday on rice importation. …Nigeria is the largest importer of rice in the whole world. We are still fighting it. When the people at the National Assembly were trying to say that because the Federal Government put embargo on rice they are losing about N300billon or so. I let them know the profits we have generated within that period. I think they have kept quiet or I would have followed it with series of facts and figures. What the farmers need is the funds to equip their mills with machinery. I think this government is bringing in about one hundred units of improved and modern milling machine to the country that they are going to distribute across. Have you been able to address the problem of

Olafare the yearly scarcity of maize? I was a pioneer member of Maize Association of Nigeria when it started in 1992- 93. What works then was for us to coordinate the distribution of improved varieties of seeds. We coordinate the buy back of it or let the farmers do the marketing. Over the years, the challenges has been one, adoption, quality seeds is another. Financial assistance to buy fertilizers, to buy agro chemicals for mechanization is not there. So it has been up and down like that. And we have limited yields. The adoption rate was between 9 and 12 percent now. Above the lowest in Africa. The little the farmers are producing they produce for self -sufficiency. When Obasanjo in 2005 -2006 released money for fertilizers to produce maize. He encouraged our farmers. He put them into cooperative groups. He led them to the banks, they collected loans. These farmers produced. The arrangement was that the government will buy back from the farmers. The farmers produced a lot that year 2006-2007. There was a glut of maize in the country there was no market. The price of maize came down to N1,800 per bag. The government was suppose to buy from the farmers at N3,200 to N3,600. At the end of the day it was not to be. That discouraged the farmers, the following year to go into maize production. Many of them went into other crops. It has always been like that. This year about N48,000 metric tons of seed were distributed to about eight million farmers. So there is going to be large quantity of maize in the market. You see our taste is so high. We don’t like to taste what is produced in Nigeria that is the problem. There is always policy summersault, how do you ensure the continuity of the transformation agenda.. The transformation agenda, the growth enhancement programme of the government to increase food security. It has gone to the National Assembly if it become an Act…We can be sure of its sustainability. We have had of

some many agricultural interventions. Green revolution among others. But this one, I think the government is doing a lot of things and we are not leaving any stone unturned to put it in our legislative act to make sure that it is sustainable. What is limiting agriculture generally is still there and has to be addressed. That is, the approach from the bank. We have to do a lot on rural development. We need good roads that can link what is produce in hinterlands to the markets. Then encourage youth to go into agriculture. We have been recommending that at least ten percent of the National budget should go into agriculture. In advanced countries they are collecting loans at about single digit. In Nigeria it is about 25 percent. Until the government is able to address that. We have seen the enhancement programme of this present administration and their transformation programme. We are saying let it be continued. It is cheaper to bring some of these things into the country because our production cost is still too high. Background information? I am from Osun State, Ifewara. I am an agriculturist from University of Ife (Now Obafemi Awolowo University). I was trained in IITA on seed development and I was seconded to United Trading Company (UTC) International in Jos. When I knew that there was going to be a vacuum in the industry in 1998, that was when I started on my own. By that time the UTC had diverted from Nigeria to other parts of Africa. I had already developed UT seed. As seed entrepreneur. I registered my seeds, Savannah Seeds, that is operating as Savannah Seeds and Livestock today. I established the industry in Jos, Plateau. Savannah Seeds and Livestock do consultancy services for government, individuals, corporate bodies and private entrepreneurs. I have a consortium of out growers across the country. And we consult across the country. I produced seeds that we processed and packaged into 2kg, 5kg, 10kg, 25kg for the farmers

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12 | Saturday, June 7, 2014

NEWSINTERVIEW

‘With Enugu International Airport, There Is Need For Diplomatic Missions In South-East’ Chief Udo Udeogaranya is a man of many parts — politician, entrepreneur and social crusader. As a crusader, he has championed many worthy causes and is currently leading the campaign for the establishment of diplomatic missions in any state of the southeast, preferably Enugu, through the Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN), which he leads. He spoke with ONYEDIKA AGBEDO on the project, which he believes will rev up economic activities in the zone, among other issues.

RIEFLY tell us about Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria? Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria is all about promoting the culture of Ndigbo and also championing their welfare and well being in Nigeria as long as a non-governmental organisation can go. It is an organisation that looks into the society and finds out one or two areas that government needs to help or assist Ndigbo and alert the government on those areas. However, the organisation does not just alert government to some of their responsibilities as it concerns Ndigbo but also commends them when they accomplish these objectives. In what ways have the organisation realised its objectives? Since January this year when I was elected the president of the organisation, we have taken stock of the number of Ndigbo in various prisons around the world and we are equally about to engage the governmental agencies in the country to see what could be done to secure the freedom of some of these people who are mainly incarcerated for flimsy reasons or basically because of immigration breaches here and there. Apart from that, we are also notifying government about some of the things they need to be doing in Igbo land. For instance, we have just appealed to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to look into establishing diplomatic missions in Enugu. This is because if you look round the country, it is only Ndigbo that do not have a diplomatic representation in their area. We have in Lagos (West) and Abuja (North) but there is none in any area of Igbo land. We do know that this is one of the aftermaths of the war when Ndigbo were denied the opportunity to have interaction with the outside world. But I think President Goodluck Jonathan’ s conducts, programmes and policies have really come to show that the war may have been over given the way he has been handling Igbo affairs. We are not in doubt because Jonathan, of all the presidents we have had in this country for the pat 11 regimes, is the only one that seems to carry Ndigbo along with other ethnic groups in the country. As you can see, Enugu now has an international airport and Ethiopian Airline is already flying there and most people from the east who used to come to Lagos to fly no longer do that. The only problem now is that they still go to Lagos in the South West or Abuja in Northern Nigeria to get their visas. We think government should consolidate on what they have done by ensuring that diplomatic missions are established in Enugu. It won’t cost government a whole lot and even if it does, it is part of their responsibility. But it is something that if they do, will bring good returns to government because it will drive productivity. When you have diplomatic representations from key industrial nations like China, Indian, Germany, France, Turkey, United Kingdom,

USA and other Consulates and Deputy High Commissions closer to an industrious people like Ndigbo, you can tell what will be the outcome. You were effusive in commending President Jonathan’s administration for carrying Ndigbo along in spite of criticisms from certain quarters that the South East is still being marginalised under his administration… (Cuts in) That is a fallacy as a matter of fact. You must understand that the problems Ndigbo are having today in terms of governmental issues did not start with Jonathan; they did not start in the last five or six years. These are problems that have been there since Ndigbo returned from Biafra to Nigeria. It is true that Gowon with his ‘Three R’ policy of Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation, said that everything had returned to normal but you can tell that successive governments from the Gowon era did nothing in actual sense of it to bring Ndigbo along. But in the time of President Jonathan, a difference showed up. You cannot solve a problem that had been there for decades over night. We can, however, tell when there is an improvement from the way it used to be. What does it actually take a government to upgrade an airport to an international status? It doesn’t really take much but it wasn’t done until Jonathan got it done. And I tell you this: If Ojukwu had died during the past 11 regimes in the country, they would have buried him like a chicken. That did not happen under Jonathan. Jonathan gave him a befitting state burial. Take a look at the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe mausoleum. It was abandoned by several regimes for several years. What a shame to a nation. It is only Jonathan that has seriously started work on the mausoleum from the way Abacha left it into almost finishing touches as I speak to you now. Jonathan is the messiah that Ndigbo have seen since the return of Ndigbo to Nigeria after the civil war. Look at the Lagos-OreBenin-Onitsha highway. You can close your eyes and drive on that road and in a couple of hours you are in Onitsha. If we have had our presidents in the past 44 years do just 10 per cent of what Jonathan has already done for Ndigbo, I don’t think the story would have been the same today. What it means is that your organisation is backing Jonathan for a second term? The organisation is 110 per cent behind Goodluck Jonathan. We are absolutely behind him and we are mobilising all Igbos in Nigeria and in the Diaspora to do everything possible to support, encourage and ensure that Jonathan returns back to power because if he is this good to us, it means he will even do better in the second term. I want to assure Mr. President that as far as this organisation is concerned, we are mobilising heavily with everything means of communication for his reelection. And we are telling our people that the choice of Jonathan and any other candidate is like the choice of daylight and darkness and Ndigbo of course knows the light when they see one. And we have seen the light in Jonathan. Darkness can never come near us. Talking about the economic development of the south east, what other options do you think can be explored to fast track it outside

the opening of diplomatic missions in the zone? We have short-term and long-term issues as far as this question is concerned. Generally, Nigeria needs electricity; you need energy to produce. Ndigbo are industrious people; productivity is their second name. But you need energy to produce. Just like any other part of the country will need energy, Ndigbo needs energy too in quantum. We would love to see this administration pursue the issue of electricity to a logical conclusion. And I think they are very much on course. If other governments were doing it this way, it wouldn’t have been the same story today. So, I thank the government for what they have done so far. In the transportation sector, the government is also dong very well. But we need more. We need the railways here and there; we also need internal roads. We also need credit facility because for you to produce there must be financial institutions out there powering you from behind. I believe that the incumbent CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, will come up with programmes that will help small and medium enterprises to thrive well. Are you optimistic that the ongoing national conference will come out with implementable resolutions that will advance the cause of the country in general and Ndigbo in particular? This question of whether I’m optimistic will be a difficult one for me to answer because two things are involved — whether the conference will be able to come up

with vibrant ideas and whether the ideas they come up with will be implemented. I don’t want what I say today to haunt me tomorrow. So, I think we have to wait and see what they will come up with eventually and if they are worth implementing. And if they are worth implementing, whether they will be implemented. But do you support the conference? Of course yes! As a democrat, I support the conference; there is always need for people to sit down, talk and iron out one or two things. It is a very important thing because if you don’t engage people in a conference, they will be back home troubling the government left and right. So, it is important to sit down and iron out one or two things that they think will help the country move forward when implemented. Are you impressed with the proceedings so far? The proceedings so far have not really impressed me. For instance, on the issue of state creation, there is no reason the south-east should have five states whereas some geo-political zones parade six and even seven states. Meanwhile, allocation of resources from the centre is based on this. But if a superior idea comes up to have regional governments that will have equal amount of resources being sent to them from the centre, good. What it means is that internally, if you want to have 200 states within your region or you want to have just two states, you can go ahead. So, the number of states will no longer count. But if Nigeria has to stay the way it is, then I will say that the south-east actually deserves two more states.

Udeogaranya

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Saturday, June 7, 2014

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

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

OVERLAPPING WORD GAME with OLULANA KAYODE O8023183727 olulana3@yahoo.com Solutions To Overlapping Word Game ‘53’

Overlapping Word Game ‘54’ 1. Borno State capital city 2. Expel urine 3. Cure-all 4. Annoying 5. Edible animal flesh 6. Entice somebody 7. Woman who perform in plays 8. Short non-fiction prose piece 9. Of colour of butter 10. Year’s coldest season 11. Walkway with pillars 12. Large stringed instrument 13. Governor Segun Mimiko’s state 14. Certainly 15. Somebody who grants lease 16. Citrus fruit 17. Intense 18. Precise and painstaking 19. Removal 20. Live somewhere 21. Have as consequence 22. Against the law 23. Former Kwara State Governor 24. Most recent

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On The Path Of Winners

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

Activating Divine Blessing For World Peace T

HE Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC) otherwise known as the Rosicrucian Order, in a symposium recently agreed that one world religion is attainable. In a well attended workshop held in Ikeja, the Lagos Zone of the order posed question: One World Religion, is it attainable? The discussion was moderated by Professor Isaac Alaba, a consultant on Culture and Language. The discussants included Professor Douglas Anele of the Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos; Retired Professor Sophie Oluwole and Professor John Idiodi of the University of Benin. In his keynote address to the seminar, the Grand Administrator and director of the Supreme Board of the Rosicrucian Order, Dr. Kenneth Idiodi defined religion as worship service, devotion or commitment, principle or system of benefits held with ardor and faith. He said people assemble in shrines, synagogues, churches and mosques in a collective search for God. However, he avers that the discovery of God will always remain strictly a personal experience. Idiodi said mysticism is the key to all religions and that the key to world peace is the observance of silence, humility and tolerance. Idiodi blames insecurity in Nigeria on the commercialization of religion and politics. He quoted the great English novelist and critic, Aldous Huxley who said that, ‘‘It is customary with truth to start as heresy and end up as superstition.” For Douglas Anele, who spoke on the ‘‘Origin and Purpose of Religion, he condemned Nigeria’s newly fangled prosperity evangelism as the reason for Nigeria’s backwardness. He asserts that among the numerous theories of the purpose of religion, six of them predominate. First for consideration is the anthropological theory

of Ludwig Feuerbach, God is the projection of everything valuable in man. However, the Marxists affirm religion as a byproduct of the economic exploitation of the masses in the capitalist system. For Karl Marx, the originator of Marxism, religion is the opium of the people, the cry of the exploited under the merciless conditions of Capitalism. Because of oppression and suffering, the masses look up to God in the sky for deliverance. That is why the poor are more fanatically engaged in religion than the rich. It also explains why people are more religious in times of war, suffering and hardship. In his conclusion, Anele avows religion as a human phenomenon, which allows us to cope with the various challenges of existence. Thus religion is a veritable source of spiritual enlightenment necessary for our attainment of peace, contentment, happiness and wellbeing. Unfortunately, the essence of Christianity and Islam in Nigeria has been so perverted that self-indulgent materialism is the dominant orientation. It is noteworthy that while Nigerians are trooping to churches, mosques, Jerusalem and Mecca, seeking divine solutions to their problems, immorality and corruption are escalating. It is time Nigerians begin to question the fundamental principles of their faith. A healthy dose of skepticism is what every believer needs to curtail the dogmatism inherent in religious superstition. On the other hand, professor emeritus, Sophie Oluwole traced the differences between the religions, saying Islam is nearer our traditional religions for accepting that in every epoch, God sends out an appropriate prophet for a particular civilization to grow and de-

velop in divinity. She said Orunmila, the prophet of the Yoruba religion of Ifa, like Siddhartha Gautama, predated Jesus the Christ, the founder of Christianity. She said it is erroneous for a religion to claim to be the only path to salvation. Professor Idiodi, on his own part admonished Nigerians to eschew the practice of religion without spirituality. He urged us to keep silent, be humble and tolerant in order not to repulse God in His blessings. In summarizing the submissions of the discussants, the grand administrator of the Rosicrucians in Nigeria, Dr. Kenneth Idiodi affirmed that one world religion was attainable. And that true religion would teach the truth, not based on the treatises of philosophers. Indeed, true religion helps people to know God and focus on communion with Him, rather than human governments. Such one world religion would promote unselfish love, respect for all ethnic groups who use their resources to help others. Such a universal religion shall be a way of life, not just ritual and commerce. During the question and answer session, a question on how to stop the Boko Haram menace wasn’t answered adequately in my view. To me, the solution to the abduction of 276 Chibok girls and the insurgency itself has a multifaceted answer. The solution to the recovery of the abducted girls is to negotiate a swap with the girls, which is why President Jonathan’s hiring the Australian Cleric, Dr. Stephen Davis is very appropriate. A good example for Jonathan may be found in the freed U.S. soldier held prisoner in Afghanistan for five years. The Taliban, a terrorist Afghan organization agreed to turn over Sergent Bowe Bergdahl in ex-

change for the release of five Afghan detainees from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The transfers happened after a week of negotiations mediated by the government of Qatar. That puts paid to the fallacy that people don’t negotiate with terrorists. Terrorism is being used to balkanize Nigeria in the way the Great Powers used religion to Great Pakistan out of India and South Sudan from Sudan. They also used ethnicity to create Bangladesh out of Pakistan, they dispersed the Soviet Union, separated Taiwan from China, broke Korea into two and created the Czech Republic from Czechoslovakia. It is being done to create a more pliable world whose resources they can continue to dominate. Finally, the ultimate solution to terror in Nigeria is for Jonathan to institute the Jonathan plan for the eradication of poverty in Nigeria. It should be a three part plan. One, the poverty alleviation or the reconstruction programme for the unemployed which will imitated U.S. Marshall Plan of 1946. Two, a social security programme, which will imitate the German example and finally a new Pension Reform Act of 2014. The innovation is that all beneficiaries of social security shall automatically become spooks of government, exposing crimes, corruption with an enabling law protecting them on whistle-blowing. On that score, parliament shall establish the National Social Security Administration as its administrative organ. Inspiration for the eradication of poverty programmes abound in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Asian tigers of Malaysia, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Grameen bank-

16 | Saturday, June 7, 2014

GARDENING

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With Sereba Agiobu-Kemmer

sereba.agiobu.kemmer@ngrguardiannews.com

3-stage turning compost unit; brown to right is finished compost, green in middle is work in progress, pile to left is awaiting action. Backyard aerobic compost holding bins made from wooden stakes and wire mesh.

Trash can compost bins NLY when we see that we are part of the totality of the plan‘‘O et, not a superior part with special privileges, can we work effectively to bring about an earth restored to wholeness.” – Elizabeth Watson, Quaker Make the effort to help save our environment for future generations. A positive way of doing this is by maintaining the earth’s healthy soil, its fertility and how well it supports life generally. A positive step we can all take is to replenish the earth’s resources as we make use of them, such as feeding depleted soil with organic matter from compost. Decaying organic matter is how the earth is fed with nutrients and its structure maintained naturally. Composting to feed the earth is one great way to maintain good environment. While composting occurs naturally, the process can be accelerated and improved by human intervention. Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste currently make up 20 to 30 per cent of what we throw away and should be composted instead. Making compost keeps these materials out of landfills, where they take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. One of the benefits of composting is that it reduces methane emissions and lowers your carbon footprints and also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, which is good for the environment. Gone are the days where a compost pile automatically assumes the vision of a huge pile of decomposing trash in the corner of your yard. You didn’t need a compost bin to make compost. We always used to toss everything in a huge pile at the edge of the yard. You simply need a pile that is at least three-by-three feet. A pile this size will have enough mass to decompose without a bin. Many gardeners build compost bins because they keep the pile neat. Some are designed to make turning the compost easier or protect from soaking rain. Today’s compost bins can be as small as a couple of square feet, to large commercial compost bins. Methods COMPOST can be made by five different methods, such as holding units, turning units, heaps, soil incorporation and worm composting. The method of composting selected will depend on when finished compost is desired, the materials to be composted and the space available for composting. Selecting A Compost Method Holding Unit CHOOSE containers or bins that hold yard and garden materials until composting is complete. Allow six months to two years to finish without turning. An example is wire mesh, which is easy to build and least labour-intensive and good for small compost amount of yard wastes.

Compost from tumbler, ready from 3 to 6weeks.

Barrel-rotating compost tumbler.

Replenish Earth For Survival

Landscape of bougainvellea shrubs and palm trees drop dead leaves to the earth in nature’s process of replenishment. It is also slowest to compost. Composters FOR small-scale outdoor composting, enclosed bins are the most practical.

One portion is a compost bin, sometimes called a “compost digester.” Compost bins are enclosed on the sides and top and open on the bottom, so it sits directly on the ground. These are common composting units for homes in residential areas where bins tend to be smaller, yet enclosed enough to discourage pests. These bins are inexpensive, but difficult to turn the compost, so it takes several months to produce compost. They are thinwalled plastic and may chip along the edges. You can make your own composters out of scrap wood. Build Your Own Bin OPEN bins and enclosed containers are both used for compost piles. A bin helps contain your compost pile and makes it more attractive. While you can buy a commercial plastic container, it is easy to build your own. A simple round or square structure can be made from fencing wire. The bin should be at least three feet wide and three feet deep to provide enough space for materials to heat up. Use untreated wood or metal fences posts for the corners and wrap wire fencing around them. The fence mesh should be small enough (no more than one or two centimeters) that materials won’t fall out and to discourage rodents. When compost is ready, unwind the wire and scoop the compost from the bottom of the pile. Then re-pile the not-yetdecomposed materials and wrap the wire back around the heap. More permanent bins can be constructed of wood or masonry blocks. Here, boards are added to the bin’s front, as the pile grows taller.

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Love&Life

... Celebrating The Feelings You Share!

with SIMON Egbo 07032944123

IN THIS EDITION

Princess of

Love

True Love Story: ‘I Placed A Curse On My Ex-Boyfriend Who Messed Me Up, Now He Wants Me To Release Him’

LIFE STORY ‘My Husband Beats Me’

LOVE ADVENTURE

When I say he loves me, he takes care of my diet, my food etc. He is having a tough time managing finances but he is abusive as well. I do work too and give him all my salary (almost as much as his). And he keeps reminding me that he is feeding me and paying for my expenses. He cares for his friends a little too much and wants to spend too much on them. They ignore me totally but he expects me to be lovey-dovey with them. If I even show that I am not interested in them, he beats me very badly. I am now five months pregnant yet he beating doesn’t stop. Just the other day, he asked me what I wanted and I said nothing and he beat me so bad my head swell up and still hurting on the third day. He even threatened to beat me in the stomach. I do care for him and love him but my love isn’t seeming to be enough. What do I do? We in our country don’t have as many good shelter homes by the government or any counselors. Pls, help me dear readers.

‘My Husband Is A Liar, Cheater And He Beats Me. But I Love Him’

LOVE POEM An Entrapment My love, I have tried with all my being to grasp a form comparable to thine own, but nothing seems worthy;

Name: MISS RIVERS Occupation: model

I know now why Shakespeare could not compare his love to a summer’s day. It would be a crime to denounce the beauty of such a creature as thee, to simply cast away the precision God had placed in forging you.

Fertility Problems/Fibroid/Seeking Male Child: Do you have Fibroid, sexually transmitted infection/disease, find it difficult to get pregnant, have any form of infertility problem, miscarriages or need a baby boy or girl? Call 07025350586, 08122352054. Low Sperm Count/Premature Ejaculation – Solution is here. Call 07025350586. Baby Sex/Gender Selection – Decide the sex of your baby (male or female). Call 07025350586, 08122352054, 08131161840.

HAVE been married for almost 9-10 months now. Ibeats My husband is abusive. He does love me but he me very badly.

Love Adventure

‘My Husband Is A Liar, Cheater And He Beats Me. But I Love Him’

Each facet of your being whether it physical or spiritual is an ensnarement from which there is no release. But I do not wish release. I wish to stay entrapped forever. With you for all eternity. Our hearts, always as one. Anthony Kolos Love Quote “True love don’t say they love each other they do by heart”

Love Story ‘My Husband Beats Me’

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

Long story short. I married at 17... I love him. He cheated, lied, and kicked me out. Beat me, beat my dog... So I left...multiple times... And he keeps telling me he has changed. But he is still seeing other girls and cheating on me!! I love this guy. Would do anything for him. But enough is enough. It’s been years and he hasn’t stopped and now he is telling me he got me a new diamond ring and he is going to ask me to re-marry him.I’m so confused. Has anybody had any miracles with anybody? Help... Thank you.. God bless.

Lovers’ Answers Game: The rule: Ask the opposite sex one question about love, and choose your lover from the top three answers. This weeks questions: should I ask my boyfriends’ best friend (who is a guy)to help me find out if my boyfriend is cheating on me? Call 07032944123 to send your question or answers.

LIFE STORY

‘I Placed A Curse On My Ex-Boyfriend Who Messed Me Up, Now He Wants Me To Release Him’ months, he came to visit my mum and told her of his intentions to marry me. My mum said no wahala and gave him her blessings. I had already ment in an organisation. And, in the course of duty, told her about him and she knew I was happy with him. I got very close to a guy named Mike. I later got to Imagine my surprise when I received a call from a know we lived in the same area and since he had a woman in July and she said she wanted to speak car, he was always taking me home. with my guy. I asked who she was and she said she In 2003, we still shared the closeness and I was was his sister who just came in from Calabar. I was beginning to get fond of him. I lost one of happy and told her I was yet to get to the office, but my parents and he attended the funeral alongside I will let him know once I arrive the office. I got to most of my ogas. It was after the burial he told me he loved me and would want to have a relationship the office and excitedly told Mike his sister called me. He was surprised and asked to see the number. with me. I asked him if he was single and he said When he did, he said, but this is Nike’s number (his yes. I visited his home one day and saw some greeting ex). I said, really? I called the number again and she cards from a certain Nike and when I asked, he said said I should give Mike the phone. I handed the phone to him and he shouted, why did you call she was his ex. I asked him why he didn’t get rid of the cards and he said he just didn’t think it was nec- this number? I went to my cubicle and my phone rang again. essary. Nike told me, don’t think you have found a husOn a Sunday morning, I intentionally visited his band, Mike is my fiancee and in fact, I am seven home cos I knew he would be in church. I intermonths pregnant for him. I felt as if my world viewed two of his neighbours and they told me he was indeed single. They said he used to have a lady would collapse. I couldn’t concentrate and when it but it’s been ages since they saw her and when they was time for us to go home, I told him what Nike said. He said it wasn’t true and I told him, true or asked him, he said they’ve broken up. I was happy, not, I am going to your house this night. He didn’t thanked them and left. We started a relationship in March and I was hap- want me to follow him home, but I was adamant. We got to his house and I saw a heavily pregnant py cos I already had feelings for him. After three LEASE, I really need some advice. This is about P something that happened to me almost 10 years ago. It all began in 2002 when I gained employ-

woman. Immediately he barged into his house, he started beating her. He beat her and rained blows on her tummy. I’m sure if that pregnancy wasn’t heavy, she would have lost the pregnancy. After beating her, the woman pounced on me and tore my shirt to shreds. She started shouting, ‘ha Mike, I will destroy you’. She told me, ‘you, you want to come and reap where you didn’t sow? When he was living in a room, I was with him and now that he lives in a room and a parlour, I want to enjoy abi?’ In my mind I thought, so room and parlour na enjoyment, sha? After the drama, I couldn’t go home that night cos it was too late. First thing in the morning, they started fighting again and I had to quietly leave for my house. I got home and my mum wondered why my shirt was torn. I lied to her cos I didn’t want her to worry. The third day after the incident, Nike stormed my office, shouting, ‘where is that husband snatcher? Where is Dupe? Husband snatcher?Ashawo, prostitute?’ Before I knew it, a crowd had gathered and they had to ask her what her problem was. She told them she was Mike’s fiancee and I am dragging him with her.

TO BE CONTINUED

Saturday, June 7, 2014

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FASHION /38

WEEKENDBEATS /38

Yes Magazine Anniversary Lecture Series Gathers Momentum

Designer Of The Week:

Omowunmi Owonifari

MONDAYS–FRIDAYS IN THE GUARDIAN

SATURDAY, June 7, 2014 CAREER /27

Youth & Graduate Jobs Powered by Jobberman.com

Business Etiquette /39

Integrity Matters AMB 2014 CBT: JAMB Dispel Candidates’ Fear over Missing Results HE Joint Admission and T Matriculation Board (JAMB) has allay fears of candidates who sat for

Protesting LASU students

LASU Students Urge Fashola To Lift Boko Haram Policy Stories By Falaiye Kola Oluwaseun HE students of the Lagos State University (LASU) stand firm on their decision for the state government to reduced the school fees. The students say there is no going back on their proposal to the state government to reduce the school fees to N46, 500 for returning stu-

TWO WORDS /26

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dents and N65, 500 for fresh students. At a press briefing held in the Ojo Campus of the school on Monday, the Student Union President, Nurudeen Yusuf, told journalists that the students are unanimous in their resolve not to resume academic activities until the fees are reduced. They appealed to the school authorities to close the portal for payment and registration for the new session until the state government makes a pronouncement on the fees as proposed by the students. The students also appealed to parents and guardians to stand in solidarity with them and not to make any payments to the school. They have also declared a week of what they call, “a mass protest against the Boko Haram policy of the Lagos state government”. The week

long activities will see the students take to the streets again for peaceful marches, rallies and protests. In a schedule of the fees, new intakes in the College of Medicine are to pay as much as N308,750 while the least fees are that of students in the Arts/ Education, N193,750. In his democracy day message to the students, Governor Babatunde Fashola said he has passed on the position of the students to the State Executive Council, maintaining that his government is ready to make adjustments where necessary. The students however feel that the government is taking too long to reach a decision, a decision which affects their future. “Now we are saying we will take charge, we will go on protest, not even the 98 battalion will stop us” Yusuf said.

Meanwhile, the school authorities have released a calendar for resumption. The students say this is unfair considering that talks have not been concluded with the government. They are therefore appealing to parents and guardians to stand in solidarity with them and not make any payments The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Lagos State University, Chapter, ASUU-LASU had declared a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action on 20 May, 2014. Following in the line of ASUU-LASU, the Senior Staff Association of Universities (SSANU) Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo Chapter, declared indefinite strike action on 26 May, 2014, paralysing activities in the school. Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

the 2014 computer base test (CBT) exam and are yet to received their result. The board said candidates who sat for the Computer Based Test (CBT) and were yet to receive their results should check the internet. Mrs Ebere Okeke, Supervisor, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) CBT centre, Lagos, reacting to complaints of missing results, Okeke said that wrong or incorrect GSM number might cause the delay or missing result. The supervisor also said that in most cases, the delay could be caused by delay in processing of the result or network problem, but noted that it was nothing to worry about. She said that the problem might also be caused by individual negligence and candidates who did not carefully fill their numbers during registration. Okeke said that the CBT mode was devoid of missing results, adding that the computers will mark immediately the candidates start writing the examination.

CARTOON SERIES /35

THE CURSED

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CAMPUS

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Lagos State University Order Students By Falaiye Kola Oluwaseun To Vacate The School StoriesESPITE all the trouble emanated from the D hike of school fees. The Vice-Chancellor of Premises Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof.

OAU Fee Hike Cannot Be Avoided, says VC

Report reaching our news desk has it LhaveATEST that, The Lagos State University authorities command all students to proceed on a compulsory recess and vacate the university premises. This directive was contained in an official bulletin released Monday afternoon. In the bulletin marked LASU/CIPPR/146, the university management directed that all students; full-time, part-time and postgraduate of the university are to proceed on recess with immediate effect. The bulletin did not give a specific reason for the recess. “Resumption of academic activities will be announced in due course. In view of this directive, all students of the university are expected to vacate the university premises(female hostel inclusive) until further notice,” the university management announced in the bulletin. The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Lagos State University, Chapter, ASUU-LASU had declared a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action on 20 May, 2014. Following in the line of ASUU-LASU, the Senior Staff Association of Universities (SSANU) Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo Chapter, declared indefinite strike action on 26 May, 2014, paralysing activities in the school. The Students’ Union Government also launched a social media campaign stating that if the university’s school fees is not reduced, the students would not resume. The Public Relations Officer of LASU, Kayode Sutton, confirmed the content of the bulletin and averred that there is no point keeping students on campus when SSANU and ASUU are strike. He noted that this is to forestall students engaging in activities the university might not be able to manage. He also confirmed that resumption would be communicated in due course as stated in the bulletin and corrected the notion that the university is being shut down. Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola while responding to questions over the weekend said the students’ proposal for a reduction in school fees was being considered.

Bamitale Omole, on Tuesday asserted that the new fee regime in the university had become inevitable. Omole said this at a press conference he addressed in Ile Ife on the protest against the recently introduced fees. He said the N5,300, which the university charged for 10 years was no longer realistic, saying inflation and the current economic realities did not support the charges, which he described as ridiculous. OAU recently increased the charges of its newly admitted students from N37,150 and N42,150 to N 82,400, N92,700 and N95,700 (acceptance fee inclusive), depending on the faculties. The fees for old students of the institution were also increased from N5,300, N7,800, N10, 300 and N12,800 per session to N19,700, N30,700 and N33,700 for different faculties respectively. Omole explained that high inflation rate and

efforts of the management to sustain the academic standard in the university necessitated the increment. He said, “Precisely during 2004/2005 academic session, the university administration reviewed the charges paid then, which were in line with the economic realities of that time. The charges are still being paid to date after 10 years. It is evident that the current economic realities have made those charges unrealistic and unsustainable.” Omole said the old fees regime was the “most ridiculous in the entire tertiary education system in Africa.” Apart from the huge amount spent to buy diesel, Omole said the university was also paying an average of N30m monthly on electricity bill. He stated that the university considered it imperative to review upward the old fees to ensure continued survival of the university. Omole added, “Indeed, the university administration did a comparative analysis on the regime of charges in other Federal universities in the country and it

was discovered that the charges paid by students in OAU were not only ridiculously low but have become very unsustainable if our university is to survive. The university administration is not insensitive to the plight of the poor, as being peddled, in arriving at the current charges. Indeed, in order to assist the poor but brilliant students, the senate of the university has also set up a Student Education Relief Committee where scholarships, grants, opportunities for work study will be provided for this set of students.”

Prof. Bamitale Omole

UNIABUJA SUG Election Disrupted And Scattered NFORMATION reaching our news desk from Ident the University of Abuja has it that a law sturan to the venue where election was held and stole ballot box only to go and hide at the intelligent unit of the university. This actually stirred students anger which insist the process has been compromised by the electoral committee even with the presence of school security,civil defence and Nigeria police the election could not be controlled. As it stands SUG Election Could be finally banned again as feelers says Lecturers in the university are against the re-introduction of SUG in University of Abuja. Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

TWO WORDS

uki@poisenigeria.org,

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

Uki Dare Experience is the best teacher, but the tuition fee is very high... AVE you ever felt like the same bad things keep happening to you? Or do you sometimes feel like you are going round in circles? There might be something important that you are not saving. Just like Leke. Leke was a business development executive working on a bid for a supply contract. It was going to be his biggest deal ever if he brought it into the organization. He had worked on it night and day for 6 weeks. The deadline was this morning and last night his boss asked him to make a few changes. So he took his laptop home and worked till 3:00AM. He did not mind at all, in fact he was excited. At 6 A.M He wanted to do his final checks to ensure there were no errors. But the worst had happened! His laptop had crashed. He could not believe it, he turned it off and on a hundred more times and the blue screen just stared at him. He could not even figure out how to Face Mr. Oladipo with this. The bid was worth 60 Million Naira to his company. “Chai!” He screamed and fainted. Leke woke up in

Save It another world and he was in his office. He saw Chinedu at the canteen complaining to him that his laptop had crashed overnight. He could remember that day, it was 3 months ago and he had consoled him and told him everything would be fine. Time went backwards to last year when Leke was robbed and he lost his phones and laptop. He felt bad remembering all the information he lost with that laptop. Then everything in the dream paused and he saw Mr. Oladipo walking up to him, “Leke since you know that anything can happen to a computer at any time, I hope you have an updated back up of the document?” Leke jolted out of his nightmare at this question and he knew the answer was no. Not only did Leke lose 6 weeks of hard work because he failed to be proactive, he also lost 60 million Naira deal. He failed to learn from his experiences and that of others. Give room for the unexpected and don’t get taken by surprise when it happens. That is the number rule from the book “7 habits

He could not even figure out how to Face Mr. Oladipo with this. The bid was worth 60 Million Naira to his company. “Chai!” He screamed and fainted. Leke woke up in another world and he was in his office. He saw Chinedu at the canteen complaining to him that his laptop had crashed overnight. of highly effective people” – Be proactive. Leke should have backed up his work not only on an external hard disk but also on a project team mate’s laptop. Never learn a lesson twice Don’t be like Leke, learn from your mistakes and that of others. Don’t learn a lesson more than once or the pain / discomfort of the first time was wasted. Also don’t give up on challenges or write off situations that have happened as a complete failure, rather learn from the situation, SAVE IT and move on. When you go through some life issues

don’t blame it on your present estate … rather learn from it and rise above it When things are not going as planned, restrategize and try again. When you make a mistake, don’t focus on the pain and forget to learn the lesson. Reflect on it, identify it and then …. SAVE IT What are some tough questions that you have been unable to ask? Lets discuss strategies for asking tricky questions on the Poise’ Graduate Finishing Academy Blog poisegfs.blogspot.com. Post a comment there or if it is private you can send an email to uki@poisenigeria.org. I look forward to reading your comment.

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JOBS & CAREERS

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JOBS & CAREERS

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FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO

National Development Strategy Series

NICHOLAS OKOYE, Founder EMPOWER NIGERIA Initiative,

PILLAR THREE: SYSTEMS, STRUCTURE AND INFRASTRUCTURE Paper 7 The NEW NIGERIAN STRUCTURE T IS time for us to build a new Nigeria. The bombs going off almost every day now clearly is pointing the way to reform and restructuring. I hope the Leaders are listening. The country needs a new structure that works, that will provide equal access to opportunities for all Nigeria’s young people that will provide everybody that is willing to work hard a chance to participate in an economy that meets our basic needs. And if you are really innovative and very hard working then we need a System and a Structure that will give a higher standard of living to our most innovative minds not because you know someone in Government, but because you have come out with a great new way of doing things, or you have invented a great new product and everyone can’t wait to get their hands on your product. Either way you charge a fair price for your innovation or invention and you get rich in the process that is what we need in Nigeria. And the current Nigerian System and the current Nigerian Structure simply cannot work. We do not need 36 states, we do not need 36 State legislative organs, we do not need two houses of Assembly, we do not need over 500 Federal drain pipe agencies that wait for Federal Government allocation every month. There are so many things wrong with the way we do things in Nigeria. The other day I read through a few proposed legislative bills some have been passed and others are waiting to be passed. However what I noticed is that almost every bill I read concluded by creating a new Federal Agency. This is crazy, I said to myself, her we are in a country that some people worked really hard to solve a big problem by reducing Federal Agencies through Privatization only for us to end up creating even more agencies now through legislation. According to the Stephen Oransanya report there are over 200 Federal Agencies that have their roles and duties duplicated by other agencies in the Federal Government. Many roles can be merged and many agencies need to be scrapped.

Political Structure he first thing you need to do is determine, what is the role of Government? If we agree T that the role is to protect the citizens, provide the basis and environment for citizens to gain a higher and a rising standard of living and in the process live in a peaceful and progressive society under the rule of law. Then we must design our

people of South East origin, that is an advantage, can continue to build on its competitive advanit can spur the takeoff of so many industries in tage of energy based on oil and gas, but its new the Region including spare parts, technology for generation of leaders should also know that this managing passengers, and even manufacturing is not a sustainable strategy as the peak oil proof the complete buses, trailers and lorries etc. A duction for the entire World was reached in new textile industry can rise from the ashes of 1972, and oil exploration and production has the old order in Aba, using the most modern been on a steady decline since then. In addition innovative processes and design to produce gar- the most sophisticated brains in the World are ments that can be sold all over the World. And currently working on alternative sources of the gas to power Lagos, the South West and the energy in many advanced countries. And North can be produced by the vast gas fields that Governments including the United States, litter Imo State, Anambra State and Abia State. The Northern Zones can build on their strength Germany., France and United Kingdom are in Agriculture, I sometimes wonder why people offering deep subsidies and grants to their citiin Nigeria do not take Agriculture seriously. Why zens for breakthrough on technology that would replace hydro carbon based oil as a globdo people in Nigeria think that because the al source of energy. The money the South South South has Oil and Gas the North will suffer? F I AM in business in Lagos for instance, I should not need to go to Abuja for anything, Nothing can be further from the truth. And that Region gets from the oil today and in the future will need to be invested in other industries that is why I think the Leaders of the North that so all our commerce, trade, transportation, oppose the Regional structure are old fashioned have been developed as a strategic response to a education, should be regulated locally by the global demand or shift in buying in one or regions. There are so many reasons for this. The and outdated. They have no clue. I wonder if they have ever heard of a company called ADM? I more particular industries. Crude oil has hunonly reason we do not plan in Nigeria is dreds of derivatives and in fact over 89 every day guess not. because we do not know what our true numitems are directly derived from Crude Oil or natbers are, none of the census ever conducted in DM is the Archer Daniels Midland Company ural gas. The South South will need to build a Nigeria has been accepted by all. And why is it is an $89 billion a year in Revenues Petro-Chemical Industry which can feed the this? The Population of Nigeria has been Company, it is 28th in the fortune five hun- entire Africa with oil based products. A lot of manipulated every time an attempt has been dred companies and the largest agricultural our people do not know that car and truck tires made to count our numbers. Why? Well it is because we are still operating this old and power house in the World. It has more revenues have substantial amounts of crude oil derivaunworkable 36 state structure in which all that Microsoft, AIG, Boeing, PepsiCo, Coca Cola, tives in them, also all forms of plastics, insecticomes from the center. We share money from Google, Walt Disney, Fed Ex and Goldman Sachs. cides, carpets, fertilizer, upholstery, paints, Abuja and the sharing is based on the popula- And believe it or not all they do is Agriculture. Formica, and many other products. tion so every State will like to boost its figures Off course they have taken Agriculture to a so that it can claim more money from the cen- whole new level with the disease resistant vari- And just before we all get too excited about the ter. However if you reverse the trend and get eties of seeds, production of enzymes to stimu- rise of the Nigeria Oil Companies which is clearthe Zones to generate their own income and ly happening with the recent acquisition of late metabolism of agricultural produce, and make contributions to the center to cover OML 29 by Aiteo for a whopping $2,85 billion, I ultra-high yield varieties of products that has things such as defense, security and foreign want to remind you all of the recent acquisition made them the World’s undisputed leader in affairs then the picture will change completely. this field. The North and its new generation of of “The Beats” by Dr. Dre a simply idea of a head The true figures can be calculated and true Leaders will need to reach out to these kinds of phone production company started in 2008 planning can be accomplished on a regional companies and work on taking the arable land and recently purchased APPLE Corporation for level. There will be no incentive to over count as in northern Nigeria to new levels of productivi- $3.2 billion far more than the OML 29, and all Dr. any region that does that is only deceiving Dre did was think and innovate, no ty, efficiency and yield. You will not need oil if themselves. You will not need to share anyGovernment Contracts or contacts, no connecyou are focused on a strategic plan, you have thing because you have a smaller population or tions and no scams. WhatsApp a simple comready customers in the South and you have a a larger population so the real figures will munications application on smart phones was well-educated, visionary strategic generation of come out for the very first time. bought recently by facebook for $19 billion makLagos is generating billions of dollars in inter- new Leaders taking the stage in the regions of ing the Oil industry valuations in Nigeria look the North East, North West and the North nally generated revenue, however I think we Central. Not the kind of Leaders we have in the more like a child’s play in comparison, are we are only getting started here. In my opinion North now that are supporting and promoting chasing the wrong horse? The real value is in Lagos as part of the South West Region in a our minds and our ability to innovate and not newly restructured Nigeria can generate over Terrorism, Insurgency and killing children in their sleep or kidnapping young girls while they our natural resources. Think and we will all $120 billion a year or even more, which could result in a regional GDP of at least $250billion are trying to get an education. The South South grow Rich. USD. We have over 17 to 20 million people in Lagos, my calculations are not based on income tax or any of the taxes currently being collected. It is based on unleashing the creative energies of the people of Lagos and getting them to be as productive as they can. We need special Empowerment zones where young people can Apart from the ease at which people now communicate freely with one another in Nigeria, be creative and innovative without restriction the introduction of affordable GSM phone lines or barriers. We can use Lagos to supply the into Nigeria undoubtedly has brought lots of entire Africa with the consumer products it is economic benefits to the ordinary people on currently getting from Spain, France and the streets. The usage of mobile phones has Germany. And I do not see any reason why Lagos is not the Information Technology hub of opened up income generation for Nigerians through; printing and sales of recharge cards, Africa given its energy and the reach, power SMS short code business, bulk SMS business, and connections of our elite. The coast line phone call business, sales of mobile phones means that we have not really looked at shipping as a Nation or as a Region, but if you give and most importantly repair of mobile phones. Lagos and the South West autonomy then all With an estimated 90 million users of mobile that will change. Shipping hubs for West and phone lines in Nigeria, interested entrepreCentral Africa can be established in Lagos and if neurs can venture and make money from any we are manufacturing for the whole of Africa of the GSM related businesses. then there is no reason that the transshipment People are always dropping, scratching, damag- upon their lives. If you want to start a mobile hubs for most of the land lucked countries in ing or breaking their phones, and when they phone repair business, you will be able to Africa cannot be handled from Lagos. This is do they will want to find somewhere to get it offer a quick yet professional repair service will lead to railway investment, storage invest- repaired. Often the only option for them is to that makes life much easier for mobile phone ment and jobs for the young people. The South send it away to get repaired by the manufactur- users. West could also position itself in the fields of er and then sent back, which could leave them Education, Communications, and Aviation. without a phone for several days. If you start a To find out about this and other business ideas, Strategic seed investments from the new cell phone repair business in your local area, visit our showroom at W2, THE ARENA Army Regional Government could stimulate huge people will have the chance to get their phones Shopping complex, Bolade Bustop, Oshodi, Lagos. industries in these fields as most of the ground repaired much quicker, and as time runs on, You could also contact our sales representative at work has already been laid. As for the South you would make it big in this business. +2348033028638. East well your guess is as good as mine what could make it work. It needs to position itself as Practically everybody owns the manufacturing center of the entire country at least one mobile phone, whether for personal or and sub region if possible to compete with business purposes. If a perLagos as well as target some goods for which son’s phone breaks, it can Lagos has no strategic or competitive advantage. Most if not all the Nation’s bus transporta- be just an irritation, or it could have a huge impact tion companies are owned and operated by new structure with this in mind. It’s a no brainer that what we need now is a six regional structure. Anybody that opposes this does not wish Nigeria well. So our structure should be six regions. One in the South West which will include Ibadan, Abeokunta and Lagos, one in the South East which will include Onitsha, Nnewi, Aba, Abakiliki and Enugu, one in the South South which will include Port Harcourt, Calabar, Uyo, Yenegoa, Warri and Asaba, one in the North Central which will include Jos, Minna, Lokoja and Illorin, one in the North West which will include Sokoto, Kano and Kaduna and the North East which will include the trouble spots of Maduguri, Yola etc.

MOBILE PHONE REPAIR: TRAINING AND START UP TOOLS.

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EMPOWERNIGERIA GUIDE TO PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT By Nicholas Okoye

nokoye@empowernigeria.com

If you want to achieve success in Life then you have to understand what it takes to achieve Peak Performance. It is the Peak Performers that rule the World at least the World of people that observe the rule of law. Success in Nigeria is shifting to the Peak Performers and those that have celebrated mediocrity will very soon vanish from the scene. Determination continued Many people have somehow stumbled upon their careers and vocation in life so the challenge is to find a way to push themselves in order to get to the top. This is normal but the true achievers and Masters are the ones that have chosen their careers based on the fact that they are passionate about their vocation and for that reason working, studying or improvement in that field is seamless. So the real drive for peak performance and for achieving mastery or riches is to make sure you are engaged in your true passion. I am not saying you cannot get to the top if you have had to work in a career for many years and that area that is not your true passion, however you are far more likely to achieve Mastery and Peak Performance if you are engaged in a labor of Love, your passion, your purpose. So if you really want to understand and develop a personal Strategy the very first step is to determine your purpose in Life, and only you can make that determination. Remember that Cornel Sanders started Kentucky Fired Chicken at the age of 65 years old, so even if you have spent the last twenty five years climbing the ladder of a particular career that is not your passion it is never too late. You must find and determine your passion and you must embrace it. That is the most effective path to Peak Performance, wealth and happiness. So work on the determination of your purpose and the rest is history. President Barack Obama determined a long time ago that he would participate in the future of United States leadership. And even though he was an African American born to an African father, with a clearly African name which put him at great disadvantage, his determination of purpose was very clear and he drive himself to becoming the first black President of the United States, the most powerful nation on earth in fact the most powerful Nation in the history of the World. Determine your purpose in Life and then we can work together to develop your Personal Strategy that will see you to greatness, Peak Performance, wealth and happiness.

YOUTHMAGAZINE CASE STUDY GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURAL LEADER

SHAHID KHAN: FACE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM. HAN was born in Lahore, Pakistan to a middle-class family who were involved in the construction industry. His mother was a professor of mathematics. He moved to the United States in 1968 at age 16 to study at the University of Illinois at Urbanaâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Champaign. When he came to the United States, he spent his first night in a $2/night room at the University Y-YMCA, and his first job was washing dishes for $1.20 an hour. He joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at the school. He graduated from the UIUC College of Engineering with a BSc in Industrial Engineering in 1971. Khan is a Muslim who acquired US citizenship in 1991.

Khan worked at the automotive manufacturing company Flex-NGate while attending the University of Illinois. When he graduated he was hired as the engineering director for the company. In 1978, he started Bumper Works, which made car bumpers for customized pickup trucks and body shop repairs. The transaction involved a $50,000 loan from the Small Business Loan Corporation and $16,000 in his savings. In 1980 he bought Flex-N-Gate from his former employer Charles Gleason Butzow, bringing Bumper Works into the fold. Khan grew the company so that it supplied bumpers for the Big Three automakers. In 1984 he began supplying a small number of bumpers for Toyota pickups. By 1987 it was the sole supplier for Toyota pickups and by 1989 it was the sole supplier for the entire Toyota line in the United States. Adopting the Toyota Way increased company efficiency and ability to change its manufacturing process within a few minutes. Since then the company has grown from $17 million in sales to an estimated $2 billion in 2010. By 2011, Flex-N-Gate had 12,450 employees and 48 manufacturing plants in the United States and several other countries, and took in $3 billion in revenue. Shahid Khan owns the Jacksonville jaguars, an NFL (American football) team and Fulham football club of London a team in the English premier league.

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Kcee

Chidimma

Tiwa

Davido

MAMA 2014… naija Stars Set For Showdown In Durban Tonight By Chuks Nwanne

Best Male and Best collaboration. Other nigerian nominees include 2Face, aTeR tonight, nigerian music stars will join Burna Boy, chidinma, Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, Flavour, Ice Prince, Kcee, May D, Olamide, Phyno and their counterparts from other parts of african and beyond, at the Durban Interna- Tiwa Savage. according to the list made available to the tional convention centre (Icc), for this year’s media, nigeria’s Yoyosi akelere of RISe network, editon of MTV africa Music awards Kwazuluwill battle ashish Thakkar (Tanzania); natal (MaMa). Humphrey nabimanya (Uganda); Ludwick MarTo be hosted by the multi-talented american actor, producer, stand-up comedian, writer and ishane (South africa) and Dr Sandile Kubheka film director Marlon Wayans, the classy evening (South africa) for the big award. While the newly introduced lifestyle award will feature spectacular music performances by the likes of R&B superstar Miguel, hip-hop game categories will see chimamanda adiche and Omotola Jalade ekeinde battle Trevor noah, changer French Montana, Trey Songz, DiaLupita nyong’o and Yaya Toure for Personality mond, nigerian sensations Davido, Phyno, of the Year, music director clarence Peters will Flavour and Tiwa Savage and South african hit slug it out with Leti arts, Rasty and anisa makers Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Oskido and ProfesMpungwe, are nominated in Transform Today sor. by absolut. However, this year’s nominations prove that commenting on the nominigerian music has fast taken over africa. Out of fifteen different categories, nigeria has been nominated in eleven categories and includes some of the biggest names in the nigerian entertainment industry such as Omotola Jalade, chimamanda adichie, 2Face, PSquare, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Olamide, Toyosi akelere, clarence Peters, Flavour and others. The different categories, which include Best Male, Best Female, Song of the Year and artist of the Year has also broadened the scope of the MaMa awards franchise as achievements in non-music fields will also be recognized tonight. They include Personality of the Year and Transform Today by absolut, an award designed to recognise and support young, emerging and original african creative talents who use their imagination to fuel social transformation and bring positive attention to the continent. So far, Aye crooner Davido has the most nominations this year with four nods for Song of the Year, Best male, artist of the Year and Best collaboration. Following closely behind with 3 nominations is dynamic duo, P Square with Best Group, artist of the Year and Song of the Year while Wizkid received two nods for

nees, alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media networks africa said, “we congratulate all the nominees for the 2014 MTV africa Music awards. This year, the MaMa offers a stunning platform for african artistes, it also celebrates the young personalities, leaders and creatives, who are making a positive impact on the continent.” Meanwhile, ahead of the main event, a host of MaMa nominees spoke about their hopes for the awards, and their career aspirations at a press conference held at The Marquee, Federal Palace Hotel last week, as part of the Road to Mama campaign. Hosted by MTV’s VJ, ehiz, the event was attended by alex Okosi, Senior Vice President of Viacom International Media networks (VIMn) africa, Phillip Sithole, ceO, Durban Tourism and akintayo akinseloyin, Brand Manager, absolut nigeria as well as MaMa nomi-

nees and performers, including Tiwa Savage, Dr Sid, Davido, Mafikizolo, chidinma, Kcee, Burna Boy and others. exciting performances from some of nigeria’s hottest acts such as Davido, chidinma, Olamide, Phyno, Kcee, the Mavin crew featuring Tiwa Savage, Dr Sid, afrodija and Korede thrilled guests, as they danced and partied into the night. There was also a surprise performance from Dbanj, who performed alongside Burna Boy as well as pulsating gig from the South african duo, Mafikizolo. Featuring contemporary artistes and music that are making waves across the continent, Road To MaMa nigeria has been criss-crossing the continent in the build up to the MaMa awards. Previous editions have visited Durban, South africa and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Making sure that the evening’s proceedings went with a bang are star MTV Base DJs, DJ Humility and DJ caise, and top turntab-

Lizzy Steps In Bold With Two Singles By Ijeoma Opara

ance hall and pop artiste, Ogwa eli ndidi, also known as Lizzy, is set to become a household name in the industry, having released two single, Tonight, featuring Phenom and Put It On Me, featuring Sam Klef. The Delta State native signed under SMe records, having made her debut in the music industry a year ago. She has since worked with Sam Klef, Phenom, K-Switch and Slim kid. “I started singing in the church choir at the age on five and took a break when I was ten, because my dad always insisted that schooling is the most important; he wasn’t cool with singing. But my mum has always liked the idea because she is also in the choir.” When it comes to music genre, Lizzy is limited. “I do all sort of music depending on my mood; most of my songs is about a fun girl who is happy, who makes her own money and doesn’t need support from anyone. My relationship and my life have inspired me; I

like to have fun with friends and then I just get the inspiration to write and my strong voice and my lyrics, which always have a message.” The former marketing manager, whose love for music led her to resign said, “I was a marketing manager before I left my last job; I was doing pretty well. Though I had all the privileges accrued to a boss, I didn’t have fulfillment. Sometimes, I stay home and tell my boss I am sick, while I sit at home and play on my keyboard. I have flair for instruments and I really want to learn too. Later, I told my boss I needed to go and start a business and I will need one year off,” she recalled. To me, she knew she was leaving for good. “Three months later, I saw my former boss and he wanted to know why I would throw such a huge opportunity away. I told him I wasn’t feeling so comfortable with the job and music is something I really love to do. Surprisingly, he encouraged me saying that a person like me is what the music industry needs, those who want to do something because they love it. He gave his support and since then, I have been pushing.”

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Nigerian Idol Finale… Eye-D, Evelle Battle For Fame, Fortune FTER months of honing their skills and competing with fellow top 12 contestants, Eye-D and Evelle are set for showdown today, as both ladies battle for the top prize in this year’s Nigerian Idol. Coincidentally, both Eye-D and Evelle are Wild Card returnees, which means after they were voted off in the Top 30 stage, the judges spotted something unique in them and decided to bring them back through the Wild Card. Billed for today at the Dream Studios, ikeja, Lagos, the final performance of the Top Two contestants will be based on songs from their birth years and also the judges’ picks. in essence, they will be performing for the final round of votes by singing songs the judges have selected for them and also songs that rocked their airwaves and topped charts and billboards the years they were born. More than before, viewer’s votes is most important to them now as the result show after their performance, is the Grand finale. Whoever pools the highest number of votes automatically becomes the new Nigerian idol and will walk away with a whooping sum of N7.5million, plus SUv and several other consolation prices. Unlike the last edition, the runner up this year will also get a brand new car as consolation prize for making it to the finals. Speaking at a media briefing held recently in Lagos ahead of the grand finale, the Executive Producer of the show, who was represented by CEO of Optima Media, Rotimi Pedro noted that it has been

an interesting journey, which went round five different cities in the country, scooping talents. “We actually went round the cities to select the contestants, who were later trimmed down to 3o and later 12 finalist. Now, the stage is set for the grand finale; at this stage, any of the two can win it,” he said. Aside from entertainment, the show this year is tapping from the mood of the nation, by lending voice to the bring Back Our Girls campaign. “We are using the platform to campaign for the release of our girls who were abducted by the Boko Haram group; fortunately, the two finalists are girls. Each year, we give the winner a task, so, this year, the winner will be joining the campaign and help put pressure for the release of our girls. However, the 12 finalists will also produce a song in that direction,” he said. According to Pedro, the show has come of age. “The participation has grown over the year and we are trying to position it as a national contest. Also, the show is not locked up to any particular network, which makes it the most democratic show so far. Though it is sponsored by Etisalat, people can vote from other network.” He inmformed that the winner of the contest will get a record deal with the Universal Record, who will be setting up in the country very soon. “They will be here for the grand finale and i can tell you that they are setting up in Nigeria. i commend our sponsors, especially Pepsi and Etisalat; they stood out in the effort to the growth of the Nigerian youths culture; it is about putting the country on

Eye-D

Evelle

By Chuks Nwanne

Kenyan on-air personality Chito; AFRIMA Project Director, Adenrele Niyi; AFRIMA Co-Producer/Country Director Nigeria, Kingsley James; Kenyan on-air personality, Naomi and AFRIMA Co-Producer/Regional Director East Africa, Mike Strano, after the AFRIMA team’s radio interview with One FM 97.1 Nairobi, Kenya.

In Nairobi, AFRIMA Team Mobilises For Award Project Chuks Nwanne

N preparation for the proposed All Africa Music Awards (AFRiMA), an awards project conceptualised to communicate African creativity, lifestyle and heritage from an indigenous perspective, the promoters of the project have been moving round the continent, mobilising stakeholders to key into the imitative that aims at promoting the culture and tradition of Africa. Just recently, the team joined other international exhibitors for an impactful showcase at the Broadcast, Film and Music Africa Conference, BFMA, held in Nairobi, Kenya. Organised by AiTEC Africa, the continent’s leading iCT event organiser and professional development and training event manager, the 2014 BFMA took place at the landmark Kenyatta international Conference Centre under the theme, Afriwood Rising. The programme included panel discussions, workshops and media briefings, while more than 50 exhibitors showcased their cutting edge products and services. Partnering with PHAT! Music & Entertainment Ltd. Kenya, a rapidly growing multi-media, youth-oriented authority on African music and entertainment, AFRiMA’s exhibition booth at the 2014 BFMA received visitors such as music artistes, industry professionals, content buyers and others, who thronged the booth to learn more about the awards event, which is currently receiving entries from artistes.

in addition, the AFRiMA delegation to BFMA, consisting of AFRiMA Co-Producer/Regional Director East Africa, Mike Strano; AFRiMA CoProducer/Country Director Nigeria, Kingsley James and AFRiMA Project Director, Adenrele Niyi, also hosted a media/entertainment industry briefing at the Conference, where the awards project was formally unveiled. The delegation also ran through the 30 award categories, call for entries for the 2014 edition that opened on May 15, 2014, as well as breakdown of the voting pattern and the AFRiMA Academy of voters made up of 527 members from across Africa and the Diaspora. Some of those in attendance at the stakeholders/media briefing included Chief Executive Officer, Mdundo, Martin Nielsen; Artist Relations Manager, Mdundo, Shyqo Koinange; Evelyn Kibe of Business Mind Kenya; Mildred Achich of Rock ‘n’ Roll Film Festival Kenya and Daniel Ontango of Afrika Jambo Beats, among others. Meanwhile, the All Africa Music Awards and AiTEC Africa have entered into partnership and production discussions ahead of the Africa Music Summit, one of the strategic programmes on the AFRiMA 2014 pre-award event calendar. The two-day summit is scheduled to hold in Lagos, Nigeria from October 23 to October 24 under the theme, Reviving the Business of Music in Africa. The Summit is a platform for the music industry in Africa to deliberate

on how the industry can be nurtured and packaged in a way that adds to the GDP of the continent. Explaining further, Mike Strano informed that, “the Africa Music Summit will also examine opportunities for job creation in the vibrant music industry as tool for reducing poverty and insecurity in Africa.” While expressing enthusiasm about the impending partnership between AiTEC and AFRiMA ahead of the African Music Summit, Chairman AiTEC Africa, Sean Moroney said, “AiTEC is excited to have met with AFRiMA to discuss the AFRiMA Summit. We are very interested in working with AFRiMA to bring this exciting project to fruition and look forward to further interactions to this effect.” in partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRiMA is a combined effort to recognise and award, promote and preserve Africa’s rich music culture. The award is open to music professionals of African origin living either on the continent or abroad and recognises artists, songwriters, video directors, music producers and music journalists, as well as unrecorded artists; submission of entries for the 2014 edition opened on May 15 and closes on July 5. To be preceded by the AFRiMA village, a four-day open festival style concert (October 21-24), the main awards ceremony will take place in Lagos, Nigeria on October 25, 2014 to be broadcast live on 84 television stations in 109 countries.

Ojez Entertainment Centre Gets Facelift

AviNG carved a niche for itself as the foremost celebrity hangout in Lagos, O’jez Entertainment Centre located inside the National Stadium Complex, Surulere-Lagos, is currently carrying a massive renovation in a view to serving its clientele better. in a statement signed by the outfit’s media Company, the massive renovation, which covers both the dancing restaurant, Chinese restaurant and the walk by fast food called One on One, has been on since April this year and would end this month. “We do this (renovation) from time to time so as to give the entertainment centre a new look and feel and make our customers feel at home the little time they will stay here (O’jez)”, Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chief Executive Officer of O’jez said. A visit to O’jez revealed renovation workers busy moving furniture at the upstairs viP section while some were putting finishing touches to the stage design where

out the traffic before they set out. And artistes perform every Friday and SaturO’jez is their preferred place to unwind, so day. Small newspaper signs informing customers of the ongoing renovation are having considered all these and many strategically placed all over the outfit. The more reasons especially the value added sign apologised to customers to bear with entertainment we give along the good O’jez, as the exercise would some come to food, we decided to take the other option of carrying out a controlled renovation an end. “We do it (renovation) in such as way that which has been successful so far and it does not inconvenience our customers, everybody is happy. Business is going on which is why the bulk of the work daily is as usual and our customers have comdone at night when we are closed for busi- mended us on the ongoing renovation that will end this month.” ness till about 10am before we start the day’s operation. And we use Sundays to do He revealed that aside the usual Friday some heavy lifting because people are al- and Sunday night music and comedy sesways in church and our operation starts sions at O’jez, “we have the monthly O’jez Entertainment Award given to deserving from 3pm,” Odobeatu explained. Nigerians in all fields of human endeavOn why the outfit did not close down our, we ensure that we hold five major completely to carry out the renovation, shows for our customers in a year and Odobeatu informed that, “we actually wanted to close down but we considered they are; the O’jez Valentine Party, O’jez Easter Fiesta, O’jez Democracy Jam which the inconvenience we would cause to a holds every Democracy Day (May 29), O’jez whole lot of people because a lot of our customers stop by on their way from work Independence Party and finally the O’jez Xmas Blast.” to either relax after heavy traffic or wait

X.O Senavoe Drops Fever

.O Senavoe is easily one of Africa’s top 10 rappers, though many think he is simply the best. in his short time in music, the MTv iggy award-winning rapper has expanded his repertoire to include production, songwriting, and singing. Formally dedicating himself to music this year, after keeping fans and pundits waiting for a while, X.O has been on a tear! He dropped the worldclass Say It Again video a few weeks ago (already in early consideration for video of the year) and gave fans two free joints in the span of three days - The Gift and At All, featuring Soul songstress Efya. Now, he drops the first brand new single since his beloved tune Beautiful, Fever. The infectious composition finds Senavoe playfully underplaying metaphors over heavy bass, dance drum arrangements and introducing fans to his fun side. Accompanied by

Nigerian crooner Mr. Eazi and produced by Ghanaian beatsmith PeeWezel of Cue Studios, Fever is sure to be a jam for the summer. X.O is keeping a tight lid about what to expect after Fever, but a trusted insider assures that Mr. NoHairDontCare has a number of huge surprises coming our way, and very soon.

Senavoe

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KEEP IT REAL...

Amushan Kemi

YOUTHMAGAZINE

with Kemi Amushan

Be Direct But Be Nice

REmEmBER the first time I got asked out on a date. It was not exactly what I had hoped my first date would be like but well, things happen to us in life that we can’t explain. Actually there is absolutely nothing compared to the heart pounding excitement of getting asked out on a date. I was so confused with myself that my palms started getting sweaty and my feet started freezing that it made it almost impossible to walk. I was damn too nervous I tell you but I didn’t want to go. I had loads of reasons but I didn’t know how to tell this boy. I know we have found ourselves in this kind of situation before. It could be while growing up or it could even be happening right now to you. So what if it’s not the guy you wanted to ask you on a date? What if you didn’t even know he wanted to go out with you?! or what if you are interested but you’re more interested in someone else? What if you want to say no but you are lonely. There are a whole lot of what ifs’. But when this happens you get put in an incredibly awkward situation and your mind is all over the place thinking of what to do or say, but let’s not forget what’s going on for the guy here. First, let’s remember that he just gathered up all his courage to walk over to you, stare you in the eyes and ask you on a date and unless he can read your mind, he can probably tell that you aren’t interested or as happy at being asked out by him as he was hoping you’d be. Can you imagine how awkward it must be for him? and there you are fumbling around with words and excuses, all the while his courage and face are falling as he waits for you to stop talking so he can hurry away to lick his wounds because his ego has been bruised. This recently happened to my friend Tolu, and he was so upset. He told me about recently asking a woman out and she started giving him a line of excuses. “Oh yeah maybe but i’m really busy and i don’t know when i can find free time, but maybe sometime, i might want to go out.” my response was “what the hell does that mean? Is that a yes or a no?”. Excuse my French but I was upset. Tolu, being more articulate than i, agreed with my blurting out. I mean how can a lady in this day and age still be giving such sil-

Saturday, June 7, 2014

be as clear and communicative as possible. No games, no tricks, ly class 5 kinda excuses. Even the young ones of today don’t no excuses, just be honest with yourself and with them. It’s that give such silly excuses anymore. It’s either they want to or they simple. don’t. No wasting of precious time or merry-go-rounding. I To our happiness. Cheers. mean, if she wasn’t attracted to him, fine. If she wasn’t interested, fine. I’m sure he’s heard the word “no” plenty of times. It’s better if you just come out straight and say if you are looking for something serious or looking for something casual or not In association with looking at all. Just tell that guy. And once he knows, he’ll know where things stand rather than make him look stupid. It doesn’t seem like too much to ask does it? So why don’t we always give the straight answer? Being nice is often the worst Date(s): 14/06/2014 thing you can do. yes it sucks to gather the courage to ask someDescription: Spirit of one out and then be told no but it’s even worse when they beat David will be driving the around the bush. I mean, do they feel so badly for you that they artistic content of the feel they have to “let you down easy” production that forms the rather than being an adult and telling concert launch of “FIRE”. you the truth. if they got the courage Location: Muson Centre, up to ask you on a date the least you Onikan, Lagos can do is have the courage to give them Promoter: Spirit Of David a straight answer. TICKETS: 3,000.00, Now i’m not saying being a jerk about 5,000.00 it and laugh in their face or give them a very loud “no!” i’m simply saying give BUY TICKETS HERE: them the respect that they deserve. www.afritickets.com Let’s remember what Tolu said “if you are looking for something serious, tell The Leader's Conclave me. If you are looking for something casual, tell me. Not looking? tell me.” With Brian Tracy you can easily say to a guy “thank you Date(s): 09/06/2014 so much for asking but i’m not interLocation: Civic Center, ested in dating anyone right now.” or Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, “thanks but i’m interested in someone Victoria Island, Lagos else right now” or “thanks but i don’t Description: This is a feel that kind of connection with you.” leadership training with interSome of you might think that sounds nationally acclaimed motivaharsh, but it’s not. You are clearly communicating your tional speaker Brian Tracy thoughts. You aren’t giving false hope, you aren’t stringing him Promoter: Brimass along, and you aren’t confusing the hell out of him. The other TICKETS: 25,000.00 great thing about this is if you are clear then things can go back BUY TICKETS HERE: to the way they were. He knows how you feel and can respect www.afritickets.com those feelings. You might have an awkward moment or two but they will die down much more quickly than if you don’t communicate clearly with him. I find that a lot of women wish that men were more clear in African Rock their communication and maybe a good way to help solve your desire for men to be more clear and communicative is for us to Culture Concert

Events

"Fire: The Concert"

BY SEGUN DUROWAIYE

Date(s): 06/07/2014 Description: African Rock Culture Concert is features top rock artistes Location: POWERLINE BIBLE CHURCH (GLASS HOUSE), Apapa-Oshodi Epressway, Lagos Promoter: Pretty Boy Music TICKETS: 5,000.00, 10,000.00 BUY TICKETS HERE: www.afritickets.com

Date-in-aDash Deluxe Date(s): 21/06/2014 Description: Get to meet more people both ladies and gentlemen than you normally would Location: Mainland Hotel, Iddo Road, Lagos Promoter: The Aunty Socials TICKETS: 5,000.00 BUY TICKETS HERE: www.afritickets.com

Public Speaking and Presentation Training Workshop in Lagos - JUNE 2014 Date(s): 21/06/2014 Description: Here is an opportunity to develop your presentation skills and overcome fear of public speaking; Location: Precinct Comfort Hotel, Yaba-Surulere, Lagos Promoter: LiveSpeech Coaching TICKETS: 36,750.00 BUY TICKETS HERE: www.afritickets.com

THe GUArDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, June 7,

YOUTHMAGAZINE

WeeKeNDBeATS

A New Platform Opens For Gospel Artistes Chuks Nwanne N a bid to discover and nurIents ture fresh gospel music talin the country, a new music reality show has been introduced in the Nigerian music industry. Dubbed Most Talented Gospel Artist in Nigeria Competition (MTGAN), the imitative will afford several young Nigerians the opportunity of realising their long-held dreams of singing for God and also making a career out of it. Speaking at a media briefing held recently in Lagos to herald the music project, the visioner Bennie Ogbomo avowed that the inspiration for the talent hunt was according to a divine direction hence the uniqueness of the scheme. However, unlike most talent hunt shows and events Nigerians are familiar with, this is not so based on winning the prizes at stake, but aimed at the total development of participants with the eventual objective of giving glory to God through music. “Gospel music has never been more popular than now, with its emotive power of winning hearts of the general public from all ages and backgrounds. Our initiative is to bring gospel (good news) artistes into the mainstream by bringing their music out of the churches and onto the world stage, laying a platform of empowerment, where anyone, who truly desires, can compete into (achieving) relevance,” Ogbomo said. According to her, the talent hunt project, which has the endorsement of the Federal

Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation as well as the Federal Ministry of Youth and Development, is an empowerment platform to rescue the destinies of the children of God from the grip of Satan. “Participants are expected to register for the competition with a token of N1,000 only and then forward details relating to payment, location and name to dedicated phone number given as: 09093662664. She said upon the receipt of such from an intending participant, identification numbers and other revelation pieces of information will be promptly sent to him or her.” While announcing the opening of registrations for the competition from June 3rd, she said people could register until July 31st when registrations are expected to close. With auditions billed to take place in four major cities in Nigeria including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Benin, the final event is scheduled to come up on September 27. The winner of the competition will walk away with a paid trip to Dubai, a brand new Kia car, N250,000 and a recording contract. He or she will also get to represent Nigeria at an international gospel music competition. Prizes for the 1st runner-up will include a paid trip to Dubai, N150,000 and a recording contract just as the 2nd runnerup will go on a paid trip to Ghana, bag a 100,000 cash and a recording contract.

Yes Magazine Anniversary Lecture Series Gathers Momentum N line with the tradition of Iianthe publication, the NigerInstitute of International Affairs (NIIA), Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, will on June 19, play host to dignitaries from both the public and private sectors at the third edition of the Yes International Magazine’s Annual Lecture Series and Cocktail Party. Billed to commence from 11.a.m, the event, which will be chaired by the Chairman of Zenith Bank, Sir Steve Omojafor, will have Mr. Bismarck rewane, MD, Financial Derivatives Company Limited deliver the anniversary lecture, entitled, Running A Successful Business In Nigeria: My Experience, while Mr. Femi Adeshina, MD/eIC, The Sun Publishing, will unveil the Yes Classics! According to the editor-inchief and publisher of Yes International Magazine, Sir, Azuh Arinze, the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, is also e x -

pected as the special guest of honour, while the duo of Apostle Anselm Madubuko, General Overseer, revival Assembly and songbird, essence will deliver the opening prayer and render the National Anthem, respectively. There will also be short takes from personalities such as Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Barristers James Okpara, Monday Ubani, Dr. Muiz Banire, Messrs. Seye Kehinde and Toni Kan. To be anchored by comedian Gbenga Adeyinka, Wellu-Wellu crooner, Sammie Okposo and his X Generation band will be in charge of the bandstand. “Aside coming to rejoice with us on our third anniversary, the gathering will also provide our invited guests the rare opportunity to relax, network and learn more on how to successfully run businesses in Nigeria. All these will take place under a very conducive atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming all of you on June 19,” the publisher said.

Globacom’s Bayelsa State Manager (Recharge) Mr. John Ayim, Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo,Glo Group Business Director(Rivers) Mr. Sam Edoho, Glo Ambassador, Desmond Elliot and Glo State Manager (Bayelsa) Mr Lawrence Krukrubo at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards held at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

AMAA, Bayelsa State Give Thumps Up To Globacom For Support The Arts Or their role in promoting the arts in country, the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) and the Bayelsa State Government have commended Globacom for its robust support for African arts, especially music and theatre practitioners. The commendation resonated throughout the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) held recently in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. From the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), who represented the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson to the AMAA Chief executive Officer, Mrs Peace

Anyim-Osigwe and the Director General of Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs ebizi NdiomuBrown, the applause for Globacom, flowed in torrents. In his special remarks at the AMAA anniversary celebration sponsored by Glo, the Deputy Governor urged corporate organisations on the African continent to emulate Globacom by investing and promoting key sectors of the economy in countries where they operate. Jonah, who specifically praised Globacom for engaging African actors and actresses as brand ambassadors, observed that such support is a needed impetus to grow the

movie industry. Welcoming guests earlier, the CeO of AMAA, who announced that she would be assuming the new role of Founder and executive Chairman to enable her concentrate on creative endeavours, applauded Globacom and other sponsors for making the 10th edition of AMAA a glamorous event. Veteran Nollywood actress, Clarion Chukwurah won the Best Actress Award in a leading role for her performance in emem Isong’s Apaye, while Patience Ozokwor won the Best Actress Award for a supporting role in After the Proposal and Bob Manuel Ndokwu bagged

special jury award at the event. Other winners include Dialemi, which won the best short film award, B for Boy, which won the best film (African language) award and Hamu Beya and Portraits of a Lone Farmer, which jointly won the best documentary award among others. About four thousand celebrities attended the star-studded event and they were thoroughly entertained by stand up comedians and musicians. They include Glo ambassador cum ‘nabania’ crooner Flavour and velvety-voice King of Soul, Timi Dakolo who thrilled with his popular track Great Nation.

Fuji T’o Bam Picks Twinzobia FTer weeks of competing A with fellow contenders in this year’s edition of Golberg Fuji T’o Bam, Twinzobia Twins has emerged winner of the music contest. Staged at the Trans Amusement Park, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, the tension soaked finale was breathtaking, as the six finalists were locked in a battle of wits for the grand prize of N750, 000. In the end, Twinzobia Twins from Ibadan, Oyo State emerged winners, while Okiki Akeem from Osogbo, Osun State grabbed the N350, 000 first runners up prize and Temitope Ajani went home with N200,000 as the second runner up. The six contestants that took part in the finals were, Akeem Okiki, Temitope Ajani, Twinzobia, ejire Performer, Olajide Akanni aka Banana and Muhideen Adisa. The night kicked-off with each of the contestants taking turns to display various Fuji theatrics to the admiration of the judges and the audience that thronged the venue of the event. However, the highpoint of the evening was the impressive performance by Fuji great Alhaji King Saheed Osupa, aka Saridon P, who thrilled the fans with his hit songs to the

admiration of the crowd who seem to want more from him. Though a contest, the night turned into a gathering of the best of fuji musicians, as international fuji icons, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1), the Oluaye of Fuji, Alhaji Taye Adebisi aka Taye Currency, current Goldberg Ambassador, Nurudeen Atanda and other fuji stars thrilled the of audience. It would be recalled thatMarketing Director Nigerian Breweries Plc, Walter Drenth had during the preliminary stages expressed great satis-

faction over the huge turn-out of Fuji lovers and artistes. While explaining the rationale behind Goldberg’s Fuji T’o Bam initiative, he said, “Goldberg is a quality lager beer that celebrates consumers and their traditional values. Fuji music enjoys huge followership across Nigeria, which has led the brand to provide the Fuji To Bam as one of the platforms to further engage and connect with our consumers.” He described the project as a worthwhile event.

“The Goldberg brand believes that many parts of the country are endowed with talents in music yet to be discovered; and I believe that as the talent hunt contest moves progresses, Fuji to Bam will discover more Fuji talents that will become great music icons like KWAM1, Pasuma, Saheed Osupa and others.” Speaking at the event, the Brand Manager Goldberg, Bassey Mfon, stated that the brand believes that Nigeria has so much talent and this was shown in these contestants.

Brand Manager Goldberg Lager Beer, Bassey Mfon, One of the Twinzobia Twins winners of Fuji T’o Bam Contest, Taiwo Ali, Regional Business Manager West Nigerian Breweries Plc, Joseph Bodunrin, Twin brother, Kehinde Ali, Fuji Maestro, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and Alhaji Saheed Osupa at the presentation of cheque during the grand finale of Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam in Ibadan

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

FASHION By Kemi Amushan And Myles Igwebuike

Omowunmi Owonifari is the founder / creative engine behind the “regal” fashion label Mo’fari couture. She is a young woman who knows what she wants and goes for it. Omowunmi is 27 years old and was born in the vibrant city of Lagos. She is from Ogun state Nigeria. She is the second out of the family of four. She has 3 other siblings: 2 girls and a boy. She is an extrovert, she loves to meet new people, listen to music and most importantly, sleeping. MOWUNMI attended University of Lagos staff O school Akoka Yaba and had her secondary school education at Mayflower School Ikenne Ogun State. She is a graduate of accounting from Olabisi Onabanjo University. “As a young girl “Mo” as I am fondly called has always had passion for fashion which I took after from my late father who was a “drop dead” fashionisto, which made me go into fashion after graduating from the university” she quipped. “My skill in the fashion business was born out of a deep natural sense of beauty which made me proceed to the prestigious Nobel Afrik training and dressmaking school where I learnt pattern drafting and construction, interpretation of styles and fashion illustration in January 2011” she added. Mo’fari is an aspiring growing brand in the Nigerian fashion industry which was founded in June 2011. The brand completely represent a modern woman sense of beauty who is sophisticated, sure of herself and enjoys good quality of life with pieces that highlights a woman’s silhouette. Mo’faris creation are so well- crafted, exacting and exquisite from the inside out and as a young designer, Omowunmi understands and has a strict adherence to her vision and the bottom-line design skills to make well-cut clothes. She was also trained at Fate Foundation business school on entrepreneurship. The brand Mo’fari is set to make waves across the fashion industry years to come and Omowunmi is a young Nigerian, living her dream and also loving it.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Designer Of The Week: Omowunmi Owonifari.

40 Saturday, June 7, 2014

FASHIOn By Kemi Amushan and Myles Igwebuike

Emmanuel Seun Is A Talented Photographer. He Speaks To Myles IgwebuikeOn His Life And How He Started. LeASe tell us about yourself, growing up, P your country of origin and general family background? My name is Oyeleke emmanuel Seun, I am the first of four children. I am from Ibadan, Oyo state, nigeria. Although I lived a huge part of my early years in Osun state, I moved to Ibadan after Secondary School education. Shortly after the moved, I gained admission into the Polytechnic Ibadan where I studied computer science. Although, I really wanted to study architecture, I quickly found passion for computer programming and gained dexterity and notoriety at developing “amazing” computer programs. After my time in the Polytechnic, I went on to Lead City University where I also studied Computer Science. While I was in the Polytechnic, I stumbled upon the school’s Scrabble and Chess club and the Scrabble club immediately became my second class. I was very dedicated to the game and I became extremely passionate about it, so much so I rose through the ranks and became a force to be reckoned with in competitive scrabble in nigeria. this passion for Scrabble earned me a lot of medals including a scholarship worth 2million naira for the duration of my university education. At one of the editions of nigerian Private University games, I won 3 gold medals and 1silver for my institution. this passion also took me around nigeria and even outside nigeria and earned me an opportunity to represent nigeria at the world level where I was 6th in the world at the time. Where do you draw your Influences from? Coming into photography, my major influence was my travels. On so many of my trips around, I wanted to capture the world, I sought for an avenue to do this, and I found photography. One of my major influences was a travel Photographer by the name “trey ratcliff”, he is a foremost proponent of a genre of photography known as HDr, High Dynamic range, I had a keen following of him all over the internet and he influenced me in the way he immersed himself and captured the world a frame at a time. Who are your icons in the industry? In my immediate environs, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Isaac emokpae, Jide Alakija they have different roles they have played so far in my development. When did you decided to delve into photography and how long have you been doing this? I quit my day job to start my photography career in March 2012, It’s been two years, It has not been all rosy, but it has been worth it. What has been the highest points of this venture and what are the set backs? everyday, each smile I put on people’s face, each new obstacle surmounted is a new high point for me. Setbacks, hmmm…the greatest setback is the lack of an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs and lack of widespread appreciation for the art. But I like to say that the setbacks feed my resolve to be great! What inspires you? nature inspires me, a smile and a cheerful heart inspires me, the low moments inspires me, the desire to be better inspires me. Which of your shoots do you love the most and which have you received the greatest love for? everyday, I learn new things, so I am not too excited about what I did yesterday, rather I look forward to my next creation, I look forward to the next frame that comes out of my camera. I received a lot of love for a lot of my works but I like to think I have received most love from my wedding clients. Probably because it is an occasion that is closer to the heart and capturing the joy and emotions of the day is priceless! If you weren’t doing this what

Young Star Rising: Oyeleke emmanuel Seun

other career path would you have chosen? I would probably still be a computer programmer or a psychologist. What are your future aspirations and what plans are you putting in place to achieve this? I aspire to become a worldrenowned travel photographer and I hope to travel the world. to achieve this, I am learning everyday and inching closer day by day with the help of god and people of like minds. We (myself, Ayobami Macaulay and Aham Ibeleme - Photographers) recently embarked on a tour of nigerian states documenting landscape, tribes and cultures on the verge of extinction but our trip was cut short due to the security situation in the country. Let’s talk about your personal style, how would you describe your style in three words? Simple, Spontaneous, evolving. What fashion accessories are you obsessed about? none, but I like simple but classy shoes, belts and wristwatches. How do you keep fit and what is your fitness diet/schedule? eating healthy, and drinking water, I do not have a schedule, I know I need to work on that. How do you want to come across to your audience? responsive and dependable What has the response to your modeling been so far? It was first shocking and bizarre for my friends and people that knew me as a programmer but it was support from the word “go” from my parents! 2 years down the line, the response is great, and it is getting better.

Business Etiquette with Rita Okoye

Integrity Rita Okoye

Matters

ntegrIty is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. If you want to be successful in your career this is an important article to read and apply. Integrity at work is a consistent set of actions and values that guide the day-to-day operations of an organisation. In today’s fast global environment, it is critical to act in a way that is consistent with the values your organization claims to embody. In simple terms it means obeying your company’s rules. the first thing to note about integrity, especially at work is to do what is right regardless. there may be colleagues in your work environment that are cutting corners and not doing the right thing. But sooner or later they will get caught out. this happened to Sam. He was the accounts officer at a reputable firm and he started collecting additional cash for his expenses. He didn’t think anyone was watching but the company had their eyes on him. He was caught out and sacked instantly. Six months on and Sam is still finding it difficult to get another job. Do not lie or tell half truths at work either because it will also come to haunt you. Let your yes be yes and your no be no. If your manager is asking for an explanation just be honest. Otherwise that half truth may haunt you and affect your career. When you act and speak inconsistently it means you are not to be trusted.

Do not over promise and under deliver. there is nothing worse than a customer being told that something is being acted on, only for there to be a huge delay. It is better to under promise and over deliver. Or if there is a delay make sure you communicate it honestly to your customer. I recently ordered some goods from a food delivery company. I was informed that the goods would arrive by 6pm. you can imagine my surprise and delight when the goods arrived at 3pm. Some people think that just because they work for a company that it is ok to use company products for personal use. Lara was discovered using the office telephone for personal calls. Under normal circumstances, using a company telephone to make brief personal calls may be considered acceptable but on this occasion the phone bill was extremely high. Lara had been using the company phone to make calls abroad. She lied and blamed others but she was caught out. She was in for a big shock. She was asked to pay the bill and was also sacked instantly. It pays to be honest at all times. If you are a manager please feel free to share this article with your team Author Rita Okoye rita@majesticallyrare.com Rita Okoye is an event planner, publicist & personal development trainer

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, June 7, 2014 | 41

RELATIONSHIPS

We Are Lucky We Are Both Orphans By Alita Joseph

HEARD a couple who have been in a happy marriage said this recently. They have been married for two decades and when they were asked the secret of their successful relationship, they observed that they did not allow outside influences to interfere in their union. Specifically, the woman said: “We are lucky that we are both orphans” Now, this is commendable, that is, not allowing other people to meddle in their relationship. However, I think that it is wrong to blame parents-in-law totally when they are close by and when marriages fail. It is true that they meddle in their children’s lives when they should not interfere, but thanking your good fortune for removing them through death is unfeeling and selfish. This couple is not the only ones who want their in-laws out of their lives; many people would rejoice that their parents-in-law are out of their lives for good. But think what it would be like if your children were to grow up without knowing their grandparents and nobody to tell them their true origin. We may moan about mother-in-law and father-in-law, but they occupy important spaces in our relationships. And complain all you want, you cannot kick them out of your life without dumping their son-your spouse. And before you act self-righteous,

bear this saying in mind that “the daughter-in-law becomes the mother-in-law ultimately” with all her faults. She will eventually harass or show love to her own daughterin-law. Instead of celebrating that the death of your in-law gives you freedom to your spouse, make the most of their wisdom when they are still around. They do not pray to outlive the children, who include you; all they ask are grandchildren and time to spend with them. They are critical, it is true, but you should not mind their tonguesyour mother-in-law’s sharp tongue especially. But you can have a good relationship with her if you try. The modern mother-in-law has gone through the same experiences of non-acceptance, like you, and being more informed than the older generation should make her more considerate. Try to be her friend before you send her to an early grave by seeing her as mother-in-law, your ally. Some people paint the picture of absolute monsters of their mothersin-law. Still a larger number have real love for their in-laws. You may start the relationship by believing that your parents-in-law would give you approval if you show them love. So, disabuse your mind that they are your enemies, because they would not give blessings for the union for a very long time. Do not view your marriage as a victory over them and use every opportunity to show them that you have

By Kemi Amushan HIS scenario happens a lot with us women: We fall in love with guys and after we are completely in love with that particular guy, he then tells us he is not ready for commitment. What would you do if that happens? Dealing with heart-breaking situations like this is not an easy task, but I will share with you how you can get yourself out of this kind of situation. What do you do with guys who are not ready for a relationship, but at the same time do not want to stop talking to you? I believe the strategy for dealing with guys who are “not ready” is always the same. Basically, you have to ask yourself two questions. One: Do You Want A Steady Relationship? This is because if you are just looking for a guy to chat, spend time and cuddle with on a regular basis, then you are in no trouble. But if you do want a steady relationship, then you need to ask yourself the second question: How Long Are You Willing To Wait? Three Months? Six Months? One year? My suggestion will be to ask him about his plans. Do not be afraid about asking a guy how much time he needs to “get ready.” You will often get an answer, even if it is a vague one, like “I don’t know... 6 months, a year, maybe...” If you are okay with his time frame, then I encourage you to wait. If he truly loves you, he will stay true to his word, simply because he would rather sacrifice his comfort than hurt your feelings. But here is the sad reality about the “waiting” game: Waiting will not guarantee his commitment. The second-worst case scenario is that you might be waiting for nothing. After waiting one year, three years, five years past his deadline, he is still not ready and you realise, too late, that you have wasted several years of your life waiting for nothing. And that could be terrible. But that is just the second worst thing that could happen. The absolute worse-case scenario is when you make the mistake of pressuring him into a relationship. I hope I was clear on that last statement. Here is why pushing the relationship is a bad idea. When you wait, you are putting yourself in a 50-50 situation. There is a chance that he will finally be ready for a serious relationship after you wait long enough. There is also a

their son now. Some mothers-in-law especially are notorious for being a stumbling block in their children’s marriages, saying their daughters-in-law are miserable. In a situation like this, therefore, she will never give you a peace of mind; she would not approve of whatever you do either. But you should not think of leaving because of her; it is not her home, although her son would not like you to disrespect his mother.

So, study her behaviour to know how to get on well with her. It may not be easy, because her disapproval may be the result of issues, like Mama not accepting you because she sees you as one who has stolen her son from her. In her mother love, she sees only a rival; one who cannot even take care of her son, the baby she has nurtured so well, only for another woman to take him away. If her disapproval stems from this, it is not your fault. Another woman

Make Him Commitment-Ready chance that he will still not be ready after all that waiting. But when you pressure him into the relationship, it is much worse. You are basically giving yourself a zero per cent chance of happiness, because pressure scares men away. The moment he feels you are pressuring him, he will want to get away from you, fast. And even if he does not run away, even if he does agree to start a relationship with you, it will not last very long, simply because the relationship was not his idea. So, as painful as it may sound, if you want a chance at true love with him, then you will need to wait. Another advice I will give you is to make the wait worth it. I am going to share with you a simple fact about guys every woman should know. Guys change their hearts and minds very quickly when they meet that one special woman who totally rocks their world. She is the kind of woman who instantly and effortlessly makes them feel secure and loved, who makes them

feel validated and acknowledged and who makes their lives easier and more enjoyable just by being there. Suddenly, from being flaky and “not ready,” these guys become focused, driven and passionate. They stop seeing other women. They start taking their work seriously. They start planning for the future with her in it. Sounds unreal, right? Now, let us flash right back to the hard reality of things. If you are in love with a man, but he keeps telling you he is “not ready,” then it simply means he does not see you as “the one”... yet. And that means you have got to move fast. Firstly, you have got to ask yourself: “Am I making his life harder or easier?” This is because sometimes, we focus so much on a guy’s flaws that we do not see our own and so we got to fix our own flaws first before we can fix his. That is just how life is. And secondly, if you are 100 per cent sure you are not doing anything wrong, ask yourself a second question: “Is there something in his

in your shoes would go through the same stress. Don’t give up; make friends instead. You have seen that her son is the centre of the universe for her; talk his talk with her, all the time. When you have had the mother of all arguments with her son, rush to her and in utter consternation, ask how she was able to handle him before he married. She will oblige you. After all, you imply that she has successfully raised a macho man. Ask her for recipes of his favourite dishes. Put yourself in her shoes; she had scrimped and saved to send him to school, hoping that he was there to take care of her forever, but he marries and she cannot even see him in months. So, his wife takes the blame. Men forget anniversaries, like birthday, and your son may forget his parents’ birthday, as he forgets yours, so remind him to get presents for them. They will know that his dutiful son’s actions come from you, the wife even though they refuse to acknowledge you. However, you may know that there is a limit you can please anybody. If after all the effort to win the approval of your in-laws, they are still unfriendly, leave them alone and concentrate on making your relationship happy. Limit the time you see them to when all the family comes together and continue to play the part that is expected of a good daughter-in-law, lovingly.

past that is keeping him from loving again?” One of the main reasons why guys are “not ready for relationships” is “pain.” They may have gone through a divorce or maybe their last partner cheated on them or they have had several bad experiences in love before. Like I mentioned earlier, he will need a little time to prepare himself for taking the risk again. It may take three months, six months, one year or more. I am sure you all have heard of the saying: “Time heals all wounds?” You might think that is what he is doing during the “wait.” You might think you are letting time heal his wounds of the past. But you know what? I do not really believe “time heals wounds.” At least, time cannot do that on its own. To heal wounds, you need to replace your bad past experiences with new, good ones as time goes by. Ladies, that is what I mean by “making the wait worth it!” While you are waiting for him to “get ready,” get busy by replacing his bad past experiences with other women with good new experiences with you! Show him that you are someone who loves life, someone who, when he keeps mulling over a problem, would tell him: “Let’s not worry about that right now. Why don’t we just do something fun?” Show him that you have your own dreams, besides your future relationship with him. Advance your career, go for a course, read books, learn new skills and more. Be alive! And most importantly, show him that you have your life completely in control, even if you are waiting for him to “get ready.” Tell him: “I love you, and I am looking forward to the time you are completely ready to give us a chance. That way I can enjoy our love without holding back.” Imagine never having to worry anymore. Imagine the two of you, an official couple, enjoying a beautifully happy relationship together. Imagine growing your relationship patiently and lovingly every single day. Imagine having great conversations with him every single day and each one of them deepening your relationship and moving you forward as a couple. Is that not awesome? Ladies, that is what happens when he sees you as “the one.” He will stop seeing other women because, quite simply, there is no need for him to keep looking anymore. So, yes, he might not be ready right now. Yes, you might have to wait a little, but do not just wait, make the wait worth it. To the loving relationships we all deserve, good luck in love and life. Cheers!

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

42 | Saturday, June 7, 2014

08116706852 Email: amara@amarablessing.com

WEEKEND with AMARA

What Is Love? THINK this mass-produced and conInatural sumed porn has ruined the healthy and sexualities of so many. What happened to sex that wasn’t selfish and fetishistic, one-sided or sadistic, demoralizing or dehumanizing? Sex that was about doing what felt right rather than what feels most wrong? Or dare I say mutual intimacy rather than looking at your partner as just a body that can be manipulated in any number of ways. I think porn happened. I think we really need to wake up, this problem is getting worse by the day. Women are beginning to see men as power houses who must satisfy them in bed even at the expense of their lives. I keep getting messages from men who complain about their male sex organ being too small (according to their spouse). Ladies now get turned on just by the sight of a macho man (don’t you think there is something wrong with you). Men, on the other hand, see women as just sex toys and nothing else. I get shocked each time I hear men go like “I love her but without some good sex, I don’t want her”. What then is love? Do we really know the meaning of true love? If you are loving that person just for some good, hot sex, what happens if tomorrow he or she becomes incapacitated? Can you stand by that person through thick or thin? Looking at the way things go on in our generation, I sometimes feel that the marriage vow, “for better or worse, in sickness and in health...” should be dropped for some-

thing more realistic. A woman was abroad for cancer treatment when her husband got her friend pregnant...what a world! Where is the love we profess? We keep talking about love but there is no action to back it up. Our fathers and mothers never spoke about love the way we do but we saw love in them. The pickling brine of our culture’s increased sensuality says, “If it feels good, do it. You’re entitled”. But while this belief about sex may feel good, it is most definitely not good for us. Note the runaway epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases, and the resulting increase in infertility. Note the number of broken hearts and broken families. Note the alarming amount of sexual abuse. Note the soaring rates of depression. Isn’t it time we go back to nature? Our so called herbal doctors are coming up with terrible and harmful products for vaginal tightening and penis elongation. We have suddenly moved away from the natural. Girls now live all kinds of life, smoking and drinking alcohol with different sizes of penis going in and out and at the end of the day, they pick any of those vaginal tighteners and tell the “foolish” man (most men are when it comes to women) that she is such a decent girl. Girl, those products of deceit can only help you for some time after which the real you shows up. Even with all the warnings against the use of Spanish Fly, folks still go for it.Women can no longer stay off sex for

IMAGE AND ETIQUETTE With Pamela T’S been a number Ireached of years now since I that proverbial blue that comes to every man/woman. I thought about my life – my dreams, hopes and aspirations and did find the courage to face the truth. I can still recall to an extent the jumbled emotions and nakedness of the soul that the truth brought about; I considered all that I had ever wanted to live for and realised that if I could not have just one thing that I could never be truly happy nor fulfilled in my life. It was a hard time and one of great despondency but had I not faced it headlong I would not have known without a doubt that if I did not have my Lord at the centre of my life I would never be truly happy. I believe that everyone needs to face such a moment in their lives – indeed everyone eventually does at some point in their lives. In one moment in every life, truth shines like the brightness of the sun at midnight! Instead of running away and trying to drown out our fears we should face them. When one realizes what the truth, one should embrace it. The soul of a man or woman is the core of their personality; it is who they really are. Our souls are made up of our emotions, thoughts and will... The main factor that determines the attitudes and image of an individual is the decision or choices that they make in the depths of their heart. For instance, someone who still seeks a reason for living and is unsure about their place on earth is likely to be edgy, excited, fidgety, restless and nervous. And someone else who feels inadequate and has unresolved emotions of shame/guilt is likely to be easily defensive with a perpetual need to explain themselves and be perceived in a certain light. And yet a fewer number are easier going, able to respond to different situations with the appropriate response and at an insightful intensity without being pretentious – they show by their actions that they are walking, to a large degree, in

just six months when their man is out of town (more money for makers of sex toys and more damage to our relationships). A woman stops getting satisfaction from a man once she starts using and gets addicted to those crazy sex toys and this is one of the reasons we have infidelity on the rise. No matter the man’s level of expertise in bed, they still go back to that toy after it all. He is not good in bed, he is not good in bed; that’s because you have tasted all kinds of men and so you are now an expert in knowing who is good and who is not.

Guys, don’t let that selfish woman push you to go for that male organ elongation and enlargement because she may not stand by you when the end results show up. Girl, that man telling you to go and enlarge the breasts and bum may abandon you for a younger woman when it’s time for you to cry “had I known”. Today they are telling you that the silicon inside your body is safe and certified, tomorrow, you may have people like you going to court against the manufacturer of that chemical in your body.

Cervical cancer is on the increase and our women are in no way afraid for their life as the world keeps telling them they need those Spanish fly, vaginal tighteners, and vibrators to enjoy it. Men are told they are not real men if the size is small and the length isn’t one hundred meters. Now, my question is this: Is it now all about sex? Can’t we make our relationships beautiful and get bonded with each other in genuine intimacy and enjoy sex God’s own way without going outside the ordinary to be satisfied? Can’t we enjoy each other’s body in all reverence without pushing them too hard? Can’t we love, unconditionally, that very person? Can’t we go more for character than sex? Guys, don’t let that selfish woman push you to go for that male organ elongation and enlargement because she may not stand by you when the end results show up. Girl, that man telling you to go and enlarge the breasts and bum may abandon you for a younger woman when it’s time for you to cry “had I known”. Today they are telling you that the silicon inside your body is safe and certified, tomorrow, you may have people like you going to court against the manufacturer of that chemical in your body. If he loves you, let him love your natural body. If she loves you, let her accept every part of you and stop remembering how it was with her ex boyfriend. It’s sad; we use the word “love” more in our generation but the true meaning can’t be seen in our time.

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

Get A Personality Makeover all the truth that they know. Of course the above assertions are general in nature because an individual is a lot more complex in their makeup than meets the eye. However, I made those statements to express a point; when certain emotions are prevalent with you they naturally express themselves in certain ways. For example, fear will express itself in anxious gestures, exhibiting a flight or fight attitude (that is an offensive or defensive attitude), emotional detachment (an advance state mechanism of fear), etc. When these responses are repeated over and over again - the root cause of such emotions isn’t properly addressed than a person’s character is fashioned based on those negative emotions. This is why it is of utmost importance that we deal with the issues we have in a holistic way so that they do not become strongholds in our souls, dictating our attitudes, image and the very course of our

lives. More so these strongholds become more difficult to pull down the longer they remain. We make decisions based on our perceptions of things, therefore, if we let our character be formed by factors that do not minister life but death then we will never experience true fulfilment. Consider Cain who lived in a time of lesser grace, when God saw that He entertained negative thoughts, warned him before it had yet taken root in his heart and further expressed itself in his actions. “… And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” Gen 5:5-7 (KJV)

learn to master himself. Ultimately, no one has the power to prevent you from being who you are meant to be.

Makeover Steps “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” Jonah 2:8 (KJV) First of all, the power to transform the soul of man to something that glorifies God belongs to Jesus Christ, therefore, the first prerequisite is to give our lives to Him. Only then can we partake of the victory that is His – in this life and that which is to come. Visit those principles and sayings/statements that you live by whether they are of the truth. Example I: “One bird in hand is worth two in the bush”. Although this sounds like a witty saying and fit to be applied to many situations, this statement does not inspire courage to face the unknown or to take a step of faith. BreakNo man is without excuse for all tempta- through has no place in a person’s life tions are common to man. A man must where change is not embraced. Example II: “If you cannot beat them, join them” This is an excuse of the lazy/timid and the douVisit those principles and sayings/statements that you live by whether just ble minded. Such a person will share in not just the folly of the crowd but its eventual they are of the truth. Example I: “One bird in hand is worth two in the judgment. If you stand for what you believe, bush”. Although this sounds like a witty saying and fit to be applied to if what you believe in is in line with God’s many situations, this statement does not inspire courage to face the un- word, then greater are they with you than they that are with them (2 Kings 6:16). known or to take a step of faith. Breakthrough has no place in a perEmbrace the humbling of your soul. When son’s life where change is not embraced. Example II: “If you cannot beat you come to the place where you realize them, join them” This is just an excuse of the lazy/timid and the double that you have been wrong, do not stand ground in pride nor twist the truth to minded. Such a person will share in not just the folly of the crowd but its your suit your image and lessen your guilt, no. eventual judgment. If you stand for what you believe, if what you believe Take responsibility for your actions and you will be qualified to receive mercy and then in is in line with God’s word, then greater are they with you than they embrace the change. You will be a better that are with them (2 Kings 6:16). person for it. the victories of your life and let go of Embrace the humbling of your soul. When you come to the place where Enjoy those things you have no power to change. you realize that you have been wrong, do not stand your ground in pride Be happy and content with wherever you nor twist the truth to suit your image and lessen your guilt, no. Take re- are presently at. Cease comparing yourself with others and trudge ahead at your own sponsibility for your actions and you will be qualified to receive mercy pace. Every man has his own time and duration – don’t miss yours by seeking the way and then embrace the change. You will be a better person for it. of others.

Saturday, June 7, 2014 | 43

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

SHORT STORY

In The Lord’s Temple (1) By Segun Durowaiye (08055356855) USTIN Adelanwa was a very determined A young man with a passion for the things of God. He belonged to God’s Heart Ministries. Something mysterious and disheartening happened to this young man that made him question the existence of God and His love for His servants. By dint of hard work, within a period of two years, Austin became the head of the pastoral team of his church. His peers at the church became envious of his amazing success. He had a young and beautiful wife by name Hannah who was a devoted and loyal wife. She loved Austin with her whole heart. They got married a year after they met. It was a relationship which had the divine hand of God. As the years progressed, Austin established a private school to further add to his stock of success. The school, ‘Adelanwa International Nursery and Primary School’ began to grow steadily. Things were working out as he planned. The school continued to grow at an amazing pace. Within two years, he bought a bus to transport the students. He thanked his stars for making him a success story. His pastoral calling too continued to blossom; he became the head of his provincial church. Then suddenly, the devil struck! He started having problems with his school business. The bus he was using to transport his students to school developed technical problems that even skilled mechanics couldn’t handle or solve. He thought it was a joke but sincerely, it was as real as the lines on the palm of his hand. Before he knew what was happening, some parents had started withdrawing their children or wards. What further infuriated the parents was the fact that his teachers and other staff were becoming really rude and nasty towards them. They couldn’t stomach the unruly behavior of his staff, and in protest they started withdrawing their wards. Austin

started running from pillar to post trying to figure out what must have gone wrong. “Am I not prayerful enough?,” he questioned himself. “Where is your face Almighty God,?” he thought again. The following month Austin started using commercial motorcycle a.k.a Okada to transport his pupils to school. He was between the devil and the deep blue sea. He wondered aloud what actually went wrong. One Monday morning, in a heavy rain, the devil threw its wicked spanner into the wheels of progress of the embattled and confused young man – he had an accident with his motorcycle. The unfortunate incident happened when Austin was riding his motorcycle towards a pupil’s house. He was hit by a fast moving commuter bus. The accident almost claimed Austin’s life. Sympathizers rushed towards him and took him to a nearby hospital for treatment. Austin was in the pool of his own blood. He suffered a broken arm and a fracture on his back. He was hospitalized for three months; the hospital bill was paid by a sympathizer who was at the scene of the accident and who took pity on the man of God. Austin’s wife, Hannah, was always by the side of her husband during his threemonth stay at Sacred Soul Hospital in Surulere, Lagos. She cried and cried, praying to God to come their rescue and she wondered why these heaps of problems and untold hardship kept cascading on her gentle, loving and loyal husband. When Austin was discharged from the hospital, he was a shadow of his former self. He that was formally handsome and tall, and always cheerful now looked thin and really emaciated. He was on crutches. And a Plaster of Paris (POP) was on his arm. A painful tear dropped from the corner of his eyes as his wife opened the door leading to his apartment. As if his travails were not enough, his landlord gave him quit notice the following week. “What’s happening to my world Hannah?” he asked his beloved wife. “Where do we go from here? How can a servant of

With Love From Paris you how blessed it’s all been for me, and borrowing from Pastor Adeboye, “If I tell you what God has done for me, you will say that God is partial. Hehehe.” As I’ve said all week long, for those who follow me on twitter, Facebook and Instagram, my movie, ‘Being Mrs Elliott’, was chosen as the opening movie at the Nollywood Week in Paris! I’m excited and elated to be handed such a privilege. I can’t thank God enough for that. I have been going back and forth trying to tie up the loose ends in preparation for this event that would actually be the worldwide premiere of my movie. Trying to get through the ever present Lagos traffic to try and achieve all that my itinerary demanded daily was nothing short of a miracle, and I’m so glad that God came through for me. Not that I’m happy for the chaotic traffic or the trials that we undergo in our bid to live and survive in Lagos, but I can’t help but wonder if many of us would have been as sharp as we find ourselves if Lagos was any different? Just a thought! Please let us still persist in striving towards a better Nigeria, so that our children and their children would learn to live and survive under less strenuous conditions. By the time you are reading this, my movie would have screened at the festival, with my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram buzzing with the pictures from the event, before and after. I will be filling you all with all the news, showing where and how the literati mingled with the glitterati. I certainly hope the French audience, who are ardent Nollywood watchers too, would

for the umpteenth time. “Please, go ahead and tell me Rotimi, I am all ears,” Austin said once again. Then Rotimi began: “Money-making ritual. That’s the secret of my wealth. I’ll take you to a great diviner and medicine man tomorrow. You’ll be initiated and later perform some moneymaking rituals at midnight. You’ll buy three black he-goats and three yards of plain red cloth. The three he-goats will be slaughtered and buried with the red cloth at 12 midnight in the forest. After this ritual, you’ll be surprised at the turn of events. Money will come your way like a torrential downpour.” “Money-making ritual!” Austin exclaimed. “Thank you very much my friend, I’ll see you tomorrow so that we can go and see the great diviner.” “See you then, Austin. Make sure you’re here around 7a.m. tomorrow. The diviner lives very far on the outskirts of Lagos. We’ll spend two days in his abode. Bye-bye,” Dr. Rotimi replied waving to his friend. As Austin left the premises of his doctor, sweat beads covered his forehead. He was confused and shocked. “What sort of thing is this?” he questioned himself. “How can me, a minister of Almighty God, indulge in such fetish money-making rituals? I’d rather die than do this kind of thing. It’s an insult unto God. I can’t taint the Holy Spirit with dirt. I’ll tell Hannah when I get home… this is really terrible.” He made up his mind to disclose what had transpired that day to his beloved wife, not minding consequences that might arise. His mind was heavy with grief and melancholy as he hurried home. He wondered what his wife would say in reaction to this unwholesome development. It was something strange to his ears and disposition. All his life, he had never looked back with regards to worshipping God in truth and honesty. “Hannah, Hannah,” he called as he entered his apartment, “I have strange news for you!”

Working Actress

By Omoni Oboli

AM Omoni Oboli and I represent Naija! It’s been the most hectic week for me, and Icertainly a very blessed one too. I can’t tell

God go through these avalanche of problems?,” he shook his head sorrowfully. “Just let’s pray over it Austin,” Hannah pleaded, “and endure a little more. God has reasons for our present situation. Perseverance is the right word. Hope is not lost. Don’t let us blame God,” she concluded philosophically. “Hannah, tomorrow I’ll go and see my old friend, Dr. Rotimi, to discuss my problems with him. He’s a very successful and rich doctor who has a number of hospitals to his credit.” “That’s a good idea,” his wife responded. “I hope he’ll give you ideas on how to wriggle out of our present predicament. A problem shared is half-solved, my dear.” The following morning, Austin was with his old friend, Dr. Rotimi. Dr Rotimi was dark-skinned, short and robust. “Rotimi, I have come to see you about my personal problems… problems that are beyond my understanding.” Austin said with tears gathering in his eyes. “I know you can help me out. I have prayed over it severally as a minister of God but it seems God is not ready to solve these mounting problems for me. So, as the last resort, I decided to see you for assistance. Please, put a smile on my face. My world is crumbling. I don’t know what I did wrong to deserve these untold punishment and hardship.” “My good friend, Austin, to be sincere with you, the solution to your problems will go away and disappear like the morning dew if only you can keep the secret and do whatever I tell you.” The young and ebullient doctor was smiling and fiddling with his stethoscope while talking. “Please, tell me the secret, I won’t tell anybody…I’ll do anything that can change my life for the better… just tell me the secret, Rotimi,” Austin pleaded. “This is the secret of my success and wealth, the key to making big money! Do you want me to tell you?” Rotimi asked

grasp the humor in the little pidgin English parts of the movie. As for me, Paris would fill like home to me, since French is my second most fluent language. I would not be lost in the crowd, staring at everyone and nodding because I didn’t understand them. Not for me! I would be in familiar territory with the French language. I guess that would make me the unofficial translator for some of my colleagues and Nigerians that would grace the occasion. Hehehe! I’m just having a bit of a laugh nowadays. It happens when you suddenly have a great feeling or things that seemed bleak in the past are suddenly becoming attainable. Then again, what would life feel like if we do not find something to be thankful for at all times? For as long as there is still breath in my lungs, I will always be thankful to God for the sun as well as the rain, the dry seasons of life as well as the wet seasons. In all things, nothing should make us so miserable that God would be unable to comfort us. What I’ve just said is easier said than

done, I know, but it’s the truth. How can I not be thankful to God for life even if it doesn’t flow the way I had envisaged? I expect my children to thank me for the meals I give them, no matter what is served. They should be thankful for the vegetables as well as the chocolates, even if it’s not in the same proportion at first, but later in life they would be more appreciative of the vegetables that I made them eat than the chocolates. The same way I have decided to find new things to be thankful to God for that I didn’t think was beneficial to me at first. We learn everyday. I have many people who also went along with me to show support for my work. Some of my sponsors Mrs Jumoke Adenowo of AD Consulting, Mrs Tara Durotoye of House Of Tara and Mrs Nimi Akinkugbe of Lagos Monopoly. I’m also excited to see other celebrities in attendance; the ever regal Rita Dominic, OC Ukeje, Chris Attoh, Ashionye Raccah

Like I said, I’m in a happy mood, and though I live in a nation where some really horrid stuff is going on, especially in the northern part, our spirit should not be dampened to such a degree that our way of life, as we once were, would be nonexistent. We need to heighten our sensitivity to the plight of any Nigerian without losing our way so much that we cannot get back to being a truly happy people as the world once perceived us to be. We still need our girls back, but let them not get back to a defeated Nigeria, but to one that would still be able to show them love and care that is genuinely a part of us. I extend my condolences to the families of those killed recently. I pray for a better Nigeria in Jesus name, Amen!

and many others. There are also other film makers in attendance; Mikdred Okoh, Mahmood Ali Balogun, Tobe Ogun, Michelle Bello and others. Their movies would also be showing at the festival. We came prepared to storm Paris with the beauty of Nollywood. My movie is slated to show at about 8:30pm on the 5th of June to flag off the Nollywood Week in Paris, and by God’s grace, it would all go according to plan. There’s a time to work and there’s a time to play, and even though it’s some form of work, I would consider this my play time and simply enjoy my time here in Paris. This is about the third time I have been to this beautiful city and I can’t seem to get enough of its simplistic beauty. I wish... Oh how I wish! Please let me not wish out loud yet, but it will happen for us here in Nigeria in Jesus name! Can I hear an ‘Amen!’ somebody! Like I said, I’m in a happy mood, and though I live in a nation where some really horrid stuff is going on, especially in the northern part, our spirit should not be dampened to such a degree that our way of life, as we once were, would be nonexistent. We need to heighten our sensitivity to the plight of any Nigerian without losing our way so much that we cannot get back to being a truly happy people as the world once perceived us to be. We still need our girls back, but let them not get back to a defeated Nigeria, but to one that would still be able to show them love and care that is genuinely a part of us. I extend my condolences to the families of those killed recently. I pray for a better Nigeria in Jesus name, Amen!

TheGuardian

44 | Saturday, June 7, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Weekend

CELEBR ITY

Support For Enterprising Ivie Okujaiye As She Makes A Move try today but the thing is that education is never a waste. So my economics and statistics certificate is not a waste. Eventually, I will find a way to mesh my passion with what I studied,” she said. Quite an adventurous young woman, who tries to do a bit of everything, Ivie revealed that her parents who never wanted her to study theatre arts are now her biggest fans. “Oh, they are very proud of me. They are happy. When my dad’s friends see me on television, they pick up their phones and call him up to say ‘hey your daughter is a star oo’. They are so excited and it makes him very proud and my mum as well. So they are happy but they are insistent on me going for Masters and all that”, she said

By Shaibu Husseini RAIL-blazing actress, Ivie Okujaiye was surT prised at the level of support she received from colleagues, fans and friends who turned up in their numbers last week Thursday for the premiere of her movie ‘Make a Move’ (MAM). “I am overwhelmed”, she kept saying as she received President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ibinabo Fiberisima, filmmaker Obi Emelonye, her friends and other colleagues in the industry who filled the belly of the ground floor of Silverbird Galleria on Victoria Island, Lagos where the pre-premiere event held. The premiere over and guest were impressed with what they saw. Asked his impression of the movie that featured the pop singer 2face Idibia, Omawunmi Magbele, Denrele Edun, Majid Michel, Beverly Naya, Tina Mba, Wale Adebayo and Ivie herself, filmmaker Obi Emelonye simply remarked that with ‘Make a Move’, the Delta State born actress, scriptwriter and producer “has truly made a move that will take her to places”. Ibinabo Fiberisima said she was impressed and adds that for her, the movie had an appealing factor to just about every class. “It’s a movie for everyone: market women who like to watch drama and action, sophisticated crowd who would like to see something more classic and then those who are driven by sensitive issues too. Ivie has done well for herself. I am very proud of her and her talent and will do anything to support her. In fact, young people like Ivie who are trying to be productive and not lazy around should be encouraged”, Fiberisima said. Winner of Season 5 of the long rested Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality show programme, Ivie explained shortly after the premiere that the topic of women, children and abuse inspired the movie, which focused on two sisters who decided to build a new life for themselves through dance. She further explained that MAM “is not a dance movie” but a movie “about two sisters that found dance as a route from escaping from abuse”. Winner of the 2013 most enterprising artiste award of the African Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA), Ivie, an Economics and Statistics graduate of the University of Abuja who confessed to having an unquenchable passion for dancing and acting, came into limelight after she won the AMBO. A car, cash and a film project, Alero’s Symphony directed by Izu Ojukwu was what the young, beautiful, re-

Ivie sourceful and slim built Ivie got for emerging winner of the AMBO project. But it was actually after Ivie won the best promising actress award at the 2012 edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) that her career light shone brightly. Her delightful interpretation of the role of Alero was what earned her the continental acting pip. That AMAA winning was to later open the floodgates for Ivie who has worked on a number of projects including few projects that she did under the guidance of the actor turned director, Desmond

Elliot. Incidentally, full time acting was not on Ivie’s career wish list. Although she revealed that she enjoyed acting and imitating people, she had her mind on ending up in ‘the corporate world’. But with time she found out that ‘it was acting, showbiz’ or nothing else. But when it was time to enter the university, her parents would not allow her fill theatre arts as her preferred course of study. Her parents chose medicine and were insistent on it until they eventually settled for economics and statistics. “Yes I am in the creative indus-

So is she considering furthering her education? “Yes I definitely will” she said adding: “There is still time to do that. My concern now is how to improve my art and how to contribute my quota to the effort at giving a voice to the child and to the average woman. I am very partial towards the affairs of women and children. I don’t fail to help a child or a woman whenever I have an opportunity to do so and of course, that doesn’t make me a feminist. If I also come across a man who needs help, I will definitely help him. Nothing really against the opposite sex, it is just that I am more passionate about the affairs of women and children because they need help more. So ‘Make a Move’ is something I think will inspire a lot of them. It is my own way of helping those who have been badly hit by the storms of life. I have seen and heard people pass through such difficult situations and I just felt I had to use this medium to lend my voice and so far, the reception for the movie is good. A lot of people love it and that is the idea”. Asked about her career ambition, Ivie replied that it is first to “conquer the movie industry” and then “venture into a few other things”. She added: “My ambition for now is to just master my art completely and be recognized as one who knows the art of movie making and not just acting alone. I plan to perfect my art because there is room for growth. However, I want to remain me-Ivie. I want to remember every single principle my parents tried to instill in me. I don’t want to forget where I am coming from. It is easy to become vain because it gets to a stage that people start idolizing you. So, I am being careful not to lose it in the process of achieving my dreams.

CelebrityExtra And More…

Filmmaker Mahmood Ali-Balogun In Paris For Nollywoodweek OREMOST filmmaker FrivedMahmood Ali Balogun arParis, France on Thursday morning on time for the opening of the second edition of Nollywoodweek Paris, a festival that showcases the best of Nollywood films and its practitioners. Ali-Balogun, who was introduced as the festival ambassador, arrived Paris with over 10 prominent Nollywood practitioners including popular actress and AMAA 2012 leading actress, Rita Dominic, Ghanaian actor Chris Attoh and the award-winning Nigerian actor, OC Ukeje. Others in the delegation include notable actress Omoni Oboli, Chika Chukwu, Ashionye

Raccah, Mildred Okwo, and Tope Oshin-Ogun. Omoni Oboli’s first feature film as a director ‘Being Mrs. Elliot’ opened the festival on Thursday night while Mildred Okwo’s ‘The Meeting’, Kenneth Gyang’s ‘Confusion Na Wa’, Tope Oshin-Ogun’s ‘Journey to Life’, Mitchel Bello’s ‘Flower Girl’ and Daniel Emeke Oriahi’s ’Misfit’ have so far screened to wide acclaim at the festival. Ali-Balogun, best known for directing the big budget feature on celluloid ‘Tango With Me’, chaired the professional encounter session between the visiting Nigerian media professionals and their French counterparts which held yesterday. He

will today at L’Arlequin Theatre, venue of the festival, chair the roundtable discussion where the guest female directors (Mildred Okwo, Tope Oshin Ogun, Mitchel Bello and Omoni Oboli) will share their experiences and discuss with other female media professionals working in different countries. The festival ends tomorrow with the screening of Andrew Dosunmu’s ‘Mother of George’. Festival Director Serge Noukoue disclosed that the closing ceremony would also feature the presentation of the People’s Choice Award (PCA) to the film that would be voted ‘best film’ by festivalgoer’s.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, June 7, 2014 45

PEOPLE

Azaiki’s Public Library Legacy, A Gift To Countrymen By Dele Agekameh

ODAY, right at the heart of Yenagoa, the bubbling capital city of Bayelsa State, stands an imposing and alluring architectural edifice, the Azaiki Public Library, ostensibly the first private initiative of that nature in the country. In its concept, execution and functionality, the library can stand its own among worldrenowned libraries. The library was set up in the mould of the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, the Jimmy Carter Library in Atlanta, the Ronald Reagan Library in Los Angeles, the Clinton Library in Little Rock, Arkansas, the Library of Congress - all in the United States; and the British Public Library in London, to name a few. It is complete with a World Class Public library, an e-library, Arts Galleries, Coffee Bar, Lecture Halls, Conference Halls, Exhibition Hall and many others. However, one feature of this library, which makes it unique, is the existence of the Niger Delta Museum on its third floor. The Museum tells the story of the Niger Delta Region, particularly the Ijaw Nation. In vivid illustrations, literature and quotations emblazoned everywhere, it chronicles the travails of a people because of the “curse” imposed on them by the discovery of oil in their bowels many years ago which later crystallised into the exploration and exploitation of oil from the region since 1956. A striking feature of the Museum is the section devoted to Ken Saro-Wiwa, the late environmentalist and human rights activist who was murdered through the instrumentality of a callous judgment by a Kangaroo court in November, 1995. The history of that judicial murder, which shook the world to its foundation, is replicated in a beautiful illustration, which featured the gallows where Sarowiwa was finally silenced. That section is adorned with replicas of the last clothes worn by the late environmentalist and other instruments of his gory execution. Last Monday, Prof. Steve Azaiki, the initiator of the Library and Museum, took his august visitors who had congregated in Yenagoa for his birthday celebration round the complex. It was a breath-taking, guided tour, which set tongues wagging about how this great Nigerian came about the idea to set up such a magnificent edifice. In an age where people will rather build hotels or other commercial centres for money making, what baffled the audience which included the State Governor, Chief Seriake Dickson, captains of industries, renowned public figures and academic gurus, was that the whole idea is not a commercial venture but something to galvanise humanity to find succour for their thirst for learning. According to Azaiki, “the idea was conceived in 1999 to provide opportunity for young and old Nigerians to have access to books, to create a platform for people to visit, even if they were not interested in reading, and to serve as tourists’ attraction. And rightly so, the place is fast becoming a Mecca not just for those sightseeing but for those in quest of e-learning. At the moment, the Vice-Chancellors of the Federal University, Otuoke, and the Niger Delta University in Amassoma, both in Bayelsa State and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, who were present last Monday have all indicated their willingness to partner with the library through the signing of Memorandum of Understanding, MOU. Last Monday’s ceremony at the Library which was chaired by Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade, the immediate past Minister of Police Affairs and former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State was the third in the series of activities lined up to sensitise the public before the gates of the complex are finally thrown open later in the year. It featured a lecture with the theme: “Food Security and Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria.” It was brilliantly delivered by the Guest Lecturer, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, the ViceChancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure. Some eminent Nigerians were also conferred with deserving awards. They include Senator Amatare Zuofa, a Senator of the First Republic who represented old Rivers State’s three senatorial districts between 1979 and 1983; Dr. Gabriel Imomotimi Gbaingbain Okara, a writer of world eminence; Dr. Abiye Sekibo, an

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson (m), congratulating Azaiki (r), while former governor, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha (l) watches during a Public Lecture & Awards to mark Azaiki’s birthday at the new Azaiki Public Library in Yenagoa on Monday. accomplished politician, medical doctor, entrepreneur and a former Minister of Transport; Chief Rufus Ada-George, former Executive Governor of old Rivers State; Prof. Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa, a Professor of History and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Rev. D. O. Okiya College of Theology and Management Science, Emeyal, Bayelsa State The concept of the Azaiki Foundation and Public Library is encapsulated in the opening paragraph of its mission statement: ‘To Create an enabling environment that will harness intellectual and material resources required for the generation of innovative ideas and the pursuit of life-long learning…” By and large, the life of Azaiki reminds one of the story of the Blind Men of Hindustan and The Elephant. Six blind men are asked by a king to determine what an elephant looks like by feeling different parts of its body. The blind man who touches a leg says the elephant is like a pillar. The one who runs his palm on the tail says the elephant is like a rope. The one who holds the trunk says the elephant is like a tree branch and the one who feels the ear says it is like a hand fan; the one who touches the belly says the elephant is like a wall; and the one who feels the tusk says the elephant is like a solid pipe. The king explains to them: “All of you are right. The reason every one of you is telling it differently is that each one of you touched the different parts of the elephant. So, actually the elephant has all the features you mentioned.” This, to a large extent, can apply to Azaiki. People who met him in the area of his field of study will say he is an agricultural scientist, working day and night to provide better crop yield so that his nation would not go hungry. Others, however, see him as an administrator, academic, politician, environmentalist, public servant, consultant, author and boardroom player. Why individuals will wager with their salaries about the actual description of Azaiki is because, in each area, he has always demonstrated uncommon expertise. This trait does not however come from a vacuum; it is the product of an intellectually sound mind. In other words, Azaiki parades an intimidating resume.

An indigene of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, Azaiki attended Bishop Dimieri Grammar School, Yenagoa, finishing in 1978 with Grade 1, a rare feat in those days. Such precocious kids are easily fished out by the authorities. No wonder, that through a Federal Government Scholarship, he proceeded to Moldavian Agricultural Institute, Kishinev in 1980 after which he moved to the Ukrainian Agricultural Academy, Kiev, where he bagged Master of Science degree in Agronomy (Plant Protection) in 1986. Before graduating from the University, he got an award in 1984 as Best International Student. He also won a USSR Academy of Science Research Grant for Study on the Effect of Biological Protection of the Soya Bean Disease between 1985 and 1986. Prof Azaiki commenced his Ph.D (Agriculture) in 1988 at the same Ukrainian Agricultural Academy, Kiev and received a Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture in 1992. During his stay at the University, he obtained a Certificate in Russian Language. He added an MBA in Project Management from Federal University of Technology, Owerri, in 2001. Over the years, he has attended courses in Harvard, ‘Leadership for the 21st Century: Chaos, Conflict, and Courage’, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard (2005), Education and Development”: A Roundtable Class, Oxford University, Britain (2005), Black Policy Conference (International Policies and Diplomacy Networking), Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Executive Education (2006). He obtained a Certificate in French, University of Abidjan, Cocody, Ivory Coast (2006), a Research Scholar/Fellow Institute of Petroleum Studies, University of Port Harcourt (2007). With this background, Azaiki turned out a polyglot; he speaks Russian, Ukrainian and French. Azaiki is an astute administrator and his achievements cut across several fields including academics, environmental activism, consultancy and public service. In 1988, he joined the teaching profession as Assistant Lecturer, Department of Phytopathology, Faculty of Plant Protection, Ukraine Agriculture Academy. He returned to the country to a civil service employment in

A striking feature of the Museum is the section devoted to Ken Saro-Wiwa, the late environmentalist and human rights activist who was murdered through the instrumentality of a callous judgment by a Kangaroo court in November, 1995. This section is adorned with replicas of the last clothes worn by the late environmentalist and other instruments of his gory execution

1993 as Assistant Chief Agricultural Development Officer, National Directorate of Employment, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Lagos. He also served as Chief Research Officer, Library Research And Documentation, National Directorate of Employment, Federal Ministry of Labour And Productivity, Lagos; State Coordinator, National Directorate of Employment, Oyo State. In 1997, he became the pioneer Commissioner for Agriculture and was also a two-time Secretary to the Government of Bayelsa State between 2002 and 2006. Azaiki sits on the board of various companies and organizations. He is the Chairman and Director of Channel Oil and Petroleum Company Limited; Director of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc; President, World Environmental Foundation of Africa (WEFFA); National Coordinator, National Think Tank, Chairman, Intercontinental Group and a Member, Bayelsa State Advisory Council. He is currently a Visiting Fellow, Institute of Petroleum Studies, University of Port Harcourt. He is an acclaimed Publisher and author of many books. Some of his publications include, Inequities in Nigerian Politics; Oil, Politics and Blood; Oil, Gas and Life in Nigeria; Cassava, the white Gold, among others. He is a member, Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State; member, Governing Council, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State. He is Chairman, Bayelsa State Advisory Council on Agriculture; Vice Chairman, Bayelsa State Council on Agricultural Development Programme; Chairman, National Agricultural Land Development Authority, Bayelsa State; Chairman, Advisory Council of the Niger Delta Swamp Project; member, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NSF) and adviser, Bayelsa State Council on Integrated Rural Development. Azaiki is exposed and has travelled to more than 60 countries, among which are Algeria, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Republic of Benin, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroun, China, Ivory Coast, Czechoslovakia, England, Estonia, France, Geneva, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kirgizia, Libya, Malta, Moldova, Poland, Russia, Botswana, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, Ukraine, United States of America, and Yugoslavia. Stemming from his days as the President, Nigerian Students Union, Moldavia, Kishinev, Azaiki, is an environmental activist that has spoken at different fora, has written articles and delivered several lectures within and outside Nigeria on the environmental degradation caused by crude oil exploration and gas flaring in the Niger Delta. His greatest asset is his disarming and infectious smile! He is mar-

TheGuardian

46 | Saturday, June 7, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

NaturalHealth Natural Health With G. C. Ihesie

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

The Medicinal Values of Lemon Grass (Fever Tea) ANY herbal medicine practitioners believe that herbs can be seen as plant materials (leaves, flowers, seeds, stems, bark, rhizomes or roots) that can be used for healing purposes. They also believe that when these plant materials are prepared holistically and used appropriately, they are capable of eliminating toxins from our blood and tissues, invigorating our nervous and glandular systems, transmitting healing radiation or “life force” to us and therefore raise our energy levels and perceptions. Herbs or herbal preparations can also be used specifically in the treatment and prevention of certain diseases. To optimally realise the full benefits of herbs, some holistically-minded herbal practitioners recommend that herbs should be used as whole- in the form nature provides them or as near natural condition as possible. For only the use of whole herbs- left unchanged in their original forms- can guarantee their full health benefit. The nature-beings (unknown to many), who nurture plants and make them grow, stand directly in the Power of God and work in His Laws- the Laws of Nature. Therefore, plants and herbs have perfection built into them and they possess wonderful healing properties, so long as man has not interfered with them. Because of these, if herbal medicines are prepared holistically as they should, they could restore a sick body to normalcy and augment health in a miraculous way. If, however, a fraction of the herb’s chemical constituent is isolated or extracted and used as an “active ingredient,” with the intention of achieving a definable physiological effect, as is hitherto done in the pharmacological industries, the so-called active ingredient, devoid of its associated naturally-occurring constituent factors, becomes a “drug,” which could be more potent than the parent herb; hence could have cumulative and delayed toxic side-effects. A notable British herbalist, David Hoffmann, in his book, The New Holistic Herbal, published in

should be out of place in herbal medicine. But herbal study should be done within a holistic context and also to establish a sound scientific basis for modern herbal medicine, since this will go a long way in removing the magic, superstition and fear that were in the past associated with the practice of herbal medicine. Lemongrass is one of the most versatile of herbs known all over the globe. It is believed to be a native of the tropics- tropical Southeast Asia- and is widely cultivated in tropical regions of the world- Central and South America and West Indies- and is used in Thailand and Vietnam for its culinary values. The botanical name is Cymbopogon citrates (syn. Andropogon citrates) and it belongs to the grass family- Gramineae (Poaceae). The common English names are lemon grass, fever grass, citronella grass, etc. Lemon grass is a lemon-scented perennial grass with long, thin blade-like green leaves. It grows luxuriantly on a sandy soil and plenty of moisture. The part used includes the stalks, the leaves and the oil. Main Constituents Lemon grass has been found to contain essential oil of lemongrass, which consists mainly of citral (a mixture of two stereoisomeric monterpene aldehydes), alkaloids, flavonoids, etc. Therapeutic Properties Lemongrass has been found to possess the following therapeutic actions- antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiemetic, anticarcinogenic, astringent, antitussive, antirheumatic, analgesic, antispasthe United Kingdom in 1990 by Element Book modic , anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antiLimited, wrote that: “From a holistic perspec- oxidant, antipyretic, carminative, insect repeltive, the whole plant must be respected as an lent, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expecintegrated biologically-evolved unit that is torant, fungicidal, galactagogue, insecticidal, beyond the analytical comprehension of sci- nervine, hypotensive and sedative, etc. ence. Method Of Preparation: “It will only be when science steps beyond Lemon grass can be used fresh as raw juice or the analytical reduction units it has placed dried or the dried leaves can be ground into on itself that a deeper understanding of plant powder and be made into capsules. The oil chemical synergy will emerge.” extracted through distillation can also be used. This, however, does not means to Lemongrass infusion (tea) can be prepared by say that a good knowledge of herbal toxicolo- steeping one to two teaspoonfuls of the finelygy and the study of constituents of herbs cut leaves of the (fresh or dried) plant in one

teacup of boiled water. The mixture is allowed to stand for 15 minutes, then the tea is sieved, sweetened with pure honey and taken orally when it is still hot before or after meal three to four times daily. Up to 15 fresh lemongrass leaves can be made into decoction (boiled) and be taken orally 3 times a day. Uses Of Lemongrass Culinary Uses The long, thin blade-like green leaves of lemongrass can be sliced very fine or pounded and added directly to dishes, soups, sea foods and pork or poultry sauces as an aromatic flavour. Cooking with lemongrass is very popular among the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. Medicinal Uses (Digestive Disorders) Lemongrass tea has a delightful pungent and lemon-like fragrance due to the high content of essential oil (citral). It is an effective carminative agent that helps to promote normal digestion, dispel indigestion, flatulence and abdominal distension. It is an effective intestinal antiseptic. One to four cups of the tea per day is recommended for the treatment of digestive problems, flatulence (gas), indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gastric irritability, cholera and vomiting. It lowers high blood cholesterol. As A Diaphoretic Agent Lemongrass tea induces profuse perspiration or sweating and helps to bring down high body temperature, fever, chills, flu symptoms, headaches and other types of pain. It helps in eliminating toxins from the surface of the body and brings cooling effects on the body. Lemongrass tea has a blood and liver cleansing action and taking the tea regularly helps in building up immunity against recurrent malaria attacks. As A Mild Sedative Tea Lemongrass tea taken before bedtime induces restful sleep, relieves stress, fatigue, nervousness and anxiety, combats depression and bad moods.

PetLife With Dr.Tunji Nasir Dr. Tunji Nasir.

O I believe in the existing sharing formula of puppies between a stud and a bitch owner? I choose to hang on the fence. I am taking this position because there are several issues that must be resolved before a firm and an unshakable position can be reached. It is unfortunate to state that such conditions do not exist regularly around here. For instance, how does the stud owner monitor the size of the litter right from the day of birth? How regularly does he have the right to enter the premises of the bitch? And the bitch’s owner, who believes him, if indeed he has a litter that under-performed! Sometimes, a bitch loses all the puppies or is left with one or two. In that kind of situation, how does he prove his innocence? In a number of occasions, it has been suggested that the dead puppies should be kept as evidence. Let me tell you a personal encounter that will demonstrate how greedy some bitch owners can be when it comes to sharing of puppies. It was in 1994, I had helped my landlord, who was living a few streets away from the house he had rented to me, to mate a beautiful Alsatian bitch. The mating was successful, as the dog became promptly pregnant and I regularly went to

Mating! Puppy Sharing his house to check on the progress of the pregnancy and carried out the requisite antenatal care. We set the EDD (Expected Delivery Date), but as providence would have it, I was out of Lagos for about three days about that time. When I returned from my journey, I raced to his house to see the progress the dog was making.

To my utmost chagrin, I noticed that it took a few minutes for the gate to be opened to me, but I did not feel anything was amiss until I was let into the house and met a very sad family, who told me that Princess indeed gave birth about 24 hours ago to six dead puppies, which they had promptly buried. Honestly, I had no reason not to

believe this family. They were wellto-do, at least in the Nigerian context. The man was a senior officer in one of the paramilitary outfits, while his wife owned a hospital. In fact, they began to ask questions that bordered on my competence, as a vet, in the administration of care to Princess while she was pregnant. Well, I left a sad person, plotting what to tell my boss, who was the stud owner, the next day. Of course, he took it as one of those bad business transactions and we soon forgot about it. However, precisely nine weeks after this episode, two very beautiful puppies were presented for registration at the clinic. They were so fine that they became a subject of attention at the clinic that day. People wanted to know where the owners got them and out of the blue, I heard a familiar address from the owner of the puppies and upon enquiry, I discovered that they had bought the puppies from my landlord. I promptly checked the date of birth of the puppies and it tallied with the period I had travelled when the puppies were born. I felt betrayed and could not hazard a reason why this rich man could not honour a simple agreement. The worst thing was he had

also involved his whole family in the lie- his wife and five children, the youngest being about 10 years old at that time. It was a slap on my person. From that time on, I began to understand people; I started to know that being rich does not confer integrity. It is after all, a monkey’s life. What should I do? I called my principal, Dr. Kunle Abiade of Petcare Veterinary Centre, to hear the story as it evolved. He advised that I pay my landlord a visit and I did on my way back home. When discussions trailed to the issue, he became highly agitated and defensive, because I provided the incontrovertible evidence of his indiscretions. What did he have to say? “What is it self? What service did you give? Yes, I brought my dog to mate with your boss’ dog. Did you feed my dog for me? Did you pay for her treatment? Was it not me that took care of her and the puppies? Did you think it was easy? Please, I cannot release any of them. In fact, I have disposed them,” he said. When I told him that we had an agreement, he demanded for a copy of the agreement or a witness to it. I could not provide any and so could not argue with him. I had just learnt a lesson in my lifenever trust men! We were not on speaking terms for several months as a result of this. It took the understanding of my boss to let go of his rights.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

HEALTH FEATURE

Open Defecation: Lagos Undying Menace By Joseph Okoghenun R Richard Olusegun who works at Ketu garage, Lagos M had an urgent need to defecate. But when he remembered that the garage has no functioning public toilet, he knew that he had to find an alternative. Quickly, he rushed to one of the hidden close by and defecated inside gutter behind a parked vehicle which concealed his act from prying eyes of members of the public. As Olusegun’s case illustrates, open defecation has refused to die in Lagos especially and in Nigeria in general. Although it may be hard to see people defecating in open places in the state, the excreta they leave behind tell the story of a menace that is yet to die out. Mrs. Dupe Lawal who lives at Ketu, told The Guardian that open defecation is a common phenomenon in her area. “In the night, you will see area boys ( hoodlums) passing faeces on the street,” she said. According to WHO/UNICEF, open defecation is when human faeces are disposed of in the fields, forests, bushes, open bodies of water, beaches, and other open spaces. At Obalende park where most Lagos residents board vehicles to Victoria Island and mainland, members of the public’s access to toilet facilities is limited, a scenario that has fueled open defecation in the area. When The Guardian asked from four different men at the park where to defecate, two of the men referred this reporter to a nearby filling station. But on getting there, a fuel attendant who gave his name as Mr.John, refused him access to the available toilet constructed by the filling station. He then pointed to an open place in-between damaged parked vehicles within the premises . When asked whether the filling station did not have toilet, he replied in the affirmative. “We have toilet,” he said. “But our manager said members of the public should never be allowed to use it.” But environmental health officer, Mr. James Useni (not his real names) of Obalende-Ikoyi Local Council Development Area (LCDA) which manages the park and market, said that there is a pay toilet at the park as well as other areas of the council. He however added that the issue of payment was driving some members of the public from using such toilets. “There are public toilets in Obalende,”Useni said. “People defecating in open places could be as a result of overcrowding; there are too many people around Obalende who don’t want to pay to use toilets. If you go to a public toilet, we charge N50 for defecating,” he added. In 2013, United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, lamented that more than “one billion people practise open defecation” globally. UNICEF added that over 100 million people in Nigeria don’t have access to improved toilet facilities, out of which over 45 million people (almost the size of Spain) defecate in the open, making Nigeria fifth in the world where open defecation is practised. Lagos, being the most populous city in Nigeria, no doubt bears the greatest

brunt of open defecation. Open defecation used to be a big challenge in Lagos in early 90s until Isaac Durojaiye, also known as Otunba Gaddafi, came in 1996 with the idea of providing mobile toilets to serve outdoor events and places through Dignified Mobile Toilets (DMT), which collects N50 for defecation in strategic locations of the state till date. Lagos State Government under the leadership of Bola Tinubu established Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) brigade in 2003 as a law enforcement unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment with the mandate to eliminate “open defecation and urination in public places”. The action, along with government’s policy that mandated every house to have toilet and soak away, checkmated open defecation in the state for a while. But recent developments show that the menace has reared its ugly head, even as KAI seems to have relaxed in enforcing its mandate on open defecation. Moreover, while most homes in the state have functioning toilets, some others live with broken toilets that encourage open defecation. And in an era where there are no sanitation inspectors, some landlords and tenants just refuse to build toilets in good state, thereby encouraging open defecation. Even when these toilets work properly, The Guardian learnt that intermittent water supply from Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) to homes that depended of public water supply has not helped matter in curbing open defecation, as some people find it difficult to flush toilets during water scarcity. Mr. Emmanuel Isaiah, a public affairs analyst who has been in Lagos for over a decade, gave further reasons why open defecation may have refused to die in the state. “Open defecation is a function of a number of issues,” Isaiah said. “ It is an indication of low moral status; it shows that people do not have moral value for what is good and what is bad. Second, it is a function of system failure. In advanced countries, there are public facilities for people on the go to use. But in this part of the world, we hardly find such things available. So, when you need to defecate, you have nowhere to go to. But assuming the system made provision for such, there would have been a leeway for someone who wants to defecate to make use of such facilities. “Another point is that even in areas where the system tried to make provision for it, the maintenance culture, which is a little bit low, is also a contributing factor because you find out that in some places where you have such facilities, when you go in to use them, you will find out that they are in unhealthy state. Recall that such places are very good places for one to contract infectious diseases because they are not maintained. One is afraid of going into such places so that one will not contract diseases.” A highly placed KAI official who prefers anonymity, gave another insight why the scenario may have persisted in the state despite the existence of the agency. “We have been making arrests. But sometimes, we prefer sensitising and

enlightening people why they should not be defecating in open places. Although the enforcement is already on, we give our men discretion that if you see someone defecating in an open place but gives genuine reason for doing so, you can use your discretion to leave him alone and warn him against repeating it,’” the official said. Open defecation is even encouraged by some governmentowned institutions in Lagos through their action or inaction. Some toilets in public institutions either owned by the Federal Government or Lagos State Government have broken down because of lack of maintenance. At Yaba, a public toilet meant for patients at a Federal Government -owned health institution has become eyesore for any patient to use, thereby forcing patients to defecate aside the premises. The same scenario it was learnt, exists at a federal government-owned university in Lagos. The student, who did not want her name in print, attributed the scenario to poor access to water, which she said often leads some students using toilets without flushing, thereby forcing the next user to seek alternative means in open places. Moreover, open defecation seems to have been “officially” endorsed at general hospital in Lagos. When this reporter visited the hospital this week and asked two non-clinical officials of the hospital where to defecate, he was referred to a big field behind the complex to pass faeces. “I will protect you; nobody will harass you. That is where almost every visitor defecates in the hospital. I will not even encourage you to use the available public toilet in the hospital because it is usually kept untidy,” one of the officials said. But when contacted, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said open defecation could not have been taking place in the hospital. “That cannot be true,” Idris said. “Every ward there has toilet facilities for use by patients.” Although taken for granted, open defecation, health experts say, is detrimental to the wellbeing of individuals and society. The Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Akin Osibogun, a professor of public health, said open defecation should not be toyed with because of its hazardous implications. “There are direct and indirect health infects of open defecation. It is unsightly, and the foul odour from it is not environmentally friendly. These are the direct effects. But the indirect effects have to do with the fact that some diseases are transmitted through faeces. Hookworm is one good example of it; while the eggs are passed out through the faeces, the larvae will penetrate the skin or leg of anybody walking across the faeces and migrate through the blood system. “There are other bacterial diseases that can be transmitted through open defecation. Some of these diseases include typhoid; there could be epidemics of cholera, especially if the faeces contaminated water sources of people. There are other diseases like shigellosis (a type of dysentery) and other bacterial dysentery disease that are caused by careless disposal of faeces,” Osibogun said.

FITNESS

The Joys Of Laughter By Oyinkan Talabi (bodyworks) AUGHTER is your birthright; a natural LBabies part of life that is innate and inborn. begin smiling during the first weeks of life and laugh out loud within months of being born. Laughter has physical, emotional and social benefits. Below are some of them. . Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, belly laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. . Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies. . Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of wellbeing and can even temporarily relieve pain. . Laughter protects the heart Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. . Laughter dissolves distressing emotions You can’t feel anxious, angry or sad when you are laughing. . Laughing works your stomach muscles, your diaphragm and even your shoulders. Your muscles are relaxed after.

It also provides a good workout for the heart. Laughing 100 times is the equivalent to 10 minutes on the rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike. . Laughter helps you relax and recharge It reduces stress and increases energy, enabling you to stay focused and accomplish more. Humor shifts perspective, allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Laughter is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships with family, coworkers and friends, fresh and exciting. Laughter is a powerful and effective way to heal resentments, disagreements and hurts. Laughter unites Laughing with others is more powerful than laughing alone. Laugher allows you to be more spontaneous. Humor gets you out of your head and away from your troubles. Laughter helps you forget judgments, criticisms and doubts. Release inhibitions. Your fear of holding back and holding on are set aside. Express your true feelings. Deeply felt emotions are allowed to rise to the surface. It costs absolutely nothing.

Do you laugh enough? Here is how. Watch a funny movie or television show. Read the funny pages. Hang out with funny people. Share a good joke or a funny story. Host your friends. Play with a pet.

Play with children. Do something silly. Find the humour in your life “Even if there is nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit.”- Anonymous Love your body. info@bodyworksnigeria.com

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BRANDINTELLIGENCE

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

2014 World Cup: Official Sponsors, Ambush Marketers Fine-tune Strategies By Lawrence Amaku ECENTLY, as part of its special World Cup countdown, Cable Network News (CNN) R interviewed an executive of giant sports wears manufacturer and leading partner in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Adidas. CNN sought to know the kind of competition it would face from a rival firm, Nike. In dismissing any fear about losing the market share, the executive boasted that his company was unruffled by the aggressive marketing campaign of Nike, which is not an official sponsor of the tournament. “We love competition. What I can tell you is that we will continue to be the global leader in the sports. This year alone, we will achieve our global profit projection of $2.8 billion in sales,” he said. What will certainly not be lost on many industry observers is that Adidas’ show of confidence does not undermine the impact that other brands not sponsoring the tournament will have on its market share. Like Nike, many companies will be looking forward to doing marketing campaigns around the event without paying sponsorship fees. This is notwithstanding the fact that the exclusive rights to market the soccer fiesta have been secured by the official sponsors of the competition. This practice, often associated with big global sporting events like the Olympics and the World Cup, is seen as ambush marketing or opportunistic marketing. Despite concerns often raised against ambush marketing as a threat to corporate sponsorship, marketing experts believe that the benefits are obvious. Prominent among the benefits is that it increases competition and forces prices to go down. For the World Cup starting on June 12, world football governing body, FIFA, has identified three categories of associations, namely official sponsors, official partners and national supporters. Outside brands in these categories, any other brand doing marketing campaigns around the World Cup will, in football parlance, be seen by marketing umpires as scoring from an offside position. It is noteworthy that the issue of penalising or taking legal action against those who indulge in such practice has remained unresolved for years, even as ambushers continue to explore loopholes in every measure taken by event organisers and their official sponsors to fend them off. The manner in which the practice goes

unabated often leaves observers wondering where the law lies in all of these. The above view was echoed by the Creative Director of Insight Communications, Mr Chima Okenimpke. In an interview with The Guardian, he opined that ambush marketing “is not illegal, as long as it does not infringe on any copyright issue.” While noting that the practice has come to stay, he added that “the question of ethics is one that needs to be interpreted. I absolutely see nothing wrong about it. I think a lot of brands have done it; and, they will still do it.” It is, however, interesting to note that football’s world governing body, FIFA, appears somewhat lenient with ambush marketers in the forthcoming World Cup. Last year, FIFA reported that there had been instances of large corporations trying to use the popularity of the World Cup in marketing material and promotional activities. Surprisingly, none of these cases was pursued in court “as phone call has usually sufficed to resolve each dispute.” There are also growing concerns over ambush marketing at home by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) in relation to the World Cup. Early this week, the NFF issued a stern warning to corporate organisations against ambush marketing around African champions, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, as they set to begin their World Cup campaign in Brazil. It accused a popular brand of beer in the country for “its deliberate infringement on the rights of its sponsors, Guinness Nigeria PLC.” NFF alleged that the brand was “launching communication materials across Nigeria featuring ex-players of the Super Eagles,” claiming that it gave the impression that it is an official sponsor of the team. It would be recalled that a similar scenario played out after the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in South Africa. NFF’s Director of Marketing, Mr. Idris Adama, threatened to sanction corporate organisations involved in ambush marketing against its official partners. He accused ambush marketers of commercially exploiting the Super Eagles brand’s potentials. However, Okenimpke appears to differ with the view that using a brand for marketing campaigns is illegal. “There is nothing that can be done about it. Super Eagles is a public property. There are copyright issues that you cannot

flout. You can’t make reference to a particular player in relation to the World Cup.” On his part, General Manager, Redline, a Public Relations company, Mr. Lekan Ishola, argued that “if the company NFF referred to has a binding contract with the ex-players featured in its advert (as brand ambassadors), then NFF cannot do anything about it. “NFF or any other body can only react where the usage of such marketing assets of the said company infringes on the established rights of any other body/organisation. The best is for NFF to demand for the contract and see if there is a way it (NFF) can be represented in the contract. The company in question has the right to use its marketing assets in the way it considers of best interest to it under the permissible ambience of the general contractual terms,” Ishola said. In his own view, marketing communications expert and Founder/CEO, Trends + Intelligence Network (TINK), Mr. Franklin Ozekhome, described ambush marketing as an interesting phenomenon, “one that smacks of innovation, guts, decisiveness and market insights.” While noting that the forthcoming World Cup would “definitely see ambush marketing on a roll,” he expressed the view that ambush mar-

keting is prevalent in big tournaments. “Such practices only come to the fore when experiencing major events like the World Cup, Olympics, Formula 1 and the Grammy’s. The reality, however, is that marketers employ ambush marketing tactics on a regular basis; and these are evident around simple brand launches, activations and advertising campaigns,” he said. On what brands can do to protect their sponsorship deals and market share, Ozekhome said “marketers have to design brand engagement strategies for leveraging their sponsorship deals — whether it is a big or small event is not the point. As long as some form of investment and commitment has been made to develop or support a property, the onus is on the sponsor (marketer) to develop an engagement roadmap and micro-media strategies that are ruthlessly executed by the marketing team and agency.” With less than a week to the commencement of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, it remains to be seen how a balance will be struck between the rights of sponsors and ambush marketers. Marketing experts will, no doubt, be on the lookout for brands playing by the rules and the ones working around the rules.

‘Digital Marketing Still Under Utilized In Nigeria’ With the unprecedented population of Internet users in Nigeria, brand owners and marketing experts are constantly turning to the digital space for visibility and relevance. In this chat with ABIODUN OBISESAN, CEO and Founding Partner of Wild Fusion Digital Centre, Abasiama Idaresit, addresses some nibbling issues limiting the marketing potentials in Nigeria’s digital space. HAT are the indices of social media marW ket in Nigeria? The social media marketing space has been growing at a phenomenal rate in Nigeria. Apart from being Africa’s biggest market in terms of GDP, Nigeria is also Africa’s biggest technology market with over 120 million active phones. The country currently has the largest Internet market in Africa of about 54 million Internet users. Hence, brands and advertisers are beginning to tap into this concept of digital advertising and social media marketing. I do not have a doubt that it will continue to grow. What are the indicators that it will continue to grow? When you look at the market trends and what technology is bringing to the table, there is no doubt that technology has been able to help drive the returns on advertising spend. The

Idaresit concepts and principles still remain the same; but technology is delivering added value to advertisers and marketers. So, the digital space has been strategic to targeting and reporting, in terms of cost-effectiveness, to reach users at a particular time of the day. How can you reconcile low technology skills in manpower and the purported growth of digital technology? It is true that skill set is a big problem in the

market. That is why we are here to address it. The vast majority of Internet users are not well trained and do not understand the digital concept. As a result, they end up making a lot of mistakes, which fuel the perception that digital technology is overrated. There are very few digital agencies that are well grounded. There are few who understand how to deliver value to their clients by using digital platforms. That is why we have gone ahead to partner with the Digital Institute of Ireland, a global training institution. It delivers digital training across the world and we have joined this network to set up the Wild Fusion Digital Centre which will be a one-stop centre that delivers world-class training for Nigerians. What motivated you into setting up Wild Fusion Digital Training Centre? First, we have a country that is the biggest economy in Africa. We have the biggest digital market in Africa and the eighth largest country in the world, in terms of Internet consumption. However, there are no infrastructures to train people to understand the concept of digital technology. We want to train people to understand the concept of digital technology and be able to use the tool to deliver value for themselves and their clients. Hence, we are here to build and grow the local market and create opportunities. So many Nigerians have travelled abroad to learn this concept. What drives us at Wild Fusion, first of all, is to deliver value to customers. Also, we are motivated to build competence in professionals. We want to empower Nigerians with the tools to succeed and help them to deploy technology effectively in their businesses. If technolo-

gy is driving the banking sector and businesses around the world, it shouldn’t be different in Nigeria. It is a sense of responsibility for us, as a market leader and pioneering digital agency in this country, to help this market to grow. That is why we are interested in training people while also providing them with the necessary skills to help them succeed. What is the level of investment in the training centre? We have made significant investment in this training centre and are confident that the market is ready for it. Our motivation for embarking on the project is based on the realisation that there is a gap in skills required in technical know-how in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. People are already flying in from Ghana and Kenya for this training. We believe that for Africa to succeed, and for it to emerge as a powerhouse economically, it needs to rely on the tools and skilled population and start investing in human infrastructure. If we don’t have that investment, we will never grow and possibly catch up with the rest of the world. What are the modules for the training? Some of the modules include search marketing, display advertising, strategy and planning, mobile marketing, social media marketing, introduction to digital and most importantly, business ethics. We believe that professionals should take this module so that they can understand how to make ethical decisions when running a business or when making business decisions. It is not only for managers but also for everyone who passes through the training.

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Saturday, June 7,

SPECIAL REPORT

SPECIAL REPORT ON THE WORLD ANTI-COUNTERFEITING DAY, 2014 June 5, was World Anti-counterfeiting FwasRIDAY, Day, 2014. The World Anti-Counterfeiting Day created by coalitions of stakeholders across the world to celebrate their quiet but aggressive battle against counterfeiting of goods and services across the globe. Counterfeiting is an important global issue that recurs every day of the year. Therefore, the World Anti-counterfeiting Day is useful because it gives the global community an opportunity to put this issue under a spotlight and spread the anti-counterfeiting message. The main event of World Anti-Counterfeiting Day is the Global Anti-Counterfeiting Awards presented by Authentication News and the Global AntiCounterfeiting Network. The Global AntiCounterfeiting Awards are awarded to outstanding companies and government agencies going above and beyond the call of duty to keep counterfeits off the market. A number of experts have stressed that as a global, multi-billion dollar concern, there is a strong link between counterfeiting and transnational organized crime. This campaign produced by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime highlights this link. This menace also impacts negatively on nations’ economies. In Nigeria, there has been a concerted effort from the government and major stakeholders in the war to stamp out counterfeiters by setting up regulatory agencies with inspectorates that monitor the activities of the fakers. Their actions have been successful over the years with obvious and well coordinated collaboration with other international bodies. According to Dumme Osadebe, General Manager, Sales & Marketing,Nexans Kabelmetal Nigeria Plc., “Fake Cables business (like every other products – emphasis mine) is a multi-billion Naira venture driven by lure of lucre with scant

Dr. Joseph I. Odumodu MFR (D-G S.O.N)

Dr. Paul Orhi (Director General NAFDAC)

Dr. Dumme Osadebe (GM, Nexans Kabel Metal Plc)

regard for human lives and properties. As its obligation to the public, Nexans Kabelmetal is a major partner with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in setting standards, processes and regulatory framework for the industry”. He stressed further that “the route to fake Kabelmetal cables point to unscrupulous importers/merchants. Aided by perceived gap in the effectiveness of border protection and enforcement, these importers succeed in bringing in cables that cannot withstand the minimum thresholds in voltage and current carrying capacity. That these cables do not result in frequent fires can be partially explained by the erratic electricity supply in the country. If you subjected these cables to constant current and voltage stress, it is obvious

that they will fail in relatively shorter period. These cables are fraudulently branded with the names and logos of the Nigerian manufacturers (Kabelmetal being the worst victim) in order to deceive the public. In one particular case, the elaborate packaging introduced by Nexans Kabelmetal to deter faking was quickly imitated by these unscrupulous persons”. Fake cables are priced cheaply thus presenting opportunities for quick sell-off and faster turnaround. The importers prey on the desire for price bargains by the customer. One must stress though that not all imported cables are fake. Some foreign Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (M & E) Contractors who have won huge contracts in the country prefer to import their cables (obviously of standard quality) from their home countries, thus

fueling recent advocacy for local contentin the construction industry. We need to replicate the successes recorded by the local content act for the Oil and Gas industry in other economic sectors!” Many still believe that the solution lies in collective responsibility in the war against fakers or as Dumme noted that “it is a shared responsibility between the customer, local cable manufacturers and the regulatory authorities. Customers can insist to buy the products only from authorized outlets. For example, in the case of cables, where the purchase is contracted out to an Electrician, the customer should insist on obtaining a product certificate of quality from the supplier. This can then be verified from the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) either by e-mail, telephone call or formal letter of verification”.

50 Saturday, June 7, 2014

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TheGuardian

Saturday, June 7, 2014 | 51

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Cover

Akpabio

Amaechi

Goje

Governors And The Quest For Scandalous Pension Scheme By Samson Ezea LOBALLy democracy has proven to be the G best form of government for most countries seeking to develop at a fast pace. Its basic principles include Separation of Power, Checks and Balances, Rule of Law, periodic elections and others. The Former American President, Abraham Lincoln described it as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Since 1999, it appears Nigeria has been practicing what some people described as pseudo or homegrown democracy with basic democratic tenets existing only on paper. Though the three arms of government are supposed to be dependent one each other in carrying out its functions, but the legislature especially at the state and local council levels appears to be an appendage of the executive arm. This undemocratic tendency has given the state governors the leverage to engage in all forms of financial profligacy and recklessness with the support of the members of the State Houses of Assembly. This is why State Houses of Assembly are seen as mere rubber stamps of the executive. Truly they are, because the governors handpicked them during party primaries and impose them on the people. Their political future lies in the hands of the state governors who determine their fate in every election. One can safely say that State Houses of Assembly have been tied to the apron strings of the State governors since 1999. They can only act otherwise when prompted by the Presidency that wanted to take a pound of flesh from a state governor that is proving stubborn or arrogant. Any member of the Assembly who dares the governor would either be suspended indefinitely or remove from office through sponsored impeachment. Unlike the National Assembly members that enjoy some autonomy in their operation, the State Assembly members have none because the State governor decides when to release money to them. Even when they had opportunity to remedy the situation during the 2011 constitutional amendment, which would have granted the State Houses of Assembly autonomy, the members overwhelmingly rejected it.

That was how the time-honoured principles of Checks and Balances, Separation of Power and other democratic tenets have been cosigned to the political dustbin since 1999, thereby making the state governors overlords in their various states. They hold the knives and the yam, and whosoever they give, eat. Taking advantage of the situation, state governors at the twilight of their administration, have been in the habit of presenting scandalous and bogus pension bills to the State Assembly and cowed the members to passed it into law. Such bills when passed into law make it possible for them to continue to enjoy public funds at its fullest at the expiration of their tenure of office. Latest of such outrageous pension bills for exgovernors and deputies that have been passed into law since 1999 was the recent Akwa Ibom Pension Act. After the barrage of attacks, criticisms, and condemnations that have trailed the scandalous Pension plan, Governor Godswill Akpabio who initially laboured to justify the pension Act budged by agreeing to expunge “obnoxious” provisions from the law. Akpabio has been widely criticised for allegedly browbeating his State House of Assembly members to pass the law, which would have enable him to collect over N200 million annually after he leaves office and further impoverish the people. It was alleged that the state government had worked secretly to get the bill passed to avoid the kind of public uproar that has now greeted it. That State Assembly was compelled to pass the bill to take effect from June 1, which they did on May 26 before public uproar that has made the governor to agree to rescind for

some amendment. Speaking on the issue in Lagos during the week, Mr. Akpabio said following nationwide outcry, he would request the state Assembly to immediately review the law, with a view to expunging one of its obnoxious provisions. “This is a democracy and you must listen to the voice of the people,” Mr. Akpabio said. “What I have decided to do, in consultation with the state executive council, is to appeal to the House of Assembly to immediately expunge the obnoxious provision or that which is interpreted to be obnoxious.” But the governor indicated he would only expunge the provision of the law, which provided for N100million medical allowance for ex-governors. “I hope that will satisfy Nigerians,” he said. He however appears unwilling to give up his request for a mansion in Uyo or Abuja. It was revealed that the State Assembly had also approved the construction of a mansion, which would serve as the governor’s retirement home; in addition to brand new cars, befitting furniture and other luxuries for the rest of his life. Obviously, Governor Akpabio is not the only state governor that has presented such outrageous Pension bill that was passed into law since 1999, though his own appears to be the most controversial so far, because of its mindboggling provisions. Such bill has passed into law in Rivers State in 2012 amidst controversy. Apart from receiving 100 per cent of their basic salaries as pensions, the Act, will provide two houses each for former governors and deputy governors in the state. One of the houses will be built in Abuja, the

Since 1999, it appears Nigeria has been practicing what some people described as pseudo or homegrown democracy with basic democratic tenets existing only on paper. Though the three arms of government are supposed to be dependent one each other in carrying out its functions, but the legislature especially at the state and local council levels appears to be an appendage of the executive arm

nation’s capital, while the other will be constructed in any part of the state. The state government will furnish the buildings, according to the Act. Other benefits are three cars each for the exgovernors and their deputies, which will be replaced every three years, free medical treatment for former chief executives and members of their immediate families; provision of cooks, drivers, stewards, gardeners and other domestic workers, who are also expected to earn pensions after retirement. On the security of former governors and their deputies, over eight security operatives, including employees of the State Security Service will be provided for them. Justifying the Act then, Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi said that such Pension scheme would deter state governors from stealing public fund, while in office. In Kwara State, the pension law for ex-governors and deputies was first passed into law in 2003 and signed by the former governor, now late Mohammed Lawal. The law merely stipulated that qualified former governors and their deputies be paid pension for life without other perks like accommodation, cars and medical allowances. The Kwara State House of Assembly in 2010 reviewed the law and passed a new one into law during the administration of Dr. Bukola Saraki. The passage of the Pension Bill in Kwara was sequel to a unanimous decision of the lawmakers. Saraki had in a letter urged the House to extend the entitlements under the payment of pension to all democratically elected governors and deputy governors of the state since 1967. Saraki now senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been enjoying the privileges since he left office in 2011. Gombe State is not left out as former governor, Danjuma Goje, at twilight of his administration ensured that a pension scheme that would last the lifetime of former governors was worked out for him and his deputy at the end of their tenure. Goje allegedly paid himself and his deputy the sum of N300m as executive pension benefits.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

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52 Saturday, June 7, 2014

COVER Bogus Pension Scheme: Governors In The Eye Of The Storm CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51 In Zamfara State the then governor of the state now senator, Alhaji Ahmed Sani in 2006 signed into law Pension bill. The law gave him and other former governors of the state pension for life, two personal staff, two vehicles replaceable every four years, two drivers, free medical for the former governors and deputies and their immediate families in Nigeria or abroad. The law also gives the former governors a 4-bedroom house in Zamfara and an office, free telephone and 30 days paid vacation outside Nigeria. The situation is not different in Lagos where the Lagos pension law was signed by former governor and now leader of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) Ahmed Tinubu. The law gives the former governors pension for life, two houses – one in Lagos and another in Abuja The Lagos law also gives the governor six cars replaceable every three years (3 for the governor, 1 pilot, 2 backup cars), furniture of 300 percent of his salary as governor to be paid every two years, a security detail same as in Kwara state, free medicals for the former governor and deputies and their immediate families. Other benefits are 10 percent house maintenance, 30 percent car maintenance, 10 percent entertainment, 20 percent utility, and several domestic staff. Even The National Assembly had once approved a new and comprehensive pension package for past Nigerian leaders. The beneficiaries include past presidents, heads of the government of the federation, prime minister, vice presidents, presidents of the senate, and speakers of the House of Representatives. In defence

of the action, President of the Senate, David Mark had said the pension scheme was aimed at discouraging coups, without stating how. These public office holders that were elected or appointed to serve the public have not been accountable to the people in the last 15 years. So how will they justify such scandalous pension scheme for themselves after enjoying perks of office for years? State governors are the custodians of both state and council allocations since 1999. Since then, huge sums of money have been accrued to the states from monthly federation allocations, Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) and other sources with nothing much to show for it. What are on ground in terms of the acclaimed democracy dividend are not commensurate with the huge revenues accrued to the states since 1999. The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has recently challenged state governors to tell Nigerians what they do with huge allocations; they receive regularly from the Federal Government. Investigation reveals that state governors decide what they take monthly as security vote, and it varies, depending on the state’s financial strength and security situation. While some of them take as much as N750 million monthly, the least among them take between N350- N250 million for which they do not account. In the face of all these ugly developments and looting spree in the corridors of power, the state governors plan bogus pension scheme for themselves and their deputies even when most of them are owing government retirees that have served for more than three decades backlog of pension and gratuity. Some of the retirees have died while struggling to get the pension, while others are living from hand to mouth after many years of public service.

Some of the State governors have till date refused to pay the workers N18000 minimum wage years after President Goodluck Jonathan signed the bill into law. Those of them who agreed to pay the minimum wage are over taxing the workers. While in a normal democratic setting, being in public office is seen as a call to service; in Nigeria it has been a call for crazy amassment of public wealth and display of opulence at the detriment of the people. That is why most state governor had been so wasteful and reckless with public fund as if it is their personal heritage. Many believe that it is in a bid to continue to maintain the false and bogus life they lived, while in office that is pushing the governors to plan for scandalous pension scheme

outside office. While controversy and criticisms have continued to trail the Akwa Ibom state Pension Act for ex-gov, deputies, a former governor from the Southeast zone told The Guardian that passage of such bill is one thing and the implementation is a different ball game especially when the governor’s successor is not comfortable with it. “I have not received any pension since I left office because my successor has refused to capture it in the state budget annually. And there is nothing I can do about it. Even if I take the state government to court on the issue, they will simply say they have no money to pay” According to the ex-governor, it is only a former governor who is in the

Sani

good book of his successor that can enjoy such perks outside office. He said: “Such can last as long as their relationship remain cordial, but the successor can decide to stop such at any time. So it is not as if such will be steady. So most times it neither here nor there, considering that there will always be political differences that often tears ex-governor and his successor apart. Meanwhile The Guardian investigation reveals that most of the state governors whose tenure will expire in 2015 have prepared such pension bills, but are waiting for the commencement of the party primaries to use the party ticket as a bait to cajole members of the State House of Assembly to pass it into law.

Saraki

‘Akpabio Is Not Alone In Putting Self Above Public Interest’ Mr. Osita Okechukwu, the interim national publicity, Southeast All Progressives Congress (APC) speaks on the controversial pension bill passed into law recently by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. By Samson Ezea What is your view on the controversial Akwa Ibom state pension law for ex-governors and the deputies? NE must salute those who placed the Akwa Ibom state obnoxious Pension Act in the public domain. To me these are patriots, without which Akpabio could have gone home untainted. Granted that in the narrow prism of the governor and his cohorts their penchant is to misinform the good people of

Okechukwu

Akwa Ibom State; however they had forced him to recant and indeed in Akpabio’s words, ‘It is my hope that with the excision of these sections from the amendment, the agents of falsehood would lift their siege on truth and not distract the good people of this state from the task of the uncommon transformation of our dear state. Let them remember that I am not a governorship candidate. Instead of firing brickbats at me, let them tell the good people of Akwa Ibom State their plans for the State.’ These agents of falsehood patriotically exposed the culture of impunity and the perfidy of state governors who masquerade as imperial emperors, hence consigning the State Houses of Assembly to rubber stamp parliament. Akpabio is not alone in putting self interest above public interest. The agents of falsehood had shown that the uncommon transformation is very common when a critical assessment is conducted on the real projects executed by the governor and the unprecedented oil revenue which accrued from the Federal Allocation into the coffers of Akwa Ibom State in the last seven years. The truth of the matter is that Uyo and Ikot Ekpene axis had witnessed massive or uncommon transformation, if you have visited the towns before now, you will be marvelled. The fly over, intersections and well-paved roads grace the environment and give Uyo the face of a modern city. But the Oron and Eket axis, especially Oron is awash with decayed infrastructure, dilapidated social services and gully eroded beach. The Oron beach was one of the highly rated tourist destination in Nigeria before now. Why such asset was neglected begs for answers? As one said earlier, I must as well point out that our governors wear the imperial emperor toga in common; as it is very difficult to isolate few governors who adhere to the core principles of democracy - free and fair local council elections, independent parliament and transparency. They all behave as if the sovereignty belongs to them. Rubber Stamp House of Assembly is akin to the question posed penultimate week by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala. She queried those who probe only the transforma-

tion agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan led federal government, without beaming their search light on the humongous allocation that goes to the states. In fact she singled out the top ten, where Akwa Ibom belongs. Whereas one cannot side the Honourable Minister, for the primary problem with the federal transformation agenda is anchored on a nebulous economic policy that government has no business in business. The question is how can one exempt the government from the provision of refineries, fertilizer plant etc in a primitive economy like ours? And how long do we wait for the Dangotes and the Chinese? We must learn from history because Europe and North America used public funds prudently to build critical infrastructure centuries before privatization. Therefore the nebulous economic policy leaves a lot of cash in the hands of chairmen of local councils, governors and the president, and thus creates a state of fear and uncertainty. The fear is the assumption that we are all thieves, and therefore cannot successfully manage stateowned enterprises. This is the biggest fallacy simulated to keep us underdeveloped. This is the fountain of the corruption that bedeviled the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime and today continues to hunt the Jonathan administration. Dr. Iweala regrettably is the key dramatis personae in this sordid and painful drama. For emphasis, it needs to be repeated that the Nigerian economy is a primitive economy and hence informal as 90% of our so-called captains of industry has no factory, even pure water factory. The point one is making is that Governor Akpabio is one of those caught with the bug that government has no business in business and therefore left with excess cash to play with. It was the same bug that made President Jonathan not to build any refinery either in Bayelsa or any other state. However in conclusion, while we still probe the federal government, the obnoxious Pension Act compels us to the imperative of probing thoroughly the states and the local councils, especially when no local council gets less than N100m per moth. Ironically, the local councils are in the pockets of the Emperors.

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saturday, June 7, 2014 53

CoVER

The Controversial A’Ibom Governors’ Pension Law From Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo is no longer news that over the past three IciesTweeks, what was planned as one of the legaof Governor Godswill Akpabio in Akwa Ibom state through the passage of ‘Governors and Deputy Governors Pension Law 2014,’ has put the governor in public domain. Immense condemnation, accusations and counter accusations from across all strata of the society has followed the action. In fact, since the inauguration of the fifth Assembly of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly popularly known as ‘The Peoples Assembly’, they have never come under the magnitude of attack and criticism like they have experienced with the passage of what is described by many as an ‘unpopular’ law. The governor had forwarded to the House for consideration and passage into law a Bill on ‘Governors and Deputy Governors Pension Bill 2014’. According to the speaker of the House, samuel Ikon, the governor’s decision to send the new bill was in pursuant of order 7 rule 2(1) of the standing orders of the state House of Assembly. The Governor had in the bill urged the lawmakers to enact “a law to provide for the grant of pensions and other benefits to elected former Governors and Deputy Governors and for other matters related therewith.” The Governor was specific that the implementation of the bill, when signed into law would commence June 1, 2014. The bill spelt out that “an indigene of the state who has held office as democratically elected Governor or Deputy Governor of former Cross River state and a person who has held office as a democratically elected Governor or Deputy Governor of the state shall, when he ceases to hold the said office, be entitled to certain benefits. Entitlement of former Governor or Deputy Governor to the pension are (a) pension for life at a rate equivalent to the salary of the incumbent Governor or Deputy Governor respectively; (b) a new official car and a utility vehicle once in every four years, one personal aide and the provision of adequate security for his person during his lifetime at the expense of Government; (c) provision of funds to employ a cook, chauffeurs and security guards for the Governor at a sum not exceeding, N5million (or equivalent of UsD 50,000.00 in Nigeria currency) per month and N2million now N2.5 million (or the equivalent of UsD 20,000.00 in Nigerian currency) per month for the Deputy Governor; (d) provision of free medical services for his person and spouse at a sum not exceeding N100 million (or the equivalent of UsD 600,000.00 in Nigerian currency) per annum for the Governor and N30 million now N50 million (or the equivalent of UsD 200,000.00 in Nigerian currency)

per month for the Deputy Governor; (e) provision of befitting house not below a 5-bedroom mansion in either the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja or Akwa Ibom state for the Governor and a year accommodation allowance of 300 % of annual basic salary for the Deputy Governor; (f) provision of furniture allowance of 300% of annual basic salary once in every four years; (g) provision of yearly main- Ikon tenance and fuelling of vehicle allowance of 300% of annual basic salary; (h) provision of severance gratuity of 300% annual basic salary as at the time the officer leaves office; (i) provision of yearly utility allowance of 100% of annual basic salary; and (j) provision of entertainment allowance of 100% of annual basic salary. section 1 sub-section 2 of the bill states that “a former governor or former deputy governor who receives a severance gratuity under the provisions of the Public and Political office Holders (remuneration) Law Cap. 101, Laws of Akwa Ibom state, 2000 (as amended), shall not be eligible to obtain any other severance gratuity under this law. section 2 states that where a former governor or former deputy governor dies, government shall: (a) make adequate arrangement and bear the financial responsibility for his burial; (b) pay a condolence allowance of a sum equivalent to the annual basic salary of the incumbent to his next of kin; and (c) provide one surviving spouse with medical allowance

not exceeding N12 million per annum: Provided that such a spouse was married to the Governor at the time he or she was in office, and if a wife, had served the states as first lady. on eligibility, section 3 stresses (1) the provisions of this law shall not apply to a former governor or former deputy governor who: (a) resigned his office unless such resignation was on health grounds; or (b) was removed from office by impeachment; or (c) had not held office for a period of three years or more. sub-section 2 of section 3 says the provision of paragraph (c) of sub-section (1) of this section shall not apply where a former governor or former deputy governor holds office for a period of less than three years as a result of death or a military intervention or a declaration of a state of emergency or there remained at assumption of office less than three years of tenure. section 4 states that the governors and deputy governors’ pension law 2006 is hereby repealed. While section 6 deals with interpretation; section 6 stresses that this law may be cited as the Governors and Deputy Governors Pension Law, 2014 and shall come into force on the 1st day of June, 2014”. since the passage of the Bill and its subsequent signing into Law by the Governor Akpabio, hell has been let loose as both the governor and the House has come under serious criticism and condemnation. For the opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress APC, the Publicity secretary of the party, obong samuel Udobong noted that the speed with which the

Bill went through was suspicious; as such Bill would have followed due process where the public would have also contributed before its final passage. According to APC, the intent of the Bill shows the level of insensitivity on the part of the governor, especially in a state where primary school teachers and others retirees in the civil service have not been paid their gratuities since 2009 till date. The immediate past secretary to the Akwa Ibom state government, Umana okon Umana, in his reaction, described the Bill as ‘insensitive’. He wondered why the Assembly rushed into passing the bill within eleven days and the governor signing the Bill into law despite the condemnations it drew across the country. He further observed that, in spite of the explanations that the N100m allowance was the ceiling; the contemplation of the provision was outrageous, given the level of economic hardship that faces an average Akwa Ibom person. Most civil servants who spoke with The Guardian castigated their leadership for alleged compromise. According to them, the leadership of the union initially planned for a protest when the rumour of such bill going to the Assembly was heard; but they noted that, such did not happen again immediately the leadership held a meeting with the leadership of the House of Assembly. However, addressing journalists on the issue, the speaker, Elder samuel Ikon said that, the bill was not a new law as the people were made to believe. He said the law was first enacted in year 2000 and was amended in 2006 in accordance with the prevailing realities at that time. As a body constitutionally saddled with the power to make laws, the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly noticed that the law had lapses and moved to correct the errors by amending the law. The speaker said, the Law was “open-ended”, and failed to provide limitations to some provisions including the medical expenses for former Governors and Deputy Governors. The House of Assembly however decided to amend the Pension Law to provide limits to what is expected to be expended on medical bills of former governors and deputy governors. Most importantly, the amended law specified that if the governor is not ill, the law cannot be activated and the money would not be spent. This must have been done in congruence with the prevailing need for accountability, and to bring an end to situations where former governors and deputy governors took undue advantage of the open-ended nature of the pension law.

‘A’Ibom Govs’ Pension Law Is Repugnant To Justice, Good Conscience’ From Anietie Akpan and Tina Todo, Calabar EACTIoNs have continued to trail R the Governors’ Pension Law recently passed in Akwa Ibom. And there is a consensus that it is vexatious and ought to be repealed. “This is a vexatious and wicked legislation in so far as it is meant to put so much money in the hands of a man who has retired and has been in government for only eight years. What is the position of the man who has served government for 35 years and is retiring? “I think it is unfortunate that the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly has abused the powers of legislation. That law is repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience. It should be repealed.” These were the words of prominent senior lawyer, Chief Utum Eteng while reacting to the Akwa Ibom state Governors’ Pension Law. Reacting to insinuations that some governors could retire and become poor hence such jumbo pay, Eteng said, “If any public officer who has risen to the level of a governor and pretends to be poor at this stage, he is not being honest to himself. I am a Nigerian and you are a Nigerian and I will tell you that the richest people in various political dispensations

are the governors and they can never be poor till they die. For People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart from Biase Local Government Council, Mr. Charles Eko, “I don’t think this jumbo pay for past governors is in order. The revenue of the state should not be concentrated in the hands of people who are privileged to give service to the state bearing in mind our environment is mainly a civil service state. “The larger population is outside government. If you concentrate this kind of resources alone in the hands of government functionaries alone especially after leaving office, it makes the office a do or die affair subsequently. “It’s a selfish law to better the lot of certain persons who are in offices. If you take the amount of money that goes into the service system with what comes in, you will realise that the money is not even touching the people that are not in government. It will not be good for any state including Cross River.” He needs to be cautioned. That bill means stealing by other means; it is the most fraudulent bill ever to be passed in the history of Nigeria or anywhere else for that matter. And this is what has been putting Nigeria on the corruption map. The attitude

of public officers is completely outrageous. “I am very sure that even those that are to benefit from it, like Architect Victor Attah and the rest of them would be ashamed by that type of proposal. It is a dangerous proposal “Experience has shown that once you live office, officially when you did not perform well, the volume of responsibilities reduces. What is the logic behind that kind of preposition if not for greed? It is a terrible situation that really has to be treated with national interest. I do think that Akpabio should be cautioned and that bill should be withdrawn. That bill is simply asking the assembly to legitimize fraud. Mr. Chris Ekpeyong Legal Practitioner: “The pension bill could have been a good project if the governor actually sought the opinion of the public before rushing to present it to the house. Eventually the project came

Eteng at the time when he was about leaving the government. And looking at it on the other hand, N100m as medical bill to a governor with what is happening in Nigeria is too much for somebody to consume. “It is very untimely because the

economy of the country is so down even in Akwa Ibom state, which is one of the richest states in the country. The people of the state are suffering; some have not been paid salary for months. I am also surprised that the House of Assembly endorsed

54 Saturday, June 7, 2014

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DIARY

Osun PDP governorship candidate, Iyiola Omisore (left), Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his wife Olukemi at the wake keep for Mrs. Felicia Adeniyi, Olukemi’s mother held at St Stephen Cathedral, Ondo State…recently

Graduand, Miss Jumoke Oyebode, flanked by her Father, Professor Akin Oyebode, Professor of Law (UNILAG) and former Vice chancellor, Ekiti State University (right) and her mother, Mrs. Bose Oyebode shortly after her graduation ceremony at the University of Pennsylvania in United State of America…recently

Head of Corporate Brand and Strategy Communications, Dunn Loren Merrifield, Mr. Henry Ekechukwu receiving the Best Innovation Investment Company in Africa award, an award conferred on his firm by Aspire West Africa during the yearly International Business Star Quality Awards, in Accra, Ghana…recently

The Lashone’s Graduands at the Stakeholder’s meeting of the firm in Lagos …recently

L-R, Pharm. (Alh.) Olufemi Ismail Adebayo, National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN); Pharm. Mrs. Edith Nwachukwu, CPC Chairman and Pharm. Gbolagade Iyiola, national Assistant Secretary, ACPN at the press briefing organized by the association in Lagos recently

Artists in the Visual Explorators group, Abiola Adeyemi (right), Olusegun Oduyele, Aremu Monsuru, Bashir Kalejaiye, Tunde Oguntuyo, K.K. Olojo-Kosoko, Adetola Adenuga, Lukmon Jimoh, Dayo Adeyemi, Bodurin Abiodun at Reconnect Gallery for Dialogue of Forms exhibition…recently

Representative of the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Force PRO, Abayomi Sogunle (left) and Director General, National Gallery of Art, (NGA), Abdullahi Muku at the Children’s Day Celebration/Art Exhibition in Abuja on Tuesday

David Babajide Balogun and his wife, former Miss Omolade Temitope Adefarati shortly after their solemnization of matrimony at the Daystar Christian Centre in Lagos…recently

Mr. and Mrs. Ekama Gilbert Afonughe after signing the dotted lines at the Event Galleria hall, Sapele, Delta State recently

Mr. Kopma Okokon Eshiet and his wife, former Miss Margaret Inyang Effiong, during their traditional wedding ceremony in Akwa Ibom State…recently

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Saturday, June 7, 2014 55

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Saturday, June, 7, 2014

Change of Name ABELA: Formerly Oboh Ewemade Abela now Mrs. Oboh Ewemade Doris. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ADEYEYE: Formerly Miss Adetoun Adeola Adeyeye now Adetoun Adeola adegbenro. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

Oluwabukola Omotolani Ajayi now Mrs. Oluwabukola Omotolani Bello. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

ABIFARIN: I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Babatunde Adeola Abifarin now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Babatunde Adeola Abolarin. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

ADEYOMBO: Formerly Bridget Anazie now Bridget Adeyombo. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AJAYI: Formerly Miss Rasheedat Omowunmi Ajayi, now Mrs Rachel Omowunmi Oluwabiyi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ABIFARIN: I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Funmilayo Omolola Abifarin now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Funmilayo Omolola Abolarin. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note. ABOGUNRIN: Formerly Agbogunrin Olabisi Adeyemi now Mr. Alabi Olabisi Adeyemi. Former documents remain valid. Public note ACHANYA: I formerly Mr Emmanuel Achanya now Mr Emmanuel Ikor Achanya. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ADEBAYO: Formerly Ademola Olumide Adebayo now to be addressed as Ademola Olumide Martins. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEBOLA: I, formerly Miss Akinwunmi Olufunmilayo Adebola now Mrs. Alao Olufunmilayo Adebola. All former documents remain vlaid. Public note. ADEDINI: Formerly Miss Adedini, Adeola Ruth now: Mrs Olukoga, Adeola Ruth Former document remain valid. Public note ADEJOBI: Formerly Miss Titilope Oluwakemi Ajike Adejobi now Mrs. Titilope Oluwakemi Ajike Adeniji. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADENIJI: Formerly Miss Bolanle Adenike Adeniji, now Mrs Bolanle Adenike Folarin. Former documents valid. Public note. ADESANYA: Formerly knonw as Miss Temitope Sasonel Adesanya now addressed as Mrs. Temitope Sasonel Adebiyi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADESULURE: Formerly Miss Oluwafunmilade Adesulure now Mrs. Oluwafunmilade Adebukola Olaosun. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ADIGUN: Formerly Adigun Esther Oludamola now Mrs. Morakinyo Esther Oludamola. Former documents valid. Public note. ADUMA: Formerly Miss Aduma Amaoge Nkechi Pascaline, now Mrs Ezugwu Amaoge Nkechi Pascaline. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGBETI: Formerly Miss Oluwayemisi Aisha Agbeti, now Mrs Oluwayemisi Aisha ILILE. Former documents valid. UNILAG & Public note. AGBOLI: Formerly Miss Agboli Amaka Vivian now Mrs. Amechi Amaka Vivian. Former documents remain valid. General public note. AGBONMAGBE: I, formerly Miss Adewunmi Kudirat Agbonmagbe is now Mrs. Adewunmi Kudirat Adedugbe. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGBUDUME: I, formerly Charles Eromosele Agbudume now Charles Eromosele Agbuduwey. All former documents remain valid. Public note. AGOCHI: Formerly Miss Mary Ebele Agochi, now Mrs Mary Ebele Bakare . Former documents valid. Public note. AGU: Formerly Agu Modesta Ogechi now Mrs. Okafor Modesta Ogechi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGUNBIADE: Formerly Miss Agunbiade Oluwafunmibi Olanrewaju, now Mrs Soyombo Oluwafunmibi Olanrewaju. Former documents valid. Public note. AHAMEFULA: Formerly Miss Ahamefula Chika Loveth now Mrs Uche Chibuisi Chika Loveth. Former documents valid. NYSC, public note AINA: Formerly Miss Aina Folasade Oyesola, now Mrs Adegoke Folasade Oyesola. Former documents valid. Public note. AJAYI: Formerly Miss

family. Former documents bearing Nwoga remain valid. General Public note.

Miss Siya Ibinabobo Amachree now Mrs. Siya Ibinabobo Babawande. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AMAIFEOBU: Formerly Amaifeobu Peter Mgbeadiagha, now known as Obidiaso Peter Okwudirichukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

Miss Ayandare Iyabode Jewel now Mrs Igoni Iyabode Jewel. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AJETUNMOBI: Formerly, Mr. Mustapaha Rahman Ajetunmobi now wishes to be known and addressed as Mr. Mustapha Rahman Raymond. Former documents remain valid. Public note AKINMOLADUN: Formerly known as Miss Temitope Abigail Akinmoladun now known as Mrs. Temitope Abigail Iluyemi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AMOS: Formerly Miss Ijeoma Emenike now Mrs Amos Chimezie Ijeoma. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AMUZIE: Formerly Miss Kelechi Helen Amuzie, now Mrs Kelechi Helen Anaekwe. Former documents valid. Public note. ANI: formerly Maria Goretti Ezinwanne Ani now Mrs Okafor Goretti Ezewanne. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AYINMIRO: Formerly Miss Ayinmiro Toyin Joy now Mrs Irewole Toyin Joy. Documents valid. Public note.

CHUKWUMA: Formerly Miss Esther Ijeoma Chukwuma, now Mrs Esther Ijeoma Alagbogu. Former documents valid. Public note. CHUKWU: I, formerly known as Mr. Solomon Ikechukwu now wish to be known as Mr. Solomon Ikechukwu Udechukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public take note.

AKINWAMIDE: Formerly A k i n w a m i d e Oluwatosin Omolade now Mrs. Agbaje Oluwatosin Omolade. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

AYODELE: Formerly Miss Olajumoke Adesewa Ayodele, now Mrs Olajumoke Adesewa Ijaduola. Former documents valid. Public note. AZENABOR: Former Miss Azenabor Esosa Judith now Mrs. Judit now Mrs. Judith Esosa Jerry. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ANI: Formerly Ani Sampson Okwuchukwu, now known as Ifedimma Sampson Okwuchukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AKPAUDO: Formerly Miss Uduak Etim Akpaudo now Mrs. Uduak Oloruntoba Bolade. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ALAO: I, formerly Miss Alao Omolara Ibukun now known as Mrs. Akinlosotu Omolara Ibukun. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. ALEX-AKINTUNDE: Formerly Tolulope Adenike Alex-Akintunde now Tolulope Adenike Oluwamilua. Former documents valid. Public note. ALIH: Formerly Miss Lami Alih now Mrs. Lami Sussan Okoliko. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ALIMI: Formerly Miss Alimi Rafiat Olanshile now Mrs Davids Rafiat Olanshile. Former documents remain valid. Public note ALUKO: I, formerly Miss Aluko Olufemi Olutosin now known as Mrs. Sobayo Olufemi Olutosin. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. ALUMONAH: I, formerly Alumonah Dorcas Lynda now Usoro Dorcas Lynda. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AMACHREE:

Formerly

AREGHAN: Formerly Miss Joy Ekharebhor Areghan, now Mrs Joy Ekharebhor Olojokosoko. Former documents valid. Public note. AREH: I, formerly Miss Audrey Ifeyinwa Areh now known as Mrs. Audrey Ifeyinwa Ikyav. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AYANDOKUN: Formerly Miss Ayandokun Faith Anuoluwapo now Mrs. Sowunmi Faith Anuoluwapo. Documents valid. Public note.

AZIH: Formerly Miss Chinenye Janefrances Azih, now MRS. Chinenye Janefrances Rowland. Former documents valid. Public note. BABALOLA: Formerly Miss Babalola Zainab Abeke now Mrs Ogundimu Zainab Abeke. Former documents remain valid. Public note BADEJO: Formerly Miss Omotayo Adedoja Badejo, now Mrs Omotayo Adedoja Lekan-Agbaje. Former documents valid. Public note.

ARINZE: Formerly Miss Arinze Nnenna Merit, now Mrs Ifedimma Nnenna Merit. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

BALOGUN: Formerly Miss Balogun Olaolu Maria now Mrs. Oluwafemi Olaolu Maria. Documents valid. Public note.

ASHAKA: Formerly Miss Ishioma Mary Ashaka, now Mrs. Ishioma Mary Oyewumi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

BANGBOSE: Formerly Miss Bangbose Temitope Odunayo now Mrs. Olaniyi Temitope Odunayo. Documents valid. Public note.

ASEMOTA: I, formerly known as Miss Bosede Omoyewen Asemota now Mrs. Bosede Omoyewen Susan Nwachukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

BENSON: Formerly Miss Aniekan Carthage Benson, now Mrs. Aniekan Carthage Chisom Izuka. Former documents valid. Public note.

ATANDA: Formerly known as Mr Atanda G.Yusuf now wish to be addressed as Mr Sule Ademola Yusuf. All former documents remain valid. General public note. AWONIYI: Formerly Awoniyi Babatunde Alaba now Oluwaniyi Babatunde Alaba. Former documents valid. Public note. AYANDARE: Formerly

BINTEI: Wendy Grace Bintei,also Wendy Grace Onwuchekwa now Mrs Wendy John-Opute. Former documents valid. Public note. BUSARI: Formerly Miss Busari Kudirat Aderonke now Mrs Bukola Kudirat Aderonke. Documents valid. Public note. CHANGE OF FAMILY SURNAME. NWOGA: We formerly known as Nwoga family, now wish to be known as Nkwachukwu

CHIOMA: Formerly Miss Chioma Oluchi Nkeiruka, now Miss Chioma Oluchi Blessing. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

CHYGEMEZU: Formerly known as Mr Chygemezu Prince Godswill now wish to be addressed as Mr Chygemezu Prince. All former documents remain valid. General public note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME: NKALU: Names Nkalu Osita and Anagboso Osita Martin is same person, now Anagboso Osita Martin. All former documents remain valid. General Public note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME: NWACHUKWU: Miss Nwachukwu Obianuju is the same person as Obianuju Nwachukwu also Obisirike Obianuju.Documents valid. Public take note. CORRECTION OF NAME: I, Farayola Adewale Idris is same person as Farayola Adekunle Idris. All documents remain valid. Public note. DAWUDA: I, formerly Miss Dawuda Rafiat Oyindamola now Mrs. Giwa-Osagie Oyindamola. All former documents remain valid. Public note. DEJI: Formerly Miss Mariam Deji now Mrs. Mariam Lawal. Former documents remain valid. Public note. DELE: Formerly Ajibola Buli Dele now Ajibola Olu Gabriel. National Identity Card & All documents remain valid. MFNL, Trust Fund Nig Plc, FBN & public take note. DESHOLA: Formerly Miss Adebimpe Ibiyemi Adeshola, now Mrs Adebimpe Ibiyemi Buraimoh. Former documents valid. Public

Saturday, June, 7, 2014 57

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Change of Name note. DIOBI: Formerly Joy Ogechukwu Diobi now Mrs. Joy Ogechukwu Onoh. Former documents valid. Public note. DIRISU: Formerly Miss Dirisu Rabietu Jemilat now Mrs Momodu Rabietu Jemilat. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EFFIONG I, formerly known as Miss Margaret Inyang Effiong now wishes to be addressed as Mrs. Margaret Kopma Eshiet. All former documents remain valid. Public note. EGBEI: Formerly Miss Egbei Juliet Elohor now addressed as Mrs. Ajayi Juliet Elohor. All former documents remain valid. Public note. EGEDE: Formerly Miss Mercy Osahon Egede now Mrs. Mercy Osahon Ani. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EGWUEKWE: Formerly known as Mr Egwuekwe Kingsley Chigozie now wish to be addressed as Mr Chimbo Kingsley Chigozie. All former documents remain valid. General public note. EHURIAH: I, formerly Miss Kikelola Chinonyerem Ehuriah now known as Mrs. Kikelola C h i n o n y e r e m Emechafor. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. ELEGBEDE: Former Miss Omolade Sarah Elegbede now to be known as Mrs. Omolade Sarah Akinade. All former documents remain valid. Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) Ijebu Ode and general public to note. ELUWA: Former Miss Rosemary Eluwa now Mrs. Rosemary Charles Murakwani. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ENIAFE: Formerly Miss Oluwaseyi Abiodun Eniafe now Mrs. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Durotimi. Public note. ENO: Formerly known as Miss Tity Eno James now known as Mrs. Tity Emmanuel Emeh. Former documents remain valid. General public note.-4 ENYA: Formerly Miss Pauline Osinachi Enya now Mrs Pauline Osinachi Uro. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ETIENAM: Former Princess Emmanuella Etienam now Princess Emmanuella Charmosey. Public note. ETIENM: Former Rita Oluwaseyi Etienam now Rita Oluwaseyi Charmosey. Public note.

remain note.

valid.

Public

INYANG: Formerly known as Miss Inyang Rebecca Uduak now known as Mrs. Rebecca Ben Elu. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

ETOR: Formerly Miss Etor Janet Mojisola now Mrs Oluwatola Janet Mojisola. Documents valid. Public note.

ISHOLA: Formerly Funmilola Folake Ishola now Mrs. Funmilola Folake Durotoye. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

EWENWA: I, formerly Miss Chidinma Priscilla Ewenwa now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Chidinma Olive Uzoma. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

ISIGUZO: I, formerly Miss Isiguzo Nkeiru Mary now known as Mrs. Nkeiru Mary Okafor. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EZEH: Formerly Miss Ezeh Blessing Odinaka, now Mrs Enidom Blessing Odinaka. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EZENWA: Formerly Miss Ezenwa Ifeoma Chidinma, now Mrs Agu Ifeoma Chidinma. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EZERIBE: Formerly Miss Benedicta Uloaku Ezeribe now Mrs Benedicta Uloaku Ogwuma. Former documents remain valid. Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, public note. FANNY: Formerly Eze Chioma Nneka Fanny, now Eze Chioma Nneka. Former document valid. Public note. FASESIN: I, formerly Dr(Miss) Fasesin Tolulope Temitayo now known as Dr(Mrs) Fagoroye Tolulope Temitayo. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. FATOYE: Formerly Miss Oluwatobi Deborah Fatoye now Mrs. Oluwatobi Deborah Daniels. Former documents valid. Public note. FATUNBI: Formerly Miss Fatunbi Temitope Tosin, now mrs Adekola Temitope Tosin. Former documents valid. Public note. FETUGA: Formerly Miss Fetuga Abiola Laju now Mrs. Imasogie Abiola Laju. Former documents valid. Public note. GARUBA: Formerly Miss Elizabeth Onomue Garuba, now Mrs Elizabeth Onomue Ewaenosa-Igiehon. Former documents valid. Public note. IDEGWU: Formerly Miss Isioma Lucia Idegwu now Mrs. Isioma Lucia Ulebor. All documents

IWENAMEN: Formerly Miss Iwenamen Ebahi now Mrs Aigboboh Ebahi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IWENEKHAI: Formerly Miss Mary Irudunoghena Amarachi Iwenekhai now Mrs. Mary Abishai Akam. Former documents remain valid. General public note. JOEL: Former Miss Omotayo Olaoluwa Joel now Mrs. Omotayo Daniel Rubangs. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. KALU: Former Miss Uche Ukoha Kalu now Mrs. Uche Onyebuchi Uduma. All former documents remain valid. Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria Law School and public take note. LAMI: I, formerly Mis Laahroy Matilda Lami now known as Mrs. Uyare Richard Matilda. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. LEKWUW A-CHUKWU: Formerly Ure Joy Lekwuwa-Chukwu now Mrs Ure Joy Jones Chukwuba. Former documents valid. Public note. MONDAY: Formerly Mr. Monday Chukwuemeke Monye now Mr Mark Chukwuemeke Monye. All former documents remain valid. General public note. MOSANWOOLA: Formerly Miss Adebimpe Victoria Mosanwoola now Mrs Adebimpe Victoria Babalola. Former documents remain valid public note. MOSES: Formerly Miss Olufunke Moses Comfort now Mrs. Olufunke Adeuya Sunday Abayomi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

MOSES: Formerly Dr(Miss) Moses Mary Emmanuel now Dr(Mrs) Eyibio Mary Richard. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

documents remain valid. Public note.

NWANKWO: Former Miss Nwankwo Ifeoma Christiana Obianuju now Mrs. Ezeji Ifeoma Christiana MUIBI: Formerly Miss Obianuju. Former docuMuibi Mosunmola Olu- ments remain valid. Pubfunke now Mrs. Ajileye lic note. Mosunmola Olufunke. Former documents re- NWANKWO: Formerly main valid. Public note. Miss Celina Nwankwo now Mrs. Nwachukwu MUSTAPHA: Formerly Celina. Former docuMustapha Bushirat Ade- ments remain valid. Pubpeju now wish to be lic note. called and addressed as Azeez Bushirat Adepeju. NWANKWO: Formerly All former documents re- Nwankwo Chidera Onyemain valid. public note. buchi, now Emmanuel Chidera Onyebuchi. ForNASIRU: Formerly Miss mer documents remain Awawu Afolake Nasiru valid. UNN and Public now Mrs. Awawu Afolake note. Balogun. Former documents remain valid. Pub- NWOGBO: I, formerly lic note. Miss Nwogbo Nkechika Justina now known as NDUKA: Formerly Miss Mrs. Uzowuru Nkechika Mercy Miennaya Nduka, Justina. Former docunow Mrs Mercy Mien- ments remain valid. naya Ikechukwu Nkpa. NYSC, general public take Former documents note. valid. Public note. NWOGU: Formerly NGANYADI: I, formerly Nwogu Chimeruo Leticia Miss Nganyadi Uloma now Isaac Chimeruo LetiGrace now Mrs. Ibeyinwa cia. Former documents Uloma Grace. Former remain valid. Public note. documents remain valid. Public note. NWOKE: Former Miss Gift Cynthia Nwoke now Mrs. NJOKU: Formerly Miss Gift Cynthia Ochonma. Njoku Vivian Ugochi Public note. now Mrs. Vivian Ugochi Adesipo. Former docu- NZETE: Formerly Miss ments remain valid. Pub- Nzete Onyekachi Priscilla lic note. now wish to addressed as Mrs Udensi Michael NWABUNIKE: I, formerly Onyekachi Priscilla. All Miss Nwabunike former documents reOgochukwu Helen now main valid. General pubknown as Mrs. Nwasike lic note Ogochukwu Helen. Former documents remain OBINELO: Formerly Miss valid. General public Frances Chioma Obinelo, take note. now Mrs Frances Chioma NWACHUKWU: Formerly Ohineme. Former docuknown as Mr ments valid. Public note. Nwachukwu Vincent OCHI: Formerly Miss Uzoma now wish to be Ochi Nkiruka Irene, now addressed as Mr Nwosu Mrs Agbamuche Nkiruka Vincent Uzoma. All for- Irene. Former documents mer documents remain remain valid. Public note. valid general public note NWACHUKWU: Formerly Nwachukwu Endurance C, now Mrs Edeoga Endurance Favour Obioma. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ODEKUNLE: Formerly Odekunle Oluwatosin Gideon Ifeoluwa now Adebisi Oluwatosin Gideon Ifeoluwa. Documents valid. Public note.

NWAFOR: I, formerly Miss Nwafor Nneka Rose now known as Mrs. A d i m o r a Onyinyechukwu Rose. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ODIWE: Formerly Miss Odiwe Esther Nkechi now wish to be addressed as Mrs Ijeh Esther Nkechi. All Former documents Remain valid. General public note.

NWAGBA: Formerly Miss Nwagba Chinyere Scholastica now Mrs Ukanwa Chinyere Scholastica. Former documents remain valid, public note. NWAISHI: Formerly Miss Chioma Thecla Nwaishi, now Mrs. Chioma Thecla Mezieobi. All former

ODU: Formerly known as Miss Odu Whitney Nnenna now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eziechina Whitney Nnenna. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ODUGBEMI: Formerly Miss Odugbemi Basirat Olamide now Mrs. Ajayi Basirat Olamide. Former documents remain valid.

Public note. ODUGBESI: I, formerly Miss Kehinde Sulihat Odugbesi now known as Mrs. Kehinde Sulihat Achi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. ODULAJA: Formerly Ayokunle Emmanuel Odulaja now Ayokunle Emmanuel Daniels. Former documents valid. Public note. MUSTAPHA: Formerly Mustapha Bushirat Adepeju now wish to be called and addressed as Azeez Bushirat Adepeju. All former documents remain valid. public note. ODUWOLE: I, formerly known as Miss. Adebimpe Temitayo Oduwole, now wish to be known/called Mrs Adebimpe Temitayo Oguneye. All relevant documents remains valid. General public please take note. OFULUE: Formerly known As Miss MaryJane Ifeanyi Ofulue now Mrs Mary-Jane Ifeanyi Emordi Former. Documents remain valid. OFUZIM: Formerly Miss Ofuzim Rachel Onuwa now Mrs. Obott Rachel Onuwa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGBEIFUN: Formerly Miss Ogbeifun lita Osariemen now Mrs. Amaechi Elita Osariemen. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGBONLOWO: Formerly Miss Olutola Helen Ogbonlowo now Mrs Olutola Helen Ikotun. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNDIRAN: Formerly Miss Adejoke Theresa Ogundiran now Mrs. Adejoke Theresa Amuzu. Documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNJEMILUA: Formerly Miss Ogunjemilua Temitayo Margaret now Mrs. Onobote Temitayo Margaret. Former documents valid. Public note. OGUNLANA: Formerly Miss Ogunlana Seun Titilayo now Mrs. Abiola Seun Titilayo. Former documents remain valid. Polytechnic Ibadan, public note. OGUNYEMI: I, formerly Miss Ogunyemi Elizabeth Temitope now known as Mrs. Akinsola Elizabeth Temitope. Former documents remain valid. General public

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Change of Name take note.

note.

OGWU: I, formerly Miss Ogwu Mabel Ekazuwa now known as Mrs. Nwachukwu Mabel Ekazuwa. Former documents remain valid. LASU, general public take note.

OKOYE: Formerly Miss Okoye Rita Chioma, now Mrs Obinze Rita Chioma. Former documents valid. Public note. OKPALA: Formerly Miss Okpala Ifeoma Judith, now Mrs Okwesileze Ifeoma Judith. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OHAERI: Formerly Miss Ohaeri Elizabeth Chiehiura now Mrs Amadi Elizabeth Chiehiura. Former documents valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) note. OJOBOR: I, formerly Dr(Miss) Ojobor Oluchi Jennifer now known as Dr(Mrs) Iheanacho Oluchi Jennifer. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, MDCN, general public take note. OJOGWU: Formerly Miss Ojogwu Ifeoma Laureta, now Mrs Udeozo Ifeoma Laureta . Former documents valid. Public note. OJUKWU: Formerly Miss Ojukwu Ifeoma now Mrs Osoka Ifeoma Chloe. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OJUKWU: Formerly Miss Ukamaka Eucharia Ojukwu now Mrs Ukamaka Eucharia Ogbachalu. Former documents remain valid, public note. OKAFOR: F o r merly Miss Okafor Emilia Anulika Happiness, now Mrs Okereke Emilia Anulika Happiness. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKEKE: Formerly Miss Okeke Uchechi Nnennaya now wishes to be known as Mrs Kalu Uchechi Nnennaya. Former documents valid. Public note. OKEZIE: Formerly known as Miss Ikwunna Kate Okezie now wish to be known as Mrs. Ikwunna Kate Omananyi. Public note. OKON: Formerly Miss Grace Etim Okon now Mrs. Grace Ibanga Benjamin Obot. All former documents remain valid. University of Lagos, public note. OKORO: Formerly Miss Okoro Chioma Jennifer, now Mrs Udeh Chioma Jennifer. Former documents valid. Abia State University, Uturu. NYSC & public note. OKOYE: Formerly Dr. Chinenyenwa Geraldine Okoye, now Dr. (Mrs) Chinenyenwa Geraldine Okoye- Obiechina. Former documents remain valid. Federal Staff Hospital, Jabi, Abuja, public

OKPE: Formerly Melody Chibuike Okpe now Melody Chibuike Okpeaogu Stephens. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKPELIBIE: Formerly Miss Okpelibie Ifeyinwa Vivian now Mrs Osuigwe Ifeyinwa Vivian. Former documents remain valid, public note. OLADAPO: Formerly Miss Olubunmi Esther Oladapo now Mrs. Olubunmi Esther Onifade. Documents remain valid. Public note. OLADEJI: Formerly Oladeji Sandra Jumoke now Mrs. Binuyo Sandra Jumoke. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OLAGUNJU: Formerly Miss Folashade Abosede Olagunju now Mrs Folashade Abosede Bello. Former documents remain valid public note OLAOSUN: Formerly Olaosun Anuoluwapo Elizabeth now Mrs. Ganiu Latifat Anuoluwapo. All former documents valid. Public note. OLATUGA: I, formerly Miss Olatuga Oluwafunke Elizabeth now Mrs. Emoruwa Oluwafunke Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OLAWUNMI: Formerly Miss Agnes Lodi Olawunmi now wishes to be known as Mrs. Agnes Olawunmi-Olabanjo, Former document valid. YABATECH Secondary School, public note. OLORUN-RINU: I , formerly known as Mrs Temidayo Adebanke Saidat Shonubi OlorunRinu, would henceforth like to be known and recognised as Ms Temidayo Adebanke Saidat Shonubi. General public take note. OLOWU: I, formerly Miss Olowu Caroline Temitayo now known as Mrs. Adeniji Caroline Temitayo. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. OLUGBURU:

Formerly

Miss Olugburu Adannaya Precious, now Mrs Ikelle Adannaya Precious. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ONORIOBAKPOPHA: Formerly Miss Eunice Onoriobakpopha now Mrs. Erhurhe Eunice. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLUSANYA: Formerly Miss Olusanya Adenike Dada now Mrs Aina Adenike Aisha. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ONUH: Formerly Miss Onuh Hannah now Mrs Hannah Tamunokuro Minainyo. Former documents valid. NYSC, public note.

OLUWABUNMI: Formerly Mrs Oluwabunmi Chinenye Adline, now Mrs Aluko Chinenye Adline. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ONUOHA: Formerly Miss Onuoha Loveline Ngozi, now Mrs Nnamani Loveline Ngozi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OLUWATOMISIN, Omojuwa David Kolade Oluwatomisin same as Omojuwa David Kolade, that my surname was wrongly spelt as Omojuwa David Kolade in my notification of University result. General public note.

ONUOHA: formerly Norah Ifeyinwa Onuoha now, wish to be known as Mrs. Iwu Norah Ifeyinwa. Former documents remain valid, public note.

ONWUAMA: Miss Onwuana Onyinyechi Uloma now Mrs. Eluchie Onyinyechi Uloma. ForOMENAI: Formerly Ome- mer documents remain nai Helen Iziegbe now valid. Public note. Samuel Helen Oluwatoyin. All former docu- ONWUKA: Formerly Godments remain valid. spower Prince Ohakwe Onwuka now Godspower Public note. Ohakwe Onwuka. Former OMISORE: Formerly documents valid. Public Omisore Rebecca note. Oluwadamilola now Mrs. Olomu Rebecca ONYEAZOR : Formerly Oluwadamilola. Former Miss Onyeazor Obioma documents remain valid. Rosemary now Mrs Oguadinma Obioma Public note. Rosemary. Former docuOMOMOH: Formerly ments remain valid. PubOmomoh Anita Emike, lic note. now Idemhi Anita Emike. Former docu- ONYEKWERE: Formerly ments valid. Public note. Miss Ogemdi Ngozi Onyekwere, now Mrs OMOWA: Formerly Ogemdi Ngozi Alia. ForAdetoun Mercy Omowa mer documents valid. now Mrs. Ayeni Adetoun Public note . Mercy. All documents remain valid. Public note. ONYENEHO: I, formerly Miss Onyeneho Chioma OMOYENI: Formerly Miss Linda now known as Mrs. Omobukola Helen Iwuagwu Chioma Linda. Omoyeni now Mrs. Former documents reOmobukola Helen main valid. General pubOlawale. Former docu- lic take note. ments remain valid and ONYIKE-SCOTT: Former public note. Miss Dorcas Awchie ONABOLU: Formerly Mrs. Onyike-Scott now Mrs. Morenikeji Adetoro On- Dorcas Echoda. All former abolu now to be ad- documents remain valid. dressed as Ms. Public note. Morenikeji Adetoro Adesina. All former doc- ORAKWUE: Formerly Miss uments remain valid. Orakwue Chinenye Ebele Public note. now Mrs. Onuorah ChiONASANYA: Formerly nenye Ebele. Former docMiss Josephine Ope- uments valid. Public note. oluwa Onasanya now OREYENI: Formerly Miss Mrs. Josephine Ope- Oreyeni Odunayo oluwa Duyile. Former Josephine now Mrs. Oti documents remain valid. Odunayo Josephine. ForPublic note. mer documents valid, ONIFADE: Formerly Miss Public note. Onifade Oluwasola Seri- ORUNMOLUYI: Formerly fat now Mrs Ibrahim Olu- Miss Olaide Orunmoluyi sola Serifat. Documents now Mrs. Olaide Oghenevalid. Public note. oro Isuosuo. Former docONIKOYI: Formerly uments valid. Public note. Oluwatobi Onikoyi OSHINOWO: Formerly Opedo now Oluwatobi Miss Oshinowo Abidemi Opedo. All former docu- Shola Efunyemi now Mrs ments remain valid. Shola Efunyemi OshiFSDH MB, public note. nowo-Adetayo. Former

documents remain valid. Public note. OSHINOWO: Formerly Miss Olorunkemi Oshinowo, now Mrs Olorunkemi Adeyemo. All former documents valid. Public note. OSHIO: Formerly Oshio Edih Odegua now Edith Odegua. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OSIGWE: Formerly Miss Osigwe Esther Blessing now Mrs. Uwayzor Esther Blessing. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OSUAGWU: Formerly Miss Nnenna Osuagwu now Mrs Nnenna Chidiebere Onuiri. Former documents valid. Public note. OWO: Formerly Miss Owo Janefrances Ukamaka, now Mrs Okeke Janefrances Ukamaka. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OZETO: Formerly Miss Ozeto Hassana Tawakalt now Mrs. Ogunyemi Hassana Tawakalt. All former documents remain valid. General public note. OZIOKO: Formerly Miss Ozioko Maroline Ebere, now Mrs Eze Maroline Ebere. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

UDEOZOR: I, formerly Miss Caroline Ogechi Udeozor now Mrs. Caroline Ogechi Uwazie. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. UDUNNA: Formerly Miss Udunna Miriam Adaeze, now Mrs Nweke Miriam Adaeze. Former documents remain valid. Pub,lic note. UGBO: Formerly Miss Ugbo Ewaen Dorothy, now Mrs Igbinedion Ewaen Dorothy. Former documents remain valid. Pubic note. UGWO: Formerly Miss Ugwo Beatrice Nwakauru now Mrs Joseph Beatrice Nwakauru. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UGWUNWA: Formerly Ugwunwa Ifeanyi Christian now James Ifeanyi Christian. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UKAEGBU: Formerly Miss Cynthia Nkechi Ukaegbu, now Mrs Cynthia Nkechi Anyaorie. Former documents valid. Public note. ULOKO: Former Miss Rosemary Oine Jessical Uloko now Mrs. Rosemary Jessical Oche-Onu. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

PALMER: Formerly Miss Itohan Mary Palmer now Mrs. Itohan Mary Ikponmwonba. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

USHUNOR: Formerly Miss Ugbang Cecilia Ushunor. now Mrs Cecilia Ugbang Paul Adoga. Former Documents valid. Public note.

RASHEED: Formerly Rasheed Abiodun Jaiyesimi now Mr. Rapheal Abiodun Jaiyesimi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

UWAYZOR: Formerly Mr. Sammy George Uwayzor now Mr. Uwayzor George Sammy. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

SANGOLANA: F o r merly Miss Sangolana Tolulope Wole, now Mrs Fadipe Tolulope Wole. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

YOUNG: Formerly Miss Oghenekevwe Doreen young, now Mrs Oghenekevwe Doreen Owhotu. Former documents valid. Public note. IF FOR

SANNI: I, formerly Miss Sanni Oluwakemi Aminat now known as Mrs. Adefowope Oluwakemi Aminat. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. SOYEMI: Formerly Folasade Janet Soyemi now Mrs Folasade Janet Adekunle. Former documents remain valid. Oyo State Ministry of Health take note. SOYEMI: Formerly Olusegun Abayomi Soyemi now Olusegun Abayomi Adekunle. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS CHANGE OF NAME YOU WANT TO BUY A COPY PLEASE CALL 0802 306 4437

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Saturday, June 7, 2014 59

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Sports World Cup

Adelabu To Keshi:

“A Good Coach Doesn’t Have Sleepless Nights Over Team Selection” There is difference between positional demands and tactical demands. The coach must ensure that they do not conflict. I heard Coach Stephen Keshi said a player has no tactical discipline. No striker has tactical discipline because they operate by instinct.

Joseph Yobo By Gowon Akpodonor five days from now, attention of football IforNlovers around the globe would turn to Brazil the biggest soccer showpiece, the 2014 FIFA World Cup. And one area that could be of concern, especially to Nigerian soccer fans, is the ability of coach Stephen Keshi and his assistants in the Super Eagles to select a winning team for the three group matches against Iran, Bosnia and Argentina. But former Green Eagles’ winger, Adegoke Adelabu, has said that there is no reason for any coach, including Keshi, to have sleepless nights because of team selection. Adelabu made his mark with the IICC Shooting Stars (now 3SC) after cutting his football teeth with Water Corporation Football Club of Ilorin in the late 1970s. A doctorate degree holder in Sports Science from the University of Ibadan, Adelabu has since joined the growing list of exNigerian internationals that have become pastors.

He said in an email to The Guardian during the week that team selection in football has its own dynamics, adding that all over the world, the composition of several great teams, where there are array of stars, the coaches never had sleepless nights in selecting them. To make team selection easy, according to him, coaches have some key steps to follow. These include virtual team, positional demands, likeminded players and knowledge of the opponents. The virtual team step, he said, is like a template. “You must be able to see in the eyes of your mind the complete team you want. “In the principle of technology of the mind, you cannot achieve what you cannot see in your mind. Everything or every player will look like the best for each position, if you do not have your virtual team in your mind already. It is this virtual team that you will look for among the players that you have in the camp. “The critical point is that, you can bring the players in your virtual team into the real players through adequate instructions. It is simple. The purpose of pre-match talk is to give the team the template of the way they should play and when they get to the field of play, they have to bring it into reality. “That is why we use cones as opponents to learn some set pieces. The important aspect of this concept is for the players to be able to create the moves that had been practiced or identify the openings they are looking for as a tactical error on the part of the opponent.” On the second step (positional demands), Adelabu said: “There is difference between positional demands and tactical demands. The coach must ensure that they do not conflict. I heard Coach Stephen Keshi said a player has no tactical discipline. No striker has tactical discipline

because they operate by instinct. “Majority of the players we have up front play FOR the team rather than play WITH the team. The friendly matches ought to be used as diagnostic tools to reveal what the coach wanted to see in each of the players by position. During competitive games, situational pressure will always come to play and may affect the performance of the players.” On step three (likeminded players); the exShooting Stars winger said that there are players who play together easily. “The coach must have recognised this during training and previous matches. These players may not even be aware; but the coach should know.” On having a good knowledge of the opponents, Adelabu explained: “You need a comprehensive understanding of your players to be able to read your opponents. The opponents cannot do beyond what your players allow them to do. Every game provides its own learning opportunities. “The problem with Nigerian coaches is in the area of sport intelligence. We teach the players more than we learn from them. That is why it is difficult for us to read games because we always emphasize mistakes. We waste more energy carrying the ball unnecessarily and consequently disorganizes the team in the bid to win back the

Ahmed Musa

Stephen Keshi ball. “Your players have to be able to display what you ask them to do before you can know the stuff that your opponents are made off. In other words, you must have taken a lot of technical and tactical issues of various teams and players into consideration before designing your strategies for the games. “Take for instance, I expected Keshi to have watched most of the matches of the Argentine players in various clubs and see the way they can be checked. He needs to instruct his players to be able to THINK like those players that marked Messi out of the game etc. “Every game sets its own standard; hence, the question is in the ability of the coach to discover what is possible during the game. We need players who can play to instructions. During Meta cognitive reflections, (a scientific term for match analysis), the players must have known at least 80 per cent of the players that will be in the final selection through objective analysis of the performances of the players on regular basis. Knowledge is acquired through constant association with physical evidences,” Adelabu stated.

Osaze Odemwingie

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Saturday, June 7, 2014

SPORTS World Cup

France’s Ribery Out With Back Injury attacker, Franck FCupRANCE Ribery will miss the World through injury, Les Bleus coach, Didier Deschamps has confirmed. The Bayern Munich player, 31, has been ruled out after injuring his lower back in a training session yesterday. “He is not capable of training for a few weeks, let alone playing a game,” Deschamps told a news conference. Lyon’s Clement Grenier is also out with a hip injury, leading to a call-up for Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin. Ribery pulled out of the training session after complaining of pain and was later taken for an MRI scan, which confirmed the extent of the injury. The three-time French player

of the year has been suffering from lower back pains for several weeks, playing only once for club or country since April 29. He managed 79 minutes in the German Cup final against Borussia Dortmund on 17 May and missed France’s warm-up matches against Norway and Paraguay. “He had to stop in training, the pain was too strong,” added former Chelsea midfielder Deschamps. “We made checks in the beginning of the afternoon, checks that confirmed the situation has aggravated.” Ribery, who has won 81 caps, was instrumental in France’s qualifying campaign, scoring five goals for the 1998 world

champions. But his absence could present an opportunity to either 24year-old midfielder, Schneiderlin or Montpellier attacker Remy Cabella, who have been called into Deschamps’ squad as replacements for Ribery and Grenier. France start their Group E campaign on June 15 against Honduras. Les Blues will also meet Ecuador and Switzerland in the group stage. Ribery was voted as the world’s third best player of 2013 after Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid and Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi. He helped Bayern win the German league and cup double in 2013-14.

Hodgson Upbeat Over Ox Injury planning for it. NGLAND boss, Roy may not stop him from travel“And b) he played so well yesE Hodgson is optimistic Alex ling to Brazil with the squad terday. He was undoubtedly Oxlade-Chamberlain will be fit today. to go to the World Cup despite knee ligament damage. Oxlade-Chamberlain fell awkwardly after a clumsy challenge by Carlos Gruezo in England’s 2-2 draw against Ecuador at Sun Life Stadium in Miami on Wednesday night. Scans taken on Thursday showed the Arsenal midfielder suffered medial ligament damage to the right knee. It is understood OxladeChamberlain only sprained the ligament and did not tear it. He is expected to be out for two to three weeks. He is therefore unlikely to play a part in England’s first two group matches, but that

Speaking at a Vauxhall-sponsored England fans’ forum, England manager Hodgson said: “We will do everything in our power to keep him (in the squad). Our medical team is optimistic and he is optimistic. “We can’t say how long for certain it will take him to recover, but obviously he will get very extensive treatment. We have the right to replace him if we want to up to 24 hours before the first game. “We will do everything we can to keep him with us because: a) we would we like to think we might go beyond the group stage although we can’t guarantee it, we are certainly

our best player in the time he played and it would be a major blow if we lose him. “ Oxlade-Chamberlain put in a strong performance against Ecuador and last June he scored a stunning goal in the Maracana against Brazil. Being ruled out after just returning from a groin injury would be a big blow to the former Southampton winger, but he is refusing to get down about the injury. “Gutted to have picked up an injury yesterday,” OxladeChamberlain tweeted. “I’m staying positive and getting to work with the medical team on recovery.. Fingers crossed!” Oxlade-Chamberlain joined his team-mates for a recovery session at the squad’s base in Barry University in Florida yesterday, although he was wearing a leg brace. The 20-year-old was able to walk relatively freely despite the injury to his right knee, which buckled under the pressure of Gruezo’s foul in the 63rd minute. Before the injury, OxladeChamberlain looked to have greatly improved his chances of lining up against the Italians in Manaus on June 14.

Ribery

Benzema Focused On Tourney ARIM Benzema is looking K forward to France’s World Cup campaign – and insists he has no regrets about playing while injured in the UEFA Champions League final. The Real Madrid striker aggravated a groin strain in their 4-1 victory over city rivals Atletico, but he insists he could not miss the game, even though he was only playing at 40-50 per cent of his capabilities. He is now preparing for France’s World Cup campaign, having attended his first full team training on Wednesday. “It was not a mistake to play and I would do it again,” Benzema told Marca. “I was injured, but the main thing is that I took part and helped the team.” France start their Group E campaign on June 15 against Honduras and also take on

Switzerland and Ecuador. “France is not a favourite and that is normal. But we have a group of young players who have a big future,” added Benzema. “We are going to think about qualifying from our group

Benzema

Portugal Fears Grow Over Ronaldo RISTIANO Ronaldo’s ruled out of the Mexico game “When he’s ready to play is a C chances of being fit for because of persistent leg decision that will be made Portugal’s opening FIFA

Oxlade-Chamberlain

World Cup clash with Germany were thrown into further doubt when Coach Paulo Bento refused to put a timeframe on his return. Ronaldo, 29, failed once more to train with the rest of his teammates, as they went through their paces ahead yesterday’s friendly with fellow World Cup qualifiers, Mexico in the United States. Portugal play the stronglyfancied Germans on June 16 but, at this rate, they could be without their star player and talisman, who was already

injuries. The Real Madrid forward has a left thigh injury and tendinitis in the knee of the same leg, and has been struggling for fitness for several weeks in the crucial build-up to the Brazil showpiece. Even if Ronaldo is free of injury, it looks increasingly unlikely that he will be match-fit. “The situation is evolving and our expectations are evolving constantly,” Bento told reporters at Foxborough Stadium, asked repeatedly when Ronaldo would be fit.

and after that advance matchby-match.” While the 26-year-old admits to feeling “pressure” of being France’s lead striker, he is up for the challenge ahead. “I am going to work to be the best. I feel good physically and men-

just like any other player, regardless of who it is. I’m not at liberty to discuss at full length the situation. As soon as he is ready to train, we will make that announcement.” Bento added: “We have to prepare for Germany regardless. The decision of if he will play and when is up to the player, the doctors and me. Ronaldo is not the only good player we have.” Ronaldo, who has scored 49 goals in 110 matches for Portugal, also missed the

goalless draw with Greece on Saturday in Lisbon. Portugal, who squeezed into the World Cup via a play-off with Sweden, face a mounting injury crisis — key defender Pepe and experienced midfielder Raul Meireles are also out of the Mexico encounter. Real Madrid’s Pepe has a left leg injury, although indications are that he will be fit for the World Cup. “He had a lot of games this season and he had a good season,” said Bento. “It’s a question of evaluating the situation and seeing how he is, then we will decide.”

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SPORTS World Cup

When ‘Toto’ Schillaci’s Stare Was The Star AlvATORe Schillaci ended the 1990 World Cup as Sbeing the most popular man in Italy. But he started it attacked by 3,000 angry fans, who trapped him in his car, spat at the windows and kicked the bodywork. That was his welcome to the Azzurri’s pre-World Cup training camp in Florence, when he unwittingly drove into a riot sparked by his club side, Juventus signing Fiorentina’s star striker, Roberto Baggio. Schillaci, who had to be rescued by police, was the wrong man in the wrong place at the wrong time. Things could not have been more different later that summer, as he scored goal after opportunistic goal. That he was in the Italy squad at all was unlikely enough. The swarthy Sicilian striker, who never went to school and grew up in poverty on the streets of Palermo’s slums, had started his career nine years previously earning £1.50 per goal for a local amateur side. True, he was now a £3m striker - the fee Juventus had paid Messina to sign him in 1989 - and had won the UeFA Cup and Coppa Italia, but he was still relatively unknown. he had just played his first season in Serie A at the age of 25 and his first international call-up was for the finals. Schillaci had done it the hard way, but the man better known as ‘Toto’ - a shortened version of his Christian name - would make Italy’s World Cup his own. Six goals gave him the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer, the Golden Ball as the best player and hero status, despite the hosts falling in the semi-finals. Twenty four years on, Schillaci is discussing the four weeks that have defined his life, the fall-out from his spectacular rise from nowhere to become one of the most famous footballers in the world, and what happened next. he is surprised and amused to learn a charismatic champion Australian thoroughbred racehorse was named after him, but he knows of plenty of animals that were. “ha, that is new to me. I’ve heard about a lot of things, but never the horse!” the 49-year-old tells BBC Sport. “In that period I know a lot of people in Italy named their dog ‘Toto’ though.” It was not the only way his name came into popular usage. “When people arrived in Italy around that time the first thing they would say to the border police was, ‘Toto Schillaci’,” he adds. “And a lot of Italians have told me that when they went abroad, the first thing people said to them when they found out they were Italian was my name. That makes me very happy.” his stint as an unofficial ambassador was brief. Injuries and a loss of form meant he scored only one more goal for his country after the World Cup, and he was discarded during an unsuccessful qualifying campaign for the 1992 european Championship. his legacy has lasted a lot longer. “There have been times when people have just burst into tears when they meet me,” Schillaci says. “It is great that when I meet people I see a big smile on their faces, they are so happy to meet me. “I think success is hard won so it is nice when people still remember you. The tough thing is when people no longer appreciate you. So I don’t mind the attention at all.” The fact it was his only moment in the sun means Schillaci belongs to Italia ‘90 as much as Italia ‘90 belongs to him. And, wherever he is in the world, he knows the request that is coming as soon as he is recognised. “The eyes, the eyes. every time I meet people they always want me to do the ‘wild eyes’,” Schillaci says with a laugh. “It was an instinctive gesture that has stuck in people’s minds, and I have done it many, many times.” Whether he was pleading for a penalty or cele-

brating another goal, that dark Schillaci stare would become a familiar sight on his ever-expressive face, starting straight after he came on in Italy’s first game against Austria. “I had got the last place in the squad so I did not even expect to be on the bench,” Schillaci recalls. “I thought I would be watching from the stands. “So, late in the game, with the score 0-0, when the manager Azeglio vicini called me over and told me to get warmed up because I was coming on, I could not believe it. I asked him, ‘do you mean me?’. Sitting next to Schillaci was goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi, his Juventus team-mate, who told him to “go on and score a header like John Charles” and, emulating the Wales and Juve legend, he did just that with a bullet finish that, remarkably, was the first goal with his head all season. “When I scored, I just started running and did not stop until I got to the bench, where I hugged Tacconi because of what he had said to me,” Schillaci explains. “It was an immense joy.” Another substitute appearance followed in a narrow win over the United States, this time a fruitless one, before vicini bowed to popular opinion and played Schillaci from the start, partnering him with Baggio against the Czech Republic. They both scored in a 20 win and Italy’s World Cup was finally up and running. “Italy in delirium with SchillaciBaggio,”

read the headline on the front of Gazzetta Dello Sport. “how beautiful you are.” Two more goals followed, to sink Uruguay in the last 16 and Republic of Ireland in the quarter-finals, cementing Schillaci’s hero status. he was seen as the saviour of the nation. even Magic Nights - the official song of the World Cup - became his personal anthem. By now, comparisons were being made with Paolo Rossi, the inspiration when Italy won the 1982 World Cup. “Rossi was a champion,” Schillaci said ahead of a semi-final against Argentina that his side were expected to win. “I am an ordinary, modest guy. I just hope I can continue to do what I have been doing.” he did, opening the scoring with another poacher’s effort, but this time it was not enough. Italy passed england’s record of 499 minutes without conceding at a final before their goal was breached in the second half - and the fairy tale was finished when they went out on penalties. every national newspaper in Italy used the headline “end of a Dream” while Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport simply put “NO” in huge letters on their front pages. “We deserved to win,” reflects Schillaci. “I think if we had beaten Argentina we would have gone on to win the World Cup.” That was not quite the end of the Schillaci story, however. The day before West Germany beat Argentina in the final, he grabbed his sixth goal of the tournament in the third-place play-off against england, putting him ahead of Czech Tomas Skuhravy as the tournament’s leading goalscorer. “After the tournament, I went away to somewhere quiet,” Schillaci says. “everybody wanted a piece of me, but I just wanted to get away from it all, especially after the pain of our semi-final defeat.” The next time he made the headlines, it would be for a less savoury reason. The following November, he was banned for one game for threatening to have Fabio Poll shot after the Bologna player punched him during an on-pitch row. By then, the goals were drying up too. he scored only five in the league in the 1990-91 season, and six the following campaign. An injury-plagued move to Inter Milan in 1992 failed to revive him and he ended his career in exile - albeit a lucrative one - as the first Italian to play in Japan’s fledgling J-league. While he was still in Serie A, and struggling to regain his World Cup form, Schillaci said: “even if I were to drop out of the Italian team, I will still have with me for the rest of my life the wonderful memories of Italia ‘90.” he still has them now, after returning to his home city to run the youth academy he used to play for. What is clear from talking to Schillaci is that, while he enjoys reliving past glories when he is asked to play in exhibition matches, he is also pleased his fame did not change him too much. “I still live amongst the people and buzz around Palermo on my scooter,” he explains. “I am one of the people, part of the community, people recognise me, but don’t see me differently because I am Schillaci or anything like that. “These days I travel the world and people always treat me well at events where they remember that World Cup and the goals I scored. People still have an affection for me because of what I did and the way I did it. “Naturally my mind turns to those times, which is nice, but there is always that regret that we should have won it, rather than just reaching the semi-finals.” Culled From BBC

Africa Youth Games Medallists Storm Navy Sailing Club Today IGeRIAN canoeing athN letes to the just concluded Africa Youth Games are billed to be part of the competitors in races to mark the official commission of the Captain PPO Okpe Memorial tavern of the Navy Sailing Club today. Still smarting from their medal winning performances in Gaborone, Bostwana, the athletes will put to test their experiences from the Games in a bid to outclass their counterpart at the event. expected at the ceremony, which commences at 1:00 pm, are top ranking Navy Officers as well as members of the Navy Sailing Club, which houses the headquarters of the Nigeria Rowing Canoeing and Yachting Federation. Chairman of the planning committee for the event, Giwa Daramola said all is set for the commissioning given the fact that the Commodore of the Club, Babatunde Ajayi and his executives has worked tirelessly to see that the new tavern was completed on time. “We’re glad that finally the ultra modern tavern is now in place. Our patrons and friends of the club have been very supportive of this project and we thank them immensely for being there for us. I remember when the rainstorm destroyed a large potion of the roofing and other parts of the tavern and we incurred additional cost, they didn’t forsake us. We’re indeed thankful to them for their generosity.” The new tavern is named after the fifth Commodore of the Navy Sailing Club.

ekiti Gov’s Cup: Semi Finals hold Today he 1st ekiti Governor All T Nigeria Open Tennis Championship holding at the Trade Fair Complex, Ado-ekiti, reaches it crucial stage this weekend as quarter and semifinal matches will be decided today. In some of the matches played yesterday, emmanuel Sunday defeated Jonathan Okwudili 6-4, 6-3 to join Samuel Omoile, a 6-1,6-1 victor against etim ekanem in the last eight. Other men quarter finalists include Thomas Otu, who recovered from a set down to beat Albert Bikom 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, while another come-frombehind win was recorded as emmanuel Idoko progressed at the expense of Abubakar Tswarko with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-3. Iloputa Ikechukwu accounted for the exit of Michael Okechukwu 6-1,6-2 to also stay on course for the title. In the women singles, Sarah Adegoke was outstanding as she dispatched Patience Onegbamhoin 6-2,6-2 and there are also quarter-final places for Obasoghe Rita, who posted a 6-1, 6-0 win over Iyanu Adebule and Zainab Oladimeji who forced henrietta Ogude to retire with scores at 6-1, 5-0 in the former’s favour.

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The 2014 World Cup... Here At Last! football, their style of play is unique, and they are at home. They will win. But the minimum Ghana will get to is the semi-final. If he were not a Ghanaian how far would he have predicted the Black Stars would go? Quarterfinals. But I truly think Ghana have a good team this year. How Does He Rate The Chances Of The Other African Teams? Cote D’Ivoire. They are an ageing team. They will get to the quarterfinals. Cameroon. They are a weak team this time. They will get to the round of 16. Algeria. They are the weakest African team. They will go out in the group stage. Nigeria. They are very good too. They have a good front line in Musa and Emenike, and a great goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama. They will get to the quarterfinals. They can beat Iran convincingly, draw with Bosnia and lose to Argentina. How much is his father betting on his predictions being right? ‘One hundred, thousand Dollars.” Over to you pundits!

am finally on my way to Brazil. I cannot wait to experience the long awaited football ‘party’ that the Brazilians promised the world when they won the hosting right some seven years ago. Brazil will be hosting the event for the second time in their history. They are very anxious to obliterate the memories of their first experience in 1950, which had such a disastrous ending that the country has not been able to bury them despite a record five wins since then, plus 64 years of different levels of achievement in the championship unmatched by any other nation on earth. Only a victory this year will wipe away the pain of losing the final match, against all imaginable odds, to Uruguay in front of a live audience of fanatical fans that had been celebrating, days ahead of the match, what everyone except the Uruguayan team’s captain, Obdulio Varela, had believed would be a stroll in the park for Brazil that had scored 13 goals against the last two teams en-route the final match and only needed a draw to lift the trophy. Before a record crowd of some 200,000 fans in the largest stadium ever built, the Maracana, their world came to an end! Brazilians want to wipe clean that page in their football history by winning the 2014 version. But the world is a different place in 2014. Brazil no longer dominates world football the way it did for decades. Many serious contenders for the title lie in wait – Spain, Germany, Italy, Argentina, even Belgium! Even one or two African countries now believe they can elongate the plight of the Brazilians and create the biggest upset in World Cup history since 1950, by winning it this summer! For the dramatist, the prospects of an incomparable experience loom. Brazil 2014 promises everything - the good, the bad and the ugly. There will be Samba and Tiki Taka in the midst of public protests on the streets, some uncompleted infrastructure, rumour of fixed matches, the crisis of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Sepp Blatter’s quest to re-contest the Presidency of FIFA, FIFA itself that continues to swim in scandals and corruption charges, Lionel Messi determined and expected to prove that he is the best player in the history of the game should he lead Argentina to victory, and the simple belief by an African country that it can win this World Cup! That is the setting for the football fiesta of 2014! I am heading out there, therefore, to see and experience it all, and to bring as much of my personal experiences to readers of my column in the next six weeks. I shall, therefore, be keeping a weekly diary of people I meet, places I visit, and conversations I have with interesting football personalities. These plus my regular analysis of matches, behind the scene activities, my opinions, looking into my crystal ball and predicting for those who think I am an ‘oracle’ and want to wager on how teams will perform. My World Cup Diary (1) My journey to Brazil has begun. I left Lagos last Tuesday night for the USA through London. There is nothing of great interest to report except that I missed Nigeria’s second friendly match against Greece played that same night in Philadelphia. I had, of course, told my British journalist friend, Satish Sekar, who was there to cover the match to send me the scores and a line on the match. The moment I landed at Heathrow airport in London the first thing I did was rush to check my mailbox on the Internet for Satish’s comments. Trust him, he was mischievous, harsh and brief. ‘The match was drab. A scoreless draw. I am sure you now know your bet is doomed – doomed I tell you. Ameobi and Odunlami. Its doomed!’ That’s not a good starting entry for my diary at all. So, I struggle to find some more cheering news. I start to look for the results of the other African countries. I see that Ghana lost their match against the Dutch in Rotterdam by a lone goal scored by Van Persie. That’s a fair result considering that they played without several of their key players. I guess Coach Kwesi Appiah was also using it to weed out those that will not be going with him to Brazil. So, Asamoah, Muntari, Essien, Ayew, all did not play. I can’t pass any judgment on the Black Stars just yet. I’ll have to watch their match in Miami on Sunday, June 9 to see for myself. Cote D’Ivoire, incidentally rated higher than Nigeria in the international media, also lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina by 2-1. That match speaks volumes and should interest Nigeria and Stephen Keshi.

Super Eagles’ defender, Kunle Odunlami There was more cheering news though from the last two African countries that were considered the weakest only a few weeks ago – Algeria defeated both Romania and defeated Armenia. Cameroun played one of the favourites to win the World Cup, Germany, and confounded all bookmakers with a very respectable performance and result – a 2-2 draw! Brazil 2014 is turning out to be a bookmaker’s delight. With the emerging shocking pre-tournament results there will be massive shifts in the betting odds. The last round of friendlies is critical. Meanwhile, I’ve arrived New Jersey. Also, there is little of interest to report about the trip, or the city. I shall be spending the next day or two fine-tuning my movements in the States to watch the Nigeria versus USA match in Jacksonville, Florida, and teaming up with Prof. Sadiq Abdullahi (Nigeria’s tennis legend) the following day to watch the Ghana versus South Korea match in Miami. After that I shall jet out to Sao Paolo, Brazil, where I would embed with the Super Eagles (people often forget that I am an official sports Ambassador of the country) and observe how far the African champions will go in their ambitious attempt to climb ‘Mount Everest’! Covering Brazil 2014 shall be very challenging in terms of logistics of movements and costs. Hotels appear to be cheap, the distances between venues long, and the domestic flights are expensive. Beyond that, I am looking forward to the last set of friendly matches this weekend, before settling down to watch the part African teams will play in the entire drama of the 2014 World Cup. Keep a date with my diary weekly! Conversations (1) - with Seymar, a 12-year-old Ghanaian! This should interest those putting their money on how teams will perform in the World Cup. Seymar Mawuyenga, is only 12. He is a student. His father, my friend, told me about his son who is a football ‘guru’. I was inquisitive, so I set up a conversation with him last week. Here are his thoughts on the African teams in his own words. On Ghana. Ghana will do well at the World Cup. They shall get to the semi-finals. The team has strength in depth. The midfield is loaded with Prince Boateng, Asamoah, Dede Ayew, Muntari, Michael Essien. The matches will be decided by the quality of the midfield. Go and check most of our goals come from the midfielders. Our defense is okay even though I have my doubts. Our frontline is also okay, but there is too much expectation on Gyan. We shall beat the USA and Portugal, and shall draw with Germany. Of course, Portugal can be beaten. Ronaldo played terribly last weekend (in the Champions League final) and scored, but he did not play so well. I acknowledge that he singlehandedly brought his country to the World Cup, but he is not as fit now anymore. Who Will Win The World Cup? Brazil! No, Ghana! No, Brazil! It is likely to be Brazil. They play attacking

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Agbim in action for the Super Eagles. Another controversy may be on his way

French Open Nadal Hammers Murray, Faces Djokovic In Final IGHT-time champion E Rafael Nadal powered past Andy Murray to reach his ninth French Open final in 10 years. Nadal dominated with his serve and forehand to win 6-3 6-2 6-1 and set up a final against Novak Djokovic, who defeated Ernests Gulbis in four sets. The world’s top two players will meet at Roland Garros for the third year running. Murray will now head to London to defend his titles at Queen’s Club and Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic battled past Ernests Gulbis on a hot afternoon in Paris to reach his second French Open final. The Serb won 6-3 6-3 3-6 6-3, with both men appearing to struggle physically in the latter stages. He is trying to become the eighth man in history to win the career Grand Slam.

Another Controversy Looms Over Agbim By Gowon Akpodonor HERE are indications that Super Eagles third choice goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim may be enmeshed in another round of controversy after the management of Warri Wolves declared yesterday that the goalkeeper still belongs to the club. Agbim, who is currently with the Super Eagles for the Brazil 2014 World Cup, plays for Rangers in the Nigeria domestic league, but Wolves’ Chief Executive Officer, Davidson Owumi has said that any club willing to sign the goalkeeper will have to discuss with the Warri-based club. Owumi said that Warri Wolves gave Agbim to Rangers FC with an agreement to pay

N8million, which the Enugubased club has failed to meet. “Rangers has not paid any fee as at today and the purported sale of Agbim to either Gombe United or any other club is null and void,” Owumi said in a statement issued by the club Media Officer, Moses Etu yesterday. According to Owumi, the goalkeeper had acknowledged in the past that he belonged to Warri Wolves and that Rangers FC only came for his services with the agreement that they would pay N8million transfer fee. “But as I am talking to you, no dime has been paid and we have notified the authority in charge of football in the country that Agbim belongs to us. We kept quiet all this

while because we did not want to jeopardise his chances of making the World Cup squad. “Nobody can reap where he did not sow. We cleared Agbim before he come to Warri Wolves and we expect any club to do the same if they require his services. There are rules governing the game and I am sure everyone of us know this,” Owuni said. It would be recalled that dur-

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arbitration panel in Abuja. A truce was reached after the NFF’s panel declared that the two players belonged to Warri Wolves. Mba has since taken his pro career to Bastia in France, while Agbim still plays in the domestic league. The goalkeeper made the Super Eagles final 23-man squad for the Brazil World Cup, but Coach Stephen Keshi left out Mba.

Emir of Kano’s Death Stops Dolphins, Rangers, Others

HE Globacom Premier League T games involving Kano Pillars and Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt has been called off due to the death of the Emir of Kano, His eminence Alhaji Ado Bayero, who died in the early hours of yesterday.

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ing the Super Eagles’ participation at the 2013 African Nations Cup in South Africa, the duo of Agbim and midfielder, Sunday Mba were in the centre of a heated transfer dispute between Warri Wolves and Rangers of Enugu. The crisis lingered on even after the Nations Cup so much that both clubs appeared in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)

Also affected is the clash between El-Kanemi of Maiduguri and Rangers FC of Enugu. The Media Officer of Dolphins, China Acheru said yesterday that Dolphins had made the over 17 hours journey from Port Harcourt to Kano, before they were given the news of the cancellation of the game after the players and officials of the team had barely settled in their hotel.

The club was billed to train at 2pm yesterday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, just as Rangers FC were to use that same pitch by 4pm. “Immediately we got the news, our officials and players jumped into their bus for another 17 hours trip to Port Harcourt. Rangers on getting to Kano also returned to Enugu immediately,” Acheru stated.