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OURGIRLS Northern Governors’ Forum Condemned Emir’s Killing From John Ogiji, Minna HE Northern Governors’ T Forum has expressed shock and disbelief over the killing

Escaped: Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II

The late Emir of Gwoza

How Boko Haram Killed Emir Of Gwoza From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri and Charles Akpeji, Jalingo ARELY 46 days after the B abduction of over 200 school girls from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State by members of Islamist sect, Boko Haram, gunmen suspected to be members of the group yesterday morning shot dead the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrissa Shehu Timta.

The monarch and Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, were initially attacked at Tashan Alade on

•Two Others Abducted, Freed •Borno Govt Reacts the Biu-Garkida road in Biu Council of the state.

They were travelling to Gombe, the Gombe State capital, to attend the funeral of the late Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Usman Abubakar, who died on Tuesday.

Garkida is a border town with Adamawa State and 241 kilometres south of

Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The emirs were travelling in an official Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in two separate convoys when the gunmen’s ambushed and kidnapped the slain monarch and his colleague and whisked them away to an undisclosed destination in Sambisa Forest around 9 am.

Giving account of how the emirs were attacked and Timta killed, the Borno State government, in a statement signed by the Secretary to the state government (SSG), Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, and made available to journalists in Maiduguri, said the late emir was in the company of the Emir of Askira, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibn Muhammadu Askirama and Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza, all of whom drove in the same vehicle, as they headed to Biu

to pick the Emir of Biu. They were to all drive in convoy to Gombe State to attend the funeral of the late Emir of Gombe scheduled for yesterday.

“The late Emir of Gwoza had visited his counterpart, the Emir of Uba, yesterday and passed the night in Uba, ahead of their planned trip today. The two emirs were this morning joined by the Emir of Askira.

“They drove in the same

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

of Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrisa Timta, and the assassination attempt on the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ismaila Mamza and the Emir of Askira, Alhaji Mai Abdullahi Ibn Muhammadu Askirama by Boko Haram sect.

The emirs, all first class from Borno State, were said to be travelling to Gombe State to attend the funeral of the Emir of Gombe, late Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, who died earlier in the week in a London hospital, when they were ambushed and attacked by a group suspected to be Boko Haram members.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Niger state, Babangida Aliyu in a press statement signed by his Chief

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

NEWS 3

MEND Writes Jonathan, Seeks Release Of Henry Okah, Others NEWS 5

Forensic Report May Indict Individuals, Institutions Over $809billion Oil Revenue Loss, Says Makarfi

2 | Saturday, May 31, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Military Alleges Fresh Plot Against Its Operations From Madu Onuorah, Abuja HE Defence Headquarters T in Abuja yesterday disclosed an allege plot by some groups to embark on a renewed campaign aimed at attracting international condemnation and indict-

ment of the Nigerian military and its operations in the Northern part of the country.

The campaign, according to the Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen Chris Olukolade, would involve the reliance on “doctored and falsified audio

visual materials, some of which are already trending in the social media, to be coordinated and funded by a prominent political leader whose state is presently under the state of emergency.”

Details of the plan, he

added, which are already being fine-tuned by a group of media practitioners, would soon be presented for the final ratification and funding by the political figure.

“The design is expected to forcefully whip up sentiments of genocide allegedly

Otedola Left Legacy Of Peace, Unity, Says Jonathan

By Ayomide Olumide RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan has again called on Nigerians to unite in the fight against the challenges facing the nation He also spoke of the need to make the death of former governor of Lagos, Sir Michael Otedola, a rallying point for peace and progress of the country.

Speaking during the funeral service held in honour of Otedola at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ibonwon Epe, Lagos, yesterday, the President said although he did not have the opportunity to meet Otedola, but “in my brief discussion with Governor Babatunde Fashola on the legacy of Otedola this morning, I got impressed”.

He added:”The governor

confessed to me that although Otedola didn’t stay long in government before the Third Republic was truncated, he left a lot of uncompleted projects which he would have completed had it been he stayed for four years. In fact, I was impressed by Fashola’s comment that Otedola left a legacy and contributed in no small dimension to the progress of the state.”

The president, who attended the burial with his wife, Patience, added: “I met briefly with Otedola during the commissioning of his son, Femi’s, office. There we exchanged handshake but Fashola has said it all about him.”

“Since Otedola was described a man of peace and unity, I would therefore urge Nigerians to continue

to pray for the nation to overcome her challenges.”

Present at the burial were former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, Minister

of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, Chairman Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, members of the National Assembly and others.

targeted against a particular religious group. The planners of this multi-media crusade also hope to use it to gain some mileage in the drive to secure international attention, as they have not achieved this sufficiently, despite previous efforts.

“The programme, which is also meant to reinforce the ongoing media campaign against the military, was adopted as an alternative by those who are bent on politicising the ongoing counterterrorists operations in the Northern part of the country,” Olukolade said.

The military reiterated its rejection of pictures and video footages from unverifiable sources claiming to reflect activities or so-called

atrocities purportedly perpetrated by Nigerian security forces.

“They do not reflect or depict the true state of affairs or operations of Nigerian military or any of the security forces. The public is advised to watch out and not allow themselves to be hoodwinked by these acts of infamy orchestrated by this desperate group.

“Once again, it must be emphasised that the dastardly acts of terrorism are against all Nigerians and all peace-loving people all over the world. No amount of propaganda by apologists of terror group can justify the evil acts of terrorism by attempting to cast the Nigerian military and security forces in bad light,” Olukolade added.

Northern Governors’ Forum Condemned Emir’s Killing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Press Secretary, Israel Ebije and made available in Minna yesterday, condemned the attack, calling it a war on the traditional institution.

He described the killing of the emir as irresponsible, callous and an affront on the traditional institutions and collective heritage of Nigerians. The Forum regretted that the killing of the emir is coming barely 24hours after the president had extended an olive branch to the insurgents with the announcement of amnesty.

“We call on the leadership and entire members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the amnesty offer promised

by President Goodluck Jonathan. Dialogue remains the best option for resolving issues,” the statement said.

Aliyu urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country’s

capability to overcome its security challenges and called on security operatives to ensure that those behind the dastardly act are caught and punished.

He called on Nigerians not to give in to despair in view of the unpalatable occurrences and urged them to remain calm and pursue their legitimate activities, adding that government would do everything possible to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

Mr Femi Otedola, son of late Sir Michael Otedola, left; President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan and former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo during the funeral mass for Sir Michael Otedola at Epe Local Government yesterday.

Two Others Abducted, Freed As Borno Govt Reacts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 vehicle with the intention of going to Biu to be joined by their counterpart in Biu. “Unfortunately, as they were driving in convoy to Biu, they were ambushed by gunmen around Tashan Alade, soon after passing Garkida.

“The gunmen came after the convoy, specifically targeted the vehicle conveying the three emirs and opened fire.

“The Emir of Gwoza was unfortunately killed by the attackers, while the emirs of Askira and Uba escaped unhurt.

“A policeman in the convoy was shot by the attackers, but he survived the attack.

“The late emir was in the First Class status following his recent elevation by

Governor Kashim Shettima.

The late emir was indeed a great man who worked very hard to promote peace and progress in Gwoza”.

A source in Askira Palace, Maiduguri told The Guardian in a telephone interview: “The people of Uba and Gwoza were shocked and terrified with the sad news that our royal fathers were attacked by armed youths in Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles at a spot on Garkida road this morning by opening fire on their convoys.

“The security personnel attached to the two monarchs, however, exchanged fire with the gunmen for several minutes before the policemen were overpowered and the occupants of the SUV official vehicle were bundled into another vehicle and whisked away them at top speed to an unknown destination.

“Thirty minutes after the abduction, our emir from Uba, escaped and reappeared to join us on this

road, while waiting for his other colleague from Gwoza, Idrissa.”

It was also learnt that the Biu- Garkida road was cordoned off by the military for over six hours, preventing the insurgents from carrying out further attacks or fleeing into the forest.

A top military officer in the ongoing operations in Sambisa Forest also confirmed the incident. “I cannot give you the exact casualties in yesterday’s multiple attacks and abductions, but one of the emirs was feared dead, as we were able to identify two other emirs alive and unhurt. They returned to their palaces in the afternoon,” he said.

A policeman attached to the late emir said: “The gunmen opened fire on the SUV and shot dead our emir. Two policemen were also shot while trying to protect the three emirs from being shot dead by insurgents who ambushed the convoy of vehicles by firing at us sporadically.

“Some occupants of the vehicles escaped into the bush, but re-appeared. The body of the slain emir was conveyed to Uba through Biu-Damboa road, as the Limankara Bridge had been destroyed on April 9, this year by the insurgents in an attack on the border community during which houses, shops and vehicles were also destroyed.”

The state government, while expressing shock at his death, described the late emir as “a pillar and one of the rallying points in the state.

“He visibly worked very hard in the search for peace in Gwoza since the insurgency began.

“The government prays that Allah admits the late emir into aljanna firadaus and give his family, members of the Gwoza Emirate Council, the people of Gwoza, the State Council of Chiefs and the entire people of Borno the fortitude to bear this very traumatic loss,

especially at a time the state is still dealing with equally disturbing issues related with security challenges in the state.

“May God grant us accelerated and lasting peace in Borno State and the rest of Nigeria.”

In April this year, an online media reported that Timta was killed by Boko Haram insurgents in an attack on Gwoza-Damboa road.

But on April 20, the Caretaker Chairman of Gwoza Local Government, Dr. Jumba Ahmed, in a statement in Maiduguri, dismissed the report as false and misleading, stating that the royal father was hale and healthy.

“I wish to state without any fear of contradiction that the Emir of Gwoza is sound and healthy. He is effectively steering the affairs of his community as usual.

“The emir was never attacked or killed by suspected insurgents along Gwoza-Damboa road, as alleged last week. The entire story is false and misleading.”

Saturday, May 31, 2014 3

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

NEWS

MEND Writes Jonathan, Seeks Release Of Henry Okah, Others From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt HE Movement for the T Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has given conditions for the acceptance of President Goodluck Jonathan’s offer to aggrieved armed groups for dialogue and reconciliation if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

MEND, in an open letter to the President, said it received President Jonathan’s Democracy Day speech on Thursday, May 29, 2014, with cautious optimism.

MEND’s spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, said the group had been disappointed in the past with government’s insincerity.

According to him, instead of addressing the concerns of MEND and dialogue on the core issues that led the group to taking up arms, President Jonathan’s government had based on bad advice, jettisoned dialogue with MEND negotiation delegates — the Aaron Team in 2009— arrested and incarcerated perceived critics.

“Since that slight, your government has known no peace from our region in spite of billions poured into propaganda and security. This slight was also responsible for the Independence Day attack of October 1, 2010, carried out to counter the impression that MEND has ceased to exist just because a few greedy, short sighted and misguided elements within and outside our ranks chose to betray their people. Unfortunately, avoidable lives, which we regret, were lost on that day due to

the security agencies’ refusal to act on our advanced warning ahead of the attack,” Gbomo said.

He explained that although it is a natural instinct to support ones own, MEND’s struggle has never been about a Nigerian president from the Niger Delta or 2015. He emphasised that MEND was looking at 2060, when the oil wells in the Niger Delta may have run dry and the future consequences to that generation yet unborn.

MEND said it would want to

hold the President to his words, thus, it has declared a ceasefire effective 0700Hrs, Friday, May 30, 2014, by calling off its ‘Hurricane Exodus’ campaign and other acts of sabotage, especially the incessant attacks on gas and oil pipelines, erroneously or mischievously attributed to oil thieves by the government and oil companies.

“We expect from your side, sincerity in dialogue, reconciliation and an act of goodwill when you suspend court proceedings and drop all

charges from those awaiting trial; a presidential pardon is given to those already tried and convicted; you order the release of MEND fighters still in detention facilities including the Okah brothers, Henry and Charles, who will feature prominently in the new dialogue team. Initial discussions will be facilitated through your Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Mr. Kingsley Kuku who we will be comfortable to work with,” Gbomo added.

Northern Governors Urge Boko Haram To Embrace FG’s Amnesty Offer From John Ogiji, Minna OLLOWING the move by FJonathan President Goodluck to grant amnesty to

President Goodluck Jonathan discussing with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the funeral service of former Lagos State governor, Sir Michael Otedola, in Lagos yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

…Emir’s Body Recovered, Say Defence Headquarters From Madu Onuorah, Abuja HE Defence T Headquarters has confirmed the recovery of the body of the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrissa Shehu Timta, who was killed yesterday by a band of terrorists, who attacked a convoy in which he was travelling with two other emirs.

A statement by the Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, in Abuja said: “Troops deployed in Garkida responded to the attack. The Emirs of Uba and Askira were secured, while the body of Emir of Gwoza, who died in the attack, has been recovered.

“Troops are currently on aggressive patrols along the entire route, with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and keeping the area safe.”

Meanwhile, Olukolade disclosed that raids carried out by troops of the Special Task Force (STF), operating in the north-central part of the country, have led to the arrest of 23 members of armed gangs terrorising the region.

Insurgency: Cleric Urges Non-Indigenes To Remain In Kano From Murtala Muhammed, Kano KANO based cleric, Bishop David George has urged residents particularly the non-indigenous community not to flee Kano, assuring them of God’s protection despite the prevailing insecurity in the North-east.

George, who is of the Faith Life Assembly International, also wants the non-indigenes of the state not to be worried of

A

possible instability ahead of the 2015 general election.

At a special prayer session for Nigerian leaders in Kano yesterday, George appealed to those who had already relocated their families to bring them back, assuring that God was in control to allow peace to reign during and after the 2015 general elections.

According to the Bishop, the special prayer session was

occasioned by the tense atmosphere in the country, adding that Nigerians need not to live in fear “wherever we are residing and as a spiritual leader, people troop to me to ask of their fate in 2015 general elections, especially the non-indigenes who are planning to relocate. My intension is to restore peace and confidence.”

George advised Nigerians in

Kano not to fear or think about relocating.

He said: “My people, come let us pray about whatever is happening in Nigeria today.

Thank God for the military and other law enforcement agents. But it should be realised that if God does not watch over the city nobody will do it. I believe that the peace of this country, only God can restore it.”

Fresh Concerns Abroad Over Plight Of Abducted Chibok School Girls From Tunde Oyedoyin, London OME prominent leaders of the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom have expressed fresh concerns about the security situation in the north-eastern part of the country and particularly the plight of the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped since April 14, by the terror group, Boko Haram.

Expressing their concerns and frustrations during a courtesy call to the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida, in the week, the group said it was concerned that while “there are on-going search and rescue operations to secure

S

their release,” more “incidents of bombings and killings are still occurring like the ones in Kano, Jos, etc, recently, causing death, maiming and traumatising our citizens in great numbers and the destruction of infrastructure.”

In a statement signed after the visit, the concerned leaders, including representatives of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), civil society, politics and business, stressed that “as concerned Nigerian Diaspora leaders in the UK, we are worried at this state of events in our country,” and that they are ready to “offer support to the government in the handling of the sit-

uation.”

BEN television founder, Alistair Soyode, Henrietta Abraham (NIDO), Chief Uzo Owunne, Dr. Titi Banjoko and Abdulkadir Maikudi, among others, listed several areas where they can provide support for the kidnapped school girls and the resolution of the security situation in the country.

These include “a national stabilisation programme to support survivors and victims of Boko Haram attacks in the country which will cover counselling, psychological and post conflict management support.”

The leaders also called for a

“transparent implementation of safe school initiative to secure the learning environment,” and “mobilisation of resources and materials from the Diaspora and friends of Nigeria to channel to victims and survivors of the Boko Haram attacks to compliment” the government’s effort to support the victims resettlement and rehabilitation.

They condemned the terror group and their supporters, saying, “we reject violent terrorism, lawlessness, destruction of lives and property and disorder in our country,” noting that “Nigeria must be a place to live in and feel secured.”

members of the Boko Haram sect, the Northern Governor’s Forum has urged the insurgents to embrace the gesture.

Governor of Niger State and Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who expressed optimism that the new approach by the President will put an end to the activities of the insurgents, called on the insurgents to use opportunity provided by Mr. President to lay down their arms.

The position of the forum was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Israel A. Ebije, stressing that the decision by Mr. President to grant amnesty to members of Boko Haram was a welcome idea.

According to Aliyu, the Northern states governors were ready to cooperate with the Federal Government to address grievances of the insurgents, adding that steps would be taken to ensure that they were usefully re-integrated into the society.

Aliyu said the move by the Federal Government was laudable, as it would help restore peace and harmony in troubled areas of the country.

He noted that until members of the sect lay down their arms, the development and growth of the region would be a mirage.

He added that the issue of insecurity had increased fear, encouraged suspicion and put national development in the reverse gear, noting that the essence of nationhood could only be revived when lasting peace, reconciliation and political harmony is propagated and sustained.

While urging the Federal Government to remain focused in finding a non-violent means of handling insurgency in the country, Aliyu said efforts must be put in place to ensure that every window of opportunity needed to curb the surging violence must be exploited to the very end.

4 Saturday, may 31, 2014

tHe GUArdIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

NeWS Group debunks Sultan’s Allegation Of marginalisation Of muslims From Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief He Northern Youth Forum (NYF) has criticised the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, for allegedly saying that muslims were being marginalised by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. the group noted that such accusation was capable of

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.Obasanjo’s Call On Jonathan To Replace Sambo Needless over heating the polity.

Besides, another group, the Northern PdP Youth Progressive Alliance has also faulted the call by former President Olusegun Obasanjo urging President Jonathan to replace Vice President Namadi Sambo during the 2015 presidential election. the NYF, in a statement signed by its National

director of mobilisation, mallam Sirajo Gwaramyo, issued in Kaduna on Wednesday, said it was not happy with the Sultan’s statement because of its weighty implication to the unity and security of the country.

Gwaramyo said that the allegation of marginalisation against the muslims coming from the Sultan of Sokoto was

uncalled for, stressing that as the leader of the muslims in the country, he should have avoided making such a statement at this time when the nation was trying to maintain peace and security. the NYF, therefore, urged religious leaders to be careful with their words so as not to cause confusion in the polity. meanwhile, the Northern PdP Youth Progressive Alliance said the comment of

Nyako’s Camp Behind Impeachment rumour, Says Adamawa deputy Speaker From Emmanuel Ande, Yola He deputy Speaker of Adamawa State House of Assembly, mr.

Loari Kwomati, has claimed that the recent rumour in the state that members of the Assembly were planning to impeach Governor murtala Nyako was being fabricated by the governor’s camp to blackmail the lawmakers. . the deputy speaker, who

t

spoke to The Guardian yesterday in Yola, said the action was taken out of the fear, following the recent decamping of the only three All Progressive Congress (APC) members of the House to the Peoples democratic Party (PdP). .

“If the members of the House want to impeach the governor for whatever offence he committed, it is

going to be debated on the floor of the House openly; it is not a secret issue. If we want to do it, it is our constitutional responsibility,” he stated.

Kwomati pointed out that the lawmakers would not be intimidated to shy away from their lawful duties, noting that the rule of law is superior to individuals’ interest, adding that they

would not tolerate any act t h a t contravenes the provisions of the constitution of the country. the lawmaker maintained that the members of the Assembly were answerable to Adamawa people and not any group of people or individuals out to milk the state for their families or selfinterests.

Obasanjo against Alhaji Sambo was “a ploy to sow a seed of discord with his boss, President Jonathan.”

Chairman of the group, Alhaji Ummar Zico in a statement said, “this needless and unwarranted outburst from a respected elder statesman is unfortunate, especially at this critical period of nation building.”

He said: “Obasanjo is from all indication trying to force Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State either as President or running mate to President Jonathan in 2015 to replace Vice President Sambo.

“Former president Obasanjo should know that he is not Nigeria, he alone cannot tell the citizens what to do. Just for the record, he even lost election in his village yet Nigerians voted for him. His disposition cannot significantly affect the electoral fortunes of President Jonathan and Vice President Sambo.”

Why I Sacked SUBeB management, By Wada From John Akubo, Lokoja OGI State Governor, Idris K Wada, has said that he sacked the chairman of the State Universal Basic education Board (SUBeB), Usman Jibrin and other members of the board because their administration was full of mismanagement and dishonesty. teachers at the primary school level have been on

strike in the state thereby crippling education at that level in the state.

Wada, who spoke during an interaction with journalists to mark this year’s democracy day, said he was left with no option but to sack the SUBeB management.

“We gave them opportunity to perform but they failed. It is just an admission of mismanagement

and dishonesty. Severally, I called them and asked questions about their performance and told them to change due to complaints but they refused.

“One of the things I did was to give the SUBeB chairman time. I asked him to give me his own deadline to clear all o u t s t a n d i n g salaries, given the facilities at SUBeB’s disposal and he said he would clear them

before easter. I then told him that I would hold him responsible if he failed and he said I should trust him. But after that, I was still getting complaints that he was owing January salaries and a responsible government cannot do that,” he said.

He said the essence of SUBeB was for quality basic education at the primary level, stressing that one of

the critical elements for quality education is quality teachers.

“An unpaid teacher cannot be a quality teacher no matter how bright he or she is.

You must pay teachers for the work they have done and the money for SUBeB is there. money is being earmarked every month for the payment of teachers. It is not about lack of money, but mismanagement,” he noted.

Uduaghan Commiserates With Vanguard Publisher, Amuka, Over mother’s death From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba eLtA State Governor, d emmanuel Uduaghan has commiserated with the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, mr. Sam Amuka on the death of his mother, mrs. teshoma Amuka-Pemu.

In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, mr.

Sunny Ogefere, Uduaghan said that although mrs. AmukaPemu lived a fulfilled life and had the gift of old age from God, yet her death was still a big loss not only to the immediate family but also to the entire state and Nigeria as a nation.

“I give all the glory to God who not only blessed the matriarch of the Amuka family with the gift of life but made her a role model and a source of blessing to her immediate family, delta State and Nigeria,” he said. the governor remarked that the success story of the publisher of one of the leading titles in Nigeria, Vanguard Newspapers, is no doubt an eloquent testimony of the nature of training and upbringing that he received from his late mother.

TheGuardian on Sunday POLITICS

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

SUNdAY, JUNe 1, 2014

APC’s House Of Cards

COVER

t had come with so much promise and goodwill. But within one year of its formation, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has shown that party management is not a tea party. Across many states, APC is fast loosing ground even before the party begins. So, what are the leaders doing to ensure that the party lives up to its billing as a veritable alternative to the ruling PdP.

I

OmrAde Governor Adams Oshiomhole C is a populist and expert in street-side rhetoric. He won many converts to his side

since he ventured into politics in 2007, but now, some say the man is not real. read the demystification of the comrade Governor by one of those who know him.

D S S E N I BUS

ELAYED budget passage and likelihood of poor implementation in an election year. Hear what the experts say.

These and more in The Guardian on Sunday. Grab your copy

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, May 31, 2014

5

NEWS Forensic Report May Indict Individuals, Institutions Over $809billion Oil Revenue Loss, Says Makarfi From Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief HE Senate Committee T Chairman on Finance, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi has said that the individuals and institutions indicted as a result of the oil revenue loss in the country, which stood at about $809b would be made public after the forensic audit.

Besides, Makarfi said this while elaborating yesterday on the Senate Committee’s report of its investigation into alleged $49.8b missing oil funds, insisting that the recommendations would block all loopholes that encourage crude oil theft in the country and some of the lapses

also noticed in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corportion (NNPC).

TheSenateFinanceCommittee Chairman who said that the probeoftheallegationraisedby the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi enabled his committee to look into the revenue losses incurred by the nation in the oil sector, pointed out that within the next few weeks, the forensic audit report of PriceWaterhouseCoopers would come out with those indicted in the country’s loss of oil revenue.

However, he argued that, “the recommendations we made

would block all loopholes for financial leakages from NNPC in future. For example, on the setting up of NPDC account, transfer of federation assets, that is the oil bloc and so on”.

“We have made recommendations on the transfer of oil asset, that is oil bloc. If what prevails now continues, we would wake up and see that one day the oil asset is no longer there and our revenue yields will drop drastically”.

Besides, the legislator who lamented the loss of revenue from oil by Nigeria observed that “a particular company was appointed to police our pipelines so that we reduce the incidences of oil theft and the

sum of protecting the oil pipelines was $2.1 million a year”.

But he said that, “when the company came in, the amount went uptoalmost$15millionayearyet thetheftwenton,andmorethan quadruple”.

“Senator Makarfi continued: “When you talk of indictment, at this point if you are to indict at all, it is the institution that you can indict. The forensic audit report is what can indict individuals. And that is why some recommendations are subject to the outcome of the forensic audit”.

“And we said that the National Assembly should take further legislative action upon the receipt of the forensic audit,

should we find reason to do so.

So, we have not foreclosed anything in our reports. We made conditional recommendations and we are waiting for that forensic report from the external forensic auditors and the auditor general of the federation”.

On the role of President Goodluck Jonathan in the findings of the Committee’s work, Makarfi said, “We are aware that even the President himself endorsed the money that was spent without appropriation”, stressing that, “if he has done that, we cannot pick on an individual,eithertheministerorthe managing director of NNPC for blame “.

African Women For Leadership Training In Senegal From Mohammed Abubakar and Oludare Richards, Abuja RRANGEMENTS have been A concluded to provide women at the local government and grassroot levels in Africa with leadership and advocacy skills that would enable them further contribute meaningfully to the democratic space.

The event is a two-day capacity building symposium, which has been scheduled to hold on June 4 and 5 this year in Dakar, the Senegalese capital for training of women on strategies that will reposition them as leaders, while participating effectively in the political and socio-economic development of their society.

The symposium with the theme,“Women’sLeadershipIn Democracy: Engendering Nation Building at the Grass Root Level,” will bring together all female politicians, legislators, heads of local government councils, councilors, wives of local government heads, heads of women associations and NGOsacrosssub-SaharanAfrica, Henrietta Akaakar, coordinator of the program said through a statement.

Bayelsa Speaker’s Mother-in-Law Kidnapped From Willie Etim, Yenagoa ADAM Ogboro Dark, the M 90-year-old mother-inlaw of the speaker of the

Wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan (6th left), Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (5th right), his wife and daughter of the deceased, Olukemi (5th left), Chief of Staff to the President, Rtd. Brig. Gen. Sehinde Arogbofa (middle), Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio (3rd left), Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang (4th left), Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke (4th right), Chief Bode George(right) and others, during the President wife’s visit to Ondo First Lady for the funeral of her late mother, Chief (Mrs) Modupe Adeniyi in Ondo... yesterday

Immigration Services In A’Ibom Repatriates 612 From Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh Uyo HE Nigeria Immigration T Service, Akwa Ibom state command has between January to May 2014, repatriated about Six hundred and twelve (612) irregular African Nationals to their countries of origin and domiciliation.

Similarly, within the period under review, the command has also generated over Sixty million naira (N60m) into government covers.

These facts were released by the command Comptroller, Garba Abdullahi while addressing journalists in his office in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital.

Accordingtohim,thefirstbatch of 198 irregular migrants were all from ECOWAS countries, noting that a greater number of them were from Niger Republic and were repatriated through Jibiya control post in Katsina state.

The Comptroller who said that the exercise would be a contin-

uous one because of the security situation in the country, observed that those repatriated were seen to have constituted threat to the internal security of the state in particular and Nigeria in general.

Fromthestatisticsshown,Niger Republic had the highest number of 309, followed by Burkina Faso 37, Cameroonians 14 and the Gambians with only one person repatriated.

“Theywereallshownthewayout for lack of valid travel docu-

ments and subsequent means of livelihood.

“It is going to be a continuous exercisebecauseweknowofthe insurgency, the issues of insecurity is not localized and I appreciate Governor Godswill Akpabio for his pro-activeness.

He is not waiting until it happens; he has given us the mandate that we must continually checkandfishoutthosewhowe

suspect could be security risk, particularly non-nationals that have no valid documents and arelikelytobesecurityrisktothe state and nation generally,” he said.

He opined that the increase in the number of illegal migrants to the state may not be unconnected with the state being seen as a transit point and attributed sametoitslongspanofcoastline.

Orient Petroleum Hits Four New Wells • As Obiano Moves For Full NDDC Membership

‘Jonathan’s War Declaration On Terrorism Welcome’

By Onyedika Agbedo HE United Niger Delta Energy Development Security T Strategy (UNDEDSS) yesterday declared total support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s direction to the military to launch full-scale operations in the north-eastern states of Adamawa,BornoandYobetoget rid of Boko Haram insurgents.

UNDEDSS,acoalitionofcivilsociety and ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta, also urged the Boko Haram sect and its sponsors to avail itself of the opportunity for a dialogue being offered by the Federal government and end the wanton killings in the country.

President Jonathan had in his 2014 Democracy Day broadcast to the nation, said that he was determined to protect the nation’s democracy, unity and political stability by waging

a total war against terrorism.

In a statement issued in Lagos by its Secretary General, Mr. Tony Uranta, UNDEDSS stated that Nigeria’s continued existence, union and progress should be the paramount interest of all Nigerians.

“Wecannotachievethiswithout bringing in our support for the war on terrorism. UNDEDSS is hopeful that all Nigerians will, in the challenging months ahead, be more patriotic in deeds, more circumspective in language and less involved in cheap blamegames, even as we all work together to build a futuristicallyfocused, better united, faster developing and just Nigeria premised on equity, rule-of-law and peace,” he stated.

Uranta, who served on the Presidential Committee on National Dialogue, lauded the efforts of Nigeria’s security forces, which he said were sacri-

ficing so much to keep millions of Nigerians safe.

He, however, urged the government and security bigwigs to do much less of talking/Public Relations grandstanding, and let their positive and successful actions speak for them.

The UNDEDSS secretary-general expressed concerns over attempts by some Nigerian citizens, governments and security agenciestoturnintoapropaganda circus, the lamentable unresolved dilemma of the young Nigeriangirlsostensiblyabducted by Boko Haram from Chibok over a month ago.

“UNDEDSS reiterates the region’s empathy for, and solidarity with the abducted teenagegirls’familiesandappreciates the world for recognising that Boko Haram is a part of the ongoing madness of international terrorism,” he added.

From Chuks Collins, Awka HE Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano has taken bold steps towards securing full and formal inclusion of the state among the oil producing states in Nigeria.

It would also accord her the distinguished membership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC).

The governor, who flagged off the construction of the Omambala bridge and a 12kilometre access road linking Umueje in Ayamelum local council area to the Orient Petroleum Plc site at Aguleri Otu in Anambra East LGA at the cost of N5 billion, expressed optimism that the state would soon become a beneficiary of all the compensations of an oil-bearing state.

He described oil and gas as a key pillar of his development strategy for the state.

T

According to him, the production capacity of the oil prospecting company is expected to hit the 6,000 barrels a day from the present 1000bpd within the next six months, following the planned activation of four more oil wells.

He explained that the link access road was very strategic as it is the first direct access route from the state to the Orient Petroleum oil rig and traverses many food producing communities in the area. When completed the road would enhance activities at the oil rig and pave way for easy evacuation of agricultural produce from the area.

The governor disclosed that more roads would be constructed in the area and that the security network had been strengthened and urged the people to protect all the facilities from vandals.

Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Kombowei Benson has been kidnapped by armed gunmen.

Madam Ogboro Dark, popularly known as Obololo, was abducted by unknown gunmen operating along the waterways of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

She was abducted in her hometown in Korokorosei community of Southern Ijaw at about 2am. The Guardian gathered that the armed men entered the quiet community through the waterside and in three speedboats.

A source said the community was thrown into panic by the activities of the hoodlums.

‘Call JUTH Management To Order’ From Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos OVERNMENT authorities G at all levels and men and women of good conscience and civil society organizations have been advised to lend their voice to halt the decline in the Nigerian health sector occasioned by the lawlessness in the conduct of management of hospitals.

The National President of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Dr. Godswill Okara, yesterday in Jos, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to reinvigorate and intensify his drive for rule of law and due process by directing the Federal Ministry of Health and Chief Executives of parastatals in the health sector to comply with statutory provisions and laws for an improved performance.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

6 Saturday, May 31, 2014

NEWS

VP Docked For Stealing ORMER Vice Principal of FSchool, American International Lagos, AISL, Mrs Ebere Mbanugo, was on Tuesday, May 27 arraigned at the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, Court 34 before the Hon Justice Oluwatotin Taiwo with case No LD/549C/2014 for stealing and misappropriation of funds.

The money belongs to the Child Survival and Development organization’s Run For a Cure Program, an initiative hosted by her former employers AISL, where she acted as the race coordinator.

Mrs. Mbanugo who has been

on police bail pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge and was subsequently granted bail. The case is being handled by Lagos State.

The first statement of offence obtained from the court showed that Mrs. Mbanugo is facing a threecount charge of ‘Sealing, contrary to section 278 and punishable under section 265(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

The particular of offence reads thus: “Mrs Ebele Mbanugo between 2009 and 2011 at American International School, Victoria Island, Lagos, in the Lagos judicial division while

in the employment of the American International School, which acted as the coordinator for the Child Survival and Development organization, fraudulently misappropriated the sum of $110,267.57 property of Child Survival and Development organization.”

The second statement of offence also reveals, ‘Sealing,

contrary to section 278(1) (b) and punishable under section 265(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 And that within the same period, the accused, “fraudulently converted to her personal use a Mammogram machine belonging to the Child Survival and Development organization.”

The third count charge has it

that this same offence was allegedly repeated by the accused between September and October 2012 while she was still in the employment of the American International School, to which she pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to June 26, 30 and July 2, 2014 for accelerated trial.

Zone 5 AIG Cautions CDAs On Land Sales From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City

HE Assistant Inspector T General (AIG) of Police Zone 5, Hashimu Argungu

yesterday complained bitterly about the activities of Community Development Associations (CDAs) particularly in Edo South

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson presenting a souvenir to the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Uriel Palti during his courtesy visit to Government House in Yenagoa yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Senatorial District whom he said have taken over the statutory responsibilities of state and local governments on sales of land.

He called on the state government and state house of assembly to regulate the activities of these associations.

Argungu stated this at the opening ceremony of a three days workshop on Capacity Building to Enhance Efficiency and Effectiveness In Criminal Investigation/Prosecuti on Within Zone 5 Command in Benin City.

“I stand to be corrected, it does happen like this anywhere. One of the very frequent problems we are encountering in Edo State are land issues. CDAs have taken over the role of states and Local Governments by assuming ownership of lands.

He urged the officers on the need for thorough investigation of cases adding that “many cases have been bungled due to bad investigation and that is why when you go to the court, the cases are either struck out due to improper investigation or the wrong person will pay. Which is bad for our criminal justice system”.

Insurgency Overshadows Dividends Of Democracy, Says Shettima From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri ORNO State Governor B Kashim Shettima of Borno state has said that the Boko Haram insurgency that persisted for over four years in the state; has overshadowed most of the development projects in Health, Water supply, Infrastructural facilities, Education and Agricultural sectors of the economy.

Speaking on Friday at the Government House, Maiduguri through his Special Adviser on Communication, Alhaji Isa Umar Gusau, the governor lamented that insurgency has distracted government’s policy “focus and priorities” deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

Shettima in the statement

also said that the achievements recorded in the last three years have been overshadowed by incessant attacks and killings in the state.

The statement reads in part: “Kashim Shettima has got so much to show in terms of development, but as you know, we are so overwhelmed by security challenges. Our innocent citi-

Church Links Insecurity To Rising Corruption From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu Oji

HE Anglican Diocese of T River has said that rising corruption was fueling inse-

curity in the country and called on the federal government to urgently address the trend.

It stated that the pursuit of wealth and relevance by selfseeking individuals was compromising the security of the country, calling for a change of attitude to move the country forward.

In a communiqué released at the end of first session of her

sixth Synod, the church which condemned the bombings and killings in various parts of the country attributed it to porous security, stressing that government must within its powers contain these.

The communiqué signed by Archbishop, Amos Madu, the Synod President and Ven Chris Onyeso, the Synod secretary also condemned the abduction of over 200 girls from the Government Secondary School Chibok, Borno State among other abductions in other parts of the country especially

of the North Eastern part of Nigeria.

The statement continued: “The Synod frowns at the increasing rate of unemployment in the country and urges all Governments to live up to their various duties of Social welfare, thereby avoiding the recent fate of the Immigration Recruitment saga.

“The Synod commends the National Confab on its stand in recommending the creation of an additional One State for the South East Zone based on equity, justice and fairness.

zens are being killed and our daughters are in captivity, so we can’t celebrate anything at all.”

“The governor is very committed to getting our

schoolgirls back, just as he is deeply committed to the search for sustainable peace in Borno State. We are very optimistic that peace will return to the state.”

Democracy Still In Chains, Says Okwu … ‘APC Shall Be Restored, Enlarged As Best Alternative Party’

From Chuks Collins, Awka HE national chairman of T the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Maxi Okwu said that the nation’s democracy even after 15 years is still in shackles when viewed from the angle of the serious tense atmosphere all over the nation.

The party chief who spoke at the country home of Dr Chike Obidigbo at Umunya, Oyi local government area of Anambra state where APGA celebrated Democracy Day said “to that extent one can hardly say we have started democracy because there is clear absence of competition in governance across the country where the party in pow-

er always use the machinery of government to suppress opposition and competition”.

He noted however that the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has given some ray of hope to citizens and that APC would be the third force where all true progressives would come together under a peaceful umbrella.

He, therefore, stressed the need to deepen democracy and its principles in the country to enable electorate benefit from the process.

Okwu reassured members of his party that it would soon bounce out of the plethora of litigations presently bogging it.

NMA, CMA Condole With Kutigi Over Late wife

By Chukwuma Muanya HE Nigerian Medical T Association (NMA) and the Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA) have joined the list of professional bodies commiserating with the National Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, over the demise of his wife, Hajia Mariama Kutigi.

NMA’s Delegate to the 2014 National Conference, its Immediate Past President, and the Vice President CMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, in a statement yesterday said: “It was with deep pain and great shock that I received the news of the demise of Hajia Mariama Kutigi, the loving and amiable wife of our distinguished National Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi.

“Since hearing of her death I have been unable to hold back tears, for Hajia Mariama Kutigi was such a loving and caring mother who was always ready to sacrifice her comfort not only for her immediate family but for all those who came across her.

She was surely a shining example of a mother with the milk of human kindness.

Stakeholders Call For Support For CUSPA Customer Service Initiative LAYERS in the oil, gas and P hospitality industries have jointly reiterated that the structured plan by Customer Service Practitioners Association (CUSPA) to protect customers against fraudulent customers’ service operations in Nigeria, be embraced.

Anita Omoile, a Customer Service trainer and Chief Executive Officer, Deep Blue Energy Services Limited, at a CUSPA meeting held recently noted that the emergence of CUSPA has become “the solution to the hoax called Customer Service in Nigeria”.

According to her, having an organisation like CUSPA with a system that monitors and regulates customer service delivery in Nigeria is a great relief both to customers and responsible firms. “

Osun PDP Suspends Adeleke HE Peoples Democratic T Party (PDP) in Osun State has suspended Senator Adetunji Adeleke, a former governor of the state.

State Chairman of the party, Alhaji Gani OlaOluwa, announced the suspension in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Osogbo.

According to him: “The decision was taken at the extended Executive Committee meeting of the party, where activities of Adeleke were xrayed.”

OlaOluwa said it was embarrassing and “shameful that Adeleke could engage in antiparty activities when all hands should be on deck in ensuring that the PDP reclaims the state.”

Saturday, May 31, 2014 | 7

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NEWSEXTRA How To Identify A Suicide Bomber, By FPRO ITHthe rise in the spate of W suicide bombings, especially in the northern part of the country, the police yesterday released tips on how to identify a suicide bomber and the safety measures to take.

In the same vein, the federal government has been urged to carry out a thorough audit on security personnel in all security agencies, with a view to fishing out infiltrators and saboteurs undermining the war against terrorism.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said one of the easiest ways of identifying a suicide bomber is the suspicious manner in which the bombers carry themselves, by ensuring they avoid eye contact with people around.

Although he admitted there was no specific profile for suicide bombers, as they can come from nearly every cultural background, religion, race, creed or gender, they however share some common characteristics that define a potential suicide bomber.

He said: “You can identify them through their behaviour. They behave in a way similar to someone with no future. Also, their mental state could present clues like the way their eyes are secretive.

“They make obvious attempts to avoid eye contact with the people they perceive as their enemies and are always looking at every possible exit. Also, they are always mumbling prayers, as if they are whispering to someone else.

“They show no response to any authoritative voice, command

or instruction and their appearances can also be used to identify them because they wear clothes that are unsuitable for the present-day weather.

“For instance, wearing a sweater or raincoat during hot weather, as well as slack or baggy clothes. This makes their body frames to appear excessively larger than their head or feet and as a result they sweat a lot, resulting from tension and stress of wearing unsuitable clothes.”

Mba called on citizens to watch out for such suspicious persons whose hands are often placed in their pockets, which he said is on the detonator, ready to set off the bomb at the slightest opportunity.

He said such persons carry big bags or backpacks tightly with wires piercing out of the bag and often walk awkwardly, which is usually due to the unsuitable attire they are wearing and the weight of the explosive devices tied around their body.

Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Frank Mba

Bandwagon Effect Of Bring BackOurGirls Campaign

By Ajibola Amzat INCE the abduction of SApril the 276 Chibok girls in 14, the campaign against the adduction has become a new fad in town.

Nigerians and nationals of other countries have taken the campaign to every public space available. Hashtag activism, a new way of mass mobilization, has found full expression in Bringbackourgirl campaign. It is hard to pass a day without seeing a group of banner/poster-carrying protesters in the press asking the government to rescue the schoolgirls by all means. The campaign has traversed all media platforms known to man. With the proliferation of social media and the wide reach of global media such as CNN, FOX, BBC Aljazeera to mention a few, only the living few will claim not to have seen or heard the campaign at some point in time.

And so far, the campaign is working. The Federal government that seemed reluctant in the beginning has started to carry out some action. There was even a rumour of the President’s plan to visit

Chibok. Presidency has though debunked the rumour. But the US marine boys are already here on the strength of the campaign. A few other experts from sympathetic countries have also joined the search. Summit on Boko Haram is being held in Universities across continents. Influential people such as Michelle Obama and David Cameron have given the movement some verve that it deserves by sounding the slogan and displayed their posters.

Million across the globe are now lining up to register their voice in the campaign. The popularity of the bringbackourgirls campaign with preponderance of hastag activism that goes with it has however left the campaign open with question. What is the motivation for this worldwide show of interest in the travail of the Chibok girls?

Does every individual holding the BringBackOurGirls posters really care? Maybe they do. But when folks update their status on Facebook with their photographs holding bringbackourgirl posters at their Owambe party, or after having a fill at buffet restau-

rants in Lagos, Abuja, Johannesburg London or New York, one cannot but help think that this is done for the camera just for other to see. These days it appears that protesters holding bringbackourgirls campaign posters hurriedly look for an intern paparazzi in order to be caught in that moment of glory. And the fad is fast growing as result of the bandwagon effect of a ‘cool’ protest. Everyone just wants to be seeing doing what others are doing in the full glare of the camera.

Social psychologists have a name for it. It is jumping

on the bandwagon. The psychologists have argued that people tend to go along with what others do or think without considering their actions. This behaviour is not necessarily hypocritical, especially in the context of bringbackourgirls campaign. It is rather simplistic. To seek an enduring social change requires more than mass display of placards and mouthing fanciful slogans.

It is a real dialogue, either with words or flying missiles. That, perhaps, is the missing component in the bringbackourgirls campaign.

JUSTHUMAN Little Timilehin Needs Help To Undergo Life-Saving Heart Surgery

By Ijeoma Opara

O

NE-year-old Timilehin Efunkoya is so ill that one look at him will leave the hard-hearted heart-broken. He looks so pale that veins all over his body are visible. He has been diagnosed as having a hole in his heart.

His distraught father, Mr. Gbenga Efunkoya who is an estate agent, said: “Timilehin was born on April 23, 2013. Two months later, we found out that he had difficulty in breathing so we took him to the hospital and was told that he has a hole in his heart.

“We took him to the hospital Sagamu to manage the crisis because my wife is from there. So far, we have spent up to N900,000.

He was discharged from the hospital recently following the infections he has suffered.

We have been told to take him to India for the surgery they said will cost us about $10,000 dollars, including flight ticket. It all amounts to N2.5million.”

Timilehin’s mother, Mrs. Yetunde Efunkoya who could not hide her tears as she held him, said he suffers constant infections, pneumonia and malaria. “I just want my son to live, he has been suffering. I cannot do anything; because of him I am confined to my house to ensure I protect him from infection. He has been breathing so fast and running temperature and he doesn’t have strength at all. He can’t even play even when he wants to.

“If you take him outdoors, in two days, he will be down with an infection which lands us back in the hospital. He cannot perceive odour or have his body exposed. I have to cover him properly all the time. The consultant who has been attending to us told me that my son will need a surgery and we

need to take him to India. Since January, we have been trying our best to raise money for his trip to India. We have exhausted all we have. We ask well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid. Throughout this year, he has been on admission every month”.

A report issued by the Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan and signed by Dr. Ogunkunle said Timilehin has “complete atrioventricular canal defect with two AV valves”.

Readers who wish to assist the Efunkoyas should kindly contact them on 08121532021, or send their donations to: Bank: GT Bank Account Name: Efunkoya Timilehin Michael Account No: 0148584492

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tHE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, May 31, 2014

MEtRONOtES

Sun Shines As Alor Gets New Monarch the atmosphere at home(Alor) actually set the pace to what occurred at the council headt was all songs, dancing, rejoicing and quarters at Ojoto. Because it was carnival-like thanksgiving when the Alor community in event; every citizen-young and old, elbowed Idemili South Local Council of Anambra each other to make the journey to the council State unveiled publicly her new traditional for presentation of the new monarch. He ruler, His Royal Highness (HRH) Igwe emerged victorious from the pack of about 8 Chinedu Okonkwo. out of 12 contestants who picked and returned He is an Abuja-based businessman, whose the application forms, with 87 points to beat formal presentation to the council chairman, his closest rival, Chief Sylvester Ugochukwu Prince Junior Peter Ezenwa, on Monday, May who garnered only 84 points, at the final 26,2014 marked the high point of the strinscreening by his Ifite Quarter, whose turn it is gent lengthy selection process which started to produce the next Igwe, on May 17. Alor has months ago. two major quarters- the Ezi and Ifite Quarters.

From Chuks Collins, Awka

I

The monarch and others

therefrom, he was presented to the Alor community presided over by the Alor Peoples Convention(APC)for another series of stringent screening process including leading him to the Obi Agbudugbu, the centre-piece and original homestead of Alor ancestors. At the grove, the oldest cabinet chief-Obi Ugoedozie along with other elderly poured libations and prayed for him, for a long reign and successful tenure. After this, the President General, Chief Mexico Ilogbaka leading a contingent of enthusiastic Alor people from all quarters, gender, ages and professional calling formally presented the new Igwe to the Council chairman at Ojoto for onward recognition by the state government.

Igwe Chinedu Okonkwo, the Ezedioranma 3rd, emerged the hot favourite of the Alor community to replace late Igwe Japhet Nkwoka(1993-2012), who succeeded Igwe Stephen Okonkwo(1972-1991), both of who have joined their ancestors. the two late monarchs passed on after 18years on the throne respectively. And remarkably, the three monarchs, ie,Ezedioranma I, II, and III has “Nkwo”, in their names. this “nkwo” was synonymous with the major market in the community, Nkwo- Alor, and was also linked to the progenitor of the sleepy but ever-forward looking community. Instructively it is the home community of Senator Chris Ngige, who is also a former governor of the state, as well as Dr Emeka Eze who is a prominent face in the Presidency. taken up on the direction he intends to take the community, the new monarch who acknowledged the developmental efforts of both Ngige and Eze, assured that he would take Alor to higher heights. He urged sons and daughters of Alor in all parts of the world to come home and join them in their avowed efforts to develop the town.

Describing his administration as akin to the biblical Noah’s ark, Igwe Okonkwo said that it will accommodate everyone.

the monarch said that his doors will always be open for all men of goodwill on a roundthe-clock basis. He has also extended the hand of fellowship to all the other aspirants who were not successful, stressing that Alor would have only one monarch at any time. that since the majority chose him; he was humbled and grateful to both the contestants and the citizens of the community for choosing him this time. “I will accommodate all of them in the cabinet so as to pool the resources to move the community forward. I urge them to join hands with me to develop Alor. No one can achieve it all alone. I need all of them…” he admitted.

Born to the family of Chief Bartholomew and Beatrice Okonkwo of Umuokwu village Alor on March 10,1972 at Ogbete Enugu, to a family of nine, the new monarch grew up in Onitsha where the family lives. He had his early education at Onitsha and Alor, same for his secondary education. While he had university education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka(UNN).

Igwe Chinedu Okonkwo whose plays and watches football and gospel music as his hobbies set up commercial business ventures in partnership with his father, named Battony Enterprises Nigeria Ltd. Whereas the father supervises the Onitsha office, he(monarch) controls the Abuja office. though they undertake other contract jobs, including estate development, their main line of business has remained importation and marketing of iron roofing sheets. He also owns and manages the chain of hospitality outfits under the Vatican Suites Global Concepts Ltd. He said he is now the natural ruler of all without bias at all-for all quarters, churches, Anglicans, Catholics, Sabbath, Pentecostals, Jewish and traditional worshippers, etc. His initial outing was with the St Mary’s Catholic church where the presiding priest drew his attention to some needs.” I will soon go round all the others”, the monarch noted.

Delta Community, Okerenkoko, Hits Limelight As Maritime Varsity Berths

By Emeka Nwachukwu NtIL now, Okerenkoko U community existed in the shadows of such popular coastal cities and towns as Warri, Ughelli, Forcados, Ozoro, Escravos, Sapele, Abraka, Koko and a host of others in the same geographic space.

But the community is not strange to oil and gas exploration workers in the Niger Delta, the coastal areas of Delta State in particular. It

has been playing host to many of them who work in oil fields within and around the region.

Welcome to Okerenkoko, a coastal town in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Aside the large volume of water surrounding it, Okerenkoko community has had large quantities of oil and gas buried in soils within and around it, making it a major source of Nigeria’s oil revenue

in the past four decades. these unique qualities of the little coastal town recently attracted the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to the place in the search for a suitable location for its twin developmental projects of a maritime university and a ship/dockyard.

Okerenkoko truly presented a suitable location for what is now to be known as the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) and then the Shipyard/

Dockyard. Both projects were facilitated by NIMASA, the nation’s foremost maritime regulatory agency charged among others, with the responsibility of building local capacity for the sector locally and internationally. the institution will commence academic activities at its temporary site in the neighbouring town of Kurutie in September, after the flag off by President Goodluck Jonathan.

NIMASA has a deliberate pol-

President Goodluck Jonathan (second left), Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (first left), , Project Consultant to the Nigeria Maritime University, O. C. Majoro and Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, at the groundbreaking of NIMASA Shipyard/Dockyard and the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State

icy of rural integration aimed at not only taking developmental projects to the hinterlands to decongest the over congested cities and stem urban migration. thus the serene nature of Okerenkoko, the closeness to it of such other port cities as Warri, Sapele, Koko and even Port Harcourt and the large number of vessels passing through its waters to other ports across the country and outside, made it NIMASA’s natural choice for the projects.

But more than anything else, the agency’s Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Isichei Osamgbi, explains that the community’s strategic proximity to Excravos, where oil giant, Chevron, and such other international oil companies have huge operations, gave it the edge.

“Apart from the South South region’s deserved status for such an institution, Okerenkoko holds a strategic proximity to Escravos, where Chevron, and other international oil companies (IOCs) operate.

“Chevron’s Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGtL), a $9.5billion facility for 33, 000 barrels per day gas-to-liquids project designed to process 325 million cubic feet per day of natural gas from the EPG expansion and other oil activities, are expected to make the planned Okerenkoko shipyard a viable project,” Osamgbi said.

Although operators from the oil and maritime sectors are mainly being targeted to patronise the ship/dockyard, the NIMASA spokesman is

optimistic that the establishment of the project would further open up the Nigerian maritime sector to dry docking, ship repairs and boat building by indigenous and foreign operators.

“Before now, the region could not boast of a degree-awarding maritime institution despite its enormous contributions to the nation’s economic and social well-being.

Okerenkoko provides a viable location for maritime training and shipyard services needed for the oil and maritime industries,” Osamgbi added He assured of the sustenance of the shipyard to douse concerns being raised in the face of the privatisation of the Federal Government-owned Nigerdock Limited, saying: “Shipyards are not mobile infrastructure; they serve national economic interests once they are constructed. the operations of Nigerdock by Jagal Nigeria Limited, the new owners, have not stopped it from serving the maritime interests of Nigeria as the facility is still where it was and open to the maritime public.”

President Jonathan had at the ground breaking ceremonies of the university, the shipyard/dockyard and flagoff of academic activities at the temporary site of the university on May 10, 2014, commended NIMASA for initiating the projects, saying that the university will enhance capacity building while the shipyard and the dockyard will create employment, diversify the nation’s revenue base and encourage the manufacturing sector.

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Politics

Nyako

Fintiri

Madaki

Nyako, Lawmakers In Simmering Battle For Soul Of Adamawa From Emmanuel Ande, Yola ICE-ADMIrAL Murtala Nyako (rtd), the V Adamawa state Governor and former chief of naval staff is no longer sleeping with his two eyes closed, considering the political nightmares he has been having with some Adamawa lawmakers who are bent on wrecking the ship of state, which he had been piloting for the past seven years.

The governor had survived the first legislative coup to sack him from office in 2008 with bruises that have now developed into a cancer threatening his political career.

His survival in 2008 was not because of his political weight, but the political weight of the then the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders from the state. The likes of Senator Jibrin Aminu, Senator Grace Bent, and many others used the presidential cover of late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua to submerge the impeachment plot against the governor.

After the governor survived the first impeachment, the first casualties of his government were Senator Aminu and other stakeholders that rescued him from the claws of the lawmakers. The danger now is that Nyako is going to the battlefield without a battalion; his only support troops are members of his politically weak cabinet.

The genesis of the present travails of the governor is traced to his running the government as a private estate, according to some members of the state House of Assembly, political analysts and stakeholders. In a display of his perceived autocratic powers, the governor had in 2011 shut down the House of Assembly for 72 days, denying the people of the state their democratic dividends. At the time, the governor’s then Commissioner for Information, who is now the chief of staff, Alhaji Abdulrahaman Abba Jemita said, “even if heaven meets with the soil, the Assembly will remain closed.” In the aftermath, the lawmakers refused to clear him when Nyako reappointed him as commissioner after the 2012 controversial governorship election.

The governor’s accumulated political sins developed into a political cancer last month when it was alleged that the governor’s eldest son, Abdulaziz Nyako sat in his private room and wrote the names of the All Progressive Congress (APC) state executive.

Before the APC congress, 85 per cent of the lawmakers were supporters of the governor.

Only few members like the deputy speaker, Mr. Laori Kwamoti, member representing Guyuk, Mrs. Wulbina Jackson and three others were behind the Chief Joel Madaki-led PDP. The plan of the lawmakers

was to massively decamp to APC after the congress, but their candidate for the chairmanship position, Mr. Phineas Philip Elisha was rejected by the governor and his son. And Nyako’s candidate for the ongoing national conference, Ms. Binta Garba was awarded the position.

To prepare a trap that may make it difficult for the governor to escape the alleged impeachment allegations, the aggrieved lawmakers last week summoned the Adamawa state Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Vokna and Accountant General, Mallam Nasir Mohammed. Last Tuesday, they appeared before the state House of Assembly over “illegal” deduction of workers May salary.

The duo appeared in response to the summon issued on Monday by the House for the two principal officers to come and explain why Government deducted over N100 million from workers salary of May, a development that drew workers outcry.

Briefing the House on Government action, Vokna said the development was caused by dwindling revenue from the Federation Account “as Adamawa depended 99 per cent on federal allocation”.

Vokna said his ministry sought and got the approval of the Governor before the deductions.

“Workers salary is not negotiable, what we did is to leave the basic salary intact and deduct from allowances”, Vokna said.

The Commissioner said the state received N3 billion this month from the federation account while salary of workers approved by government for the month was more than N1.5 billion.

What broke the camel’s back during the lawmakers interrogation was that the commissioner could not explain to members the whereabout of the over N 2.5 billion twomonth salaries Nyako is owning workers over the 2011 nationwide Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strike.

After fielding questions from members of the House at the plenary, the Speaker of the house, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, said the House was not satisfied with the explanation of the commissioner and therefore gave the state government up to Friday this week to refund to workers all the deductions made from their salary.

Fintiri said the House had already captured

workers salary in this year’s appropriation and would not tolerate any cut as that would amount to contempt and violation of the law for 2014 appropriation passed by the house.

Meanwhile, the Adamawa state chapter of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from the purported plot to impeach Governor Nyako, saying that the governor should face his “sins” and not use PDP’s name to win sympathy from the public.

In a three-paged statement made available to The Guardian yesterday in Yola and signed by the state chairman of the party, Chief Joel Madaki, it expressed disappointment over a report from one of the national dailies (not The Guardian) claiming that PDP was plotting to impeach the governor and that the party is backing the son of the former PDP national chairman, Alhaji Awwal Tukur. It said that the report was a calculated attempt to malign PDP image.

“The 1999 Nigeria constitution provides for impeachment of elected officers when they are found to have violated its provisions especially with regards to corrupt practices. The purported plan to impeach Governor Nyako as contained in the paper is a figment of the writer’s imagination. The Governor should better face the myriad of problems befalling him, which includes lack of development, defection of members from his new found party APC, corrupt practices and injustice, rather than cast aspersions and blame on the PDP. The People’s Democratic Party has no plans to impeach anybody as alleged,” the statement read.

Madaki, said that the PDP stakeholders in the state are united for the progress of the party preparatory to the 2015 general elections, which he said is a project that must not fail.

“The PDP stakeholders in Adamawa state are not split along ethnic lines as claimed by the paper, rather the stakeholders are united and focused towards winning all elections come 2015. Governor Nyako’s bad and unfocused style of governance had garnered more and more supporters for the PDP, which is growing stronger by the day”, he said.

The PDP boss who commended the Adamawa state lawmakers for the ultimatum given to the Governor to pay workers the two-month salaries he owes them since 2011, pointed out that their action was in line with the rule of law.

However, the state publicity secretary of APC

The governor had survived the first legislative coup to sack him from office in 2008 with bruises that have now developed into a cancer threatening his political career

and Special Assistant to the governor on special duties, Mr. Phineas Padio, who expressed doubt over plans to impeach the governor, said that the lawmakers are vindictive and are working on a script to embarrass Nyako.

“The lawmakers are only trying to be vindictive by asking for two months unpaid salaries three years after, where were the members when workers were not paid, there is no substance in what they are doing; it is just politics,” he said.

Padio, who argued that the lawmakers lack constitutional powers to revise the decision of the court of law, which he claimed has delivered a judgment in favour of government not to pay the two salaries, advised the members to stay away from issues that are outside their jurisdiction.

“Nigeria is part of the treaty on labour international laws, which stipulates that no work no pay. So our lawmakers should be guided by law and not sentiments,” he said.

On alleged plans to impeach the governor, he said, “it is the constitutional powers of the House of Assembly to remove the governor if he is found guilty of any illegality, but I don’t think the governor of Adamawa state is guilty of any illegality as stipulated by the 1999 constitution of Nigeria.”

He added that considering the security challenges in the state, it will be counterproductive to embark on political projects that has the capacity to create chaos in the state.

There were pointers last week that the governor’s sinking ship may not survive considering the gathering storm in the state. Last week, about nine northern governors were invited to Yola on a rescue mission, but only Alhaji Musa Kwankwaso of Kano made the trip to Yola. Kwankwaso’s meeting with the lawmakers ended in a deadlock when the members left unceremoniously without accepting the pleadings of the Kano boss to forgive Nyako.

The deputy speaker, Adamawa state House of Assembly, Mr. Laori Kwamoti told The Guardian that they could not hold the meeting with Kwankwaso because they are not APC members and holding meeting with APC governors will amount to anti-party activities.

Laori, who accused the Nyako camp of sponsoring the impeachment rumour, pointed out that the House would not submit itself to cheap blackmail and that the constitution of the country is superior.

Now, the die is cast. Nyako, it appears, is condemned to a face-off with the legislative arm of government. The invitation of his principals to the Assembly is a clear indication that the lawmakers are set for battle.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

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POLITICS

Why We Left Edo APC, By Ize-Iyamu Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, former Vice President (South-South) of defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), is the arrowhead of the recent defection of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State.

He spoke to selected journalists on the reasons for his actions. ALEMMAOZIORUVA ALIU was there.

W

Hy did you and some of your supporters leave the APC which you helped to build, for the PDP in Edo State? you know that we were in the APC and recently we have had to resign our membership for reasons which are in the public domain. And after wide consultations, we joined the PDP. The reason why we joined the PDP is quite obvious; we are politicians representing our people and our communities. We believe that politics is the best way for us to be able to have political power that we need to develop our environment and our people. And as at today, in Nigeria and even in Edo State, we believe that there are two major political parties: the PDP and the APC. Therefore, if we are leaving the APC, the most viable option is the PDP. But beyond that, we were also attracted by the reform that we have seen and that we have heard that the PDP is undergoing.

As you know in Edo State, PDP is not content with calling itself the PDP, they call themselves the new PDP, some say it is the reformed PDP. It is clear to us that the PDP is not a one-man party.

We left APC because of lack of internal democracy, the autocracy that was now prevalent, the hypocrisy, the deceit.

But the argument of your opponents is that it is because you are interested in the governorship race and you were not given the opportunity to realize that ambition that was why you left. Is that correct?

That cannot be correct because we have not even reached that yet; governorship is still very, very far and anybody talking about that is embarking on cheap blackmail. Governorship race in Edo is even in 2016. I know in politics a day can make a lot of difference. So we are too experienced in this game to be leaving our party

Ize-Iyamu just simply because of governorship. The reality is that even before we left, a lot of people were already going. I am just privileged to be one of the leaders in the group.

But the argument they have on the other side is that even your own ultimatum had not expired, you had already made up your mind to leave making it difficult to even look at your own demands. How do you react to that?

If you follow the sequence of events, you will know that even when the ultimatum had expired, we still tarried. We waited for another four days and during four days, our people became very restless, asking whether we are actually taking a position and there were even

stories going round that government had settled us and that was why we were not ready to proceed. But to answer your question, the meeting we held at Wesley was well covered by the press. And if you recall the mandate we were given was two fold; one, go and discuss the issues you have raised with the governor; number two, go and discuss with the PDP about the possibility of working with them because at the time we held that meeting, a lot of people were even of the opinion that there was no need for further discussions; that that meeting arose simply because those who ought to listen have refused to listen. you will remember that we had even done congress

twice and all with the same result. So, there was a lot of anger, a lot of disenchantment but some of us said that to call the first meeting and just announce that we were leaving would give the impression that we did not even care for the house that we built.

So in spite of the overwhelming view that we should leave the party, we were able to moderate the opinion and we agreed that let us take a two pronged approach. Let us discuss and let us go to the PDP and see if it was possible for us to work with them. Now, one interesting point I want you to take note of was when we went to Abuja, it was not a secret visit. We went to the full knowledge of the governor and those that matter. There were pressmen and they would have been able to announce to the whole world that we have moved and we would make no comment. And when we came back we still had a meeting with the governor. But it was clear to us that he was determined to consolidate on what he had perfected and all he just needed was our participation in the process and that of course was not acceptable.

Are you sure that what angered you to leave the PDP for the APC and now back again to the PDP, will not reoccur?

The reason why we left the APC is not something that is strange and I will tell you the truth that we don’t jump from parties to parties.

Those on the governor’s side in trying to rubbish us, try to say that we are nomadic politicians, some said we are Almajiri but I had an interview recently and I said facts are facts. If you look at the governor’s political history, he is more of a nomadic politician and I will tell you why. He left the NLC and his priority was simply governorship and nothing else. He went to PDP and told them he wanted to run for governorship. They told him he was just coming; that he can’t just begin to ask for governorship. The moment he knew he couldn’t get it, he moved to ANPP. In the ANPP, he had resistance. And it is something I also want you people to see. When he left the ANPP, I will like you to please look at your records in 2006 and go and read the press clippings of Godwin Erhahon. In fact, that time he questioned his qualification to even become the comrade simply because the man left the ANPP. From ANPP, he went to form the Labour Party.

For reasons best known to him, he left the Labour Party and he came to us begging us to give him the platform which we did. He appealed to us and we were deceived and so we gave him a platform.

‘Those Who Left APC Want To Derail Oshiomhole’ Former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Philip Shaibu is the Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly.

He spoke to ALEMMA-OZIORUVA ALIU in Benin City on the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

R

ECENTLy, some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

What is the problem with your party ?

If I must borrow from the word of the Comrade Governor, ‘Agaracha’ must go. APC is too hot for some people that don’t wish the state development. The kind of prayers that people of this country and Edo State are praying is for a government that will remember them, a government that will remember that the essence of governance is about the welfare of the people. These kinds of prayers led to the emergence of the Comrade Governor and his team in Edo State and as you can see, same wind is blowing across the country. It is not by mistake that Edo State has the leadership that it has today; it is because of fervent prayers of the people for a change for the better. So anybody in APC that cannot imbibe that culture of development and change, whether he or she is elected or selected, the seat will be hot for that person and when the seat becomes too hot and he or she refuses to change to have the look of what the party represent, such a person will not have any choice than to leave the party. So those peo-

ple that have left, I am sure the fire of the prayer of the people to have development enshrined in the heart of their leaders, have burnt them and that was why they left. They can go to the PDP because their slogan is share the money .

Are you not worried that four lawmakers defected at the House to join the PDP? We know ourselves and you the pressmen also know legislators that are legislators in the Edo State House of Assembly and for you to be a lawmaker, it is measured from the number of motions moved in the house and the bills you have proposed and from the project angle, one may ask how many projects has a lawmaker done? How have you impacted on the lives of the people? Look at the number of motions moved and bills passed by me.

The former south-south vice chairman of the APC, now a PDP member, Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, spoke on a local TV programme where he made some allegations against the governor and also claimed that Oshiomhole became the governor using the Grace Group which he spearheaded. As a member of the formative years of the Grace Group, what is your reaction to this?

It was three of us that actually formed the Grace Group but the mission statement was written by Ovia South West Chairman, Hon Morrison and I and everything was orchestrated in my residence in Abuja before we came to Benin. We wrote the document and we had a mission and when we came to Executive, our mission and vision was hijacked by IzeIyamu and he became dictatorial in the organization and that led to us the original bearers of the mission to withdraw at a certain stage because our plans were derailed and hijacked for his own governorship ambition

as at that time and it created faction in the group. Morrison and I had to leave because they were now using it to fight their own agenda and fight Chief Tony Anenih and our mission was not to fight Anenih. When I watched him on TV, I laughed. It is disturbing when a pastor will lie on air. I think the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) should scrutinize some self-acclaimed pastors because the end time is coming. How many elections has Ize-Iyamu contested and won? I want to tell you today that people regard Lucky Igbinedion’s government as a failed government, but I say that Igbinedion’s government failed courtesy of Ize-Iyamu. Lucky Igbinedion was the best local government chairman before he became governor because he didn’t have the likes of Ize-Iyamu in his cabinet.

There are strong rumours that more APC members may defect in the house to the PDP. What are you doing to stop this?

I can tell you that when you go to Edo North, Edo Central and South, if you go to their constituencies, all the hard working honourable members in these areas, if they walk on the streets, the people will want to shake their hands because of what they have done for their people. This fight is beyond physical, it is spiritual and I we will continue to seek God’s face in all these. We are united and I can assure you that some of the PDP members are already talking with us and very soon, one or two of them will join us.

Most of the defectors are accusing Oshiomhole of taking over the party’s structure and accused yourself and Hon Osarodion Ogie of misleading the governor.

How do you respond to this?

Does the Comrade Governor look like someone that can be misdirected? The governor is a man of strong will, so for you to get him to do anything, you must prove your case beyond any reasonable doubt. If the governor is lily-livered the way he (Ize-Iyamu) derailed Igbinedion’s administration, he would have derailed Oshiomhole’s government but because of the strong will and character of the governor, he has not succeeded.

Shaibu

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14 | Saturday, May 31, 2014

POLITICS

‘Jonathan Wants Free And Fair Election In Ekiti’ For Senator Ben Obi, the Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Inter Party Affairs, Ekiti State governorship election, holding on June 21, 2014 will be free and fair, because the President is desirous of deepening democracy in Nigeria. Obi, whose office organised a workshop for the political parties and aspirants in Ado-Ekiti, allayed the fears of opposition parties that the Federal Government will not interfere in the election process, appealing to the stakeholders to give peace a chance.

From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head, South West Bureau, Ado Ekiti) and Joe Adiorho, Lagos OW would you react to the insinuation that H the President is desperate to win Ekiti election for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by deploying federal might to manipulate the process?

I can only use past elections as reference point, because I don’t know where such insinuation is coming from. The activity of the President with regards to election is just very clear, that is why he encourages my office to carry out this sensitization workshop before every election, and if anything, we make reference to the past elections in Edo, Ondo and Anambra. These states were not won by PDP. They were won by opposition parties and the first congratulatory message at all times, comes from Mr. President, even at the risk of being challenged by his PDP, asking why he should congratulate the opposition when we still feel we need to challenge the victory result.

So the President has been the Chief promoter of free and fair election process in this country.

For anybody to imagine that there is going to be federal might is wrong. When the President goes on campaign, he tells people very clearly that he wants free election where there would be one man one vote, one woman one vote, one youth

Obi one vote. I do not agree with such insinuations, they don’t make any true meaning to me because it does not reflect what is on ground.

Are you saying that some party members that go around with such impression are getting it wrong?

That is practically what I am saying, because they do not have basis to justify their position.

The truth is that the President is desirous of seeing a peaceful election in Ekiti State. Elections are not do-or-die affairs. It is an Ekiti man that will be governor, not somebody from Anambra. So whoever becomes governor here, is your kith and kin. They must abide by the rules of the game to make sure that the results are achieved and ensure that votes count.

What is your impression of the relationship between and among political parties in Nigeria?

It is good but subject to improvement. We have to continue to appeal to ourselves as political

leaders to get to understand ultimately that politics is a sporting activity. You must have winners and losers.

When you win, you must be magnanimous in victory and losers should be able to congratulate winners. Victory is not the end of it, people have lost election in a couple of times and had gone back to win, and we have seen that in many places. Losing today does not mean you will not win tomorrow. I plead with my political associates to maintain a certain degree of understanding amongst themselves and play the game according to the rules.

Don’t you think the spate of violence in the country could affect 2015 general election?

Fears about elections have always been there, from the first republic to second. When elections are approaching people who are desperate would always try to create some problems, but we have to do everything possible to ensure the

election is peaceful, and ensure that all goes well at the end of the day.

I know tension is high and the temperature is really high, and we believe that as we go on with the enlightenment as elections are approaching, things will normalise.

Will you say the opposition parties have been fair to the president considering the weight of their comments?

One thing that I know is that as a political leader, you must respect the President. People, no matter their political inclination, must respect the office of the President. It is the symbol of Nigerian greatness. So, everyone of us must pay utmost respect for that office.

The opposition can do their act, but the language must be descent and accommodating so that people will know that we are not in a battlefield.

You held this kind of sensitization workshop in Ondo state and few months after the bye-election conducted for Ilaje/Ese Odo was inconclusive, what do you think went wrong?

That is beyond our purview, it’s INEC that can explain what happened, we don’t involve in the conduct of election.

Will you say the sensitization workshop has been producing the desired result?

Certainly yes, you saw the candidates of various political parties, stakeholders, and the diplomats in attendance and you heard their comments. If they are not impressed with what I am doing, they won’t be part of the programme, for the taste of the pudding is in the eating.

And as long as the results that are coming out are good, we shall continue to do it, more so that the general election is approaching.

What do you want the participant to note in the workshop?

The communique has said it all, everybody agreed there is need for peace and tranquility to prevail before, during and after the election in the best interest of Ekiti people. That is what we expect and that is what we have done with the workshop held in the past that had contributed in achieving peaceful, free and fair elections in those states, Ekiti State will not be different.

Sokoto And Battle Of Supremacy Between Wamakko, Bafarawa

By David Igurube OKOTO State presents an intriguing scenario Swatch. as the 2015 election approaches. It is a state to It is the state where the political icon of the state, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, who was governor of the state from 1999 to 2007 and the incumbent governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, are practically at war over the control of the state.

Bafarawa and Wamakko once worked together as governor and deputy governor respectively until they fell apart. But on completion of his tenure, Bafarawa was set to hand over to his anointed candidate. But the Obasanjo presidency in order to shore up its support base invaded Sokoto State. Wamakko became the beneficiary of the political invasion. Since he emerged as governor in 2007, there has been no love lost between Wamakko and his former boss.

Wamakko has been fighting spiritedly to consolidate his hold on power. Bafarawa, on his part, is working hard to regain the political control of the state. This is the scenario before us.

Before now, Wamakko was having a good laugh, having risen to power with the backing of the presidency. He continued to enjoy that presidential support and cover until recently.

Wamakko had, in a fit of miscalculation, left the party that made him — the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He joined other PDP rebel governors who do not want President Goodluck Jonathan to return to power in 2015. This singular act of Wamakko was the beginning of his problem. It has cost him presidential cover and he is now exposed from all flanks.

Bafarawa, as patient as ever, has been bidding his time. He has been making his calculations.

Fortunately, Wamakko has paved the way for him to take over Sokoto again. As an influential politician with a large support base, Bafarawa has always had what it takes to win elections in Sokoto State. But because the presidency did not give him a chance, things did not quite go as expected. Now, the table has turned. Wamakko, the presidential favourite, has lost favour. He is now swimming against the tide. His political survival is therefore no longer guaranteed.

As I traversed Sokoto recently, I was able to put

Wamakko the political situation in the state in a better perspective. It is clear to the people of the state that Wamakko is losing grounds owing to his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The APC as a political platform is still being tested.

It is not popular yet. Besides, the manner of Wamakko’s entry into it is considered by many as opportunistic. The impression out there is that Wamakko set out to reap where he did not sow.

That was why he schemed to edge out Bafarawa who was a major arrowhead of the party at national level and who was, indisputably, the leader of the party in Sokoto State. Bafarawa, the people would tell you, worked very hard to ensure that APC stood in Sokoto State. How can you then wake up one morning to see a decamping Wamakko taking over Bafarawa’s sweat? That was the question. They consider such a scenario unjust and untidy. A good many of them are therefore happy with Bafarawa for being man enough and for answering his father’s name instead of suffering in silence.

For the people therefore, Bafarawa’s decision to join the PDP is a wise decision. They are commend-

Bafarawa ing him for his foresight and the principled ones among them have vowed to swim along with him. This is the turning point I’m talking about.

It will bring about a change. The change is imminent. It is looming.

But in all of this, the Wamakko people are applying a certain defense mechanism. They say they are still popular and will win the 2015 elections.

This is in spite of the fact that their optimism is not supported by the facts on the ground. What we hear them say now is that the presidency is gearing up to give the state to PDP. They seem to forget that Sokoto, at moment, is a PDP state. The fact that the state governor left for APC does not make the state an APC state. Apparently afraid of the looming change, some of them are saying they will resist any attempt to install a PDP governor in 2015.

However, for decent observers, there may not be any attempt by the presidency to swing the votes in favour of the PDP. The mood of the people already supports the PDP. The people seem to be encouraged the more by their leader, Bafarawa, whose strength of character is direly

needed in trying times such as this.

Observers usually suspect something when situations are like this. Blackmail can be an instrument of defense. It can be used for purposes of consolation. It appears to be the latest arsenal in the hands of the APC in Sokoto. They want to cry wolf where there is none. They started this trick sometime ago when they tried to blackmail Bafarawa for joining the PDP. They wanted Bafarawa to look bad in the eyes of the public.

But that did not work because their man, Wamakko, was equally a defector. He left PDP for APC. That alone weakened the argument of Bafarawa’s opponents. Their agenda had to collapse like a pack of cards. Then they moved on to other issues. They wanted the public to believe that Bafarawa is overbearing and wants to lead all the time.

For those who know the issues, these people are beating about the bush. They are not addressing the real factors of Sokoto politics. The real issues are as follows: There is going to be a battle of supremacy between Bafarawa and Wamakko in 2015. Each party concerned should sit back and do its home work. Each should strategise on how to win the election. From what I could see, Bafarawa and his group are working hard to carry the day. I do not see much of propaganda from their end. This is an indication of seriousness. On the contrary, the Wamakko group seems to be fixated about Bafarawa. He is their whipping boy. They see him as their problem.

They have therefore stopped at nothing to blackmail him. This does not show seriousness and focus on the side of the Wamakko group.

As the elections approach, I advise Wamakko and his group to change their approach to politics in Sokoto State. If they continue to make Bafarawa the issue, the people of the state will have no choice but to reject the APC and all it stands for at the polls. A word, they say, is enough for the wise. As for Bafarawa and his group, I encourage them to remain focused.

Those who are crying wolf will discover, sooner or later, that propaganda cannot win the heart of the people. . Igurube, a public policy analyst, contributed this piece from Abuja.

Saturday, May 31, 2014 | 15

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ISSuES & POLITICS

Another Milestone In Nigeria’s Education Sector

By Simeon Nwakaudu OR those who have followed Nigeria’s participation in the global education, the last one year has been excellent, with the country taking an unprecedented position in the scheme of things. At the last uNESCO General Conference in 2013, Nigeria’s Supervising Minister of Education, Barr.

Ezenwo Nyesom Wike emerged as a VicePresident of the respected international organization.

Some skeptics naturally considered that outing as a fluke. The international community thinks otherwise. They have through their representatives on ground in Nigeria, observed with approval, three years of carefully planned and implemented gains in the nation’s education sector and more than ever before, they have resolved to without further delay extend to Nigeria, the respect and recognition that she truly deserves.

That recognition came at the 63rd Annual Session of the International Bureau of Education (IBE) at the IBE Headquarters in Geneva Switzerland. The IBE is the arm of uNESCO saddled with the responsibility of curriculum development for the educational advancement of the international community.

On Wednesday in Geneva, Switzerland, Nigeria’s Professor Godswill Obioma was elected as the President of IBE to pilot the affairs of the organization for the next two years. The election was unanimous as the International community indicated in very clear terms that they were interested in sharing from the country’s experience in advancing the education sector under very challenging circumstances.

The election was facilitated by a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by

F

the Supervising Minister of Education, Barr.

Ezenwo Nyesom Wike. Others in the delegation include Ambassador Maryam Katagum, Nigeria’s Permanent Delegate to uNESCO and Rivers State PDP chairman, Bro. Felix Obuah.

The Minister who arrived at Geneva on Tuesday morning alongside members of the high-powered Federal Government team met individually with his counterparts from other countries and ambassadors to uNESCO. The joy of the entire process was that Prof.

Obioma was a marketable candidate. The Minister’s engagement with the African Ministers cleared the way as a- would-be candidate from another African country resolved to step down for the Nigerian candidate.

At every meeting, the Minister presented in graphic details achievements of the Jonathan administration in the basic and tertiary education sub-sectors. His powerpoint presentations backed with relevant multimedia images deepened the understanding of the ministers and ambassadors on what the Jonathan administration has done in addressing the out-of-school challenge. The Almajiri and girl child education schools won the admiration of most ministers from Africa and Middle-East. Interested in implementing similar programmes in their countries, they asked for the template from the Supervising Minister of Education, Barr. Wike Supervising Minister of Education, Barr.

Ezenwo Nyesom Wike declared that the election of Prof. Obioma who was put forward by the Jonathan administration is an endorsement from the international community on the landmark achievements of

the administration in the area of curriculum development and basic education.

The Minister said the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to partner with the International Bureau of Education to improve education across the world.

He added that having sponsored Prof.

Obioma to win the election, the Federal Government would continue to support him to ensure that he delivers on his mandate in the next two years.

“Let me assure IBE members of Nigeria’s unflinching support to take IBE to the next level. I reiterate our commitment to the objectives of IBE and urge you all to support Prof. Obioma as President of the organization” Barr. Wike said.

In his acceptance speech after the election, Prof. Obioma promised to create strategies to ensure that IBE becomes more effective in the discharge its duties.

Wike He said that the confidence reposed on him by several countries across regional lines Minister of Social Cohesion.

The election of Prof. Obioma is an internawould be rewarded by his hardwork and untiring commitment by the Nigerian dele- tional acclamation of the praises that millions of Almajiris, girl-children and boygation.

Director of IBE, Dr Clementina Acedo said traders from all corners of Nigeria have the election of a Nigerian as the President of repeatedly voiced of the Jonathan’s adminisIBE is a reward of long years of dedication to tration.

The novel programmes initiated and exeeducational development in the organizacuted by the Jonathan administration will tion.

Out-gone IBE President, Ole Briseid of continue to attract national and internaNorway urged member states to extend tional recognitions. The world most certaintheir support to Prof. Obioma and Nigeria to ly stands up for a performer, because the globe is in dire need of those who are courafurther develop education.

Prof. Obioma was nominated for the IBE geous enough to deliver, when detractors Presidency by the Minister of Secondary and are busy bent of playing the music of distracHigher Education of Burkina Faso, Prof. tion for mere political gains.

Moussa Ouattara and was seconded by sev- Simeon Nwakaudu is the Special Assistant eral Ministers of Education led by Prof (Media) to the Supervising Minister of Liesma Ose, representative of Latvian Education.

Abia Govt And The Issue Of Governance

By Charles Ajunwa ITHOuT sounding immodest Abia State has become a reference point for good governance since the advent of the present government in 2007. For the people of the State there is every reason to feel good for getting the benefits of the government of the people by the people and for the people. It is evidently clear that Democracy is truly working in Abia under the leadership of Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji.

During the last edition of Democracy Day, Governor Orji pledged to continue with the implementation of his legacy projects aimed at laying a solid foundation for the economic growth of Abia. He has not deviated from the straight course of developmental strides across the state.

The relocation of umuahia Main Market is now a reality after 78 years of prevarications by past governments including the colonial administration. In place of the old market, the umuahia Modern Market at ubani Ibeku, is now a beehive of business activities. The market with over 7, 000 shops is purpose built with facilities such as motor parks, banks, fire service, adequate water supply, good network of internal roads, among others. Even before the completion of umuahia Modern Market,

W

Orji

the new Industrial Market had taken off at Ahiaeke Ndume in place of the old Timber Market, which was contributing to congest the capital city. These two modern markets have become reference points in expansion of commerce and job creation in the state.

In the last one year, the government has added more health facilities to the ones he had already built. Dialysis Centre and Eye centre have been added to the ultra modern Specialist hospital thereby creating a full medical complex where citizens can receive quality medical service of intentional standard. It has always been the dream of the government to make available the same medical facilities that Nigerians seek in foreign lands in what has become a phenomenon of medical tourism.

As he built the well-equipped tertiary health facilities, Governor Orji is equally focused on transforming both the secondary and primary health care system to make quality health care services available to the people at the grassroots. The primary Health Centres have continued to increase in number as quality health care services is being taken to the doorsteps of the residents. At the last count the Primary health centres have reached over 300 and still counting. Some of the 100-bed hospitals located in the three senatorial districts of the state have been completed and fully equipped while others are nearing completion.

It was this evidential transformation of the health sector that prompted the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) to recognize Governor Orji and honour him with the award of Prime Ambassador of Health at the 37thAGM/Scientific Conference of NOA last July. This group of specialized health practitioners was so much impressed with the government’s achievements in the health sector hence they conferred the award on him to fully capture his contribution in providing phenomenal leadership for the advancement of health care.

The people must also count their blessings for what the government has done in the education sector. The primary and secondary school system have witnessed massive transformation with the hitherto dilapidated classroom blocks giving way to modern facilities conducive for teaching and learning. The

model schools springing up across the state are designed to lay a solid foundation for the education of Abia children. It is the belief of the government that if we get it right at the first two level of education the problem of falling standard of education would be taken care of.

As part of his pace setting accomplishments Governor Orji has given Abia State a befitting workers’ secretariat complex. The two blocks of four storey edifices are now standing majestically in their beautiful splendor at Ogurube Layout.

It is noteworthy that the secretariat complex is coming 22 years after the creation of Abia as past governors both military and civilian never saw the need to give Abia a much needed secretariat. That was why state ministries were accommodated in makeshift structures at different locations in the state capital. But today most of the ministries have moved into the ultra modern secretariat tastefully furnished to inspire high-level productivity. The organised labour profusely commended the government during this year’s May Day celebration for providing conducive environment for workers. This infrastructural development has also robbed off on the state broadcasting media as a modern 48 office complex is now occupied by the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA).

Road infrastructure has continued to receive adequate attention in the development agenda of the government. Hence several road projects have been completed since the last Democracy Day. These roads, both urban and rural, contribute to the growth of commerce and boosting of agricultural activities in the state. The emphasis on rural roads is predicated on the need to boost the ongoing transformation of the agriculture sector as farm produce must be evacuated from the rural areas to markets in urban areas. Abia is now a major producer of cocoa and cassava due to the numerous incentives that Governor Orji has been providing to Abia farmers having keyed into the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the federal government.

There is no way one can enumerate the achievements of Governor T.A. Orji without making a reference to the prevailing peace and security in Abia State. Abians now take

peace and security for granted after their governor fought very hard to overcome the security challenges that faced the state few years back. Abia was the butt of critics when the state was confronted with huge security challenges of armed robbery and kidnapping that culminated in the abduction of 15 school children on their way to school.

The Abia governor had confronted the challenge headlong and deployed every available resources to tackle the menace. He not only ended the bazaar of the criminals, but also took appropriate measures to tackle the root cause of the problem by implementing an unprecedented massive youth empowerment programme for Abia youths. Thousands of youths have been empowered and taken off the streets and crime.

The government formula is now a reference point on how a chief executive of a state can fight crime and provide a peaceful and secure environment for citizens to live and carry out their daily activities without fear. Though he has won the war against insecurity Governor Orji has neither relaxed nor given criminals a breathing space. He has continued to sustain the peace dividends by providing the security agencies with the logistics and other incentives to make Abia residents sleep soundly with their two eyes closed. The youth empowerment programme is equally being sustained. The governor in his magnanimity has just reinstated into the Abia State civil service 2,700 non-indigenes who were among the workers back loaded to their home states in 2011.

The peace dividend in the state has also reflected in the politics of the state as acrimonious politics of the past have gone for good.

With his humility and good-natured love for peace Governor Orji was able to make peace among the political elites, who had been fighting themselves to the detriment of the state.

There is no more crisis of confidence between the so-called Abuja politicians and homebased politicians as was the case before the present administration came on board. Abia politicians now speak with one voice and see the development of the state a common agenda that must be executed. Since then things have been turning around for the good.

Ajunwa is Chief Press Secretary to Abia State Governor

16 | Saturday, May 31, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

On The Path Of Winners

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

Unlock Your Potential For Greatness OUR potential is like a Y huge ocean that is unexplored, you only need to channel it toward a great goal. Success is setting and achieving goals. All great men are intensely goal oriented. They are focused single-mindedly on achieving whatever they want. Thus, your ability to set and achieve goals is the master skill of success. Goals unlock your unconscious, releasing your creative power to achieve your objective.

Whatever you have accomplished up till now is only a fraction of your potential. A rule of success says, it doesn’t matter where you are coming from, all that matters is where you are going.

And you alone determine where you are going. Clear goals increase your confidence. They develop your competence and boost your motives for achievement.

Goals fuel the furnace of achievement.

The greatest discovery in human, history is the power of your mind to create anything you desire. That mind power enabled man to create planes, it enabled us to conquer the moon, discover electricity and create the internet. Every gadget around you such as the computer, the cell phone began as a thought in the mind of a single man. Your wife, house and children first existed in your mind before they were translated into reality. Your thoughts are creative, they shape your world and everything that happens to you. Always bear in mind that your resolve to succeed is more important t h a n a n y other thing in t he w h o l e world.

Mystics and philosophers agree that success is attained by you becoming what you think about the most.

That means you become what you think. Your outer world ultimately becomes a reflection of your inner world. And this your inner world mirrors back to you what you think about the most. Thousands of great men have been asked what they think about most of the time.

Their common answer is that they think about what they want and how to get it most of the time. But failures always think and talk about their problems and what they don’t want most of the time.

But you have an automatic goal seeking soul. Imagine this: take a homing pigeon out of its roost, put it in a cage with a blanket over the

cage, put the cage in a box and put the box in a closed vehicle. You then drive a thousand miles in any direction. If you then open the car, take out the pigeon from the cage, the homing pigeon will still fly up into the air, circle three times and then fly unerringly back to its home roost a thousand miles away. No other creature on earth has this incredible cybernetic-goal seeking function except man. You have this same goal achieving ability as the homing pigeon, and with one marvelous addition, when you have a clear goal, by just deciding what you want, you will begin to move unerringly towards your goal; and your goal will start moving towards you.

At the right time and place you and the goal will meet.

This goal-getting incredible cybernetic mechanism is inside of you, in your unconscious. You only need to tap into it in order to get it. Like a computer, this your intuitive power is nonjudgmental. It works automatically, continuing to bring you whatever you want, regardless of what you programme into it. This cybernetic force in you will enable you achieve whatever you desire regardless of your poor education, poverty or inelegant physique. Nature doesn’t care about the bigness of your goals. Thus, size, scope and the details of your chosen goals are up to you.

There are four reasons why people don’t set goals. One, they think goals aren’t important. Because people are fatalistic and superstitious about life. Two, people don’t know

how to set g o a l s .

Sometime people equate wishes or dreams with goals. A goal is clear, can be written, specific and can be measured. You know when you have achieved it, like founding a university, winning the Nobel prize.

Three, people don’t set goals because they have a fear of failure. And finally, people who fear rejection fail to set goals. They believe failing to attain a goal may

end up in their being rejected and ridiculed by the public. This is one reason you should keep your goals confidential. Don’t tell anyone in advance. Just let them see what you have accomplished. Failures that others don’t know can’t ridicule you.

Mark McCormack in his book: What They Don’t Teach You At Harvard Business School, reveals of an Harvard study conducted in the 1980s. in 1979, graduates of MBA at Harvard were asked, ‘‘Have you set clear, written goals for your future and made plans to accomplish them?” It turned out only three per cent of the graduates had written goals and plans. Thirteen per cent had goals, but they didn’t write them down. Fully 84 per cent had no specific goals.

Ten years later in 1989, the researchers interviewed the Harvard MBA class of 1979.

They found that the 13 per cent who had goals that were not in writing were earning twice as much as the 84 per cent who had no goals. Surprisingly, however, they found that the three per cent of graduates who had clear, written goals when they left Harvard, were earning ten times as much as the other 97 per cent of all of the graduates. The clarity of their goals had made all the difference.

Our champion this week is Douglass Cecil North, American economist, the recipient with Robert Fogel, of the 1993 Nobel Memorial Prize for Economics. The two were recognized for their pioneering work in the new economic history. It is the application of economic theory and statistical methods to the study of history.

Born in November 1920 in Cambridge, Massachussetts, North studied economics at the University of California, Berkely (BA 1942, PhD 1952) and from 1950 taught economics at the University of Washington.

Thereafter, he became the director of the National Bureau of Economic Research. Also he was economic consultant to the governments of Russia, Argentina, Peru and the Czech Republ i c .

North’s work dwelt primarily on theoretical economics.

He argued that innovations alone are insufficient to propel economic development.

In order for a market economy to flourish certain legal and social institutions, such as property rights, must be in place. His ideas were expressed in many books. He is still alive and kicking at 93 years.

TheGuardian

Saturday, May 31, 2014 | 17

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Love&Life

... Celebrating The Feelings You Share!

with SIMON Egbo 07032944123

IN THIS EDITION

True Love Story:

Love Connections

Princess of

Lovers’ Answers Game: The rule: Ask the opposite sex one question about love, and choose your lover from the top 3 answers.

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Love

‘My fiancé jilted me at the altar! How do I get him back? He loves me, it’s my family’s fault.

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LIFE STORY

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LOVE ADVENTURE

Men Seeking Relationship/Marriage

‘I love my girlfriend. She wants to get married, I don’t. What should I do?’

Name: princess Occupation: model

LOVE QUOTE Follow love and it will flee,flee love and it will follopw

GIRLFRIEND POEM 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

LIFE STORY

‘I don’t love my pregnant girlfriend’ ONG story short, I don’t love my pregnant girlfriend. I was literally about to break up with her (we were in the process of breaking up), when she announced she was pregnant.

She actually is (five months now), but I took all the words back (the reasons why I didn’t want to be with her).

It tears me apart. I want to be a father!!! Just not with her. I grew up where my dad treated

L

Prospect, 29yrs of age, fair, tall and athletic, energetic and handsome, needs a rich sugar mummy in Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt. Pls call 08131620416. BB pin: 3296c595 Henry, 39yrs of age, fair in complexion, needs an Hausa or Igbo woman, age btw 4050yrs for relationship. Pls call 0811556826.

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Pls call 08085753679.

me like ****, so I wanted to be the best father I could. But I don’t know if I can be with her for the rest of my life.

I don’t know how I can be a great weekend father.

Obviously she is going to get custody if we split up.

I want to come home from work to my son EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK, but I can’t if me and the mother aren’t together.

I’ve been trying to put my pride/ego/whatever

aside and be with her, but it really kills me. I feel like I’m forcing myself to love her. She doesn’t deserve that. She needs someone that truly loves her. I’m a **** if I lie and say I love her and be with her. But I want to be a father.

I don’t know what I’m asking for, I’m just venting at the moment. As I read the last couple lines I typed, I sound so selfish.

Shadowing Eternity © Oscar Grullon A special place for you and me An undying bond to guide us free Loneliness blocking the day Our Love lighting the way Your gentle touch Your smiling face There is no corner No dark place Our passion flowing in the waves My heart stands still Awaiting your pace Our love, withstanding time Diminishing doubt, in our mind There is no place I rather be…

Than in your heart and in your dreams…

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

18 | Saturday, May 31, 2014

LOVE&LIFE Relationship And Love Tips For This Week Seven Effective Ways to Reach a Compromise with Your Partner If you want to have a lasting and healthy relationship, you should know how to reach a compromise with your significant other. As an important part of any relationship, compromise can help you achieve mutual understanding and it can teach you overcome the hardship of living together. Here are a few effective tips on how to reach a compromise with your partner.

1. Identify the real problems Don’t give way to emotions, but just try to identify the real problem. If you pull other issues in, it will be impossible to find the compromise. It is necessary to reject all disagreements if you want to figure out the true issue. There is no doubt that real love can surmount many barriers. Stick to the real problem and it will be easier to reach a compromise with your partner.

2. Listen to each other Let your partner express their point of view. It doesn’t mean that you should always agree with them, but it is important to take into account all opinions. Don’t think only about yourself, because you can also make mistakes. You need to listen to each other and make exceptions if necessary.

4. Tweak your compromise Keep in mind that compromise is a kind of agreement that you can tweak every now and then. The main point is to identify the issue and stick to other points of a compromise. There is no need to focus on a certain agreement, because you can tweak it. Try to be open to your partner and communicate freely. Both of you will eventually feel happy if you use your diplomatic skills in resolving conflicts.

5. Define what you want It is difficult to come to a common decision if you don’t exactly know what you want to get in some kind of a disagreement. Only you know what can make you feel okay and happy.

Don’t forget to take into account your partner’s ideas and desires.

6. Suggest a possible compromise When you try to understand each other’s feelings and state what you want, it’s important that both of you suggest all possible compromises. If you have a big desire to reach a compromise, both of you should find a suitable outcome with a good grace. This new outcome will satisfy your interests to the maximum. It is necessary to suggest a great number of variants to solve your common problem.

7. Don’t fear to bend a little Sure, much depends on the nature of your character. Don’t be very proud and fundamental when it comes to your happiness. It is almost impossible for both of you to get what you want at once. That is why someone has to bend a little to reach a compromise.

Your partner should also be ready to bend if necessary. You won’t lose much, but you may have a chance to find a common ground and get rid of conflicts and live happily.

All you need is to follow these 7 rules and be reasonable if you want to reach a compromise. Life is full of situations which can ruin your love and relationship. Everything depends on your willingness to stay together against all the odds. Have you ever used the compromise as a tool to solve life problems?

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‘My Fiancé Jilted Me At The Altar! How Do I Get Him Back? He loves Me, It's My Family's Fault’ HE only thing I want is another life. I hate T my life, why do my relationships never work out? No one ever wants me, they only ever want my sister! I've loved him for several years.

He's 25 years older than me, but I think age is just a number! I remember when we were seeing each other six years ago, he always used to give me rides in his car, he loved me, he loves me! I love him! And then my sneaky sister, Mary told him I find him boring after he proposed to me to take revenge against me. So he left and I didn't see him for several years. He joined the military and got injured and now one of his arms don't work but we met each other again at a family dinner party, but I don't mind, I love him and that's all that matters. I've loved him for years!

My papa and my whole family say he's too old for me, that I'll be his nurse for the rest of my life but I don't care, I love him! My papa told him to stop seeing me, but I begged papa, I went on my knees to make papa invite him to dinner with us and I asked him to marry me.

He didn't want to because of his arm but I love him and that's all that matters, right? He loves me, I love him, he may be a little bit older than me and disabled, so what? I want him, I've spent several years crying over him! I've never had a romance with anyone else except for a farmer who already had a wife a few years back.

He's the only person who gives me more attention than my sister!

I was so close, we were so close, but just at the

TRUE STORY FROM ABROAD altar he said, “I can't do this!” and said he was making me throw my life away. My Granny told me to let him go and she ruined everything. It's my family, they must have been pressurising him. I love him so much, my sneaky sister probably said something to him again, or papa, papa and granny always interfere. They all just want me to be a spinster...it's them, it's not him, I want him back, but I can't find him. I don't know!! My

family obviously just wants my sister to be happy. They don't love me.

Advice: Pls dear readers mail your comments or reactions to this email :simonclar @yahoo.com Download the Color Of Love App free at https://itunes.apple.com/ng/app/the-color-of-loveguide-free/id767393599?mt=8 Or search for Color of Love in the Apple App Store on your IPhone or iPad and download

LOVE ADVENTURE

‘I love my girlfriend, She wants to get married. I don’t, What should I do?

E’VE been together for four years now. I love would cost me a lot more. The idea of giving W her and I can’t imagine being with anyone things up or paying someone when you break else. We are in our late 20s. We live together and up or divorce is pretty unappealing. My parents get along really well. A lot of our friends are getting married or are married and having a baby and its been sort of a sore topic with my girlfriend.

I don’t want to get married for a variety of reasons. I make a lot more financially than my girlfriend and a marriage (and potential divorce)

had an awful marriage. My mother cheated repeatedly on my father and they fought constantly.

I love her and I don’t want to lose her. I sort of get the feeling if I don’t propose she is going to want to end our relationship. There is nothing wrong aside from this issue really.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, May 31, 2014 | 19

RELATIONSHIPS

Do You Want Too Much?

By Alita Joseph THOUGHT it would be cool to postpone dating until I meet the right guy. Regretfully, I will confess that I have not met anyone of whom I might say that it has been worthwhile to wait.”

Comment: There are eligible men out there. There are more good guys than bad. It is, therefore, not impossible that you have not put into perspective what you want from your dates.

It cannot be ruled out that you even live in a fantasy world, where your men must be perfect.

Take many women, for example.

They consider looks as a major quality: “He is handsome.” So, they go into a relationship even when all the wrong signals appear at a first date.

None of them is worth the time?

What makes them wrong? A relationship requires commitment from both parties. If he is not paying enough attention, you are right to complain. But how long did you date these men before you decide that they are not good enough?

Admittedly, you do not have to go out for a long time before you can tell who can be caring and a real pain. Little acts of his will tell if he is a considerate lover or one who is out to give you stress.

Many women meet men like these at some point, but leave before damage is done. As a guide to dating eligible men, look for signs that he will be a mature man you can depend on as a friend.

He will be courteous to you on a first

“I

date. He will show an interest in you as a person first and later perhaps a woman.

A man who you date should be fascinated with you and his behaviour will show an interest to know you more.

Or do you complain about roles he is expected to play as the man? Is it the financial aspect of him? Women these days complain about spouses who cannot even change electricity bulb; guys who do not want to leave their beds to work, but want hot meals ready.

However, you may also consider that

By Kemi Amushan I ladies, there are some questions I have asked myself overtime and I am also sure it is something you also ask yourselves from time to time.

Questions like “why is it so hard to understand men? What do men want in relationships? Why do men cheat? Why are men great liars and so on?”

Now, in today’s newsletter, I will be sharing the answers to many of these questions that we women ask ourselves about the men in our lives or let us just say men in general.

H

Why do men flirt with you, like they are very interested, and then when you flirt back, they suddenly act unfriendly and unapproachable?

THE first thing you need to know is that men love to flirt. It is their nature. But here is the thing: It does not always mean anything! Yes, it sometimes indicates his interest in you. But most times, it is not enough.

My advice would be for you to look for other signs that he likes you before flirting back or you might end up making a fool of yourself.

Let me say that again: When a man flirts, it does not always mean something. He might just be doing it for good fun, and does not mean to take things any further than that. So, see what kind of flirting it is before flirting back.

Take in other non-verbal cues, such as his body language; his posture (body towards you, leaning in); his eye contact; if he is not staring at other women; if he has complete focus on you; and if he is being chivalrous and caring towards you, etc.

Can women call men first? Why do men only call when they feel like it? After four or five dates, does a typical guy like a woman enough to call her?

NOW, without a doubt, it is best to leave the first call to men. It is a clear sign of his interest in you, and it gives you a better idea of his intentions.

On the other hand, calling him first makes you an easy prey. Some men can take advantage of this by pretending he is into you, even when he is not. And once he gets what he wants from you, he is gone. So, do not make that mistake.

When he only calls you when he feels like it, it is a sign of just how interested he is in you, and the kind of relationship he is interested

you feel disappointed because you want too much.

So, because you have waited, you think all the ones you have met are below the righteous you?

But how do you behave to them? You dress to the nine, it does not matter that you are going to the beach. Naturally, you could not be part of the fun, because you would get wet.

The next outing, therefore, you warn him that you are not a water babe and would not expect to go to the beach.

You add that you would not expect to sit around watching, while sand and

salt-water blow into your face.

Specifically, you demand for a dinner date. At the end, you complain about the low standard. For good measure, you sulk that it has to be this particular hotel or you are not going anywhere.

The “big girl,” as your friends call you, always makes demands on your guys, “just to prove his love,” you say, warning that he is not in love if he spends time away from you.

You want him to tell you that he loves you every moment. Otherwise, the relationship is not real.

Why Do Men Act The Way They Do ? in.

Occasional calls mostly mean he wants a casual relationship, which is good for the moment, but might not have a future. After four or five dates, if he has shown enough interest, it is safe to give him a call, but not too many, and not too often.

Giving him a call once in a while is okay, as long as he calls you back the next time. You should not be the only one making calls all the time.

You will look desperate.

How do high-profile men choose their girlfriends and wives?

NORMALLY, love is not something that you choose, but high-profile men tend to be a bit cautious of who they date and love, so that they are not taken advantage of.

To be more specific, they tend to be wary of women who seem to be only after their money, which is the norm these days, or seem overwhelmed by their status or seem clingy.

High-profile men tend to go for two types of

Within three months of meeting, you not only have dreamt about walking down the altar with him, but you also tell him in detail what plans you are making for the wedding.

You end every relationship not because your potential dates have come out to say they are not interested anymore, everyone of them have told you that they love you; the last one told you to take things slowly and allow him to catch up with you. So, you ended it.

It must be said that you are lucky to be the one that calls it quit, but it is because you are loyal to your partners.

You are demanding, so as you think they are not up to expectations. They also think you smolder your men by wanting attention all the time.

However, you are right about being with the wrong men. Continue the search. Look for someone who accepts you for who you are. Many men like a pushy woman who puts them on their toes.

And the right man is the one who knows that you get back what you put into a relationship. He loves you as much as you love him.

He may not stay with you 24 hours, but he knows how to explain his actions, so that you understand. He knows that if his woman is happy, he is happy too.

Look out for that man who feels needed by a woman. It may be difficult to live with a woman who says what happens at home all the time, but show him your feminine side and he will be happy that you need him.

Play the submissive wife occasionally.

Making them happy is not enough for them.

Through it all, they will still wonder if there is someone out there who can fit their lifestyle, just a bit better than you. women- their “secretaries,” or women they Men are not as clear with what they want in spend most of their time with and who know love as women are. They do not plan ahead like everything about them, and a woman who is we do. They take each day as it comes. They rich, but is not herself in a “power” position, might not have a checklist for the “perfect like one who is rich because her dad is. woman,” which might delay the process a bit.

In short, high-profile men need a women Men are not as meticulous and detailed about who know how to doll up to their standards what they want. They only realise what they are and at the same time is not after their money. missing when they find it.

They avoid dating powerful women because Also, men do not have the similar pressures they find them difficult to handle and have that plague women- family and societal prestheir own lives, which they would rather not sure, pressure of increasing age, the ability to have, as they need women at their beck and bear kids, and so on. That is why they can afford call. to take their sweet time deciding when to finally settle down.

Why do men take much longer than women But here is the secret: All of that changes in a to get used to being in a relationship, even heartbeat once he meets that one special when being with that one woman makes woman who rocks his world and suddenly, he is them happy? the one chasing you and asking you for comMEN are creatures of habit. They will look mitment. through hundreds of gadgets to find one that fits their lifestyle perfectly. Guess what? That is Why would he not open up to me? how they “choose” their women too.

IF he is taking time to open up, it could be that he is shy, he does not know you are interested and is afraid of being rejected, he is unable to understand the cues you are giving him that tell him you are interested, he is just practising his wooing skills, or he is waiting for you to make the move. (Some men are passive like that and want their woman to take the first step).

If he is shy, he will take his own sweet time to approach you. Be patient and wait or go find someone more forthcoming.

Or if you are sure he is into you, you can say it yourself. If he does not know you are interested and is afraid of rejection, give him cues. First subtly, then more clearly, if he still does not get them.

If he is taking his time to find the perfect way to ask you out, give him a little more time to work his game. If you think he wants you to make the first move, and if you are okay with that, go right ahead. And if you are not, find yourself someone who is more of a go-getter.

These are a few but most important questions we ask ourselves. Men need to be understood and if you can understand them, you will not be hurt by some of the things they do or say.

On the other hand, they should not get away with most of the things they do. Or should they?

To the happiness we deserve, good luck in love and life. Cheers!

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

20 | Saturday, May 31, 2014

08116706852 Email: amara@amarablessing.com

WEEKEND with AMARA

To My Fellow Ladies KNOW the clock is ticking; I know your Iman mother gets excited whenever she sees a in your house; I know she even goes out of her way to ask what they have going with you. But you shouldn’t let these things bother you. I know it’s only human to be worried about not getting married. Our society is one where a woman is expected to be married immediately after school. I know that every woman in her right senses, no matter how much she claims not to be bothered, wants to have her own family. But are you now supposed to allow these things get you down to the level you shouldn’t be? These are things you should do: Michelle writes: Understand the meaning of love Don’t let desperation take your brain away. Before you can consider if a man is a husband material, he should be able to hit three buttons in your heart-you must like him, love him, and be in love with him. If one of these buttons doesn’t work, watch and wait. If you choose to be in love with him without first loving him, there is a problem. There is no such thing as falling in love because love is higher than us.

Amara writes: Avoid sympathy marriage Don’t let desperation keep you in a relationship that is not working for you. Don’t stay there and force your heart into marriage with him just because you don’t know when another man will come if you lose this very one.

Never allow a man marry you out of pity. A lady called me sometime ago lamenting over her husband’s attitude towards her. They got married just December 2012. She told me the man never wanted to marry her after eight years of dating. But the man changed his mind when she threatened to kill herself. She allowed him to marry her out of pity. Just two months after their wedding, he wakes up every morning grumbling over the mistake of marrying her.

He no linger eats her food and now life is more miserable for her. I told her that it is only God that can change his heart. My dear ladies, that you foolishly dated a man for eight years is not a reason to marry him. I don’t think God will hold it against him if he decides not to marry you after it all. Did he ever promise you marriage?

Don’t be among those foolish ladies who believe they can use their money to buy love. If a guy doesn’t love you, you can do all you like

just to keep him; he will stay and continue acting for you until he gets his own money. If he walks out of that relationship later on, don’t blame him. Rather, blame yourself for being foolish in the name of love. You can never buy his heart with your money and body; he knows where his heart is. Stop running to “die by fire churches” to pray against his new relationship; he never promised you marriage. It was just a dating relationship and not courtship. Know when to call it quits.

Michelle writes: Please don’t be like the lady who refuses to admit that she needs larger shoes. She just keeps squeezing her feet into a shoe two sizes smaller, then complains that her feet hurt. Now, whose fault is that? Love definitely does not look painful or uncomfortable.

Get Busy And Get A Life Michelle writes: “If an idle mind is the devil’s workshop, then an empty life has got to be the most fabulous playground he’ll ever romp across. Empty spaces attract all the wrong types. Unclaimed territory is an open invitation for all kinds of undesirable individuals to squat.

They have nothing to offer. They are just looking for an open place to drop themselves and their garbage.

Whatever you do, do not-I repeat-do not sit around saying to yourself, “well, when I get the right man my life will begin.” You better get a life. As a general rule, those who wait for others to entertain them only seem boring to those who have the ability to entertain. So make yourself interesting. Start living a life of purpose and vision. Remember that the women of the Bible were all met by their husbands at their duty posts; they were all busy when their Adam came.

Mind Your Business Have you ever walked from one room to another in order to get something you desperately needed? You either forget it or even when the thing is right there before you, you don’t get to see it. There was this jumpsuit I wanted to wear last week to an event. I searched all over the room but couldn’t find it only to see it when I got back. Something happens when you get too focused on what you are trying to find-you completely lose it. Only when we relax do things begin to happen. The wrong relationship can squeeze the very life out of you. It’s still better waiting for the man to find you as you

IMAGE AND ETIQUETTE With Pamela Be on your guard. If your brother acts wrongly, reprove him; and if he is sorry, forgive him” – Luke 17:3 (WNT) T is not often that we say what is truly in our hearts neither is it often that we act out how we really feel.

Well, that’s a good thing when all things are equal, but the real question is if whether we are exhibiting self-control or self-inhibition? Most times it means either of both.

Once upon a time, I had to confront someone who was of a higher authority than I in the corporate world. I believed I was asked to do something that wasunbecoming and I did do it at the time as an act of submission. Now, I cannot speak for the person in question but the truth is that what one person might deem demeaning, another might see nothing wrong in. So I got home and had a good think; in the end, it boiled down to whether or not I could live with doing the said thing again – it wasn’t a road I saw myself farewell in, thus I had to speak to the person. Did I approach the issue the best way I could? I would like to think I did but will not be presumptuous to say that I was perfect!

It is not an easy thing to confront another person and for some people, it’s just not up their alley. However, sometimes it is something we have to stand up to no matter how difficult the situation appears. Back to the story; I approached the situation by telling the person how I felt about doing what he had asked me to do. (In a deeply traditional culture like ours, women are still very much perceived to be on the lower - nah, much lower end of the spectrum of things. A woman with

I

mind your business. This always was, and always will be the perfect order of a relationship because it’s a spiritual law. So don’t get indignant and tell me, “hey, Michelle, this is the 21st century.” God couldn’t care less what year it is.

Let’s face it: men never appreciate anything they don’t have to work for to get.

Amara writes: I was happy to see a man write it clearly on his Facebook wall telling ladies to allow him be the man who does the chasing.

According to him, he appreciates more whatever he works hard to get. Every man wants to conquer and being conquered makes him feel he’s less of a man.

Michelle writes: The spirit of conquest is in the heart of every man. When you get a man for yourself, he will cooperate with you for a time as long as it’s convenient for him. But eventually he meets a greater challenge that intrigues him, and he comes up with some smooth way to slither out of the picture. I’m sure this is where the expression “Men are snakes” came from. But this could never happen if we women hadn’t paved the way.

When women go in pursuit of men, they end up on the wrong side of town, in the dark, badly wounded, with a torn veil.

I know you don’t understand, let me break it down for you. The wrong side of town is outside your God-designed role. Being in the dark means being confused. You eventually find yourself living in insecurity, and insecurity makes you do foolish things that will eventually drive him away. Being badly wounded is the end result of it all. And a torn veil is indicative of being exposed to disgrace, which leaves you open to a spirit of bitterness and rejection. This is what many, so many women are going through today. And this bitterness doesn’t just go by meeting another man and eventually marrying him. The load of bitterness is taken into marriage and that is when you have the innocent man suffering for the sins of other men which took place as a result of the woman’s desperation.

Okay, now for all my 21st century women who want to puff up their chests and tell me how liberated they are and that “this is no longer a man’s world; we’ve come a long way; this is the year of the woman...” There is nothing new about that conversation. It’s always been the year of the woman because men would be

nothing without us. If you have grown to love yourself and if that light of your smile and real feminine glory is bright enough to attract him, he will make an effort to find you and take you home to mama.

Amara writes: The more available you make yourself, the further away your wedding date will be - end of story! My course mate back then in Unilag got married just three months after packing out of the house she lived with her boyfriend for three years. When she came to me lamenting about the guy’s refusal to propose, I simply told her that the guy has no need proposing and if he has proposed, he has no reason to take her to the altar because he is indirectly married. I told her to pack out. She did and just two weeks later, the guy proposed to her and today, they live in the UK as husband and wife.

Mind you; two things will happen when you quit the live-in-lover of a thing: He will either plan for your wedding because he wouldn’t want to lose you, or he will go to church for a secret thanksgiving.

Michelle writes: “Who can find a virtuous woman? Her price is far above rubies.” You are the precious jewel; the treasure; he is the hunter. So just sit still and sparkle while he hunts for you. You were not created to be cheap; refuse to be cheap! I don’t care how the world has painted it; there are still real women who know that they are rare gems and they wait to be found. Your business is to find favour before God so that he (the man) finds favour with God when he eventually finds you.

Discernment and desperation have never been good friends. Boot out desperation, get busy with purpose, and say hello to self-satisfaction. When you are satisfied and pleased with yourself, subconsciously, you begin to smile from the inside out. You no longer have time for hatred and bitterness. You just start loving everyone and everything around you. Your problem may not even be your age. Your problem could be a heart full of hatred and bitterness. You are so frustrated in life that everyone around you gets a share of it. My dear, put on some smile. If you can start smiling today and get busy doing something positive, some man will be attracted to the light of your smile.

Amara writes: My people have an adage, “agwa bu nma nwanyi” (the beauty of a woman is her character). Do not depend on outward beauty alone to make it; work on yourself and let your beauty radiate from inside out.

08116706879 (SMS only).

E-mail:regalgraces@yahoo.com

Are You In A Fight Or A Flight Mode? a voice is not received well and I dare say that it was more about that than anything else).

I didn’t get to finish my little speech however and the situation was resolved – or so I thought! The thing had a field day in the…, top gossip circuit. Not as gracious as I was led to believe, he was not! Strong proposals were advocated that I be …well, punished! Was I? No – at least, perhaps not in a formal way. Did I bruise an ego knowingly or unknowingly?

Definitely. But, thank God it had a good ending! Time proved to be a good judge of circumstances especially if one is on the right track. The authority figure and I had a much better relationship if I do say so myself, considering that he was the one who let me in on the less than friendly suggestions made to him. We agreed that we have diverging views on many issues such as the one expressed, but voicing out my own opinions made me heard and going through that difficult patch with as much integrity and truth as was available buffeted a relationship that was otherwise lacking in mutual deference; it cultivated something seasoned with understanding, respect and appreciation.

Forgive me; I know I don’t often tell stories and long ones at that! But I could think of no better way to express my point. Now what point was I trying to make…? Ah yes Is there a wrong situation you have ignored due to a strong dislike with confrontation?

Fuming or brooding about it would not do anyone any good – more so, bitterness eats you up inside and ends up portraying a defeated image. Speak out! Don’t bottle things up and don’t overdo it when thinking of how others will perceive you. Even if things do

not change much in your favour, at least you will have the peace of mind that you did not cower in fear because fear always keeps you defeated and undervalued. Bottled up emotions grow into strongholds of intimidation and an inferiority complex.

Do you always stand up to things you don’t like as and when they occur? Consider carefully and learn to pick your battles; it is very likely that you might be coming off as brute, cantankerous, a bully, etc. Those attributes will not serve you well at all. More so, it means that you cannot control your tongue and that anger/bitterness could eat you up inside too. When you are always trying to stand your ground and demand your rights watch to see if there isn’t an underlying inferior complex. “I may speak … but if I don’t have love, I am a loud gong or a clashing cymbal.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1 A superior attitude I think can be explained in this way – Dignity should not something you’re trying to attain, it should be something you have and something that no one can take away from you. Therefore, you shouldn’t feel bad about submission or bearing an unpleasant situation for a while.

And just because you know what you have, then you wouldn’t try to put others down when you tell them how to treat you. Now note, you do not scream down at people and neither should it take much out of you to make them feel good about themselves in the process! The goal is that they understand how to treat you without you making them an enemy or throwing your pearls to be trampled by swine so to speak (no pun intended).

“Love is patient. Love is kind. Love isn’t jealous. It doesn’t sing its own praises. It isn’t arrogant. It isn’t rude. It doesn’t think about itself. It isn’t irritable. It doesn’t keep track of wrongs. It isn’t happy when injustice is done, but it is happy with the truth. Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up. Love never comes to an end…”. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (GW) Simple message, I think. Just do not let any unresolved conflicts eat you up inside because if it is within you, it will surely get out!

So stand up if it is right no matter how distasteful it can be (being frank here). You would be glad you kept your good image and reputation as well as a sound mind and a peaceful heart!

Image and Etiquette: As a young lady, I suffered much from inferiority and timidity. I had an unhealthy distrust of myself and Godgiven beauty. By God’s grace, I found answers in the Bible (especially the Songs of Solomon) which transformed me. His Word 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. Website: www.regalgraces.com. Email: askpamela@regalgraces.com

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, May 31, 2014 | 21

MARITAL SEX

The Third Party “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that his alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. “Again, if two lie together, then they have heat; but how can one be alone? And if one prevails against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

(Eccl. 5 vs 9-12) WO will always be better than T one. I have lived long enough to know that one can be alone only for so long. No matter the gift of celibacy, a companion is absolutely necessary in life.

God said it is not good for a man to be alone. And it doesn’t mean everyone should or would marry; it only means we can’t possibly live without another.

That is why I encourage couples to plan from the beginning to stay together and be together.

Some people live together, but are not together. That would not be the best for any family.

Some children are in a hurry to grow up, so that they can leave home. Maybe they feel stressed

and choked where they should stay at peace.

The Bible says that we can achieve more together. Let that remain in your heart. Don’t see your spouse as a hindrance to your progress or fun. If you go together it should be fun. Never see your other half as a crowd or disturbance. In fact never let your spouse feel insecure, inferior, intimidated or trapped with you.

Genuinely seek each other’s happiness and have a goal you both would delightfully achieve.

We should help each other. We are not equally strong or talented.

Be a help, not a burden. Some people think they are counseling you when actually you get more depressed. Some think they are giving you advice when actually they are proving they are smarter than you are.

Be a help, an encouragement, an energy booster, and a support.

When you accept to be part of each other’s life, and dream of it working, it would be easy to help.

Cover their mistakes. Let “one lift up his fellow.” We all need people to help us, no matter how smart we are. Everyone needs someone.

The world is so cold. We have cells that are cold. The challenges of life here reveal how selfish people can be. We need someone to give us warmth.

I know there are times when we have to face hard truth and reali-

We should help each other. We are not equally strong or talented. Be a help, not a burden. Some people think they are counseling you when actually you get more depressed.

Some think they are giving you advice when actually they are proving they are smarter than you are ties, but we need people to wade through with us.

Somehow, their patience makes it easier for us to bear whatever life throws at us. “How can one be warm alone?” Whether we believe it or not, sex does more than pleasure to us; it assures us of acceptance. It makes us feel a sense of worth. It gives a relief from the tensions around. And sex is given for marriage.

There are enemies we can’t fight alone. In your life, there are those who do not take your success well.

There are people who think you are too proud, too happy, too lucky, too selfish, too good, too bad, too rich, too poor, too dirty, too clean and too godly that they wish you harm.

Your life, story and history will be that of defeat if you don’t fight.

And you won’t beat all your enemies alone; you need a partner for life.

These are the basic reasons for marriage. Yet, staying together is getting harder by the day. The divorce rate is at the increase. People talk of the ‘benefits’ of solitude.

Even siblings these days can’t stay together. Marriages are becoming very difficult to manage.

People can’t stay in church for long without seeing a just reason to leave. People want to leave at every cause. Some persons are provocative, too domineering and too selfish they don’t care about their partners. The reason is because we have ignored the ‘third party.’

“A three-fold cord is not easily broken.”

Someone, not just something, keeps people together. It is usually someone that forms the glue that makes two joined become one. It shouldn’t be sex. You will soon get bored and tired of it.

It is not just your being nice and generous and gentle. Some people want it rough and inventive and adventurous.

The scripture says: “What, therefore, God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19 vs 6). Let God be the unifying force. Let the fear of God and His word be the thing that keeps you together. Nothing is

By Omoni Oboli AM Omoni Oboli and I represent Naija! I Itruly wonder how many of us are out there representing Nigeria. It’s more common to see people in Nigeria representing their various tribes and cultures, but to speak with pride and represent our country seems awkward to many. We almost disdain the idea of a truly unified nation and then wonder why our nation is undergoing such terrible things. We seem to be imploding, detonating the deadliest bomb known to man, our words! Oh how powerful the tongue is, or should I stick to what comes out of it, our words! They are so powerful, as the Bible says, it tames the wild beasts, it controls nations, it shapes destinies, it creates and it also destroys. Yet this is the very thing we use daily to help destroy our nation. My pastor said, and I concur, that if the passengers throw stones at the driver of a bus continually, the ride will be fatal, the journey will not be continued and the destination will not be reached. Even when he is driving badly, let us do our part to help make the rest of the trip savory for us all so that we can reach the promised land.

We all have a part to play in the transformation of our dear country, for all those who still consider Nigeria to be dear to them. Let me try and paint the scenario of what we have been doing to ourselves that have shown our lack of love for one another. I like to use my industry as an example since I can best speak from what you would find easier to believe: We make movies and we try to produce what’s best for our audience, expecting them to pay us for the service we have just rendered. Instead, they throw fire and brimstone at our work, which we used our meager money to create. Then they ask us to go back and produce something better so they can patronize us, and we try. We get back to the drawing board and produce ‘The Figurine’, ‘Anchor Baby’, ‘Ije’, ‘Tango With Me’, ‘The Meeting’, ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door’, ‘I’ll

stronger than that.

If you let God be between you, it would be hard to be unfaithful.

You will certainly get along and enjoy the relationship. God unites heart and bodies.

My fear these days is that the plenty books we have read seem to put God out of music, health, politics, business and now marriage.

The Bible says a man at his best state is altogether vanity (Psalm 39 vs 5 and 11). The best of us still have the sting of destruction in it.

Everyone needs God. He knows about compatibility than all psychological and philosophical interpretation of human behaviour.

If you allow God be between you, if He is your fear, counselor, trust and faith, you will do well in that marriage. Everything will become fine.

“And Mizpah, for he said, the Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, NO MAN IS WITH US. SEE, GOD IS WITNESS BETWIXT ME AND THEE” (Genesis 31, vs 49-50).

Think about inviting God to be the third party in your marriage, and I will join you in prayer if you let me know.

E. C. Samuel crossrays@gmail.com, 08027173447

Working Actress

Wake Up Nigeria Take my Chances’, ‘Render To Caesar’, ‘Brother’s Keeper’ and many other titles out there, but you simply nod from afar, saying well done, but you don’t watch them. This happens to be the first stage of growing an industry that we all can be proud of; you buying our products and the returns on our investment then encourages us to go back and produce better movies. In all this we haven’t yet asked for money from you to produce the movies, but to simply lower your very high standards for a season until we grow, through your constant patronage, to produce your high taste in movies. I guess we’re asking for just a little more love from our fellow brothers and sisters till we can stand firmly on our feet and also, put your money where your mouth is!

As I have written before, there are many bad Hollywood movies too. In fact, Hollywood produces about 1000 movies a year, but how many do we eventually deem worthy to watch in a year? Less than 5%!

Yet we chastise our fellow brothers and sisters who we should be offering our hand to help grow this industry that we have already gone ahead to build as one of the three strongest brands in the world; Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood.

We have done well in that sense and we deserve a slap of your patronage on our back for what we have achieved so far.

Another trend is the fact that many companies would instinctively believe a foreign-based person or company has more competence in a field before the Nigerian.

We would readily brand the whole of the movie industry as bad when one or two people disappoint us in shooting standard commercials or anything else. If one producer does badly in shooting your company’s TV commercial and you want a

certain standard, look elsewhere until you find a good one locally, because if you went to America or any other nation to find a commercial production outfit and they did badly, you would not immediately draw the same conclusion as you did when a Nigerian company did the same. Instead, you will look around that country and probably get burnt a few more times until you find a competent one, because you believe they have them. The same should apply when dealing with Nigerians.

I’m not saying that there are no companies doing the patriotic thing or that we shouldn’t go outside our shores for anything. No! What I’m saying is that we should think about growing our economy to such a degree that we understand that the wealth we take out often turns around to affect us later in trade deficits. The demand for our Naira dwindles, which in turn affects the value of our labour. When our services as producers and the entire cast and crew of a movie production are local, we can see the ripple effect on other businesses and our businesses when the wealth is somehow distributed in other areas of our economy.

This is such a powerful thing that stems from the root cause, our love for our fellow Nigerians. This love seems more elusive to us today because we tend to look at ourselves as Ibos, Hausas, Yorubas, Ijaws, Ibibios, Fulanis, etc. and when we are through separating ourselves into these tribal groups by tongue, then we start the division by towns and villages until we get down to two people who see themselves as different because of their birth marks. We seem to be shouting ‘Divided we stand’. How can we stand di-

vided?

We must wake up from our slumber and see that the help we need is not out there but right beside you; when you walk on the streets, at the workplace, at home and in the face of every Nigerian we see daily. It’s time to wake the sleeping giant of Africa, so he can take his rightful place in the League of Nations as the head and not the tail. Let us begin to speak our dreams and help ourselves. Start speaking about our products until other nations can’t help but demand for it too. Think Nigeria, buy Nigerian! And while we are at it, #BringBackOurGirls.

Twitter:@ omonioboli Facebook: www.

Facebook.com/omonooboliactress

22 Saturday, May 31, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

PEOPLE

‘Nigeria Needs To Go Back To 1994-95 Constitution’

By Debo Oladimeji

Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, CON, Karunwi III, Oranmiyan, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Abeokuta, Ogun State and author of ‘Prophetic Promises Of God Through His Anointed Servants’ and ‘Oranmiyan: What is in a Name?’ among others, who recently celebrated his 25th coronation anniversary, spoke on the state of the nation, the 25-hour marathon praise and worship he organized to honour God and how God has been magnanimous to him among other issues.

AN you take us back to how you came to C the throne 25 years ago?

At the time I came on throne as I always said, I never for one minute thought about becoming a king until maybe about six months after it came to pass. I started thinking about it after I heard one or two prophecies, saying: ‘God said I will become the King.’ I thank God that ever since, God has been ordering my footsteps. My ambition was to build up OkeOna, Egba in the way of the Lord. You need to be very faithful to God to be able to hold on tenaciously onto Him. If God is with you, who can be against you? My ambition is to get OkeOna on a pedestal of high respect among the committee of nations. I went to town and I read the history of the Yorubas, which I never read before I became king. I came to the conclusion that this stool of Oke-Ona Egba was an ancient stool. This stool was first occupied by Oranmiyan, the only blue-blooded grandson of Oduduwa.

It was during my 10th coronation anniversary that God laid it in my heart that ‘why don’t you add Oranmiyan to your name?’

Even before then, a lot of people had told me that as a Christian, I should change my name to Tejuoluwa or so. I was almost convinced until I said to them: ‘Tell me one person who ever changed his name in the Bible without God telling him to do so!?” Nobody has been able to give me an example from the Bible.

You don’t just wake and say oh!, I am going to change my name today. At the appropriate time God said that I should add Oranmiyan to my title and I did. I was invited to come and give Oranmiyan lecture at Ile-Ife last year by a letter even signed by the Oni of Ife himself.

Showing that the Oke-Ona is headed by the Osile who used to be the Alaafin of Ile-Ife. God laid it into my mind that it is a very important assignment that was why I turned it into a book within two months that first version came out. Oke-Ona will keep going places whether you like it or not. There is nobody that can repress Oke-Ona. Can you list your achievements since you came on throne?

The greatest achievement I have achieved is to know God. The next greatest achievement is to get my people to know that there is no other power in this world than the power of God. With God all things are possible.

Could you throw more light on your early years on the throne in phases?

All I know is that whether you divide them into five or 10, all the years have been full of turbulence to the extent that the first book I wrote was my memoir for one year, I titled it: ‘So Far, So Memorable.’ In no time, people changed the title of the book to: ‘So Far, So Terrible.’

The 25 hours of praise and worship that you organized to mark your 25th coronation anniversary, what does it mean and how did you manage to cope throughout the programme.?

God sent a message to me just before my 25th coronation anniversary that He wants me to raise an altar of praise and worship for 25 hours marathon praise and worship. We started cracking our brains how to go about it.

Twenty-five hours is a long time. Should we break it? But each time we were deliberating on it, the word marathon kept coming back until we now decided that marathon means two days. We started on a Saturday by 3pm and we set out to end the programme by 6pm

Adedapo on Sunday, the idea being that if perchance we didn’t start by 3pm, we should still be able to make 25 hours. Fortunately, we started 3pm prompt. All I was telling the organisers was that what will make me happy is for everybody to get enough food to eat. There should be no dull moment. You should have seen what happened. God was there. God was awesome.

As a member of the 1994/5 National Constitutional Conference bearing in mind that the government did not follow through your recommendation at the conference, do you think that this one will be realistic?

I want to tell you here and now today without any fear of contradiction that until this nation goes back to the 1994-95 constitution, we are not likely to find a head way because that was the constitution that gave us a blank cheque with no condition attached. We were supposed to start from a clean slate irrespective of the past. That was exactly what we did. We came out with some conclusions which were forward-looking. But unfortunately, because of some personal ambitions, people started thwarting the conclusions until eventually it came out as 1999 Constitution. 1999 Constitution which we are using today was basically the 1994/95 Constitution. People just took it and decided arbitrarily, whether they should take out this particular item or that particular item which made absolute nonsense of the constitution.

We at the constitutional conference in 199495 decided on a one-term presidency and oneterm governorship of five years. It was at that time that we also introduced rotational presidency. We foresaw what eventually happened.

The rotation was to be between the North and the South. We foresaw a situation whereby if we have a Northern president and something happened to the Northern president, who will take over? A Southerner! That obviously made nonsense of the rotational presidency. We now concluded and said we should have two vice presidents.

If we have a president from the North, there will be a vice president from the North, a vice president from the South. We also then said that the vice president from the South will be

We at the constitution in 1994-95 decided on a one-term presidency and one-term governorship of five years. It was at that time that we also introduced rotational presidency. We foresaw what eventually happened. The rotation was to be between the North and the South. We foresaw a situation whereby if we have a Northern president and something happened to the Northern president, who will take over? A Southerner! That obviously made nonsense of the rotational presidency. We now concluded and said we should have two vice presidents. the second in command. But in the case of an eventuality, it is the third in command that will take over. If something happened to the Northerner like what happened to former Nigerian President, Musa Yar’ Adua, it is the third in command who will also be a Northerner that will take over not the Southerner who is second in command. But just without thinking about it or even making reference to those who came to that decision as to why they came to the decision, they just said no, we need one vice president and cancelled it and of course, we all now saw the results of what has happened.

Another important aspect which we concluded at the conference was this proper federalism that people are now talking about.

Divide the country into six zones. Get the centre to a weak position and get the regions or zones, six zones to be the powerful component of the Federation. Just like they have in America. Each zone should be able to control itself and its income. Again in the parliament today, people are paid for doing nothing. One of the conclusions we reached was that the parliamentarians should be paid per sitting.

Today, whether a Senator goes to the parliament or not, he gets his salary.

What then do you think should be the roles of the traditional rulers in governance?

What is ijoba, (government)? Who founded government in Nigeria? The kings. Each township in my domains has its own parliament, the chiefs and the ministers. This is what the Europeans met on ground when they came here. We were the government. There is nothing that you give us to do that it will be too

much because you took it from us. The people running the government originally were prophets before the kings came. We need a government that involves the kings, maybe at worse as advisers who have a proper hold on the government.

Recently, Nigeria celebrated its centenary anniversary. What do you think will become of Nigeria in another 100 years?

What I know divinely is that Nigeria is going to be great. Whether in our life time or not is what I cannot say. But the possibility of it being in our lifetime is very much there.

Hundred years is a long time to come. But if it is the wish of God, you will still be alive. What is 100 years in a man’s life? The passages in Bible John 8-51 and Matthew 16-28, say if you keep the words of God, you shall never die. If you want to live forever, keep the words of God. If you accept Christ into your life, you may die physically but you will not die spiritually.

Foreign troops are here to help us solve our security challenges but some people are kicking against it, that they may later take over the country. What is your take on it?

Talking about foreigners coming into the country, I believe in prophecy a lot. If you look at Proverbs 29-18, it says where there is no vision the people perish. Only yesterday I was reading in one of the newspapers a prophecy by one prophet Ayodele saying that we should be wary of inviting foreigners to come and take over. They may not even achieve what they have been brought here for but in the process what we did not bargain for may crop up.

Saturday, May 31, 2014 23

THe GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

PeOPLe

‘To Improve Profitability, Govt Must Develop New Transport Master Plan For Port Cities’ Chief Musa Danjuma, younger brother to General T. Y. Danjuma (rtd.), is entrusted with the family’s first heirlooms - the Comet Group of Companies. Aside the success he has made of the task, he has, in addition, made personal inroads into other sectors of the economy, such as blue chip stock trading. The maritime sector is one such sector that now commands more of his time. And with the recent addition of five years to Fivestar Logistics Ltd’s concession at Ro-Ro Port, Tin Can Island, Lagos, the Comet Group continues to make its mark in the maritime sector.

In this interview, Danjuma speaks on prospects and worries in Africa’s largest economy. He also laments the decay in infrastructure and amenities, which he says, clogs the wheels of portland-to-hinterland flow of cargoes, making a case for a special transport master plan for Nigeria’s busy port cities.

By Olawunmi Ojo

C

OMeT Shipping Agencies Nigeria Ltd turns 30 this year. What memories does this evoke for you?

The name Comet evokes happy memories for me. As you know, it was the passing of Halle’s Comet in 1984 that prompted our founder and my senior brother, General T. Y. Danjuma, to name the company Comet and since then, the company has given rise to many more companies. So, it gives all of us at the Comet Group a lot of joy that the company turns 30 this year.

How many companies have been formed around the original first companies?

Nine companies have been formed in the group. Before Comet Shipping Agencies, Nigeria America Line Ltd (NAL) was formed, which took part in the Nigeria-Brazil counter trade of the early 1980s. Comet Shipping Agencies was actually formed to provide agency services for NAL. But after it took off and was doing well, we expanded and began to provide same agency services to the industry and even to lead other indigenous agencies in this type of services.

To answer your question directly, other companies in the group now include Plantgeria Company Ltd, Tethys Plantgeria Ltd, Tarabaroz Fisheries Ltd, Danelec Ltd, Best Trade Nigeria Ltd and Fivestar Logistics Ltd. Some of your operations are in the Niger Delta.

How did the disturbances of militants interfere with your companies’ activities?

Militancy has reduced in the Niger Delta following the federal government’s amnesty programme. However, during the time it was active, many of our operations suffered their depredations. As you know, the attacks were against marine activities, boats and other maritime targets. even now, we still get attacks from the pirates. So, overall, it was not easy coping with their attacks but we managed to survive.

Since the establishment of Fivestar Logistics Ltd and the operation of the Ro-Ro terminal, the Comet Group joined the elite group of companies that took over NPA’s cargo handling activities. How has this affected the profile of the group within the maritime sector?

The ambition of all operators is to reach the zenith of their career or the higher echelons of service provision in their industries. For the maritime sector, terminal operation is a kind of higher echelon because you are in a position to do more by way of hosting and calling ships at your berths, receiving and storing cargoes on behalf of consignees and other customers, managing the offloaded cargoes or

other cargoes on your terminal with a view to maximizing the use of space, and the likes. So, our winning the bid to operate the Ro-Ro terminal at Tin Can Island Port in 2005 was one such opportunity to showcase our capabilities and expertise in cargo handling operations and we have been doing it well.

Originally, our concession was for 15 years. But since we spent the better part of five years developing the infrastructure, the federal government has graciously added five extra years to our concession.

What are some of the challenges of running the Ro-Ro terminal?

First, one of the problems we had was space constraints for storage of break bulk cargoes, vehicles and containers. As the name implies, one of the core areas of our operation is receiving vehicles, mainly cars, fairly used and brand new. As at 2013, for example, we offloaded 114,000 vehicles, 48,000 containers and 193,000 metric tonnes of general cargoes. So, this has necessitated our search for appropriate off-dock terminals as a relief accommodation for our cargoes.

Aside from space, we also have problems sometimes with the shallow draught of the terminal.

Some of the big ships that would have called at our terminal were diverted to other Lagos terminals of our neighbours because our draught is about 10 metres whereas these big ships are drawing draughts of 12 or 13 metres. So, we would like to commend the work of NPA in dredging the channels and berthing areas. We however appeal for more attention to the draught problem.

What activities are lined up to mark the groups’s 30th anniversary?

We have planned some corporate activities to host our customers and workers in various forums. We shall reveal these activities at the appropriate time, including mementoes to our long-term customers and major stakeholders in

Succession planning in our group of companies is a very big project because we realize that the continuance of our services, the longevity of our group depend on good succession planning. Because of this, we take training seriously at the terminal and at our administrative offices. We also send our staff to seminars, conferences, trade fairs and important meetings so as to expose them to the issues in the industry, to understand the demands of our principals and to facilitate their interaction with leaders in the industry and other operators.

How does the problem of traffic jams arising from ports and shipping activities affect your operations?

This is by far one of the biggest problems of port cities in Nigeria today, be it Apapa, Warri or Port Harcourt. The volume of cargoes leaving the ports and traversing the cities constitutes a bottleneck for traffic flow in these port cities. In Apapa, for example, this has been the case since the activities of the two seaports got enlarged in the late 1990s.

However, our appeal is that the transformation agenda of the President for the telecoms and power sectors be extended to the shipping and ports industries. If you consider the genesis of the problem, you will see it flowed from the expansion of maritime activities. The volume of goods from the seaports, which is transported by road, continues to rise annually.

In 2012 alone, for example, total throughput at Nigerian seaports was 24,914,764 metric tonnes. From 2007 to 2012, it was over 77 million metric tonnes, with a total of over four million containers, according to the Nigerian Ports Authority. In the 3rd Quarter of 2013, 9.5m tonnes of general cargo, petroleum products and containers passed through Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port into the city. But these statistics also mean a lot of money for the federal, state and local governments.

In 2013, for example, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) collected N833 billion in duties and levies, mainly from the seaports, and as at January 2014, NCS had collected N40.5 billion in import duties and other charges at Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports.

What short and long-term measures would you suggest as remedy?

If you consider the sum total of the scenario, you will agree with me that the port sector is a money-spinner that should be taken good care of. My suggestion is that for the long term, a new transport master plan for the busy port cities such as Apapa, should be embarked upon immediately.

For Port Harcourt port, Abonema Wharf and the industry. What new services are being the city, a renewal of the port itself is necessary planned for your customers in the various because there is a limit to dredging the berths companies going forward? of a 100-year-old river port. The road infrastrucAs you may be aware already, our terminal has installed many innovations and gadgets to ture of Port Harcourt is also in need of a new fast-track the clearance of cargoes at our termi- transport master plan, especially since the new dredging achievements by Bonny Channel nal. As such, we separated the exit gate for brand new cars and vehicles from the exit gate Management has made it possible for Maersk Line’s WAFMAX container carriers to berth at for fairly-used cars and vehicles and opened a special air-conditioned cafe for our customers the Onne Port. This will cause a spillover of trucks from the port to pour into the city. who come down to the terminal. We also do As you know, the Onne road has several failed door-to-door services. parts. So, if the road network is not enhanced, We have the ISO 9001, which is a very high standard for quality service delivery. ISO quali- more bottlenecks will be experienced there. But if the suggested transport master ty management certification is deployed by plans for the port cities are embarked upon, it companies that want to give high level of effiwould ensure a better future for Nigeria as a ciency, maximized quality of service delivery maritime nation and secure the jobs of more and high level of customer satisfaction. The Comet Group of Companies attained this stan- people and cut off the scourge of the notorious poverty ravaging the land. dard four years ago. Since then, as we have been doing before, we constantly fine-tune our In the short term, I suggest that failed roads and critical junctions that cause traffic jams service delivery techniques to ensure they are such as Liverpool Roundabout in Apapa, Lagos, always top of the range.

Oil Mill Junction in Port Harcourt and the How is the Comet Group grooming its next Onne road, for examples, be fixed by governgeneration of managers and top executives? ment to ameliorate the problem of traffic conIn Lagos, something must be done to Development experts have calculat- gestions. get tankers and trucks to stop parking along ed that approximately US$7 billion the highways. The Association of Maritime Owners should be assisted to find a spawill be invested into port expansion Truck cious park for their trailers and no trailer should leave the park unless its number has in West Africa over the next five been called for loading inside the port. We years. Nigeria can only benefit from have to get it right urgently because developexperts have calculated that approxithis foreign direct investment in full, ment mately US$7 billion will be invested into port if her port facilities have functional expansion in West Africa over the next five can only benefit from this forroad and rail networks for seamless years. Nigeria eign direct investment in full, if her port facilicargo delivery from port-land to the ties have functional road and rail networks for seamless cargo delivery from port-land to the hinterland hinterland.

TheGuardian

24 | Saturday, May 31, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Weekend

CELEBR ITY

AMAA 2014: And Here Are The Continent’s Leading Actors And Actresses

By Shaibu Husseini

I

T was the South African’s that clearly led on the award table of the 10the anniversary edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) held last Saturday in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State. South African filmmakers nearly picked up all the technical and critical awards including best picture, best editing, best director and best cinematography with two of their wellhelmed films—Of Good Report and Forgotten Kingdom. They grabbed three acting awards too—best actor, best supporting actor and promising actor and got the awards for animation, make up and sound.

However, the screen diva, Clarion Chukwurah and popular Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwo gave Nigeria what to cheers about as they were named winners of the best actor and best supporting actress categories, respectively.

Celebrity salutes the new AMAA screen champions who were recognized for their individual accomplishments and who left the venue of what is certainly Africa’s answer to the Oscars with their heads held up high.

Patience

Mothusi

Petronella

Thapelo

Mothusi Magano – Of Good Report (South Africa)

The tall and well-built Mothusi Magano got the biggest acting award of the AMAA’s. The South Africa-born actor got the AMAA jury’s nod for best actor in a leading role. Magano impressed the AMAA jury with his unerring interpretation of a paranormal teacher in Jamil X.T Quebeka’s Clarion Of Good Report. Magano, who couldn’t make it to Bayelsa for the award ceremony, has with the award been admitted into the comity of the (Nigeria) continent’s leading actors. He joins actors such The ovation that greeted the declaration that as Richard Mofe Damijo, Kanayo Kanayo and the iconoclastic diva Clarion Nneka OluwaMajid Michel who had previously won the toyin Chukwurah had won in the category of AMAA crest for leading men. Incidentally, Mag- the leading actress was loud and deafening. ano was in nomination with two past winners, The applause continued as the disarmingly Kanayo Kanayo and Majid Michel. But he humble, elegant actress, mother and charity turned out the man the jury chose as winner. worker climbed the stage to receive the Best known for his starring role as Charles ‘Min- award, which was presented to her by a past gus’ Khathi in the SABC3 drama series The Lab, AMAA leading actress, Rita Dominic. Clarion Magano is by no means a ‘small actor’. He has who is not new to wining awards, got the crest featured in a number of award-winning films for her sterling performance as Apaye in the including ‘Hotel Rwanda’ and ‘Tsotsi’ (Oscar movie of same title directed by Desmond ElWinner for Best Foreign Film) and has also liot. acted in numerous theatre productions in- In her post award speech, the veteran actress cluding A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and thanked the AMAA jury and AMAA for the Juliet, Bread and Butter and The Coloured Museum. recognition and the crew at Royal Arts Academy, producers of Apaye for the opportunity to make a big comeback after a few years off Clarion Chukwurah–Apaye the scene. Clearly one of the few Nigerian

CelebrityEXTRA ...

keenly contested category. No doubt, the actress who is popular as ‘Mama Gee’ impressed the international jury of the AMAA’s with her performance as Mama in After the Proposal as directed by Desmond Elliot. A screen actress of innumerable credits who is undoubtedly the hottest actress working in Nollywood at the moment, Mama Gee is not new to awards but she confirmed shortly after the award ceremony that the AMAA’s is the ‘biggest’ she has received since she joined the industry a little near a decade and half ago. The one who plays the villain in most of her movie offerings, Ozokwo is Patience Ozokwo – After the loved beyond description for her deftness in role interpretation. A source of inspiration to Proposal (Nigeria) The award for best supporting actress went to tons and tons of up coming actors who yearn the indubitable popular Nollywood actress, Pa- for a career in acting, Mama Gee has with this tience Ozokwo. The actress who trained as a award earned a place in the comity of the conteacher, worked as a broadcaster and today tinent’s leading actresses. rules moviedom was named winner in that screen and stage actors of the pre-Nollywood years that have been consistent and that have been having a pronounced run in the acting skies, the warm-hearted superstar who holds the traditional title of Ada Eji Eje Mba 1, has featured in countless stage and screen productions and has received numerous awards including a FESPACO award for best actress. She has with this AMAA 2014 leading actress award, reaffirmed her position as one of the distinguished actors of the continent.

Thapelo Mofekeng – Felix (South Africa)

Reputed as South Africa’s number one jazz and blues cabaret artist, Thapelo Mofokeng was named winner of the best supporting actor category for his performance as Bra Joe in Felix, the feel good movie from South Africa. One of South Africa’s most popular singers, Mofekeng has apSWGN, Stanley Okoronkwo. all the guilds and associations in NollyThe ailing Bryan who fought hard to wood for their contribution and efforts peared in over half a dozen international films, hold back tears, thanked the President in raising funds for him before the Pres- including A Good Man in Africa. It is also recorded that the singer, martial artiste and for his intervention and also thanked ident’s intervention. actor has toured the world for almost 11 years with Ipi Tombi; performed for the Queen of England in 1975 and at the wedding of Nelson Mandela and Graca Machel; and has worked in Las Vegas with the likes of Sammy Davis Junior, Gladys Knight, Bill Cosby, Redd Foxx and Count Basie.

Ibinabo Secures N10 million From GEJ For Chike Bryan

R

ECALL that sometimes back, we reported here that help was required urgently for top Nollywood scriptwriter and director, Chike Byran who was down with kidney related ailment. The gangling president of the Script Writers’ Guild was advised to seek medical attention abroad but he couldn’t proceed because of lack of funds. Although his colleagues and friends and associations like the Script Writers Guild of Nigeria (SWGN), Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), the Nigerian Society of Cinematographers (NSC) and Association of Movie Producers (AMP) have led in the effort to raise funds for Byran to proceed for treatment, the amount they sourced was a far cry from the N10 million needed for the treatment.

But help has come for the prolific scriptwriter through the ef-

fort of the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ibinabo Fiberisima. IB as Ibinabo is simply called, was able to secure N10 million for the ailing practitioner from President Goodluck Jonathan. IB revealed that she had during her courtesy visit to the President in February, made an appeal for medical assistance for Bryan and some ailing Nollywood practitioners.

“It was in response to that appeal that the Nollywood-loving President Jonathan graciously released the sum of N10 million which I have the pleasure to hand over to you”, she said at the presentation ceremony witnessed by some Nollywood personalities including the President of the Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria, Iyen Obaseki; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the AGN, Ifeanyi Dike and National Secretary of

Petronella Tshuma – Of Good Report (South Africa)

The award for AMAA 2014 best promising actress was handed to the beautiful South African actress, Petronella Nontsikelelo who is also credited as Petronella Tshuma. Best known for her role as Ruby in the e.tv soap opera Scandal, Petronella, who was in Yenagoa to pick up her award, was chosen over five other nominees for her impressive portrayal of a school girl in Of a Good Report. Although she is 24 and a single mother, Petronella played the role of a 16-year-old student so convincingly that most people who have seen the film thought she was truly under aged.

Ine

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SATURDAY, May 31, 2014

Fuel Tanker Crushes NYSC Member To Death In Kwara EPORT reaching our news R desk has it that, A vehicle conveying petrol in Ilesha-

tried to overtake the vehicle, but collided with an on-coming wheel barrow being pushed by a man by the Baruba town of Baruten Local side of the road.

Government Area of Kwara, “The motorcyclist and the other crushed to death, a member corps member fell into a nearby gutof the National Youths Service ter, while the deceased fell under the Corps (NYSC), Mr Muibi moving vehicle and died on the spot, Abdulrasa. leaving the other two passengers It was gathered that the with minor injuries, he added. deceased and his colleague were riding on the same com- CAREER /27 mercial motorcycle when the incident occurred.

The tanker was said to be coming from Saki in Oyo State to dispense petrol at a filling station, while the two corps members were coming from a market in IleshaBaruba.

According to an eyewitness, Powered by the commercial motorcyclist Jobberman.com

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AMAA 2014 Best Child Actor Lebohang Ntsane receiving his award at the 2014 AMAAs, for his role in Forgotten Kingdom

ASUU Decries Tuition Fee Hike In Obafemi Awolowo University Stories By Falaiye Kola Oluwaseun payable by the new students an ex-militant.

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities has opposed the decision of the management of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State to increase the charges of newly admitted students of the institution.

Before now, the Senate of OAU increased tuition fees

T

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in the Arts/Law/Social Sciences category by 322 per cent; Clinical Sciences and Pharmacy, 267 per cent, and the Sciences, 253 per cent, claiming it was to improve the standard of the school among other reasons, but ASUU chapter of the university faulted the university’s management approach of attempting to generate income, saying that it was “unjustifiable”.

However, students of the institution had since the announcement of the increment engaged in several protests as a means to kick against the new fee regime.

It was gathered that the students were in one of their protests shot by a soldier, who was an escort to a presidency convoy that was led by

The lecturers, however, in a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Caleb Aborisade, warned that students and parents should not be made to suffer the inadequacy of Federal Government, and demanded that the fee should be reverted to status quo, adding that the increment was not in the interest of the student.

CARTOON SERIES /35

THE CURSED

Flavour thrilling audience at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State during the AMAA Gala.

LASU strike:gov talks tough, says it cannot be coaxed into submission HE strike embarked upon by T the Lagos State University, (LASU), lecturers will take some

lecturers were inconsistent have a rethink in the interest of with Lagos State government the students and allow for diapolicy objectives, he said. logue, Ibirogba noted. considerable time to be The Commissioner, howevresolved as the Lagos State er, appealed to the lecturers Government has vowed it to suspend their strike which would not allow itself to be he lebelled “an unnecessary stampede into acceding to the drawback for Lagos state govdemand of the lecturers. ernment spirited efforts to The vow was made in a stateboost the academic standing ment through its and reputation of the instituCommissioner for Information tion.” and Strategy, Mr. Lateef “It is imperative for the Ibirogba.

Academic Staff Union of “The demands of the striking Universities, ASUU, LASU to

Business Etiquette /37

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ASUP strike: Students Employ Other Survival Strategies Stories By Falaiye Kola Oluwaseun

Female Student Pregnant

UE to the on-going strike embarked upon and away from sundry vices. It has also D by the Academic Staff Union Of reduced the level of frustration that I face.

Polytechnics,(ASUP), their students now employ other survival strategies.

Isah Kwano is a Higher National Diploma, Banking and Finance student of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. But due to the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, you are not likely to find him on campus nowadays.

Instead, you may find the youth operating a commercial vehicle known locally as Kabukabu.It is not his will to suddenly become a transporter. It is an outcome of the protracted industrial action.

Kwano says, “My brother, I do not want to lose on all fronts.

Initially, I thought the industrial action was not going to last long. But now I have spent over eight months at home. So, to keep the body and soul together, I discussed with other members of my family and they allowed me to use one of the family cars for transport business.

“Every day, I leave in the morning with the car. I must admit that this has kept me busy

“Above all, there is no day that I do not make up to N1,000 since I got into the cab business earlier in the year.

However, this is not to justify the continued industrial action. I want the Federal Government and the lecturers to resolve their differences as soon as possible so that I can return to campus.”

He is not the only victim of the current strike by lecturers in public polytechnics. The story of Abdulmalik Usman, an HND 11 student of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, presents another dimension to the strike that has lasted for 240 days today.

For the youngster, the situation has become a hopeless one. By his calculation, he has lost an academic session due to the tango.

He says with bitterness in his voice, “How do we reconcile the fact we have been at home since October 4, 2013? A normal academic semester lasts for three months. Now, we have stayed out of campus for eight months. Have

we not naturally lost more than a full academic session at home? Before the strike, we had earlier spent more than two months due to strike in 2013. So you can see that it is a hopeless condition.”

Asked how he has been handling the situation, Usman – who is the President, National Association of Polytechnic Engineering Students – says he has no wherewithal to start a small-scale business.

He adds, “I am often at home engaging in a personal research work. This may sound strange to you, but it has taken up my time. My research emphasis is on Nigeria’s history. I have taken my time to compile top events, especially in the education sector, from Independence to the present day. The idea is that in the future, I will not want those coming behind us to pass through the difficulties some of us are going through today. Look at my fate and that of thousands of students across the country. Look at technical education in the country. With this standstill approach, is there a future for polytechnic education in the country?”

For Lukman Adekitan of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, the strike has prevented him from participating in the NYSC

Five Lecturers Face Sack In Cross River HE management of Cross River State T College of Education, Awi have said that five lecturers of the institution are facing sack after allegations of examination malpractice were leveled against them.

The Provost of the institution, Dr James Ejue, said that investigations are ongoing as regards the matter.

He reiterated the institution’s strong stance against exam malpractice saying that a lecturer was sacked in 2013 after he was found guilty of the same offence adding that more staff and students will be expelled this year.

“We don’t compromise on academic standards. We have zero tolerance for corruption here. We will not hesitate to sack those five lecturers if they are found culpable as their colleague was sacked for the same offence last year,” he said.

Ejue however revealed that plans are currently ongoing over the proposal for the school to start awarding degrees.

Students learning technical skills

TWO WORDS

powered by

uki@poisenigeria.org,

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

Uki Dare Experience is the best teacher, but the tuition fee is very high...

job and your boss/lecturer/team mates are just demanding more from you for no reason? Do you sometimes feel like there is so much you want to do and you don’t know where to start?

I know that feeling. From as far back as I can remember, I have always had journals where I list every brilliant business idea that I thought of (I know someone reading this has some of those). After a while, I started storing them on my laptop but I would always wonder how I would fulfill all of my divergent dreams. That was how I learnt to ‘Sit Down’.

A garden has many plants, growing at different rates which are at different stages. They may not all have been planted at the same time and so they need different types of care at every given time:

to. In order to do this effectively, the most important thing you need is: A Plan.

To prevent getting discouraged, feeling lost, or making progress without a sense of fulfillment it is important to do this frequently: 1. SIT DOWN and review your goals (as a team, as an individual and even as an organization).

Rediscover what you are working towards and what you want to achieve in the short term, medium term and long term.

2. Do not just be all work and no play. At regular intervals, SIT DOWN and celebrate your progress reflect on how far you have come. Celebrate yourself and those you work with. not see how much you have grown/learnt/achieved. When you do that, half 3. SIT DOWN and make a plan: Do not just expect that life will lead you naturally to what is best of the job is done. You must also compare where you are today with where you are going for you. Be specific about how you want to achieve your goals, meet your target, get promoted or build your finances.

4. SIT DOWN and review your plan. Do not be stuck on the first plan you have. You need to keep measuring your progress and updating and editing your plan. Sometimes you might end up even editing your goals.

15 Minutes a day will keep discouragement away. You can get it from your sleep time, TV time or Facebook time. You can even do it during your Traffic time or take it from your Midnight call time. Don’t keep moving without reminding yourself of where you are moving to.

It is good to Work It, Upgrade You and Check Milestones but it is important that you do all of this according to a plan. If you don’t have one, get a pen and paper, find some quiet time and…

SIT DOWN Let’s discuss. You can post your answer to the question about the Gardner on our blog.

Poisegfs.blogspot.com or send an email to uki@poisenigeria.org. Would you like to discuss anything? Please feel free to send an email also.

Sit Down

Sit Down “I have so much to do and so little time.”, “I just Every once in a while, you need to stop and had a brilliant idea!”, “I have so many ideas and I compare where you were yesterday to where don’t know how to do them all.”, ”This team is you are today. If you don’t do that you might working so hard but it seems like there is no end in sight.”

RE you getting discouraged because of a A project you are working on? Have you felt like, you are putting in so much effort into a

scheme.

Adekitan, who also says he has not been doing anything special since the strike began, notes with a frown that a female colleague of his has been impregnated.

“It will interest you to know that one of my colleagues, an unmarried female student, is now pregnant. When I asked her what went wrong she responded, Na so oo.This is to tell you how much this strike has altered our lives.

Supposing there have been normal academic activities, I would have gone for national youth service before now,” he explains.

A student of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Dare Amoo, who urges the Federal Government to yield to the lecturers’ demands, notes that the demands were to improve the polytechnic sector.

On what has been keeping him busy, Amoo states that he has abandoned his books for now.

He adds, “At present, I am learning how to make art works. Some months ago, I learnt how to beautify houses. I advise other students to try to engage themselves in one activity or the other. They should not just sit at home. They should not waste this free time.”

They should learn some works in order to assist their parents.”

Adetunji Oluwaseyi of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree also shares Amoo’s view that the Federal Government should attend to the lecturers’ demands. He keeps himself busy with a tutorial organised in the school. “The tutorial has kept many of us here and prevented us from engaging in unnecessary travelling around the country,” he says.

However, as the likes of Usman, Amoo and Kwano engage in things that keep them away from frustration and vices, as well as grow them individually, the National Association of Polytechnic Student Senate President, Lukeman Saludeen, has a different thing to say.

Salaudeen, a Mining Engineering HND 11 student of the Kaduna Polytechnic, has been busy interfacing between the students and the “warring parties” in the crisis.

The student leader, who acknowledges that the strike has been tough on students, says the Federal Government has not been fair to the polytechnic sub-sector.

According to him, beyond the danger of exposing some students to social vices, the industrial action has temporarily truncated the dream of many students to participate in the NYSC.

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28 Saturday, May 31 , 2014

JOBS & CAREERS

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JOBS & CAREERS

30 Saturday, May 31, 2014

JOBS & CAREERS

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National Development Strategy Series

NICHOLAS OKOYE, Founder EMPOWER NIGERIA Initiative,

FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO PILLAR TWO : PILLAR 3 SYSTEMS, STRUCTURE AND INFRASTRUCTURE

PAPER 5

NIGERIAN STRUCTURE

HAVE talked about the clumsy and misdirected Nigerian System for the first four papers on this pillar of National Development, and I have equally outlined how we must develop a new Nigerian System so we can reposition Nigeria in the future. We must take on a new value system that cares more about achievement and not money in the way we are going about it. Once you achieve greatness you will make money, lots and lots of it. So we need to put the horse before the cart. We must remember that money is a store or an exchange for value. And so in the true sense of the word you are supposed to have money if you have created something of value. Or if you can perform a service of value. That is why I use this EMPOWER NIGERIA column to highlight the Entrepreneurial Leaders from around the World. These are people that have taken an idea and created it into something of value that in some cases the value they created is worth billions of dollars. The list is endless Google, FACBOOK, WhatsApp, Amazon, Ebay, Youtube, Paypal etc are all examples of value that has been created by young people in the information technology area and this value has been translated into billions and billions of dollars.

There are many other examples in other fields as well not just the information technology area, such as Starbucks, a simple idea of serving coffee in a different way, or Waltmart a simple idea of offering the American consumers (now the World consumers) everyday low prices. So they eliminated the coupons and provided consumers with the low prices directly at every store. Sam Walton became the richest Man in the World on the back of that idea. And if he were still alive today he would be richer than Bill Gates and Warren Buffet put together. His four children are still in the top ten of the Forbes richest people in the world after they have shared his fortune. CapitalOne was an idea about low price credit cards, which is now one of the largest credit card issuing banks in the world, Fedex started out as a school project paper written by Fredrick Smith for his class at Yale University. He received a C (average score) and his professors told him the idea was not feasible. The list of innovators that have created value over time is endless. My point is that innovation has no bounds and as you create value you make billions. This is not the story in Nigeria System and that is where it is so sad.

Innovators and creative people are not encouraged in Nigeria and the billions in cash go to those who do not create any value at all but have Government Official connections. So getting to know Government Officials is a path to riches in Nigeria, which is sidelining the creative people and undermining innovation. How is this sustainable and how can we be building a Nation on Political patronage and not innovation? What happens when there is no Government Money to hand out and share? I wonder sometimes whether Nigerian officials who promote this mediocrity, have ever heard

I

The sad part is that the National Conference committee on Political Structure has rejected an attempt to change the structure of Nigeria in terms of states and units of administration.

I wonder why they are in a conference if thy come back to us with the same old 36 states structure which we all know is NOT working.

What is the argument tabled for keeping this bogus structure in place? Some delegates from Delta said they did not want to go to Benin again, As Benin was the old capital of the Midwest Region. Whereas the delegates from Ebony State said they did not want to go back to Enugu for official transactions as ENUGU was the capital of the old Eastern Region. What a sorry lot. These arguments show that these delegates are the wrong people representing us at the National Conference. If you are reducing such an important decision as political structure on the basis that you do not want to go to Enugu, Benin, or whatever. It seems our delegates need to be educated as they are really missing the point. These delegates forget that we all Structure have to presently fly all the way to Abuja to get We have a faulty system, we all agree with things done or to get anything we need that is in the preview of the Federal Government. And if a regional structure is implemented we will be substituting Abuja with Benin or Enugu or Kaduna as the case may be. Abuja will become less relevant and the local regional capitals will replace the need to go to Abuja, if on the other hand they come back to us with the same old 36 state structure, or even 37 states with one more for the South East, nothing would have changed, we will continue to go to Abuja for anything and everything, as the power will remain at the center. However I do not want to reduce myself to the level of these sorry delegates. My argument for the regions will be based solely on economic emancipation, Jobs, and the opening up of the regions. A regional approach to planning, education, commerce, and industry is want Nigeria needs as this present 36 state structure has not worked and will not work in the future either.

In addressing our structural imbalance I want us to look at all the structures that matter in Nigeria a. Political Structure b. Economic Structure c. Educational Structure d. Medical Structure I will address all these in the next few papers Global Crude Oil production peaked in 1972 and production has been on the decline ever since. The above on Structure so that our Leaders and our graph indicates that supplies will run out in 2050 if demand remains at present levels. if for any reason Delegates will see reason why Nigeria is operdemands rise then global oil could run out much sooner. This means that Nigeria’s dependency on crude ating an unwieldy structure and it needs to change. oil exports is not sustainable in the long term. The World is actively seeking new sources of energy, and of Peak Oil. Peak Oil is the time in the history of Oil production when you have produced the most you will ever produce from a particular oil field or oil block or a Nation. And then it is decline from then on. It is on record that the entire World production of Oil reached peak production in the nineteen seventies.

And so most of the big finds have been discovered and so oil production the world over is currently in decline. If not for the discovery of shale gas in the United States the industry would have been in much more trouble by now. However since nothing can go on forever, and oil is a finite resource which is not being renewed as we use it up, it goes to mention that at some time in the not too distant future Nigeria will not have any oil to export.

And so what would happen to the generations of Nigerians at that time? How will they feed themselves if we do not take the steps today to get our country working? Is anybody preparing for that time?

that, however we have an even worst national structure. A Nation of $510 billion GDP has a cabinet of 42 ministers. And it is not the fault of the Present Administration, in fact the President has no choice in the matter. The Nigerian Constitution says that every state must have a minister, which means that we must have a minimum of 36 ministers and then there is one extra for each geographical zones bringing the number to forty two. The United States has a $15 trillion GDP economy and they have a cabinet of 15 ministers. How then are we operating a structure that is so unwieldy and can never work for the progress of our Nation? And then look at the states, the land mass of Nigeria is not larger then Texas, and Texas is just one state out of fifty in the United States. The economy of California is far larger than the economy of Nigeria, so why do we have thirty six states? 36 states means 36 Governors, 36 state administrations, and the entire paraphernalia of Government that goes with it. We are running such an expensive and inefficient structure that I wonder what our Leaders expect to achieve over time with it.

major breakthroughs are happening.

The Nigerian Cabinet is presently one of the largest in the World when compared to the size of the economy, due largely to the Nigerian Constitution which directs that every State must have a representative. A 36 State structure is extremely expensive and cannot be sustained

32 Saturday, May 31, 2014

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EMPOWERNIGERIA CASE STUDY

YOUTHMAGAZINE the Caltech alumnus to create Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation. In 1968 he cofounded NM Electronics with Robert Noyce that went on to become ‘Intel Corporation’, a name that almost everyone is familiar with. Intel is the pioneer of microprocessor production and currently it is the largest computer chip producer in the world. Since the very beginning both Moore and Noyce had big plans for the company.

With their determination and insight they succeeded in achieving their dream.

Gordon Moore remained the executive vice president of the company till 1975, when he became the president with Andrew S. Grove.

Four years later Moore assumed the positions of Chairman of the Board and the CEO where he remained till 1987. In 1997 he was titled Intel Corporation’s ‘Chairman Emeritus’.

Since 1996 Moore has been doing his duties as the member of Board of Directors of Gilead Sciences. Before that he was a member of its Business Advisory Board from 1991.

He was the Chairman of the California Institute of Technology and presently it’s Life Trustee. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Engineering and member of the National Academy of Engineering.

He became a Fellow of the Computer History Museum in 1998.

Gordon Moore has also donated a substantial amount of money to Caltech which is the largest donation to be received by the institute. He said that his wish is to see Caltech leading in the fields of technology and research which is why he and his wife donated the large sum of $600 million to it. In 2007 they gave Caltech a sum of $200 million for building of the largest telescope of the world. Moore has been awarded many times for his immense contributions. He was given the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by George W. Bush and the National Medal of Technology. He received the Bower Award for his business leadership skills. In 2008, he was awarded with the IEEE Medal of Honor.

Moore’s net worth in 2011 was estimated to be $4 billion. This successful engineer, manager and entrepreneur, is a pivotal personCalifornia and graduated with a degree in ality on the world of computers. His Moore’s Chemistry in 1950. In 1954 he did his PhD in Law has been a big inspiration for the semiChemistry and Physics minor from the conductor industry for more than forty years.

California Institute of Technology. Moore had Moore is credited for making computers comnever thought of becoming an entrepreneur; mon and durable much like TV sets. His invenhe wanted the peaceful life of an academic, tive engineering played a big role in making however the future held other plans for him. Intel a success and bringing about the revoluMoore was one of the traitorous eight that left tion in personal computers.

GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURAL LEADER

GORDON MOORE: THE INVENTIVE ENGINEER ORDON Moore is an entrepreneur, computer scientist and businessman better known as the co-founder and chairman of the famous Intel Corporation. He also invented the Moore’s Law which was published in Electronics Magazine in 1965.

Moore was born on 3rd January 1929 in San Francisco, California. He attended University of

G

Guide to Personal Development

By Nicholas Okoye

nokoye@empowernigeria.com

Paper 2 F you want to achieve success in Life then you have to understand what it takes to achieve Peak Performance. It is the Peak Performers that rule the World at least the World of people that observe the rule of law. Success in Nigeria is shifting to the Peak Performers and those that have celebrated mediocrity will very soon vanish from the scene.

Determination continued Many people have somehow stumbled upon their careers and vocation in life so the challenge is to find a way to push themselves in order to get to the top. This is normal but the true achievers and Masters are the ones that have chosen their careers based on the fact that they are passionate about their vocation and for that reason working, studying or improvement in that field is seamless. So the real drive for peak performance and for achieving mastery or riches is to make sure you are engaged in your true passion. I am not saying you cannot get to the top if you have had to work in a career for many years and that area that is not your true passion, however you are far more likely to acheiev Mastery and Peak Performance if you are engaed in a labour of Love, your passion, your purpose.

So if you really want to understand and develop a personal Strategy the very first step is to determine your purpose in Life, and only you can make that determination.

Remember that Cornel Sanders started Kentucky Fired Chicken at the age of 65 years old, so even if you have spent the last twenty five years climbing the ladder of a particular career that is not your passion it is never too late. You must find and determine your passion and you must embrace it. That is the most effectiove path to Peak Performance, wealth and happiness.

So work on the determination of your purpose and the rest is history.

President Barack Obama determined a long time ago that he would participate in the future of United States leadership. And even though he was an African American born to an African father, with a clearly African name which put him at great disadvantage, his determination of purpose was very clear and he drive himself to becoming the first black Preisdent of the United States, the most powerful nation on earth in fact the most powerful Nation in the history of the World. Determine your purpose in Life and then we can work together to develop your Personal Strategy that will see you to greatness, Peak Performance, wealth and happiness.

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From Monaco, Koko Machine Rolls In With Honour

By Chuks Nwanne

J

uST as many had started questioning his credibility in the country’s music industry, following the separation from his longtime music producer Don Jazzy, Koko Master D’banj has scored another point in far away Monaco, France. The DB Records boss, on Tuesday, emerged Best Selling African Artiste at the 2014 edition of the World Music Awards, an international awards ceremony honoring the best-selling most popular recording artistes from around the world.

Staged at the the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo, Monaco, D’banj, who performed at the event, alongside superstars such as Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Flo Rider, DJ Khaled, Ricky Martin, Tinie Tempah, Leonah Lewis and and others, defeated fellow countrymen such as 2face Idibia, Banky W, Darey, Davido, Dr. Sid, Ice Prince, Iyanya, Mode9, Olamide, Praiz, KCee, Timaya, Wizkid and Femi Kuti to clinch the award at the glamorous event. The category also included foreign acts such as Abd Elfattah, Grini, Ahmed Soultan, Akon, Amr Diab, Anselmo Ralph, Cheb Mami, Danny K, Fally Ipupa and Ghana’s Fuse ODG. Others are Jose Chameleone, Khaled, Loyiso Bala, Mamadou Kelly, Mohamed Hamaki, Saber Rebai, Tamer Hosny and Wyre.

Somehow, 2014 has been a great year for former Mo Hits star. From celebrating his 10th year anniversary in the Nigerian Music Industry, to releasing the soundtrack, which was used in the hit movie Half of a Yellow Sun, his quest and passion through ONE Campaign for Agriculture, participation at the World Economic Forum and the new award, it seems the Koko Master is gradually getting his groove back.

However, with the rate at which fresh talents are emerging in the country’s showbiz industry and the rising profile of artistes such as Davido, Kcee, Inyanya, Sean Tizzle, Olamide and others, it has become imperative for the ‘big boys’ to find away to hang on in the competitive industry. As for D’Banj, emerging Best Selling African Artiste is surely a good way to prove his international appeal, a reason he penned a record deal with Kanye West’s Good Music in the first instance.

For sure, this new achievement has set the stage for yet another celebration for D’Banj, who announced the news over a plate of rice and stew at breakfast, wearing a white bathrobe; he raised up the plaque in jubilation. So, Lagos, get ready to party, as the Koko Machine rolls in with honour.

Born as Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo in the Northern city of Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria to an artillery Officer and a church dignitary from Shagamu in Ogun state, D’Banj moved several times within Nigeria as well as abroad due to his fa-

ther’s job. He was sent to Nigerian military school at age 11 and was expected to enter the military like his father.

But at 14, D’Banj picked up the harmonica, a weapon of different kind and altogether more peaceful. His late elder brother, Femi Oyebanjo, who tragically died in a plane crash at age 17 on his way en route Lagos from Nigerian Military School, Zaria, introduced him to this instrument. His brother’s harmonica was one of his possessions recovered after the incidence and D’banj started to cherish it.

D’Banj became more and more involved in music and he cannot see himself doing anything else with the same passion. His song All The Way is about the struggles he has faced with his parents over his chosen career. However, he has now adopted the elegant, almost French-sounding name ‘D’Banj,’ a combination of his first name Dapo and his surname Oyebanjo.

He has recorded songs with established artistes such as Ruggedman, JJC & 419 Squad, Weird MC, El Dee Da Don, Ikechukwu, SID, Wande Coal, D’ Prince, Inyanya and others, and has also performed alongside many international artiste including Bennie Man, Wayne Wonder, Kevin Little, Ja Rule, Wyclef, Beyonce, Jay Z, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliot, En Vogue, Ciara and others.

The World Music Awards is an international award show founded in 1989 under the high patronage of Albert II, Prince of Monaco and is based in Monte-Carlo. Awards are presented to the world’s best-selling artistes in the various categories and to the best-selling artists from each major territory; the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) provides sales figures for the project.

The public votes for nine awards online; the awards are gold-plated, each depicting an artist holding the world, and are designed and manufactured by R.S. Owens & Co. who also makes the Oscars.

Aside from the glitz and razzmatazz, the World Music Awards builds hospitals, schools and orphanages through the Monaco Aide et Presence Foundation and the Combonian Missionary Association, which assist underdeveloped Areas in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Brazil.

Currently, there are 23 operational Centres saving lives and providing shelter and education including a hospital at Port Bouet in Côte d’Ivoire serving a population of over 170,000 inhabitants, a hospital, 2 homes and a school in India, a home in Sri Lanka for handicapped girls, a hospital in Rwanda, a hospital in Darfur, a hospital and school in Niger, a health centre and home in Cameroun and a hospital in Cambodia. Additionally, a home for abandoned children in Brazil, plus a hospital, school and 12 homes in Madagascar have been constructed, and the complete renovation and extension of an existing hospital in Mokatam, Egypt.

D’Banj

...With some Kokolettes at the award ceremony in France

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So Much Fun, As Shina Peller Marks Birthday

T

HE Quilox Niteclub located on Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, was recently awash with celebrities, who converged to celebrate Shina Abiola-Peller on his birthday.

Shina, who runs the joint took a time out with friends and colleagues to thank God for his blessing over the years. As expected, the hangout threw a lavish black and white party in his honour of its boss.

Though a rainy day, guests defied the cold evening to be

Banky W performing a the Shina Peller’s Birthday Party in Lagos

L’Original Expression… 10 Teams Advance To Next Stage These teams of Originals beat over 350 teams, who registered for the competiFTER rigorous online screening, nat- tion and will battle to scale through the ural premium soft drink Fayrouz has final stage, which will see only two teams announced the ten most fashionable compete for the grand prize.

The ten semi finalists include Applause, teams, who will move to the next level of Belle AFrique, Creative Lights, Echo, Elan, the L’Original Expression competition.

Elite, Eureka, FIB, Loud Tribe and Secret Project.

Meanwhile, the regionals, which will hold at the Golden Royale Hall in Enugu on the June 7, will be hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and will have the top teams fly in from different parts of Nigeria to showcase their tasks. Also, top R&B singer, Praiz will be the main performer for the night, with DJ Spinall on the wheels of steel.

Fayrouz has also revealed that there will be surprise aspiring international artistes who will thrill guests and Fayrouz lovers during the event.

The L’Original regional judges include creative duo of Gozel Green and fast ris-

Stories by Chuks Nwanne

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Ebuka

ing designer, Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange Culture. They will have the task of selecting the final two teams, who will move to the grand finale holding in Lagos in July, with style icons, Mai Atafo, April By Kunbi and KinaButi as grand finale judges.

The project will discover and promote different teams of four creative minds, which consist of a Fashion Designer, Make-Up Artiste, Photographer and a Model. These teams will create original designs to win the sum of $20,000 as well as many fashion opportunities of a lifetime.

Since inception, Fayrouz has differentiated itself as Nigeria’s only natural premium soft drink within a market of various products filled with chemical ingredients such as artificial additives, preservatives and sugar substitutes. Fayrouz has proven its originality with this unique formulation and stands out as a unique brand for its counterparts to follow.

Beyonce, Rihanna, Drake Others Join Race For MAMAs

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S showbiz stars gets set to hit Madiba’s territory for this year’s MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA), MTV Base has unveiled hip hop star Drake (Canada), R&B goddess Beyoncé (USA), R&B stunner Rihanna (Barbados), singer songwriter Pharrell (USA) and pop phenomenon Miley Cyrus (USA) as nominees for Best International Act. Billed for Saturday, June 7, at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), Durban, the show will be broadcast around the world on MTV, MTV Base, BET International and affiliate stations.

The 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards is sponsored by KwaZulu-Natal Province and

supported by Absolut and the City of Durban; South Africa Tourism is also a key partner to the awards.

The winners of Best International Act will be revealed during the live telecast of MAMA 2014 on 7 June at the ICC, Durban. To vote for the winner of Best International Act, go to www.mtvbase.com.

Stand-up comedian and TV sensation, Marlon Wayans will host the awards, while the glittering performer lineup includes a heady mix of African and international talent including Trey Songz, Miguel, French Montana, Davido, Flavour, Tiwa Savage, Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Oskido, Professor and many others.

Nominees for this year’s

music categories, include 2Face, Burna Boy, Chidinma, Clarence Peters, Danny K, Davido, Diamond, Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, Efya, Fally Ipupa, Flavour, Fuse ODG, Ice Prince, KCEE, Mafikizolo, Olamide, P Square, Professor, Phyno, R2bees, Sarkodie, Tiwa Savage, Uhuru, Wizkid, Zakes Bantwini among many other local and international acts.

In this year’s newly introduced lifestyle award categories, Chimamanda Adiche, O m o t o l a J a l a d e Ekeinde, Trevor Noah, Lupita Nyong’o and Yaya Toure are nominated for Personality of the Year, wjile Clarence Peters, Leti Arts, Rasty and Anisa Mpungwe are nominated in Transform Today by Absolut.

With hundreds of thousands of votes already cast, public voting for 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards continues online at www.mtvbase.com until midnight on 4 June 2014.

However, MTV Base chooses the winners of the MTV Base Leadership Award and Best Video, while voting for Song of the Year continues up until the show on 7 June.

Celebrating musicians and achievers, who have made the most impact on African youth culture throughout the year, MAMA 2014 will, for the first time ever, premiere LIVE across Africa on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130) at 21:00 CAT.

part of the groove and celebrate with amiable son of late magician, Prof Peller. For sure, the bar was loaded with assorted drinks ranging from champagne to spirits.

Notable among guests at the event are Olamide, Banky, comedian AY, DJ Exclusive, Oba Dosunmu, Gbenga Islander and others.

Meanwhile, there are indications that the club may be shut down next month for renovation work aimed at improving the facility.

Celebrities Endorse EiE Fundraising Dinner N a bid to raise funds to supItives port programs and initiathat build on the organisation’s strong record of promoting good governance through its core campaign - RSVP: Register| Select| Vote| Protect, Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), a coalition of individuals and youthled organisations committed to a culture of good governance and public accountability is planning a fundraising dinner billed for Saturday, June 14, at The Duchess, Zion Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The dinner, which is organised ahead of the 2015 elections, will also provide an opportunity for the organisation’s supporters, volunteers and staff to mingle, have fun and renew their commitment to the non-partisan group’s mission. The event promises to be a memorable evening with Nollywood’s Kate Henshaw, and Kola Oyeneyin, entrepreneur and youth advocate, will co-host the event.

Also expected is an impressive line-up of past & present supporters from the corporate, media & entertainment industries. Breathtaking performances are expected from soulful crooner, Timi Dakolo,

Omotola

while Wazobia’s FM Yaw will present an excerpt from his political satire The Street, while Omotola Jolade-Ekehinde will share her thoughts on citizen participation to close the evening.

The evening will also showcase EiE’s work over the last four years and its planned activities over the next four years; Banky W, Lanre Shashore, Odun Longe are expected to give testimonials. An auction will be one of the highlights of the evening as items like dinner dates with Keem Belo-Osagie and 2 tickets to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be auctioned.

According to EiE’s Executive Director Ms Yemi Adamolekun, “it promises to be an unforgettable evening of good music, laughter, networking and fun as we recommit ourselves to build the Nigeria we know is possible.”

Meanwhile, organisations and individuals have the opportunity to support the fundraising activities through the purchase of table packages or individual tickets. By hosting a table at the dinner, guests will be supporting the many projects that EiE undertakes.

Kate

Rocking Absolut Vodka Art Party With Patoranking, Runtown

I

T was fun moment for lovers of reggae music last weekend, as fast rising reggae sensation and dancehall star Patoranking, alongside Runtown stormed the Absolut Art Party, which was staged at the Lagoon Crest in Lekki.

The much-anticipated groove was a showstopper, as it has remained the talk of town creating among guests, creating buzz in social circles.

Indeed, fashion icon, celebrities, party-buffs, fans, and consumers of Absolut Vodka got an entertainment of a lifetime with the two acts on

stage.

The party was a magnet for revellers, who love to have fun in a different way and express themselves without limitations, set rules and hindrances. It also created fun,

excitement and shinning glitz in the night, opening opportunities for interactions with a pool of other celebrities such as Olisa Adibua, 2Shots, Denrele, Beverly and Zeal of BBA, Gideon Okeke of

Tinsel, Didi Madumforo, Viki Money, Tony Nwakalor, Muna Abi (former MBGN winner), Prinz, and Tillaman to mention a few.

Speaking at the event, the Brand Manager, Absolut Vodka Nigeria Akintayo Akinseloyin said, “we are supporting creativity and transformation in young people which remains the pivot to partnering with the Art community. The Absolut brand will continue to connect with talented individuals via exclusive events, which inspire transformation and brings exciting experience to consumers.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

KEEP IT REAL...

Amushan Kemi

Saturday, May 31, 2014

YOUTHMAGAZINE

with Kemi Amushan

Events

Expectations Cut Short

OST times we expect too much from our partners. It could M either be a good thing or a bad thing but the bad is more than the good. It’s a wise man who once said, “There’s no real

35

In association with

"Fire: The Concert"

boyfriend, it’s really best to try and resolve that before getting into a serious relationship. If you don’t, you could inadvertently expect your significant other to be the “void filler” in your life. By that I mean, you might hold them responsible for or accountable to the things that happened to you long before they ever came into the picture. And that’s too much pressure for anyone to have to deal with.

3. You Have A Hard Time Forgiving Something that all of us need to accept before getting into a relationship with someone is that they are human and so they are going to make mistakes. When you’re someone who has a hard time forgiving or you tend to hold a grudge, it’s a sign that you are resenting for someone who for not meeting your expectations and that’s not fair to you or to them. You want someone to forgive you when you don’t make the best choices, right? Try and extend the same courtesy to them.

point in getting into a relationship if it’s not going to make you better than you were before going into it.”

When you really stop to think about it, there is actually a lot of truth to that resolve. When offering relationship advice to my friends, something that I remind them is that when they’re in the process of choosing someone to share their life with, they need to look for the kind of person who will be able to support them, nurture them and help them to evolve into a better version of themselves. After all, that’s one of the benefits of having a true love experience. But sometimes there’s a fine line between expecting someone to be a good partner and looking for them to be your saviour; in sharing your life with someone or looking for them to be your entire world.

In hopes that you will not put unrealistic expectations on your relationship, I wanted to share with you five signs that You Look To Him To Make You Feel Good About Yourself you might be expecting the love of your life or partner to be If you don’t feel smart, beautiful and accomplished before super human. getting into a relationship, there’s a big chance that you’re going to expect the man in your life to be your self-esteem You Don’t Tend To Take Personal Responsibility cheerleader on a constant basis. And while it’s always a good A married male friend of mine once told me the story about thing to be with someone who can affirm and encourage you, his wife and her eyeglasses. He would purchase her a pair, she they should not be expected to make you feel good about would “lose them” and then simply expect him to get her yourself 24 hours a day. That is something that you need to do some more. After this happened a couple of times over the for yourself, preferably before he arrives. Otherwise, there’s a course of a few months, he finally confronted her about it. She pretty good chance that a lot of your communication will always had some kind of justification as to why the glasses consist of fishing for compliments rather than simply supwould go missing instead of simply saying “I need to do a bet- porting one another. And that can get to be pretty exhausting. ter job of keeping up with my things.” My point is this: Something that a relationship is to do is help you to grow as an You Want Him To Be “Mr. Fix It” (For Everything) individual. That can only happen if you’re willing to take perEven the best kind of man is not going to have all of the sonal responsibility for the mistakes or poor choices that you answers all of the time. Besides, the sign of a true partnership make. Don’t assume that your partner should “bail you out” so is that the two of you are willing to work together in order to much as help you out each and everytime. You definitely are figure out solutions to problems. If you are looking for your not helping yourself. partner to be “Mr. Fix It” for every obstacle that comes your way, not only are you setting yourself up to be disappointed You Expect Him To Be Your “Void Filler” but you’re also setting him up for failure. Remember that One of the most important thing I’ve learnt as a single lady is superheroes only exist in comic books and cartoons. Don’t that being single is beneficial. It is in the sense that it provides expect your partner to “save the day”, just to have your back. you with the opportunity to really get to know who you are.

I hope these tips would help in changing and making you a Not just as it relates to your likes and dislikes or dating prefer- better person. Work on yourself before you jump into that ences but also the space to look at how your past directly influ- relationship or else it will be a recipe for disaster. ences your future. If you have issues with your parents or an ex- To our happiness. Cheers.

BY SEGUN DUROWAIYE

Date(s): 14/06/2014 Description: Spirit of David will be driving the artistic content of the production that forms the concert launch of “FIRE”.

Location: Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos Promoter: Spirit Of David TICKETS: 3,000.00, 5,000.00 BUY TICKETS HERE: www.afritickets.com

Taruwa Festival: Theatre Date(s): 04/06/2014 Description: Taruwa Festival of Performing Arts in Nigeria [TAF] returns with a second edition themed ‘Telling Our Stories’.

Location: Terra Culture, Tamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Promoter: The Goal-keeper Company TICKETS: 3,500.00 BUY TICKETS HERE:www.afritickets.com

Taruwa Festival: Performance Workshop Date(s): 06/06/2014 Description: A 1-day Performance workshop for musicians, spoken word artistes, actors and comedians.

Location: Terra Culture, Tamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Promoter: The Goal-keeper Company TICKETS: 5,000.00 BUY TICKETS HERE:: www.afritickets.com

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

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

XNF Proudly Presents The Beatdown Night Championship Date(s): 31/05/2014 Description: This fighting championship will feature fighters from all over Nigeria Location: National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos Promoter: XNFighters TICKETS: 5,000.00 BUY TICKETS HERE: www.afritickets.com

36 Saturday, May 31, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

YOUTHMAGAZINE

WEEKENDBEATS

MTN WWTBAM: Ten Years Of Making Millionaires, Giving Lifelines

Show Host Frank Edoho handing over a cheque to Chief Lere Paimo, while Nollywood diva Gloria Young Looks on during one of the special episodes of the show Stories by Chuks Nwanne RDINARILY, a game show is a television or radio program in which the contestants’ knowledge is tested by questioning, with some winning money or prizes. However, in a situation where prize goes beyond the contestants, to include noble Nigerians, who have in the past made noticeable contribution to the growth development of the country through their acts and deeds, then it becomes more than just a game show; this is where the MTN Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (WWTBAM) comes in.

Now in its tenth year, the TV game show is arguably a shining example of what a successful synergy is. Over the years, it has grown to become the most consistent television game show Nigerians have witnessed in recent years.

Indeed, many, especially the veterans, who benefited through the charity editions, will stop at nothing in pouring encomiums on the property owners, Ultima Limited and sponsors MTN Nigeria, for not just bringing a combination of education and entertainment to Nigerian screens, but by using the platform for charity.

Coming at a time that terrestrial television stations in Nigeria were in need of world-class education and entertainment content, the pro-

O

moters of this show have done Nigerians a lot of good. And ten years on, the show looks stronger than ever.

For instance, from its education angle, one cannot but commend the owners of the franchise for the versatility of the questions thrown at the players on the hot seat. Ranging from sciences to the arts, to general knowledge about people, places and events… the question bank of this game show encompasses all spheres of human endeavour, ensuring you put on your thinking cap in such a spontaneous flashback.

For every viewer, there’s definitely something new to learn from every question.

Now, what about the nostalgic feelings some of these questions elicit? For many adults and elders, week in week out, WWTBAM questions bring back sweet memories of good old school days; memories of one seated in the classroom, listening to the teacher on a topic related to the question being asked comes to mind. In fact, the sense of nostalgia at such moments is better imagined.

Then, consider the lessons of life that this show teaches its teeming viewers; the ‘never say die’ attitude of winners, whose testimonies have shown that they kept trying their luck severally before they were invited to have a chance at the

hot seat. It’s a lesson for many Nigerians, the youth especially, not to give up on their dreams.

When you talk about decision making in the face of challenges, then, the applicable lifelines in the show are your best teacher.

For instance, ‘Going with the audience’ is an indication that, within your immediate environment lies the solution to some of life’s challenges. Of course, most times, you know someone somewhere, who can help you get to your next level. As for the ‘phone a friend’ lifeline, it’s a great lesson to be more circumspect with the kind of friends you keep. A famous 18th century American poet, Emily Dickinson, once said, “my friends are my estate.”

Neil Gaiman in The Graveyard Book said, “If you dare nothing, then when the day is over, nothing is all you will have gained.” In other words, it is sometimes riskier not to take a risk, because when you don’t take a risk, all you are guaranteeing is that things will stay the same way. So, through the “50-50” lifeline, many have discovered the wisdom in taking calculated risks.

However, being circumspect in risk-taking is another wisdom taught by this show through its “walk away” option. Of course, we must know when to take a bow, in whatever situation we find ourselves in life.

More Endorsements For Tricia Esiegbe’s The Psychologist RICIA Eseigbe Kerry’s public T awareness campaign programme on child sexual abuse,

signing ceremony with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) MD Abubakar recently, founder The Psychologist, has continued of the project Trcia Esiegbe Kerry to receive the endorsement of a took another bold step in emnumber of state governments, barking on a nationwide camwho have pledged their support paign. Dubbed The Psychologist and commitment in the fight on the move tour, the notable Nolagainst child abuse. lywood actress and her team emAfter a historic partnership barked on an advocacy tour for

children of the Niger Delta and states in the South East.

The team visited the governors of Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Abia and Enugu State. It had earlier visited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who endorsed the project and pledged his support and that of the Ministry.

When they met with Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, the governor commended the project and called on all stakeholders to partake in the education and fight against child sexual abuse and protection of children nationwide. Governor Chime promised to do everything possible within his powers to support The Psychologist On The Move tour of Enugu State stressing

that he wants every community within the state to be visited and educated on ways parents can protect their children from sexual predators.

Speaking further the Governor commended the Nigeria Police Force on the partnership with Tricia’s Psychologist. He however advised the IGP, who was represented by the state commissioner of Police Mr. Abubakar Mohammed Adamu, to ensure that the project succeeds in the state.

The Governor also wants the police to secure ‘’justice for victims of child sexual abuse,’’ adding that the CP should advice all station DPOs to enforce arrest and persecution, ‘’irrespective of whoever that is involved in the crime of child sexual abuse.’’

In the area of entertainment, the show has never failed to live up to the expectations of its teeming audience. This is evident in the way and manner Nigerians stay glued to their television sets on Sunday evenings when the show is aired. The Who Wants To Be A Millionaire TV game show has proved to be one of the most viewed family entertainment shows on in the country.

The minute-by-minute suspense, laced with comic relief by the show host Frank Edohoh makes it not only naturally entertaining, but also a must watch for the family.

The show has also been highly rewarding, touching lives, changing lives and putting smiles on peoples’ faces; we have since lost count of the number of millionaires already produced by this show. However, names that vividly come to mind in this regard include Aroma Ufodike, the first and only person so far, to have clinched the ultimate cash prize of N10million, while some others like Oni Babatunde, Mrs Winifred Karieren and Nnaemeka Ubaekwena were made N5million richer. Of worthy mention is the first millionaire the game produced, Mr Quadri Arasi, who carted home a million naira in January 2005.

Interestingly, the show has also accommodated family members on the hot seat, at different periods. Mrs Omanufeme and her daughter Oreva Omanufeme are testimonies of this occurrence, as Mrs Omanufeme had previously won a sum of N1million on the show, while her daughter, little Miss Oreva Omanufeme took her turn on the hot seat recently. Like her mum, she was made N1million richer.

If all the above-mentioned attributes were all there is to say about the show, in its tenth year on Nigerian screens, many would say the property owners and their corporate sponsors have done noble. But apart from its ‘edutainment’ and reward values, the organisers of the show have also created a robust and consistent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) window on this show. Several editions of the show have been dedicated to Who Deserves To Be A Millionaire series, where many notable individuals and non-governmental organisations have had their chance on the hot seat, with notable Quiz Masters (those that have won huge sums in past editions), playing the game with them, so as to boost their chances of a decent winning.

Notable among those that have in times past, benefited via this CSR window are legendary Yoruba comic act Chief Moses Olaiya popularly known as Baba Sala, who carted home one million naira; Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, who designed Nigeria’s national flag smiled to the bank with two million naira; former Nigerian international, Coach Peter Fregene, who won five hundred thousand naira, former Under-23 national team coach, Willy Bazuaye and many others.

Some of the NGOs that have benefited from this CSR window include Children’s Home, Gbagada; Sisters Unite for Children, Abijo, Lagos; CECP Nigeria; Niger Wives and several others.

Meanwhile, primary school pupils and secondary school students have also had their days on the hot seat; hereby ensuring the show embraces all age-brackets.

Many TV game shows have come and gone on Nigerian screens, but none is near the values that WWTBAM has offered Nigerians in ten years. With a single show encompassing all the various attributes described, such a show must have emanated from a well-conceived, wellpackaged and well-implemented idea. At this point, kudos should be given to Ultima Limited, who brought the WWTBAM franchise to Nigeria.

For ten years, Nigeria’s leading ICT Company has been consistent in its sponsorship of the show, putting its money where its mouth is; impacting lives and bringing joy to Nigerian homes. Of course, MTN has been the grease in the wheel of WWTBAM in its ten-year sojourn in Nigeria; not even a major fire incident that razed the Ultima Studios venue of the show in August 2010, could deter the organisers and sponsors from carrying on with the show.

For channelling their resources into a worthy course that has touched lives, for entertaining and educating over one hundred and fifty million Nigerians and for empowering many Nigerians in the last ten years, the telecommunication company truly deserves to take a bow.

Saturday, May 31, 2014 37

THE GuARDIAn www.ngrguardiannews.com

YOUTHMAGAZINE

WEEKEnDBEATS

Ine Sings No Forming

By Ijeoma Opara OnE of nigeria’s fast rising music acts, Ine, has released her second video titled, No forming.

According to the singer, “the lyrics and beats are unique; you want to dance. It teaches you to work hard to pay your bills; because I sang about how I don’t depend on guys to pay my bills and that alone should inspire you.”

The actress and model, who hails from Ogoja Local Government Area in Cross River State, is signed under Don Ken’s Coal City records.

Having started singing and recording songs professionally at the age of 18, she recalls her growing up experience.

“Growing up was good; I am from a middle class family. I started with acting when I was 17; I always knew I could sing but felt I should be really big in the movie industry first, and at some point, it was a bit difficult in the movie industry - the sexual harassment coupled with the minor roles I was given.

She continues: “I like things done very big; I want to be from the start to finish of a movie but most of the roles I got from sitcoms and movies were minor roles which was understandable because I was just coming up. Since I knew I could sing, I decided to focus on music so that I can go back into the movie industry, she said.

Speaking on her genre of music, she noted, “I do good music but I don’t have a particular genre of music; I do dance hall, Hip-pop a n d R’n’B… it depends on the inspi-

a

Chika 100% (middle) at the unveilling ceremony in Lagos

Chika 100% Joins Tehila Records Stories by Chuks Nwanne FTER years of honing his music skills, A Chika Ezeigbo, otherwise called Chika 100% in the gospel music scene, is set to make a bold statement in the industry.

The powerful vocalist just signed a record deal with Tehila Records, with the hope of using the platform to sell his brand of music to the world.

The breakthrough deal includes recording of his debut album, shooting of his videos, collaboration with notable artistes within and outside nigeria and not forgetting an intensive distribution of Chika 100%’s album and materials within nigeria and all over the world.

Speaking at the press conference held recently in Lagos to announce the deal, CEO of Tehila Records Timothy Ogboruche described the artiste as a talented singer, who has impressed many with his skills.

“I’m proud to announce the signing of one of nigeria’s finest Gospel artists. Chika 100% has proven worthy as an artiste that has the potential of taking the world by

storm.

This is history in the making and a good thing for the nigerian Gospel music industry and Africa at large’ he concluded.”

According to the CEO, the event marks another milestone reached in the history of the nigerian Gospel music industry.

“It is hoped that the deal portrays the Gospel scene in a good light and boosts our image both nationally and internationally,” he said.

Already, plans have reached advanced stage for the shooting of the video of Chika’s chart busting single Otogbuole’m under Tehila records. He will also be kicking off work on his debut album, which will feature notable gospel artistes in nigeria in the next few weeks.

Tehila Records is the home label of multiple award-winning gospel group Tehila Crew. The crew was the group of the year at the Africa Gospel Music awards in London 2013, The nigerian Gospel Music awards 2013 and nominees for the Crystal awards 2014 coming up in June this year.

A singer and songwriter, Chika has a musical experience spanning over 15 years. His first encouter with music was at the childern’s choir in his church and he went on to sing in the church band and several music groups such as The Beloved Brothers, The Psalmist, Maestro Zone and joint Heirs. He gradually rose to become an accomplished singer and seasoned instrumentalist.

In 2008, he formed the band 100% and has since had a budding career, recording songs and performing them in churches and various gospel concerts nationwide.

Meanwhile, Chika recently released a couple of single presently enjoying airplay.

Songs like Otogbuole m, Great & Mighty and I’ve come to worship are doing well.

A graduate of Education Social Studies from the Abia State university, Chika is also an experienced music director, who has led different music groups and choirs. Currently, he is the music director of at new Covenant Assembly of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He is happily married to the love of his life.

Business Etiquette with Rita Okoye

Importance of Business Etiquette Rita Okoye uSInESS Etiquette means that you act professionally and exB ercise proper manners when engaging with others. It is about presenting yourself with the kind of polish that shows you can be taken seriously.

Statistics reveal that you require 15 percent technical skills and 85 percent social business skills and etiquette to accelerate your career. nowadays employers are training their staff internally or they reach out to experts like us to teach their employees Business Etiquette. One of our client’s during a feedback session said to me, ‘We do this because we know that business etiquette will improve our company’s image and ultimately create more profit for our business.’

Business Etiquette creates customer loyalty. Customers want to associate themselves with companies that conduct themselves professionally and are more likely to do business again if they receive a good experience. Think of all the companies that you know who are extremely professional. Think of the airlines.

The ones who conduct themselves professionally have been in business for years and customers always want to fly with them.

They are the customer’s first choice of airline for flying. Those who do not have a good reputation or strong customer satisfaction struggle to stay in business.

A customer always remembers their experience whether it’s a good experience or bad, especially manners. Kehinde visited a Salon in town recently but swore never to go back again. She said the stylist was extremely rude and impatient with her. She

Do remember your manners. Saying please or thank you can be the difference between a customer doing business with you or not. Business Etiquette is a win win for in companies because where Manangement and staff are working together respectfully it creates a better working atmosphere. was really upset and mentioned her experience to all her 500 friends on facebook. If it’s a good experience people are more likely to tell a few friends but if it’s a bad experience they will tell everybody.

Do remember your manners. Saying please or thank you can be the difference between a customer doing business with you or not. Business Etiquette is a win win for in companies because where Manangement and staff are working together respectfully it creates a better working atmosphere.

Emmanuel did not gain a first class degree at university but his impeccable business etiquette skills led him to top management very quickly.

So there you have it. Start your day with good etiquette. It goes a long way.

• Author Rita Okoye rita@majesticallyrare.com • Rita Okoye is an event planner, publicist & personal development trainer

jump at it.

“Everything that happens around me inspires me, God has also been my source of inspiration and people’s stories inspire me to sing, including my own story. I am not in any kind of competition with anybody, I am in the industry to be myself and not imitate someone else because I do believe in myself and in what I do.”

On the challenges she faced starting out, Ine noted, “music needs a lot of support; when I first started out my family was not in support and so no one was ready to give you money to do music since it wasn’t education related. I just kept pushing because I believed in myself and gradually they have been able to accept it, my mum now prays for me,” she enthused.

The third year student of Political Science at the national Open university stressed on the importance of acquiring basic education irrespective of your dream.

“I want to be a very knowledgeable person, I don’t want it to be all about music, I want to know a little bit about everything which is key.”

Although combining music while getting education has not been so easy, she noted that her career path affected her choice of a tertiary institution, which can afford her the opportunity to study from home.

Ine, who describes herself as simple, down to earth and God-fearing says she doesn’t see herself doing anything else other than being in the entertainm e n t

world.

She also hopes to feature big shots like 2face idibia, Tiwa Savage, Omawunmi and Seyi Shay in future songs.

ration.

Sometimes, I just go into the studio, listen a beat and then I just

Summer Girl, A Hot Vibe From Mr. 2Kay FTER the success of his last on BBC 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, Bang A u.K single Bubugaga (Remix), radio, Represent Radio and a few which got a four-star rating more stations in London. from the Daily Mirror uK and a great review in nigeria media, Port Harcourt boy, Mr 2Kay is back with another single titled Summer Girl (Samba).

The fast rising Grafton Records star’s new single is an electrifying sound fused with Afro-pop.

“This new song will definitely get you feeling like you are at the peak of summer, which is not far away. The lyrical content of the track and the fusion of sounds make it a track to definitely make you anticipate the forthcoming summer,” a statement from his management reads.

Mr. 2Kay, who was named by nigerian Entertainment Today as one of the acts to look out for in 2014, hooked up again with British Afrobeat producer, Ozzie of Triple O Productions, for the second time to deliver Summer Girl. The song has been enjoying downloads and rotations on many nigerian radio stations. It is also now receiving special play

Born Abiye David Jumbo, Mr. 2kay is not new to the uK Afro scene as his previous single got playlisted on Kiss FM, Capital Xtra and many more stations across the uK and made it to the weekend anthem on BBC 1xtra.

Summer Girl is expected to be released officially in the uK on 27 July.

Mr 2Kay

38

Saturday, May 31, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

FASHION

Young Stars Rising: Oluwatoyin Oyeneye Toyin is a Young and Talented Model on the rise. He speaks to Guardian Correspondents Myles Igwebuike and Kemi Amushan on how he started.

LUWATOYIN Oyeneye is a native of Abeokuta in Ogun O State but was born and bred in Lagos State. He grew up around his aunty and uncles which was fun for him.

His influences are drawn from everything around him.

From people, games and places. His icons are his mum, David Agbodji and Naomi Campbell for her ageless versatility and consistency.

His first love for modeling started during the arise magazine fashion week two years ago and since then I’ve been a model. His aspiration will be to be shot by either Patrick Demarchelier or his son Victor Demarchelier. His fashion accessories are Eye glasses and Wristwatches.

He keeps fit by eating healthy and drinking water or teas then once in a while, he squeezes in some exercise routines. He believes that there are going to be future collaborations with Naomi Campbell or Karlie Kloss and we wish him luck with that.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, May 31, 2014

39

FASHION

By Kemi Amushan and Myles Igwebuike Nwune is the last kid IatFEANYI of four boys. He is a student the Covenant University, where he is currently studying Electrical/Electronics Engineering. He’s a menswear stylist and designer. He has had the privilege to work with a couple of notable people and organizations over his 3 years of professional experience in fashion. But currently, he is the personal stylist to Choc City’s Dj caise, and Mavin’s Dr Sid. He also just recently released his first collection as a menswear designer, which got significant applause both locally and internationally.

Ifeanyi came into the fashion industry, majorly to create stuff that could excite people. The whole process, from drawing out plans to the actual executions and the “dope” results that are produced(after proper coordination) just fascinates him.

His new line which is also called “Ifeanyi Nwune”, is a brand he created basically to expantiate more on his personal style and also to create such amazing clothes that men in this part of the world, would see less reason to shop abroad.

He wants to try and set the pace for other young designers out there, who are really doing this for the sake of passion, and not just money. So they can gear all possible creativity to their craft, so that he’ll get clients who want to buy his stuffs, not just to patronise, but because they are phenomenal pieces.

Ifeanyi is crazy about hats, wide brim hats and also boots. He says “There’s this swag they breed around them. Leave you looking effortlessly nice”.

He has this thing he calls “My fashion video, which is something he created, to entertain people and also an attempt to gear his creativity to another angle of fashion that wasn’t actually physical clothes. It contains a fusion of dope sounds (created by Skweird) and a few pieces from his control collection. He sends a Big shout out to Redtown Studios for working on that with him.

His style icons are Asap Rocky, Ugo Mozie, Pharrell and Emeka Hypnotic.

Designer Of The Week: Ifeanyi Nwune

40 Saturday, May 31, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

FASHION This vibrant and beautiful songstress speaks to Guardian Correspondent Myles Igwebuike and Kemi Amushan on her Music, Journey and Style.

EMI Alade is an” afro highlife pop rnb” songwriter, Y songstress and performer signed to Effyzzie music group.

She is sometimes referred to as that Yoruba-igbo girl because her mum is a native of Abia state while her dad is a native of Ondo state. Yemi is the fifth of seven kids, a lover of music and believer of God. Yemi Alade used to be the lead vocalist of a girl group way back in secondary school but music started for me professionally at the age of 12 as the only kid chorister in my church ‘s adult choir, My debut single is “fimisile” featuring Eldee the don, then I released ‘ghenghenlove’ after that and subsequent other singles. It’s been 5yrs of professional music, good music!!!

Star Focus: Yemi Alade

Saturday, May 31, 2014 | 41

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

GARDENING

With Sereba Agiobu-Kemmer

sereba.agiobu.kemmer@ngrguardiannews.com

Compost material from kitchen waste

Top loading bottom unloading compost bin A simple lattice screen effectively hides compost bin from view OMPOST is nature’s Black Gold. It is also the Gardener’s C Gold. That is one of the many positive descriptions for compost. Compost makes garden magic and the best thing is that it can be made practically for free.

Compost is like a miracle for soil; it loosens heavy clay, so plants can thrive, and helps sandy soil to hold nutrients and moisture better.

It also encourages beneficial microorganisms that help your plants grow strong and healthy and it breaks down compost, feeds your plants organically.

There is a lot to know about compost, starting with the different types of compost. It is easier than you think to make your own. Start with a simple compost bin that turns your yard and kitchen waste into nutrient-rich addition for your soil.

Nature creates compost all the time without the assistance of mankind. Composting is a simple and natural process that occurs in nature. Both living plants and annual plants die at the end of the season and are consumed by animals of all sizes, from larger mammals to microscopic organism.

The result of this natural cycle is compost, a combination of digested and undigested food left on the earth to create rich, usually soft, sweet-smelling soil-like material known as humus, the best soil builder around.

Compost is rich in nutrients, nearly all of the essentials for healthy plant growth. It is a key ingredient in a lush, easy-tomaintain garden.

It is key ingredient and cornerstone in organic farming and is used in gardens, landscaping, horticulture and agriculture.

The compost itself is beneficial for the land in many ways, including as a soil conditioner, fertilizer, addition of vital humus or humic acids and as a natural pesticide for soil.

In ecosystems, compost is useful for erosion control, land and stream reclamation, wetland construction and as landfill cover.

How To Make Compost MAKING compost is the ultimate in recycling magic. With little effort and virtually no expense, you can transform kitchen vegetable and fruit peelings, garden clippings and garden waste of dry leaves into dark, rich and crumbly compost.

Essential Concepts THERE is no mystery to making good compost. A compost pile mimics the process nature uses to breakdown organic matter by combining nitrogen and carbon materials with air and water.

Compost contains both carbon and nitrogen sources, which can be simplified as browns for carbon (like dried leave, straw and woody materials) and greens for nitrogen (such as grass and food scraps).

Adequate sources of carbon and nitrogen are important for microorganisms’ growth and energy.

Organic materials are broken down through the activities and appetites of various invertebrates that will naturally appear in compost, such as mites, millipedes, beetles, sowbugs, earwigs, earthworms, slugs and snails.

These microorganisms need adequate moisture and oxygen to degrade the organic matter in the most efficient manner.

Microbes in the pile create considerable heat and essentially “cook” the compost.

At its most essential, the process of composting requires simply piling up waste outdoors and waiting a year or more.

Modern methodical composting is multi-step, closely monitored process with measured inputs of water, air and carbon and nitrogen-rich materials.

Shredding the plant matter, adding water and ensuring proper aeration by regularly turning the mixture aid the decomposition process.

Worms and fungi further break up the material. Aerobic bacteria manage the chemical process by converting the inputs into heat, carbon dioxide and ammonium.

The ammonium is further converted by bacteria into plantnourishing nitrites through the process of nitrification.

Building A Compost Pile

Gardener’s black gold-compost or humus soil

Black Gold IT is easy to cook up your own compost for your garden. Just lay organic materials and a dash of soil to create a concoction that turns into humus and contains the best nutrients and soil amendments, which in turn feed the plants for healthy, fruitful growth.

There are two main ways to make compost- Cold compost (minimum effort) and Hot compost (maximum effort).

Cold Black Gold EVERYONE can do this type of composting in their backyard, because it is as easy as collecting yard waste, such as grass clippings, leaves and weeds and taking organic material from your trash, such as vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds and tea filters, egg shells, corralling them into a pile or bin, wait six to 24 months for the micro organisms, earthworms and insects to break down the materials.

Add new materials to the top of the pile. You can reduce the waiting period by occasionally turning the pile and monitoring and adjusting its moisture level. The compost will be ready when the original ingredients are unrecognisable.

Generally, compost on the bottom of the pile “finishes” first.

You may not want to include woody material, because it breaks down too slowly.

Pros It takes little effort to build and maintain and can be built over time.

Cons It takes up to two years to produce finished compost and it doesn’t kill pathogens and weed seeds and undecomposed pieces may need to be screened out Some Like It Hot HOT composting is for the more serious gardener and you get compost in two to three months in warm weather.

Hot or fast composting takes more work and the right combination of ingredients.

Four ingredients are required for fast-cooking hot compostnitrogen, carbon, air and water.

Together, these items feed microorganisms, which speed up the process of decay.

To create your own organic compost heap, wait until you have enough materials to create a compost critical mass (27 cubic feet), which is the minimum volume for a pile to hold heat.

Then to ensure an even composition of materials, create an alternating four to eight inch deep layers of green/nitrogen materials (kitchen scraps, fresh leaves, ground coffee and tea grounds) and brown/carbon materials (dried leaves, shredded paper, untreated sawdust), follow with 2.5 to five-centimetre layer of garden soil or finished compost.

Repeat with alternating nitrogen and carbon layers, but as the ratio is mixed, one part green matter with two parts brown matter.

Bury any vegetative food scraps in the centre to avoid attracting animals. Check to make sure the mixture has the ideal moisture level.

Continue adding mixed greens and browns and soil and checking the moisture until you have built a pile that is three feet by three feet or five feet wide at the base and three feet wide at the top.

The microorganisms will immediately start decomposing and their bodies will release heat. The pile will insulate the heat and the temperature of the pile’s interior will reach 120oF to 150oF. These high temperatures are necessary for rapid composting, as well as for destroying weed seeds, insect larvae, and potentially harmful bacteria.

Check to see if your pile is decomposing by monitoring it with a thermometer or simply reach into the middle of the pile with your hand.

Provide moisture by sprinkling water over the pile regularly so it has the consistency of a damp sponge. Don’t add too much water; otherwise the microorganisms in your pile will become water-logged and drown. If this happens, your pile will rot instead of composting.

You should provide the pile with oxygen by turning it once a week with a garden fork. Stirring up the pile helps it cook faster and prevents materials from becoming matted down and developing a bad odour.

At this point, the layers have served their purpose of creating proportional amounts of green and brown materials throughout the pile, so stir thoroughly.

After about a month, the hot phase will be done and the pile will finish decomposing temperatures between 80oF of and 110oF. Then when the compost no longer heats and all the original ingredients are unrecognisable, it becomes dry, brown and has a crumbly texture throughout the pile. It is fully cooked and ready to feed the garden.

Pros It produces high-quality compost within two months (and sometimes as soon as a few weeks) and can kill weed seeds and pathogens (experts do not recommend adding weed seeds or manure that contains human pathogens to compost, hot or cold, because uniform heating is difficult to achieve in home compost pile).

Cons It is time-consuming and requires careful management of moisture, air and C/N ratio.

Backyard or personal composting is the intentional and managed decomposition of organic materials for the creation of compost. Anyone can effectively manage the composting process.

However, the trick is to maximise the process of decomposition, while avoiding the unpleasant effects of having a pile of decaying matter.

Compost is beneficial for home gardens because it improves soil texture and provides nutrients to plants. Compost conserves water and helps control soil erosion.

Highly versatile, compost can be dug into the garden or used as top dressing or as mulch.

It also adds valuable nutrients, while transplanting. Compost is the secret in organic gardening to create a successful easy-tomaintain garden.

Good Green Materials Fruit scraps, vegetable scraps, egg shells, coffee and tea grounds, grass and plant clippings.

Good Brown Materials Dry leaves, finely chopped wood and bark chips, shredded newspaper, straw and sawdust from untreated wood.

Don’t Compost With Anything containing meat, oil, fat or grease, diseased plant materials, sawdust or chips from pressure-treated wood, dog or cat faeces, weeds that go to seed and dairy products.

Composters Enclosed bins, which promote faster decomposition and discourage rodents, are best, particularly in urban areas.

You can also make your own composter out of scrap wood.

Build your own Bin Open bins and enclosed containers are both used for compost piles. A bin helps contain your compost pile and makes it more attractive.

While you can buy a commercial plastic container, it is easy to build your own. A simple round or square structure can be made from fencing wire.

The bin should be at least three feet wide and three feet deep to provide enough space for materials to heat up.

42 Saturday, May 31, 2014

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DIARY

Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Chairman, Egbe-Idimu LCDA, Hon. Waheed Bello and Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Council, Lagos State, Comrade Ayodele Adewale during Aregbesola’s campaign flag-off in Ile-Ife on Tuesday

Former Chief of General Staff, Lt. General Oladipo Diya, who was Chairman of the occasion; celebrant, Archbishop Magnus Atilade and Professor Olusegun Humponu Wusu at the celebration of Archbishop Atilade’s 70th birthday in Lagos…recently

Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke and Chairman of the Heritage Council and Endowment for the Arts of Nigeria, Mr. Igho Charles Sanomi II at one hundred years of Nigerian arts, tourism literature and design which was celebrated in London recently

The Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) Oshodi, Lagos, Air Vice Marshal, Monday Rikku Morgan (left), Director General (DG) Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr. Gloria Elemo, Navy Commander, Ebi Otoko, and Director of Training (NAFRC), Brigadier General David Lubo, during the Commandant’s courtesy visit to the DG in Lagos…recently

Chairman, Morgan State University (MSU) Board of Regents, Kweisi Mfume (left), President MSU National Alumni Association, Jacqueline Lawson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Cheryl Hitchook, President, MSU, David Wilson and Senator Gbenga Ashafa, during the recognition award given to Ashafa by MSU at the 74th Alumni Awards and Class Reunion Luncheon in Maryland, USA…recently

L-R: Asoanya Jerry, South-South/South East region grand prize winner, Tony Okpanachi, Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria Ltd; Mayowa Okuyiga, Senior Executive Officer, Legal, Lagos State Lotteries Board; Aliyu Yelwa, Federal Capital Territory/ North region grand prize winner and Tunde Kuponiyi, Head, Cards and E-banking Business, Ecobank Nigeria, at the presentation of prizes to winners during the Ecobank Card 4 Prizes Promo Grand Draw in Lagos…recently

Vice Chancellor, Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State, Professor Eronmosele Aigbokhan (3rd from right) and principal officers of the school at the launching of the school’s New Horizon International Training Centre in Edo State…recently

Students and teachers of Christ College, Lagos during the Girl Child summit organised by Ms Entrepreneur Africa Competition in partnership with the Advocacy for Widows Empowerment Foundation (AWEF) in Lagos…recently

Nigerian Idol Top 3 contestant, Odugbemi Idowu Sarah (Eye-D); Director Channel Sale, Etisalat Nigeria, Ken Ogujiofor; another Top 3 contestant, Elvis Ejiro (Elvis Jay); Acting CEO, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher and another Top 3 contestant, Zibili Evelyn (Evelle) and Director, Brands & Communication, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye, during the EtiHon. and Mrs. Kolawole Abdulazeez’s during the naming ceremony of their baby in Lagos…recently salat sponsored Nigerian Idol Top 3 contestants courtesy visit to Etisalat office, in Lekki, Lagos…recently

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Saturday, May 31, 2014 | 43

Okiro Buries Mother Amidst Pomp

SOCIETY

By Sunday Odita

Recently, former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro buried his mother, late Mrs. Bessy Mgbogo Okiro who was aged 96years. The event which took place at Okiro’s oil rich town of Obiakpor, Egbema attracted the rich and the powerful in the society, including the

governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha; Deputy Speaker, House of Representative, Emeka Ihedioha; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar and other dignitaries.

Below are some faces of people that graced the occasion.

Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, Chairman of Police Service Commission, Sir Mike Okiro and Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha

Okiro and Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha

Commissioner of Police Delta State Command, Ikechukwu Aduba, a guest, former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mrs. Ivy Okoronkwo, Inspector General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau, Solomon Arase and another top Police officer

A traditional ruler and former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara

Mike Okiro’s children

Okiro and his two sisters paying their last respect

Area Commander, Area E Police Command, Lagos, ACP Dan Okoro and Alaba International Market business mogul, Mr. Azubuike Ekwerekwu

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye and Commissioner of Police Rivers State Police command, Ayotunde Ogunshakin

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44 Saturday, May 31, 2014

TRAVEL&TOURISM

TRAVELOGUE: Few Days Away In Durban

Ghandi’s house named Sarvodaya in Phoenix Settlement, Durban

In his recent visit to South Africa to cover Indaba tourism trade show held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, AJIBOLA AMZAT recounts his experience of the city popularly known as the warmest place to be in the Rainbow Nation.

Goodbye Murtala Muhammed, Welcome Oliver Thambo ROM Lagos to Johannesburg, the flight was smooth. South Africa Airways did everything to make more than 300 passengers comfortable for the six-hour journey. At Oliver Tambo International Airport, things started looking different from the world we left behind: clean and functional airport, efficient immigration and police officers, respectful shop attendants, and a flurry of international travellers going about their business in organized manner.

“Excuse me sir, may I help you,” a police said as he approached me. I told him I needed to change my dollar to rand. “Ok follow this way and turn right, you

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will find the counter on your right side.” Voila! I was there. And in few minutes, I got my rand. The young lady at the bureau de change shop directed me to where I could buy a new sim card for my phone. “If you are not staying long, buy Cell C; it is cheaper,” the lady said with a smile that could make even an impatient traveller tarry a while longer. But there was another flight to catch to Durban.

One hour later, we were faced with a mock choir of six at King Shaka International Airport singing “welcome to Indaba”. The 6.8 billion rand (900 million US dollar) airport was named after the 19th century leader of the Zulu nation, Shaka Zulu. It was at KSIA, the four journalists from Nigeria including me joined our colleagues from other African countries, Asia, Europe and America.

Indaba, celebrated as the top Africa’s Top Travel Show, may as well be one of the largest gatherings of journalists in Africa. The group was ushered into the buses waiting to ferry us to our various hotels.

The Nigerian group got a five star hotel called Suncoast Hotel and Towers, a branch of TSOGO Hotel

Group.

Settling Down In The Hotel At the hotel, a cluster of staffers was waiting for us with gifts of smiles and assorted drinks ranging from wine, juice, mineral water, tea and coffee. And while waiting to be shown our rooms, I ran over a brochure showing detail of the amenities in the hotels. The list contains bar, beach, business center with Internet access, casino and gambling, fitness center, gym, free high speed Internet (WiFi), restaurant room service, spa suites, swimming pool and wheelchair access.

Southern Sun Hotel, another subsidiary of Tsogo Sun Hotel Group in Lagos, Nigeria, has facilities, which are similar to Sun Coast’s, except the beach.

But unlike the Lagos Southern Sun where African delicacies are on the menu list, Sun Coast in Durban offers guests more of Indian food and spices. At a point I almost thought there could be a grand plan by the hotel management to make their customers cultivate Indian taste within their short stay at the hotel. Yet, this is a shortcoming that one forgets quickly when one remembers other treats and frills offered by the

hotel. For example, I got a package of chocolate in my room 122 while some of my colleagues got wine and other mementos as welcoming gifts. Expectedly, my room offered a blend of comfort and class, just the type that makes a journalist feel successful for a brief moment. Much as I loved my gorgeous bed, I hardly got a chance to sleep in it.

Indaba packed array of events that left many of us panting for time.

A First Visit To ICC The venue of Indaba 2014 was 10, 000 capacity Albert Luthuli International Conference Centre, formerly known as Durban International Convention Centre.

ICC is one of the largest convention centres in South Africa. Since 1980 when it was built, it has hosted big events such International AIDS Conference in 2000, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 1999, and the Non-Aligned Movement in 2004. It also hosted the preliminary draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Final Draw for 2013 African Cup of Nations, as well as COP17 meeting in 2011. This is the place where not fewer than 30 Indaba events were held in three days, starting from 9th to 12th May.

Ghandi’s Bust

We arrived at ICC about 3pm on Friday, 10th May to get familiar with the environment. As at that time, the centre was already a beehive of activities. Exhibitors were putting final touches to their stands, buyers were arriving from different parts of Africa and from overseas, the con-

ference officials were busy registering delegates, giving them the conference materials and offering them information they needed to find their ways around the centre. Included in the conference material is a USB device that looks like a flash drive;

Continued on Page 45

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

45

TRAVEL&TOURISM Continued from Page 44 Idaba Connect’s poken, it is called. But it has a much more exciting functions.

The Poken serves as a digital replacement for physical business card. For three days, all delegates were seen sporting their poken around their necks like a priceless talisman.

The device through a simple touch made networking an easy experience.

Withy my Indaba Connect, I collected contacts of top business managers in Africa, ranging from those in hospitality business to airlines, conservationists, travel companies and others.

Royal Feast At The Square Later in the evening, we dinned at The Square restaurant where a delectable meal was served by courteous chefs. The buffet is a blend of sophistication and palatial pleasure, coupled with assorted drinks of various brands. My Ghanaian friend, Jojo could not hide his wonderment. “This is food for the gods,” he said. Jojo was on point, there was something divine about that meal.

Notwithstanding, we spent most of the night talking about African leaders and their politics and the opportunities opened to the continent, which however are being squandered on regular basis.

Samantha, a returnee from UK was angry that Ghana, the country of her birth is yet to reproduce the semblance of development that is evident in South Africa 57 years after its independence. Before 10 o’ clock, we were back to Sun Coast. We had a long day ahead of us the next day.

Night of Poetry and Oratory Saturday 10th was the Dday, the opening ceremony of the Indaba 2014. It was the day of poetry, speeches and performance. The master of ceremony, Sello Maake Ka-Ncube, the popular South African actors rendered an ode to Africa that got many hands clapping after his rendition. Then the mayor of Ethekwini Durban, Mr. James Nxmualo spoke glowingly of their achievements in Durban, so was the MEC: Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs, Mr. Mike Mabuyakhulu, CEO South African Tourism, Thulani Nzima and Minister of Tourism South Africa, Mr. Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk. South African leaders, like their counterparts in the West, have mastered the art of public speaking.

Though the speeches were not delivered extempore – who does that these days anyway? – One can hardly noticed because of the dexterity with which the delivery was done. And they were not mere rhetoric; every claim was backed with some research findings or results of some survey.

If they were mere gasbags, none of the speakers could have endured hard nose questioning of Richard Quest of CNN without losing composure when he subjected them to drilling during one of the sessions tagged the Global Media Face Off. Poor me, I got my own baptism of fire from the tormentor called Richard Quest during the photo session. Discovering that I am a Nigerian, he asked, “What is your view about Nigeria anti-gay law?” I gave the same answer I had always been giving anytime I participate in discussion around that subject: It is a bad law because it criminalises the sexual orientation of some individuals. “So what did you do about it,” he fired back. I told him I wrote about it. “That’s all you did?” Well, “how much else can a journalist do” was my final response to Mr. Quest. While having this exchange, I got my photo ops with Quest. I didn’t waste time to send the shot straight into my instagram photo gallery. You don’t meet a Richard Quest everyday, you know.

A Tour of Historical Sites Not long after, we commenced a tour of historical places in Durban. The first point of call was Gandhi Museum at Phoenix Settlement. Mahatma Ghandi, our guide told us, lived for 21 yeas in South Africa. According to records available, Gandhi, a 23-year-old barrister, arrived in South Africa in May 1893, on a one-year assignment to assist an Indian merchant hailing from Surat in Gujarat in a civil suit. That was during the regime of Apartheid government.

Within days of his arrival, he was thrown off a train, denied hotel rooms and pushed off a sidewalk because he was not white. By this experience, he understood the travail of Africans in the country, and resolved to stay back in South to help improve the situation. That was the first time he employed non-violent civil disobedience movement. During his stay in South Africa (1893-1914), he established Phoenix Settlement on the northwestern edge of iNanda about 25 km from central Durban, in 1904.

The house covers 100 acres of land with several main buildings clustered together on a small hill known as the Apex area.

That facility now house Ghandi Museum.

From Ghandi’s museum, we took a bus ride to iNanda, the birthplace of the first President of ANC, Dr. J.L. Dube Mafukuzela who died in 1946. This place is the cradle of South African revolution, said the tour guide. That was the place where ANC leadership met to take decisions that shaped the destiny of the Rainbow Nation. No wonder, it was the place where Nelson Mandela cast the first vote in South African first democratic

Ohlange High School Compound: The burial place of Dr. John Dube

A sculpture of John Dube, founder of Ohlange High School

My Experience At Indaba 2014 election in 1994. On the occasion of his visit, Mr Mandela paid tribute to Dr. Dube and other comrades like Oliver Thambo, Albert Luthuli, Moses Kotane, Chris Hani, Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Josiah Gumede, Dr. Abdullahi AbduRahman, Yusuf Dado and a host of others. And when leaving after casting his first vote on that historic day, Mandela said to the tomb of Dr. Dube, “Mr. president, I have come to report that now South Africa is free.”

Late in the evening, the participants at Indaba 2014 were invited to the beach party where music, food and booze were made available in generous sup-

ply. The music was good, but they were not anything close to the Nigerian music in term of entertainment. Nevertheless, a young man called professor rocked the night. His beat was relaxed, his lyric was comical, and his stage work got “swagger”. The man is a Nigerian by every definition of his performance. In spite of the heavy down pour at the beach, the night turned out to be quite thrilling.

Last Day In Durban We spent the last day viewing exhibitions, shopping and exploring the crannies of Durban within reach. It was with some wistfulness we however left Durban at dawn on

Tuesday May 13. I discovered at the point of departure that I could not easily let go the serenity of Durban, the pleasantness of her people and the new friends I have made within a short time. Jackson Biko, a journalist friend from Kenya advised me to get a Kindle. “You will read more books that way,” he said. Jojo would like me to visit him in Ghana. Das, an Indian journalist shared the inside story of Indian election with me during our bus ride from Dube’s house. Samantha told me of her battle to raise the bar of journalism practice in her news organization in Ghana. Lungiwe, the sales girl for Southern

Liqueur Company, allowed me to drink several glasses of Amarula cream free. And…Rachel. That is the Kenyan lady I would not want to meet gain. You don’t stay too close with Rachel, when you still cherish your marriage.

Her rheumy eyes are just enough a lure to make the Pope break the seventh commandment.

Just as I was reliving my last three days in Durban, and the beauty I left behind, the captain of SA airbus A 340-300 announced from the cockpit, “…Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for flying with South African Airways.

Enjoy your stay in Lagos.”

For me, that was not a wel-

46 Saturday, May 31, 2014

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TRAVEL&TOURISM UK Cultural Tourism Community Celebrates Nigeria At 100 NE hundred years of O Nigerian arts, tourism literature and design was celebrated in London recently, as Bonhams, British Council and the UK culture community hosted the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Edem Duke and

the Chairman of the Heritage Council and Endowment for the Arts of Nigeria, Igho Sanomi and 11 others.

The celebration, held between 20 and 22 May, featured a series of high profile events showcasing the past and exploring the future of

Nigerian culture.

The tourism minister, the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida and representatives of the UK government, the British Council attended the events, along with several other government officials,

culture ambassadors and businessmen.

Duke said, “Nigerian arts and culture has proven to be our commonwealth. It defines the endurance of our harmony as a people. It strengthens the resilience of our creativity and provides the

Nigeria Minister for Tourism, Culture & National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, flanked both sides by representatives of the UK government, the British Council, the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida and others at one hundred years of Nigerian arts, tourism literature and design celebrated in London recently.

bedrock of the definition of who and what we are. It is the greatest collateral upon which we must build the future of our great nation and rekindle the faith of our people.”

The three-day programme began with a tour of the Tate Modern gallery on London’s South Bank, with particular focus on the Meschac Gaba Museum of Contemporary African Art exhibition.

London auction house, Bonhams, in association with Afren, hosted a dinner in anticipation of the Africa Now auction. The auction was a celebration of art from across the African continent and dinner guests were treated to viewing of works including Ben Enwonwu’s 1976 masterpiece, Princes of Mali and Yusuf Adebayo Cameron Grillo’s 1972 painting, The Flight. The painting was inspired by the artist witnessing a family escaping Nigeria’s civil war, and observing the similarities with the account of the flight of Jesus’ family into Egypt.

The sale of Nigerian and Ghanaian art works totaled £1million, and produced new world record prices for 10 different African artists.

Amongst the record breakers were Grillo’s The Flight, fetching £62,500, and the iconic Woman with Gele which immediately broke The Flight’s

record, fetching £80,500 against a pre-sale estimate of £30,000 to £50,000. Both were described by Giles Pepiatt, director of contemporary African Art at Bonhams, as ”undoubtedly the finest examples of the artist’s work to appear in the open market in the past decade.”

Ben Enwonwu’s Princes of Mali achieved netted the highest price at £92,500.

Other artist auction records included a graceful sculpture by Bunmi Babatunde (£31,250), a 3D triptych by Peju Alatise (£17,500), a market scene by Ablade Glover (£15,000), a chair made of decommissioned weapons by Goncalo Mabunda (£10,000), a coffin in the form of a Porsche by Paa Joe (£6,500) and paintings by Amon Kotei (£9,375), Aboudia (£9,375) and Uzo Egonu (£9,375).

Of the event, Hannah O’Leary, Bonhams head of contemporary African Art commented “Since our inaugural Africa Now auction just five years ago, this market has gone from strength to strength.

While artists from at least 15 African countries were represented, the top prices were reserved for the best pieces by the Nigerian masters, which seems appropriate for a country celebrating their centenary and that recently became Africa’s largest economy”.

A Token For Freedom, Luxury At Orchid Hotel Ajibola Amzat EW hotels in Lagos have large space that allows their guests the freedom to roam like the gazelles of the field. Still much fewer hotels give the ambience of luxury, elegance and serenity in a city that itself does not sleep. In Afropolitan Lagos, there are hotels where local cuisine like Edikaikong, Afang, oha, Isiewu, Gbegiri, Ewedu soups, as well as amala fufu, tuwo, eba, iyan etcetera are on exotic menu list rather than being on regular menu.

Reason? The management wants to cut the image of an exclusive brand that caters for the urbane taste of modern clientele. And in an attempt to give off the appearance of class and sophistication, some hotels in Lagos end up looking too formal and unwelcoming like CIA headquarters in Langley.

Talk of unintended consequence.

One hotel however exists outside this structure that is almost becoming the enshrined character of Lagos hotels. It is Orchid Hotel, located at Ikota-Epe Express way, Lekki Lagos. Seated on xyzes of land, Orchid is a simple beauty carefully wrought on the busy landscape of Lagos. If there is anything that stands Orchid out among several hundreds of Lagos

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hotels, it is its simplicity and spaciousness. With parking space of 250-car capacity, the Orchid Hotel Lagos has one of the largest parking spaces on the Lekki-Epe Express route.

And towering above the open space is a brown structure consisting of 170 rooms and suites. At the hotel entrance are two pieces of sculpture standing on the marble floor. The twosome draped in traditional apparel leaves little to imagination about the Africaness of Orchid hotel. At the reception, the guest is faced with forest flowers that could not have been anything but orchid, signifying the identity of the hotel, which in the words of the Executive Chairman of Orchid Group, Mr. Jonathan Odega, stands for “excellence in service”. The vast painting of orchid flower is not the only astonishing adornment on the wall; there is another painting of a deer escaping from the canvas on the wall, among several others.

This array of beauties is complemented with mosaic tiles on the walls at different sections of the building.

The mosaic comes in sharper contrasts with other colourful paintings under the gentle glow of energy-saving light bulbs, giving the interior of the hotel the ambience of

dreamlike magnificence.

The 170- room Hotel boast 18 meeting rooms including an event centre with a seating capacity of 1000 to 2000 guest, 24- hour dry cleaning and laundry services, Olympic size swimming pool, lawn tennis

Orchid Hotel

court, sport lounge, bar restaurant, with 13 meeting with a capacity of up to 1500 guests. Facilities ranging from Gym, Tennis Court, Swimming Pool, InHouse Clinic, Internet Facilities, 250 car parking space, Snooker, Table Ten-

nis, Darts and others.

Mr. Odega said, “Orchid Hotel Lagos encapsulates the meaning of serenity and space whilst delivering both in the midst of luxury and elegance”.

There is only one way to certain this claim: pay a

visit. Orchid Hotel Lagos is located at plot 3, Dreamworld Africana Way, Onigbogbo Layout, opposite Oluwanisola House, 700 metres from Chevron Roaundabout Ikota –Epe Expressway, Ikota-Lekki Lagos.

Saturday, May 31, 2014 47

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BRANDINTELLIGENCE

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

Brand Visibility: L’Oreal, Others Entice Kids On Children’s Day

By Ntia Usukuma FEW decades ago, children were not spoken of as spenders or customers but as future consumers. Although they bought sweets, doughnuts and occasional soft drinks, brand owners and retailers at that period still did not recognise them as customers per se. The youngest population segment that was of concern to brand owners and retailers were the teens.

But today, children are viewed as a viable market by many manufacturers and retailers. With the budget of child-focused advertising and Public Relations running into billions of dollars, the kid consumer segment is really a moving monument to the marketplace today.

Potentially, children constitute the most lucrative market there is for many businesses. Entire industries such as producers of candy, gum, frozen desserts, soft drinks, toys, comic books, records and cassettes treat children as a current market. At the retail level, such outlets as video game parlours, movie houses and convenience stores also treat children as a ready market.

Children are a future market for most goods and services. Manufacturers and retailers respond to them as future consumers to be cultivated now.

Children also constitute a market of influentials that cause millions of Naira of purchases among their parents. Probably best known of these marketers are cereal firms that intensively advertise to children on weekend morning television and directly or indirectly encourage the children to persuade their parents to buy certain brands of cereal. Today’s typical young consumers have several sources of funds, can spend their money on objects of their choice and are encouraged by their parents to become economically responsible as soon as possible.

Most parents regard the notion of their children as consumers as a natural role to be assumed.

But should children really be referred to as a market? According to renowned marketing scholar, Phil Cutler, the following four requirements must be met in order for a group to be considered a market: The people or group must have a definable need for the product; individuals in the group must have the authority to buy the specific product; the people in the group must have the ability to purchase the products and the people in the aggregate must be willing to use their buying power.

Emmanuel Young, a Field Market Research Consultant with RMS feels that looking closely at each of these requirements, children appear to be a bona fide market. Explaining further Young said: “It is true that one might question the first requirement, need for the product, in terms of sweets, bubble gum or candy. It is also true that a child doesn’t need this product to sustain life. However, needs are not only for survival but also for social reason or just fun.”

There are no indications that the nation’s parents are going to do anything to reduce the consumption efforts of their children. In fact, parents in general seem more determined than ever that their children will become consumers at an early age, or more fundamentally become adult at an earlier age. Kids are starting school at a very early age, and they are marching toward adulthood at a much brisker pace than they used to and want more mature things to go with this accelerated growth.

This general trend must have motivated L’Oreal Central West Africa to dazzle mummies and their daughters with a unique Beauty

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Assistant Brand Manager Dark and Lovely, Iretiogo Etsaghara (left); Beautiful Beginnings Mum & I Pageant Princess, Precious Olatunde; General Manager, Consumer Products Division, L’Oreal Central West Africa, Sekou Coulibaly; Human Resources Director, Enitan Ashley-Dejo; and the Group Marketing Manager, Ogbemi Kesiena, at the grand finale of Dark and Lovely Beautiful Beginnings Mum & I Beauty Pageant to mark Children’s Day in Lagos.

Pageant at Cally College, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos. It was an event filled with sparks of beauty, glitz and glamour as parents and their female wards gathered to witness the grand finale of beauty pageant tagged Beautiful Beginnings: My Mum and I courtesy of L’Oreal Dark and Lovely beauty range of products. The activation, which was a week-long workshop, was designed to educate mothers and their lovely damsels on the importance hair maintenance was organised in commemoration of the children’s day.

After a keenly contested beauty pageant that involved 15 schools, Precious Olatunde, a student from Cally College emerged the overall winner and carted home the sum N200, 000, and a printer for her school. Also, the first runner-up, Islamiyah Ibuoye, a student from Bols School smiled home with 100,000, and a desktop computer for her school. Also, Jemaimal Adegbe, a student from Frontliner School went home with the sum of 50, 000 and a scanner for her School.

Speaking at the historic beauty pageant, General Manager Consumer Products Division, L’Oreal Central West Africa, Sekou Coulibaly, stated that the ground breaking

Children-oriented brands should do more in the life of kids, and generally be part of their lives as they grow because when a child grows loving a particular brand, the child becomes a brand believer or rather a loyalist to the brand for many more years of his/her life.

beauty pageant was in celebration of children and their mothers. “Apart from the fact that the Dark and Lovely beautiful beginnings focuses on children, we figured out that there has not really been much education made in Nigeria on maintaining children’s hair which is why we have created the maintenance week.”

Some mothers and loyal patronisers of Dark and Lovely range of beauty products shared their views about the initiative.

Mrs Mercy Uchendu, a Road Safety Official established that the event has really been an eye-opening one. “Most parents like me have learnt a great deal from the workshop and today’s grand finale.

I am very happy that this brand is thinking about us. I have learnt so much from this workshop that would have cost me money to learn such.”

Commenting on the penchant of brands using festive times like Children’s Day to connect with kids, Olatunde Ademosun, Deputy Creative Director, Rosabel Says, the best way is for brands to cash in on Children’s Day and other special days for kids like birthdays, Christmas fun times because brands should look beyond Children’s Day only.

“Brands need to use periods like this to position themselves. Some brands have even gone to the extent of giving children freebies and packaged good things for them. An example is what Milo is doing, creating an ambience for children to play and have fun at various locations of interest: cinemas, pools, playgrounds, etc. No serious brand playing in this segment should ignore a period like the Children’s’ Day celebration,” Ademosu stressed.

Apart from L’Oreal, other brands were equally active at this period as well. Sterling Bank also rolled out interesting programme designed to make this year’s Children’s Day celebration very

interesting and memorable.

The bank packaged a Mathematics competition among students in primary schools tagged, My One Bank’ competition. Other events included in the package are Mother and Child Expo and Children’s Day Party.

The support of the Mathematics competition, according to the Bank, was in line with its “One Sterling Education” initiative aimed at adding value to the Nigerian child in the area of education. A major goal, the bank said, was also to encourage students to embrace Mathematics, which is often considered a difficult subject among students.

As part of the reward system, some of the students were entertained at Sterling Bank’s Children’s Day party last Monday. The event, which took place at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos, was a funfair with various partner brands including Fan Milk, Chi, Farmer’s choice sausages and Ruff ‘n’ tumble.

However, despite all these, the fact of the matter is that more needs to be done to improve the marketing-child consumer connection. A strong relationship is a good thing for marketers — it means sales and profits now and even greater sales and profits in the future. It is a good thing for children; it provides enormous input to their consumer socialisation process as well as current satisfaction from products and their purchase of them.

Confirming this position Olatunde Ademosun of Rosabel opines that “Childrenoriented brands should do more in the life of kids, and generally be part of their lives as they grow because when a child grows loving a particular brand, the child becomes a brand believer or rather a loyalist to the brand for many more years of his/her life.”

PRCAN Carpets FG Over Alleged Plans To Hire Foreign PR Firms

By Abiodun Obisesan HE Public Relations T Consultancy Association of Nigeria has condemned the alleged move by the Federal Government to hire the services of foreign PR firms in London to provide strategic PR solutions to the image bartering it is receiving through the #Bring Back Our Girls campaign in reaction to the abduction of over 200 girls of Government College, Chibok, Borno State,

by Boko Haram insurgents.

The deal is reported to be worth a whopping $800 mil-

lion (about N136 billion).

According to The Holmes Report, the Holmes Group’s website which is reputed worldwide as a source of knowledge and information about the public relations business, the Nigerian government representatives have met about five public relations firms in London regarding the assignment, as it attempts to counter mounting criticism both inside and outside the country.

It could be recalled that in February, the All Progressive Congress (APC) had equally

engaged the services of AKPD Message and Media, a United States-based PR and Public Affairs Consultancy firm to manage the party’s campaign ahead of the general elections.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Chido Nwakanma, vice president, John Ehiguese and Secretary General, Muyiwa Akintunde, PRACN said that the purported search is premised on a wrong foundation of white washing Nigeria before foreign media and audiences.

It added that “the real chal-

lenge before the Federal Government of Nigeria lies elsewhere and that is at the home front with its citizens, representing the primary stakeholders.”

It noted that the search for foreign public relations firms portrays a clear misunderstanding of modern communication and public relations. It counselled: “Public Relations is based on the RACE principle – Research, Action, Communication and Evaluation – that demands strategic insight and action as the basis for engagement (communication) with

stakeholders. The current run of bad press arises from a failure to set the agenda through right actions for positive media coverage of the Federal Government and Nigeria.”

PRCAN further said that the task before the Federal Government required the deployment of professionalism and strategic measures to regain the confidence of its primary stakeholders since no amount of engineered positive mention in foreign media would change that.

The association reminded

officials of the Federal Government of the extant Nigerian law on public relations practice, which did not support foreign expedition.

“The position of the law is clear. While PRCAN has nothing against our foreign counterparts, particularly as Nigeria is deservedly a preferred destination for Foreign Direct Investment, such engagement must be within the confines of Nigerian law. The Nigerian government cannot be seen to be working against its own laws,” it added.

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BRANDNEWS Oral-B’s Project Smile Initiative Produces Winners ORPORATE Social Responsibility (CSR)-based complimentary smile makeover initiative, Project Smile, sponsored by foremost oral healthcare brand in Nigeria, Oral-B, has produced winners of the three categories of awards.

Three nominees emerged winners of the complimentary smile makeover programme following an intense screening and selection process by a panel of judges composed of composed of Nigerian music celebrity, Dr. Sid, who served as Celebrity Judge; a UK-based Periodontist, Dr. Bola Soyombo, a dental expert, Dr. Fola-Alade, and Dr. Osaze Ugbo, Senior Dentist, Smile360 Dental Specialists.

Prior to the final screening by the judges, each of the winners was among five nominees in a category of dental case. The three categories of dental cases were rated in a descending order of severity of the case file namely Severe, Moderate, and Mild.

The winners are Tosin Adekoya, Winner of the Severe Category; Tayo Adelekan, Winner of the Moderate Category; and Jaiye Johnson, Winner of the Mild Category.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Tomiwa Ajewole, Brand Communications Manager, Oral-B said, “the culmination of the initiative which kicked off several weeks ago into presentation of these noble awards is indeed a true demonstration of fulfilling the FDI World Dental Federation theme for World Oral Health Day 2014- ‘Celebrating Healthy Smile’.”

He explained further: “On March 20, we marked the World Oral Health Day 2014 with the culmination of the ‘Oral-B Sharing Smiles’ activation campaign, a community-based initiative designed to reach out to disadvantaged communities that cannot afford dental care products and consultation with dentists, and in effect extended the outreach by our association with Project Smile as a sponsor. We aimed to impact the lives of Nigerians who have been deprived of great smiles due to their dental flaws. Today, we are proud to present to the world, the three winners of Project Smile 2014 Complementary Smile Makeover Programme.”

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BRANDINTELLIGENCE

Encomiuns, As AAAN’s President Turns 50

By Abiodun Obisesan EFYING the odds associated with being a woman in a male dominated industry, Bunmi Oke’s milestone as an all-conquering Amazon resounds across the entire Nigerian Marketing Communication landscape.

Recently, family, friends, colleagues, associates gathered at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, to feast and celebrate with Oke, President of Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) as she marked her 50th birthday.

Some of the eminent industry personalities present were the Chairman of Advertising

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Practitioners Council of Nigeria, Lolu Akinwunmi; Marketing Services Director of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Iquo Ukoh; Registrar of APCON, Bello Kankarofi; and MD/CEO Brila Group, Larry Izamoje, among others.

Apart from being the President of AAAN, Mrs. Bunmi Oke, is also the Managing Director, 141 Worldwide, Lagos. The remarkable success of 141 Worldwide, which has made it one of the most dynamic advertising agencies in Nigeria, can be attributed to Oke’s wealth of experience and cerebral comportment.

Among her many other great virtues is her calm mien and frankness that has endeared her to colleagues in the industry.

A graduate of Mass Communication, she was voted into office as the President of AAAN, one of the regulatory bodies of advertising in the country in 2012.

Commenting on Oke’s golden jubilee milestone, MD/CEO, L’Oreal West Africa, Idoreyen Enang stated that she is of an exemplary character.

He said: “It is a celebration of a woman who has given her all in all segments of life. Also,

she has been able to transcend in waters where men were found to dominate. I have known her since the early mid-90 and at every point in time Bunmi has always been exemplary and stellar in her performance.

She would always have her say even if she does not have way. But you will never leave the room without Bunmi giving you a perspective. I appreciate the candour with which she does business and the virtuous streak, which she uses to run her home. She stands out among her equals and I have learnt a great deal from her.”

Absolut Vodka Boosts Creativity With Lagos Art Party

By Adeshola Ogbodo S a mark of its continuous support for creativity and transformation through Art, Absolut Vodka recently organised the 2014 Art Party at the prestigious Lagoon Crest in Lekki.

It was a show-stopper as the brand created opportunities to showcase the arts and styles in Lagos. The Absolut Art Party was a reflection of colours and vibrancy, celebrating the power of individuals who transform their environment through creativity and vision.

The venue was filled to the brim, as the cream-de-la-cream in the entertainment and lifestyle circle trooped out in their numbers to celebrate with Absolut Vodka.

Brand Manager, Absolut Vodka Nigeria, Akintayo Akinseloyin, said: “We are supporting creativity and transformation in young people which remains the pivot to partnering with the art community. The Absolut brand will continue to connect with talented individuals via exclusive events which inspire positive change and brings exciting experience to consumers.”

Furthermore, to resonate with the ‘Transform Today’ initiative, Absolut Vodka branded the Lagos skylines with moving lights, artistic impressions, unique colourful canvases and talented Arts in party with signature cocktails.

The Art Party created close interactive and cerebral moments, with picture and fun painting spots, artistic gallery and pumping DJs on the wheels of steel to achieve a unique and never before consumer experience.

The Absolut Art Party is part of the build-up activities to the Road to MAMAs concert, which took place yesterday at The Marquee, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, as the brand is geared towards creating an environment where individuals can relax in a different way and express themselves without limitations, set rules and hindrances.

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Indomie Fetes Spelling Bee Competition Winner

By Abiodun Obisesan N its characteristic tradition in improving the quality of education and encouraging good reading habits among Nigerian students which will invariably lead to better academic excellence, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, recently hosted Miss Olawale Zaynab, winner of 2014 Spelling Bee contest in Osun State.

The Spelling Bee competition is a franchise of an NGO in Ghana and promoted in Nigeria by Sherif Care Foundation in Osun State.

Speaking at an interactive session with the media, the Marketing Manager of Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Manpreet Singh expressed satisfaction with the Spelling Bee initiative.

“Indomie as a brand is proudly associated with children and it is our wish that this competition goes national for more children to benefit from. We are more than delighted to host Zaynab, winner of the Spelling Bee contest. Hence, she will be travelling to America courtesy of Indomie to experience the Spelling Bee contest on the global stage,” he said.

Zaynab, a student of Unity Middle School in Osun State, said that her studious habit has been her strongest asset.

“I always try to read and spell every word I come across.

Although my father is a Mechanic and my mother a trader, it has not stopped me from dreaming big. My most favourite subject is Maths and English. I also want to thank the Osun State government and Indomie for giving me this exposure,” she said.

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General Manager, CBTI La Casera Company, Peter Candlish (left), Grand Winner, Mr. Sanusi Yahaya ; Chief Operating Officer, La Casera Company, Mr. Dileeban Ponniah; and Managing Director, Jotna Nigeria Ltd, Prima, Mr. Sushil R. Ramchandani, at the La Casera Distributors Award Ceremony in Lagos…recently.

Outstanding Distributors Shines At La Casera Award Ceremony of distribuIandNtors’appreciation consistent support loyalty, The La Casera Company recently rewarded its loyal distributors for performing exceptionally well in the year, 2013.

The La Casera Partners’ conference, a yearly event, was held at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island in Lagos. It witnessed a huge turnout of distributors from all parts the country.

One of the highlights of the colourful and well-attended event was the presentation of awards to distributors who distinguished themselves in enhancing sales for the company in the year 2013. In addition to the awards, distributors also went home with fantastic QPS prizes, ranging from Ford Ranger vans to cash prizes amounting to N60 million.

Speaking at the event, The Chief Operating Officer of the company, Mr. Dileeban Ponniah, said: “I am highly honoured to be here to celebrate, recognise and reward our esteemed distributors who have consistently shown great loyalty to our company with their unflinching support to our growth and aspirations. Your immense efforts have con-

tributed to the phenomenal growth of the company, and we are indeed proud and thankful to be associated with you.”

The General Manager, Mr. Peter Candlish, also noted in his address that “our distributors have created a strong distribution network which

can support launch of new products and flavours thereby helping the company to grow faster.”

One of the distributors, Divine Plaza, from Abuja expressed his appreciation to La Casera for the kind gesture, noting that the quality of the brand ensured that

sales grew effortlessly.

“With occasions like this to encourage us, the only outcome is a stronger long lasting relationship between the company and its trade partners. We look forward to a fruitful and trustworthy relationship in the years to come,” he said.

‘Why Narratives Should Be Used In Brand Positioning’ UBLIC Relations ‘‘P Practitioners within the African space have got to drop their narrow-minded methods and open up to more engaging ways of handling corporate issues relating to reputation management by deploying strong narratives around products.”

The Regional Managing Director, Impact Porter Novelli, Middle East& Africa, Mr. Tim Walmsley, gave the above piece of professional advice during an interactive session with a cross section of journalists in Lagos.

The interactive session opened up several issues affecting brands and PR prac-

tices in Nigeria, and by extension Africa.

Walmsley is in Nigeria as part of strategic plans to address salient issues affecting brand narrative in the global business environment.

Addressing some of the key issues affecting product campaigns and reputation managements, Walmsley challenged PR experts to adopt a more dynamic perspective in product valuation.

“It has become imperative that story telling should be deployed in the digital space.

This is predicated on the idea that you can take account of activities against those you

can predict quite strongly on what the outcomes will be.”

He affirmed that brand narratives could be a strategic means of gaining brand relevance within the business circle.

“From the product perspective, we all live in the world of narratives. Hence, you should be the product in world of our stories. From a broad perspective, there are regional stories which is for the collective community interest and the way you distribute the story within the ecosystem is how to determine how important a product is in the mind of consumers.”

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Cover

Obasanjo

Babangida

Offor

15 Years Of Democracy: Where Are The Godfathers?

With the return of democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999, some individuals who were great beneficiaries of long years of military rule with enormous resources at their disposal hijacked the democratic processes from the political class.

Despite the fact that most of them were not part and parcel of the formation of the political parties, and the struggle for the enthronement of democratic governance, they suddenly became influential in the governments and party politics at all levels. This was simply because of their immense financial contributions to the emergence of those in positions of authority in the country.

They were the political godfathers who shaped and are still shaping the country’s democracy 15 years after. Their enormous material and financial resources are irresistible for the political class who need them to get political power at all cost. Even though they do not vie for elective positions, they operate behind the scene as the men behind the masks.

They are desperate, daring and spare no one when the chips are down. They give conditions that must be obeyed, and sign illegal and secret agreements with political aspirants. They influence the emergence of party’s candidates, bankroll electioneering campaigns, compromise election officials to influence results, induce security agents, and reach out to the judges to get favourable judgments for their candidates. They and their agents are everywhere.

They are political factors. Those who cannot beat them either join them or stay away from active party politics and power play.

They have strong connections in the corridors of power, and most times serve as fronts for people in position of authority, especially in the Presidency. They decide who gets what, how and when.

In most cases, their words are laws, and they operate with absolute impunity and seem to be above the law. They are made up of literate and illiterate class, but that does not matter to them so far they have the backing of the power-that-be, and always get what they want.

It is as result of their modus operandi that the country’s democracy since 1999 have been described as “dirty”, and avoided by many decent Nigerians with track record. They are the characters that shaped the country’s democracy from inception. While few of them are still standing tall and active 15 years after, majority of them have been demystified and thrown into political hibernation. But few are quietly and gradually staging a comeback through various means ahead of 2015 general elections.

In this report, SAMSON EZEA takes a look at the activities of the demystified and the standing political godfathers, and how they have shaped the country’s democracy in the last 15 years.

Chief Anthony Anenih HE Edo-born politician has since the Second Republic after his retirement from the Nigerian Police, bestrode the corridors of power like a colossus, wielding power and influence. He could be best described as cat with nine lives as he has virtually survived and served every government in power from Second Republic till date. Majority of those he started active politics with during the Second Republic have either retired or gone to the world of great beyond.

In 1998, he was an influential member of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) one of the groups that formed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the same year. Even though former Military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd) was not a foundation member of the PDP, it was the likes of Chief Anenih, late Chief Sunday Afolabi, and others that were sent by the retired military generals who hijacked the party machinery from inception to appeal to Obasanjo to contest the 1998 presidential primaries of the party.

To ensure that their wish of imposing Obasanjo on the party as its presidential candidate were achieved, the exgenerals provided Anenih with all the resources, and support needed to execute the plot at the Jos convention in 1998.

A plot, Anenih who also served as the Deputy National Coordinator, Olusegun Obasanjo’s Campaign Organisation executed with finesse, and Obasanjo against all expectations emerged the party’s candidate against other strong contender former Vice- president, Chief Alex Ekwueme.

Throughout Obasanjo’s administration, Anenih was his closest and most influential ally and executor. A situation that earned him the sobriquet, Mr. Fix It. He was the minister of Works during Obasanjo’s first term in office, with allegation of mismanaging funds budgeted for roads construction levelled against him. He has since stated his own side of the story on how the funds were spent.

Within the era, his words were laws and the fear of him in the government circle and the ruling party was the beginning of wisdom. Before the 2003 general elections, he publicly declared that there was no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2003 meaning that Obasanjo’s second term in office was a done deal. Not many took him serious, while others criticised him.

When Obasanjo’s re-election bid seemed to have met a brick wall, following the insistence of majority of the

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PDP governors that Obasanjo’s vice, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was their preferred candidate, Anenih waded in and arm-twisted the governors. He used the automatic return ticket offer to convince them to support Obasanjo’s second term bid.

True to his promise, the 21 PDP governors with the exception of Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju of Anambra State were offered the party’s automatic return ticket in 2003.

When the leadership of the Senate under late Senator Chuba Okadigbo, and the national leadership of the party under Chief Audu Ogbeh became a hard nut to crack for Obasanjo’s administration, Anenih was allegedly drafted by the presidency to mastermind their ouster from office. Both were unceremoniously removed from office with Ogbeh allegedly surrounded at a gunpoint.

Anenih’s failure to fix Obasanjo’s third term plot in 2006 estranged their relationship politically. In what looked like a payback, Obasanjo refused to support Anenih’s preferred governorship candidate for his home state, Edo in 2007, Senator Odion Ugbesia.

Obasanjo’s choice of Professor Oserheimen Osunbor as the party’s governorship candidate in the state did not go down well with Anenih.

It would be recall that from 1999 till date, it was Anenih who decide who gets what, how, and when in Edo PDP. It was disclosed that because of Obasanjo’s alleged imposition of Osunbor on the party, Anenih never supported Osunbor during and after the election.

With the emergence of Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar Adua as the president in 2007, Anenih aligned with his government and became one of the powerbrokers alongside the likes of Chief James Ibori, Dr. Bukola Saraki and others. Yar Adua’s government appointed him Board chairman, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

He was among the presidential foot soldiers that masterminded the emergence of the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as the governorship candidate of the PDP in Anambra state in 2010 amidst stiff opposition from other aspirants.

At the peak of Yar Adua’s health crisis that nearly grounded the country’s democracy, Anenih was neither here nor there openly. But immediately, President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office as acting president, Anenih became his right hand man. President Jonathan re-appointed him Board chairman of NPA. With the CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

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Men Who Shaped Nigeria’s CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49 backing of the Presidency, he was elected Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) PDP. In his home state of Edo, it has not been easy for him politically since Comrade Adams Oshiomhole assumed office as the governor, after winning his case against Osunbor in Appeal Court. Oshiomhole’s government has since reduced drastically his godfather role in the state politics. Ahead of 2015 general elections, he is a man to watch because he is still very active politically, not minding his age.

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Sir Emeka Offor EFORE 1999, the name Sir Emeka Offor was not a household name in the country especially in the political circle. Though it was alleged that he was among the big boys that made money through oil contracts during the inglorious days of late General Sani Abacha’s administration.

The Anambra-born business mogul became a force to reckon in the polity in 1999 following his enormous donations to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 1999 general elections. He was the major financier of Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s governorship election in Anambra state in 1999.

When his relationship with Mbadinuju got soured, he openly took political fight to the Mbadinuju through the Anambra People Forum, a pressure group he formed to fight the governor in all fronts. It was a persistent distraction for the administration, as Mbadinuju could not settle down in office to perform his duties.

At several occasions impeachment threat was posed at the governor of which he survived.

As the political fight for the soul of the state continued unabated at the expense of good governance and democracy dividend, the Presidency, the national leadership of the PDP and other relevant authorities looked the other way.

Instead, the Presidency was busy and secretly propping up another godfather in the state in the name of Chief Chris Uba, the younger brother of the Senior Special Assistant to President Obasanjo on Domestic Affairs, Chief Andy Uba to replace Offor. Uba who was allegedly working with Mbadinuju secretly to counter Offor between 1999-2003 abandoned Mbadinuju for Dr. Chris Ngige in 2003.

Having lost out in power politics in the state and national levels in 2003, Offor quietly went back to his private business as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Chrome Group, a conglomerate with diverse interests in Oil and Gas, Finance/Investments, Telecommunications, Insurance, Maritime, Destination Inspection, Real Estate and the power sector.

With President Goodluck Jonathan’s government in power, Offor is gradually staging a comeback on the political turf again. Recently his company, Interstate Electrics won the bid for the Enugu Distribution Company of

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the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) amid various allegations and protests over undue favouritism by other bidders. He is becoming influential in the corridors of power ahead of 2015 elections. With the way he is going, he may still shape things politically next year.

Chief Chris Uba BA was Offor’s successor and the Presidency’s new anointed political godfather in Anambra state in 2003. He single-handed handpicked and delivered all the PDP candidates for all the elective positions in the state in 2003 general elections.

Later, he described himself as the godfather of all the godfathers in the country’s politics.

He enjoyed the Presidency’s backings, especially on issues affecting the southeast zone. Between 20032007, he commanded tremendous respect and followership more than any other politician in the zone.

Within this period, his palatial home in GRA Enugu was a Mecca of sort for politicians who trooped there to seek his endorsement and blessing. While he was the man in the field, his elder brother, Andy, who was then Obasanjo’s special assistant on domestic matter was the man behind the mask.

When one of his political godsons, and then governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chris Ngige went contrary to their alleged agreement, Uba allegedly mobilised the security agents, and his foot soldiers to execute the failed abduction of the governor on July 10, 2003. A development that was widely criticised, and described by Nigerians as the height of political impunity in the country’s democracy. Uba and his cohorts were never brought to book, rather President Obasanjo once told Ngige in a meeting to go and settle with Uba. With the exit of President Obasanjo from office in 2007, and the removal of Andy Uba from office after twoweek period as governor of Anambra state via Supreme Court judgment, the Ubas lost out politically at state and national levels.

Andy’s attempts to become governor of the state in 2010 and 2014 elections failed.

With the obvious frosty relationship between the Presidency and Obasanjo presently, the Ubas may not be a major factor in 2015 elections.

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General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) E was alleged to be the arrowhead behind the release of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo from prison after Abacha’s demise, and prepared him to emerge the PDP presidential candidate in 1999. He made huge donations to the PDP alongside General TY Danjuma (rtd) and others to prosecute Obasanjo’s election in 1999.

His attempt to succeed Obasanjo in office in 2007 was frustrated by Obasanjo’s Presidency, who preferred late Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar

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Uba was Offor’s successor and the Presidency’s new anointed political godfather in Anambra state in 2003. He single-handed handpicked and delivered all the PDP candidates for all the elective positions in the state in 2003 general elections. Later, he described himself as the godfather of all the godfathers in the country’s politics. He enjoyed the Presidency’s backings, especially on issues affecting the southeast zone. Between 2003-2007, he commanded tremendous respect and followership more than any other politician in the South East zone.

Adua as his successor.

In 2011, Babangida tried again to contest the presidential primaries of the PDP, but was defeated in the Northern consensus arrangement by the former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. After this, he announced his retirement from active politics to assume the position of a statesman.

Ahead of 2015 general elections, there are insinuations in some quarters that he is plotting to make one of his sons the governor of Niger State.

General TY Danjuma (rtd) ANJUMA like Babangida was among the first set of ex-military generals that infiltrated PDP from inception with enormous resources. As the Minister of Defence during Obasanjo, he was a member of his kitchen cabinet.

When he parted way with Obasanjo, he resigned from his government and raised the alarm that the government has been hijacked by some individuals.

His home state Taraba has been in political quagmire for some times now, following the plane crash involving the state governor, Mr. Danbaba Suntai which has kept him out office perpetually.

Already, there has been agitation in some quarters in the state that the acting governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, a Muslim should not contest the governorship seat on PDP platform in 2015.

Since then, Danjuma, a powerbroker in the state has been silent on the development, and other national issues. Many have questioned his long silence in the face of the unfolding political drama in his state and country ahead of 2015. All eyes appears to be on him in the state as many believe that his position or decision may go a long way in deciding the outcome of the 2015 elections in the state.

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Chief Olusegun Obasanjo ANY Nigerians saw Obasanjo as the greatest beneficiary of the country’s democracy in 1999, having moved from the prison to the Presidency on the PDP platform.

This is even when it was obvious that he was not a foundation member of PDP. His emergence as the president of the country in 1999 was facilitated by his former junior colleagues in the Nigerian Army in connivance with some politicians who worked as foot soldiers.

Under the eight years of his administration, the country’s democratic space witnessed all sorts of tendencies that were against the spirit of true democracy.

In the elections of the national executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), imposition and consensus arrangement was introduced into the political lexicon by his administration. An action many founding fathers of the party said was contrary with the provisions of the party’s constitution, but was ignored by Obasanjo and his allies in the party.

Throughout the period, the Presidency handpicked all party national chairmen and masterminded the removal of any that was not dancing to her tune.

Chief Barnabas Gemade, Audu Ogbeh and Ahmadu Ali were all imposed on the party by the government as national chairman with or without national convention as

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Saturday, May 31, 2014 |51

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

COVER

Democracy In The Last 15 Years Sani was governor of Zamfara state for eight years after which he installed his deputy, Alhaji Mahmud Shinkafi as his successor. The same year also, he won election as senator representing Zamfara West zone on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

His godson and successor, Shinkafi defected to the PDP ahead of 2011 general elections without his approval and support. Sani vowed that Shinkafi would never win re-election in the state. required by the party constitution.

This undemocratic practices trickled down to the conduct of the party primaries. Party’s candidates were easily handpicked by the state governors, and the godfathers with the support of the Presidency. That was how some godfathers like Chief Tony Anenih, late Lamidi Adedibu, Sir Emeka Offor, Chief Chris Uba and others were made influential and demi-gods in the polity.

Those who won the party’s governorship primaries in Imo and Rivers States in 2007 namely Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, and Mr. Chibuike Amaechi were denied the opportunity to contest the election as their names were illegally substituted. It took protracted legal tussle for Amaechi to reclaim his mandate.

The politics of “do-or-die” were also introduced in the polity. Election results were manipulated and announced as dictated, even when it was obvious that they were marred with irregularities. While leaving office in 2007, Obasanjo single-handedly made the choice of Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar Adua as his successor and influenced the emergence of all the PDP governorship candidates across the country.

Also prevalent in the polity then were cases of unresolved political assassination. Victims of such include Chief Bola Ige, Chief AK Dikibo, Chief Harry Marshal, Chief Funsho Williams, and others.

Political witch-hunt and Kangaroo impeachment, especially for governors who were not in the good book of the presidency was the order of the day. Chief Rashidi Ladoja and Chief Joshua Dariye tasted the bitter pills.

With the demise of Yar Adua in office and the emergence of President Jonathan as his successor, Obasanjo has continued to be a major factor in the country’s democracy. Some of the PDP governors, including those that have defected to the APC still see him as their godfather.

Presently, it seems all is not well between him and the presidency, especially as he appears to be having political romance with the APC, political observers believe that the PDP still needs his support in 2015 elections.

Many years after he has left office and resigned as Chairman Board of Trustees

(BoT) PDP, not many of the undemocratic tendencies that characterized his government have changed.

Senator Bola Tinubu HILE leaving office as the governor of Lagos state in 2007, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu successfully installed his former Chief of Staff, Mr. Babatunde Fashola as his successor.

Since then, he has continued to call the shot politically, not only in the state, but also in the southwest zone. In 2003, he was the only Alliance for Democracy (AD) governor that survived the political onslaught of Obasanjo and PDP in the southwest zone.

His anointed godsons are today governors in Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Lagos.

He commands respect and followership both in the zone and national levels. He was among the founding fathers of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and a prominent member of the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC) His wife, Remi is the senator representing Lagos Central in the Senate. It is alleged that he determines and most times picks his party’s candidates in all elections, thereby making primary election a mere formalities.

Already accusing fingers are being pointed at him as the brain behind the choice of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as Governor Fashola’s likely successor in 2015. It was alleged that for almost eight years of Fashola’s administration, he was the one playing the politics, while Fashola is in-charge of governance.

Tinubu’s house at Bourdillon street, Ikoyi Lagos is always busy with political gatherings.

Ahead of APC national convention slated for next month, there are moves by the party governors and other stakeholders to take the control of the party’s national structure from him.

Senator Jim Nwobodo WOBODO was among the PDP politicians that facilitated Obasanjo’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate at the Jos convention in 1998.

He was the godfather of Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani whom he supported to emerge

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the governor of Enugu state on PDP platform in 1999. Nwobodo on the other hand became the senator representing Enugueast zone in 1999. Not quite long after their assumption of offices, both of them engaged in a political fight for the soul of the state. Nnamani accused Nwobodo of undue pressure and interference in his government. Nwobodo alleged that Nnamani has reneged on the agreement they had before he was made governor.

Nwobodo’s attempt to use some State House of Assembly members to impeach Nnamani failed, following Nnamani’s political alignment with the Presidency and the national leadership of the party.

Nwobodo was later expelled from the PDP and his bank, Savannah Bank Plc’s licence was revoked by the Central Bank in 2002.

In 2003, Nwobodo contested the presidential election on the platform of United Nigerian Peoples Party (UNPP) and lost.

Throughout governor Nnamani’s second term in office, Nwobodo was hounded into political limbo in the state and national levels.

Nwobodo returned to the PDP in 2008 when the national leadership of the party under Chief Vincent Ogbulafor appointed him Chairman, Southeast Reconciliation Committee.

He is now chairman of Former Governors Forum. Having been out of active politics at the state and national levels for so long, Nwobodo may not do much in 2015.

Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima ANI was governor of Zamfara state for eight years after which he installed his deputy, Alhaji Mahmud Shinkafi as his successor. The same year also, he won election as senator representing Zamfara West zone on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

His godson and successor, Shinkafi defected to the PDP ahead of 2011 general elections without his approval and support. Sani vowed that Shinkafi would never win re-election in the state.

He quickly drafted another of his godson and former commissioner in his cabinet, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari as the governorship candidate of ANPP in the election. True to his threat, Shinkafi lost the election to Yari. Sani also won his re-election to the Senate. His alleged marriage to an Egyptian minor which generated a lot of criticisms sometimes ago, seems not to have affected his political popularity in the state. He is a godfather to watch in the state in 2015, because he is still incharge and very active.

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is the scion of late Olusola SportARAKI Saraki’s political dynasty. With the supof his late father, he became the governor of Kwara state in 2003. At the completion of his second term in 2011, despite his late father and sister, Gbemisola’s opposition, he succeeded in installing his former commissioner, Abdulfatah Ahmed as his successor on the PDP platform. He also became a senator in the elections.

He has since defected to APC with his godson, Governor Ahmed leaving her sister, Gbemisola and others in the PDP. He has since openly told the PDP to forget about winning the state in 2015. The outcome of 2015 elections in the state will go a long way in determining his influence and strength as the new godfather of state politics.

Alhaji Dahiru Mangal E was a major single financier of the PDP in Katsina state during the days of late Musa Yar Adua as the governor of state, and president of Nigeria. He became a prominent national figure during Yar Adua’s administration, influencing things at state and national levels. He disappeared from the national political scene after the demise of Yar Adua. Since then, he seemed to have been concentrating much on his business.

Mangal is a Katsina-born multi-billionaire businessman and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the AFDIN Group (Nig) Limited, comprising Mangal Airlines (now Max Airlines), AFDIN Football Club, AFDIN Construction Company Nigeria Ltd, Manasawa Oil, Mangal Oil and Manasawa Enterprises, a clearing and forwarding outfit.

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Senator Bukola Saraki

Mangal

Anenih

Danjuma

Saraki

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

52 | Saturday, May 31, 2014

FOOD&DRINKS

Mexican Shrimp Roll Served With Avocado Mayonnaise (Healthy snack for both children and adults)

By Chinelo Nwagbo ODAY’S recipe is simply Mexican shrimp T roll served with avocado mayonnaise. It is prepared with shrimp, which is popular seafood that is rich in protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, selenium, phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, zinc, copper and magnesium.

Avocado, another main ingredient of this snack is a good source of vitamin A, B, C, E, and K, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. Avocado also contains fibre, protein and several beneficial phytochemicals such as beta-sitosterol, glutathione and lutein, which may protect against various diseases and illnesses.

Mexican shrimp roll served with avocado mayonnaise consumption is essential for healthy teeth and bones. Its consumption also helps in cancer prevention and reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

It is an ideal food for athletes to help attain maximum performance, as it is a good source of carbohydrate, which is the most efficient fuel for energy production.

The malnourished, particularly underweight and anaemic patients could benefit from consuming this snack because of its high iron and carbohydrate content. The vitamins are important for the proper brain, formation and maturation of blood cells, and also for proper function of the nervous system.

You can get all the ingredients for this snack in health food shops.

Ingredient Quantities Shrimp, peeled and deveined 225g Olive oil 1 tablespoon Freshly squeezed lime juice 2 teaspoons Garlic, very finely chopped 1 clove Ground cumin ½ teaspoon Salt A pinch Freshly ground black pepper ½ teaspoon Jalapeño pepper (sliced) 1 medium size Scallions (sliced) 2 Cilantro leaves

(optional) Hot dog buns (lightly toasted)

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For the avocado-cilantro mayonnaise Ingredient Quantities Ripe Hass avocado (mashed) 1 Garlic, very finely chopped 1 small clove Lime juice ½ Mayonnaise 2 tablespoon Fresh cilantro

By Ekwy P. Uzoanya HOOSING the right wine demands knowing how to handle it to get the best out of it. It requires knowing that certain wines taste better when they are paired with certain foods, wine connoisseurs say.

To pick what you will find a lovely drink to complement any meal requires knowledge of what type of wine goes with the d fferent types of meat. One of the ways you can use is to match th colour of wine with the colour of meat. For example, many brands of red wine pair beautifully with red meat such as beef, while wh te wines do well with white meats like fish or chicken.

Wines meant for long period of storage should be kept in a wine refrigerator. The win you sto e will retain its flavours if it rema ns at th same temperature over the period.

Another point to know is that leftover wine should not be saved for more than four days. This is because when wine is exposed to oxygen, it begins to break down and this changes the taste and balance.

Also consider going to wine t ting events as a way to d scover wines that y u will love without having to buy a

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Get The Best Out Of Your Wine

whole bottle to see how much you like it.

There is no doubting that everyone has different taste in wines, but researching and

Season to taste with salt and pepper, then stir in the cilantro.

Set aside.

Method of preparation Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Combine the shrimp, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cumin, a pinch of salt and a little black pepper opaque, about one minute per side. in a bowl.

Transfer to a cutting board, allow to cool for 5 Toss the mixture to coat the shrimp and set minutes, then chop into ¾-inch pieces. aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Spread a portion of the avocado mayo on each Make the avocado-cilantro mayonnaise by comhot dog bun. bining the avocado, garlic, lime juice and mayAdd shrimp, then top with scallions, jalapeño onnaise in a bowl. and a few cilantro leaves if desired.

Mash with a fork until the mixture is creamy Serve with tortilla chips on the side and enjoy. and smooth.

E-mail: chineloeby@yahoo.com

(chopped)

finding out that some people enjoyed a particular wine means that it enjoys a high rating. This can serve as a guide to choosing your wine.

2 tablespoons

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, May 31, 2014

53

HOME&DECOR

Beauty With Upholstered Furniture

By Ekwy P. Uzoanya PHOLSTERED furniture is U both a decorative and functional piece. Apart from being a part of an interior decorative scheme, its major function is to provide comfortable seating.

It is interesting that this type of furniture can be designed in different styles and sizes to suit your lifestyle and lend beauty to your home. The interesting patterns and textures of the fabric when used on furniture in the home or office can change the look of a room while playing off the other pieces in a room.

Before you make a choice from an array of upholstery fabric samples, use a sample and how your choice see fits into your own home and test the colours with other furnishing you may already own.

Upholstery, like any textile, is particularly susceptible to damage from light. That is why some people use loose covers made from such

materials as silk, linen or cotton to prevent expensive upholstery from being damaged by dust and light. To protect it from fading and premature wear it should be positioned away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep at least a 30 centimetres from heat sources such as radiators to prevent colour change or permanent marks occurring.

Handling spills Blot the spill immediately with kitchen paper to absorb the liquid. Repeat this until every trace of the liquid that you can possibly notice is removed. Do not try to use heat, for example a hair dryer, to speed the drying as this can cause the fabric to shrink or permanently fix stains.

After blotting, stop and consider whether to accept the remaining damage or try to remove more stain. If in doubt, limit your remedy to blotting and consult an upholstery or textile conservator for further advice on treatment.

Window Treatments HE look of your windows can go a T long way in enhancing the overall interior design. Therefore, giving your windows some beauty touches can transform a dull room to an inviting one. Some of the things that can bring transformation include the use of curtains, rods and even the design of the windows.

For instance, adding crown moulding to the top of a window frame can give a serious yet simple facelift to it.

Whatever thing you are doing, know that function comes first and will limit your curtain choices, in a good way. To provide privacy or darkness, lined curtains are needed. Where light is required, light unlined will work to allow light to filter through.

Though lining adds to the cost of a curtain, it has other advantages. It can shield fabric from sun damage, thereby making the curtain to last longer.

Lining also adds heft, which protects against drafts and helps fabric fall more luxuriously.

When making a decision on a choice of fabric for your curtains, knowing the different types of fabrics available will guide in choosing what suits a particular style.

Decorative curtain rods can transform a room. Curtain rod styles range from traditional to contemporary and add a finished quality to a living space.

You can also give your curtains style and sophistication with beautiful tieback tassels.

TheGuardian

54| Saturday, May 31, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

NaturalHealth Natural Health With G. C. Ihesie

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

Prevention And Treatment Of Liver Dysfunction HE liver is one of the most vital organs; it is regarded as the regulator of the human health.

It has the sole responsibility of keeping the blood clean, thus enhancing the immune system and many other body systems.

Therefore, it is very crucial for everyone to maintain a healthy liver. Without a healthy liver, the body cannot function properly.

Studies have shown that a weak, damaged or an unhealthy liver is the root cause of many of our present day physical health problems.

Fortunately, the liver can be strengthened and its functions enhanced and restored even when it is severely damaged.

The first step to a healthy liver is to avoid those things that can stress and impair the normal functions the liver, such as: 1. Saturated fats from red meat, processed vegetable oils (hydrogenated fats), e.g. margarine, butter, deep fried or fatty foods, foods that contain rancid fats, overcooked foods, dairy products, cheese, cream, etc.

2. Refined foods, e.g. white flour products, refined sugar, pastries, junk foods and foods that tend to constipate.

3. Food with excess salt, additive colourings, flavourings, preservatives and artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame) and foods with other artificial chemicals and toxins, such as insecticides, pesticides, afflatoxin and other cumulative poisons (toxins).

4. Overeating, late night eating, eating too quickly, when distracted or under stress.

5. Excessive social drugs (alcohol, particularly, spirits), nicotine and caffeine, like instant coffee powders, strong tea, carbonated and fizzy drinks.

6. Certain medications, such as harsh laxatives, hard drugs, oral contraceptives, synthetic vitamins and minerals, etc.

7. Anger, frustration, prolonged mental trauma and pain, emotional turmoil, worry, frustra-

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plenty of fluid enhances the functions of the kidneys, and a poor functioning kidney may cause damage to the liver.

Date sugar, maple sugar or syrup or rice syrup, honey, molasses, fruit jams, fresh fruits juices, etc. should be used as natural sugars.

Most practitioners recommend an exclusive eating of only raw fruits and vegetables for a week, followed by eating 75 per cent raw foods for a period of 30 days, as a liver cleansing remedy.

Alternatively, three days detoxification fast on fruit and vegetable juices (carrot, beet root, apples, grapefruits, diluted lemon juice mixed with two spoons of fresh aloe vera gel) every month helps to rid the body of toxins and purify the liver.

Fasting rests the liver and the entire digestive system and energy is conserved for internal repairs and cleansing.

Also, it is recommended that the liver should be flushed occasionally by drinking a mixture of cold pressed virgin olive oil and lemon juice or drinking a mixture of fresh garlic, ginger root tion, negative thoughts, etc. erous vegetables, like cabbage, cauliflower, broc- and lemon juice.

Either of these mixtures helps to cleanse and In maintaining a healthy liver, there is no coli, radish, horseradish, turnip, kale, etc. protect the liver. substitute for eating a well-balanced wholePotassium found in whole grains, brown rice, The following nutritional supplements have some diet that is rich high in fibre, low in sat- bananas, blackstrap molasses and almond been found to be very useful in maintaining the urated fat and high in antioxidants (Vitamin seeds.

C, Vitamin E, zinc, and selenium).

Essential fatty acids found in cold pressed fresh health of the liver: Eating a well-balanced wholesome diet vegetable and seed oils, oily fish, avocado, fresh Celandine and silymarin and a mixture of alpha lipoic acid/selenium and milk thistle help in means emphasis on raw vegetables that are raw nuts and seeds. high in antioxidants, plant flavonoids/ beta Vitamin K found in green leafy vegetables and maintaining an efficient liver function.

Coenzyme Q10 helps supply oxygen to the liver. carotene that are found in fruits, like carrot, alfalfa sprouts. beet roots and green leafy vegetables, e.g. flut- To maintain a healthy liver, many practitioners Lecithin helps prevent fatty buildup in the liver.

Antioxidants, a combination of Vitamin C or ed pumpkins, avocado pear, dandelion, green of natural medicine believe that the daily diet ascorbic acid, Vitamin E, beta carotene, selenitea, fresh vegetable juices, wheat-grass juice, should consist of 40 per cent of raw fruits and um and zinc. Antioxidants neutralise the cellparsley, watercress and spirulina, tomatoes, vegetables, with the intake of large amounts of damaging free radicals and help in protecting papaya, turmeric. fluids, such as plain water, raw fruit and vegNatural sulphur found in foods, such as gar- etable juices, teas (in the form of herbal tea, like liver cells.

Other helpful supplements include choline, lic, onions, leeks, shallots, beans and other nettle, dandelion, calendula marigold, green Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin A, fish oil, Omega 3 legumes. tea, etc).

Indole, that is three carbinol found in crucifApart from keeping the liver healthy, drinking fatty acids, arginine, green tea, etc.

PetLife With Dr.Tunji Nasir

Pet Vaccination Issues (Non-Responding Pets To Vaccination) tion, but had not really succumbed fully.

HE concept of non-responders As a result of this, the quick-witted to antigen stimulation is not vet immediately sought for the really new, but its existence in antibody level to the disease in our pet population is not really each of the individual puppies. appreciated by pet owners and To our utmost surprise, the pupeven professional caregivers. pies showed high levels of antibodThe reason for this is not faries to distemper and hepatitis, but fetched, as it is very rare. none to parvovirus.

The ratio of occurrence of nonresponding individuals in pet population, in very many studies, is about 1:5,000 of pets vaccinated.

It occurs more in certain breeds than the others. In Nigeria, the Rottweilers are the major culprits.

Prof Ronald Schultz, a renowned pathobiologist, who has also noticed that the Rottweilers are the most non-responding breeds to Parvo-stimulation, also attested this to.

This assertion does not, however, preclude other breeds. In fact, a significant number of breeds have been implicated. It is just that you cannot really put your fingers at it and beat your chest to line up breeds and label them as having the tendency.

It is more or less a genetic misadventure of certain individualsalthough more preponderant in certain canine families and breeds.

There was an incident of two Rottweiler puppies suspected to be showing signs of parvoviral infec-

Dr. Tunji Nasir.

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The trick is this: The puppies were all immunised against all these by a single shot of the vaccine known to contain modified live viruses against the three diseases.

The vacci check was also done with one sample drawn at the same time, yet the evidence from the test clearly demonstrates that

the subjects have been properly immunised against distemper and hepatitis, but not parvovirus.

This then informed the theory of non-responding individuals to parvovirus. Reasons are not immediately known for now.

The phenomenon is still being researched as to why the uptake of immunity by certain breeds is so difficult. But the consensus at this time is that it is a genetic aberration, and it is most disheartening.

This is not a sacrosanct research, but the number of this particular breed succumbing to the disease is becoming significant.

Evidently, and as initially stated, other breeds are also not left out.

The only difference I have noticed is that such subjects generally survive the attack after diligent attention.

Questions will naturally arise.

What is it in this non-responding breed that makes them get immunised to certain diseases and not to others? Like, I have pointed out earlier, the answer hangs: Genes!

The smart pet owner should naturally try to know the status of his/her puppy after the initial series of vaccination by soliciting for a titre check from the vet.

If there were a non-responding individual, at least, he would be prepared to take pre-cautionary measures to forestall the occurrence of

the disease or would probably revaccinate and see the possibility of any amnestic response in such an individual.

Suffice to say that the public should be aware that not all the puppies vaccinated are immunised.

The recommendation is that the puppy series vaccination process is re-started again, especially using a monovalent vaccine of the disease not responded to, and each vaccination is followed by titre-testing two weeks after the administration of the vaccine until it is assured that antigenic stimulation has taken place.

Otherwise, such non-responding individuals are considered to be exposed and readily succumb to the disease whenever it strikes.

Although such an individual may not be a risk to immunised puppies, it can be an immediate danger to others who have not been exposed to primary vaccinations.

Pet owners are, therefore, enjoined to seek more knowledge about the immunisation of their puppies to ensure that they are vaccinated at the right age, with repeats at the right intervals and perform serological titre-testing to know if indeed they have been immunised.

Your veterinarian is well equipped to assist you with this.

Saturday, May 31, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

55

TRANSITION

Tribute To Bosede Marian Oluwasusi (1931Until her death, she was a faithful committed and devoted Christian.

Mama would be remembered for her truthfulness, hard work, discipline, love and care for her children and for other people that crossed her path.

Mama answered the final call to glory in the early hours of May 28, 2013. One year after, we thank God for His grace that is sufficient for

By Funmi Tai- Ojuolape HE crowd that gathered at St. Bartholomew’s School Play Ground on Saturday July 13, 2013, to bid her farewell established the fact that Madam Bosede Marian Oluwasusi led a good life that endeared her to thousands of people who could not sit back at home and miss witnessing Mama’s final rites of passage. The tributes by Mama’s children, neighbours and well wishers gave an insight into the kind of life she led.

Mama was born sometimes in 1931 to the family of the late Chief Gabriel Orisunmibola (Chief Oloriji) and Mrs. Beatrice Megbolagbe Orisunmibola of Okemi Quarters, Ogotun Ekiti. Out of all the children of her mother, she was the only one that did not have the opportunity of formal education. Therefore, she always remained with her mother helping her to weave mats, the popular occupation for the women in the town then.

She got married to the late Chief Gabriel Omodele Oluwasusi (Chief Olofin) in 1951 and the marriage was blessed with children.

Mama was a caring and loving mother, highly principled and disciplined. Mama never compromised her ideals, principles and hard work. She went to the farm to uproot, cut and carry the mat-fronts (Egidi Eni) home and worked on the mat till midnight before sleeping.

Her wake up time was as early as 4a.m. when she usually started her day.

Mama was also a trader in foodstuff and other commodities like kerosene, palm oil, rice, beans, etc. She would travel to Ilorin, Kano, Kaduna and as far as Sokoto to pur-

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her children. We shall forever be grateful to Mama for the fact that she single handedly walked in thick and thin to raise us, her lovely children. We are also grateful to God because Mama left this world better than she met it.

Mama, you shall ever be remembered for all your good works on earth. We love you but Jesus loves you better.

• Tai-Ojuolape is a staff of The Guardian.

Good Night, Sunday Igba Ezino T was a gathering of the who Icently is who in the society reat the quiet town of

Bosede chase the foodstuff that she sold. She had no time for gossiping even to the extent that people in the community did make jest of her for being married to her job. But we, her children, thank God today as we can see for ourselves the result of her hard work.

Although Mama had no opportunity of going to school, she was determined to send all her children to school at

least to the Senior School Certificate level. God heard her prayers and she was able to achieve the goal. Today, all her children are graduates of one institution or the other.

To God be the glory!

It was a herculean task to convince Mama to accept Jesus Christ as she remained resolute to her faith as a churchgoer. But being a churchgoer is quite different

from accepting Jesus Christ and being born again. We thanked God who heard the prayers of her children because it took the collaboration of all her children with the help of the Holy Spirit before she finally accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Saviour. When Mama was born again, it was joy unspeakable to her children because it took a very long time to convince her.

Inam Abbi in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State when the remains of the late Mr. Sunday Igba Ezino, a.k.a Man Bobby, were interred.

The funeral service, who took place at his compound, was officiated by pastors from God’s Covenant Christian Assembly (GCCA), Asheshe Street, off Jakpa Road, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State; and Jesus the Rock Evangelical Ministry, Abbi town.

In her tribute, the late Ezino’s daughter, Pastor (Mrs.) Vivian Ego Arutere described his father as a meticulous disciplined, reliable, agile, dedicated and thorough father who maintained his integrity throughout his lifetime.

This, according to her, accorded him respect in the community and the Coca Cola Company where he worked in Lagos.

In another tribute, the deceased’s son-in-law and the Founder/General Overseer of

GCCA, Rev. (Hon) Fred Konavwose Arutere stated: “Your subtle manner of calling me “Chairman” even where you are a father will linger on in my memory for so long.

There is no doubt that your memory will always remain in our hearts. All the same, your straight forwardness, stern looking to proffer solutions to matters of urgent importance, discipline as well as exemplary character for the betterment of everybody will ever remain our source of inspiration and guiding star.

The memory of your strong conviction for integrity and honour is like a book return every day to the library for continuous reading.”

The late Ezino was born 67 years ago (1947) into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Efianmalu Ezino of Inam Abbi town. He attended Primary School from 1951 to 1956 and Standard School from 1958 to 1962 and came out with flying colours.

He is survived by Mrs. Victoria Ezino (wife), Pastor (Mrs.) Vivian Ego Arutere (daughter), and Rev. (Hon) Fred Konavwose Arutere (son-in-law).

Ibifuro Anye Ibiama, A Tribute

By Ben Ofungwu Have had great difficulty writing this obituary tribute for Dr. Ibifuro Anye Ibiama. We all call him Furo. I know I am living in denial.

Furo was a great man in every respect that I really cannot put this tribute in perspective. I write this tribute to Furo on behalf of all of us who were rehabilitated in Lagos by Furo after the Nigerian Civil War. We were quite a motley crowd and we all owe our soft landing back into the Nigerian society to this great friend – Furo.

I was not close to Furo in Ibadan. He was quite a popular student who made the university first team in football. He was at the University College Hospital in Ibadan as a clinical student. I was at the College Hospital laboratories as a student. My colleague and mutual friend, Sam Nlemadim was surely more close to Furo, because they both grew up in Calabar. Furo attended Hope Waddel Training Institute, Calabar. Sam was at St. Patrick’s College, Calabar. In our days, both institutions were Ivy League Schools.

So at the end of the civil war, Sam and I headed for Lagos with no one in mind as our host. We tracked down Furo at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where he was already a Senior House Officer. Without batting an eyelid, he directed us to his home. That was the beginning of this close and long friendship with Furo.

Furo was a very kind-hearted fellow. His generosity and love of others came to him so naturally. He did not have airs. What do you make of a medical doctor whose idea of a

I

good dinner with his hangers on was a stop-by at a roadside bukka and ordering enough piping hot fried plantain (dodo) and bean cakes (akara) for all.

A lot happened at 57, Karimu Street, Surulere — Furo’s house. The guest list continued to increase. Most of the Igbos who studied in Ibadan particularly the University College Hospital group, on getting to Lagos in the early 70s had a ready guest house at Furo’s home. At a time, we who were being harboured were the ones urging Furo to stop bringing in more guests. For Furo, a consummate bachelor at the time blessed with a good heart, he could not understand our gripe. To him, the more the merrier. The flat was his and he was the one picking up the bills including nightclub entry tickets and drinks. So what’s our own?

Furo’s car was a Renault Caravelle, a small sports car that managed four passengers.

Please don’t ask how many of us got into that car at any one time. The rest of the crowd would meet the others at the agreed destination. The problem however was that in most cases, we hit the road before deciding the destination. And GSM telephony was still a distant 30 years away. That car was out most evenings.

The only time it went for maintenance service was when it stopped in the middle of the road and refused to move. It was then pushed aside away from the road and a mechanic would then be called to handle the problem and put the vehicle back on the road.

Furo’s kindness knew no bounds and he did it without making us feel like a nuisance that we were. One particular incident stood out for me: A very close doctor friend of his planned a

birthday bash. They were quite close because this doctor friend was from the South Eastern State, today’s Cross River State, where they grew up together. They were also classmates at the University. We all knew about this party, but not that we particularly looked forward to it. Surprisingly, on the birthday party date, Furo convinced us all and we headed for Caban Bamboo, his favourite nightclub in Igbobi, on Ikorodu Road. We reminded him of this birthday gig that he was invited to severally, but he did not adduce any reason for not being keen on the party anymore. We were at the nightclub till dawn. It was days later that we learnt that the invitation extended to Furo for the party came with a caveat: ‘Don’t come with those hangers-on from Biafra staying with you’. That was it for Furo. He surely did not consider it a party for him if his nuisance friends were not invited. And he did not even bother to mention it to us. That was vintage Furo. A good time in a nightclub was a better option for him. And that was what we had.

Furo had a serious side. He was a Paediatrician by specialisation and was very fond of children, particularly babies. He knew what babies should be capable of doing months before the first birthday. He grilled young mothers on every occasion about what the babies did. At four months, he would want to know whether the baby turned over in bed, sat up at six months without tumbling over, took the first steps at eight or nine months. He was always on an evangelising mission to make sure that babies were healthy and grew up achieving those important milestones.

I can talk about Furo forever and I would not be bored. Those who did not know this man might be. I respect their feelings. When I heard from Sam Nlemadim that Furo was sick and on admission at the University College Hospital, London, and I was in London for a three-week break, I made sure I was at his bedside everyday. There was no way any one of us could repay Furo for his generosity to us back in the 70s. His loyalty to friends was second nature and second to none. I met his elder sister, Madam Inne, a very gracious lady who was at the hospital everyday to be with Furo. I told her: “Your brother is a great man, his greatness lies in his simplicity.” She knew I meant every word of it.

We knew Furo was very sick, but somehow we hoped and prayed that he would pull through.

Before I left London, I steeled myself for any outcome. He had a great life. He made the biblical three scores and 10. He left a great family. To me, he would always be larger than life.

Dr ‘Furo Ibiama departed this world on March 20, 2014. Until his death, he was Co – Medical Director, Delta Specialist Hospital, Bonny, Rivers State and Delta Specialist Clinics, Port Harcourt.

Despite his death, we take solace in the famous words of Marcus Aurelius Anthonius: “It is well to die if there be Gods, and sad to live if there be none”.

Furo would live forever in the hearts of his friends and numerous relations. If there is life hereafter, he would be well received. He indeed loved his fellow man. May his generous soul find peace with the Lord.

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EZEANYAEGBU: Formerly Miss E z e a n y a e g b u

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General public note.

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General public note.

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NWANERI I, formerly

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Public note.

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Change of Name note.

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Public note.

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Public note ODOGWU: Formerly Miss Odogwu Nneka Linda now Mrs. Onochie Nneka Linda.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

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Public note.

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Public note.

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OGUNYEMI: Ogunyemi Olaide Christianah now Oladele Olaide Christianah.

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OGUNDIPE: Formerly: Ogundipe Josephine Adebimpe now Mrs Abolude Josephine Adebimpe.

Former document remain valid. Public note.

OKAFOR: Formerly Okafor Olivia Chinyere, now Iwuanyanwu Olivia Chinyere. All former documents remain valid. General Public note.

OGUNMOSU: Formerly Miss Ogunmosu Bukanla Abosede now Mrs. Abimbola Bukola Abosede. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

OKEKE: Formerly Miss Okeke Kenechi Florence now Mrs Aforka Kenechi Florence. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OKELOLA; Formerly Miss Okelola Oluwabukola Victoria.Now Mrs Oluwabukola Victoria Olaloye. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

OGUNSANYA: Formerly Oladunni Adjarat Ogunsanya, now Mrs Oladunni Hajarat Hassan. Former documents valid. Public note.

OGUNSUSI: Formerly

OKERE: Formerly Mr

Azubuike Okere now Mr Azubuike Christopher Iheanyi. Former documents valid. Public note.

OKOH: Formerly Miss Okoh Comfort A., now Mrs Onuh A. Comfort.

All former documents remain valid. BGN Poly, General Public note.

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OKUNOWO: Formerly Miss Okunowo Anike Hannah, now Mrs Fadeyi Anike Hannah.

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OLADIPUPO: Former Mr. Oladipupo Seyi Samuel now wish to be known as Samuel Seyi Daniel. All former documents remain valid.

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mer documents remain valid. Public note.

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nat. Former documents valid. Public note.

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NYSC, public note.

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All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

TAMUNOPIRIYE: Formerly Miss Tamunopiriye Dabotubo Eferebo, now Mrs. Tamunopiriye Ebikenmo Douglas.

Former documents remains valid. Public note TOKAN-LAWAL: Formerly Sidikat Olufunmilayo Tokan-Lawal now Mrs. Victoria Olorunfunmilayo Adeniyi. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

UDEH: Formerly Miss Udeh Chika Esther now Mrs Ezeobi Chika Esther. Former documents remain valid, public note.

UDO: Formerly Miss Mary Udofia Udo now Mrs. Mary Etim Bassey Nyanibo. Former documents remain valid.

Basse Engineering and public note.

UDO-AKAGHA: Formerly Miss Emma Samuel Udo-Akagha now Mrs. Emma Jehu Aliu. Former documents valid. Public note.

UDORA: Formerly Chia-

maka Lois Udoka now Mrs. Chiamaka Losi Attamah. Documents remain valid. Public note.

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Sports Top EPL Stars For Samba Dance There are 13 European countries, five from South America, five from Africa, four from North America and four from Asia taking part in the Brazil 2014 World Cup, which kicks off on June 12, a day that refuses to go away from the minds of many Nigerians since the infamous annulment of the 1993 election. But the focus of many soccer fans across the globe will be on players from their beloved clubs, especially those featuring in the English Premier League (EPL), which many see as the most glamorous and exciting in world football.

Using agency reports, GOWON AKPODONORlooks at star players who are plying their trade in the EPL that will be the centre of attraction, when the Samba dance party begins in Brazil. who, in top form, can be unplayable. He is on course to become England’s record all-time goals scorer, if he continues in his current rich vein of form.

While England seemed to toil through qualifying at times, they never once looked on the back foot.

When the chips were down, they were forced to win their last two matches, but they delivered in confident fashion. If England would make an impact in Brazil, Rooney must play a big role.

Luis Suarez, Uruguay There has been no more explosive goal scorer in the EPL this year than Luis Suarez. He is currently among the world’s best strikers, who has been tormenting the Premier League’s best defenders this season for Liverpool, and is a definite contender for player of the tournament, if Uruguay goes far in Brazil.

Suarez has been a major contributor during

Van Persie Robin van Persie, Netherlands AN Persie plies his trade at Manchester United and he is one of the most clinical finishers in the world. Holland bounced back from a calamitous Euro 2012, where they lost every game, to blitz Group D and finish as Europe’s top scorers - much of that was in part due to Van Persie’s unmatched 11 goals. The Dutch seemed to have learned from the shambles of the Euros and will target going one better than 2010’s runners-up finish in South Africa.

V

Wayne Rooney, England Another Manchester United bullish striker

Uruguay’s World Cup qualifying run, playing in 27 matches. In those 27 matches since 2011, Suarez has booted through an amazing 24 goals for his country.

To be frank, they’ve done it the hard way. A team with Uruguay’s galaxy of stars should have locked their spot easily. Instead, a nation with a rich World Cup history was the very last of the 32 teams to qualify after thrashing Jordan in a two-legged sudden death playoff.

The 27-year-old Suarez injured the meniscus in his left knee while training with Uruguay and after an MRI scan it was decided to send the player for arthroscopic surgery, which lasted about 30 minutes. Uruguay officials

remain confident he will be fit for the World Cup. Oscar dos Santos, Brazil Oscar dos Santos Emboaba (Junior) known as Oscar has been Chelsea’s shining light this season, leading the scoring charts and is the Blues’ biggest threat going forward. Without Oscar in the line-up, Chelsea is notably a different force.

Oscar will drift between the lines and make a mockery of defenders, as he often drift wide to receive possession and create goals and chances for those around him. Brazil is the host of the 2014 World Cup and Oscar and teammates were spared from the pressure of qualification.

Eden Hazard, Belgium Hazard is a quick, creative and energetic winger who has shone for Chelsea since moving to the Premier League last year.

Blessed with a generation of players that have taken Belgium from being non-qualifying material to a major European force, Hazard helped his side to top spot in Group A with a game to spare after making light work of nearest rivals, Croatia. The nation’s first major tournament in 12 years may end up being their best since the class of 86 visited Mexico.

Mesut Ozil, Germany Arsenal star, whose craft, creativity and trickery is well known. He has seamlessly adapted to life in the Premier League since joining from Real Madrid.

By winning every game - aside from a moment of madness, when Germany only drew with Sweden despite going 4-0 up, that was about as bad as it got for Ozil and co, as Germany typically qualified with envious ease.

Germany have actually never failed in any of their qualification attempts, as the two tournaments they missed saw them fail to enter (1930) or banned (1950).

John Mikel Obi, Nigeria Mikel is in his seventh year at Chelsea, and has played nearly 200 games, winning a host of trophies, including Premier League titles, Champions League, four FA Cups and the Europa League trophy. He has played over 51 times for Nigeria, winning the Africa Cup of Nations title last year, after three attempts.

Javier Hernandez, Mexico This Manchester United goal poacher has an excellent international scoring ratio of 35 goals in 57 games. Mexico qualified for their sixth successive World Cup with a 4-2 victory in the second leg of their intercontinental play-off against New Zealand, for a 93 aggregate win.

Having negotiated the initial qualifying group with a 100 per cent record, Mexico made hard work of the final phase, losing to Honduras at home and Costa Rica and the United States on the road. Having scraped in to the play-off round, they made light work of New Zealand, winning 5-1 at home and 4-2 away.

Samuel Eto’o, Cameroun The Chelsea strongman is the captain of Cameroun with a record appearance holder with 112 caps and all-time leading goalscorer with 55.

The Indomitable Lions won a group featuring Libya, Congo DR and Togo before overcoming Tunisia 4-1 on aggregate in the final play-off round. They received a stroke of good fortune in the group, when Togo was forced to forfeit their 2-0 win in June after fielding an ineligible player.

Sergio Aguero, Argentina The Manchester City player is another big striker many fans will look up to, when hostilities open in Brazil. He scored twice as Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over BosniaHerzegovina in a friendly in St Louis, Missouri.

Argentina, with only one loss in 12 matches, were coming off a goalless draw with Ecuador three nights earlier. They played without superstar striker, Lionel Messi, but in-form Aguero scored on 40 minutes after Stoke City goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic was unable to snuff out the danger, which ensued after a cross from Napoli’s Federico Fernandez.

Victor Moses, Nigeria He played for England at youth levels, the Liverpool winger - on-loan from Chelsea chose to represent the nation of his birth. He scored in Nigeria’s play-off win against Ethiopia.

Nigeria were undefeated in their group containing Malawi, Kenya and Namibia, before comprehensively seeing off Ethiopia 4-1 on aggregate in their play-off. Though Moses warmed the bench at Liverpool, Nigerians are optimistic that he would do well in Brazil.

Edin Dzeko, Bosnia and Herzegovina The Manchester City striker has an excellent international scoring record of 33 goals in 58 games.

Bosnia and Greece were by far the runaway teams in Group G, but Bosnia still needed to win on the final day, despite dropping points in just two qualifiers throughout the campaign.

Huge celebrations greeted their first ever qualification for a major tournament, but it remains to be seen how Dzeko and his team-

Toure

CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

60 | Saturday, May 31, 2014

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... And The World Cup Begins On June 12 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59 mates will cope in Brazil, where they will face Nigeria, Argentina and Iran.

before a win over Mexico last month confirmed a seventh straight World Cup appearance.

The last 10 years have seen players gain loads of experience from playing in Europe and it’s has added greatly to the squad strength.

Ki Sung-yueng, South Korea The Swansea midfielder on-loan at Sunderland may not have lit up the Premier League, but he is an ever-present for South Korea, playing 53 times at the age of just 24.

South Korea survived a late scare on the final match day of the group stage to qualify as only a narrowly superior goal difference saved them from being bumped into the play-offs by Uzbekistan, following a 1-0 home defeat to Iran.

It will be their eighth consecutive finals, but only twice have they got beyond the group stage.

Bryan Ruiz, Costa Rica The Fulham forward is Costa Rica’s captain and chipped in with three goals during the qualifying phase. Despite conceding a lastminute equaliser in Jamaica in September, it was smiles all round, as the draw in Kingston was enough to see Costa Rica qualify in surprisingly comfortable circumstances.

Ruiz has the ability to compete on the global stage, but reaching the last 16 like in 1990, will prove a tough ask in Brazil.

Jozy Altidore, USA He hasn’t impressed in his spells in England with Hull City and Sunderland, but he is a potent striker for USA, scoring 21 times in 65 appearances.

After starting slowly in qualifiers, Altidore and his teammates soon found their winning rhythm to hit top spot in the group

Fernando Torres, Spain Torres has found it difficult to score goals at Chelsea and he was dropped from Spain’ squad for the World Cup qualifier against Finland due to injury.

He has scored many goals at major tournaments and many fans are looking up to see Torres in Spain’s colour when hostilities

Do it for Nigeria, Keshi seems to tell Mikel

begin in Brazil with the hope that he would get is bearing right.

Wilson Palacios, Honduras He is a defensive midfielder heading to his second World Cup. He is well known to English football fans having played for Birmingham, Wigan, Tottenham and Stoke.

Honduras have undergone several changes since South Africa, but pulled it all together in time to enjoy a successful qualifying campaign, finally sealing their place with a 2-2 draw against Jamaica in the final match.

Ashkan Dejagah, Iran A winger who played for Germany’s youth sides before opting for the country of his birth.

Dejagah plays for Fulham in the Premier League.

Iran surprisingly topped Group A after winning in South Korea on the final match day.

Despite winning the group, there isn’t much to suggest that Dejagah and his teammates can move past the group stage for the first time in Brazil. Skipper Javad Nekounam has the experience, but Fulham’s Dejagah is best suited to deal with the quality they will face in Brazil. They will face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their first group match.

Yaya Toure, Cote d’Ivoire No one will doubt his talent. There are no many better players in the Premier League than Toure at the moment.

He plies his trade with Man City, current champions of England.

The country always looks dangerous and vibrant going into international tournaments in the last decade, though they haven’t yet delivered.

Cote d’Ivoire is worth considering as the team that could make the semi-finals in Brazil, if everything comes together.

Juan Mata, Spain Juan Manuel Mata García, commonly known

Eto’o

as Juan Mata is one of the top guns from the EPL heading to Brazil 2014 World Cup. He was two times Player of the Year for Chelsea before moving to Manchester United. He was recalled into Spain’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Belarus in Mallorca on October 11 and Georgia in

Victor’s Dream Team

By Frederick Mordi “If you can dream it, you can do it,” — Walt Disney HERE was silence across the counT try.

The streets are completely deserted except for a few stray dogs and chickens that strolled aimlessly in search of grub. Everyone had hurried home to watch the football match.

They display the whole spectrum of emotions largely oscillating between excitement and anxiety as the match progresses. Sometimes, shouts of delight would puncture the silence. At other times, shouts of anguish would invade the air.

It was the finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The Times of London had described this year’s competition as “the year of the underdogs.” A Nigerian-based newspaper was quite prescient. In its Editorial, it wrote that 2014 is “Nigeria’s date with history.”

Nigeria has been making global headlines since the tournament started. It all began with Nigeria’s invasion of Iran in her opening match. In the second match, Nigeria not only beat but also humiliated Bosnia-Herzegovina. The team went on to annihilate Argentina in the last match of the group stage. Italy, Spain, England and Germany suffered a similar fate at the hands of the seemingly unstoppable Super

Eagles, who had not lost a single match since the competition started on June 12.

No African team had ever come this far in the previous editions of the tournament. Against all odds, Nigeria eventually managed to get to the finals!

No one could explain how the West Africans, widely regarded as the underdogs before the event, made it to the finals of the World Cup for the first time in the 84-year history of the tournament.

Not a few are amazed that Nigeria is playing against the highly rated Brazil, the host nation, which had won the cup a record five times, in the final match of the competition.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is the goal margin, which stood at 1-1 at the 90th minute of the game! It seemed that the Samba Boys had met their match.

Even football pundits could not explain what was happening. Nobody gave Stephen Keshi’s boys a chance— not even a dog’s chance—of

progressing beyond the second round as had been the case at four past attempts: 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2010.

But then, every dog, as they say, has its day. This is Nigeria’s day, or to be more precise, year.

Already, bookmakers are raising the stakes in anticipation of what many hope would be the biggest upset in FIFA World Cup history.

The underrated Super Eagles stood their ground against their formidable opponents.

They wowed the crowd with their mesmerising dribbles and

The underrated Super Eagles stood their ground against their formidable opponents. They wowed the crowd with their mesmerising dribbles and entertaining style of play. They dazzled the world with their neat passes and beautiful crosses. They controlled the mid-field. They spearheaded the attack. They marshalled the defence. Both teams did all they could, but the goals refused to come anymore. The spectators are already settling down for a penalty shoot-out. entertaining style of play. They dazzled the world with their neat passes and beautiful crosses. They controlled the mid-field. They spearheaded the attack. They marshalled the defence. Both teams did all they could, but the goals refused to come anymore. The spectators are already settling down for a penalty shootout.

However, about a minute to the end of the injury time, the nimble Nigeria forward, who had been terrorising the Brazilian defence since the match started, suddenly managed to wriggle past two defenders and the goal keeper.

He was hacked down savagely by a third defender before he could take a shot at the empty net.

“Penalty!”

Nigerians roared. They were baying for blood.

The Brazilians quickly swarmed around the referee. They insisted it

was a fair tackle and tried to dissuade him from awarding Nigeria a penalty kick that could seal their hopes of winning the trophy for the sixth time.

But the sangfroid referee smiled blandly at the hapless Samba Boys and pointed unwaveringly at the penalty spot, to the relief of Nigerians and the consternation of Brazilians.

The hearts of many Nigerians watching the match jumped into their mouths. The weak-hearted amongst them fainted. Even the strong ones could no longer sit down. The tension was so thick that you could have cut it with a saw.

As the Nigerian captain himself prepared to take the penalty kick that could put the first FIFA World Cup in Africa, Victor woke up from his sleep.

He gazed at his wrist watch and yawned tiredly.

It was the best dream that he ever had.

Saturday, May 31, 2014 61

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SPORTS FRENCH OPEN 2014

Radwanska knocked Out HIRD seed Agnieszka T Radwanska became the latest casualty of an unpre-

dictable French Open as she lost to unseeded Croat Ajla Tomljanovic.

The 25-year-old Pole was beaten 6-4 6-4 as Thursday’s opening match on Court Philippe Chatrier produced another surprise.

Top seeds Serena Williams and Li Na suffered shock losses this week.

Romania’s Simona Halep, seeded fourth, is now the highest-ranked player left in the women’s draw.

“The tournament is wide open now. I was at Ajla’s press conference. She said there was a feeling anybody can beat anybody and said that she respects the big name players but doesn’t fear them.

As for Radwanska, she never really looked comfortable.

Her game doesn’t match up to the surface. With Serena and Li Na out, this would have been a golden opportunity for her first Grand Slam, but it all got too much for her.”

Seventh seed Maria Sharapova, the 2012 champion, plays Argentina’s Paula Ormaechea later on Friday.

Former winners Ana Ivanovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova, and 2010 finalist Sam Stosur, are among the other remaining players with a significant history at Roland Garros.

Stosur showed that she is a serious candidate for the title with a 6-4 6-4 win over Australian Open finalist and ninth seed Dominika Cibulkova.

Radwanska had never been beyond the quarter-finals in Paris but she was still expect-

ed to be too strong for Tomljanovic.

The 21-year-old, ranked 72nd in the world, had only ever beaten one top-30 player before Thursday and had never been past the second round of a Grand Slam.

But Tomljanovic started much the better, racing to a 5-1 lead, and Radwanska was never able to peg her back.

The Pole was broken at the start of the second set and saw a break point slip by in game eight when Tomljanovic nervelessly angled away a volley, and the Croat served out the biggest win of her life two games later.

“After seeing the two first seeds go out, you kind of feel like ‘I can do this too,’” said Tomljanovic. “I grew up with these girls that are beating them.

“I went on the stadium for the first time, and Radwanska kind of feels like home there, because she’s been there a lot more than I did. I went out there, and I really, inside really thought I could win.

“I think that showed and it is why I won.”

The 2012 Wimbledon finalist rued not making the most of her opportunities.

“She definitely played good tennis today,” said Radwanska. “I had my chances, I didn’t take them. I think that cost me the match.

“It doesn’t mean if the first and second seeds lost, it doesn’t mean the third one is going to win.

“It’s stupid to say that. It doesn’t matter who is in the draw, if you play good then you’re going to win. I just didn’t play good enough today to win the match.”

Supersport Donates 1000 Balls, Honours Governor Obiano From Chuks Collins, Awka IGERIA’S ex-international football star-Victor Ikpeba and the General Manager of Supersports, Mr Felix Awogu would be leading top officials of the sports entertainment company to Anambra state today to honour Governor Willie Obianor.

The team, it was gathered would be donating 1000 footballs to the Governor for distribution to schools in the state.

The Anambra state’s Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Chief Tony Nnacheta said it would strengthen the bond between the state and Supersport.

The move, which was also described as being in furtherance of its catch-themyoung programme christened “Let’s Play,” would encourage early participation in the game of football and other sports by children.

Young football enthusiasts aged between 8 to 13

N

years, drawn from primary and secondary schools across the 21 council areas of the state are to benefit from the Supersport football project.

As part of the sports revolution expected to be unveiled today by Obiano during the event, which would take place at the Rojenny Sports stadium in Oba, was the introduction of ‘jugging/exercising’ for fitness in schools across the state tagged “swagger routine”.

Both the football gesture and the swagger routine, the Commissioner noted, would actually mark the beginning of the state’s road to the forthcoming national sports festival in Calabar.

He assured that as the state led the pack in both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examination’s Council (NECO) examinations respectively, so would Anambra lead the sports sector soon.

Radwanska

Uyo Stadium: An Uncommon, Unique Edifice In A Class Of Its Own

By Paul Bassey T first glance you will misA take it for the Soccer City Stadium in South Africa, in concept and design.

Engineer Bassey Bassey says “if you make that mistake, you will be right, preliminarily.”

Engineer Bassey is the site Engineer of the Uyo Ultra Modern Stadium who is quick to add that though the Soccer City may have an edge in terms of seating capacity, ( Don’t forget it is a national stadium ), the Uyo Stadium is aesthetically superior.

“Whereas the South African stadium is covered in plastic, the Uyo stadium is all round acrylic glass shell, that gives it a kaleidoscopic and aesthetic feature that is a delight to see.”

Engineer Bassey is a busy man, yet he speaks to you with some emotion when it comes to the topic of the Uyo international stadium. He is one of those saddled with the responsibility of delivering the stadium by September 23, and they are condemned to deliver!

His Excellency Governor Godswill Akpabio has declared his intention to commission the stadium on September 23 during the State’s 23rd anniversary and the deadline must be met.

The charismatic Governor of Akwa Ibom States prides himself as meeting the expectations of his people through numerous grassroots and developmental projects in his unique transformational agenda that has drawn accolades from home and abroad, yet none seems to delight him like the Uyo International Stadium project.

“When you see His Excellency talk about the stadium, passion lights his face. He is proud of the edifice that will transform the sports fortunes of the youth of Akwa Ibom and provide an avenue for international interaction on the sports arena “ an aide said in Uyo. Management and players of Akwa United football club were pleasantly surprised last week, when the governor paid

an unscheduled visit to them during a professional league match at home against Lobi Stars of Makurdi.

The boys suddenly had the fillip to perform better and finally won the match to the delight of the Governor who took the opportunity to also talk about the stadium, which according to him, would attract international sports engagements and entertainment packages to Uyo. He will want to see those who will display their wares in the stadium going on to make it at the international stage, playing for clubs like Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

From his speech, it was evident that the sports loving governor was one of those who sat through the drama and the excitement of the European Champions League final between Real Madrid and Athletico and was looking for such quality performance to be reenacted in Uyo. A visit to the stadium bears testimony to all the expectations. Renowned German Construction Company Julius Berger is credited with a work that will be a signatory to their construction expertise.

The state Commissioner of Information Mr. Aniekan Umanah was embarrassed recently when the 2014 Calendar came out, only for

Uyo Stadium

someone to draw his attention to the fact that less than one month after he commissioned photographers to take the pictures of the stadium, work had progressed far beyond his portrayal in the calendar.

The Olympic sized Uyo stadium is a study in functionality and one stop sports park.

Apart from its indoor sports facility that caters for all sports, the stadium is complimented by an annexed training pitch complete with a six lane track, where the stadium itself has eight athletics tracks.

True to its earlier axonometric projection, the basement of the 30,000 all seater stadium is endowed with dressing rooms, referees and match commissioners rooms, doctor’s and doping control facility, a sick bay, warm up area and enough offices that can be converted to meet specific sports and functions.

There are also dedicated entrances for VIPs and teams and modern drainage facilities that service the natural grass available.

The terraces also amplify comfort, compartmentalized to include the media tribunes and radio and TV cabins with internet facilities, VIP and VVIP area with adjacent hospitality lounges.

The Public Address System, multi functional High Definition scoreboard,

Floodlights of FIFA recommended lux intensity of 150/50, a lighting that will be a delight for live broadcast at night are some of the features that stand out this stadium as a structural elegance.

Situated in an area with enough access roads and parking space, security is a plus. Mrs Regina Udobong of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited joins in the admiration.

Coordinator of the 13 year old Akwa Ibom State NNPC/MPN Track and Field Championships for schools and colleges in Akwa Ibom, she is looking forward to the finals of this year’s event in the brand new tartan tracks of the Uyo Stadium.

“In the past, we saw our kids struggle to run on beaten earth surfaces and this limited their progress. Last year we tried an experiment by training them on the tartan tracks of U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar and they exploded.

We are looking forward to a grand occasion this year in Uyo” She is joined by the Chairman of Akwa United Hon. Isong Isang. “With an atmosphere like that, Akwa United will have no excuse not to play well. We are grateful to His Excellency for bringing to our doorstep, what we ordinarily see and admire abroad.”

September beckons.

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FOOD&DRINKS

Mexican Shrimp Roll Served With Avocado Mayonnaise (Healthy snack for both children and adults)

By Chinelo Nwagbo ODAY’S recipe is simply Mexican shrimp T roll served with avocado mayonnaise. It is prepared with shrimp, which is popular seafood that is rich in protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, selenium, phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, zinc, copper and magnesium.

Avocado, another main ingredient of this snack is a good source of vitamin A, B, C, E, and K, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. Avocado also contains fibre, protein and several beneficial phytochemicals such as beta-sitosterol, glutathione and lutein, which may protect against various diseases and illnesses.

Mexican shrimp roll served with avocado mayonnaise consumption is essential for healthy teeth and bones. Its consumption also helps in cancer prevention and reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

It is an ideal food for athletes to help attain maximum performance, as it is a good source of carbohydrate, which is the most efficient fuel for energy production.

The malnourished, particularly underweight and anaemic patients could benefit from consuming this snack because of its high iron and carbohydrate content. The vitamins are important for the proper brain, formation and maturation of blood cells, and also for proper function of the nervous system.

You can get all the ingredients for this snack in health food shops.

Ingredient Quantities Shrimp, peeled and deveined 225g Olive oil 1 tablespoon Freshly squeezed lime juice 2 teaspoons Garlic, very finely chopped 1 clove Ground cumin ½ teaspoon Salt A pinch Freshly ground black pepper ½ teaspoon Jalapeño pepper (sliced) 1 medium size Scallions (sliced) 2 Cilantro leaves

(optional) Hot dog buns (lightly toasted)

4

For the avocado-cilantro mayonnaise Ingredient Quantities Ripe Hass avocado (mashed) 1 Garlic, very finely chopped 1 small clove Lime juice ½ Mayonnaise 2 tablespoon Fresh cilantro

By Ekwy P. Uzoanya HOOSING the right wine demands knowing how to handle it to get the best out of it. It requires knowing that certain wines taste better when they are paired with certain foods, wine connoisseurs say.

To pick what you will find a lovely drink to complement any meal requires knowledge of what type of wine goes with the d fferent types of meat. One of the ways you can use is to match th colour of wine with the colour of meat. For example, many brands of red wine pair beautifully with red meat such as beef, while wh te wines do well with white meats like fish or chicken.

Wines meant for long period of storage should be kept in a wine refrigerator. The win you sto e will retain its flavours if it rema ns at th same temperature over the period.

Another point to know is that leftover wine should not be saved for more than four days. This is because when wine is exposed to oxygen, it begins to break down and this changes the taste and balance.

Also consider going to wine t ting events as a way to d scover wines that y u will love without having to buy a

C

Get The Best Out Of Your Wine

whole bottle to see how much you like it.

There is no doubting that everyone has different taste in wines, but researching and

Season to taste with salt and pepper, then stir in the cilantro.

Set aside.

Method of preparation Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Combine the shrimp, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cumin, a pinch of salt and a little black pepper opaque, about one minute per side. in a bowl.

Transfer to a cutting board, allow to cool for 5 Toss the mixture to coat the shrimp and set minutes, then chop into ¾-inch pieces. aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Spread a portion of the avocado mayo on each Make the avocado-cilantro mayonnaise by comhot dog bun. bining the avocado, garlic, lime juice and mayAdd shrimp, then top with scallions, jalapeño onnaise in a bowl. and a few cilantro leaves if desired.

Mash with a fork until the mixture is creamy Serve with tortilla chips on the side and enjoy. and smooth.

E-mail: chineloeby@yahoo.com

(chopped)

finding out that some people enjoyed a particular wine means that it enjoys a high rating. This can serve as a guide to choosing your wine.

2 tablespoons

Saturday, May 31, 2014 63

THE GUARDIAn www.ngrguardiannews.com

SpORTS Liverpool, Southampton Agree Fee For Lambert

‘Toure Has nothing planned’ AnCHESTER City midfielder, Yaya Toure has M told French radio station RFI that he has ‘nothing planned’ for his future after the World Cup. Toure’s future with the premier League champions has come in for speculation after his agent suggested the Cote d’Ivoire midfielder was underappreciated and disrespected at City.

The 31-year-old subsequently backed his agent’s comments before acknowledging that he would be interested in returning to former club Barcelona before the end of his career.

Speaking to France Football earlier this week, Toure appeared to suggest he would be attracted by paris Saint-Germain when asked about the possibility of playing for the French champions.

However, Toure has now sought to clarify his comments by stating that he has no transfer in the pipeline once he has played for Cote d’Ivoire at the World Cup in Brazil.

“For the moment, there’s nothing planned,” Toure told RFI. “Too many things have been said, that annoyed me.

“I want to take advantage of this opportunity to put things into context. It’s very important. I simply said that it was nice to be a player who is quite coveted and it was an honour to play for pSG. My goal is the World Cup. The country awaits us.”

Reports in France had claimed that pSG would turn to Toure if Marco Verratti moved on this summer and, in the France Football interview, the City midfielder confirmed he has left things in the hands of his agent.

“Given the magnificent season Manchester City have had, everyone talks about me and everything is open,” Toure said in France Football.

“My agent, Dimitry (Seluk), is hanging on the telephone and he knows what he has to do, I have complete confidence in him. “nobody knows what can happen tomorrow, my attention is on the World Cup and we will see afterwards.

Atletico Keen To Keep Star Men ILIpE Luis’ agent says Chelsea will struggle to prise the defender from Atletico Madrid in this summer’s transfer window.

Jose Mourinho is on the lookout for a new left-back following Ashley Cole’s decision to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of his contract.

Reports have claimed that 28-year-old Luis is on Chelsea’s wanted list, but having won the primera Liga title and reached the Champions League final where they lost to Real Madrid, Atletico are keen to hang onto their star players.

Luis’ representative, Manuel Garcia Quilon told AS: “The interest is there, but Atletico do not want to sell.

F

and England striker Rickie Lambert will ShaveOUTHAMpTOn a medical at Liverpool on

“It has been decided to retain a large part of the squad for next season. We will see what happens with certain players, but the intention is to sell nobody.”

Brazilian Luis, who was linked with Manchester United in the January transfer window, joined Atletico from Deportivo La Coruna four years ago and is under contract until 2017.

The player himself is also happy to stay with Atletico, telling O Globo earlier this month: “I have a contract for three more years. My thought is to continue.

“We have to lift our heads high after the Champions League final defeat and think about the next goal.”

Toure

Barca: Fabregas not For Sale ARCELOnA has no intention of allowing Cesc B Fabregas, Javier Mascherano or Xavi to leave the club this summer.

It has been suggested that Spain international, Fabregas is once again figuring prominently on the transfer wish list of Manchester United.

The premier League outfit pursued the former Arsenal midfielder for long periods in 2013, only to see him remain at the nou Camp.

Fabregas has offered no indication that he is looking to secure a return to English football any time soon, and Barca maintain that he remains an important figure in their plans. president Josep Maria Bartomeu told Onda Cero: “We don’t want to sell players.

“Barca does not want to sell

Fabregas or any other players that may appear to be on the market.”

Among those also generating plenty of speculation ahead of the re-opening of the transfer window are versatile Argentine Mascherano and long-serving playmaker, Xavi. neither, though, are going anywhere according to Bartomeu.

He added: “Mascherano is a key player on the field, he stays at Barca.

“Xavi’s contract ends in 2016 and he has two more years with the club. Coaches rely on experience for the future, and he has been at the club for 16 years.”

Barcelona have also been linked with a number of possible incomings, with a transfer embargo postponed on appeal.

Atletico Madrid midfielder, Koke is said to be interesting several clubs, but Bartomeu does not expect the talented 22-year-old to become available.

He said: “Koke is a spectacular player that all teams would like, but Atletico had a magnificent season and they will want to have another.”

Bartomeu added that Atletico forward, Arda Turn is ‘not to be observed’, but hinted that a move for paris SaintGermain defender, Marquinhos could be a possibility.

“The club is looking for a successor to Carles puyol,” he said. “There was a Barca before puyol and there will be one after. Marquinhos is a good player but we are in talks with various teams.”

Lambert

Wenger Signs new Three-year Contract “The club has always shown exciting playing style around RSEnE Wenger has signed A a new three-year contract faith in me and I’m very grate- the world, continues his comwith Arsenal, which keeps ful for that. We have gone mitment to young players

Fabregas

him at the club until 2017.

Wenger had gone nearly nine years without winning a trophy until Arsenal won a dramatic FA Cup final against Hull on May 17.

The new deal will take his tenure at the club to 21 years.

Wenger told Arsenal’s official website: “I want to stay and to continue to develop the team and the club. We are entering a very exciting period. We have a strong squad, financial stability and huge support around the world. We are all determined to bring more success to this club.

through fantastic periods and also periods where we have had to stick together.

“We are entering a very exciting period. We have a strong squad, financial stability and huge support around the world. We are all determined to bring more success to this club.”

Arsenal chairman, Sir Chips Keswick, said: “We are delighted that Arsene has renewed his contract for a further three years. He is a man of principle, who lives and breathes Arsenal. He has established Arsenal for its

Saturday after the clubs agreed a fee of about £4m plus add-ons.

The Liverpool-born forward will sign a two-year deal at the club where he spent five years as a youth player.

The 32-year-old has two years left on his Southampton contract.

Lambert, who was in the England squad, will fly to Miami with team tomorrow.

He scored 14 goals in 39 games this season, and has 117 in 235 appearances since joining Southampton from Bristol Rovers in 2009.

Southampton turned down one offer from Liverpool for Lambert, having rejected a similar bid from West Ham in January.

There has been interest in Lambert from other clubs, but it is understood he was only considering Liverpool.

Saints, without a manager following Mauricio pochettino’s move to Tottenham, decided they would not stand in Lambert’s way if they received an acceptable offer.

Liverpool remain in talks with Southampton over England midfielder Adam Lallana, 26, and Croatia defender Dejan Lovren, 24.

They have also made an enquiry for Sevilla full-back, Alberto Moreno, 21, and said they are willing to pay as much as £16m for the player.

Saints have turned down one offer for Lallana and will resume talks with Manchester United on Friday over the sale of left-back Luke Shaw.

Southampton are under no financial pressure to sell and are determined not to be forced into sanctioning deals by suitors keen to make signings before the World Cup in Brazil.

and has the ability to bring top-class players to the club.

“I have no doubt we have an exciting future ahead of us with him leading the team.”

Arsenal’s majority shareholder, Stan Kroenke, added: “Sustained excellence is the hardest thing to achieve in sport and the fact Arsenal has competed at the top of the game in England and Europe throughout the time Arsene has been manager, is the ultimate testimony to his consistency of performance, talent and ambition.

“We are delighted with the

FA Cup success, which has added to his already outstanding record. Under his guidance we look forward to adding more trophies in future seasons.”

There had been speculation that Wenger, who has led the Gunners into the Champion League for 17 straight seasons, could leave, with reported links with his former club Monaco.

Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996 and transformed the club on and off the pitch. They won the double in 1998 and he signed a host of international stars such as Thierry Henry, Dennis Berkamp, Marc Overmars and Cesc Fabregas.

TheGuardian

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Edoki Wins Gold For Team Nigeria, As AYG Ends In Botswana

By Gowon Akpodonor nd

HE 2 edition of the T African Youth Games will end today in Botswana, with Team Nigeria battling two strong countries, South Africa and Egypt for the top spot.

Nigeria won a gold medal in boy’s triple jump event through Fabian Edoki yesterday to take its medal haul to 19 gold. The country had earlier won gold in girls 100m and picked up three silver medals in the long jump (boys), 100m hurdles (boys) and girls 400m.

Edoki from Cross River State was one of the stars discovered at the inaugural edition of the Games held in Warri, Delta State last years. He was prevented from competing at the last IAAF World Youth Championship in Donetsk, Ukraine on the ground that he was too young.

Team Nigeria won seven gold at the inaugural edition held in Morocco four years ago.

Technical Director of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama told The Guardian from Gaborone, venue of the Games yesterday that the country would strive to win more medals, especially in track and field events today.

One of the two gold medals for Team Nigeria came from the unexpected field of golf where Anita Uwadia beat all the contestants in the Girls’ single and also led three others - Diana Osmond, Sunday Yusuf and Tokunbo Pedro, son of former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro to win silver in the team event.

The other gold came from another female athlete, Favour Debeiyen who won in the C1 Canoe Sprint event and also got bronze in the K1 Sprint, while Gbamire Goodluck Blessing took the C1 Sprint silver in the Boys’ category.

Earlier, boxing produced a gold medal through Agwu Celina Ezinne in the Girls’ 69 to 76 kg category, while Oyakojo Muideen Ojo and Isiaka Kazeem got bronze and silver in the light flyweight and heavyweight categories respectively.

Taekwondo, which began competition on Wednesday got a bronze in the -63kg Girls’ category through Esther Godwin.

Nigeria’s striker, Uche Nwofor (left) vies with Scotland’s defender Craig Forsyth (centre) during their international friendly match at Craven Cottage in London on Wednesday. The match ended 2-2.

PHOTO: AFP

Eagles Train Twice Daily For Greece FTER a pulsating 2-2 As Team Lands In Philadelphia A draw with the Tartan Army of Scotland last Wednesday in London, the Super Eagles have quickly taken the next step towards it World Cup preparation by arriving in Philadelphia, USA for its next friendly game against another World Cup bound team, Greece.

In a carefully scripted World Cup plan by the

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Super Eagles left London on Thursday at exactly 12:40 via a British Airways plane and after seven hours of flight landed in Philadelphia at about 3:20pm local time, about 8:20 pm Nigerian time.

All the 30 invited players were on the trip as the battle for shirts for the World Cup

reaches the final phase, with head coach, Stephen Keshi expected to name the final 23-man list in the next 48 hours. According to reports, the players have been training with outmost seriousness and trying to impress the coach.

Keshi also seem to want a level playing field, as he has scheduled twice a day train-

ing for all the players to prove themselves.

The first of the training session took place by 8 am yesterday in Philadelphia, while the second took place at 4:30 pm same day. This training regime is expected to be sustained ahead of the naming of the final list for the Mundial in Brazil.

The team is putting up at the Westin Hotel and Resort in the centre of Philadelphia.

Meanwhile, Germanbased defender, Leon Aderemi Balogun says he has been following the progress of the team in London and wishes the team the best during the World Cup. Balogun, who puts his fitness level at about 70 per cent, said with the caliber of players he has interacted with in the team, the Eagles would go far in Brazil with luck on the side.

Brazil 2014

FIFA Raises Concerns Over Three World Cup Stadia IFA’s General Secretary, Fcerned Jerome Valcke is conover the readiness of three stadia scheduled to host games at the World Cup, which begins on June 12.

Valcke has expressed his fears over preparations in Natal, Porto Alegre and Sao Paulo, venue for the opening game between Brazil and Croatia.

He tweeted that Natal’s Arena das Dunas was in a “race against the clock”.

“We need full commitment from all parties in Natal to ensure all will be in place and tested,” Valcke added.

Valcke also said that organisers at the Arena Fonte Nova

in Salvador had “no time to waste” ahead of their first group game, a re-run of the 2010 final between Spain and the Netherlands on June 13. “All must be perfect that day,” Valcke cautioned.

FIFA also wants another test event to take place in Sao Paulo’s Itaquerao Stadium following a series of problems during the first match that was played there earlier this month.

A Brazilian league game is due to be held there tomor-

row, but reports suggest it would be held in front of a reduced capacity crowd.

Three workers have been killed during the construction of the stadium within the last year.

In March, Porto Alegre’s local mayor said the city could drop out if additional funding was not found to build facilities for media, sponsors and fans. Beira Rio Stadium, which will have five matches at the World Cup, hosted a test event

between Internacional and Penarol of Uruguay in April.

FIFA Vice-President, Jim Boyce said that the tournament would begin on schedule, and that those Brazilians who have protested about it taking place in their country should realise that they would benefit in the long term.

“I have absolutely no doubt that the World Cup will start on time,” Boyce told BBC Radio 5live.

“I don’t think these

protests should be taking place during the World Cup because when you look at the legacy that will be left for people in Brazil, I think that they have to realise there will be a considerable amount of money put back from the World Cup into their country and their infrastructure.”

However Ronaldo, who scored both goals in the final when Brazil won the FIFA World Cup in 2002, says he feels “embarrassed”

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about the state of the country’s infrastructure around the forthcoming tournament.

“My embarrassment is on behalf of the population that really expected these large investments airport reforms, urban mobility, everything that was promised and not delivered,” declared the former Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan striker, who is a is a member of the Local Organising Committee for the World Cup. “I think we’re missing an opportunity. A series of investments were promised that won’t be delivered. Only 30 per cent will be delivered.”