Sat 31 aug 2013

S A T U R D A Y

E D I T I O N

COVER 52

CELEBRITY 26

NEWSFEATURE 14

Political

Celebrities Ready To Serve Hot Pepper Soup Tomorrow

How Benin Ibukun, Road Links First Female Aid Crime Nigerian Bata

Conundrum In Taraba Over Suntai’s Return

CELEBRITY 28

Performer

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Vol. 30, No. 12,665

Saturday, August 31, 2013

www.ngrguardiannews.com

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Political Stalemate In Taraba:

Security Chiefs Shun Meeting Called By Acting Governor From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo ORRIED that the reported refusal of members of the Taraba State House of Assembly to accord due recognition to the letter transmitted to the House by Governor Danbaba Suntai might further polarise the already tensionsoaked state, several prominent indigenes of the state have asked the state Assembly

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to take the necessary steps to enable the governor resume his duties officially.

Suntai is seeking to resume as the governor after a 10-month medical treatment abroad, following a plane crash last year.

But 16 members of the House, who constitute a majority, are opposed to his move on the grounds that “he is not fit.”

To that effect, they directed the Acting Governor, Alhaji

Garba Umar, to continue in that capacity while the governor should go back to the United States (US) to continue with his medical treatment.

Umar, apparently acting on that directive, urged the state to ignore the ‘purported’ sack of the cabinet by Suntai.

But, the acting governor’s directive failed the test of authority yesterday in Jalingo, the state capital, when all the

security chiefs in the state shunned an earlier security meeting he had convened.

Umar and his team, which includes the sacked Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and the Chief of Staff, Ahmed Yusuf, who were in the executive chamber of the Government House, were disappointed when all the security chief failed to turn up for the meeting.

Reacting to the lawmakers’ action, former attorney general and commissioner for justice in the state, Gebon Timothy Kataps, said their position on the governor’s letter was unconstitutional, insisting that they had no legal right to prevent the governor from resuming office “since he has transmitted the

NEWS 6

Traditional Rulers Allege Lopsidedness In NDDC Appointments

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

3,500 Delegates Decide Fate Of 84 PDP Aspirants Security Agents Lock Up Abuja From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja BOUT 3,500 delegates will A today in Abuja elect persons to fill 17 vacant positions in the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) A total of 88 aspirants were yesterday screened by a special screening committee, headed

by Senate Majority Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba.

It was learnt that the committee cleared all aspirants to contest the election.

Only the positions of the national chairman and national secretary are not being contested for in today’s exercise.

Chairman of the Publicity Sub-committee and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, said yesterday that all arrangements had been made to ensure a successful convention.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Former President of CLO Mrs. Ayo Obe, former Chairman of Punch Newspapers, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, at the burial of Pa Layiwola Ogunsola, Mrs. Obe’s father, in Ibadan…yesterday.

PHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

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Boko Haram Progressively Weakened, Says Jonathan RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan yesterday declared that the insurgent

place by the government.

The President stated this at an audience with the outgoing group, Boko Haram, has been Representative of the progressively weakened by Delegation of the European the security strategy put in Union (EU) to Nigeria and

ECOWAS, Mr. David Mac Rae. HE said the measures taken by his administration had resulted in a significant reduction in the occurrence of terrorist attacks in the country.

He noted that the federal government would keep on doing everything possible to further enhance security in all parts of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria

Court Order PDP To Accept Uba Faction Result, Halt His Suspension From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt and Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja USTICE H. A. Nganjiwa of the JHarcourt Federal High Court in Port yesterday ordered the Ejike Oguebego faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, to submit the result of the party’s primaries that has Andy Uba as the governorship candidate to the PDP national office.

In Abuja, Justice A. R. Mohammed of another Federal High Court put on hold the implementation of the suspension of a member, Board of Trustees of the party, Chief Chris Uba, Anambra state PDP governorship candidate, Senator Andy Uba, Benji Udeozor, Oguegbo, and Anthonia Nwakwu from the party, pending when the matter before it would be determined.

Justice Nganjiwa also ordered the PDP national office to accept the result from the Oguebego-led PDP pending the determination of the suit he filed with two others against the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Justice Nganjiwa was furious over the refusal of the PDP, which went ahead to suspend Uba, to obey the court order directing the party to recognize him as the winner of the PDP governorship primaries pending the determination of an originating summons dated and filed on the 5th of August.

He berated the PDP for disobeying the order of a statutory court of law, saying: “Even if an order is for a day, it must be obeyed. The court will not fold its arms and watch its order disobeyed. It should be proactive.

The court order has not been obeyed”.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Jude Nnodim (SAN) had informed the court that irrespective of its existing order, the PDP, which is aware of it, proceeded to suspend his clients.

But counsel to the party, Tagbo Ike, denied that the party suspended the plaintiffs because they dragged it to court. He hinged their suspension on their refusal to appear before the party’s national leadership.

According to him, the PDP, as a matter of principle, abhors and does not condone indiscipline among its members.

Justice Nganjiwa had on Tuesday restrained INEC and the PDP from accepting the out-

come of the primary election conducted by the Ken Emeakayi-led Anambra State faction of the PDP pending the hearing and determination of the motion for interlocutory injunction and motion to set aside the interim order.

He ordered that the PDP and INEC are to forthwith comply with the order of the court made on August 6, this year.

According to him, both defendants should accept the results that emerged from the plaintiffs’ ward and state congresses pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction, or pending the hearing and determination of the motion to set aside the interim order.

The matter was adjourned till September 6.

On his part, Justice Mohammed gave the order while fixing fix September 5 for hearing of the motion on Notice.

The National Working Committee NWC of the party had on Thursday suspended Uba and others for their failure to appear before it over their roles in the parallel governorship primaries conducted in the state last Saturday.

The NWC had summoned the four to appear before it on

Wednesday to explain why disciplinary actions would not be taken against them in line with the constitution of the party for conducting a parallel primary.

However, all the affected members shunned the invitation and approached the court, via a motion exparte, seeking to quash their suspension.

(NAN) quoted him as saying: “As a government, we are doing everything possible to improve our country on all fronts.

“We are consistently adapting our security architecture to deal with terrorism which has become a challenge to the whole world.

“Boko Haram is being progressively weakened but we are not resting on our oars.

We will continue to do everything possible to achieve greater security for all who reside within our borders.”

The President said that his administration would continue to do its best to correct negative perceptions about Nigeria especially concerning widespread insecurity and

corruption.

He welcomed the declaration by the outgoing ambassador that he had recently travelled to the Niger Delta and some Northern states and found people there going about their normal lives and businesses without fear.

President Jonathan urged him to assist in correcting current misconceptions about Nigeria by taking that positive message to the EU and the rest of the world.

He also commended the EU for its past and ongoing support toward improving the electoral process in Nigeria and assured Mac Rae that Nigeria would act to facilitate the early conclusion of a partnership agreement between ECOWAS and the EU.

PDP Holds Election Into NWC Today CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “It is expected that voting will start early enough and the convention will end quick.

And 146 polling boots have been arranged, meaning that such number of people will vote at a time,” he disclosed.

The atmosphere at the Eagle Square venue was charged already, as hundreds of security men had already taken over the entire Three-Arms-Zone that houses the Presidency, Supreme Court and the National Assembly.

As early as 3.30pm yesterday, roads leading to this zone had been blocked.

The positions being contest-

ed today include those of the Deputy National Chairman, Assistant National Secretary, National Publicity Secretary and National Organizing Secretary.

Other positions up for grab are Financial Secretary, Woman Leader, Youth Leader and the office of the National Auditor.

Beside these members of the NWC, their deputies, who are equally national officials, are equally going to be elected.

Ihedioha told newsmen that adequate preparations had been made to ensure a hitchfree congress.

He said: “Voting would be concluded on time, because it commences as soon as the

President arrives.

“It is expected to be concluded within three hours, after which sorting would commence.”

Ihedioha said all positions would be voted for to avoid the pitfall of the past, where those who won by affirmation had their election voided by the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC).

While assuring that all party issues would be resolved at today’s convention, the Deputy Speaker added that seasoned administrators and other senior Nigerians, who are founding fathers of the party, would feature prominently in the electoral process.

No End In Sight For Taraba Political Stalemate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 necessary letter to them.”

Speaking in the same vein, an aide to the governor said as far as the state was concerned, the governor had assumed duty, irrespective of the position of the House “because the steps needed to be taken by him had been made through the letter he forwarded to the state Assembly.”

Some medical officers in the state, who would not like to be quoted, said: “What they are doing in the House is not the right thing.

“Though I am not a lawyer, but I think before taking such decision, they ought to have reached out to his medical personnel, a step I reliably gathered they never took,” one of the officers told The Guardian in Jalingo.

“It is only his doctors that have the right to declare him unfit and not the lawmakers,” he stated, while accusing some people of toying with the peace of the state “due to personal reasons.”

Another medical expert added: “I have never met the governor since I have being working as a medical practitioner in this hospital (Specialist Hospital). I am not a politician and I am not seeking for any political appointment, God forbid that.

“But why I am arguing in favour of the governor is because what these so-called representatives have done is wrong.

“Their action, if not urgently addressed, could set this state on fire.

“Already, they have made the people believe that it is because the acting governor is a Muslim that he appears opposed to Suntai resuming duties as governor.

“So, you can see that they have succeeded in polarising the state along religious divide.”

A prominent lawyer in the state, who would also not want his name in print, said: “The position of the law, as regards this issue is very clear. It is not something that should have factionalised the House.

“We expected them to first of all seek proper interpretation of the law as it concerns the transmission of letter by the governor to them.

Unfortunately, instead of taking such steps, they went ahead to do the wrong thing.”

He Stressed: “I said ‘wrong thing,’ because what they have done or what they are doing is capable of throwing this state into crisis.

“Constitutionally, they have no right to prevent the governor, who claimed that he is strong enough to resume his work, from doing that.

“Are they his doctors? If his doctors who are with him every time did not advise him to stay away from office, who are they to now come out and declare him unfit.

“That statement alone is enough for our courts to punish such persons, because they have no single medical documents with them that stated that the governor is not strong or fit enough to govern.”

For his own part, the member representing Wukari 11 Constituency in the House of Assembly and Chairman of its

Committee on Information, Ishaya Gani, warned that the steps being taking by some of his colleagues were capable of throwing the state “into anarchy.”

Accusing the Speaker, Haruna Tsokwa, of allowing himself to be used to “destabilise the state,” the lawmaker urged the PDP leadership and the Presidency to urgently intervene to save “the poor people of Taraba State” from unnecessary distress by politicians.

However, Mr. Danjuma Munga, a renowned politician, has thrown his weight behind the action of the 16 lawmakers, who he said had done the right thing.

He argued: “It is only when you are physically fit that you can carry out your legitimate duty.

“I think Suntai should even be grateful to those members, because they only asked him to go for further treatment; they did not remove him as governor…”

Munga added: “If you weigh the two sides of the coin properly, you would discover that those claiming that they love the governor don’t even love him as much as those 16 members who decided to excuse him, pending when he is hale and healthy.

“As far as I am concerned, these members have done nothing wrong. After all they did not impeach the governor. If they had wanted him impeached, I believe they would have gone ahead and done that and nobody would have made noise.

“So, what is the all noise

about?”

A medical officer in support of the action of the 16 lawmakers, noted that to “some extent, they may be right, because they have met with him and seen his physical appearance, which must have shown that he is not yet fit.

“All we are praying for now is for the relevant authority to step in and resolve the crisis, because if it finally erupts, I don’t think the security operatives here can contain it.

“So, let us stop shifting blames and look for a lasting solution,” he surmised.

Security has been beefed up in various parts of the state capital, following the tension that has been generated by the raging controversy.

Some of the security agents told The Guardian that they were on high alert to deal with any security situation in the state.

“We have been placed on red alert. All our outposts in the entire axis of the state have been intimated on the need to be on red alert too, because the information filtering into the state shows that some persons from other states are making moves to come in and take advantage of the situation and foment trouble,” one of them, a police inspector said.

A senior police officer at the command headquarters said: “The commissioner has just briefed us and we are battleready,” assuring that there were enough policemen on ground to contain any situation.

Even though all roads in the state now lead to Abuja for today’s PDP convention, some

top government officials were still seen around at the time of this report.

As one of them put it: “We have been directed to be on ground to monitor development.”

With the lingering crisis, two parallel governments are on the verge of being formed in the state, as the acting governor continues to recognize and deal with the cabinet members ‘sacked’ on Tuesday by Suntai.

A source told The Guardian that Umar may have made up his mind not to recognise the newly appointed SSG and the Chief of Staff.

It was further observed that a watertight security has been put in place at the entrance gate of the Government House, as persons, including some top security personnel, who were on their way to the security meeting, were prevented from gaining access to the venue.

“What you heard was nothing, but the truth. So, you won’t blame us for taking such action, because we are taking directives from the Number One citizen of the state, who is very much on ground,” one of the security men said.

The Guardian also gathered that the ‘former’ SSG was also stopped from entering his former office by the Government House security operatives.

It was further observed that Suntai, whom many people thought had travelled out of the state, was very much around.

One of the House staff members told our reporter that “oga is around and as I am talking to you now, he is indoor, carrying out some exercise, as directed by his doctors.”

Some top government officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, wondered why the security chiefs deliberately refused to turn up for the meeting.

According to one of them: “It is true that the meeting did not hold, because all the security chiefs and those that should have attended the meeting failed to come around.

“I am also aware that a directive was given to the security men at the Government House gate to prevent them from entering.

“But I don’t know how true that is, because I don’t know if they have the power to stop their bosses from entering the Government House.”

In the same vein, another top aide to one of the ‘former’ cabinet members, said: “What you are asking is not too far from the truth.

“I was not there, but I also got the information that none of them came around for the meeting.”

A senior security personnel who also spoke on the issue said: “How can the acting or deputy governor call for a security meeting when the governor is on ground? It is never done.”

He added that if the security chiefs had attended the meeting, “they would have found themselves out of this state, because you cannot have two governments in a state.”

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

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NEWS

Taraba Crisis: Federal Lawmakers Urge Caution, Peace From Adamu Abuh and Terhemba Daka, Abuja DIvISION may have occurred A among the nine Federal lawmakers from Taraba State as a caucus of five members of the National Assembly from the State yesterday expressed disgust at the political events in Taraba and appealed to the various gladiators within and outside the state to allow peace to prevail in the area.

In a veiled position on the unfolding political melodrama in the state, the five concerned members comprising Senator Abubakar Umar Tutare, Hon. Ishyaka Bawa, Hon. Adamu Ibrahim malle and Hon. Ibrahim El-Sudi, who spoke in Abuja yesterday, urged the ailing Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai to “hold the opinion, welfare and wishes of the people with high respect,” even as they declared that Suntai remains the undisputed Executive Governor of Taraba State. But Hon. Jerry manwe, a member of the group was absent.

They warned non Tarabans to refrain from meddling into the affairs of the state unless for the purpose of bringing peace to the area, even as they called on all Taraba indigenes to stay in peace with one another and not allow the inordinate ambition of politicians to spoil their peace.

Apparently worried by the events in the state following the return of the Governor, the lawmakers also called on elder

statesmen and highly placed persons from Taraba State to urgently converge a meeting with a view to proffering solution to the present political logjam in the state.

Speaking through their leader, Senator Abubakar Umar Tutare, the concerned federal lawmakers took a swipe at the gladiators who they said were “playing politics” with the health of the governor, a development they

argued was “unfortunate, shameful, and uncalled for.”

“Rather than concerning ourselves with bringing development and dividends of democracy for peaceful coexistence and progress amongst our varied and diverse ethnic and religious configuration, we are busy politicking with the health of our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Danbaba Danfulani Suntai.

“Rather than uniting our people who are peace loving, dynamic and enterprising, we are busy dividing them and creating unnecessary tension for selfish reasons. Rather than praying for Governor Danbaba’s speedy recovery, we are busy scheming, out-smarting and outwitting each other for selfish aggrandisement or the unknown 2015,” they said.

Flanked by Honourables Bawa,

malle, and El-Sudi, Senator Tutare said the group was concerned with the charged political atmosphere in the country, even as it urged the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar to continue serving as Acting Governor as constitutionally enshrined until Governor Danbaba is convincingly fit to steer the affairs of the state.

It also urged the Taraba State government to continue to

take responsibility of the ailing Governor’s health expenses and all other personal responsibilities as they may arise.

“His health and welfare should be of utmost importance to all genuine lovers of Governor Danbaba, political gladiators, individuals and groups. To that extent, all Tarabans and all well wishers throughout Nigeria should continue to pray for his speedy recovery,” the group said.

2015 Election: Okoh Warns Nigerians Against manipulation By Politicians From Nkechi Onyedika, Abuja HEAD of the 2015 general A elections, the Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), most Rev Nicholas Okoh has urged Nigerians not allow politicians to manipulate their minds or use them to destroy the nation’s democratic process.

Speaking at the sensitisation workshop for the church’s diocesan information officers across the country on yesterday in Abuja, Okoh who appealed to Nigerians to be careful about what they read or hear in the media about political events and developments in the country, warned Nigerians to beware of disgruntled politicians who might want to use them to achieve their selfish interests.

The Primate said: “my worry is that conventions and congresses are being held; the way the politicians report back what happened especially those who

lost out is usually different from what transpired. It is important for our young people to develop a critical mind so that they don’t take whatever they hear hook line and sinker so that they don’t destroy the country.”

The cleric urged the National

Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to live up to its responsibility in the interest of people.

He said: “It is in the interest of everybody that there be free flow of information. Trying to limit what they broadcast to the people, if it is properly done,

would not amount to censorship and therefore would be helpful to the people. It will restrain those who just want to dish out anything to the public”.

Okoh called on Information Officers in the Anglican Church to work closely with the leader-

ship of the church to give the right information to the congregation, adding that issues concerning the government are very sensitive and should be handled seriously to allow those in leadership positions to lead well.

Igini Advocates Return To True Federalism From Anietie Akpan, Calabar HE Cross River State T Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), mr. mike Igini has said that the only way for Nigeria to attain greatness is to return to true federalism.

Igini, who said this in Calabar when the Zonal vice President South South of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), mr.

Seyifa Uzaka paid him a cour-

tesy visit, noted that “for Nigeria to move in the pace we desire in terms of development we have to go back to the template that was given to us by our forefathers. That was responsible for the kind of development that we witnessed in the first republic that today has been described as the golden era of development in our country”.

Igini, who poured encomiums on the media for its role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy recalled that “when we were struggling for democracy,

those who said that if the military is chased out the country is going to scatter, that Nigeria will no longer exist, regrettably these same set of people were the ones that took over the democratic process as at 1999.

“So, those who fought for democracy were actually not the ones that took over the realm of democracy. And that is the challenge we are having today in the country. A return to true federalism; that is the only assured best way for Nigeria to attain the great-

ness.”

Igini added: “When you look at what is happening in Nigeria you really think it is difficult to do something to rescue Nigeria. But what I have concluded in my findings is that, to actually rescue Nigeria, you will need a critical mass of certain people of robust values, people who will see public office as a place to serve. I eat maximum two times a day, I do not need to steal to eat two or three times a day.

“People should know that no

TheGuardian SUNDAY, SEPTEmBER 1, 2013

APC In Dire Need Of Strong Anchors In Southeast EmOvE Ogbonnaya Onu, Senator Chris Ngige, Governor Rochas Okorocha and former Senator Annie Okonkwo and the bubbling All Progressives Congress (APC) sud-

R Ngige

Onu

denly becomes absolutely silent across the Niger. The question therefore is: where are the men who will prosecute APC’s elaborate battle-plan in the Southeast?

Okorocha

Okonkwo

OGUN: Why stakeholders deserted Ibikunle Amosun on day he launched APC.

Vehicle Registration Too Costly! the old vehicle registration plate will cease to CbeOMEvalid.October, But the new one is prohibitive and citizens want to know why, even as the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) pretends as if all is well with the policy.

BUSINESS: The Federal Government promised to bring down prices of cement, for which incentives were given to manufacturers. That dream is still far as local price of cement soars and manufacturers smile to the banks.

The Guardian On Sunday is new, fresher, bolder; a delight to behold and more importantly, reader-friendly! Book a copy today.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

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NEWS

TMG Urges Jonathan, PDP To Intervene In Taraba Crisis From Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief

...Says Suntai Not Fit To Govern State

FFICIALS of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) have called on the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in the emerging political crisis in Taraba state, as they urged the ailing Governor, Danbaba Suntai not to plunge the state into deep crisis.

According to the TMG members, it was obvious that Governor Suntai has not recovered from the plane crash that led to his hospitalization for the past 10 months. They commended the decision of the lawmakers in the state not to succumb to the pressure to hand over to Suntai and use the opportunity to loot the treasury.

In a statement by TMG Chairman, Comrade Zik Ibrahim and Publicity Secretary, Eddy Ezurike, the group said: “The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has observed with utter consternation the shameful and continuous party line playing out on the health condition of the Governor of Taraba State, Mr. Danbaba Suntai who returned to the country on Sunday, 25th August, 2013 from the United States of America where he was recuperating after an injury he sustained in a private helicopter crash late last year.”

“TMG salutes the courage and wisdom of Taraba State House of Assembly for calling on Suntai to personally address the Assembly to ascertain his phys-

ical and mental fitness to continue his job as the Chief Executive Officer of the State,” Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim further stated: “As much as we sympathize with the family of the governor and the good people of Taraba State over the unfortunate event that

O

Protesters Storm PDP Secretariat Over Suntai From Adamu Abuh, Abuja UNDREDS of activists H under the aegis of Save Democracy Coalition (SDC) yesterday stormed the headquarters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urging President Goodluck Jonathan to prevail on warring members of his party at loggerhead over the control of Taraba State to respect laid down provision of the law in the interest of peace and tranquility.

The protesters brandished placards with various inscriptions to underline their aversion to the melodrama among political gladiators in Taraba State and insisted that some individuals keen on satisfying their selfish goals must not be allowed to take over the affairs of governance of Taraba, using ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai as a cover.

Some inscriptions on the placards urging Jonathan and the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to wade into the matter read: “In Nigeria, we have 36 governors, not 37 governors at a time,” “Nigerians are watching, PDP is sleeping,” “We didn’t know Mrs. Suntai, we know Governor Suntai, but he is sick now,” “Save Nigeria, save democracy and rule of law,” and “Accident is not a disease, go back to the hospital and save our democra-

led to his present predicament, TMG believes it is unethical to shield necessary details concerning the governor’s health from the public most especially the people that elected him to office.

“We are therefore encouraged by the Taraba State House of

Assembly’s position and other concerned parties who have risen to the political challenge by kick starting the process leading to ascertaining the true health status of Mr. Suntai to determine his capacity whether to continue in office as governor or otherwise”.

“We urge the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to save Nigeria from actions or inactions capable of causing

the country another untold embarrassment as witnessed in the case of Late President Yar’Adua by ensuring that rule of law prevails.”

The group also called on Nigerians “to resist and condemn in its entirety any attempt by the ruling class at taking us through the memorable perilous course of governance by surrogate which is contemptuous to the principle

Business Dawdles At Jomo Kenyatta Airport

By Ajibola Amzat, (Just back from Nairobi, Kenya) HREE weeks after the fire inciT dent at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya, sales of gift items are still low at the airport.

Shop attendants at the airport who spoke to The Guardian, said they are recording more than 70 per cent loss.

Kenyan National carrier, Kenya Airways has also claimed a loss of Sh340 million in revenues.

According to Sales supervisor, Berth International Limited, Erick Edirango, the shops used to make about Sh500, 000 per day, but daily revenue has dropped to less than Sh100, 000.

“And we don’t know how long the reconstruction will take,” said Edirango.

Though the airport authorities hascreatedanewspaceforshop owners affected by the fire, also several tents have been erected for banks, mobile service providers, taxis and other service providers to ensure smooth transaction of services; yet turnout remains marginal, according to the traders.

Turkish Businessmen Eye Nigeria Products Exhibition OME businessmen from Sexport Turkey will exhibit their products in Nigeria

Migration Advisor Embassy of Switzerland to Nigeria, Andreas Brager, Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Mohammed Sani Sidi and Country Analyst for Nigeria West Africa of the Swiss Federal Office for Migration, Mrs. Myriam Kung during a conference in Abuja… yesterday.

PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO

S’West May Adopt Yoruba As Language Of Instruction In Schools

By Olawunmi Ojo RIMARYSchools in the SouthP west geopolitical zone of the country may soon switch to the use of Yoruba language, their mother tongue, as the language of instruction.

The decision to consider the use of the language was part of the outcome of a meeting on Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) held

by South-West Governors in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Thursday night.

Speaking on behalf of the Governors, Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi said a regionwide education summit would soon be hosted by Osun State to look at a mechanism that would allow the region come up with a common curriculum for basic education.

The curriculum, according to Fayemi, would place emphasis on the use of Yoruba as a language of instruction in basic schools across the region.

It could be recalled that the National Policy on Education (1976) had recommended that the mother tongue of pupils should be the language of instruction at the elementary education level.

Fayemi had at a forum in Akure a few weeks ago held that researches have also proven that pupils can learn faster when taught in their first language.

Speaking further on the outcome of the meeting, the Governor said the region was planning an alternative eco-

nomic framework that will make the knowledge economy, which the region is known for, serve as bulwark against the emerging reduction in the resource-based economy that

the country currently has.

According to Fayemi, who was flanked by his counterparts in Oyo and Osun states, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and Mr Rauf Aregbesola, other issues raised

at the meeting are the exploration of sports as a unifying vehicle for development in the region as well as homeland security framework to forestall any security challenges.

‘Political Summit Cannot Stop Jonathan In 2015’ From Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief LDERStatesman and leading E convener of the National Political Summit, scheduled to take place next month, Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN) has debunked speculations that the summit has been organized to stop President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2015 presidency.

Rather, he explained that the mega summit, which will hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, is meant to proffer solutions to

the problems challenging the stability, progress and unity of the nation.

In a statement by Professor Nwabueze yesterday, he said: “My attention has been drawn to the insinuation that the purpose of the National Political Summit holding next week in Uyo is to take a decision to stop President Goodluck Jonathan from seeking re-election in 2015. This is very far from the truth.”

According to him, “the purpose of the Uyo summit is to agree on a roadmap to stability, progress and unity of Nigeria.”

“The aim of the summit is to build national consensus on how to save Nigeria. As I said in my interview after the Patriots meeting with President Jonathan, the President is perfectly eligible to seek re-election in 2015 and he is free to do so.”

Nwabueze argued: “It is a matter in his absolute discretion to decide whether to run or not to run in 2015. My position in this matter is totally irrelevant.

Therefore, my personal advice to him not to run is only one factor that he should take into account in deciding for himself whether to run or not to run.”

Catholic Church Urges Caution On Priest’s Death From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE Auchi Diocese of the T Catholic yesterday called for caution on conclusions over the circumstances that led to the death of Rev Fr Peter Ayala of St Thomas Moore Catholic Church, Sobe in Owan West local government council of Edo state last Sunday.

Ayala reportedly died on Sunday morning under yet to

be ascertained circumstances as he was found in the pool of his blood in his room with a locally made gun on him and a spanner by his side, an indication that he may have been working on the gun when it went off.

But there were other reports that he committed suicide while a source said the Church was also looking at the angle his death being a murder case since “he should have known

that his gun was loaded and why will he choose to service his gun on a Sunday morning instead of preparing for mass?”

Addressing journalists yesterday at the Bishop’s court in Auchi, Bishop Gabriel Dunia said “officially, the cause of death is yet unknown.”

He said though the church was traumatised by Ayala’s death, they wait for the result of investigation.

from September 3rd to 5th 2013 at Eko Convention centre, Victoria Island, Lagos According to Mr. Paul Olugbade, a representative of Merydien International Fair Ltd, organisers of the exhibition, the expo would provide a mega platform to promote their goods and services and to also launch new ones.

“The exhibition, which will feature products in building and construction, electrical and home appliances, machineries, furniture, textile, fashion and cosmetics, would be an enriching experience for attendees who will discover new products and merchandise from Turkey.

The Turkish Export Products Exhibition 2013 promises to boost the trade volume between both countries within the few years.”

Kanywood Actors Task Govt On Maternal, Child Mortality From John Okeke, Abuja GAINST the backdrop of A increased maternal and child mortality, the Kannywood Actors of Nigeria has called on government to reduce child deaths.

According to the Director, Kanywood Actors, Sani Danja, “Unless the stubborn problem of malnutrition, lack of health workers, and immunization coverage is effectively tackled, there is a high risk that these gains will be lost.”

The director, who said this in Abuja yesterday while addressing journalists, said Nigeria has a critical shortage of health workers, especially in the rural communities where these problems are rampant.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

6

NEWS

Traditional Rulers Allege Lopsidedness In NDDC Appointments From Niyi Bello, Akure HEbody of traditional monT archs in the oil producing areas of Nigeria under the auspices of the Traditional Rulers of the Oil Minerals Producing Areas of Nigeria (TROMPCON) has decried what it called glaring lopsidedness in the appointment of persons to senior political positions in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The body said NDDC since inception has refused to abide by the provision of Section 12 of its Act that stipulates how to fill its top political positions.

The section states that, “there shall be for the Commission, a Managing Director and two Executive Directors who shall be indigenes of oil producing areas starting with the mem-

ber state of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member states in order of production.” but NDDC has limited the occupation of the three topmost positions to only four states of Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Delta and bayelsa, said the royalties.

National Chairman of TROMCON who is also the Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje local council of Ondo State, Oba Lawrence Omowole in a letter addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan said the commission has been violating this act consistently.

Though the four states mentioned are the topmost pro-

ducers of oil, but NDDC act does not exclude other oilbearing states from benefiting from the appointment.

The letter reads thus: “since the inception of the NDDC in 2000, the position of the MD and the EDs have circulated exclusively among Delta, bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom and Rivers.

“In our opinion, Mr. President, the monopoly of the three positions by the four states is in breach of the clear provision of the above cited section of the NDDC Act, and offensive to the spirit of equity, fairness and inclusiveness most desired for the unity, peace and development of the land and people of our region.”

South-South Leaders Disassociate Themselves From PDM From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba ARELY one week after the b registration of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), some leaders of the party in the South-South zone have disassociated themselves from the political party, which they described as an aberration.

A statement issued at the end of the zonal working committee meeting presided over by the Chairman, Chief Ejofor Onyia, the elders expressed dismay over the registration of PDM as a political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) without putting the necessary struc-

tures in place.

They alleged that members of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) registered PDM though not as a party but as a pressure group to fight for the welfare and wellbeing of the challenged members.

They argued that PDM should remain a pressure group within

PDP as the members are determined to be faithful supporters of PDP. The statement advised all members in the zone to work as a team in order to face the challenges ahead of PDP by giving total support for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan should he decide to run.

Mother Names Son After Firm’s brand

By Laolu Adeyemi O demonstrate her comT mitment to the product she distributes for a company, a 35-year-old woman has christened her son after a new product of A & P Foods limited, a major producer of biscuits and confectioneries in Nigeria Mrs. Lawal Adesola decided to name her son after the premium product of the company called I-Mint.

Lawal who is one of the key distributors for the company said she has made a resolution to name her son after the product long before she was delivered of the baby.

Meanwhile, the new baby, Master I-Mint, who has other names such as Elijah and Oluwaferanmi, has secured assurance for automatic job on graduation from university.

Speaking at the launching of the product, the manager A&P Foods, Mr Femi Ibrahim disclosed that the product launch is borne out of the love to meet the yearning of general public who desire the best in the confectionery food industry.

bowen Appoints New VC. HE Senate of the bowen T University, Iwo, has approved the appointment of

Director, MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro (left); Director, Rehabilitation, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mercy Bolajoko Daodu; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma; and a graduand, Christiana Olowolagba at the 2nd graduation ceremony of the MTN Foundation, Skill Acquisition Project for the persons with disability in Lagos.

PHOTO : FEMi ADEBESiN-KUTi

Speakers Decry Taraba Assembly’s Face-Off With Suntai From Terhemba Daka, Abuja under the aegis LtheofAWMAKERS Conference of Speakers of State Legislators of Nigeria have described the unfolding political face-off between the Taraba State House of Assembly and ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai as unwarranted.

Chairman of the group and Speaker of Gombe State House

Morning Star Society Of Yaba baptist Church Marks 50th Anniversary

By Debo Oladimeji EMbERS of the Morning Star Society, Yaba baptist Church, Lagos as the will be marking their 50th Anniversary Celebration.

According to the President of the Society, Mrs Cecilia Aweni Kayode since the beginning of the inauguration of the society, God has been blessing its members.

M

of Assembly, Hon. Inuwa Garba who addressed newsmen in Abuja yesterday, said members were dismayed by the political developments in the state but urged the Taraba House of Assembly to remain resolute in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

“We have analyzed the scenario and agreed that the seeming political face-off in the state is unnecessary and unwarranted.

Overheating the polity of Taraba

in the name of politics at a time the state is in dire need of peace and development is not in the best interest of the good people of Taraba State and Nigeria as a whole.

“We encourage all concerned to resist any undue internal and external interference capable of creating religious, ethnic and political discord among the diverse people of the state even as we call on them to remain calm and law-abiding”, he said.

Gaidam Warns Council Chairmen Against Graft, Others From Njadvara Musa, Damaturu OVERNOR Ibrahim G Gaidam of Yobe state has warned council chairmen against graft, and the misappropriation of public funds, stating that anyone found wanting would be dealt with according to law.

The governor gave the warn-

benue: Gov Is On Top Of Security Situation, Says Dep. Gov EPUTY Governor, benue D State, Steven Lawani has sought for positive collaboration from the media on the reportage of security issues in the state; stressing that government on its part is bent on ensuring the security of lives and property of the people irrespective of tribe, political or religious affiliations.

Lawani who made the appeal yesterday during a briefing with journalists at Government House, Makurdi further dispelled fears of insecurity as created by some sections of the media in the State.

He said security agencies are fully mobilized by government to protect the citizens.

“Information in some sec-

tions of the media that the State is insecure, gives a wrong picture of the security situation in the State. Everything is going on well even the incident in Ukum LGA has been brought under control. benue remains peaceful land and I urge the people to go about their normal businesses. There is no need to panic”‘, Lawani assured.

ings yesterday, while swearing in 17 caretaker committee chairmen at the Government House, Damaturu.

He said since the boko Haram insurgency in 2009, a lot of public funds meant for execution of people-orientated projects, were however expended on security of life and property.

He therefore tasked the newly sworn-in chairmen to use their good offices to generate more revenue improve the living conditions of people.

His words: “this administration is fully committed to the plights of people, particularly the ones at the grassroots, and I urged all of you to work hard for improving the living condition of the electorate and development of this state.”

Gaidam further warned that any council chairman that fails to generate revenue for the state in completing on-going projects to would . be relieved of his/her appointment with immediate effect.

Professor Matthew Akintunde Ojo as the new Vice Chancellor of the institution.

Prof Ojo started his academic journey in the University of Ife, Ile Ife Osun State, where he bagged b.A. degree in English and Religious Studies and M.A. degree in Religious Studies respectively.

He later proceeded to the University of London, United Kingdom where he was awarded a Ph. D. in Theology in 1987.

His other academic qualifications include M.Sc. (Public Administration), 2001 and PGD Diploma in Management Studies, 1994.

Ojo started his teaching career at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun State and rose to become the Head of Department (HOD), Religious Studies in 2003.

Glo/CNN Africa Features Ghana’s Nii Quaynor HE story of T Ghanaian Internet guru, Nii Narku Quaynor, will be featured in this weekend’s edition of African Voices, CNN International’s 30-minute magazine programme sponsored by telecoms operator, Globacom.

Globacom explained in a statement that Quaynor’s choice as special guest is in line with the philosophy of the programme to showcase successful personalities who are shaping the African continent in different fields of endeavour.

Professor Quaynor is a scientist and engineer, and is seen by many as ‘Africa’s Father of the Internet’ because of the important role he played in the introduction and development of the Internet throughout Africa.

THE GUaRDIaN, Saturday, august 31, 2013

7

NEWS

PDP Crying Wolf Over Today’s Re-run In Offa, Says aPC HE all Progressives T Congress (aPC) has accused the Kwara State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of crying wolf in its allegation that the party plans to disrupt Offa Local Government election re-run today, saying the PDP is indeed the purveyor of violence and the mastermind of rigging.

Meanwhile,the governorship candidate of the defunct action Congress of Nigeria (aCN) in the last election in Kwara State, Dele

Belgore (SaN), has cautioned politicians in Offa against any attempt to perpetrate rigging in today’s re-run council elections in the ancient town.

The election, ordered by the court of appeal, is between the aPC candidate, Saheed Popoola and his PDP counterpart, Segun Olanipekun.

PDP Director of Publicity in the state, alhaji Mas’ud adebimpe alleged a grand design by the aPC to foment trouble during the poll.

But a statement issued in

London yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, alhaji Lai Mohammed, aPC said the allegation is also an admission of failure on the part of the PDP, which has been in power in Kwara State over the last 10 years.

Mohammed said: “If a government that has been in power for this length of time, that has control over the police and the State Security Service (SSS) is now crying wolf over an isolated local government re-run election, it only mean one thing- that the gov-

ernment has lost control of events in the state and that it is no longer sure of the support of the people it claims to be governing.

“The truth is that the PDP has never won elections in Offa Local Government, and they are convinced that Saturday’s (today’s) election will not be different. Hence the shameful allegation of violence and rigging against the aPC.” aPC said contrary to the allegations by the PDP, its (aPC) supporters have borne the brunt of attacks by PDP thugs

going into the polls, with some of them either killed or maimed.

“We have pictorial evidence of the attacks carried out against our members and supporters and the damage done to their vehicles as well as party vehicles. ‘’It is common knowledge that a cousin to one of the honourable members in the Kwara State House of assembly (Hon. Hassan Oyeyemi Oyeleke) was murdered on august 11th, 2013.

The case was reported at the Owode Police Station,Offa. There is also the attempt on the life of Prince Saheed Popoola on august 28, witnessed by navy and army officers.

These are just some of the acts of unbridled violence

by PDP thugs against our members and supporters.

Yet, PDP has the nerve to accuse the same people they are attacking of planning to disrupt elections.

What a skewed logic!”

Mohammed stated.

LP Hails Mimiko’s Victory From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki S reactions continued to a trail the judgment of the Supreme Court upholding the election of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State as the winner of the 2012 governorship election, the leadership of the Labour party has praised the judgment.

National Vice-Chairman, (Southeast) of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Callistus Uju Okafor, while congratulating Gov. Mimiko and Ondo people, noted that the ruling of the apex court is confirmation of the popular choice of the governor and marks an end to all sorts of distraction for the governor’s developmental blue print.

UNDP, Group Train Rural People On Leadership Skills From Chuks Collins, Awka HE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has synergised with a rural development-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), Nzuko Imeobi Idemili to train and mentor leaders and executives of the organisation at a one-day workshop in Ogidi, anambra State.

The training which took place yesterday at Suites, Ogidi, focused on community mobilisation and leadership.

It drew participants from the 17 communities that make up the Idemili North and South councils of anambra State.

The national leader of the organisation, Dr. Obiorah Okonkwo, enjoined members and other citizens to remain steadfast.

T

Church Holds Seminar

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu; Guinness Nigeria’s Best Overall Distributor, Chief Edmond Okafor and Sales Director, West Region, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Afeez Ajibowu, during Guinness Nigeria’s distributors conference tagged : “Celebrating Great Partnerships “ held at Darlington Hall, Ilupeju, Lagos… yesterday

Lamido Berates Critics, Says Criticism Distracts Leaders From John Akubo, Dutse OVERNOR Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has berated critics for criticising elected governors, a situation which he said has been a great source of distraction to the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

Lamido, who spoke when the House of Representatives Committee on Education visited him in his office yesterday, said critics criticise their elected leaders because of ignorance, adding most critics criticise without genuine reasons.

Lamido recalled that in 1998 when the political atmosphere was in disarray, only him and few others stood courageously to oppose the then military junta led by late Gen. Sani abacha.

The Jigawa State governor stated that he aligned himself with other eight politicians of like minds to form a group known as G9, which ultimately metamorphosed into Peoples

G

Democratic Party (PDP) at a time when the polity was overheated.

Lamido pointed out that PDP has grown into institution that has fought for the rights of every Nigerian, adding that the dominance of the party has led to uninterrupted democratic dividends.

While commenting on his stewardship since he took over the mantle of leadership of Jigawa State in 2007, the governor said the state was suffering from what he called a system collapse when he came into power.

Lamido told the visiting lawmakers how he met all existing

schools in complete shambles and what he has done to turn them around.

“Everything was in shambles and poverty had dominated the land. The state was scored zero in virtually every aspect of human endeavours. But I have been able to restore its lost glory,” Lamido said.

NBa asks Jonathan To Focus On Nation-building From Ibe Uwaleke, Calabar ISING from a one-week R annual general conference yesterday held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, the Nigerian Bar association (NBa), in a communiqué, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to demonstrate clearly the qualities of justice, equity and fairness as cardinal points of nation-building in his transformation agenda.

The president of the associa-

tion, Mr. Oke Wali (SaN), who read the communiqué, said Nigerians are yearning for good leadership to build a united country, saying Jonathan has the opportunity of achieving that for the survival of the country.

He also urged Nigerians to demonstrate a collective sense of patience, accommodation and tolerance with the administration where it has shown clear commitment in delivering on its promises.

The association resolved that

governance should focus on technical problems of political legitimacy, administrative and legal capacity and the improvement of public sector management, the legal framework for development and accountability through better auditing. It also advocated for decentralisation of government, proper policing of corruption, civil service reforms and improved information on policy issues for both decision makers and the public.

HE Fonder and General T Overseer, Victorious army Ministries International, Rev. Lagos, adenike Seek Girl-Child Education Joseph agboli, is set to hold a two-day seminar on September 14 (5pm-7:30pm) and 15 (8am-10am) respectively at the church auditorium, Plot 22, acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja , Lagos.

The event, which is expected to be life transforming one, is scheduled to feature Dr. Bill Winston, an internationally acclaimed man of God as guest speaker..

Other anointed men of God and eminent personalities are expected to grace the occasion.

By Jesutomi Rotimi aGOS State Government has reiterated the need for female children to be educated for the sake of national development.

Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, who made the call yesterday in Lagos during the graduation of empowered girls ceremony organised by action Health Incorporated (aHI) in part-

L

nership with Lagos State Government in Iwaya, Lagos State, said education, whether vocational or formal, was a mean of preparing children for future challenges.

Oladunjoye, who was represented by Lagos State Universal Basic Education (UBE) Board Chairman, Mrs. Bola Daudo, urged parents not to deprive their children of the opportunity of being trained for life through education.

Forty-eight girls, between the

ages of 15 and 19, graduated from different life-changing skills like hairdressing and tailoring during the graduation ceremony of the empowered girls initiative, which was initiated by aHI in Iwaya some years ago. aHI Executive Director, Mrs. Esiet adenike, stated that the initiative was aimed at supporting the philosophies of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Vision 20:2020 by ensur-

ing that out-of-school girls are not left out of the development initiatives. adenike disclosed that aHI arrived Iwaya community some years back and discovered that about 480 women were neither educated nor empowered. “When the government was informed of it, she was alarmed. So the partnership began to ensure that these women are empowered educationally and vocationally,” she said.

NYCN Wants Jobs For S’East Youths, From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri HE Southeast arm of the National Youth Council of T Nigeria (NYCN) has written to about 20 multi-national companies (MNCs) and five Southeast governments in the country, asking them to provide jobs for at least 2,000 unemployed youths in the geo-political zone in their companies, ministries and agencies.

In a statement in Owerri yesterday after tour of a council in Imo state, the National Vice-Chairman, Southeast, Mr. Samuel Morah, accompanied by some officials of the council and the National President of Ohaneze Igbo Youth assembly, Mr. Edison Nwadialo, disclosed that Southeastern governors and many companies in the area have been contacted on the need to employ youths in the area, regretting that it was alarming that army of youths were roaming in the streets jobless.

Daafours CDa Holds Election Today aNFOURS Estate D Community Development association (CDa), Egan Town, Lagos State will hold its election today to elect executives officers that will run the affairs office The election will hold at Shola Oladele Street, off Delegun Street, Isuti Road, Egan town, Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

8

AFRICA

At Least 34 Dead In Bamako Floods

Zimbabwe Mulls ‘Garden Of Eden’ To Boost Local Tourism

HE death toll in cataT strophic floods which left thousands homeless in the

IMBABWE is planning a lowZ budget entertainment park in the resort town of Victoria

Malian capital Bamako rose to 34 yesterday, one of the leaders of the rescue operation said.

More than 100 homes, mostly poorly constructed mudbrick buildings on drainage sites, were swept away as the Niger river burst its banks in torrential rain on Wednesday, bringing down bridges and submerging entire streets.

“I have been told of 34 dead.

Damage to property is widespread and the evaluation is ongoing,” said Die Dao, deputy head of the Department of Civil Protection rescue mission.

On Thursday, a government official had put the death toll at 23 people.

Flooding often leads to widespread displacements and casualties during west Africa’s June to October rainy season, as well as disease outbreaks due partly to poor sanitation.

Local television broadcast images of homeless residents wandering Bamako’s streets, apparently in shock, as others waded through chesthigh, fast-flowing muddy water to rescue stranded neighbours.

The old hillside district of Taliko suffered the brunt of the flooding, with victims finding refuge in a primary school equipped with mats, kettles and mosquito nets.

Headmaster Abdoul Konate said the victims were desperate for money and clothes.

“They said that they have lost all their savings. There are 80 of them, about half of whom are children,” he told AFP. Elsewhere in Bamako residents told of their horror as water levels began to rise at great speed, with many blam-

Falls to boost local tourism, a cabinet minister said yesterday.

“We want to bring the Garden of Eden to Victoria Falls, where flora and fauna can co-exist,” Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi told AFP at the end of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly cohosted by Zimbabwe and neighbour Zambia.

“We don’t know how big the Garden of Eden was but it will be our model. It’s still a vision.

We are at the conceptual stage.

What’s in place is the land.”

Some have dubbed the project “a Disneyland for Africa.”

“The main aim is provide a facility in Victoria Falls where locals who cannot afford the high cost of booking in major

hotels in the resort can come for holiday. Victoria Falls should cease to be the preserve of the rich and foreign visitors,” Mzembi said.

The government allocated 1,200 hectares (almost 3,000 acres) of land for the project to be built by local and foreign private investors, he added.

“Government’s only contribution is the land. We will invite investors to come in and build.”

Among the planned facilities will be a zoo, hotels, a skating rink and a garden with a replica of the Victoria Falls waterfall.

Victoria Falls, on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, is a popular destination for foreign holidaymakers.

But high travel and accommodation costs put it beyond the means of the majority of the population.

M23 Rebel Forces Withdraw From Democratic Republic Of Congo People hold a rope to help rescuers climbing down a roof of a house in a flooded area of Bamako, Mali ‘s capital on Wednesday.

PHOTO: AFP ing local government for not maintaining the city’s drains and not providing enough disaster relief in the immediate aftermath.

“I have a family of six people.

My mud brick house collapsed in the rain. We have nothing to eat so we need food and also the means to rebuild our house,” Boubacar Coulibaly, 52, told AFP. “Up to now we have received nothing in terms of support.”

“I have lost my papers. I have recovered some clothes that my wife is in the process of washing,” said Samba Guindo, 51, a driver and father of six.

His wife, Saran Camara, said

she had hoped long before Wednesday’s floods to move away from her dangerous housing area, situated in a swamp.

“If I don’t leave, my children will die and that keeps me up at night,” she said.

Satigui Camara, 25, said he could only stand by and watch as his family home collapsed.

“I support my mother because my father is no longer alive.

But I’ve got no way of making a living, no work,” he said as he sat on the trunk of a tree, imploring the authorities to help him.

Although a major gold producer, impoverished Mali has been deserted by tourists and

foreign investors and economic growth is at a 10-year low as the country struggles to emerge from months of conflict.

Last year Mali was upended by a separatist rebellion and coup that toppled the elected president and allowed AlQaeda-linked Islamist fighters to occupy the north before being ousted by a French-led military intervention.

The flooding in Bamako is the first big challenge to face president-elect Ibrahim Boubacar Keita since his election on August 11, which was also marred by heavy rain in the capital and flooding in the north.

HE M23 rebel group in eastT ern Democratic Republic of Congo has said it will stop fighting, following days of clashes with UN-backed forces. M23 official Museveni Sendugo told the BBC its forces had already pulled back 5km (three miles) from the frontline.

Rebel leader Bertrand Bisimwa said the pull-back would allow an independent investigation into how shells fell over the border in Rwanda on Thursday.

The Congolese army denies Rwandan accusations it fired the shells.

DR Congo and the UN accuse Rwanda of backing the M23, a charge it denies.

Their troops have been pounding rebel positions on

the Congolese side of the border with Rwanda near the city of Goma since last week. As tension escalated on Thursday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appealed to Rwanda’s president for restraint.

Rwanda twice invaded its much larger neighbour during the 1990s, and the border area has been unstable for two decades.

Rwanda’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Olivier Nduhungirehe, told the BBC’s Focus on Africa that “a red line was crossed” by DR Congo on Thursday when he said a Rwandan woman was killed in cross-border shelling.

WOR LD Robust Response Needed In Syria, Says Cameron “ROBUST response” to the A alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria is needed despite UK military involvement being ruled out, the prime minister has said.

David Cameron was defeated in the Commons as MPs rejected a motion on the principle that military action could be required to protect Syrian civilians.

Despite the result of the vote, the US said it would continue to seek a coalition for military intervention.

And France said the vote did not change its resolve about the need to act.

The weapons inspectors this morning seemed to be in two or three minds about what was going on.

Twice they left the garage of the hotel where they and foreign correspondents are staying, looking as if they were ready to head out, and twice they went back in.

Perhaps they had a plan to visit some of the suburbs held by rebels that they had

been going into to take samples, but there has been a lot of shelling going on in that direction today.

Now they are here at the regime’s military hospital.

There have been claims from the regime itself that they had soldiers wounded by chemical weapons, and perhaps those are the people they have come to see.

Russia which has close ties with the the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad welcomed the UK’s rejection of a military strike, while Germany has ruled out participation in any action.

Washington said it remained committed to a possible strike and would seek to build a coalition of those in favour of possible military action.

President Obama convened the US National Security Council earlier, according to the AFP news agency.

The White House believes President Assad’s regime was responsible for the chemical

attack on 21 August which reportedly killed 355 people in the Ghouta suburb of Damascus.

UN weapons inspectors are due to wind up their investigation later before delivering their preliminary findings to secretary general Ban Kimoon on Saturday.

Mr Cameron said it was a “regret” that he had been unable to build a consensus on the response to the suspected chemical weapons attack.

However he insisted the UK remained “deeply engaged” on the world stage.

The UK government’s defeated motion had called for military action if it was backed up by evidence from the weapons inspectors.

In Syria, the BBC’s Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen said he had spoken to people inside President Assad’s administration who were “cock-a-hoop” at the UK vote. “They believe it counts as a victory for them,” he added.

From left, District Chairman and The District Executive Officer of International Inner Wheel District 911 Nigeria for 2013/2014, Mrs. Elizabeth Olomofe-Kufeji with the past immediate Chairman of the club, Mrs. Mopelola Adisa during the installation of the former as the 30th District Chairman of the club in Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos penultimate Sunday.

PHOTO: DEBO OLADIMEJI

Colombian President Orders Military Patrols In Bogota OLOMBIAN President C Juan Manuel Santos ordered the military to patrol the streets of Bogota yesterday after violent protests caused havoc across the capital, killing two and leaving the parts of the city in a shambles.

“Yesterday I ordered the militarization of Bogota and I will do the same in any region or zone where the

presence of soldiers is necessary,” said Santos, making ready as many as 50,000 soldiers.

He took the measure after almost two weeks of roadblocks and clashes with police that spread from the countryside to cities, including Medellin and Cali, on Thursday. Police fired tear gas in downtown Bogota and a curfew was imposed in

three densely populated areas of the capital overnight to control outbreaks of violence and looting.

“There is no protest, as fair as it may be, that justifies loss of life,” Santos said in a stern early morning address after an overnight cabinet meeting at the presidential palace. “We won’t let these vandals get away with this.”

“Patience has run out,” he

9

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

METRONOTES

Lagos Moves Against Illegal Abattoirs “We have the capacity to serve the to inspect the animals in our abattoir butchers in Lagos State. We even before they are slaughtered. serve neighboring states,” he said.

“We have the capacity to kill about LTHOUGH they still sell meat to He encouraged butchers to patron1,500 cows from Monday to Friday.

At their customers like they did ize only the government approved before, butchers at Mile 12 Market are weekends, we sometimes kill 1,850 to slaughter slabs in the state since that 2,000 cows. This place is like a central apprehensive of anybody coming to is where they can buy hygienic meat. abattoir. It is a free market. Anybody the market to ask them questions “There are dangers in buying meat can come here and buy meat.

We since three of their members were in illegal abattoirs. They don’t have divide the animals into four parts and whisked away by the security team of qualified inspectors to check the aniLagos State Task Force, and officials of people come here to buy according to mals they slaughter in those places. their capacity,” he said. the state Ministry of Agriculture and “They even slaughter dead cows.

He disclosed that there are other Cooperatives penultimate Friday.

That is why people do buy meat that approved slaughter slabs in Lagos The move, the authorities say, folare infected by diseases from illegal State. “So, any butcher who says that lows several warnings against the abattoirs. The water they used to this place is far to his market is not operation of illegal abattoirs in the treat their meat is not safe for saying the truth.

The person is just state. The leaders of Mile 12 Market are human consumption.” looking for excuses to operate illegal still making efforts to ensure the He particularly urged butchers to abattoir. release of Erin, Babajadia and come to Oko-Oba to buy their meat.

“We have approved abattoirs in Babalimonta, who are still in police “We have Eko Refrigerated Meat Matori, Asapo, Apapa, Badagry, custody in Badagry.

Vans provided by the Lagos State govIgando, Ikorodu, OPIC in Ogun State One of the market leaders, ernment to help the butchers to take Mohammed Sikiru regretted the inci- among others,” he said. their meats from the abattoirs to Niniola said if the Lagos State dent. He said his members used to go their markets. About 200 of the vehiAbattoir at Oko-Oba is too far, butchto Lagos State Abattoir, Oko-Oba, cles were commissioned by the govers can go to other slabs approved by Agege to buy their meat until recently the government close to them. “There ernment recently and we have about when they stopped.

120 of them here.”

“Agege is too far to this place. By the is nothing expensive here. This is the He explained that all of the vans place they can buy cheap meat. time we go to Agege and come back to Mile 12, most of our customers would have left the market to look for There are dangers in buying meat in illegal abattoirs. They somewhere else to buy their meat. don’t have qualified inspectors to check the animals they That was why we started the abattoir at Ajeromi,” he said. slaughter in those places. They even slaughter dead cows.

Sikiru added that most housewives also come to buy meat in the market That is why people do buy meat that are infected by diseases in the morning and insisted that they started the Ajeromi abattoir to bring from illegal abattoirs. it close to the market. “Meat is usually sold in the morning. When we used to go to Oko-Oba in Agege, sometimes we are trapped in traffic. Before we get to the market around 1.pm, we are left with few customers,” he added.

He appealed to the government to build an abattoir close to Mile 12 Market. “There ought to be an abattoir in all the local governments of the state”.

At nearby Alapere Market, the butchers said that they don’t go to illegal abattoir to buy their meat.

“We buy our meat from Oko-Oba. It is the butchers going to Ajegunle slab to buy their meat that are having problem with the government,” one of them said.

On his part, Akeem Azeez, Vice Chairman of Ikotun Butcher Association, said they don’t sell infected meat. “We have governmentapproved abattoir on Governors’ Road. We have veterinary doctors that go there to inspect the animals before they kill them. The abattoir is under Ikotun Igando Local Council Development Centre (LCDA), ” Azeez said.

He disclosed that the butchers in the market usually contribute money to buy cows to be slaughtered in the abattoir.

“But some of our members used to buy their meat at Oko-Oba. Government has warned us not to carry our meat on motorcycles. Those who buy their meat from Oko-Oba use Eko Refrigerated Meat Vans to carry their meat to the market,” he said.

He urged the government to help them to reduce the high cost of cows in the market. “The price of cows is too high even for the butchers. Let the government help us to bring it down. Those who are bringing the cows from the North said that the high cost of transportation is responsible for the high cost of cows”.

Azeez admitted that meat sells fast in the morning and in the afternoon when the butchers go outside the main market.

At Lagos State Abattoir, Oko-Oba, Agege, Mr Ramoni Niniola, the Otubalogunoja, said that there is no excuse for butchers to operate illegal abattoir in Lagos.

“We have quality veterinary doctors

By Debo Oladimeji

A

have designated routes. “They start loading meat from the abattoir from 7am and they work till 3pm daily”.

Niniola said that the abattoir has very big cattle market from where they get the cows they kill. “We buy our cows from the Northern part of the country. Some of us go to Chad, Niger, to buy our cows.”

The Lagos State government, penultimate Friday arrested three butchers selling tuberculosis-infected beef, even as it clamped down on three illegal slaughter slabs in the state.

The butchers were arrested by a team of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences task force, led by the Chairman, Mr. Bayo Sulaiman.

The illegal slaughter slabs were at Ajegunle, Alapere axis of the state.

The Senior Special Assistant, SSA to the state governor on Agriculture, Dr. Nuraini Funsho, said efforts will be intensified to clamp down on other illegal and unhygienic abattoirs to safeguard the lives of the people.

He said slaughtering of very sick animals not suitable for human consumption necessitated the clamp down on illegal abattoirs in Lagos state, “They used to slaughter condemned animals which are not fit for human consumption. The butchers have been arrested and taken to court and will be prosecuted. We have to put a

stop to this illegality of slaughtering animals that are not good for human consumption,” he said.

He added that the government is now educating the public on how to identify unhygienic meat in the market. “Even the location of the illegal abattoirs is an indication that the meat will not be good for human consumption.”

According to him, the meat from the certified abattoirs are in good condition because meat inspectors are there to inspect the meat. “But at the illegal markets, there is nobody to inspect the animals. That is why they slaughter cows condemned by legal markets.”

He regretted that innocent buyers are being fed with bad meat. “Even the consumers should know bad meat from the colour and the ridiculous prices they give them for unwholesome meat. A very good meat goes for better price. Until we start producing a lot of the animals around the state, the cost may not go down. The government is ensuring that the supply chains are well monitored and regulated,” he assured.

Funsho stressed that the government is interested in getting people to invest in the abattoir business.

“Most of the 200 vans that were commissioned for transporting meat to the various markets two months ago, are in partnership with investors.

They are already carrying meat to the

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

10 |

METRONOTES

ARMTI Tackles Hunger, Uses Agriculture As A Weapon For Youth Empowerment sary financial support and funding for the candidates, at the end of their training to embark on agricultural HE Agricultural and Rural enterprise.

Management Training Institute According to Afolayan, “It would be (ARMTI) Ilorin has launched a decisive bid not only to tackle hunger in recalled that the Nigerian agricultural sector suffered a major set-back as Nigeria but to use agriculture as a a result of the mismanagement of the major weapon for youth employoil boom of the 1970s. One of the ment in the country. major steps taken by the government ARMTI while hosting the former to put agriculture back on track was Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo during its annual lecture the establishment of Agricultural few weeks ago in Ilorin had through Development Projects (ADPs) across the nation. The need to develop its Executive Director, Samuel Afolayan, boasted of the pedigree of human resources to manage same led to the establishment of ARMTI in the centre to turn around agriculture in the country but lamented the poor patronage by relevant bodies in Nigeria.

Obasanjo, who was the guest lecturer at the event, had disclosed the critical role of agriculture in nation building, especially where arable land is available and there is no dearth of needed personnel and technological breakthrough.

Obasanjo had at the summit described Nigeria as precariously sitting on a keg of gun powder, citing the alarming spread of youth unemployment in the country.

Perhaps, the expressed apprehension by the ex-President has acted as a catalyst to spur the management and staff of the institute into action to have organized training for agriculture graduates in entrepreneurial skills. That would in turn enable them to take up careers in agricultural enterprises and create wealth for themselves while in turn creating job opportunities for others.

Already, the programme this year has drawn interests from many graduates of agriculture across the nation. Applications from interested and suitably qualified candidates have been asked for and the response has been growing. Fifty candidates would be selected for the programme. In addition, financial institutions have been invited and Afolayan brought on board to give the neces-

From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin

T

1980.

“The Institute became a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Development with the promulgation of Decree No. 37 of December 31, 1984, now Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute Act Cap II Vol.I Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.”

He said the vision of the institute among others; include the need to make it a World-class Management Development Institute facilitating the development and application of best management practices for the

agricultural and rural sector, just as he declared that the mission of the Institute was one fashioned to improve management practice in the Agricultural and Rural Sector through appropriate management interventions.

Speaking on the training scheme for the agricultural graduates the ARMTI boss said, “one of the challenges facing Nigeria economy is high rate of unemployment; especially graduate unemployment.

Thousands of youths graduate yearly from higher institutions out of which very few are gainfully

employed.

“Some of these youths have Degrees and Higher National Diplomas in agriculture. If these graduates and diploma holders in agriculture receive training in entrepreneurial skills they will be able to take up careers in agricultural enterprises thereby reducing graduate unemployment in Nigeria and ushering in the several other resultant benefits.

In addition, after the youths might have received necessary training in entrepreneurial training, funds will be secured through loans to transform training received into practice.

“The scheme will provide necessary entrepreneurial skills for the selected agricultural graduates and make arrangement with selected financial institutions to provide loans for the trained agricultural graduates to practice agricultural enterprises. It is hoped that in subsequent years, such a programme will efficiently show and sell the practice of agriculture as a business; as a veritable and lucrative option to be embraced by all,” he said.

The Director of the training Mr. Anthony Njoku added his voice, “the broad overall objective of this endeavour is to conduct agricultural business entrepreneurship training for agricultural graduates in collaboration with financial institutions to support youths in the agricultural sector to create wealth.”

On the expected time frame for the programme, Mr Njoku said, “this is expected to be completed within the time frame of seven months. This period will give enough time to prepare for the training, conduct the training and facilitate arrangement with financial institutions that will finance the enterprises of the trained graduates.”

Guidelines for monitoring the trained agricultural graduates, to ensure sustainability of the scheme have been devised. This, Njoku believes would be the hallmark of the programme.

Lucky Ogansayi Siblings Bag Guinness’ Scholarship GOOD luck, some posit, is preparation meeting with opportunity. This seems to be the lot of the Ogansayi family of Benin as their story epitomises fortune smiling on the diligent.

Isoken Ogansayi, a 300-level Accountancy student of the University of Benin, Benin City is now enjoying the good fortune of winning a scholarship covering tuition, books and upkeep. For her and her family, it does not get better than this, as her immediate elder brother, Oghomwen Ogansayi, a final year student of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Benin, also won a scholarship, setting their parents free of the financial burden of them in the university.

Determined to work their way out of depravity, the Ogansayis have three children in the University of Benin. One is on full-time while the others are carrying on their studies on part time basis. So, when Isoken saw an advertisement by Guinness Nigeria Plc calling for entries for its scholarship awards, she quickly entered and encouraged her siblings to do so too.

By this simple step, the family has seen their dreams come true as Isoken affirms: “I applied for the scholarship to relieve my parents of the financial burden of paying my school fees alongside those of my two brothers who are part-timers.”

Probably, the Ogansayi family would have had all three children on the scholarship row of Guinness but the third member of the family, a final year student of Computer Science also at the University of Benin, did not apply

because his course was not highlighted in the courses Guinness indicated in the newspaper advert calling for entries.

Be that as it may, the family seems to have got everything it wished for now, at least so long as education is concerned. So Isoken’s heart overflowed with joy when she was contacted that she had won the scholarship. Hear her: “When I received the message that I had won (the scholarship), my joy knew no bounds because not only will they pay for the tuition, but also the texts and other materials needed for my course (Accounting.)”

This scholarship for Isoken could not have come at a better time as she is in the last but one year of her study which she says is the most demanding. “I am very pleased to win this scholarship because I am in the penultimate year of my study and all Accountancy students know the third year is usually the most challenging. Now, I have the funds to buy the materials needed to study. I can concentrate on my studies and make a good grade. Thanks to Guinness Nigeria Plc,” she says.

Isoken and her sibling Oghomwen are just two out of the many students that won the Guinness scholarship this year but their story aligns with the objective of Guinness Nigeria in initiating the scholarship as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Seni Adetu has this to say on his company’s scholarship scheme: “This programme means that Guinness Nigeria will take on the entire

tuition fees, cost of textbooks as well as some of the living expenses for the students throughout their period of study. This will afford the students the liberty of remaining fully focused on their studies without neither encumbrances nor distractions.”

Taking financial stress off students and families thereby helping the former to focus on academic pursuit so as to make good grades, is what appeals to Isoken the most. “The scholarship has greatly impacted my life as I will now be able to purchase all my academic materials that will enable me study well and get higher grades which will make me graduate with a better result than I would probably have, thereby putting smiles on the face of my family.”

Guarantee of better academic grades, grooming of better citizens and improved relationship with host communities are part of why Guinness has been investing heavily in the scholarship scheme for five years running.

Adetu reveals that “the pioneer students that benefitted from this scheme have gone on to graduate with enviable grades, including a few first class honours. They have become responsible citizens of our great nation, adding value and playing their part in national development; all thanks to Guinness Nigeria.”

It is no surprise therefore that a CSR initiative that helps the youth grow into educated, independent and useful citizens is being widely commended. Head Liaison Office, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Lagos, David Idemoh, applauds the scholarship scheme, particularly

the process of selecting the winners.

Idemoh opines that the transparent process that leads to the emergence of winners will encourage youths to grow up with the attitude of probity and help foster warm relationship with host communities. Idemoh is well informed on the processes of arriving at the winners because the NSE and the Nigerian Institute of Management play major roles in the selection process.

While Idemoh would love to see more participation from host communities, Isoken calls on other students, even those who could not make it this year, to enter next year, as they might just be lucky. She says: “Well, to those who didn’t win this year, I wish them better luck next year. And they should study harder in their school work because Guinness awarded this scholarship based on academic performance.”

Adetu says that his company is proud to be “granting scholarships to undergraduates from our host communities in Benin, Aba and Lagos, in different courses of study throughout the duration of their courses.

This is a clear demonstration of our collective belief that the future of our great country rests squarely on the shoulders of the youth.”

He added: “We can only rest assured if we have provided them with adequate skills to steer that future in the right direction.”

From whatever perspective this initiative is considered, it is clear that it is an instrument that empowers the youth for a better future for self and society.

THE GuARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

| 11

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

On The Path Of Winners

Your Intention Sets The Globe Ablaze OuR perception of reality, limits your sucY cess. People who must see it before they will take a risk, those who must have concrete feedback before they will take any risk, often find it so difficult to grow and change. Most of their lives are wasted waiting for something to happen rather than making it happen. We stimulate our creativity and drive in direct proportion to our ability to use our imagination as limited by our perception of reality. Everyone has some limitations in perceiving reality. But through knowing our limitations, we can expand our awareness of this reality. No two persons have the same awareness of reality.

This accounts for the uniqueness of every individual. The degree that our perception is limited, our habits, thoughts and actions will also be limited.

In America, they have something called “the success ethic” simply stated, success ethic says, “When you get what you want you will be happy”. It is based on the theory that if we work hard and solve all the problems of our lives, we will be happy. This forces us to focus on problem solving. As we’ve learned, whatever you think become your reality. And so what do you think about most of the time? It is usually problems.

We have talked about how the universe flows from having into doing and into being. The success ethic says if you have the things that happen people do, then you will be happy. This is really not true. One of the Buddha’s greatest contributions to history was his teaching that

desire creates suffering.

This means that when you want something more you don’t accept what you have already, you suffer. The Buddha’s teaching was to give up desire and thereby eliminate suffering.

While this is important, it isn’t the whole message. One of the most important things about accepting where you are and enjoying what you already have is that you can have the same peace of and joy right now as you are anticipating you will have when you eventually get to where you eventually want to be. This is the most important message. This means you already have what you want at the being level. At the being level you are now, you are a success. Sadly, life is not about getting.

When you focus on getting, trying to make things better, an interesting thing happens; you miss what you already have. So the only way to find happiness is to enjoy what you already have right now. Create for tomorrow but live in and for today. For actually we only have two choices in life. The first is to enjoy what we have today. The second is to be anxious about what we don’t have and focus on tomorrow hoping it will be better. There are no other choices, remember, getting what you want won’t change your life at the being level. So don’t let what you have determine who you are otherwise tomorrow’s goals will be bankrupt. Which is why you cannot tie getting something to your happiness, otherwise your life will be perpetual struggle. Therefore, go after what you want but enjoy the trip. Life

is a journey, not a destination.

Enjoy yourself; love yourself unconditionally at any point of your life. Life’s rewards don’t come from achieving, they come from doing.

Life’s reward comes from knowing what you want to be, what you want to do and what you want to have. Thus, this intention sets the globe aglow. The universe flows in the direction of your intention. So it is important to be clear in your mind of your exact intention in any situation. With absolute clarity of your intent, your Subconscious Success Mechanism will support you in getting what you want.

The great American inventor, Thomas Alva Edison working on his inventions, always kept in mind where he wanted to arrive. And because of this, every failure supported his ultimate success. Successful people are so, because they have set up in their minds a clear picture of what their end results are going to be. So your success mechanism is focused on the end result you want, don’t focus on the problems. Itemize what you want and focus on results, be oblivious of the problems. This is why goal setting comes to the rescue. Goal setting is the key to success. Start from the level of knowing exactly what you want. Develop a plan of action. Identify the benefits of your plan. Analyze the obstacles to enable you eliminate them, know that what you want is worth more than the obstacles that may have to be handled. use timing to advantage by setting a deadline for the accomplishment of your goal.

You must adhere to the deadline, so any goal must state a specific date upon which it must be achieved. A primary factor in successful use of goals is positive feedback. without feedback you cannot know the impact of the goals, so always keep a notebook for feedback.

Our champion today is Lawrence Summers, the American economist and the 71st united States secretary of the treasury from 1999 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton. He was director of the National Economic Council for President Barrack Obama until November 2010. Summers was Eliot Professor of Economics at Harvard university’s Kennedy School of Government.

Summers also served as the 27th President of Harvard university from 2001 to 2006.

Born in Connecticut in November 1954 into a Jewish Family of Economists; Robert Summers and Anita Summers - Both Professors at the university of Pennsylvania.

He is the nephew of two Nobel laureates in Economics - Paul Samuelson Brother of Robert Summers and Kenneth Arrow, brother of Anita Summers.

At age 16, he entered the MIT. He attended Harvard as a graduate student. In 1983 at age 28, Summers became one of the youngest professors in Harvard’s history. As a researcher, Summers made enormous contributions to public finance, Labour economics and financial economics.

‘Reducing The Number Of 2013 Hajj Pilgrims By 20% Is In Order’ Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani is the Chief Executive Officer, Amco Travel and Tourism, which is specialised in Muslim Holy Pilgrimage and tourism. He spoke with KINGSLEY JEREMIAH on the plans for the 2013 pilgrimage

by Muslim faithful and other issues in the tourism industry.

Saudi Arabia Government recently reduced by 20 per cent the number of participants for the 2013 Muslim Pilgrimage. What is the implication to Nigeria?

Ou are sounding as if this is targeted towards Nigerians alone, but it is not. This is a decision that affects the entire Muslims world.

Domestically, 50 per cent of Saudi residents are hindered from performing the Hajj this year. The reason is simply to allow a major repair and restructuring taking place in the holy mosque, Haram. The number has to be reduced because certain places and routes are closed and this place plays host to over two million people yearly. If all these people are let in, accidents might be the case with unimaginable fatality due to over-crowding and stampeding.

I think it is a wise decision for the safety of the umra. The Saudi Arabia Ambassador has explained this clearly. The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has shed more light and urged the people to remain calm while it will make effort to see that deserving individuals are able to make the Hajj.

As operators too, we are also re-echoing these explanations to our clientele at personal levels. Be that as it may, Muslims are people who understand that the Hajj pilgrimage, like other human affairs, is largely dependent on destiny. So, people who have interests are encouraged

Y

to pursue it and we would do the best we can to help them through. But at the end of the day, those who have failed to get a place will naturally understand and wait for the following year.

How do you think the Nigerian government can overcome the challenges between Nigerian pilgrims and the government of Saudi Arabia, most especially on the issue of Muharram?

Well, this is a delicate issue. It was quite unfortunate last year when a good number of Nigerian female pilgrims were detained and eventually turned back from the Hajj.

On the surface, the matter was that the affected women did not provide Muharrams or appropriate Maharrams.

But the matter is a bit complicated. In the Islamic world, personal opinions do not count where there is a clear prophetic pronouncement. If they say it has to do with Muharram now, we must do our best to ensure that our women pilgrims are entrusted to proper Muharrams on their trips. Prior to that ugly incident, there was an understanding where Nigerian female pilgrims travelled under the watch of State Pilgrims Board Officials who technically served as their Muharrams. But if for some reasons that arrangement is no longer tenable, Saudi government ought to have informed the Nigerian authorities for appropriate measures.

The Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Abubakar Shehu Bunu, has taken steps to ensure a peaceful resolution of the matter and in subsequent operations, the guidelines would be adhered to on the basis of mutual respect. Another issue that must be seriously addressed is the conduct of Nigerians, especially our women, in holy land. There have been allegations of frivolous and untoward conducts by Nigerians, not minding that Nigerians enjoy the unfortunate popularity of being summarily

associated with every crime perpetrated by a black person in any part of the world.

How would you react to the lamentation of some state governors about the use of public funds to sponsor people to pilgrimage?

It is surprising that state governors raised such issues when they know such is part of government’s responsibilities to the citizenry at all levels. The religious consciousness of our society, I dare say, is one of the major factors that have kept this country at peace and governable.

Pilgrimage either Makkah by Muslims or Jerusalem by Christians has immense social and economic advantages to our government.

Prayers are offered on behalf of Nigeria and her people, new social ties are formed, commerce in the travel industry thrives, pilgrims gain new perspectives on world and religious views. With the inherent moral and social benefits of pilgrimage, the government cannot but subsidise the operations to encourage pilgrims.

However, the government should be fair enough.

Such support should not be a mere political patronage, which continually favour a select few. The government has a responsibility to provide certain services to the people, which sponsoring pilgrimage is one of such services. Government is very much involved in the religious life of the people. It safeguards their freedom of worship, ensures their security, provides space, etc. So, this should not be an exception. And just as I have already stated above, the experiences gained from pilgrimage have serious edifying benefits for the country as long as the budgets for pilgrimage are not over bloated.

As a stakeholder in the travel and tourism industry, what are the challenges you face especially regarding Hajj operations?

The challenges faced by a travel and tour agent involved in Hajj

Sani operations are numerous. It ranges from systemic rigidities, uncertainty in visa acquisition, official interventions, pilgrims’ attitudes, finance, to the problems of management and practice by the operators. Many of the practitioners in the industry are not equipped for service delivery.

There have been instances of outright dishonesty or deception on the part of agencies and this gives all of us a bad name.

Some Nigerians have called for the scrapping of the NAHCON due to the challenges faced by Nigerians during Hajj. Do you think this is the way forward? Scrapping NAHCON will accomplish nothing other than leaving Hajj operations rudderless and giving touts and fraudsters in the

business a field day. For efficiency and uniformity in Hajj operations, there must be an apex body with over-arching authority to plan, coordinate and it. The role of the NAHCON is still effective. The logistics and administration of Hajj operations is too complex and intricate to be left to individual groups or states.

Instead, the NAHCON needs more visibility, more funding and autonomy. An overhaul of its management to ensure that every department is up doing and ultimately aims at providing successful Hajj services in Nigeria will not be out of place. And the commission should support and give solidarity to operators who are genuinely affected by system-created problems.

TheGuardian

12 | Saturday, August 31, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Politics

Tukur

Uba

Nwoye

Anambra 2013: Between The Ubas And PDP and others to explain their roles in the paral- senatorial candidature of PDP in Anambra South with Prince Ukachukwu in 2003. At the lel primaries conducted in the state against the party’s directives, a summon the Ubas and end of the legal tussle, Ukachukwu lost out, EFORE the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) though it was later confirmed that the others refused to honour, thereby raising primaries in Anambra State for the questions on party supremacy and discipline Justices who sat on case perverted justice November 16 governorship election in the after being compromised. But that could not in the ruling party. state, political permutations and analysis remedy the situation for Ukachukwu.

With this development coupled with the were in favour of Senator Andy Uba, a former injunction obtained against Nwoye’s candida- Again after the 2011 general election, Andy Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters had a protracted legal battle with ture by one of the governorship aspirants of to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and presently a Ukachukwu over who was the authentic canthe party, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, it is senator representing Anambra South clear that the ruling party is in for more trou- didate of PDP for Anambra South Senatorial Senatorial District in the National Assembly. zone, a case that Ukachukwu lost to Andy. bles and intra-party crisis ahead of the Many had thought that Andy being Andy’s election as senator representing November 16 governorship election in the Obasanjo’s ally and close confidant for more Anambra South zone was nullified in state. Many are of the view that the Rivers than a decade now would have his way.

State scenario during the 2007 governorship December 2011, following a petition written During his days with Obasanjo, it was alleged election, which threw up Governor Chibuike by Mr. Chuma Nzeribe of APGA. Andy won the that Andy was the one that recommended Amaechi, might repeat itself in Anambra State re-run election and Nzeribe challenged the President Goodluck Jonathan as running outcome in court and Andy had his way at if PDP wins the forthcoming election. This is mate to the late President Yar’Adua in 2007. last as he was declared the winner of the reas there are rumours in the state that the So, before the party primaries, there were national leadership of the PDP, the Presidency run by the court. What is happening between insinuations that Obasanjo had given Andy and the PDP in Anambra ahead of the and the Anambra State government have President Jonathan a marching order to work gone into political alliance to support the All governorship election appears to be a repeat towards making Andy the next governor of Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, of what happened to him in the 2010 goverAnambra State as a condition to gain his norship election in the state.

Mr. Willie Obiano for the election. It is being (Obasanjo) support for his alleged second In 2010, Andy made spirited effort to pick alleged that Obiano would defect to the PDP term ambition in 2015. the party’s governorship ticket, but the powbefore the 2015 general election to work for But to the greatest surprise of many, Andy, the realisation of President Jonathan’s second ers that be during the late president Yar’Adua who emerged victorious at a parallel primary era did not consider him fit as they handed term ambition. conducted by the Chief Ejike Oguebego-led over the party’s governorship ticket to forBut how these intrigues would play out state executive of the party recognised by the mer Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Prof. before and after the election is still hazy and Independent National Electoral Commission Chukwuma Soludo. Soludo lost the election dicey. Some have argued that as far as INEC (INEC) appears to have lost out, as the nationto the incumbent governor Mr. Peter Obi but did not recognise the state executive of the al leadership of the party has issued certifiparty that produced Nwoye, his emergence as not without the political conspiracy of PDP cate of return to Comrade Tony Nwoye as the chieftains in the state who worked against the party candidate was illegal, while others candidate for the election. Nwoye was a close have also argued that INEC and court have no the party in the poll. ally of Chris and Andy before now but appears With the unfolding events in the PDP in the power to decide who emerges as a candidate to have found a new political godfather in state, there might be a repeat of 2010 sceof a political party in an election. Whichever Prince Arthur Eze from Anambra Central nario in the party. If at the end of the battle, way one looks at the situation, the judiciary zone. the national leadership of the party has its will decide the matter at last.

Although a Federal High Court in Port way, it might be the beginning of end of the But for the Ubas, they appear to be on a Harcourt, Rivers State presided over by Justice road for Ubas in the party especially in the familiar political turf considering how they H.A Nganjiwa has ordered the PDP and the fought the case of Senator Ugochukwu Uba’s state.

INEC to accept the result of the primary election conducted by Ejike Oguebego’s faction of PDP in Anambra State, which declared Andy But to the greatest surprise of many, Andy, who emerged victorious at a paras the governorship candidate for the party in allel primary conducted by the Chief Ejike Oguebego-led state executive of the the November 16 election, the leadership of the party may have ignored the order by party recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) going ahead to present Nwoye as their candiappears to have lost out, as the national leadership of the party has issued date for the election.

In what looked like a disciplinary measure certificate of return to Comrade Tony Nwoye as the candidate for the election. against the Ubas and their allies, the party Nwoye was a close ally of Chris and Andy before now but appears to have leadership on Thursday suspended Andy, Chris and others in their camp from the par- found a new political godfather in Prince Arthur Eze from Anambra Central ty. Before the suspension, the national leaderzone ship of the party had summoned the Ubas

By Samson Ezea

B

Many are of the view that with development, it is obvious that the much- touted reconciliation in the state chapter of the party before now was a mere farce.

Meanwhile, before the return of democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999, not much was known about the trio of Andy, Chris and Ugochukwu Uba in the politics of Anambra State not to talk of the country at large, although Chris has been a businessman and close ally of Prince Arthur Eze since the military regime of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. Ugochukwu was a two-time Commissioner in the State and a university don.

President Olusegun Obasanjo emerged as President of the country in 1999 on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his subsequent appointment of Andy as his Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters opened a new political chapter for the family. Before the 2003 general elections, Chief Chris Uba had displaced the known political godfather in the state, Sir Emeka Offor, courtesy of the support from the Presidency under Obasanjo. His words were law in the PDP in the state as he was later made a member of Board of Trustees of the party.

After the 2003 general election in the state, it was clear to all and sundry that Chris was new kid on block as he was instrumental in picking all party candidates that won election in the state including the governorship seat that was won by Dr. Chris Ngige.

Ugochukwu was elected the Senator representing Anambra South zone against the original candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu. The political differences that later ensued between Ngige and Chris was an opportunity for Nigerians and the world to know much about Uba’s family.

With the enormous support, Chris enjoyed from the Presidency, he and his allies had a field day in turning the state into a political war zone. Nobody except Ngige was ready to dare him because of what could befall such a person from the powers that be then.

At a time, the national leadership of the party under Chief Audu Ogbeh suspended Ngige along with Chris Uba and others from the party but no one knew when Chris was re-admitted into the party. Won’t the current suspension of the Ubas and their allies from the party amount to a repeat of the 2003 events? Will the national leadership of the party be able to sustain the big stick they wielded on the Ubas for long? These questions are still begging for answers.

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

POLITICS Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) aspirant for the vacant Delta Central senatorial seat, Sir Richard Odibo, told OBIRE ONAKEMU that the last occupier of the position, the late Senator Pius Ewherido, was an asset and his successor should come from the same constituency, insisting that that there is no crisis in DPP, as the party remains one family under the leadership of Chief Great Ogboru. He also spoke on the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term ambition and other issues.

Has the DPP decided on who would fly its flag in the election to succeed the late Senator Pius Ewherido and do you envisage a situation where the flag bearer would come from the same constituency?

HE death of Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido was a big blow to all of us, because he was an asset to everybody, including the country, Delta State and the DPP family, even though he was already trying to move away from the party.

It was a blow to me, personally, because I was one of those that contributed to his emergence as senator. He was like one of my younger brothers.

As to his position, at the appropriate time, a right person would be chosen to replace him at the National Assembly. I am very much convinced that whoever will take over his seat would come from the same constituencyUghelli South, Ughelli North and Udu Constituency- with him, because he had not yet completed his tenure.

So, anyone from these three local governments can rightly fit in and take over from him. There is no doubt that we would get a rightful candidate. There are aspirants and they are abounds who are fit enough from his

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‘Ewherido’s Successor Should Come from His Constituency’ constituency. It shouldn’t go to any other constituency.

Are you saying that DPP would retain the seat?

Surely! The Delta Central is DPP for now; there is no other party in Delta Central than DPP. So, DPP will win it again, and that is my own conviction.

It is like you are in the race to succeed him?

Yes, I am and from that constituency, so I fit into the race to succeed him.

But how do you see to the crisis within the party and don’t you see this as a setback ahead of the by-election?

Truly, I can speak authoritatively today that there is no crisis in DPP. If one should looks at the merger of the APC, one would not see DPP there.

Yes, there are some members who left us to join the merger, individually, but we are working towards not being left out.

The DPP family remains one and we are still very strong.

Do you believe Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has fulfilled his campaign promises?

As for me, I would say everything is working and I cannot score him yet. I may say work is in progress on different legislative bases, especially when compared to era of kidnapping. On security, there is work in progress; I can see that there is relative calm in Delta State.

But on infrastructural development, I cannot score him yet, but there is work in progress.

But his supporters say he has surpassed his promises by building capacity, especially

Odibo to make the state less dependent on oil?

Right now, there is no doubt that our means is still oil, because what are the alternatives?

And what are they doing right now? What dividends are we getting from the so-called alternative?

What are we having on that table? Nothing!

So, we can’t talk of alternative source of income right now.

How do you see the registration of APC and do you see the alliance enduring?

The registration of APC and others, like the Independent Democrats (ID), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), is welcome development for the country’s polity.

We need to reduce numbers of parties, so that there would be big players and not small players all over the place.

As regards the three parties coming together to form APC, I think they would lasts. It is just a question of negotiation and give and take. Since they have a meeting point, there would be no problem.

What would be your advice to the electorate and politicians?

There is need for all Nigerians to give peace a chance. We should hold fast to our idea, because we don’t know what the idea of the other person is all about.

We should listen to each other and be empathic. We should place ourselves in the shoes of others and feel it from their own perspectives.

When two people come together to talk on the table, they may meet half way and agreed on something, but if there were no basis for deliberation and no opportunity to agree, there would be disagreements.

So, there is need for Nigerians to be watchful, peaceful and not allow things that would tear us apart to be orchestrated. They should completely de-emphasise those things that may tear us apart and build on our strength, not dueling on our weaknesses.

If we build on our strength, we would be stronger and God would bless us for it.

Time For Money Bag Politics Is Over In Urhobo Land, Says Emerhor eat on the table, but rather they eat N All Progressives Congress (APC) A from the crumbs that fall from the aspirant for the vacant Delta Central senatorial seat, Olorogun O’tega table.”

Emerhor, has said the time for money bag politics in Urhobo land was over, noting that now is the time for the Urhobo to stand and fight as one to claim their lost glory in the Nigerian politics.

Emerhor stated this at Jesse, Ethiope West Council of Delta State, during a consultation visit to Chief Matthew Aghomi.

While decrying the pathetic state the Urhobo nation had found itself in the Nigerian politics, Emerhor called on genuine sons and daughters of Urhobo land who have been complaining in silence to come and fight for their right.

He said: “I tell you, what is happening to the Urhobo is very pathetic. As we speak right now, there is nobody that can stand and talk for the Urhobo.

Only the late Senator Pius Ewherido was the person we had.

“Look at Abuja, Delta State, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and look at everywhere. Forty boards were put together recently, but how many Urhobo people are in the board?

“It is because there is nobody to fight for the Urhobo. They wanted an Urhobo man in the Police Service Commission (PSC), but he was the only one that was not approved.

“We produce enough oil and have enough population, so let us send a credible person to Abuja.”

According to him: “A lot of people in Urhobo land complain in their rooms, because to be in the opposition is not easy. It is for the strong-hearted, for people who are ready to sacrifice themselves.

“A lot of our brothers are in a place where they do not gain anything from.

Where they are right now, they do not

call on Chief Harvest Igben, Emerhor said with the emergence of APC and the Urhobo joining the party, it will be written in the history of the state that the redemption of the Urhobo started with APC. He noted that there are two major parties in the country, adding that the Urhobo cannot continue to suffer under a small party where they will not be recognised in the national level.

“Anybody saying the Urhobo should not be landlords does not mean well for the Urhobo. In this party, we are going to be the landlords and I say thank you to my brother, who have gathered everybody here today.

“You know some of us worked in DPP, because we wanted to claim back some of the things that had been taken from us. But DPP was too small for what we wanted to do and each time we won elections, we were robbed of our victories, because we did not have anywhere to run to.

How can we continue like that?

“Anybody saying we should contin-

Emerhor said if the Urhobo nation must move to its rightful position in the polity, it has to embrace a bigger party that has a national acceptance, noting that APC is the party that will liberate the Urhobo from the political marginalisation that it is currently facing.

He called on the Urhobo to put their weight behind a credible candidate that will stand to fight the cause of the Urhobo nation, adding that though being in opposition is a tough task, but with determination, they can wrestle power from the ruling party.

The Urhobo nation, he stated, must strong in its determination to gain recognition, saying it was high time they started dinning with the high and mighty in the country, being the fifth largest ethnic group.

Earlier, Aghomi said it was high time the Urhobo nation moved to a more reliable party, where they could enjoy the dividends of democracy, stressing that the Urhobo have not gained anything meaningful from the ruling party for the past 13 years it has been in power.

He bemoaned the poor state of the Urhobo nation under the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying it has been relegated to the background at both the state and the federal levels, a situation he said has impoverished the people.

He assured Emerhor of his people’s support during the election, as long as he would not abandon them afterwards.

Aghomi lamented the neglect of at Ijere Kingdom over the years, despite pulling the highest votes for successive governments.

At Udu Council during a courtesy Emerhor and some of the community leaders

ue to stay in a small party is not a true son of Urhobo.”

Emerhor stressed that the gathering together of the Urhobo under the umbrella of the APC was for the interest of the whole Urhobo nation.

He, however, cautioned members of the party to be careful of PDP members, who would infiltrate their ranks under the guise of fighting for Urhobo cause.

He said the Delta Central senatorial election was going to be the acid test for APC and expressed optimism of wrestling power from PDP in 2015.

He said: “I am sending a message to all that the Urhobo will continue to remain strong and anybody who does not recognise us will recognise us.

Anybody who does not know that we exist will receive a shocker.

“When we are strong, then they will come and talk to us. When the Ijaw stood up and fought, did you not see where it got them to?”

Emerhor stressed that the Urhobo must stand firm in the fight to redeem the people, as missing this opportuni-

ty would amount to failing the people.

Igben, who congratulated Emerhor for his contribution to the building of the Urhobo Progress Union’s (UPU) secretariat, assured him of his support in his quest for the position to fight for the Urhobo people.

He expressed optimism that Emerhor would succeed, as the Urhobo were shopping for a credible person to lead them to the Promised Land.

Emerhor also received royal blessing from traditional ruler in Ughelli North Council in his quest to represent his people in the senate during his visit to the five monarchs in the area at the palace of the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom.

Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom said: “What happened to the late Ewherido did not only happen to the people of Ewu, but the whole Urhobo.

“At the moment, we need a true person to replace him. So, we have agreed that Emerhor should sit on the senatorial seat of Delta Central. I pray that God should answer our prayers and stand by him. We, the royal fathers in Ughelli North, are solidly behind Emerhor.

“When you get there, always remember your people and continually attract the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of all Urhobo.”

Emerhor, in his speech, thanked the monarchs for their blessings, promising to fight the Urhobo cause if elected.

“Today is a great day for our campaign organisation and we commend the traditional rulers in Ughelli North. The Urhobo need a genuine man of humility that has love for his people. And I have offered myself to vie for the senate position of Delta Central.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

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ISSUES&POlITICS ‘State Of Emergency Has Extinguished Any Hope Of Dialogue’ years is to tell you that Nigerians have been misinformed. We have had 16 different claims of ceasefire, all of which have been dismissed by the group.

We have had over 18 different dialogues with the insurgents, which were dismissed by the group.

So, as far as this war is concerned, it is full of deception. Even the military has been consistently hiding the numbers of their casualties. look at the attack that in Jaji last year. The figures the military revealed in the beginning were later scaled upward after about seven to nine months.

And now under the state of emergency, the cutting off of telephone lines have made it impossible for Nigerians to know the truth about what is going on.

But we have seen that each time the government makes claim, the group always comes out to launch more deadly attacks.

It only on the basis of properly informing Nigerians of the casualties and prize that is being paid in the course of this war that Nigerians will be able to make better judgment.

But for now, misinformation, half-truth and Sani lies have become the character of this war against Boko Haram.

The dialogue committee set up by the governHuman rights activist and president ment, of which membership you rejected, has been conducting its activities and assuring of Civil Rights Congress (CRC), Nigerians of an end to the insurgency soon.

How would you describe this development?

Mallam Shehu Sani, spoke on the If the committee said it has met the leaderupsurge of the sect’s attacks and ship of Boko Haram, then it is telling lies. If it activities of government’s committee said it has reached a ceasefire with Boko Haram, it is also telling lies. on dialogue with the sect.

The committee can be going round, anywhere and talking to people. They can even go to From Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief prison and talk to those who are being tagged From the unfolding scenario, it appears the Boko Haram members. military have broken the backbone of the But that does not mean they are speaking insurgents, judging from the relative peace with the leadership of Boko Haram, which has we have in the north? made it clear that they are not for amnesty or Ell, it is good to have an upper hand, this committee. And if they are not for all these but it should be an upper hand that is things, so why should I waste my time to be realistic. If the insurgents are defeated, that is part of it? good for the Nigerian state.

I have initiated some dialogue in the past, If you deceive Nigerians by saying that the which was rejected by the government. The insurgents have been crushed and later they government has also constituted its own comreappeared, then you are simply deceiving mittee and said I should be part of it, which I yourself. declined.

What has happened in the last two to three If this committee is actually reaching out to

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Boko Haram, it is enough time for them to have made appreciable progress.

But under these circumstances, it is virtually impossible for any meaningful dialogue to take place. The state of emergency has extinguished any hope of dialogue.

The very fact that the state has made it very clear that they are going to hunt down insurgents has also made it very impossible for any dialogue to take place.

The government committee has simply been putting those it is meeting in danger and also making a bad situation worse.

So, I think the committee has been nothing, but a total failure.

It was gathered that after the constitution of the committee, several people pleaded with you to reconsider your stance and join the committee? yes, many people pleaded with me and some even insulted me. Those who insulted me said I am not patriotic or passionate about peace.

But this is the very person that went independently, spent his own money to fuel his own car and brought in former President Olusegun Obasanjo on board to go to Maiduguri to settle the problem.

This is the same person that initiated two additional dialogue processes, independently, which was toyed with by the government.

So, nobody can tell me anything about patriotism or being passionate about peace more than the way I risked my life and family. I did it because I am desirous of peace and I want an end to this terror and violence.

I told most of those who came to me that I cannot be part of this, because it is going to fail. Even, if I am part of it, it is going to fail, because before you talk of amnesty and set up a committee, you need to do your underground work.

The agreement we reached with the members of Boko Haram during the initiative was that there was need for a ceasefire, so that when you have a ceasefire, which will not be announced by the government, but by the group, all their members will accept it.

But all we can see now is that ceasefire is being announced by the government.

The second aspect of it is that there should be a committee, with a secretariat, that would be set up, which should have 40 per cent representatives by the group and 60 per cent by the government, so that whatever resolution is being carried out would binding on the

group and the Nigerian security.

They would now bring all issues on the table, including things like compensation, building of mosques and schools, and issues that have to do with freeing their detainees, their wives and children.

We extract a commitment from the Boko Haram to end all acts of terror and violence, but the government simply went to announce an amnesty and a committee, which the group rejected.

They also announced the freeing of their wives and children, without extracting any commitment from the group or any bargain, which the group also dismissed.

They also announced a ceasefire, which the group also dismissed.

So, if you look at all these, I cannot be part of an effort I know is heading to nowhere. That is why I made this point right from the beginning that, there are blocks, which we needed to build; a foundation, in erecting the building up.

The committee is a non-starter. If you have met the spiritual consultant of Boko Haram, you have not met the commanders of Boko Haram. If you have met the messengers of Boko Haram, you have not met the leadership of Boko Haram.

If you have met the transport officers of Boko Haram, you have not met those who give instructions to carryout attacks. If you have not met any of the Shura members or leader of the group, Shekau, you are simply wasting your time. you can meet the foot soldiers of the group, who have no knowledge of how the group works, apart from what they know and what they have said by obscure and anonymous persons. That does not make up anything.

Each time they make contact with anybody, they rush to the press and make noise, and the next thing you see is bombing and violence going on, to the embarrassment of the committee.

This is the very committee, whose chairman that told us that they had reached a ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram, which two days later was dismissed by Boko Haram, followed by a week after bombing, attacks and violence.

This was the very person who said that the group will not reject the offer or dismiss the ceasefire, but the group dismissed it.

So, Nigerians are simply being misinformed.

Imo Police: All Eyes On Katsina To Make A Difference As part of the measures to combat crime and other criminal offences in the state, the state Police command has trained 134 officers in the area of special arms handling, kidnapping and sharp-shooting.

The passing out parade of the trainees at the Mopol 18 Squadron in Owerri took place recentBy Sony Neme ly.

The programme is borne out of the objectives How are you policing Imo State? of the Inspector General of Police, which encourECENTly, the Imo State police command ages training and retraining of Police officers, so arrested a group of men alleged to be ille- as to get acquainted with modern day technologal arms dealers led by one Okechukwu gies to combat crime, such as kidnapping, Achilulor from Udume Ogwa in Mbaitoli armed robbery and other criminal offences. council, who was paraded at the police headAs part of the activities lined up for the proquarters. gramme, there were various displays of what The suspect was arrested by the command have been learnt over the weeks, like stripping arms mopping squad who got the informaand assembling of firearms, martial arts, rescue tion that his younger brother was negotiatoperations during kidnap and display of coming with one other person on how to sell a batants. pump action gun.

I will once again commend them for their perHowever, preliminary investigations showed severance and endurance during the intensive that Achilulor is an illegal arms dealer living training. in Ikotun Egbe in lagos State.

This will go a long way in ensuring that compeThe suspect has made meaningful statetent and well-trained Police officers are ments about his cohorts and buyers and the deployed to different areas in the state to tackle police have swung into action to arrest every- the menace of kidnapping, armed robbery and body involved in the illegal business. hooliganism.

I warn all persons in the state involved in all With this new development, it is hoped that sorts of crime and criminally-related activities when deployed to the field, crimes, such as kidto shun such and follow the path of decency, napping and arm robbery will be a thing of the as adequate structures are on ground to past. ensure they will not go unpunished, as the How would you access the war against armed command is doing everything possible to robbery in the state? ensure peace and safety of lives and property The Command has recorded a major breakof Imo citizens. through in the fight against armed robbery, kidWhich other measures have you put in place napping and other violent crimes in the state in this regard? with the recent killing of one Emeka Osueke,

Imo State Commissioner for Police, Mohammed Katsina, speaks on how he is keeping the state safe and peaceful.

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popularly known as Ogbanje, a notorious criminal and leader of an armed robbery and kidnap gang that has been terrorising the state.

He was identified to be responsible for various bank robbery attacks and kidnap cases in Imo and neighbouring states, especially the deadly attack that left three people dead, including two policemen at Naija Plaza Hotel in Oguta Council in February.

The Special Anti-kidnapping Squad rounded up the gang after a gun duel at their hideout in Umutako Ifakala in Mbaitoli Council while finalising plans to attack a prominent female politician in the state, who was attending the annual women August meeting.

However, other members of his gang were over-powered by the superior firepower of the Police, escaped and are still at large.

The Police recovered from the scene of their hideout, 162 live ammunitions of AK-47, seven magazines of AK-47, one military Assault Rifle and one AK-47 Assault Rifle, which was snatched from one of the policemen killed in Oguta.

The command also arrested four suspected kidnappers that attacked a traditional ruler, Eze Basil Nwokeke, in his palace at Ihitte Uboma Council and kidnapped his wife, following a tip-off, and after a gun battle.

The war has not been won completely, but I want reassure the people of Imo that no stone will be left unturned in our quest to ensure that the state is free of kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Recently, a 72-year-old man was allegedly kidnapped. What is his fate now?

The state Police command has rescued Mr. Emmanuel Ujagba, who was kidnapped by

Katsina some gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in Umuebele Okporo in Orlu Council after a gun battle, with three members of the gang gunned down and one escaping with serious bullet wound.

My advice again to these characters is to leave Imo, because my men will flush them from their hideouts sooner than they think.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

TheGuardian

Saturday, August 31, 2013 17

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Love&Life

... Celebrating The Feelings You Share!

With Michael Uchebuaku 07031028714

IN THIS EDITION True Confession: ‘I MARRIED HER OUT OF MY MOTHER’S WISH, BUT SHE DOESN’T KNOW WHAT LOVE IS ALL ABOUT’

Princess Of

Love Connections ‘I Married Her Out Of My Mother’s Wish, But She Doesn’t Know What Love Is All About’

Love

Dear Love Doctor, Y name is Okafor. This is my story.

I married a girl out of my dear mother’s wish. But later, I discovered that the girl does not know what love is all about. She doesn’t know how to read and write. She doesn’t even know how to cook. My people, please advise me because I am in hell. Suffice to add, she already has two kids I

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Love Adventure: ‘I SLEPT WITH 100 WOMEN BY PRETENDING I WAS A ROCK STAR’

Romantic Jokes Nursing School woman enrolled in nursing school is attending an anatomy class. The subject of the day is involuntary muscles. The instructor, hoping to perk up the students a bit, asks the woman if she knows what her asshole does during an orgasm.

“Sure!” she says, “He’s at home taking care of the kids...”

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NEKEDE ZOO: GREAT PLACE TO VISIT!

Romantic Jokes

Words Of Wisdom No marriage can succeed without love.

LINK-UP (LOVE/DATING CONNECTIONS)

Special Requests:

True Confession From Abroad:

Eunice, 51, a teacher, tall, fair, Diala by culture, needs a graduate widower from Imo State with children.

08033019448.

‘MY PERFECT SISTER’S AWFUL SECRET!’

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Love News 7 SIGNS YOU’RE DATING THE RIGHT PERSON! the biggest fan of rock and roll.

IofI’mthe would spend almost every night week shelling out all my hard-earned money from my job flogging photo copier machines on seeing live music or scouring the secondhand shops for albums by everyone from T-Rex to Guns ‘N’ Roses.

And I would dress like my heroes:the leather pants, long hair, skull rings, tattoos, earrings, boots - the whole look. The only problem was I couldn’t play an instrument to save my life. I had a heap of lessons but was just no good and my guitar would remain quiet in the corner of my room.

But it didn’t stop me enjoying my bands and I’d occasionally even hang around and a have a drink with them after the gigs.

Now, it’s no myth that girls dig musos. It wouldn’t matter how ugly they were, they still pulled. If you don’t believe me, have a look at Keith Richards.

Anyway, it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I thought that could work in my favour. I was watching some dodgy band playing at a local pub and a few of us were having a drink afterwards when this girl came up and said she “enjoyed the set”. Before I could say “I’m not in the band,” she came on to me full throttle. After a few drunken kisses

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

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Ifeanyi, a graduate of Accounting, needs someone to help him get a job. 08085137573.

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‘I Slept With 100 Women By Pretending I Was A Rock Star’ and a lot more bourbon and cokes, we ended up back at her place and it was all on.

I felt a bit of a phoney but I hadn’t had sex in a while. The next day, while trying to convince this guy about the attributes of the latest state-of the art photocopier, I had an epiphany that would change my life forever. Just because you can’t play a note, doesn’t mean you can’t be a rock star!

That weekend, I pulled out one of my many ripped t-shirts, stuffed myself in my leather pants and went to a city gig. Again, it was enough to hang around the bar to be mistaken for a muso. This time I said I had just finished a gig across town and was there supporting my brethren. And again, she fell for it.

The gorgeous nubile blonde had me back at her place faster than you could say “check one, two”.

This continued for the next two years. Each time I grew in confidence and the stories became more outrageous and the girls more attractive. I would tell them how I

Love Adventure played guitar on the first Good Charlotte album or had supported Grinspoon on their American college tour. And when they weren’t buying me drinks, the bar staff was ponying up with free booze because they thought I was a ‘somebody’. When you are surrounded by a pack of beautiful young women, it’s easy to convince people that you are famous.

And the girls didn’t even seem to notice when I told them I’d written lines like “she makes love just like a woman, she aches just like a woman, but she breaks just like a little girl”. Lines that had been written my Bob Dylan 10 years before I was born. Or that I’d recorded with musicians that were no longer even alive. It seemed that I was a trophy and they couldn’t see past the rock star facade.

I only had two golden rules. One. That we would have to go to their place (because I didn’t want them to see my Camperdown bedsit). And

*If you’re a single & searching nurse, doctor /professional, call/text 07031028714. get out of there and move interstate for good.

Then on my 28th birthday she brought me her most extravagant gift: a brand-new Stratocaster guitar so I could play for her. I didn’t have the heart, or the balls, to say I couldn’t play a note. To me that was worth about a year’s worth of rent just sitting there.

The next day, when she left for work, I snapped. Something told me to get out. I grabbed my old t-shirt and left everything else she gave me behind, except for that $12,000 guitar. I pawned it for a fraction of what it was worth and jumped on a plane to Perth where no one would know who I was or was pretending to be. I didn’t even leave a note.

Of all the women I lied to and slept with, the only one I can remember is Julia. She was the only one I think I trusted. And she was the only one I know I hurt.

I’ve finished with my lying ways. Now, when a girl comes up to me and asks me if I’m a musician, I say, “No, I’m just a nobody”.

All names have been changed.

two, they would be only one-night stands. I thought anymore and the woman would have a chance to check out my stories. I knew I was only one Google search away from getting caught. It was exhausting but the rewards were worth it.

It got to the point where I was being invited to these art openings, hot clubs, fancy parties in posh mansions and boats on the harbour. I must have bedded more than 100 women in that time.

And only once did I break my onenight stand rule. One older woman, Julia, who was in her late forties but still had a great figure, put me up in her oceanfront apartment. We used to joke that I was her toy boy and she bought me clothes and took me out to posh restaurants.

The only reason I stuck with her was that she didn’t have a clue about Courtesy: www.experienc.com anything other than opera so I knew I wouldn’t be found out. We’d *Do you have an amazing or adventurhave our spats but I would always ous love experience to share? Tell us come back. Sometimes I’d wish how you met. E-mail your story to: ireshe’d give me money instead of to007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714, clothes and dinners, then I could 07032944123.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

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LOVE&LIFE ETTING is actually a term that P covers a broad range of sexual behaviors, including giving/getting a hickey, deep kissing, and sexual touching of one’s partner.

The touching, caressing, massaging and kissing of another person’s body can take place through the clothing or under the clothing, and ‘heavy petting’ usually involves removing some clothing and touching BELOW the waist.

Petting generally means stimulating another person’s sex organs or breasts - usually with your hand or mouth. However, some people do use it in a slightly less ‘rude’; sense, simply to mean ‘cuddling’ or ‘snogging’.

It’s actually an American word – originally meaning to stroke or caress (as one would stroke a ‘pet’ cat).

There was no equivalent word in ‘polite’ (British) English, so the US word ‘petting’ gradually became used worldwide during the late 20th Century and is still employed – particularly by middle-aged people. In fact, the expression ‘petting’ and ‘to pet’ have now become a little old-fashioned - so that in the UK it’s now much commoner to speak of: ‘touching someone up’ ‘frigging someone’ ‘rubbing someone up’ ‘bringing someone off’ (if petting proceeds to climax).

All these are still slang expressions, and the only non-slang English expression is ‘masturbating someone’. In practice, this phrase is hardly ever used - because of the fact that most people only employ the word ‘masturbation’ to mean self-stimulation.

Instead of saying ‘petting’, many of today’s couples talk about ‘love play’.

‘Heavy petting’ is an American expression that usually implies petting below the waist - rather than just involving the breasts.

What Does Petting Involve?

The idea of petting is to stimulate your partner’s body, in order to give them sexual excitement.

Fortunately, this activity is also usually nice for the person who is doing the petting!

Petting (love play) very often continues until the partner who’s on the receiving end actually climaxes.

Bringing someone to a climax by petting is often referred to as: ‘bringing them off’ ‘fetching them off’ ‘tossing them off’ (only used when the recipient is male).

Petting is often referred to in older books as ‘foreplay’ – meaning that it’s something you can do before starting intercourse.

Doing it before intercourse is actually an excellent idea, because it prepares the body for actual penetration.

Indeed, nearly all women need plenty of petting before intercourse - in order to get their genitals ‘ready’.

To be specific, petting before intercourse will: make the vagina open up make the ‘love juices’ flow get the woman excited so that she really enjoys intercourse.

Failure to give enough petting before intercourse is one of the commonest male mistakes - and very often leads to sex becoming unsatisfactory for the woman.

Can You Go In For Petting Without Going On To Intercourse?

Definitely! Plenty of couples – particularly young ones – go in for petting ‘sessions’ for half-an-hour or an hour, but don’t go on and have intercourse.

These sessions are particularly useful for young people who need to express their emotions and find

What Is Petting? sexual relief, but who don’t want to progress to intercourse (or perhaps can’t progress to intercourse because of their circumstances).

What Happens When A Woman ‘Pets’ A Man? She can do any of the following: stroke the man’s penis rub his penis kiss his penis lick his penis suck his penis - this is often described as a ‘blow job’ (but please do not blow – this is dangerous!) use a vibrator on him (though in practice vibrators are much more commonly used by men on women).

Love Dictionary What Happens When A Man ‘Pets’ A Woman?

He can do any of the following: caress her breasts and nipples kiss them lick them suck them stimulate her clitoris, vulva and vagina with his fingers stimulate these areas with his lips or tongue use a vibrator (or other sex aid).

Is There Any Risk Of Catching STDs Or Getting HIV? There is a very small risk of acquiring infection through petting, but it is much less than with full sex.

Statistically, the biggest is of catching herpes, through being given oral sex by someone who has a ‘cold sore ‘ on their lips. There is also some risk of catching gonorrhoea (‘clap’) through oral love play.

The danger of catching HIV is believed to be low, but is not zero.

There has been at least one case in the USA in which oral petting led to the transfer of the HIV virus. Under no circumstances should you pet with a person who is HIV-positive unless both of you have been given expert counselling about the risks.

For a full discussion of the risks of oral sex please see the complete article on this subject.

Conclusion Generally, petting is great fun and very safe. Learning to do it skillfully is well worthwhile – especially as skilled love play is essential for helping most women to reach a climax.

Source: netdoctor; en.wikipedia.org.

HE rule: Ask the opposite sex one T question about love, and choose your lover from the top 3 answers.

By Sandy Weiner PPOSITES attract, so you should O date someone who’s nothing like you. But wait a minute, isn’t it impor-

Precious, 24, via 07034496914, is asking all men: “Why do some men normally use marriage to deceive girls in order to sleep with them?” *Call Mike: 07031028714 to send questions or issues.

Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Okafor, marriage is not a child’s play but a covenant or contract between two people for life.

And the major requirement for marriage to take place is the consent of both parties. You say you married the girl out of your mother’s wish, but the fact remains that you were not forced to marry her. Your consent was still required in the entire marriage process and you should have been more careful before giving your consent. That is why it is said that you should look before you leap. It is wrong to marry out of sentiment alone. Marriage ought to be based on love and compatibility. similar financial goals and habits.

Since you are the person going to 6. Education: Couples who share live with your wife, not your mother, similar backgrounds in education, you should have studied the girl life and professional experience properly before giving your consent are better suited for each other. to marry her. Right now, it is too late They have more in common and to complain. Therefore you need to can relate to each other in a deeper try your best to educate and train way. They are on the same wave- your wife so that she could change length and truly ‘get’ each other. for the better. You can register her in 7. Intimacy: There are many things a school and she would gradually that come under the category of learn to read and write. She could intimacy, including romance and also learn how to cook very well if public display of affection. Some you send her to a catering school. couples have different sexual Don’t abandon her. Try to work on needs, which can lead to anger the areas she needs to improve on. and resentment. A very essential You need to continuously show her component of a lasting loving rela- love so that she too can grow to love tionship includes having similar you. That’s what marriage is all ideas about frequency and style of about. Be patient, and with time, she intimacy. So if you’re more 50 might become the good wife you’ve Shades and she’s “Ms. Low Libido”, always dreamed about. I believe that you will have some issues in the if you show her love and patiently bedroom. teach her what she needs to know, What can you do if you are not you can save your marriage and she compatible? would gradually grow to love you. I 1. Accept things as they are wouldn’t advise you to divorce her because of your children.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 However, if you think both of you are totally incompatible, you may seek a separation, with a proper arrangement put in place concerning your children’s welfare.

Your say: Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840. ding and holidays, it wasn’t till last *Send your comments/stories to Doctor.

E-mail: year that I came home for good and Love ireto007@yahoo.com If you’re in a we carried on where we’d left off, so crisis, call for help: 07031028714, to speak.

Jeff’s a dead easy bloke to get on 08131161840 or 08023700641. For free with, so it wasn’t long before we marriage/relationships counseling, were all spending a lot of time call Love Doctor Mike 07031028714, 08023700641 or Chris 08023913619.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 Visit www.romancestory.org

7 signs you’re dating the right person a very negative affect on your relationship.

4. Nutrition and Fitness: Are you a gluten-free vegan while he is a Big Mac addict? Do you surf the waves on the weekend, while she’s home surfing the web? This may seem like a minor point, but think about how many meals you will share with each other. How do your mate’s food choices and attention to fitness align with your lifestyle and values?

If you’re not a good match in this arena, you will probably have challenges in your relationship.

5. Financial: Many people say that they are seeking a mate who is financially secure. In today’s volatile financial market, financial security is not something you can count on.

A more appropriate question is, are you and your partner united in being responsible with finances. Are you both generous? Do you both contribute to charities? Money is something that couples fight about most often. It is helpful if you share

True Confession From Abroad:

‘My Perfect Sister’s Awful Secret’ always looked up to my big sister Natalie. She’s two years older than me and has always been one of those people whose life just turns out right – academic, good at sport and even as her brother, I can see that she’s pretty enough to turn heads.

For a while,she sang with a band so

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Also call if you have engagement, marriage, wedding, anniversary or birthday announcements to make.

Lovers’ Answers Game

Love News

tant to date someone with a similar background, values and goals? There is so much conflicting advice out there, how can you possibly figure out who to date? It’s true that the qualities in a person that differ from yours can add balance and excitement to a relationship. Problems arise when there are too many opposing character traits. Research has shown that the more compatible you are with your mate, the more successful your relationship will be.

Following are seven areas of compatibility to look for when choosing a partner. Of course they don’t all have to line up perfectly, but the more aligned you two are, the better the relationship.

7 Signs You’re Dating the Right Person 1. Temperament: Do you get along well most of the time or find that he/she irritates you on a regular basis? Do you find yourself saying, “If only she’d think before she spoke,” or “I wish he’d be less lazy,”? Is he overly anxious? Does her alphabetized music collection make your skin crawl? What you see is what you get, so if you don’t like a lot of what you see, don’t try to fix the other person’s personality. Find someone whose temperament is more compatible with yours.

2. Communication Style: Are you direct or indirect in conveying what’s important to you? Are you passive while she’s assertive? Do you hold things in until you explode or speak your mind clearly and directly? In a good relationship, you communicate your needs to each other on a regular basis. If you can both communicate well and in a similar fashion, you’ll have a much higher chance at a successful relationship.

3. Friends and Family: Do you like and get along with each other’s friends and family? Do you agree about how much time to devote to both? If this is a stressful topic, one that you can’t easily resolve, it will potentially have

Fertility Problems/Fibroid/Seeking

when I was about 17, I really thought she was the coolest thing on the planet. Then she got a big job in marketing and met Jeff who’s a doctor and pretty soon they were onto getting married and producing three kids.

During a lot of this I was in London, as I’d decided to do a bit of travelling so although I came back for her wed-

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

| 19

LOVE&LIFE

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Y

Owerri people are friendly, hospitable and always out to help visitors to the city and the natural beauty with mangrove trees, rainforests and scenic locations.

All hotels in the Owerri require visitors to pay on arrival before going to their room. However, if you are a

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from the room, locking myself in my own bedroom and pretending I hadn’t seen them.

Minutes later I heard the front door shut and then a knock on my door, with Nat’s voice pleading to me to open it and speak to her.

I didn’t know what to do but eventually I opened the door and found Nat close to tears. “Bronnie’s gone.

I’m so sorry you had to find out but please don’t tell Jeff” she said.

I said nothing and she plunged into an explanation, saying that Bronnie was gay but she was the only one who knew as Bronnie’s family were extreme Christians, like something from the Dark Ages. I knew that was true as Bronnie’s family had been a bit of a standing joke when we were kids, but what was Nat doing having an affair with her?

Her tears now wiped away, she was strangely unrepentant. “Well, Jeff and I have been married nearly 10 years and this is better than me seeing another man. The sex gets a bit boring when you’ve been together that long and one night when we’d had a bit to drink I just kissed her to see what it was like and one thing lead to another.”

That really did horrify me and I told Nat that I couldn’t believe she had so blatantly seduced Bronnie but she waved my concerns away.

“She’d never had sex in her life and I’m doing her a favour. She’s happy, I’m happy and no-one needs to know.”

Nothing I said got through to Nat and eventually she got really annoyed with me, saying I was just as much a stupid romantic as Bronnie.

When I asked what she meant she confessed that the affair had been going on for a year now and she’d promised Bronnie that when the kids were grown up, she would leave Jeff and be with her.

It was obvious Bronnie was totally in love to believe that as Nat’s youngest child was four – a long, long time away from leaving home.

I finally got really annoyed when Nat asked if they could stay at mine

every couple of weeks as that meant they could spend the night together and refused point blank, saying I wanted to know nothing more about it.

That was three months ago and the affair is still going on. I feel dreadful for Jeff, who was really pleased recently when he was on call over a weekend and Bronnie said she would take Nat and the kids away for a weekend.

He told me that he feels bad about working such long hours and is glad Nat has such a good friend.

One afternoon at Nat’s, I found Bronnie crying in the kitchen and she told me that she was really tempted to tell Jeff. I begged her not to and told Nat, who just shrugged and said he wouldn’t believe her.

I can’t believe that the sister I always looked up to is putting everyone’s happiness at risk like this, but I’ve given up talking to her about it. I just wish I’d never found out – it’s such a cliché, but I feel there’s a time bomb ticking away in my family and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.

Picture: Getty Images. Posed by model.

Your say: Have your say about this true confession ...

Courtesy: ninsn.co NB: Call Mike on 2347031028714 if you have a story from abroad to share with us.

True Confession From Abroad:

‘My Perfect Sister’s Awful Secret’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 together, along with Nat’s best pal, Bronnie - they’ve known each other since before they went to school and always stayed close.

Bronnie’s quite different from Nat. She’s a teacher and at first sight appears quite quiet, but has a very dry sense of humour and the kids love her. She never married but my nieces and nephew clearly dote on her so having her round the house all the time seemed quite natural.

One night, Bronnie and Nat turned up at my flat in the city centre, a bit drunk and boisterous and asking to stay in the spare room as they couldn’t be bothered trying to make their way home out to the suburbs.

Nat phoned Jeff who was quite amused at her giggly state and said just to be sure she got home in the morning before he headed off to work so she could organize the kids.

I wasn’t bothered but a couple of weeks later, it happened again and then again, and I did wonder why they were coming into the city to socialize if it was such a hassle getting home.

Each time they were away early and then one morning it looked like they’d slept in so I made two mugs of coffee and knocked on the bedroom door.

There was no answer so I pushed the door open and nearly dropped the coffee in shock.

The single beds had been pushed together and they were far too busy to have heard me knock at the door as they were both naked, my sister lying back with Bronnie half obscured under the duvet.

Nat froze in shock as she saw me and Bronnie jumped up seconds later, leaving her fully exposed to my horrified gaze. There was no doubt that she and her best friend had been making love and I blundered

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Love News

7 signs you’re dating the right person CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 2. Work on yourself and the relationship 3. Leave the relationship.

Remember that the only person you can change is yourself. Your partner will only change if they want to.

If you are dating to find a lasting, loving relationship, it is much better to choose a compatible partner now than to try and fix something that is

broken later. Don’t be afraid to let go of the wrong person if your basic needs are not met. There are millions of singles in the world.

Move on and find a better fit. And make sure to use the most powerful four-letter word in dating: “Next”!

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THe GuARDIAN, saturday, August 31, 2013

20

RelATIoNsHIp

The Importance of Keeping A Diary

By Alita Joseph ouples who face a difficult period in their relationC ships are first and foremost advised to write down the cause of annoyance when they want to address their issues. Writing your complaints down helps you to understand and know what is happening and how to tackle it.

However, a couple should form the habit of keeping a diary of their relationship much earlier. It would also be worthwhile if individually you begin to record your feel-

ings and experiences at the beginning. Take for example those couples who state that they knew that they had found their missing ribs, the moment they set eyes on the person whom they married. Although, recognizing the missing rib is a gradual process with some others, yet chronicling it could help you identify The one if you are in this category.

Your eyes are opened all of a sudden to the fact that you have been wasting your time to search while heartthrob has always been by your side. everything becomes as clear as crystal the moment you take that little book and read through your jottings and discover that yes! Indeed he does possess those sterling qualities you want in your better half.

As a couple your relationship can benefit from keeping a joint diary. start writing the moment you realize that you are in it for the long haul. Record what happens after a day’s experience. put them down individually in separate corners you have designated as his and hers. Record your joy and anger. The beauty of writing is the honesty. You can pour out your feelings uncensored, unlike a photograph which may record the mere reflection of what goes on inside, the diary reaches the inner mind to record your feeling. A dairy gives a warning when your union begins to derail from smooth to turbulent. It will show what happens, where and even where the mistake comes from.

A Diary Heals Keeping a diary of your life is approved by behaviourists because it is therapeutic. Writing helps you to pour out your emotion because you know that you speak to no other person but yourself. You know that you are not judged and neither are you likely to sound a bore or an arrogant person. Reading your diary also will tell you who you are and will make you understand why you behave the way you do. It urges

you to make improvements where necessary. experiences when written down by our own hands help us to learn from our pains, whether they are meaningful to our existence or not.

To help yourself heal from pains caused by misunderstanding with your spouse, pour heart out to your journal. studies done in the united states have shown that people who write down their experiences are healthier. Those who picked up the habit later in life are found to be healthier than before they stated writing. It was also found that people who keep diaries do not only have high immunity but they have lower blood pressure. Writing also improves a person’s power of concentration and provides a good memory.

Keeping a diary of your relationship equals a healthy life style because you can say your mind as it is without offending your partner. You can use words which convey your feelings without appearing to be nagging. unlike when you have to suppress your negative feeling so that you are not accused of complaining too much, writing a diary allows you to show your emotions, thereby saving you from stress which can cause serious diseases.

In other words, a diary will help you heal from his unfaithfulness. You may have forgiven him yet you can’t quite forget. so you turn to your little book and say exactly how it makes you feel at the time. pour everything out. It is just you and your journal. Writing it down helps you put it in order so that you can understand better. understanding means that you can move on. You can sleep better and are no longer hurting from your experience.

When you understand what has happened to you, it is easier to relate to other people. You are happy at work and your social life is full. put in writing what you like to do as a couple. When you note what makes you enjoy each other’s company, there is the tendency that the two of you look forward to doing these things because they will make happy readings later.

Which means that you want only positive things in your union. It means that you are choosing to be happy.

To keep a diary that is beneficial to your life, plan the hour for which you must write in a day, especially at the initial stage. After this, try to write as often as possible. Write about what you observe in one day and how you feel about them.

If you have had a painful experience, write it down. It may prove too difficult and painful to put in paper, but to heal; you must be serious about it. When you cannot continue, put it off and continue the following day.

Being Irresistible And Being Attractive

By Kemi Amushan osT beautiful ladies have good M qualities, but still have bad luck in love and the main reason might be that you may be making one critical mistake in your dating approach with men. It’s almost unbelievable that a smart, attractive, kindhearted women can have so much bad luck in love.

Right? Well these days it happens. You find a lot of single, beautiful, successful women not in relationships today and that really sad.

Now in today’s newsletter, we’ll take a look at this strange occurrence in love and discuss what a woman should do to change her luck with men and relationships. But make no mistake: It’s always better to be a good, honest woman than to be a sneaky, manipulative one. But at the same time, it’s important to know: Can a guy really fall in love with your good qualities?

I’ve been studying relationships for a few years now and I’ve come to know that the three of the top qualities that good men find attractive in women are: You Must Be Fun To Be With.

Nobody likes hanging out with a boring person much less have a relationship with one! That’s why, if you’re not fun to be with, if you’re not a “ray of sunshine” to a guy then he probably won’t see you as a potential long-term partner.

No Drama.

What’s worse than a boring person is one who rants, whines, and complains all the time? Answer: A drama queen. (or drama king. It applies to guys, too.)

If you live your life like it’s a soap opera or reality show, no one’s ever going to

take you seriously.

Relationship-Ready.

By the way, “relationship-ready” doesn’t mean “single and looking.” pro tip: Guys tend to stay the heck away from women who are “single and looking!” Instead, be “single and available.” Guys are naturally attracted to women who know they’re single, but have the good enough sense not to actively look for a boyfriend and instead let the guys line up and give their best shots.

The three qualities I mentioned are very attractive to men. And, yes, they can be learned. But why stop with just having these qualities? Here’s the secret, ladies - there’s a big difference between having good qualities and using them.

Big difference! As I mentioned in the beginning of this newsletter, most women have great, attractive qualities in them.

The problem is that they just have them.

They don’t use them. And that’s the reason why so many of us have bad luck with men. About 90% of our true beauty is locked away and hidden from the world simply because we don’t use it. so how exactly do you “unleash” this inner goddess? let me give you an idea: Don’t only be fun to be with, but also be “cool.” single women who are popular with guys aren’t just fun, guys call them “cool.” They have the skills to be “one of the guys” when they have to be but at the same time, they can be flirty, sultry, feminine, and sexy. They’re the best of both worlds, and that attracts guys like a magnet!

Be Immune To Drama.

Not being a drama queen is great, but also being “immune to drama” is even better! You’ll want to be the kind of woman who, even if a guy is going

through his problems and moods, can turn the whole situation around with a single gesture, a single statement, or a single suggestion! Are you immune to drama, or do you tend to get swept up by it?

Not just “relationship-ready,” but also “relationship-able.”

This one is probably the most important quality of all. sometimes, it’s not enough to be “single and available.” You also need to manage, maintain and know the right dynamics for a wonderful relationship. In other words, guys want a woman who “gets it.” Most times, guys get stuck with women who don’t know enough about how love and relationships really work and they end up teaching their women how it works. And most times, it doesn’t work and it just invites frustration and disrespect into the relationship.

But when a guy meets a woman who “gets it” who doesn’t need to be taught, and is simply willing to give love another chance, then he knows he has a rare gem in his hands. so what do you think? Do you “totally get” the dating game? or are there some parts of your game that need some changes? let’s do a little exercise to close the newsletter. Think about the “big one that got away.” Think about the last guy you loved and who loved you back but for some sad reason, he chose not to pursue your relationship. He may have gotten busy with work. or he may have moved to another location. or maybe there was another woman in the picture etc. Now what if I told you that you could get him back? And not by begging him to come back to you but instead by attracting him back, by showing him that leaving you was the biggest mistake he ever made in his life? It’s totally possible ladies. Trust me.

You’ll be going out on dates again. You’ll be spending weekends with each other again. You’ll be spending vacations together again. In fact, you might very well be spending the rest of your lives with each other! How? All because you made a few

changes in how he sees you.

Now he sees you as “cool”as “immune to drama” and as “relationship-able.” And if that sounds impossible, think again.

To the relationship we all deserve, good luck in love and life. Cheers.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

LOVE & LIFE 21

WEEKEND with AMARA

08116706852 Email: amara@amarablessing.com

Lies And Deceit Of Some Nigerians Living Abroad E know that life outside Nigeria can W be very tough when you are not gainfully employed. We also know that even as bad as it is, life in Nigeria would be better for so many. We know that if you can, you would be back in Nigeria tomorrow morning. But we understand, you may not even have money for flight ticket. And if you have your flight ticket, how are you going to face friends and relations at home?

People are no longer as ignorant as they used to be. Nigerians are great people who can survive anywhere they find themselves. So many Nigerians are gainfully employed and doing well in their chosen careers abroad. But we know that a good number are yet to find their feet.

You have beautiful pictures on social media with lovely rides and houses. Girls over here are tripping for you without knowing its all fake.

I want you to stop all these bragging and lies to our girls.

Many times we hear you complaining about your wives changing because you took them outside the country. What do you expect from a girl who you lied to and made her to believe that you are a medical doctor or a big time IT expert thereby making her to abandon her studies and job in Nigeria only for her to get there and discover that you are either jobless or a taxi driver?

What do you expect her to do when you blew away your life savings within one month in Nigeria just to impress the ignorant poor girl? Help yourselves and help our girls. Enough of the numerous lies and deceit.

I know that so many Nigerian men have gone through hell and eventually lost all that they laboured for just because they “made the mistake of taking their wife abroad”. But I think idleness is part of it.

When she gets there and instead of her getting occupied, she sits at home from

morning till night doing nothing. There is every possibility that she will join the group of “happening babes” who will eventually advise her on how to deal with you.

Some, because of greed, stay with you until you acquire a new house and then you begin to see their true colour as they take steps towards taking it all from you. I don’t know what to say here because it is becoming a norm for Nigerian women abroad who forget our culture and practices the very moment they get there. They become extremely rude to their husbands and automatically start calling the shots all because of Westernization. You are not being Westernized; you are simply a confused woman. Haven’t you seen real whites who still respect their husbands?

Some of you, like my school mate, are afraid to come home with your children during Christmas. She personally told me how afraid she is because of the way she has been treating her husband. She calls in the police and lie against him over every little argument. Her husband has been to jail for her.

The man was once sent out of his own house for three months because of her. Now, the husband has built a mansion in Nigeria but she cannot come back. According to her, the man will pay her back if she does. This is the case of so many Nigerian women living abroad.

Back to you guys; there is also this very popular lie about a white woman being the mother of your children but not your wife.

You know you are still married to the white or Asian woman. Why then do you go about telling girls that you are divorced or that she just had the baby for you and because you want to relocate to Nigeria you want a Nigerian wife? Sometimes you come up with, “oh, my mother doesn’t want a foreign wife and so I am just using her for paper after which I dump her”. We are used to all these stories and I think those ladies are getting smarter as they now play the game with you while delaying the paper.

IMAGE AND ETIQUETTE With Pamela

Ladies, a good number of guys coming up with these stories are legally married.

You can only end up being their Nigerian zombie. Stop falling for a hundred dollar and fifty pound notes please. You can walk into embassies and confirm his real status to avoid being deceived. Don’t be moved when he presents his divorce papers. Have you taken down the number and details of that divorce paper for you to confirm the authenticity of his claims? He lives with the white woman and kisses her all over the road. You end up marrying him only for him to get you pregnant and go back to his wife. You see him once a year and you call that marriage? You are living a lie and as far as I am concerned, you are his “mumu”.

Then the most annoying one: You come to Nigeria, got married to that innocent woman and then go back promising to be back in a few months time to take her along. You made sure she became pregnant before your going back. Since you went back, you have never sent her a dime for her upkeep. The poor girl is now in a miserable condition because of your own wickedness. You know you don’t even have any legal stay over there. You know you came back with someone’s paper and so it is not possible to get her to you. You know that you cannot even afford the cost of her trip to meet you. You know that your woman over there will kill you and you will lose your life savings if she gets to know about her. Why then do you live in deceit? Why have you chosen to have a relationship that is built on lies and deceit?

Since she had that baby, how much have you given her? Since you gathered people and pronounced her your wife, how many times have you seen her? Did you get married to her for your mother? Since you know that all these problems exist, why take another innocent human into your own wilderness? Do you know what wilderness she had been into and through

before now?

You are the man who can do anything and live as you like; what about that innocent girl you abandoned in the village? Guys, please stop biting more than you can chew.

If you know you are not capable of taking her along, please don’t make life miserable for a woman who has no hand in your plight. Ladies, stop being gullible. Life outside Nigeria is tough. That $100 he gave you could be all that is left on him. Don’t allow these things to deceive you.

Anybody can go into a “one pound shop”and get you beautiful gifts. He can easily buy them when summer is about being over and there are sales going on.

Before you tie the knot, please make sure you see your own travel documents or be sure he is ready to settle down here with you. Also make enquiries to be sure you are not his second wife. See and verify his claims before going into it. Never allow desperation to destroy your future. Don’t allow yourself to be tied down when you have your brain and two eyes intact. It’s a global village and you can easily get whatever information you want on anybody.

A lady I know very well lost a very good man as result of greed. She left this highly responsible man for a “Waz-up” guy. This very guy came back from the USA and deposited a huge amount of money in the bank where she worked. In the process, they started dating. We talked but she refused to listen. The guy got her pregnant, paid her bride price, and then returned to America.

She later called only for a woman (his wife) to send her nasty mails. That was the last she heard of him till date. Her son is eight and hasn’t seen his father. Don’t be too gullible to leave the guy you know too well for a total stranger because of his fake accent.

Don’t make yourself one of those who cry to me for help because I am always confused when it comes to rendering help in this situation. Look before you leap.

08116706879 (SMS only).

E-mail:regalgraces@yahoo.com

The Purpose, The Path And The Means Acquiring The Perfect Image And Character The Purpose ET us start with a short self-awareness session if we may. You shall need a piece of paper and pen – It is very important if you want to reap the full benefits of the session that you not go further than each instruction. Now, if you are ready, we may begin.

Close your eyes for a moment and think of your most ardent desire…

Write that down on a sheet of paper.

Now, just below it, write down whom God created you to be or what purpose you believe God created you for; what your purpose on earth is. Now, ask yourself these questions: Is your most ardent dream/desire the same with God’s purpose in your life?

Is your most ardent desire fulfilled only in this earth?

For a lot of us, we neither have a clear understanding of what we want. If we are asked what our most ardent dream is, we might take a while in answering.

This ought not to be so for if it is a passionate desire or purpose it must be like a fire within our heart!

I also believe that if you do not know your purpose on earth you are in the same place with the person whose dream does not tally with his or her God given purpose. Why? The Word

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says that “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away”.

(Mathew 24:25). Therefore, if you spend your lifetime on earth working apart from His will, when all our works are tried with His fire, there will be nothing worthwhile left. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).

Close your eyes again for a moment and imagine the peak of a high mountain…then switch the light off in that vision. Where do you stand? At the foot of the mountain or somewhere undefined? If you do not know what his purpose is in your life or if you do not work in it, you are like one who wishes to climb to the top of a mountain without the necessary light. Knowing His purpose for your life is one part of the journey; walking in the path is the other part of the journey.

The Path For every man, there is a path that leads to the full manifestation of his purpose. It is different for each man as the fingerprints on our fingers differ intrinsically. We must not look up to any man to fulfill our purpose for it is impossible for man to perfect us. Only One is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

For Paul, his journey was plagued with strips, weaknesses, in injuries, in necessi-

ties, in persecutions, in distresses, etc.

He asked God to take this from him to which God replied “My grace is sufficient for you…”. Though we read throughout his letters of his sufferings, he always said that he rejoiced in them for in them God’s power was made perfect.

I have come to understand that the sufferings of Paul were his greatest impediments and instruments of his glory; embracing and rejoicing in them, being content no matter what he was able to finish his course (2 Corinthians 12:5-10, Philippians 4:11).

For David, we know that he found favour with God because he desired always to do His will. David, in his journey constantly sought the face of God – shall I do this, How should I do it, I repent, make me clean, according to you will, etc. When he was in grace and when he fell short of grace, he always got up and continued running hard after God’s heart (Acts 13:22).

For Daniel, he always set his heart to understand what God was saying and humbly follow exactly after His Word with courage and single-mindedness.

We know that he has a good inheritance (Daniel 10:12, 12:13). And of Jesus, from the time He left behind all His benefits in heaven even to the time he accepted and died a shameful death

His path was to stay humble. For if at any time – in the wilderness of temptations or as the only Son of God among His own had, He laid down his disposition of humility He would never have accomplished His purpose. (Philippians 2:5-11, Mathew 13:46) What is your path? Again, no man can reveal this to you accept your creator.

Of And By Him Jesus, our Perfect image and likeness, revealed that He did nothing apart from the Father (John 5:19), in the same way we can do nothing apart from God. (Rom) If we tried, we would only be doing things in the energy of the flesh. It has to be only by His Spirit – “…they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24), (Romans 8:14).

God must be the one leading and doing through you. “…it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me...” (Galatians 2:20). Anything short of this will be burnt up by fire. In many ways, either by the Master’s coming or death, the D-day is nearer than yesterday.

Image and Etiquette addresses general perceptions, societal norms and expectations and personal expressions with the goal to cultivate social graces, suavity and a dignified presence for personal development and effective interpersonal relationships.

If you have questions on Image and Etiquette please send them to askpamela@regalgraces.com or SMS 08116706879.

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday August 31, 2013

NEWSFEATURE

How Benin Roads Aid Crime

Ozekhome

Youths protesting over Ozekhome’s kidnap From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HEN Benin kingdom was identified as a city by Portuguese travellers in the 14th Century as a result of its well paved road network and intra and inter-quarter links, little did the people know that it would become their albatross about 700 years later, as the numerous outlets from the Benin axis of Edo State have become a den for criminal activities, especially kidnapping.

From the southern axis of the city, one can easily access areas of South-South Nigeria, like Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

From the eastern part of the state capital, one can connect Asaba, the Delta State capital, and then to eastern Nigeria, while from the west, there is easy access to parts of Edo Northwest through Edo Central in Iruekpen, then Owan to Sobe, a border town with Ondo State and then to the western part of Nigeria.

Until two months ago, the EhorIruekpen axis of the Benin-AuchiLokoja-Abuja Road was notorious for armed robbery in early hours and late hours of the day by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

This led the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Folusho Adebanjo, to deploy a special squad to patrol that axis that recently led to the killing of two suspected armed robbers in that axis about three months ago.

That area assumed a dangerous dimension on August 20 when armed gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted Vice Chairman of Uhumnwonde Council, Walter Aiwekhoe, and his driver on their way to office.

But he escaped few hours later when the vehicle of his abductors reportedly broke down.

The kidnap of Aiwekhoe was said to have happened about 10am around Ugha, along the Benin-Auchi road.

An eyewitness stated that the suspected kidnappers blocked the ViceChairman’s vehicle with a jeep and ordered him out of his car. They shot sporadically before forcing him into the waiting vehicle.

Aiwekhoe and his driver’s abductors car, a Toyota Sienna, developed brake problems shortly after they were taken forcing their abductors to stop along the road to snatch another vehicle, leaving one of them on guard.

The Guardian gathered that his accomplices, who were to snatch another ve-

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hicle, chose to also rob the owner and in the process the one left behind lost momentary concentration and Aiwekhoe and his driver took to their heels into the forest to nowhere in particular.

They were eventually rescued by some villagers in Delta State, who initially mistook them for armed robbers, until policemen from Obiaruku came to rescue them.

Just three days after, human right activist, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), his driver and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Athanasius Ugbome, where abducted along the same stretch of road.

A team of policemen from Ehor Police Station, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who personally led the rescue operation, escaped with bullet wound in his hand, while four of his men were killed, just as innocent road users were also shot at by the kidnappers.

Ozekhome and his driver were reportedly stopped by the kidnappers, apparently after being trailed all the way from Benin City, forced out of the vehicle their car at gunpoint and taken into the bush.

Apparently looking for a convenient get-away vehicle, they found one in the Toyota Hilux Ugbome was driving in within few minutes and went away with the three.

But unknown to the police that some other members of the gang had laid ambush in the area, they ran into them after eyewitnesses were said to have alerted the police on the development and the DPO, after getting clearance from his boss, swung into action.

The incident, which happened around 4.30 pm on Friday last week, forced the kidnappers to abandon their seriously-damaged car and another at the centre of the road, with the passenger door left opened.

As at the time The Guardian got to the scene few minutes after the incident, men of the vigilante group in the area were seen carrying the body of one of the dead policemen from their patrol van into a police vehicle, while the badly damaged SUV Police patrol vehicle was lying half into the bus and road.

Briefing newsmen later last Saturday, Adebanjo said: “Operatives of the command, led by DPO, Ehor Division, responded swiftly to a distress call at about 3:30pm that unspecified number of armed men had blocked the Benin-

Auchi road by Ehor axis.

“However, the hoodlums ambushed the patrol vehicle and opened fire on them, prompting an exchange of fire.

“At the end of the gun duel, the hoodlums escaped with bullet wounds, but not without their victim, who was later identified upon search on his abandoned vehicle as Chief Ozekhome (SAN) and is driver.

“Regrettably, the command lost four officers in the encounter. We salute their rare courage and bravery, for they fought and died as heroes for the course of humanity. Their death shall not be in vain.

“We remain undeterred in our fight against armed banditry.”

The Guardian reliably learnt that Adebanjo has already written a memo to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar on the need for a joint operation between the Edo and Delta states commands to police the notorious area.

However, reactions continue to trail the incident, with George Enereba, Chairman of Reparation for Africa, an Edo State-based non-governmental organisation, advising the families of Ozekhome, his driver and Ugbome not to yield to the kidnappers demand for a N250 million ransom to secure their release.

He called on Nigerians to resist falling for such demands, saying such would encourage those behind the act to continue in their heinous ways.

There are, however, conflicting reports on the whereabouts of the victims, with news that the kidnappers have opened contact with Ugbome’s associates demanding for a ransom of N100 million.

But Ozekhome’s family on Thursday insisted they had not been contacted.

Enereba, a lawyer, said: “It (kidnap) is a very sad development in the history of this country, especially as Ozekhome has been fighting for the rights and freedom of the downtrodden.

“The issue of ransom being paid is trying to encourage kidnapping.”

On Thursday, Edo Youth Congress (EYC), in a communiqué issued after a meeting, condemned the kidnappings.

In the communiqué signed by the trio of Dan Eichie, Kola Edokpayi and Michael Eguaogie, EYC condemned the kidnap of its patron.

It said: “The EYC is appalled by the

Oshiomhole worrisome and ceaseless spate of kidnapping in Edo State.

“It is quite curious, as this serial kidnapping has assumed another dimension, as prominent sons and daughters of the state are now being kidnapped at reckless frequency, and there are no signs on the horizon that it will abate any time soon.

“However, it is instructive to note, therefore, that the kidnapping of our patron carries a distinctive ironic ring to it. Here is a fine and astute gentleman, a dedicated and hardworking professional, who has worked assiduously with his bare hands right up to the very zenith of his noble profession.”

EYC saluted the bravery of the slain policemen and condoled with their families on the loss.

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev Fr Hassan Kukah, in a statement,

condemned the incident, saying it was an aberration that an advocate of youth empowerment, like Ozekhome, is now a victim of kidnap by youths.

The described Ozekhome as a hardworking man who did not deserve what has happened to him.

The statement read in part: “I believe the future of our youth does not depend on the blood money that comes from kidnapping, popular and commonplace as this ignoble cause has become.

“Our youth must embrace the future with hope, believing that tomorrow is theirs to build. They should renounce this criminality and turn to pursuing legacies they can proudly hand over to their children tomorrow.

“I beg for God’s mercies and peace for the souls of those gallant police officers, who surrendered their lives, and continue to pray for our

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

WOMAN Mrs. Elizabeth Olomofe-Kufeji is the 30th District Chairman of International Inner Wheel, District 911 Nigeria. She spoke to Debo Oladimeji on her journey through life and plans to realise the dreams of her club.

Between Family Life And The Home Front

By Debo Oladimeji

RIENDS and well-wishers from far and Fersnear gathered at Sheraton Hotel and Towin Lagos penultimate Sunday to usher in Mrs. Elizabeth Olomofe-Kufeji as the 30th District Chairman and The District Executive Officer of International Inner Wheel District 911 Nigeria for 2013/2014 with the theme: “We, for Women.”

Olomofe-Kufeji took over the mantle of leadership from Mrs. Mopelola Adisa and to continue from where she stopped her star project for Inner Wheel, which is the support for sickle cell patients. “I want to continue to sensitise people on what they can do to avoid bearing children with sickle cell.

Then help to give hip-replacement to sickle cell patients. It is a continuation from where my predecessor stopped,” she admitted.

Olomofe-Kufeji believes that a woman should not live her life as a career woman at the expense of her family. “A career woman will hardly have time for herself, children or for the home front. It is good for a woman to be educated to the highest level. I am an advocate for that.

“But then you must know where to draw the line. I think God has done it in such a way that women are to take care of the home front,” she said.

She believes that it takes everything for a young woman to become the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a company and while she is struggling with that her home suffers.

“There will be nobody to take proper care of those children. They keep leaving them at the mercy of house helps, who definitely do not have much to offer. What is the background of the house help that you now leave your children with? It is what they have that they give to those to children,” she said.

Olomofe-Kufeji urged women to make sure that their children can stand on their own before they face their career. “That is the way I see it. Talking about positions in the office. I said it often that a situation where a young lady wants to become the CEO of a company is not a joking matter at all,” she said.

She was born into the Catholic family of late Pa Marcelino Kode and Mrs. Victoria Adetoun Antonio in Lafiaji Lagos in 1946.

She attended St. Mathias Catholic Primary School, Lafiaji, Holy Child College Obalende and Lagos Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, Surulere, Lagos.

The newly installed International Inner Wheel District 911 Chairman grew up in a very strict family. “My parents were quite strict. They were also very charitable. I grow up in an environment where the needy were well looked after by my parents. I imbibed the habit of caring for the less privileged from them,” she said.

She recalled that her father worked in the administrative section of the railway.

“He retired in his early 60s. My mother was a housewife and a businesswoman. She was always at home except on few occasions when she went out to replenish her shop,” she said.

With that background, she started her career as a teacher. She had always had passion for teaching. She is proud to be a professional teacher.

Olomofe-Kufeji had her NCE at College of Education, University of Lagos from 1966 to 1969. Thereafter, she taught at Mayflower

But then you must know where to draw the line. I think God has done it in such a way that women are to take care of the home front

Secondary School, Ikenne, Ogun State. “Tai Solarin who was the founder and the principal of the school at that time had so much influence on me because he was very humble, accommodating and very sincere,” she said.

She taught French and English at Mayflower for about two years. She left there in 1970. “Because I was very young. I was missing my fiancé then. So I decided to go back to Lagos,” she recalled.

Back to her roots, she taught at the Apostolic Church Grammar School in Lagos for many years. She later went back for her degree at University of Lagos where she read Education Administration from 1980 to 1983.

She later became the principal of Okota Grammar School before she retired in 1986/1987. But she was not tired as she started a private school: Starland Private School in 1988. “Till now I still run the school. That was where I got my a.k.a, that is, “Mummy 2“ because I happen to be the mummy of those children at school. While their own biological mummies are referred to as Mummy I,” she said.

She recalled that she met her late husband, Rotarian Calistus Biodun Olomofe in 1964 and they tied the nuptial knots in 1966.

“Life has taught me how to overcome a lot of challenges. I have learnt that when you give you don’t lack. When you are steadfast, God is always there for you,” she acknowledged.

Olomofe-Kufeji said that she has gone through thick and thin, which she will not like to dwell on. But she gives God the glory of keeping her alive and seeing her to her present level.

She noted that as a proprietress of Starland Private School, she is not happy with the ailing education sector.

It is in that sector that she wants to make her impact because she has been traumatised by what is going on in the education sector. “The education sector has become a commercial sector.

“And it is a pity that the children are at the receiving end. I want to remain steadfast to make my impact in that sector. Despite the fact that people think that one must join the Joneses,” she said.

She has no regret in life. This is because before she takes any step, she prays fervently. In life, she said, things don’t always go the way one would have loved it to go. “I always believe that life is not a bed of roses,” she added.

Olomofe-Kufeji said with hindsight that she had touched many lives through her profession.

She would have loved to do more to help the indigent people but for the hard times.

“We know that the government cannot do it all alone. The Inner Wheel wants to add its voice to what the government is doing,” she said.

Inner Wheel has always supported children whose parents are victims of HIVAIDS. “I hope to continue with that. What I will appreciate is friendship and consistent support, which the members of the club have always demonstrated. We have always spoken with one voice. So I want us to continue to speak with one voice and share love and affection with other women,” she said.

Olomofe-Kufeji said that part of her project is to try as much as possible to have seminars for young mothers.

“The Inner Wheel is a well established organisation with a good constitution and we are cut out to serve and help humanity.

I am glad we are not going to derail from, that,” she said.

She also contributes to the debate on early marriage: “It is suicidal for anybody to ask a baby to go into wedlock. Because a child that is 12 years old is a baby as far as I am concerned. Those that are advocating for child marriage, will they leave their own

little children to get married or bear children and go through all the sufferings?

“What do you think that a 12-year old child has to offer others? A child that ought to be enjoying nurturing. I will even say that a girl should not to get marry before the she is above 21. I married at 21 and I know what I missed out,” she said.

Olomofe-Kufeji’s achievements fetched her an award certificate as the Best Educational Administrator of the year 1996 by the Department of Educational Administration, Faculty of Education University of Lagos, and honour as Mother of Light in the field of Education by Charity Entertainment Organisation of Nigeria (CEON) in 1998. She was recognised for her contribu-

Olomofe-Kufeji

tion to Lagos State by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2000 Volunteer Teacher, Lagos State Government Eko Project. She was a past Chairperson, National Association of Proprietors of Private School (NAPPS), Ikeja Chapter among others.

She joined the Inner Wheel Club of Onigbongbo in the early 80s, courtesy of her late husband. She served in different capacities in her club until she became the club President in 1985/1986.

The Chairman of International Inner Wheel District 911 has attended many Inner Wheel programmes and conferences nationally and internationally. OlomofeKufeji, a Paul Harris Fellow, is a mother and a great-grandmother.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

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PEOPLE Adegboyega Adekunle Osideinde (FNSE, MIEEE) is the General Manager, Marketing and Commercial Services at Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and a member of International Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, a Chartered Engineer with the British council of Engineers, he shares his experiences in the power sector.

OU have been in the power sector for over Y 30 years. How has it been?

I joined the employ of NEPA in 1984.When we joined, the system was very vibrant with very few districts and manageable load demand.

Things were indeed better. There was the organized training programme called ‘Pupillage’. Engineers were given the much needed exposure in various departments then.

All of us came from different educational backgrounds. Some studied abroad and some studied in Nigeria. In all, one should have expected a higher level of performance in the power sector. But unfortunately it is not so. The system has experienced so many challenges.

What do you mean challenges?

Well, most of the time we are talking of generation being up to 4,000mw. This has been so for the past 12 years. The load demand increase do not wait for the accomplishment of the slogan on intended power generation. Secondly, a very big challenge is that of not getting good services in terms of the relationship between the customers and the personnel in PHCN. What is on ground now shows a big performance gap between what is expected and what has been obtained so far.

What do you think are the problems? Is it a system problem or manpower?

Objectively, I think it’s a system problem. This is because at the commencement of the interview, I told you that the staff are from different educational backgrounds and are well-trained.

We have so many brilliant and sound engineers in the system. For instance, if you look at the Nigerian engineers in the diaspora, they are doing very well. Most of them are in the forefront in different countries they work or practice. We all write the same certification examination, so I can categorically say that Nigerian engineers are one of the best in the world. The only thing that is different is the system. It therefore means that the problem is with the system.

What solution will you proffer? Or What do you think the government should do?

I think it’s a fairly difficult question to answer.

This is because the government is doing something now, though with questionable speed.But if I may take it from the pre-privatization stage, it was obvious that there were no major network development in the power sector. There was also no sufficient maintenance of existing equipment. Funding was said to be the major issue. Also, we have the issue of neglect of training of staff.

Over time, issues such as nepotism, ethnicity, victimization and celebration of mediocrity crept in. The decay is apparent. I want to tell you that a lot of cosmetics are presently being applied. I shall not discuss other issues on certificates now.

Talking about the solution, let us do things differently from what I just mentioned. Look at postings for example. If somebody was not well schooled on customer relation and he was posted to that beat because of whom he/she knew, he would always have problems with the customers. The image of the organization would remain poor. I had heard of cases when the customer would report that when they complained, some officers would tell them to go to hell. An industry as sensitive as ours, having services needed by over 150 million Nigerians, we deserve better deals from the front-desk officers.

By way of summary, the cardinal problems we had was that of network neglect over the years because of poor funding. No plans for network growth and the consequences have caught up with us. I want to see the commissioning and utilization of the projects that the federal government is currently embarking upon. People are naturally tired of this 4,000mw syndrome.

Osideinde

‘The System Is PHCN’s Problem’ How many books have you written, and what inspires your writings?

Three. When I was in Eko Electricity Distribution Company as the Assistant General Manager Marketing (now Customer Service), I realized that people were sometimes re-desig-

nated from other sections to marketing. At the middle level, I believe they needed a document they could rely on to fast-track knowledge. Also, it was common to have officers repeating themselves at Revenue Collection meetings. I therefore decided to write the

Objectively, I think it’s a system problem. This is because at the commencement of the interview, I told you that the staff are from different educational backgrounds and are well-trained. We have so many brilliant and sound engineers in the system. For instance, if you look at the Nigerian engineers in the diaspora, they are doing very well. Most of them are in the forefront in different countries they work or practice. We all write the same certification examination, so I can categorically say that Nigerian engineers are one of the best in the world. The only thing that is different is the system.

book titled, Narratives On Electricity Marketing In Nigeria – A Personal Experience.

The encouragement I got from the comments and rewards on the first book was the incentive to my writing the second book titled, Strategic Electricity Marketing Activities In Distribution Companies of Nigeria.

On what inspires my writing, I have a passion for writing and secondly, I like sharing knowledge and experience. I try to share all I know that I feel will help humanity.

What is the focus of your present book, Domestic Electricity Utilization In Nigeria?

The book, Domestic Electricity Utilization In Nigeria was primarily written to guide and educate readers on strict adherence to safety in respect of domestic installations. The highpoint is the explanation of the components of a typical electricity bill. It also explains the rights and obligations of customers and operators. The demand side management was extensively discussed in Energy Efficiency And Conservation.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

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PEOPLE

Abubakar, Inspector General of Police

project has incorporated the establishment of a modern Forensic Investigation Laboratory.

This, no doubt, is to ensure the much-needed scientific analyses, especially now that the Federal Government is implementing the 100 percent cashless transaction policy.

Pundits believe the project would also usher in a modern structure that would accommodate facilities for Internal Personnel Training, Archive, Clinic, Modern Interrogation room as well as administrative office.

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubarkar is set to send the first batch of operatives in the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi, Lagos for forensic analysis training in the United Kingdom.

It was learnt that these operatives, who would also be grilled in gathering forensic evidence at crime scenes, would be undergoing tutelage under specialists at the City of London Police forensic centre.

It was learnt that of all the departments under the ‘D’ Department (Force Criminal Investigations Department), the SFU has stood out in terms of the discharge of its duties and the Inspector General of police does not make light of their credential.

SFU is saddled with specific functions of investigating and reporting cases relating to Advanced Fee Fraud (419), Bank and Financial Fraud, Government Ministry Department, Agencies and Parastatals and cases emanating from the Diplomatic Community.

The Unit had its first ever Training Workshop on “The Dynamics Of Cashless Economy And Emerging Methods Of Financial Crimes” in November 2012 to update the know-how of the officers and men in the emerging cybercrime, identity fraud and other related economic crimes, whilst another one on “Corporate Fraud: Insider Abuse In Financial Institutions And The Implication On Developing Economy” took place between 1st - 5th July, 2013 which involved resource persons from the City of London Police and Special Agent from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security, United States of America.

This attracted participants not only from the SFU and FCID in general but all stakeholders from the finance industry.

The Special Fraud Unit has a well-equipped Computer Room with 12 Computers and two Printers, all connected with a Broadband building of a multi-million naira forensic labo- tion and prosecution of serious and complex Internet. It was gathered that the Computer Room has a Foster Freeman machine that can ratory for the Police through partnership with criminal cases within and outside the coundetect counterfeit within a short time of its the organized private sector and some contry,” he had said then. insertion. cerned Nigerians at SFU premises on Milverton Abubakar, at the event, noted that his manPolice boss at SFU, Ogunsakin, it was learnt, has Road, Ikoyi. agement team had resolved to breathe life also made computer literacy programme comAbubakar, few months ago, laid the foundainto all police formations across the country pulsory for all officers and men in the Unit and tion of the N77million police forensic laborato- by upgrading the infrastructure there and ry, with a promise to also rehabilitate existing improving the welfare of personnel serving in the services of an out-sourced expert had been secured to train them. barracks nationwide. those places.

A website with the address is www.specialHe believes that lack of a modern and wellHe expressed his appreciation to the fraudunit.org.ng has also been created for the equipped police forensic laboratory in the coun- ‘Stakeholders’ Forum’, an umbrella body, unit to enable complainants within and outside try may be responsible for failure of the Police to under which public-spirited Nigerians come the country submit their petitions without the unearth mysteries behind murders and hightogether to assist the police. The forum is profile fraud cases. Often times, the country had made up of members of diplomatic corps and stress of travelling down to Lagos or Nigeria.

Watchers said that the much-celebrated case of patronised foreign countries in a bid to unravel wealthy Nigerians.

Austrian woman who was caught in a scam was some crimes. The building is named after the Abubakar lauded the forum for coming up reported through the Website. Also, that of the retired Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim with the idea of constructing the laboratory.

Coomassie.

“It takes men of great character to put the idea Greek woman who was conned by Nigerian fraudster to pay with her sets of musical instru“The SFU is an arm of the Nigeria Police Force of constructing the building with the calibre Criminal Investigation Department ‘D’ of officers and men who are running this unit ments and other items through the Internet.

Providing affordable housing for police officers Department, which is the highest investigative and whose qualities we have all attested to; and men has also been pivotal in Abubakar’s arm of the Nigeria Police Force. this cause will not be in vain,” he had said. welfare agenda for his men.

“Its functions, among others, include investiga- To meet with international standards, the Recently, Abubakar invited President Jonathan to Lagos for the launching of the first phase of ‘Goodluck Jonathan Estate’ comprising 228 3bedroom units.

The housing estate, which is exclusively residential, is nestled in a very secure and highly accessible part of Idimu in Alimosho area of Lagos metropolis.

The estate which was initiated in 2008 but actual construction work commenced in 2011, has unparalleled access to key city locations such as Ikeja, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos State University, LASU, Ejigbo, Isolo and Iba. The sprawling estate sited on 11.5 hectares of land, is a partnership deal between the Nigeria Police Force under Abubakar who are the owners of the land and Remax Realtors Nigeria Limited, the developer.

The estate, which is expected to provide 504 housing units of three-bedroom each at the completion of the second phase by 2014, will cost a whopping N4 billion.

MD Abubakar was born 5 May, I960, in Gusau Town, Zamfara State.

He joined the Nigeria Police Force on 1 August 1979, as Cadet I Inspector. He had served in many capacities in the force as Assistant Commissioner of Police Criminal Investigative Department, CID, Sokoto Police Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police Federal Operations Force Headquarters, Lagos State, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Airport Police Abubakar, left, with Police Affairs Minister, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (centre) at a function.

Command (MMIA) Lagos.

MD Abubakar: Pioneering Excellence In Policing

By Odita Sunday

H

E was not the most senior officer at the time, but he was deemed most qualified to hold the post of the Inspector General of Police in the heat of the Boko Haram crisis. And so, when his credentials and those of his peers in the Nigeria police were presented to President Goodluck Jonathan for selection, he did not hesitate to pick Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, popularly called ‘MD’.

Operation-wise, he was the most experienced and was called the ‘real Nigerian Police officer’ due to the fact that he had served in all the six geo-political zones of the country as a senior officer, a Commissioner of Police and Assistant Inspector General of police.

Since taking up the position, Abubakar has not disappointed his guarantors who recommended him for the job. In some quarters, he is even seen to have exceeded expectations of Nigerians especially with his historic ban on ‘Road-Block’, which has now come to stay.

Reputed to be avid in his policing duties, MD has endeared himself to the hearts of Nigerians with his policing style, respect for rights of suspected criminals, training of police personnel, zero tolerance for corruption, upgrading of police medical facilities and engendering application of Information and Communication Technology in Policing, to mention a few.

In ensuring that policemen do their jobs unhindered, he spearheaded a paradigm shift in the police medical department by building ultramodern Police Medical Centres in Ikeja, Lagos, Umuahia and Aba in Abia State, Ibadan, Oyo State, Abuja, Dutse in Jigawa State and many other states.

He insisted that suspects’ faces must not be shown on the mass media before they are charged to court, an order still being obeyed by Commissioners of Police in all the state commands.

Under him, more policemen have gone on special training within and outside Nigeria. He reckoned that he could barely achieve much without training and reorganization of Police intelligence departments, especially the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) regarded as the hub of intelligence and investigation in the Nigeria Police, he therefore rejiged the department by posting an ace police officer and former EFCC and ICPC Police chief, Tunde Ogunshakin to trigger a change in the department that birthed the EFCC. Sequel to the rising cases of money-cloning and other monetary crimes, the IGP embarked on the

TheGuardian

26 | Saturday, August 31, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Weekend

CELEBR ITY

On Air Celebrities Ready To Serve Hot Pepper Soup On Stage Tomorrow

By Shaibu Husseini VEN though they are constant visitors to our E homes, offices, cars and wherever they meet us, they are usually not like the screen celebrities that you get to see every now and then.

They are mostly heard but not seen. But after conquering the radio and TV airwaves and receiving countless awards for their broadcasting exploits, some of Nigeria’s top and most-listened-to On Air Personality (OAP) are set to thrill their fans, but this time through the platform of live theatre.

Enter the actor and OAP with an amazing talent, Steve Onu but who is affectionately called Yaw, television broadcaster Katherine Obiang and the amazing Omotunde Adebowale-Davies aka Lolo 1 of Wazobia FM. Yaw, Obiang and Omotunde will be joined by fellow radio presenters such as Kelvin Abidde (Tuebi), Lawal Sheriff, Carla Chidiac, on stage for a thrilling adaptation of Elechi Amadi’s Pepper Soup.

Scheduled to hold at Terra Kulture from Sunday September 1, 2013, the stage adaptation of Pepper Soup, which will be presented every Sunday in September is produced by Play factory, 2PM Media and Tuale Naija media. Stage managed by Obi Martins and directed by Olusola Roberts, fans of these OAPs and indeed theatergoers will come face to face with these celebrities and will have a feel of their theatrical exploits as they do justice to a play with a simple message and which is that no matter the wars we fight at any level, there is need for lasting reconciliation which is possible only when we forget the ravages and scars of our traumatic war years.

Katherine

numerous non governmental organizations including that of the Sickle Cell and the Down Syndrome Home, has so far produced five successful stage plays: Po!, Private Lies, Last Molue, April Fool and The Bar. His television sitcom, YAWS N MYN has started showing on television stations across Nigeria.

A member of the Celebrity Marshal of the FRSC, with over 40 awards to his credit, Yaw became the first On Air Personality to win the prestigious Mode Men awards, back to back (2008, 2009 and 2010) and also City People Awards back to back (12th, 13th and 14th edition). He has over nine award nominations this year within and outside Nigeria.

He has in the last 12 years worked with the British Broadcasting Cooperation (BBC) on the project Story Story. His philosophy of life is: “We before Me”, and he believes that if followed, Nigeria will definitely be a better place

Katherine Obiang As Ineba Katherine Obiang is a multi-talented broadcaster, and presently an On-Air Personality with the first talk radio station in Nigeria, Nigeria Info 99.3FM Lagos. She studied accounting but veered into radio, television, stage and screen due to her love for the arts.

For years, Katherine was the face of Nigeria’s daily breakfast show on the Nigerian TeleviYaw Yaw sion Authority’s AM Express. Her first movie, Journey to Self was released in 2013. She also starred in the new hit Nollywood movie series, Lekki Wives. Her most recent stage work was in a play titled ‘For the Love of Country’.

She previously worked under the direction of Wole Oguntokun in several stage productions including the Vagina Monologues and Steve Onu (Yaw) as Ichela the Ultimate Faceoff: V vs T Monologues. Her production credits include Melange, a TV seHe is perhaps the most-listened-to On Air Perries on NTA, daily breakfast show AM Exsonality (OAP) on any radio station in Nigeria press. She has also interviewed a cross range today. He is the reason why so many ears stay of personalities and has voiced several prolocked on to the Victoria Island, Lagos-based mos, documentaries and features. pidgin English radio station, Wazobia FM (95.1) A soccer fanatic who also enjoys travelling, A graduate of theatre arts of the Lagos State sleeping and swimming, Katherine who Lolo University, Steve Onu or Yaw as he is popularly brings life, class and spunk to hosting entercalled by his teeming fans, has, with his unique tainment and corporate events across Nigestyle of presentation, won the hearts of many radio listeners in Lagos and its environs.

Ahmed Yerima’s Fall of a King fit to interprete roles ria is vocal about projects that deal with ceremony and a stand up act in most of the domestic abuse. She lives in Lagos and is A trained actor, voice over artiste and a mas- social events organized by students. So it did- on television. They got him to be part of some ter of ceremony, the multi-award winner (City n’t come as a surprise to those who know him critically acclaimed television drama productions mother to three wonderful children.

People Awards and Mode Men Awards for Best when they learnt that the torch-bearer for the like ‘Twilight Zone’, ‘Flat mates’, ‘Dear Mother’ and Omotunde Adebowale-Davies aka Lolo 1 As On Air Personality) who keeps people locked ‘Fuji House of Commotion’.

2012 London Olympics who loves travelling Ineba on Wazobia FM from 6am to 12noon every Described as a humble, caring, and unpretenand meeting people, had enrolled to study The gate man at the expansive building week day, is so admired and adored that the tiously friendly, it was just a casual visit with a theatre arts at the Lagos State University. kind of treatment he gets on and off the talk While studying under the guidance of some friend Bunmi Davies to see Ibrahim Abubakar of housing both the CoolFM and Wazobia FM studios would probably not know who Omobox can only be compared to the kind of treat- of his teachers such as Dr. Sola Fosudo and Cool FM at their Etim Inyang Crescent office In ment that top Hollywood stars get.

Victoria Island, Lagos that turned things around tunde Adebowale-David is at first mention.

Tunji Azeez, Yaw found time to do some actBorn and raised in Lagos, Yaw, a founding for Steve Onu who revealed that he draws inspira- But simply say you are looking for Omoing by the side. He was engaged as a regular tunde Lolo 1 and he or she will immediately member of Optimum Konsortium, a university artiste on a number of the radio drama series tion from developments around him. lead you to a natural beauty, well married based drama group, had always had a flair for produced by the BBC. After that, some televiA widely travelled entertainment personality, mother of four who is a graduate of law from the performing arts. He was all over the place sion producers found Yaw who has featured Yaw, a United Nations Young Ambassador for in early school, acting, standing in a master of in a number of stage productions including Peace, a UN Face of Peace (2012), and a member of the Lagos State University. An On-air personality and a news reader for CoolFM & WazobiaFM, Omotunde who has shown that she has a natural flair for and love for communication, is another well- listened-to OAP on Wazobia FM. She made her name as co-presenter with Yaw on Wazobia FM. She was later assigned her own belt with co-presenter, Igos, where his media company, Media Image his late mother as the pillar of the OLLYWOOD will practically be they both present Oga Madam for Office. Like Managers (MIM) indicates that a family. “She held us all together on leave as from September 4 Yaw, the multi-award winning show host is mass vigil scheduled for Wednes- from when we were little and with- one OAP who keeps listeners locked on to as all roads will lead to Anambra day, September 4 from 5pm at her out a father as he passed on very for the burial ceremony of the pidgin English station daily. Extremely compound (Ejikeme Odobeatu) in early. She was the rock that enMadam Josephine Obelemgbafor humorous, sociable and an extrovert, OmoIhuru village, Aguluzigbo, Anamsured nothing broke us the chilOdobeatu, aka Nwanneka (nee tunde loves to entertain which was why she bra State while a funeral mass will dren down. She taught us to be Ububa), mother of the Chairman hold on Thursday, September 5 at honest and hard working, the fruit hit the bend and settled for broadcasting inof O’jez celebrity restaurant and stead of law, which she studied. the same venue beginning from we are all reaping today. She was entertainment centre, Chief She has lived with one philosophy, which is 10am. my heroine, my source of stability.

Joseph Odobeatu, who is a great that ‘life is an endless circle’. She strongly However, Friday and Saturday I am happy she lived long enough patron of Nollywood. holds that everything always comes around, September 6 and 7 respectively are to see what her children had Madam Odobeatu passed on a reason she loves to do to others what she open for condolence visits while turned into. So with a heart filled some at the ripe age of 82 years would love people to do to her. Described by an Outing Service is scheduled to with gratitude to God, I am buryand big names in the Nollywood friends as energetic and eclectic lady, it was hold on Sunday, September 8 at ing a mother of all mothers’’ he industry said they will be on rumoured recently that her marriage to her the Queen of All Hearts Catholic said. hand to join Chief Odobeatu husband had packed up. But Lolo was quick church, Aguluzigbo, Anambra Nollywood star Charles Inojie is from September 4 to begin the to debunk the tale. She described the news State by 9am. Also in the statecoordinating the Nollywood clan final burial rites of his late as a figment of people’s imagination.

Chief Odobeatu (right) ment, Chief Odobeatu described that will be storming Anambra for mother. A statement signed by

Celebritygist…

O’jez Entertainment Huncho’s Mum For Burial N

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

27

HOME&DECOR

Relaxation, Style With Lounge Seats

By Ekwy P. Uzoanya HEN it comes to relaxation, lounge seats can provide relaxW ation options that are perfect for the outdoor. They may add to the creation of a pleasant and welcoming ambiance in a lounge area. Other places where they are needed include the balcony, roof deck, pool area, and outdoor space in the yard.

Lounge seats may come in different forms such as couches, sofas and chairs that are available, depending on style, physical requirements and desired lounging possibilities best suited for a person. They have moved from being just plain to comfortable and stylish furniture that can enliven in a space. In fact, people now add lounge chairs to other places in the home such as living rooms, bedrooms, and even the children’s play rooms.

Space Design With Clocks THER than being a time measuring instrument, clocks O for centuries have been used to enhance the look of a room. Whether big or small, they can be used to create great focal points in a given space.

They are also versatile in use, as they can be incorporated into different décor styles such as the traditional, eclectic and contemporary. For instance, a modern metal clock that suits one’s taste can be selected for a contemporary home design, while wooden clock can complement the traditional home décor.

Interestingly, clocks can be used in virtually every space in the home ranging from the living room, bedroom, study to hallway and kitchen. Among the types of clocks that are commonly used for home décor are antique clocks, metal clocks, pendulum clocks, large and oversized clocks and grandfather clocks.

To get the clock that suits your decoration needs, keep in mind some points that will make your decoration successful.

First decide the kind of kind of clock you require to match your home décor. To make the best of them, it is necessary to know that wall clocks work well on empty spaces. The use of a particular room will determine the choice of a clock needed and its placement. There should be balance in the size of a clock vis-à-vis other items in a place.

It is a matter of how far one can go in the use of imagination.

There are many materials used for these furniture. The frames can be made of wood or iron, with foam or leather cushions in different colours and patterns that that give a classy look to an outdoor area.

Knowing what qualities to look for with lounge seats is the first consideration when planning to buy a lounge seat. You can visit some furniture showrooms around town to see what they have in stock. Such shopping experience will let you examine all of the details in order to decide which is the best suited for you.

You will be able to see exactly what the colours will look like and this can be of great help when you are trying to coordinate things in the space you want to place it. Also, you will be able to test the lounge chairs out in order to determine if they are as comfortable as you want them to be.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

28 |

FOOD&DRINKS

By Chinelo Nwagbo READFRUIT is called “afon” by Yorubas, “ukwa” by Igbos, “ediang” by Efiks and Ibibios, “Ize” by Binis and “bafafuta”

by Hausas. It is a staple food that is highly nutritious.

Studies have shown that like other tropical fruits, breadfruit comes with lots of calories. It is a good source of protein, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, Omega 3, Omega 6 fatty acid, vital B-complex groups of vitamins like thiamin, pyridoxine, and niacin.

Breadfruit is also an excellent source of potassium. Regular consumption of breadfruit porridge helps to regulate heart rate and prevent cardiovascular disease.

According to experts in nutrition, breadfruit intake reduces harmful cholesterol or Low-Density lipoprotein (LDL) in the body and increases High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol that is beneficial for health. It is also said that regular consumption of breadfruit helps lower the risk of developing colon cancer, reduce blood pressure, asthmatic symptoms and serious health implications.

Breadfruit porridge is an ideal food for the diabetic to help control blood sugar level. Untreated diabetes can cause serious health problems like dangerously high blood glucose level, blindness, arteriosclerosis, hypertension and chronic complications such as heart, liver, kidney, nerve damage and can finally result to death.

Additionally, the fibre found in breadfruit can help in diabetes control. Another health benefit of eating breadfruit porridge is that it helps to make the intestine and bowels work properly. Breadfruit consumption regulates bowel movements, clears out the build-up of junk from the intestines and prevents constipation.

Eating breadfruit on a regular basis can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.

Omega-fatty and Omega -6 fatty acids in breadfruit are essential fatty acids that help the body and mind to develop normally. They also stimulate skin and hair growth and help in bone health.

Breadfruit also contains vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, iron and phosphorus, which are all essential for healthy living. Eat a plate of breadfruit and take advantage of the many health benefits.

B

Ingredients Breadfruit Smoked fish Spinach

Breadfruit Porridge Served With Orange Juice (any green vegetable) 1 medium bunch Onion 1 medium bulb Fresh pepper 6 medium size Palm oil 2 cooking spoons Maggi cubes 3 Water 1 litre Sea salt To taste

Method of preparation Soak breadfruit in hot water for one hour.

Boil it in plenty of water with potash (optional) for about 5055 minutes (cook until it becomes soft and tender).

Wash and add the fish.

Wash and shred the vegetable (spinach).

Chop the onion and pepper.

Heat the red palm oil in frying pan and add the chopped onion and pepper and sauté of fry for about 5-7 minutes.

Add the mixture to the pot containing breadfruit.

Add the shredded spinach.

Stir and simmer for about 3 minutes.

Remove and serve with cold orange juice.

Orange juice Orange juice is among the most favoured drinks for many people. It is pleasant and it tastes good. Orange juice is a good source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), potassium, thiamine, phosphorus , folic acid (Vitamin B9) and vitamin B6. In addition, it does not contain cholesterol, sodium and fat. Orange juice is also rich in phytonutrients, which help to support the immunity process and promote a healthy heart.

Ingredient Quantities Orange 1 kg Method of preparation Peel the orange.

Process the fruits through a liquidiser (if a liquidiser is not available squeeze the orange).

Sieve the juice to remove the seeds.

Serve cold with breadfruit porridge.

E-mail: chineloeby@yahoo.com

Quantities 3 (milk cups) 1 medium size

Chianti’s Distinctive Flavours And Aromas

By Ibukunoluwa Kayode

sedate the palate for lasting enjoyment. It has gained recognition in Nigeria’s wine market and can be sighted in parties, hotels and bars.

It can be served at any given occasion and can ITH Chianti Majnoni, you can be sure of the satisfaction you desire in a wine. That as well be served as a table wine. is why it has served well its customers over the This wine can be indulged by anybody who years. loves to have a This wine is picked from the finest grape moment of refruits sangiovese grown in Italy. A red organic freshment. wine, it delivers lovely, deep, earthy aromas For preservawith sweet plum overtones which range from tion, the twist light to full-bodied. It also has aromas and cap closure flavours of cherry, roses and violets mingled protects the with fairly high acidity. fine aromas Chianti offers incredible depth and breadth and flavours with hints of vanilla and smooth supple finish of this distincfull of fruits and elegant balanced tannins to tive blend, al-

W

lowing the bottle to be easily reclosed and refrigerated. This wine can be best enjoyed when served chilled.

Chianti holds a flexible food pairing with both local and continental cuisines like tomato-based sauce, cured meats, buffalo mozzarella, pizza and vegetables.

| 29

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

With Sereba Agiobu-Kemmer

sereba.agiobu.kemmer@ngrguardiannews.com

GARDENING

Elegant Bamboos for Foliage Effect

Bamboo plant can be grown kept in water as in the decorative glass vase with pebbles HE graceful habit of these giant grasses belies their toughT ness. They make fine windbreaks, particularly behind water gardens or in woodland situations. Being evergreen,

Bamboo plant can be given as gifts

they are also attractive as accent plants and can be grown in tubs or pots or used as screens to mask ugly features.

Bamboo has an unfortunate reputation as a voracious spreader, so many gardeners ignore its potential as an elegant, evergreen plant.

For many people the word bamboo conjures up images of dense thickets of rampant spreading cane. While this is true of many types of bamboo, some species are not invasive.

Evergreen members of the Grass family, poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae tribe Bambuseae. Bamboos range from petite miniature to massive giants. Giant bamboos are the largest members of the grass family. There are over 1000 species of bamboo, found from the tropic to mountain tops. While most bamboos are tropical or subtropical, there are those that can survive temperature, of –10 to – 20F. Understanding how bamboos grow is the best way to choose one that meets your need. There are two broad groups of bamboos: clumping (non invasive) and running.

Running types send out far reaching rhizomes and can colonize large areas. Control running bamboo with 3-4 foot deep barriers of sheet metal or concrete, or routinely cut off new shoots at growth ground level. Clumping types stay in tight clumps that slowly increase in diameter. In bamboos, except in Chusquea, Chilean bamboo the intermodal regions of the stem are hollow and the vascular bundles in the cross section are scattered throughout the stem instead of in a cylindrical arrangement. The dicotyledonous woody xylem is absent. The absence of secondary growth wood causes the stems of monocuts even in palms and large bamboos, to be columnar rather than tapering. Running bamboos have leptomorph rhizome systems, characterized by long thin rhizomes that grow horizontally and spread quickly( monopodial). They can become invasive if not controlled properly.

The culms or stems of running bamboos are generally wider than the rhizomes they develop from. Many running bamboos grow well in temperate climates. Clumping bamboos have pachymorph rhizome system, which is composed of short, thick rhizome that produce culms smaller in diameter than the rhizomes. Clumping bamboos are noninvasive because their rhizome systems expand by growing slowing each year and the clump grow in close clump (sympodial).

Most climbing bamboos are tropical, but the genus Fargesia grows in temperate climates and some of its species are hardy down to 20”F, although they don’t grow well in exposed sunny locations. Clumping bamboos are mountain bamboos, so they do not do well in full sun, because they are understory plants in their native tropical forest environment.

Running bamboo offers temperate gardeners a wider variety of culms and foliage colors, sun tolerance, and height range, but their aggressive rhizome systems must be contained within a physical barrier, such as a brick or concrete planter or a specialized plastic rhizome barrier. If you are not willing to install and maintain a barrier, stick with non-

bamboos flower and if they do so many die afterwards. They are seldom bothered by pests and disease.

A carefully chosen bamboo is a beautiful addition to any garden. Low growing types, such as pygmy bamboo (pleioblastus spp), are ideal as ground covers or for erosion control. Small clumping bamboos for example some of the species and cultivars of Fargesia, can serve as delicate accents; taller species, such as clumping Borinda boliana, make good screens or windbreaks. Some like black bamboo (phyllostachys nigra) make excellent specimen for large tubs both indoors and outdoors. Because of its rapid growth, bamboo can act as a “Carbon sink” which makes it a good candidate for ‘green gardening.’

There is often some confusion in identifying species of bamboo, since botanists have reclassified many species that were formerly known as Arundinaria and Bambusa. Among the most garden worthy kinds are a number of sinarundinarias, notably sinarundinaria (Arundinaria) murielae and S. nitida, both compact-growing with narrow leaves on 2 to 3m (7 to 10 ft) stems. Sasa (Arundinaria) palmate has broad, bright green leaves with prominent veins and grows 1.5 to 2m (5 to 7 ft) tall. Pseudosasa (Arundinaria) japonica, also known as Bambosa metake, is one of the best known with smooth, glossy leaves 20 to 25cm (8 to 10 in) long by 5cm (2in) wide, on 3.5 to 6m (12 to 20ft) stems.

Particularly, decorative species include Arundinaria viridistrata (A.Auricoma), which grows up to 1.8 (6ft) and has pea green leaves stripped with gold, while Phyllostachys (Bambosa) aurea has stiff 3.5m (12ft) gold or green canes used in the orient for umbrella handles. P.Viridi-glaucescens is a cold resistant bamboo with blue green undersides to the leaves and arching 5.5 (18ft) canes, and the 1.8m (6ft) Chimonobambosa (Arundinana) marmorea is note worthy on account of its marbled beige, green and purple stems.

Among the smaller kinds are sasa variegata (Arundinaria fortunei) to 1.4m (4 1/2ft), Sasa (Bambusa) veitchii (s.albo marginata) 1 to 1.25m (3-4ft), and Shibataca kumasaca, 60 to 75cm (2 to 2 1/2ft) tall.

Bambusa multiplex ‘Alphonse Kerr’ (hedge bamboo). Up to 20ft tall, good for containers, clump forming habit. Borinda boliana up to 30 ft tall, heat tolerant, noninvasive clump forming habit.

Fargesia dracocephala ‘Rufa’ 8ft tall; vigorous, cold hardy, and wind tolerant pleioblastus viridistriatus (dwarf greenstriped bamboo): 3 to 4 feet tall, variegated foliage running growth habit.

As ornamental plants, bamboos can be used as architectural plants,as basic hedge, windbreak, screens,focal points,in city courtyard gardens, as specimen plants, containerized, for low maintanance and for a tropical exotic effect. As an elegant evergreen plant ,bamboos are grown mainly as foliage plants adding grace and contrast to borders and rock gardens.

Lucky Bamboo plant invasive clumping bamboo. Bamboo is a kind of grass, which explains the speed of growth. This means there is lots of it, and when harvested it grows itself back quickly not to leave a dent in the eco system.

There are two main forms: the economically and ecologically important woody bamboos (tribes Arundinarieae and bambusoides) and the understory herbaceous bamboos (tribe Olyreae). Some of the largest timber bamboo can grow over 30m. (98ft) tall and be as large as 15-20cm (5.9-7.9in) in diameter. However, the size range for mature bamboo is species dependent, with the smallest bamboos reaching only several inches at maturity. A typical height range that will cover many of the common bamboos is 15-40feet (4.6-12m), depending on species. Anji country of China known as the ‘Town of Bamboo’ provides the optimal climate and soil conditions to grow, harvest and process some of the most valued bamboo poles available worldwide.

Most bamboos enjoy full sun or partial shade. Bamboos tolerate a range of soil conditions as long as moisture is present, but they usually don’t like boggy or mucky soil. Best to plant in deep, rich loamy soil, kept fertile during the early years of development by annual mulches of rotted manure and leaves. It usually takes two to three years for a clump to become established, so regular feeding, watering and protection are essential at first.

Propagation Propagation is by root division retaining a ball of soil around each section. They can also be increased by stem or root cuttings. In some cases they will grow from seed, although few

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

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SOCIETY For Engr. Kayode Fashola, 75 Hearty Cheers

By Olawunmi Ojo AST Saturday, Engr. Biliaminu Kayode Fashola, a kinsman of Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, marked his 75th birthday.

After prayers were offered on his behalf, members of the Fashola and Pedro families, government functionaries, friends and associates were treated to a lavish reception at the Blueroof, LTV 8, Agidingbi, Lagos. Here The celebrant, Engr. Billiaminu Kayode Fashola and his wife, Abibat (middle) flanked by are some images of the celebration

L

Oladosu Fashola (right) and Alhaja Titilayo Oduneke (left)

The celebrant, Engr. Fashola being assisted to cut his 75th birthday cake by his wife, Abibat.

With them are the Iyaloja General, Mrs. Folashade Ojo-Tinubu (2nd left); the Lagos State Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe (right) and Oladosu Fashola

Iyaloja General, Folashade Ojo-Tinubu (left); the celebrant, Commissioner for Taxation, Ogun State, Wale Ogunyomade; the celebrant’s wife, Abibat with Lagos State Head of Service, Adesegun Ogunlewe.

Cutting the birthday cake… the celebrant with members of the family and government officials at the event

Iyaloja General, Folashade Ojo-Tinubu (left) and Commissioner for Agric and Cooperatives, Lagos State, Prince Gbolahan Lawal

The celebrant in a group photograph with his children and grand children

Dr. and Mrs. Adeniji (left); Femi Mohammed; Lekki Council Manager, Alhaja Islamia Ajoke Sanyaolu; Mr Kehinde Animashaun and Barrister Feyisara Sogunro

Alhaja Titi Odueke (left), wife of former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Abimbola Sikirat Jakande (middle) with Alhaja Idowu Olorunibe

UNIPORT Becomes Platinum Member Of African Virtual University HE Minister of Education, T Prof. Ruqayyah Ahmed Rufa’i recently signed the charter of the African Virtual University (AVU) on behalf of the federal government. The University of Port Harcourt is a platinum member of AVU – a Pan African Intergovernmental Organisation established in 1997 and funded by the African Development Bank (AFDB) with a mission to increase access to quality Higher Education and Training through the innovative use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). AVU has its headquarters The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, Minister of Edu- Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Prof. Joseph T. Ajienka, Deputy Vice Chanin Kenya with a regional office cation, Prof. Ruqayyah Ahmed Rufa’I and the Rector, African Virtual University (AVU), Dr. Bakary Di- cellor, Academics, UNIPORT, Prof. Andrew Ighofovwe Joe and Director, UNIPORT’s ODL Centre, allo during the signing ceremony Prof. Hyacinth Ibe Dike in Dakar, Senegal.

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

TRAVEL&TOURISM

Adeboye

Alamba

Lagos Carnival Photo Contest:

Windfall For Wandering Ajibola Amzat T fifteen minutes before four in the afterA noon, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Inter Governmental Relations, Disun Holloway entered the white hall at Freedom Park, Lagos. The wall of the hall was lined with photographs at both sides.

They were the 151 photographs taken by visitors at the 2013 Lagos Carnival held in April, and later submitted for the photo contest organized by the Lagos State government. The Commissioner came to give prizes to those who took the best Carnival shots.

Before his arrival, a short dark-skinned man in Ghanaian dress had sauntered in. He carried a black back pack usually seen with university undergraduates or roving journalists.

He came gazing at each of the photographs on the wall, but not with the casual disposition of few others at the exhibition. He appeared to be looking for fine details of each of the photoworks on the wall. Many of the shots did not pass for a professional take, he said. Being a photo journalist with Associated Press (AP) for nearly 10 years, he should know a good photograph when he sees one.

Then there it was – the photograph of an entertaining young man caught midair as he somersaulted. “That photograph could win,” he said to The Guardian reporter standing next to him.

Not long after, one of the judges, Ame Okwudi, the head of Event at Cool FM, Wazobia FM and Nigeria Info FM was invited to speak about the selection process leading to the emergence of the three winners. “Creativity was the major criteria for selection,” said Okwudi. She said the judges were not being critical because many of the photographs were taken by amateurs who were using various personal devices like phones, camera, tablet, ipad and others. Nevertheless, the judges also considered the quality of the work.

But taking quality photograph was not the major concern of the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola who conceived the photo contest idea, the commissioner said.

“The governor was simply fascinated by the fact that many photographs of the carnival were uploaded on the internet. Then he thought a photo contest could be organized to encourage more people to take photographs during the next carnival to showcase the event for posterity.

“But ultimately, the government has the goal to drive investment in tourism by tak-

ing advantage of every opportunity available.

Eventually, a sum of N1m was approved by the state to be shared by three winners with the hope that relevant corporate organization would buy in to the sponsorship programmes in the years ahead.”

Then came the time to unveil the best photographs of the 2013 Lagos Carnival. With bated breath, contestants watched the commissioner approached the stand where the winning photographs were displayed. The first runner up, Okelue Alexander who took the photograph of two carnival queens, won N200, 000. Hearing his name, Mr. Alexander leapt up among the crowd and bolted to the front where a dummy cheque was handed over to him in the full glare of several camera lenses. The second winner was Sunday Alamba, the AP photographer who earlier predicted that the image of a somersaulting youth is a winner. Out of the three photographs of the carnival he took, the one showing a train of over-dressed participants at the carnival won N300, 000. And the frontrunner was Adeyemi Babatunde, the photographer who froze the somersaulting youth. “I had never won a photo contest in my life” said Babatunde. And neither had the two other winners also. But Lagos too had never organized a carnival photo contest, said Mr. Disun. So for both Lagos and the three winners, it was a case of the first time outing.

Azukaego

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THE GUARDIAN Saturday, August 31, 2013

THE GUARDIAN Saturday, August 31, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

DIARY

Nigerian Navy Secretary, Rear Admiral Harry Ngonadi; Director of Naval Information, Commodore Kabir Aliyu and Chairman OPTS Security sub-committee, Mr. Ayobami Olubiyi at the Offshore Patrol Vessels Africa conference in Lagos…recently

Sales Rep. in charge of Mushin Market, Mr. Jacob Oko (left); a Manager with A & D Foods Ltd., Mr. Femi Ibrahim (right) and Mrs. Lawal Adesola Adebayo (middle) carrying Master I-Mint after being christened after the product

Chief Peter Okwara (left), Vice-President; Mrs Bose Ayeni, President displaying the AFFCON sticker of quality; and Mrs Ololade Adeniji, Publicity Secretary - of Association of Fast Food Confectioners of Nigeria (AFFCON) announcing the date for their Inaugural National Conference in Lagos... recently

Education Minister, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i (right), Pro Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Prof Anya O. Anya and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hilary Edeoga during the commissioning of College of Natural and Applied Sciences at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State…recently

Registrar/Chief Executive, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr. Rotimi Omotoso; Council members, Chief Ajomale, Onome Olaolu; the Institute’s President, Alh. Kabir Mohammed; Senior Resident Partner, PKF, Tajudeen Akande; another Council member, Comfort Olajumoke Eyitayo and Partner, PKF, Najeeb Abdus-Salaam during a courtesy visit by ICAN to PKF office in Lagos on Thursday

Dr. Stella Anyama; Chairman, Lagos Mainland District of ICAN and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Yaya Omini and immediate Past Chairman, Chief Raphael Anyama during the investiture of Omini at Mainland Hotel, Oyingbo, Lagos… recently

Member of House of Representative representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and son of the late Justice Kachikwu, Dumebi Kachikwu at the installation ceremony of Dr. Ibe Kachikwu as the Odogwu of Onicha-Ugbo in Delta State…recently

Members of Morning Star, Yaba Baptist Church, Lagos: Past President, Mrs. Titi Akerele (left), Chairperson of the 50th Anniversary Celebration, Mrs. Taiwo Olakunbi Sogbamimu; Past President, Mrs. Felicia Olopade; President, Mrs. Aweni Kayode; and Abiola Adenihun after a meeting to herald the 50TH anniversary of the society tomorrow

(R-L) Senator Iyiola Omisore, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade (Former Osun SSG) and Akogun Lere Oyewumi, during Omisore’s condolence visit to Alhaji Akinbade on the death of his father in Ogbaagba, Osun State…recently

Roseline Eyinike (left), Adewale Ogundero, Grace Bankole, Eniola Bankole, Co-ordinator, Clique Africa, Olalekan Wahab Badmus and Babatunde Yusuf of Etisalat Nigeria during the Clique Africa August hangout in Lagos… recently

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

FASHION

It’s Electric!

Everything that is bright is a trend, update your wardrobe with the luminescent neon trend

By Ibukunoluwa Kayode OVE-OVER colour block, the neon M trend is back! Classic with a newage twist, the electric neon hues are very popular this now. Very bold and bright, you cannot miss one of the big fashion trends of the season- eye-popping neon colours.

The retro neon colour was originally born in the 80’s. At that time neon fashion were popular colours like shocking orange, lime green, daring or luminous yellow, hot pink and electric blue.

And the 80’s psychedelic inspired trend is rocking the scene again in more refined ensembles.

These fun and fashionable colours are very luminescent in nature and hence can be worn solid as a base or as an accent depending on your style, personality, occasion and considering your body build, too.

Whether it is a handbag, belt, a pair of jeans, a dress or skirt, this season’s neon is what will make anything in your wardrobe a wow.

In order to inject vibe or add an instant glam to your ensembles, you have to choose the colour that look good on you and style them properly.

If you are quirky and stylish, but not that daring, accessorise with a neon bag or bangles. As for colour choice, neon yellows and greens are for darker skin tones and neon pink and purple go well with lighter skin colours.

The key to stick to being super-stylish is to never wear many neon pieces at the same time.

To get started on the latest electrifying and inyour-face bright look, here are a few tips on how to work it out.

Pair with neutrals This is a perfect way to wear neon trend without looking too outlandish.

Choosing to wear just one piece of neon clothing with a neutral colour palette allows the bright colour to be the true focus of the outfit, creating a bold, yet still relatively tame look.

Downplay the neon in your look Instead of highlighting your bright neon piece by wearing it with neutrals, you can also downplay it by wearing it with other bold pieces. This makes the neon item just one small element of the outfit. Try wearing a hot skirt with a colourful printed top.

Accessorise items in one of the colours in the print for a pulled-together look.

Remember, if you go for bright shoes keep your bag neutral and vice versa.

Make a contrast Black and neon are total opposites that make a perfect contrast when paired together. You can also try pairing one neon piece with another for a bright neon block look. Make sure to keep the neon pieces solidcoloured and brightly hued for a bold, yet chic look.

Accessorise with jewellery Most big costume jewellery is into neon these days. Big chunky stones in fluorescent green, orange and pink, when put together create quite an impact. Team such pieces with something simple like a black dress and heels for a truly stunning look.

GTB, LFDW & British Council Commence Master Classes For Film And Fashion Professionals HE Guaranty Trust Bank, T Lagos Fashion and Design Week (LFDW), in partnership with the British Council, have opened applications from filmmakers interested in exploring fashion as a theme. The fashion film workshop will take participants through the central aspects of the fashion filmmaking process. It will be facilitated by Grace Ladoja and will begin on September 9, 2013.

The GTB Lagos Fashion & Design Week, which is scheduled to take place between October 23 and October 26, 2013, has recognized the need to nurture and grow talents in the fashion industry and provide them with the right tools to simultaneously grow the Nigerian fashion industry and their businesses.

The workshop agenda includes: an illustrated introduction to film language using examples of fashion

film and introduction to planning, shooting and editing a fashion film.

Participants will then plan, film and edit a simple sequence.

Experienced filmmakers, especially those interested in producing short films and experimenting in the fashion genre are encouraged to apply.

The workshop is open to filmmakers and their teams, which can include an editor,

director of photography / lighting technician and art director. Each selected film making team will work with a design team comprising of a fashion designer, stylist, hair /makeup stylist etc.

There will also be master classes on fashion as a business in addition to the workshops for the 20 shortlisted fashion designers from the Young Designer of the Year category.

The Master classes will be led

by Jake Leith (Head of Fashion & Business Development, Brighton University, UK) and Julianna Sissons (Lecturer, Fashion & Textile design, Brighton University, UK).

Interested participants can visit www.LagosFashionAndDesig nWeek.com for more information.

The GTB Lagos Fashion and Design Week is powered by Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and

co-sponsored by The British Council, MTN Nigeria and Wings Magazine, the in-flight magazine for Arik Air. It is a multi-day premiere fashion event platform that aims to drive the Nigerian fashion industry and lift its profile by bringing together buyers, consumers and the media to view the current collections of designers in the fashion capital of Lagos, Nigeria.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

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FASHION

New-Look Boubou Classic boubou is re-invented in this latest collection from Didi Creations

By Nike Sotade HE recently held TWeek Africa Fashion London (AFWL) was a showcase of the best designers from Africa, both established and young ones who are very promising and talented.

One of the emerging designers to watch out for is London-based Nigerian designer Tina Ndidi Ugo who made a debut at the show as she wowed the audience with her collection of high-end African inspired designs.

Still basking from the euphoria of the Kenya Fashion Week that she attended recently after hitting the AFWL 2013 runway early this month, Tonia, the Creative Director of Didi Creations breezed into the country this week to further establish her brand.

Didi Creations berthed in Lagos last year with their bag collection and according to her, “we got loads of positive feedback which made me to stock my collection at Le Space in Victoria Island and Studio 29 in Lekki for fashion-conscious women.”

A one-stop fashion centre for African-inspired clothes and accessories, Didi Creations is back again this year with her 2013 Boubou Collection in which she has given the classic style a modern twist.

This London-trained MBA graduate, who says she “loves to do a lot of artworks on kaftans

and boubous as a hobby,” has turned that hobby into a creative passion with this collection of colourful and lavishly embellished boubous.

These free-flowing, glamorous evening kaftans, boubous, and other trendy cuts and shapes to flatter the feminine form, were among the collection she showcased on the AFWL and Kenya Fashion Week runways.

Tina, who confessed that her mom made her fall in love with the boubou, said: “I like bright colours, retro and vintage styles.

Boubous were worn even by our grandmothers and great- grandmothers. It is a vintage African style that can never exit the fashion scene.

She added with excitement: “Our glamorous Boubou Collection are really colourful, and some are heavily embellished with sequins and stones for that bling effect hence it’s a must have this summer for that bold female who dares to be different in any gathering.”

“They were made using the finest silk, chiffon, lace, and jersey fabrics, with a touch of Ankara fabric for some. They can be worn to several social gathering such as dinners, awards, weddings, church and so on.”

“The collection was inspired by the Western African traditional boubou and kaftan attires, as worn mostly by the Senegalese, Ghanaians and Nigerians,” she said.

Check them out! These models are readyto-go in their elegant and eye-catching colourful statement pieces.

PHOTOS: DIDI CREATIONS

TheGuardian

37 | Saturday, August 31, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Entertainment

Sony Neme nemesony@yahoo.co.uk 08111813096

Showdown In Lagos As 13 Families Arrive For MDA LL is now set for the MALTINA A Dance All (MDA), as the consumer engagement platform of Maltina, the non-alcoholic malt brand from the stables of Nigerian Breweries Plc has entered a crucial stage. The arrival of the families that made it to the final screening of the competition signals the entry into the MDA academy tomorrow, September .

From the 25 families that participated in the highly competitive screening process, only 13 made it to the final stage. A further screening will leave only 10 families, who will eventually qualify for the entry into the academy after going through the rigors of another screening at the ‘Pre Ground Audition Evaluation’.

Tagged ‘The Evolution’, MDA 7, the show is expected to feature the evolution of dance from the 1960s to date. The sum of N6 million and a brand new car are at stake in this season’s competition. The first and second runners-up will take home N1million and N500, 000 respectively.

The families, who came from different locations across the country, were in high spirits as they touched down at the domestic wing of Mur-

tala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos for the academy. Those that made it to this stage are Ebenezer, Briggs, Asiyefia, Tom, Ikumoinien, Dosa, Clement, Ibrahim, Ebute, Ekado, Ibeatuchie, Nweribe and Idundun families.

It would be recalled that the MDA auditions were held in three regions; Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, where eight young regional family representatives emerged, defeating other contestants during the regional auditions. The young family representatives performed as individual contestants and were later visited by the Maltina team at home where they performed alongside their families to see how well they can perform as a united family.

If feelers from the organizers are anything to go by, then consumers should be assured that the MDA 7 would bring to the fore, the Nigerian essence and values of the show which has distinguished it from others. The show, which is expected to hit the airwaves tomorrow, will be shown on NTA (5.30 pm), Galaxy TV (8 pm) and Silverbird TV (8 pm), while the grand finale would be aired live on AIT and Africa Magic channels on DSTV. Viewers who miss any edition can still catch all the action on YouTube and Facebook

Nigerians To Showcase Culture At NIDO America World Investment Conference 2013

Hon. Innocent Okemezie IGERIANS in Diaspora Organization (NIDO), New Jersey, United States of America, will be hosting hundreds of visitors from all over the world as it partners with NIDO Americas (NIDOA) to host the ‘NIDO Americas World Investment Conference 2013’ (NIDO Americas WIC2013) from September 20-21, 2013. The conference, is scheduled for the Renaissance Hotel, Newark Airport, Elizabeth, New Jersey starting each day at 9.am prompt.

Hon. Innocent Okemezie, Co-Chair, Publicity Committee, NIDOA 2013 World Investment Conference Committee, who spoke with The Guardian in an exclusive on-line interview from his USA base, said: “Mr. President, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Jonathan will be the Most Highly Distinguished Guest at this event. “The event will be graced by the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble (USA) with cultural entertainment that is the most spectacular performance of its kind ever seen in any NIDOA events.

“It will be educational, inspirational, sensational, and powerful as the group will feature African dance, traditional songs, walking dancing, acrobatics, and intensified African drumming.”

N

He further said the organization, which draws its resources from the synergy of all Nigerians living in the Diaspora, instills ethical consciousness and civic responsibilities geared towards enhancing the socio-economic advancement of Nigeria and Nigerians.

His words: “NIDO, a global non-profit organization involves Nigerians living overseas, with America’s branch headquartered in Washington, D.C. USA, promotes the spirit of patriotism, networking and cooperation among Nigerians in the Diaspora, thus mobilizing the vast resources of manpower and machinery toward building a greater Nigeria.”

With the theme ‘Towards a New Era Nigeria: Building Sustainable Partnerships for National Development and Homeland Security’, Okemezie added: “The conference will attract close to 1000 participants and will engage all in productive and actionable discourse on innovative ways to approach national development and homeland security in Nigeria to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.”

The first of this four-part event covers the Annual General Meeting of NIDO Americas, during which the new structure and revised by laws of the organization will be discussed and approved for adoption. The Module 1 deals with the Diaspora/Homeland Relations to be discussed by the Nigerian Diaspora Worldwide and Distinguished Nigerians from the homeland. The discussion topic for this module is ‘Accelerated National Development through Diaspora/Homeland Collaboration: The Way forward.’

A historical perspective of the Nigerian Diaspora will examine their successes and failures. The impact of the diaspora/homeland relations on the nation’s socio-economic development will be critically analyzed, and solutions proffered to the key challenges identified with the current organization.

Okemezie continued: “The Module 2 focuses on ‘Enhancing National Security through Diaspora/Homeland Cooperation’ to discuss Nigeria’s security challenges and how the diaspora and the homeland may collaborate to improve national

security. Fourth and last part of the event is Module 3 that focuses on Trade and Investments: Role of Nigerian Youths, a realization of Nigeria`s potential as the next economic frontier in Africa.

With a population of 160 million people, Nigeria is the largest country in Africa, and also the biggest oil exporter in Africa with the largest natural gas reserves in the continent.

“The discussion in this module will focus on the role of Nigerian youths in accelerating trade and investments and bring to life the people, ideas, and initiatives behind sustainable development in Nigeria. The work and achievements of young professionals in the homeland and in the dias-

pora will be highlighted to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs in the diaspora and in the homeland. Panels of distinguished young Nigerians at home and abroad will engage in meaningful dialogue to chart a course for enhancing sustainable trade and investment in Nigeria”.

Other features of the conference are business exhibitions; social/business networking; health wellness screening, and the Nigerian E-Passport processing. The conference will be concluded with a banque that will be used to honor deserving members of NIDO Americas. You can visit the NIDO-NJ website at www.nidonj.org to learn more.

Entertainment Journalists Unite For The Industry RTS and entertainment jour- the view that personal interests A nalists in Lagos recently by different factions in the enemerged with a resolution for tertainment sector has been the the unity needed among stakeholders in the country to run the sector. They decided that it is time to come up with a body to actualize the mandate.

At the end of the day, and interim 10-man committee was set up. Their mandate are to facilitate the registration of an all-embracing group, unite all factions and facilitate the election of a substantive leadership that will steer the union into a respected group within the industry.

Meanwhile, the committee has to tentatively go with the Guild of Arts and Entertainment Journalist in Nigeria, GAEJ-Nigeria.

The group which started as a Blackberry assembly under the auspices of The RealTimeMovieArts, that comprises of entertainment journalists (print and electronic), and other major stakeholders in the industry is of

bane of the sector.

This was the high point of the maiden summit of the group held recently at the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Secretary, National Stadium, Lagos penultimate week.

According to a member of the Board Of Directors, Shaibu Hussein who coordinated the maiden event: “Entertainment is the next to the national resources Nigeria has, and it is high time we handled what is ours well so that we will take due advantage. The Nigerian entertainment industry is becoming globally recognized with huge turn-ups yearly. So now is the time to harness the huge benefit for out dear country.”

“Over time, the entertainment journalist has failed to harness the opportunities embedded in the sector, while other journal-

ists in other sectors such as Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN), Brand Writers Association of Nigeria, (BWAN) have continued to record successes in manning activities involving their sector.

“It was resolved that things are put in place so that we can benefit from our domain, while all factions were advised to sheathe their swords and come under one umbrella to sail the sector forward”.

A female journalist advised thus: “Journalists from other sectors take due advantage of their sector because they are critics and they write about the happenings in the sector by coming under one umbrella to man their domain. And of course, this brings about one voice and harmony, and it also helps to regulate the activities of the stakeholders in Nigeria”.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

38 |

ENTERTAINMENT

Okoroji Attributes COSON’s Success Story To Steady Govt Policy

Stories by Sony Neme

Nigerian Launches Animation Series In Atlanta IGERIA is breaking grounds with a N new animation, The Adventures of Lee and Boo which will be aired today on Fuxion TV, Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It is envisaged that this pilot edition, tagged Bye Bye Pneumonia, the first of its kind, will be the first of many more series to come, according to Enuma Chigbo, CEO of The Scarlet Trail, the brain behind this initiative.

The Adventures of Lee and Boo that was conceived on Children’s Day, May 27 2010 by Chigbo also hopes to inculcate Nigeria’s issues, beauty and potential through vivid colourful and humorous animation. In an exclusive with The Guardian, Chigbo said she was inspired by some foreign animation as a kid.

“Many of us back in the days grew up reading foreign comics and watching foreign animation. I grew up reading and watching The Adventures of Tintin, Asterix the Gaul, Walt Disney cartoons and many others which have helped shape my life today. While I am truly grateful for this, it’s time for us Nigerians and Africans as a whole to tell our own stories. The combination of the old, foreign and new African could yield tremendous results.”

The star characters Lee and Boo are 10 and nine years old respectively, who live in Barcala (Calabar backwards) City. Calabar is the capital of Cross River State.

With the rest of their gang, Becky, Frankie and Sammy, they get to tour

great places and have a lot of fun but not without prayers and hard work.

In Bye Bye Pneumonia, she said: “There is a trip to the famous Yellow City at stake and they have to participate and win the school dance competition in order to get there. However, the horrible monster pneumonia is determined to put a damper on the children’s enthusiasm by making them ill thereby throwing the entire school in chaos. But there is always a way out and hope rears its head through Boo’s guardian angel Sebastian. Pneumonia is d e feated and the children are happy again.”

She explained that the choice of Fuxion TV, 22.1 Atlanta’s multi cultural TV Station was deliberate, “Because it is a multimedia and television production facility that provides African and Caribbean content. Their programmes and productions cater to different genres – culture, politics, movies, sports, business, documentaries, music, inspirational, travel, tourism, children, food, education and a host of others.”

She quoted Nike Roberts CEO Fuxion TV,

Kemi Amos Makes A Statement With Alaya’s Remix

By Victor Olushola NITED Kingdom-based U Nigerian songwriter, guitarist and rock singer, Kemi Amos has unveiled Alaye, a song originally written and sang by LKT. Speaking with journalists recently in Lagos, she said that she sang the song from the feminine angle in response to LKT’s lyrics after she was given permission.

“Though LKT had featured Davido while remixing the song but when I got the song, I thought it would be quiet interesting for me to reply to the lyrics. I sought his approval and he gladly gave me the go ahead,” she explained.

Kemi Amos is already an established rock musician in the

UK. She has performed at Jazz cafe, E-purple, the Arc, Metro, the Dublin and the famous Abbey Road studio. But according to her, she is poised to make a name in the Nigerian music industry. She sings Afro rock and roll style of music dominated by the men. “I have come to embrace my own culture,” she said.

For the Alaye single, she is making all preparations for the video to be in the market soon. The video will be directed and produced by a Nigerian British film maker, Niyi Towolawi, the producer of the film Turning Point, currently making waves.

Amos also informed that the video will meet her fans’ expectation both in Nigeria and the UK.

Red Carpet Protocol Presents Governors’ Mandate’ LITE event management E outfit, Red Protocol, has rolled out a magazine which will keep the search light on all governors of the 36 states of the federation, and keep the polity informed on what the governors are up to.

The magazine, Governors’ Mandate, is a new addition to the subsidiaries of the outfit, which also includes event management, television and reputation management.

According to the Editor-inChief, Etinosa Sam Onaiwu, the magazine has come to stay, having undergone three prints. He disclosed that the governors have given the publication their blessing.

Onaiwu who doubles as vice president of the company said: “With time, everything

the governors do in their states will be open to the people, because Governors’ Mandate is a no-holds-barred publication that is saddled with the burden to inform the people of the activities of governors, and make them answerable to the people who voted them into office”.

Onaiwu revealed that the aim of the publication is to put the governors in the spotlight and create more awareness, as well as monitor their activities.

According to him: “The philosophy behind Governors’ Mandate is to make the governors sit-up and take note of those who are voted them into office. The magazine is a sort of watchdog, to keep the governors on a leash, and to give kudos where it is due.

HIEF Tony Okoroji, ChairC man, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), has identified consistency in government policy with respect to copyright in recent times, as a major reason for the significant success that COSON has achieved.

Sp eaking on the recent historic reciprocal representation agreement between COSON and PRS for Music of United Kingdom, Okoroji said government’s action through the NCC has further boosted the country’s copyright image the world over.

“Before now, nobody was sure as to what the policy of the Nigeria government was with respect to copyright. There were mixed messages; the clear lack of policy somersault from the Nigeria Copyright Commission, NCC in recent years has given confidence to many in the international community to deal with Nigeria with certainty. Nigerian musicians

are beneficiaries of the steady hand at the steering which Barr. Afam Ezekude, the NCC DG, and the Justice Minister, Mr. Mohammed Bello have provided” “Every pressure that has been put on NCC to misinterpret or misrepresent the law has been resisted and it is our hope that other government officials will learn from this”, he said.

It would be recalled that since Monday August, 19 2013, COSON has celebrated the signing of an agreement that will see the Nigerian collective Management Organization manage in Nigeria, the extensive repertoire of world music controlled by PRS for Music while PRS for Music will ensure the collection of royalties on behalf of COSON, its members and affiliates for the use of Nigerian music in the UK and other territories where PRS operates directly or through its affiliates.

Enuma Chigbo thus: “For many years, Africa and the Caribbeans have been under represented in the media industry in the diaspora. Fuxion TV therefore serves as a media platform for minorities to have a voice.”

For Chigbo: “The Adventures of Lee and Boo being on an international platform such as this, is clearly a big breakthrough. I’m truly grateful to Fuxion TV for giving me a voice.”

Okoroji

Plans In Top Gear For Wine And Spirits Fair

By Geraldine Akutu REPARATIONS are in top gear towards P making the Nigeria International Wine and Spirits Fair a world-class trade and consumer event. It is designed to connect companies with opportunities with more than 30 exhibitors from over 14 countries taking part.

The third edition of this fair, which will hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos will kick off November 7, 2013. Exhibitors from countries including Spain, South Africa, the United States, Argentina, Chile, Italy and France will feature at the three-day event.

At a world press conference, the Managing Director of Spronks Creations Limited, organisers of the fair, Aderonke Sobodu said the potential in the wine and spirit market in the country has drawn much attention in recent years.

Sobodu noted that the fair’s objective is to focus on trade, intercultural business relationship between Nigeria and wine and spirit producing countries.

Expressing belief that the wine market will continue to flourish, she said: “We are optimistic that the market is bound to grow in respect to value and volume in the coming years. This belief necessitated the organisation of the Nigeria International Wine and Spirit Fair to cater for the booming demand for wine and spirits in the country and also to create a trade platform for the producers who seek expansion.”

Apart from showcasing a wide variety of wines, spirits and other alcoholic beverages, the fair will also feature wine accessories, equipment and related services, training and other luxury products.

Side attractions such as wine tasting, wine master class training, live jazz music and outdoor games will also feature.

She said that a major addition to this year’s edition is the Fund Raising Gala and Award Night to promote “Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign,” and celebration of professionals in the industry.

(L – R) Head, New Thinking, 1874 Red, Bola Agoro, Group Head, Brands and Communications, Philly & Mools Group, operators of Metro Taxis, Rotimi Wusu, General Manager, Best Trade Nigeria Limited, Vanna Adami, Managing Director, Spronks Creations Limited, organiser of the forthcoming Nigeria International Wine & Spirits Fair, Aderonke Sobodu, Lead Consultant, Outerspace Marketing Communications, Patrick Imoh-Ita and Chief Executive Officer, BBDO West Africa, Demola Olusunmade at the World Media Conference to unveil activities lined up for the Fair 2013 at the Rhapsody, Victoria Island, Lagos...

Tony ‘Don T’ Anifite Branches Out Of Now Muzik NTHONY Anifite, one A of the partners at Now Muzik, has branched out of Nigeria's foremost entertainment solutions outfit. Don T, as he is fondly called, however remains a director in the company.

According to Efe

Omorogbe, the MD/CEO of Now Muzik: “We will really miss having Don T in the mix on a day-to-day basis grinding out solutions to a wide variety of challenges but he is certain the time is right to move on and seek a fresh challenge. He still retains his stake in

Now Muzik Entertainment Services Limited, NM En.Core and Buckwyld Media Network.”

Even as he wishes Don T the best in his new endeavours, Efe said of him: “We remain friends as our relationship transcends Now Muzik and showbiz”.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

| 39

ENTERTAINMENT

First Female Nigerian Bata Performer Set For The Top OUNG and slimly built Y charming Ibukun Bisola Ayoola comes across as a model

waiting for a break on the rump. Yet she is the youngest and latest addition from the stable of popular entertainment group, Atunda Entertainment. Her tuft is Bata drum and she does it with so much flair and dexterity that you think she has done it all her life. With six months experience, her stage presence and command of the intricate small drum pieces dangling on her neck, is compelling.

The erstwhile back-up artistes for Anu said she never thought of drumming Bata during one of their rehearsals. The founder of Atunda Entertainment gave her the drum and said: ‘Ibukun, you are going to be

playing the drum,’ and that was how it all began.

Since then, Ibukun (Olo Omidan Bata) the Bata drum that has become part of her life as she has continued to dazzle her growing clan of fans whenever she steps on stage either with Anu or other artistes – national and international.

Historically, Olo is from Oyo, where the people are renowned for their prowess and magic feat with the Bata drum, which traditionally is their ancestral and cultural symbolism when it comes to entertainment. Somehow, fate has put her on the path of destiny, which she seems to have fully embraced and looking forward to carving a niche for herself as Nigeria’s first female Bata performer.

Interestingly, Olo dreams big for her age and she is quick to tell you that her talent will take her places with Atunda Entertainment where she seems to be a perfect fit with the right instructors and mentors who have since taken her as their protégé and are more than ready to conquer the

Ibukun

2 Flame Boss Honoured By NANS R. Lucky Martins Igbokwe, CEO of 2Flame M Entertainment has dedicated the 2013 merit award conferred on him by the Zone 'B' of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), penultimate week to God. He also used the occasion to commend the Governor of Abia State, Chief T. A. Orji on his Youth Empowerment Programme, saying that youth development is the key to the emancipation of Abia from poverty.

Presenting the award in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, the student body said Igbokwe was selected from a wide range of nominees, due to his philanthropic gestures to students of the state in tertiary institutions.

Don Lulu, left receiving the award from a member of NANS

In his response, Igbokwe, also known as Don Lulu, thanked NANS for finding him worthy of the award. He said he was inspired to give back to the society that molded him.

“I don't give because I have so much. I give because I never had at some point in my life and want and understand how difficult life can be, especially for those considered as the poorest of the poor”, he said.

He further intimated NANS of his planned music talent hunt in Abia State and expressed his readiness to work with the student body when the reality show kicks off. “2Flame is planning a music talent hunt for Abia. We are talking with our international partners at the moment. Once we are done, we will set the ball rolling. The idea is to meet government half way on youth empowerment and we will work with NANS when the time comes.”

Igbokwe said 2Flame Entertainment was established as a full-time all-round entertainment outfit in Lagos, being the hub of Nigerian entertainment, with subsidiaries in Togo, South Africa and London, United Kingdom. “The company is a creative masterpiece entertainment that is conceptualized by young, business-minded and focused individuals who believe in entertainment as a tool for unification, especially in a country like ours with diverse ethnic groups and languages,” he further explained.

world of entertainment with her.

Watching her drum and sing at the same time you are impressed by her passion, the flow and magic that she exudes on stage. Her sonorous renditions, especially when she goes folkloric and poetic, are somewhat contagious.

“I am happy playing it (Bata) because from childhood, I loved singing and I was dreaming of becoming a star. I was surprised back then when the Bata drum was thrust to my hands but now I am really happy playing it.

At just a little over 21, no elements of stage fright for Olo who has grown accustomed to the stage and her craft. Her earliest performances were when she played at the birthday party of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Easter and More concert with Jay King and Club Noveau.

Born in Kaduna, she says she dreams a university education as well and that her youthful years are not on hold because of music as she still finds time to relax.

Anu says of her protégé: “She is a very confident entertainer. Music comes naturally to her. She is on the right track and with the right set of people and if she persist and keep her head, she certainly will go places.”

Poised to study music in the university, Olo reveals that she is inspired by her environment and that she likes to sing about life. She also reveals that she derives inspiration from her passion and likeness for the Bata drum as well as her desire to make people happy.

Orezi's ‘Rihanna’ Video Set For Release This Week IP hop star Orezi reH turned from South Africa last week where he went on a nationwide tour as well as shot the video of his hit song, Rihanna. He narrated his experience, especially how he was able to get a Rihanna look alike from Mauritius after a rigorous effort to get the American singing star, did not work out due to her loaded schedule.

Although he was mum on the cost of bringing the stunning beauty to the shoot location in South Africa, an insider revealed that Sprisal Records paid an initial deposit of 10, 000 dollars to ‘Rihanna’s master card account while her traveling arrangement to Johannesburg, South Africa revealed a Business class from Mauritius - Israel - Hong Kong - South Africa.

(Little wonder a source close to Orezi’s management said the video is worth N7.3 million).

According to Orezi who addressed the media in Lagos a day after his arrival from South Africa last week, it was a wonderful experience. His words: “It was truly a rewarding experience and a most educative

one for me as a very young artiste. At the end, we came with a video that the world will talk about for a long time, for the hit song, Rihanna.

“The search finally paid off when beautiful ‘Rihanna’ named Kim, was chosen above over 200 pictures.”

Thereafter, the video was screened and an apparently satisfied Orezi quipped: “You should judge for yourselves if indeed Sprisal Records did a good job on this video. We did not spare anything, money, manpower and technology.

This is the second time I am seeing the video after the editing and my management team decided that our media partners should be the first set of people to see the video in Nigeria before it goes public.”

On the reported N7.3m spent on the video, Orezi said: “The

entire crew of Sprisal Records, my producer, were all taken to South Africa. Most artistes just travel alone and shoot their videos with what they get on ground there. We had a large cast, we spent money on bring ‘Rihanna’, we engaged the services of the best filming company in South Africa to shoot the video. I won’t confirm or deny the report but I just gave you an over-view for you to see if truly a huge sum of money was spent on this video.”

Orezi finally cleared the air on the issue of which record label he is signed on: “I am signed on to Sprisal Records and the deal is good. I have a boss that is like an elder brother who listens and does things, which has made the affair so far a blissful one. HKN? We had a contract, we had working arrangem e n t which never led to a contract for whatever reason but the fault definitely was not from our side here.

Anyway, I h a v e moved on.”

TheGuardian

40 Saturday, August 31, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Arts&Culture In Okene, NGA’s ‘Retraining Trainers’ Targets Formal Vibrant Art Tutelage Stories by Tajudeen Sowole that the current growing interest ItheNinensuring fine art is sustained with quality outputs, National Gallery of Art {NGA} has taken the promotion of excellence to the trainers via a four day workshop tagged Rebranding the Teachers of Fine Arts.

It’s the NGA’s 2013 edition of International Visual Art Teachers Workshop, which, according to the organizers, was formerly K-12 Summer Workshop organized in collaboration with Ohio State University, Columbus, US. It “was suspended during few years ago. But it is “now reintroduced and coined International Visual Art Teachers Workshop to replace the K-12 Art Teachers workshop”.

During the opening ceremony, held at Federal College Of Education, Okene, Kogi State, Director General, National Gallery of Art {NGA} Dr. Abdullahi Muku, noted that the intellectual capacity of teachers provides a pedestal on which many generations of world thinkers and leaders evolve.

Muku, in his welcome address explained that NGA, being an agency of Government, tasked with the responsibility of creating an enabling environment for art development, “we are sincerely committed to the ideals of the Art teachers’contituency within the Visual Art sub sector of the Nigerian economy” On the theme of this workshop, the D-G argued that it “underscores” NGA’s effort in boosting the teaching of Fine Arts at the crucial levels of education. He therefore warned that the gathering goes beyond a workshop. “It is a trainingthe-trainers engagement; a refresher’s programme for result-oriented Art teachers whose stamp is to be further felt in our larger society through their chosen career”.

Muku listed areas of interest of the workshop, which included structures, the curriculum, the restructure of Art teaching and its techniques; and comprehensive prognosis of enhancing Nigeria’s educational system.

Resource persons and facilitators at the workshop included Prof. Jimoh Akolo, Prof. C.S Okeke, Prof. Sheriff Adetoro, Dr. Kwaku Kissiedu, Prof. Ola Oloidi, Prof. Tonie Okpe and Dr. Hellen

Uhunmwagho From his remark, Hon Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation High Chief Edem Duke alerted that despite being in the digital age, Nigeria cannot afford to leave any stone unturned in her strive towards advancement. He however advised that such goal should be done “in a direction that redefines the contemporaneousness of our art development, which on a broader scale is expected to lead in a direction of national development”.

He hoped that the results of the workshop will lead to “a thought process”, and justify the essence of the theme of the workshop.

Chairman, House Committee On Tourism, Culture And National Orientation Hon. Ben Nwankwo drew the attention of the gathering to the increasing huge talents in the creative sector, the credit of which he said goes to the art teachers.

The workshop, he cautioned, “provides” an opportunity to assess the input of art teachers and perhaps, at the end of the gathering “refresh it”.

He also added that among the focus of the workshop “is to engage the art teachers and allow them to interrogate the knowledge they already possess while opening up to consume fresh ideas and new knowledge”.

Contemporary works of art, Nwankwo argued, “documents” current events and the people’s culture, “It is a source of solidarity and a tickle on our consciousness to ensure that our aesthetic legacies endure beyond our time”.

The National Assembly, he said, is aware of the importance of art, particularly the education aspects. Through the NGA, he assured, the lawmakers will make the necessary efforts to support art. ”We are also in tandem with the aspirations of the NGA to stimulate creativity in the fields of Art and to ensure they are progressively updated to global and modern

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and Chairman of the workshop, HRM, Alhaji (Dr.)Ado Ibrahim (left) and D-G, NGA Abdullahi Muku at the opening of International Visual Art Teachers Workshop in Okene, Kogi state... recently. trends”.

Provost, Federal College of Education, Okene Dr. Iyela Ajayi noted that the choice of the school for the workshop was well thought out. He explained that it was an acknowledgement of “the rising profile of the College as a veritable bastion in the provision of robust, utilitarian and vibrant art education”.

He cited the school’s Department of Fine and Applied Arts as “a vibrant, dynamic, focused and result oriented teaching”.

He added that the Fine and Applied Arts Department of the college trains “middle level art

teachers in the educational system”.

He therefore hoped that the workshop provides what he described as “the impetus for a renaissance of effective teaching of art at all levels in Nigeria”.

Also speaking on the theme of the workshop, Rebranding the teaching of fine Art”, he stressed that it seeks to “reposition” art education for effectiveness, particularly in the area of culture. “Participants will be given wellinformed exposure to African art and culture especially the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria”.

Young Masters’ Art Auction Supports Fund Raising RT auction took ,a novel dimension A on Sunday when works by 43 young talented artists from age 5 to 15 to were

“We didn’t want this to happen; hence we decided to transfer these paintings to lovers of art who have auctioned. the expertise to appreciate the talOrganised by Serling Bank Plc, at the ents expressed in these paintings. head office in Lagos, the auction was The seed of idea behind today’s used to raise fund for the less privilege exhibition and auction was sown. in the society.

To give some flesh and human The auctioned works were selected touch, we thought to give these from a painting competition organized stars of the future an early opportuearlier this year for the children of the nity to make a difference by conbank’s staff, with a theme: ‘Creating a tributing to the larger society Beautiful World’. through the proceeds of their talAccording to the organisers, the money ent and skills”. raised from the auction would be donat- Renowned artist and founder of ed to a non-governmental organization, Niger Delta Cultural Centre, Prof.

Lots Charity Foundation that caters for Bruce Onobrakpeya praised the physiological, social, educational, psyefforts of Sterling Bank for putting chological, medical and emotional up such a competition for needs for vulnerable street children in children.

Dustbin Estate in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, “What they are doing is very good; Ajegunle area of Lagos State. in other countries, geniuses are The Group Marketing Manager of identified when they are still young Sterling Bank, Mr. Segun Anako said the and what they have done is one of essence of the auction was to give life the ways of catching the genius and health and create a beautiful world young. Once you notice the young for the less privilege. ones are putting energy into such The Regional Business Executive of the development they must be encourbank, Mr. Tunde Adeola noted that in aged. By the time they become other climes, the children’s artworks grown up, they will become maswould easily have been hung up in a ters and people who can be trusted boardroom – forgotten and soon to be in the art”, he said. discarded. Such works of art, he argued Onobrakpeya urged parents to would have done a disservice to the soci- encourage their wards to draw, to ety.

The children whose paintings were auctioned included Oduwa Osheku, Eshu Osheku, Oyin Osgbola, Afolabi Lifting,, Inioluwa Adebayo, Seyi Adeniyi, Princess Okebugwu, Chizuruoke Amukan, Egwuenu Quincy, Tamisin Balogun, Cajawua Ikechukwu, Ester Aina, Imade Noel, Onyebuchi Francis, abdurahman Ibrahim and Afolabi Laughter.

Others were Oyebuchi Florence, Johnson Rachel, Olalekan Adekambi, Adeite Oluwadamilila, Oluwafolahan TokiPillips, Oluwafolajimi Toki-Pillips, Azuru Whitney, Khairia Muhammed,Princess Nworah, David Edoho, Deborah Edoho, Smuel Edoho, Ibukunoluwa Fashogbon, Chidiebere Offiah,Chinonso Mark, Ugochi Nnachi, Olasubomi Olaleru, From left to right: Tolu Sangosanya, Founder and Kehinde Olatunji, Chief Service Officer, LOTS Charity Foundation; Shina Taiwo Olatunji, Chiamaka Onyemaechi, Unoma Atilola, Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Sterling Aghadinumo, Sheu Arowowon, Samuel Agboola, Bank Plc Unoma Okoye-Aghadinuno, one of the exhibitors Elizabeth Agboola, Olalade Alabi, Oladipupo at the Sterling Bank Children Art Exhibition & Auction for Aino and Chimamanda Okechikwu-Melifonwu. go out and see exhibitions, participate in art competition and enroll them in art workshops because, ‘some of us never had an opportunity like this’. He noted that it would inspire to them take art as a profession.

Charity Event held at the weekend in Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN Saturday, August 31, 2013

ARTS 41

Department Of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, Celebrates 50 Years Event ELEBRATION of UI Theatre Arts C Department @ 50 rolled off on Thursday at the Dominican Community Campus, Samonda Ibadan.

The three-day conference on the theme Theatre In The African Academy also began on August 29, with a formal opening ceremony, chaired by the playwright, teacher, Prof Femi Osofisan. The Dean of Arts, UI, Prof. Remi Raji had flagged off the ceremonial opening with welcome address shortly before the Oyo State Government’s delegation led by the First Lady, accompanied by wives of the Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, as well as of two commissioners joined up.

The First lady, Mrs Ajimobi, praised the department for its record achievement in having produced students who have gone on to become leaders in diverse fields of the economy and society. She said this was an indication that Theatre Arts graduates are proficiently equipped to serve in any field of endeavour.

And in response to an appeal by Chair of the Alumni, Prof. Duro Oni, for State support in the effort to refurbish the fivedecade old Arts Theatre, which has indeed sunk into distress due to lack of fund for maintenance, Mrs. Ajimobi, pledged her support for the planned fund raising. She would bring the appeal to attention of the right authorities in the State Executive Council, she said.

There was an impressive turn-out of Alumni/ae of the department dating back to 1970s through the 80s, 90s, and A cross section of students in a session the 2000s, as well as loads of fresh gradupresentations on “Theatre Interaction and practitioners, men and women that we are ates and current students — members of dents, teachers and alumni memers Chair of the Alumni and organising Audience analysis”; “Indigenous Performance today — so we can always be glad to come the Association of Theatre Arts Students, Committee, Prof.

Oni praised the students Forms in Africa”; “New Media and Popular back and even bring our family with pride to UI for turning up in such huge number despite show we started from...”

Culture”; “Radio, Film and Television in Nigeria”; Remarkably present were Dr. Sola “Individual/Group Contributions to the Asun— roasted meat — ruled the night Adeyemi from the UK, who assisted the ASUU strike, which has sent many of them out of campus, scattered around the country.

Development in Africa”; “Practice as Paradigm in accompanied by potato chips, kunnu, HOD, and Convener of the conference, He praised the Alumni members at home African Theatre”. The conference will wrap up palmwine... ‘Red Label’ even showed up Dr. Chuks Okoye; and Prof. Patrick and in the Diaspora, who showed commitwith a “Special Plenary on Postcolonial Theatre when boys had gone to bed – haaaaaaaaa!!!

A Ebewo from South Africa, who gave one conspiracy orchestrated by the Secretary of practice.” of the Lead papers. Dr. Dani Lyndersay — ment materially and in spirit, hoping that the ‘Homecoming’ becomes a regular rite, The celebration ends with a closing address the Alumni Organizing Committee, Pamela who in the 70s through very early 80s even if periodic — “as many of us in the by the playwright, Prof. Osofisan, and an inviArnold-Udoka ands her team including taught in the department with her hustation-old Dinner.

Bunmi Wuraola-Gbadamosi and Segun band (Dexter, now late) — flew nearly 19 Alumni are located all over the world”. He Courtesy of Culture Dispatch hours from Trinidad and Tobago to hon- also launched a strong appeal for monetary Ogundipe (aka Laffup, the Comedian) and donations to return the Arts Theatre — ‘that Racheal. our the department; while the couple, The conference continues today with more Luke Seaber and Tiziana Morosetti came has nurtured many of us to the successful from University of Oxford. A couple of the Alumni members from the Diaspora also kept vigil through their phones and emails to monitor the proceedings.

UNWTO forecasts 1.8 billion INISTER of Tourism, Culture Convention but they are the pre- of UNWTO, Dr. Taleb Rifai said The keynote session, chaired by Prof though the last two years were ferred countries for many international tourists by 2030. and National Orientation, Duro Oni, Deputy Vice Chancellor marked by slower than expected tourists and, it is now said that This forecast not only proves Chief Edem Duke, has called on (Enterprises) of University of Lagos, and countries around the world to global economic recovery, a linwhen you have visas to those tourism’s resilience if we conchairman of the Alumni, featured two gering recession in the Eurozone sider the challenges many countries, you will have nonaccord greater respect to keynote speakers — Prof. Abiola Irele of and remarkable geopolitical countries are facing. It also Nigerians who travel around the encumbrance access to those changes in many parts of the Harvard University, currently Provost in world for several legitimate rea- countries .My question is what calls upon increased awareness the School of Humanities, Kwara State sons describing them as high net about countries which are mem- world, international tourism con- of the global responsibility we tinued to grow, reaching an allbers of the UNWTO and are big share as a critical global activity University, KWASU, speaking on “The Uses worth tourists. source markets for Africa, Europe, time records. According to the and of the urge to co-operate of Drama”; and Mr. Segun Oyekunle, MD Speaking at the Ministerial Secretary-General, “ international further in ensuring the continAsia, North America and South of the Abuja Film Village, who spoke on Roundtable of the 20th General America, and tourists from these tourists arrivals grew by 4 perr ued sustainable growth of the “On Theatre and Film in Nigeria.”

Assembly of United Nations cent in 2012 and by 5 per cent in are tourists spend big for the sector”.

World Tourism Organization( Presentation of the Lead papers folThree main issues were top of UNWTO) being jointly hosted by economies of the preferred coun- the first half of 2013, thus exceedlowed, and it featured Dr. Lyndersay tries. Why are they also not given ing the UNWTO’s initial forecast the agenda of the 20th General from University of West Indies, Trinidad, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the for the current year of a 3 -4 per Assembly. These are Visa speaking on “Learning to Live Together: The Minister said, “Nigerians through visa facilitation and treated with cent growth. On the political great respect, the Minister asked.

Facilitation and Entry these activities make huge contrisocio-cultural dimensions of the transformaThe Minister told the Assembly, level, 2012 reflected our collective Formalities and Air butions to the various aspects of tional elements of theatre and arts educaefforts to improve tourism’s “often times because of our Connectivity especially with tion”; and Prof. Patrick Ebewo of Tshwane tourism globally stressing that adventurous spirit and because of recognition on the global agenda. regards to Africa and other the situation as a strong indicaUniversity of Technology, who spoke on our desire to enhance knowledge World leaders at the G20 Summit places (more than 50% of tion that Nigerians deserve “Theatre Practice in South Africa: by traveling to different parts of in Mexico and Rio+20 UN Decade tourism movements take place greater respect.”

Implications for other African Nations”. by air) and Youth Tourism. Dr. Speaking against the backdrop the world, Nigerians are regular of Sustainable Development Other papers presented on the Day 1 of of the theme of the General travelers around the world This Conference, for the first time, sin- Rifai said Youth Tourism is the conference focused on Ideology, keeps embassies of foreign coun- gled out tourism as a driver of becoming increasingly crucial Assembly, which is Visa economic growth, development Pedagogy, and Theatre Education; Gender tries in Nigeria busy and thoubecause 300 million out of Facilitation, Connectivity and and Identity in African Literature in African Relations Between Tourism and Air sands of flight seats are also filled and job creation”. people who travel around the Relating these developments to world are classified as young

by Nigerians traveling for differTheatre; African Theatre in Recent Debates Transport Policies, the Minister, traveler stressing the impor(Literary, Cultural and Performance Studies; who led the Nigerian delegation ent purposes including business, Africa, the Secretary General said international tourist arrivals in tance of addressing issues that Dance Studies/ Practice in Africa; Theatre to the General Assembly decried education, holiday, shopping affect them at UNWTO sessions. and Society; and Fifty years of Theatre in the the situation where some coun- and for other legitimate reasons. Africa grew from 15 million in It is therefore important to treat 1990 to 52 million in 2012 while To this end, the General tries come up with visa policies African Academy. exports from international Assembly approved the proThe Day 1 events ended with the launch that impinge on connectivity by Nigerians with greater respect tourism reached US$34 billion in because they contribute signifiposed recommendations on of the Homecoming rites that featured an making it difficult for some cantly to tourist arrivals in very 2012 from a mere 6 billion in 1990 Youth Travel which placed spenationals to travel for tourism, Owambe/Asun Nite, where the ‘returnee’ and by 2030 international tourist cial emphasis on the positive many countries”. The Minister business and education. old students fraternised with current said the new tourist visa regime arrivals to Africa will reach 134 impact of young travelers on Asked why he was emphatic in students, members of Association of million, almost three times the host communities, destinademand for respect for Nigerian put in place by the Federal Nigerian Theatre Arts Students, ATAS. current number.

Government will be diligently tions and countries; the need to travelers the Minister said , “ I was Competently handled by Tolu Fagbure Continuing, Dr. Rifai said “This pursued to remove all encumstimulate youth travel; the emphatic because many counaka ‘Afin’ — who alternated between brances hitherto associated with 20th General Assembly of our importance of identifying key tries at the Roundtable spoke being compere, standup comic and obtaining the visa to visit Nigeria. organization is therefore holding issues to advance the segment about using the benchmark for bandleader, it was a swelling night of fun certain countries as yardstick for Earlier at the opening ceremony at a moment of continued growth and the necessity of strengthin the tourism sector and of and camaraderie, with students taking ening the link between educaendorsing tourism in other parts attended by the President of increasing political recognition of tion and tourism to benefit the turns to thrill in fuji, juju, highlife tunes; of the world. For instance, you Zambia, Michael Sata and the role of tourism in contributand the rest sweating it out on the dance have countries that are not sub- President Robert Mugabe of youth.

Zimbabwe, the Secretary-General ing to a more sustainable growth. floor, which became a leveller for stuscribers to the UNWTO

At UNWTO, Duke Demands Respect For Nigerian Travellers

M

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

42 |

SHORT STORY

Yori The Kind-Hearted Man

By Segun Durowaiye (08055356855) ORI Gbadeyan had been ill for the past three weeks in his oneY room apartment on Olukoyi Street, Dopemu, Lagos. He couldn’t afford to go to the hospital because of the high bills. He was indulging in self-medication, backed with prayers. To worsen an already bad situation, his landlord, Elder Ibanaboh, cut off his electricity supply because he was owing two years’ rent and had unpaid electricity bills. Any time PHCN brought light, Yori never enjoyed it as he had been disconnected. He continued to suffer in silence as most of his friends had left him. Not everybody likes to associate with a man who is really poor in the actual sense of the word. Rats and other rodents are the true friends of a povertystricken man.

But his wife, Feyi, stood by him in these trying times, not minding the appalling and desperate condition of her husband, even though there was little she could do to help him. Feyi already had two children for her husband before he lost his job. She was a petty trader and took care of the feeding of the family from her meagre income. Yori and Feyi were a couple to marvel at, considering their seemingly hopeless state. Not every woman could stay with a man who was almost down and out. However, this struggling woman was ready to bear the brunt and face all odds tormenting her husband and the very essence of her married life. Despite being a mother of two, Feyi was still as beautiful as when she was a teenager. She was a brown-coloured lady with the soft and charming carriage of a beauty queen.

The three weeks old acute malaria tormenting Yori had taken a worrisome turn as he was getting leaner and gaunt every passing day. Feyi was not happy at all and felt so unsure if the cheap drugs her husband was using would heal him of his ailment. On April 16 of that year, Elder Ibanaboh had had enough of promises and tales of woe from the Gbadeyans. He called Yori that fateful day and told him point-blank of his next step.

“Yori, I give you seven days to pack out of my house if not, I’ll remove the roofing sheets of your room!” he frail-looking man Yori. “Don’t you dare me. I’m not the cause of your woes. Don’t die in my house. I repeat, I give you seven days or else I’ll remove your roofing sheets.”

“Please, baba landlord, give me some time,” Yori begged. “I’m sick and jobless but I’m trusting in God that it’ll be a passing phase. My problems won’t consume me baba, have mercy on me,” Yori prostrated while his wife knelt down in front of the landlord. The couple were both in tears as they continued pleading with their landlord who had already made up his mind to eject them. The landlord left that day in annoyance after baring his mind. He was fuming with rage as he left, banging the door behind him.

True to his words, when it was exactly seven days, the landlord appeared with two carpenters. He ordered them to take off the roofing sheets of the sick man. Yori moved closer to the landlord and for the umpteenth time, begged him to temper justice with mercy. But Elder Ibanaboh was hell-bent to deal with the poor man and eject him forcefully from his one-room apartment. Sorrowful tears came down from the cheeks of the devastated couple as the carpenters started removing their roofing sheets.

“Sikiru, make sure you bring down his roofing sheets immediately,” the landlord hollered in anger.

“Okay sir, we go remove am quickly,” the carpenter replied and he started doing his job as instructed.

“Oh, baba I don’t know what to say or do again…you’ve really hit me below the belt,” Yori said between painful sobs. His wife wasn’t left out of the pervading melancholy. She wept ceaselessly and felt hopeless and forsaken.

That was it. In the following weeks, after the roofing sheets of their room were removed, the Gbadeyans were immersed in physical and psychological pains. Whenever it rained, it was on their heads and property. They were also under the blazing heat of the fiery sun. The elements dealt harshly on the Gbadeyans and they were at a loss as to when their hardship would end.

They kept wondering what terrible and dreadful fate they had to endure. Imagine having no roof over your head for several weeks, running to months. It was a very painful and pathetic situation.

Yori and his family suffered in that agonizing condition for three months before an old family friend, Seinde, offered assistance and allowed him to squat with him in his two-bedroom flat. So he moved into Seinde’s flat to squat in his children’s room.

About two years after Yori packed out of Elder Ibanaboh’s house, he got a job as a Registrar in Sunrays University in Osun State. He relocated to Osun State with his family to start a new life. Things started taking a better shape in his life, and he was full of joy.

Eight years later, Daniel, the second child of Elder Ibanaboh, got admission into Sunrays University. Daniel’s admission papers landed on Yori’s desk and there was a problem with his registration. Yori could well understand that it was the name of his former landlord. True to his instincts, when the young man appeared in his presence, he knew instantly that he was the son of Elder Ibanaboh. Without any bias or ill-will, Yori treated Daniel’s papers speedily and even welcomed him well, promising to be of assistance to him any time and any day. Daniel was shocked and lost for words at Yori’s attitude and magnanimity. He thanked him profusely for his help.

About a month, later Daniel was looking for a good accommodation as he was having problems living in the general hostel. He was directed to the landlord of the said house. It happened that the very house he got was one of the personal houses of Yori, built very close to the campus. Daniel was dumbfounded when he realized who the landlord was. Yori even promised to keep the apartment for the young man, pending the time he would bring the balance of the rent three weeks later. Daniel was overjoyed and excited, and he thanked him profusely.

About three weeks later, Elder Ibanaboh and his wife came to visit their son at school and to give him the balance of his house rent. Elder Ibanaboh was overwhelmed with shock when the landlord of his son turned out to be Yori Gbadeyan! He was temporarily speechless when Daniel introduced him as the Registrar of his school and also his landlord! Yori was dressed in a dark blue French suit and wore very expensive Italian black shoes to match. He was tall, handsome and chubby.

“Baba, Mr. Gbadeyan is my helper and saviour here. He has been so helpful to me, baba, even concerning my admission,” said Daniel. “He is godsend and kind, and I can’t thank him enough!”

Elder Ibanaboh was still speechless and dumb with surprise.

He was sweating continuously and sighing at the same time.

Without mincing words, he prostrated on the ground for Yori, while his wife knelt down in his front.

“I don’t know what to say, Yori, as you can see…” the landlord began. “Please forgive me… I beg for your forgiveness and mercy.

I’ve treated you so heartlessly and mercilessly in the past, but you are so good, kind and humane that you didn’t even pay me back in my own coin…I won’t get up until you forgive me. Oh my God, I treated you like a worthless animal…” Elder Ibanaboh was shaking, sweating and crying at the same time.

“Please, forgive us Yori,” his wife added, still kneeling down, “we’ve treated you like dirt…please, and kindly forgive us.”

“Get up baba,” Yori said calmly. “It’s a small world. I’ve forgiven you. Most times, it pays to be kind and God-fearing. Even Almighty God forgives us our sins and transgressions, not to mention ordinary mortals like us. Baba, mama, get up, I have no grudge or ill-will against you.”

Despite the heartwarming speech of Yori, his former landlord was still lying on the floor and begging him. Yori moved closer and pulled him up gently, with soft and kind words. He cleaned the old man’s tearful face with his handkerchief. Elder Ibanaboh couldn’t believe his eyes! He shook his head endlessly, wondering at his former tenant’s heart of gold.

“I now realize that truly, no condition is permanent…” Elder Ibanaboh concluded while shaking his head regretfully.

“I hope you’ve really forgiven me, Yori, from the bottom of your heart?” he asked for the umpteenth time.

“Yes, baba. It’s all over. No hard feelings,” Yori said thoughtfully.

From that day onward, it became a big lesson for everybody following the development. Elder Ibanaboh became a changed

TheGuardian

Saturday, August 31, 2013 | 43

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

NaturalHealth Natural Health With G. C. Ihesie

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

Natural Remedies For Excessive Perspiration (Hyperhidrosis) And Body Odour HE skin is composed of two T main layers: Epidermis (the outer layer) and the Dermis (the inner layer). The Dermis contains two major types of glands: The sebaceous or oil glands; and millions of sweat glands which produce the sweat (that contains water, salt and other compounds).

The sweat glands are found all over the body, particularly in areas such as the underarms, the palms of hands, the upper lips, forehead, soles of the feet, and between the legs in the groin area.

The secretion of the sweat gland (sweat) is controlled by nerve impulses and by an area in the hypothalamus which helps to regulate the release of the hormones that induce sweating (perspiration) and regulate the body temperature.

Perspiration is a normal physiological reaction to heat, physical activity, stress and illness. It is a mechanism by which the brain cools the body and regulates the body temperature. s In some people however, perspiration can become excessive and may result a clinical disorder known as hyperhidrosis – which simply means profuse or excessive sweating.

Hyperhidrosis is not only a frustrating and inconvenient condition which can be psychologically very embarrassing, especially when it is accompanied with large sweat marks on clothing and offensive body odour, it may also have an impact on other areas of

life by affecting inter-personal relationships, work, and self-confidence.

Excessive underarm sweating is referred to as Auxiliary hyperhidrosis; and sweaty palms is Palmar referred to as Hyperhidrosis.

The sweat glands in the armpits differ from the sweat glands in most other areas of the body.

Underarm sweating only begins around puberty; and during the first month or two, the sweating is generally excessive. In time this sweating decreases down to a normal and more manageable level.

For some people, however, the sweating remains excessive and it can become quite an annoying and embarrassing problem that has to be dealt with.

Causes Of Excessive Perspiration The causes of excessive perspiration include genetics, hormonal changes during puberty and menopause, emotional stress, eating hot and spicy foods, abuse of alcohol, anxiety, heat, physical activity, prolonged wearing of nylon dress, stockings and shoes.

In some cases, excessive perspiration is caused by underlying conditions such as tuberculosis (night sweat) or other infections, chronic illness, heart disease, lung disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, anxiety disorders, hyperthyroidism (excess iodine in the body may cause sweaty hands), and side effects of certain medications - and this is known as secondary Hyperhidrosis.

The unpleasant body odour which commonly accompanies excessive sweating is usually caused by variety of factors: Very poor personal hygiene, internal pollution associated with constipation.

The actions of the rapidly growing bacterial or fungi on the sweat.

Over growth of yeast cells due to excessive consumption of white sugar.

Cigarette smoking and alcoholic beverages consumption.

Intake of some foods like garlic, onions, fish, eggs, red meat, excessive caffeine, fried and baked food items that contain rancid fats and oil.

Body odour may also be associated with more serious health problems such as: liver and kidney problems, metabolic disorders, e.g. diabetes mellitus, low blood sugar levels, deficiency of vital minerals like zinc, etc.

Natural Remedies: The advice usually given to the patients with these problems includes: Maintaining Personal Hygiene: Wear loose-fitting and lightcolour cotton and linen clothing that will not absorb the heat and allow the skin to breath.

Synthetic fabrics, nylon and silks should be avoided. Open shoes should be worn whenever it is possible to help prevent perspiration from the feet.

Wearing unwashed underwear

and dirty clothes should be avoided because these can intensify body odour.

The hair on the armpit, groin and the pubic regions should be shaved regularly as these areas of the body provide perfect breeding grounds for bacteria that cause body odour.

Bathing or showering with hot water and scrubbing with a good antiseptic soapy sponge 2-3 times a day will reduce the population of the fast growing odour-producing microorganisms.

After drying, any of the following can be applied topically: Apple Cider Vinegar, 70%-rubbing alcohol, diluted solution of Hydrogen Peroxide, Castor Oil, fresh Aloe vera gel, lemon juice, Baby powder, Baking soda or Cornstarch.

Sweaty feet should be soaked in diluted vinegar for 15 minutes once a week.

Soak the feet or hands in hot water prepared with 5 tea bags or horsetail herb tea for 20 to 30 minutes daily to reduce sweaty palm and feet.

The Use Of Deodorant Or Antiperspirant: The conventional treatments of excessive perspiration usually involve the use of underarm deodorant or antiperspirant which works by drying bodily secretions. However, some people have observed that the aluminum in these products often clog the lymphatic circulation and the lymph nodes under the armpits which are very close to

the breasts.

Blocked lymphatic circulation and lymph nodes under the armpit can trap bacteria, cellular waste, cancer cells, toxins, etc.; and accumulation of these can lead to chronic irritation and inflammation and enlarged lymph nodes that can result in the formation of lumps in the breast.

Drinking plenty of water helps to prevent dehydration and replace lost fluids.

Eating a healthy balance diet with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains; and avoiding processed foods, white sugar and white flour products, hydrogenated oil, strong spicy foods like onions, garlic, pepper and alcoholic and caffeine-containing beverages and smoking, helps in preventing hyperhidrosis and body odours.

Taking zinc supplements (up to 50mg) with food helps in fighting hyperhidrosis, foot and body odours. Other supplements like high potency vitamin B complex, digestive enzymes, chlorophylls, etc., are equally essential.

Drinking strong tea prepared from any of the following herbs: sage, calendula marigold, horsetail, stinging nettle, etc., will help alleviate excessive sweating, chronic foot and body odour.

An occasional cleansing of the colon using diluted Aloe vera gel or chlorophyll enemas will help in removing the toxins that can cause body odour.

of fabric especially when you are a hairy person, your pet can also be charged up when you brush him.

It is always a shocking experience for these creatures; take a precaution to prevent this.

V. Comb And Rake: After diligent brushing, you can remove excess hair by combing the entire surface of the pet.

To make it even easier, you can rake it and this process should also mean deeper strokes just like

what you do during brushing.

VI. Hey! The Grooming Glove: Quite a lot of pet stores now stock the grooming gloves which come in several patterns. A lot of pets may not just want to co-operate with you when using brushes, combs and rakes; they prefer a subtle handling; so the grooming gloves come in handy.

These gloves are coated with tiny plastic or rubber teeth; applying it gives a soothing feeling and would work with a lot of fractious pets. The experience also nourishes the skin by improving superficial circulation to the area.

VII. Do A Thorough Job: You should always do a thorough job of combing after bathing your pet. It is recommended that you use warm water, which loosens the coat to bath your pet and can also comb while bathing simultaneously. If however the coat is matted intensely, it is better to remove the tangled coat before applying water.

VIII. Don’t Doubt A Conditioner: Just like you condition your hair after shampooing, a little bit of conditioner will also work wonders for your pet. It will make it less tangled and straighten it for smoother grooming.

PetLife With Dr.Tunji Nasir

Coat Shedding: Let’s Go Brushing

By Dr Tunji Nasir

PET that sheds its coat can actually be a nuisance to you and your environment. The experience itself can also make the pet very uncomfortable and your home very dirty.

In such a house, it is certainly not going to be sweet dreams for any asthma patient. So, it is very important to control this coat shedding menace.

What can you possibly do? A lot!

For me, the responsibility of pet keeping goes beyond providing accommodation and food. It is about time investment doing chores like brushing the pet and bonding with him in that process.

Brushing itself is an intricate endeavor that must be learnt and imbibed. So, let’s go brushing.

I. Brush, Brush And Brush: The immediate thing you can do to control shedding is to brush that

A

pet as often as possible. My recommendation is at least once a day if your pooch is long-haired and less frequently if it is a short haired pet.

You must try to use the appropriate brush. What is working with a German shepherd may not work with a Doberman. Owners of Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Bichon Frise and others in their ilk should be prepared to brush, rake and comb on a daily basis.

This is not only essential to control shedding but also very important to prevent tangling of the coat.

II. Don’t Scratch The Surface: When brushing, do not just comb or brush the surface, this won’t work. For an effective work, you need very firm, deep strokes.

You don’t just rush over the top of the coat and expect to be praised for a good job.

III. Comb/ Brush Against Nature: After brushing the normal way, (that is along the direction of growth of the hair) also try to brush the wrong direction. This is actually recommended to be very good and it will pick the parts you have missed while doing the initial brushing.

IV. Electrical Works: Just like you can charge up yourself when you wear a certain kind

44

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

HEALTHFEATURE

Chukwu

Wabba

Faniran

Intrigues Behind Health Workers’ Strikes

By Joseph Okoghenun

N

IGERIANS are used to strikes. So, when health workers under various umbrellas in federal teaching hospitals notified Nigerians and the Federal Government a few weeks ago that they were to go on strike to demand equity, everything went normal in the system.

This was despite the fact that university teachers under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have been on strike for more than a month.

First among the health workers to notify the Federal Government of their intention to embark on indefinite strike were health workers under aegis of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), formerly Nigerian Union of Pharmacists, Medical Scientists and Professionals Allied to Medicine (NUPMTPAM). They gave the notice of 21-day ultimatum on July 8.

The strike, the group said, was a means to call for the removal of Health Minister, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu for his biased treatment of health workers, to protest the continuous appointment of university teachers as chief medical doctors (CMDs) in federal teaching hospitals, to protest the nonappointment of health workers for the position of CMDs. They said it was to call for the promotion of health workers from the position of deputy director to director as none of the health workers in teaching hospitals has been promoted to the position in spite of the approval in various schemes.

The strike, they added, was stop the imposition of one profession on another profession in departments as head, and immediate abolition of the position of Chairman, Medical Advisory Council (CMAC) and deputy head of clinical services in tertiary hospitals.

But a few days to the end of the ultimatum, the Federal Ministry of Health notified the union of the need to extend the ultimatum as it complained that the letter sent to it arrived late for any action and preparation to be made. This made NUAHP to extend its ultimatum to August 15.

NUAHP comprises pharmacists, physiotherapists, medical laboratory scientists, radiographers, dental technologists, occupational therapists, health information managers, dieticians and other related health professionals in teaching hospitals.

As the ministry was still thinking what to do with NUAHP’s threat, health workers under the aegis of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) notified it on August 1 through a 21-day ultimatum of its intention

to embark on an indefinite strike nationwide on August 21.

JOHESU, which comprises Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associations (SSAUTHRIAL), NUAHP and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Association Institutions (NASU), is to health workers what the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is to doctors.

JOHESU’s proposed strike was basically to protest the non-implementation of the National Industrial Court Judgment on a matter between it and the Federal Ministry of Health. The judgment, which was delivered on July 22, 2013 by Justices B.A Adejumo, B.B Kanyip and M.N Esowe, bordered on issues referred to the court last year by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu and JOHESU to look into.

The issues brought for determination include whether the directive of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation that salary grade level 10 Consolidated Health Salary Scale (CONHESS) should not be skipped contrary to entrenched practice in the public service without due process of negotiation is not irregular, a nullity and a deprivation of accrued right of the affected health professionals.

They also concern whether the directive of the Federal Ministry of Health that nonmedically qualified health professionals with requisite post-graduate qualifications and experience should not be appointed as consultants in Federal Government health institutions, and that any appointment made previously should be reverted is not in contravention of existing regulation and international practice.

Lastly, they have to do with whether the denial of the payment of specialist allowance to qualified and eligible health professionals on the ground that they are not medically qualified is not a denial of their right to enjoy negotiated conditions of service, and whether JOHESU members are not entitled to be paid call duty allowance, shift duty allowance administrative non-clinical allowance , hazard allowance and administrative allowance as the case may be as their medical practitioner counterparts.

The court held that the skipping of CONHESS 10 is legal and that the circular by Federal Health Ministry and Head of Service

of the Federation stopping it is illegal, null and void. It also held that the issue of shift duty, administrative non-clinical and call duty allowances should remain as they but that negotiation should commence towards an agreement on upward review of the allowances. It ruled that those earlier appointed as consultants would continue to enjoy the status and the withdrawal of their letters of appointment is irregular.

There were other areas, however, that did not favour the health workers.

Sources said to the chagrin of the health workers, Chukwu refused to implement the judgment and even appealed it against earlier agreement between JOHESU and the ministry.

Furthermore, JOHESU also saw the strike as an opportunity to protest the non-implementation of earlier agreement by Federal Government on Presidential Committee Report on Harmony in the Health Sector, non-promotion of health professionals from CONHESS 14 to 15, non-implementation of 2008 Job Evaluation Committee Report and need to review retirement age.

Meanwhile, NAUPH embarked on indefinite strike on August 16. Hardly had the strike entered its first week when the Federal Government, through the Minister of Labour and Productivity and the representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health led by a director of human resources, entered into negotiation and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NAUPH to suspend the strike for four weeks from August 23, two days after JOHESU started its strike on August 21.

Part of the understanding reached by government representatives with NUAHP members was that consideration should be given to permanent and pensionable staff of teaching hospitals in the appointment of chief medical directors (CMDs) in teaching hospitals and that advertorials for the position of the position of CMD should be allinclusive without being skewed towards a particular profession in the medical field.

The Guardian learnt that it was also agreed that the Minister of Health should provide leadership and a convene a stakeholders’ conference to help put an end to the serious disharmony plaguing health practitioners.

The health workers resolved that after the stipulated four weeks, if the government reneged on the MoU, they would resume the strike without notice.

It is already one week after the MoU was signed but The Guardian authoritatively learnt that nothing serious is being done by government to implement it.

The reprieve that was gotten from that sus-

pension was however short-lived when NAUPH said it was joining JOHESU immediately to reinforce the latter’s strike action.

The reinforcement literally crippled federal teaching hospitals across the federation as most of them were forced, in the absence of health workers who make up 80 per cent of the health sector, to offer skeletal services. Doctors however stayed back to render emergency services to patients that need it.

The Health Minister kicked and declared the strike illegal, just as NMA reportedly threatened to go on a nationwide strike if the Federal Government accepted the demands of the health workers.

As soon at the strike started biting hard with the promise that health workers in state-owned hospitals were to join the strike on August 28 if nothing substantial is done, the Federal Government through Ministers of Health and Labour and Productivity entered into intensive negotiations with JOHESU on Monday and Tuesday this week. At the end of the Tuesday, August 27, meeting, the strike was finally suspended after MoU was signed by the parties. This was exactly a week after JOHESU began its strike action.

In attendance at the meeting for the negotiation were Wogu, Chukwu, President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Abdulwaheed Omar; President, Trade Union Congress, Bala Kaigama; JOHESU Chairman, Dr.Ayuba Wabba; NAUHP President, Olukayode Felix Faniran among other JOHESU representatives.

In the MoU, the parties agreed that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) judgment should be implemented in the absence of any order of stay of execution.

To this effect, an implementation committee was set up with terms of reference of non-skipping of CONHESS 10 in line with NICN judgment; modalities of payment of consultancy and specialists allowance for health workers; 2008 job evaluation report and review of retirement age for health workers from age 60 to 65.

It was also agreed that the Federal Government should correct observed infractions in the appointment of board members of federal teaching hospitals.

The government, The Guardian learnt, admitted that the appointment of a medical practitioner as chairman of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria was done in error and would be corrected accordingly within 21 days after a meeting between Ministers of Labour and Productivity, Health and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOSCF) with President Goodluck Jonathan.

| 45

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

JUSTHUMAN

Truck Pusher Seeks Help For His Triplets It is not my joy to come out publicly to seek help but the reality of watching my triplets go through pains, worries me and I really desire to do something about that.

The Arohs and their triplets

By Victor Olushola

OHN Aroh, a 32-year-old truck pusher, visited The JMonday Guardian’s Rutam House, Isolo, Lagos offices on a morning, tears welling in his eyes. According to him, the urgent need to provide for his triplet forced him out of his abode as early as 5am to avoid traffic, achieve his mission and still go back to his daily hustle. He lives at Okeafor, Badagry Expressway.

His joy knew no bounds when his wife, Patricia, gave birth to the triplets at the Badagry General Hospital on June 23 last year. Bu the joy is now short-lived. Due to the nature of his job, Aroh finds it hard to provide for the basic needs of the babies (two boys and one girl). And the little money he gets from odd job is being exhausted on the welfare the babies.

“Things are really rough and it is the grace of God and people around that has helped my family and I so far,” he cried

Temitope Needs N85, 000 For Facial Surgery

By Awawu Mohammed and Nony Utomi EMITOPE Oshoba was in JSS 2 when T she noticed that her jaw was gradually swelling. As she grew up, the swelling too grew. Later, some people advised her to buy shea butter to tackle it. She did, but to no avail.

Worried, she went to a hospital in Surulere, Lagos where the doctor who is a dentist, told her it was tooth problem. The doctor asked her to remove one of her left tooth which she did but the swelling became bigger and bigger.

Temitope went back to the same hospital and was told the doctor had been transferred to another hospital. She was adviced to go to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba which she did and was told she has a disease called Aggresive Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma.

She was asked to go for a surgery but because she could not afford the money, she went to Vanguard

Newspapers where her story was published and the public was able to raise N300, 000 for her.

She returned to LUTH but sadly, she was told by the doctor that the money is not enough for the surgery because she had to buy some items to be used for the operation.

Now, distraught Temitope does not have the remaining N85,000 required for the surgery, so she is pleading with the public to save her life. She completed her secondary school in New Era Girls’ Senior Secondary School in Surulere in 2011 and since then, she has been idle.

Readers wishing to assist her should please contact her through the following: Name-Temitope Oshoba Parents’ Name -Mr and Mrs Oshoba Name of Bank-UBA Account Num-2061392566 Account Name-Oshoba Temitope Phone Num-08122557236 Age-20 years old.

Oshoba

out.

Aroh is an indigene of Ugwuaji Awkunanaw in Enugu State. But after another indigene successfully convinced his parents that he needed Aroh to serve under him, he headed to Lagos. The man, according to Aroh, said he would set him up after a period of time but that never happened. He served his master who sells building materials at Coker, Orile, Lagos for six years. He began in 2000 and got his freedom in 2006.

“When I even told my Oga that my wife gave birth to triplets, he only gave me N3, 000 to go take care of them.

God knows best but the only thing I think of now is to take good care of my triplets because I want them to be useful in life,” he said.

Although distraught, he says going back to the village is not an option. “I now help people to carry loads with my truck at Odun Ade, Orile popularly known as Coker. I dropped out of secondary school because I had no one to pay my school fees. I am the first son of my parents and I have four sisters in the village too.”

He confessed that kind-hearted people have being generous to the triplets, but things are still very rough. “I am jobless and helpless; I really need help to take care of my triplets.”

In his effort to seek a way out, he visited Government House in Enugu and attempted to get to the Lagos State government but all proved abortive. His words: “The least I got from the government officials was to get a good job but I have really tried.”

In a letter addressed to the Governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime in April this year, Aroh pleaded: “I and my family are living at the mercy of kind-hearted individuals.

Even to buy baby foods for the triplets is very difficult. I am therefore on behalf of my family appealing for your interventions - materially, financially or in form of employment.”

“It is not my joy to come out publicly to seek help but the reality of watching my triplets go through pains, worries me and I really desire to do something about that,” he added.

His wife, an orphan, sells pure water at Okeafor, Badagry Expressway, Lagos.

“My wife sells pure water and she is doing the little she can do to help the family. I met her in the village but we got married in Lagos in 2003.”

Those willing to help Aroh can contact him on 08098457148.

46 |

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

YOURMONEY

Of Cross River And The Creation Of A Smart State

By Onyedika Agbedo LOBALLY, cities that pioneer the switch to G smart ways of living have a huge potential to harvest benefits such as saving money due to lower energy consumption, boosting employment from rolling out new innovative technologies, stimulating entrepreneurship through new business opportunities, cleaner air and a higher quality of life.

However, the innovative integration of different technologies that make cities and communities ‘smart’ requires the commitment and close collaboration of local authorities, citizens, industry (e.g. energy, construction, transport and ICT) financial institutions and academia.

Recent and ongoing developments in Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State, show clearly that the city is set to become Nigeria’s first smart city. The administration of Senator Liyel Imoke is gradually but assuredly forging collaboration of local authorities, citizens, energy industry, construction, transport, tourism, sports, financial institutions and academia that will turn Calabar and by extension Cross River State into a smart environment for residents and visitors alike.

Smart Businesses One of the global benchmarks for a smart community is the kind of industry it attracts.

A smart city inherently attracts smart businesses. The decision of General Electric (GE) to establish a new manufacturing and assembly facility in Calabar confirms the city’s status as emerging smart community. This U.S. company will spend a whopping $1 billion (N158 billion) in the city.

The deal, which comprises $250 million capital expenditure and over $800 million incremental spending on local sourcing of goods and services, will create 2,300 jobs and make Calabar the regional hub for GE’s services in Africa.

Also, it is not an accident that Ebony Life TV, the brainchild of dynamic African talk show star, Mo Abudu, chose Calabar as its base. The TV channel debuted on DStv on July 1, 2013.

The TV Station transmits from the Tinapa Studio in Calabar.

In 2011, East Horizon Gas Company Limited, a subsidiary of Oando, commissioned a 128km gas pipeline’s city gate facility in Calabar. The pipeline has a 100 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) capacity and currently supplies 22 mmscf/d to its foundation customer, United Cement Company (UNICEM). The gas fuels UNICEM’s 2.5 million metric tons per annum Cement Plant located in Mfamosing.

EHGC will leverage the pipeline to build a distribution network that will supply natural gas to other interested off-takers in the Calabar area.

The natural gas pipeline project will guarantee the business community in Calabar affordable energy as well as place the city on the path of industrial development.

video upload and download over wired and wireless channels a reality.

This project is another innovative and bold initiative of the administration of Senator Liyel Imoke and it is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the state government and MTN. It is privately funded and will cost approximately N1.1 billion naira to implement.

The infrastructure will include the installation of three telecommunication cable ducts and 96 core fibre optic cables for each partner. The infrastructure will be managed by the state government and MTN, and would enable other service providers and network/broadband users to approach either party for leasing. In addition to this infrastructure, MTN would site an additional 99 base stations in the city to improve wireless services in 2013. The number of base stations would be repeated in 2014 and 2015.

It would also support the development of various third party services enabled by broadband such as city-wide wireless fidelity (wifi), access to various government services, electronic ticketing, smart transport, smart education, smart health, e-tourism and creation of Nigeria’s first smart city.

Speaking at the signing ceremony recently, General Manager Legal, MTN, Mrs. Oghenerume Rotimi stated that MTN is excited at the partnership and the opportunities such partnership presents to deliver socio-economic transformation to the State. The initiative, according to her, is part of MTN’s plan to establish a fibre optic network across Nigeria. She commended Senator Imoke for his vision and dynamic administration while stating that the PPP initiative represents best practice in the provision of services to the people of the Cross River State.

Special Adviser on Communication Technology Development to Governor Imoke, Mr. Odo Effiong said telecommunications was now an essential utility secondary only to water, transportation, and power. He said that broadband infrastructure had been identified as critical to socio-economic development, and that “broadband is to the information economy what electricity is to the industrial economy.”

He stated that studies show that a 10 per cent increase in broadband in a developing economy resulted in a growth of 1.38 per cent of GDP. He went on to say that the initiative was an important component of the Governor’s socio-economic development plan and Calabar is becoming the regional business and investment destination of choice. According to him, with the completion of this infrastructure “Calabar is set to become Nigeria’s first smart city.”

Imoke Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu disclosed that the centre will have a 250-seat capacity for different kinds of training, an incubator and industrial pavilion that will house about 25 companies, software engineering institute and a software development centre.

Mba-Uzoukwu disclosed that the second phase of the centre with cutting edge infrastructure will be commissioned in three months and is expected to roll out a 300-seat call centre, data centre, 2,400 seat training auditorium, digital library, software testing laboratory and virtual offices supported by hi-speed internet broadband. He maintained that effort has been made to ensure that teachers at all levels of institutions of learning in the state are adequately trained in the programme to ensure knowledge drift to every community across the state with the provision of a laboratory attached to all teachers on completion of their training exercise to realise the vision of becoming an ICT hub.

Meanwhile, Effiong said the project when fully completed would employ over 25,000 youths over the next five years excluding spinups. He added that the state is ready to harness the potential of the technology park to transform its economy and country at large.

To deepen the ICT hub’s offerings, the Federal Government and Cross River State government recently launched the South-South region’s incubation centre at TKN in Calabar named Technology Development Entrepreneurship Acceleration (IDEA). This is the first in the South-South geopolitical zone.

Imoke described the centre as a vision shared between the state and the Federal Government, which will play a pivotal role in a system that will encourage youths to display their capabilities and potentials. While appreciating IDEA’s stakeholders, who are component of the TKC, Imoke explained that the completion of the first phase of the facility would turn around the economy since it is not oil-driven.

According to him, “this will stimulate service and technology-driven economy as well as rapid growth of the nation because it will pro-

Tinapa Knowledge City The broadband project is the third of three major collaborative smart projects that Cross River is currently pursuing including the SmartGov.CRSG and Tinapa Knowledge City (TKC), which represents investment of about N2.5 billion in the state.

Governor Imoke recently inaugurated the Tinapa Information Communication Technology (ICT) hub and TKC in Calabar. Speaking shortly after commissioning the phase one of the ICT flagship project, which will serve as oneCalabar Broadband Project stop ICT solution centre in sub-Saharan Africa, Efficient broadband telecommunications inImoke contended that TKC as a PPP will provide frastructure is another global benchmark for seamless opportunity to the nation’s business a smart city. Apparently aware of the imporenvironment for sustainable economic develtance of efficient broadband in the journey to opment and job creation. turn Calabar into a smarter city, the state govThe Secretary General, Institute of Software ernment recently signed a concession agreement with MTN Nigeria to provide 115km of Apparently aware of the importance of efficient broadband in the journey to telecommunications cable duct infrastructure for Calabar spanning from Tinapa to turn Calabar into a smarter city, the state government recently signed a conAnantigha. cession agreement with MTN Nigeria to provide 115km of telecommunications Upon completion in nine months, this system would provide full broadband infrastruc- cable duct infrastructure for Calabar spanning from Tinapa to Anantigha. ture access for all Calabar residents, thus Upon completion in nine months, this system would provide full broadband inmaking Calabar the most wired Nigerian city in terms of coverage. Besides, the broadband frastructure access for all Calabar residents, thus making Calabar the most access will also significantly improve the wired Nigerian city in terms of coverage. quality of voice services in Calabar, making

vide young men and women the capacity and intellect to compete globally because their creative minds have made them what they are.”

Smartgov.CRSG Cross River State Government has built several social service infrastructures on a smart card through its ICT company, Smartgov.CRSG, to empower the indigenes and residents of the state. Its objective is to improve accountability in governance, simplify access to social services and create a robust social safety net for indigenes of the state.

Smartgov.CRSG infrastructure allows the state government to leverage its investments in technology, automate its ministries, departments and agencies, identify all citizens and residents, track and monitor usage of social services, enhance internally-generated revenue and automate disbursements and payments by government. The infrastructure also comprises citizen’s information system, e-payment gateway and smartcard management system.

Through Smartgov.CRSG, the state government is implementing a social benefit administration, statewide health information management system, statewide health insurance management system and IT-driven hospital management system and human resource management as well as payroll processing system.

MySmartCityCard is issued to the citizens under the Smartgov.CRSG initiative and contains card holders’ details, which is used to provide access to healthcare, pension, transportation, educational bursaries, social amenities and social benefits for the youths and the aged promptly through automated payments system.

MySmartCityCard enables card holders in the state to pay taxes and levies conveniently from the comfort of their homes and offices using multiple channels such as ATMs, Point of Sale (PoS) terminals and the Web. Institute of Technology and Management (ITM) For the state to produce smart labour force to drive the new economy, the state government has commenced the construction of Institute of Technology and Management in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of the state. ITM is established in partnership with Highbury College, Portsmouth, United Kingdom and it would commence academic programmes on October 2013.

According to Imoke, ITM would run a demanddriven curriculum that would ensure that at least 90 per cent of its graduates secure employment.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

YourMoney | 47

BRANDINTELLIGENCE

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

By Ogbodo Adeshola N 1953, Howard Bowen, the acclaimed father Ilished of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) puba book, ‘Social Responsibilities of the

Nigerian Breweries: Expanding Brand Equity With Yearly Creative Writing Workshop

Breweries for supporting this initiative. I wish other organisations would do same. Nigerian Breweries makes it possible for us to create an enabling environment to conduct this workshop. The workshop is getting better every year. Every year, we have so much more talents.

This year, we had so many talents. I’m very happy the way the workshop has been going.”

The event featured a highly engaging interactive session with the workshop facilitators — Chimamanda Adichie, Binyavanga Wainaina, Aslak Sira Myhre and Eghosa Imasuen.

Responding to a question about the influence of late Chinua Achebe in her works, Adichie said: “Chinua Achebe was an icon; Chinua Achebe was important to me because his work gave me permission to write. Until I read Chinua Achebe, I didn’t know that I could write about my own reality. I consider him the writer whose work is most important to me. But it is difficult for me to talk about influence because I’m not consciously aware of what my influences are. I think I am influenced by everything I’ve read. Chinua Achebe is very important to me as well as many other writers like Flora Nwapa, Ama Atta Aidoo, Buchi Emecheta and Gabriel Okara”.

Stating the rationale behind her decision to abandon her medical studies to pursue a career in the literary arts, Adichie said: “I knew all along that I would be a writer. I’ve been writing since I was six years old. I felt that because I did well in school and because of the Nigerian mentality, the thinking is that if you do well in school, you have to become a doctor. So because I did well in school, I just went into medicine. I’ve always known from the time I was six years old that I wanted to write.”

Businessman’. In this book, Bowen asked a fundamental question which businesses till today are trying to answer in different ways: What responsibilities to society can business people be reasonably expected to assume?

There is no gainsaying the fact that CSR plays a major role in the socio-economic development of a country. CSR has become a focal point for businesses. Companies with high CSR standards are able to demonstrate their responsibilities to various stakeholders there- also the director of the House of Literature in Chimamanda Adichie, a proud and accomby serving as market differentiators among Oslo, Aslak Sira Myhre; and medical doctor plished African. We commend her and competitors and also a platform to express and new Chief Operating Officer of Kachifo Farafina Trust for their contributions to make good corporate governance, best practices or Books, Eghosa Imasuen, served as facilitators many dreams come true. Nigerian Breweries even ethical high standards or environmental at the 10-day workshop. A total of 22 distin- Plc selects CSR programme that empower, elevate and reward young Nigerians. We are guished writers took part in the workshop. stewardship.

This year’s edition featured two foreign par- very pleased to be associated with the The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) explicitly defines CSR ticipants from the United States of America Farafina Trust, which basically is about develas the continuing commitment by business to and Kenya. The literary evening presented a oping young writers.

“I believe our mutual objective is being behave ethically and contribute to economic platform for creative writers, literary enthusidevelopment while improving the quality of asts and lovers of the arts to mingle and inter- realised as the creative writers’ workshop continues to attract huge interest within and life of the workforce and their families as well act.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director, outside Nigeria. I am also personally delightas the local community and the society at large. In this light, it has now become quite Nigerian Breweries Plc, Nicolaas Verveld, said ed to be part of this initiative which places imperative for businesses to increasingly the creative writing workshop has become a premium on creativity through literary arts,” major part of the company’s corporate social he added. become socially relevant.

He also admonished the 22 participants who In the past, only a few organisations in responsibility initiatives.

“Through this platform, driven by took part in the workshop to see the proNigeria had CSR policies. But that has changed in the last few years as there has been an Chimamanda Adichie, Nigeria’s award win- gramme as a lifetime experience and urged increase in the involvement of the organised ning writer and Director of Farafina Trust, them to continue to learn how to express Nigerian Breweries and Farafina Trust have themselves in writing. private sector in CSR activities.

Also speaking at the event, Chimamanda Education is one area that clamours for the within the last five years helped in no small intervention of the organised private sector way to discover and sharpen literary skills in Adichie, the Creative Director of Farafina especially the literary arts which has suffered Nigeria. We are indeed very proud of Trust, said: “I am very grateful to Nigeria neglect in recent times. Nigeria is known for producing great creative writers. Writers like Nobel Prize winner, Wole Soyinka, the late Chinua Achebe and a host of others have placed the country on the global literary map as a result of their enviable exploits in the literary world.

The power of creative writing as a tool for national development cannot be overemphasised. We have seen African writers use narratives to engender national discourse which in no small measure impacts governance and brings about desired change. The prowess of creative writers can also attract positive global attention to the writer’s country of origin, which can boost the image of such a country.

Acknowledging the potency of literary arts as a tool for national development, Nigerian Breweries Plc, as part of its CSR focus in the last five years has partnered Farafina Trust, a nonprofit organisation established to promote reading, writing and the culture of social introspection and engagement through the literary arts. The aim of this partnership is to empower writers to excel in their craft. Award winning writer, Chimamanda Adichie serves as Board Director of Farafina Trust.

To achieve this, the Farafina Trust Creative Writing Workshop, an annual initiative of Farafina Trust supported by Nigerian Breweries was established to improve the craft of writers and to encourage published and unpublished writers by bringing different perspectives to the art of storytelling.

Recently, the 2013 edition of the 10-day intensive Creative Writing Workshop came to an end with a literary evening at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos. Kenyan writer, winner of the Caine Prize for African Writing and founding editor of Kwani, Binyavanga Wainaina; Creative Director of Farafina Trust, Chimamanda Adichie (left); an award recipient, Abdulrashid Mas’Ab Muhammed and Managing Director/CEO of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Norwegian politician-turned writer, who is Nicolaas Vervelde at the 2013 Literary Evening held recently Lagos.

Chivita And Its Winning Strategies Over Competition XCEPT in a monopoly, market leadE ership in any category of business is never attained as a birthright.

Indeed, it is never an accidental occurrence or happenstance.

Instead, market leadership is a strategic decision that must be planned for and excellently executed. To be sure, any brand can desire to be the market leader in its category but unless the wish is translated into sound actionable strategies, it will simply remain a wish.

Chi Limited, makers of Chivita Premium Fruit Juice, recently embarked on a campaign to reinforce its “100 per cent fruit juice content” as part of a carefully designed strategy to maintain and increase the top-of-the-mind awareness which the

tagline has won for the brand among fruit juice lovers in the country. A careful examination of the campaign will reveal that it is a conscious strategic choice by Chi Limited on how it intends to compete in the market with its flagship brand, Chivita Premium Fruit Juice.

Keen industry observers of competition in the fruit juice category of the drinks market will remember that Chivita Premium Fruit Juice was introduced into the Nigerian market in 1985. But there is no doubt that the Chivita brand has attained market leadership in the fruit juice category of the fast moving goods sector following the introduction of 100 per cent juice content in 2003.

Placed in its proper context, the

unassailable leadership of Chivita Premium Fruit Juice in the market today is a result of better understanding of consumer needs over competitors and opportunity meeting preparation. Obviously, managers of the Chivita Premium Fruit Juice brand are better visionaries than the competition. Managing for market leadership demands courage and boldness to tread where others are afraid to venture. Chi Limited was daring enough to chart new courses and risk operation in a developing economy like Nigeria where uncertainty is the only certainty.

Chivita’s success stands on three strategic pillars. The first pillar is the fruit juice itself. As thousands of customers have attested to, even in blind

taste tests, Chivita Premium Fruit Juice is truly 100 per cent fruit juice in content and contains no added sugar, no added preservative and no artificial colours and flavours. Chi Limited was able to deliver the product through massive investment in latest technology that helps to address the growing health-consciousness among Nigerian fruit juice consumers. Chivita Premium Fruit Juices are a rare blend of the best of Nigerian and imported fruit juices. It is a 100 per cent Premium Fruit Juice product that has attained the status of market leader and has been awarded Super-brand status second year consecutively.

Secondly, in its quest to enrich the quality of its flagship brand with pre-

mium taste and quality, the new Chivita Premium Fruit Juice comes with a newer, more attractive pack designed to give more impact and to focus more on brand elements.

Relying on consumer insights, the fruit juice is packaged in Tetra Pak elongated rectangular and easy-toopen formats that are a huge delight to consumers. The packs also enhance the taste of the fruit juice, which comes in five variants of orange, pineapple, apple, orangemango and duets of orange-pineapple. Consumers continue to choose Chivita Premium Fruit Juice because of its constituent and natural fruit taste. Chivita is thick and is readily available.

48 | YourMoney

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

BRANDNEWS Nigeria Wine And Spirits Fair 2013 Opens November 7 HE Nigeria International T Wine and Spirits Fair, a world-class trade and consumer event that connects companies with opportunities, will open on November 7, this year, with more than 30 exhibitors from over 14 countries taking part.

The fair, now in its third edition, will be held at the External Ball Room and Extension of the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos. Exhibitors from Spain, South Africa, United States of America, Argentina, Chile, Italy and France will feature at the three-day trade fair. There will be Gala and Award Night to celebrate industry professionals on November 10.

The highlights of the fair with the theme ‘Toast to Life’ will feature a wide variety of wine, spirits and other alcoholic

beverages, along with wine accessories, equipment and related services and training, including other luxury products. There will be daily Wine Tastings, Wine Master Class Training, Mixology Room, VIP Cocktail Lounge and Valet Parking arrangement with live jazz music, outdoor games and other side attractions.

Speaking at a press conference, Managing Director, Spronks Creations Limited, organisers of the fair, Aderonke Sobodu said: “The remarkable development and tremendous potential of Nigeria’s wine and spirit market has drawn much business attention in recent years. We are optimistic that the market is bound to grow in respect to value and volume in the coming years.

BRANDINTELLIGENCE Eat N’ Go Celebrates One Year Anniversary rising restaurant Fof AST group, Eat N’ Go, operators the tasty Domino’s Pizza brand and Cold Stone Creamery, recently celebrated one year of operations in the Nigerian market.

The first Domino’s Pizza outlet started operations on August 13, 2012, while the first Cold Stone Creamery store opened on September 18 of the same year.

Since the brand’s entry into the Nigerian market a year ago, a total of six outlets have been opened to the public with plans underway to introduce more outlets across the country. Presently, the outlets are located in Lagos and Enugu.

Speaking with journalists at the newly opened outlet in Toyin Street Ikeja, Managing Director, Eat N’ Go, Mr. Eric Andre revealed that after one

year of operations, Eat N’ Go had constantly delivered on their promise of delivering tasty meals to consumers.

He said: “One year ago, Eat N’ Go Africa entered the Nigerian market scene with the promise of delivering quality products to consumers. A year later, we are proud to say that we have delivered on this promise, with the introduction of Cold Stone Creamery and Domino’s Pizza. We would like to thank our customers for giving us the opportunity to serve them in the course of the year and we look forward to continually satisfying their needs.

“In terms of job creation, at the end of 2012, we had 183 employees. As of today, we have about 351 employees.

And we are hoping that by the end of the year, we would have about 420 employees.”

Lucozade Boost Rewards Winners On Energy Moment Show UCOZADE Boost has rewarded winners on its “Energy Moment Show” radio programme.

Winners from the three weeks radio show, who shared stories of the most energetic individuals in their lives whether at school, work or at home, were rewarded with fantastic gifts.

According to the Brand Manager, Lucozade Boost, Chidike Oluaoha, Lucozade Boost contains glucose, the body’s preferred source of energy.

“It delivers energy fast and can be enjoyed while hanging out with friends, on the go, at school, at home, in the office, in the bar and even at parties. The energy show is a

L

Group Head, Brands and Communications, Philly & Mools Group, Rotimi Wusu (left); Chief Executive Officer, BBDO West Africa, Demola Olusunmade; Managing Director, Spronks Creations Limited, Aderonke Sobodu; and General Manager, Best Trade Nigeria Limited, Vanna Adami at the press conference to announce the 2013 Nigeria Wine & Spirit Fair in Lagos…recently

Titus Strategises To Dominate Sardine Market In Nigeria a bid to stress the superiority of the Titus brand above other IhasNcanned sardines in the market, UNIMER groups SA Morocco unveiled new marketing strategies to further promote the brand.

This effort is aimed at boosting the share of the Titus sardine brand in the canned sardine market in Nigeria. It will be recalled that Titus used to be the doyen of canned sardines consumed in the country.

In re-strategising the marketing of the brand, UNIMER Groups SA of Morocco is maintaining its commitment to injecting variety into the Nigerian market to sustain consumer’s ability to make choices out of many available brands, and also to ensure that Nigerian consumers are provided with the best brands available all over the world.

According to the Global Marketing Director of the company, Mr. Mohammed Edderkaoui, the aim of the new strategies is to reinforce the brand’s number one position in the market in terms of quality, taste and nutritional value derivable from consuming Titus Sardines.

“Titus Sardine is a premium brand of sardine which has been trusted for generations all over the world. It is rich in protein, Vitamin D 12 and contains heart-friendly oils. Titus sardine is good for everybody — students and singles who are diligent in their academics or who as a result of work pressure do not have the time to go into the market to buy raw fish,” he said.

LG Launches New DVD Home Theatre System ETERMINED to make fun D moments with friends and family more memorable, consumers are increasingly seeking for a total digital home theatre system with superior audio and DVD capabilities which sparked the introduction of the LG DH 6535D DVD HTS system by LG Electronics, a global leader in Home Entertainment.

LG DH 6535D home theatre system, which comes with a Digital Video Disc (DVD) player, was introduced by LG Electronics to meet the demands of consumers who have been longing for a DVD HTS sound system with a digital feature.

With the LG DH 6535D, DVD HTS lovers would not only enjoy audio contents but

would also be able to enjoy quality movies and pictures.

The product provides the logical choice for people who want both —enjoy a variety of media as well as watch DVD movies; it’s not only possible, it is easy with the new LG HTS system.

This unique product comes with a portable DVD player and surrounds sound for watching movies and listening to music, which makes it the complete home entertainment system. The LG DH 6535 is a must have for every home because of its unique features.

It boasts a 2.1 channel speaker system with two Premium stand alone horn speakers and 1 sub woofer delivering a powerful P.M.P.O output of 8,000 watts with excellent sound quality.

platform to engage and reward the esteemed consumers of Lucozade Boost. It also availed Nigerians the opportunity to share their energetic moments with friends, colleagues and family members,” he said.

Chika Onyemenem from Port Harcourt, who won Lucozade Boost packs, expressed joy and appreciation to the company.

“I appreciate this gift from Lucozade Boost. I drink Lucozade Boost a lot and when the programme started on radio I participated in the show because it was very creative and exciting and to my amazement, I won Lucozade Boost packs,” Chika said.

Star Gives iPads To Lagos League Winners HE excitement generated where his customised iPad was T by the just concluded ‘Star also presented to him.

League Text & Play’ campaign “I said to myself this must be has refused to die down because it heralded one of the most exciting innovations in rewarding loyal consumers.

As the excitement continues, it recorded yet another commendable feat when iPads and other devices were delivered to the homes of winners in Lagos as was done in other parts of the country.

Odumole Abiodun of 15, Adeshina Street, Ijesha road, Surulere, Lagos, had surprise written all over his face when his customised iPad was delivered to him at home.

The same experience was reenacted when the team visited Nebo Afam of 11, Bellow Street, Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos,

Guinness Nigeria Honours Distributors UINNESS Nigeria Plc, a G leader in the Nigerian manufacturing industry and part of the world’s number one premium drinks company, Diageo Plc, has again rolled out the drums to celebrate its distribution partners for their outstanding contribution to the growth and business success of the company during the 2013 financial year.

Known as the Guinness Nigeria Distributors Award, this year’s event took place at Darlington Hall, Ilupeju, Lagos, with the theme ‘Celebrating Great Partnerships.’

Speaking at the event, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu,

Lenovo Invites Africans To Name Android Statue ENOVO, the number one PC supplier in the world, will be blazLAfrican ing the trail by being the first company to create a uniquely Android statue.

This landmark campaign is to commemorate the launch of the Lenovo A1000, A3000 and S6000 Android tablets in Africa.

The most famous Android statues have been created by Google and are located at their corporate headquarters (Googleplex) in Mountain View, California. These statues document important milestones in the history of Android and have traditionally been based on the code names for the versions of Google’s Android mobile operating system, which are named alphabetically after desserts: Cupcake, Éclair, Frodo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jellybean.

It has been rumoured that the next official version of Android will be called Key Lime Pie, a traditional American dessert – but Lenovo has decided to launch a campaign to ask Africans what they would name it if they had a choice.

Lenovo will then build a statue, modelling it after the winning name. The campaign is accompanied by a social media competition on Lenovo Africa Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LenovoAfrica) asking Android and Lenovo fans, in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, to name the statue. The winner of the best and most creative name will receive a hamper full of Lenovo goodies worth USD 2,000. Lenovo would choose the winner and the Africa Android statue will be unveiled in October this year.

thanked the distribution partners for their commitment and contributions to the company over the period.

“This event is our way of saying a big thank you to all our distributors’ partners. I can say with pride that you have shown yourselves to be real partners, and I salute you for coming on this journey with us,” he said.

During the award ceremony, outstanding dealer-partners from each sub-region were rewarded in different categories ranging from distribution partner with the Highest Sales per region to the distribution partner with the Highest Sales Volume, National Growth Champion and the distribution partner with the Best Overall Performance.

MEMMCOL Chairman Bags Double Honours N what could best be Iours, described as double honthe Chairman, Momas

Category Sales Manager, GSK, Ademola Adeosun (left) and some winners of Energy Moment Show during the presentation of prizes in Lagos…recently.

one huge joke. But when I saw the determination and smile on the face of the despatch rider that presented the prize to me I knew it was for real. I shouted because I have been planning for months on how to buy an iPad; you know it’s the in thing now,” Odumole said.

His shout eventually attracted his neighbours who thought something bad might have happened to him, but they only saw an elated Odumole waving his iPad around.

The same scenario played out at Afam’s residence where his neighbours also came out to rejoice with him and to also commend Star for the innovation.

Electricity Meters Manufacturing Limited (MEMMCOL), the first and the only indigenous manufacturers of digital prepaid electricity meters, Engineer Kola Balogun was recently presented with two awards, a Distinguished Gold Service Award by the Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa (CDGA) and an Award of Excellence by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in recognition of his contributions to the economic growth and development of the nation.

Explaining the rationale for presenting the award to Balogun, the Director General, Centre for Democratic Governance in

Africa, Dr. Dafe Akpocha noted that the CDGA was particularly impressed by his achievements and his immense contributions to nation building through the establishment of the company, which serves as a critical intervention in the Nigerian power sector.

Akpocha also stated that the Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa recognised the immense contributions and resilience of Engineer Balogun to put Nigeria in the global technology map and create employment opportunities for teeming Nigerian youths.

He called on the Federal Government, concerned ministry, parastatals and agencies to give all necessary support for the company to continue to add value.

Director General, Centre for Democratic Governance (CDC), Dr. Dafe Akpocha (left); Chairman, Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Limited (MEMMCOL), Engr. Kola Balogun; Board Member, CDC, Hon. Esther Ebiere Gboukumar; and National Vice President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Jubril Ahmed during the presentation of awards to Balogun by the two organisations…recently.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

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Special Spotlight on African Traditional Medicine Day 2013

FG begins integration of herbal medicine into conventional practice • NAFDAC sets up committee to probe herbal cure claims HEAD of the celebration of African A Traditional Medicine Day 2013, the federal government has started the integration of traditional medicine into conventional practice with the introduction of herbal medicine into the medical school curricula and setting up of two committees to facilitate the process.

The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) has set up committees on introduction of herbal medicine as a course in the medical school and development of herbal remedies.

Also, the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated a committee to verify all herbal cure claims in the country.

The African Traditional Medicine Day (ATMD) is a celebration that is held August 31st of every year since 2001 to bring to fore the roles importance and challenges of Traditional Medicine (TM) in Africa. This day was declared in July 2001 during the summit of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government held in Lusaka, Zambia.

The African Union (AU) also declared 2001- 2010 the decade of African Traditional Medicine to highlight the vast potentials of TM in Africa and to encourage its further development and institutionalization in Africa’s healthcare system.

The theme for this year (2013) is Traditional Medicine (TM) Research and Development with the view of advocating, promoting, awareness and enhancing the impact of TM at both regional and country levels.

Traditional medicine is the sum total of the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness. Traditional systems in general have had to meet the needs of the local communities for many centuries. China and India, for example, have developed very sophisticated systems such as acupuncture and ayurvedic medicine.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 80 per cent of the population in developing countries depends on traditional medicine for their Primary Health Care (PHC) needs.

Traditional medicine has demonstrated great potential of therapeutic benefits in its contribution to modern medicine. More than 30 per cent of modern medicines are derived directly or indirectly from medicinal plants. Examples of these medicines are analgesics (aspirin, belladonna); anticancer medicines (vincristine and vinblastine), antihypertensive agents (reserpine); antimalarials (quinine, artemisinin); and decongestants (ephedrine).

Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, at opening ceremony of the 56th National Council on Health (NCH 56) at Civic Centre, Lagos, Chukwu said: “So we are going to take herbal medicine to medical schools so that indeed Nigeria can then say ‘we have integrated herbal medicine into conventional medicine.

“We have also had a committee to look into how Nigeria can really harness her resources in herbal remedies. Many of these products have been registered by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as food supplements in view of their efficacy.

Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu Minister of Health “Nigeria is the home of herbal remedies and Nigeria import at great cost from secondary sources the same herbal remedies. I was in China a few weeks ago and I reminded the Chinese that Nigeria is the home. So that Committee is almost ready to turn in their report. We are going to ensure that those that have gone through NAFDAC and have been certified will help our business and entrepreneurs to see how we can begin to export this in a manner that will improve our economy and also enhance the image of the country in the committee of nations.”

NAFDAC Traditional medicine has become a very big source of foreign exchange earning for countries like China and India because of its efficacy in treating hitherto incurable diseases. What is NAFDAC doing to boost traditional medicine practice in Nigeria?

Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, said: “We want to make sure that these medicines are advertised appropriately, clean out misleading advertisement but to encourage those who are actually effective. What we have done is that NAFDAC has set up a highpowered committee to screen some of these claims. All the herbal medicines will be brought in and evaluated. We are partnering with the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) Abuja. They can do efficacy testing while we can do the toxicological and safety testing.

“Jointly we can give full approval for medicines that we find out to have proven efficacy against conditions that they claim they can cure. There is also need to allay the fears of the herbal medicine practitioners. Most of them thought that if they brought their product, someone would steal their formula. What we are telling them is that they do not have to disclose the formula to us, just bring the medicine and they us what you claim it can cure. Then we give it to this committee that will subject it to scientific analysis, scientific evaluation and NIPRD will make sure that the drug is effective and also safe if taken in the doses recommended. ” Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories On how to move traditional medicine and healthcare delivery in Nigeria forward, Director Pax Herbal Clinic and research laboratories, Rev. Fr. Anselm Adodo, made the following recommendations:

Dr. Paul Orhii (DG NAFADAC) 1.

Form a presidential advisory board made up of sincere and knowledgeable healthcare providers from the private sector to advice the government on health reform and health policy in Nigeria.

2.

Government to recognise traditional medicine as a genuine alternative alongside conventional medicine, and devote 20 per cent of health budget to the development of traditional herbal medicine.

3. Form a registration and accreditation agency to register and monitor Traditional medicial practice.

4.

Encourage cultivation of medicinal plants for exportation.

5.

Establish a training school of traditional medicine based on indigenous knowledge, philosophy and African heritage.

Adodo said: “When we talk about promoting traditional medicine, we are talking about a rediscovery of our traditional African culture of care and concern for one another and for our environment. As major stakeholders in the health sector, we at PAXHERBALS are calling for a new thinking on healthcare management, policy and reform in Africa.

We call for a reawakening of the Traditional African approach to health in which the health of an individual could not be separated from the health of a community.

“Instead of pursuing a ‘healthy lifestyle’ characteristic of modern, individualistic culture, we preach a return to the older wisdom traditions of Africa that corporately valued community-based well-being and harmonious living.

In Africa, public health has been neglected and taken over by biohealth, with its emphasis on money and profit. On paper, Nigeria’s health care plan looks impressive and appealing. However, in practice, it has not made much difference in improving the health of the nation.”

Ben Amodu Herbal Farms Ben Amodu is a trained pharmacist with a doctorate degree in the field, and he is a lawyer with strong knack for herbal medicines. The civil servant with the Ministry of Defence has been in the news in recent times because of his recent breakthrough discoveries on ‘cures’ for hepatitis B and C, cancer, tuberculosis and Type 2 diabetes.

Amodu narrated how he came about SAAAB and HAABS dietary supplement for hepatitis B and C, SAABFAT 7 for cancer, TABSAABS for tuberculosis, and DAABS-2

for type 2 diabetes.

Ahead of the ATMD, Amodu said the company has also discovered cure for dengue fever currently afflicting Cuba and Singapore. A peer review on the cure for dengue fever was published recently.

He said: “To treat dengue fever, which’s an extreme form of fever, and as we speak, President of Hundoros recently declared a state of emergency because of the effect of dengue fever central to it devastating effects. So the world should know that we have solution for most of these neglected tropical diseases and these should come to the control to seek for solution. Even Cuba, we have sent them an email since we have our recent breakthrough in the treatment of dengue fever. We will give them the sample, let them analyse it in their Lab, if they are okay by it, we can now go into mass production to save humanity.”

NNMDA Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) is one of the institutions in Nigeria that are in the front of research, documentation and promotion of Traditional Medicine in Nigeria.

Director General of the Nigeria, Dr. Tamuno Okujagu, said the Agency In pursuance of its mandate, vision and mission, and within the three under listed WHO model tools for institutionalizing African Traditional Medicine (ATM) in Africa’s health systems; namely Promoting and conducting relevant scientific research on medicinal plants in collaboration with health practitioners to validate claims made on safety, efficacy, quality of Tradition Medicine (TM) Ensure that intellectual property rights are priority items for individual indigenous knowledge about TM. Build human and material resource capacity in order to carry out and accomplish institutionalization strategies.

As part of activities and possible contribution towards the roll back malaria program, the Agency has developed and formulated herbal mosquito repellent cream. This herbal mosquito repellent cream was designed and formulated to assist control the rate of malaria infections by preventing manmosquito contact especially due to the resistance of malaria parasite to most antimalarial drugs and poor utilization of the insecticide treated mosquito net.

50

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

51

Advertorial

Special Spotlight on African Traditional Medicine Day 2013

Halamin Herbal Centre discovers natural, sustainable alternative for managing dengue fever, leishmaniasis, ataxia ESEARCHERS at Halamin Herbal centre, 10 R George Innih Crescent, Apo District, Abuja and the Department of Histopathology and Cytology, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Jos, Plateau State have discovered herbal cures for dengue fever, leishmaniasis and ataxia.

The researchers led by Dr. Ben Amodu of Ben Amodu Farms include pharmacists Itodo S.E and Musa, D.E. They found that a polyherbal preparation, DAABS-2 made predominantly with extracts of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), local yam (Dioscorea alata) corn/maize (Zea mays) were effective for the treatment of dengue fever.

Also, they found that HEPATOSAAB, an ethnomedicinal poly herbal formulation cures Visceral Leishmaniasis. HEPATOSAAB is made of Vernonia amygdalina, Allium sativum (garlic), Occimum gratissimum (scent leaf) and Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera). They demonstrated that this inexpensive, simple, effective and non-toxic ethnomedicinal poly herbal formulation has a promising curative role in the treatment of Visceral Leishmaniasis.

The researcher also discovered that SAAAB caused remarkable improvement in area of cerebral dysfunction improvement and a notable decrease in the ICARS’ score in ataxia patients after six months of supplementation.

The constituents of SAAAB, HAABS and DAABS include: Sesamum indicatum (sesame), Vernonia amygdalina, Aloe barbadensis, Saccharum officinarum (sugar cane), Allium sativum, Amaranthus caudatus, Pinto bean seed, Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Dioscorea alata and Zea mays respectively.

Ataxia is a neurological sign consisting of lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements. It is a complication of high blood pressure and diabetes with a clear cut deficiency of ubiquinone central to depletion of vitamins notably vitamin E. It causes dementia, a non-specific syndrome in which affected areas of brain function may be affected, such as memory, language, problem solving and attention.

Dengue, also known as breakbone fever, is a painful and sometimes fatal viral disease characterized by headache, skin rash and debilitating muscle and joint pains. In some cases, it can lead to circulatory failure, shock, coma and death.

Leishmaniasis is a generally neglected disease, particularly in terms of new drug development for which there is little potential for financial return. Although there have been significant advances in treatment for leishmaniasis in the past decade, these developments cannot match the scale of more profitable drugs, more so that the attendant high toxicity and side effects associated with the conventional orthodox supplements left much to be desired.

Ben Amodu is a trained pharmacist with a doctorate degree in the field, and he is a lawyer with strong knack for herbal medicines. The civil servant with the Ministry of Defence has been in the news in recent times because of his recent breakthrough discoveries on ‘cures’ for hepatitis B and C, cancer, tuberculosis and Type 2 diabetes.

Amodu had narrated how he came about SAAAB and HAABS dietary supplement for hepatitis B and C, SAABFAT 7 for cancer, TABSAABS for tuberculosis, and DAABS-2 for type 2 diabetes.

Ahead of the ATMD, Amodu said the company has also discovered cure for dengue fever currently afflicting Cuba and Singapore.

A peer review on the cure for dengue fever was published recently.

He said: “To treat dengue fever, which’s an extreme form of fever, and as we speak, President of Hundoros recently declared a state of emergency because of the effect of dengue fever central to it devastating effects.

So the world should know that we have solution for most of these neglected tropical diseases and these should come to the control to seek for solution. Even Cuba, we have sent them an email since we have our recent breakthrough in the treatment of dengue fever. We will give them the sample, let them analyse it in their Lab, if they are okay by it, we can now go into mass production to save humanity.

“I have SAABFSAT 5,6,7, they’re all from African product for the treatment/management of most debilitating

illnesses from our animal experiment (Phase1) and clinical trial carried out at the Nigerian Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), it has been proved that with one product, cancer can be nipped in the bud, as those products are both prophylactic and curative.”

The researchers wrote: “In conclusion, this study has shown that there is a cure for the chronic form of Leishmaniasis. The total clearance of VL upon administration of HEPATOSAAB for three months is a testimony to this fact. Therefore, since prevention still remains the key to control, efforts must be made to strengthen strategies aimed at increasing awareness and encouraging people to take seriously the issue of personal hygiene. It is also important for the introduction of biolarvicide to stamp out completely the larvae of this parasite.

“Furthermore to cure and improve the quality of life of people infected with Visceral Leishmaniasis, the novel supplementHEPATOSAAB should be allowed to be dispensed in hospitals and pharmacies across the length and breathe of the country and beyond.”

On ataxia, they concluded: “Patients with ubiquinone deficiency may benefit from ubiquinone supplementation contained in SAAAB, although the more severe phenotypes did not show such clear improvement in the chemical manifestations. Our case showed a very good ubiquinone supplementation response, with the main symptoms related with cerebellar dysfunction disappearing, and the ICARS’ score decreasing after 6 months of supplementation.

This improvement has been observed in all patients with ataxia and ubiquinone deficiency previously reported and the higher ubiquinone does administered to our patient (1,200mg/day compared to 2,400mg/day), may explain these than our reference ranges, a further reduction of the ubiquinone dose should be cautiously evaluated.”

Dengue fever is caused by one of four related, but distinct, virus serotypes (DEN 1-4), which are transmitted to humans by the Aedesaegyptimosquito. Infected humans are the main carriers and multipliers of the virus, serving as a source of the virus for uninfected mosquitoes. The disease is concentrated in urban and peri-urban environments in tropical and subtropical regions.

While at first dengue infection may be asymptomatic, individuals who have been infected with dengue once are more likely to contract severe dengue, which can lead to hemorrhage, shock, coma and death. Though early and effective fluid intake and electrolyte replacement can ease symptoms, it is being postulated that there is no specific medication or cure available for dengue. Without proper treatment of symptoms, such as the fluid intake described above, fatality rates of the severe forms can exceed 20 per cent.

Water containers, flower pots, old automobile tires, buckets and other discarded items that collect rainwater – common in urban areas – are the ideal breeding locations for mosquitoes that transmit dengue. Dengue prevention efforts to date have focused on vector control, through emptying of such containers and insecticide spraying.

Outbreaks of dengue fever have occurred recently in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cuba, and in Paraguay in South America,

Ben Amodu

and Costa Rica in Central America.

Because dengue fever is caused by a virus, it is said that there is no specific medicine or antibiotic to treat it. For typical dengue fever, the treatment is purely concerned with relief of the symptoms (symptomatic).

The acute phase of the illness with fever and myalgias lasts about one to two weeks.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a specific syndrome that tends to affect children under 10 years of age. It causes abdominal pain, hemorrhage (bleeding), and circulatory collapse (shock).

The prevention of dengue fever requires control or eradication of the mosquitoes carrying the virus that causes dengue.

While it is being postulated that there are no specific anti-viral tablets or injections that can kill the virus, the immune system can however be stimulated by a high class concoctions infused from cocktails of fruits, barks, roots, stems etc with the major bioactive constituents of medicinal plants to kill the virus This high class concoction has been scientifically formulated into capsules with different strength. One of the high class formulations is called DAABS-2. The constituents of DAABS-2 include Vernonia amygdalina, Dioscorea alata and Zea mays.

The medicinal uses of the constituents of DAABS-2 are well documented in literature. But like most traditional medicines in Africa, little or no scientific information is available on this polyherbal component preparation that is akin to the Chinese traditional medicine (TCM) or the India Ayurvedic preparation.

These active constituents are believed to strengthen the immune system through many cytokines and chemokines regulations. With the abundant presence of tannins, phlobatannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins and cardiac glycosides, which are the most important bioactive constituents of medicinal plants, the poly herbal preparation is able to normalize appropriately all the haematological indices and improve health status dramatically.

Vaccines are being developed against all four serotypes of dengue fever and they will definitely be the most effective way to prevent the disease.

Prevention of mosquito breeding has by and large failed in most endemic countries.

Patients are prone to dehydration hence they should drink plenty of fluids. If necessary a few days of intra-venous fluids can be administered in the form of normal saline or dextrose saline.

The present study was therefore designed to determine the clinical activities of DAABS-2- on dengue fever and to create awareness to the public and other healthcare workers on the importance of preventing the breeding site of mosquitoes.

Study population was made of suspected cases of dengue Haemorrhagicfever clients within the age bracket of 0 month to 69years, that came to seek medical attention in Halamin Chemicals Nigeria Limited Centre, Abuja from April, 2012 to February 2013.Suspected cases comprised of clients that presented with fever and any of the following: headache, pain behind the eye and in muscles and joints enlarged lymph glands, and a maculopapular rash.

Sometimes abdominal pain with vomiting and occasionally haemorrhagic symptoms.

Social-demographic data including age, sex, presenting complaints, relevant signs elicited and orthodox drugs pretreatment were obtained from the clients.

After obtaining the

relevant information and explaining to the clients the test procedures, 2ml of blood was collected aseptically through venepuncture using sterile syringe and needle following application of tourniquet. The surface of the skin was disinfected with methylated spirit on cotton wool and allowed to dry. The blood was transferred to a plain container and allowed to clot at room temperature. The clot was dislodged and centrifuged at 1000rpm for 5 minutes. The serum was harvested using a Pasteur pipette and transferred into serum containers with caps and properly labeled. The test was performed immediately, unless stated otherwise in which case, the samples were kept frozen.

The PCV test was done using the microhaematocrit centrifuge. The platelet count, total white blood cells count and differential, aspartate aminotranferase, blood urea and serum sodium and albumin were carried out in accordance with procedures specified by MonicalCheesbrough (District Laboratory practice in tropical countries, part 2) The results of the findings of dengue haemorrhagic fever clients show that nearly all age groups are affected. However, it was observed that the highest occurrence of positive cases was recorded within the age groups of 0-16, 20-29 and 50-69. All age groups were infected with the disease.

The administration of the supplements lasted for 12 weeks. Tables 1,2 and 3 clients were given the DAABS-2 supplement 1000mg twelve hourly for 1 month. The hemoglobin, platelets, WBC, AST, blood urea, serum sodium and albumin were measured before the commencement of the supplement. The measurements were further taken at four weeks interval for two consecutive times.

The group A clients showed a remarkable moderation of the haemoglobin level, platelets, AST, WBC, serum sodium, albumin and blood urea from the astronomical heights of the parameters.

The group B clients were not equally left out from remarkale moderation of the parameter.

Group C like group A showed similar moderation of the parameters.

There was a remarkable moderation of the haemoglobin level of 48g/dL which is a clear characteristic of dengue haemorrhagic fever, to a normal level of 12g/dL in group A clients. This remarkable moderation happened through a period of 12 weeks of the administration of DAABS-2 supplements believed to strengthen the immune system and adaptogenized the generality of the human systems. Another unique addendum was the general wellbeing experienced by the clients, the initial complaints of generalized pain, headache, malaise etc. previously noticed by the clients disappeared before the end of the three month. There were equally palpable moderation of the aspartateaminotranferase and total white blood cell count from 170uL to 28uL and 1.0×109 cells/L to 10.0×109cells/L respectively within the three months use of the DAABS-2 supplements.

In group B clients that were mostly adults, it was observed among the client despite the fact that they were reactive to IgM of the dengue virus. However, there was also a remarkable moderation of all the parameters and general improvement in their health status.

The group C clients, like the group A had an astronomical abnormalities in the Haemoglobin, aspartateaminotranferase, serum sodium, total white blood cell count, albumin and blood urea. This is a clear case of dengue haemorrhagic fever as the clients tested positive to IgG of the degue virus. Nevertheless, the clients observed complete restoration of health status even before the completion of the DAABS-2 medicaments at the twelfth weeks set for the observation. It should be noted that no such work has been carried out before; this is the first of its kind.

Leishmania are protozoan parasites belonging to the family Trypanosomatidae that causes high morbidity and mortality levels with a wide spectrum of clinical syndromes. The World Health Organization has identified leishmaniasis as a major public health problem.

The control of leishmaniasis remains a serious problem. As a zoonotic infection, transmission is difficult to interrupt, although some attempts to reduce vector and mammalian reservoir populations have been successful. There are currently no vaccines for leishmaniasis. The drugs available for leishmaniasis treatment are toxic, expensive and frequently ineffective.

TheGuardian

52 Saturday, August 31, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Cover

Suntai

From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo IXED reactions have continued to trail the M recent return of Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai, who had been abroad for almost 10 months receiving treatment, following his involvement in a plane crash.

Since his return last Sunday, when he was hurriedly aided into a waiting red Range Rover jeep that zoomed straight to his residence within the Government House in Jalingo, he has been shielded away from the public.

Many had believed that Suntai’s return would put an end to the skirmishes, grumblings and controversies making the rounds in the state over the true state of his health, but The Guardian investigation revealled that the situation appear to have ignited more tensions, as several groups and individuals continue to urge those shielding him from the public to allow him address the people in a live broadcast.

For fear of possible breakdown of law and order, security operatives have refused to go to bed in the state, as heavily armed security personnel continue to keep vigil at the entrance to the Government House and other public places within the state capital, as well as in the state House of Assembly.

Several groups and individuals, who have expressed their dismay over the inability of the governor to addressed the people or entertain questions from newsmen, believe such an action could only further aggravate the already tense atmosphere in the state, especially as there already exist mutual suspicion and distrust between adherents of the two major religion in the state- Christianity and Islam.

Groups that have continued to mount pressure on Suntai’s handlers to enable appear in public or make public statements include the Coalition of Taraba Youth Movement (CTYM), the National Union of Taraba State Students (NUTASS) and Network Against Corruption (NAC), to mention just a few.

Wondering why the people are being stopped from seeing “their governor,” the leadership of the NAC urged Suntai to, as a matter of urgency, address his people and the world, saying this would go a long way to douse the tension in the state.

The group vowed to call a mass protest, in conjunction with the other civil societies and invoke

As if all these were not enough, Speaker of the Assembly, Haruna Tsokwa, alongside some principal officers of the House, had also vowed not to allow Suntai resume office as the state governor until he deem it fit to address the people through the Assembly.

This action, The Guardian observed, has further deepened the ongoing cold war in the House, as the members have obviously been factionalised into two camps, a situation that has further heightened the already existing tension in the state.

While the Majority Leader of the House, Joseph Albasu Kunnin, had earlier made known the readiness of the members to allow Suntai resume office, following the letter he (Suntai) supposedly transmitted to the House on Monday, notifying it of his willingness to resume duty, the Speaker on his part, felt it would be unfair for the members to give him the go ahead without first of all appearing before the people.

The Speaker’s decision to throw his weight behind those demanding that the governor to Tsokwa address them was said to have been hinged on the refusal of the governor’s aides to allow the leadership of the House access to the governor.

With the exception of Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, The Guardian gathered that since Suntai’s return the state from USA last Sunday, the Acting Governor, the leadership of the House, as well as top government functionaries had not been allowed to see him.

The Speaker, it was reliably gathered, doubts the authenticity of Suntai’s letter to the House and whether it was actually authored by the governor.

Sensing that some few persons who may want the state to be governed by proxy for selfish reasons must have doctored such letter, Tsokwa vowed that for the interest of the state, he would not bow to pressure until the governor accedes to the demands of the people by appearing before the House.

He said until the request of the House was granted, the Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, would remain in office as the state’s acting governor, and not as a deputy governor.

Umar The crisis, which is fast tearing the state apart, is also dividing the people along religious lines, as adherents of the two faiths are now lucidly throwing their weights in support of whom they now refer to as their “own.”

Such situation, according to the state Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Suleiman Hamidu, would only lead the state to destruction.

According to him: “I expected that the right thing should be done by members of the House of Assembly by speaking with one voice, because the way things are going now, I am afraid if the state would not end up exploding.”

As if all the ongoing political stalemate is not enough, the governor, who has neither been heard or seen by the masses of the state until late Wednesday, the authenticity is still in doubt, has gone ahead to “sack” his cabinets, even when the members of Assembly had not given him a clean slate to resume office.

The Guardian observed that the sack notice, said to have been transmitted by the governor through his Special Adviser on Media Matters, Sylvanus Giwa, has further raise some doubts, as many claimed the governor may not even be aware of goings on around him, let alone made such a far-reaching decision. take us through the familiar perilous path of Asked Danjuma Munga, a PDP chieftain: “What governance by proxy.” evidence have they to present to the people that In the same vein, CTYM, through its the letters released were actually done by the govChairman, Mallam Abubakar Waziri, harped ernor himself?” on the need for the governor to reciprocate Worried by the rising tension in the state, Munga the sacrifice made by the people while he was appealled to the Presidency to act fast before the away. situation becomes “uncontrolled, because what is He wondered why the people, who had put presently happening in most parts of the country aside their religious and political differences to pray for his fast recovery, have been prevent- began like this.”

But the ‘former’ Commissioner for Justice and ed from seeing him.

Attorney General of the state, Gebon Timothy Waziri stated: “We want Suntai to speak to Kataps, who was named the newly Secretary to the people of the state, either through the the State Government (SSG), the Assembly memmedia or the House of Assembly,” adding: bers have no constitutional backing to stop the “Taraba is in the state of confusion now, governor from returning to office. because the people do not know what and Citing Section 190, subsection 2 of the 1999 whom to believe.”

Also speaking to The Guardian on the need for Constitution (as amended), Kataps wondered Suntai to come out and address Tarabans and why the members would continue to foot-drag in the country, the leadership of NUTASS reiterat- deliberating on the letter transmitted to the members by the governor. ed the need for the entire members of the A battle line appears to have been drawn, as state Assembly to collectively tread the path of some analysts believe, between loyalists to the history by inviting Suntai to appear before governor and those in support of the acting govthem. ernor, just as the “sacked” government funcThis, according to its president, Bashir Yakubu, would go a long way to halt any form tionaries late on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting at the office of the acting governor. of crisis from erupting in the state.

Political Conundrum In Taraba Over Suntai’s Return the Freedom of Information Act, should his family, party members and some top government official continue to shield the governor from the public.

While handing a seven-day ultimatum to his handlers to tread the right path, Chairman of the group, Olanrewaju Suraju, urged the state House of Assembly to “rise to the political challenge by commencing the process of ascertaining the health status of Suntai to determine his capacity to continue in office as a governor.”

According to him: “If Suntai is still mentally fit, but not physically strong, the Assembly should allow him to carry on as governor.

“But if he is not mentally fit, even when he is physically okay, he should not be allowed to continue in office, as the state cannot be governed by proxy.”

Suraju stressed the need for the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to save the country from another international embarrassment by ensuring that the rule of law is strictly adhered to in resolving the Taraba political logjam.

He called on Nigerians to rise “in unison to condemn any attempt by the ruling class to

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

| 53

COVER Daniel Ishaya Gani, Chairman of Taraba State House of Assembly Committee on Information, told CHARLES AKPEJI in Jalingo that the lives of eight members, who refused to support the move to remove Governor Danbaba Suntai, are being threatened.

W

HAT is your take on the already drawn battle-line between the executive and legislative regarding the return and intention to resume duties by Governor Danbaba Suntai?

Why some people are so desperate to take over power from the governor when he is still alive. They said he could not write; they said he cannot speak, but thank God they have visited him and seen for themselves that what they earlier said he could not do, he is doing.

So, what do they want from him again?

Must he go to the street and start jumping up and down before they would allow him to resume his office as governor? The governor only needs to transmit a letter, which he has done.

I remember when people were comparing this situation with that of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Yar’Adua, who was in Saudi Arabia when he (allegedly) signed the budget. But this man is here physically and has appended his signature in the letter.

It is not our responsibility to go and investigate it and it is not our responsibility to prevent him from resuming his legitimate office.

It is the responsibility of his personal doctors, and none of them have come out to tell us that the governor is not yet strong enough to resume duty.

He has the right to choose whosoever he wants to work with. If he discovered that the people he has earlier appointed were traitors and betrayals, he has every right to fire them.

These people, I must confess to you, just want to cause anarchy in this state.

How can that anarchy be forestalled in the state?

Tarabans must be eager to know the position of the law in this issue. What does the law say? They say they want the man to talk, he has talked. They wanted to see him, they have seen him. Now they are telling him to go back on medical treatment.

Are they the ones that are supposed to tell him? They should wait for his doctors to do that and not them.

What do you make of the alleged threat to the lives of the eight members that disassociated themselves from the ‘impeachment’ move?

That is why you see that some of us don’t sleep in our houses any longer.

Unfortunately for me, I am his (Speaker’s) neighbour; closed range neighbour. So, our lives are being threatened; our lives are in danger.

There are more plans to stop us from going into the Taraba State House of Assembly complex. But if care is not taken, what happened in Rivers State would be a child’s play to what would happen in this state, because some of us are ready to sacrifice our lives to see that the right thing is done and that what the law says is done, because we all swore to defend the constitution of Nigeria.

And what does the constitution of Nigeria say? That is what we are talking about.

Why is the acting governor not being allowed access to his boss?

It is because he has an ulterior motive. If he does not have ulterior motive, why would the deputy governor, not the acting governor, again not see his boss?

Right now, going by the press statement released by the Speaker, he (Deputy Governor) has ordered for security meeting today (yesterday).

If the deputy governor does not has ulterior motive, why would he call for a security meeting when he know full well that his boss is on ground?

Why is he contradicting himself after issuing a press release that we have only one leader, who is the governor of the state, only for him to be doing something contrary to what he had earlier said?

Ishaya

‘Some People Just Want To Cause Anarchy In Taraba’ I am confused, because some people, who are supposed to do the right thing are the ones doing the wrong thing.

So, only God can help us in Taraba, because the way things are going, I don’t think it would end well with a lot of people.

Why do you think the Presidency and the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have remained silent on the matter?

That is why we wanted to see whether Taraba is going to be another Rivers State, because when a crisis is coming up very small and you are not able to tackle it from the first stage, when it escalates and becomes big, it takes you millions of naira to control.

All I am saying is that the leadership of the party is supposed to come in and tell those people trying to throw our state into anarchy what the constitution says.

The constitution is supreme and it says he (governor) should transmit and he has transmitted a letter to the Assembly. Anybody that feels the governor is not capable to resume his official responsibilities should come to the Government House and see him.

If after seeing him and he or she is not satisfied, he or she can then go and make his or her case.

These are people who have seen him and he even cracked jokes with them. Some of them were even shedding tears when they saw him, because they never expected he could talk and even crack jokes.

But now, the same people are outside signing a different song. I am surprised that people are not being fair and sincere. They are not Godfearing at all.

Why are journalists being prevented from seeing or interacting with him?

When he wanted the journalists to come and interview him, some of them where busy, waiting for the Speaker to make a release since on Monday.

We were there in the House of Assembly when the governor, having done the swearing in of the new SSG (Secretary to the State Government) before some of them came around.

Where did the NTA (Nigeria Television Authority) get their own news? Where did the Taraba television station get their own news?

Later on, before they discovered, he has finished his broadcast and then, they were there busy trying to get the Speaker’s release, because somebody is sponsoring somebody to talk.

As I am talking to you now, nobody gave me penny; nobody sponsored me, but I am telling you nothing, but the truth.

What is your advice to the Presidency regarding this situation?

We want President Goodluck Jonathan to look at the poor people of Taraba State and the fact that the mandate they gave to an elected governor is about being hijacked by some few individuals, opportunists and desperados eager to get to power by all means.

The presidency should wade in by taking relevant actions, because this man is still alive.

Yesterday (Thursday), I learnt authoritatively that the governor spoke to the President.

So, what do they want again? Must he start walking and jumping on the streets before they would say he is fit to commence duty as governor?

The presidency should as a matter of urgency wade into this crisis, because allowing these desperados to have their way is like setting a bad precedent for other states.

You know what happened in Anambra State in the past; the kind of anarchy some individuals created in their bid to take over power from an elected governor.

This is another scenario that is coming up in Taraba State.

What do they want from him again? Must he go to the street and start jumping up and down before they would allow him to resume his office as governor?

What of the security of the governor?

We are confident of the security personnel around the governor.

The deputy governor has called a security meeting today, but I don’t who are the security personnel that would go there, seeing that the elected governor is there and the deputy governor is calling for security meeting.

We entrust the life of the governor into the hands of God, and whatever happens, we will hold the security personnel in Taraba State responsible, because Suntai is sitting down there, still alive, still talking and somebody wants to take over his seat.

Why has the house not reconvened?

The leadership of the House, whether they are incompetent or not, we don’t know, because they don’t want to sit. Why are they afraid of sitting?

Let us come and deliberate. If you said I have an issue, bring it to the floor of the House.

That was why we were elected, to come and represent our constituencies; to represent Tarabans. As such, let us deliberate this issue.

You don’t sit down and make a press release that becomes a law. You can see that the Speaker was so egocentric, so myopic to say that as far as he was concerned, Garba Umar remained the acting governor.

The advice I would give Umar is to concentrate on his duties as deputy governor, not to be pushed by some desperados and power hungry people to where his hands would not reach.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

54

COVER

Photoscope Of Gov Suntai Between 2007 And Now

Governor Suntai with Governor Jang when the latter visited him Germany in hospital.

Suntai in his pilot uniform after his graduation from Aviation College as a pilot.

Suntai after his swearing-in as governor of Taraba State in 2007

The ill-fated aircraft

Suntai (middle) with his wife and their twins

Suntai welcoming his deputy Garba Umar who visited him in the hospital in United States (US) With them is his wife Hauwa.

Suntai during a visit by PDP delegation led by Senator Hope Uzodinmma to US hospital to see him

Suntai on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja

Hauwa Suntai

Suntai

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

| 55

COVER

Taraba Political Impasse And 1999 Constitution

Mark

By Samson Ezea EFORE now, many had thought that Nigerians, especially the political leaders in the corridors of power, would have learnt one or two lessons from the events of the past that characterised political power tussles that manifested during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

The prolonged sickness of Yar’Adua in 2010, which brought about his long absence from duty, almost brought the country to the brink of a crisis.

The situation culminated in what is now known as the ‘Doctrine Of Necessity’ invoked by the National Assembly during the period to save the country from collapse and empower the then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to become the Acting President.

Even at that, many, especially Yar’Adua’s handlers and the cabal holding the country to ransom at that time, had argued that the position of Acting President conferred on Jonathan was illegal and unconstitutional.

But as a matter of urgency and expediency, Nigerians overlooked the lacuna in the 1999 Constitution, which enabled the cartel to capitalise on the situation to hijack Yar’Adua’s government for their selfish political interest.

It was this situation that led the National Assembly to make amendments of Sections 145 and 190 of the 1999 Constitution to define the extent of absence of a President and a Governor.

The lawmakers believed the President or Governor’s absence from duty for more than a required period should never be used to hold the whole country down.

It is against this background that an amendment was made that when a President or State Governor travels without transmitting a communication to the Senate President

B

Tambuwal

Suntai or Speaker of the House of Assembly, respectively, the National Assembly or state House of Assembly members shall after 21 days, pass a resolution empowering the Vice President or Deputy governor to become Acting President or Acting governor (as the case may be).

This is to forestall a re-occurrence of that episode, as Nigeria’s constitution before then did not stipulate the length of time a President or Governor could be away from his/her duty post.

Under the amendment, Section 145 (1) reads: “Whenever the President is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, he shall transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to that effect, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, the Vice President shall perform the functions of the President as Acting President.”

Subsection (2), states: “In the event that the President is unable or fails to transmit the written declaration mentioned in subsection (1) of this section within 21 days, the National Assembly shall, by a resolution made by a simple majority of the vote of each House of the National Assembly, mandate the Vice President to perform the functions of the office of the President as Acting President until the President transmits a letter to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives that he is now available to resume his functions as President.”

Section 190 (1) reads: “Whenever the Governor is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, he shall transmit a written declaration to the Speaker of the House of Assembly to that effect, and until he transmits to the Speaker of the House of Assembly

a written declaration to the contrary, the Deputy Governor shall perform the functions of the Governor as Acting Governor.”

Subsection (2) reads: “In the event that the Governor is unable or fails to transmit the written declaration mentioned in subsection (1) of this section within 21 days, the House of Assembly shall, by a resolution made by a simple majority of the vote of the House, mandate the Deputy Governor to perform the functions of the office of the Governor as Acting Governor, until the Governor transmits a letter to the Speaker that he is now available to resume his functions as Governor.”

Section 189(1) provides that: “The Governor or Deputy Governor of a State shall cease to hold office if by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of all members of the executive council of the State, it is declared that the Governor or Deputy Governor is incapable of discharging the functions of his office.”

With the unfolding intrigue in Taraba since the dramatic return of Governor Danbaba Suntai last Sunday, who had to rely on the assistance of his aides to be able to alight from the aircraft and has been shielded from the people, except a few family members and close associates, it appears some power mongers in the state are replaying the Yar’Adua episode and even taking it higher, by capitalising on the lacuna in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to hold on to power for him by proxy.

The constitution (as amended) does not stipulate how long a President or Governor should be away from office to attract sanction or cease to hold the office.

Also, it did not specify when the Acting Governor or President should be confirmed substantive President or Governor, apart from when the incumbent is dead or declared incapacitated, as stated in Section 189 (1).

Though some legal experts have argued that it would amount to denying the Governor or President, as the case may be, his fundamental human right if denied the opportunity to return to his seat due to some unforeseen circumstances beyond his/her control.

But most give less consideration to what the people of the country or state suffer in such a situation, as being witnessed in Taraba State today, where governance appeared to have been stalled since Suntai’s plane crash last year.

Even though the Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, has been elevated to the position of Acting Governor, as required by the constitution, but throughout the period prior to the return of his boss last Sunday, he never actually had his way in running the affairs of the state.

Apart from the task of governance, he had to contend with the hide-and- seek game over the true state of his boss’ health.

And with Suntai’s return, as long as the 1999 Constitution (as amended) did not specify how the governor should transmit a letter

This development is becoming all-too-familiar in the country, for whenever the governor is hospitalised, the entire state is on vacation with him

to the state Assembly upon return to resume duty, Suntai has not flouted the law, having transmitted letter to House upon return.

This was even when he has not appeared in public or made any public address to the people unaided, as being demanded by a faction of the Assembly that he appear and address them, though that too is not envisaged by the constitution.

It was gathered that the cabal allegedly running the government by proxy prior to and since Suntai’s return quickly dissolved the state executive council to avoid being pressurised from any quarter to perform the Section 89 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

As it is now, it appears that the state Assembly members are already divided.

While some of them are sympathetic to the governor’s plight, others are against it all for political and religious reasons.

A source in the government told The Guardian that what has been playing out in Taraba since Suntai’s plane crash some 10 months ago was religious-politics.

The source alleged that some powerful interest and religious groups in the state do not want the minority religious group to take over the reins of the state.

With what is unfolding in Taraba, it appears the amendment of Sections 145 and 190 of the 1999 Constitution to forestall a repeat of the Yar’Adua political conundrum is not achieving the desired result; hence the need for the National Assembly to once again look into the sections in the ongoing constitution review.

This development is becoming all-too-familiar in the country, for whenever the governor is hospitalised, the entire state is on vacation with him.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August, 31, 2013

56

Change of Name ABDLSALAMI: I, formerly Abdlsalami Mohammed Jamiu Alabi now wish to be known and addressed as Salami Jimoh Alabi. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public note.

Former documents valid. Public note.

ADEWUMI: Formerly Miss Temitope Vivian Adewumi, now Mrs Temitope Vivian Obafemi. Former documents valid. Public note.

ABIAKAM: Formerly Miss Uchechukwu Ada Chidinma Abiakam now Mrs. Uchechukwu Ada Chidinma Chinweze. All documents remain valid. Public note.

ADEWUSI: Formerly Miss Omowunmi Yetunde Adewusi, now Mrs Omowunmi Yetunde Aziegbe. Former documents valid.

Public note.

ABIODUN: Formerly Miss Abiodun Abosede now Mrs. Akanbi Omowunmi Abosede.

All former documents remain valid. Public note.

ADEYANJU: Formerly Miss Temilola Grace Adeyanju now Mrs. Temilola Grace Adeyanju. Former documents valid. NYSC, public note.

ADACHIE: Formerly Miss Adachie Roseline Chizoba now Mrs Ihezukwu Roseline Chizoba. Fomer documents remain valid.

Public note.

ADEYEYE: Formerly Miss Adejoke Adefunke Adeyeye now Mrs Adejoke Adefunke Abokede. Former documents remain valid public note.

ADDITION OF NAME: I, Joan Nso Diffang and Nso Diffang Joan Ndip Arrah Mbeng is one and the same person.

All documents bearing both names remain valid. Public note.

ADEYEYE: Formerly Miss Adeyeye Oluwakemi Abolanle now Mrs. Ogunoiki Oluwakemi Abolanle.

All former documents remain valid. Public note.

ADEKOYA: Formerly Miss Yewande Oluwatoyosi Adekoye, now Mrs Yewande Oluwatoyosi Salu. Former documents valid. Public note.

ADISA: Formerly Miss Mosumola Blessing Adisa, now Mrs Mosumola Blessing Okwese.

Former documents valid. Public note.

ADELAGUN: Formerly Miss Oluwakemi Dorcas Adelagun now known and called Mrs. Oluwakemi Dorcas Ola. Former documents remain valid. LASU, Shoreline Power Company and public note.

ADUNOLA: Formerly Miss Adunola Oluwatoyin Abosede now Olaniyi Oluwatoyin Abosede. Former documents valid. Public note.

ADENAIKE: Fomrerly Miss Adenaike Motunrayo Abolanle now Olabiyi Motunrayo Abolanle. Former documents emain valid.

OGSHMB, public note.

ADEOYE: Formerly known as Miss Adetolani Victoria Adeoye now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adetolani Victoria Aruna. All former documents remain valid.

Public take note.

ADESEUN: Former Miss Adeseun Aisha Olayinka now Mrs. Akinpelu Aisha Olayinka.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ADEWALE: Formerly Miss Adewale Omowunmi Kudirat now Mrs. Abass Omowunmi Kudirat.

AGBASI: Former Miss Kenechukwu Agbonma Agbasi now Mrs. Kenechukwu Agbonma Ifeanyichukwu.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AGOMUOH: Formerly Miss Agomuoh Grace Anita now Anita Ngozi James Onyeche. Former documentts valid.

Public note.

AGUNLOYE: Formerly Agunloye Adejoke Omololu now Mrs. Folorunsho Adejoke Omololu. Former docments remain valid.

Public note.

AGUOKOGBUO: Formerly Miss Aguokogbuo Vera Ogochukwu now Mrs. Ogor Vera Ogochukwu. Former documents valid. Public note.

AIVINHENYO: Formerly

Miss Aivinhenyo Rita Uyi now Mrs. Ajayi Rita.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AJANI: Former Mr. Ajani Adebomi Abraham now Mr. Adebayo Adebomi Abraham. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AJAYI: Formerly Miss Ajayi Foluke Tomilola now Mrs. Ayotunde Foluke Tomilola. Former documents remain vlaid. Public note.

AJIBADE: Formerly Ajibade Temitayo Adekunle now AjibadePeters Temitayo Adekunle. Former documents remain valid.

The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary Ogbomoso. General public note.

AJOKU: I formerly known as Ajoku Wisdom Elisha now wish to be addressed as Wali Desmond Elisha. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

documents remain valid. Public note.

AKOR: Formerly Miss Patience Ene Akor now Mrs. Patience Ene Clement. Former documents valid. Public note.

AKPAN: Formerly Miss Lovelyn Livinus Akpan now Mrs Banji Lovelyn Ima- Obong. Former documents remain valid. Public note AKPAN: Former Essen Akpan Umosen now Lawrence Essen Umosen. WAEC and public note.

AKUDIKE: Formerly Miss Chinwe Faustina Akudike now wish to known as Mrs Chinwe Faustina Egwuom. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ALAGBE: Formerly known as Miss Alagbe Funmilayo Ibironke now addressed as Mrs. Adegoke Ifeto luwanikase Funmilayo.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AJUMOBI: Formerly Miss Ajumobi Opeyemi Adebimpe now Mrs Okunribido Opeyemi Adebimpe. All former documents remain valid. Public take note

ALEWO: Formerly Miss Rosemary Omada Alewo now Mrs. Rosemary Agidi. Former documents valid. Public note.

AKANNI: Formerly Akanni Oluwakemi Joy now Mrs Bankole Oluwakemi Joy. Documents valid. Ogun SUBEB, public note.

ALO: I, formerly Alo Abosede Temitayo now wish to be addressed as Abe Abosede Temitayo.

All documents remain valid. Public take note.

AKINDELE: Formerly Miss Akindele Oluwabusola Florence, now Mrs Babalola Oluwabusola Florence.

Former documents valid. Public note.

AMADI: Formerly Miss Lilian Ozioma Amadi now Mrs. Lilian Ozioma Duru. Former documents remain valid.

Arik’Air and public note.

AKINGBADE : Formerly Miss Modupe Hannah Akingbade , now Mrs Modupe Hannah Egunubi. All former documents remain valid. Connect Marketing Services, Kaduna polytechnic and general public note.

AMUDA: Formerly Miss Amuda Rashidat Oluwabanke, now Mrs Wintope Rashidat Oluwabanke. Former documents valid. Public note.

AKINNIRE: Formerly Mr. Akinnire Bayo now Alli Olagoke Edamisan.

Former documents remain valid. General public note.

AKINSOLA: Formerly Miss Akinsola Abimbola Loveth now Mrs. Olagunju Abimbola Loveth.

Documents valid. Public note.

AKINSOLU: Former Miss Akinsolu Ojuetimi Ifedayo now Mrs. Ojuetimi Ifedayo AjibolaAkinsete.

Former

ANAZOR: Formerly Miss Dorcas Anazor Jimoh now Mrs. Dorcas Patrick Felix Okoh. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

ANIWETA: Formerly Mrs. Amaka Gloria Aniweta now Mrs. Amaka Gloria Nwankwo. Former documents valid.

Public note.

ANNE: Formerly Mrs. Anne Asuquo Ene now Mrs. Aniefiok Asuquo Ene. Former documents remain valid.

Nursing and Midwifey Council of Nigeria, public note.

ANYIJI: Formerly Miss Anyiji Eberechukwu Anthonia, now Mrs. Akataka Eberechukwu Anthonia. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

APARA: Formerly Miss Apara Bukola Yetunde Rebecca, now Mrs Alawode Adebukola Rebecca Yetunde.

Former documents valid. Public note.

AREGBESOLA: Formerly Aregbesola Kikelomo Ajoke now Mrs. Unufe Kikelomo Ajoke. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

AREWA: Formerly Miss Omotayo Tanwa Arewa now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Omotayo Tanwa Adeyinka. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

ASAOLU: Formerly Miss Olufisayo Adenike Asaolu now Mrs. Olufisayo Adenike Akioye. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ASHIMI: Formerly Ashimi Taiwo now Ashimi Paul Taiwo or Kuti Paul Taiwo. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ATITEBI: Formerly Atitebi Titilayo Labake now Mrs. Olade Titilayo Labake. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

BADA: I, am formerly known as Miss Olasunbo Mujidat Bada of 16, Layi Oyekanmi Street, Lagos State Nigeria wish to henceforth be known and addressed as Mrs. Olasunbo Mujidat Kareem from the 21st day of August 2013. All documents remain valid.

Public note.

BANJOKO: Formerly MIss Abimbola Oluwafunmilayo Bannjoko now Mrs. Abimbola Oluwafunmilayo Edwards. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

BELLO: Former Miss Bello Sherifat Abidemi now Mrs Baruwa Sherifat Abidemi. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

BEN: Formerly Miss Mercy Ben now Mrs Mercy Kingsley Anukam. Former doc-

uments valid. Public note.

BIOSAH: Formerly Biosah Cordelia now Mrs Dike Cordelia. Former documents valid.

Public note.

BISIOLU: Former Miss Bisiolu Olajumoke Oyewumi now Mrs. Adebesin Olajumoke Oyewumi.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

BOLAJI-OWONIFARI: Formerly Miss Omolara Olayinka BolajiOwonifari, now Mrs Omolara Olayinka Oni. Former documents valid. Public note..

CHIMELU: Formerly Chimelu Edith Nancy Nwakaego now Mrs Nwokolo Edith Nancy Nwakaego. Former documents remain Valid. Public note.

CHRISTIAN: Formerly Obiegbusi Amamchukwu Christian now Obiegbusi Amamchukwu Igwebuike. Former documents valid. Public note.

CHUKWUKA: Former Chukwuka Goodness Chinyere now Mrs. Oriale Goodness Chinyere. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

COKER: Formerly Alfred Bolagbuji Aiyegbusi now Alfred Ajani Bolagbuji AiyegbusiCoker. Former documents valid. Public note.

DANIA: I, formerly Dania Philomina now Owolabi Philomina.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

DARAMOLA: Formerly Miss Daramola Gbemisola Elizabeth now Mrs. Bamiduro Oluwagbemisola Elizabeth. Former documents valid. Public note.

DODO: I, formerly called Stephen Ishaya Dod now wish to be addressed and known as Stephen Ishaya David. Former documents remain same, The Redeemed Christian Church of God and general public note.

DURO-EMANUEL: Formerly Miss Oluwatomi Temitope Sophia Duro-Emanuel now Mrs. Oluwatomi

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August, 31, 2013

57

Change of Name Temitope Sophia Nweke. Former documents valid. Public note.

EBHOTEMHEN: Formerly known as Miss Angela Ekaniyere Ebotemhen now addressed as Mrs. Angela Ekaniyere Imaferame.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

EBUBEZE: Formerly Miss Ebubeze Maureen Ifeoma now Mrs Momah Maureen Ifeoma. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

EDO: I formerly known as Miss Enoma Edo now wish to be known as Mrs Enoma Adun.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EGBASE:Formerly Miss Omono Francisca Egbase, now Mrs Omono Francisca Ede. Former documents valid. Public note.

EJIAWOKO: Formerly Miss Ejiawoko Ijeoma Elizabeth now to be addressed as Mrs. Onuoha Ijeoma Elizabeth.

Former documents remain valid. General public note.

EJIDOKUN: Formerly Miss Ejidokun Mofeyishara Oluwatoyin, now Mrs Salau Mofeyishara Oluwatoyin. Former documents valid.

Public note.

EKE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Victoria Chidumam Eke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Victoria Chidumam Okeke. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

ELEAZER: Formerly Mrs Anna Eleazer now Mrs. Anna Attah-Dominion.

Former documents valid. Public note.

ELEKOLUSI: Formerly Elekolusi Emmanuel Kehinde now Ayobami Emmanuel Kehinde.

Former documents remain vaild. Pivot Engineering, public note.

EMEKA: Former Miss Peace Onwanyi Emeka now Mrs. Peace James Ndifon. All former documents remain valid.

Public note.

EMMA-AGIM: I, formerly Dr. Chike EmmaAgim now wish to be known as Dr. ChikerezeEmmanuel Agim.

All former documents

remain valid. General public take note.

ENANG: Formerly Miss Ediomi Essiet Enang now Mrs. Ediomi Ndipmong Etuk. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ENWELUM: Formerly Miss Nkechi C. Enwelum now Mrs. Nkechi C. Orji. Former documents valid. Public note.

ESSIEN: Formerly Miss Rebecca Etim Essien now Mrs Rebecca Nsisong Benson Ukpong. Documents valid. Public note.

ESSIET: Formerly Miss Essiet Peace Emem now to be addressed as Mrs. Balogun Peace Emem.

Former documents remain valid. General public note.

ETIM: Formerly Daniel Richard Etim now Daniel Bobbly Richard.

All former documents remain valid. General public note.

EZEOBELE: Formerly Miss Ezeobele Chibundo Jennifer now Mrs Ideh Chibundo Jennifer. Former documents remain valid.

NYSC, public note.

FADINA: Formerly Miss Adebanke Adetayo Fadina now Mrs. Adebanke Adetayo Adetifa. Documents remain valid.

Public note.

FALAIYE: Formerly Mr. Falaiye Adedotun Julius now Mr. Adebayo Adedotun Julius. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

FALOSEYI: Former Miss Faloseyi Temidayo Oreofe now Mrs. Adebayo Temidayo Oreofe. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

FRANK: I, formerly Frank Babatunde Spencer now Francis Babatunde Spencer.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

FRANK: Formerly Folashade Adetutu Frank now Folashade Adetutu Frank-Akale. Former documents remain valid. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, public note.

IBEABUCHI: Formerly Miss Ibeabuchi Sybil Chinemerem now Mrs Emmanuel Sylbil Chinemerem. Former documents valid. public note.

IBE:

Formerly

Em-

manuela Chioma Ibe now Mrs. Isinka Chioma Emmanuela.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

IBRAHIM: I, formerly Miss Kafilat Damilola Ibrahim now Mrs. Kafilat Damilola Kotun-Al Kunty. All former documents remain valid.

Public note.

IDAHOSA: Formerly Dr. Miss Idahosa Osarose Monica now Dr. Mrs Amu-Akojie Osarose Monica All former documents remain valid.

Public note.

IGWEGBO: Formerly Miss Igwegbo Uchenna Monica now Mrs Ifeatu Uchenna Monica. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

IHEMEDU: Formerly Mr. Ihemedu Daniel Obinna now Mr. Olanikawo Daniel Adeshina. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

IKECHUKWU: Formerly Ikechukwu Cajetan Akwaja now Ikekanachukwu Nwachinemere Cajetan Akwaja. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

IKEMEFUNA: Formerly Miss Uchenna Eucharia Ikemefuna now Mrs. Uchenna Eucharia Chris-Ogbeide. Previous documents valid.

General public note.

IKLAGA: Formerly Vivian Anyoye now Mrs. Edeh Vivian Anyope.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

IKONNE: formerly Miss Nneoma Nwanyi Ikonne now Mrs Nneoma Fyne Ugorji.

Former documents valid. Public note.

ILEGBE: Formerly Ilegbe Augustine Eluemen now addressed as Enoguanbhor Augustine Eluemen. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ILO: I, formerly Miss Jessica Chinazor Ilo now Mrs. Jessica Chinazor Oraegbunam. Former documents valid.

Public note.

ILOZUMBA: Formerly Miss Chioma Linda Ilozumba, Now Mrs Chioma Linda EZEKOBE. Former documents valid. Public note.

IMONHBIO: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anthonia Imonhbio now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anthonia Oviawe. All former documents remain valid.

Lagos Internal Revenue Service and general public please take note.

INAMETI: Formerly Miss Umo Edem Inameti now Mrs. Noel Umo Jacobs. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

INEGBENEBOR: Formerly Mr. Inegbenebor M. Erhomhonsele now Mr. Inegbenose Mcheavy Erhomhonsele. Former documents remain valid.

Public take note.

ISIRAMEHA: Formerly Miss Isirameha Christiana now Mrs Okobo Christiana O. Former documents valid. Public note.

IWUNORUO: Formerly Miss Doris Chinyere Iwuanoruo now Mrs. Doris Chinyere Durugo.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

IWUJI: Formerly Miss Helen Nkechika Iwuji now Mrs. Helen Nkechika Azolukwam.

Former documents valid. Public note.

IYOKO: Formerly Miss Iyoko Nwamaka Evelyn Now Mrs Ogbeide Osaretin Nwamaka Evelyn. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

JAMES: I formerly Miss James Joyce wish to be addressed as Mrs Igiesuorobo Joyce. Former documents remain valid. Public take note.

JIMOH: Formerly Miss Jimoh Tawakalitu Abosede now Mrs. Oseteru Faith Abosede.

Former documents valid. Public note.

JOGBODO: Formerly Miss Jogbodo Kike Mary now Mrs. Oke Kike Mary. All former documents remain valid.

Public note.

KALU: Formerly Miss Kalu Mary Ogele now Mrs Awa Mary Kalu. Former documents remain valid. public note.

KAZEEM: Former Miss Kazeem Kafayat Olabisi now Mrs. Faseun Kafayat Olabisi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

KOLADE: Formerly called Miss Kolade

Afusat Taiwo now called Mrs. Alade Afusat Taiwo.

All documents remain valid. General public note.

LANA: Former Miss Lana Olateju Simisola now Mrs. Kingsley Olateju Simisola. Former documents remain valid.

General public note.

MOTUNRAYO: Formerly Miss Taiwo Omowumi Motunrayo, now Mrs Akanbi Omowumi Taiwo. Former documents valid. Public note.

MATHEW: Formerly Miss Ronke Stella Mathew now want to bear Mrs. Ronke Stella Adura Tundun. Former documents remain valid. Public take note.

NWANOKWARA: Formerly Nwanokwara Chidi John now Mr Isaac Chidi John. Former documents valid.

Public take note.

MUDASHIRU: Formerly Bola Margaret Mudashiru now Mrs. Bola Margaret Ogodo. All forLAWAL: Former Miss mer documents remain Suwebat Olanike Lawal valid. Public note. now Mrs. Suwebat Olanike Adesope. For- MUSIBAU: Formerly mer documents remain Miss Musibau Edith Fuvalid. Public note. milayo now Mrs. Akinmolusun Edith LAWUYI: Formerly Funmilayo. Former docLawuyi Abiola Foluke uments valid. Public now Mrs Abiola Foluke note.

Olutayo. All former documents remain valid. NNADIEKWE: Formerly Miss Nneka Cristle Public note.

Nnadiekwe now Mrs MACHIE: Formerly Miss Nneka Cristle Harriet Machie Rosemary Chi- Akano. Former docunenye Now Mrs Obiayo ments remain valid.

Rosemary Chinenye. Public note.

Former documents reFormain Valid. Public note. NWACHUKWU: merly Mr Nwachukwu MALIZE: Formerly Miss Obike Kenneth, now Mr Malize Chimuanya Nwachukwu Kenneth Lynda now Mrs. Chijioke. All former remain Chimuanya Simon documents Ofem. Former docu- valid. Public note. ments remain valid.

NWANEDO: I, formerly Public note. known as Mr. Richard MATANMI: Former Miss Ifeanyi Nwanedo now Matanmi Abiodun Mon- wish to be known as Mr. surat now Mrs. Ajayi Richard Ifeanyi Akaria.

Abiodun Monsurat. For- All former documents mer documents remain remain valid. Public note. valid. Public note.

MBA: Formerly Miss Agnes Uzoma Mba now Mrs Agnes Daniel Kalu.

All former documents remain valid. Public note.

NWOSU: Formerly Miss Blessing Chinyere Nwosu now Miss Blessing Chinyere Silas. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

MBONU: Formerly Miss Mbonu Francisca Oluchi now Mrs Ezeani Francisca Oluchi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OBIANOM: Formerly Miss Obianom Helen Nonye now Mrs Ezeokonkwor Helen Nonye. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

MEWU: Formerly known as Miss Mewu Chinenye Pamela now addressed as Mrs. Umeche Chinenye Pamela. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

OBI: Formerly Obi Nnanna Emmanuel now Umeh Nnamdi Emmanuel. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

OBIDIGBO: Formerly Miss Obidigbo Celestina now Mrs. Udechukwu Celestina.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

MMADUFORO: Formerly Miss Mmaduforo Blessing Chinonye now Mrs Okonkwo Blessing Chinonye. Former documents remain Valid. ODEJAYI: Formerly Miss Public note.

Odejayi Oluronke Ibitola now Mrs. Umoh MUOGHALU: Formerly Oluronke Odejayi. ForMrs. Nneka M. mer documents valid.

Muoghalu now Mrs. Public note.

Nneka M. Akubue. Former documents valid. ODEMWINGIE: ForPublic note. merly Beauty Uyimwen

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August, 31 , 2013

58

Change of Name Odemwingie now Mrs. Beauty Uyimwen Esho.

Former documents remain valid. Public note .

ODIOINKHERE: Formerly Miss Odioinkhere Alma Omo Linda now Mrs. Okhueleigbe Alma Omo Linda. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ODUNTAN: Formerly Miss Oduntan Kehinde Amudat now Mrs Raji Kehinde Amudat. Former documents valid.

Public note.

OGBOI: Formerly Miss Ogboi Ndidi Sonia now Mrs Ekhamette Ndidi Sonia. Former documents remain valid.

NYSC, Public note.

OGBOO: formerly Miss Ogboo Christiana Chinazor now Mrs Chibundu Christiana Chibuzor. former documents remain valid. public take note.

OGUGUO: Formerly Miss Ifeoma Victorine Oguguo, now Mrs Ifeoma Victorine Abiarimana. Former documents valid. Public note.

OGUNBIYI: I, formerly Miss Ogunbiyi Adedotun Olufunke now Mrs. Osunkunle Adedotun Olufunke. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

OGUNDIPE: Formerly Miss Ogundipe Adeola Olajumoke, now Mrs Ojo Adeola Olajumoke.

Former documents valid. Public note.

OGUNJIMI: Formerly Ogunjimi Olufunke Bidemi now Mrs. Omisakin Olufunke Bidemi. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

OGUNLADE: Formerly Olubunmi Abiodun Ogunlade now Mrs Olubunmi Abiodun Olugbeja.

Former documents remain valid. Public note OHAKA: Formerly Miss Ohaka Chikaodi now Mrs Ogbonna Chikaodi Winner. Former documents valid. Public take note.

OJO: Formerly Miss Ojo Omolaja Omorolayo now Mrs. Aribisala Omolaja Morolayo. Former documents valid.

Public note.

OJUKWU: Formerly Miss Juliet Ojukwu now Mrs Obaze Juliet.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OKAFOR: Formerly Miss Okafor Ijeoma Blessing now Mrs Nwabia Ijeoma Blessing. Former documents remain valid. Public note OKI: Formerly Miss Oki Adeyinka Janet now Mrs. Olowu Adeyinka Janet. General public take note.

OKIKIOLU: Former Miss Okikiolu Adeola Olamide now Mrs. Adeniyi-Taiwo Adeola Olamide. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

OKISAK: Formerly Miss Rose Ita Okisak, now Mrs Rose Nji-Nse Bassey. Former documents valid. Public note.

OKOCHI: Former Miss Francisca Ify Okochi now Mrs. Francisca Ify Ofner. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

OKOILU: Formerly Abimbola Shulammite Okoilu now Mrs. Abimbola Shulammite Okoilu-Miro. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OKONKWO: Formerly Miss Vivian Chinonye Okonkwo now Mrs. Vivian Chinonye Onyekwere.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OKOROIGBO: Formerly Miss Kelechi Hope Okoroigbo now Mrs. Kelechi Hope Labinjo.

Former documents valid. Public note.

OKORO: Formerly Miss Ndidiamaka Ojiugo Okoro now Mrs. Ndidiamaka Ojiugo Duru. Former documents valid. Public note.

OKPALA: Formerly Miss Okpala Agatha Chinyere now Mrs Omekara Agatha Chinyere. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

OKPALA: Formerly Miss Okpala Faith Onyedika now Mrs Oko-Jaja Faith Onyedika. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

OKPALAECHOBI: Formerly Miss Chinyere L. Okpalaechobi now Mrs. Chinyere L. Okeke Aghaji. Former documents valid. Public note.

OLADIPUPO: Oluwafun-

milayo Afusat Oladipupo now Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Afusat Ogundeji. All documents remain valid.

OLAWOYE: Formerly Miss Olawoye Mary O l u w a k e m i Oluwatosin now Mrs. Fagbemi Mary O l u w a k e m i Oluwatosin. Former documents valid. Public note.

OLOYEDE: Formerly Mr. Oloyede Oluyomi now Mr. Ayodeji Abayomi. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

OLUBOLA: Former Olubola Iyadunni Esther now Mrs. Adeogun Iyadunni Esther. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OMIJORI: Formerly Omijori Modinat Abolore now Adams Modinat Abolore. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OMOAREBUN: Formerly Omoarebun Osetohanmen Maureen now Mrs. PeterIyeikhian O. Maureen.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OMONIYEGHA: Formerly known as Miss Ayebatonye Emily Omoniyegha now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ayebatonye Emily Gbadebo. All former documents remain valid. Public take note.

OMOTE: Former Eruotor Grace Omote now Eruotor Grace. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

OMOVBUDE: Former Miss Omonigho Grace Omovbude now Mrs. Omonigho Grace Igawekala. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

ONI: Formerly Miss Oni Muyinat Motunrayo now Mrs Oladipupo Muyinat Motunrayo University of Lagos,public note.

ONITA: Formerly Mrs. Ude Somufienia Onita now Mrs. Ude Somufienia Enebeli. Former documents valid. Public note.

ONOJA: Formerly Miss Catherine Ijeoma Onoja now Mrs. Catherine Ijeoma Abah. Former docu-

ments remain valid.

Public note.

ONOVUGHE : Formerly Miss Onovughe Uzowoma Kajenyilogor Jasmine now Mrs Greg-Nwoye Uzowoma Jasmine Kajenyilogor.

All former document remain valid. Public note.

ONUMAH: Formerly Odim Franklin Onumah now Ndukwo Franklin Odim. Former documents valid. Foreign Embassy, public note ONUMAJURU: Formerly Lovena Obianuju Onumajuru now Mrs Lovena Obianuju Okoro. Former documents remain valid. public take note.

ONYEJEAKOR: Former Miss Onyejeafor Chiamaka Lilian now Mrs. Madu Chiamaka Lilian.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ONYENDI: Formerly Miss Onyendi Ogadinma Uchechi now Mrs. Gift Catherine Ogadinma Uchehara.

Documents valid. Public note.

ORIODOFE: Formerly Oriodofe Serah Uje now Mrs Oyesile Serah Uje. Former documents valid. Public note.

ORJIH: Former Miss Cordelia Nkiruka Orjih now Mrs. Cordelia Nkriruka Okezie. Public note.

OSAKWE: Formerly Miss Ngozi Lucy Osakwe (Nee Chinweze) now Mrs Ngozi Lucy Ifediora Osakwe. Former documents valid.

Public note OSHINAIKE: I, formerly Miss Oshinaike Adebukola Mathilda now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Olanidon Adebukola Mathilda. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OWOLABI: Formerly Owolabi Mutiat Omolayo Ayobami now Bashir Mutiat Omolayo Ayobami. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

SAM-EDO: Former Miss Sam-Edo Esther Oreva now Mrs. Odonghanro Omatseye Esther Oreva. All former documents remain valid.

Public note.

SAMUEL: Formerly Miss

Samuel Aderinola Oluwabunmi now Mrs. Dada Aderinola Oluwabunmi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

UDOH: Formerly Miss Christiana Philip Udoh now Mrs. Okoduwa Solomon Christiana.

Former documents valid. Public note.

SANGOFOWOTE: I, formerly known as Miss Taiwo Aderonke Sangofowote now Mrs. Taiwo Aderonke Folorunsho.

Previous documents remain unchanged. General public note.

UDOYE: Formerly Miss Udoye Benedeth Ebere now Mrs Okoye Benedeth Ebere.Former Documemts Remain Valid. Public note.

SHETEOLU: Former Patrick Shola Sheteolu now known as Olushola Adewunmi Patrick Sheteolu. Former documents remain valid. Embassies , public note.

SOR: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Saryum Sor now to be known and addressed as Mrs. Saryum Efe-Okorare. Previous documents remain valid.

General public note.

SOYEMI: Formerly Mr Soyemi Olusegun Joseph now Mr Oluyemi Olusegun Joseph. Form er documents remain valid.

Public note.

TAIWO: I, formerly Miss Adeola Olaitan Taiwo now Mrs. Adeola Olaitan Omojuyigbe. Former documents remain valid. Deloitte Nigeria & public note.

TEMITO PE: Formerly Badejoko Temitope Adebowale now Victor Badejoko Adebowale.

Former documents valid. Public note.

TIJANI: Formerly Miss Adeyinka Bilikis Tijani now Mrs. Adeyinka Bilikis Douglas. Former documents valid. Public note.

UBADINIRU: Formerly Mr Ubadiniru Patrick Nwabuike now Mr Ubah Patrick Nwabuike. Former documents valid. public take note.

UBAH: Formerly Mr Ubah Boniface Kanu now Mr Ubah Boniface.

All former documents remain valid. NRCRI, Public note.

UCHE: Formerly Miss Uche Amara Rita now Mrs Ugwunze Amara Rita. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

UDEJI: Formerly Miss Susan Omoti Udeji now Mrs. Susan Omoti Charles Onekpe. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

UGWUEZE: Formerly Miss Martha Doris Chigozie Ugwueze now Mrs Martha Doris Chigozie Anozie. Documents remain valid.

Public note UGURU: Formerly Oluchi Uzoaru Uguru now Oluchi Uzoaru Anyom. Former documents remain valid.

Public note.

UKAH: Formerly Ukah Silva Tochukwu now Ukawilu Saint Tochukwu.

Former documents remain valid. public take note.

UKOHA: Formerly Miss Ukoha Nkeiruka .O. now Mrs Favour Nkeirukanma Onwumere Onwuka. Former documents valid. public note.

UZODINMA: Formerly Miss Chinyere Ruth Uzodinma now Mrs Chinyere Ruth Maduabuchi. Former documents valid. NYSC, public note UZONWANNE: Formerly Miss Chika Desiree Uzonwanne, now Mrs Chika Desiree Iheoma. Former documents valid. Public note.

WILLIAMS: Former Miss Williams Anuoluwapo Deborah now Mrs. Adebayo Anuoluwapo Deborah.

Former documents remain valid. Public note.

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

THE GUArDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

| 59

NEWSINTErVIEW

‘We’ve Made Huge Impact In Technology Enhancement On African Students’ The African Education Initiative (NEF) is a non-profit organisation, headquartered in the state of Connecticut, United States of America, with a mission to provide educational opportunities in science research, support the exposition of findings and make available a platform for sharing and acquisition of knowledge. In addition, it seeks to advance and contribute to the educational needs of the deprived African children. The founder and President of NEF, Dr. Chudy Nduaka and the Vice President, Professor José Manautou were in Abuja recently and spoke with The Guardian on various issues, ranging from the Foundation’s work and advances in science in Africa, to encouraging a wholesome conducive home for learning for children.

From Karls Tsokar, Abuja Projects carried out in Nigeria since the foundation made in-road into the country Or the past 10 years, we have done much from scholarships to children across Africa, we have provided grants for people to go to college and we have also helped scholars, graduate students who want to go and present their works overseas in countries like the United States. We have helped them with the appropriate contacts and resources.

Just recently, we supported the Gordon research Conference, which Professor Manautou chaired. It is considered to be one of the premier conferences in science. There is one in toxicology; part of our mission is to increase allocation to toxicology research in Africa. So we were able to provide financial support to two members of the NEF to travel from West Africa to New Hampshire in the US where the Conference took place.

There was elaborate discourse on the important subject of toxicology, a gathering of the best, most importantly getting the Scientist from Africa, who we supported, to interact and network with world renowned Scientists, share their work with them and all that. The feedback that we have received from those we sponsored for this trip from Africa has being very impressive, quite positive in respect of what they have gained from other experts and scientists who also attended the conference.

Selecting students for the scholarships The Foundation has absolutely no oversight in the selection process. It is the review committee at the Veterinary Institute that sets the standards and selects the students who are qualified and they are awarded the scholarship as appropriate.

For instance, the internship program, we actually do not go through any vigorous application. You just log on to our website www.nef3.org. If you are a student in Africa, you are qualified to apply if you are at the Bachelors or Graduate level. You send in your application to our electronic mail box, the applications are reviewed by a committee at the National Veterinary research Institute, which also does the final selection.

On-going projects Though several but the three months flagship Toxicology internship programme in drug development at the National Veterinary research Institute in Vom, Jos, Plateau state is still on going. Students of biological sciences are taught how to plan, design, and run toxicology studies. At the end of the internship, the students are required to develop a presentation, or publication or an abstract. We would help get their works published.

There is also what they call project hope, which essentially deals with health care and nutritional intervention for children in Abia state, where the children are provided with health care services, physical examination and adequate nutritional intervention.

F

The Foundation ensures that the children are fed everyday during the school year, and at the end of the period, they are assessed to see how much their test scores have improved.

The thought there is that if you provide adequate nutrition for the children, they are no longer distracted when they come to class; they are not hungry. Therefore they are attentive and they learn well, this improves their test scores in an examination.

There are several other programmes, which include supporting orphanages across Africa, in Ghana Cameroun and one in Abuja Nigeria.

Partnership with Nigerian Universities The Foundation works across universities in Nigeria. ABU was the first we began with primarily because I got my Veterinary degree from there. We have also worked with the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra state, Abia State university, Imo State University and the University of Port Harcourt.

There are students clubs in most of these universities, which are essentially chapters of the headquarters of the foundation. They are set up like the ones we have in the United States and their role and mission is to go out and essentially do what we are doing albeit on a smaller scale. However, they organize student programmes on health care and student debates in secondary schools.

Foundation’s impact on students and children in Africa We cannot put a figure to it because besides the supply of laptops to them as part of the benefits of the technology programme, over 50 students have passed through the internship programme in the last eight years of its sustained existence. It is enormous. For instance, in Southern Sudan, we dug a well water, which is serving a lot of students there.”

In agreement with this, Manautou who is on the editorial board of six scientific journals, a Professor of Toxicology in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the School of Pharmacy of the University of Connecticut, said the foundation has donated Information technology equipment like LCD projectors to some schools and universities which they have visited.

“So in terms of instructional technology enhancement the Foundation has made a strong impact in bringing laptops and bringing some other technological equipment that are important in enhancing instructional activities” he said On how much the Foundation has expended in the past years on projects in Africa, Dr. Nduaka made it clear that it is very difficult to put a figure to how much has being spent in Naira or US Dollars but it has being a lot of money spent on these programmes.

“Just imagine it, this foundation has been working not just in Nigeria, but also in Cameroun, Liberia, Ghana and Southern Sudan. We started our work in 2001 and most of the programmes are still ongoing and very sustained. We hope that our donors would continue to help us to make sure that these resources are in place and available for the programme,” he esaid.

On who the donors are, Nduaka whose father, Ambassador Ogbonnaya Nduaka was the former Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia said, “our foundation is made up of volunteers we are no paid staff. We use some of our monies to run the foundation. We also get corporate donations from Pharmaceutical companies, some companies in the UK and US. Unfortunately, we have not received any funding from neither Nigerian government nor any Nigerian company. We hope that this would change in the future because a lot of our work is based in Nigeria.”

Explaining further, Professor Manautou, whose research emphasizes mechanisms of toxicants’ action and interaction, said their commitment to the cause is unwavering.

Chudy (middle) with the students

Chudy (4th from right) Prof Manautou (2nd right) donating some items at an Orphanage.

“We devote our time and efforts. We all have full time jobs, so we do this on volunteer basis.

So as to accomplish the imperative, “we have a capital campaign in which we open our pockets, we members of the board, we donate because we know how important it is, and we see the impact of the activities.”

With this sacrifices, there are benefit too “particularly those who have being fortunate to travel like myself. This is my fourth trip to Nigeria. I also have being to Cameroun for a conference. You get to see the impact of what we have being doing; it reinforces our mission and anything that we need to generate the funds to sustain the foundation given that the mission is a very rewarding experience,” Manautou explained.

Looking at the prospects of future evolution, Dr. Nduaka, also an Associate Director Global research and Development at Pfizer Incorporated in the US, said “We don’t want to grow too fast because we may not be able to manage it, but the need is there.

We have gone around this country; we have gone to Abia, Imo and Plateau states.

We are in Abuja, and every single place where we have been to, the need is there

staring in our faces.

“There are more children in orphanages now than when we first came and there are more children that are not in schools than when we first came 10 years ago. So it is important that we expand some of our programmes to meet the needs of these institutions.

Suffice that most of the programmes are pilot programmes but the founders of the Foundation feel it would be good to “tactically expand them to absorb other schools and other children to also enjoy the privilege,” Nduaka said.

His Vice President, Manautou noted that the recurrent programmes like the summer internship programme has being very successful. “We do scientific conference, we bring science and arts students through out Africa to participate and it provides the opportunity for the trainees to present their work. They bring their research during which they have posters describing their research accomplishments.

“And getting the financial support to sustain these activities are so impactful for the people in Africa, particularly our students who are the important target component population we are helping,” Manautou pointed out.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 31, 2013

60

TRANSITION

Pius Edozie Edekobi: A Tribute

By Sunny Odunwo T was J. Watts (1674-1748) who stated the obviIallous: “Time like an ever rolling stream, bears its sons away; they fly forgotten as a dream, dies at the opening day,” but it is the widow, Enyi Azumdialo Patricia Onitsha-Ado, (patsy); children: Boseh, Nneka, Ifeyinwa, Nnamdi and Chimezie, associates and friends of Pius Edozie Edekobi, who truly appreciate the meaning this past one year since he passed away.

A year ago this August, the tears swelled and dropped down our cheeks involuntarily as we bade you farewell at your ancestral home in Onitsha, Anambra State but in truth, you did not die. The last glimpse of you we caught was at your lying in state in a black impeccable sewn suit, the way you would have wanted it.

But many times after, some of us thought we had glimpsed you returning from the early morning mass at Holy Family Catholic Church, in FESTAC Town, Lagos.

Pius Edozie Edokobi was born in the ancient town of Onitsha when his father’s generation was pre-occupied with the native culture of drums and dance, and the veneration of idol deities was personified by the brown ribbed earth and the tall iroko trees. At the time, the Christian Missionary had begun the transformation which education and evangelisation offered to Africa. The institutions of learning and orientation were centered at Onitsha and Edekobi had the advantage to learn how to read and write in his hometown. This background was the object of a book titled One Name is Enough, which was published in 2001.

When he was brought to Lagos at age 19, in the year 1950, by his guardian and elder brother Jacob, the British civilisation was in blossom and the elite of the community were those who went to work riding bicycles. Those in regular employment in the Nigerian Railway and the Marine Department were the breast of society, the middle class who were actually regarded as highly blessed. The regime in control of sea-

ports and inland waterways also had the network of communication and locom o t i v e transportation.

Their workers might have been paid meager wages but the take home pay was the aggregate wealth for the working class. They were in the position to procure English suiting for the Sunday morning Christian worship and also the special clothing which families and children had to put on at Christmas time.

In the same year, 1950, Edekobi gained employment in the West African Court of Appeal Edekobi where he was confirmed in appointment. He had served in the position of Assistant Registrar when that institution was designated Supreme Court of Nigeria. Later, in February 1958, he was selected from among successful candidates who wrote the Competitive National Examination for entry into the General Executive Class. At the dawn of National Independence, Nigerians had to replace European Officers who were leaving the Public Service.

Thus, selected indigenes were given in-service

training by which they were prepared to take over from Europeans, the so-called Senior Service.

Despite the travails of the civil war, which intervened in 1967-1970, like other workers from Eastern Nigeria who had fled from city to village, Edekobi returned to his former position in the pool of accounting staff of the Accountant General of the Federation. In the office of the Forces Secretary (19581964), he had been trained and engaged as Internal Auditor for the Armed Forces. He then worked in the Federal Ministry of External Affairs (1964-1967). When the Civil War ended, he served in other positions in the Federal Ministry of Industries (1971-1972) and the Federal Ministry of Establishment (1972-1974).

The turn of events in his Public Service career began in 1974, when he was posted to the Inspectorate Branch in the Management Services Division of the Accountant General’s office.

There, the opportunity for further education and training opened for Edekobi. He was admitted on a six-month Organisation and Method (O & M) Course, which was designed

and sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Establishments in conjunction with the Continuing Education Department of the University of Lagos and the Royal Institute of Public Administration, London. The O & M course, which began at UNILAG in July 1975, continued at the RIPA London from October to December 1975.

Another work-related course of study in which Ebekobi participated was the Management Consulting Course, which began at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria in September 1982 and continued for three months. The extension of the training course took participants to Ottawa, Canada, where lecture and assignments were undertaken up to the conclusion on December 17, 1982.

Edekobi’s official duties, investigations and enquiries also took him to Kinshasa, Zaire (as that country was then known) in 1978, 1979, 1983. He traveled widely to Washington DC (1979); Algiers, Algeria (1981 and 1982), and also to the Nigerian Permanent Mission in New York (1981). He had a long span of exposure and traveling abroad and was successful his career. This must be attributed to the fear of God in him and the grace and confidence of making the best use of his natural skills.

Edekobi had discovered reading and writing as an occupation late in life. In private, he had written short stories and poems, which appeared in newspapers and were heard on radio.

It was in retirement actually that he had all the time to himself to write and publish his own books. A collection of poems published in 2001 was reprinted in 2005. Between 2002 and 2004, the book was used in Lagos State Schools. Another publication by P.E. Edekobi now available in the bookshops is an account of his encounter with the Nigerian hero, priest and monk, Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwere Tansi, whose life and example stand out as the gift of God to Nigeria, a legacy of love, service and prayer for the entire world. He must be approaching the fruition of life’s experience. So be it, if our readers will appreciate the example of Blessed Tansi.

Tribute To Azubuike Solomon Okoye

By Chukwuma Ezeala HE Igbos have an adage which says that when the remains of a person unknown to a passerby is being ferried from one point to another, it would seem that the bearer is merely carrying a log of wood. The same is true of the many stories of kidnapping that now abound in virtually all corners of Nigeria. That is, until the brutality of the menace is cruelly brought home to roost.

Engineer Azubuike Solomon Okoye was until his brutal killing by suspected kidnappers an easy-going entrepreneur bent on positively impacting the fortunes of all those that crossed his path. His passion for assisting the less fortunate members of the society was unrivalled.

Little wonder then that many mouths are still wide agape as to why anyone would even contemplate gunning down this man of peace.

Having served the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) meritoriously for an unbroken 20 years period, Sarlos, as he was fondly called, voluntarily retired from the oil giant to pursue his passion as an entrepreneur.

But he would not just dabble into the financial terrain without adequate preparation, given his knack for excellence almost verging on perfection. So, off he went to the United Kingdom to pursue a course in Business Management.

His quest for the Golden Fleece was crowned with his being awarded an MBA. While others may be content with staying back in the UK where the infrastructure for business start-ups is guaranteed, Sarlos had no doubt that his mission was to join hands with like-minded persons to positively impact his homeland. So, he packed his bags and headed back to Nigeria.

On his return, he joined Abbeycourt Trading Company Limited as an Executive Director. But his burning desire to become a full-fledged employer of labour would not abate. Accordingly, Sarlos founded Price Energy, Investment Company Limited and Icare Hygenic Products Limited as the Managing Director/CEO. True to his restless and enterprising nature, Sarlos was also on the Board of Ocean and Port Marine Logistics Limited as a Director.

But all those who were close to Sarlos knew

T

that one way to bring smiles to the face of this deeply spiritual gentleman was to mention Paul University, Awka. Sarlos was a member of the Board of Trustees that birthed the only fullfledged Christian university in Nigeria. He remained a member of the Board until his untimely death. His faith in God was total and compelling, and this faith became the basis of his spirituality and dealings with all who encountered him.

A dogged preacher of goodness, it was his determination to bring as many as pos- Okoye sible out of poverty that propelled him to establish Price Agroallied Limited, with farms located around Enugwu-Agidi and Urum communities. The goal was to create employment for teeming youths and other employable persons and thereby turn them away from crime.

Sadly, his dreams were cut short midstream.

Born on June 30, 1961, in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State to the late Mr. Sampson Okoye and Mrs. Deborah Okoye, Sarlos’s education was disrupted by the Civil War. But he was not deterred, as he post-Civil War, restarted his primary education at Enugu under the guardianship of the late Ichie Bennett Okoye of Ojimkpologu family of Enugwu-Agidi, Anambra State. Having successfully completed his primary school education, Sarlos gained admission into Igwebuike Secondary School, Awka, where he completed his secondary school education in 1979 with WASC Grade 1. He then gained admission to the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, to study Chemical Engineering. He graduated with Credit in 1983.

Sarlos, having completed his National Youth Service in 1984 in Port Harcourt, had a stint with Girls Secondary School, Abagana as the only Science and Introductory Technology teacher before joining NNPC in 1985.

He was deployed to PPMC, Port Harcourt. Always keen on personal development, Sarlos enrolled to

study Marine Engineering at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in engineering.

In 1989, Sarlos married his friend and heartthrob, former Miss Nonyelum Onuorah, then an undergraduate Law student at the University of Benin. The marriage is blessed with six children.

Sarlos is reputed as the man who ‘went about doing good’. He was a mature, positive and hardworking individual with a logical mind and a pragmatic approach to developing and running businesses. His educational background, multiple skills and experiences were the building blocks for his business success. His business interest spanned various sectors, including maritime, energy and manufacturing.

An avid sports enthusiast, Sarlos’s other passions aside helping those in need were watching soccer, formula one race and lawn tennis, especially live events.

The entire Ojimkpologu family, Enugwu-Agidi community, the Anglican Communion as well as numerous friends and associates, will sorely miss him.

Beatrice Abosede Adenowo For Burial Sept 14 HE death has occurred of Madam Beatrice T Abosede Adenowo. The late Adenowo passed on to glory on August 8, this year, at 90 years.

According to the burial programme released by the family, a Christian wake-keep will hold in her honour on September 11, this year at 34 Lawanson road, Surulere, Lagos at 5p.m.

On September 13, there will be another Christian wake-keep at 23 Ayegbami, Igbodile Quarters, Odogbolu, Ogun State while her remains will be interred on September 14 after a funeral service at the Cathedral of St. Paul Anglican Church, Odogbolu at 10a.m.

The family added that they will entertain guests and well wishers after interment at Odogbolu Town Hall, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Odogbolu.

Adenowo

TheGuardian

Saturday, August 31, 2013 61

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Sports

Plateau United are one of the teams fighting for promotion to the Glo Premier League. Inset: NNL Chairman, Emeka Inyama.

Today, August 31, An NNL Day Like No Other end on 45 points if they won the game, making it impossible for no team other team to catch up HISis supposed to be just one of the weekend’s with them. of the Nigeria National league (NNL), the sec- But in Akwa United, they are faced with a team ond tier of the country’s club football, but it has that beat them 2-0 in the Federation Cup, which assumed a very important position in the means they will have to be at their best to scale 2012/2013 season. This is because of the implica- through. tions of the results of the games to many clubs, The closest teams to Abia Warriors are Crown who are either seeking promotion to the Glo and Remo Stars, who have 41 points each. But Nigeria Premier League or fighting to avoid Crown have the better chance of joining Abia being relegated out of then professional cadre. Warriors in the elite league because their last All the teams in the NNL will play their final game against Fountain FC is at home in games of the season today in centres across the Ogbomosho, while Remo Stars must beat COD country, and except Giwa United, none of the United of Lagos at the Onikan Stadium to teams vying for promotion to the Premier enhance their chances of making it up.

League, or trying to avoid relegation to the ama- In Group A, Plateau United will be counting on teur cadre, will know their fate until after the city rivals, Giwa, who have already won promomatches. tion, to do them a big favour by getting a result Eight clubs, including Abia Warriors, Crown of at promotion rivals, FC Taraba, while they go for Oshogbo, Remo Babes and Gateway of Abeokuta broke at home against Ranchers Bees. in Group B, and FC Taraba, Ranch Bees, Plateau Ranchers would also need to win in Jos to ensure United and DSS in Group A, are in contention for a long-awaited return to the Nigerian top flight. promotion to the elite league. And only four While there is a great batteams will make it to the tle for promotion to the big stage. elite class, there is also a The scenario is such that Saturday, August 31, 2013, will go hot race to escape the while some of the teams dreaded drop out of the down in Umuahia history as a day like are praying for a slip by professional league. no other day and I don’t think any the teams occupying the Such teams as first and second positions Umuahia man or woman, who likes Adamawa United and on the table, others are Niger Tornadoes in praying that nothing football, would be anywhere other Group A, as well as Prime than the stadium to cheer us to vicgoes wrong in their bid FC and Rising Stars FC in for success today. tory. I thank God that I am part of the Group B must win their For Abia Warriors, everygames and hope for the thing boils down to a win history. best to avoid being relein Umuahia. The ‘Ochendo gated to the amateur league.

Boys’ currently occupy the top spot in Group B, Adamawa United will meet Jigawa Golden Stars with their last game a home match against Akwa knowing that a win will see them through, the Starlets. same reward that awaits Niger Tornadoes, who Abia Warriors with 42 points from 25 games will meet DSS in Minna. If they succeed, it will them

By Christian Okpara

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mean another season in the professional league.

In Group B, while Fountain FC are already relegated, COD’s demotion will be confirmed if they lost to Remo Stars. However, if Rising Stars and Prime of Oshogbo beat Apa FC and Unicem Rovers respectively at home, the result of the game involving COD United will become inconsequential.

Looking forward to leading Abia Warriors to the Premier League in his first season as the club’s Team Manager, Offor Abiaye, told The Guardian yesterday that nothing would stop them from joining the big boys of Nigerian club football.

Abiaye, who revealed that his team have been praying fervently for the rains to abate so that they would play on a good surface, believes that having come this far, it would be a serious calamity if they failed to win this final game.

“It has been raining in Umuahia since Tuesday, but the forecast is that Saturday would witness sunshine. We pray it happens that way because we want to win this game by playing good football.

“Playing in the rain can be dangerous, because victory would no longer depend on which team is better tactically and physically. Rather, it will depend on who knows how to navigate the soggy pitch better. We don’t want that.

“Having said that, we are prepared for every scenario because we have been told that some of the top men in Abia State would attend the game.

“However, we are not taking anything for granted because Akwa Starlets are not a small team.

They showed that much in the Federation Cup when they defeated us in the quarterfinal. Now is time for revenge, and nothing will stop us.”

Abiaye said the team have invited all their friends and supporters to pray for them, as well as come to the stadium to cheer them to victory, adding, “Umuahia has never been in this position before. This is the first time a club from this

ancient city will have the opportunity to play in the first division.

“Saturday, August 31, 2013, will go down in Umuahia history as a day like no other day and I don’t think any Umuahia man or woman, who likes football, would be anywhere other than the stadium to cheer us to victory.

“I thank God that I am part of the history,” he said.

Meanwhile, the NNL has said that everything has been put in place to ensure a successful end to the season.

According to NNL chairman, Emeka Inyama, “this has been one of the most successful seasons in the history of the NNL and we are set for a befitting end to a glorious journey.

“I have no doubt in my mind that we shall see a perfect end of the league with the logistics deployed to ensure a flawless handling of the final matches nationwide.”

NNL Season Ending Games Group A FC Taraba v Giwa FC Plateau United v Ranchers Bees Tornadoes v DSS Mighty Jets v TEAP FC Abuja v Juth Kogi United v Spotlight FC Adamawa v Jigawa Golden Stars Zamfara v Sokoto United Group B Crown v Fountain COD v Remo Stars Abia Warriors v Akwa Starlets Prime FC v Unicem Rovers Gateway v MFM Abia Comets v Bendel Insurance Rising Stars v Apa Fc

THE GUARDIAN Saturday, August 31, 2013

62 |

SPORTS

Dream Combination – Mourinho, Eto’o And The Premiership! have never really been a fan of Chelsea FC. II started to take a little interest in the English club when Mikel Obi and Jose Mourinho joined the club.

My interest in John Obi, as Mikel was known at that time, is understandable because we attended the same secondary school (over 30 years apart) in Jos. Incidentally and just for the records, St. Murumba College, Jos, may be the secondary school to have produced the largest number of footballers to play in Nigeria’s senior national team in history. At the last count I listed eight. In chronological order they are – Mathew Atuegbu, Tijani Salisu Nakande, me, Sam Pam, Patrick Mancha, Benedict Akwuegbu, John Mikel Obi and Sunday Mba! (If there is any other let whoever knows let me know).

I also had a hand in the discovery of the prodigiously talented young and skinny Mikel in the year 2000.

Mikel came to Lagos to participate in that year’s ProsportNike International Under-15 tournament that I supervised.

He was one of the tournament’s outstanding discoveries.

Indeed, that tournament turned out to be his launch pad, exposing him to scouts that soon took him abroad for the start of an odyssey in the world of professional football that is still ongoing.

From what I saw of him in the tournament his eventual move to an academy in Denmark was not a surprise at all.

But it was the subsequent bitter struggle between two of the biggest clubs in the English Premiership (Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC) a few years later that really ignited deeper attention. ‘The Blues’ eventually won the battle for his signature and my interest on the young lad was riveted.

Add to that the fact that Jose Mourinho, a young, loquacious and very successful coach at the time, that was making waves in European football following his exploits particularly in Porto FC, was the manager in Chelsea FC. What did the great Mourinho see in this unknown young, tall, thin and straggly player from Nigeria to make the fight over him with Manchester United so fierce, protracted and bitter?

Mourinho, was not one reputed for wasting his precious time on any player, particularly a young one that had not made a name in the game. His style usually was to assemble well-established players, to develop a defensive strategy that frustrated opposing teams, to create several counter-attacking options, and to implant one or two sharp-shooters to deliver opportunistic killer punches up front.

He has done it in every one of the many clubs he has handled in Europe, and succeeded, largely! This delicate game of extracting the best from his players and using the media to drive positively effective agitations that keeps his team on the edge has kept him several moves ahead of everyone as in a classic game of chess. His increasing chest of European Club trophies is clear evidence that his strategy works and has earned him the sobriquet of ‘the special one’!

So, Mourinho does not waste his time on frivolities like keeping players that do not fit into his philosophy of delivering immediately and winning all the time in his squad! So, that he recruited Mikel at such a tender age (18) meant that the lad must have been truly special!

He, it was, that converted Mikel from the attacking midfield position that he played as a teenager to the defensive midfield role that he specially created for him. Since then, through a period of 10 years in Chelsea FC, Mikel has become one of the constant features in every successive Chelsea manager’s teams.

This new season Mourinho and Mikel have re-united again in the new Chelsea FC line-up, but with Mikel only in the fringes.

This development is not what has caught my full attention.

What did is another deft and totally unexpected move to bring in a 32 year-old African player, considered to be already in the twilight of his career, to take charge of the blunt attack of Chelsea FC this season.

The moment Mourinho was denied the service of Wayne Rooney by Manchester United, a choice that would have been absolutely brilliant, his next move, for its bravado, is in my humble opinion a masterstroke. He went in search of Samuel Eto’o Fils, one of his former ‘warriors’ in Inter Milan FC, a true legend of African football, the most successful, most accomplished and most honoured African football player in history! Only George Weah’s World’s Best Player award is missing in Eto’s rich and bulging chest of football honours.

Samuel Eto’o Fils went to six African Cup of Nations championships, won two, scored the highest number of goals (18) in the championship’s history, was named Africa’s Best Player four times, won the European Champions League three times with two clubs (Inter Milan and Barcelona), won an Olympic Gold medal with Cameroun, and is reported to be, currently, the highest paid footballer in history!

Meanwhile, his total goal haul in European football are unmatched by any African player, ever!

That’s the man Mourinho has gone for at a ripe age of 32 to

Segun Odegbami come and do what he does not believe Fernando Torres and all the other ‘pretenders’ can do! As Eto began to wind down his career, he moved to the less-prestigious Russian league for the money rather than for the game. It is from Anzhi Makhachkala FC (I never heard of the club before Eto moved there) that Mourinho has gone to pluck him and to bring them to a totally new experience.

Eto, in all his illustrious career all over Europe, never played in the Premiership! So, this is a totally unexpected, exciting but challenging move that will mark, even at this late stage of his career, another first for him.

That’s why I am excited. How would he fare. How would he cope and justify the confidence and risk that Mourinho is taking by bringing him to the difficult Barclays Premier League? How much more can his body, ravaged by age, take?

How would the several injuries he has sustained in the past few years affect his performance in a league that requires extra sharpness, speed and ruggedness for a striker to succeed? This latest acquisition of one player has captured the imagination of the football world.

The next few months will tell. But this is a gamble that is already exciting and will be considered brilliant if it succeeds. It will also reinforce the view of those who say that Jose Mourinho is the ultimate mastermind of the game of football.

I have never been a fan of Chelsea FC. Yet, it does not matter that anyone likes the club or not. This season many people, like me, will be caught up in following Jose Mourinho’s return to the Premiership and to Chelsea.

But, surely, no African will miss the anticipated drama of the entry of, perhaps, Africa’s greatest striker of all time, as he leads the attack of ‘the Blues’ in the BPL for the rest of the season!

For Folawiyo, Physically-Challenged Badminton Star, First Bank Is Pillar back, Adisa Jimoh Folawiyo can’t LingOOkING imagine what his personal life and sportcareer would have been without the support of First Bank.

Folawiyo had to battle poverty, physical disabilities, castigation by friends and relations; and rejection by his state government to become not only the pioneer of badminton for physically-challenged players in Africa, but an international star, winning laurels in many parts of the world especially in Europe and Asia.

In 2008, funding for participation in international championships dried up, sponsors abandoned him while his last hope, the Oyo State Government, told him to seek help elsewhere, as they would not fund a sport that is not part of the National Sports Festival (NSF).

Folawiyo (second right) with officials of First Bank

With all hope lost, he decided to write First Bank for assistance. Against all expectations, the bank decided to sponsor him and since then have been responsible for his participation in international championships. They have sponsored him to many European countries like Germany, France, Israel, Spain and other parts of the world.

“After God, First Bank is the most important thing in my life. They are not only supporting my sports career and sending me to all major championships and paying all my expenses, but they are also helping my business. Every day, I pray for the bank and the officials and their family.

“Without the bank, my dream would have long been buried. Whenever I go to their office, they see me as a member of First Bank family, every-

thing that concerns my business or sporting career is given top priority, they are very go of people” On what he can do to repay First Bank, “what can I do for First Bank nothing, I can only continue to pray for them so that evil will befall the members of staff and their family. I will continue to be a good ambassador of the bank and I will not do anything that will tarnish their image.

Born over 40 years ago in Yemutu, Ibadan, Oyo State, into a polygamous family, his mother sells coal while his father is a butcher. But Folawiyo’s passion for sports gave him hope of a better tomorrow.

At St. Michael Catholic Primary School and Yemetu High both in Ibadan, where he had his early education, Folawiyo was involved in all forms of sporting activities from football to track and field events.

Then tragedy struck. His parents could no longer pay for his education because of lack of funds; so he had to drop out of school at form two to work in a bakery. His desire to make more money and cater for his personal and sporting needs led to a bigger tragedy, which caused his permanent disability.

He had gone to a farm in Moniya to work. On his way back, a huge snake fell from a tree into his path. He dropped the farm produce he was carrying and ran for life. In the process, he fell and sustained a minor injury.

He thought nothing of the accident. “I just cut some leaves, boiled and drank it. I rubbed a bit on the injury, but after two weeks, the leg became paralyzed then the sickness affected my ears and mouth. I was later taken to the hospital where my ear, mouth and leg were operated on. Yet the operation did not stop pus from oozing out of my ear for six years. It was believed that the sickness is unnatural and my grandmother carried me from one Christian crusade to the other for healing’’.

His disability notwithstanding, Folawiyo did not stop participating in sporting activities. He settled for wheelchair sports, especially the track and field, javelin and discuss.

He trains at the Liberty Stadium and Adamasingba Stadium. Initially, his family complained but they later supported his sports career. While doing sports, he also learnt the act of cobbling at Oke Aremu for a year and half.

After training in the morning, he collects shoes from fellow athletes to repair. It was while he was doing athletics that he saw badminton players at Adamasingba Stadium and he fell in love with the sports.

He told the badminton coaches that he will love to play the game and they gave him a racquet and that was how he started playing badminton.

His friends castigated him for deciding to join a sport that is not in the National Sports Festival, but he ignored them and moved permanently to Adamasingba where he also repairs shoes.

Determined to forge ahead in his badminton career, he wrote the badminton section of Ikoyi Cub and the Indian players contributed money to buy material for his business and they also gave him equipment to play badminton.

That marked a breakthrough for him as the President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria noticed him while assistance came from the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) that assisted him to upgrade his office.

The big turning point came when the Africa Badminton Championship was held in Bauchi in 2001 and the President of Badminton world body came to Bauchi.

Without badminton in the local circuit for the physically challenged, the President of the world body invited him to the international championship for the physically-challenged.

THE GUARDIAN Saturday, August 31, 2013

| 63

SPORTS EUROPEAN ROUNDUP

Martino: Neymar Needs Time

Bale Agrees Personal Terms With Madrid ARETH Bale has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid ahead of his worldrecord move from Tottenham.

However, the Spanish giants are still in discussions over the fee for the 24-year-old forward, with a bid of £86m already submitted to Spurs.

“While talks in Madrid took some days, this was always a formality,” says BBC chief sports correspondent Dan Roan.

“The agreement over personal terms has no bearing on the timing of the actual transfer being announced.”

In addition to the worldrecord offer, which would eclipse the £80m Real paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009, the Bernabeu club have also submitted an alternative bid of close to £70m, which would be a one-off payment for the Wales international.

“The conclusion of talks over personal terms is separate from negotiations between Real Madrid and Spurs regarding the amount and structuring of a transfer fee,” Roan added.

“All that remains now is for Spurs to formally accept Real

G

Madrid’s offer and to agree on simultaneous announcements.”

Bale, who joined Spurs in a £10m deal from Southampton in 2007, was named player of the year by both the Professional Footballers’ Association and Football Writers last season after scoring 26 goals for the White Hart Lane side.

He has been linked with a move to Real all summer, with Spurs manager, Andre VillasBoas saying on Wednesday the transfer “could happen very, very soon”.

The north London club has been active in the transfer window themselves, with six international players signed for a total outlay understood to be more than £90m.

On Friday, the club announced the signings of Roma forward, Erik Lamela and Steaua Bucharest defender, Vlad Chiriches to add to the earlier arrivals of midfielders, Etienne Capoue and Paulinho, winger Nacer Chadli and striker Roberto Soldado.

They are also trying to secure a move for Danish midfielder, Christian Eriksen from Dutch side, Ajax.

Governor Obi Unity Cup Neros Boss Dangles N.6m On Nanka Team ANKA Town Football Club N would be richer by N600, 000 courtesy of the Managing Director of Neros Pharmaceuticals, Poly Emenike, if they qualified for the final of the on-going Peter Obi Unity Cup. The competition, which features all the towns/communities in Anambra State, is at the semifinal stage with Nanka Town poised to lock horns with Nnewi at the Gabros Stadium, while Ukpo will trade tackles with Aguluzoigbo on Sunday by 3.00 p.m.

Speaking on Nanka Town’s exploits in the competition on Tuesday, Emenike said, “it is a thing of joy to see my town reach the semifinal stage of this competition after 128 teams started the fiesta… it is not an easy feat and I am

proud to identify with them.”

“The cash gift is my way of encouraging the young boys that have sacrificed their daily activities to see that the image of the town is pushed up.

N300,000 is for their quarterfinal victory, while an additional N300, 000 is for them if they scaled through in their semi-final clash with Nnewi Town at Rojenny Stadium, Oba. “Their feat so far is a sign that what we have invested in the grassroots football is yielding results and it is heartwarming.”

Thanking Emenike for his support, the President General of Nanka Patriotic Union (NPU), Damian Okoye said the Neros boss has rebranded Nanka through football and also called on others to join in this vision.

ARCELONA coach, B Gerardo Martino has admitted Brazilian star Neymar needs more time to adjust as his side continue their Primera Division campaign at Valencia tomorrow.

The title favourites started their campaign with a 7-0 thrashing of Levante but have looked less impressive since and picked up the Spanish Super Cup on away goals in midweek after a goalless draw with Atletico Madrid.

Neymar made his full debut against Atletico and his struggle to link up with Lionel Messi was plain to see but it does not unduly worry Martino heading into the weekend.

Martino said: “They (Neymar and Messi) played quite well but it is true they didn’t come together a lot. However, I have no doubts they are two

players who will work well together in the future.”

Miroslav Djukic’s Valencia have had a mixed campaign so far after winning their opener against Malaga before crashing to a 3-1 defeat away to Espanyol last Saturday.

And midfielder Oriel Romeu knows his side will have to be nothing less than perfect in order to take anything out of the match at the Mestalla.

Romeu is hoping to make his first start of the season for Los Che as they bid to bounce back in style from their disappointment last week.

Romeu said: “Barcelona are a strong opponent, if not the strongest, and we have to be prepared and in the right frame of mind to play well.

“You either have to play perfectly or you’ve got no chance. Hopefully we’ll have a perfect game.”

Bale

Boateng Back In Bundesliga EVIN-Prince Boateng said K the Bundesliga is the place to be after he joined Schalke from AC Milan.

The Ghana international has signed a four-year contract with the Royal Blues, joining for an undisclosed fee believed to be around 10million euros (£8.5m), and he is delighted to be back in Germany.

“The Bundesliga is the best league in the world and the best players also belong there,” said the 26-year-old.

“I’m delighted to be back home.”

Born in Berlin, Boateng made his Bundesliga debut with Hertha Berlin before moving to Tottenham in the Barclays Premier League.

He returned to Germany briefly to play for Borussia Dortmund before playing for Portsmouth for a season, famously tackling Germany captain Michael Ballack in the final of the FA Cup to rule him out of the 2010 World Cup through injury.

He then joined Milan, for whom he scored 17 goals in 100 games, including two against PSV Eindhoven in a Champions League play-off on Wednesday.

“We’re really delighted to have been able to sign him

This is how it is done… Coach Cinello Gianfranco of Udinese FC (left) explaining some points to players of Uplift Football Team, who are currently on a two-week Summer football internship at the Bruseschi Centre beside Udinese FC Stadium located in Udine, Italy.

because we’ve been working intensively on this for weeks,” said Schalke’s director of sport, Horst Heldt.

“It was easy to convince Kevin to join us, but it was harder to convince Milan to sell.

“Kevin’s done really well there and was a fans’ favourite. He has great leadership qualities and we hope we will have a successful future with him.”

Fixtures Today Man City v Hull 12:45 Cardiff v Everton 15:00 Newcastle v Fulham 15:00 Norwich v Southampton 15:00 West Ham v Stoke 15:00 Crystal Palace v Sunderland 17:30 Tomorrow Liverpool v Man Utd 13:30 West Brom v Swansea 13:30 Arsenal v Tottenham 16:00

TheGuardian

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Lagos International Table Tennis Classic

Otu-Akpan Shocks Xing, Toriola, Assar For Final

By Adeyinka Adedipe IGERIA’S Cecilia OtuN Akpan, ranked seventh, created the greatest upset as she defeated Congo Brazzaville’s top ranked player, Han Xing 9-11, 14-12, 8-11, 1012, 12-10, 4-11 to set up a final clash against compatriot, Edem Offoing who also beat second seed, Funke Oshonaike in yesterday’s semi final games of the Lagos International Table Tennis Classics.

The women’s final promises to be an exciting encounter between players who are best of friends on the circuit. OtuAkpan said she trained hard for the championship and was sure of her success in the competition.

She said: “I trained hard for this tournament and I knew I had to be at my best to beat the best players in the competition. When I faced Xing, I did not allow her to dictate the pace even when it was obvious that she remains the only player that has been giving my compatriot, Offiong tough challenge.

“I was determined to stop her. I was aware that most players are scared of her serve, but today (yesterday), I devised an antidote to her serve. I am happy that my dream of becoming the champion is getting closer. I look forward to a good result in the final.

In the men’s final Segun Toriola will face Top seed, Assar Omar after both players defeated Kazeem Makanjuola and Saka Suraju in the semi final yesterday.

Also the duo of Suraju and Xing lost to Toriola and Offiong in the mixed doubles final played yesterday. The Congolese looked to be in control of the game but the Nigerians came back strong to claim the title.

Also, in the women’s doubles, Nigeria’s Offiong and Otu-Akpan overcame Congolese pair of Xing and Onyiyechi Nwachukwu 9-11, 11-9, 11-6, 10-12, 11-7 to claim the top prize.

In the junior’s mixed doubles, Nigeria dominated the event with the pair of Azeez Ogunlade and Ayo Udoh beating Bolaji Shobayo and Bose Odusanya 11-9, 11-3, 6-11, 11-7, while in the girls’ Odusanya and Onyiyechi Mba defeated Esther Tosin Oribamise and Agnes Onoja 11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6.

Speaking after the victory over the Congolese, Toriola said he never doubted their ability to beat their opponent, saying, “The match tough as expected.”

“I am happy that we did not disappoint the fans and we never doubted our ability as we knew our opponent very well. We just needed to calm the game and allow them to make mistakes and capitalising on it.

Ahead Brazil 2014 World Cup Qualifier

Enyeama, Mikel, Lead Keshi’s 23-Man Team To Calabar HE Technical and T Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it has accepted a list of 23 players submitted by Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, for next week’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Malawi in Calabar.

Top of the list is France-based goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, who has largely captained the team this year, with goalkeeper Austin Ejide, defenders Godfrey Oboabona and Efe Ambrose, midfielders John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and Ogenyi Onazi and forwards, Emmanuel Emenike, Ahmed Musa and Uche Nwofor, also called.

“We have accepted the list of 23 players and they will resume camping for the match in Calabar as from Monday,” Chairman of the Technical and Development Committee, Chris Green, said.

The Super Eagles need only a draw in next week’s clash at the U. J. Esuene Stadium to progress into the 10-team final elimination round, w h e r e two-leg, knock out fixtures will determine Africa’s five flag-bearers at the global showpiece in Brazil next year s u m m e r .

The Flames of Malawi, who must win at a venue where the Super Eagles have never lost, to qualify for that final elimination round, are expected to arrive in Nigeria from Accra on Thursday, next

week.

The Full List Of Invited P l a y e r s Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, N i g e r i a ) Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal); Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC, Nigeria); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria); James Okwuosa (Chippa United, South Africa); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria).

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, N i g e r i a ) .

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Uche Nwofor (SC Heerenveen, Netherlands); Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia).

Segun Toriola will meet Egypt’s Omar Assar in the final of the on-going Lagos International Table Tennis Classics at the Teslim Balogun Stadium….today.

PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI.

Mauritius 2013 African Junior Athletics Championships

Golden Friday Takes Nigeria Atop Medals’ Table From Gowon Akpodonor in Mauritius HE medals came raining down on Nigeria yesterday, with the country jumping to the top of the medals table following a haul totalling nine medals at the on-going Mauritius 2013 Africa Junior Athletics C h a m p i o n s h i p .

Sprinter Harry Chukwudike opened the floodgate of medals in the 100m boys final where he crossed the finish line in 10.54 seconds to the gold.

His compatriot, Emuobonuvie picked the silver medal with 10.58 seconds, leaving the bronze medal to host nation, M a u r i t i u s .

It was Team Nigeria all the way in the 400m girls where Ada Benjamin won the gold with 52.89 in seconds with another Nigerian, Rita Ossai taking the silver.

T

In the boys 400m final, Akerele Omeiza settled for the silver medal in 47.0 seconds, with the gold going to a Ugandan quartermiler, who finished on 46.94 seco n d s .

In the 100m girls huddles,

Nigeria’s Efe Favour won the silver medal on 14.55 seconds, with the gold going to a Burkinabe.

It was a different atmosphere in the stadium in the 4X100m relays event, as Nigerian boys and girls team

Arsenal To Spend Entire Transfer Budget On Real Trio RSENAL are reported to A want to blow their entire £70 million transfer budget on Real Madrid trio, Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria, as they bid to rescue a disastrous summer w i n d o w .

Arsenal’s need for reinforcements became even more desperate on Thursday when they were handed a very tough Champions League draw and are said to have opened talks with Real chiefs

over the triple swoop and received encouragement.

Real will listen to offers for the trio as they look to balance the books after committing £86 million to signing Gareth Bale from Tottenham, a signing that looked like it would be announced late last night, despite all three players insisting they want to stay at the Bernabeu Securing a deal for longterm target Benzema is

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FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU

took the gold medals available in the event. . However, Nigeria couldn’t win a medal in the girls 100m race against expectations, as the due of Ese Brume and Nkem Ezeala finished fourth and fifth respectively in the race.

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Wenger’s priority, such is his desire to capture a worldclass centre forward and The Gunners are working frantically on a deal that could see all three arrive at the Emirates by the transfer deadline on Monday.

Arsenal confirmed the resigning of midfielder, Mathieu Flamini, on a free transfer and have also been offered former Chelsea forward, Salomon Kalou.

However, there are fears within the corridors of power at the Emirates that they will not be able to land any of the high-profile targets before Monday — a possibility that will anger supporters. .