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Maiduguri Under Seige • Boko Haram Raid Army Base • Detained Terrorists Freed • Heavy Bombardment In The City • Scores Of Terrorists Rearrested, Killed • Army Imposes 24-Hour Curfew

The cache of weapons left behind by the terrorists. Inset is one their machine gun-mounted trucks. From Madu Onuorah, Abuja and Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri HE situation in Maiduguri, T the Borno State capital, worsened yesterday with a daring raid by Boko Haram insurgents on the Army base in the city. Their goal appeared to be to free their comrades detained in the camp. For a while, they seemed to have succeeded, but the military in a swift operation that involved air and land attacks,

said it has arrested most of them and repelled the terrorists. There was pandemonium in the city itself, as residents ran helter-skelter, following the heavy bombardment that ensued. Last night, the Army announced that it has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the city, effective from 2pm, yesterday. Spokesman of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Col. Mohammed Dole, in a state-

ment, said the curfew would remain in force until the security situation improved in the metropolis. All residents were advised to remain indoors and report any suspicious movements in their communities and wards to the military and other security agencies. The suspected members of the Boko Haram sect launched daring attacks on the city early yesterday. Unconfirmed reports earlier said multiple blasts

PHOTO: NAN destroyed the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) Education Trust Fund (ETF) lecture hall, with a stray bullet killing a female student on campus. Soldiers battled the insurgents who tried to free scores of terror suspects held at a detention facility at Giwa Barracks. Defence spokesperson, MajGen. Chris Olukolade, said in a statement in Abuja yesterday that the attack on the facility was “successfully repelled, with heavy human

casualty on the terrorists.” But the state Police Commissioner, Alhaji Lawal Tanko, denied reports that insurgents attacked the university campus. He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri that the story indicating that the university was attacked was not true. “What happened was that the insurgents passed through a river channel behind the university to launch the attack on the barracks,” Tanko said.

It was gathered that two blasts in the university did not claim any life, as no students was in the lecture hall when the twin bombs were detonated between 7.42 and 8.0am. Two other bombs were planted in River Ngaddabul, behind 202 and 303 Housing Estates, and detonated at 11.48am and 12.03am. The housing estates, according to a resident, Ba Modu CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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2 | Saturday, March 15, 2014

Okwu Asks Anambra Chief Judge Not To Swear In Obiano On Monday From Chuks Collins, Awka and Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja S the people and governA ment of Anambra State get set for the inauguration Chief Willy Maduabuchi Obiano as the elected governor of the state on Monday, the Maxi Okwu-led faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) yesterday vowed not

to leave any stone unturned to ensure that the state Chief Judge obeys the rule of law and does not swear in the governor-elect. Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja on what he referred to as the state of affairs of the party, APGA’s National Chairman, Okwu stated that as the legally recognised leader of the party,

How Police Secured Release Of Jonathan’s 70-Year-Old Foster Father From Willie Etim, Yenagoa facts yesterday FdayRESH emerged on how the fivesecurity operations launched by the men of the Anti-kidnapping Squad of the Bayelsa State Police Command secured the release of the 70-year-old foster father of President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Iniegite Nitabai. The special rescue operation led by Chris Nwogwu, mounted security surveillance on suspected armed men at Odioma community in Brass Local Government of Bayelsa State. The last visit of the President Goodluck Jonathan to Otuoke community during the burial ceremony of the father of one of his aides, and the directive to the policemen handling the investigation, led to his release. The arrest of the 57-year-old father of the suspected leader of the kidnap gang, led to the hurried escape of the suspected kidnappers and the release of the septuagenarian. According to the state Police Commissioner, Hillary Okpara , the gunmen were said to have abandoned their victim at Ogboma, off Odioma in Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. Nitabai was later found by

the squad and brought to the state police command in Yenagoa for debriefing. The Nworgu-led anti-kidnapping squad, according to a security source, has become a source of nightmare to kidnappers in Bayelsa State. The squad, under the directive of the State Police Command, was reportedly responsible for 90 percent of policing on the waterways. The source told The Guardian: “All the squad needs is more motivation through promotions and other logistic incentives. The job is risky and the past commissioners know the efforts of the squad.” The senior Police source also disclosed that the vibrant squad was also responsible for solving of a series of kidnap cases and rescue operations. They include the rescue of the Paramount ruler of Okordia clan in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa, Richard Seiba, and the rescue of mother of the Leader of the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Esther Akpe. Also rescued was the Director of Marines and Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); and the arrest of the killers of 11 policemen at Azuzuama community of Southern Ijaw Local Government. The squad also rescued four Koreans and two Nigerians kidnapped by unknown gunmen at the Hyundai Company in Odioma.

it would be illegal for Obiano to be recognised as the authentic governorship candidate of APGA at the November 16 governorship election, as he emerged through the wrong faction of the party leadership. Okwu therefore called on the Chief Judge to follow the rule of law and avoid being used to legalise illegality by swearing in Obiano on Monday. Okwu, who insisted that Chief Chike Obidigbo was the

authentic candidate of the party and should be sworn in, noted that the APGA leadership made it clear during the election that it would urge its supporters to vote the party’s symbol (the Cock), since the issue of its leadership was still in court and the rightful candidate would be determined when the court case was eventually settled. He noted that despite all the achievements of Governor Peter Obi, he would be viewed as a failure within the APGA

circle if he leaves the party in tatters and fails to reconcile the various factions. Okwu warned that as the legally recognised national chairman of the party, he would lead the party leadership to take over the national secretariat of APGA at 41, Libreville Crescent in Wuse 2, Abuja. He urged Obi to initiate a reconciliation move to restore unity in the party before finally bowing out, saying he was ready to

President Goodluck Jonathan greeting the mother of late former President Umaru Yar’Adua, Hajiya Dada Aya Musa-Yar’Adua, during his visit to the Yar’Adua family in Katsina yesterday. With them are the former president’s sisters. PHOTO: NAN

embrace peace and reconciliation without giving any precondition. “The law is what we are following right now, so there is no person recognised by the law to be sworn in as the governor of Anambra State on March 17, unless it is Dr. Chike Obidigbo. “We are doing it because we are lawful. As far as we are concerned, APGA won and that APGA is Obidigbo. “We believe we are enjoying our right, but we are not insisting that our right be given to us in a free way. That is why we urge Obi to call us and let APGA move as one family before he leaves office. “Let us wait till that March 17; the legal issue will take its turn when the Chief Judge of Anambra State or any other judge takes the illegal responsibility to swear in Obiano as the state governor. “As the deadline to the submission of candidates for the November 16 2013 governorship election in Anambra State approached, we commenced another suit before September 16. “Justice M.T. Shittu issued an exparte order that INEC should accept the Anambra governorship nomination form of Obidigbo under the Okwu-led leadership of APGA. “INEC complied with the order of court and accepted Obidigbo’s nomination.

Boko Haram Raid Army Base In Maiduguri CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Fannami, was one of the targets of the insurgents after their failed attempt to free their colleagues held at a facility in Giwa Barracks. About 30 minutes before the UNIMAID blasts, soldiers in patrol vehicles, took positions at Wadiya, Fori and Galtimari villages and behind the housing estate, and clashed with gunmen proceeding to attack the two estates and UNIMAID. Sporadic exchanges of gunfire between soldiers and the insurgents started around 7.35am in the area and continued for over three hours, with aerial support provided by two fighter jets from the Yola base. The fighter jets, after hovering for about two hours, sighted the fleeing freed insurgents and bombed their escape routes, killing scores of them at the villages and on the banks of River Ngaddabul around 9.45am. “Some soldiers that engaged the insurgents from fleeing were also killed, but I cannot tell you the exact number of casualties on the side of the military. “The nine suspects arrested by Civilian JTF in Jidari Polo ward, were killed, after being identified as among the insurgents freed from detention at the barracks,” said Fannami. Kaka Bomboy, a member of Civilian JTF that participated in the arrests and repulsion of the insurgents, told The Guardian that all the arrested suspects were handed over to the military. He added that the insurgents converged at Fori village after the repulsion, which was also bombed, Scores of freed sect members were killed.

He claimed that most of the insurgents who attempted to attack the two estates, south and opposite of the university, were foreigners from either Niger or Libya. He explained: “The four arrested and handed over to soldiers couldn’t speak English or Hausa. When you attempt to get more information from them, they would keep mute and continue to look into your face.” Bomboy said the number of freed insurgents could not be ascertained, but that they were many of them, saying 75 per cent of them were re-arrested and handed over to soldiers for interrogation. About 21 suspects were allegedly arrested at the 303 Housing Estate, while another 19 were arrested while fleeing across the river. Another eyewitness, Mohammed Isa, also said the three-hour ground and aerial bombardments resulted in the arrest of 19 suspects at the Maiduguri Water Treatment Plant, 303 Housing Estate and the two identified escape routes at the river bank. He stated that the attacks also claimed the lives of unspecified number of soldiers, six residents at the barracks and scores of insurgents, including those earlier freed by their colleagues at dawn. While confirming the multiple blasts and attacks, the spokesman of the 7 Division of Nigerian Army, Col. Mohammed Dole, added that the operations was still ongoing in the affected areas of the two estates and UNIMAID campus. He noted that a higher number of insurgents were also killed, while others were in the custody of the military for interrogation. Items recovered in the opera-

tions, according to him, included dozens of motorcycles abandoned by the insurgents at the Dolori Housing Estate and two kilometers away from Fori village where many of them were killed yesterday. Residents of Maiduguri, including school children and traders, were also trapped in schools or markets between 7.30am and 11.35am while the operation lasted. Even the Jumat (Friday) prayers that holds in the afternoon did not take place in most of the mosques, as some of the affected roads and streets were cordoned off by the military to prevent further attacks and bombings. Olukolade said in a statement that although the total number of insurgents killed in the military counterattack was not available at the moment, many of them were killed and others captured along with their weapons. He disclosed that four soldiers wounded in the operation were being treated, while “hot pursuits by land and air operations are ongoing, along with cordon and search of surrounding localities.” Olukolade added: “Pockets of terrorists, apparently in a move to boost their depleted stock of fighters, this morning attacked a military location in Maiduguri with a view to freeing their colleagues, who are being held in detention. “The attack has been successfully repelled, with heavy human casualty on the terrorists. “Some of the victims of the terrorists’ fire in their efforts to break into the detention facility, included those they

came to rescue. “No institution has been reported attacked, although the effect of firing from the encounter could be noticed in surrounding facilities in Maiduguri. Details will be given later. “It is believed that the terrorists’ attempt is in response to the intensity of attacks on their strongholds in camps at Talala, Monguzum, Sambisa forests, Gwoza, Mandara mountains, as well as the general area of Lake Chad. The camps have been destroyed and many insurgents killed.” The police commissioner assured that the university campus was safe, as both students and lecturers had been adequately protected. He confirmed that the attacks were limited to the barracks area alone. The Chief Information Officer of the university, Mallam Ahmed Mohammed, corroborated the commissioner position. He told NAN: “The university camp was not attacked; the attackers only used a narrow river side near the campus to carry out their nefarious act. “Many people assumed that the university was affected because the hostilities took place near the campus.” Women, children, men, young and old around the Giwa Barracks area, were seen running in confusion, as echoes of gunfire and explosions were heard from afar. Armed policemen took over some of the major roads leading to major government facilities. Eyewitnesses said the attackers were dressed in military uniforms. of the major roads leading to major government facilities. Eyewitnesses said the attackers were dressed in military uniforms.

Saturday, March 15, 2014 3

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Again, FG Frowns On UN Pressure To Reverse Anti-Gay Law From John Okeke, Abuja NDICATIONS emerged yesIopposition terday that the mounting against the signing of the anti-gay law by the President has not abated even as Federal Government has insisted that it would not reverse the law in spite of external pressures. The United Nations (UN) Commissioner of Human Rights, Ms Navi Pillay, had during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali in Abuja requested for Nigeria’s compliance to the protection of gay rights. But the Minister maintained that gay rights are contrary to the culture and religious values of the country, stressing that it would be too difficult for Nigeria to succumb to the pressure of accepting the practice. He said: “Some of the issues that you raised, the issue of same sex marriage, we do not want it. It is not that we don’t have the laws against same sex marriage. We have it in the Common law, in Sharia law and customary. “Therefore, the importance of that law is not something that have not operated and I think when you look at the culture of our people, 99 per cent will not accept same sex marriage. It is a reality.” Wali added: “This law has been there; the law is there. Holistically, we cannot assure you we can accept same sex marriage. There is no way we can do that. Nigeria is fundamentally a very religious society and our people cannot accept same sex marriage.”

Suswam Warms Against Playing Politics With Benue Killings From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi

NEWS

FG Raises Committee To Monitor New Owners Of Power Infrastructure From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja

• As Jonathan Assures On Completion Of Katsina Wind Power Project

RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan has given assurances to the people of Katsina

announced their resolve to ensure that the owners of the recently-privatised power infrastructure live up to the expectations of Nigerians. To achieve the objective, the meeting, which was presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo at the State House yesterday, raised a special monitoring committee to carry out on the spot assessment of the performances of the new owners of the power infrastructure with regards to delivering

State that the Federal Government would do everything possible to complete the Wind Mill Power Project located in Rimi Local Council Area of the state. The President’s assurances came just as the joint meeting of the National Council of PrivatiSation (NCP) and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC)

power to Nigerians. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Dr. Godknows Igali, and the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Benjamin Dikki, in a joint briefing with State House correspondents after the meeting said the government was seriously concerned about complaints regarding the drastic drop in power supply to Nigerians. They, however, acknowledged

the strenuous efforts being made by the new owners to ensure steady power supply to Nigerians. President Jonathan gave the assurance on Thursday when he inspected the 10 megawatts power project in Katsina as part of his two-day official visit to the state. Jonathan said that the Federal Government would work with the state government to ensure the project was completed and put to use as soon

as possible. Officials of the Ministry of Power, who conducted President Jonathan round the project, told the President that the wind power project, the first of its kind in West Africa, was 90 per cent completed and would be ready for commissioning in three months. The Guardian learnt that the fund for the completion of the project was captured in the 2014 budget. The project was, however, stalled for some months in 2012 following the kidnap of one of the consultants.

Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo, left); Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) at a retreat of the NGF in Lagos yesterday.

ENUE State Governor, Expert Urges Defence Of Nation’s Critical Infrastructure Against Boko Haram Attacks B Gabriel Suswam has warned people of the state innocent lives and properagainst playing politics with the ongoing heinous attacks and killings of the people by Fulani marauders. Suswam gave the warning yesterday at Ayilamo Logo Local Council Area while addressing the displaced people of the area. He said: “Stop playing politics with the ongoing attacks and killings of the innocent people of Benue State. We are a peace loving people historically and we will always ensure that peace and unity prevail among ourselves and our brothers living among us.” The governor, who assured the displaced people of government adequate protection from the ongoing criminal attacks by Fulani herdsmen, stressed that there was no way government would abandon them at this point in time. “It is disheartening to see that the herdsmen have displaced people and taking over many villages in our state. We must go back to our homes and exhibit high level of discipline while defending ourselves,” Suswam added.

From Saxone Akhaine, Kaduna

ECURITY expert and anti-corruption crusader, Mr. David Okoror, has urged the Federal Government and Nigerians to defend the nation’s valuable infrastructural facilities against the rising wave of Boko Haram insurgency. Okoror, who is also the Director General of African Diasporal Initiative (ADI), in a statement yesterday,

explained that the security situation in Nigeria is a clear wake up call on the government and people of Nigeria to give a more honest, sincere and serious attention to issues of intractable insecurity confronting the nation. According to him, “whether Nigerians likes it or not, the truth is, this situation will be a long drawn battle. This will be so as long as our borders remain unprotected, our

security forces ill-equipped and ill motivated, bomb making technology and skills remain available and accessible to anyone who cares, fundamentalist ideology spreading among youths in most parts of northern Nigeria, and with poverty, unemployment and social inequality continuing to widen”. Lamenting over the insecurity in the north, Okoror argued

that “for a long time, Nigerians lived with the false belief that the reports of terrorism and other violent crimes which they hear about in other jurisdictions and climes could never happen here not until Boko Haram came on the scene.” He stated that “even now with a first-hand experience of the capacity of terrorists and other violent criminals to inflict maximum damage to

Ekiti Guber Race: PDP Aspirants Meet In Abuja Today From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti LL the 14 aspirants jostling A for the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the June 21, 2014, gubernatorial election in Ekiti State will meet in Abuja today. A source in the party said the meeting would take place at the Abuja residence of Chief Bode George where the aspirants will decide whether the party’s flag bearer should emerge through primaries or consensus option. President Goodluck

Jonathan had since last year advised the aspirants to consider consensus to reduce friction among party members. But many chieftains of the party at the state level had expressed fears that consensus may not reflect the reality on ground in the state chapter of the party. Those to attend the meeting are the aspirants cleared by the Senator Ndoma Egba-led committee that screened the aspirants. They include former Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd); former governor of the state, Mr. Ayo

Fayose; former spokesperson of Afenifere, Prince Dayo Adeyeye; former Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Ambassador Dare Bejide; and Senator Gbenga Aluko. Others are former Deputy Governor of the state, Surveyor Abiodun Aluko; former Managing Director of Wema Bank, Bisi Omoyeni; former Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr. Abiodun Adeyanju; Ropo Ogunbolude, Erelu Dupe Ogundipe, Alhaja Habibat Adubiaro, Wale Aribisala, Deji Ajayi, Dr. Peter Obafemi and Erelu Dupe

Ogundipe. Meanwhile the party has denied media reports that President Jonathan has set up a Consensus Committee to pick a candidate among the aspirants. A release signed by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Pastor Kola Oluwawole described the reports as the antics of the enemies of the party, saying the party has fixed Saturday March 22 for the state congress and primary election. He, therefore, urged the public to disregard the information.

ties, we have continued to leave the security of a very critical flank of our national life in the hands of Providence.” Okoror added: “I speak about Nigeria’s critical national infrastructure and assets. A country’s critical infrastructure and assets are the backbone of that nation’s economy, security, health and wellbeing. We know it as the power we use in our homes, the water we drink, the transportation that moves us, and the communication systems we rely on to stay in touch with friends and family. “Critical infrastructure are the assets, systems and networks, whether physical or virtual, so vital to any nation that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on human security, national economic stability, national public health or safety, or any combination thereof. Therefore, the security of these infrastructure and assets are key to the security, prosperity, progress and wellbeing of any people or nation.”

4 Saturday, March 15, 2014

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NEWS

Shagari Justifies Disagreement With Wamako On Defection From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja

• PDP Swears In Sokoto Caretaker Committee

OKOTO State Deputy Governor, Dr. Mukhtar Shagari, yesterday justified his refusal to follow governor Aliyu Wammako to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking shortly after the inauguration of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker committee for Sokoto chapter of the party in Abuja yesterday, Shagari said that he was not willing to leave the party he joined in 1998 based on principles because it is the best party for the country. “I joined PDP in 1998 and I joined based on principle. And I think it is the best party for Nigeria. Through that party, I became a cabinet minister twice. I contested to be the candidate of the party in a transparent primary, which I won. The party decided to bring in

the current governor and gave it to him. I supported him and remained loyal to him. When he decided to leave, I decided that I will not leave my party because I have principles I joined this party because I believe in it,” he said. Shagari stated that still relates well with the governor despite their belonging to different camps now, and was not aware of any threat to his life or impeachment from his position, noting that they were both elected on the platform of PDP. “So far, I don’t have any problem with the governor and I don’t think he has any problem with me. The only difference is that he is in APC and I am in PDP. If he gives me assignment to do, I will do it well, if he does not give me I will remain in my office.

“I have pledged to remain loyal to the government and people of Sokoto State and I will also remain loyal to him as the governor of Sokoto State but my political loyalty is to PDP and that is where I am today and tomorrow.” Dispelling insinuation that the party structure has been handed over to Bafarawa, the incumbent deputy governor

Uwechue, Embodiment Of Good Leadership, Says Anyaoku ORMER Commonwealth FAnyaoku Secretary, Chief Emeka has described Chief Raph Uwechue who passed on Thursday as an uncommon Pan-Africanist and a true Nigerian patriot, who loved

Group Holds Grand Namo Tea Party Senior BJP leaders from Delhi NRIs for their contribution HE Nigeria Chapter of BJP Headquarters and the towards fostering developT Overseas Friends of Bhartiya media also joined in the dis- ment between Nigeria and Janta Party (OFBJP) has become the first Non-Residents Indians (NRI) to host a Grand NaMo Tea Party outside India. The event, which was facilitated by eminent NRI industrialists, entrepreneurs, professionals, doctors and students in Lagos, was attended by over 500 NRIs.

cussions online through video conferencing and shared their views on national and international issues over tea. Speaking at the event aimed at promoting Narendra Modi as the Indian Prime Minister candidate, the speaker, N. G. Patel lauded the efforts of the

said, “the issue is that Bafarawa has joined PDP and he has consistently made it clear that he did not join PDP because he is looking for position or that he wants to be the overall boss in the PDP. “He joined PDP because he felt that PDP is the right party to join and a party upon which he can make his own contribution to the country and also to assist the PDP to form government in the country. ”

India. He also urged them to keep contributing towards boosting the cordial relations between the two countries. The event was marked with the high participation of women professionals, homemakers and students.

his people Ndigbo, and country Nigeria in equal measure. In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday, Anyaoku, noted that Uwechue was an embodiment of the qualities of good leadership and devotion to public service, whose “career stretched from unblemished period in Nigeria’s diplomatic service until, driven by his strong sense of equity and common humanity, he reacted to the mass killing of Ndigbo in Northern Nigeria in 1966 by sympathising with Biafra at the beginning of the civil war.” He added that his death is “a huge loss in the rank of our not so many citizens who have genuine passion and ideas for a stable and progressive Nigerian nation.”

Jonathan Challenges Court’s Jurisdiction To Entertain Sanusi’s Suit By Bertram Nwannekanma RESIDENT Goodluck Ebele P Jonathan has filed a preliminary objection challenging the suit filed by the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, at a Federal High Court, Abuja against the President over his removal.

Sanusi has in an originating summons filed by his lawyers, Mr. Kola Awodein and Mr. Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) sought for a declaration by the court that President Jonathan has no statutory power to suspend the Plaintiff from office as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

‘More Time Needed For Permanent Voter’s Card In Ekiti, Osun’ EMOCRACY Vanguard (DV), D a non-governmental organisation , has appealed to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to grant an extension for the issuance of permanent voter’s card and registration of voters exercise in Ekiti and Osun states, to ensure full participation of all potential voters. In a statement signed by

Adeola Soetan, National Coordinator of DV, the organisation noted that “taking cognizance of the fact that the foundation for free, fair and credible elections is laid by credible voters registration process, it is very worrisome that some ‘do-or-die’ politicians are bent on undermining one-man, one vote electoral process in these states.”

Uduaghan Eulogises Uwechue From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba ELTA State Governor D Emmanuel Uduaghan has lamented the death of former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue, who passed away on Thursday in Abuja. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sunny Ogefere, Uduaghan described the late Uwechue as a quintessential elder statesman who left his footprints in the sands of Africa and beyond. The governor said that the

wealth of experience of the late statesman “would have been of immense benefit to Nigeria, most especially during this period of the nation’s history when the national conference is about kicking off. He eulogised: “It is on record that the late Chief Uwechue was Nigeria’s first diplomatic envoy to France, where he opened the Nigerian Embassy in Paris, 1966 and also served in UNESCO in Paris as consultant on general history of Africa project between 1967 and 1970.”

TheGuardian SUNDAY, March 16, 2014 PERSPECTIVES Professor Godini G. Darah on The Challenges Of Development And National Security...

Landmines On The Path To National Conference 1

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NEWS

UNHR Calls For Africa’s Collaboration With Nigeria On Boko Haram From Abosede Musari, Abuja; and Laolu Adeyemi, Lagos HEUnited Nations Office on Human Rights (UNHR) has called on neighbouring countries to Nigeria to collaborate with the country in fighting the northeast insurgency, Boko Haram. High Commissioner of the UN body, Navi Pillay made the call at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, urging that as the conflict in the region takes a monstrous dimension with civilians caught in the crisis, combating the menace should be made a regional

affair with the broader international community also lending a helping hand. Pillay noted that so far, close to 500,000 have been displaced inside Nigeria while some 57,000 have spilled across borders into neighbouring countries; besides those who have been indiscriminately killed or maimed, a situation which has made the fight to have gone beyond an internal affair. “With thousands of refugees fleeing from Nigeria, and arms and fighters reportedly flowing across borders in the oth-

er direction, this terrible conflict is no longer solely an internal matter. I suggested to the National Security Adviser that a regional approach to combat terrorism, resolve the conflict and alleviate the hardship of all civilians that are caught up may be an option worth exploring with neighbouring countries and the broader international community, and I also raised this issue with the minister of foreign affairs. I call on States within the region to enhance their collaboration with Nigeria”, she said. Pillay also raised the issue of

human rights violation against civilians by government forces fighting insurgency in the region. While calling for transparent investigations into such allegations, she noted that it is important that government forces do not exacerbate the problem by taking actions that displace, endanger and kill civilians. “Many people I have met with during this visit openly acknowledged human rights violation have been committed by the security forces, and these have served to alienate local com-

Yabatech students protesting against the lingering strike by polytechnic lecturers on Ikorodu road in Lagos... yesterday.

munities, and created fertile ground for Boko Haram to cultivate new recruits”. ‘While the scale of such abuses is not clear, the government is evidently aware they are counter-productive and I was assured by the National Security Adviser that steps are being taken to rectify excesses”, she said. Similarly, Human Right Watch- a Non-Governmental Organization has also called on Nigeria government to collaborate with her neighbours to work together in reversing the ugly trend.

PHOTO: EMEKA NWACHUKWU

Enugu Govt House Attack: Massob Demands Apology From Police From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu HE Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has demanded an apology from the Enugu State police command for accusing her members of being responsible for the attack on Enugu government house last Saturday. It also called for the release of three of their members from Nsukka, Asadu Nwagu Paul, Asogwa Donatus detained at the State Police Command since Sunday, as well as the immediate halt to the manhunt of members of the group. State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Mohammed had on Tuesday disclosed that the attack in which four persons were arrested was launched by the outlawed MASSOB, stressing that the command was on manhunt for members of the group. However, a pan Biafran group, Biafran Zionist Movement (BZM), led by Mr Benjamin Onwuka on Wednesday claimed that members of the group and not MASSOB launched the attack, insisting that the operated at Enugu government house for four hours hoisting Biafran flags. But leaders of the MASSOB, who visited the Guardian office in Enugu yesterday , said that the

reputation of the organization had been tarnished by the allegation from the police that its members were responsible for the attack, stressing that the Police was everywhere looking for members of MASSOB. Speaking on behalf of the leaders in Enugu state, Zonal leader for Enugu West, Chief Ikechukwu Ekwe stated that police had raided the offices of the organization in Awgu and

Nsukka where it carted away its signboards and other property. Ekwe, who was flanked by the Zonal leaders for Enugu north and East, Chief Benjamin Ekwenugo and Chief Dan Onyebuchi respectively, said MASSOB was a non -violent organization which had conducted its activities with decorum, stressing that its members neither carries gun nor

machetes. He stated that it was unfortunate and embarrassing that police could start hunting for members of the organization with a view to arrest them over an incident that had not been properly investigated. Ekwe said: “Putting flags at government house is not our priority. All we want is Biafra and not gov-

ernment house. The flags which the police displayed were Biafran flags which even Odumegwu Ojukwu used during the Biafran war. Nobody can claim that those people are from Enugu or belongs to the group because if they say so, we will now begin to ask about their ward, their district, their province and even their region, as well as leaders of the groups.

NEC-ASUP Says Ongoing Strike Should Continue From, Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos HE National Executive Council (NEC) of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has resolved in its 76th National Executive Council meeting held at Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev, Benue State from 10th-14th March that the ongoing strike should continue until all the issues tabled before government are satisfactorily addressed. All ASUP chapters are hereby directed to join the ongoing

strike, pointing out that any chapter that fails to comply with the directives of NEC in that regard would be suspended from the Union, apart from other stringent measures as spelt out in the constitution of the Union. In a communiqué issued yesterday at the end of the meeting and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Clement Chirman, it also called on Government and other stakeholders to demonstrate genuine and adequate commitments to improving security of

lives and property of Nigerians especially those of students of the various institutions of learning. According to the communiqué, “NEC calls on the political class to demonstrate adequate maturity and statesmanship, both in words and actions for national interest while political impunity should be curbed through appropriate sanctions where and when necessary. NEC wants the nomination/selection of delegates to the National Conference to reflect

the wishes of the people, in order to guarantee free and genuine participation of the participants of the conference. “NEC also calls on Government to adopt appropriate production, distribution and monitoring mechanisms of fuel in order to alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian masses. Government should, in the interest of the students and other stakeholders of the polytechnic system, respond urgently to the demands of ASUP in order to remove the lingering negotiation fatigue.

Displaced Persons: Benue PDP To Seek Special Consideration From INEC Over Voters Card Re-validation Exercise From: Joseph Wantu, Makurdi. HE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Benue state has stated that in view of the ongoing displacement of the people of Benue by the Fulani marauders, the party would seek special consideration in the forthcoming Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voters’ cards re-validation exercise in the state. This indication was made known yesterday Friday by the state chairman of the party, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo while exchanging views with journalists in Makurdi about the activities of the party ahead 2015 general election. “We are going to seek special consideration for the people in the forthcoming INEC voters card re-validation exercise in the state. This is because the ongoing attacks on the innocent people by the Fulani herdsmen has resulted into new settlements and over crowded urban centers in the state,” Agbo explained. “The issue of security for people is non negotiable, whether it is coming from Fulanis or otherwise; it is the duty of the government to protect her citizens. This menace is a national problem that needed urgent intervention for the purpose of protecting the lives and properties of the people. “Our people have been sacked out of their homes, their farm lands destroyed and many of them killed in the process,” he noted.

Trader Wins N1m In Cash Promo From Chuks Collins, Awka TWENTY-TWO years old trader in Onitsha, Azuka Chetachukwu has emerged the star prizewinner of N1m at the ongoing Nutricima mega cash promo. The Regional Sales Manager for Nutricima Ltd, organizers of the sales promotion, Mr Anayo Nweje in his remarks during the ceremony at IwekaOnitsha, said the mega cash promo is a loyalty reward scheme designed by the company to keep their numerous customers happy and smiling throughout the year and beyond. He said the promo which started in January aims to produce about five millionaires across the country every month. The Regional boss noted that the promo is also meant to send a very positive signal to their customers that their loyalty and patronage is really appreciated. The modality, according to him, was that the customer needs to buy any of Coast Evaporated milk, Olympic Evaporated milk or a family pack of Nunu brand powdered milk.

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6 Saturday, March 15, 2014

NEWS I Have Winning Streak To Defeat Fayemi, Says Bejide From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti NE of the leading governorship aspirants under the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Dare Bejide, yesterday said he has the winning streak to defeat Gov. Kayode Fayemi, if given the ticket. Bejide, one of the 13 aspirants who scaled through the screening process, spoke yesterday in Ado Ekiti to the party faithful on his way to Abuja to attend the meeting of the PDP stakeholders on Ekiti governorship election. The former Nigerian envoy to Canada and three times Secretary to Ekiti State Government said PDP needs an experienced politician with grassroots supports to defeat the incumbent. Bejide said: “ I am a grassroots person. I have lived all my life in Ekiti, apart from the three years I spent as a High Commissioner to Canada. I know all the politicians in Ekiti. Gov. Fayemi is a stranger in Ekiti politics, and I have the winning streak to send him out of the government house.”

PSC Sanctions Police Commissioner, 30 Others From Karls Tsokar, Abuja HE Police Service T Commission (PSC) has sanctioned 31 senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force, including a Commissioner of Police (CP) and a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) for various offences. A statement issued by PSC and signed by the Assistant Director Public Affairs, Ferdinand Ekpe, said the decision was reached at the end of

a plenary meeting held on Thursday where the body “awarded various disciplinary measures to some erring senior police officers whose conducts were unexpected of officers of the law.” According to the statement, while Sanusi Rufai (CP) was severely reprimanded for unwholesome acts, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Bethram Onuoha, was de-ranked. Onuoha, who has been de-ranked to a superin-

tendent of police (SP), will also forfeit his salary for seven months. “Three officers, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Sa’adu Akanbi and two Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP), Ignatius Atta and James Sanio, were dismissed. “In addition to dismissal, DSP Sa’adu Akanbi and ASP James Sanio are to be prosecuted in court for acts unexpected of law officers,” the statement said.

The statement also stated that another ASP was compulsorily retired for acts not in line with sphere of his responsibility, adding that 11 other officers were severely reprimanded for various offences. The commission also gave letters of advice to two officers, and treated six promotion appeals from officers. Chairman of the Commission, Mike Okiro, a retired Inspector General of Police (IGP), said that the com-

mission under his watch would continue to promote deserving officers, and would be unrelenting in punishing those who behave in a manner not expected of law officers. While calling on the officers of the force to redouble their efforts towards the maintenance of law and order, Okiro stated that the commission would continue to uplift the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

Church Celebrates Anniversary HE God’s Covenant T Christian Assembly (GCCA), Asheshe Street, off Jakpa Road, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria will mark its 16th year anniversary from March 21 to Sunday March 23. The ceremony will start on Friday and Saturday by 5 pm and on Sunday at 10 am at the Miracle Ground of the GCCA.

WIMA President Investiture Holds Today HE investiture of Mrs. Ebele Felix, as the National President of Women in Management and Leadership Association (WIMA) holds today at Staff School Hall, University of Lagos (UNILAG) by 12. pm. Mrs. Felix-a seasoned educationist management practitioner and consultant founded WIMA in 2009. The membership of WIMA is open to every female manager or leader. Such a person must be of good character, transparent, honest and be prepared to promote the tenets of the association financially, morally and socially. Minimum qualification required to be a member of WIMA is first degree or its equivalent. But the association, at its discretion, may consider a lower qualification coupled with years of experience and managerial position attained. WIMA’s mission is to be an effective channel for dissemination of management; leadership information and excellent feminine values as well as to be catalyst for enabling women optimise their leadership endowments and potentials.

Baby at risk of drowning as mother ekes out a living from picking shellfish and shrimps from seabed in Epe, Lagos

PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

NGF Raises Alarm Over Corruption, Dwindling State Of Education, Security By Biodun Fanoro and Seye Olumide HE third retreat of the T Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) ended in Lagos yesterday with the adoption of a number of resolutions bothering on the four key issues that formed the vocal point of the gathering. The factionalised body looked at four major issues of corruption, agriculture, education and security on which a communiqué was issued. The NGF Chairman and Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, read the report that stressed strong political will, moral leadership, certainty of sanction and commitment of governors to fighting corruption. To enhance education, the governors advocated reintroduction of teacher training colleges and addressing policy issues posed by federalism, while expressing commitment to pursue cooperation on security management. Among others, the communiqué stated: • The debilitating impact of corruption on national development and the adverse human development indices requires a concerted effort to combat in both private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy. • The anti-corruption battle should be anchored on a massive programme of national value-reorientation involving the state sector, private sector and civil society. To enhance security, the governors reiterated their commitment to pursue coopera-

tion on security management, including sharing of information and placing emphasis on human security needs of our people. The communiqué reads in part: • Several states are already making giant strides in the area of agriculture, as unveiled in our state peer review programme. Forum urges the continuation of these initiatives to increase the impact of agriculture value chain on our national economy. • To promote synergy, agriculture policies should be properly delineated: federal government -policy and regulatory framework; state government; implementation and land tenure management. • Agricultural policies should be long-term and geared towards rigorously tackling the challenges militating against agricultural productivity and yield, such as desertification, soil erosion, soil degradation, flooding and social challenges

like insecurity and constraints to access to land and finances. • In our task to revamp agriculture, a special focus should be placed on a improving post-harvesting processing plants, stakeholders’ inclusion and participation in agriculture policy formulation and implementation; attracting youths back to agric to reduce the teeming youth unemployment situation and building agricultural policy on the basis of subsidiarity-bottom up, through state to federal. The forum, which adopted its Strategic Plan for 2014-2016, pledged to continue to accord high priority to education by improving access to all, including the girl-child, quality of teachers, revamping infrastructure, vocational and technical education and transforming educational curriculum and pedagogy. It also emphasised: • The need to revisit funding to reflect constitutional mandate

while addressing the tyranny of unfunded mandate posed by distorted federalism. • As part of enhancing educational quality and access, the nation should consider reintroduction of teacher training colleges and addressing policy issues posed by federalism. • To enhance security, we reiterate our commitment to pursue cooperation on security management, including sharing of information and placing emphasis on human security needs of our people. The two-day retreat had listed, in an advertorial announcing the two-day meet, many of the governors in the country, including those belonging to the Jonah Jang faction of the NGF, as discussants of four of the five areas of the polity under focus. However, only a handful of the governors, all belonging to the Amaechi faction of the NGF were present.

Leventis Motors Unveils New Products By Clarkson Eberu DIVISION of AG Leventis A Nigeria Plc, Leventis Motors, has launched two new models of Foton trucks and two new JCB products in Lagos. At the event held at Apapa,Lagos, the new JCB equipment – JS 205 LC and Back Hoe-Loader 2DX – were unveiled. Also launched were fotondaimler single axle tractor and the new 25-ton tipper at the company’s facility in Lagos. Leventis Motors is the authorised dealer for Foton trucks and JCB Equipment for PAN Nigeria, with dedicated sales and after-sales team, as well as support facilities in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Benin, Port Harcourt, Aba, Kano and Kaduna.

YABATECH Students Protest Against Relegation Of ASUP Strike By Emeka Nwachukwu TUDENTS of the Yaba S(YABATECH) College of Technology yesterday staged a peaceful protest over the continued closure of polytechnics across the country. The protest, which was led by the President of the Student Union Government (SUG) of the school, Salvador Ganiu Babajide, said the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has been

on strike since October 4, 2013 demanding better working conditions from the Federal Government. The students said that the Federal Government has failed to demonstrate ample commitment to resolve the strike, as it did to Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), urging her to meet the demands of the lecturers. The students chatted solidarity songs, and carried various placards with inscriptions “Wike do something”, “we are

tired of watching cinemas”, “we are tire of the house” “ASUP,FG come to our aid” The SUG said that the union was surprised that the Federal Government has not shown enough concern and commitment to end the strike. He said the students would continue the protest until the authorities granted their request. Also Ganiu Babajide said: “We are surprised that the government has not shown any

interest about the strike. They have not even met the ASUP members to discuss with them. We are tired of staying at home and we want the strike called-off.” SUG PRO, Mr. Owolabi Isaih, said that the union is tired of the strike because of its attendant effect on their studies. Meanwhile, the school Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Charles Oni, promised to relay the message to the rector, who is was not around during the protest.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

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METRONOTES

FEGOCOWOSA Gives Back To Alma Mater By Emmanuel Nwagboniwe OR the Federal Government College Warri Old Students’ Fapathy Association (FEGOCOWOSA), despite the disillusionment and trailing the country’s educational system, they still rekindled hope and optimism that all is not lost in the sector And they exhibited this by giving back to their alma mater by way of four projects they executed. The old students at their Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week, commissioned the projects which included a brand New ICT Centre, a new 500KVA generator, the expanded Sick Bay and a renovated dining hall. The projects were executed at the cost of almost N100 million. While the total cost may not be mind-boggling in an age when billions seem to be the ‘norm”, it however does tell of the personal sacrifices which the old students must have made to complete the projects. They did not do it for any material gain or even for any sort of recognition, but just to give back to their alma mater to which they owe much of their attainment in life. This was the pledge of the immediate past National President of the association, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, when he took over in 2011. In his acceptance speech titled, ‘Its Payback Time’, Ambode pledged to give back to the school which he said had given him so much. Three years after, he and his executive have paid back a lot to the school, but Ambode was not satisfied. He wanted to give more. He wanted to set up an Endowment Fund for the school which will over time help it become self-sufficient. He wanted to institute a structure to encourage the teachers to work hard and return the school to its pedestal level in terms of academic excellence both within the country and in West Africa. This makes sense considering that in his time in Warri, Ambode recorded the second best result in the West African Higher School Certificate Examinations in 1981. He was second to another Federal government Warri student, Fidelis Oditah, Ph.D, QC, SAN. There are many other exceptional individuals who have passed through the doors of this great school. A few readily come to mind: Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, the immediate past Chairman of the FIRS; Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, onetime MD of Power Holdings Company Limited and MD of West African Portland Cement, Engineer Joseph Makoju, Managing Director of Access Bank PLC; Herbert Wigwe; award winning poet, author and lecturer, Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo, and one of the Nigeria’s youngest billionaire’s and philanthropists, Igho Charles Sanomi. The list is endless. Ambode wanted to use the network of the old students to add more value to the institution. He urged his successor to pursue these projects to fruition, especially the endowment fund.

The passion shown for the school by the old students is uncommon. They turned out in large numbers from all over the country. The association’s branches in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Minna, Kaduna, Asaba and Jos were all fully represented. Excitedly , Mrs. Joyce Ono Onafowokan came all the way from America to represent FEGOCOWOSA North America. When asked why the old students had so much passion for the school, Ambode responded: “We grew up here. We came here as children and left as young adults with a new perspective on life. Here, we became friends, brothers and sisters with no tribal or religious barriers. This was our home. We were brought up to be the best. “Education is the most potent weapon against poverty. If the youths have good education, they will be better placed to overcome the challenges ahead. Education is the only way we can salvage the future of this country. It is the only way we can eradicate poverty. The government cannot sustain these schools anymore. We, as old students, have to come together to keep our alma mater alive. We have a duty to ensure that the school is still educating young people in science, arts and sports as well as building character. Education is nothing without character.” At the meeting, the Project Implementation Committee

which supervised the projects executed by the association gave an account of their stewardship saying everything was done transparently. The Committee chairman explained why they chose the projects they executed and showed how every kobo was spent. After the AGM, the association had a dinner where the Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof Patrick Muoboghare, delivered a lecture titled, ‘Watering the Labour of Our Heroes Past’. Muoboghare, who is also an alumnus of the Federal Government College Warri, noted that Nigeria could only move forward as a nation if the people are more conscious of their history and were inspired by the sterling achievements of men and women who made sacrifices to keep Nigeria together after the amalgamation in 1914. According to one of the old boys: “Federal Government College Warri Old Students Association has shown that people could still offer selfless service with decorum. They showed that people could still do things and not expect any payment in return; they would do things for the good of their community, a community they longer gain from directly. “The association displayed a high level of organisation in its activities. In some other places, the funds used for the execution of the projects may have ended up in private purses but not with FEGOCOWOSA.”

Kabiru Launches Habibat Kabiru Foundation From Kolawole Timothy, Lokoja

Some of the Exco members of FGGC Abuloma-Port Harcourt Alumni Association during their annual thanksgiving service at the Temple of Glory Church, Hosanna House, Wuse 2-Abuja.

FGGC Abuloma Alumni Association Gears Up For Activities

ECENTLY, Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Abuloma, Port Harcourt Alumni Association, Abuja Chapter, under the leadership of its pioneer President, Dr. (Mrs.) Ifeoma KeshiMonye held a thanksgiving service in recognition of the impressive achievements it has recorded within one year of its existence. The service was held at the Temple of Glory Church, Hosanna House, Wuse 2, Abuja. According to the Publicity Secretary of the association, Mrs. Ethel Igboeche, it was a heart-warming development that its membership strength has grown from about six persons at her inaugural meeting in December, 2012, to over 50 registered old girls of the college who are residents in Abuja and its environs. Igboeche noted that other areas of progress recorded included registration of the

association with the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the association’s participation at the USOSA’s Annual General Meeting/Elections, 2013 End of Year Get Together, 2014 Thanksgiving/Rededication Service at the Temple of Glory Church, and identification of the body with members in individual family events such as marriage, child dedication, birthday anniversary and burial ceremonies. The Publicity Secretary noted, however, that the association was already tackling some challenges associated with nurturing bodies of this nature, ranging from funds constraints, meeting venues to general apathy by some ‘old girls’ to its activities. The association’s activities lined up for 2014 include Plenary Session at the alma mater as part of the 40th Anniversary of the school

billed to hold in the college within the year, scaling up of membership drive/retention, involvement in some corporate social responsibility, giving a visible support to the alma mater, scaling up prominence/relevance in USOSA actives, and members’ welfare. She recalled that each meeting of the association is full of fun, as the ‘old girls’ never stop sharing the beautiful memories of their days at FGGC Abuloma, while also emphasising that the strength and character they exude today and various positions they occupy in the polity can be attributed to the excellent tutelage the school provided them. She stated that the association is committed to carrying out its plans with the zeal that the ‘Abuloma Breed’ is known for, so as to bring this chapter to an enviable height in the annals of alumni associations of Unity Schools in Nigeria.

S part of the activities marking the one year remembrance of the late Hajia Habibat Kabiru, former deputy governor candidate of the Alliance for Democracy(AD) in Kogi State (during the 2003 election), her husband Abdulazeez Kabiru has inaugurated a non governmental organization [NGO] called Habibat Kabiru Foundation to take care of the less privileged children and women in the state. Speaking during the remembrance prayer held at her residence in Lokoja, capital of Kogi State, Kabiru said he decided to set up the NGO as a mark of respect for her late wife who was always rendering assistance to the less privileged children and women during her life time. He noted that the NGO would continue to pay school fees of the less privileged children and granting of soft loans to women to start small scale businesses. “Her dream was to have an NGO that will cater for the welfare of children and women. However, since she is no more I have decided to fulfill her desire by floating the NGO in her memory.” Kabiru described her late wife as a loving, caring and self made women who devoted her time and resources for the welfare of the less privileged. Also speaking during the occasion, the Zonal Head of

the Unique Hair Dressing Saloon Zone B Chapter, Mrs. Sofalia Samuel described the late politician as a God fearing woman who was ever ready to make others comfortable. “She was kind to a fault. She was a woman that would give out the last food in her house to save others from hunger.” According to her, “Kabiru was a great woman who had passion for the welfare of children and women. She really contributed to the

Kabiru

socio-economic development of the state. That is why we are all in support of the NGO that was set it up in her memory by her husband.” The late politician who died on March 6, 2013, until her death also served as the National Secretary and Organising Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy [AD] and Mega Progressive Peoples Party [MPPP] respectively. She was also an hair dresser by profession.

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Politics We Don’t Need To Fight Jonathan’s Government To Be In Opposition, Says Nwanyanwu National Chairman of Labour Party (LP) Chief Dan Nwanyanwu speaks on the allegation that his party is being used by President Jonathan to supplant PDP in Southwest zone, the forthcoming national conference, Boko Haram insurgency and other sundry issues. By Samson Ezea There has been mixed reactions on the modalities of nominating delegates for the national conference. What is your view on this? It is clear to all Nigerians that President Goodluck Jonathan for the first time in the history of the country is determined to convene a genuine national conference. Since he mooted the idea sometime late last year, his administration has not looked back in ensuring that the conference holds as promised. Looking it at the caliber of Nigerians nominated for the conference, there is no doubt that the conference will be a great success. The nominees have what it takes to chart a new path for the country, considering their antecedents and track records. I am quite aware that everybody cannot be nominated for the conference, but that does not mean that those nominated were not eminently qualified. The criticisms and noise about the list of nominees is diversionary and meaningless. What should be of utmost concern to the people is the outcome of the conference, and not the nominees. Nigerians should not draw haste conclusion by writing off the conference now because it will be wrong and unfair to do so. They should exercise patience and closely monitor the proceedings and outcome of the conference. We have no other country than Nigeria, so we must put effort in developing the country. I am highly optimistic that the conference will be a great success irrespective of the prevailing circumstances. But you are aware that such conferences in the past had always ended up a mere jamboree with reports not implemented by the government? It is not true. The 2005 National Conference organised by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration failed because it was designed purposely to facilitate his Third Term agenda. Nigerians were aware of his government’s hidden agenda and decided to rubbish the conference. Had it been the conference was genuinely and altruistically convened, it would have provided the way forward for the country. Immediately, Obasanjo’s third term agenda failed, he abandoned the report of the conference. Again the failure of such conferences in the past is not enough reasons to generalised everything, and conclude that the forthcoming conference will be a failure. Such pessimism and cynicism is not good for the country. At every given time or situation, we should have faith in the leadership of the country. The national conference deserves the support and prayers of all Nigerians. This is because there is no other time to organise the conference than now. Nigerians need to sit down and talk. Is the national conference not all about how to ensure that President Jonathan gets second term in office in 2015? It is not, because there is nothing about the conference that says President Jonathan should or should not contest for second term in office next year. How can a reasonable person conclude or allege that the conference is all about clearing way for President Jonathan’s second term in office? How long will some disgruntled elements continue to divide the country for their selfish political interest? There is no correlation between the national

Nwanyawu conference and 2015 general elections. The conference will start and end this year, while the general elections will be conducted next year. So how will the two affect each other? As a lawyer, I know that constitutionally President Jonathan is entitled to second term in office, and nothing prohibits him if he wishes to do so. Linking the conference with President Jonathan’s re-election bid is the height of mischievousness. The way some people are politicising everything in the country just to get at President Jonathan is not good. We should always remember that President Jonathan will not be the president of Nigeria forever; so dividing the country along ethnic and religious line for political gains is not a good precedence for the posterity. Are you not surprised that while the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) had refused to send in delegates to the national conference, their state governors did otherwise? It is quite unfortunate. I had expected the leadership of APC to prevail on their governors not to send list. This is because they had earlier criticized the conference and made it clear that they would not participate. If their governors have sent in list of 48 delegates to the conference, what is the big deal about the party national leadership not sending list of only two nominees. It is hypocrisy in action and it has shown what All Progressives Congress (APC) stands for. It is just like someone saying that he don’t eat fish, only for him to use his teeth to cut fish for others. What is the difference? Remember that some leaders of APC had before now called for the national conference, but immediately President Jonathan decided to embark on it, they started criticizing the

moves for reasons best known to them. APC is playing ostrich, and they have always done so in the past, so Nigerians were not surprise. APC should toe the path of honour by saying what they mean, and meaning what they say at all times. There is need for integrity and consistency in our approach to national politics. I thank God for them for seeing reason to be part of the moving train. Had it been they failed to send delegates to the conference, they would have regretted it later, because they would have missed being part of history making in Nigeria. How do you react to the insinuations that your party leadership and Governor Olusegun Mimiko are working for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) especially in the Southwest zone ahead of 2015 general elections? The false propaganda is the handiwork of APC leadership which they started in 2009 when they tried to swallow our party after Governor Olusegun Mimiko won his case in court. They had approached our party leadership and Governor Mimiko asking us to collapse LP into the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Mimiko made it clear to them that he has reasons to leave Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) then, but has no reason to leave LP to ACN now. I also told them that we are not interested in merging with ACN. Since then, they have not relented in propagating the rumour that Labour Party is working for PDP without providing any credible evidence to substantiate the allegation. It could be recall that during Mimiko’s re-election, they tried to use it to sway the people of the state, but the gimmick failed them and

Today, Labour Party has not merge or gone into any alliance with the PDP. Just like every other thing in life, it is expected that when a political party like ours is growing, some people will feel jittery and worried. That is the fear of APC, especially in the Southwest zone where people have been defecting to Labour Party en masse ahead 2015 general elections.

Mimiko was overwhelmingly re-elected by the people against their expectations. Today, Labour Party has not merge or gone into any alliance with the PDP. Just like every other thing in life, it is expected that when a political party like ours is growing, some people will feel jittery and worried. That is the fear of APC, especially in the Southwest zone where people have been defecting to Labour Party en masse ahead of 2015 general election. The APC had also accused our party of supporting President Jonathan in 2011 elections. What is wrong about it when we have no presidential candidate in the election; as no one indicated interest to run on our party platform. Clearly we cannot force anybody to run, because running for the presidency is not a tea party. It is very demanding. I even approached General Mohammed Buhari twice in 2011, pleading with him to join our party and contest as the presidential candidate of the party, but he refused. The leadership of the defunct ACN now APC that accused us of working for President Jonathan abandoned their presidential candidate in the 2011 elections, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu halfway for selfish political reasons. Now between the leadership of APC and LP which one is more sincere and straightforward politically and otherwise? I have said it before now that we do not need to cast aspersion on President Jonathan’s government to be a serious opposition party. That is not true. Governor Mimiko do need to fight President Jonathan to show that he is in the opposition. Those governors abusing President Jonathan should have their heads examined, because it is not proper. The country belongs to all of us. That is the major reason there should be constructive engagement, and criticisms between the ruling party, and the opposition parties for the peace of the country at all times. Besides, the office of the President deserves respect from all Nigerians irrespective of your religion or party affiliations. President Jonathan is today the most criticized, abused and attacked President in the history of the country. Why? Is it because he is from the South-south and some people somewhere do not like his face? It is high time we do away with sentiment in this country and work for the collective good of the people. The country is bigger than any individual. Those who have been threatening to set country ablaze in 2015 should realize that they do not have monopoly of violence. Nigerians will not fold their arms and watch them destroy our common heritage. With the incessant killings by members of Boko Haram sect in some northeast states, it seems the military is not winning the war against the insurgents? Nigerian military is winning the war against the sect members in the some Northeast states. The people of the affected states should be more committed and sincere in helping the military to flush out the insurgents. These insurgents are not ghost, they are living with the people there, and probably the people know them. I am not convinced that the people did not know the members of Boko Haram living with them. The recent statement by Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima that Boko Haram members are more motivated and equipped than Nigerian soldiers was made from ignorant point of view. With due respect to the governor, what has been the effort of his government and that of the residents of the state in fighting the menace? What did he know about the operations of the military for him to have concluded that the sect members are better equipped than the Nigerian soldiers? The Boko Haram activities did not just start today, it has been there for sometimes now, but will soon be a thing of the past. The military has intensified effort in tackling the sect members and they are not finding it easy now to operate in the zone freely.

Saturday, March 15, 2014 9

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

POLITICS

‘Why I Deserve Second Term As Senator’ Secondly, I try to uphold the values attached to that culture. Now, the anti-gay bill is to protest the menace of importation of morals into Africa. You will agree with me that the social media today as we peak has imported so much into this country and has made our youths to lose focus and derail either from their family values, culture or from their cultural values. So I believe that this anti-gay law is a way to strengthen our morals. We do not want important of morals. What we want is of course transfer of technology for our people to be relevant in the industrial world. There are fears of division in the APC in Edo ahead of 2015 and 2016. Are you worried? For me, I do not see any problem in APC in Edo State. As we speak, the structure has not been put in place. What we are doing is registering for membership that will make us founding members of APC and there is no founder that is higher than others. Then we will go for conHow do you feel about the endorsement? gress and after congress, the executives will be feel that what they have demonstrated is to out in place, then we will now a formal strucshow that one, there is the interest of the ture of this our great party called APC. I don’t people at heart, secondly, the essence of votknow if there are grievances anywhere and if ing for anybody is for the person to perform there are, I am yet to be told but as far as I am and with the score card before everyone, I am concerned in Edo North, I think all is well. The of the view that they just thought that the devagitation you find in Edo North are agitations il you know is better than the angel supposedof those who want to go to the House of ly that is in the forest. That this we know and Representatives, of those who want to go to we can trust him, and we believe him and we House of Assembly and those who want to go to will want to support him. I feel very happy the senate. These are the agitations and it is that the Etsako people turned out in their clear that in politics, you have three periods in Obende numbers. The one thing very interesting which there will be problem; before primaries, which was a clear case of robbery, I stayed in about it is the huge turnout of women, elders senate. That shows that I am doing the best to before election and during sharing of positions PDP to work for the PDP and brought victory and APC cannot be excluded from all these. bring services to the people and delivering on and the youths. I am very happy. to it so I was convinced in my innermost What makes you think you have done enough the services to the people. What is your message for Edo North people? There is this rumour that as the only APC heart that I needed to shift ground and I did to merit a second term? God has blessed us with good representations shift. So the issue of defection is not in the dic- starting from the Comrade Governor, Adams In 2011, when we were going up and down ask- Senator now in Edo State, you are planning to go back to the PDP. What is your reaction to tionary of Domingo. It is not in my character, Aliyu Oshiomhole who has performed very ing people to vote for us, I did mention that that? and it will never be in my character because there is no foundation and if there was no credibly and he is still performing, and we of every political stand anybody takes has a local course from the National Assembly and that of foundation, then there can’t be anything that I am a very focused person, not just being focused, I know the meaning of shame because stand because there must be a local reference the state House of Assembly, we are complecan be likened to a benchmark. So, in other as a human being coming from a royal home, I of your action. So for me, APC is the party words, I have been able to lay a foundation, I menting his efforts. I want to beg our brothers where I belong right now. royalty. I want to have been able to make the office of the senate should know what is called and sisters to be patient. Twenty people in the th Your sponsorship of the same sex probation say again that on the 12 of February 2010, I very relevant because if I were irrelevant, it pit of poverty cannot be brought out in one day resigned from PDP having risen to the rank of a bill has generated so much interest globally. but if we strive together, we will all have that obviously means that the office would have been irrelevant. Because of the relevance that senatorial chairman, and I joined ACN. I want to How does it make you feel? liberation. We will all have that feeling of freesay that I was never kicked out, I was not under What I do is that first and foremost, I see is now attached to the seat of the Edo North dom , we will all have and see that development myself as an African that has a culture. pressure. Even after the PDP primaries of 2007 Senate, a professor is now interested in the will come our way.

Senator Domingo Obende is a first term senator representing Edo North Senatorial District in Edo State He has sponsored 12 bills one of which is the Same Sex Prohibition Act recently signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan. Recently, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Etsako-speaking areas of the district endorsed his second term bid. Obende spoke to ALEMMA-OZIORUVA ALIU shortly after on the endorsement and on sundry national issues.

I Want To Give My People Quality Representation, Says Aspirant By Ozo Mordi RINCE Said Isa, Chief Executive Officer of P Yakowa Television and an aspirant to the Borno State House of Assembly next year under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), stated that although politics is occupying most of his time now, as he shuttle between Lagos and his constituency, his political activities has not affected the first 24-hour Hausa television station on cable network. According to him, the station, which is currently on break, will resume the moment the host station, Disc Broadcasting Limited returns on air. The upcoming politician stressed that he has not taken to politics to realise a personal ambition, but that the decision to become a legislator was borne out of the need to give the people the right representation they deserve. He explained: “I want to raise the living standard of my people. I am like other people who have the interest of the common people at heart. I know that there are good people in this country. “I have worked with people who love humanity and desire the best for other human beings. “I have met people who bring you up from nothing and turn you into a formidable force. I have enjoyed kindness myself that at a point, I began to wonder how I could contribute my quota and help others. “It occurred to me to go back home to Borno State, because a lot of people there are in dire need of help.” “We know that Borno is a home of peace, so wherever an indigene resides, he always

comes home, because he finds comfort there.” Isa, popularly called ‘honourable,’ said he is not a novice in politics, pointing out, saying he had his first taste of it in 2003 when he contested for the post of the President of Law Student Association (LAWSA) as a student at Mohammed Goni College of Legal Studies in Maiduguri, when he found out that politics was a sweet game. “We campaigned and did everything that made for a credible election, but voting was cancelled at the last minute. I was disappointed,” recalled. He returned to Lagos in 2005 and with that experience, joined the then Alliance for Democracy (AD). On why he would join a party thought to be predominantly Southwestern, Isa said he was a believer in former governor of his state, the late Mala Kachalla, who ceremoniously decamped fro then All Peoples Party (APP) to AD, saying he was a man of truth. Isa has remained with the party since then, evolving with it in its many changes of name, from AD to (Action Congress) AC, to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to APC. He insisted that being a northerner in Lagos State does not make him a backbencher, adding that he mobilises his people to vote. He moved to Ogun State in 2011, where he was a ward chairman and later ViceChairman in Ifo Council. “I am looking forward to next year’s general elections. I expect a peaceful, free and fair election. “I implore voters to make good choices and expect anybody who is old enough to go out and vote, because that one extra vote can make a difference. It can make for the better.

Said

“Vote peacefully, because history will be made next year,” he pleaded, as he disclosed that his party was poised to make that history. On the insecurity in his home state, Isa was upbeat: “We are looking up to God. We are praying that businessmen, traders and students will feel at home again, as they did in the past. “Things will stabilise soon with the establishment of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army, the cooperation of youths, known as Civilian JTF and the help of ordinary civilians that want peace.” The 30-yesr-old politician, reminded that some youths have disappointed those who voted them into public service in the past and present, stated that service to the people is his passion. “I was born and raised in Lagos. I have travelled to 29 states of this country and have seen how people live. “I want other youths who have the interest of the people at heart to come and serve. Let the polity see the younger generation as good ambassadors. “Don’t let them point accusing fingers at us and put us down in posterity that some of us went there and served our selfish interests,” he urged youths. He pointed at education and agriculture as top on his agenda, adding: “Education is very important in Borno State. “In some villages, you still see children who should be in school, but are not. I have seen how schools are run in Lagos and Abuja. “In our state, however, many schools still lack the necessary equipment. At this stage, our children should be gaining a lot from education. “Farming remains our source of livelihood, therefore, I will seek encouragement for farmers and farming.” The son of the Sultan Arab Shuwa of Lagos State, Alhaji Baba Isa Saheed, praised his father for sending all his 10 children to school to acquire Western education.

10 | Saturday, March 15, 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

Overlapping Word Game 45

Solutions To Overlapping Word Game ‘44’

1. Legislator

1. Babalawo

2. Incorrect

2. Wonderful

3. Removal

3. Fulfill

4. Gradual break down

4. Illegal

5. Solely

5. Algae

6. Murder for supposed crime

6. Gaelic

7. Upper part of arch

7. Icebox

8. Christian religious building

8. Oxygen

9. Ridiculous pretence

9. Entail

10. Forceful request

10. Llama

11. Human-looking robot 12. Perfect example

11. Mallam

13. Be defeated

12. Mumble

14. Calm and untroubled

13. Leaf

15. Mystery

14. Afflux

16. Sleeveless cloak

15. Xerox

17. Number after ten

16. Xanadu

18. As expected

17. Undulate

19. Song words

18. Ateliers

20. Largest city in Turkey

19. Stadium

21. Defensive wall

20. Umbrage

22. State in Southern USA

21. Gentle

23. Fly high

22. Leakage

24. Physically existing

23. Enter 24. Rate By Bayo Ogunmupe\ 08034673443 http:/ogunmupe.blogspot.com

On The Path Of Winners

Unlock Your Prosperity With Faithfulness By Bayo Ogunmupe HIS column is about wealth creation and how millionaires made it. But have you heard about the ‘’wealth of experience’’ of people? Indeed, experience is wealth. No matter the nature of your experience in life, you cannot buy it with money. Your experience of today, is your tomorrow’s wisdom. And the Bible says wisdom is greater than power. Because our leaders lack experience which translate to wisdom, we are wallowing in poverty despite Nigeria’s oil wealth. Knowledge creates wealth. Have you noticed that millionaires trade their skills, knowledge and wisdom for money? The skills, knowledge and experience you have are latent wealth. Your wealth is tied to your wealth of experience. Which is why we should examine the causes of poverty. The first cause of poverty is ignorance. ‘’My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge and because they have rejected knowledge, I also will reject them from being my representatives. Because they have not applied my laws and have forgotten my principles, I will also forget their children,’’ so sayeth the Bible. Do you know that knowledge is power! But just as knowledge is power, ignorance is deadly. Ignorance has been the root of poverty in many lives all over the world. Like Moses was ignorant of the power of his rod, the widow, the abundance in her pot of oil and Adam and his divine connection, so has a man’s ignorance being the root of his poverty. For example, a man travelling out of his country to seek the Golden Fleece: he sold all he had to buy the ticket for the trip. How-

ever, he locked himself in his cabin with two bottles of water and a packet of biscuits for the journey. After a few weeks, there was a knock on his door inviting him for the final arrival banquet. He was too weak to open the door. By the time the door was forced open, he was dying-due to hunger and dehydration. When asked why he never showed up to eat during the journey, he answered that it was because he had no money to pay for the food. The shocked captain revealed that the ticket he bought entitled him to three free meals daily – throughout the journey, you can see all he had lost through ignorance. When many don’t know what they can do, they remain poor. There are many poverty promoting mindsets, habits, attitudes and lifestyles. Two, laziness is a cause of poverty. King Solomon of ancient Israel was the richest and wisest man who ever lived. He was richest because wisdom leads to riches. In the Bible books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, Solomon revealed how laziness is a major cause of poverty. Lazy people are full of excuses. The characteristics of lazy people that make them poor include but are not limited to the following: Lazy people always blame others for their state of poverty. They have a victim or entitlement mentality. Lazy people are prone to stealing, cut corners and are often truant in their responsibilities. They steal from people through corrupt enrichment. Lazy people are always greedy, coveteous and with delusions

of grandeur. They are always idle, they love sleeping and watch too much television. Lazy people waste time on unprofitable things. They are always stingy because they want to keep all they have to themselves alone. Being too lazy to act promptly, lazy people always procrastinate, they are also prone to drug and alcohol addiction. They are often party freaks and sex freaks because they don’t have high self esteem, they don’t value time and themselves. Listen to words from King Solomon the wise: ‘’He who has a slack hand becomes poor. But the hand of the diligent makes rich,’’ Pro 10:4. The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labour – Pro 12:24. Laziness casts one into a deep sleep and an idle person will suffer hunger – Pro 19:15. Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread, Pro 20:13. Laziness makes your life end up in decay. Our final cause of poverty or failure is unfaithfulness. In my life’s experience, I have met with unfaithfulness everywhere. ‘’The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them,’’ Pro 11:3. Unfaithfulness leads to destruction. The unfaithful lusts for other people’s belongings. Unfaithful people are wicked, they can do anything to get their way. Faithful people are very dependable and reliable. Unfaithfulness forced me out of teaching. I met it within both students and teachers. Students abhor study and knowledge but crave good grades and first class. They can bribe or maim you to get their way. In journal-

ism, you cannot for long forgo a good copy. Unfaithfulness isn’t the way to become rich. If you are unfaithful in little, you will be unfaithful in much; which is why Jehovah makes sure you don’t handle much. We are forced to live among unfaithful people such that corruption has deadened our conscience. Our champion for this week is Janet Louise Yellen, the American economist and newly appointed chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States. Previously she was President and Chief Executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, California; Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers under President Bill Clinton. Also she was professor Emerita at the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. On January 6, 2014, the United States Senate confirmed President Barrack Obama’s nomination of Yellen to be chair of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. She was sworn in February 2014 as the first woman to hold the position. Yellen was born in August 1946 to a Jewish family in New York; the daughter of Anna Blumenthal and Julius Yellen, a physician. She graduated first class in economics from Brown University in 1967. She received her doctorate in economics from Yale University in 1971 for a thesis titled: Employment, output and capital accumulation in an open economy: a disequilibrium approach. She was supervised by James Tobin and Joseph Stiglitz – both Nobel laureates in economics. See, good teachers rear great students.

Saturday, March 15, 2014 11

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

NEWSINTERVIEW

‘Critics Of Forthcoming Confab Are Misleading Nigerians’ Mr. Tony I. Uranta served as a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference, which submitted its report to President Goodluck Jonathan earlier this year. In this interview, which he granted selected journalists, he clears the air on some of the knotty issues, accusations and counteraccusations that have trailed the report of the committee and the build-up to the Conference, insisting that critics of the national dialogue have been misinforming the Nigerian public. By Onyedika Agbedo You were a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the National Conference. How would you describe your experience in the Committee vis-à-vis the desirability or otherwise of the National Conference? T was an enervative and very educative experience that every member of the committee gained during the exercise of consultations, which went round all the six geo political zones; during which we found out, amongst other things, that we don’t know exactly how many ethic nationalities are in Nigeria, that many people really thought that we on our part were already conducting the National Conference per se, that there were expectations from government that were both unrealistic and not pragmatic, and that there was an overwhelming desire all through the nation for us to come together, as one people, to speak. Even in places where there seemed, initially, to be apathy on the part of state governments or local governments not to participate, we realised that the people of these states and zones have taken on the sovereignty that belongs to them on their own and decided that they are going to decide whether they talk or not; what they will talk about; how they will talk about it; and how it shall be reflected when it all comes out at the end of the day. The Committee almost ran into stormy waters in Edo State, with the altercation between the Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Tony Nyiam, leading to the resignation of Nyiam from the Committee. Did that not create the fears that the Conference itself could really be volatile? The conference will be volatile! The Yoruba say that brothers don’t go into a room to speak truth to one another, and come out smiling all the time. It will be volatile because we are going to speak truth to one another, so we can resolve our differences, enhance our commonalities and build a truly united Nigeria premised on truth, equity and justice. But the incidence in Benin was really less one of volatility, as much as one of intemperate reaction by both the Governor and a member of our committee. Do the final guidelines agree with the recommendations of the Committee, especially as they concern the ‘no-go-area’, and the fact that the final outcome of the conference will go through the National Assembly to be incorporated in the constitution? I will say about 95 per cent or more of the recommendations of the Committee [the initial recommendations of the Committee] were published later on and have been announced as the modalities. There were very few departures from the original recommendations. For example, we had initially said that delegates should be chosen through elections/adult suffrage, so that there will be transparency and the ability for everybody to participate fully. But when government got our Report, it went through it, and realised that the Electoral Act does not allow INEC, which is the only body that is empowered to carry out elections, to conduct elections outside of the political elections that have been designated to it; and that for it to now process this election, there would have to be alterations to the Electoral Act, which alterations we could not be sure could be carried out even in the next one year or two knowing how slow our National Assembly can be on matters of certain national and critical issues. You know how long it took for the Freedom of Information bill to get passed. A bill that was presented in 1999 only got passed in 2007. Apart from that, government now asked INEC to budget what it will cost and INEC budgeted N25 billion. Now if people are complaining of N7 billion budgeted for this conference, can you imagine what they would have been saying if we were to have a N32 billion budget? Therefore, government knew it was not a pragmatic decision to take. We were then invited back by the President,

Uranta who was very unique in the way he went about dealing with both the Committee and the Report of the Committee. Rather than setting up a White Paper Committee, he kept returning to us and saying to us, review your recommendations. We now reviewed them and concluded that there shall be delegates nominated by the people, through stakeholder groups and interest groups of the people, so it will be a wholly peoples-driven conference. As to whether the outcome of the conference will now return to the National Assembly for legislation; yes, every such outcome has to end up in the National Assembly for legislation. What the people of Nigeria do want and what they are adamant about is that there must be referendum. After the referendum, what they don’t want is for the conference’s outcome to be tinkered with by the National Assembly before it is passed into law as either the New Constitution, or as part of the 1999 Constitution undergoing review. Now, you will notice that I have made a distinction as to whether the Constitution will be new or reviewed. This is because we recommended to the President that rather than getting involved with all the imbroglio of the politics of should there be national referendum; should the National Assembly have dominance etc.; he should let the National Conference itself decide whether Nigerians want a referendum. Let the conference decide. When the referendum is decided, do

they want the outcome of the conference and the referendum to become a brand new Constitution? Let the conference decide. I am one person who wants a referendum. I am one person who wants a brand new Constitution. But, I love this idea of giving it over to the people, via the Conference, so nobody is imposing anything on the people of Nigeria. And when they decide, I want to see anybody, group of people or interest group that will stand up and say that what the people want is wrong, and that they are not going to give them what they want; and I want to see what will happen after that. Was Chief Solomon Asemota opposed to any aspect of the report that could have led to the controversy of whether or not there was a minority report? I think that is one of the tragedies of Nigeria’s reality at the moment. I have so much respect for Chief Asemota (SAN), and prior to our interactions on this committee, I held him in very high esteem, but so far as I am concerned, he let himself down, he let the peoples of my zone (South-South) down and the people of Nigeria down. Of course, what Chief Asemota, as an extension of Prof. Ben Nwabueze, a respected constitutional lawyer and elder statesman, was intent on doing was foisting upon Nigeria, and Nigerians, and the Conference, a predecided agenda. Prof. Nwabueze had stated at the Eminent Peoples Summit convened by me in 2012 January here in Lagos (when he walked out because the majority of the peo-

ple present wanted a National Conference to debate any and every issue under the sun) that he wanted a National Conference to debate certain issues in draft Constitution which The Patriots had drawn up under the late Chief Rotimi Williams (and we are talking about ages ago), that we don’t discuss anything else except that document and that he would then go about turning that document into a new Constitution and you will agree with me that proviso would be restricting and limiting Nigerians. There is nothing that stops us from discussing that document because it is a critical document; but we could not be limited by Chief Asemota, Prof. Nwabueze and their cotravellers. As to whether there was a minority report, Chief Asemota was the Chairman of the Committee’s Sub-Committee on Legal Processes, which was to decide, whether there should there be a Referendum, whether the outcome of the Conference be subjected to the National Assembly, whether there should be a bill legislating the Conference into being ab initio etc. It was this sub-committee, headed by him as the most senior lawyer on our committee, which came to the recommendations in our submitted Report. We accepted the subcommittee’s recommendations hook, line and sinker! It was, therefore, disconcerting that at the point of our signing, Chief Asemota was nowhere to be found. For hours, we were calling, sending cars all around looking for him only to find out that he was all the time in the parking lot right outside the committee’s meeting hall and that he wished, at that belated point, to take a position saying that he had a memo (because that is what we saw it as being!) to submit. He erroneously called it a minority report. That memo, in fact, had been submitted already by The Patriots both during our consultations trips, and by Prof. Nwabueze privately to the Chairman of the Committee and to the President. So, it had been incorporated in our Report. There was nothing new in the memo and the President rightly said that the memo couldn’t be called a minority report after Chief Asemota had gone into all the papers shouting, mendaciously, about the President having refused a minority report. Some are of the opinion that the Conference will be at President Jonathan’s behest to manipulate and dismiss its outcomes. What is your take on this? I have heard claims that this will be “Jonathan’s Conference” and that he has put it together so he will manipulate it. It will be “Jonathan’s conference”! That’s how it will go down in the annals of history, “The Jonathan National Conference”. That is going to be its name, but the Federal Government is going to nominate only a total of 71 members including 36 elder statesmen, six role models and outstanding youths, 20 former civil servants, six former Jurists, six former members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and so on. These nominations do not mean that the President will have dominance; the President will nominate only 71 out of 492 delegates being less than 15 per cent of the 492 delegates. How can 15 per cent dominate 85 percent? I find that incredible arithmetic! I am forced to conclude that most people who have been lying about this tend to be myopic, and this is nothing but calculated dissemblance, to lead this nation further into confusion. Certain folks are using misinformation, dis-information, agit-prop tactics to misguide Nigerians. Interestingly, I can say to you finally, that even parties, political parties that had said they wont participate in the conference will participate. I am saying this confidentially because of intelligence report available to us that no party, no state government will abstain! Whether overtly or covertly, they will all participate. Which is in the best interest of Nigeria!

Saturday, March 15, 2014

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HEALTHFEATURE

‘People Fail To Realise That Children Edamisan Temiye, a Professor of paediatrics and consultant paediatric haematologist/oncologist at the Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos (CMUL)/ University of Lagos Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, says cancer is killing a high number of Nigerian children. He averred that delay in seeking treatment for childhood cancer and the huge financial burden parents have to bear in the absence of health insurance for cancer care, are the contributory factors to the menace. The former Chairman of Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) added that the private sector needs to participate in the treatment of childhood cancer to lift the huge burden off parents. By Joseph Okoghenun How will you describe the scourge of childhood cancer in Nigeria? T is very serious because we are having a lot of challenges. One of the issues is that people still fail to realise that children do have cancer. And that causes a delay in seeking treatment. But when they realise it and bring the children, and we suggest the modality of treatment, many parents do not take it until it is very late. And lateness in childhood cancer may be as long as six months when the cancer would have grown. Cancer in children grows very fast. Before you know what is happening, it has gone out of control, unlike some cancers (in adults) that can be there for months and years before they become difficult to treat. What are the factors responsible for this delay? The issue is that when cancers start, most of them do not present as problems at the beginning. At the beginning, it does not give pain and sign; the person is comfortable. So, when a child is comfortable, the parents are likely not to take the child to a hospital believing that if it is not paining and disturbing them, maybe it will go later. But while waiting, the cancer spreads. The other challenge is that parents may go to some health centres where they do not realise that it is cancer. And they prescribe some drugs, but delay the diagnosis. And sometimes, when they even come to us, because of how to treat it and the cost, the parents just walk away. Is the practice of seeking healing in religious homes not a challenge in childhood cancer cases? Yes. In some instances, they may have even come to the hospital for us to make diagnosis. But they would then go to a pastor, imam or a prophet who will say ‘do not worry, once I pray and anoint you, that is the end of the issue.’ They contribute to some extent. Even some of our traditional healers contribute to a great extent in mismanagement of childhood cancer. Sometimes, we when we make a diagnosis, they go to these people but come back too late to us. It is an issue in cancer and other chronic illnesses we have in this country. What are those symptoms parents should see in their children to prompt them to take them to hospital? Most cancers at the beginning are symptomless, except there is a swelling in the neck that does not just go away. Most times, the parents would have used antibiotics. But instead of the swelling going away, it keep on growing. At times, there could be swelling in the limbs; may be on the legs, thighs or arms and the swelling does not disappear. Rather, it grows even when the parents try to treat it with antibiotics. If someone has infection and it causes swelling, the place usually appears very hot and painful. But in this case, the place is not hot and it is not painful. Yet the swelling is there. One has to be careful because it may be

Temiye cancer. If you see a child limping, telling you he has pain in the leg ( but you press it, it is not painful but the child insists that he has pain in the limb), it may be a sign of cancer. If you suddenly notice something in the eye of a child that shines like what we call cat’s eye reflex ( like what you see in cat’s eyes in the night, when you shine torch light into a cat’s eye), it may be a sign of cancer. And they need to come to hospital as soon as possible. It is good for the mother to feel the tummy of the child to see whether there is any swellings. Sometimes, the swelling may be there. It is only when the mother is bathing the child, or someone is playing with the child that such swelling may be noticed. But if you do not take action, the place would continue to swell. Sometimes, some of the cancers present with something dramatic so that the parents have to come to the hospital with the child; like a child starts having uncontrolled fever ( fever this week, fever that week). It is neither malaria nor typhoid. It may be a sign of cancer when the immunity has failed because of the cancer. Or the child requires blood transfusion. Almost every other time, they say he is short of blood this week; two weeks’ time, he is short of blood and three weeks’ time, he is short of blood. It may be a cancer and the parents need to see a doctor. Where should the parents take the child to since you said some hospital facilities contribute to mismanagement of cancer cases? Actually, the best place to go if everything is working is the hospital nearest to you. But my advice is that when you get there and you see that the doctor has treated the child but he is not getting better, ask the doctor to refer you because a referral from a doctor will direct you better than you just walking around. The specialists at teaching hospitals ideally should take patients on referral. They are not the first point of call. But when you are being treated for something and it is not going, ask the doctor to refer you. A patient has the right to ask his doctor to send him to another doctor. And if the doctor is delaying, you have the right to request for a referral.

Most specialist hospitals would wait for you to come either as an emergency case or on referral basis. For instance, if you come to LUTH as a cold case ( most of the cases would come as cold cases; they may seem as non-life threatening), we would ask for referral letter. As I said earlier, at the beginning of cancer, it does not often present as an emergency case. For emergency cases, you can walk into any emergency room. Do we have equipment to diagnose and treat these cancer cases in Nigeria? Yes, we do. We are not completely helpless with diagnosis of cancer. We can diagnose almost all the cancers. We have the facilities to know different types of cancers. Diagnosis has gone beyond to say this is cancer of the breast, though children hardly have cancer of the breast. For cancer of the breast, we can do genetic mapping of the breast and tell you that this is BRCA-negative or BRCA-positive. It is a genetic marker that gives you information whether the cancer will easily be treatable or not. In developed countries, once they see cancer of the blood, they take the cell and map it. They tell you this cell is arising from T-cell or Bcell or cells that are earlier than those cells. And they carry other genetic imprints that tell you that if you treat this cancer with drugs, the person has 80 per cent of being cured ,or you go straight to bone marrow transplant since this will not respond. In that area, we still have issues in Nigeria; making diagnosis to molecular level, we have issues with it in Nigeria. What do we do to help children with cancer to reduce morbidity? The issue we have with childhood cancer in Nigeria is that children die from preventable diseases: diarrhoea, pneumonia and malaria. These are the diseases killing our children. But cancer is doing its own. Because of the enormity of the causes of death in children, government is handicapped in taking care of those who have cancer. Meanwhile, in some cancers like cancer of the blood in children, almost all the children would die because we do not have the facilities to support them when we diagnose them. But we need help to sustain them because in developed countries, cancer of the blood (leukaemia), they have up to 90 per cent

chances of curing those children. But we have less than 20 per cent chances in Nigeria because we do not have facilities to support those children during treatment, to make diagnosis to molecular level, to separate the ones you use drugs to treat, the ones that need bone marrow transplant and the ones you combine the two. And when you are treating them, it takes a long time. Cancer treatment is for a long time. How long? Some cancers, like cancer of kidney in children, we treat for about six to nine months. But we have to follow the child up to between five to six years to be sure that the cancer does not come back. During that follow up, we are going to be doing some tests to make sure that the cancer does not come back. For the cancer of the blood, the treatment for a boy is three years and for a girl it is three and half years. And then, you follow them for five years after that. So, we are talking of about treatment and follow up lasting for eight years. But people do not have patience for that. What is the cost of treatment? Cancer treatment is not cheap at all. For example, cancer of the kidney, which is one of cheapest of the cancers we treat, requires about N800,0000 to N1million by the time we finish the treatment. But if there are issues, the patient may spend up to N1.5 million . If it is cancer of the blood, by the time we are finishing treatment, the person will be spending on the average between N10 million to N12 million. How many people can afford that in Nigeria?

Cancer in children grows very fast. Before you know what is happening, it has gone out of control, unlike some cancers (in adults) that can be there for months and years before they become difficult to treat.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

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Do Have Cancer’ If you have to do bone marrow transplant in Nigeria, there are few bone marrow transplants done in few mobile centres at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. It cost N7.5 million. Last time, government said it is going to subsidize it so it will cost N5 million to do bone marrow transplant. But if you go outside this country, you will spend between N20 million and N30 million on bone marrow transplant alone. That is one of the reasons we are having poor outcomes because the parents get burnt out. And when they are burnt out, they just go home. But when a child relapses, they just stay at home with the attitude of ‘die and let us move on.’ Many of them have sold their cars, lands and property.They become poor at the end of day. And the end of day, they still lose the child. That is a big a problem for us. In most countries, it is the state that takes up the treatment of cancer, not those who are suffering from it because the cost is enormous. This is what we are advocating: People should come together and contribute to get equipment for us to make proper diagnosis, to provide drugs and treatment for children with cancers. The major thing is when cancer develops in children or anybody, find the cancer and treat it early. When you find and treat it early, the person can survive it, and he can live for so many years after. What can the private sector do to assist in improving care for childhood cancer? They can assist in training experts on how to manage cancer, in making drugs available and affordable. Those drugs include the ones we use to treat cancer itself and the ones we use to support them when treating cancer. Sometimes, the supportive drugs are more expensive than the ones for the cancer itself. When you give anti-cancer drugs, they deplete the body’s ability to form blood and blood cells. But we need drugs to stimulate the bone marrow to start producing blood. That drug is more expensive than the drug that causes the suppression. An ample of that drug costs about N22,000. In a particular course, we treat cancer in courses; you give the drugs for five days, you stop and wait for another two weeks or more for the body to recover to continue the treatment. The child may need five of that bot-

Some cancers, like cancer of kidney in children, we treat for about six to nine months. But we have to follow the child up to between five to six years to be sure that the cancer does not come back. During that follow up, we are going to be doing some tests to make sure that the cancer does not come back. tle. Multiply N22,000 by five, you will get what I am talking about. And in next two/three weeks, he will need the same amount. We need equipment to prepare platelets for the person to take when the platelet is low. Patients can bleed to death if they do not have platelets; we prepare that from blood. We need equipment to make accurate diagnoses. We need to move the cost of treatment away from the parents to the community by forming bodies that contribute money regularly to take care of patients, or by empowering health insurance schemes to take care of the management of cancer. Today, the health insurance scheme does not cover treatment for cancer. When the burden of care is lifted substantially from parents, we will then open up access for people coming in for treatment and staying in treatment, because they know it is not a cash-and-carry thing. Because, sometimes, the patients will stay in hospitals for a long time. The private sector needs to support us with homes for the parents. For example, sometimes they spend, three, four or five months in a hospital at a stretch ; the family is dislocated. The father or mother who stays with the child, sits on a chair everyday with nowhere to rest. If we have a home close to the hospital where those parents can stay and rest. We also need publicity; we need people to be informed that cancer occurs and if cancer occurs, this is where they should go to get help. We need the private sector to come to our help in that kind of situation.

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DIARY

Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivaties Company, Bismark Rewane (left); Africa Analyst, Rand Merchant Bank, Nema Ramkhelawan-Bhana; CEO, Rand Merchant Bank, Nigeria, Michael Larbie; Member of Faculty, Lagos Business School, Dr, Doyin Salami and Africa Macro Strategist, Global Markets, Rand Merchant Bank, Celeste Fauconnier at the Economic Research breakfast held in Lagos …recently

Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada; GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza; officials of Kogi State and UBA with students of Crowther Memorial College Lokoja, during financial literacy training programme for students, an initiative of CBN, held in Lokoja on Thursday

Project Manager, Procter and Gamble Agbara Plant, Mr. Peter Ajakaiye; Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and P&G Sub-Saharan Africa Government Relations Associate Director, Temitope Iluyemi during the commissioner’s visit to new plant of P & G at Agbara in Ogun State…recently

Winner of the gross event (male) at the Daniel Ogechi Akujobi Memorial Foundation (DOAMF) Charity Golf Tournament held at the Ikoyi Club 1938, Tim Ayonmike receiving his prize from Mr. Uyi Akpata of PricewaterhouseCoopers in Lagos…recently

Dean, Postgraduate School, Lagos State University, Professor Babajide Elemo, (middle) cutting his birthday cake, with his wife, Director General Federal, Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, (FIIRO), Dr. Gloria Elemo, and well-wishers at the 60th birthday colloquium celebration in Lagos on…Tuesday. PHOTO: PAUL ADUNWOKE

L-R: Secretary-General to the Consul of the Republic of Djibouti in Nigeria, Dr. Fola Rogers-Saliu, Mrs Yemi Aina and Mr. Rogers Saliu at Pa Onakanya’s funeral party at Ijebu-Ife, Ogun State recently.

Students of Pinefield Schools Lekki, Lagos during their annual visit to Motherless baby homes, Lekki with Mr. John Adetiba, Head of College and Mr. Charles Fadipe, Administrator, handling over food items, clothing materials and a cheque to an official of the Home in Lagos…recently

Dr. Adebayo Adetunji (JP, OFR), Alhaja Rahmat Adebisi Ayoka Salako and Justice Ishola Olorunbe during the 70th birthday of Alhaja Salako in Lagos…recently

Joel Ebosele and his wife, former Miss Ibukun Ojo during their traditional wedding in Lagos…recently

Dr, Adebayo Adetunji (JP, OFR), Prof. Lateef Akinola Salako and Alhaja Rahmat Adebisi Ayoka Salako during her 70th birthday in Lagos…recently

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Love&Life

... Celebrating The Feelings You Share!

with SIMON Egbo 07032944123

Princess of

IN THIS EDITION

Love

True Confession:

‘I Caught My Sister Cheating On Her Husband’

Adaku, 24 years from Anambra, needs a hardworking man age between 25-35 yrs for a relationship. Call 08091764801. Amara, 23 years from Imo State, needs a good and God-fearing guy for a serious relationship. Call 08062768409.

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‘How I Was Deflowered By My Cousin On My Grandmother’s Old Bed’

Love Dictionary/ Love Quote

Women Seeking Relationship/Marriage

Treasure, 23, 5.5ft, slim, fair, bra size 32, student from Abia, needs someone. 07034469809.

Life Story:

10 Signs You’re Having An Emotional Affair

Love Connections

Men Seeking Relationship/Marriage Olusegun, 33years of age, 5. 8ft tall, reserved and romantic, needs a pretty woman, neat and educated, age between 25-45yrs . Pls call 08103698868 Ayomiposi, 28years, tall, cool and hardworking based in Lagos, needs a mature and cool headed lady, working or business class, between the ages of 35-48years for a genuine relationship. Pls call 08188970747. Gabriel in Lagos, 29 years, tall, dark and handsome needs a pretty lady of 29-45 years not for money but for serious pleasure and adventure only. Call 08059421687. Ocee in Lagos, needs a very creative and cute lady with good character for relationship. Call 08038165356 or 08025490928

Queen Nwokoye Nollywood Actress

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

Kadi, a genius in womanology, humble and intelligent, needs a very mature, intelligent and hardworking lady. Pls call 07056823470. No flashing pls. Carlo, in Abuja, needs a sugar mummy of 3843years not for financial gains but for pleasure and experimental purposes. 08189782683.

‘I Caught My Sister Cheating On Her Husband’ True Confession

CAUGHT my sister cheating on her husband with a guy who happens to be my brother-in-law’s best friend. I don’t know how long this has been going on because I have refused to talk to my sister ever since. I despise her so much I can’t face her. She tried calling me but I sent her a message telling her she does not owe me any apology or explanation and that she knows I am not the right person she has to talk to. With this I meant she had to confess to her husband and she said I should give her some time. Yesterday was my niece’s seventh birthday and there was a small family gathering for her. My brother-inlaw’s friend was also there. I felt bad when I saw him and now I’m hurt-

ing so much. I feel guilty, like I’m also taking my brother-in-law for granted. He’s a good man and should be at least respected. I have decided to man up and tell him everything. I don’t care about my sister’s feelings anymore. She showed me yesterday that she hasn’t got any at all. My problem now is how to go about it, how to confront my brother-in-law. I thought of going to my mum, but I know she would tell me to leave things for her to handle and that will take about a year knowing her. I’m just 24 years old and this is the first time I have such a situation at hand. Can you guys please give me some advice on how to approach my brother-in-law? I just need to tell him everything. He deserves to know. Advice: Pls dear readers, mail your comments or reactions to this email :simonclar @yahoo.com

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LOVE&LIFE Re: ‘I Had An Affair With My Wife’s Married Sister’

ELLO, greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I quite understand the predicament you are passing through. I want to say that sex is one of the strongest weapons the devil uses to destroy people. His aim is always to steal, kill and destroy. John chap. 10v10. The spirit is said to be willing but the flesh is weak. I found myself in a sexual relationship of adultery which was almost impossible to quit, but what saved me was the day I came in contact with the word of God in Proverbs chapter 6vs32-35.There and then, I discovered how dangerous the sin of adultery can be in the life of a man. My advice is that you first see it as a danger to your marriage and then make efforts to avoid her. Remember, Jesus loves you. God bless you. Regards, Oliver Onyigbuo edegbayicharles@gmail.com It might look like you are catching fun or enjoying yourselves, but you need to understand that the wages of sin is death. But before the death will come, right in your presence all your efforts in your lifetime may be in jeopardy. For your own sake and the sake of your family, desist from that ungodly act and beg for forgiveness as a stitch in time saves nine. A word is enough for the wise. Thank you and God bless you.

Love Dictionary Love Dictionary If I could be anything I would be your tear, so I could be born in your eye, live down your cheek and die on your lips I wrote your name in the sand but the waves washed it away I wrote your name on my hand but I washed it the next day I wrote your name on a paper but I accidentally threw it away I wrote your name in my heart and forever it will stay. The day will come when you'll be mine But I'll just wait till that time If I have to wait forever, that's what I'll do Cause I can’t live my life without you You're my everything; Without you I'm nothing. 8 letters 3 words 1 meaning I love you! If love was a rose I would simply pick it for you If it was a gift I give it to you If it was a perfume I would buy it for you But since love is a feeling I'll like to share it with you Life ends when you stop dreaming, hope ends when you stop believing and love ends when you stop caring. So dream hope and love... Makes life beautiful. Time will always fly, but our love will never die. Keep in touch and remember me.

Love Quote: Real love is a pilgrimage. It happens where there is no strategy, but it is very rare because most people are strategists. — Brooker

‘How I Was Deflowered By My Cousin On My Grandmother’s Old Bed’ I

T was a black night. The sky refused to spark with its usual flames, the moon lost its glory, the stars were cold and spit no colour. It was a night of thunder. The clouds were sad and ready to pour down rivers of tears. It was a night made alive in my soul forever. The thunders came clashing. At first, it was like the rains it would herald will spilt the earth in two. But there was no rain, it was all thunder. Thunder in a night full of nightmares. My nightmares, terrible tales I have dreamt of since I first heard about my hometown. Dark tales created out of my own fear. Lines I could trace but couldn’t see the end, whether it be tragic or comic. However, the beginning is nothing but nightmare. It was my first time in my hometown. It was an experience drawn out of a fairy tale. The rustic environment, the landscape, the trees, the streams, which I particularly fell in love with, my grandfather and many other things, I can’t express in writing. My hometown was an island drawn out of a picnic pleasure I thought could only exist in a fairy tale. I could live here all my life and dam the noisy city. But there was something else that turned my little paradise into a nightmare: my first cousin. Timothy. His family lived in Warri, while mine lived in Kaduna. They came home too for the Christmas. Only that they arrived before we did. When I first set my eyes on him, I knew I was in big trouble. He was the first man that caught my breath hanging on my throat. Couldn’t take my eyes off him. And as if the same force was working on him, he kept starring at me, which made me very uncomfortable. I discovered later that he was three years older than me. He was 19 while I was 16. Timmy, as he was fondly called, was the first son of my aunt who was the only person I knew in my dad’s family since she had once visited us in Kaduna. Timmy sought for every opportunity to sit close to me. And each time he did, I had this obnoxious feeling that I will lose my virginity to this captivating cousin of mine. I knew incest was a grave sin but I couldn’t help it. The powers that exuded from his body were bigger than me. It was obvious, Timmy was in love with me from the first day. But what I didn’t realise was that my attraction to him was written on my face too. I tried to fight the ugly feeling but I

Life Story was helpless. If I had only confided in an adult, maybe I would have been saved from this horrible night of thunder. But who would have listened to me? Mum was certainly not the type to talk to. Dad would have laugh and told me my feeling were part of my growing up. Aunty Kate (my mum’s younger sister) would have sounded the alarm, bringing the entire family together to come and hear my sinful thoughts. There was really nobody to talk to. I was all alone with my lustful thoughts. I resorted to prayers, praying that Timmy should not take his plans to the next level as he likes touching me, particularly in the wrong places. I avoided being alone with him. Each time we happened to be alone, I will gather every strength in me to get out of that place. Then came the night of thunder. It was a cold dull night, unlike oth-

er nights in the village when the moon flirts in its splendour. On normal December nights, the moon in my hometown is so full that one will almost think that it was drawn closer by magic because it seemed twice its usual size. Well, this night was different. The sinister darkness seemed to speak the inevitable to my skin Somehow, I could tell something was going to go wrong that night. All I can remember now is the thunder, the gentle push on my grandma’s wooden door, the room my younger brother and I slept in. I can still remember how my younger brother slipped out of the room as if acting out a plan, and disappeared into the main house. I was scared. My parents were in the main house. I couldn’t tell the whereabouts of grandma who alone lived in the small adjoining house to the main house we, my younger brother and I had to share with her to keep her happy. My fear was not that of the darkness but of not knowing where grandma

was. Grandma was certainly not in the little house. Just as I was getting a little bit used to the night of thunder, the worse happened. I could still remember every sound of that thunderous night void of rain as if it happened a moment ago. Each time I remember, a cold shiver runs down my spine. After my younger brother left the room, a cold breeze started penetrating through the old door into the room. I knew the old door wasn’t locked but wasn’t ready to go and bolt it. Besides, grandma might come in any time. Another thought kind of played in my mind: what if Timmy chose this night to hatch his plans? As if to answer my thoughts, the breeze blew the old door wide open. No, it wasn’t the breeze. Someone bigger than my little brother was squeezing himself into the room. I wanted to shout for help or ask aloud who that was when I heard his voice. “Felly, are you sleeping?” he asked. I kept very still, pretending to be fast asleep. I never wanted him to touch me. I wanted him to go away. I knew how vulnerable I was at the time coupled, and with my feelings for him, I wanted him to go away. But he walked closer to the bed where I laid. I could hear his footsteps. Even now and his cologne was quite suppressing. God, please let him not touch me, I prayed silently. “Felly, it is me Timmy. I just want us to play a little”, he breathed the words into my ear. “1 know you like me. Felly, I like you too. We can play. You see, no harm to it”. I turned on my bed still pretending to be under the influence of a deep lethargic sleep, while using my hand to tell him to go away. My mouth couldn’t say the words. I guess that was my final mistake. Instead of him to go, he slid into the bed with me. I felt him behind me and that was all I knew. It is terrible to say but I was deflowered by my cousin, on my grand mother’s old bed. What is there to say? That I liked it or that I hated it? I have never quite forgiven myself for being so stupid. And the worst was that he almost did it again while we were alone in the orchard at the end of grandpa’s garden behind the house. That happened long ago. Almost 2O years ago. I am married now with two kids but each time there is thunder, I still see myself on that sinful bed. How can I make this guilt go away?

10 Signs You’re Having an Emotional Affair

OU’RE just friends. You love your husband. It’s not like there’s anything going on. It’s not physical. You just get each other – in fact, you help each other understand your own spouses better! If you’ve found yourself saying any of these things to yourself or anyone else, especially if they’re frequently repeated, you may be smack dab in the middle of an emotional affair. Maybe you’re not fully into infidelity land yet, but if you don’t put a kibosh on it, that may be where you’re headed. Then again, there are plenty of healthy friendships between members of the opposite sex. So how do you know when you’ve crossed the line from friendship into an emotional affair? Here Are 10 Signs Your Friendship Is Or Is About To Become An Emotional Affair. 1. He is the first thing you think about when you wake up. And the last thing you think about before you fall asleep. And pretty much all the times in between. If he’s dominating your thoughts, you’re crushing – plain and simple. 2. He’s the first one you want to share good news with. You just got a promotion, or your kid got an awesome award, or you found $20 in

the pocket of last winter’s coat, and the first person you want to share it with is him . You’re thinking about him all the time anyway. 3 You text him a lot. There are more text exchanges between the two of you than between you and your husband, your mom, and your two best friends combined. 4 You blow off others for him. Maybe you don’t think there’s a problem because you don’t blow off your spouse for him, but if you’re cancelling on other friends to hang out with him, you’re probably too close. 5 You start wishing your partner were more like him. Sure, your hubs has a lot of great qualities, but wouldn’t it be great if he were more punctual, or a better dresser, or liked the same movies you did, or … whatever. Comparing your husband to someone else is never a good idea. 6 You plan what you’re going to wear/say/do around him. You want to impress him with your wit, style, intellect, and charm. You find it matters more what he thinks of you than what others do. 7 He just “gets” you. Maybe you have a

lot in common, or find yourselves in similar positions in life, or struggling with some of the same issues – but you just connect on a level that you don’t with anyone else right not. 8 You share secrets you haven’t even shared with your spouse. If you’re confiding in someone of the opposite sex more than you do with the person you’ve promised not to forsake, there’s something more than strict friendship going on. 9 You share secrets about your spouse. Of course, this is all in an effort to better understand why your significant other is the way he is. Helpful tip: Get a therapist. It’s not appropriate to talk to your guy friend about the problems in your marriage. 10 You fantasize about him. Yeah, if you’re wondering what kind of kisser he is, or how much fun vacation with him would be, or what your hypothetical babies would look like if only you’d met him first, you’ve officially crossed the line into emotional affair territory. Have you ever had to stop yourself from getting too close to a male friend?

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RELATIONSHIPS By Alita Joseph HE other day, I was looking for directions when I came across some men in a shop. “Hardly had the street I was trying to located left my mouth, when one of them pointed ‘just go there.’ “In that direction,” I was told. I went round in a circle until I learned that the place was on the other side. “I have had such experience with women trading on the street. Why are people so wicked?” Blame human nature. Many of us have that moment when we want to be mean and nasty to other people, as a result of envy, regret and even hatred. The difference, however, is that we can choose not to do anything that is mean when we have these negative feelings. You can choose to keep quiet, rather than say something hurtful. So, while some people may choose to control their feelings, others may be glad because they think that their ability to ruffle feathers gives them immense power over other people. Therefore, it is not only street traders that feel immense pride that for once, they know what you, the smart aleck, does not know, and decide to bring you down. Even you, in that moment, feeling malicious, can hurt your friends, family or neighbor. Sometimes, we feel that someone close to us deserves the bad thing happening to them and are secretly happy at their misfortune. We may not always be the cause, but our reaction to that information shows how mean we are. It may not mean less love, but just being malicious. So, watch him that tells you it, ‘serves you right,’ and you should use the phrase sparingly too. I had this friend who was fond of telling me that it served me right when I told her my problem with

“T

Wickedness: What Goes Round Comes Round

our boss in the office. Finally, I heard that she was the cause of my woes. We were best friends at that time and she simply reported what I said to our boss. I was sacked eventually, but that did not make me to harbour ill-feelings towards her. I realised that she had problems at work at that time and did not want me to succeed.

were happy at neighbour’s failure because they were not alone in the struggle any more. Nobody would, therefore, blame you when you announce, with the utmost satisfaction, that Jane’s third husband had left her. But you will be seen as wicked if you tell everybody about it and describe how it happened and how it had affected Jane. Understandably, you will be sympathised with for feeling a secret satisfaction that Jane has failed in her third attempt, while you have not had a single man ask you to marry him. Jane’s break-up would not make you a different person, so show empathy, saying, ‘Jane’s marriage crashing again? What could be wrong?’ But you may rightly have course to think that she deserves to learn a lesson, so in that case, be happy that Jane is divorced for the third time. If you have empathy, people will not see you a bad friend who wants people to fail by spreading bad news about Jane and happy to destroy her character as well.

I Told You So YOU feel satisfied that you are proven correct again, but it is pompous and you enjoy the feeling that you will be right when everybody thinks you are wrong to their tough luck. When you are always right, you feel powerful and confident. But the negative part is that you can become too proud and would not That was the height of wickedness. actions. If you tell your friends that know when to check negative and their misfortune serves them right, mean things. But the world has got to the stage you would not be a very kind where malice should not longer be To avoid being known as the one part of a relationship. You still hear friend. who knows everything, show your people say that you need to bring an- Malice was seen as part of the happiness when you are proven human nature because it is other person down to succeed. right that John will lose that job thought to date back to the dark The world has since grown wider because he is not capable. ages when only the most brutal and there are more opportunities Be private when you rejoice, howand strongest survived. these days to show your talent. ever. You may one day not be corCheck your malicious thoughts and At the time, it was said that people rect about a situation.

Turn His Lust Into Love By Kemi Amushan

E blame the men in our lives most times when they change their attitude towards us by saying maybe they have grown out of love or cheating or something absurd, not knowing that most times, we are actually the cause of the change. You can get him to show more love and affection and feel more cherished by him. In today’s newsletter, I am going to show you how to turn his skin-deep attraction into true, lasting, heart-to-heart love and you will never feel alone, unloved and neglected ever again Tell me if you have ever heard of the term “love language?” I am sure most of you have. Men and women have different “love languages.” You probably already know some of the biggest differences between what makes us feel loved. Women want to feel loved, while men want to feel respected. Women love conversation, while men prefer peace and quiet. Women like financial provision, while men like domestic support. You get the idea? The problem most of us women have is that we do not completely understand a guy’s “love language” (or worse, refuse to). Instead, we try to make him understand love the way we understand it. Unfortunately, it is like teaching a pig to sing. It wastes your time, it does not work and it annoys the pig! But enough about pigs; let us talk about the man in your life right now. Today, I will share with you some of my favourite ways to say, “I love you” in a man’s love language and as an immediate result, he will start showing you more of the love, attention

and affection you have always wanted, too. Let us start with the most common “language barrier” of all: Showing Respect Vs. Showing Love WE want to feel loved, while men want to feel respected. You have probably noticed that when you do not feel loved, it is hard for you to respect the guy. Unfortunately, it goes both ways. When a man does not feel respected, it is difficult for him to love you. It is a vicious cycle that sabotages and strangulates good relationships, and it all starts when one partner cannot, does not or refuses to give the love or respect their partners crave.

Some women complain: “Why should I respect him first? He is the guy! He should make the first move!” You have got to be careful. Sometimes, when you wait for him to do something for you before you do something for him, it still has the same toxic, strangulating effect on your relationship. This is because when you believe you should get something before you give something, you are turning your relationship with him into a give-and-take setup. And give-and-take setups are so problematic. Your relationship goes from one compromise to the next and the moment one of you fails to honour their end of the deal, it is the beginning of a messy separation. Would you really want to watch your relationship crash and burn because “he should do something first?” If you could take just one tiny initiative to make your relationship last forever, where you and your man “give and give” to each other, instead of “give and take” from each other. Would you make the first move? If you are up to the challenge, then you deserve a big hug. And let me also give you three smart ways you can take to show him your respect, and in turn encourage him to love you more: Be more attentive to your needs, show more affection, and more. Praise Silly Little Things About Him PRAISE him if he looks good. Thank him if he does something for you. Congratulate him when he achieves something, even if he is just playing his video games (these days, you cannot separate a man and his video games). Praise is one of the easiest ways of showing respect and saying, “I love you” to your man, so do not hold back.

Ask For His Advice COUPLES are much happier when they make decisions together. So, whenever you can, ask for his advice on even the small decisions you need to make. Most times, he will just go with your preference, but he will appreciate the gesture and return it by asking for your advice when bigger decisions have to be made. Let Him Have Some Fun HERE is a tip: A man’s biggest fear about commitment and marriage is the possibility of losing the “fun factor” in his life. Do not confirm his fears by imposing unnecessary rules and watching him like a hawk. Every now and then, reward him by suggesting he does what he finds fun, even if it means he will spend a whole weekend playing video games or a night out with his friends. You need to keep respecting and he will keep loving you. Do you now understand what I am talking about “making the first move” is not about pride, but about being smart? Understanding his love language is one of the most loving, most deeply profound things you can ever do for your man, and he will respond in beautiful, wonderful ways. He will be more attentive to what you want and trip over himself to provide them. He will spend more hours every week talking and listening to you. He will spend the rest of his life making sure you (and the family you will raise together) feel loved and cherished every single day. The catch is: you just got to make the first move sometimes. Not a bad deal, if you ask me. To the loving relationship we all deserve, good luck in love and life. Cheers.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, March 15, 2014

08116706852 Email: amara@amarablessing.com

WEEKEND with AMARA

From A Reader MARA, it’s hard to believe that I am the one writing this. This is the first year of our marriage and God blessed us with a baby boy who is now two months old. On the day of his birth, my mother in-law suddenly stopped talking to me when the doctors said they would perform an emergency CS on my wife. Since that day, she snubs me and only talks to me whenever she feels like. At times, she’ll cook and will not keep food for me or will keep soup without meat for me even when I drop them money for food. She insults me in front of people, saying that I don’t have money. Meanwhile, what I have is okay for us. My wife is her only daughter and she is inciting her against me. I have bought a touch screen phone for her and her special dry gin as she requested just to please her but she hasn’t changed her attitude towards me. Yesterday, my wife did not give me food and left the house without telling me where she was going. She came back and wouldn’t greet me. I have been asking her what is pissing her since the previous night but she refused to tell me. She finally told me yesterday that the music I was listening to in our room was disturbing her mom who was in the sitting room. This baffled me because I consciously reduced the volume to the nearest minimum and so I did not agree with her and decided to inquire from people in the sitting room. None heard any noise including her mom and I asked her to apologise for ignoring me and not giving me food. She flared up and shouted at me “what nonsense!” and continued rattling and pointing at me. I got

“A

angry and barked at her never to point her finger at me nor shout on me. Her mom got up and started shouting that if I dare touch her daughter that she will show me. I told her that I have never hit my wife before but that if she continues teaching her to be disrespectful, that its such women that get beaten up by their men. She said that I don’t know who she is, that she will throw our baby on the ground while shoving the baby violently. I rushed at her and she threw the baby towards me. Thank God I caught the baby and my wife didn’t say a word to her mother. Rather, she was abusing and calling me names. My mother-in-law asked my wife to join her outside, that she is quitting our marriage. They left the house since around 10pm and its 4:42am now and they are not yet back. Please advice me on what to do now because I am so furious. I may not let them in once they come back especially my mother-in-law because she is now a threat.” HE Holy Scriptures, in Ephesians chapter six T verse one, enjoins us to obey our parents. ‘Honour your father and mother...” There is nothing as rewarding and fulfilling on earth as one honoring his or her parents. It goes a long way to determine our level of greatness. But I have seen and heard a lot of people use this very Bible passage out of context. Your mother asked you to send your wife away or steal your husband’s money for her and you do it without batting an eye. Your father wants you not to give something to a needy uncle and you foolishly tell me that God said you should obey your father. You love her very much and dated her for two years only for you to wake up and

IMAGE AND ETIQUETTE With Pamela R X is considered a self made man. He came from a poor family and had to work extra hard to get through life. Well, he didn’t just get through, he actually did pretty good for himself. With his history, it is easy to see why he is a motivational story for youngsters with

little hope. Mr X seems picture perfect, on paper and in person... most of the time. At other times, he has arguments in his head that he never wins. He has made up perfect excuses and calls them his “life philosophy” but that is just a pretty name. He thinks he is an enigma but he is just afraid. Afraid of what? He knows he has not become what he was made to be. He knows he has so much to offer but he has got a not-too-nicelyhidden inferiority complex that keeps him from reaching the stars. All these years he told himself he was above feeling inferior, his successes helped assure him a bit so he never dealt honestly with it. Nowadays he’s dealing with bitterness and a mountain of suppressed emotions. His picture perfect smile is starting to show some wear and tear. When he’s all alone and the whole world is silent, he can hear a little voice deep down ask him clearly, “Is this all you were made to be?” Each morning is like a ticking time bomb... He’s running out of time and he knows it. Mrs A wasn’t born with a silver spoon but she wasn’t poor either. However, she had the wealth of wisdom from a few dear ones. She didn’t listen enough and what follies she wrought in her youth couldn’t be undone. The fact that she got pregnant young and married early wasn’t the folly – the folly was the delusion born of pride. She could admit her impulsive mistakes but she couldn’t face it. So she suppressed the fear and tried to accept her lot with all the joy and grati-

tell her that your father asked you not to marry her due to one useless reason. You obeyed because the Bible says you should obey your parents. Now let me tell you the truth and give you the right interpretation of that Bible verse. Obey your parents IN THE LORD! We often ignore the “in The Lord”. What does this mean? It simply means that you are not expected to obey your parents when they want you to act contrary to God’s word and will. You are not to obey your parents when they ask you to maltreat your wife or disobey your husband. You shouldn’t obey your mother when she advises you not to allow your husband’s siblings come into your home. Your mother is not godly if she expects you to buy ankara (Nigerian wax) for your mother-in-law but abada (Dutch wax) for her. You shouldn’t obey her when she tells you not to let your spouse know how much you are worth. That your elder brother who doesn’t want you to treat your wife as your partner should be ignored. It is none of your mother’s business to tell you how to and when to sleep with your spouse. Your mother shouldn’t keep a wife for you in the village simply because she hates your wife. Your mother has no business interfering in your marriage. Your elder brother is jobless and can’t feed his family and because of that, your evil mother has given you the place of the first son and you are joyfully enjoying the position while ignoring your elder brother. Sir, that is his God ordained position. They are your parents but must never be obeyed at the expense of God. I marvel when I see some people narrate how much their mother suffered for them and how far they

She insults me in front of people, saying that I don’t have money. Meanwhile, what I have is okay for us. My wife is her only daughter and she is inciting her against me. I have bought a touch screen phone for her and her special dry gin as she requested just to please her but she hasn’t changed her attitude towards me. can go to please her. I marvel and I wish we go that far to please God who loves us more than that. I am a mother and I know what it means to suffer for children. But I don’t see myself or any godly mother getting her child to do that which is against the laws of God and humanity. Your love for your mother and her sufferings for you are not good enough reasons to maltreat another human just to please her. God expects you to obey them only when they are right before God. Mind you, in disobeying their ungodly advice, you must be careful not to disrespect them. You must honour them for you to live long on earth. Love them, be nice to them, give them their due respect, but never adhere to their ungodly counsel. “Blessed is that man or woman who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked”- Psalm 1

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

Fear Robs You Of Glory tude she could muster. That nice feeling did wear out too, the day she saw that she was an ass – a beast of burden that is. She loved being a wife and mother but perhaps she assumed those roles a bit too early. It did have its disadvantages but it didn’t mean that was all she could live for. It seemed like 15 years stuck at home had done her in. Finally, she forgave herself and only then could she see the true beauties of her experience. She bit the bullet and built up all those dreams she had buried and assumed dead. Now she is a true hero; better than who she ever dreamed of – because and in spite of her mistakes! Two people with two different backgrounds and perspectives and yet so alike! One had no input in his lot and the other self-ruined it seemed. What did they have in common? FEAR. No matter how much one tries to suppress it, eventually, it comes out to bite. If we will go the extra mile to do even greater things we must deal with our fears. Knowing how to present oneself as a successful man or woman does not make one a successful man or woman. If we do admit and face the hindrances in our life squarely – whether they are past mistakes or acts of fate, we will see just how wide the boundaries spread out for us. First, let’s have a little sober reflection. “The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets”. – Proverbs 22:13 (KJV) “The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason”. Proverbs 26:13-15 – (KJV) “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and

Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, … and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death”. – Revelations 21:6-8 (KJV) We all are guilty of fears and if anyone is free of it, at one time he or she wasn’t. What’s the point? No matter how justifiable our fears might appear, the Bible considers it a sin. First of all, Jesus came to deliver us from all fears of which we have been slaves to (Hebrews 2:15). He was tempted as we are and is able to succour all who are being tempted (Hebrews 2:18). He has overcome the world and if He is in you, so have you (1 John 5:4). Therefore, we ought not to stay in our comfort zone like Lot did when he was in Sodom so that when he preached to his sons-in-law, they thought he was joking. No matter what your past failures have been like, take courage like Jonah did eventually and break out of your comfort zone. We were created to be light so do not let the so-called limitations of this world cut short your godly dreams. It is all good to polish your personal skills and all. However, your true light is only going to break fort when you experience true freedom. Steps To Breaking Out I am reluctant to present things in formulas because life is seldom that way. But some principles do exist without whose foundations all else fail. I do not present these below as principles but as truth – not all of it, but truth nonetheless. So keep an open mind and do whatever else God reveals to you as prerequisite, etc. Step one: Prayerfully bring your mistakes and fears to God asking for His mercy. Forgive

We all are guilty of fears and if anyone is free of it, at one time he or she wasn’t. What’s the point? No matter how justifiable our fears might appear, the Bible considers it a sin. First of all, Jesus came to deliver us from all fears of which we have been slaves to (Hebrews 2:15). He was tempted as we are and is able to succour all who are being tempted (Hebrews 2:18).

yourself and others (very important because you cannot move forward with bitterness). Then ask the Lord to renew you. If you do not know if you are a child of God, ask Him into your life as your Lord and Saviour – use your own words. Step two: Renounce whatever lies you might have committed yourself to, willingly or unwillingly. Step three: Make a decision to be faithful to your true calling and desires. Remember the three Hebrew children who purposed in their heart not to defile themselves? When we make such commitments with ourselves, compromises would not be an option. Step four: Make sure those you share your time and dreams with those who would encourage you and not throw a spanner at you. Besides this, you must learn how to encourage yourself. Step five: Whatever He tells you, do it. Do not keep God out of your plans but always put him first and last and everything in-between. Step six: After doing all to stand, STAND. Image and Etiquette: As a young lady, I suffered much from inferiority and timidity. I had an unhealthy distrust of myself and my God-given beauty. By God’s grace, I found answers in the Bible which transformed me, especially in the Songs of Solomon. His words transformed me from a bitter, angry teenager to a cheerful, content, peace-filled and purposeful woman; Jesus changed me from the inside out. I have a passion for etiquette and image and I know that our outward image and our attitudes are influenced by our heart. Therefore, image and etiquette is spirit, soul and body. Having been given the knowledge, experimental application and experience through His grace alone, this is what I teach. Unconventional...yes, but it remains the truth to the degree that I have understood it. For this, I make no apologies. If you have questions on Image and Etiquette please send them to askpamela@regalgraces.com or SMS 08116706879. For information on our workshops, please write to info@regalgraces.com.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, March 15, 2014 | 21

WOMAN

Rufai Roots For The Youth Immediate past Minister of Education, Prof. Ruquayyatu Rufai is passionate about the development of youths because she strongly believes that the future of Nigeria depends on its ability to develop this group of the population. By John Akubo S a career educationist who has risen to the pinnacle of her profession, all of Prof. Ruquayyatu Rufai’s life has been devoted to the cause of youth development. The post-independence anniversary public lecture organised by the office of the Special Assistant to Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State on Students’ Matters recently provided another opportunity for her to re-echo the critical need for the development of youths. In her paper titled, ‘Youths and the Development of Sovereign Virile Character,’ she averred that for sustainable growth to take place, the society must be focused on those positive things that will ensure that right from cradle, children are raised to such standards that will ensure growth for social cohesion and inclusiveness. “We must take all actions necessary to learn from the challenges of the past and translate these to opportunities for the future. As we move into the second century of Nigeria’s existence, every angle must be explored to address every challenge that could hinder the abilities of our youths to feel a sense of belonging,” Prof. Rufai said. To fully reposition the country, she said leaders must look around and sincerely identify those things that don’t match the country’s dreams, which must be addressed. She said the centenary celebration provided a great occasion for the people to take stock of where the country has been. “The most important thing is to look at the future, taking note of how to use the challenges of the past to guide us in achieving the goals of the future.” On Jigawa State, the minister said the citizens should congratulate themselves for the fact that the state has become central to national and international discourse within a short period of existence. She attributed the feat to its leaders who she says have been selfless, especially the incumbent governor, Sule Lamido. “We have been fortunate to have the leadership of Governor Sule Lamido, who has dedicated his life to the struggle for our emancipation. Nigerians appreciate his dedication to nation building, commitment to the future of the country and his credentials as a progressive and nationalist. For through this, we shall move from strength to strength and ensure a greater future for us all.” She observed that with the vision of the leaders, the necessary foundation has been laid, adding that what is left is sustaining and building on the foundation. Rufai reiterated the fact that sustainability is the key ingredient to progress. “Our nation’s ability to move forward is dependent on ensuring sustainability of actions in different spheres of endeavour.” According to her, building and sustaining the future is dependent on a single premise – youth development. “The future of every society is dependent on its ability to develop its youths. For it is on the shoulders of the youths that progress ultimately lies. As the older generations give way, the youths must be in a position to continue from where they stopped. “It is therefore necessary that every society puts in place diverse but connected strategies towards harnessing the power of their youths through development.” The former minister highlighted the primary gain of ensuring proper youth development as the assurance of a greater future for the society. She said youth de-

velopment provides a number of component gains for helping in the maintenance of competitive advantage. “A nation’s ability to sustain development is based on the availability of a body of knowledge that can support the economy in diverse areas of operation. For this to be possible, there must be a system that properly develops the skills and competences of youths to support diverse economic activities.” She says the application of democratic principles in a society enhances progress and development, and enables citizens to recognise the importance of their individual roles in bringing about good governance and ensuring accountability of public officers. The development of youths to imbibe democratic principles, she added, ensures the sustainability of the principles of democracy, the principles of election and the open debates that characterize a democratic society and which ensures that people have the freedom to express their views and belong to diverse groups. Narrowing it down to Jigawa State, she said the state is blessed with people that are known for industry and commitment to progress. “We are a state of progressives and in our few years of existence as a state, we have demonstrated that we can hold our own and also contribute positively to development … Our future progress depends on the development of our youths. While the government is definitely investing in this, it should be noted that the development of youths is not just the responsibility of government but that of all citizens.” The primary responsibility for creating an enabling environment for growth, she said, falls on the government. However, complementary roles must be played by individuals and groups within society. “In working to develop our youths, it is necessary to note that the youths look up to the adults and leaders. In this vein, when they look, they must see examples that are worth following. This will further spur them to work hard. “The experience of what they observe in society is quite instructive in shaping their outlook in life and subsequently, their perception of society and attitude to it generally. It is for this reason that youths as they observe the society, must have the perception of fairness in what goes on in society. For example, there must be a sense of fairness in the political and economic processes. “People must have the opportunity to select their leaders without outside interference. Such environment will further encourage them in participating in social, economic and political process. Government as primary agent of social growth, if committed to that ideal, would encourage youth development. “There must be social programmes to support families and their young children at conception and infancy. Schools must be in position to provide the necessary development and complementary guidance. Other facilities to promote the growth of youths should be emphasized,” she said. On the development of youths in Jigawa, she said the incumbent leadership recognises the importance of youths in the transformation of society. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i is a professor of Education at

tired Permanent Secretary and former Executive Director of First Bank Nigeria Plc. She attended Bayero University, Kano (BUK) where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1981. The compulsory National Youth Service Corp scheme provided her the opportunity to start her teaching career at the Women Arabic Teachers’ College, Kano. Thereafter, she worked with the Kano State College of Education and the Jigawa State College of Education before transferring her service to Bayero University. She obtained her Master’s degree in 1987 from BUK and a Doctorate degree in Education from West Virginia University, United States in 1991. Full professorship of Education was conferred on her by Bayero Univerthe Bayero University, Kano and Minister of Education from April 6, 2010 to September 11, sity in 2003 in recognition of her 2013. She has greatly impacted on the Niger- contributions to knowledge and community service. ian education sector. She is also the first feFrom 1997 to 1999, she was Commismale professor in the history of Jigawa State sioner for Heath in Jigawa State and 10 years and indeed North Western Nigeria. Rufa’i is a woman committed to excellence, later, she was drafted back to the state to serve as Commissioner for Education, Sciwhich is like a tradition to her, having been ence and Technology. Her tenure provided born into the family of a focused approach to the challenges of edAlhaji Muhamucation in Jigawa State. madu Attention was paid to the key areas that Ibrahim, would enhance education such as the OFR, a provision of adequate facilities and rematerials which would help not only in teaching-learning, but also improve the welfare of all students. She established the State Educational Inspectorate and Monitoring Unit. This is an agency charged with the responsibility of enhancing quality education delivery in Basic Education in the state. On April 6, 2010, Prof. Rufa’i was sworn-in as the Minister of Education by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Under her tenure, nine additional federal universities were established to enhance access to higher education. And she repositioned Nigerian universities to ensure that they produce skills and competencies.

The future of every society is dependent on its ability to develop its youths. For it is on the shoulders of the youths that progress ultimately lies. As the older generations give way, the youths must be in a position to continue from where they stopped.

TheGuardian

22 | Saturday, March 15, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Weekend

CELEBR ITY

AMVCA Throws Up New Screen Champs By Shaibu Husseini T happened this same way last year. The South Ifilms—‘Otelo African’s, with two of their most significant Burning’ and ‘Man on Ground’ picked up the critical awards including best picture and best director and proved that they were far better in the technical department This was at the maiden edition of the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards otherwise called AMVCA. By the time curtain drew on the second edition of the all glam ceremony, which held last Saturday in Lagos, attention shifted to Kenya and Ghana who with two of their films‘Nairobi Half Life’ (Kenya) and ‘Contract’ (Ghana) not only dominated proceedings, but picked up the critical and most coveted technical awards Like last year, Nigeria maintained their lead as the undisputed acting champions as they fetched almost all the acting awards including the award for best actor, best actress and best supporting actress. Celebrity salutes these screen champions including Chief Pete Edochie, MON (Life Time Achievement Award), Rita Dominic (New Media) and Michelle Bello (Trail Blazer) who were recognized for their individual accomplishment. Tope Tedela (Best Actor In A Drama) XCEPT the actor brings something extraordinary to the table, it’s a rarity in moviedom for a new comer to just walk pass acclaimed industry heavyweights. But that was exactly what Christopher Temitope Tedela or Tope Tedela did last week. The Ekiti state born actor who was in contention for the best actor in a drama crest with celebrated actors like Majid Michel and Hlomla Dandala was declared winner of the category. Tedela amazing performance, as Lala in the ambitious gangster movie ‘A Mile from Home’ was what gave the Mass Communication graduate of the University of Lagos the coveted crest. The humble actor whose foray into professional acting began with a role on the popular television drama ‘Edge of Paradise’ proved with his winning, that it is usually not how long you have stayed on the turf, but sometimes it is how well you have performed. Those who have seen Tedela in the shoestring budget flick, agree that the star of ‘Awakening’ and Jimi Odoumosu’s ‘My Fathers House’ deserved to win

Bikiya

Edochie

Michelle

because he discharged his role equitably. Nse Ikpe-Etim (Best Actress In A Drama) RE-AWARD comments favoured popular Nollywood actress Nse Clifford Sule (Nee Ikpe Etim). Fans picked her to grab the AMVCA crest for best actress in a drama. Although they noted that she was nominated alongside equally notable actresses like Nkiru Sylvanus, Ivie Okujaye and Veronica Waceke, members of Nse’s huge fan club expressed optimism that it was going to be a walk over for the native of Akwa Ibom who studied theatre arts at the University of Calabar, because she was more experienced. That was exactly how it played out. Nse who is currently spending her off work period with her hubby in London got the award for her effort in Tope Oshin Ogun’s Journey to Self. No doubt, Nse has been having a smooth run in the movies since she made a return in Emem Isong’s Reloaded. She has received a couple of nominations and won a few. The AMVCA winning merely re-confirms her rating in the continent. Bikiya Graham Douglas (Best Supporting Actress In A Drama) IKE Nse, pre-award comments favoured Bikiya Graham Douglas to win the award for best actress in a supporting role. Fans say the British trained stage and screen actress and theatre producer put up a beatific performance as a supporting actress in Michelle Bello’s

Tope

Nse

‘Flower Girl’. They argued that comparably, none of the other actresses nominated alongside the daughter of Nigeria’s former Aviation and Culture Minister Alabo Graham Douglas was a match for her energy and carriage. So it didn’t surprise them when she was named winner of that category. Hailed as a die hard theatre practitioner, Bikiya runs Beeta Universal Arts Foundation (BUAF), an outfit the alumnus of University of Portsmouth and Oxford School of Drama set up to create opportunities for individuals to explore their talent and equip them with skills for their advancement. ‘Flower Girl’ is her first major screen run and Bikiya says she looks forward to playing a long game on stage and screen. Chief Pete Edochie, MON (Life Time Achievement Award) E got a standing ovation when his name was mentioned as recipient of the AMVCA Life Time Achievement Award. An iconoclastic performer, Chief Pete Edochie is considered one of Africa’s most talented actors. An actors actor with a very intimidating filmography, Chief Edochie came into prominence in the 80’s after he delightfully interpreted the lead role of Okonkwo in the television adaptation of ‘Things Fall Apart’ as directed by David Orere. A devout catholic who had his early education in northern Nigeria and joined the Nigerian Railway Corporation after college, the choice of Chief Edochie as Okonkwo celebrated him nationally as a talented actor and turned the former broadcaster with the Eastern Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, into a household name. Chief Edochie who retired as a broadcaster in 1988 joined Nollywood upon retirement and in no time he became the darling of moviegoers. A recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and star of critically acclaimed movies like ‘Heavy Battle’, ‘Dons in Abuja’, ‘Billionaires Club’ and ‘Miserable Wealth’, Chief Edochie is presently neck deep with the realization of a pet project called the Tansi Canonization Support Campaign. The project, which has the blessings of the Vatican, is a movement for the canonization of Blessed Michael Iwene Tansi. A movie on the life of Iwene Tansi has since been produced and released. Michelle Bello (Trail Blazer) ICHELLE Bello was honoured with the Trail Blazers award at the AMVCA. Observers agree that the young passionate filmmaker from Adamawa State, deserve the crest because of her resourcefulness, drive and commitment. An alumnus of the American University in Washington DC and a product of the New York Film Academy, the personable and focused, Michelle

has so far made two successful movies- ‘Small Boy’ and ‘Flower Girls’ and these movies have received countless nominations and awards. For instance, ‘Flower Girl’, which was released in February 2013, has continued to make the headlines and has also gained international recognition even without being available on DVD. Apart from its box office successes, the film earned a deserved nomination at the 2013 edition of AMAA and it received an official selection at the Hollywood Black Film Festival, Los Angeles and at the Black Film Festival in the UK where it won the award for Best African Film. Desmond Elliot (Best Supporting Actor) OTABLE actor Desmond Olusola Elliot was voted best actor in a supporting role. Fans found him fit to be crowned king of that category. They were certainly impressed with the delightful way he interpreted his role in the movie ‘Finding Mercy’. Elliot is however not new to receiving awards. He has been receiving awards lately. Indeed the Lagos born movie practitioner has been having a good run as an actor, and as a producer and a director. He has earned a couple of directing credits lately and he is about the most sought after movie director in the industry. This AMVCA is one of the many awards he has received in recent time. Rita Dominic (New Era) BSERVERS say that the organizers of AMVCA were completely in order when they named screen diva Rita Uchenna Nkem Dominic Nwaturocha as recipient of the New Era award, an award, presented to a talent that is considered dynamic, innovative and unique. Rita possesses these qualities and even more. An actress who is regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest acting export, Rita has transformed from just a lady with a passion for make believe to becoming one of the continents best and the toast of just about everyone. A theatre arts graduate of the University of Port Harcourt who with her acting streaks sit pretty comfortable on the chart of top Nollywood practitioners, Rita earned the right pip of her career when she was named a leading actress in the 2012 edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). The star actress almost made it a back-to-back win in 2013 when she was nominated for her role as Carol in the romantic comedy ‘The Meeting’. Although she lost the AMAA crest that year, Rita later received the Nollywood Movies Award leading actress crest. The AMVCA honour is the first this year for the personable actress who has become a subject of affection for millions and a screen idol to so many youths across the continent.

CelebrityEXTRA ...

Nollywood On Its ‘Knees’ For Emma ‘Totolos’

SABA. Wednesday, March 12. About 5pm. Shooting A was in progress. A source listed Jim Iyke, Mike Ezurounye and Nollywood hunk Emma Ehumadu aka Totolus as a few of the notable Nollywood actors on set. Everything was fine, until the unexpected happened. The door of the location bus used for the car-chasing scene reportedly opened and hit Emma ‘Totolus’ and it left him with a broken skull. Sources said he slipped into comma immediately but was rushed to a nearby hospital in Asaba. However, the same source confirmed last night that Totolus is recovering but that he is still on admission at the medical facility. The leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has called for prayers for quick recov-

Desmond

Rita

Saturday, March 15, 2014 23

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

TRAVEL&TOURISM

Lagos Airport Hotel

Stories By Ajibola Amzat HE reception room was a beehive of guests T this afternoon. There was an unceasing movement of people coming in and going out like eternal flow of river. On the wall at the reception, a 48-inch television was showing constant scroll of events for the day. The TV screen was busy just like the spacious reception room. “It was always like this most afternoons,” said the security man standing by the doorway. The man could not have been wrong. Lagos Airport Hotel Limited has been serving generations of customers from 1942 when it started as a 5-room guest lodge. Today, it remains one of the oldest hotels that are still in business. Many others of old generation have long gone out of business and have been forgotten. Who remembers Bobby Benson Hotel, except few senior citizens? But the loyal customers of Lagos Airport Hotel have been keeping the hotel in business in the last 72 years. According to the Managing Director of Lagos Airport Hotel, Mr Kayode Adenigba, it takes constant re-inventing to keep the customers coming back again and again. Formerly known as Grand Hotel Lagos, Lagos Airport Hotel was later renamed “Ikeja Arms Inn” in 1956 under the ownership of and management of Mr. Joseph Harold, a Briton. In 1959 the Western Region government bought it over and it became a member company of O’dua group of companies. Toady the hotel located in the business district of Ikeja, the Capital of Lagos State; sitting imposingly on Obafemi Awolowo Way, near the Lagos State Secretariat has 277 rooms comprising of a Monarchical Suite, Presidential Suites, Executive Suites, Business Suites, Luxury Rooms, Classic Rooms Deluxe, Flat 1 & 2, Standard/Executive double rooms. The rooms are named to reflect the rich cultural heritage and ownership of the hotel. With the emergence of several high profile hotels and resorts across Lagos however, Lagos Airport Hotel has been facing stiff competition. This reality has compelled the management to upgrade the infrastructure of the facility in order to meet the need of the new generation of customers. “We cannot afford to continue doing business the way we used to do it many years before.

24 hours power supply possible in the hotel. Speaking about the unique selling point of Lagos Airport Hotel, Mr. Adebayo said the hotel offers the best variety of ethnic food in the country. “If you come to Nigeria and you want to eat the real Nigerian food, here is the place. “Also our experience in term of hotel management is unmatchable. We have trained staffs that now work in several other hotels in the country. That was because we have been in this business long before many others.” The comptroller said, Lagos Airport Hotel We want to continue to be relevant in the mar- send or receive mail. That era has gone. From would continue to advance personalized ket and to be relevant requires some investthe safety of their room, the guests at the service, which envisions guests and cusment and new thinking,” the MD said. hotel can do all their transaction online. tomers as integral part of the business susteThis is the reason Lagos Airport Hotel is And security is another area where the hotel nance. “Guests are treated as owners and adding more services to their offerings. Now management has improved on. Without relationships are nurtured. No cosmetics in most of the rooms at Adebayo Block have albreaching the privacy of the guests, the hotel our services, all are real and natural to make ready been renovated with a touch of modern has stepped up the security system. Security our guests feel desired, value and pampered.” interior design. The color scheme of white on staffs are now better trained to fish out unLagos Airport Hotel, a pan Yoruba hospitality the wall gives the room the ambience of clean- wanted intruders within the premises, said establishment, targets business travelers, holliness, refinement and order. “We chose the Mr. Adebayo. idaymakers, leisure seekers and corporate exwhite in order to let our customers know that Though electricity supply remain a challenge ecutives from all walks of life. “We want to be we pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene. for all the business in Nigeria, Lagos Airport ale to serve our customers much better, You know it is difficult to maintain white Hotel has managed the situation by building wherever they come from, this is the reason colour,” the Comptroller Sales and marketing, a 33 KV transformer alongside four heavy duty we are going through this renovation projAyodele Adebayo said. The tiling of the room generator sets in its possession. This has made ect, the MD concluded. and the toilet also make cleaning easy. Though most of the works done are basically interior, Mr. Adebayo who led a group of jourth nalists on the facility tour of the hotel said work would soon commence on the exterior of HE annual Cape Town Inter• Tickets Sold out According to CEO of espAfrika, hotel. “It is better to take care of the inside first national Jazz Festival, de- change (USA); Kenny Garrett Rashid Lombard, “This year’s linebefore we start working on the exterior,” said scribed as “Africa’s Grandest Quintet (USA); Chris Dave and up is set to spark and ignite an Mr. Adebayo. Gathering” will hold at the the Drumhedz (USA); Rakesh even grander and more energetic Also, a functional gymnasium equipped with Cape Town International Con- Chaurasia & Friends (India); experience than ever before and modern day exercise equipment and fitness vention Centre on the 28 and Snarky Puppy (USA); Jaco perfectly sets the tone for the machine has been set up within the hotel next 15 years of JazzFest.” 29 of March. Maria (Mozambique); Carpremises. The instructor at the new gym, Mr Topcomm, the PR firm that men Lundy (USA). Abdullah Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Daniel Ukpe, was a former footballer. The knee represents South African Paul Mashatile says the Cape injury he sustained many years ago ended his Tourism in Nigeria, made this Ibrahim and Ekaya; Andreya Town International Jazz Festival Triana (UK); Kirk Whalum career in soccer and led him to health and fitstatement available to The “The Gospel According To Jazz is a great reflection of how far ness industry. Now he is the chief instructor at Guardian. South Africa has come as a naAfrica” Chapter I ; Frank Paco Lagos Airport Hotel who takes the guests The Festival will features the In- Art Ensemble (Mozambique); tion. “It showcases our brilliant through session of aerobic exercise. “Very soon ternational queen of neo-soul, local talent, while also attracting a fitness club would open shop at Lagos Airport Erykah Badu from United Lalah Hathaway (USA); Level leading jazz artists from all over 42 (UK); Moh Dediouf (SeneHotel,” said Mr. Adebayo. States of America, says Top- gal); Randy Weston’s African the world. This has allowed the Another inclusion to the service is the Internet comm. CTIJF to help grow a larger skills facilities. The hotel’s claim to modernity would Others are Haitus Kaiyote (Aus- Rhythms Trio (USA); Shakatak base within our creative sector, have been discounted without providing cus- tralia); Ambrose Akinmusire (UK); Tasha’s World (The which, in turn, helps strengthen Netherlands); and Tizer Quin- and celebrate our cultural divertomers the access to the Internet. In the past, Quintet (USA); The Foreign Ex- tet(USA) sity.” customers had to look for a cybercafé nearby to

Lagos Airport Hotel: Extending Ethnic Hospitality To Cosmopolitan Customers

Cape Town To Hold 15 International Jazz Festival

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

24 Saturday, March 15, 2014

TRAVEL&TOURISM

Women on parade with cultural display

Lisabi Festival… A Celebration Of Cultural Heritage By Ajibola Amzat T the start of the 2014 Lisabi FestiA val, Egba people in their colorful dresses assembled at the King of Egba’s palace in Ake, Abeokuta, patiently waiting for the monarch to step out. Every two years, the Alake leads the procession to the Lisabi Sacred Forest in Oba village, Obafemi/Owode Local Government, Ogun State. When the king eventually appeared, crowd hailed him with the highest pitch of their voices. And the journey to the Forest began in earnest. At the entrance to the Forest, there were a set of canopies and white plastic chairs neatly arranged to seat womenfolks. Here Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, who is the paramount ruler of Egbaland, and his high chiefs were seated with women for about half an hour before proceeding to the main forest.

Traditionally, women are forbidden from entering the main Lisabi Forest because of the presence of Oro cultists. The legend has it that the day a woman sees Oro, she dies. But such account remains a myth like many others in traditional African society. At the main forest, Alake was welcomed by boom of several gunshots. The vibration generated by the guns shot sent all creatures in the forest numb except the humans whose noises rather energized the jungle with life. After the successful entry, Egba anthem “Lori oke ati petele, ibe la gbe bi mi o...” meaning “on the top of hills and in the valley, there I was born...”was proudly sung by everyone present, including the monarch. After this, the Alake and his chiefs took their seats, while the Oluwos (chief priests) of Itoku, Igbein and Oba townships, paid homage to him, informing him that they had earlier offered sacrifices to the spirit of the

legendary Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala and that the spirit accepted the sacrifices. This information gladdened the hearts of Alake and his chiefs, who nodded with satisfaction. Afterwards, other priests, warriors, Oro cult members and devotees of several deities took their respective turns to pay homage to the Alake. To round off the visitation to the forest, Alake offered a long prayer for all Egba children at home and in diaspora for success in their respective endeavours. He also prayed for the unity of Egbaland and peace in Nigeria. After the prayer, the monarch and his people emerged from the sacred forest and walked back to their cars, which were parked at the entrance of the forest for the journey, back to Abeokuta city.

institutions like the Oluwos (traditional priests) Oloroguns (traditional soldiers) Parakoyis (the traditional market controllers) among others, as well as the worshippers of traditional deities like Olomolus Kori worshippers, Igunnuko masquerade worshippers, Osun worshippers and others took turns to pay homage to the Alake, blessing him and receiving blessings from him. Alake rounded off the festival with another round of long prayer for the Egba people and the nation. After this, Egba anthem was once again sung. With the retreat of Alake and his chiefs to the inner chambers of the palace, the colourful Lisabi festival came to a memorable end. Speaking at the event, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun commended Globacom for its support for At Alake’s Palace traditional heritages and cultural deHE appearance of the monarch at velopment in the country as a tool in the palace prompted the singing of nation building. “I commend the the Egba anthem. Several traditional management of Glo especially the

Berlin Tourism Fair: NTDC Lists Gains, Lessons From Bridget Chiedu Onochie (who was in Berlin) HE 2014 International Tourism Fair (IT Berlin) T has concluded in Berlin Messe, Germany, with the private sector dominating the scene. The tourism market, which was the 48th in series held between March 5 and 9 with over 10,147 exhibitors from 189 countries across the globe in attendance - a figure that marked an increase of four per cent in visitors and business volume when compared to the previous year’s figure. Also in attendance was the Nigerian delegation represented by Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) led by its Director General, Sally Mbanefo. The delegation was in the market for three days within which it maximized its marketing - meeting operators in the tourism industry, wooing investors and seeking foreign collaboration in the development of tourism products and destinations across the country. Mbanefo and her team specifically toured Euro-

pean and Asian stands, where they marketed Nigeria’s numerous destinations, festivals, rich and diverse cultures as well as the hospitable people of Nigeria. Among her success stories was the ability to convince a Turkish hotel owner, who owns and operate eight five star hotels in Turkey. Although the owner of Vera Hotels and Resorts was initially skeptical about coming to invest in Nigeria because of perceived insecurity, he was however briefed on the benefit of investing in a country with large population such as Nigeria. But of significant interest was the degree of private sector participation at the fair. A visit to some countries’ pavilions revealed a private sector-driven tourism industry at work. They not only exhibited on the stands of their various countries and regions but also hosted their own displays in the halls. There were products and service providers in-

cluding hotel owners, travel and tour operators, health and fitness service providers, food nutrition experts as well as communication technology operators with social media and mobile travel services as part of visitors’ attractions. At the end of the fair, NTDC boss, who was attending the Berlin market for the first time since she assumed leadership of the Corporation last year, admitted that her fact-finding mission was fruitful. According to her, vital lessons were learnt from her tour of stands across the 26 halls of exhibition centre. She noted that although she was at the World Travel Market in London late last year, she was not as privileged to tour exhibition ground as she was in the just concluded Berlin fair. One of the lessons learnt, she said, was the role of private sectors in marketing respective countries at the exhibition. She regretted that Nigeria’s vibrant private sector tourism operators have not been availing themselves of the opportunity of

Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga, for identifying with Lisabi Festival. It is also important to note that Glo’s participation and sponsorship of traditional and cultural development has been monumental”. The weeklong bi-annual festival was organised with a seminar where papers were delivered on the way forward for the Egba’s and its cultural values. The Chairman of the Seminar on Lisabi Festival, Prof. Akin Mabogunje commended the legendary Egba heritage of creativity and inventiveness, which led them to fuse one hundred and forty six different towns into four major sections of Ake, Oke-Ona, Owu and Gbagura. He urged present day Egba indigenes to maintain peace and unity in order to continue to produce leaders in all walks of life. Prof. Mabogunje disclosed that Egbaland had been the focus of his academic studies for sixty years and noted that his book on the unique history of Egba which had reached chapter seven would soon be published. Delivering the vote of thanks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo encouraged Egba indigenes to return home to invest and build industries and charged them to come and pick up the family titles concluding, “Those who can kill you are all dead”. However,Globacom Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga stressed the need for the preservation and propagation of Africa’s rich cultural heritage and values as a means of building a greater nation. In his goodwill message on the 28th Lisabi Festival,Adenuga explained that Globacom as an indigenous company is sponsoring Lisabi Festival to keep the legacies of the Egba hero alive and inculcates in young ones the values which Lisabi Agbongboakala stood for. “Our robust partnership with Lisabi Festival is to keep Lisabi’s pioneering, courageous and excellent spirits alive in Egbaland with a view to imbibe in young ones the noble values of hard work, integrity, honesty, love, and patriotism which are some of the hallmarks of Egba ethos”. He said Globacom would continue to be in the vanguard of efforts to project African values and cultures whilst building the best and biggest brand focused on making life more fulfilling for the people through innovative offerings and pocket friendly tariffs. Prizes were awarded to winners in the various competitions while numerous groups and chiefs paid homage to the monarch during the celebrations. The theme of the 28th Lisabi Festival sponsored by Globacom was “Amalgamation in Nigeria and Egba National Independence”.

participating in such profitable outing. She said: “The first lesson we learnt was that such conferences should not be monopolized by NTDC. It is not a project that should be done by government alone. “The fair was an eye opener. We went into the halls and from the beginning to one end was occupied by various private sectors from Italy. We went to another hall, it was Turkey from beginning to the end. We entered another hall, it was the whole of France. “We met with all the private sectors from Italy, France, Turkey and other countries and we interviewed them. They were not from the government but they were representing their different countries. “So, the main lesson we have learnt here was that we have not been doing our travels market properly. It was not an ego trip for NTDC. It is rather a showcasing of Nigeria’s private sectors and their assets. We are talking about inviting foreigners to come and invest in Nigeria.

SHOWBLAST /33

EMPOWERNIGERIA /32

TED TURNER

...And The Winner Is

FOUNDER CNN, TURNER BROADCAST STUDIOS

MONDAYS–FRIDAYS IN THE GUARDIAN

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2014 CAREER /27

Youth & Graduate Jobs Powered by Jobberman.com TWO WORDS /26

Say

Something Lawsan (ABSU Chapter) Elects New Exco TUDENTS of the Department of Law at the Abia State University Uturu, has recently held an election to constitute the Lawsan exco for 2013/2014 session. The election was held in law 100level classroom. The post of President, Lawsan (ABSU CHAPTER) was a two man race. Kingsley Lazarus Chikezie, beat his opponent to emerge the President. Speaking to Campus Life shortly after the election, Kingsley Lazarus Chikezie dedicated his victory to God. “I am happy that Lawsanites voted for me to emerge as their President and Spokesman. I promise not to disappoint them.” The newly elected Exco/Leaders promised to put in their best, in order to move the Department to a greater height.

SHOWBLAST /34

Biola Alabi Kate Henshaw

AMVCA 2014

Rocking Red On Red Carpet By Nike Sotade ELEBRITIES stood out in one of the most feminine colours last Saturday at the AfricaMagic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA 2014)-red. Our own version of the Oscars as many have dubbed it, at the ultra glamorous event organized to celebrate and reward excellence in African Film and TV, which

VliscoCelebrates African Women

Rita Dominic

Funmi Aofiyebi

took place at the Eko Exhibition Centre last Saturday, celebrities were dressed to the nines as they strike good poses to be captured on the crimson carpet at the momentous event. And they all thrilled us, especially the female celebrities in

their elegant, form-fitting gowns for the soiree. They sported different styles and colours but we give it to the red colour evening gowns that stood out in all its vibrant and eye-catching nature. M-Net Africa Director for Special Projects Biola Alabi led

the pack in her sultry red dress. Kate Henshaw, Rita Dominic, Funmi Aofiyebi and others also wowed us in their hot red hues. Looking to making your own red gown, too? Why don’t you take a cue from these divas and make a powerful statement in red!

Glamour At The 2014 Academy Awards (OSCARS)

/38

BOOK /35

It Is Never Too Late KEEPREAL /35

Your Right

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

26 Saturday, March 15, 2014

CAMPUS

YOUTHMAGAZINE

Rector Tasks NBTE On Capacity

GIDI’S BEACH FESTIVAL 2014 RIDAY, MARCH 14 (Nigeria) - Music lovers descended on a transformed Elegushi private beach on Sunday 2nd March, 2014 for the Gidiculture festival, the biggest beach festival to hit Lagos. Encompassing so much more than just a music festival, the day-long event offered revelers the opportunity to enjoy a day out with friends and family in a safe environment. The first of its kind anywhere in Nigeria today, a spectacular event was put up by Eclipse Live, the producers of the event, rivaling stage productions anywhere in the world and was aired live on Channel O throughout Africa. A day of fun-filled activities was lined up for festival goers including the beach soccer tournament, with brand partner Nokia, treating a lucky few to its new Nokia Asha phone in a scavenger hunt. Influences from festivals across the globe was noticeable across the festival and it was clear that the organisers of the Gidiculture festival had taken an erudite approach in ensur-

HE RECTOR of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, has asked the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to insist on carrying capacities for polytechnics in the country. He stated that the development was good for education in Nigeria and would ensure that graduates are grounded to face the employment market with increased confidence. Speaking at the 31st matriculation ceremony of the school, Iloeje whose school was a victim of over population leading to the withdrawal of her academic license two years ago, said the new IMT has benefited immensely from the innovation. “The import of this is that there is a much better student — teacher ratio and therefore, better individual attention can now be given to every student of IMT. “No longer shall anyone say that you are in IMT because you do not possess the requisite qualifications for University education. Now, we can boast that every one

of our matriculants possesses at least five ordinary level credits in the relevant subjects, which must include English language and Mathematics. For the past two admission years, we have ensured strict compliance with this national minimum entry requirement,” he said. The Rector said the school recently acquired a brand new ICT resource centre containing 600 super-speed work stations with ultra modern facilities. Explaining that the service was cheap to access, he called on the matriculating students to exploit the opportunity presented by the facility to learn more and sharpen their ICT skills. He added that in the drive to ensure production of high quality graduates, the school has continued to strengthen its examination system whereby presently, three students occupy spaces hitherto occupied by 10 students. He further tasked academic staff of the school to use opportunity provided by international training to equip themselves.

TWO WORDS

Uki Dare

ing that this was not just another music concert happening in town. The food court with its varied range of vendors provided visitors with an option of ‘home’ food and continental dishes. This allowed visitors to pick up their food and enjoy the beach setting before the much-anticipated music performances kicked off. With safety and security at the forefront of returned to give the performance of a life the event, the impact of the successful Park ‘n’ Ride initiative was visible, reduc- time treating fans to his latest songs including ‘Aboki’ and ‘N word’ whilst ing congestion around the festival area drastically whist providing a hassle free commending the organisers of the festialternative to visitors. Uniformed police val in their attempt to bring a new and exciting concept to Nigeria. officers were also noticeable in and around the festival ensuring that festival- A few surprise guests were also revealed on the day, including Ghanian export goers could enjoy the day in a safe enviEfya who took the stage after Seyi Shay’s ronment. To kick off the music extravaganza, fans energetic performance. But that was not all, Nigeria’s own Tiwa Savage made a were treated to excellent performances from some of the country’s finest up-and- surprise appearance with PatorRankin coming outfits including the winners of and was only to happy to show her The Gidiculture ‘Flow with the Beat’ com- twerking skills. petition. Some of the country’s finest DJs Performances from Naeto C, Phyno and including DJ Caise, DJ Hazan, DJ Kentalky Mr double wahala, Oritse Femi were some of the highlights of the evening were on hand to keep the crowd entertained during sets. with Reminisce closing the stage to a spectacular fireworks display, High energy charged perform- ‘Our mission here at GCF was to bring a different experience to Lagos and I ances from the believe we managed to deliver a spectacSyndik8 crew, Lynxxx, DJ Obi and ular and memorable show. Our aim now is to bring a bigger and better show next Blink with the crowd only too hap- year” said Chin Okeke, Executive py to sing along to Producer, Gidiculture festival. hit singles such as Okeke continued, “We would like to thank everyone who came down and ‘Oya Twerk’ ‘Ifeoma”, whilst the everyone who saw our vision and helped exceptionally bril- us in turning this dream into reality”. liant dancers kept the crowd fixated You can catch the broadcast of the festithrough out their val on the Original African music channel, DSTV Channel O (Channel 320) performances. Having had a bril- on Sunday 16th March 2014 at 16:00 (GH) liant year, Ice Prince 17:00 (NG) 18:00 (CAT) 19:00 (EAT).

uki@poisenigeria.org,

Say Something..

110% best effort in every task assigned to her. She was managing the company relocation project and even with the tough work load she maintaned the same level of commitment until something happened. When the relocation started and offices were to be allocated to management staff, it was to Teju’s shock and surprise that she found out she had been given the smallest personal office of all the managers at her level. Even Charles, the training manager who joined only last month had a bigger office than her. She was gutted, she just could not fathom why Mrs. Igure would take her for granted so much. “Is it that all the work I am doing is not appreciated? Oh! Because I am gentle right?” As the days rolled by into weeks, she became Say Something discouraged, she was not applying herself as much as she used to, and for the first time in a HERE does bitterness come from? Why very long while, she got a bad appraisal. That was when she lost it and quit! do I just feel like breaking my boss’ Mrs. Igure on the other head? Have you ever felt bad that you hand, has a different story to tell said some hurtful things to someone you cared a lot about? Teju did the same thing too. S at 3 Months ago. Teju was one of her most She just quit her job and missed an opportunidedicated staff who she valued highly. The ty to head the new branch of Starje Nigeria. thing she appreciated the most about Teju was Let’s see how it happened? that her work was always showed a passion for “I can’t take it anymore! I just hate coming to this excellence and that she had such a positive attitude to work. Teju had changed in the past place every day and deceiving myself that I am happy. Nothing I do is appreciated, even if I draw few months and Mrs. Igure was worried. my blood out, nobody will notice. See this jargon “Maybe she is planning to move to another company. I hope not”. She asked Teju once or called my appraisal, I quit!” She stormed out. twice if everything was okay, but didn’t get a Up until 3 months ago, Teju had a great relaclear response so she concluded that it could tionship with her boss Mrs. Igure. As the be a personal matter. After a while it got out of administrative manager, Teju never liked to hand. “What is this Teju? This is below par and disappoint Mrs. Igure and she always put her you know it! Should I be expected to accept

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.

this level of performance from you of all people?” This continued until the end of the quarter. After the quarterly appraisal Mrs. Igure called Teju into her office. “Teju, this is the first time I have scored you poorly since you joined us 5 years ago and I need to know why you did so badly? I expect so much from you and I hope this serves as a jolt to make you do your best from now on.” Teju saw her appraisal and lost it. “What! I can’t take it anymore! I just hate coming to this place every day and deceiving myself that I am happy. Nothing I do is appreciated, even if I draw my blood out, nobody will notice. See this jargon called my appraisal, I quit!” She stormed out. Mrs. Igure: “Teju come back. What is the meaning of this!” Teju: “I quit oh! Let the special people who deserve recognition and accolades stay, I have better things to do with my life!” After all I don’t even deserve thank you, well done and so on. After 5 years of my life have gone down the drain for this useless company, I am being treated like trash, I even have the smallest office. Mrs. Igure was in shock but she calmed herself down, and said slowly, “Do you want to know why you got the smaller office? Is that what this is about?” Without waiting for a response she continued “I am going to show you a letter which I planned to give you 2 months ago, I held on to it because of your sudden lack of dedication and the drop in the quality of your work. Certainly with this outburst of yours you are no longer eligible for it. Just read it and leave.” She handed over a letter from her drawer to her,

and when Teju read the first paragraph, she could not hold back the stinging tears… Sometimes, the biggest problems our hindering progress are the things we think we understand and yet we have no idea about. If something is annoying, discouraging or disturbing you, don’t let bitterness take root. Don’t wait until you cannot help but explode. Here are my two words for you: If you are hurt by a harmless gesture, try to get over it, if you cannot…Express yourself If you are getting mixed signals and you can’t understand what a person wants…Clarify Issues If you want something and your non-verbal clues are not working…Speak Clearly

Man can see other planets with a telescope but there is no mindoscope to accurately read thoughts. If something is going wrong and you can do something about it, don’t just stand there…

Say Something How do you approach difficult topics with lecturers, bosses or parents? Let’s talk about is on the Poise’ Graduate Finishing Academy blog this week. Visit poisegfs.blogspot.com

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28 Saturday, March 15, 2014

JOBS & CAREERS

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JOBS & CAREERS

30 Saturday, March 15, 2014

JOBS & CAREERS

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FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO

National Development Strategy

NICHOLAS OKOYE, Founder EMPOWER NIGERIA Initiative,

Nicholas Okoye’s The Nine Pillars of National Development

Pillar One: Government Policy (paper 11) TRADE AND INVESTMENT continued We are still talking about Trade as a part of Government Policy, and Government Policy as a Driver and one of the Nicholas Okoye’s Nine Pillars of National Development. As part of the National Development series we have looked at local trade in paper 10, and provided a sneak preview of what is possible in the local markets. I even looked at providing a link by extending the local trade markets beyond Nigeria’s borders and advocated a look at Africa as a whole as a single market. I know there are problems in getting to most African countries, as you may have to fly to London or Dubai first before you can get to say Tanzania or Tunisia. However these problems mean opportunity. In China the word used for Crisis is the same word used for Opportunity. So maybe it’s time to get some Entrepreneurs who know what they are doing and some committed public officials to get working on a Trade Strategy that targets Nigeria and Africa as a single market for Nigerian made goods and services

in place. And this will happen in the next few years with the heavy investment in power going on and new investment in transportation such as the railways we are well on our way. Cement is therefore a good example of what we can do together if we put our minds and body to it. We should take on another heavy duty product such as the petro-chemicals and just dominate the world with the finished products. We can do it for Fertilizers as well since the feed stock is natural gas and we have that in abundance. Market understanding: we need to understand the way the international markets work and we need to provide this information to our entrepreneurs. The Dangote Group success in the Cement industry is a clear testament to what can be achieved with the right information, the right financing and the right Government policies in place. So let’s replicate the Dangote success story, again and again and again so that thousands and thousands of more jobs can be created. We hear a lot about jobs being created in Agriculture, but I was recently schooled by a friend of mine who told me that we are all wrong. That if we really do agriculture right in Nigeria it will not be a net creator of jobs it will actually reduce jobs. I asked why and he said well because in the Nations that do agriculture right it is done with heavy sophisticated machinery and not manual labor. So less people will be needed to operate the machines and most farms will be operated by efficient and modern systems. So where does that leave us with our Job creation initiatives that are almost entirely based on Agriculture? We need to go back to manufacturing and entrepreneurship and boost their capacity by showing them the path to export markets. Agro processing and Agro Allied industries can still create jobs if we

focus on building an efficient value chain. Promoting Exports; the National Export Promotion Council provides an export grant which means that if you export any non-oil related product you get a bonus from the Federal Government. It is called the Export Expansion Grant. It has had its problems in the past and a lot of corruption but it is still there. It is an incentive for encouraging exports. I think it is not sustainable. It can only be sustainable for as long as non-oil exports remain small. However once the non-oil exports begin to grow and grow to the same levels or larger than the Oil exports, which is what I am advocating, then it will be impossible to take money from oil to pay bonuses to exporters of other products that are doing equally or better volumes and values than Oil. What Nigerians should understand is that Oil and Gas are both commodities, in the same way that rice, maize, millet, soya, coal, etc. are commodities. And for as long as we are not adding any value and selling the product in its raw crude form we will never be a Nation on the map of global trade. We need to go back to the drawing board and design an Export Trade Strategy that is driven from the completive advantages we have as a nation and for which we can get our Entrepreneurs excited about and involved in. it must be dependent on our abundant resources, it must be dependent on our low labor costs, it must be dependent on our strategic positioning in Africa, both geographical as well as political. And it must be focused. We cannot go after all the products in the world. We will not be world class in any of them. Have you ever seen a man trying to run after two chickens at the same time? It is a very funny sight I can tell you. Each chicken will run in the opposite direction and you will look very foolish. I have seen this time without number. And I have also seen it in individual accomplish-

International Trade: I have one word for this and that is “Exports”. We must learn how to export whether we like it or not. We presently export one main product which is crude oil and it is accounting for 95% of our export earnings. What if we could build four or five more products and services to achieve the foreign exchange earnings that crude Oil is achieving today? What would that do to our Nation’s GDP? What would that do to our standard of living? It will blow us away. We will overtake many countries in Europe and they will never see our backs again. And it is possible. How do I know this? Well because India did it with Software. China did it with Manufacturing. And Mexico did it with manufacturing as well. Korea has done it with heavy industry, and the list is endless. The problem I think we have been having is that we are trying to be the next China, or the next India or the next Korea instead of us focusing on being the First NIGERIA. We cannot expect to build capacity in a field or in a product line that will attain world class standards for which we will be supplying the world and we expect to do it by replicating exactly what the other countries have done. No, it will not work and it has not worked so far. We must decide if we are to dominate the World and reach the heights of human achievement in a particular field or fields then we must do it based on our own peculiar circumstances. Our own competitive advantages must first be detailed and then we must review our commitment as a Nation and then we can take a dive in and swim till we get there. Not too long ago we were importing almost every single bag of cement used in Nigeria. After a very good URNING wastepaper materials to different packaging materials is application of a very good Government policy important to effectively manage the associated problem involved we are now net exporters of Cement in Nigeria, with its disposal and also to conserve our forest reservation. last year we produced 28.5 million tons of The Egg tray making machine is designed with a fabrication of a 30 cavicement in Nigeria, and we are now exporting ty wastepaper egg tray machine of size 10 with transfer and counter cement. And many more industries are coming on stream in the next few years and they too will be feeding the export markets. We have conquered Cement yes? No not yet. The prices are still too high in Nigeria we need to see a reduction in prices and this can only come when all the systems, structures and elements required for a world class operation to be implemented is

ment targets as well as National targets. Someone in Government draws up a Vision 2010, or NEEDS or Vision 2020 20 plan. And once you read it you will see clearly why none of these documents have ever worked. WE ARE ALAYS TRYING TO BE ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE. And that will never happen. We must focus and once we focus we will see that the world will open up to us. We must however make sure we base our focus on a number of strategic imperatives. And just a food for thought. I know that nobody in this World can ever sell a product or a service that he or she does not believe in. So as we are trying to reposition Nigeria in the World. We must really start with repositioning Nigeria in the hearts and minds of the Nigerian people ourselves. I will continue to feel there is something really wrong with someone that simply will not buy his own products or use his own services but wants to sell that product or service to someone else. That is so dishonest and demonstrates a complete lack of integrity. How would you feel if a sales man came to sell you a Mercedes Benz and he drove up to you in a BMW. What would you think? We have to sell Nigeria to Nigerians first and foremost and we as Nigerians have to buy Nigeria first before we can take on the World. Once we are able to sell Nigeria to ourselves we will be unstoppable.

EGG TRAYS MAKING MACHINE

moulds producing 12 egg trays/hour with a vacuum pump rating of 1.64kW using an already mechanically disintegrated pulp. The machine consists of slurry vat, mould, counter mould, the lowering mechanism, electric motor and vacuum pump. The geometry of the slurry vat include a 10 litre cylindrical vessel of 5mm vessel fixed with lowering mechanism controlling the movement of the mould and counter mould in the slurry vat. The design capacity is 12 eggs trays/hour and the total estimated cost of the machine is $200 and it works on the principle of vacuuming the pulp slurry when the consistency is about 5%. The features of this pulp-moulding machine consist of simple structure, easy operation and maintenance, low investment cost and larger application range. Keywords: wastepaper, egg tray, machine and mould. Introduction Nature has given the egg a natural package which is the shell. Despite its relative strength, the egg is an extremely fragile product and even with the best handling methods, serious losses can result from shell damage. Economical marketing generally requires that eggs be protected by the adoption of specialized packaging and handling procedures. Packaging is an important component in delivering quality eggs to buyers. It embraces both the art and science of preparing products for storage, transport and eventually sale. Packaging protects the eggs from microorganisms; natural predators; loss of moisture; tainting; temperatures that cause deterioration and possible crushing while being handled, stored or transported. This shows the importance/urgent need of this machine – The Egg Trays making machines. To find out about this and other business ideas, visit our showroom at W2, THE ARENA Army Shopping complex, Bolade Bustop, Oshodi, Lagos. You could also contact our sales representative at 07046250247 OR email us at info@empowernigeria.com

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32 Saturday, March 15, 2014

EMPOWERNIGERIA

GUIDE TO PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

YOUTHMAGAZINE CASE STUDY

GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURAL LEADER

By Nicholas Okoye

nokoye@empowernigeria.com To Empower Nigeria we have to empower the youths and to empower the youths we are empowering the Nation. This is a fact. So I will use the Guide to personal Development to tae our readers on a personal mission of self-development and self-improvement one topic at a time. An Open Mind As simple as it sounds it is one of the most difficult things to find in Nigeria. We have too many closed minds in our country, people who are not open to new ideas, new strategies or new ways of doing things. You hear them say …”we have been doing it this way for the past twenty years, you cannot change it now”. My answer is always why? Why can’t we change it now? Many people complain that they have a partner that imprisons them or they have a situation that has them in binds and they cannot move. However if you dig deeper you will find that the person in question is a prisoner of their own mind. They have a closed mind and so they are unwilling to entertain any new idea, no new options and no new solutions. And yet they complain. And before you say I know a guy like that, let me remind you that we are all guilty. One of the areas that Nigerians are particularly guilty is the religion we practice. We are born into a religion, at least most of us are. We had no knowledge of how or why our parents choose to worship in a particular church or with a particular religion however we stick to it like our life’s depend on it. And if you dare suggest to someone so closed minded on Religion that there are other religions, there are other denominations an even alternative religions you are wasting your time because the fact that he or she was born into it, means in their mind they must die in it. That is a closed mind. A closed mind is static, progress will fly on by, opportunities will zoom by, and you will wake up one day and start blaming everyone in the world but yourself for your predicament in life. How do you make your decisions? Reason and logic backed up by accurate information? Or are you leading your company, your family, your community and your country by making decisions based on emotion and prejudice backed by inaccurate and misleading information? Have you placed your mind in a prison, built up by your own prejudice? If you have then you are NOT on the path to greatness and achievement. And remember WHATEVER THE MIND OF MAN CAN CONCEIVE AND BELIEVE, THE MIND CAN ACHIEVE

EDWARD TURNER FOUNDER OF CNN, TURNER BROADCAST STUDIOS

OBERT EDWARD TURNER III was born in 1938 in Cincinnati. United States of America. When he was 9 years old his father moved his family to Georgia State in the United States, where he formed an outdoor advertising company called Turner Advertising. In 1960 after a stint in the coast guard, Turner joined the family business. He had a strong flair for sales and in a very short time he became the company’s most productive sales person. His father rewarded Turner with more responsibilities which included a managerial position in the Georgia operation. In 1963 Ted was shocked to learn that his father was deeply in debt and had initiated plans to sell the company. However before his father could carry out his plans he died in 1963. Ted Turner then inherited his father’s company and negotiated with all his father’s creditors, striking a deal that would allow him to manage the firm in the long term while using the proceeds to pay off all his father’s debts. The company thrived under Ted Turner’s management and he was able to make good on all his promises to his father’s creditors. After a while Ted Turner got bored with putting up billboards so he decided to diversify the business into new and exciting areas that were opening up in the United States at that time. In 1970 he raised the funds to purchase the near bankrupt Atlanta TV station channel 17, and created a turnaround plan that was the envy of the industry. He used the station to bring back some of the American population’s most popular Television shows which included ‘Gilligan’s Island’, ‘Leave it to beavers’ and some old black and white classic movies. In just three years the station was turning mega profits. Ted Turner figured that to keep the interest of the viewers he soon had to delve into original programming as he was running out of reruns. He started out with wrestling; Turner built a full sized wrestling ring in his tiny headquarters in Atlanta and broadcast live professional wrestling matches. He later that year won the rights to broadcast Atlanta Braves games, a team he later purchased in 1976 ensuring regular and marketable source of programming for his station. This attracted the sports loving crowd and gave him a more strategic niche market. That same year, he transformed his UHT station into a national broadcast outfit. This he did by launching a communication satellite capable of sending television signals nationally. In a bid to further increase the number of viewers, Turner built a $750,000 transmission tower and began beaming signals which could be received and rebroadcasted by cable operators across the entire United States. This strategy created the first US superstation in the country. By 1978 he was reaching 2 million homes. His superstation was a success. The larger networks were a combination and association of small affiliated stations, and so whereas they were much bigger in terms of control and revenue, Turner’s Super Station could reach out to more people from one location. It was after the success of the Super Station model, Ted Turner made up his mind to yet again redefine the broadcast industry by attempt-

ing to create a live 24 hour news station using the new satellite technology that was changing the face of broadcasting around the World. Nobody believed he could do it, and most people bet he and CNN would fail. And they said “…who wants to watch news for 24 hours a day anyway?” It turns out they were wrong and he was right. He did fail a few times, going broke and having to borrow money to keep the operations going. However in a stroke of providence not long after he launched the Cable News Network (CNN) in 1980, the then President of Iraq Saddam Hussein decided to invade Kuwait. CNN was the first News station that was able to bring the images of the Iraq war live into homes around the World completely redefining journalism. In the past images of War had to wait weeks and even months before the Journalists could get out of the troubled areas and their material could be aired to Television stations around the World. However CNN changed all that, giving viewers a front row seat at a live War event happening thousands of miles away. CNN became an instant hit and before other stations could duplicate what they were offering; its value went through the roof. As the success of CNN gave Ted Turner some leverage, in 1985 he purchased MGM for $1.6 billion in order to gain control of the MGM/UA film library. To capitalize on this vast library, Turner started two more networks, Turner Network Television (TNT) and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). This was a re-enactment of the strategy he used with the Atlanta station by building niche markets based on old classics movies and American Icons. One of his largest deals came in 1996 when he agreed to sell Turner broadcasting to Time Warner Corporation for a whopping $7.5 billion. Ted Turner became Time Warner’s largest shareholder and was given the job of overseeing Time Warner’s cable network division as vice chairman. The major reason Turner agreed to the merger was at the time, it created the largest media conglomerate in the world and he gained the use of Time Warner’s library of films and cartoons thereby increasing his own cable channels. By the end of the 1990’s Ted Turner was worth nearly $7 billion. Turner is a humanitarian and philanthropist and he shook the World when he announced a donation of $1 billion to the United Nations, at a time the UN was finding it difficult to get the United States and other countries to pay their financial obligations to the World body.

Saturday, March 15, 2014 33

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Kakadu Troupe

AMVCA… A Night Of Accolades And Big Winnings For Africa Stars Stories by Daniel Anazia FTER months of hype and media activities with high expectations built for this year’s edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA), and many practically grovelled for the invitation cards, the event finally held last weekend at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with memories that will linger with people. The news of the sudden departure of Managing Director M-Net, Ms Biola Alabi, two-days before the awards almost cast a dark spell on this year’s celebrations, and this prompted the company to hurriedly put out a release. According to reports, the elegant and easily likeable Alabi, was not resigning as feared. The company was restructuring and she was moved to another title — Managing Director, Special Projects — where she would retain jurisdiction over AMVCA and other high profile gigs including Big Brother Africa. Sponsored by Amstel Malta, the night of night of glitz and glamour stunned guests with a spectacular presentation of the best of African actors and actresses, interspersed with pulsating music performances from alternative soul singer, Bez, highlife artiste singer Flavour, Davido, Cobhams and Waje. Indeed a night of dresses, the red carpet stretching miles, witnessed half-hidden cleavages and unpadded ‘Ukwus’ (thanks to

Timaya’s latest hit), pushing for cursory recognition and appreciation. With Eku Edewor and Denrele Edun on the red carpet, you sure know what to get. The stars vied to outdo each other, with their varied styles and design. Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Agbani Darego and a few others were gorgeously dressed as usual, but Susan Peters caused so much sensation with her bond-girl look. The trio of IK Osakioduwa, Vimbai Mutinhiri and Osas Ighodaro as hosts and comperees was good, except that one of them struggled to put up a spirited performance and catch up with the other two. There were a few stumbles over some words as she followed the teleprompter and she seemed overtly mechanical most times. IK and Vimbai lived up to their billing and were quite at ease all through the night when they had their slots. While Vimbai put up a confident performance, IK known for artistic prowess didn’t fail to write his own lines when it mattered. Project Fame academy tutor, Ben Ogbeiwi and with the Kakadu the musical Troupe, opened the evening with their short, panAfrican themed musical performance of Lagos, ‘the city that never sleeps’. Then came the moment everyone was waiting for, the awards. Visibly excited winners,

Funke Akindele flanked by collegues, Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme during the award

who came out looking extremely glamorous, expressed delight over their awards with many expressing gratitude to the organisers for giving them an opportunity to be celebrated by the world. Ghanaian and Kenyan movie makers Shirley Manzo Frimpong and David ‘Tosh’ Gitonga turned out to be the toast of the evening, scooping four accolades each. While Contract won Best Movie Director, Best Movie, Best Video Editor and Best Writer, Nairobi Half Life took home awards for Best Lighting Designer, Best Art Director, Best Cinematographer and Best Make-up Artist. The movies according to the judges, Femi Odugbemi, Jahman Anikulapo (former Sunday Gaurdian) Deborah Odutayo, Huthy Phad

Mutumba, Simon Ratcliffe, Steph Ogundele, Abraham Haile Biru, Zik Zulu and Linus Abraham, represented the continual and upwardly mobile nature of African movie directors. Appearing in a white Agbada on the night, diminutive actor, Osita Iheme (Pawpaw) won the Best Actor (Comedy) for his role in the movie The Hero. His passionate remark after he received his award was with a resounding ovation. “I’m very grateful to everyone who voted for me, and made this a reality. Very special thanks to all the organisers, for giving us something to look forward to. I would like to urge movie producers to use their movies as a voice to fight the vices in our country. It’s time to make a change; let’s do our part to make a change,” he added.

‘You And I Will Live As One’ HE popular song by veteran T Nigerian singer, Onyeka Onwenu echoed around the grand Eko Hotel & Suites banquet hall, as Kakadu the award winning musical took the stage, bringing a night of untold glitz and glam to a closing, at the just concluded 2014 African Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards. Kakadu the musical both opened and closed the night. An irresistible melody from its organic choir pumped in a groovy spirit instantly, as celebrities took the stage moving to the alluring rhythmic rendition at the closing performance of the evening. Watching Kakadu perform to those lyrics, I could see beyond the twists and turns, there is a message, a vital one, even as Nigeria continues to evolve into heaven knows what politically and economically. There have been a couple of stage productions in Nigeria; one may have even seen some ‘musicals’ here, but the Kakadu experience is always sure to hit you beyond description. Electric! is the word. A bit of background here, the original Kakadu play in itself captures the vibrant night life of citizens who subsisted

within the newly independent Nigeria, as they lived and loved. At the prime of their lives, and hailing from divergent ethnic backgrounds, there was untold harmony and oneness still. Then came a coup, the war, and all of the tragedy that followed. Once upon a time, the dividing lines between divergent cultures and lingo were as blurry as non-existent. There was a united one Nigeria which knew no kparakpo brother, but saw its brother and sister in the eyes of every progeny of our fathers gone. We seldom hear that our National fantasy once was, but Kakadu the musical makes you feel it, when you watch the original play. Kakadu is a reveal of yesterday, a call for today and a hope for tomorrow in Nigeria’s journey towards the oneness it lost as a result of the civil war. Nigeria continues to suffer the ripples of this nation altering experience. The seeds of disunion which had been sown took root, today they have become tress. An amazon beyond diverse geographic origin has emerged; it also encapsulates raging streaks of religious and political schema that eat deep within our Land. Kakadu is a great interpreta-

tion of history indeed! There are many properties that make Kakadu the musical special. It has never been seen in Nigeria before now, that an original play which sprang out of what one may call a hobby, would transform into a global property. With its fantastic plot and a great mix of musical genres, give me a Kakadu any day. This sounds like a great story in paper and in imagination, but the Kakadu cast always does justice to interpreting this vital tale. Lugard Da Rocha, a natural entertainer, alongside Emeka, Kola, Dapo, Osaghon, and four female friends Eno, Bisi, Amonia and Hassana bring to Kakadu a great representation of all the major ethnic groups in Nigeria. The Kakadu story is always relatable. At its opening act during the 2014 African Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards, the scene captured a detailed mix, something that Lagos will constantly remind us of. There was the luxuriating rich and the struggling poor, traders, a post man, a vendor, party goers and our all-time favorite, the religious fanatics in the display of holyghostism. We are all in Kakadu.

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Vlisco Celebrates African Women… Dare To Dream By Chuks Nwanne FTER a successful maiden edition last year, Dutch wax brand Vlisco has launched its second Vlisco women’s Month campaign. The event which holds throughout the month of March, and especially on International women’s Day, is designed alongside various consumer activities and events created to support this year’s theme, Dare To Dream, a tribute to women, who have the faith and courage to realise their dreams, and billed to hold across west and Central Africa c o u n t r i e s . This year, the Vlisco women’s Month Award election and Vlisco Fashion Fund will be at the heart of all the women’s month activities. with actress Stephanie okereke-Linus as the face of this campaign, the brand will continue the success of last year’s celebration of inspiring west and Central African women. Speaking at a press conference held recently in Lagos to herald the celebration, the organisers informed that the Vlisco women’s Month Award will honour outstanding achievements of west and Central African women by identifying and rewarding those who inspire others to realise their

dreams. According to the orgainisers, three or four women in each of the countries — nigeria, ghana, Benin, Togo, Ivory Coast and Democratic Republic of the Congo would be nominated and honoured with the Vlisco women’s Month Award. Elected by public vote, the winners, who become Vlisco’s new ambassadors for 2014, will be revealed during the award night which holds at the end of March. The Marketing Manager, Vlisco, Adaeze Ailonu disclosed that three nigerian women had been nominated for the award. “The Vlisco women’s month award commemorates the International women’s Day. It is a programme that is aimed at celebrating women entrepreneurs in the various fields around the world during the entire month of March. we are using the opportunity to call on government to encourage women entrepreneurs so that they can achieve greater milestones for the society,” she said. She explained that the programme is dedicated to honour the outstanding achievements of west and Central African women entrepreneurs, by identifying and

rewarding those who inspire others to realise their dreams. The nominees for this year’s award include Dr. olamide orekunrin, also known as the flying doctor; publisher and veteran journalist, Adesuwa oyenokwe, and a climate change advocate, Esther Agbarakwe. Responding to the honour, oyenokwe noted that African women are very industrious and sometimes get involved in very challenging tasks that were in the past reserved for their male counterparts. “I feel honoured by this nomination. when I was called for this, I wasn’t sure what it’s all about. But after I went through the rigorious process involved, I really appreciate this award,” she said. Another aspect of the event is the Vlisco Fashion Fund, which helps aspiring fashion designers in west and Central Africa. By this intervention fund, novice designers are encouraged to pitch their business plan, which explains their fashion dream to a Vlisco jury, between March 1-23, with the chance of winning $2,500 funding and a fashion training in the netherlands. The three winners will also be announced at the award night.

KCee Now Africa’s First Ladies Peace Ambassador By Daniel Anazia oLLowIng the success of his hit songs, Limpopo and Baby Pull Over, and wowing the African First Ladies at a peace concert held last Saturday in Abuja, singer Kenechukwu okonkwo (aka KCee) has been made a Peace Ambassador by the Association of African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM). The president of the association and wife of nigeria’s president, Dame Patience Jonathan, presented the award to him at Aso Rock during the gala night. Reacting to the honour, the MTn Ambassador who was photographed shaking hands with the First Lady, quickly posted the photo on his instagram page with caption “Am so honored to be awarded Peace Ambassador By The 1st Lady of nigeria Dame Patience Jonathan.” KCee once revealed in an inter-

view he was surprised when he found out President Jonathan and Dame Patience not only listened to his song but also danced to it. “I was surprised when I heard the president and his wife dance and sing Limpopo.”

Laface Dreams Big For Yoruba Movie Industry By Daniel Anazia oR Tunde oshinibosi, his dream that the Fcontinue Yoruba Movie Academy Awards (YMAA) will to celebrate creativity and excel-

Ali Baba To Lead Discussion On The Business Of Show Business By Daniel Anazia

sociation of nigeria (CEAn) CE Comedian Ali Baba will with support of the British lead March 2014 Sessions Council, Lagos. of the Creative Entrepre- The event which schedule to hold on wednesday, March neurs As26 from 10am to 1pm, will focus on The Business of Show Business: Making Your Talent Profitable From the late 1980s when he embraced the comedy business with passion as a student at Bendel State University now Edo State University, Ekpoma, Atuyota Akporobomeriere as he was christened has literally changed the face of the comedy industry in nigeria. Indeed, he

pioneered and took the comedy business to a new and unprecedented height. He not only made joke-making fashionable and profitable but set the pace for a new generation of humourists in the country that have come behind him. Today comedians anchor events and are also into events management. They come up with venues, decorators, ushers among other services that are used for events. It is no longer managing with anything that comes their way. These days events that are to be remembered must have a standup comedian as anchor or MC.

lence in the industry would become a reality on Sunday March 30, 2014. According to oshinibosi, fondly called Laface by friends, he had a dream that one day the Yoruba movie industry will take giant strides and become a major force to reckon with across Africa and the Diaspora. Hear him: “I have a dream that the Yoruba movie industry will become a global entertainment brand and will not have to continue to plead for recognition even within its own region, the South west. I have a dream that the governments of the South west through their respective culture and tourism ministries will see the Yoruba movie industry as a major platform for strategic investment in line with the development agenda of the region. “I have a dream that one day the Yoruba movie industry practitioners will get their just benefits for years of hard work and sleepless nights. Also, I have a dream that the federal government will take the long awaited decisive measures to end the dreaded piracy scourge therefore creating a boisterous movie industry.” Meanwhile, the awards ceremony will hold at the prestigious Civic Center, Ibadan, oyo State. Red Carpet kicks off by 5pm while the main event starts at 7pm prompt.

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It Is Never Too Late Betty Ugona O matter how many wrong choices you have made in the past, or how N long you may have lived in them, or how old you are, you may have even squandered away the last two, five, ten or more years focusing on the wrong things i.e. partying, having wrong associations, or living like the prodigal son, it is never too late to choose right and create the life you want. Why? Because you have the key in your hands. The free gifts of freedom to choose. Yes the power of a right choice. It is a matter of life and death. So no matter how late, in order to live and end well, you must make the right choice.

In Deuteronomy 30:19 God says; … “I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses, therefore choose life that you and your descendants may live”. Every choice you make is a seed you sow, and those seeds produce fruit in your life either for life or for death. And if we want to have a fulfilled life full of peace and joy, we need to make wise choices no matter how late. Life is so wonderful and each of us wants to live it to the fullest, hence it is never too late to change and make things better. We need to become more aware of every single choice we make. Just as every bad choice put another

KEEP IT REAL...

1. To be judged and treated according to your own words and actions, not on the words and actions of the other douchebags or sluts your partner may have dated in the past. Just because your boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend cheated on him with his friends doesn’t mean your boyfriend can keep you locked in the closet every weekend and prevent you from watching tv or hanging out with your friends. 2. To be told the absolute truth about the important things (and to be lied to about the silly stuff.) I’m a pretty honest person myself, but our entire way of life is predicated on not always saying exactly what’s on our mind. In a relationship you have a right to be told the absolute truth about Fidelity and cheating, Sexual desires, The state of your finances,

CONCLUDED

with Kemi Amushan

YourRight HE PAST weekend was the most heart draining weekend I had ever experienced in the dating game. I was so furious and disappointed at the same time. For the first time in a long while, I was confused on how to handle the situation at hand. I was completely speechless and helpless. I broke down totally. Don’t know if you know this but it takes a lot energy out of someone when you argue or fight with your partner. Especially when he or she blames you for something you know absolutely nothing about. I was boxed into a corner and didn’t even know what to do and how to get out of the state of sadness I was in. For those that don’t know that communication is key in every relationship, now you know. It is very essential and if it lacks in your relationship, there’s going to be serious arguments, fights and a lot of misunderstandings. As a woman, you should know your rights in every relationship you get into. Do not allow any man take advantage of you. Don’t let them box you into a corner that you won’t be able to fight back and then you suffocate with words. Don’t let them feed on your fear because once you are weak, most of these men will feed on that. I am going to share with you today on how to claim your rights in your long term relationship whether you are a man or a woman. In a long term relationship you have the unalienable right…

heavy brick on your shoulders, each good choice, removes a little bit of weight off your conscience as well as your soul. Like anything in life, it pays to start small. No matter the gravity of the bad choice you made earlier, start by trying to make small changes. Maybe you can choose to have a day dedicated as choice day. Just spend the day thinking of every choice you made and how they affect everything and everyone around you. Something in your past may be the reason things are the way they are today, but do not allow them to become a stumbling block to your future aspirations and successes. Every right choice you make today changes the result of a wrong choice you made in the past. It is never too late to right the wrong choices.

Whether your partner wants kids, Whether your partner is happy. What your partner wants for the future. Whether your partner loves you or not. And other earth-quaking, relationship shattering stuff. You have the right to be lied to about silly stuffs like… “What are you thinking about right now? (You don’t always want to know.), “Do I look fat in this?” (Seriously, people ask that?). And other minor pieces of BS.(excuse my French) You also have the right to a partner who understands the actual difference between minor BS and important stuff. 3. To have your partner be in your corner and take your side in a fight, even if they think you are totally wrong. If you come home crying about how your boss is a raving ass, your partner should just agree. “Yup, he’s an asshole.” No ifs, ands or buts. 4. To forgiveness and to be accepted for the flawed human being you are. In a long term relationship you’re going to do things to anger partner and they are going to do things to make you pull your hair out and plot their end. Nobody is perfect, Humans are flawed. We all do silly stuffs. You have a right to be forgiven by your partner as quickly and as completely as possible (or not at all.) If there’s something you’ve done that your partner simply cannot and will not ever forgive you for no matter what you do or how hard they try, you have the right to be told that so you can make a tough but necessary decision. 5. To a partner who encourages you to be the best you can be, who accepts that you’ll evolve over the years, who doesn’t try to change who you are. We are all moths becoming butterflies becoming dragons. You have a right to a partner who loves the “Good” about you, accepts the “Bad” and celebrates the you they haven’t met yet. 6. To regular, eager, non-judgemental and enthusiastic sex. You have the right to a partner who lusts after you, lets you know you’re sexy, is

interested in your gratification, accepts even your weirdest kinks and desires and at least occasionally worships your body and makes you feel like the sexiest man or woman on the planet. 7. To independence, friendship and privacy You have the right to your own private space, your own private thoughts, your own private things, your own private life. You have the right to pursue your passions, to be friends with whoever you damn well want and to have parts of your life that have absolutely nothing to do with your partner. You are independent planets who chose to be in an orbit. A partner who tries to control you should be thrown into the sun. hehehehe. 8. To be one of your partner’s top 3 priorities at any given time You have a right to a partner who drops everything for you in a crisis, who thinks about you when you’re not around, who celebrates you, encourages you and does random stuff for you at least sometimes without you even asking for it. Yes, other stuff and other people are going to take priority sometimes. It’s life. That’s totally cool. But you should always be in the top 3. 9. To a partner who sticks by you on the bad days, months and years and helps you get back to the good There are days you’ll wake up miserable. There are weeks life kicks you in the balls. There are years the whole world feels like it’s going to fall apart. You have a right to a partner who lets you cry on their shoulder. Who tells you it’s going to be ok even when it’s not and who realized one bad day or one bad fight doesn’t mean your relationship is over. 10. You have the right to be with someone who loves you. You have the right to be with someone who celebrates you and never puts you down. You have the right to be with someone who can deliver criticism with a kiss instead of a slap. You have a right to feel safe in his arms and adored in her embrace. 11. You have the right to leave. You always have the right to walk away. Always. Yes, you should make the effort to fix the rips and tears in a relationship, but there’s no honor in staying in hell. If the bad days far outnumber the good, if the person next to you has turned into a stranger and if all you can do is cry and all they can do is tear you down then it’s absolutely time to leave. You deserve better. Agree or Disagree? To our happiness. Cheers.

Events

In association with

Pre-Int'l Women in Media Workshop 2014 Tagged: Ideas Meet Innovation Date(s): 15/03/2014 Location: DMT Event Center No.7 McNeil Road, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos Promoter: Talk Village International FOR MORE INFO: www.afritickets.com

Woman Rising Music Concert Date(s): 16/03/2014 Location: Federal Palace Hotel 6 - 8 Ahmadu Bello Way, Lagos Promoter: The Life House TICKETS: N25,000.00 BUY TICKETS HERE: www.afritickets.com

SME Business MasterClass Date(s): 22/03/2014 Location: The Boardroom Sawubona Advisory Services, No 14a, Bayo Dejonwo Street, Off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland,Lagos Promoter: Sawubona Advisory Services TICKETS: N7,500.00 BUY TICKETS HERE: www.afritickets.com

Presentation Skills Training Workshop in Lagos Date(s): 22/03/2014 Location: Precinct Comfort Hotel Yaba-Surulere, Lagos Mainland Promoter: LiveSpeech Coaching MORE INFO: www.afritickets.com

Eko Nite Date(s): 29/03/2014 Location: Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Marquee Tafawa Balewa Square , Lagos Island Promoter: Jim Timmy Nig Ltd TICKETS: N1,000,000.00, N500,000.00, N30,000.00 BUY TICKETS HERE: www.afritickets.com

Out On A Limb Date(s): 12/04/2014 Location: YMCA Building,77 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos Promoter: The Irede Foundation FOR MORE INFO: www.afritickets.com

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Orezi Shoots New Video, Plans Big For Album By Shaibu Husseini FTer spending one month in South Africa, ‘Ghen Ghen’ crooner, Orezi is back to the country and set to shoot the video of his latest hit, U Garrit. The fast rising star took the music industry by storm when he released his debut single Rihanna. Speaking after his arrival, the fast rising artiste said all set for the release his album this year. “Yes, we are working hard to do just that. It’s almost ready and hopefully, very soon, my fans all over Nigeria and Africa as well as europe will finally get to taste the full album. I don’t need to remind you that it will be very explosive,” Orezi said. On his experience in Madiba’s country, which he termed ‘Second Missionary Journey to South Africa, Orezi said, “It was a very fulfilling experience; everything worked out well and at the end we had a beautiful video shoot that my fans will be proud off just as they are proud of Rihanna.”

“We had a wonderful time in South Africa; it was truly a rewarding experience and a most educative for me as a growing artiste. At the end, we came with something that the world is still talking. The video for the all time popular hit song, Rihanna,” he added He noted that unlike Rihanna, where a search for a rihanna look alike was initiated online before finding one in Mauritius, there wasn’t much intrigue surrounding U Garrit video. According to him, when all efforts to get the American super diva feature in the multi million naira video did not work out, Orezi and his management team as well as his label, Sprisal records, went online and decided to shop for a look alike. The search finally paid off after Kim, from Mauritius was finally chosen from the over 200 pictures sent in as entries. “The circumstances surrounding the shooting of Rihanna video gave birth to the in-

trigue and drama. We actually wanted rihanna for the video and did everything possible to get her, but she was really booked. So we had to revert to the contingency plan,” Orezi stated. He added that the new video is an improvement on Rihanna. “My style is to always try to beat myself in everything that I do; so, always expect an improvement in everything I do,” he declared confidently. Asked how much it cost his management to bring this stunning beauty to the shoot location in South Africa, Orezi did not bulge. However, an inside source disclosed that label paid an initial deposit of $10,000 to Kim’s master card account, while her traveling arrangement to Johannesburg, South Africa was on a Business class from Mauritius. She was also holed up in one of the biggest hotels in Johannesburg, where Orezi and his management team put up at the pent house. At the official unveiling to a selected group of journalists in Lagos, the happy Orezi said in company of his media manger, Media Image Managers (MIM), explained that the video has the capacity to take over the music sector.

“You journalists should judge for yourselves if indeed Sprisal records did a good job on this video. We did not spare anything, money, man power and technology. The truth is, U Garrit video is a bomb.” According to him, talks are ongoing with a mobile telecommunications company for Ambassadorial endorsement as talks between him and the company has reached advanced stage. “It promises to be a great year, with lots of promises,” reacting to his mob report by female fans in Kumasi, Ghana last December during a show, Orezi said, the girls went wild and invaded the stage, when he invited one of the girls that look a bit like America’s super star singer, rihanna, during the performance of his hit single Rihanna. “So many things happen during show, the fans both male and female became wild and uncontrollable, but then Kumasi was a good outing. I can’t wait to be back there, they loved Orezi.” The former HKN star explained that Rihanna remix is scheduled to be released very soon, but with collaboration from an international superstar.

Producer H-Code Choked To Death ArKNeSS fell again on the Nigerian music D industry as the sad news of death of music producer Harold Mordi better known as HCode filtered into town last week after an asthma attack. Close sources said the late beats maker was hanging out with few friends on Friday, March 7, at his family home in Surulere, Lagos. “He was at home with friends when he had the attack, he choked to death. He never smoked,” the close pal said. H-Code, who was in his 20s, was the last child

of his parents; his father passed on years ago. He relocated from the UK to Nigeria in 2007 to start up his own music production company H20. As a producer, he had produced some of the big and wave making artistes in the country including 2face Idibia and Vector (Get Down), Olamide (Unite), Dammy Krane, Waje, and Sinzu among others. Before his untimely death, was putting together a mixtape and had already been reaching out to a few rappers to record verses.

Ogas at the Top Show... A Parade Of Top Shots Mikel, Genevieve Now Amstel Malta Ambassadors OLLOWING the premiere FMovies last Saturday at the Africa Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) of a new Amstel Malta TV Commercial (TVC) featuring both screen diva, Genevieve Nnaji, and Super eagles’ player, Mikel Obi, Genevieve has now confirmed she’s been made an ambassador for the low sugar malt drink. Sources say the deal was sealed earlier this year, with the initial campaign themed around inspirational jour-

ney to success stories. The TVC, which was aired during the star-studded AMVCAs, highlights the individual career journeys of both stars, ending at a point of triumph. However, there has been no word yet on how much they were paid or how long the deal will last. Chelsea FC star, Obi, was not present at the awards but Genevieve, who presented an award with actor, OC Ukeje, spoke with Amstel Malta red

carpet host, Vixen, on her own journey to success and how she hopes the project will help young Nigerians make the best of their own journeys. “It’s been a fantastic night and I’m delighted with Amstel Malta’s efforts in celebrating our own with the world. I am very excited about the opportunity this platform gives me to inspire the youth and will definitely do my best to support this noble cause,” Genevieve remarked.

SATIrICAL puppet show, A ‘Ogas at the top’, which will feature top personalities in the political and entertainment sphere is billed to premiere in Nigeria. The show which takes an unflinching and hilarious look at Nigeria’s ruling political elite and contemporary Nigeria society. Powered by Buni Media, the production company behind the massively popular Kenyan puppet political satire program The XYZ Show, the show will feature puppet doubles of President Goodluck Jonathan; the First Lady, Dame Patience; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Ba-

bangida (IBB), late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor (Mama G); CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Finance Minister Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Minister of Petroleum resources Diezani Allison-Madueke; opposition figure Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, former governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and comedian Basketmouth among others. The XYZ Show, already in its ninth series and with a followership of over 10million people, won the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) for Best TV Series last year.

According to the producers of the show, inspiration will never be lacking as the Nigerian political landscape offers story ideas aplenty for the Nigerian version. “The Nigerian political scene is a goldmine for stories; we certainly won’t run out of inspiration any time soon. And we know that Nigerians, just like Kenyans, have a wicked sense of humor, so this promises to be a wild ride.” The first season of the show will run for 13 episodes of about 5 minutes, and will be distributed on Buni Media’s own video-on-demand platform Buni TV.

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Onyebuchi...jubilating after his announcement as winner in Owerri last weekend

Fun, Suspense At Owerri’s Star Trip To Brazil By Daniel Anazia LL those who walked to the venue of the draw — the expansive open air POWA market, Okigwe Road — were expectant. The ultimate prize, a trip to Brazil was probably the most motivating factor that drew them to the venue, if not they would probably had taken their bottles of beer closer to their house or somewhere else. But as the night trickle down and the draw commenced, the atmosphere, and the process that led to the picking of the star prize winner was no doubt charged with suspense, fun and excitement, all combined to make the night a trilling one for all. Before the winner of the grand prize emerged, thirty other consoling prizes were given out. They were five 2.5Kva generators, five 32 Inch Plasma TVs, five jerseys, five home theatres and ten industrial fans. The Owerri edition was spiced up with jokes and talks by Gbenga Adeyinka who was the master of ceremony at the event. He ensured that apart from the hit tracks being dished out by the deejay, the guests got a dose of fun time through comedy. It was the last edition so, picking the last grand prize winner of the eleven that would be sponsored on an all-expense paid trip by Nigeria Breweries came with a lot of great expectation. Zakky Ide Onyebuchi, a 24-year old student of Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, and currently undergoing Industrial Attachment (IT), emerged overall winner the star prize of all expense paid trip to Brazil, is a dream never envisage. The trip will see him tour the South American country Speaking after emerging the winner, he said: “I saw it (Star Win a Trip To Brazil) on the internet. I ‘like’ the Star page, so I usually receive up-

dates. When I learnt of the promo and saw the venue, I told myself that it is a ‘must’ for me to I attend and shouldn’t allow the opportunity slip by me. That was why I came.” When asked how he felt after winning the prize, he quipped: “I feel so great and I’m happy. I really thank Star for what it has done for me.” On whether he envisaged winning, he said, “I thought of it, but I did not imagine it will come this way,” he said. Adding, “Star is changing people’s lives, including my own life too.” Onyebuchi endured patience as 30 individuals were called in succession, to pick up various gift items which their raffle tickets won. Prince Martins, a police officer and Chris Ugochukwu, won Industrial Fan respectively. And for Martin, “Star Promo has always been in my favour. Last year, I won a Plasma TV in the Win & Shine promo. I also won a bag of rice and an umbrella. It’s a favourable promo to me. That is why I drink Star.” He added, “Star has been my beer for more than 17 years, even before I joined the force. When I go for foreign missions, I look for Star. I was in Sudan, and I looked for Star. Even when I went to Jerusalem in 2007, I was looking for Star, but unfortunately, there was no Star there.” He urged the brand to keep up with the promo, and endeavour to help the less privileged. “Maybe giving students scholarship; because Star has already won the minds of consumers by giving,” he stated. 23-year old Jephta Mba, also a student of IMT, Enugu, he went into a bar, had two bottles of the brand’s beer and was given a coupon. “They said I should come to this bar today, and fortunately for me, I won an industrial fan.” Asked if he had participated in any of Star promo, he said, “Yes, last promo, at the Star Win & Shine promo, I won a BlackBerry phone.”

For Samson Chijioke, a student of Imo State University and winner of home theatre, Star has been good to him. “Yes, Star has been good to me. I have won BlackBerry from Star. That was last year, at the Star Win & Shine promo. Today, I won a home theatre. I’m very grateful,” he said beaming with smile. Excited Alvan Ikoku College of Education student, Chiemeka Osuala, another home theatre winner, said “I have luck in everything I do. Three weeks ago, I won a generator from another Nigerian Breweries brand. Last year was not good for us, because we didn’t win. But I’m happy I won today.” Chinedu Asusu and Obioha Ogechi, won a generating set respectively. While Chinedu heard about the promo through his brother, Ogechi got to know about it through a friend.

When Classic FM Thrilled Lagosians

By Tunde Akinola HOUGH all the events T lined up by the Classic FM at this year’s Valentine’s Day

Gbenga Adeyinka with grand prize winner

“He (my brother) told me about it and I came here,” says Chinedu. Adding, “I just can’t explain how I feel. It’s a very big surprise to me.” Obioha said, “I heard it through a friend. I was at Orlu, but I came here to participate in the promo. I also came to see if it’s true or not. I can say it is true.” Though Amadi Obioma had hope of winning an LED TV, he however, won a generator. Despite that he still feels excited. “I feel very very happy. I was hoping to win an LED TV,” he said. Nebo Chuks, a youth corper and Madu Chimaroke, civil servant, won LED TV each. And Chimaroke, the last time something of this nature was organised, he won three shirts, a pressing iron and some other gift items.

concert got participants thrilled, many will not forget in a hurry, the electrical performances by Brandy, 9ice, Blackky, Paul play and British pop/reggae crooners, UB40. The event, which attracted a host of celebrities and high networth guests, had Dj Jimmy Jatt dishing out great music, which occasionally, sent the crowd into a nostalgic frenzy. Held on February 16, the

concert, which was co-hosted by Classic FM’s on-air personalities, Shullz and Sly, delivered on its promise of a fun evening for friends and family. Naija FM’s Osam and veteran comedian, Okey Bakassi, leaving the packed audience roaring in laughter, somewhere in between infused comic stunts. International acts that headlined the show (Brandy and UB40), afterwards expressed delightful

surprise at the amount of love shown to them by the ecstatic crowd. UB40 and Brandy had already held a press conference during the day at the Eko Hotel and Suites where they expressed their willingness to collaborate with Nigerian artistes later on.

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FASHION

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At The 2014 The 2014 Academy Awards commonly known as the Oscars is an American Awards ceremony honoring achievements in the film industry. It was the 86th Award which was held on the 2nd of March 2014 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood Los Angeles. MYLES IGWEBUIKE and KEMI AMUSHAN have their own fashion report on the best dressed and worst at the event. Kate Hudson Kate looked absolutely fabulous at the event with the plunging neckline. She’s actually one of my best. She always looks like sunshine on a rainy day. Her radiance always elevates whatever she wears and she knows who she is. A lot of people have critiqued the cape on her dress, but I must say I think it gives this dress an edge. I love the way the dress gathers to her center giving her a bombshell shape, and the long train adds an additional wow factor. It’s so old Hollywood glamour!! She didn’t go down a clichéd route and add red lipstick but instead kept it fresh and golden, her skin look amazing against her the brightness of the gown. Perfect accessories finish off the look. Lupita N’yongo She’s fashions new IT girl and every designer’s new obsession. This dark beauty wore this Prada gown with full grace but I have have had many a conversation about this Prada dress Lupita chose to attend the Oscars. I am a fan of the blue they developed and while I love the impact the dress had, it was not as spectacular and strong as some of her other looks. Her BAFTA look was a far superior look in my opinion. It was lovely to see Lupita in something softer but I wasn’t a fan of the extremely low neckline, she began to almost look like a boy in a dress if one did not consider the gorgeous skirt and her exquisite face. I didn’t like the headband, a jeweled comb could have done the job of adding delicacy to her severe fade. I give her points for her makeup though, it was flawless. Charlize Theron The Africans came out strong at this Academy Awards. Charlize rep-

resented brand Dior far more than Jennifer Lawrence in this absolutely stunning black dress. I mean I absolutely loved the dress but I didn’t quite understand the transparent straps. This is how one does black to the Oscars. From the exquisite layering detail on the train to that unique neckline and invisible strap detail accompanied with that phenomenal neckpiece, Charlize looked like the Hollywood Queen she is. The hair and jewellery was also on point. Sandra Bullock MAGNIFIQUE AND GLAM are the two words that best describes this midnight blue Alexander Mcqueen dress on Sandra. Her figure looks fantastic and her carriage is regal. Her hair, makeup and jewelry choices are perfect. She pulled back and softened the look, velvet is such a heavy cloth that to add a lot of jewelry would have aged her and dated the look. She was the face of big winner Gravity and I do believe she carried the weight of that film with the same grace she carries this dress. I’m still in awe. This is what I call the Perfect Oscar look, she’s one of my best dressed this year also. Angelina Jolie Not really a fan of Angelina but her looks always wows me. A little disappointed this year at the Oscars. She went with such an old –fashioned look. Unlike Kates expertly placed beading, the placement of the beading on this dress suggests that are breasts are very near to her waist. The pattern of the beading is so dated, her hair and makeup and jewelry selection are flawless as usual but she does look like a glamorous Granny in this dress. I would have preferred her hair pulled back

and more dramatic eye make up to complete the look but at the end of the day it was a cheer success! Viola Davis I think the colour was right for viola but the style doesn’t suit her. Somehow this dress makes her belly look a little poochy, the drop waist does nothing for her proportions and the fabric and style adds a severity to her incredibly athletic figure. I personally would have styled her in a dress which covered her arms and shoulders and gave off a softer look. I give her points for her make-up though. Gabourey Sidibie I actually like this dress on her; besides the rigid texture the colour purple suits her tone well. As for the belted detail it’s become a pattern for gabby, I think she wants us to know she actually has a waist line, lol. Loved the short hair, it gave her face a slimed look and more attention to her make-up and earrings, the clutch wasn’t necessary though. Gabby is a very talented actress, but her weight scares me as well as her fans, I also think she should consider losing the weight. Anna Kendrick This dress was a no-no for me. So tacky. I mean she looks like she’s about to do the tango on ‘Dancing with the stars’. She’s too petite to have so much going on, and the break of pattern in the middle is so out of place to me. That skirt, is so dated, and she could have helped the look with hair and makeup, but instead opts for such a boring up do and to top it all of, what are those shoes?? She needs a stylist. Don’t get me

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OSCARS... wrong, she’s an extraordinary actress but she isn’t fashionable at all. She lacks sex appeal. Jennifer Lawrence I just think this red dress with that hair style ages her so much; she looks like she’s dressing up as Sharon Stone to homage Oscars, except Sharon wouldn’t be wearing this dress. The dress is just disappointing, the shape with peplum has been played out this year, it looks untrendy and when you compare this look to her 2011 Oscars red dress where she looked like Hollywood’s hot new thing, it provides an unflattering contrast to this year’s look. Her make-up was odd too; she looked like she just came of a ski slope! AND THE BEST DRESSED GOES TO… Anne Hathaway This dress wasn’t fully praised and recognized some say it wasn’t your regular Anne. But let’s face it Anne is a full grown woman now and she’s proved elegance and womanhood countless times including this time. This was my all-time best dressed I loved the cut of this black Gucci dress how it flattered her sexy figure to the fullest, the sequined halter top was divine and elegant. I love that she’s back to her brown cut its dark and sexy, everything was about this look was perfection. Well done Anne. Camila Alves This look is my favourite! I think Camilla has done this soft pink so much justice. The style of dress is sophisticated and elegant. Camilla’s hair, make up and accessories compliment the dress very well. The exaggerated sleeve is so dramatic, reminds me of a modern day twist on the sari, very Bollywood. Stunning. Cate Blanchett Best Actress winner Cate Blanchet was by far my best dressed at the Oscars in Armani Prive. The cut of this gown on her figure is perfection, the beading is modern and absolutely spectacular on that nude fabric which is carrying the load of the beads but still managing to look as delicate as a whisper. I loved the styling of her hair and the multi-colored precious stones in her drop earrings added youth and modernity to tradition. Cate is always so ethereal, she looks other-worldly, her skin is gleaming, she knew she was carrying Oscar home and she dressed for the occasion.

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FASHION

Style Tips for Petites RE you a petite woman? Would you like A to look better in your clothes? Try these simple fashion styling tips for petites to help you appear longer and leaner. It’s all about creating the illusions of more and less – more height and less bulk. Next time you’re dressing for your job or to go out on the town, work some magic and create your own illusions. . Dress in one colour-Dress all in one colour from your top to your shoes. Dark colours slim, so try black, navy, charcoal, burgundy, deep green, or purple. . Wear clothes that fit well-Wear garments that fit you well. Fitted or semi-fitted clothing looks better on petites than loose-fitting apparel. Avoid garments that have a lot of design ease because all that extra fabric adds bulk and can make short women look heavier than they really are. . Select clothes with vertical lines. They don’t need to be striped. Vertical seam lines, such as princess seams, will do the trick. . Choose V-shapes-Choose tops and jackets with V-shaped or U-shaped necklines. These neckline styles aid in creating the illusion of height. . Wear high heels- It’s the easiest way to add height. Court shoes and sling-backs are terrific, but avoid shoes with ankle straps. The strap breaks up the desirable vertical line, and makes the wearer appear shorter. . Avoid bulky garments- Watch out for bulky or highly textured fabrics. There’s no need to avoid texture completely, but stay away from fabrics with a lot of loft. We want to appear taller, not broader. For sweaters, thin works better than thick. . Avoid oversized handbags- Oversized bags are so big that they can seem to overwhelm short women. Select purses of medium size instead so that your bag will be in proportion to your smaller frame. . Skip the mini-skirts and mini dressesAlthough minis look great on women with long, slender legs, they don’t have the same effect for shorter women. The hem of a miniskirt worn by a petite woman falls across a thick part of the thigh, making it more noticeable and making shorter legs look even shorter. . Keep belts narrow-Keep belts slim and match them to your outfit if you want to wear a belt. Wide or contrasting belts cut the figure in half and break up the vertical illusion that you want to achieve. . Choose pants with straight legsWear jeans and pants with straight legs. To keep a slim line, choose pants without cuffs, bulky pockets, or pleats. Culled from the Internet.

YOUTHMAGAZINE

Betyl BAT Berths In Lagos NEW clothing line, Betyl BAT A Clothing and Accessories has been launched in Lagos. Owned by former City People Fashion Editor, Bola Akinboade-Bello, it is a ready-to-wear line that ranges from lovely dresses, skirts, tops, tunics, trousers, fascinators, corsages and exotic hats amongst others. She made the debut with her first collection she described as “effortlessly classy.” This collection which accentuates the feminine contour is a blend of rich and sophisticated traditional clothing with clean and classic western cuts. The total effect is an easy-breezy delivery that celebrates the modern woman in a minimal, yet captivating way. The collection features different fabrics including Adire, lace, lycra and chiffon to mention just a

few. Akinboade-Bello’s career in fashion, love for design and unique appeal to African ladies has helped her to create the exciting collection. Speaking on the development, the award winning stylewriter said she had always had a flare for fashion right from a very tender age. However, her journey into the fashion industry started as a model in 1999 when she modeled for top fashion designers and fashion brands. In March 2006, she joined City People Media group as a style writer, and rose within a short period to become the fashion editor. She was the brain behind most of the major fashion events at City People Media group such as Ankara Fashion Show, Fashion & Style Awards, exhibitions, fashion fairs, etc. She also recently rebranded her skincare range, Chanterelle Skincare & Beauty Therapy, specializing in luxurious, skin and body care using pure, organic and

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Arts&Culture Ake… The Camera Is Now Rolling By Kabir Alabi Garba S the making of Ake plods on, the production finally has begun to give out portions of completed parts of the film in a series of “sneak previews”. The previews are included as proportional foretastes so that the flavour of the whole film can be appreciated in advance. Filming had been concentrated on the HM’s home and household. Soyinka’s father was the headmaster of the Christian Mission School in Ake, Abeokuta at the period of the writer’s childhood, sometime between 1934 (when he was born) and 1945 when he was admitted into high school and the story wound to a close. Later, Mr. S. A. Soyinka became a schools’ supervisor in the entire Egba and Ijebu districts. For production convenience, continuous work has been concentrated on the household in which Soyinka grew up, as narrated in the autobiography. The parents (‘Wild Christian’, the mother and ‘Essay’, the father) are at the heart of daily bustles of activities: the domestic life, the relationship with the school, which share the same expansive compound with the home. In the scenes featured in the preview, Wole gets into many troubles. First because he is fond of and is eventually caught stealing hand-scoops of lactogen baby milk belonging to his younger sister, Folashade. The ‘Wild Christian’, who is increasingly concerned about Wole’s deliberate seclusion from the rest of the family and his indulgence in private “study” sets forth the plan to bring Wole “back into the household” by depriving him of the privilege of hanging out alone in his father’s bedroom. “The family life about which Soyinka writes will be very familiar to a whole lot of us”, Dapo Adeniyi who is heading the production says. “The pathway to the adult Soyinka is also very visible,” he declared. Ake in production has weathered many challenges, principally because of the costs of actualizing the movie. First of all, as Adeniyi commented, “we are not about to bring out yet another hotch-potch of a screen work and so the production values have to be high. But now that people can begin to see aspects of the work, it is about time we let them judge. “Moreover, we are bringing innovations that are not very usual in contemporary Nigerian movie productions. SFX and CGIs (computer

Lanike Bennet as the Wild Christian generated images). Because of the periodicity of the production, we delve into set extension and special effects in order to bring some gravitas into the work. “Wole travels to Ibadan to write the entrance examination into Government College, from Lafenwa Station, Abeokuta on a train. The coal train is no longer in existence. Actually, their remnants are in a “graveyard” within the compound of the Nigerian railway Corporation in Lagos. So what do we do? We rebuild the train using CGI. This has gulped a lot of time, beginning with test shootings, story-boarding and

so on. All of those represent a very expensive route to making a film. Even so, many tall promises of support for the production at the outset have brought less than desired. Only a few made good their promise and they run far short of what was budgeted. The production company has had to raise facilities to the limit of its abilities. Because the work is still in progress, we have not given up optimism that more support is on the way.” Asked to mention those who have so far supported the project, the producer says, it is much better to wait until the film is fully released when the permission of the support-

ers would have been obtained. A major film equipment leasing company has generously supported the production with most of the production hardware. The Nigerian railway Corporation headquarters also gave permission to use all of its facilities from Lagos down to Jebba. And there are a handful of others who gave their support to the project. “The truth of the matter is that Ake is big and too important. It must get the best treatment no matter what. We have had to shoot and reshoot. Some scenes are still going to be reshot. Some due to audio problems. The environs in which the majority of the film is being shot seems quiet but there can be eruptive noise especially from the praying muezzin and motorbikes hooting their horns. Of course they bear very heavily on the production. “The parsonage compound is a mixture of disparate environments located in Abeokuta, Ibadan and Lagos merged as one in film space. One of the delightsome aspects of the production is the children cast. We were braced up for challenges here because we thought there could be problems of lack of adequate readiness but it turned out to be one of the strongest areas of the production. Some of the children were so familiar with their lines that they sometimes prompted some adults! Production camp times were very happy hours and they can’t wait to resume work. Except for one minor case, I can’t recall anyone falling ill. “There are three Woles with the gradation of time. Ake is as exciting as it is challenging to make into a film,” Adeniyi informed. Work on the film is far from over. Many actors and actresses are waiting to get on the set. Some are also participating in an early edition of the Behind the Scenes, which incorporates interviews and is also set to be released soon. They include famous names like Madam Taiwo Lycett, Yinka Davies, Hafiz Oyetoro, Production consultant, Tunji Bamishigbin and DOP Lukman rahman. The sneak previews can be viewed directly on the project website www.soyinkasakefilm.com and on the project channel on youtube Soyinkas Ake Sneak Preview.

Duke Calls For Caution As Branbayefa Heads NCAC Board From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja INISTEr of Tourism, Culture M and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, recently inaugurated the governing board of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC). In his remarks, Duke cautioned board members against undue interference in the day to day running of the Council. He however charged them to provide appropriate framework and atmosphere for the Council to pursue its mandate in accordance with the establishing Act. He said: “It needs to be made clear that the board does not constitute the management of the agency. You shall therefore not involve yourselves in the day to day running of the Council. “Issues that cannot be resolved between the board and the management should be referred to the Ministry for resolution. Government will not accept situation where board versus management face-off distracts the culture agency from carrying out its mandate.” The Minister noted that NCAC board has a great history, having been in existence since the 1970s with notable personalities such as Maitama Sule, Dan Masanin Kano, Chief Dappa Biriye and Chief Ebenezer Babatope having served

as chairmen at various times. He added that the former board Chairmen and the various management with which they worked were able to establish a structure that makes NCAC stronger and well positioned to deliver on its mandate. “Having been carefully selected on account of your individual quali-

ties, I have no doubt that you will build on this legacy, deploying your experience to provide direction to NCAC. “I must say that I see before me a well selected board that has the latent capability to take NCAC to the next level”, Duke said. The board has Professor Nelson Branbayefa as Chairman. Other

members are Professor Ben Ekanem, Alhaji Saidu Gwadabe, Emma Okafor, Nneka Igwe, Peter Agbomi, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Ugo Okeke as well as Ime Udo. There is also a representative of the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation as well as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, NCAC, Mr. M.M.

Chairman, Board of National Council for Arts and Culture Prof Nelson Branbayefa (left); Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke; Executive Director/CEO of NCAC, Mr. Mwajim Maidugu; and Alhaji Saidu Gwadabe during the inauguration of the Governing Board of NCAC in Abuja… last Monday

Maidugu as members. In his acceptance speech, the board chairman on behalf of his colleagues admitted that NCAC indeed has a great history. According to him, the Council, which was established to satisfy the yearnings of the people for peace and national unity at that time, has come a long way and has grown into full creative enterprise. He assured that the new board would not only try to meet the records set by the past board members, it will equally help in refocusing the Council. While thanking President Goodluck Jonathan for giving them the opportunity to serve and direct the affairs of NCAC, Branbayefa assured of full cooperation between the board members and the management of the Council by sticking to the rules of engagement. He pledged on behalf of the board not to fail in their assignment. Earlier, Mr. M.M. Maidugu, welcomed board members and hoped that they would bring their wealth of experience to bear on the progress of the Council. The guests were entertained by staffers of the Performing Art Department of the Council with a short drama sketch that highlights, not only the mandate of NCAC but also the need to identify with culture as an agent of peace and national unity.

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With Sereba Agiobu-Kemmer IBISCUS are irresistible plants that are appreciated for H showy beautiful flowers, but also for their rich lustrous foliage of shapely serrated leaves. There is variety of colors and forms. Those who appreciate these classy fascinating and flamboyant plants, will want to have them at all cost to enjoy with their eyes and nurture with their hands. If little space, it is best to have potted varieties you can move around inside and outside; on your balconies, verandahs, porches, along walls, or wherever you wish. How to grow Hibiscus in containers Choose a container Plant your hibiscus in a pot that is at least 10 inches (25.4cm) in diameter, or twice the size of the root ball. The container should have drainage holes, preferably on the sides. Add potting soil mix, choose a soil that is loamy and well draining. A mixture of 2 parts potting soil, 1 part river sand and 1 part peat moss works well, as hibiscus prefer to be well drained and aerated plant the hibiscus in the soil with 1 inch (2.5cm) of the top of the root ball exposed. Place your hibiscus in full sun at least 6 hours in your outdoor area. Water your hibiscus frequently enough to keep the soil moist, but not wet. Frequently will depend upon placement of your plant and how much sunlight it receives. Some experts recommend a drip feed watering system to regulate moisture. Apply fertilizer specified for hibiscus. Use a 727 fertilizer, as hibiscus plants prefer a low amount of phosphorous and only slightly acidic soil. Fertilize once every two weeks. Container plants require extra fertilization due to a smaller absorption area. Pruning Pruning your hibiscus will result in bushier, fuller-looking plant. It is not necessary to remove flowers. Trim only areas that have become leggy, branches that are sagging back and all yellow leaves with pruning shears. Grow Hibiscus in the Ground Plant your hibiscus in a sunny location. The plants prefer full sun, but in hot climates, hibiscus will grow in light shade. Choose an area with well draining soil. Plant the hibiscus in soil that does not hold water when it rains. If the area retains any water, you may choose to amend the ground with at least 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to 7.62 cm) of organic material, such as sand, peat moss or manure, prior to planting. This will allow for improved drainage. Water your hibiscus frequently enough to keep the ground soil moist.

sereba.agiobu.kemmer@ngrguardiannews.com

Dramatic Hibiscus

When in bloom feel free to cut the flowers for bouquets. This will not hurt the plants. Care Hibiscus can drown in standing water. Their roots need air, and water prevents them from getting any air. Fungal root diseases also thrive in soggy soil, and standing water definitely makes the soil soggy if it stays too long. The large leaves tend to draw Japanese beetles. Check periodically for pests such as aphids, white flies, and mealy bugs. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control these pests. Which Hibiscus Varieties? For the varieties of hibiscus that grow well outdoors or indoors. They all do. Every hibiscus tested has grown and flowered in and outdoors and with good color in both foliage and flowers. Flowers will usually be smaller if grown indoors, but as long as the colors are true, which they seem to be as long as the plants are given good nutritional program. So choose any variety you like. Then let us know how well it does. Uses Landscaping Many species are grown as specimen plants for their showy flowers or used as landscape shrubs, fielding plants and are used to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Paper One species, known as Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), is extensively used in paper-making. Beverage The tea made of hibiscus flower is known by many names in many countries around the world and is served both hot and cold. The beverage is well known for its tanginess and flavor. It is known as bissap in some parts of West Africa zobo’ in Nigeria, Karkade in Egypt and Sudan, agua de Jamaica in Mexico and Honduras (the flower being flor de Jamaica), gudhal in India and gongura in Brazl. Some refer to it as roselle, a common name of Hibiscus flower. In Jamaica, Trinidad and

GARDENING

many Caribean Islands, the drink is known as sorrel (Hibiscus acetosa, a species sharing the common name sorrel is not to be confused with H. Roselle) .Roselle is boild in an enamel-coated large stock pot as most West Indians believe the metal from aluminium, steel or copper pots will destroy the natural minerals and vitamins. In Cambodia, a cold beverage can be prepared by first steep the petals in hot water until the colors are leached from the petals, then adding lime juice (which turns the beverage from dark brown/red to a bright red) for sweetness (sugar/honey) and finally cold water/ice cubes. Food Dried hibiscus is edible, and is often a delicacy in Mexico. It can also be candied and use as garnish. The roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is used as vegetable. Certain species of hibiscus are also beginning to be used more widely as a natural source of food coloring. Health Benefits The tea is popular as a natural diuretic, it contains Vitamin C and minerals, and is used traditionally as a mild medicine with no side-effects. Dieters or people with kidney problems often take it without adding sugar for its beneficial properties and as a natural dinrectic. A 2008, USDA study shows consuming hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure, in a group of pre-hypertensives 3 cups daily resulted in an average drop of 8.1 mmH of in their systolic blood pressure, compared a 1.3 mmHg drop in volunteers who drank the placebo beverage. Study participants with higher blood pressure went down by 13.2 mmHg. This data supports the idea that drinking hibiscus tea in an amount readily incorporated into the diet may play a role in controlling blood pressure, although more research is required. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has a number of medical uses in traditional medicine, in Chinese herbology, their cosmetic skin care; for example, an extract from the flowers of Hibiscus has been shown to function as an anti-solar agent by absorbing ultraviolet radiation. In Indian traditional system of medicine Ayurveda, hibiscus, especially white hibiscus and red hibiscus (Hibiscus rosasinensis), is considered to have medicinal properties. The roots are used to make various concoctions believed to cure ailments such a cough, hair loss or graying hair. As a hair treatment, the flowers are boiled in oil along with other spices to make a medicated hair oil. The leaves and flowers are ground into a fine paste with a little water, and the resulting lathery paste is used as a shampoo plus conditioner, The hibiscus for its ornamental and other beneficial values is to be included in the tropical garden.

Hibiscus “flower goldmine” in high heat, carotenoids increase making Hibiscus tree

Hibiscus tree growing by gate of wooden fence

Hibiscus furcellatus, “Sleepy hibiscus” flower Pink and Red hibiscus hedge

Hibiscus-esculentus (okra) flower

Purple hibiscus-Syriacus

Yellow hibiscus with red center, hardy species

Sleeping hibiscus flowers on shrubs, waiting for sunshine to unfurl petals

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In association with

FOOD&DRINKS

veem

Recipe for the urinary system

Garlic Eggplant Pie By Chinelo Nwagbo he MAIN Function of the urinary system is formation and elimination of waste products which could poisonous to the body and can result to death if not removed. For the urinary system to function effectively, one must eat foods that are rich in vitamins, potassium and contains little protein and sodium. Nature has provided us an abundant number of cleansing foods that are gentle, yet will detoxify and restore health to the urinary system. One of the best foods for overall health and healthy urinary system is garlic eggplant pie. This nutritious dish favours well functioning of the kidney and urinary system. The ingredients (garlic, eggplant) used in preparation of this dish are rich in vitamin A, B1, B2, C, niacin, sulphured glycosides (alliin) and potassium which protect the urinary system against cyctitis (inflammation of the bladder) and other forms of urinary infections. Regular intake of this garlic eggplant pie helps the body to eliminate fluids and offer relief to the heart thereby helps avoid arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart failure. It also helps to decreases the level of low density lipo-protein (LDL) cholesterol which is harmful to the heart. Garlic egg plant pie is an ideal food for the diabetics due to its high fiber content.

Ingredients Whole flour Brewer’s yeast

Quantities 400g 1 tablespoon

Carrot 200g eggplant Sweet red pepper Onion Tomato Garlic Sea salt Water 100ml Milk 100ml

2 medium size 2 medium size 2 medium bulb 2 medium size 2 cloves A pinch

Method of preparation Peel, chop the garlic and mix with oil and salt. Bake the eggplant, the sweet red pepper, onion and the tomatoes.

Peel and cut the baked vegetables into strips. Add oil and garlic and stir. The filling is ready. Mix the salt and flour. Make a hole in the middle and pour in the water and the remaining oil. Knead until the dough becomes elastic and does not stick. Divide the dough into two parts, one slightly bigger than the other. Spread the larger portion over a round, oven pivot piecrust dish, leaving the dough just out about 2cm from the edge. Arrange the

vegetable filling and cover with the other portion of dough. Wet the boarder of the lower dough and fold it over the upper dough, thus sealing the pie. Prick the dough with a fork several times to decorate the pie with strips. Place the pie in preheated 220oC oven. Bake for 30 minutes It may be served immediately or cold E-mail: chineloeby@yahoo.com Website: www.oveem.com.ng, Blog:www.oveem.com.ng/blog Twitter: @OveemNG

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HOME&DECOR

Marble Flooring Option ARBLE is a popular flooring option in M contemporary buildings. It is used for both interior and exterior application in homes, offices and places of worship. Among the places where it is used include the bathroom, entrance pathways, dining rooms, living rooms and other areas of home and offices. Marble flooring materials come in blocks, and slab and tiles with a wide range of colour such as white, black, blue, brown, green and grey. Marble tiles are sought for because of their exceptional beauty. They are soft and porous natural stone marble, requiring proper care so as to maintain its softness and lustre. Marble tiles are available in two types â&#x20AC;&#x201C; glazed and unglazed. Glazed tiles are hard with smooth surface. As a result, it has the ability to resist water stains. Unglazed tiles are scratch resistant but are prone to stains due to its soft surface unlike glazed tiles. Marble has many advantages going for it as a flooring option. It is long lasting, durable and hard, thus making it worth your money. It looks attractive, which makes it fit fulfill its decorative expectation. With its availability in a wide range of colours and variety, it can be chosen to fit into the decorative plan of a space. Marble is extremely versatile, as it can be used in different sections of a building. It is also water and bacteria resistant and at the same time hypoallergenic and allergen resistant. However, it is more expensive than other flooring materials. It can be hard and cold underfoot and needs regular maintenance.

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

NaturalHealth Natural Health With G. C. Ihesie

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

The Healing And Medicinal Powers Of Pure Honey Honey II By Godwin Ihesie Tel: 08033065263 Email: ihesie84@yahoo.com Nutritional Benefits Of Honey AW, unstrained, unfiltered and unheated honey obtained directly from the beehive contains some pollen and small particles of beeswax and is the best form of honey. However, the particulate material can be removed by passing the honey through a mesh material without removing the pollen, and this is called filtered honey.

Pure and unadulterated honey does not grow mold, therefore, it is free of preservatives, artificial flavours or colorants and it keeps best if stored in a dry cool place and in a tightly covered container to prevent it from absorbing moisture or odours from the air. Most of the honeys sold in supermarkets are ultra-filtered and heat-treated. These processes of purification remove all solids particles and pollen grains and make the honey to appear very bright and clear. However, they destroy most of the essential nutrients present in pure honey. With the increased demands for honey, our markets today are flooded with all kinds of artificial or adulterated honey. It is, therefore, imperative to mention here that there are several ways of detecting the purity of honey, the most common method being to drop a spoon of pure honey in a glass of water. Adulterated honey dissolves easily in water, while pure honey does not. Another method is to dip a cotton wick or bud into the honey. Pure honey burns when the wick is lighted with a matchstick. The presence of water in the adulterated honey will not allow the wick to burn. It is equally important to point out here that, depending on the source, if pure honey is stored in a very cool place, one of the natural sugar content may crystallise and precipitate and this may be mistaken for adulteration. The precipitates, however, disappear at warm temperature if the honey is pure. Pure honey is composed of water, predigested carbohydrates- glucose, fructose, protein, fatty acids, enzymes, organic acids, antimicrobial compounds, hormones, vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B-groups like the B-complex,

Riboflavin (Vitamin. B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pantothenic acid (B5) Vitamin B6, Folate (Vitamin. B9) and Thiamin, 28 different minerals including calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine, potassium, iodine, sodium, copper, manganese, etc. Honey has no fat or cholesterol. It has no substitute and is the best sweetener ever known to man. It is twice as sweet as table sugar. Four teaspoons of pure honey is approximately equivalent to five teaspoons of white table sugar. Therefore, only a small amount of pure honey is needed at a time. Honey is added to various foods and beverages, such as tea, used as a spread on breads, in baking whole wheat bread and cakes to keep them moist and improves their quality. Honey aids digestion, promotes peristaltic movement and helps in protecting the mucous membrane lining the entire length of the gastro-intestinal system from the irritant effects of the digestive juice or substances that could give rise to inflammatory reaction along the digestive tracts. It, therefore, helps in preventing most of the disease affecting the digestive system, such as indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastroenteritis, anal fistula and hemorrhoids. A Natural Source of Fast Energy THE natural sugars (carbohydrates) present in honey are already broken down and require little or no digestion and are easily assimilated into the bloodstream within 20 minutes of ingestion. Honey is, therefore, a natural source of fuel for quick energy. A teaspoon of pure honey is believed to be capable of providing the body with about 64 calorie of energy as soon as it is consumed.

It is on record that in the ancient times, athletes and other sports men and women drank pure and unadulterated honey in water to enhance their performance. Pure, unrefined and unheated honey is an excellent food supplement for those recovering from ill-health (it helps in building up wasted or damaged body tissues). It serves as a useful nutritive and rejuvenating tonic for adults and children, pregnant women and nursing mothers and those that suffering chronic fatigue syndrome. It is recommended as a supplementary diet when treating anemia associated with iron or Bcomplex deficiency. Honey is very rich in all the blood-building nutrients. It is one of the foods that nourishes and builds up the entire central nervous systems. It enhances the functions of the brain and memory and prevents senility at an old age when it is taken regularly. When taken regularly, pure honey will improve the motility and production of spermatozoa. Studies have shown that when taken with “pap” made from cornstarch or Quaker oats, honey will increase the secretion of seminal fluid (the nourishing and protective medium for sperm cells). Honey helps in promoting sexual endurance and increases male youthful virility, as well as rejuvenates the entire human reproductive organs in both male and female sexes. Diabetics And Honey DIABETES is regarded as a degenerative disease of the pancreas, arising from a combination factors, such as poor, unwholesome, faulty nutrition and life style. Among these factors, excessive consumption of refined (white) table sugar is thought to have

the most destructive effects on the pancreas and is the most important cause of diabetes. That is the main reason why diabetes mellitus was called sugar diabetes in most rural communities of the world. The name, sugar diabetes, summed it all up. It is on record, however, that for market and profit reasons and to conceal the health implications of table sugar on human body, the influential sugar industries lobbied and probably bribed the health industry to drop the word “sugar” from original name “sugar diabetes” and the disease became diabetes mellitus. Apart from “sugar diabetes,” Nancy Appleton (PhD), the author of the book Lick the Sugar Habit, listed 78 ways in which refined white sugar can ruin our health. It is known that white sweeteners overwhelm the activities of certain vital organs in the human body, upsetting mineral and hormonal balance, etc, which may trigger numerous health problems, like arthritis, circulatory, candidiasis (thrush), weak eyesight, cataract, tooth decay, just to mention but a few. Unlike most of the artificial sweeteners, a minimal use of pure and unadulterated honey by the diabetics may not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. However, it is important to mention again that pure honey contains pre-digested simple carbohydrates, such as glucose. Fructose (levulose), which is monosaccharides, enters the bloodstream directly and rapidly when consumed in excess and may, therefore, react like those of refined table sugar in diabetic conditions. Consequently, those suffering from diabetes mellitus are advised to use honey with care and in moderation, just as is applicable with the very sweet fruits, like pineapples, mangoes, etc.

PetLife With Dr.Tunji Nasir HAD not really seen a monkey face-toIdecided face until one afternoon when I to play truant with my friends

Monkey: A Harmless Pet?

after school. Normally, I was supposed to go home after the day’s lessons, but on this sunny afternoon, my friends and I decided to cross the rail lines at Yaba (Lagos) and our destination was the Biney Zoo. It was a privately maintained zoo, perhaps the best of its kind in Nigeria, and it boasted of many animals then. With an equivalent of about 10kobo, anybody could be granted unfettered access into the belly of the zoo. Let me quickly reveal at this juncture that besides house rats, cats and stray dogs in my Ebute-Metta vicinity, I had never encountered any other animal. As I made to cross the barrier that led up to the zoo, my abdomen and its entire contents began to rumble. I wanted to urinate and defecate at the same time. I indeed urinated, because I had to beat a retreat to do so outside the zoo gates when I felt my panties were already getting wet. My heart was indeed racing. It took me another 10 minutes to decide whether or not I should go and join my friends, who had gone into the zoo. Eventually, I summoned the man in

me when I saw a little girl (probably not more than eight-year-old) hurried into the zoo. Then I was 12 years old and I could not disgrace myself in front of a woman, Abi? That was how I entered and my odyssey into the monkey world began. Now, among all the animals in the zoo, I was awfully struck with the revelation that the monkey and its likesBaboon, Gorilla, Chimpanzee- possess an uncanny semblance to man. But for their bent backs, abducted legs and sad faces, as a result of their facial structure and marked wrinkles, they can actually pass for miniature human beings. At first, I was intrigued, then admiration sets in and lastly, I was sad for these beings in their confined abodes and trapped bodies. In my numerous enquiries after this encounter, I was told these primates are actually cousins to man; that they were indeed acci-

dents of evolution and precursors of the specie Homosapiens, to which man gleefully belongs. I was also told that monkeys epitomise greed, and stupidity, but these I have since discountenanced, as I have learnt that they are indeed bastions of intelligence, because they have highlydeveloped brains. In fact, they are reputed to create mental maps and calendars, storing information about locations of different fruit trees and the time of the year

when the fruits become ripe. Studies have shown that the Rhesus monkeys are able to understand the relation that exists among numbers one to nine, which means that they can understand when a number is smaller or larger than another number (I am sure that many people will contest this). Another interesting thing in the monkey world is communication, which takes different forms. It could be through body postures, gestures and vocalisations. Truly, most of us have encountered situations where we see monkeys open their mouths, baring their teeth and at the same time slapping the ground with their hands and making some very funny vocalisations. I know we often wondered at what was happening, but hey, these animals are simply angry when they exhibit such. In fact, the monkey planet is replete with a lot of wonderful things,

especially as it concerns their survival instincts. Most monkeys survive largely by using their intelligence. Some of them sometimes fend off predators by urinating on them from high above on the trees or by jumping up and down to make dead branches fall on predators. Despite all these admirations for the monkey, I am not sure if monkeys should actually be kept as pets in our various homes, as they are classified as endangered species and must be protected in their feral habitat. These days, the activities of poachers and lumberjacks have combined to depopulate these animals in their abodes. The former hunt them for pecuniary gains, either as food or pets, while the latter destroy the forest and reduce their chances of survival in the now scantily clad forest. Whichever way we look at the situation, monkeys present a study, such that we cannot but give them attention. And just like I marveled at my first contact with monkeys, I still remain fascinated by their dispositions and displays each time I come across them. So, don’t be surprised if you see me doing some monkey business.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, March 15, 2014 47

BRANDINTELLIGENCE

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

Online Shopping: Consumers React, As Market Takes Root In Nigeria By Lukmon Oloyede HE rapid change in technology in the last 20 T years has stimulated an explosion in global e-commerce. Nigeria is not left out, as it is fast becoming involved in e-commerce transactions. Although the e-commerce market, popularly known as online shopping, is relatively new in the country, it is, however, steadily growing. Online shopping now drives world economies and has become a social phenomenon that is modifying the purchasing behaviour of consumers, not only in Nigeria, but also in many countries across the world. A recent research carried out by an e-commerce blog, www.mivamerchant.com, indicates that 40 per cent of Americans shop online, at least once in a month. Internet access is critical to online shopping and modern mobile phones are increasingly being equipped with internet facilities, despite the generally poor access to internet among Third World countries. According to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) figures, approximately 28 per cent of Nigeria’s population has internet access and the number of mobile phone subscriptions has topped 87 million. Prior to 2012, online shopping was practically non-existent. The emergence of Jumia.com and Dealdey sparked a revolution on how Nigerians shop. Currently, there are over 100 online market places in Nigeria. Observations by The Guardian revealed that a bulk of the platforms focus their trade on electronics, mobile gadgets, clothing and accessories. Findings also show that there are five major players competing in this segment, namely Konga, Jumia, Taafoo, Kaymu and Dealdey. While a number of online shopping platform web portals are currently inaccessible, some platforms, such as huntella.net, Flegz.com,

Awufu.com, and Bringitbay.com, also have a number of their orders off placement. Economical and effortless as it appears to float an online store, it may not be a walk in the park for those who have ventured into it. A digital media consultant, Segun Fasika, citing the example of online cloth shopping, revealed that for any brand to launch an online fashion store, it will be spending between $3,000 and $5,000 depending on the payment platform, the payment gateway, the fashion company and the type of distribution service. “Online store is an extension of the ‘bricks-and-

PTV Rewards Customers With Hyundai Car, Other Prizes EACE Tiding Venture Limited (PTV) has P rewarded customers, who participated in its promo ‘Level Go Change,’ in the spirit of the Valentine. Speaking at the presentation of the grand prize, a new Hyundai car, the Chief Executive Officer, PTV Phones Limited, Mr. Banji Adesanmi, said that in the past two months, the firm had been waiting for the winners, especially the grand prize winner as part of the company’s principle of fulfilling promises to customers. “In this promo, hundreds of people have won phones and lots of free airtime have been given to everyone that participated in

the promo,” he said. Among the 20 customers who qualified for the draw, only 15 were available for the raffle draw, which took place at the company’s head office in the presence of its many customers. In the draw, which was done randomly in an open bowl, the contestants displayed their various numbers and the first 12 numbers were picked among the 15 contestants. The lucky contestant went with consolation prizes such as Samsung Android Phone. The lucky three were drawn in the grand Hyundai car, which produced Mr. George Nelson, a hotel attendant, as the winner. Nelson, who hails from Imo State, was represented by his brother, Darlington.

mortar’ store. The target audience of most online shops is the youth; the older generation will still shop offline. The elite will likely choose the ‘brick-and-mortar’ stores to maintain class as they would still want to be seen in these stores,” he said. But does online shopping pose any real threat to physical stores? Also, what challenges dog this modern-day merchandising? Debo Adejugbe, an IT professional is of the opinion that “there are two ways to it, depending on the needs and desires of the customers. But to take sides, I will prefer the physical retail stores. My reason is that, you get a new idea of what you want to buy, so making or changing your mind wouldn’t be an issue. An example is when I went shopping a month ago. I wanted something cute but when I got to the store I saw something better and more befitting. It took me five minutes of inspection to change my mind.” He noted further that another reason is security, stressing: “Believe it or not, even the extremely savvy IT users among us are still wary of scammers and the security of some of these sites is not yet scam-proof.” Some customers, who have engaged in the services of some of these online marketplaces, shared their experiences with The Guardian on their performance so far. Most of the respondents rated their services fair and called for improvement on deliveries and customer relations. According to a marketer, Mr. Felix Okoli, online shopping has been able to create an alternative to the traditional way of buying and selling. However, he noted that most online shopping mall he had used repeatedly failed to

meet up with the time of delivery of service. “Most of the online shopping malls have always failed to deliver packages as of the time promised, especially when the delivery is not within Lagos State,” he said. A US-based Nigerian businesswoman, Susan Adewale, who was in the country recently, narrated her experiences thus: “My first experience with online shopping in Nigeria was terrible. I was so worried and wondered if the clothes I ordered from one of this popular online shopping mall would ever be delivered. The delivery lasted for over one week, while I was told it would be delivered in just three days. The most annoying part was the way the customer care lady attended to me when I questioned why the package did not arrive at the appointed time. Perhaps, they fail to realise they are a part of the way their service would be perceived.” Sharing a similar experience, Benjamin Olawale, a student of the University of Lagos, said he was quite excited to see that online trading was becoming a reality in Nigeria, but regretted that getting ample information about offers and making enquires on package leave so much to be desired. “While I find the payment policy reasonable, calling the customer care to make enquires is sometimes provoking. The customer care attendants need to be re-oriented and have ample information that could help customers, whenever they call for their attention,” he said. Another online shopper, Ibrahim Akinlotun also said: “So far, I would have rated the industry high, considering their growth in just a few years of swamping the country. I have mainly made online purchases through Konga and Jumia due to their overwhelming digital ads. While I was in Lagos, I was impressed. But since I relocated to Ifo, Ogun State, they’ve not been meeting up with delivery dates and often give logistics excuses.” Akinlotun submitted that “they need to improve a lot more on their delivery outside major cities, because not everyone wants to live in the cities nowadays.” There are also concerns raised about bespoke items, especially with clothing items. A regular online shopper, Modupe Adewunmi, feels the only issue she has with online stores is women’s clothing because of size. “Sometimes those specifications regarding the size and measurement are not exactly what you expected, so the stress of returning such goods is not palatable for both the buyer and the store.” It is left to be seen if with the proliferation of online shops in Nigeria, e-commerce can in the near future push the frontiers of commerce and reduce to rubble the traditional bricks and mortar malls and other shopping outfits that presently dot our cities.

BrandiQ Partners 2C Associés On African Cristal Festival By Lawrence Amaku RONTLINE marketing comFBrandiQ, munication magazine, is partnering with

Representative of the grand prize winner, Mr. Darlington Johnson; and Chief Executive Officer, Peace Tiding Ventures Limited (PTV) Mr. Banji Adesanmi; at the presentation of the star prize — a brand new Hyundai Accent — to the overall winner at the grand finale of PTV ‘Levels Go Change’ Consumer Promo, held in Lagos…recently.

French organisation, 2C Associés, in a bid to ensure an optimum visibility of the African Cristal Festival, tagged ‘Pan-African Summit for Media and Communication,’ taking place between May 26 and 28, 2014 in Nairobi, Kenya. With this partnership, BrandiQ is expected to bring its support to 2C Associés by taking part in the development of the event.

The African Cristal Festival is an annual event dedicated to creativity and media for the African continent. It gathers the greatest African and International industry experts and offers a platform where professionals debate, learn and get inspired. A statement issued on 2C Associes website says that “in a region undergoing such tremendous changes and where brands are becoming an essential part of the African identity, the African Cristal Festival stands as the first ‘Summit for Media and Communications’ dedicated

to the African continent. This event will aim to bring together the entire media and communication industry to network and to promote regional culture through dedicated competitions, conferences and debates.” This year’s festival is coming after the success of the first African edition held in 2013 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, between April 10 and 13. The Cristal Festival had previously held in Courchevel, France for 13 years and Mzaar in Lebanon (MENA Cristal Festival) for nine years with huge successes recorded.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, March 15, 2014

BRANDNEWS World Consumers’ Day: Brand Writers To Honour Industry Icons S part of activities to commemorate the World’s Consumers’ Day celebration, Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) have concluded plans to honour individuals who have contributed immensely to the nation’s marketing communication environment and consumer empowerment in 2013. Those scheduled to be honoured include the outgoing chairman of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), ‘Lolu Akinwunmi; General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Kola Oyeyemi; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Starcom Media, Ayodele Kupoluyi; CEO of Oracle Experience, Felix Eiremiokhae; and CEO of Absolute PR, Akonte Ekine. Others are CEO, Neo Media & Marketing, Ehi Braimah; CEO, TruContact CSR Nigeria, Ken Egbas; CEO, New Crystal, Dozie Mbanefo; President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, Bunmi Oke; and Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos chapter, Deji Elumoye. The event will hold with the theme: ‘Nigeria Corporate and Helpless Consumers’ on March 15, 2014 at Adna Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

BRANDINTELLIGENCE

Polo Opens New Luxury Shop In Lagos By Usukuma Ntia OLO Limited, an indigeP nous luxury goods company committed to offering quality products to its consumers, has expanded its market with the opening of a new fashion shop in Lagos. At the new multimillion Naira ultra-modern shop located in Victoria Island, Polo exhibited array of luxury products to meet the growing demand for luxury goods by

Nigerians. Speaking at the unveiling of the shop recently, Jennifer Obayuwana, Polo Limited’s Executive Director, said the new store is set to become Nigeria’s leading elite store, offering exclusive range of high-end products. “The Polo Avenue Store has the best products in leather goods, shoes, fashion accessories, fragrances, among others, from leading international designers, such as Roberto

Carvalli, Balenciaga, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, among other luxury designers,’ she said. Obayuwana added: “At Polo, our commitment has always been to provide our customers with products from the most prestigious luxury brands in the world. We have, so far, accomplished this in the watches and jewelry category; it is now only a natural progression for us to expand

to other categories that our customers cherish.” The director stressed that the launch of the Avenue store was timely, with the increasing demand for authentic products. She enthused that Polo Avenue would also solve the problem of customers seeking seasonal items which are unavailable in the country and which they had previously travelled abroad to purchase.

Mikel, Genevieve Named Amstel Malta Ambassadors OLLOWING the premiere last Saturday at the Africa Movies FCommercial Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) of a new Amstel Malta TV (TVC) featuring both screen diva, Genevieve Nnaji, and Super Eagles’ player, Mikel Obi, Genevieve has now confirmed she’s been made an ambassador for the low sugar malt drink. Sources say the deal was sealed earlier this year, with the initial campaign themed around inspirational journey to success stories. The TVC, which was aired during the star-studded AMVCAs, highlights the individual career journeys of both stars, ending at a point of triumph. However, there has been no word yet on how much they were paid or how long the deal will last. Chelsea FC star, Obi, was not present at the awards but Genevieve, who presented an award with actor, OC Ukeje, spoke with Amstel Malta red carpet host, Vixen, on her own journey to success and how she hopes the project will help young Nigerians make the best of their own journeys.

Chivita’s New Ad Campaign Hits The Air Waves HI Limited recently launched its new communication campaign for Chivita Premium fruit juice. The television commercial and radio jingles have already attracted interest in marketing communication circles and among consumers, thus consolidating the perception of the brand as a trusted Nigerian brand of international standard. The thought-provoking television commercial, which has the duration of 45 seconds, urges consumers not to settle for less than the best. The radio jingle rhetorically asks consumers if they would settle for less than 100 per cent fruit juice and the response to the question is obviously negative. Their choice of 100 per cent content in their fruit juice is understandable, particularly when they know Chivita premium fruit juice offers no less, coupled with its availability and affordability. Chivita Premium 100 per cent fruit juice campaign has attracted the attention of communications experts for its adherence to the principles of great advertising. It has succeeded in converting thousands of fruit juice lovers to choose its 100 per cent fruit juice for its great taste and nutrition benefits. Expressing her view on the commercial, a banker and mother of four children, Mrs. Ogechi Eze, said “the new television commercial from Chivita Premium fruit juice is a brilliant effort,” adding that “a television commercial or radio jingle has to score high in two areas to be memorable: sheer entertainment value and thought-provoking ability.”

Centenary Celebration: Lottery Firm Offers N100M, Cars, Other Prizes By Usukuma Ntia S part of the country’s 100 years anniversary celebration, a A lottery firm, Secured Electronic Technology Plc, has said it is ready to offer a N100 million to any winner who emerge at a grand draw in June this year. The Managing Director of the firm, Dr. Odunlami Kola-Daisi, said this recently in Lagos. Other prizes on offer, according to him, include: Hyundai Accent cars, Prado jeep, tricycles, otherwise called Centenary tricycles; LED TV sets, daily cash prizes, generating sets, and chest freezers, among others. Winners will emerge on a daily basis through electronic draws, which will be aired on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). The lottery, which begins this week with a draw, will last for 90 days. Kola-Daisi assured that the lottery promotion would be transparent and according to international standards. To participate, players are enjoined to send a SMS to a special code at a cost of N100 per SMS on MTN, Airtel, Glo, Etisalat and Visafone networks. Also speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who was represented by his Special Assistant Media, Sam Onwuobasi, expressed the support of the Federal Government to the project.

Chairman Coscharis Group, Mr. Cosmos Maduka (left); Chairman Honeywell Group, Mr. Oba Otudeko; Managing Director, Polo Limited, Mr. John Obayuwana; and Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Ade Adefuye, at the official launch of Polo Avenue Store…recently.

PRCAN Debunks APC’s Claims On AKPD Contract By Abiodun Obisesan HE President of Public T Relations Consultancy Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), Chido Nwakama, has faulted the argument put forward by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in employing the expatriate service of AKPD. APC recently hired the Chicago-based consultancy firm in its quest to firm up strategy for the general elections in 2015. The APC had through the interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated that AKPD is not a PR consultancy firm but a research firm. Nwakanma, however, debunked APC’s justification for going after a foreign firm in prosecuting its elections. “It is interesting that APC is searching for the best. Champions in every discipline are created through diligent practice and opportunities. The firm they have hired became notable at what they do because people in their local environment gave them the opportunity to showcase their talents. They did not spring from nowhere and become ‘the best.’ The point is that our progressives are saying they do not believe in our country. When gold rusts, what would iron do? We are saddened. These fellows would pay no tax here and add no sustainable value to the system.” Like their counterparts in the advertising industry, public relations experts are grappling with the incursion of foreign firms into the country. Just last year, the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON)

wrestled Scanad, a foreign agency, out of its local turf. However, it is not evident that the PR community in Nigeria is showing commensurate energy as the advertising industry to regulate the activities of foreign PR firms in the country. Speaking on this, Willy Ogbudi, a staff in the office of

the National President of NIPR, clarified: “The NIPR is statutorily empowered by the 1990 decree to regulate the practice of public relations in Nigeria and the practice of government. Nigerian PR experts should be able to handle its affairs better than foreign firms because there is no way foreign knowledge could

be domesticated without taking the local environment into consideration. It is ironical that Alhaji Lai Mohammed is also a Fellow of NIPR. After 50 years of independence, we should not be scouting for experts as if they are domiciled in one part of the world. Hence, APC should look inward for solutions, rather than go abroad.”

Ashafa Commends WACL Ceramic On Quality Products HE Vice Chairman, Senate T Committee on Housing, Land and Urban Development, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, has commended tile manufacturing giant in sub-Saharan Africa, West African Ceramics Ltd., on local production of high quality ceramic and vitrified tiles to meet the needs of the building construction industry in Nigeria. Ashafa gave the commendation when he visited the West African Ceramics exhibition booth during the tour of the

exhibition ground of the Building Construction & Mining Mart 2014 Expo at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently. The Senator representing Lagos East, who was the special guest of the grand opening of the expo, expressed appreciation to the company for indigenous production of vitrified tiles, which meet international standards and quality. He hailed the display of ceramic tiles and the vitrified porcelain tiles produced by West African Ceramics under its flagship brands,

Royal Ceramics and VIT Porcelain. In response, Marketing Representative, South-West, West African Ceramics Ltd., Tosin Elaturoti, thanked the Senator. Elatoroti, who had earlier introduced the various products on display to the Senator, said the production of vitrified tiles was a demonstration of the company’s commitment to serve the building and construction industry where the need for floor, wall and roofing tiles is concerned.

Burson-Marsteller Eyes More African Nations URSON-MARSTELLER, a B leading global Public Relations and communications firm, recently announced further important strategic moves in Africa. Arcay Burson-Marsteller, which celebrates 25 years in Africa this year, and became a majority-owned subsidiary of Burson-Marsteller in September 2011, has been renamed Burson-Marsteller with immediate effect. In addition, 12 of the company’s long-standing exclusive affiliates across the continent

have entered into new partnership agreements, bringing them even closer to the network by now using the name Burson-Marsteller in a total of 27 countries across the continent. With its 53 country reach and more than 20 years of client service experience, BursonMarsteller in Africa represents the pre-eminent network across the continent. The Burson-Marsteller Africa network is headquartered in Johannesburg and continues to be run by Chairman and

CEO for Africa, Robyn de Villiers, who founded the network 25 years ago. Partner agencies include Infocus Burson-Marsteller in Ghana and Sierra Leone, Mali, Gabon and Burkina Faso, as well as a host of other agencies spread across Africa. In addition, Engage BursonMarsteller was launched in July 2013 covering Kenya and Tanzania. “The African continent is one of the world’s strong emerging markets and key to our clients’ global business strategies.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Cover Activities Of Fulani Herdsmen As A Time Bomb By Samson Ezea NLESS something is sincerely, urgently and U wholeheartedly done by the governments and people towards finding lasting solutions to the incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen, and their host communities across the country over grazing, the country might be in for another time bomb waiting to explode. Treating the menace with kid gloves as being witnessed today might be catastrophic in the nearest future, because instead of abating, the problems is escalating in leaps and bounds judging by the recent killings in Benue State, and attack on the convoy of the Benue State governor Mr. Gabriel Suswam. The recent incident in Benue was an addition to what has witnessed across the country over the years; the only slight difference this time was the attack on the governor’s convoy. Ever before now, Nigerians have witnessed series of violent communal clashes arising from the activities of the nomads who move about on a daily basis with their cattle in search of water and green pastures. They are on the streets across the country and could also be found in the remotest villages. They were Fulani tribesmen that were initially located in small make-shift communities scattered across the northern parts of Nigeria and other countries in the West Africa region. But by their culture and occupation, they have remained an itinerant race that owned no lands nor had any permanent abode. They lived with their cattle wherever there was abundance of fodder and absence of tse-tse fly. They used to embark on seasonal migrations from the North to the South, but the movement has become an all seasons affair. The reason has been that overgrazing in the far north has given way to desertification and the normal alternating wet and dry seasons have metamorphosed into some unusual weather conditions now known as climate change. Before now, a cordial and symbiotic relationship existed between them and the people in every new community they stopped over to take rest. Farmers in the host communities usually derived organic manure from cow dung and protein from the beef and diary products, while the nomads relied on the farm produce for food. The situation is no longer the same today as the presence of the nomads and their cattle have caused violent clashes in several communities across the country. Many believe that apart from the language and cultural barriers which usually spot out the nomads as strangers, the audacity with which they carry on with their

flocks, grazing on every available vegetation on their routes has often attracted protests from several communities. The development has given rise to incessant clashes between the farmers and herdsmen, which have culminated in the loss of several lives and property. In some cases, a whole community is wiped out and those fortunate to escape have become refugees in other places. Becoming the flashpoints of such clashes in the recent times are some states in the North central zone namely Benue, Nassarawa, Plateau and others. When herdsmen attack and kill scores in the course of a contest for grazing fields and water, there are usually reprisal attacks. There are also claims and counter claims as to who were the aggressors and the underlying motives for the violence. It often brings to the fore, the indigene/ settler question, land ownership and citizenship rights in the country. The problem has severally thrown up tribal, ethnic, regional, religious and political sentiments that threaten the corporate existence of the country, but far-reaching measures have not been taken to address it. Even the moves by the National Assembly to search for solutions to the problem through the presentation of bill to establish a National Grazing Route and Reserves Commission had been enmeshed in religious/political sentiments and emotion. It could be recalled that sometime last years, the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture held a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish a National Grazing Route and Reserves Commission. The bill which was sponsored by Hon. Karimi Sunday Steve, member representing Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency of Kogi State was a replica of another bill presently pending at the Senate. The version of the bill at the upper chamber of the National Assembly was sponsored by Senator Zainab Kure (PDP/Niger). Both bills were meant to address challenges posed by the emerging security challenges arising from the movement of the Fulani nomads and their cattle across the country. The National Grazing Route and Reserve Commission, if established, would acquire and manage parcels of land across the 36 states of the Federation for the purpose of providing pastures for these nomads and their herds of cattle. Part IV of the bill stipulates the procedure for the acquisition of the grazing routes and reserves. It states in parts: “The Commission

shall approach the governments of all the thirty six (36) states and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and express its desire to establish a Grazing Route and Reserve in accordance with this Act. The commission shall undertake a physical geographical analysis of the land use in each of the states in order to ascertain the best and most appropriate place to locate the Federal Grazing Reserve and Route within the said state. The Commission shall after undertaking the analysis of the Grazing Reserves and Routes approach each State Governor with the cooperation of the member of the Commission from that state to negotiate with the governor to transfer the land to the Commission for the purpose of Grazing Routes and Reserve. The governors in each state shall cooperate with the Commission in the furtherance of its objectives under this Act. “Whenever land has been transferred by the governor to the Commission for use as Grazing Routes and Reserve, the governor in each state shall make an order that shall set forth - (a) the limits of the land which constitute the reserve ( b) that the land has been transferred to the Commission for the purpose of Grazing Route and Reserves and (c) that all interests in the land constituted as Grazing Routes and Reserve is subject to the interest of the Commission for the purposes of Grazing Routes and Reserve. “Whenever any land has been transferred to the Commission by the Governor, the Commission shall pay the compensation necessary to the persons and communities whose interest in the land has been affected by such transfer. “Once the governor of each of the states or any of the states agree to reserve or transfer any land to the Commission for the purpose of Grazing Routes or Reserves, a Notice shall be published in the Nigerian Official Gazette specifying as clearly as possible the situation and the limits of the land.” Unfortunately during the consideration of the general principles of the bill in House of Representatives, opinions were divided on the relevance of such legislation. Some legislators opposed to the bill have argued that the legislation was capable of igniting a worse crisis scenario. They argued that the clashes being experienced across the length and breadth of the country was caused by the struggle over land ownership and usage. Some believe that there has been a deliberate plot by the Hausa/Fulani political elite to seize the lands belonging to some other ethnic groups especially in the North central zone and lord it over them.

Suswam Speaking on the matter, Mr. Bitrus Kaze, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau State said that the new legislation compounds the challenges emanating from the Land Use Act. He argued that the proposed legislation was a subtle attempt to forcefully grab lands from local communities and give such lands to the Fulani nomads. The legislation, he said, would disposess the farmers of their lands and make their conditions worse even if the Commission paid any compensation for such lands. Also Chairman, House Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Eziuche Ubani said the frequent clashes are not peculiar to Nigeria. Ubani said that similar clashes have occurred between farmers and herdsmen in many other African countries. According to him, these clashes should be a wake up call for the government to take the issue of climate change seriously and tackle it. He challenged the government at the federal and state levels to enunciate policies that could lead to a better and more equitable management of natural resources such as land and water. Some analysts have also drawn a nexus between the bill and some aspects of our history. They refer to 1804, when Uthman Dan Fodio, the Fulani patriarch arrived in present day Northern Nigeria and launched an all out economic and religious war against the native inhabitants of the area. Some are of the opinion that many of the herdsmen we find on our streets today are nonNigerians who strayed into our country under the guise of seeking greener pastures for their livestock. Many argue that the grazing corridors have created easy passage for the infiltration of illegal immigrants and terrorists into Nigeria. Some argue that it would be in the best interest of northern states such as Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa and Gombe to establish cattle ranches and confine grazing to these ranches. This would not only protect the environment, but would transform the local economy.

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Tiv/Fulani Killings: ‘Sustained Attacks Is A Gang-up To Eliminate Tiv Nation’ marauders have attacked and ranabout Kwande local government is sacked some major settlements in that, it holds the key to Tiv traditional religion call “Swem”. And for the HE recent heinous attacks of Fulani the council area including Anyiin, Suswam’s home town. Gwer- west, marauders to have at first instance herdsmen on the Tiv people of vented an attack on Tor Tiv house in Benue state has been viewed by many and Makurdi the state capital have their fair share of the attacks and dis- the village, took over the place and citizens of the state as an attempt placement by the herdsmen. Just a headed on to dislodge the unifying towards ethnic genocide or what month ago, the people of Adaka com- force of the Tiv nation “Swem,” it could be termed as ethnic cleansing. munity in Makurdi are attacked by means there is an impending danger As it is today, the seeming uprising for the entire Tiv population irrespecagainst the Tiv population is seen not the herdsmen and till today, no Tiv person lives in that area. Again, the tive of where ever they are staying. just in Benue but other states like Nasarawa, Taraba as well as Adamawa community that host the mobile bar- An elderly man in Kwande who pleadrack of the state police command, ed anonymity to The Guardian said for states where the Tiv people form a the calamity befalling the Tiv nation good percentage of the states’ popula- about three weeks were attack and up till now, stranded as refugees be tackled, the traditional rites of the tion and had lived there since the with their neighbors in the heart of people must be observe, and elders formative ages of the Nigerian state. Makurdi. and leaders of the Tiv extraction come Investigation reveals that as things The travails of these killings by the to gather irrespective of political affilistand today, the Tiv people that form Fulani mercenaries in Kwande LGA ation. the bulk population in Nasarawa had been another area that call for The elderly man maintained that the before and after creation of the state concern. The marauders here man who is in custody of the Tiv spirihave been ransacked from their homes by the Fulanis in collaboration attacked and burnt down Anyaase in tual kingdom is still alive and must be Moon district as well as other small consulted by the political leaders for with other tribes, their settlements amicable resolution of the Tiv/ Fulani taken over by the invaders. The same villages killing about 19 people squabbles. thing is happening to them in Taraba before they were repelled by some youths that stepped in and arrested While reviewing the background of and Adamawa states. In all cases, three military personnel who the the Tiv/ Fulani tribes before now, the scores of lives and property got lost two had a history of harmonious coand their domains occupied by other suspected were assisting the herdsmen in dislodging the people. The existence between them even as there tribes. military suspects The Guardian gath- abound minor but resolvable issues in Now, the Fulani herdsmen who are the dawn of their history; peace and the principal invaders of the Tiv terri- ered were handed over to the comco- existence had always been their tories haven succeeded in displacing missioner of police and were later released to go. watch word. them from the neighboring states But the historical belief by Tiv people Reviewing the persistence and recent mentioned, have in recent times beamed their attacks on Benue, the Tiv ancestral state, displacing, killing, burning houses as well as destroying properties and farms. Today, Tor Tiv the fourth, Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula ‘s house and the entire village in Guma LGA, was set ablaze, wanton of his people killed and the land taken over by the herdsmen as grazing ground, but the Federal Government saw nothing wrong with that. Also, in Guma LGA, the traditional home of the supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr. Samuel Ortom was razed down. Other villages burnt down in the area are Tse Iordye, Tse Tondu, Tse Akernyi, Umenger, Tse Enger, Ukpam etc. In a nutshell, it has been reported that not lss than one hundred villages in Guma LGA have been displaced and taken over by the Fulani grazers. It is worthy to note here that the burning and looting of the remaining villages in Guma LGA is presently going on. It was last Tuesday that Governor Gabriel Suswam on a visit to the area to inspect the level of damage caused to the area in company of the state commissioner of police, Adams Audu that, the Fulani marauders engaged them in an exchange of gunfire at Tse Akernyi. In the governors home LGA, Logo, the situation is not different as the Fulani Displaced Tiv youths in one of the affected council areas in Benue State.

From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi

attacks by herdsmen on the Tiv people which brought to bare, the strong suspicion that the marauders were pursuing an agenda is that, there are continuous alleged reports by the victims of attacks that army personnels are being used against them; while the people also questions the mode of operation, sophistication of weapons as well as tactics of attack. Just last Tuesday at about 6 a.m while Ukpam settlement in Guma LGA was set ablaze by the herdsmen killing six persons, a young man in the area who pleaded anonymity told journalists that they visibly saw a few fulanis and others in military uniforms launching the attack on the people. A similar instance was recorded. This brief about the usage of hired mercenaries to come and kill the Tiv has been on the front banner among the people almost at all attacks they witnessed. Irked by the alleged military involvement into the Tiv/Fulani crisis with the formal collaborating with the Later that Senator and former governor of the state, George Akume on the floor of the Senate, called for serious probe of the alleged military involvement into the mayhem. This view was supported by many other members of the senate. Speaking on the crisis, Senator Joseph Kennedy Waku who frowned over the

inability of the Federal Government to step in and tangibly restrained the Fulanis from the heinous acts, the Tiv should irrespective of political or religious affiliations should rise up to protect themselves. Senator Waku whose village is also attacked and deserted strongly suspected the action of the marauders as a bid to completely eliminate the Tiv Race. Reacting to the development, an elder statesman and former Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Abubakar Tsav viewed the attacks on the Tiv people as not just coming from the Fulanis but a gang-up of other interest groups, citing the incidence that took place at Moon district in Jato Aka where people in military Uniforms were arrested. Tsav stated that the harassment, intimidation as well as the killing and ransacking of Tiv villages was enough, and advised the Federal Government to urgently react before the situation would degenerate into full brown tribal war. But, Governor Gabriel Suswam even irked with the situation created by the invaders in the state, had at several fora appealed to them to continue to maintain peace and not to engage into retaliation by killing Fulani cows.

PHOTO: JOSEPH WANTU

The Untold Story Of Fulani Herdsmen’s Invasion Of Tiv Communities In Nasarawa/Benue States From Msugh Ityokura, Lafia

Fulani herdsmen. He said that he could not however guarantee THE neighbouring states of Nasarawa and their security, as the attacks have continued Benue have been a theatre of war for sometime unabated. now following the constant attacks on some Tiv All the rural communities in Tiv area of communities by Fulani herdsmen. Nasarawa south senatorial district have been In Benue state, the attacks have been on for deserted even as no single building was seen the past three years even as schools have being standing when The Guardian visited the affectwest, Gwer in closed down with communities ed places. Guma and some parts of Makurdi, the Benue Villages in Guma council area of Benue state state capital have been deserted due to the per- including the Tor TiV’s have already been run sistent attacks. down by the mercenaries, even as Naka in Over 80,000 people have been displaced in Tiv Gwer remains the worst hit area since the communities of Keana, Awe and Doma all in attacks began some years ago. Nasarawa south senatorial district, where the It was alleged that the latest attack on the cononslaught began before spilling over to the voy of governor of Benue state. Mr. Gabriel neighbouring Benue communities where not Suswam in Tse Akpenyi, Guma council area is less than 300 people have been killed with said to be political following his withdrawal herdsmen. thousands displaced by the from the Northern Governors Forum. The Emir of Lafia, Mustafa Agwai 1 had in a A highly placed source in the People’s demorecent meeting with the traditional rulers in cratic party (PDP) told The Guardian that the his palace lamented that the Tiv people in vari- ongoing onslaught against the Tiv people is a ous communities in the state have deserted grand conspiracy by the northern oligarchy their places for fear of being attacked by the

(governors and emirs) to destabilize Suswam as a lesson to his affront on the north. Despite the rumours of Suswam falling out with President Goodluck Jonathan, he is still being perceived as joining forces with the president and his men as against the northern interest to help actualize Jonathan’s ‘re-election bid. Already, so many communities in Suswam’s Sankera axis have fled en masse. An elder in Anyiin, Suswam’s country home told The Guardian that there is no need staying behind. “Even our son, the governor was shot at so you can understand why we have relocated to Katsina Ala,’ he said. Speaking on the development in Markurdi, the director of press to governor Suswam Mr. Cletus Akwaya said the mercenaries are from Mali, Niger and Chad. He further confirmed that the attacks were political and further called on the federal government to urgently intervene in order to save lives and property. Also accusing fingers are being pointed at the governor of Nasarawa state, Alhaji Tanko Al-

Makura, as the Eggon Cultural Development Association (ECDA) has severally accused him of harbouring the Fulani herdsmen in Nasarawa where they move to carry out their onslaught on innocent people in both states. President of the ECDA, Chris Mamman attributed the killings to a deliberate plot by AlMakura to reduce the population and destabilize his people as well as the Tivs in order to have his way come 2015. “It is only natural that Al-Makura will be sympathetic to the cause of his in-laws who are advancing his ‘re-election cause,” said Mamman who insisted that the agenda being pursued would fail. On Thursday, Al-Makura visited Suswam who narrowly escaped death by the whiskers following an attack on him by the herdsmen at Tse Akpenyi, Guma council area. Many are of the opinion that the latest attacks were beyond the common Fulani invasion of Nasarawa and Benue communities given the professional nature of the attacks.

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Jonathan

Kutigi

Akinyemi

Discordant Tunes Over Confab List Ahead Of Monday’s Inauguration By Samson Ezea HEAD of Monday inauguration of delegates to the National Conference, discordant tunes have continued to trail the list of delegates published by the Federal Government. Since the release of the list, different ethnic groups, organisations, stakeholders, and even state governors have been kicking against it, arguing that it is not a true reflection of the wish of

the people. In the light of this development, the Southwest governors had within the week met with President Jonathan in Abuja over the list. After meeting with the President, the Federal government in what looked like a response to the agitation from some people reviewed the list on Thursday. Even with this, coupled with the Federal government’s

approval of the financial/operational autonomy for the conference, a move many see as government’s readiness to organise a transparent national conference, protest is still trailing the list. It is an ugly trend, many believe, may invariably influence the outcome of the conference, if not addressed properly before the conference commences.

Protests In Edo Over Confab Lists From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City BVIOUSLY all is not well in Edo following protests by different groups over the list of delegates to the National Conference. In Edo Central for instance, the Esan Peoples Assembly made up of Esan Council of Elders, and Esan Youth Movement in a letter to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) rejected the nomination of Professor Sylvester Oboh by the state government to represent it at the conference saying he was not the popular choice of the people. The letter, which was signed by Chief Patrick Akhahowa, Dan Echie and Victor Ofada on behalf of the various Esan associations, said the proposal, which was adopted as the Edo position was drafted by their nominee, Casely Omon-Irabor, a lawyer whom the governor replaced with Oboh. “We presented our candidate to the state government through the office of the SSG, only for him to write us in a letter with Ref No SGA/142/145 dated 3rd March 2014 rejecting our candidate saying that Governor Oshiomhole has super imposed Professor Sylvester Oboh as trhe Esan delegate. We insist on Barr Casley Omon-Irabor, a young vibrant and fearless human right lawyer of international repute. “If Barr Casely Omon-Irabor is not good enough, why did they adopt his proposal/memo as the Esan stand and now holistically adopted by the state while leaving the author of the paper in the cold? We say no. Omon-Irabor is our candidate” Besides, there are protests in Edo North over the sudden removal of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Human Rights Activist, Mike Ozekhome from the published list of delegates

and the appearance of Senator Yisa Braimoh to represent Afemai ethnic nationalities in Edo North Senatorial District at the conference. Groups under the Kukuruku Youth Renaissance Network in a statement signed by its President, Theophilus Ibodeme and Secretary General, Tony Igebor, which was made available to newsmen in Benin City, questioned what senator Braimoh could do to promote and protect the interest of Afemai ethnic nationalities at the conference when they said in a mini conference held in Auchi recently, the Otaru of Auchi nominated Ozekhome to represent the people at the conference and there was no opposition to his nomination. They said Ozekhome must be presented as the representative of Afemai at the confer-

Ugolor

ence and would resist their competent choice being exchanged illegally “for an unreliable, incompetent and lower animals in human skin. The National Conference is not a tea party or a drinking bar where delegates take big stout and pepper soup but a conference for intellectuals and sound minds with positive records who knows their onions to brain storm harmonise ideas and deliver.” The group, which protested to palaces, major streets in the area said they were shocked that Ozekhome who was unanimously nominated at an Afemai Forum was replaced by Senator Yis Braimoh. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, president of the group, Theophilus Ibodeme called on the presidency to immediately restore the popular choice. Addressing the protesters in his palace, Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Haliru Momoh Ikelebe III said tradional rulers in Afemai are angry with presidency’s decision to change their choice. He said the monarchs have already agreed to travel to Abuja today (Wednesday) to express their displeasure over the development. In his response, National President of the Coalition to Save Nigeria (CSN), Dr Philip Ugbodaga said there was government’s over bearing influence in the selection of delegates adding that the development could compromise the outcome of the conference. Ugbodaga also believes that the conference could end up in a jamboree. “So far money is already being spent without appropriation by the National Assembly. We cannot afford to waste resources on this conference without commensurate returns. This conference must not fail. To the Executive Director, Africa Network for

Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev David Ugolor, he believes the conference was designed to meet the ambition of some persons by 2015. “I am not a fan of the CONFAB because the whole purpose is to distract the people from the key problem of the country which is corruption. Unfortunately, the capacity of the present Government to address it is weak. From that standpoint, you will agree with me that every building with false foundation will not stand the test of time. It is against this background that we can definitely say that the entire nomination process is fraught with problem and the problem can be linked to the 2015 Presidential election. “There is no hope for the conference because the purpose why the Conference is organized is to distract the people from the real issue which is corruption. According to George Santayana, those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Those who fail to learn from the mistakes of their predecessors are destined to repeat them.” On choice of candidates, he said: “I know that the Itsekeri, Ogonis, Afemai and others are protesting that their representatives were not on the list. So from that stand point, we can assume that some of the ethnic groups are not happy. We should not also ignore the fact that there is no way the government can produce a delegates list that will meet the demands of all the groups. You will certainly have some saying no and others saying yes, which is not a big a problem in as much we are all genuinely committed to the goal of taking the country forward.”

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Adamawa Nominees Are Credible, Says Kamale From Emmanuel Ande, Yola HAIRMAN, Adamawa State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Hon.Adamu Kamale, representing Michika constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said that the national conference slated to kick off on Monday lacked legal backing to support the resolutions of members at the conference. “Before the National Constitutional Conference that gives birth to the 1999 Constitution was organised, a degree was promulgated by the military government in order to provide a legal framework for the conference. That made all the resolutions reached at conference bidding on Nigerians, because it was done in accordance with the law. But this conference we are about to organise appears to be based on the feelings of the executive. There are a lot of questions we need to answer, and let Nigerians come together to discuss the issues”. Kamala, who said that the conference is an extraordinary public hearing on the amended constitution, pointed out that all the resolutions of the conference would be sent to the National Assembly for constitu-

Jackson

tional amendment. “The National Conference based on how it is organised, is just a forum to gather information from Nigerians for the effective amendment of the constitution,” the lawmaker said. The lawmaker, who commended the calibre of the people nominated from Adamawa State by the state government, expressed confident that the conference will provide useful data for the amendment of the constitution. Kamale maintained that if other states nominated people of proven track records like Adamawa State, the conference would come out with decisions and a framework that would return the country to the right path. “I believe that if other states nominate people of integrity, the coming together of 490 people to discuss Nigeria’s problem will certainly give us a positive result”. On the controversies that the conference may not provide the way forward for the country, Kamale said that in a democratic government there is no limit to consultations. “In a democratic government, there is no limit to consultations. Any responsible government must open doors to hear the views of her citizens. And this is what the present government is trying to do. There is nothing wrong for bringing Nigerians together to discuss the issues that affect us,” he said. In the same vien, a female lawmaker in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Mrs. Wulbina Jackson, popularly called Iron Lady, has expressed confidence that the outcome of the national conference will produce a positive result that can restore the lost glory of the country. Jackson who harped on the marginalisation of women in all aspect of life, urged the participants to ensure that the issue of gender equality is address at the conference. On the nominees to the conference from Adamawa state, the female lawmaker expressed satisfaction that the three government nominees, former inspector general of police Gambo Jimeta, former SSG in Adamawa state, Mr. Moses Ngbale and three times House of Representatives Member, Ms. Binta Masi Koji are competent and the public choice for the conference.

‘National Conference Delegates Are Government’s Favourites’ Mr. Elliot Uko, the founder of Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) speaks on the proposed national conference. From Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) HE nomination may have not reflect the “T wishes of the people, but that is not important, what is more important is the

Kamale “It is a very good selection. They are competent; they will not bring in sentiment at the conference, especially the lady among them- Hon. Binta Koji. I have a lot of confidence in her,” Jackson said. “With her national assembly experience, I know she will ensure that the issue of gender equality will top agenda at the conference.” Jackson cautioned those criticizing the conference before its take off to give the president a chance to prove his leadership qualities, pointing out that politics should be put aside for the national interest. “Whoever you give an assignment, it is expected that you encourage him. You should not discourage him from doing the work you give him. My own personal opinion on this conference is that Nigeria is on the right track to recover its trap destiny,” she added. “I want the members of the conference to find a lasting solution to insecurity in the country and marginalisation of women. Women should not be judged by their biological angle, but for what they can do for the development of Nigeria. “This conference is a welcome development, especially the women. The 1999 Constitution did not recognise the role of women in the development of the country. So, this is a good platform for us women to tackle this problem in the interest of our country”.

issues agreed upon and adopted. The delegates are governments’ favourites. Government nominated their friends and left out those whose views they are not comfortable with. If the people had their way the list would have been different. The Igbo leaders of thought have made their views known on the modalities and the caliber of people, like I said earlier, that is not the issue. The real issues are the mindset of the delegates and their courage. The result of the conference, I believe will answer your question more appropriately. With the situation in the country today coupled with the awareness about the conference, anybody or group of people who plots to subvert or undermine the outcome is only trying the stifle the will of the people. Such person will only be working towards the fulfillment of certain prediction about the disintegration of Nigeria. Anybody who stands in the way of the full implementation of the outcome will be playing with fire. The government will have no choice, but to implement the decision of Nigerians’.

Ukoh

Ogba, Ogoni Kick Against Exclusion From Confab From Kelvin Ebri, Port-Harcourt HE exclusion of some ethnic T nationalities in the Niger Delta, particularly, in Rivers State, has generated some disenchantment ahead of Monday’s commencement of the national conference in Abuja. While the people of Ogba ethnic nationality in Rivers State stormed the palace of their monarch, Oba of Ogbaland, Dr. Chukwumela Nnam Obi II in Omoku to demand inclusion in the proposed national conference; the Movement for Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) have petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan to complain about its exclusion too. The aggrieved Ogba community leaders have demanded that the federal government should as a matter of urgency include their king and the representatives of the four clans that make up the ethnic nationality in the list of delegates to the conference. Chairman of Elite Consultative Forum of Omoku, Dr. Sunny Okoroma, told journalists that the Oba who is the longest living tra-

ditional ruler in Rivers State and the second only to the Emir of Kano in the whole of Nigeria, has a lot to contribute to any dialogue that is intended to discuss the future of the country. He noted that it was insensitive on the part of the government to exclude the largest oil and gas producing community from the national conference. Okoroma said: “There are no schools for our indigent children; no jobs for our non-violent youths; not a single specialist hospital to care for the numerous and strange diseases caused by crude oil and gas poisons that have ravaged our oncegreen environment”. Okoroma whose group alongside Ogba Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs; and Omoku City Council of Traditional Rulers and Chief addressed journalists, said it was heart breaking that the federal government did not deem fit to include some one from the Ogba ethnic extraction among the 492 delegates selected for the national conference. It said it was rather regrettable that despite the several billions of Dollars earned by the Nigerian state

from the oil money and gas from their land, the government has continued to neglect the area. The community has demanded the inclusion of the Oba, alongside Professor G. Igwe (Omoku), Professor Daniel Ogum (Egi), Professor Addison Mark Wokocha (Igburu) and Professor Augustine Ahiauzu (Usomini) as delegates to the conference. MOSOP president, Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, said the letter to the president which was made available to The Guardian in Port Harcourt yesterday, was to protest the marginalisation of Ogoni people and other ethnic nationalities in the ensuing National Conference, which in MOSOP’s view, was set up to address lingering imbalances, injustices and instability occasioned by marginalisation and violation of peoples’ rights, amongst other issues. Pyagbara in the two-page letter said MOSOP had reviewed the published list of delegates and was shocked that while some ethnic groups are represented by over 40 delegates, others have no representation whatsoever. He observed with dismay,

that in spite of the huge sacrifices Ogoni people have made in the struggle for justice in the Niger delta and democracy in the country as a whole, the MOSOP is appalled that even out of the list of 15 delegates from the South-South, not even one Ogoni was considered for inclusion. “We had thought that the Federal Government nominations would help address cases of such obvious omissions, but surprisingly, we found that we suffered the same fate. Given the internationally acknowledged contributions and huge sacrifices of the Ogoni people under the leadership of MOSOP to the struggle for democracy, justice, human rights including Indigenous peoples’ and minority rights, environmental justice and true federalism, we see the exclusion of Ogoni people as yet another major step in the government policy to malign and oppress the Ogoni people and diminish their huge contributions to nation-building” he said. The MOSOP president said Ogoni protest is predicated on its firm belief that any dialogue

process to address the injustice of marginalization cannot succeed if erected on the shallow foundations of exclusion and that the best way of perpetrating injustice is to exclude those most afflicted by it from discussions aimed at addressing it. “ Our people and others like us have been the barometer by which injustice in Nigeria has over the years been measured and that explains why we have been in the forefront with others to advocate for a national discourse to address the national question. Our exclusion not only sends a dangerous, even if inadvertent message, but asks important questions about the credibility of the process. We are calling your Excellency’s attention to this obvious but fatal omission with the hope that you may still be able to remedy the situation,” he said. Pyagbara stressed that Ogoni people and other indigenous/minority communities in the country, would not consider themselves bound by whatever decisions that are reached at the national conference should their protest not be considered.

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‘Delegates Are Not Democratically elected’ Constitutional lawyer and former chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Enugu, Prof. RACE Achara in interview with LAWRENCE NJOKU in Enugu speaks on the list of delegates to the national conference and others What do say about the appointment of delegates as well as methodology of proposed conference? e cannot pretend that there is no problem; there are two principle ways of going about this. Speaking broadly, we can adopt the constitutional provisions that exist and use them to ensure that what we are trying to do guides the decision, in order words, we should meet with the National Assembly and get them buy into the idea to pass a law authorizing what is happening there. The second one is the revolutionary one and in that we take into account that the constitution we have does not worth it; that it is not legitimate, that we are bypassing all the institutions that have been set up under the current constitution and we are going to discuss and come out with a resolution that will not be hampered by the current institutions. In this one, there are several facets to it and this is the one people might regard as Sovereign National Conference in order words; the conference is not dependent on the existing constitution. We cannot pretend that we are following the existing constitution and doing

things that are clearly against the constitution. We are spending so much money; the people going there to represent us are not democratically- elected. Where has it ever happened? even the America we are trying to borrow from cannot allow such. You cannot set up something and you begin to appoint people. The president appointed about 80 percent of the delegates and I begin to ask what kind of conference are we talking about? In the states where people were given slots, it was the governors that were allowed to nominate. I agree that there are some intelligent nominations, but it still does not help because it still does not address those issues that we are complaining about. We are complaining about the 1999 constitution as handed to us by the military and being undemocratic and here you are trying to change that one and what are you doing; you are bringing in people who were not elected to go about it. Nobody is representing me; I did not give anybody my vote and even the people who are going there as representatives of Igbos, none of these people represent me. These are nominees. This is

not democratic. I don’t mind the kind of talk they are going for, but let them not spend N7billion of Nigeria’s money on such issue. Are you saying something meaningful cannot come out of it? I am an optimist. Talking from my heart I think something will come from it, but talking from my head, I don’t think something will come from it. I will want it to work, but I know that it won’t work. My common sense tells me it won’t work, but if it works, the only way that it will work is in a way that it will be dangerous but it will go into the question of the ‘no go areas’ that have been forbidden. This is a conference where people should talk and you are telling them there are areas they should not go into. The truth of the matter is that many of us know the advantage of Nigeria remaining together, but we need to give that choice to people. All the people who have tried to do this kind of thing, they have always done it on the basis of listening to the people. If we thought that all the arms running government is wonderful, then there is no need to talk, but we are questioning them and it will not be sensible that if you are questioning the legitimacy or working of government, people running the same government should be the ones deciding for us what we should talk about and how we should talk about it and who will talk on our behalf, it does not make sense.

Achara

‘Nigerians Are Not Happy With Confab List’ The Media/Public Affairs Advisor to the President of Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Bari-Ara Kpalap, spoke with ANN GODWIN in Port Harcourt on National Confab List.

From the criticisms, condemnations and public demonstrations that have trailed the release of the list of delegates to the upcoming conference, one would not need to be told that Nigerians are unhappy with the list. The outcries no doubt reflect the point that the list did not meet the expectation of majority of Nigerians hence there is the suspicion that it may have been manipulated for reasons known to the manipulators. That some key communities were not considered and their protests seemingly ignored, has heightened the suspicion

As an Ogoni man, a people said to be marginalised for long in spite of their contribution to the nation’s economy, how do you x-ray the Confab list? HeN the Federal Government of Nigeria ish acknowledged, immense Ogoni contriannounced plans to convoke a National butions over the years to the country’s econConference, MOSOP/Ogoni welcomed and omy, the rebirth of democracy in the nation supported it as an opportunity for Nigerians and other spheres of our wellbeing. to talk and chart the way forward. We also We also believe that we are being punished thought that the government was going to for daring to question why the state conbe fair to all hence we co-operated and made nived with the trans-national oil corporarecommendations to the Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC) at Calabar. As you know, the published list of approved participants by the Nigerian Government for the forthcoming National Conference, as a matter of fact, failed to accommodate the Ogoni. Drawing from past similar actions of the state against Ogoni, we are strongly of the view that our omission was deliberate as furtherance to the policy of frustrating, derecognizing and rendering Ogoni insignificant. It will be recalled that in 2005 when similar conference was convoked by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the same fate was inflicted on Ogoni. The Ogoni people had to protest up to the United Nations before that government reluctantly invited the erstwhile president of MOSOP, Mr. Ledum Mitee to the conference to represent Ogoni. even now that we thought the situation would have been different the door has been shot again on Ogoni. As far as the Ogoni people and MOSOP are concerned, the issues of Ogoni being frustrated and marginalised by the Nigerian state as represented by the Federal Government is a fact. Those that may contest this position, although they have the right to their choice, cannot really knock the bottom off this matter and would only remain unfair to our people. This is because evidences relating thereto abound. Part of the reason for Ogoni being maligned and oppressed, in our view, is to relegate us to Kpalap background as part of the package to dimin-

tions especially Shell to wage a devastating ecological warfare on our people, which impact has made Ogoni a death zone and environmental waste land, adversely affected our health systems, stagnated our local economy and increased poverty, despair, conflicts and instability in the area. Honestly, we are pained by the exclusion because the nominations in no way represented fairness and transparency. If not, how would one honestly explain the justice of a situation, for instance, where some ethnic groups are represented by over 40 delegates, while others have no representation at all. Another example is the case of the South-South geo-political zone where a particular ethnic nationality got 5 delegates out of the 15 allotted, and no Ogoni person was considered. We believe that the entire process was heartlessly manipulated to favour some particular ethnic nationalities and leaving out others in order to satisfy some hidden agenda. How can we genuinely chart a way forward when majority within minority undermines and imposes its overbearing weight on the interest of those it considers as minority? Although Ogoni is minority/indigenous community, our huge contributions for the development of the nation and the acknowledged sacrifices we have made for democracy, human rights and environmental justice stand us out. Are the nominations a reflection of the majority of the people’s wish or that of few cabal within the government circles? From the criticisms, condemnations and public demonstrations that have trailed the release of the list of delegates to the upcoming conference, one would not need to be told that Nigerians are unhappy with the list. The outcries no doubt reflect the point

that the list did not meet the expectation of majority of Nigerians hence there is the suspicion that it may have been manipulated for reasons known to the manipulators. That some key communities were not considered and their protests seemingly ignored, has heightened the suspicion. Although government in releasing the modalities had painted pictures in an attempt to show that it was not going to be involved in how delegates would emerge except those it would nominate, the people are not convinced that it kept to the position. It is strongly suspected especially in minority communities that some cabal within the government circles may have influenced the list for purposes best known to them. With the modalities and the calibre of people nominated, is there any hope for the conference? My take on this is that modalities and caliber of delegates is not an end in itself. From media reports sections of this country have been expressing their sentiments, which would certainly play out at the conference. However, I am concerned that the conference may not be as open as Nigerians as thought. This is strengthened by the fact that the government had barred the conference from discussing certain areas, commonly known in this country as ‘no-go areas’, has already washed off the conference colours. We are agreed that something is wrong with this country. Do you see the confab end up as usual government Jamboree where public resources will be wasted without any result? As you and I know, this is not the first of such conference that would be held in Nigeria. From the exclusions, which will not enable minority communities and groups to present and defend their positions at the conference to the sentiments that have been expressed and also drawing on past experience, one may be afraid that the success of the conference is in doubt. Nigeria has unenviable record of not implementing anything. Are the people satisfied with the choice of the nominees? My response to this is that some of the delegates are good and some are not. In fact some names and characters listed cannot rightly exonerate themselves from having some hands in the travails of the country.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, March 15, 2014 | 55

SHORT STORY By Segun Durowaiye (08055356855)

“S

TEPHEN dear, don’t disappoint me ,” Biola said to her sweetheart. “You know I love you more than anything else in

life.” “How can I ever disappoint you, Biola?” Stephen replied. “My heart is filled with your love. You know I can’t do without you. I have a deep feeling of love and affection for you since we began this relationship a couple of years ago. I have never doubted your sincerity and honesty. Just don’t break my heart. Our wedding day is around the corner…” “I won’t darling… you give me so much joy!” Biola cooed softly while hugging Stephen affectionately. The lovebirds were lost in romantic ecstasy, or so it seemed. Stephen Alabi was a handsome young man in his early thirties. He was about 6ft tall and robust. He was dark in completion, confident and a socialite. He was a banker, a graduate of Banking and Finance. He worked with Global Banking and Finance International. He was a ladies’ man, any day and any time. Stephen had been dating Biola for the past couple of years and their love affair looked like the proverbial Romeo and Juliet romance saga. They were the envy of people. Their love affair in every way looked like a relationship perfected in heaven that was heading for the altar. Biola too was a young lady who had all the attributes and qualities Stephen wanted in a woman. She was beautiful, so beautiful that ladies and girls alike admired her angelic visage and charming carriage. The lovebirds were the talk of the town because of their show of love, tenacity and endurance. Biola was slim, tall and light in complexion. She had all it takes to make a good wife. She worked as an officer in the administrative department of Goodseed Insurance Company based in Lagos. She was actually 25 years old when Stephen proposed marriage to her and a date was fixed. The two lovers had promised themselves that they would never break each other’s hearts. ‘Truth’ and ‘honesty’ was their watchword. People often wondered at the trust the two showed in their flaming love adventure. Their wedding day was getting closer. Invitation cards had been printed and distributed to friends and families and well wishers. About a month to their weeding day, Stephen was invited to a birthday party by an old friend.

Too Hot To Handle! (1) The birthday bash was to be held on a Saturday. He felt he wouldn’t like to go alone to the party so he invited Biola. He drove to his lover’s house that day to pick her to the party. It was a really bright and sunny day. Stephen owned a Toyota Camry car. He was full of excitement and enthusiasm when he got down from his car and headed for Biola’s apartment. Since they were yet to wed ,Biola still lived with her parents in their three bedroom flat in the heart of Surulere, Lagos. He was fully dressed for the party. He wore a brown Italian shirt and a designer trouser and shoe to match. His carriage was attractive and splendid. He smelt of the best designer perfume collection. Pronto, he was at the door of his lover’s room. “Hey Biola darling!” he exclaimed. “What’s the matter, you’re not set for the party I told you about? Get up, dress and let’s go! We’ll have a nice time I assure you!” “Stephen dearie” she replied softly, I’m not feeling too well. I can’t make it. I saw my doctor this morning and he told me I should rest because I’m having malaria symptoms.” “But darling, you should have told me when I spoke with you on phone this morning telling you to prepare for the birthday party,” Stephen replied, feeling depressed and moody. “Oh darling, I’m so sorry,” Biola said. “I feel very weak and tired. Doctor told me I’ll get better very soon if I take my prescription the way he advised.” “Okay darling,” Stephen said. “I’ll go alone to the party. Get well dear, you know I love you and will always do… you’re my heart. Words are not enough to describe my feelings

for you.” He pecked her on the cheek and patted her on the shoulder. “I love you too dear…” Biola said gently. “I’ll miss you; Stephen don’t be angry with me. You have to understand. You know, man proposes and God disposes. I’ll check on you tomorrow evening when I’m getting better. Regards to the celebrant.” “Bye, bye,” Stephen replied half-heartedly. Though Stephen felt bad that Biola couldn’t make the party, he knew she gave a genuine reason and there was nothing he could do about it. So he drove off all one to the birthday party. The venue of the birthday party was at Ikoyi, on the Island. Stephen had been on wheels for the past fifteen minutes when his car suddenly developed a problem and came to a stop. He got down and tried all he could to put the car back in motion but he couldn’t. When all efforts to move his vehicle proved abortive, he felt so hopeless and disappointed and gave up the idea of going to the party again. He decided to go back home. “Gosh!” he exclaimed, “How can I get a towing vehicle to take this car back home right now?” As he was soliloquizing in frustration very near the bonnet of his car, a towing vehicle showed up. He felt a little relief that his problem was half-solved. He waved down the towing vehicle and negotiated with the driver and they agreed on an amount. Stephen told him that his automobile mechanic was based very close to his house in Ajao Road, Surulere. Without much ado Stephen entered the towing vehicle; he sat beside the driver. On the way Stephen felt really bad for not being able to drive to the party. As he was approaching

home, he phoned the celebrant that he wouldn’t be able to make it to the party and he apologized profusely telling him his reasons. The celebrant was his bosom friend whom he knew while they were still teenagers. Just as the towing vehicle got near Biola’s street, he told the driver to spare him a few minutes to greet her. The driver agreed. When they got near Biola’s he got down. When he got to Biola’s apartment he knocked once and he entered but met the shock of his life! What he saw filled him with anger, hopelessness, frustration and sadness! It was the height of betrayal of trust! Wrapped in the arms of a bald-headed man was his wife-tobe! They were enjoying the bliss of romance, smooching and caressing tenderly. Biola and the man didn’t hear when Stephen knocked on the door because they were lost in deep romance. Wonders shall never cease! Oh, God! This was a stab in the heart, very painful and killing. The love drama was still going on passionately for the next few minutes without them knowing Stephen’s presence. Just then, Stephen coughed twice. Biola regained consciousness and opened her eyes. All this while she had closed her eyes passionately as the highly romantic session went on. She was enjoying every bit of it. Same for her man-friend who was fondling, hugging and cuddling all over her as if she was the sweetest honey! “Yee, my God! Stephen you’re here,” Biola said, pushing the man off her body. “Hmn.. hmm…” Stephen hummed. “So this is what always transpires behind me?” he turned and was about going. “Please, Stephen darling….” Biola begged, “It’s not always like this… it’s just that… please…em…em… emm…” “Ha Biola!” Stephen said shaking his head. “I trusted you with my whole heart. Why did you have to do this to me? Why, for God’s sake?” “I’m sorry Stephen… please darling, I’m really sorry…” Biola said on her knees. “It’s the devil’s temptation…” she added, sweating profusely. “Ha, Biola,” Stephen repeated, “this is a stab on my heart, so painful and disheartening. What should I do now?” Tears had gathered in his eyes and it flowed down his cheeks. He didn’t know what to do. He was confused and in a dilemma. The bald-headed man sneaked out of the room unnoticed and disappeared while Biola was still begging Stephen. Stephen continued to sob. Tears continued to flow. He thought over it again and again. The more he imagined the scenario, the more his heartbeat went faster and he felt so sad and continued to weep. This was one betrayal too many. “Damn it,” he thought. “I have already printed invitation cards for the wedding and distributed it to people. What should I do? he asked himself. He made up his mind that he wouldn’t cancel the wedding. “Please, Stephen” Biola pleaded, “don’t tell anybody or let anyone hear about this development. Forget about it darling, for the sake of love,” “Hmm…hmm…for the sake of love…okay.” Stephen said gently while mopping his face with his handkerchief. However, he had resolved on the next line of action he would take. The wedding day started getting closer. Stephen had made up his mind to go along and do the wedding with his fiancée despite the terrible and devilish betrayal of trust. Biola had no idea whatsoever how Stephen was going to deal with her. Two days to the wedding, there was no reason to doubt that all was well and okay with the bride and groom. The wedding day finally came amid pomp and pageantry. The bride and groom were ushered into wedlock and holy matrimony. It was a great day. Biola was very happy during the procession. She giggled, laughed and cackled with delight while greeting well wishers and friends. It was a memorable day for Biola but for Stephen, it was like any other day. He was just quiet, looked grave and forlorn. People wondered why he was withdrawn and looked desolate. At times he would feign a smile just to make people think he was in a happy mood. But deep down in his heart, he was sad. None among the in-laws knew what was going on in the mind of the newly wedded couple. Only God knew what would happen or be the outcome of this wedding, when the groom was truly aggrieved and sad. To be concluded next Saturday

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Change of Name ABATAM: Formerly Okwuchukwu Henry Abatam now Okwuchukwu Henry Okwuchukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ABBE: Former Miss Abbe Praise Folasade now Mrs. Oluwajimi Praise Folasade. Former documents remain valid. General public note. ABIMBOLA: I, formerly Miss Abimbola Kehinde Yemisi now known as Mrs. Uzoigwe Kehinde Yemisi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. ADABANYA: Formerly miss Obiamaka Abimbola Adabanya, now Mrs Obiamaka Abimbola Oragwu. Former documents valid. Public note. ADAMU: Formerly Miss Juliet Ojochide Adamu now Mrs. Juliet Ojochide Akowe. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADDITION OF NAME: RAY: Former Tarhena Ogheneruemu now Tarhena Ray Ogheneruemu. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEBESO: Formerly Miss Adebeso Titilola Afusat now Mrs. Anibaba Titilola Afusat. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEDOKUN: Formerly Miss Adedokun Modinat Adenike now Olaleye Modinat Adenike. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEDOYIN: I, formerly known as Miss Adedoyin Adelekan which is also Miss Adedoyin Bethel Adelekan wish to be known as Mrs. Adedoyin Bethel Adeboyejo. Former documents remain valid. Public please note. ADEHUWA: Formerly Adehuwa Adebusola Grace now Mrs. Balogun Adebusola Grace. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADELAKUN: Formerly Miss Adelakun Adeola Afusat now Mrs. Masha Adeola Afusat. Previous documents valid. FCE(T)AKOKA, public note. ADEMOYE: I, Mr. Ademoye Peter Oluwatayo was born on 7th of September 1986 at Lagos Island.General public take note. ADERETI: Former Miss Olumide Adereti now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Olumide Rebeccah Babalola. All former documents remain valid.

RITE PAK Co. Ltd and general public note. ADESINA: Formerly Adesina Omolola Elizabeth now Mrs. Aina Omolola Elizabeth. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEWUNMI: Formerly Miss Omobolaji Adewunmi now Mrs. Omobolaji Adefemi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ADEWUNMI: Formerly Miss Olayomade Adewunmi now Mrs. Olayomade Jemirade. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ADEYEMO: I, formerly Miss Adeyemo Bukola Esther now known as Mrs. Adesayo Bukola Esther. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, general public take note. ADIMORA: Formerly Miss Adimora Azuka Peace now Mrs Eze Azuka Peace. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADISA: Formerly Mrs. Adisa Adeniran Folake now Miss Adeniran Afolakemi Afolashade. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADOTI: Formerly Miss Adoti Oluwatosin Oluseun now Mrs. Adeleye Oluwatosin Oluseun. Former documents remain valid. Publi note. AFUWO: Formerly Miss Chinenye Bernadette Afuwo, now Mrs Egbegolu Chinenye Bernadette. Former documents remain valid. Public note AGBARAKWE: Formerly known as Emmanuel Uchechukwu Agbarakwe now Emmanuel Uchechukwu Charles. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGNES: Formerly Wisekere Sorbari Agnes now wish to be addressed as Nwizug Sorbari Wisekere. Former documents remain valid general public note. AGOH: Former Miss Chidinma Utonwa Agoh now Mrs. Chidinma Utonwa Sylvanus. All former documents remain valid. Public note. AGORO: Formerly Miss Agoro Omotayo Risikat Aramide now Tiamiyu Omotayo Risikat Aramide. Documents remain valid. General public note. AIYEPE: I, formerly Miss Aiyepe Morenike Olawunmi now Mrs.

Adesokan Morenike Olawunmi. All former documents remain valid. Globacom and public note. AJAKAIYE: Formerly Ajakaiye Adenike Oluwatomisin now Mrs. Tobi-Angel Adenike Oluwatomisin. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AJALA: Formerly Miss Ajala Olufunmilayo Bunmi now Mrs. Oyetoro Olufunmila Bunmi. All former documents remain valid. Public note. AJAYI: Formerly Miss Adepeju Mariam Ajayi now Mrs Adepeju Ayoola - Ademola. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AJAYI: I, formerly Miss Ajayi Omowunmi Omoefe now known as Mrs. Oladapo Omowunmi Omoefe. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. AJAYI: Formerly Miss Oluwaseyi Modinat Ajayi now Mrs. Oluwaseyi Modinat Akinsola. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AJAYI: Formerly Miss Ajayi Blessing Kafilat now Mrs Omodara Blessing Kafilat. All former documents remain valid. General public note. AJAYI: Formerly Ajayi Aderonke ElizabethFakorede, now Mrs Obisanya Aderonke Elizabeth. Former documents valid. NYSC & Public note. AKAN: Formerly Miss Tiumo Etim Akan now Mrs. Tiumo Praise Mcbassey. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AKANBI: I, formerly Raheem Akanbi now to be known as Rahim Akanbi Raheem. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. AKEME: I, formerly Miss Theresa Akeme is now Mrs. Theresa Ighele Efi. Former documents remain valid. Notore Chemical Industries, general public take note. AKINTOKUN: Formerly Akintokun Temitope Omolabake now Mrs. Akinsanya Temitope Labake. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AKINTOMIDE: Formerly Miss Akintomide Yewande Peace now Mrs. Akinsanya Yewande Peace.Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AKO: Formerly Miss Voke Aritetsoma Ako, now Mrs Voke Aritetsoma Obianyo. Former documents valid. Public note. AKUNUBA: Formerly Akunuba Chuks Labonty Kenneth now Akwuba Chukwunenye Kenneth. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AKURUKA: I, formerly Miss Akuruka Chidinma now Mrs. Odunze Chidinma. Former documents remain valid. German Embassy, Passport Office, UNILAG, general public take note. ALADE: Formerly Miss Alade Grace Olanma now Mrs Kaluh Glory Nnenna. Former documents valid. Public note. ALADEUSI: Formerly Eunice Abeni Aladeusi now Mrs. Ologunbaba Yusuf Eunice Abeni. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ALAGBE: Former Miss Alagbe Asisat Oyetayo now Mrs. Akinlade Azeezah Oyetayo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ALEKE: I, formerly Miss Aleke Ogechukwu Linda now Mrs. Chukwunwike Ogechukwu Linda. Former documents remain valid. General Hospital Isolo, Lagos, general public take note. AMAFONYE: Formerly Miss Amafonye Fidelia Nwanne, now Mrs Afolabi Fidelia Nwanne. Former documents valid. Public note. AMIDA: Former Miss Amida Monsurat Adedayo now Mrs. Sodiq Adedayo Monsurat. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AMUTA: Formerly Miss Amuta Lilian Chinaza now Mrs Avoaja Lilian Chinaza. Former documents valid. Abia-poly, public note. ANABI: I, formerly Mrs. Rose Anabi now known as Rose Ovakporaye. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ANAGWONYE: Formerly Miss Elizabeth Obiageli Anagwonye, now Mrs Elizabeth Obiageli Chenimuya. Former documents valid. Public note. ANEKWE: Formerly known as Anekwe Ifeoma Helen now Mrs. Okeakpu Ijeoma Helen. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ANI: Formerly Miss Ani Nkechi Stephine now Mrs Omeike Chinedu Stephine. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ANIMASHAUN: Formerly Miss Animashaun Fausat Adebimpe, Mrs. Sulaimon Fausat Adebimpe. All former documents valid. Public note ANOPU: formerly Miss Chinenye Faith Anopu now known as Chinenye Faith Emeka-Ekezie. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ANYA: Formerly Miss Anya Ebere Felicia, now Mrs Nnamani Ebere Felicia. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ANYAEGBUNAM : Formerly (Miss) Anyaegbunam Evan Nwanneka now (Miss) Ezissi Evan Nwanneka. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ANYIKA: Formerly Miss Anyika Stella-Maris Chioma, now Mrs Emenike Stella-Mari Miss Bamgboye Folashade Medinat now Mrs. Babalola Folashade Embiyoh Medinat. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ARIGBEDE: Formerly Miss Toluwalope Yetunde Arigbede now Mrs Toluwalope Yetunde Olaleye. Former document remain valid. Public note ASAN: Former Asan Kassem now wish to be known & addressed as Hassan Kareem. Former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and public note ASOGU: Formerly Miss Ijeoma E. Asogu now Mrs Ijeoma C. Agala.Former documents remain valid. Public note ASOGWA: Formerly Miss Asogwa Promise Ijeoma now Mrs Abugwu Promise Ijeoma. Former documents remain valid. Public note

valid. Public note. AZEEZ: Formerly known as Miss Adejoke Naseemat Azeez now Mrs. Adejoke Nassemat Ashiru. All documents remain valid. Public note. AZIEGBE: I, formerly Mr. Aziegbe Ehigiator Precious now known as Mr. Irabor Precious Ehis. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. AZUBUIKE: Formerly Miss Azubuike Onyinye Goretti now Mrs. Okoli Onyinye Goretti. Former documents remain valid. Public note. BADERINWA: Formerly Miss Baderinwa Agnes Abosede now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Aremu Abosede. All former documents remain valid. Public note. BAMGBOYE: Formerly Miss Bamgboye Folashade Medinat now Mrs. Babalola Folashade Embiyoh Medinat. Former documents remain valid. Public note. BANJO: Formerly Miss Abosede Oluwatosin Banjo now Mrs. Abosede Oluwatosin Aleshinloye. All former documents remain valid. Public note. BANKOLE: I, formerly known as Miss Bankole Amudat Omowunmi now wish to be called Mrs. Fagbenro Amudat Omowunmi. Previous docuAWOSANYAments remain valid. General public note. BASHIR: Formerly Miss Oluranti Kikelomo Bashir now Mrs Oluranti Kikelomo Hamzat.All former documents remain valid.Public note.

ATAKPO: Formerly Glory Ita Atakpo now Glory Benedict Agbati. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

BASSEY: Formerly Bassey Bassey Ituen now Samuel George Ituen. Former documents remain valid. Baklang Consultants Company, Mobil Producing Nig. Unlimited and public note.

AWOSANYA: Formerly known as Miss Funmilola Awosanya now wish to be known as Mrs. Funmilola Patrick. General public take note.

BELLO: I, formerly Miss Nana Aisha Bello now known as Mrs. Nana Aisha Oladipo. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AYOADE: Formerly Miss Adetoun Taofeeqat Ayoade now Mrs. Adetoun Taofeeqat Adeyemi. All former documents remain valid. Public take note.

BELLO: Formerly Miss Bello Opeyemi Tawa now Mrs. Mankanjuola Opeyemi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AYODELE: Formerly Miss Olufunke Mojisola Ayodele now Mrs. Olufunke Mojisola Mefful. Former documents remain

BEN: Formerly Miss Blessing Monday Ben now Mrs. Blessing Ekerette Udo. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, March 15, 2014 57

Change of Name BEX: Formerly Banjo Oluwaseun Olakunle now Bex-Banjo Oluwaseun Olakunle. Former documents remain valid. Public note. BOYO: I, formerly Miss Boyo Osaretin Oritsegbubemi is now known as Mrs. Bona-Udeagu Osaretin Oritsegbubemi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHIKWENDU: Formerly Miss Juliana Chikwendu now Mrs Chioma Juliana Ndika. All former documents remain valid. Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, public note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME: I, Levi Amanyeaka Ofa and Levi Amanyeaka Nwosu refer to one person now Levi Amanyeaka Ofoeze. Former documents valid. Public note CORRECTION OF NAMES AND PLACE OF BIRTH. I, Mrs. Bassey Nwokedi not Mrs. Bessy Chukwugbata Nwokedi as wrongly spelt in my Federal Republic of Nigeria Passport. And my place of birth was Onitsha not Ogidi. Public note. CHRISTIAN: Formerly Christian Light Uche now Nwogu Light Uche. Former documents remain valid. Public note. CHUKWU: Formerly Miss Chukwu Happiness Chinenye now Mrs Nnaka Happiness Chinenye. Former documents valid. Aba-south LGA, Public note. CHUKWU: Formerly Miss Nneamaka Cynthia Chukwu now Mrs. Nneamaka Cynthia Okafor. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

Miss Danmola Abimbola Kafayat now Mrs. Yoosuf Abimbola Kafayat. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

EMARAH: Formerly Ebika Tracy Emarah now Mrs. Ebika Tracy Paul Oyewo. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

DOMINIC: Formerly Miss Ndifreke Edet Dominic, now MRS Olanrewaju Ndifreke. Former documents valid. LASU, Nigeria Immigration & public note. EBAGUA: I, formerly Miss Ebagua Awawu-Ivie Frances now wish to be known as Mrs Asika Awawu-Ivie Frances. Former documents remain valid. Public note

EME: Formerly Miss Ugo Cecilia Eme, now Mrs. Ugo Uchendu Ibe. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

EDOKPAYI: Formerly Miss Osayemwenre Valentina Edokpayi and Mrs Attamah Osayemwenre Valentina, now Mrs Att a m a h c h u k w u Valentina Osayemwenre. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EDOVIA: Formerly Miss Edovia Betty Ewere, now Mrs Ojo betty Ewere. Former documents valid. Public note. EGWUDO: Former Miss Onyinye Egwudo now Mrs. Onyinye Nwachukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EJIFIKE: Formerly Ugochukwu Ejifike now Mr Okorie Ugochukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. EJIMADU: Formerly Miss Uchenna Peace Ejimade now Mrs. Uchenna Peace Abraham-Maccfinn. Former documents valid. Public note. EKE: Formerly Miss Eke Vivian Onyinyechi now Mrs Onyinyechi Okenu. Former documents valid. NYSC, Public note.

DAUDU: I, formerly Miss Daudu Oluwatoyin Morounmubo now known as Mrs. Akindutire Oluwatoyin Morounmubo. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EKENE: I, formerly Balogun Azeez Ekene from Ibadan, Oyo State now Nwani Ekene Charles from Aniocha LGA, Delta State. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DAVID: Formerly Adelanwa Oluwaseun David now Adelanwa Micheal Seun. Documents valid. Public note.

EKEOBA: Formerly Miss Ibharaiyi Ekeoba, now Mrs. Ibharaiyi Okunade. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

DOMEIH: Formerly Miss Racheal Omolegho Domeih now Mrs. Racheal Omolegho Sede. Former documents remain valid. Public note. DANIEL: I, formerly Mis Daniel Glory now Mrs. Glory Ewubare Stephen. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. DANMOLA:

Formerly

EKUMA: Formerly Miss Noel Etoma Ekuma, now Mrs Noella Apochi. Former documents valid. Nigeria Immigration & public note. ELIZABETH: I, formerly known as Ajeleti Adedoyin Elizabeth now wish to be called Olojede Adedoyin Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

EMMANUEL: Formerly Miss Emmanuel Nneoma Ngozi now Mrs Okechukwu Nneoma Goodness. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EMEKA: Formerly Emeka Felicia Adanma now Mrs. Echetabu Faith Adanma. Documents valid. Public note. EMORUWA: I, formerly Miss Emoruwa Oluwakemi Busayo now known as Mrs. Ishola Oluwakemi Busayo. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, general public take note. ENEKWECHI: Formerly Miss Enekwechi Chinaza Emelda now Mrs Ono Chinaza Emelda. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. ERHABOR: Former Miss Eghosa Theresa Erhabor now Mrs. Eghosa Theresa Obanor. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ESIEGBE: Formerly Miss Esiegbe Ighometuwere Juliet, now Mrs Olori Ighometuwere Juliet. Former documents valid. Public note. ESSIEN: Formerly Miss Essien Margaret Effiong, now Mrs Udoh Margaret Wilson. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EVANS: Formerly Christiana Evans Lamami, now Mrs Nwosu Christiana. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EZE: Formerly Miss Ruth Chidiebere Eze, now Mrs Francisca Ruth Uchechukwu Aneke. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EZEH: Formerly Miss Ezeh Oluchi Scholastica now Mrs Amaechi Oluchi Scholastica. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EZEOCHIRE: Formerly Miss Chidiebere Ezeochire now Mrs Chidiebere Uba. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EZEOKONKWO: Formerly Miss Ezeokonkwo Nwamaka Augustina now Mrs Ani Nwamaka Augustina. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

FADARE: Formerly Miss Omobola Morenike Fadare now Mrs. Omobola Morenike Bajomo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. FASEUN: Former Miss Faseun Ganiyat Olaide now Mrs. Saliu Ganiyat Olaide. Former documents remain valid. Public note. FASHAKIN: Formerly Miss Fashakin Folake Florence , now Mrs Folake Florence Akinwalere. Former documents valid. Public note. FAVOUR: Formerly Mrs. Favour Oluwatosin Ruth now Mrs. Adeyombo Oluwatosin Ruth. All documents remain valid. Public note. FEYISETAN: Formerly Miss Oluwakemi Abosede Feyisetan now Mrs. Oluwakemi Abosede Olaleye. Former documents remain valid. Public note. GANIYU: Formerly Miss Ganiyu Tawakalitu Mayowa, now Mrs Ojifinni Tawakalitu Mayowa. Former documents valid. Public note. GBADEBO: Formerly Miss Gbadebo Oluwatoyin Janet now Mrs. Ajewole Oluwatoyin Janet. Former documents remain valid. Public note. GIDEON: Formerly Gideon O. Okorare now Ochuko Gold. Former documents remain valid. REOPAVEPRO Nig. Ltd. Public note. IBEKWE: Formerly Miss Ibekwe Chidinma A. N. now Mrs Akabueze Chidinma A. N. Former documents valid. NYSC, Public note. IBEZIMI: I, formerly known as Miss Loveth Oluchukwu Ibezimi now wish to be called Loveth Oluchukwu Micheal. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, public note. IBINEWO: Formerly Ibinewo Ayo-Maria now Olorunfemi Ayo-Maria. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IDOWU: Formerly Aderonke Olajumoke Idowu now Mrs. Aderonke Olajumoke Adesina. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IGHODALO: Formerly Ighodalo Monica Ehinor now Mrs Ezera-Kalu Monica Ehinor. Former documents valid. NIMC, Public note. IHEOFOR: Formerly Iheofor Lambert Chigozie now Chidi Ogedi. Former

documents remain valid. Publicnote. IHEOFOR: Formerly Iheofor Ogechi Gospel now Chidi Ogechi Gospel. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IHEOFOR: Formerly Iheofor Kelvin-Duke Chinagorom now Chidi Kelvin-Duke Chinagorom. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IHEOFOR: Formerly Iheofor Angelis Chidera now Chidi Angelis Chidera. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IHEOFOR: Formerly Mikhail Chukwuemeka now Chidi Mikhail Chukwuemeka. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IHIMIRE: Formerly Miss Helen Omozele Ihimire now Mrs. Helen Omozele Aigbokhan. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IJIOMA: Formerly Ms Chinwendu Ugochi Ijioma now Mrs. Chinwendu Ugochi Ehibudu. Former documents remain valid. Sanofi Nigeria Limited, Imo State University, University of Ibadan and public note. IKEGBU: Formerly Miss Ikegbu Lilian Kelechi, now Mrs Lilian Kelechi Ogbonna. All former documents remain valid. Public note. IKPEGBU: Formerly Miss Ikpegbu Nkechi Blessing, now Mrs Madu Nkechi Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public note. IRIRUAGA: I, formerly Miss Iriruaga Helen now known as Mrs. Ichipi Helen. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. IROEGBU: Formerly Miss Uchechi Onyebuchi Iroegbu now Mrs Divine Uchechi Godwin Stephen. Former documents valid. Public note. IROHAM: I, formerly Miss Iroham Patience Chinasa now known as Mrs. Giwueze Patience Chinasa. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, general public take note. IWUNO: Formerly Miss Iwuno Maryrose Oluoma now Mrs Nnaemeka Maryrose Oluoma. Former documents valid. NYSC, public note. IYOHA: Formerly Iyoha Cynthia Ehinomhen now Mrs Obhahimejele Cynthia Ehinomhen. Former documents valid. NIMC, Public note. JABORO: Formerly Miss Emeteku Juliet Jaboro,

now Mrs Emeteku Juliet Nwokeocha. Former documents valid. Public note. JASANYA: Formerly Miss Jasanya Adetutu Bolaji now Mrs. Owolabi Adetutu Jasanya. Former documents valid. Public note. JEREMIAH: Formerly Miss Jeremiah Grace Blessing now Mrs. Mumbor Grace Blessing. Former documents valid. Public note. JOHNSON: Formerly Miss Johnson Esther Oriyomi now Mrs. Adeparusi Esther Oriyomi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. JOMBOR: Formerly Miss Senami Felicia Jombor, now Mrs Senami Felicia Sesi-Ogun. Former documents valid. Public note. JOSIAH: Formerly Josiah Imefon Patience Thaddeus, Josiah Uyime Alexanda Thaddeus, Josiah Aniema Juliet Thaddeus, Josiah Iniobong Thaddeus now Josiah Imefon Thaddeus, Josiah Uyime Thaddeus, Josiah Aniema Thaddeus, Josiah Iniobong Thaddeus. Former documents remain valid. Public note. JUBRIL: Formerly Balogun Jubril now Balogun Olayemi Gideon. Former documents remain valid. Public note. KAKA: Formerly Mrs Kaka Kehinde Dorcas now Miss Sorinmade Adetunji Dorcas Eniola. Documents valid. Public note. KEMI: Formerly known as Miss Kemi Kofoworola now Mrs. Oluwakemi Kofoworola Popoola. All former documents remain valid. Public note. KPADUWA: Formerly Miss Kpaduwa Onyemaechi Elizabeth, now Mrs Chikwe Onyemaechi Elizabeth. Former documents valid. Public note. LAWRENCE: I, formerly Miss Lawrence Victoria Mayowa now Mrs Ogunbiyi Olusola Victoria Mayowa. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. MADUBUIKE: Formerly Miss Emmanuella O g o c h u k w u Madubuike, now Mrs Onyeka Emmanuella Ogochukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. MARIBE: Formerly Queenette Ihuoma Maribe now Queenette Ihuoma Nwanekezie. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

58 Saturday, March 15, 2014

Change of Name MBACHU: I, formerly Christopher Chinedu Mbachu now Christopher Chinedu Bernard. Former documents remain valid. Public note. MBONU: Formerly Chinyere Lilian Mbonu now wishes to be called Mrs Chinyere Lilian Akamiro Ekeleme. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. MEKOMA: Formerly Miss Mekoma Awele now Mrs. Iwu Awele. Former documents remain valid. Public note. MICHAEL: I, formerly Miss Michael Ebhrioen Esther now wish to be known as Mrs. Ebekparo Oghenebrohrien Esther. Former documents remain valid. Public note. MUODIAJU: Formerly Mr. Peter Muodiaju now Mr. Peter Royal Abraham. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NAPU: Formerly Miss Zwalatha Hamza Napu now Mrs. Zwalatha Joseph Samuel Galadima. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NDUKA: Formerly Miss Joy Ngozi Nduka now Mrs Joy Ngozi Onyebuchi. Former documents valid. Public note. NDULUE: Formerly Miss Ndulue Chioma Jecinta now Mrs Ochuba Chioma Jecinta. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NGWU: Formerly Miss Ngwu Loveth Chekwube, now Mrs Ugwoke Loveth Chekwube. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NKUMA: Formerly Miss Nkuma Esther Nnenna now Mrs Elechi Esther Nnenna. Former documents valid. Public note. NNAWOWO: Formerly Miss Nnawowo Obiageri now Mrs Onumeagbu Obiageri. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NNUBIA: I, formerly Mr. Emejulu Peace Nnubia now known as Mr. Jude Emejulu Jon-Raphael. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. NWAGBOSO: Formerly Princewell Ugochukwu Nwagboso now Prince Ugochukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NWANAFORO: I, formerly Miss Nwanaforo Chinwe Peace now known as Mrs. Agbaje Peace Chinwe. Former documents remain

valid. General public take note. NWANZE: I, formerly Miss Nwanze Patricia Dumebi now known as Mrs. Omonfred Dumebi Patricia. Former documents remain valid. First Bank, Plc general public take note. NWAOBILOR: Formerly Nwankwo James Nwaobilor now Mr Nwankwo James Obilom. Former documents valid. Abiapoly, public note. NWOKE: Formerly Miss Nwoke Chinonso Oluchi, now Mrs Nwigwe Chinonso Oluchi. Former documents valid. Public note. NWOKOYE: Former Miss Vanessa Obianuju Nwokoye now Mrs. Vanessa Abdul-Suliman. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NWOSU: Formerly Miss Nwosu Chinenye May now Mrs. Dave-Robinson Chinenye May. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NWOSU: Formerly Miss Modesta Kelechi Nwosu now Mrs Ezinwa Modesta Kelechi Ugo. Former documents valid. Public note. NWOSU: I, formerly Miss Mabel Ifeyinwa Nwosu now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Mabel Ifeyinwa Fadola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. NWOYE: Formerly Nwoye Evelyn Obioma now Mrs. Obiora Evelyn Obiamaka. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NZEKWE: Formerly Miss Nzekwe Vivian Chinomso now Mrs. Maduekeh Vivian Chinomso. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OBAKA: Formerly Miss Susan Eseoghene Obaka now Mrs. Susan Eseoghene Akalusi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OBASI: Formerly Miss Obasi Lilian Chioma , now Mrs Ihuoma Lilian Chiagoziem. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OBAWUSI: Formerly Miss Obawusi Obatunbi Olajumoke now Mrs. Ojeyemi Obatunbi Olajumoke. Former documents remain valid. Publicnote. OBI: Formerly Miss Florence Obi now Mrs. Florence Ubong. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OBI: Formerly Miss Obi

Rita Chioma now Mrs Agbo Rita Chioma. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OBI: Formerly Miss Obi Rita Ngozi now Mrs. Ezeonyiwara Rita Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. General public note. OBIKWELU: I, formerly Miss Nneka Esther Obikwelu now known as Mrs. Nneka Esther Okafor. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. ODETAYO: I, formerly Miss Monsurat Omolara Odetayo now Mrs. Monsurat Omolara Ajayi. Former documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Service, general public take note. DON: Formerly Akpene Esther Odufa now Mrs. Afe-Oyeletor Esther Odufa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ODUNOLE: Formerly Miss Odunole Funmilayo Hope now Mrs Shoyemi Funmilayo Hope. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OFFOR: Formerly Miss Offor Juliet Ifunanya, now Mrs Ezinwa Juliet Ifunanya. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OFOEGBU: Formerly Miss Ofoegbu Ujunwa Rosemary now Mrs Eze Keagu Ujunwa. Former documents valid. NYSC, Public note. OGBODO: Formerly Miss Ogbodo Faith Laura Ijeoma, now Mrs Akponye Ijeoma Laura. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGBOLU: Formerly miss Ogbolu Ogechukwu Priscilia now Mrs Ayowole Ogechukwu Priscilia. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGHENEOVO: Formerly Miss Uyoyou Lovette Ogheneovo now Mrs. Uyoyou Lovette Okelezo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNBAJO: Formerly Miss Taiwo Olutoyin Ogunbajo now known as Mrs. Taiwo Olutoyin Jegede. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNBAJO: Formerly Miss Kehinde Olutosin Ogunbajo now known as Mrs. Kehinde Olutosin Olusegun-James. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNDIPE: Formerly Miss Ogundipe Ade-

bowale Olukemi now Mrs. Ihimoyan Adebowale Toluwase. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNDIPE: Formerly Miss Oluwaseun Adetutu Ogundipe now Mrs. Oluwaseun Adetutu Olayinka. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNJOBI: Formerly Miss Ogunjobi Olayinka Adedayo now Mrs. Quadri Shakira Adedayo. All documents remain valid. General public note. OGUNJOBI: Formerly Miss Ogunjobi Atinuke Abosede now Mrs Omiwole Atinuke Abosede. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNKOYA: Formerly Miss Olalonpe Olayinka Ogunkoya, now Mrs Olalonpe Olayinka Jiboku. Former documents valid. Public note. OGUNMOYE: Formerly Miss Ogunmoye Abisoye Oluwabusayomi now Mrs. Olukayode Abisoye Oluwabusayomi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNSEYE: I, formerly Miss Olapeju Celina Ogunseye now wish to be known as Mrs. Olapeju Celina Adeyinka-Esan. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNYEMI: Former Miss Fausat Olabisi Ogunyemi now Mrs. Fausat Olabisi Ajala. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, public note. OGU: Formerly Miss Ogu Juliet Chika now wish to be addressed as Mrs Juliet Chika Okeke former documents Remain valid. General public note. OHURUKORIM: Formerly Miss Ohurukorim Nkeiruka. now wish to be addressed as Mrs Nkeiruka Mike Udeagha. Former documents remain valid. General public note. OJELABI: Formerly Ibiyemi Oluwakemi Ojelabi now Mrs. Ibiyemi Oluwakemi Abu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OJENIKE: Formerly Miss O l u f u n m i l o l a Omowumi Ojenike now Mrs. Olufunmilola Omowumi Badru. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OJENIKE: I, formerly Miss Ojenike Adedayo Folashade now known as Mrs. Olayiwola Adedayo Folashade. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OJOKO: Formerly Miss Ojoko Amarachi Blessing now Mrs Ezu Amarachi Blessing. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OKORO: Formerly Miss Roseline Chinyere Okoro now Mrs. Roseline Chinyere Alabi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OJO: Formerly Ojo Aanu Adenike now Oluwanisore Aanuoluwapo Adenike. All documents remain valid. Public note.

OKOYE: Formerly Miss Lilian Obiageli Okoye now Mrs. Lilian Obiageli Nneji. All documents remain valid. General public note.

OKAFOR: Formerly Mr. Callistus Chinedum Okafor now Mr. Callistus Chinedum Okafor-Onyebuchibe. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OKUBANJO: Formerly Okubanjo Motunrayo Precious now Taiwo Motunrayo Precious. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

OKEKE: I, formerly Miss Blessing Chekwube Okeke now known as Mrs. Blessing Chekwube Amah. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, general public take note. OKERU: Formerly Mrs. Chioma Okeru (Nee Ogbu) now Mrs. Okoro Chioma Joy. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKESANJO: Formerly Miss Okesanjo Ebunoluwa Temitope now Mrs. Oderinde E b u n o l u w a Temitope.Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKIKA: Formerly Okika Jennifer Chidinma now Okika Calista Chidinma. Former documents remain valid. Public take note OKOH: I, formerly Miss Patience Ose Okoh now Mrs. Patience Ose Aiyeyi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. OKOLI: Formerly Dorothy Ngozi Okoli, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs Dorothy Ngozi Aneke. All former documents remain valid. UBA Group, note. OKOLI: Formerly Obianuju Maureen Igweze now Mrs. Obianuju Maureen Okoli. Former documents remain valid. MTN, public note. OKON: Formerly Miss Okon Affiong Sam, now to be known and addressed as Mrs. Affiong Edet Essienette. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OKORIE: Formerly Mrs Okorie Joan Ugochi, now Miss Odoemenam Joan Ugochi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKOROAFOR: Formerly Miss Okoroafor Iheamarame Prisca now Mrs Arinze Iheamarame Prisca. Former documents valid. Public note.

OKUNUGA: I, former Miss Okunuga Alice Adebukayo now Mrs. Joshua Alice Adebukayo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OLABIMTAN: Formerly Miss Olabimtan Oluwatoyin Temitope now Mrs Oresotu Oluwatoyin Temitope. Documents valid. Ogun Tescom, public note. OLAGOKE: Formerly Miss Opeyemi Lovett Olagoke now Mrs. Opeyemi Lovett Ogbede. Former documents remain valid.Public note. OLALEYE: Formerly Miss Olaleye Deborah Mojisola now Mrs Omisakin Deborah Mojisola. Documents valid. Public note. OLASUPO: Formerly Miss Olasupo Aminat Olabisi now Mrs. Ajiboye Animat Olabisi. Former documents valid. University of Ilorin, Lagos State Government and public note. OLATOMINRIN: Formerly Miss Nihinlola Olayinka Olatominrin now Mrs. Nihinlola Olayinka Shittu. Former documents valid. Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc, Union Bank Plc, public note. OLAYERA: Formerly Miss Olayera Tolulope Kofoworola, now Mrs. Adekola Tolulope Kofoworola. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OLOFINYOKUN: Formerly Fausat Bolanle Olofinyokun now Bolanle Fausat Ogunkoya. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OLOWOSUSI: Formerly Miss Olowosusi Rachael Itunuoluwa now Mrs Adelekan Olowosusi Rachael Itunuoluwa. Documents valid. Odeda LGEA, public note. OLUOMA: Former Jennifer Ndidiamaka Oluoma now Mrs. Jennifer Ndidiamaka PetersIbekwe. All documents remain valid. Public note.

Saturday, March 15, 2014 59

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Change of Name OLUPO: I, former Miss Modupe Kehinde Olupo. now wish to be known as Mrs Modupe Kehinde Ogundele. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. OLUWAJANA: Formerly Miss Oluwajana Yetunde Ronke now wish to be addressed as Mrs Okediran Jesutofunmi Ronke. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

note. ONANIKE: Formerly Onanike Emeka Isaac now Andrew Tarila Isaac. Former Documents valid. General Public note. ONWUNILI: Formerly Onwunili Anayo now Udokwu Anayo. Former documents remain valid. Public take note.

ONWUSEREAKA: Formerly Miss Onwusereaka Cynthia Oluchi now Mrs Nwachukwu Cynthia OMENYE: Formerly Oluchi. Former docuOmenye Ngozi Miriam ments valid. Public note. Now Mrs Aniweta Ngozi Miriam. Former docu- ONYEKA: Formerly Miss ments valid. NIMC, Pub- Onyeka Paschaline lic note. Amara now Mrs. Nwammoh Amara OMOANKHANLE: For- Obidigbo. Former documerly Miss ments remain valid. PubOmoankhanle Felicia lic take note. now Mrs. Daniel Oriazowan Felicia. Former ONYEMACHI: Formerly documents remain Miss Oluchi Goodluck valid. Public note. Onyemachi now Mrs Oluchi Ekeledirichukwu OMOFOMA: I, formerly Elele Egbulefu. Former Miss Faith Omofoma documents valid. Public now Mrs. Faith Omo- note. foma Iwenanogie. All former documents remain ONYEOTITO: Formerly valid. Public note. Miss Onyeotito Nkeiruka now Mrs Ebere Nkeiruka. OMOFUMA: I, former Mrs Former documents reOmofuma Temitope main valid. Public note. Yetunde now wish to be known & addressed as ONYIA: Formerly Miss Miss Alabi Temitope Onyia Florence Uchenna, Yetunde. All former doc- now Mrs Nduka Louisa uments remain. Na- Ngozi. Former docutional Orthopeadic ments remain valid. PubHospital Igbobi and Gen- lic note. eral Public take note. ONYIA: Formerly Miss OMOGIATE: Formerly Theresa Chioma Onyia, Miss Loretta Abies Omo- now Mrs Theresa giate now Mrs. Loretta Chioma Onyia Eneh. ForAbies Odia. All former mer documents remain documents remain valid. Public note. valid. Public note. OROMA: I, formerly OMOGOR: Formerly Mrs Oroma Oputa now CeLady Etanuvwoma lestina Oroma Fishcher. Omogor now Mrs Lady All former documents reE t a n u v w o m a main valid. General pubOmoghene. Former doc- lic note. uments remain valid. Public note. OSENI: Formerly Oseni Owolabi Sunmonu now OMOJOLA: Formerly Usman Owolabi Adejare. Miss Oluwatobi Rose- All former documents remary Omojola, now Mrs main valid. General pubOluwatobi Rosemary lic note. Oyende. Former documents valid. Public note. OSENI: Formerly Ibilola Elizabeth Oseni now OMOSHALEWA: I, for- Mrs. Ibilola Elizabeth merly Miss Omoshalewa Owolabi. Former docuAdijat Bokini now Miss ments remain valid. UNIShally Adijat Bakinson. LAG, general public note. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OSIMIRI: I, formerly Miss Sussan Chioma Osimiri OMOTESHO: Formerly now wish to be known as Miss Omotesho Bukola Mrs. Sussan Chioma AuJanet, now Mrs. Adekola gustus Eze. Former docuBukola Janet. All former ments remain valid. documents remain Public note. valid. Public note. OSITA: Formerly Miss OMOWAWA: I, formerly Osita Onyinye Ginika known as Miss now wish to be adOmowawa Ovokerie dressed as Mrs. Okoro Flora now wish to be ad- Onyinye Ginika. Former dressed as Mrs. Oriyomi docuemnts remain Ovokerie Flora. All other valid. Public note. documents remain valid. Guinness Nigeria OSU: Formerly Miss ViPlc and the general pub- vian Onyinyechukwu lic should please take Obianuju Osu now Mrs.

Vivian Onyinyechukwu Obianuju Monyei. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OWOLABI: Formerly Owolabi Funmilayo Mary now Williams Funmilayo Mary. Former documents valid. Public note. OYEDEMI: Formerly Miss Oyedemi Adeb u k o l a Oluwayemisi, now Mrs. Iriogbe Adebukola Oluwayemisi. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OYENUGA: Formerly Miss Oyenuga Oluwaseun Adetoun, now Mrs Ibine Oluwaseun Adetoun. Former documents valid. Public note. OZIMEDE: Formerly Miss Ozimede Loveth-Mary Egbareye now Mrs. Nwaokolobia LovethMary Egbareye. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OZOR: I, formerly Miss Grace Uchechukwu Ozor now known as Mrs. Grace Uchechukwu Ugwuokpe. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Adetoun Adebisi, now Mrs. Alaga Adetoun A. Hafsoh. All former documents remain valid. Public note. SAID: Formerly Moriam Omolabake Said now Moriam Omolabake Kuku. Former documents remain valid. Public note. SAMUEL: Formerly Miss Samuel Agnes Tosin now Mrs Amusa Agnes Tosin. Documents valid. Public note. SANNI-DAUDU: I, formerly known as Miss Ozofu Joanna SanniDaudu now wish to be known as Mrs. Ozofu Joanna Usman. Former documents remain valid. Public note. SALAMI: I formerly Salami Bilikis Bukola now Thomas Bilikis Bukola. All former documents remain valid. Public note. SANUSI: I, formerly Sanusi Oluwabukola Mariam now Sanusi Davies Oluwabukola Mariam, born on 15/6/82. All documents are valid. General public take note.

PAUL: Formerly Mrs. Olayinka Queen Paul now Yinka Akinnola or Olayinka Akinnola. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

SANYAOLU: Formerly Miss Sanyaolu Bukola Oluwaseun now Mrs. Osikoya Bukola Oluwaseun. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

PAUL: Formerly Paul Anthonia Alaba Ayobami now Oyegoke Anthonia Alaba Ayobami. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

SHONA: Formerly Miss Shona Priscilla Mayowa now Mrs Olowoyo Priscilla Mayowa. Documents remain valid. Public note.

PETER: Formerly Miss Goodness Ijeoma Peter now Mrs Goodness Ijeoma Rowland. Former documents valid. NYSC, public note.

SOBIERE: I, formerly Alberta Ebere Sobiere now known as Berta Ebere Ezewuike. Former documents remain valid. UBA, general public take note.

PETER: I, formerly Miss Olusola Comfort Peter is now Mrs. Olusola Comfort Oloruntoba. Former documents remain valid. Nigeria Nursing and Midwifery Council, general public take note. RAHEEM: Formerly Bilikisu Aduke Raheem now Bilikis Olawunmi Aduke Fasanya. Former documents remain valid. Public note. RAJI: formerly Miss Raji Benedicta Oluwatobiloba, now Mrs Parker Benedicta Oluwatobiloba. Former documents valid. Public note. RICHARD: I, formerly Mr. Egba-Alfred Oyewumi Richard now known as Igbalatunmise Oluwawumi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. SABITU: Formerly Sabitu

SOLOMON-OWU: Formerly known as Alice Elizabeth Solomon-Owu now to be addressed as Mrs. Alice Elizabeth Oloyede. Former documents remain valid. Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria & public note. SOYEMI: Formerly Miss Soyemi Abosede Susan now Mrs Adewuyi Abosede Susan. Documents valid. Public note. STANLEY: Formerly Stanley Ogbonnaya Okoro now Chimaobi Remigius Okoro. Documents valid. Public note. SUNDAY: Formerly Charity Sunday now Charity Desmond Mbagwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. TADE: Formerly Miss Olaoluwa Ebun Tade now Mrs. Olaoluwa Ebun

Akanbi. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

Former documents remain valid. NYSC, Public note.

TAIWO: Formerly Miss Oluwabunmi Olateju Taiwo now to be known as Mrs. Oluwabnmi Olateju Emela-Jacobs. Former documents remain valid. Lagos State Government and general public note.

UKPA: Formerly Miss Ukpa Gloria Ogwa now Mrs Ebenyi Gloria Ogwa. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

TALABI: Formerly Miss Talabi Olorunwa Titi now Mrs. Toyosi Olorunwa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. TAYO: Formerly Tayo Paul Oyewo now Olutayo Sunday Paul Oyewo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. THOMAS: Formerly Miss Thomas Abosede Adetutu now Mrs Adenekan Adetutu Abosede. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UCHECHUKWU: Former Uchechukwu Emeka Peters now Mr. Kenneth Emeka Peters-Ibekwe. All documents remain valid. Public note. UDOGU: Formerly Miss Ugogu Evelyn Ngozi now Mrs. Iyebutemeh Evelyn Ngozi Udogu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UDOUDO: Former Miss Edima Ufot Udoudo now known as Mrs. Edima Anthony Akpan. Former documents remain valid. AKSG and public note. UGO: This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly written as Emelike Kevin Ugo in my driver’s licence. My correct name is Kevin Emelike Ugochukwu. UGULU: Formerly Miss Ubile Ugulu, now Mrs. Ubile Nwachukwu Onyeagba. All documents remained valid. Public note. UGWOTUONYE: Formerly Miss Ugwotuonye Virginia Oni now Mrs Enwereuzor Virginia Oni. Former Documents valid. Public note. UGWUMBA: Formerly Miss Ugwumba Kelechi Princess now Mrs Akataobi Kelechi Princess. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UGWU: Formerly Miss Ugwu Ebere Linda Glory, now Mrs Ugwuagu Ebere Glory. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UKAKU: formerly Miss Ukaku Peace Onyinyechi now Mrs Peace Onyinyechi Nwaigwe.

UKWU: Formerly Miss Ukwu Geraldine Ogechi, now Mrs Orji Geraldine Ogechi Chinedu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UMEEVURUO: Formerly Miss Chinwe Ijeoma Gloria Umeevuruo now Mrs. Chinwe Ijeoma Okechukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UMENNEKU: Formerly Miss Gloria Ekpereka Umenneku now Mrs. Gloria Ekpereka Ewuru. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UNOMA: Formery Miss Unoma Henrietta Onyia, now Mrs Unoma Henrietta Grant. Former documents valid. Public note. UZOECHI: I, formerly Miss Uzoechi Vivian Chisom now known as Miss Okpala Peace Chinenye. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. UZO: I, formerly Miss Chinyere Celine Uzo now known as Mrs. Chinyere Celine Azubuike. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. WILLIAMS: Formerly Miss Williams Utibe Odungide now Mrs Miracle Solomon .C. Apollos Agbaduru. Former document valid. Public note. YETUNDE: I, Omoboyede Omotunrayo Yetunde is the same as Omoboyede Tunrayo Elizabeth. Documents valid. Public note. IF FOR

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TRANSITION

Professor S.T. Bajah, Six Years After By Agathus Chibuike Mgbeahuruike OW time flies! About six years ago, preH cisely February 23, 2008, Nigeria lost one of her brightest and most revered professors of Science Education, Professor S.T. Bajah. ST, as he was fondly called, happened to be the only child of Mama Mary Omeresan Cyriaco and Pa Joseph Bajah of Aguarabureye family of Ugbuwangue in Delta State. He attended the famous Hussey College, Warri, where records show that he had a very distinguished academic career and was the only one to have obtained a grade one in the 1954 Cambridge School Certificate Examination in the College for which he was appointed the school prefect while in class five and Head of Dore House in his final year. Bajah attended the University of Ibadan for his university degree programme. Following his sterling brilliance and performance, he won a scholarship to attend the prestigious Oxford University for a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education. As a good ambassador and thorough bred of Hussey College, ST returned to the college to take up a teaching appointment thus beginning his teaching career. After that remarkable stint where he left footprints, he proceeded to teach at the International School of the University of Ibadan and from there he left the shores of the country to the University of South Dakota in the United States for his doctorate programme in Science Education. Again, Prof returned to his alma mater where he continued to do what he loved best – teaching, writing and publishing science. One of his most outstanding works remains Chemistry: A New Certificate Approach,

Bajah which he co-authored with A. Godman. To trace the career roadmap this man embarked upon in his lifetime for the purpose of keeping his memory alive is tantamount to writing a voluminous doctorate degree thesis. However, I am sure that someday in the future, the ideas, principles, works and the person of Prof. Bajah will not only be researched into and studied, but will also engage scholars of science. The late Bajah was a former Dean of the Faculty of Education; a two-time Director of the Insti-

Remembering Esther Bamidele Kofoworola Akindele (1944 - 1974) By Gbenga Akindele HE late Mrs. Esther T Bamidele Kofoworola Akindele (nee Osipintan) was born on Sunday, April 2, 1944 at Esie via Offa in Kwara State. Her parents were the late Revd. E.G. Osipitan of the Anglican Communion and Chief Mrs. C.G. Osipitan. She started her education at the St. Michael’s Primary School, Esie, in January 1950, and completed her primary education with Grade A at St. Jame’s Primary School, Iperu Remo, in December 1957. Bamidele entered Yejide Girl’s Grammar School, Ibadan, in January 1958. She sat for and passed the West African School Certificate Examination with First Division in December 1962, a year ahead of schedule. She proceeded to Queen’s School, Ede, for Higher School Certificate, which she also completed with distinctions in December 1964. Between January 1965 and August 1966, Bamidele worked at the Royal Exchange Assurance Company Ltd and the Electricity Company of Nigeria (ECN). She gained admission into the University of Lagos in September 1966, where she obtained a B.Sc. honours degree in Accounting in June 1969. She was a scholar of the Ala Education League during her secondary and higher certificate education at Yejide Girl’s Grammar School and Queen’s School, Ede. She was also a Federal Government scholar at the University of Lagos. On completion of her university education, she returned to the ECN for a brief period before she was employed as an Accountant Grade (2) in the Federal Min-

Akindele istry of Finance and was assigned to the Ministry of External Affairs as Internal Auditor. She was promoted to Accountant Grade (1) in June 1972, and early in 1973, she was appointed Acting Senior Accountant and assigned the duties and responsibilities of a Principal Accountant. She was married into Methodist church from Anglican Communion by John

Olusegun Akindele in September 1968 and fellowshipped at the Palm Avenue Local Church, Mushin. She was a member of the Women Auxiliary Association and served as the auditor of the association. She travelled to several countries in Africa, Europe and Asia, auditing the accounts of Nigeria embassies and high commissions. Mrs. Bamidele Kofoworola Akindele was a one-in-a-million, loving and devoted wife and mother. She received a very early home call on Friday, March 15, 1974, at the age of 30. Though you departed exactly 40 years ago, to God be the glory that the dreams you left behind are now fulfilled. Your children Ayodeji Olugbenga, Iyabode Olubukola and Enitan Olamilekan are all today success stories and have brought so much joy to your beloved husband, John Akanni Oluwasegun. If the departed souls can see what they left behind, I have no doubt in my mind that your face will be full of smiles today, the 40th anniversary of your departure to glory. Sweet mother, continue to

Alfonsus Onyejiaku Passes On At 75 HE death has occurred of High Chief Alfonsus OnyejiTAnaku. He died on February 28, 2014, at 75 years. honest, brave, very intelligent, faithful, highly respectable personality and a rare gem, the late Onyejiaku was a renowned community leader. He was at a time the president of Awo-Idemiri Development Union during which he pursued the development of his community with extra vigour. He was also a loving father and husband, who would be missed by members of his immediate family and relatives as well. He is survived by his wives, Mrs. Theresa Onyejiaku and Mrs. Gloria Onyejiaku; and many children. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

tute of Education, University of Ibadan; and a former President of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN). He was at the Commonwealth Secretariat London between 1991 and 1994 where he was further exposed to civil service procedure. After an excellent and meritorious service to his fatherland, ST finally retired from active service of the University of Ibadan in 1999. He was certainly not tired but decided to take Science Education to the foundational level. He developed a series called the Early Learning Science Series for Africa (ELSSA). This wonderful creation and the publications that followed focused on developing an interest in science in children at a very early age. He successfully published several titles and volumes of this wonderful series and was working on a new set on teaching science the ELSSA way before he passed on to glory at 74 years. My encounter with this science education guru changed my life. I had my first working experience as clerical officer in the examination section of the Institute of Education under his able directorship in the institute. A first caller to the Faculty of Education of the university will identify Prof. Bajah’s office by the busy traffic caused by those waiting to receive some form of goodwill. They are either there to collect cheques for school fees or pocket money or other forms of up-keep allowances. Prof knew how to give the right attention to all levels of visitors who flocked his office without discrimination. He would rather keep his senior colleagues waiting and attend to the urgent needs of helpless students. I once encountered a brilliant medical student who confessed he was on Prof’s bills and owed his life and existence as a student to him for the opportunity to pursue his career. He was sure there were many others like him who were benefiting from this quiet benefactor. ST was a fashionable and powerful dresser who valued good looks. He evidently loved good things but was always reluctant to spend on material things because he believed that any money spent imprudently would

have helped an indigent student or a helpless widow somehow. I still remember that ST was among the very first in the UI and perhaps in the whole of Ibadan to acquire the then newly-released innovation — Mercedes V-Boot. He brought this German machine from the United Kingdom after his stint at the commonwealth secretariat, London. However, ST was never the type that would attach too much importance to material acquisition so much as to want to go out of his way. I realised this much when the Nigerian Ports Authority then charged a huge sum to get the car cleared. Prof felt the cost of clearing the car was enough to assist a student actualise his/her career and was prepared to sell it off. However, miraculously, it was a former student of his who happened to be a senior personnel at the organisation that assisted in clearing the car eventually at minimal cost. This experience underscores ST’s value system disposition. He was content with what he had; he had a lot of goodwill and had great value for education. He was never appointed to serve under any government leadership or agency. His interest was on the field of education where he laid his life in pursuit of excellence for the sector. He was, however, a member of the technical committee constituted by the former Chair of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Okebukola, to assess and reposition federal universities in the country. It’s been six uneventful years now since this great icon left us on February 23, 2008. He was interred on March 14, 2008. The encomiums that greeted his glorious exit and the celebrations witnessed even in his death, particularly the presence of people from all walks of life, were resounding testimonies of the life and times of this great man. To say we miss him is an understatement. ST served God and humanity to the fullest; his legacy continually lives on. We take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation. May God continue to grant his gentle soul eternal repose, Amen. Mgbeahuruike is the National Coordinator of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG).

Quintessential Banker, Adeboye Taiwo Oniwinde, Leaves The Stage HE late Dr. Adeboye T Taiwo Oniwinde was born on January 8, 1940, to Mr. Gabriel Oluyinka Oniwinde of Ago Owu Abeokuta and Madam Eliza Adebisi Oniwinde (nee Pratt) of Lagos. He started his primary education at St. Jude’s School, Ebute Metta, Lagos in 1946. He then attended Molusi College Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, between 1955 and 1959 At 20 years, the late Oniwinde was employed by the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry. In 1961, he decided to leave civil service for a more lucrative job. He and his twin brother took the aptitude test for employment at Barclays Bank DCO (now Union Bank) but for security reasons, the bank could not employ both of them as twins so he was employed while his twin was employed at Royal exchange Assurance Plc. In 1963, they (he and his twin brother) travelled to the United Kingdom to further their studies and were enrolled in the South West London College of Commerce (now Thames Valley University) for the professional diploma examinations of Chartered Institute of Bankers and Insurance respectively (ACIB and ACII). Oniwinde was later con-

Oniwinde ferred with the award of Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. Having reached the peak of his profession, he went in search of additional knowledge again with his twin brother and enrolled at the Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University) for the Executive Masters programme in 1995. He graduated in1998. Six years later, he obtained a doctorate degree in business management from Belford University in the United States of America. The late Oniwinde worked

for the United Bank for Africa for 28 years and retired as an Assistant General Manager in 1996. He left a legacy of transparency and accountability. He was at various times a Director on the Board of some companies such as Goldlink Insurance and Towergate Insurance (now Equity Insurance) and on Audit Committees of many other companies including UTC, Equity Assurance Plc and ARM. The late Oniwinde was a devout Christian. He worshipped in a couple of Christian denominations such as the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Movement and his parent’s church, First African Mission Inc. He strongly believed in God and was dedicated in his walk with God. On the social scene, he was a member of the Lions Club and a one-time President of the Surulere Club. He loved travelling and visited many countries of the world. He married his wife, Olasumbo, the same day with his twin brother, Adelani, married his wife Olayemisi. Both weddings took place at Sutton Surrey, England on October 29, 1966. The marriage is blessed with four children — Oluyinka, Oluyomi, Omolola and Abiola — all who survive him.

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Saturday, March 15, 2014 61

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Sports

Rugby players battle it out at a championship By Adeyinka Adedipe HE exit of the former Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdulahi, may not have gone down well with some members of the sports fraternity, who feel that he did a lot in uplifting sports in the country. This group, however, are consoled by the fact that the former minister’s performance met the yearning and aspiration of progressive Nigerians. There are also those who argue that Abdullahi’s exit is not something new since change is the only constant thing in life. To the second group of people, what matters is what the new Minister of Sports, Dr. Tamuno Danagogo, makes of the time he spends as the country’s number one sports master. Nigeria is billed for three important competitions this year, World Cup, Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympics and some stakeholders believe that the job of taking sport to a higher level must continue irrespective of who is appointed. To the stakeholders, Danagogo has his work cut out and might not have the opportunity to familiarise with the terrain before his first major assignment, the FIFA 2014 Brazil World Cup in June. The stakeholders point out that despite the fact that Danagogo would be barely four months into the job before the first of the three major championships, the Mundial, Nigerians would still judge him by the country’s performance at these events. So, they added that he must start putting in place or improving on what

Stakeholders Set Agenda For New Sports Minister

he met on ground to ensure Nigeria’s impressive performance at these championships. One of the things they feel he should tackle is to ensure the athletes are properly prepared for the Commonwealth Games in Scotland and the Youth Olympics despite the short period the country has to get its teams ready for these championships, just as they advise him to work closely with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure a successful outing for the Super Eagles at the World Cup. Another area of focus for the minister, the stakeholders say, is youth development. They feel that a foundation based on developing the youth at the grassroots should be put in place to propel sports development in the country. To these stakeholders, the former minister tried to ensure that Nigeria went to age grade competitions with athletes within the age bracket, a development Danagogo should uphold if he desired a solid foundation for the country’s sports. Over the years, the other sports associations have complained that Nigerian ministers paid excessive attention to football to the detriment of other federations, a situation the stakeholders feel Danagogo must avoid for even development of the sector. They posit that he must make moves to help the development of the ‘lesser sports’ by bringing in corporate organisations to partner with the various sports federations and ensure they get tax rebate for their support. While these stakeholders agree that football is the ‘king of sports,’ they argue that if other sports were allowed to grow, Nigeria’s prospect of winning medals at multi sports events like the Olympic would become brighter. One of such experts is Dr. Lanre Glover, who has been in sports administration for over 30 years. The current president of the Nigeria Triathlon Union (NTU) said he was sure that the minister wasn’t a stranger to sports hence his appointment. He, however, said Danagogo is arriving at a challenging period in Nigerian sports. “A warm welcome to the new Sports Minister, Tamuno Danagogo, who I am sure is not a stranger to sports. He is arriving at a challenging time when the Ministry is faced with getting its budget passed by the National Assembly with the array of major international events around the corner. These include the African Youth Olympic Games in Botswana, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the World Cup in Brazil.” Despite the challenges facing Danagogo, Glover, who is the first Vice President of the African Handball Federation (CAHB), expressed hope that the new man would be given enough time by the powers that be to establish concrete development in the sports sectors. “One major challenge that faces the new minister is laying down concrete sporting facilities. How many functional indoor sports halls do we have in Nigeria? It is incredible that in the whole of the South West, there is no standard hall that can take a handball game. “The National Stadium sports hall in Lagos is substandard and can only take basketball, while the stadium gym unfortunately is run down and will need the urgent attention of the minister. “The Minister must undertake a tour of National Stadia and NSC Gyms across the country to appreciate their state of disrepair.” The former Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) also called on Danagogo to take a comprehensive review of National Sports Federations’ Elections by working closely with the NOC. “It is a pity that we have not made much improvement after the first elections into national sports federations in 1994 by the Late Shola Rhodes. “The Minister can also work towards full independence of National Associations and also encourage private associations.” Glover, a former president of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), urged the minister to avoid becoming ‘Minister of Football but Minister of all sports.’ Questioning the sack of the former minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, whom he described as one of the most successful sports ministers in recent time, Glover noted: “One thing is clear, the former sports minister was surely not sacked for incompetence but most probably for political reasons. “Abdullahi has been one of the most successful Sports Ministers in recent times and has also had very peaceful tenure with good working relationship with other arms of sports like the NOC and the NFF. “While like his predecessors he had a passion for football, he nevertheless still found time to support other sports reasonably. His removal is a set back for Nigerian Sports as it once again brings to fore our consistent failure to maintain continuity in our Sports, which accounts for the failure to grow on all counts. The average tenure of our sports ministers is one and a half years, which is not good for sports development.” Commending Abdullahi for his strides while in office, another stakeholder, Coach of Mark Mentors Basketball Club, Peter Ahmedu, however, lamented that the former minister concentrated too much on football just like his predecessors. “First, the last minister wasn’t too bad, I did not meet him personally, but I guess he did his best by trying to put some things

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62 Saturday, March 15, 2014

A Call For Minister To Embrace All Sports CONTINUED FROM PAGE 61 together to develop sports. But just like his predecessors, Abdullahi concentrated his effort on football or most of his efforts on football. So, I hope the new minister will do well to carry other sports along,” he said. While noting that drastic steps needed to be taken to improve Nigerian sports, Ahmedu expressed hope that the new minister would try to make a difference by looking at every area of sports. He said: “I was privileged to meet the new minister when he came for an inspection of the National Stadium, Abuja, while we were training. I hope that his emergence will bring a difference to how sports is run in the country. “I also hope he will be able to look at every area of sports not only football. If you look at the population of this nation, it is clear that not everyone would play football; so if other sports get a little of what football is getting, I am sure Nigeria will do better at international competitions. “It is clear football has taken the shine off other sports because of the huge funds and attention given to it, but I pray that the new sports minister will be able to give other sports federations that opportunity they crave for.” According to Ahmedu, football is succeeding because it also gets help from sponsors despite the backing it enjoys from government through the provision of funds. He said this was possible because the government provides the enabling environment for the sponsors to come in. He urged the government to extend tax rebates to corporate organisations that support other sports so that they can also have a feeling of appreciation. “There are lots of sponsors in Nigeria that can support sports… all the government has to do is provide the enabling the environment and they get some form of relief in return. “What the government needs to do is monitor them and see what they can bring on the table. I am sure the companies are willing to come into sports if encouraged do so.” Recommending the Angolan model, Ahmedu said: “In Angola, most of their teams are sponsored by private companies, who have good tax rebate. That is why the Angolan teams are succeeding in basketball and some other sports, as well as football. “I am sure with the abundance of talents we have in Nigeria and the creation of the right environment, we can go places.” Former president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tony Urhobo, who is also a seasoned coach, says ensuring that the right people populate the sports federations should be paramount in the agenda of the new minister. He said sports, as a highly professional sector, needs people with the technical know-how to lead the federations, thus making the job of the minister, who in most cases, is a politician, easy. He said all the National Sports Commission (NSC) needs to do is to put up structures that would enable various sports federations to flourish. “I belong to that generation of sports administrators who believe a sports policy must be put in place and well executed

Football is a major sport, no doubt, but all the noise is all about the money allocated to it. There is a lot of money to be made by concentrating on football. The budget for the 2014 World Cup points to this fact and it runs into billion. So, I will say the attraction for the politicians is where the money is. The rush to make more money by politicians makes them neglect other sports and concentrate on football. But it is sad that we have still not realized our potential in football despite the huge amount pumped into it. Due to their activities, they are rightly labelled ministers of football. before sports can grow. A minister for sports should have little or no problem if he has the right people in the sports federations. It is the right experts, appointed by the minister and federation bosses, elected in a free and fair election that would carry out the programmes of the ministry. “I do not know the antecedents of the new minister, but I am sure he must be ready to uplift the sector, which has gone down in the last 10 years. He must also make sure that his aides are sport-inclined so that they can help him formulate policies that would grow sports in the country. “For example, in the past before you are

given a top post in the federal civil service, you must have done well at the state level, but things have changed now.” Citing the move by the present administration to reposition the economy by bringing in competent people, Urhobo said the same thing should be done in the administration of sports. He called on Danagogo to improve sports in schools where the bulk of the athletes would be discovered for the future. While noting that sports is the major attraction in the country, pointing out, however, that past ministers concentrated their efforts on football because of the huge budget allocated to the round leather game every year. “Football is a major sport, no doubt, but all the noise is all about the money allocated to it. There is a lot of money to be made by concentrating on football. “The budget for the 2014 World Cup points to this fact and it runs into billion. So I will say the attraction for the politicians is where the money is. The rush to make more money by politicians makes them neglect other sports and concentrate on football. But it is sad that we have still not realized our potential in football despite the huge amount pumped into it. Due to their activities, they are rightly labelled ministers of football.’’ According Urhobo, under the military administration, the right people were put in charge of sports and it is no surprise that sports received major boost under the military than the democratic dispensation. “It is a pity that we have been in a mess for over a decade now in the sporting sector because competence has been sacrificed for politics. It was better under military rule because they would never put their troop under a weak General.” Students contest for honours at the Milo Secondary School basketball Championship

l; championship at an internationa ft) (le ka do Ju ria Nige

Danagogo

The English Premier League

Table Pos

Team

Pts

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

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

29 28 28 26 29 28 27 28 29 28 28 29 28 28 29 28 28 29 26 29

34 38 24 42 0 15 11 -2 4 -4 -7 -14 -5 -4 -22 -19 -11 -28 -16 -36

66 59 59 57 53 48 48 43 42 31 31 31 30 29 29 27 25 25 24 21

Moyes Hopes For New Van Persie Deal AVID Moyes expects the D Manchester United board to consider handing Robin van Persie a new contract after the striker expressed his desire to stay with the club. Van Persie has been linked with a move away from United following rumours that he was unhappy with life under Moyes. The Dutchman scotched that speculation on Thursday night, insisting he is content at Old Trafford. The former Arsenal striker said he would like to extend his current deal beyond

2016 and Moyes thinks that is something the United hierarchy would be interested in. “It’s nice of Robin (to say he

is happy to stay),” the United manager said. “He is happy here and we are very pleased about that. He

has a couple of years to go on his contract and I am sure that (an extension) is something the board will look at.”

Allardyce, Sturridge Win Awards AM Allardyce has been SLeague named the Barclays Premier Manager of the Month

for February. The West Ham boss beat off competition from Jose Mourinho of Chelsea, Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool and Hull boss Steve Bruce for the award. Concerns were raised over Allardyce’s future at the club

after a string of losses through the winter, and crashing out of two cup competitions in the space of four days. However, motivated by holding Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge on 29th January, the Hammers boss guided the London club to four wins out of four in the Barclays Premier League through

February, beating Swansea City, Aston Villa, Norwich City and Southampton. Allardyce has been awarded the accolade for this spectacular turnaround of results, which saw West Ham record four consecutive clean sheets, and praised his players as ‘fantastic’. Culled from sportinglife.com

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Saturday, March 15, 2014 63

SPORTS

The Greatest Football Derbies, Rivalries In Africa! I am following with very keen interest this weekend’s football match that has ignited the whole of South Africa. It is the derby match between two of the biggest and oldest clubs in the South African League - Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. This is a rivalry that, I am told, started many decades ago and has not waned. Following the immense interest generated by the event, no thanks to the well-oiled publicity machinery of Supersports, I am reminded of other great football derbies and rivalries that fuel the football passion. In Africa, some of the legendary and long standing ones include Canon Sportive and Tonnerre Kalala both of Yaounde in Cameroun; Zamalek and Al Ahly of Cairo in Egypt; Ashante Kotoko of kumasi and Accra Hearts of Oak of Accra in Ghana; Vita of kinshasha and TP Mezambe of katanga in Congo FDC; Asec Mimosa and Africa Sports of Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire; and so on. At national team level, the great rivalries in the African continent include those between Egypt and Algeria, Senegal and Cote D’Ivoire, Morocco and Tunisia, Zambia and South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria, amongst others. Every country or continent has its own local derby and rivalry that generates the tension, excitement, passion and followership

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will re-enact their rivalry during this weekend’s Soweto derby in the South African Premier League.

without which football would not be the sport described by a famous English manager as ‘a sport where winning is greater than life and death!’ Even in Nigeria these days, where the political creation of smaller States from regions, has broken down the followership of clubs established originally along sectional or tribal lines, the keenness of the rivalries and a few derbies between clubs, has not waned at all. The best and greatest example is that of Rangers FC of Enugu and Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan. The two teams boast the largest followership in the history of Nigerian football. Even though neither team had won any major trophies either locally or internationally in the last few decades, they still continue to maintain a hold over the Igbo and the Yoruba, two of Nigeria’s three major tribes that motivated their creation over 40 years ago. In the past 43 years, every time both teams played the airwaves are electrified and a chain of passion and interest are set-off reminiscent of the magnitude of what is happening this weekend in South Africa between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. In my humble experience, the rivalry between Rangers International FC of Enugu and Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan, established in 1970, was and still remains till this day, the greatest in the history of Nigerian football. Permit me to take you down memory lane! These two clubs represent more than your usual football clubs. Rangers of Enugu rose from the ashes of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. It was a vehicle conceived to restore and re-assert the dignity and status of the Igbo, not as a defeated people following the result of the war, but as the pre-dominant tribal group in Nigeria in the fields of commerce, education and the services (civil and military) before the war! The Igbo came up with a football club, striking at the core of every Nigerian, to compete, win and dominate the country’s greatest sport and passion. Following the reaction of the Igbo to the dramatic end to the 1970 FA Cup final in which Rangers FC met Shooting Stars FC and lost, it became clear what Rangers represented in the psyche of the Igbo person. When Rangers returned the following year the manner of their play and their attitude changed the nature, character and culture of Nigerian football forever. Rangers came back in 1971 and started to play a robust very physical style of football, with power, speed, strength and a fighting spirit that was uncharacteristic of Nigerian football before then. If anyone is looking for why the Super Eagles of Nigeria play the way they now do, with power, speed, athleticism and an uncommon do-ordie spirit, they need not look farther than what Rangers of Enugu handed Nigerian football in 1971. They came back as wounded lions. They played like warriors. For five years no team in the country could match their playing style that was a combination of grit, flair, determination and an uncommon fighting spirit.

When Oyibocha-Agbajoh’s Passion For Golf Enveloped Sapele ensuring that the tournament came out successful. HE image the Sapele people During the organisation, she have of the place and the cited that using Sapele Athletic event will no doubt linger for Club for the golf tournament is a long time. However, another significant because Sapele was fall-out of the competition is the first golf course in Nigeria that since the end of the and in the country’s 100 years Orubebe Golf Tournament, as a united country, it is right golf enthusiasts and other par- to return to the roots of the ticipants at the event have not game. stopped talking about the Using the ancient city for the organizer and initiator of the game was also expected to help idea. harness the tourism potential A woman of uncommon pas- of the town, as many may have sion and an embodiment of forgotten about the city that accomplishment, as it relates once drew attention globally. to golf, Barrister Mary “This is the right time to Oyibocha-Agbajoh is the restore the lost glory of Sapele Senior Special Assistant, as we gather great and excel(Special Duties) to Governor lent golfers in Nigeria to particEmmanuel Uduaghan. She ipate in this event,” Agbajoh was the Chief Organizer and stated. Initiator of the Orubebe golf Being a member of Ikeja Golf tournament that drew thouand Ikoyi Club 1938, and feelsands to Sapele during the ing that the required attention golf games. was not being given to Sapele Agbajoh is a passionate golf course where it all started, golfer, playing off handicap 20 was part of the reasons and she invested her efforts in Agbajoh and those working in her team decided to use the opportunity to reengineer the need for Sapele to bounce back using the event as the avenue. “The Orubebe Golf Tournament Elder Godsday Orubebe (right) and Barrister Mary Oyibocha-Agbajoh during the just-concluded Orubebe was meant to Invitational Golf tourney.

By Mike Osagie

draw attention to the nation and the world at large to come to Sapele, where it all started, to give back to the society and to restore the glory of the place,” Agbajoh disclosed during the preparation phase. Oyibocha Agbajoh, a businesswoman, politician, media consultant and event planner par-excellence, has been

Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Upstream Golf Tournament, which teesoff on at the prestigious Benin Club Golf Course, Edo State. The golf tournament, packaged by the Exploration and Production Directorate of the NNPC, is featuring not fewer than 250 golfers from various golf clubs across the federation. The event being organised by Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) in conjunction with the Benin Club Golf Section, will tee-off this morning, while the closing ceremony and presentation of trophies and prizes holds later in the day. According to the Captain of the Benin Club Golf Section, Dr. Bola Atua, the tournament plans had been under-

They won every available trophy in Nigeria and went on to the African continent in search of the country’s first continental club trophy and came close to winning a few times. It was the Yoruba’s that recognized what was going on. They countered it by building up the strength and base of their own already existing regional club, which gradually grew (as a product of the rivalry) into a movement of the 30 million Yoruba people at that time all over the world. The rivalry between them became legendary. Although healthy, it transformed into a strong contest between the Igbo and the Yoruba for the physical, intellectual, economic and even political soul of the country. From 1971 to 1975 Rangers dominated the fights. In 1976, Shooting Stars broke the monotony and went ahead of Rangers to become the first Nigerian club to win a continental Club championship. That elevated the rivalry even more. In 1977 both teams played in the same African club competition and arrived to meet at the semi-finals. Not before and not since then has the country witnessed what happened at that time between the two clubs and their followers. On the eve of the first of the semi-finals in Lagos, it almost deteriorated into a tribal war. Big buses streamed into Lagos from the east and west of Nigeria loaded with supporters of both clubs. 24 hours before the game the national stadium complex was filled with supporters of both teams! The match ended in a goalless draw. With six players each from the two clubs in the national team, and a crucial World Cup match coming up, the stakes shot skyhigh. The tension for the second leg match was so high that on the eve of the match the government of Nigeria had to intervene to douse it. The government sought CAF’s permission to move the match away from Lagos considered part of Yoruba land to a neutral ground in the North of Nigeria. Even then, the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in kaduna, where the match was eventually taken, burst at the seams with the ocean of supporters that travelled from all over Nigeria to be a part of that great historic and unprecedented rivalry in 1977. The rivalry between the two teams still exists and persists undiminished till this day. I wish both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates the best of luck in their El Kasico this weekend in South Africa as they provide some more blood to the life of African football!

involved in several successful events that covers politics and women empowerment development programmes. Agbajoh has accomplished tremendous heights in her career as management and media consultant and also as a political strategist to several Nigerian politicians with proven and positive results.

NNPC Upstream Golf Tourney Tees Off OP flight golfers from T across the country will gather today for the fourth

Segun Odegbami

way since the latter part of 2013. He disclosed that among the dignitaries expected to play and grace the tournament today are the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Engr. Andrew Yakubu; the Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production of NNPC, Engr. Abiye, members and captains of the oil and gas industry, especially from the upstream sector. The Manager, Public Affairs Department of the IDSL, one of the exploration subsidiaries of the NNPC, Samson Makoji, said NNPC partnered with the Benin Club Golf Section because of the need to encourage more people to participate in the sport, especially staff of the Corporation. He said a lot of people lacked the awareness of the benefits of playing golf, hence the need for sensitization of the sport, as not only interesting, but also

Lagos State Commissioner of Youth, Sports and Social Development, Enitan Oshodi, Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Walter Drenth and the Heineken Ambassador, Ruud Gullit, at the presentation of the UEFA Champions League Trophy to the Governor at Alausa, Lagos… on Thursday.

Heineken Explains UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour Of Nigeria EINEkEN has explained H why it brought the UEFA Champions League Trophy to Nigeria. This is coming just as the Champions League enters the critical 2013/2014 knockout stage. The trophy, which arrived in the country on Wednesday with brand ambassador Ruud Gullit, a former international footballer and coach, will make a city wide tour of Lagos from March 13 to 16, 2014. The UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour has been presented around the world for eight consecutive years by Heineken, a UEFA Champions League partner, and will give football enthusiasts in Nigeria, Argentina and Vietnam the chance Meet the Trophy this

year. Speaking at the Trophy Tour press briefing in Lagos, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Walter Drenth, said, “the Champions league trophy tour, outside of Europe, is a uniquely Heineken experience. Heineken is the world’s most International Premium Lager beer and the only brand able to take the trophy on an international tour.” Drenth continued, “The UEFA Champions League has a long and distinguished heritage and is the pinnacle of European club football. The Trophy Tour demonstrates the true global reach and appeal of the UEFA Champions League making there no better partner for Heineken.

TheGuardian

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

NNL Writes Clubs, FAs On Official Match Balls HE Nigeria National T League (NNL) has authorized participating clubs to henceforth use only FIFAapproved footballs in the on-going competition pending the delivery and distribution of the branded match balls from the manufacturers. According to the NNL secretary, Lawrence Katken, the

league management took this decision following various reports received from club officials and official match reports on the sixweek-old competition. Katken also directed all states’ football associations and clubs to ensure that at least 10 balls are made available for every NNL match or face sanction.

English Premiership

Man U Versus Liverpool: Rodgers Tips Moyes To Get It Right IVERPOOL manager, Lempathise Brendan Rodgers, can with Manchester United counterpart, David Moyes, as he has first-hand experience of what it means to replace a club icon. Moyes was handed the impossible task of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford but Rodgers faced a similar task when he took over from Kenny Dalglish in the summer of 2012. After a shaky first six months, Rodgers has come out the other side with a team in such a good shape they are in contention for the title having finished seventh last season. Moyes, who almost every week is watched from the directors’ box by his muchdecorated predecessor, is experiencing what Rodgers did last year and the Liverpool boss is better placed than most to comprehend the task facing the Scot. “I can only talk for myself but the pressures of coming into a big club and following someone like Kenny who still is a club legend here never intimidated me,’’ he said. “To manage at this level you have to have the self-confidence; you’re not worried about who is sat behind you in the stand, who is up there in the clouds watching you. ‘That doesn’t happen when you are a manager at this level. I have empathy for the pressures, which come with taking over such a huge club. “It is incomparable the states of the two clubs because they were champions, there are serial winners in there, and when I came to this club they were eighth. “The rebuilding and remodelling of the two clubs was totally different. David will be fine there and he will get it right. It has been a steep learning curve for him this year, he will have gone in there and seen things you only have a certain length of time to address. “But I am sure he will have learned a lot this season and will kick on.”

Liverpool head to Old Trafford tomorrow with the roles reversed from last season as the Merseysiders are second in the table, seven points behind Chelsea with a match in hand, while their arch-rivals are effectively battling it out for a Europa League place. While there has been much talk of a sea-change in the north-west in terms of United’s dominance waning and Liverpool’s influence growing, Rodgers is keen not to stoke the fires of that debate. For him, it is not about being better than United - especially when they are seventh in the league - but being the best. “The benchmark for us is the best,’’ he said. ‘First of all we are always challenging the team at the top not Manchester United, who are further down. ‘Liverpool has its own great history both domestically and in European football so for us the benchmark has always been the best and we will always look to do that. “I never said when I came in here we wanted to be fourth. Top four is where we want to be but Liverpool will always be judged on being the best, both here and in Europe not against Manchester United. “We are only concentrating on ourselves. They (United) have some great players, they have probably one of the largest wage bills so they have top players there but I don’t know the dressing room well enough to know where they are at. “Our focus is only on Liverpool. The club decided to go a (certain) way 18 months ago and I was asked to carry on some of the brilliant work Kenny did in reshaping the club. “We have just continued down a road which has seen us develop and improve. ‘There is still a long way to go in terms of where we want to be but we are on the right road.” •Culled from www.dailymail.co.uk

English Premier League Fixtures Hull VS Man City Everton VS Cardiff Fulham VS Newcastle Stoke VS West Ham Sunderland VS Crystal Palace Swansea VS West Brom Aston Villa VS Chelsea

The Super Eagles celebrating a goal against Tahiti at the Brazil 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. The team is expected to regroup in Abuja before moving to London on May 25 ahead of a friendly game against Scotland. PHOTO: AFP

Eagles’ Two-Week US Camp To Gulp N182. 2M From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has disclosed that it would spend N182.2 million to camp Super Eagles players and their officials in the United States of America for two weeks before they depart to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup. But before the US camp opens, the federation would spend an additional N31.2 million on the home-based players in Abuja from where the selected players would join their mates in the Atlanta, Georgia training base. The Super Eagles are expected to report to camp on May 25 in London where they will train for two days before the international friendly match against Scotland at Craven Cottage in London. According to the NFF’s Brazil 2014 World Cup budget, which the Federation defended recently before the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Sports, the estimated amount is for the team’s accommodation, feeding and allowances for 14 days in the United States.

• NFF Earmarks N31.7M For Home-Based Eagles Training While in the US camp, the Super Eagles are billed to play two international friendly matches against Greece and the United states on June 3 and 7 respectively. The Eagles are also billed to face the US in their final warm up match on June 7 at Jacksonsvile, Florida, before they move to Sao Paolo in Brazil on June 12 for the World Cup. Speaking on the Eagles’

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“Our World Cup build up is on course. We have started with the friendly match against Mexico, where our boys performed very well against a 60,000 capacity crowd of predominantly Mexicans. “Immediately after the May 28 international friendly against Scotland in London, the team will move to the US where they will commence full camping,” Amadu said.

LMC Suspends League Games in Maiduguri HE League Management T Company (LMC) has announced the immediate suspension of all Globacom Premier League fixtures in Maiduguri until further notice. The suspension order was contained in a statement from the Office of the Chairman of LMC, which cited current security intelligence as the reason for the decision. “We are constrained to put on hold all Globacom Premier League games in Maiduguri

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TAIWO AKERELE

preparation for the World Cup, NFF Secretary General, Musa Amadu, said the decision of the federation to seal a friendly match against Greece was to engage a team that plays the same pattern with Bosnia Hervogonena, noting, however that the NFF technical department has been monitoring the Bosnian side on their recent build up as well as studying their tapes.

• El Kanemi Picks Kano As Alternate Home until further notice due to latest security intelligence from the area and the suspended games include this weekend’s match between El-Kanemi Warriors and Abia Warriors,” the statement read. It further advised officials of Abia Warriors not to proceed to Maiduguri for the match but to await further communication from the LMC. “Once again, we want to reassure clubs that decisions of the LMC at all times will be guided by the need to serve the greater good and hinged on existing realities,” it concluded.

Abia Warriors had during the week threatened to boycott this weekend’s game against El Kanemi in Maiduguri, citing the need to secure the lives and property of their players and officials as their reason. Meanwhile, El Kanemi have chosen Kano for their home matches following the suspension of Maiduguri from hosting league games. El Kanemi chairman, Mohammed Zana, told MTNFootball.com that though they were yet to be formally informed by LMC of this decision, they would choose Kano as their home ground.