The Nation August 13, 2011

‘How my five-day-old baby was stolen two days before christening’ Page

’s Sam Lotceorview n i parting

Maybe ie, d I n e h w they will sing my praises

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As the EPL I've never kicks off today seen it as a Different disadvantage strokes for Nigerian that I don't have a male stars child —Agbakoba Page

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Nigeria’s truly national newspaper

VOL.05 N0. 1843

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

N150.00

Privatisation

El-Rufai’s testimony jolts Obasanjo Ex-President may fire back Associates split

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he revelations made on Thursday by a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir elRufai, at the Senate Adhoc Committee investigating the activities of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has divided the loyalists of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

This development is coming on the heels of indications that the government may revoke some of the privatised firms if the Senate makes any recommendation to that effect.

The former DG of BPE has also released a fact-sheet indicating that he only supervised the sale of 23

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

firms, representing 18 per cent of the 122 enterprises sold. He added that most of the companies sold under him are still doing well.

At a session of the committee's sitting in Abuja on Thursday, El-Rufai had claimed that he was always quarreling with Obasanjo over the privatization of some firms.

He had said, among other things, that things started falling apart in BPE because Obasanjo jettisoned his recommendation on a successor and brought in an individual who had been fired from the organisation.

“I wrote a memo to the Vice

President and I made suggestions that my successor should come from within BPE because we had spent a lot of money training people to prepare them for this, because any time I travelled for more than a week, one of my six directors acted as DG. On the basis of that I recommended three directors and three deputy directors.

“The government of the day said it would not appoint anyone from inside. They went and brought someone who literally was fired from BPE and brought him back. That is the beginning. They discarded rules, doing things capriciously, promoting people three levels ahead and the institution has suffered from this since then.”

Continued on Page 4

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My life is more precious to me than marriage —Iyabo Ojo

IN THE NEWS

Banks in Ogun shut down over robbery scare Page

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Edoho, estranged wife in new relationships

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he last has definitely not been heard of society couple, Frank and Katherine Edoho. Frank, the winsome presenter and all-time anchor of MTN-sponsored TV quiz programme, Who Wants to dBe Continue on aPage 43

I’m not probing my predecessor, says Salami Page3

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Federal Character Commission essential for Nigeria’s unity, says Chair

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he Federal Character Commission (FCC) is one of the essential structures for bringing about national unity Nigeria desperately desires, the Chairman of the commission, Professor Shuaibu Oba Abdulraheem has said.

The former University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) vice chancellor told reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital.

He expressed his happiness over his reappointment as the commission’s chief’s helmsman by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Abdulraheem, who is the immediate past chairman of the commission, resigned his appointment to contest the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries in Kwara State .

Supporters and loyalists of the former governorship aspirant thronged the Ilorin International Airport to solidarise with him on his reappointment.

On the call in some quarters for the scrapping of the commission, he said “those are opinions that have been expressed over the years. ”

re tu c u tr s l a g le il n o ff -o e c a F e th d n e b r te is in M T C F l Wil ? e if w 's li A u d a m h A r fo le ru

the ritory have been in suspense on how Ter al pit Ca l era Fed the of nts ide Nigerian Urban and In the last few weeks, res l address the alleged violation of wil d me ham Mu la Ba r ato Sen T, n of the Minister of FC wife of a former National Chairma the , Ali m ria Ma s.

Mr by T FC the t of some staff of the Regional Planning Act in d violation was trailed with assaul ege all The P).

(PD rty Pa ing tic cra Peoples Demo nagement Council, who are demand Ma n ita pol tro Me uja Ab of ent tm rse or settle the Development Control Depar er to allow the law to take its cou eth wh on s oad ssr cro a at is ter RN justice. The Minis MANAGING EDITOR, NORTHE LI, AL F SU YU is, lys ana s thi In matter behind the curtains. involved.

OPERATION examines the issues

Constitution amendment: NULGE urges governors to allow autonomy for local governments

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igeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), has urged the state governors not to interfere with the proposed constitutional amendment by President Goodluck Jonathan.

NULGE National President, Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel, who addressed journalists yesterday in Lagos, said it was important for the governors not to tinker with the proposed amendment as it will touch very deeply on the structure and operations of the Local Government (LG) system.

He said the union was strongly advocating for the re-introduction of the parliamentary system of governance at the LG level to back the proposed amendment, adding that other recommendations were being worked out by the union which will be forwarded to the president.

Khaleel said NULGE would from now embark on aggressive mobilisation of all its members and residents in the 774 LG across the federation and all the area councils in the Federal Capital Territory.

NITEL reiterates commitment to foreign investment

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Mrs. Mariam Ali

Continue on Page 59

s part of efforts to improve on the Satellite Three Service offered by the Nigerian Telecommunication (NITEL), the Federal Government has resolved to renew its contractual agreement with its foreign investors.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Telecommunication, Hajiya Zainab IlyasuSa-ab disclosed this yesterday during a visit to her office in Abuja by officials of Cable and Wireless Worldwide.

In a statement by the Deputy General Manager, Christy Zuppai, it stated that the visit was to develop government’s effort to sustaining its wireless service in the country.

The team which was led by firm’s Head of Carrier Buying, Mr. Gary Fentiman disclosed that their visit was to build up the existing business relationship between the two communication firms.

According to the statement, the visit was to see how it could provide SAT-3 services for communication operators in the country.

It reads in part “Receiving the team, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NITEL, Hajiya Zainab Ilyasu-Sa’ab assured Cable and Wireless Worldwide of NITEL’s commitment to continue to honour their contractual agreements with them and improved SAT-3 services.

NEWS 3

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

I’m not probing my predecessor, says Salami •How contractors messed up Appeal Court projects

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•From left: Commisioner for Finance, Adamu Ibrahim of Katsina State; Akpan Bassey of Akwa Ibom State and Daniel Kiri Adamawa State during the Federation Account Allocation Committee meeting in Abuja... yesterday PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

FG, states, LGs share N616.2bn

ESPITE assurances that there will be no more draw down from the Excess Crude Account (ECA), the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has withdrawn N16.453 billion from the ECA to augment allocations to the three tiers of government.

The augmentation stemmed from the shortfall in distributable revenue based on the year 2011 approved budget.

The ECA, which was created by the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003, is where the difference between budgeted benchmark price for oil and the actual market price is saved.

Although the Minister of State for Finance, Alhaji Yerima Lawan Ngama, refused to disclose how much was in both the ECA and the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), at the end of the meeting, N616.245 billion was shared among the three tiers of government as against the N1.3 trillion distributed in the month of June.

SWF is a state-owned invest-

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•FAAC withdraws N16.5bn from Excess Crude Account Nduka CHIEJINA Assistant Editor ment fund composed of financial assets such as stocks, bonds, property, precious metals or other financial instruments. SWFs invest globally. Some of them have grabbed attention making bad investments in several Wall Street financial firms including Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, and Merrill Lynch.

These firms needed a cash infusion due to losses resulting from mismanagement and the subprime mortgage crisis In July, statutory allocations to the federal, state and local governments was N554.150 billion; Value Added Tax disbursements, N61.607 billion while N16.453 was deducted from the ECA to augment the allocation to all the tiers, thus bringing the total amount shared in the month of July to N616.245 billion.

Also in July, N906.759 bil-

lion was realised as revenue compared with the N883.300 billion realised in June and almost twice what was budgeted for the month (N568.181 billion). The increase in revenue was attributed to “improved crude oil production and lifting witnessed during the month as a result of improvement in operations at some terminals after maintenance works.”

Revenue was further boosted “by companies income tax payments made by various large companies as well as the collection of arrears of royalties.”

The month of July witnessed exchange gain of N257.666 million “being the difference between the average of the prevailing exchange rates and the budgeted rate.”

After a very long and stormy session in which states Accountant Generals were ordered to leave the venue of the meeting for the Minister of

State for Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation to deliberate sensitive matters, it was also disclosed that the SWF had not taken off.

The Minister of State for Finance said the SWF had not taken off because the people to manage the fund had not been appointed. The minister said once the SWF takes off fully “there will not be excess crude account again.”

He attributed the long and stormy meeting to the fact that many of the state commissioners of finance were attending the FAAC meeting for the first time and did not quite understand the presentations for the day.

The meeting also dragged on for long because all tiers of government met to decide on “how to grow their revenues while states with good Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) ideas were engaged to educate others so that they could benefit from their ideas.

HE President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, yesterday said he was not probing his predecessor, Justice Umaru Abdullahi as being alleged.

He said the exercise is only a simple monitoring of contract execution.

It was also learnt that abandonment of sites by some contractors accounted for the establishment of the committee headed by Justice Abubakar Abdulkadir Jega.

Salami made the clarifications in a statement made in Abuja on his behalf by the Director of Administration, E. I. Kooffreh.

The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to recent publications in some newspapers captioned “Court of Appeal: Salami sets up panel to probe Justice Abdullahi.”

“The article stated that: (1) barely 24 hours after the Justice Umaru Abdullahi-led probe panel submitted the report to the National Judicial Council, the Appeal Court President has constituted a 13member project inspection team to investigate contracts and projects executed from 2007 to date.

(2)that the committee’s terms of reference are to identify all the ongoing contracts and all executed projects in the Court of Appeal from 2007 till date, to measure the ongoing contracts activities in the court and monitor contract variables (cost, effort, scopes, etc).

“The purpose of setting up this committee in the court is to monitor and ensure compliance on the execution of contracts; it is also to find out the problems the contractors are facing as regards payments and to determine where variation is required.

“The Court is surprised that this simple exercise of monitoring contract execution could be considered as probe of Jus-

Okonjo-Iweala canvasses tighter control on spending N IGERIA’S government needs to curb spending to put the country on a “better fiscal path,” said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who will start her job as the country’s finance minister next week.

“We need to tighten fiscal policy,” Okonjo-Iweala, who was a managing director at the World Bank since 2007, said in a telephone interview with Bloomberg from Washington yesterday.

Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer, boosted spending

Ayodele AMINU Group Busines Editor this year as the continent’s most populous nation held elections and increased wages. Okonjo-Iweala was finance minister between 2003 and 2006, spearheading talks that led the Paris Club group of creditors to write off $18 billion in debt.

“The priorities of the President, which are to accelerate growth and create jobs, will be my priority,” Okonjo-Iweala said. “Top of my list is to get to grips with the new budget, to craft the 2012 budget.”

Okonjo-Iweala resigned from the cabinet in August 2006 following a demotion by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Her mandate, giv-

en by President Goodluck Jonathan, is broader, including coordinating economic policy, she said yesterday.

“What the President wants me to do differently is to push beyond finance, to take a role to help coordinate actions in the economy, on reforms and implementation,” she said.

Okonjo-Iweala said she is in favour of the Central Bank’s

policy of pegging the naira to provide stability for businesses. The CBN aims to keep the currency within a range of 3 per cent above or below N150 per dollar.

The minister said her role won’t put her in opposition with CBN Governor Lamido Sanusi, who has broadened his mandate beyond price stability, providing funding for agriculture and power projects.

“We are not in opposing roles,” she said. “It’s not about power; it’s about getting the economy working.”

Ajaokuta concessioning: Obasanjo violated due process, says Minister

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HE Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Architect Mohammed Sada yesterday informed the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee probing the Privatization and Commercialization activities of the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) that Federal Government was spending N3.6 billion annually on the wages of workers of the moribund Ajaokuta Steel.

He also maintained that former President Olusegun Obasanjo approved the concession of the Ajaokuta Steel to Global Infrastructure Ltd

Augustine EHIKIOYA, Abuja against due process.

According to him, while only N650 million was required to bring the company up to a production level where it could generate funds to sustain itself, the Federal Government was paying N300 million per month to the workers in Ajaokuta.

He said: “We need a meagre N650 million to fix the complex to a level where it will be raising money to pay the workers there, but government is

spending N300 million per month on workers salary for doing nothing.

“All I want to say is that I want to concur with everybody that the privatisation of the steel sector which I am very familiar with is in a sorry state. We have not been able to move forward. The sole purpose of privatisation is to drive value, generate wealth and employment and be able to take the country forward.”

He continued: “The concession of Ajaokuta steel goes back to 2003 when the first

company, Solgas, was chosen. I agreed with the BPE because I saw it in the letter that the ministry was the sole organisation for driving the concession agreement.

“It was actually an inter-ministerial committee of the then Ministry of Power and Steel, Finance and Justice and BPE, which participated as a member of the committee. One thing, I have no record of any of the minute of that meeting to show that these were the deliberations made.

“A letter was then raised by

the then Minister of Power and Steel to the President, requesting the President’s approval to cancel the concession to Solgas and start discussion and conclude with another company, Isfat, which is the mother company of Global Infrastructure.

The President gave that approval.

“At a point in time, there was a share purchase agreement signed by the BPE. It was signed but never put into use, and I could not find any reason anywhere why it was not used.

Continued on Page 58

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation tice Abdullahi.

“It is public knowledge that the Justice Abdullahi Committee submitted its panel report on the 28th of July 2011, to NJC while the directive to set up the committee was given on the 4th of July 2011 (three weeks before the submission of the report).

“Therefore, there is no way the constitution of the committee by the Hon. President, Court of Appeal could be linked with the happenings at the National Judicial Council.

“For the purpose of emphasis, it should be noted that the Hon. President, Court of Appeal has no intention to probe his predecessor.”

As at press time, a top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The Court of Appeal awarded many contracts for the construction of Court Hall and houses for judges in different jurisdictions.

“But some of the contractors either completed their jobs half way or have abandoned their sites. There is no way the Court of Appeal will allow such a rot.

“For instance, in the case of Calabar Division, the contractor only painted the Court Hall but did not fix the roof.

“In Ekiti, the contractor has left the Court Hall decking undone. Also in Sokoto, most houses of the judges are at the roofing stage.”

The source said: “The plot is to set Salami and his predecessor on a collision course but even Justice Umaru Abdullahi understood the situation better.”

CBN to pump $500m into agriculture Collins NWEZE

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it will channel $500 million (N77 billion) into the Nigerian Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL). The money will be invested under five basic segments. The Risk-sharing Facility is expected to receive $300 million to address banks’ perception of high-risks in the sector by sharing losses on agricultural loans. The Bank Incentives Mechanism would get $100 million and offer winning banks additional incentives to build their long-term capabilities to lend to agriculture. It will be in terms of cash awards.

More over, the Technical Assistance Facility would secure $60 million to equip banks to lend sustainably to agriculture, for producers to borrow and use loans more effectively as well as increase output of better quality agricultural products. The Insurance Facility would get $30 million needed to expand insurance products for agricultural lending from the current coverage to new products, such as weather index insurance, new variants of pest and disease insurance among others. Finally, the Holistic Bank Rating Mechanism would get $10 million to decide banks’ agricultural lending effectiveness and the social impact.

Continued on Page 58

4 NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Somalia famine worrisome—Jonathan •Rawlings calls for more attention

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Somalia, saying the famine crisis was worrisome.

He has therefore pledged that Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would make appropriate responses at the forthcoming pledging conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on August 25, 2011.

President Jonathan spoke yesterday when he received former Ghanaian President, Jerry John Rawlings, and African Union High Representative for Somalia.

Rawlings was at the presidential Villa to brief Jonathan on the situation in Somalia, and seek a response to the conference.

The UN said about 3.6 million people were at risk of starvation in Somalia.

More than 11 million people across the Horn of Africa have been affected by drought this year; the region’s worst

LG chair faces trial over alleged cheating in NECO exam Kamarudeen OGUNDELE, Abuja

A NIGER State Chief Magistrate’s Court has summoned the Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government, Rivers State, Mr. Odum Udi, who was accused of cheating in the National Examination Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination for the June/July 2000 session.

Chief Magistrate Hassan Muhammad ordered the accused to appear before the court on August 16 to answer the charges against him.

The order followed a direct criminal complaint brought against Udi under Sections 143 (d) and 152 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) by a former Councillor representing Ward 3 in Abua/ Odual L.G.A, Oyekuodi Ilekima.

The complainant accused Udi of cheating and giving false information with intent to mislead a public servant.

The alleged offences are contrary to Sections 140 and 320, and punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code laws of Niger State.

In the particulars of offence, the complainant stated that the accused registered for NECO June/July 2000 examination using two different names (Udisien Odum and Odum Udi) at Government Secondary School, Okepden-South and Government Secondary School, Egbolom both in Rivers State.

He wants the Court to decide if it was possible for the accused to be issued with results for the two centres when the examination took place on the same day at different centres.

Besides, Ilekima averred ‘That the Accused did not sit for any of the examinations,” adding that ‘’Odum Udi is the same person as Udisien Odum.

Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja

in 60 years.

The famine in some parts of southern Somalia has spread to three new areas of the country, with the entire south likely to be declared a famine zone, according to the United Nations.

Acute malnutrition and death rates surpassed famine thresholds in the Balcad and Cadale districts of Middle Shabelle, and among the refugee populations in Mogadishu and the Afgoye corridor, said a statement from the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Somalia food security unit.

Somalia is the only black African country that has only one language and one religion (Islam).

Jonathan, according to a statement from the office of the Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said the “famine in the Horn of Africa is worrisome,

and African leaders must take action to help this unfortunate situation,” adding that ECOWAS would discuss the matter during its next meetings of the Ministerial Council and of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government, next month.

President Jonathan agreed with former President Rawlings that African leaders must show a commitment to helping the people of Somalia at this most critical time.

Earlier, the former Ghanaian leader had said the Somalia situation was a catastrophe that had to be remedied through concerted action by African leaders and corporate organisations.

He stated that the Chairman of the African Union, President Obiang Nguema Mbassogo of Equatorial Guinea expected political and corporate leaders on the continent to show a commitment to seeking a solution to this problem.

“I cannot be calling on the

•President Goodluck Jonathan (right) and former Ghanaian President, John Jerry Rawlings during Rawllings’ visit to State House, Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

international community without showing that Afri• can leaders are also trying to assist their own brothers.

That is what brought me here. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that we are capable of helping ourselves in Africa,” he said.

The AU High Representa-

tive said August 15, 2011 would be declared Somalia Day, while a Pledging Conference on Somalia was being planned for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on August 25, 2011.

Rawlings, who later spoke to newsmen on the Somali humanitarian situation, said it had become a test ground for

the continent. He added that the image of the continent was at stake and the entire African countries must rise up to the challenge.

The AU special envoy further noted that the appeal was imperative, judging from the current inhuman predicaments faced by the citizens of that country.

$32m internet scam: EFCC hands over fleeing suspect to US

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a Nigerian fugitive, Emmanuel Ekhator, to the United States.

Ekhator was implicated in a $32 million internet scam in the United States before he fled to Nigeria.

But the Chairman of the EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri, yesterday said Nigeria will no longer be a safe place for Nigerian criminals fleeing from law enforcement agents in other countries.

A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation EFCC, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said Ekhator would be the third Nigerian fugitive to be extradited to the US by the agency in the last three years.

While George Ubeozor was extradited in 2008, Sunday Adebisi Adegbesan was handed over in 2009, both to the authorities in New York, USA. Briefing officers of the commission, Waziri gave details of how Ekhator was extradited on Wednesday and handed over to the US on Thurs-

day.

She said: “Ehkator was indicted in the U.S. District court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on November 3, 2010 over a $32 million internet collections scam.

“The suspect was arrested in Benin City, Edo State in August 2010 by EFCC operatives following top level exchange of information between U.S. law enforcement agents and the EFCC over the activities of a trans-border ring of internet scammers headed by Ekhator.

“The extradition process

filed through the office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice was eventually approved by a Federal High Court in Lagos on July 26th, 2011.

“The suspect was, however, flown to the US on Wednesday and handed over to a District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on Thursday by an officer of the EFCC.” Waziri urged operatives working on other pending similar cases to intensify their efforts.

She added: “With the latest extradition in addition to the two earlier done and the two

others pending, the message should be clear to anyone who travels abroad to commit crime and run back home to hide, that Nigeria is no longer safe for them, because we will get them and hand them over to face the law.

“We will continue to do our best in this regard. And with the continued support of the Attorney General of the Federation, we will surely make Nigeria unsafe for those fleeing from the long arms of the law in other jurisdictions because this country should never be a safe place for fugitive criminals.”

El-Rufai’s testimony jolts Obasanjo •Continued from Page 1 Investigation by The Nation revealed that some of the loyalists of the ex-President, who were shocked by el-Rufai’s disclosures, met informally in Abuja on Thursday night to review the situation.

Some of the strategists of the ex-President, however, avoided any review meeting because they felt he deserved whatever punches he is receiving from el-Rufai.

A former minister said: “I was shocked by those disclosures because the only link left with Obasanjo among his exaides is el-Rufai. I have been wondering what must have gone wrong.

“Some of us have no serious link with Obasanjo again.

But the ex-President still defers to el-Rufai. For the exMinister to have gone to this extent, I believe that he was unfair to the ex-President. He did not acknowledge some gains of the privatization.

“We thought that el-Rufai was the last man standing with Obasanjo, but the situation revealed that it might not be so. I am quite sure that the doors of Ota Farms and Abeokuta residence of Obasanjo will be shut against him.’’

Another top aide said: “I did not believe that el-Rufai

could be that audacious. But I think his revelations are suspicious. I think he is still nursing grudges for losing the presidency to the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

“Obasanjo did not want elRufai to succeed him. And the ex-President has been proved right because if he had anointed el-Rufai, may be he will be in jail by now with these revelations from the exminister.”

Yet another source said: “A few of us met to review what el-Rufai said and we think that the ex-President should also respond for posterity sake.

“I think we may pressurise the ex-President to speak out soon.”

But another minister in the cabinet of the ex-President said: “I was not surprised by the revelations because Obasanjo wielded enormous powers. Some of us have just heard what we never knew of him.”

A former Special Adviser said: “I won’t stick out my neck to defend the ex-President because he had two sets of rules for those of us who served him.

“The likes of el-Rufai were in the First Eleven and their words and advice were laws.

This is pay-back time from

those he favoured.”

As at press time, a source in the Presidency said: “The government is watching and monitoring the situation at the hearing.

“At the end of the assignment of the Senate Ad hoc Committee, we may reverse the sale of some Public Enterprises where there is any infraction.

“We will be guided purely by the decision of the Senate and contractual obligations we entered into in selling the Public Enterprises (PEs).”

A fact-sheet released by elRufai claimed that he only managed the privatization of 23 out of 122 firms, representing 18 per cent.

He said most of the firms sold during his tenure as the DG of BPE are still healthy.

He said the BPE under his management wrote the telecoms policy that allowed the NCC to initiate the GSM revolution.

The sheet reads in part: “As DG BPE, I supervised the privatization of 23 of the 122 enterprises that have been privatised to date (amounting to 18% of the total). These enterprises came from sectors including hotels and hospitality,

banking, cement and oil marketing. Most of them are doing well, and a few have even gone international. For instance, Oando is now listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Some of the companies are Unipetrol (now Oando), African Petroleum, National Oil (now Conoil), Ashaka Cement, WAPCO, CCNN, BCC, Calabar Cement, Capital Hotel, Abuja ( Abuja Sheraton), Festac ’77, Nigerian Hotels Limited (now Southern Sun, Ikoyi), Nigerian Hotels (Caterers’ Court, Ikoyi), Nigerian Hotels (House 8 & 9 Lees Road, Ikoyi), Nigerian Hotels (Audit Section, Ikoyi) “The cumulative value of FGN investment by way of equity, loans and other transfers to these 62 enterprises is estimated at nearly US $70 billion – nearly a third of Nigeria’s total oil revenue since 1973. Unfortunately, it is extremely unlikely that the Government will ever recoup these investments for obvious reasons, including but not limited to: 1. Inflated contracts for capital equipment and services (ALSCON) 2. Poor project management leading to time, and cost overruns (Ajaokuta)

3. Diversion of funds by managers of the PEs appointed by successive governments (AP) 4. Poor performance and profitability leading to low share prices and asset values (NICON, Nigerian Re, NITEL) 5. Unfriendly political and economic environment to attract quality foreign and domestic investors. (Virtually all sectors) “As at December 2000, the total liabilities of 39 of these PEs were in excess of N1.1 trillion, with accumulated losses of N92.3 billion.

“The case for privatization in Nigeria therefore is not very different from those in other countries. But in Nigeria , the very poor performance of the public enterprises and the high level of corruption, even by developing countrystandards, made it even more imperative.

“The purpose of privatization is to reduce or eliminate the drain on the public treasury that these public enterprises represented. At BPE we wrote the telecoms policy that allowed the NCC to initiate the GSM revolution. NITEL that remained in government hands tells the story of the malaise of public enterprises.”

NEWS 5

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Oyo PDP chieftains in war of words

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prominent member of the Oyo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Wale Olajide, yesterday said he had uncovered plans by some members of the state chapter of the party to destroy it.

Olajide named some members of the Senator Lekan Balogun-led PDP faction in the alleged plot to destroy the party.

A faction of the state PDP, led by former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, has two weeks ago pronounced Senator Balogun, u

Oseheye OKWUOFU, Ibadan. former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin and former Deputy Governor Hazeem Gbolarunmi expelled from the party for alleged anti-party activities.

But the action was countered by the Balogun group when they met at Green Spring Hotel, calling on the PDP National Secretariat to expel Alao-Akala and some leaders of the faction led by the former governor for anti-party activities.

Olajide, a lawyer, while speaking with newsmen at his Ibadan office yesterday, warned the Balogun faction to leave the PDP alone.

However, a member of the Balogun faction, Gbolarunmi, said: “ Olajide’s false alarm would not stand beacause it is not possible to build on illegality ,stating that it is only a bastard that would destroy a house he laboured to build.”

Gbolarunmi asked what was the contributions of Olajide and his cohorts to the state PDP to have the audacity to advise

•Members of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) staging a Walk for Health and Solidarity Roadshow to flag off this year World Breastfeeding Week with the theme: Breastfeeding: A Third Experience, with the slogan: Talk to Me”, in Ikeja, Lagos... yesterday

the founding fathers of the PDP in the state to leave the party.

He added that he was only saying what he said just to be heard. “ It will soon be known to him and his cohorts that they are just wasting their time. The whole world knows there is no PDP executive in Oyo State.

Infact, who is he (Olajide) in Oyo State PDP .I think he should rather advise himself and his masters to leave the Oyo PDP alone”, Gbolarunmi said.

However, Olajide maintained that most of the members of the Balogun PDP faction have forfeited their membership of the PDP long ago, having failed to abide by the tenets of the constitution of the party.

Those who are real members of the Oyo State PDP, he explained, have not only shown to be committed to its progress, but are working hard, mending fences in preparation for future elections.

Olajide called on the group to seek another political party membership as stipulated in the nation’s constitution that every Nigerian has the right to opt out at any time to join any political party of his or her choice.

He said there was no faction in the Oyo State PDP, adding that what existed was a group of people who were former members of the party bent on causing confusion and destroying the existing peace in the state PDP because of the idea of it must be myself or nothing else.

LG polls: Party will guide the process, says Tinubu

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HAIRMANSHIP and councillorship aspir ants have flagged off their campaigns, following the release of the party guidelines for the grassroots polls.

The election holds in October, with ACN National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, promising that the party had resolved to guide the process by allowing serving chairmen to renew their mandates because what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

Tinubu said: “We granted the second term to the governor, speaker of the House of Assembly, a senator, many members of the House of Representatives and Assembly. It is only fair to give the local government chairmen who are just completing one term a second term.

But it is not a blanket approval. The chairmen must be endorsed by leaders and people at home. We will not allow bad chairmen who do

Emmanuel OLADESU Deputy Political Editor not have honour and who do not command respect at home to contest again”.

The national leader advised aspirants against wasting their money on wooing party leaders, adding that those also fond of dropping his name to gain advantage would meet their waterloo.

He added: “Our leaders have met and decided on many issues. If you have not performed well in office, you are not coming back for second term. If you know that there is a chairman who is not respected at home, who does not command followership, forward a petition against him. But we will vet the petitions. If you write a false petition, we will rusticate you.

“There will be no refund of nomination fees, if you fail at the screening level. It is

part of your contribution to the party. If you can apply the same principle of the second term to councillors, apply it. but there are bad councillors who only think about impeaching the chairmen. They demand for money and jeeps from the chairmen. We know them. They know themselves. But councillors who are steadfast should continue. Good councillors would have the second term.

Those who have commenced impeachment against their chairmen without informing the party will not return”.

Tinubu ruled out the possibility of the third term for chairmen, saying: “If a chairman has spent two terms, we have nothing to say about that. If someone has served for two terms, it is enough. I did two terms as a governor.

Obasanjo approached me with the third term, I rejected it. No third term for local government chairmen.

Osun festival: 5,000 guests expected

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O fewer than 5,000 for eign guests are ex pected at the grande finale of this year edition of the Osun Osogbo festival coming up on August 26.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Folorunso Alao, made the disclosure yesterday at a pre-Osun festival press conference at the Ataoja Palace in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

He pleaded with the people of Osogbo to allow peace to reign throughtout the weeklong festival, saying the visitors coming to witness the celebration of the festival would not feel safe in an atmosphere of tension and crisis.

Alao praised Governor

Adesoji ADENIYI, Osogbo Aregbesola for his interest in culture and tourism development.

Also, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, at the programme, appealed for peace, praying that God would not allow trouble makers to mar the programme.

He assured the people of Osogbo that as custodian of their tradition, culture and value system, he would not abuse the Ataoja stool.

He expressed gratitude to his chiefs, the state government and the people of Osogbo for their support for him, particularly in his trying time.

He also thanked the Intercontinental Distillers Limited and the Nigerian Beweries PLC for their continued support and part sponsorship of the annual festival.

Both representatives of the Intercontinental Distillers Limited and the Nigerian Beweries PLC, Mr. Bayo Oke and Mr. Okanlawon, respectively, assured their organisations’ continued support for the festival.

The governor of the Osun State chapter of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Prince Tunde Adeyemi, promised active participation of his members at this year edition of the festival.

“ But there are two exceptions. The governor, I and party chairmen had committed the party with an agreement over two councils. If the chairmen say they would decline and opt for other roles or assignments, that is a different matter. But there are two exceptions”.

The national leader said that serving councillors would be allowed to vie.

However, he said the party would not allow those ones who had let the party down to continue their nefarious activities.

Tinubu said: ”There are some councillors who were always threatening the chairmen with impeachment because they wanted the chairmen to give them money and jeeps. Those writing to the ICPC and EFCC are not our members. They are agents of the PDP”.

Tinubu lent his voice to the controversy on the single term bill proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan, saying that the tenure elongation bid would fail as the third term project failed under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He also said the party might demonstrate over the appointments of electoral commissioners whose appointments have elapsed because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not follow the due process.

Tinubu said: “We will not do tenure elongation. It is a bubble trap. 13 RECs whose tenures have expired are being appointed. We may need to stage a protest. They are planning to plant PDP people in the INEC. If the Senate cannot stop them, we will stop them on the street.”

Aregbesola inaugurates 14-member cabinet

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S the Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, inaugurated his 14-person cabinet yesterday, he told the people of the state that his cabinet would concentrate on programmes that would facilitate rapid growth for the state.

The governor administered the oath of allegiance on the commissioners after they had been screened and cleared by the 26-member House of Assembly.

Reading his address at the multi-purpose hall of the state Local Government Service Commission, Abere, venue of the swearingin of the commissioners, Aregbesola said those that mounted pressure on him to appoint his own commissioners should know what Oyinlola’s administration did with his cabinet.

Aregbesola said records revealed that the administration of his predecessor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, held only 45 cabinet meetings throughout his tenure from May, 2003 and November, 2010.

He said Oyinlola and his commissioners used the few state executive meetings to deliberate on principally appointments and installation of obas (traditional rulers) rather than deliberating issues that would touch lives of the people positively.

“Surprisingly, our critics were hammering the issue of appointment of commissioners as if the state cannot be governed without the commissioners. Whereas they did not tell the public that during Oyinlola’s administration, the governor and the then commissioners had no time for the jobs they were paid to do.

Records show that state executive meetings were not regular,” the governor said.

The list of the commissioners went thus: Dr. (Mrs.) Temitope Ilori (Health), Barrister Suraj Ajibola Bashir (Regional Integration and Special Duties), Mr. Sunday Akere (Information), Mr. Richard Adewale Adedoyin (Agriculture and Food Security), Mr. Muyiwa Ige (Lands and Physical Planning).

Mr. Wale Afolabi (Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice), Mr. Stephen Kola Balogun (Youth and Sports Development), Kolapo Alimi (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), Mr. Ismail Jayeoba Alagbada (Commerce, Co-operatives and Empowerment), Dr. Wale Bolorunduro (Finance and Economic Development), Professor Oyawoye (Environment), Ms. Mobolaji Akande (Women Affairs) and Mr. Sikiru Ayedun (Tourism).

Banks in Ogun shut down over robbery scare

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pall of robbery scare enveloped Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital yesterday, forcing banks operating at the new Abeokuta Business District and adjoining areas to shut their doors to customers.

Residents in their hundreds who had visited their respective banks for Friday banking hall transactions were disappointed and went home in frustrations. An employee of one of the banks who pleaded anonymity said they were apprehensive over rumours of imminent robbery attack.

Many, especially those needing cash withdrawals, resorted to using the Automated Teller Machine (ATM), resulting in heavy traffic at various ATM points.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Lagos, Mr Suleiman Fakai, and Ogun State Police Commissioner, Mr. Nicholas Daaru Nkemdeme, moved around the state to access the security situation.

Aside visiting the bank robbery scene in Ilaro, AIG Fakai and Nkemdeme also deployed more policemen in the state to ensure safety of lives and properties.

The Nation gathered that the affected banks were acting upon information that the 15–man armed gang that successfully attacked three banks simultaneously on Thursday in Ilaro had moved into the state capital, threatening a repeat of the attacks.

A private guard manning the security post of one of the banks in Oke–Ilewo told anxious customers that a divisional police officer gave all banks in the area the instruction not to open their gates for entry by customers until further notice.

CP advises Justice for All

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HE Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Yakubu Alkali, has advised the Justice for All to give serious attention to the provision of equipment to quicken the understanding of what they are teaching police officers, saying “practice is the best way to learn”.

CP Alkali gave this advice yesterday while interacting with the five-man team of the Justice for All in his office at GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to the team leader, Dr. Funmi Olasakin, the Justice for All is a partnership between the Nigerian government and the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) and that the five-year programme (2010-2015) is currently undergoing a review of its inception phase projects.

She said they recently concluded a two-week training workshop for offices of the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Yaba from June 6 to 16.

She said the need for interacting with the relevant stakeholders involved in the inception phase of the programme was to assess the collaboration and synergy between the Justice for All programme and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in the execution of the programme’s inception phase activities and to further discuss future collaboration as the programme enters its implementation phase.

Other members of the team included Olta Nicholson, Mette Nielsen, Ajibola Ijimakinwa and Joseph Barnes, while senior police officers present included the DCP Adams Audu (Administration), ACP Vincent O. Brown (Operations), Area F. Commander, ACP Noah Adesoyin, CSP Emmanuel Ighodalo (AntiRoad Block), among others.

On how to solve the problem of corruption, CP Alkali said it depended on the class of people, saying “solving the corruption problem should start from individuals at even the family level.

He gave the example of a child who is not willing to do anything worth doing, unless he is induced by his father. He said if such a child grows up with that kind of upbringing he may end up requesting for inducement at an adult age when he is expected to do his normal duty.

6 NEWS Round tripping: CBN raises dollar sale to BDCs to $1 million Collins NWEZE

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday raised the volume of the forex sale to bureau de change (BDC) in the country from $500,000 per week to $1 million.

This is the third time in less than two months the apex bank has carried out such raise. The CBN had on June 24 pegged the dollar sale to BDCs at $250,000 per week.

This was followed by another increase on July 28 from $250,000 per week to $500,000 before the latest exercise.

The apex bank has also mandated that each BDC is allowed to purchase from only one authorised dealer per week.

A circular signed by CBN Director, Trade & Echange, Batari Musa, said the action was meant to sustain the exchange rate stability in the foreign exchange market. He said current increase supersedes the earlier ones.

He advised authorised dealers to ensure compliance and render appropriate returns on transactions, as any contravention shall attract appropriate sanctions in line with the provision in the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Acts (BOFIA) as amended.

Before these amendments, banks and other authorized dealers could sell autonomous funds to BDCs subject to compliance with the Antimoney Laundering Act 2004.

The apex bank had in January issued new rules guiding the sales of foreign currency in the country.

A statement from the bank noted that the funds purchased from it at the auctions must be used for eligible transactions only. The CBN had equally on November 3, 2010, in a circular referenced, FPR/DIR/CIR/FXM/01/004, cancelled the issuance of class ‘A’ BDCs licences, following its review of the two-tier structure of the market.

Adefuye clocks 67

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frontline politician, seasoned administrator, astute scholar, religious and community leader of note, Senator Anthony Ogungbemi Adefuye, will clock 67 tomorrow and celebrate it at his Lekki Phase 1, Lagos residence.

Senator Adefuye, a Senator of the Third Republic, was one time the Chairman, Somolu Local Government. as well as a national leader in the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP).

A man of many parts, Senator Adefuye is a patron of many social clubs, NGOs and others whose main aim is to positively affect the fortunes of the teeming masses.

•Adefuye

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

MEND faults UNEP’s report on Ogoni

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HE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has stated that the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) report is an attempt to reclaim Ogoniland for the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

MEND also warned all the oil companies in Nigeria of the battle that is to come.

The UNEP’s report was submitted two weeks ago to President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.

The militant group, in an online statement yesterday by its spokesman, Jomo

Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harcourt Gbomo, declared that the people of the Niger Delta were not deceived by the Anglo/Dutch oil giant’s (Shell’s) pretence of concern.

SPDC and its counterparts in the oil industry were also told by MEND not to waste their “booty” on “irrelevant” studies of an environment they chose to destroy.

It urged the oil companies in Nigeria to save as much as they could for the “days of darkness” which it said were not far.

The militant group said:

“MEND views the SPDCsponsored UN report on the degradation of the environment of the Niger Delta and its inhabitants by the deliberately-irresponsible activities of western oil companies, as a pathetic attempt at trivialising the wave of destruction wreaked on the ecology of the Niger Delta, the lifestyle and dignity of its people by criminal oil companies, occupying the Niger Delta forcibly for the sole purpose of plundering the resources of its people.

“All this drama is an attempt to reclaim Ogoniland for Shell. The Ogoniland

forms a minuscule past of the Niger Delta and reckless exploitation of the resources of the Delta is widespread.

“It will take centuries for the ecology of the Niger Delta to near restoration, while its people remain scarred. This will cost hundreds of billions of US Dollars. After all, how much did just one spillage in the United States cost British Petroleum?

“The ecology of the Niger Delta has persistently borne the brunt of numerous spillages of catastrophic proportions.

“The traditional sources of livelihood of the people of

this region, fishing and farming, have been obliterated by the activities of western oil companies. Young men of the Niger Delta are reduced to menial labourers, while their sisters attend to the concupiscence of expatriate workers just for food and daily survival.”

Shell was sent packing from Ogoniland in 1993, while the renowned environmental rights activist, Ken SaroWiwa, was hanged on November 10, 1995 during the regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha. SPDC is yet to return to Ogoni.

The umbrella organisation of Ogoni people, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), had earlier stated that the UNEP’s report fell short of the expectations of the people.

MOSOP, which has as President, Mr. Ledum Mitee, who is also the chairman of the Niger Delta Technical Committee (NDTC), said the UNEP’s report had, however, vindicated Ogoni people for their insistence on non-violent struggle.

Bayelsa community alleges neglect Isaac OMBE-Yenagoa

A •From Left: FRSC Enugu Sector Commander, Mr. Hyginus Fomsouk; Corps Transport Regulatory Officer, Dr. Kayode Olagunju; and Managing Director, Peace Mass Transit Company, Mr. Sam Onyishi, during FRSC Third Quarter Training Programme for Peace Mass Transit drivers in Enugu PHOTO:NAN

ACN raises the alarm over allegation against Ngige

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CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Anambra State Chapter, has raised the alarm that some persons are trying to tarnish the reputation of the party and the image of its leader, Senator Chris Ngige, over the industrial action embarked upon by the state labour.

Workers in the state, led by Patrick Obianyo, have embarked on a one-week warning strike over the unresolved minimum wage saga.

At a rally held at the Alex Ekwueme Boulevard in Awka on Monday, Governor Peter Obi of the state agreed to pay the mandatory N18,000 minimum wage, describing it as a law, but the

Nwanosike ONU, Awka

labour insisted on going on strike.

Following this, some people began to allege that workers were seen being conveyed with ACN vehicles to the rally ground, while they also alleged that Ngige paid the sum of N200, 000 to labour leaders to carry out the action.

Anambra State Chairman of the ACN, Chief Amaechi Obidike, while speaking with reporters yesterday in Awka, described the allegation against Ngige and the party as the handiwork of those he described as confused people in government.

He said: “The ACN wants people to stop associating the party and its leader (Ngige) to such frivolous issues. It is a statement by people who are not honest. It is a statement of people who are deceitful.

“While Ngige is in Abuja working for the good of the people of the state and indeed Ndigbo, the ACN in Anambra has been busy moving round all the council areas in its bid to reposition the party for the tasks ahead.

“The allegation that Ngige and the ACN are part of the labour strike in Anambra State is an insinuation by some drawning persons. For the fact that the party is do-

ing well in the state and indeed South East is the hard work of the party and its leaders.

“The ACN is not a one-state party, rather a national party of note controlling many lawmakers throughout the federation. If some uninformed persons are saying that the ACN and Ngige are responsible for the strike, what of the health workers’ strike that has been on for over six months.

“Judiciary workers a few days ago called off its fivemonth strike. Was the ACN or its leader, Ngige, also responsible for it? Why can’t people leave the party and our leader alone in Anambra State?”

Police deny kidnap reports in Anambra

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HE Anambra State Police Command yesterday described as false and outrageous the reports of incessant kidnappings in the commercial city of Nnewi which resulted in the closure of markets by protesting stakeholders and professional bodies.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Bashiru Makama, while briefing reporters in Awka, the state capital, said that the reports that about 68 persons were kidnapped and that an average of 15 persons were being kidnapped on daily basis in Nnewi were untrue.

Adimike GEORGE, Onitsha He said that although there might not be zerocrime level in the state, but the police were working round the clock to secure the lives and property of people living in the state.

Makama further said: “It is not in the interest of the state to report unverified and false crime records which will further create anxiety. The situation does not in any way help the police. All we need is the co-operation of the media and when we get it wrong they should be objective in their criticisms”.

The police boss disclosed that for the effective policing, the people should volunteer information and intelligence that would aid the police in their effort to fight crime, stressing that the police could not succeed in isolation.

He, however, stated that the number of kidnap cases in Nnewi in the last one year was eight as against the 68 reported in some national dailies, lamenting that such reports could discourage investors from coming to the state.

“In Nnewi, we have just one unresolved case of kidnap and I can assure you that we are on top of the

situation. Our men are strategically positioned and some are on patrol in the commercial city, but we cannot provide police for every home”, he said.

In his statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, said the crime rate in the state had drastically gone down, “particularly cases of armed robbery and kidnapping”.

He called on the residents of the state to continue to cooperate with the police in ridding it of kidnappers and other criminals, adding that the security of lives and property was not the monopoly of the police.

major oil producing community in Bayelsa State, Oluasiri, in the Nembe Local Government Area, has alleged that for over 50 years of oil production in the area, its development has been neglected by the oil companies, successive state and federal governments of Nigeria.

This revelation came up at the Bayelsa State Reconciliation Committee town hall meeting with stakeholders of the Bayelsa East Senatorial District at the Ogbia Brotherhood Hall, Ogbia on Thursday.

The meeting was one of the ongoing stakeholders’ meetings holding at the senatorial districts of the state organised by the Senator John Brambaifa –led Reconciliation Committee set up by the state government shortly after the last general elections in the state.

Presenting the communty’s position to the committee, its spokesman, Mr. Inuro Wills, regretted that “despite Oluasiri’s numerous oil and gas fields that have been producing for almost 50 years, the development of the communities has been neglected by the oil companies as well as state and federal agencies”.

The community appealed to the state government through the committee to “come to its rescue by ensuring the execution of development projects which our people have been requesting for many years to no avail.”

These projects, according to him, included Jetties, a short road that will link Oluasiri by land for the first time; proper resettlement, including low cost houses, schools, water project, a police post and sand filling/reclamation; rehabilitation of Oluasiri Market.

The community also appealed to the state government to put pressure on the federal government, Shell, Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Federal Ministry of Works and the NDDC to construct a befitting road in the area.

NEWS 7

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Polytechnic screens candidates QUALIFIED candidates seeking admission into the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State for Higher National Diploma (HND) full-time programme and National Diploma (ND) programme for the 2011/ 2012 academic session have up till August 21 to buy and submit their application forms.

In a statement, the institution’s Deputy Registrar in charge of public affairs, Revd. Lasunkanmi Bolaji, said that candidates for the ND full-time programme would be screened at 10 am on September 6 while their HND part-time counterparts would be screened at 10 am on September 8.

Lawmaker lifts widows TWO hundred widows were on Thursday presented with various sums of money by a member of the House of Representatives representing Oshodi Isolo Federal Constituency 1, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai .

The beneficiaries, who were chosen from various groups in the constituency, were advised to use the money judiciously. “I also, hope the proceeds from their trades will help to feed them and their children. I do hope that he widow’s mite we are giving today will be use judiciously by beneficiaries and please do start something lucrative with it,” Akinderu-Fatai advised the widows.

Akinderu-Fatai said the plights of the widows in constituency moved him into starting this annual scheme.

He promised to fight the cause of the widows at the national assembly. “On my part as a legislator, I will continue to ensure that their plight is taking for consideration at the national level .

While pursuing that, I have to see into immediate needs by making available for them non-refundable money which they can use to start small business, this will keep them up and doing,” the legislator promised.

Rotary International president visits Nigeria

THE Rotary International President, Kalyan Banerjee, and his wife, Binota, will be arriving Nigeria tomorrow.

During his visit, he is expected to have discussion with the Federal Government on the progress made on polio eradication which Rotary initiated worldwide. He will also visit the Chairman, Governor’s Forum, Rotimi Amaechi, in Port Harcourt on the same issue.

He will also discuss with Nigerian Rotary leaders on how Rotary International can be more involved in other health and humanitarian issues in the country.

He is expected to lay the foundation stone of a big Eye Centre in Lagos to be constructed by the Indian Community and Rotary International.

ACN, ACPN witnesses narrate how INEC rigged for PDP in Kwara W

ITNESSES of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) yesterday told the Kwara State Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Ilorin, the state capital, that the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) officers allegedly rigged the election in favour of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Pategi and Edu local government areas.

The ACN governorship candidate, Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN), in the April 26 poll, is challenging the INEC’s declaration of Abdulfattah Ahmed of the PDP as the winner of the governorship poll, praying the court to nullify elections in the local councils and wards where frauds were perpetrated, saying he actually won the highest number of valid votes and praying the tribunal to declare him winner of the April poll.

The ACN supervisor in Tsaragi Ward 2, Edu Local Government Area, Abullahi Musa, told the tribunal that what happened on April 26 was “purely a case of one man, many votes and unprovoked violence” against opposition parties’ agents” as INEC officials and PDP members allegedly engaged in multiple thumb printing under security cover.

He said in his statement on oath deposed before the tribunal that he supervised and coordinated the activities of ACN polling agents in the 12 units of the ward, a role he said permitted him to move from one polling unit to another on of the election day.

Musa told the tribunal he was manhandled and beaten at Belle Unit (Polling Booth 008) when he protested some of the anomalies being perpetrated by the PDP in alleged collusion with INEC officials.

He said: “Based on the report and what I saw, there was no voting in several polling units in the ward, no accreditation of voters in the polling units, no conclusion of election in most of the units and no announcement of results at the units in the LG. Ballot papers were forcefully taken away or diverted from polling units.

“For instance, when I got to Belle unit with code 008, I realised voting was completely disrupted in the polling units in the ward and there were acts of violence. When asked what led to the violence, I was told that PDP members sent other party agents away and they stood next to the ballot box intimidating voters and telling them to vote for the PDP. When I complained a PDP member by the name Abdullah G. Saliu told his thugs to beat me up.

I was beaten so much that I narrowly escaped death and had to abandon my duty with so many other electorate in fear for our lives.

“In Lealea unit with code 012, while accreditation was

Adekunle JIMOH, Ilorin

ongoing, the presiding officer said she wanted to go and ease herself. When she did not come back on time, some female party members (Mortah Al Hassan, Mortah Baba and Blessing Al Hassan) went to look for her, including the ACPN

agent. On getting to where she was, she was caught thumb printing on the PDP column. When voting commenced, they positioned the ballot box inside a classroom and one Yabagi Zubairu blocked the entrance of the classroom and said nobody should enter the room except PDP members.

“No other party member could enter apart from PDP members. When they finished this exercise then the same set of PDP members started voting again for the second time.”

The ACN will present the forensic analysis to prove its allegations of multiple thumb printing, preponderance misuse of ballot papers

•From Left: DIG 'B' Dept, Mrs Ify Okoronkwo; Inspector-General of Police, Mr Hafiz Ringim; DIG 'A' Dept, Mr Azubuko Udah; and DIG Mohammed Yesufu, at the inauguration of Contingent's Equipment For United Nations Mission in Dafur...yesterdsay in Abuja.

PHOTO: NAN

across the state, amongst other frauds the party insisted the PDP perpetrated in collusion with INEC and security officials.

The ACN chief executive officer for the Pategi LGA, Mr. Olayinka Raji, also narrated how election took place in Lade Ward 3 without voters’ accreditation as required by the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended).

He said in his statement on oath that he moved round on the election day, being the ACN supervisor, and found out that results were not announced in many polling units in the ward as required by the law.

He added: “I also saw that the number of votes recorded exceeded the number of registered voters in the polling units or the number of voters purportedly accredited. I saw that in the four wards in Patigi, there was a misuse of ballot papers and misapplication of ballot papers, and ballot papers meant for particular units were illicitly used to return votes in some other units in the ward. I also saw that there was the multiple thumb printing of ballot papers in favour of the first to 3rd respondents (PDP governorship candidate, Abdulfattah Ahmed; his deputy, Peter Kishra; and the PDP.”

Jonathan okays six secretaries for FCTA

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R E S I D E N T Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the appointment of

Bukola AMUSAN, Abuja six new Secretaries for FCT Mandate Secretariats and a Coordinator for the

Abuja Metropolitan Management Council.

The new Secretaries are:Kabiru Usman – Education Secretariat, . Dr.

Senator reiterates government’s commitment to Ajaokuta Steel The Senator representing the Central Senatorial District of Kogi State, Nurudeen Usman Abatemi, has said the quick completion of the multi-billion naira Ajaokuta Steel and Itakpe Iron Ore is a done deal with the Federal Government.

The Senator stated this yestaday when he paid a visit to the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the steel plant.

He said President Good luck Jonathan was already committed to the completion of the abandoned steel company.

Mohammed Bashir Lokoja Abetemi said all other problems facing the company and the staff would be adequately taken care of.

According to Abatemi, Nigeria, for the past nine years, had spent N2.1 trillion to import steel into the country, adding the country would save a lot of money if the steel company was put to use.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Interim Management Committee of Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron Ore Mining Company, Engi-

neer Paul Umunnakwe, said the company was already facing the problem of staff salary arrears from August to December, 2009. “ The IMC chairman therefore urged the senator to lobby for the release of funds to ASCL and NIOMCO to kick start the available units of the plant.

The Senator who had earlier visited the Federal College of Education Okene and the Osara Dam was accompanied by member representing Adavi/Okehi Federal Cconstituency, Abdulrahman Badamasiuy among others.

Onakomaiya Ademola Olufunmi - Health & Human Services Secretariat, Blessing Onyeche Onu – Social Development Secretariat, Engr.

Ivoke Jonathan Achara – Transportation Secretariat, Yahaya Alhassan Ibrahim – Area Council Services Secretariat, Olvadi Bema Madayi – Agriculture & Rural Development Secretariat The new Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) is Architect Reuben Boutuaowei Okoya All these appointments are with immediate effect, while the swearing-in comes up on Monday, August 15, by 11:00am at the Banquet Hall, FCT Minister’s Official Residence, Gwarinpa I District (Life-Camp), Abuja.

Party loyalists reject candidates, want leaders to intervene

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OME youths of AyoboIpaja, Lagos State have rejected a female candidate of the Action Congress Party (ACN) in the AyoboIpaja Local Council Development Area .

In a similar development, some members of the ACN in Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Lagos State yesterday stormed the party’s secretariat to protest against the second term of the incumbent council boss, Dr. Samuel Adesola Adedayo.

The youths, who stormed the meeting in Ayobo in large

Kunle AKINRINADE and Paul OLUWAKOYA numbers, warned that they would not accept the imposition of a female council chairmanship aspirant as the candidate of the party.

One of the leaders of the protesters, who simply identified himself as Rasaq, said: “It would only be fair for the ACN candidate to emerge from either Ipaja or Baruwa as Ayobo has produced the council chairman in the last 28 years. The current lawmaker

representing Alimosho Constituency 01 in the Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Bisi Yusuf, is also from Ayobo, therefore, presenting another chairmanship candidate from Ayobo will be an injustice to the people of Ipaja and Baruwa.”

“We even gathered that the woman they want to impose on us don’t even live in the council area, so it will be unfair to have a total stranger as council chairman Party leaders present, however, calmed the frayed nerves of the protesters assuring them that there will be no

imposition of candidates and that their demand will be considered.

TheACN members in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA called on the National Leader of the ACN, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not to approve Adedayo as the party’s flagbearer in the forthcoming council elections in Lagos State.

A chieftain of the party in the council area, Honourable Taiwo Osai, however, said that members of the party are in support of the re-election of Adedayo as council chairman.

8 COMMENTARY

O

NE of the oldest concepts in Eco nomics is the law of diminishing marginal utility. It states that as an individual increases his or her consumption of a particular product, while keeping the consumption of other products constant, there is a decline in the margin of utility he or she derives from consuming each additional unit. But the credibility of this enduring theory is now under threat, no thanks to the insatiable appetite of Bida, Niger State-born Muslim cleric, Alhaji Bello Abubakar Masaba, for the opposite sex. Penultimate Friday, he kept alive his threat to hit the 100 mark before the end of the year by taking 32-year-old Fatimah Abubakar as his 91st wife.

The unrepentant polygamist had hit the limelight three years ago when the news media reported that he had 86 wives. The story had sounded like a version of Lewis Carrol’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

But it soon dawned on everyone that it was as true as daylight.

And for reasons I am yet to fathom, this

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 2011

Garlands for a bedroom hero inimitable king of ladies appears to have engendered more foes than friends. From his family house to his emirate council and beyond, he has been fighting all manner of battles created by people who do not seem to appreciate his immense contribution to our reputation as one of the most populous nations on earth.

Alarmed at the size of his immediate family, the Bida Emirate Council had summoned the cleric and mounted pressure on him to divorce 82 of his wives in order to remain within the number stipulated by the Quran. When he would not budge, he was arraigned at an upper area court in Minna, Niger State, accused of contravening some aspects of the Shariah which stipulate that a Muslim should not marry more than four wives. But his traducers soon discovered that they had embarked on a futile venture as there were not enough provisions in the Islamic code to force him to divorce his wives.

And if they thought that the harassment he suffered from the various authorities would tame his insatiable hunger for the opposite sex, they were grossly mistaken.

Currently, he is involved in a legal battle concerning his membership of the Etsu Masaba ruling family in Bida. The royal family had denied him, insisting that his real name is Nmodu Chikangi and that he hails from Chikangi village in the Lavun Local Government Area, Niger State.

Disclaiming Masaba’s membership of the Etsu Saba ruling house, the head of the fam-

ily, Alhaji Abdulmalik Ndazhiko, asked the polygamist to drop the name of the family, saying: “Nmadu Chikangi, alias Bello Masaba, is not and has never been a member of the Masaba royal family of Bida. In fact, he is not even from Bida; he is from Chikangi village near Kutigi in the Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State. We, members of the family, know one another and hereby disclaim him. Legal action to protect the name and integrity of the family is being considered.” The High Court in Minna presided over by Justice Aliyu Maiyaki had declined jurisdiction over the matter and referred it to Bida High Court where the case is now being heard.

Trouble had begun during the voter registration exercise that preceded the last general election when Masaba alleged that members of his family were being denied registration. He claimed that some prominent members of his royal family were behind the conspiracy to deny him and his family members voter registration, particularly because they must have realised that the sheer size of his household, made up of about 5,000 people, was enough to sway the direction of victory in any electoral contest in the area.

Masaba’s lawyer has also alleged threats to the octogenarian polygamist’s life, including attempts to kidnap him. “Baba (Masaba) has received unanimous phone calls intimating him that the powers that be in the state were involved in a plot on his life. The person who refused to reveal his

The terrorists within

W

ATCHING the wanton looting and gratuitous destruction on the streets of London and other communities in England on cable television over the last five days, one is tempted to condemn the ‘morons’ who carried out the despicable and senseless act. For sure, no word is too harsh to describe the scumbags that tormented their own communities and inflicted unforgettable pain on the psyche of their neighbours. However, it speaks volumes too, about how family values have fallen to a dismal low when youths, as young as 11 year olds, take to the streets in total defiance of the authorities to loot and cause mayhem.

Houses burnt. Cars wrecked. Lives lost. Relationships destroyed. Trust became a major casualty in the crazy frenzy - all because some ‘dumb’ youths seized the wrong moment to express the deep agonies they feel over a system that is silently killing them. The cost to the economy is yet to be quantified, but reports say it runs into tens of millions of pound sterling. The unfortunate killing of Mark Duggan in Tottenham by the police and the subsequent protest in that community merely provided an excuse for the unruly youths to foist terror and anarchy on the land. It was, no doubt, England’s moment of shame.

I watched as some of the rioting youths, who were bold enough to speak to reporters, battled to justify the madness that started in Tottenham and gradually spread to Liverpool, Greater Manchester, Ealing, Birmingham and Hackney. One claimed that the lawless youths were only “trying to get our taxes back.” Another lamented that though the riots were condemnable, it could be justified as the youths daily get frustrated by a system that “has taken away jobs and has made it impossible for us to go school.

I can’t go to school and I can’t get any jobs.” That, I confess, was a bad picture of the shape of things in a country where you, literally, pay for the air you breathe. Yet, it cannot justify the grand display of irresponsible behaviour by these yobs.

Nevertheless, it is important to see the outbreak of violence in conservative England as warning signals to those who continue to fritter away our collective inheritance here.

An idle hand, the saying goes, is the devil’s workshop.

Perhaps, the youths would not have had the chance to wreak havoc on their own communities if they had been engaged in one form of vocation or the other. In a society where parents appear to have submitted their authority to some unrestrained rights of the child, backed by laws that make the spanking of your own child an offence; it is not surprising that that freedom was displayed on the streets with excessive stupidity. It may be difficult to accept but a seed of hatred had been planted in the hearts of those who thought they were the prime targets of the attacks.

Question is: how did England come about this community of terrorists within? The answer is simple. With the economic downturn comes a growing population of the economically inactive. Records show that, as at May 2011, the unemployment rate was 7.7 per cent while the number of the unemployed fell by 26,000 to reach 2.45 million. The figures also indicate that the number of people unemployed for up to one year increased by 11,000 over the quarter to reach 1.64 million while the number of people unemployed for over one year fell by 37,000 to reach 807,000.

Now, a slice of the grim pie: “The quarterly fall in unem-

ployment occurred mainly among people aged from 16 to 24. The number of unemployed people in this age group fell by 42,000 over the quarter to reach 917,000. The inactivity rate for those aged from 16 to 64 over the three months preceding May 2011 was 23.2 per cent, up 0.1 on the quarter.

The number of economically inactive people aged from 16 to 64 increased by 32,000 over the quarter to reach 9.33 million.

The number of people in this age group who were not in fulltime education fell by 42,000 to reach 4.26million.

“The employment rate for those aged from 16 to 64 for the three months to May 2011 was 70.7 per cent, unchanged on the quarter. The number of people in employment is 293,000 lower than the pre-recession peak of 29.57 million recorded for the three months to May 2008. The number of employees and self-employed people working part-time because they could not find a full-time job increased by 80,000 on the quarter to reach 1.25 million, the highest figure since comparable records began in 1992.

“There were 1.52 million people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) in June 2011, up 24,500 on May. The number of men claiming JSA increased by 15,000 to reach 1.03 million and the number of women claimants increased by 9,500 to reach 493,900, the highest figure since August 1996. In the three months to May 2011, 144,000 people had become redundant in the three months before the Labour Force Survey interviews, up 16,000 over the quarter. This increase in redundancies occurred mainly among women.”

If you think these figures are scary, what then would you say about Nigeria that, according to a latest report, has the highest number of children out of school? I have heard many Nigerians gloat over the sad events in the United Kingdom, putting the blame squarely on the shoulders of parents who give too much freedom to their wards. That may be true.

However, it does not, in any way, mean that we are faring better either. If care is not taken, we may soon pay a heavy price for the band of illiterates we are breeding due to the dearth of qualitative education.

For a society that lacks accurate statistics, the 8.2 million children said to be out of school as at 2010 by the Global Campaign for Education might as well be a conservative estimate. That number was put at over 10 million by another report this year. With such a huge figure, it is not surprising that these young ones have become raw materials in the hands of politicians and evil-minded persons whenever they desire to unleash terror. They are the killers in-waiting.

Today in Nigeria, there is no accurate data on the number of the unemployed and the economically inactive. Not one enjoys anything close to a Job Seeker’s Allowance. Apart from breeding educated illiterates who are the direct products of an appalling education system, the government appears ill prepared to provide jobs for the thousands of graduates roaming the streets. It does not have any social security system for them either. There are too many idle hands on the prowl; waiting to pounce on a system that continues to dehumanise them. Daily, these ones listen to the sickening stories about how billions of naira and dollars are used to service of inanities. They watch as the children of the high and mighty take over the best jobs in the land after getting the best education money can buy outside the country. They bottle up their anger as one probe after the other expose the grand deceit that goes on in the name of privatization where public enterprises were dashed out in under-the-table deals.

They know those who collect jumbo pay for practically do-

name or allow his number to be seen said that they wanted to kidnap Baba for his outrageous attitude. We are afraid and we need protection,” said the lawyer.

When the news broke recently that the cleric had taken his 91st wife, a friend screamed that the time had come to castrate him. But I told him it is the crudest way to appreciate a man who must have sacrificed a lot physically and psychologically to minister to 91 women just to see that we maintain our pride of place in the comity of nations. Indeed, if the only reputation we enjoy as a country is that we are the most populous black nation in the world, I cannot understand why the government has not considered it worthwhile to honour the man that has contributed the most to growing our population. Or was it not reported that his marriage with Fatimah penultimate Friday coincided with the christening of his nine new babies.

Besides, there seems to be a consensus of opinion that the female population has far outgrown that of the male. I imagine the number of our women that would have been left in the cold without a man as daring as Masaba. At a time our young men are running away from the sacred institution of marriage for social and economic reasons and others who have managed to take a wife each are looking for people to share the load with, the cleric deserves nothing but commendation for filling the vacuum the cowardice of our lily-livered men would have created.

Knucklehead With

Yomi Odunuga E-mail:yomi.odunuga @thenationonlineng.net SMS only: 07028006913

ing nothing. They know those bleeding the nation to a slow death. When frustration sets in, can anyone predict how far our energetic but frustrated army of unemployed youths would be willing to go in putting an end to this nonsense?

Can we really stop such an army of people who care less about losing the little or nothing that they still have, in hitting back at the society?

As I once wrote, any nation that wants to make a difference cannot afford to abandon its education sector to the vagaries of the times. That is what we have been doing as our education continues to nosedive. We are committing a grave blunder by looking the other way while our youths, the active majority, are loafing about the streets. The unprecedented level of youth unemployment across Nigeria has given birth to a strong, misdirected breed with dented psyche. They are confused about the irrelevance of rigorous academic preparations for an assured place to stand and contribute to society. Ill fares the land where wealth accumulates and men decay. The ‘lucky’ few get richer with filthy lucre while the luckless majority spawn further frustrated dependants on increasingly scarce crumbs of the polity. These include the young drug addicts; the young truck pushers; street urchins cleaning car windscreens in state capitals; those hawking ‘pure water’ and all kinds of items; and those wandering and foraging for faith under the harshest of conditions. Add that to the growing number of unemployed graduates flogging the streets and you wonder if we are not setting the stage for our own London experience amidst the shameful larceny that goes on in the corridors of power.

Today, Britain is having a heck of time trying to contain those it has chosen to describe as morons, scums and yobs. In spite of the condemnable act committed by these disgruntled, young criminals, it is worthy of note that the authorities exercised restraints in turning the guns against its own citizens.

In Nigeria, the story would have been different. The streets would have become a canvas of blood and corpses should the youth dare confront the police in a battle of wits. However, we need not get to that tragic end before we start putting things right. All it takes to stop this breeding of terrorists within is the political will to retrace our steps and run an open, fair and equitable government where policies are implemented for the good of all as against the current practice where they are twisted to satisfy the salacious cravings of the few! Is the government prepared to start the therapeutic process now? Alternatively, do we need a violent epochal challenge to rouse our insensitive leaders from this deep slumber? Let us hope that they know that whatever happens in one part of the global village may have serious implications or be precursors to other developments elsewhere.

9

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

T

HE news that Apple the global technology giant company has overtaken the oil giant Exxon as the most valuable company in the US may not bother anyone bothered by the unrests in English cities in the last few days - as we all watched on satellite TV in the global village that Information Technology has reduced our world to.

But if you recall that the UK PM David Cameron was the first EU leader to fly to Tahrir Square in Cairo to give support to the youths calling for the end of the Mubarak regime, accused of corruption and oppression, you will appreciate why the British PM had to cut short his holidays to personally manage the rioting that broke out in English cities these last few days.What Tahrir square, London looting and Apple’s rising profit profile have in common to me is that youths are at the centre of these activities.

For it is these youths who buy new electronic gadgets and technologies like mobile phones and form social networks on the internet like Face book and Tweeter to further their causes and protests while using these new equipment to mobilize and make the police look pedestrian and medieval in terms of controlling them, and maintaining law and order , as was so apparent on London Streets last Tuesday.

While this may sound far fetched there is no denying that the world has become more transparent and accessible in terms of government policies and governance ethics that no nation can be ‘an island unto itself ‘ or behave like the proverbial ostrich with its head buried in the sand whilst its huge body is there for all to see in terms of its policies in whatever political system . That explains why Iran can afford giggle and to tell Britain this week to take it easy with the policing of the rioters in Britain since Britain and the US took the lead in condemning the way Iran brutally crushed the protests against the June 12 2010 elections that most Iranians felt was rigged in favour of re - elected President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

It may also explain, in spite of any snigger,why even the embattled Gaddafi regime in Tripoli can issue a statement calling on David Cameron to resign because he cannot handle the riots and looting that broke out in British cities.

It also explains why the US is sanctioning technology and communications companies in Syria for giving information on rioters to the regime of President Bashar Assad while also freezing the assets of Assad and key Syrian officials in the US. My premise and self given assignment today is to show that unemployed , educated youths are not to be ignored in any system as if they are powerless and can do nothing to change their fortune.

Indeed they are powerful and dangerous to the rest of society in several ways both positive and negative. Their main weapon is the technology at their disposal to aggregate their interests and resentment and mobilize themselves to action to seek redress. This can be done positively as happened in Tunisia and Egypt where they aggregated and mobilized themselves technologically to successfully remove the dictatorship and 30

Democracy, policies and dissent

year oppression and corruption of the Housni Mubarak and Ben Ali regimes.

This can also be done negatively as happened right before our eyes ‘in good old England ‘as some of my older friends are wont to say and I will illustrate with an empirical narration of what l saw on Sky News last Tuesday.

I saw cars burning with no effort to douse the fire by passersby. I saw houses being torched with no effort to contain the fire. Indeed I saw no fire brigade and that was London. Yet in today’s Lagos , not the good old Lagos as my older friends will say again, passers by will rally round to quench any burning car or house with their ‘pure’ water , powder soap and sand in the absence of the fire brigade, which even if it arrived, will be without water. I saw bands of youths roaming the streets and looting and policemen unable to have access to the empty streets where the youths were gathered. Instead the police matched in bunches and wielded batons and shields like actors posing as gladiators or ancient Roman soldiers. It was a comical scene and it was difficult not to see London’s Metropolitan police as inefficient and out of its depth in terms of strategy or mood to deal with the unrests.

Perhaps the police had problems of its own affecting its per-

formance like the proposed retrenchment by the Tory government. Yet it is to the same Police Headquarters that the PM went to give support to fight the unrests and riots in British cities. Which to me appears to be an European malady to always trust the police in times of crises even though those crises arise as a result of flawed government of the day policies.

This was what the Norwegian government did recently after a mad man killed over 70 innocent youths in a youth camp even though there was evidence the death toll would have been much lower if the police had been faster to the execution scene and arrived much earlier than they did.

Although I agree with the British PM that judging from what he or we all saw certain sections of the British public is sick there is need for the Tory government coalition in power to review its strategy of remov-

ing benefits for the old , young and unemployed. The reason is simply to cushion the effect of the removal of a benefit that people have been used to.

In addition, the police should not be asked to robustly control riots like a boxer with one hand tied to his back thrown into the ring with a formidable opponent . The police I saw on Tuesday seemed scared to use any force on the looters and rioters. They were charging and stopping when tear gas would have put the rioters out of action. The youths were not scared of the police even in their numbers.

Deterrence is an integral part of policing and if criminals and potential criminals are not deterred by police presence or its prospects then some thing is wrong with that society.

It is my contention that that youths in any modern society must be guided and respected

in controlled doses . Excess of anything is bad including parental control and child minding. In Britain for sometime, the society has been misled into giving too much respect to the growing child and the result are insolent cheeky children some of whom at 13 15 will face charges in British courts for arson and looting but who can not be jailed because they are under the age of 18. Those who put in place policies to stem what they call child abuse should have a rethink as a loose child will grow into an unmanageable youth ready to prey on society as the English youths did in London, Birmingham and Manchester last week .

Fortunately the average African child will not be like that and the British will do well to borrow a leaf from this. Indeed the British seem to have forgotten the disciplinary policy they taught in their former colonies which is that if you spare the rod you spoil the child . In the larger African society there is respect for the growing child provided it behaves well. That was well illustrated in the way the ruling party in S Africa the ANC has called to order the leader of its Youth Wing Julius Malema for the unruly way he has addressed the head of states of neighboring nations like Botswana and Malawi and condemned the performance of the regional economic body SADEC .The ANC was categorical in telling off its youth

Fortunately the average African child will not be like that and the British will do well to borrow a leaf from this. Indeed the British seem to have forgotten the disciplinary policy they taught in their former colonies which is that if you spare the rod you spoil the child

leader and fining him 7000 rands for his disrespect to elders both within and outside S Africa .

Lastly the British PM and the Coalition he leads should learn a few things from the unexpected fury of the sick in their midst . The first is that the madness on display while not justifiable was a product of the inhuman policies of the party. The Tories have used budget cuts and austerity measures to settle scores with the British electorate for keeping Labor Party in power for 13 years and keeping the Tories in the cold. The Tories on getting to power said that Multiculturalism has failed in Britain. Which no matter how conservatively you translate that, immigrants have failed to integrate into British society.

That is responsible for Britain’s economic and security woes.

But in this week of disgrace and looting for Britain, the only silver lining in a cloudy horizon for Pax Britania was multiculturalism.

The spectacle of an Asian Briton whose teenage son had just been knocked dead by a hit and run driver during the riots appealing to his neighbors , black white and Asian, to go home and not retaliate because ‘we know each other and live in the same community ‘ would move anyone even with a heart of stone . So definitely multiculturalism is alive and working in Britain. What the Tories need to know is that they do not need riots to acknowledge this. Neither do they need to proclaim it dead because the party that respected and formulated the policy lost power to them .

Governments come and go in any democracy, but salutary policies must be respected for the common good . Given the mayhem and looting in Britain last week, the Tories had better take note and imbibe immediately this sacred democratic dictum before the next elections-which may be sooner than later given the present dire social and economic circumstances in Great Britain .

10 COMMENTARY

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Reactions to Saturday Flakes Re: A proposal for multiple presidents Re: Help! The gods are angry!

•You are welcome from your short break. Frankly, Vincent, my heart mourns with those who were gravely affected by the angry ‘gods’ of rain. There was massive destruction of lives and property not only in Lagos but across the country.

I believe that the rich have been too daring. Driving the Atlantic back is criminal and insensitive.

Government needs to open up water channels, construct drainages and evacuate those living on water routes.

People must stop emptying their waste into drainages for smooth flow of rain water.

Oyagiri Monday

the biocidal flood. Oh God, help us!

Ehimare.

Dear Brother Flake, Flood disaster cannot stop anywhere in Nigeria because the staff of federal and state ministries of land and survey have failed to do their jobs.

May God save the living.

Okoroafopr Owoblo Asaga, Arochukwu, Abia State.

•Vincent, as long as most Nigerians ignore the well known advice not to dump their refuse in the drainage or build structures on waterways, we will continue to witness flood disasters in Nigeria every rainy season.

Alhaji Adeboye Lawal, Felele, Ibadan.

•The gods are not to blame this time around but our politicians.

Like in the days of Noah, they are still running after birthday bash and other meriments even in moments of national disaster. They ignore the warnings from the Nigerian Institute of Meterology. Remember the former FRSC boss, our education minister and a lot of them.

080789560..

•The shocking tears of heaven which transmuted some parts of Lagos into a dolorous golgotha reminds me of the biblical phrase “Eloi, Eloi lama sabacthani”. My heart goes out to the baby whose parents’ marriage certificate was turned into a death certificate by

Thanks, Vincent, for your nice article on single tenure proposal. The wellbeing of citizens must be more paramount than the proposed single term of six years. I like your recommendation in the last part of the article. Let the government adopt the idea for nation building.

The President should focus on security of lives. He should fix the economy and initiate people-oriented projects the people will enjoy.

The issue of single tenure will cause a distraction in governance.

Is the President not prepared for governance? He should tell us now.

Let the truth be told: one term will leave room for embezzlement of public funds and lack of seriousness. Our security agencies should be stregthened to arrest corrupt leaders when they are living office.

Let us watch how the National Assembly will handle the bill in the interest of Nigeria nad future generations.

Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State.

•It is unfortunate that those who played neither role nor part in ochestrating this infamy are the ones suffering the consequences.

Pity. While I sympathise with the families of the dead and other affected persons, it is hoped that the government would act most decisively and responsibly in order to forestall future occurences.

Vincent, the gods may truly be angry, but we have been more the architect of the presnt misfortune.

May God show us his mercy.

Remi Adesina, Ibadan.

The water gods have every cause to be angry. They have even been very tolerant of our apathy towards what they demand from us as sacrifice. Ask me what. Freer drainage and chanelisation systems. This we didn’t give them.

And as if that is not enough to incure their wrath, we chose to incense them the more by driving them away from their natural abodes because some of us are rich and the government, through the Ministry of Lands and Housing, must make some “dough”.

Having pushed them to the wall, it is natural that they revolt against our insensitivity, carelessness and lack of foresight. It’s just 080739141..

‘

The water gods have every cause to be angry. They have even been very tolerant of our apathy towards what they demand from us as sacrifice. Ask me what.

Freer drainage and chanelisation systems. This we didn’t give them

’

•Dear Vincent, I just read your piece on multiple presidents and I think the proposal is worth considering if we are wise.

Victor.

•Your piece on multiple presidents is prophetic. You have said the whole truth. God bless you.

Wali Yakub.

•Vincent, the anti-OBJ hero, the idol of the regiment and the iconoclast of the century. I first came across your column about a year ago as a final year student, and I was pretty much exasperated by your write-up on ‘Obsanjo: A statesman Obsessed with Laughter’, since it apparently made a caricature of my mentor, Obasanjo Aremu. And guess what, though I was feeling

very sleepy, I sent a text to your phone demanding to know why you hated the old man so much.

You’ve now got quite an enormous readership. I like you as a person and I support your displeasure over the six-year single tenure proposal. I like your mentor, Asiwaju, and I am also quite at peace with his party. It is the party for 2015. It looks quite radical, you know, like the party for people with purposeful, progressive minds.

Pirlo, Africa.

•Vincent, do you think our leaders are not aware of the Swiss kind of political arrangement? They pretend not to know because everyone of them wants to preside over a large expanse of territory. Who among our selfish leaders does not know that Nigeria is too big to be administered as one entity?

The US may have as many as 50 states, but is their political arrangement as crude as ours? Does the system over there encourage greed and corruption as it does here? The alamajiris and the talakawas in the North, the area boys in the South West and the militants in the South South are watching with keen disdain.

080739141..

•If you have been following my reactions in your paper, you will notice that I have said it times without number that Jona is a pretender.

With the myriad of problems confronting this country, his first major assignment is tenure elongation.

The only solution to our problem is to go back to the pre-1966 arrangement. Period.

Jonathan wants to spend eight years through the backdoor: two from Yar’Adua’s term plus six equals eight years.

Adeboye Lawal, Felele, Ibadan

Reactions to Knucklehead •Yomi, that Lokoja incident is the second in less than three years. The first happened on Benin-Ore road two years ago and, up till now. neither arrest nor convictions made! I have totally given up on this country. Those people eulogizing Ume-Ezeoke do clearly know in their hearts that they are telling lies. Every index seems to say it is a lost battle in every area concerning this country. Hope you had a good time in London?

Fola Aiyegbusi, 08029578973 •Yomi, our roads are like the infamous Okija shrine in another form which they are using for human sacrifice. That’s why you won’t hear anything from them, period!

Usman, 08054483218 •Bros, God bless you and your family. This is the big question on the lips of Nigerians: when are we going to get it right? The whole issue boils down to the nonchalant attitude of our leaders all because they don’t ply the death traps called Nigerian roads. The day of reckoning is near. Our leaders should fear God and do the right things.

Awe Segun, Lagos •‘It’s same old story’ is a great piece. It is high time we took to the streets in this country as the first step. Please keep it up.

08033152405 •Mr. Yomi, your write up is so touching and 100 per cent correct.

Sometimes I feel like our

Re: It’s same old story problems can only be found at the molecular level, for it is so difficult to explain why we are this terrible. We have simply failed and, unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like there is any hope in sight judging from the way we celebrate corruption and mediocrity while we scorn nobility, hard work and diligence.

07031278604 •Yomi, your piece titled ‘It’s same old story’ was as frank, blunt and thought-provoking as ever. But do they read newspapers? If they do, do they care? Do they feel a sense of shame when they (our political leaders) scramble for foreign hospitals built by less endowed nations? The only thing that matters to them is primitive accumulation of wealth. Never mind. Nigeria will survive their onslaught. If in doubt, ask Egypt.

I wish more ink to your pen.

Anwar, 07065265771 •Yomi, do you think these people are normal at all? They know the havoc they have visited on this nation and that’s why, at the slightest whimper, they will run even to Niger Republic to look for elusive cure. Let them continue to wallow in their deception, sooner or later we will catch up with them.

Adesola Olajide, Orita Challenge, Ibadan, 08033505992 •Yomi, I pray that God, in His

infinite mercy, will bountifully bless the womb that gave you to us. Now, it is only God that can deliver us from the charade and façade of indifference of our aloof leaders. The menace pervading our society today is nothing but the product of swagger of disdain of our avaricious and rapacious leaders to the yearnings and aspiration of the flotsam and jetsam of our ebbing society. But I am safe in the knowledge that, one day, the inevitable end will meet them either ceremoniously or unceremoniously. But I pray for the latter to happen so that the rest can elicit interest in the impeccable delivery to humanity.

If they are no victims, they will not set the pace calling for a robust debate on the Senate floor.

So, I pray they become victims of their own evil machinations.

Dapo Ipoola, Omuo-Ekiti, 08024710243 •I commend you sincerely on the soul touching and blistering mention of degradations that have been visited on Nigeria by our leaders and others that feed fat from the crumbs that come from the government! Ordinarily, St Nicholas hospital is adequate as an elitist hospital. National Hospital, Abuja should have the facilities to treat a 75-year-old Nigerian. Ebenezer Obey says ‘do your best and leave the rest’.

You are always optimistic the rulers will listen! If they do, will they act? If they do, are we seeing

the positive impact? Can’t the journalists get some of these articles to both the National Assembly, state assemblies and the Presidency?

Lanre Oseni.

Lagos, 08055211947 •Yomi, what more do you expect from a government whose philosophy is God for us all and everybody for himself? Do they really care whether we are there or not?

08067280401 Yomi, your piece was unique.

Our leaders, including the current ones, leave us with more questions. There is no light in this tunnel called Nigeria.

Owoh. 08029541447 •We will start telling different story about Nigeria only if God gives the 149.5 million ordinary Nigerians the courage to boycott all the elections for the .5 million politicians.

Ladele( 08035463911) •Yomi, the story would always be the same as long as we continue to recycle leadership In this country. David Mark is in his third term and Ike Ekweremadu is in his second or third. The same goes for a good number of other political office holders as if there are no better individuals with even brighter ideas. They eulogise their likes even in death because the dead, to them, is better than

any of us alive. The carnage on our roads and the loss of lives and property assume greater dimensions everyday but we are left to lick our wounds since that is all they could give us in return for our suffering as experienced during the last general elections.

When will we start telling a different story from these self inflicted tragic impulses? Only God knows for He alone can deliver us.

Remi Adesina, Ibadan, 08073914104 •My heart goes out to the families of the 14 robbery victims.

Our leaders should know that the blood of those that died as a result of their insensitivity is on their heads, And since death is inevitable, they will one day die.

Whether abroad or home, death is death.

•Don Ezeala, Port Harcourt, 08064843000 •The same old story is being sustained by two factors—One is our inability to lay axe to the root of Nigeria’s foundation and expose the errors of our fathers, which must be corrected. The second is an effect. It shows itself in our intellectual arrogance and our politics. Hence the leaders have become tribal gods. The ultimate result is a class of selfseeking careerists which is making the development of underdevelopment real in Nigeria.

Yinka, a grandson of the late Hon. Adegoke Adelabu (peculiar mess), 08055288506

‘I've never seen it as a disadvantage that I don't have a male child’

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Social Scene 39

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Deadly mistakes doctors make

r/1 Thrille

Screen/ 23

My life is more precious to me me than than to marriage

Saturday

11

SPECIAL How my five-day-old baby was stolen two days before christening KUNLE AKINRINADE

F

or eight years, she searched fruitlessly for the fruit of the womb. Hence, the joy of 32-year-old Ganiyat Alase knew no bounds when she was delivered of a new baby on July 30, 2011. But her joy was cut short when her bundle of joy was stolen on August 4, 2011; two days to the naming ceremony.

As part of preparations for the christening of the long-awaited baby, Ganiyat was said to have picked an aso ebi (ceremonial uniform) to be worn by family friends and well wishers.

Continued on Page 12

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Five-day-old baby stolen two days before christening

•Ganiyat’s residence

‘

•Continued from Page 11

It turned out, however, that before the ceremony could take place, the baby was stolen by a suspect who is now at large from the couple's residence at No 8, Aderemi Street, Ope-Ilu, Ifo, Ogun State.

On the fateful day, the mother of the baby, who is also a fabric seller at the Oshodi Market in Lagos, was said to have decided to visit the market to purchase the aso ebi for interested people who were yet to have it.

She then decided to leave the baby with her landlord's wife, promi But while she was away, an acquaintance of one of the daughters of her landlord named Rashidat allegedly visited their residence only to disappear with the baby and leaving no trace.

Narrating the circumstances that led to the disappearance of her baby, Ganiyat said: “Rashidat, my landlord’s daughter had enquired about the aso ebi and I explained to her that it had been exhausted.

But I promised to get one for her when next I visited the market, particularly because she told me that some of her friends were interested in it.”

According to findings, it was not the first time Ganiyat would be leaving her child in

care of Rashidat’s mother who sells amala in front of their house.

Hence, she had no reservations about leaving her baby in their care.

Unfortunately, by the time she returned from the market where she had gone to purchase the fabric, her child was nowhere to be found.

Initially, she thought that Rashidat had taken the baby out.

But she was shocked when about two hours later Rashidat returned and claimed she knew nothing concerning the baby’s whereabouts.

Speaking further, Ganiyat said: “I was shocked when Rashidat returned a few hours later and said she did not take my baby out and that she barely knew her friend who was around when I left the baby in her care in order to rush to the market to purchase aso ebi she had demanded three days earlier.

“She said she had only met the girl at a beauty salon on the day of the incident.

Please, help me beg her to produce my baby. This is the eighth year I have been looking for another baby after I had my

•Ganiyat

first child”.

“Rashidat does not work. She only helps her mother to sell amala at the entrance to our residence. She is also married and has a child. Please, help me beg her to produce my baby.”

Policemen from the Agbado Police Station have arrested all the occupants of the house, including the landlord and his wife, who incidentally is the mother of the suspect, while the whereabouts of Rashidat’s friend remained unknown at press time.

In his words, the 36-year-old father of the missing child, Mr. Mathew Alase popularly called Gattuso said: “This incident remains a mystery to me. I am

It was not the first time Ganiyat would be leaving her child in care of Rashidat’s mother who sells amala in front of their house.

Hence, she had no reservations about leaving her baby in their care

’

really perplexed for now.”

Efforts made by our correspondent to speak with the landlord of the house and the suspect yielded no result as policemen denied our correspondent access to the suspects. Their residence was deserted when our correspondent visited.

Confirming the story in a telephone conversation, spokesman of the Ogun State Police Command, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi said: “The case is currently being handled by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Abeokuta and the suspects will be charged to court this week as directed by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Nicholas Daru Nkendeme.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

D

RUG business in the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State had fetched 36-year-old Nnamdi Igboeli the good life for 13 years. But the life of bliss the native of Umuohi, Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State had enjoyed came crashing with his arrest by the Anambra State Police Command for endangering the lives of hapless drug users.

Igboeli is being detained for allegedly revalidating the dates of expired drugs.

Drugs which were supposed to expire in 2009 were said to have been re-branded by the suspect and given 2013 as their expiry dates. But the real shock emerged from the fact that Igboeli, whose shop is located at C277 Onitsha Head Bridge, told The Nation that he is an evangelist and a member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Onitsha.

Although he said it was the first time he would engage in such a questionable business, the police believe he must have sent many innocent people into early graves with the shady and dangerous deal.

Already, the youthful suspect has been handed over to the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Onitsha Special Zone with all the exhibits for further action.

Apart from the 150 cartons of expired Cypron Cyprohaptadine HCI 4mg, other drugs being rebranded by the suspect at the time he was arrested included one carton of Canex Cream, three cartons of long Beytucen Cream, four cartons of short Beytucen Cream and two bags containing drugs labels.

Narrating his experience to The Nation in Awka, Igboeli said he bought each carton of the expired drugs for N400, while he hoped to rake in between N3,00 and N4, 000 from each carton after he must have revalidated their expiry dates.

A married man with three children, who abandoned education at the primary level to go into drug business, Igboeli said: “This is my first time in such business. My condition now is a painful one and I am regretting everything.”

“I bought each carton from the distributor at the rate of N400. If I had succeeded in selling them, I would be making between N3,000 and N4,000 from each carton.

“I went into the business because when I bought the drugs from the distributor, the expiry date remained eight months. And when they eventually expired in my hands, I started looking for a way to dispose them.

“This became difficult until one man came to Onitsha market one day and I told him what was happening to me.

He told me what to do. Although it was painful for me to do, I later followed his advice,” Igboeli said.

Confirming the incident, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department, Mike Okoli, said the command acted on a tip off.

Merchant of death:

13

•Police arrest deadly drug dealer who specialises in putting new dates on expired drugs for sale to innocent users This ‘is my first time in such business. My condition now is a painful one and I am regretting everything.”

“I bought each carton from the distributor at the rate of N400.

If I had succeeded in selling them, I would be making between N3,000

,

Nwanosike ONU, Awka

He said: “We acted on a tip off. The state command of the CID invaded his store and those quantities of expired drugs were discovered and packed from his warehouse at Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area.

“But trust these people; they will always have a secluded place where they perfect all these shady businesses, away from where people will not notice what they are up to.”

“Upon further search, we discovered some labels meant to rebrand or revalidate the expiration dates from 2009 to 2013. And this is the way they have been killing people in this country.”

“We have packaged the case, suspect and exhibits to NAFDAC, Onitsha Special Zone for further action.”

He also told The Nation that crime fighting in Anambra

•Seized drugs State was being encouraged by the State Commissioner of Police, Muhtari Ibrahim, and the Inspector General of police, Hafiz Ringim.

According to him, many equipment for crime fighting had been provided by the command and the IGP for the state CID. He added that there was no cause for the department to fail.

He said the morale of his officers were now high, adding that the efforts of Governor Peter Obi, the IGP and the state’s Commissioner of Police at fighting crime would not be in vain.

Okoli said: “People should know that crime does not pay.

People who indulge in this should know that in the long run, the long arm of the law will catch up with them. Every day is for the thief but one day is for the owner of the house.”

Okoli added that dealers in expired drugs and other criminals who are still walking the streets of Anambra State should not rejoice yet, because the command was combat ready to fish out such persons any time soon.

•Igboeli

14

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Fresh trouble over Boko Haram’s bombing of Force Headquarters

N

EARLY two months after the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja was bombed by fundamentalist Islamic sect, Boko Haram, the ripples of the incident is far from abating. The death of a traffic warden, Mr. Nongor Nangtim in the blast has elicited complaints from other traffic wardens and prompted a clampdown on them by the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force.

Already, a human rights group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety) has written a petition to both President Goodluck Jonathan and the Police Service Commission urging them to call the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force to order. The petition also levelled allegations of anti-human rights acts against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Hafiz Ringim and called for his immediate removal.

At the burial of Nangtim in Langtang, Plateau State on July 2, 2011, two traffic wardens, Adamu Dogara and Emmanuel Mlanga had signed a funeral oration in honour of Nangtim, where it was stated: “With deep feelings in our hearts, we sincerely sympathise with the family of our colleague, the late AST Nongor Nangtim.

“The death comes as a shock to the entire family of traffic wardens nationwide. However, he became the sacrificial lamb to save the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police in particular.

“With one voice, we cry and plead with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the Inspector General of Police to use the death of our colleague to remember the lingering issue of promotion and over-dependence on the Nigeria Police Force “We also plead that Mr. President should step into the issue of the ministerial committee set up on his instruction, which was given just one week to submit their report but since then, the report has not been given to him, despite the fact that the committee has finish(ed) their findings.

“We pray that God will grant the family of the late AST Nongor Nangtim the heart to (bear) this irreparable loss. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Long live the Nigeria Police Force. Long live the Nigeria Traffic Warden Service.”

According to Intersociety, this part of the oration, particularly the call for the autonomy of traffic wardens did not go down well with Ringim, who has since ordered the arrest of the two traffic wardens who signed the funeral oration for allegedly breaching the trust reposed in them and bringing the Police high command to public ridicule. But it noted in the petition signed by the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Comrade Emeka Umeagbalasi and Head of Publicity, Comrade Justus Ijeoma that the “anti-human rights posture of the IGP and his men was capable of eroding the country’s chances of becoming a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.”

It added that continued incarceration of traffic wardens without trial at the instance of the IGP for expressing their views constituted a violation of their fundamental human rights.

While calling for the immediate release of Dogara and Mlanga, the group also condemned what it called “the age-long discriminatory practices by the Nigeria Police Force against the Nigeria Traffic Warden’s Service.”

The petition to President Jonathan reads in part: “In recognition of the powers conferred on you by the Constitution of Nigeria as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Chairman Nigeria Police Council, we call on you to query and remove Hafiz Ringim as the IGP for gross misconduct.

“The agitation for the autonomy of the Nigeria Traffic Warden’s Service was brought about by the verdict of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division in the Year 2000, in Suit N0 CA/K/ 112/99 (Inspector Sunday Etim and four others versus Inspector General of Police and two others). In the said verdict, the Appellate Court had stated that “the Nigeria Traffic Warden’s Service is not a part and parcel of the Nigeria Police Force.”

“Your Excellency, the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, led by IGP Hafiz Ringim, has apparently become an outlaw. Since 8th and 11th July 2011, respectively, the duo of STWs (Inspectors) Adamu Dogara and Emmanuel Mlanga of Kano and Plateau States Commands have been languishing in police cells located in Wuse and Asokoro Police Divisional Commands, on the orders of the Inspector General

•Police clamp down on traffic wardens for protesting their colleague’s death in the blast

•Police Headquarters, Abuja, after the bomb attack Abuja, was arrested and detained at the Wuse Police Divisional cell, alongside STW Adamu Dogara. On Wednesday, July 27, 2011, the signals for the arrest of STW Samuel Uwakwe of the Cross River State Command were sent to the command from the Force Headquarters.

STW Uwakwe, who is presently on annual leave had reportedly fallen sick and presently in an undisclosed hospital in Southeast Nigeria. He had earlier been pencilled down and included on the “wanted list” of the Force Headquarters.

“We have thoroughly searched the 320 sections of the 1999 Constitution and her schedules as well as her subordinate legislations, especially their criminal part, so as to locate where under this democratic setting the Inspector General of Police either through himself or his subordinates derive the powers to detain citizens beyond 48 hours, not to talk of over 600 hours or 25 days, without trial, not even by “committal proceedings” or “orderly room trial”, but we could not locate such powers.

“If the four cops accused recently of involvement in armed robbery could be promptly arraigned in court, how come betrayal of trust and betrayal of confidence suspects are detained without trial? Even if they are slammed with treason and treasonable felony charges, the law still accords them trial rights. It may be correct to say that the IGP and the top com• Ringim manders concerned have arrogated to themselves the status of the “Commander-in-Chief” Adimike GEORGE, Onitsha by their constitutionally abominable conducts.

“Having so arrogated to themselves, the of Police. emergency powers of the Commander-in“By our express calculation, they have been Chief contained in Section 305 of the Constitudetained for 25 and 22 days respectively with- tion of Nigeria 1999, as amended, under which out any form of trial, be it “orderly room, com- the constitutional safeguards and legal rights mittal proceedings or formal trial. The worst of the citizens including those of AST Sunday is their solitary confinement and erosion of Haruna, STWs Samuel Uwakwe, Adamu their pre-trial legal rights, as access to their Dogara and Emmanuel Mlanga as well as families, lawyers, doctors, conjugal visit rights, TWGD 111 David Oyishoma, may be limited etc have apparently been blocked, no thanks to under a state of emergency rule, appear to have the “orders from above” under IGP Ringim’s been taken over from the “C-in-C” by the trio. midwifery.

It also looks as if the personnel of the Nigeria “The clampdown on key personnel of the Traffic Warden’s Service are under an emerService is continuing. On Thursday, July 28, gency rulership of the IGP. 2011, STW Emmanuel Mlanga was moved to “Consequently, our writing Your Excellency an undisclosed location in Lagos State where is in recognition of the powers conferred on the Nigeria Police Force also arrested AST Sun- you by the Constitution of Nigeria 1999, as day Haruna and took them to Force Headquar- amended, as the President of the Federal Reters. While AST Haruna was ordered to make a public of Nigeria, the Commander-in-Chief statement, after which he was directed to be of the Nigeria Armed Forces, including the reporting to the Force Headquarters from his Nigeria Police Force, and the Chairman, NiLagos base, STW Emmanuel Mlanga was taken geria Police Council. Sections 215 (1)(a) and back to his cell on the same day.

216(2) of the Constitution empower Your Ex“On the same date (July 28, 2011), Traffic cellency to appoint and remove, in consultaWarder Grade 111 (Constable) David tion with the Nigeria Police Council, the InOyishoma of the Bwari Division in the FCT, spector General of Police.

•Mlanga “As the President, Your Excellency is the general-overseer of all authorities and persons in Nigeria including the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force headed by IGP Hafiz A. Ringim. And as the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces including the Nigeria Police Force, Your Excellency commands respect, loyalty and obedience among officers and members of the Nigeria Armed Forces including IGP Hafiz A. Ringim. It is in the light of the foregoing that we call upon Your Excellency to query and remove IGP Hafiz Ringim for gross misconduct.

“Apart from immediate removal of IGP Hafiz Ringim, Your Excellency should also order the immediate and unconditional release of the citizen-warders in detention and halting of further clamp down on other key personnel of the Service. Also, all the age-long discriminatory practices against the personnel of Nigeria Traffic Warden’s Service as well as their poor conditions of service, including stagnated promotions and restrictive ranking should be proactively and holistically looked into with a view to addressing them head on.

“Further threats to the personal liberty, dignity of human person and freedom of movement of other Traffic Service personnel such as STW Samuel Uwakwe, AST Sunday Haruna, etc who are still wanted or asked to be frequenting Force Headquarters on a daily basis should be discontinued immediately.”

Responding to enquiries on the matter, Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Shola Amore, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, said: "The matter is purely an internal affair of the Nigeria Police Force. It borders on indiscipline and it is not for public consumption."

15

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

I

Doctor gives cancer of the lungs victim five years to live

T started as a mere loss of voice about four years ago. Today, 42year-old Ganiyu Akanbi is a faint shadow of the strong and bubbling panel beater he once was as he battles a cancer of the throat that threatens to terminate his life at any time.

Frail, weak and incapable of doing any meaningful work, Akanbi has added to the gruesome pains of cancer the psychological trauma of watching his children drop out of school while the entire now depend on charity for survival.

He was a miserable sight as he clutched a polythene bag at the Accident and Emergency Section of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) on Tuesday. A small tube planted in the lower part of his neck would not go unnoticed as he invested a lot of effort into trying to move his neck.

He tried to speak to the reporter but his mouth only moved without a voice to convey his message.

Rather, it was a short tube in his lower region that brought out a funny sound. Occasionally, he emitted phlegm, not through his mouth or nose, but through the pipe fixed to his neck.

Sadly, doctors say there is no hope he would get better. His story, they say, would have been different if he had shown up for a test at the hospital when he noticed proplonged loss of voice about three years ago. The symptom of cancer of the throat would have been discovered and he could have been cured of the ailment.

Now he can only hope to live for another five years if he is able to raise the sum of N1 million for the necessary operation. Otherwise, he faces a much more hopeless future.

Recalling the events that led Akanbi into his present predicament, Ganiyat, his 32-year-old wife, said the problem began in 2008.

She said: “The problem started in 2008. Then, he could not speak very well. We couldn’t make sense out of it. Initially, we went to a hospital in Amunkoko (Lagos).

The doctor treated him and he was able to talk again. Later, the problem relapsed. We were directed to another hospital in Orile (Lagos) but the doctor advised us to go to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he said they would know the cause of the ailment. The doctor gave us a note and we came here.”

At LUTH, Akanbi underwent medical tests.”They (LUTH) said they could not find the cause of the ailment but that if his lung was operated upon, there probably could be a solution to the problem,” Ganiyat recalled.

The mention of operation scared the couple. They felt since X-ray and scan could not detect the problem, what would surgeons be operating upon? They beat a retreat and decided not to return to the hospital.

“As at that time, he could not speak. Later, to breathe also became a problem. We had no option but to return to LUTH,” Ganiyat said.

The doctor handling the case had frowned at their decision to abandon the treatment half way, and

•N1 million requested for surgery “If a man loses his voice for three weeks consecutively without improvement, that is a symptom of cancer of the lungs”

•Akanbi Gbenga ADERANTI they explained that they did so bcause the hospital could not categorically state what was responsible for the loss of voice.

Again, the doctor advised that Akanbi would have to be operated upon. “On that day, they told us to deposit N17,000. We had to buy something worth N6,000 for the operation materials. On the third day, he was operated upon. We had to go and do scan for N35,000 and blood test for another N6,000.”

Akanbi was later discharged and the family was happy that their fears had been allayed. But their joy was short-lived, as they had to return to LUTH after two weeks, and Akanbi was taken to the theatre the third day they returned.

He was then told to go home and come again after three weeks, after which series of tests were con-

•Ganiyat ducted on him again.

“At this point, they said we should get another money to take

him to the theatre. We have tried our best. We have exhausted all that we have and the thing is till there,” Ganiyat said, sobbing.

She says each time her husband blows his nose, it is blood that comes out. Eating has been a problem to him. “The way we are right now, there is no hope of getting money anywhere. That is why I’m begging Nigerians to help us, I don’t want my husband to die.”

She reckoned that they they have already spent close to N200,000 and needs another N1m for drugs and operation.

An Ear, Nose and Throat consultant at LUTH, Dr. Chinyere Azuegbe, who has been treating Akanbi since 2008, described his case as grave. She disclosed that another hole will have to be dug on Ganiyu’s body through which he can pass in-food .

She debunked the claim that the hospital did not know what was

wrong with Akanbi. She said:”Ganiyu Akanbi was first brought to the hospital in 2008.

We wanted him to do some investigations but he defaulted. because of the funds. He came back again three months ago.

“He had difficulty breathing and he was about to give up. We took him to the theatre and did a life-saving procedure to give him an alternative airway. That is why he is breathing with the tube on his neck.

“Thereafter, we took him back to the theatre to take a part of the tissue causing the obstruction before proper treatment. But the result that was given to us was inconclusive or it was not in alignment with our clinical diagnosis.

We felt there was the need for another proper diagnosis to enable us carry out the right treatment.

“He does not have money for the operation, and the major treatment is going to cost money.

It is going to be another surgery with radiotherapy. The therapy is about N150,000. The surgery, the major treatment will cost N300,000. The second biopsy is about N60,000,” said the consultant.

Azuegbe said Akanbi’s ailment was already on the last stage.”We’re only doing palliative measure. What that means is that we can’t guarantee that he will have another five years to live,” she said.

According to her, “Cancer of the lungs is curable if the patient comes early. Initially when they lose their voice and you tell them some things, they say, ‘I only lost my voice, I don’t feel any pain.’

It is when it is late, when they cannot breath, that they come.

“If we had treated him three years ago, he would have been cured. We have somebody who has survived for 20 years. We have some who have survived for 15 years. They still come when we have exams.”

The doctor warned that If a man loses his voice for three weeks consecutively without improvement, that is a symptom of cancer of the lungs.

Clinically, according to the doctor, Akanbi has five more years to live. “I will tell him when I confirm the result of the test. I don’t have any right to withhold the information from him. If we do the surgery, he will lose his voice. He may also decide to die with his voice.

“The operation, whether successful or not, we are taking the voice off. He will not breath from his nose again. He will breath with the aid of a tube, which is inserted into the lower part of his Adam’s apple,” said the consultant.

The doctor warned that it is always better not to take any symptom with levity. She noted that after getting temporal relief, most patients assume that they are okay, even when the doctor is yet to certify them fit.

Ganiyat requested anyone who wants to render financial assistance to her husband to do so through the following: UBA account, Ganiyu Akanbi, 01690520108482

16

O

PERATIVES of the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigeria Police Force, Ikoyi, Lagos have arrested a lawyer believed to be the leader of a six-man gang of fraudsters. Barrister Rotimi Williams Akintokun aka De Law, was nabbed by SFU operatives after he allegedly sold a piece of land belonging to an old woman, Mrs Abibat Tokosi for N35 million without her consent.

Members of the syndicate were said to have shared the sum of N24 million, being the initial payment made by a desperate buyer among themselves. The lawyer was also said to have taken the lion’s share of 25 per cent as the leader of the gang whose law office was used to perfect the deal.

The learned suspect confessed that he had actually targeted the sum of N35 million but the victim only paid N24 million.

Narrating how he was arrested by the police, Akintokun recalled that another lawyer the victim hired unveiled the fraud by confirming that the certificate of occupancy (Cof O) and deed of assignment as well as the woman paraded as the owner of the land were fake.

The six-man gang is said to be highly connected in Lagos and always budget 10 per cent of the proceeds of fraud for ‘security’ and other illegal deals aimed at protecting them against arrest or prosecution and paying witchdoctors whose charms help them to get victims.

Akintokun said the gang had been operating in Lagos for five years. But he said he could not volunteer a rough estimate of the number of lands the syndicate has sold in Lagos and its environs.

The syndicate is said to specialise in cloning certificates of occupancy for fraudulent sale of landed property to unsuspecting buyers, and at times connive with touts at the Land Registry at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa to deceive desperate land buyers.

Addressing journalists on the matter, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the SFU, Ngozi Isintume, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said: “Following a petition to the Commissioner of Police, SFU, Ikoyi, Lagos, CP Chinwike Asadu, dated 25th July, 2011, the complainant (name withheld) alleged that sometime in May, 2008, there was an advertisement in the national dailies for sale of land at Magodo GRA II, Shangisha, Lagos, and that he paid the sum of N24 million to one lawyer, Rotimi Williams Akintokun of No.1, Balogun Street, Ikeja who acted as a lawyer to the family.

She said the complainant further stated that the gang brought an old woman who posed with her son and daughter as the real owner of the land and executed Deed of Assignment and he was immediately issued a receipt by the lawyer.

He also said there were photographs and video coverage of the event and that both the letter of allocation and the certificate of occupancy were handed over to him. But upon verification at the Land Registry in Lagos, the documents turned out to be fake.

Ngozi further revealed that during investigation, three suspects who operate as syndicate were arrested.

She gave their names as Samuel Ajibola Ajise aka Omo Tokosi Junior; Sheu Kabiru aka Alfa and one lawyer, Rotimi Williams Akintokun aka De Law. Explaining their respective roles, Isintume said Sheu Kabiru, who claimed to be an Alfa (Muslim cleric) is a 54-year-old man from Kwara State. She said he confessed that they worked as a syndicate and that Akintokun acted as their lawyer and gang leader.

He said he personally introduced the old woman from Ikorodu, Lagos, who posed as the real owner of the land, one Iya Osa as the woman’s daughter and Jibola as her son. One Lekan Dudu produced the fake

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Lawyer, cleric arrested for leading six-man fraud syndicate •Sell land with fake C of O for N35m

•Ajibola

•Barr. Rotimi

•Kabiru

Ebele BONIFACE documents while one Tope acted as a member of Tokosi family and one George Ibe acted as an agent.

The suspect, she said, claimed that the money was paid into Rotimi’s account and that it was Rotimi who shared the N24 million among the members. He said he travelled to Tunisia with his own share of the money but was later deported for using fake visa. A part of the money, he said, was spent on clothes while some of it was given to his girlfriend.

He told journalists: “I am an alfa. I deal in Islamic items which I sell to Muslims and get just a little money to feed. I committed the offence quite alright, but it was the situation in the country that made me to go into fraud to eke out a living. Let me tell you the naked truth: it is the only way I can make my millions. I have suffered a lot and found it difficult to make even thousands of naira.

Therefore, when this opportunity came, I grabbed it.

“I am an alfa, but my role is not to foresee the future for the gang.

Rather, I participated fully to get more money.”

He also admitted that he made a lot of money from illegal sale of landed property and other dubious acts to start a good business, but was deported from Tunis because he travelled with a visa discovered to be fake. “I became totally disorganised and went back into land deals to make money to survive in Lagos.

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He pleaded for leniency and promised to turn a new leaf if he regained his freedom. He regretted not making any good use of all the millions he made from the deals, saying: “The devil’s money has gone back to the devil and I am now back to square one and hopeless. So, help me Lord.”

Explaining Ajise’s role in the syndicate, Insintume said: “Suspect Samuel Ajibola Ajise, who impersonated the real owner’s son as Basiru Tokosi, hails from Okewa in Oro-Ago, Kwara State. He claimed that he was introduced to fraud business by Kabiru.

We agreed on N35 million but he paid only N24 million, so he is still owing us N11 million. I did not know that the game was up until I was invited by the SFU operatives for a chat

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“He said it was Kabiru who assigned him the role of acting as the son of the actual owner of the land, one Mrs Abibatu Tokosi. He claimed ignorance of how the C of O was procured and mentioned Rotimi Williams Akintokun, George Ibem Sunday, Tope and two women as their gang members.

“He also said that the whole transaction took place in the lawyer’s office at Ikeja and that it was the lawyer that actually sold the land.

“He revealed that the lawyer gave them a cheque of N12 million, which was paid in and cashed same day in one of the new generation banks in Lagos. He claimed that his own share was N2 million and that he was introduced to Sheu Kabiru by one Ibrahim when he came back from Libya penniless and hungry.”

Ajise said he used his own proceeds of the deal to buy a Nissan Primera car for N800,000, rented a room and parlour at No. 48 Adebowale Ojodu Sabo and furnished it to taste.

He also said he did some shopping and later used the car to borrow N200,000 from one Alhaji. But since he could not pay back the loan, the Alhaji confitiscated his car and used it in lieu of the money.

Rotimi, however, insisted that the buyer of the land in question was still owing the syndicate N11 million. He said: “We agreed on N35 million but he paid only N24 million, so he is still owing us N11 million. I did not know that the game was up until I was invited by the SFU operatives for a chat.

“It was one George Ibe who came to my office with these fraudsters to sell the purported land. I did not know the owner of the land until they presented one woman to me, who they said was the real owner before I went into processing and perfecting of the documents. I have not seen the real owner of the land and I did not know her. Therefore, I could not know that the one they presented was fake.

“I thought she was the real owner.

They brought the woman to my office and the woman acted perfectly like the real owner. There was no way I could find out that she was fake, so I worked on what I saw. I have practised for more than 19 years and have not experienced such. I have been working with them. I did not know that the documents were fake until I fell into the net of SFU operatives.

“I plead for forgiveness. If I regain my freedom, I will never be careless again. I will not believe anybody in business except myself. Everything was like a film to me. It was like a dream, I was remote-controlled by these hooligans. They are all liars. I made a mistake of not knowing them well.

Commenting on the arrest of the three members of the gang, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Special Fraud Unit (SFU), CP Chinwike Asadu, said efforts were being intensified to track down the rest of the suspects who were still at large, while the three paraded would be charged to court.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

FOREIGN FEATURE

17

•Irma Martinez, left front, stands with Elnora Calimlim, back right, and her son, Jefferson, in the striped sweater, and other unidentified people. Elnora and her husband, Jefferson N. Calimlim, were sentenced to six years in prison for keeping Martinez trapped in their house for 19 years

O

NE morning, Laura woke up a little sluggish — not fast enough for her boyfriend, Michael. So he stabbed her in the calf.

Eleven years later, Laura, now 30, still bears a deep, nickel-sized crater there.

The two met on State Street in Madison. He took her to Albuquerque, N.M., where he used violence and psychological intimidation to coerce her to sell her body for money. Both names have been changed for Laura’s protection.

Laura says she worked for three months as a prostitute for Michael, who exerted control over her by feeding her drug addiction and exploiting the emotional scars she carried from childhood abuse. One time he sold her sexual services to a man for a bag of drugs, she says.

“Basically Michael claimed he owned me,” Laura says. “I was always so scared.”

Laura finally escaped during a trip to Texas, nearly losing her life in the process as Michael, high on crack, crashed their car. She took the chance and ran away.

Laura is a survivor of human trafficking.

She recounted her story at Project Respect, a Madison nonprofit that helps sex workers.

The details of stories like hers are difficult to corroborate, director of Project Respect Jan Miyasaki says. But Miyasaki, who’s been working with Laura for about seven years, says Laura’s story is credible and follows a typical pattern.

Human trafficking is a little-recognized crime that involves controlling or attempting to control a person by force, fraud, debt bondage or coercion for sexual exploitation or forced labor.

Instead of physical bonds, a battery of psychological tactics often restrain victims, says Miyasaki. They can be lured by offers of a job, a meal or a place to stay, access to drugs or a relationship — then are manipulated by traffickers until they feel trapped.

Common trafficking victims include immigrants and the drug-addicted, poor and abused. Young people with nowhere to live and no means of support also are vulnerable to exploitation.

Milwaukee Police Detective Dawn Jones, one of two officers on the federally funded Milwaukee human trafficking task force, says trafficking is “a huge problem in Wisconsin.”

Jones often sees juveniles who are pimped out and foreign nationals caught in forced work situations. She says awareness of the crime is growing in the state, but some mistakenly believe it happens only in foreign countries.

“Human trafficking is a crime that communities and individuals need to recognize is a truly offensive assault on basic human rights

Lamentations of human trafficking victims and is much more pervasive than commonly believed,” says JoAnn Gruber-Hagen, founder of the advocacy group Slave Free Madison.

In the past decade, people have been trafficked to Wisconsin from at least 17 countries, including Brazil, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, India, Laos, Lithuania, Mexico, Moldova, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, according to experts and public records.

In her work with local women in the sex trade, Miyasaki says she sees between 50 and 75 cases a year involving force, fraud or coercion.

Miyasaki is among the experts and advocates who say that since enacting a state law against human trafficking in 2008, Wisconsin has done little to expose situations in which which hundreds of state residents, including children, live as virtual slaves.

Advocates say Wisconsin lacks money for data collection, education, law enforcement training and victim services that could bring more cases to light. The state’s major federal grant for trafficking victim services recently ended. There has been just one conviction under the new state law.

Federal law also bans trafficking. Since 2006, eight people have been convicted in four federal cases for labor, sex or child sex trafficking in Wisconsin. A few cases are pending in state and federal courts.

Fitchburg case highlights danger In a recent incident, Lt. Todd Stetzer of the Fitchburg Police Department says a 15-yearold runaway was taken to Milwaukee and Atlanta and forced into prostitution.

On July 17, the Fitchburg girl was recovered, along with her 10-month-old son, in DeKalb County, Georgia, by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Police found her by tracking her cellphone and putting up posters in the area with the teenager’s picture.

Stetzer says the ordeal began two months earlier after the young woman was introduced to a man who offered to take her on a trip to Atlanta. Upon arrival, the man allegedly took her to a hotel and told her she had to prostitute for him.

When she refused, the man allegedly traded her to another pimp, who advertised the teenager on the classified-ad site, backpage.com, as a 25-year-old providing “adult services.”

Stetzer says a clerk at the hotel alerted police after seeing one of the posters.

The girl is back in Fitchburg receiving counseling, Stetzer says, and her son is in temporary foster care. Police continue to investigate the case.

Crime crosses borders Trafficking can be incredibly lucrative.

While a bag of cocaine can be sold once, a human being can be sold repeatedly for sex or labor. Worldwide, human trafficking generates $32 billion per year, according to the International Labour Organization, a United Nations agency.

Human trafficking is commonly cited as a fast growing crime, but there are few solid numbers. The U.S. Department of State’s 2010 Trafficking in Persons report says there are around 12.3 million trafficking victims worldwide, but other estimates range from 4 million to 27 million victims.

The State Department has estimated 14,500 to 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the United States every year, mainly from Thailand, India, Mexico, Philippines, Haiti, Honduras, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic.

“The crime evolves, and has evolved for 5,000 years. But fundamentally it is a still violation of (human) rights,” says Benjamin Skinner, a Wisconsin native and author of the 2008 book on human trafficking, “A Crime So Monstrous.”

Trafficking case shocks state Jefferson N. Calimlim, his wife Elnora Calimlim, center, and daughter Tina Calimlim arrive at U.S. District Court in Milwaukee on Nov. 17, 2006. The elder Calimlims, both doctors, were sentenced to six years in prison for keeping their maid trapped in their house for 19 years. Courtesy of jsonline.com The anti-trafficking movement in Wisconsin was sparked by a 2006 federal labor-trafficking case in which two Brookfield doctors

from the Philippines were convicted of keeping their housekeeper a virtual prisoner for nearly two decades.

The next year, in 2007, the state Office of Justice Assistance surveyed Wisconsin law enforcement and victims service agencies, estimating there had been 200 instances of human trafficking since 2000. This number is likely low, the report says, given that many law enforcement agencies and organizations contacted were not aware of the problem or how to recognize it.

“By its very nature, human trafficking is a hidden crime,” the report said. “It is our belief that as awareness of this issue grows, so too will the number of victims identified and in need of services.”

In a followup survey in 2008, Margo Kleinfeld, associate professor of geography at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, contacted many of the same participants as the Office of Justice Assistance and collected detailed information from about 80 potential trafficking victims from the previous three years. She warns that her survey was not designed to count cases but to collect demographic information about trafficking in Wisconsin.

Kleinfeld says she got reports of vulnerable foreign and domestic men and women forced to work in restaurants and agriculture or to perform sexual services including stripping and prostitution. About 20 percent of victims in Kleinfeld’s study were minors, she says.

“There’s this idea that (human trafficking) is not happening here,” says Cecilia Gillhouse, executive director of Madisonbased UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence.

“It is happening, but people don’t know.”

Gina Allende with UMOS in Milwaukee, which helps migrant workers and immigrants, says her organization has come into contact with 32 potential victims of sex and labor trafficking between 2006 and 2010, primarily people from China, Mexico and Russia.

•Source: winsconsin watchdog

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Professor Lanre Awosika Fapetu was born into the famous Awosika family in Ondo town, Ondo State. The educationist of repute and author of two books (Business Made Easy and Business and Career Planning Workbook: Basic and Advanced) both published in the United States, spoke with KAYODE ALFRED about her career and issues affecting Nigeria's educational system

B

ACKGROUND I am the daughter of Chief Festus Olawoyin Awosika (a servant of the people in the First Republic ) and Mrs. Caroline Idowu Awosika. I had my secondary education at St. Louis Secondary School in Ondo and later proceeded to the Yaba College of Technology, where I received the Ordinary National Diploma in Company Administration. I was a radio and television presenter for some time and had several columns in several magazines until 1978 when I got married and went to England.

It was kind of tough living abroad in contrast to what I was used to here in Nigeria. I survived it, though. After five years in London, we moved to the United States. I completed my Masters in Business Administration and received a doctoral degree in Finance. I rose to the rank of Vice President and Dean of Academics (Deputy Vice Chancellor) at Montreat College in North Carolina. I currently teach online for the University of Wisconsin Stout and Liberty University in Virginia, USA. Growing up as an Awosika I thoroughly enjoyed my childhood. I grew up with eight siblings and a few cousins in the same compound. We had fun together.

Being an Awosika is a thing of pride. It formed the foundation of my pedigree. I knew I was from a great family and nothing but the best must come out of me. My mother instilled in us that we come from a noble family and that our father carried the Awosika flag without stain and we must not bring shame to that name. I am proud to be an Awosika and more so to be the daughter of Chief Festus Olawoyin Awosika.

Coming back to Nigeria After a short trip to Nigeria a few years back, I prayed that God would count me worthy to be part of the solution to Nigeria’s problems, and it appears God has answered that plea. My desire is to start a school that is different. My dad, in his time, built the first-ever privately funded school in Ondo town. He never named it after himself. He built it for the people and called it Ondo Public School. The school’s name has since been changed to Awosika Memorial Primary School in his honour. We were young when he died, but some newspaper reports we found stated that the Universal Free Primary Education was his idea, and it is believable since he had already started a free primary school in Ondo. He loved education and I love what he stood for.

Now it feels like I am stepping into my daddy’s big shoes by starting the Olawoyin Awosika School of Innovative Studies, OASIS for short. Not that I can fill those shoes but I just have to try. The school is actually named in his honour.

Continued legacy Oasis is a way of continuing the legacy he left behind, not just in education but everywhere he served. The Cocoa House in Ibadan was built during his tenure at the Western Nigeria Marketing Board. The layout of Ikeja and Allen Avenue were implemented during his tenure as the Minister of Housing. And he made his mark in the finance ministry in that he had his signature on the 1958 Nigerian currency.

Oasis is an innovative school that will start with banking opera-

I wouldn't be as strong as I am today if my father had not died when he did

—Renowned educationist, Prof. Lanre Awosika-Fapetu

tions, business administration, entrepreneurship studies and international management. We are bringing international-style education into Nigeria . At OASIS, we hope to change the world. OASIS is a different kind of school in that the system we plan to use is unique. At Oasis, it is one course at a time. It is intensive. It allow the students to have a life outside school. There will be 25 students in a class. They will start a business in the process. We will be supporting them, so when they leave they will not be afraid to do business, because they have actually learnt and practicalised in this skill in the school. Professors from Nigeria and abroad teach our students. We put our students in the best hands.

I had the opportunity to work for 15 years at Montreat College, North Carolina. They follow the same model. Our diploma is equivalent to the Ordinary National Diploma obtainable at any polytechnic. We plan to start in Nigeria , and expand to other African countries and then go online.

Challenges Some of the challenges I see are the obvious ones: infrastructure

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and power. I compared the stress in the United States and that of Nigeria and I must say that at this stage of my life, I prefer to be in Nigeria. Over there, you are constantly running, just like you are on tread mill. You need a lot of courage to press the stop button and get off. I am thankful for what I gained from my sojourn abroad. I am thankful for every experience.

But for me, this is home.

I served diligently overseas and was enriched by my experiences. I am privileged to bring back such experiences for the benefit of my circle of influence, including my family, friends, church and hopefully this nation. Although being back in Nigeria is physically stressful, it is emotionally blissful. I’ll take the emotional bliss any day.

State of education After my years abroad, I came back to find that the quality of Nigerian education had gone down.

It used to be that when you went abroad from Nigeria, you were on the Dean’s list regularly. It is no longer so. Now, some schools require a student coming from Nigeria to spend two years for a oneyear course. This saddens me. Nigerian students used to always be

among the brightest abroad. In Nigeria today, I hear that History has been taken out of our curriculum and disguised as one thing or the other. I wonder why. If we don’t know where we are coming from, how will we know where we are going? Our rich heritage should be celebrated.

Teaching as a profession Teaching is supposed to be a noble profession. I was made to understand that those who teach in Nigerian universities are those who can’t find a better job. It should not be so. Teaching has to be from the heart. It is supposed to be a profession of love; the love that flows from the heart.

Tackling challenges in education First of all, we must encourage our teachers. There aren’t enough of them, so the ones who choose to be dedicated teaching professionals should be rewarded. We must re-educate our people. They need to know the importance of education and the teaching profession.

We all want our children to be doctors and lawyers, yet we despise teachers. Who do we expect to teach them? We must take out the

The way God has gifted me, if I go after something and it does not work out, I go back inside and relaunch. I have a strong feeling that if my father had not died when he did, I would not be as strong as I am today. Making something out of my life was imperative, and God has granted me the grace to be what I have to be

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road block to access to quality education in Nigeria by embracing tried and tested systems of education that educate more people than we are educating at this time. Our educators need to be trained and retrained. We can send them for further education, encourage them and support them financially to get advanced degrees.

We can bring experts in who will teach them modern methods of doing what they do more efficiently and effectively.

It’s so amazing that our teachers still use a manual process for recording report cards in Nigeria. I know from personal observation in my family that our teachers cannot use Excel or PowerPoint in their work. Some Nigerian teachers are not technology savvy. This has to be corrected. We live in the computer age and teachers should embrace this instead of using the age old method.

We must equip our schools. We are supposed to be teaching computer education, yet our schools probably have one computer and it’s probably in the principal’s office.

My granddaughter who is eight years old receives her grades online in the United States. They no longer bring home paper reports and parents can monitor their progress from home and intervene very quickly. Please don’t think that is impossible in Nigeria.

With the volume of sales in internet modems and smart phones in this country, many parents have the internet at their finger tips. The educational system is in a state of decay and if we do not train our children, we run the risk of running this country into a hole, because I believe that the future of any nation is inextricably linked to the level of education of its people.

Passion for education Education is my passion. I cannot let go of it. I think education should be fun. People who teach should be passionate about it.

There should be a relationship between you and your students. The students should not fear you. They should respect you, and even that respect has to be earned. Students should have easy access to their professors. A barrier of fear should not be created. A good teacher should replicate him or herself in the students. They ought to want to be like you because you are a good role model.

Source of motivation Love for mankind motivates me.

I think I got that from my faith and from my mother. My faith teaches love, my mother exemplified that love. The way God has gifted me, if I go after something and it does not work out, I go back inside and relaunch. I have a strong feeling that if my father had not died when he did, I would not be as strong as I am today. Making something out of my life was imperative, and God has granted me the grace to be what I have to be.

What I want to be remembered for That I made a positive difference in the lives of the people I touch.

My role models are selfless people.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Saturday

THRILLER

Deadly mistakes doctors make

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

•Medical practitioners brainstorm in an operating theatre

T

HE little girl heaved fitfully in her mother’s tight clasp like she would transit from sleep to death. She did.

Six days earlier, she had been rushed to a government hospital in Agege, Lagos by her parents, after she developed a dreadful fever overnight.

At the hospital, they waited over four hours before they could see a doctor. When they did, he diagnosed the four-year old’s ailment as malaria fever. Expectedly, he prescribed a malaria treatment cocktail (drugs) to be administered on the child by her parents and dismissed the family “almost too eagerly,” claimed Innocent Ebor, the deceased’s father.

According to Ebor, they had gone home reluctantly. “I would have preferred that they placed her on bed rest till we saw a senior doctor, but I hadn’t the money to foot the bill. More over, I knew my daughter would be better cared for at home…Six days, later, my wife called me suddenly to tell me that she had suddenly fainted while she led her to pee. I had to rush home that night even though I had just resumed on my nightshift. We rushed her to the clinic where the nurses somehow revived her and we had to wait another 45 minutes to see a doctor.

This time, we saw a female doctor and she said my little girl suffered from typhoid. The poor kid died before anything could be done for her.”

Bidemi Olaleye was luckier. Her daughter isn’t dead yet. But the 68-year-old feared she might have if she hadn’t threatened to bring down the roof of her family hospital. Praise, Olaleye’s daughter was seven months pregnant and was hopeful of bearing the pregnancy to full term until the last Saturday in July.

That Saturday morning in July, Praise, a 35-year-old widow, had lost her footing while she descended the flight of steps leading to her apartment. She tumbled down about seven slabs of the flight of steps before she was rescued by a male neighbour who was reportedly doing his laundry by a reservoir very close to her porch.

Praise was rushed to a nearby private hospital by her neighbour who contacted her mother. At the latter’s arrival, Praise was relocated to a purportedly “better equipped” hospital. There, she was admitted for a pe-

Deadly mistakes Olatunji OLOLADE, Assistant Editor

riod of four days at the mother’s insistence.

There, asides some minor complication, it was discovered that the expectant mother’s blood sugar level had risen beyond normal.

She was immediately administered some drugs to reduce her sugar level, but the medication had an adverse effect on the woman and she became frightfully disoriented.

The 35-year-old would have totally lost her mind save the intervention of a senior physician and the hospital’s Medical Director.

The latter had to be called in few hours after he departed for home at midnight. And at his arrival, he saved the day.

The senior doctor explained to the patient’s livid mom that in a bid to save her daughter’s life, the attending physician had infused her with dextrose because he felt she had lost much energy due to the severe loss of appetite she suffered following her accident. He never bothered to enquire about the patient’s medical history. “If he had, he would have known that she was diabetic and thus couldn’t be administered dextrose,” he explained.

In another incident, a Lagos-based trader who pleaded anonymity was rushed to the clinic after she started bleeding from the genitals. Expert diagnosis of her ailment revealed that she suffers from cancer of the uterus (endometrial carcinoma).

The mother of two claimed she had visited her doctor thrice in two weeks to complain of severe itch in her genitals. She said he prescribed her Penicillin on her first and second visits, and when she visited the third time, he simply prescribed Canesten and recommended that she stayed off sex for at least one month. It took a shameful and very painful experience at the market, which saw her battling to stop and hide severe bleeding from her genitalsbefore the poor trader could understand the actual nature of her predicament.

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The pay package is indeed very poor. For instance, my first job post-internship and post-NYSC attracted a meagre N30, 000 per month even though I was doing the night shift: 8pm to 8am on weekdays and 48 hours every other weekend. Initially, I thought I would be able to combine the job with another one during the day for more money, but after many busy, sleepless nights, I knew it wasn’t possible

These are probably very few of the dangerous and avoidable mistakes Nigerian doctors make in the line of duty.

“Millions of medical mistakes are mostly premised on wrong diagnoses. Leading most times to unnecessary surgery and sometimes failed surgery which may lead to death. In cases where the diagnoses are right, negligence and lack of respect for the patient is said to be the main enemy and when this enemy shows up in the course of treatment, someone has to pay the price. Most times, it is the ultimate price,” noted Kingsley ObomEgbulem, Chief Creative Officer, Health Communication and Development Initiative(HCDI), Lagos.

Corroborating him, a senior medical practitioner stated that a good number of such cases could be traced to professional negligence on the part of the doctor. According to him, “Once a doctor undertakes to treat a patient, whether or not there is an agreement, a duty of care arises. The doctor must exercise reasonable care and skill in treating the

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patient; it is immaterial that the doctor is rendering such a service ex gratia. A doctor in the hospital owes a duty of care to patients in the ward in which the doctor is employed to work, a private physician who has contracted to provide medical services for the employees owes a duty of care to such employees who are on the clinic’s list. Medical centers and hospital authorities also owe the same duty of care to patients accepted for treatment in their facilities, whereby they must provide proper medical services for them. Where the medical practitioner fails to observe this responsibility, you would always have incidents whereby poor patients’ lives are put at risk.”

Doctors’ tears While victims and relatives of victims of medical accidents heap the blame on medical practitioners, the latter hold that they are hardly to blame. Issues bordering on very poor remuneration, frequent power failure,

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

•Foreign experts are oftentimes rated “unfairly” above local doctors, Nigerian doctors allege

doctors make inadequate manpower, loss of man hours and delay caused by the huge population that besiege the hospitals daily, absence of comfortable waiting lounge for patients and their relatives, long queues to pay for services, poor water supply and sanitation, among other challenges account for a reduction in morale and most medical accidents in the country, alleged Fadekemi Badmos, a medical doctor.

Indeed, most medical experts and practitioners will describe the Nigerian healthcare system as a “man-made disaster.” Successive government, according to them, have neglected primary, secondary, and tertiary health services for decades to the point that very few public facilities have even basic services.

“How do you expect a doctor to function at his best while he is being denied the major tools and facilities required for him to function efficiently?” enquired Bodunde Thomas, a Paediatrician, adding that there is a severe shortage of capable hands in the nation’s health sector.

Most qualified doctors simply choose to travel out of the country in search of greener pasture. A good number allege that the remuneration is too poor. According to Shade Olukolade, “The pay package is indeed very poor. For instance, my first job post internship and post NYSC attracted a measly N30, 000 per month even though I was doing the night shift: 8pm to 8am on weekdays and 48 hours every other weekend.

“So I get to work free weekends per month.

That’s about 84 hours per week. I initially thought I would be able to combine the job with another one during the day for more money, but after many busy, sleepless nights, I knew it wasn’t possible. Of course, I negotiated for an increase in remuneration and I eventually got N35, 000 every month. I worked in other hospitals too and I was getting N50, 000 a month for similar working hours. Very few people get into government

hospitals where you can get around N80 to N100k per month. The problem is with the whole health sector. Nigeria needs more well equipped hospitals, better patient care and so on. And until all that is taken care of, nothing will improve,” noted Olukolade.

But that is really no excuse for Nigerian doctors to endanger the lives of poor, helpless patients in their care argued Henrietta Otogahre, 34, a Public Relations (PR) practitioner and survivor of a medical accident.

Corroborating her, Seyi Akinwumi, a Lagos-based lawyer argued that most medical practitioners are alarmingly getting away with “blue murder” in the country because most of their victims and the citizenry in general are ignorant of their rights.

According to him, it is up to the plaintiff to prove generally those acts or omissions that he claims amount to negligence. What the plaintiff has to prove before a court to hold the defendant liable may in many cases not be available, that is, direct evidence. There is also another way in which the plaintiff’s task is made easier. This is the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur (the thing speaks for itself). The rule can be invoked when the injury must be such as does not occur in the ordinary cause of event involving the absence of negligence, the facts proved must point to the defendant as being the negligent party, and there must be absence of explanation.

If a doctor holds out to a patient as possessing special skills and knowledge in a particular field of medicine or surgery, the doctor must exercise the same degree of care and skill as a doctor who generally practices in that field. This is particularly relevant in the case of a doctor, being, for example an obstetrician, undertakes a complicated cardiac surgery, that obstetrician must conform to the standard of a cardiac surgeon. If the obstetrician does not possess the special skills and facilities required for cardiac surgery. Then it is negligence on his part to un-

dertake the treatment at all, knowing that as an obstetrician, he does not possess the special skills and facilities required for a cardiac surgery. But in an emergency, an obstetrician who comes to assist a cardiac patient by performing a simple procedure to ease pain would not be held liable for failing to achieve results that one would expect form a cardiac surgeon.

This standard of care varies according to the skill expected of the individual doctor. A house officer is not expected to show the same standard of skill and care as a consultant working in a special area. A doctor, except in emergency cannot excuse himself on the grounds that he was not well or he had a long spell of duty and was therefore very tired. The law would hold that a doctor has no business to undertake the care of patient unless he is fit to do so.

The court balances all the relevant circumstances in order to decide whether the medical practitioner’s conduct has fallen below what constitutes a reasonable standard of care. He is judged according to what a person in a particular circumstance “ought to have done and person’s foresight is similarly assessed according to circumstances and risks which ought to have been foreseen.

Because a doctor practices medicine which requires special qualification, knowledge and skill, he must exhibit a standard of skill and competence in attending to a patient; a standard not measured in superlative terms but which may be reasonably expected of the average medical practitioner.

An example is the “surgeon swab” type of case, where a surgeon in the course of an abdominal operation uses swabs and failed to remove one of them from the cavity before closing the incision.

Following the customary practice of nurses to count swabs before and after an operation, the surgeon relying upon this would not relieve himself of liability, since

he owes the patient the duty of the care and also it is his duty to supervise the nurses.

Confusion persists as to whether the standard of care is assessed according to the doctor’s qualifications, the post within the organisation that he holds or the task that he is engaged in performing. It is the correct measure of the task that the individual undertakes that fixes the standard, irrespective of his qualification or job title.

It is clear that a surgeon is not liable in negligence merely because an unsuccessful operation has occurred. If it were so, doctors would out of fear of litigation, rarely show that degree of initiative and confidence, which is necessary for the proper exercise of their noble profession.

How do we stem the tide of medical accidents in the country?

Adebola Aminu, an Obstetrician, suggested that the government works assiduously to improve the lot of doctors in the country. She said it would improve the morale of medical practitioners in the country who oftentimes are forced to work in highly unfavourable conditions. “There is also need for improved communication and interactions between health care professionals and patients. This can go a long way in reducing medication errors and improving overall patient safety,” she said.

Aminu recommended the development and institution of a highly effective community pharmacy practice and improved collaboration between community doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. She said it is about time Nigeria explored the benefits of electro-medicine including electronic prescription as it relates to medication safety.

However, Olaleye insisted that victims of doctors’ negligence seek legal redress against medical practitioners who “one way or the other compromised their safety and endangered their lives. Many doctors have wasted the lives of promising Nigerians. Remember the late Gani Fawehinmi was diagnosed of pneumonia by Nigerian doctors even though he suffered lung cancer. If he hadn’t travelled to seek foreign opinion, no one would have known the true nature of his ailment. Maybe if it had been detected early enough, he would have survived,” she said.

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THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

The Founder of the Promasidor Group, Mr. Robert Rose, has built a pan-African food and beverages group from a humble beginning in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo in 1980 to cover 30 African countries. With a multi-billion naira operation in Nigeria, the country is a major hub of Promasidor Group. Rose recently visited Nigeria to outline new initiatives that promise to radically change the face of food and beverages business in the country and across Africa. In this interview with Capital Market Editor, TAOFIK SALAKO, Mr. Rose shares his views and plans for the Nigerian economy and the African continent generally.

W

HAT opportunities and challenges do you see in African markets?

I worked for an international business, which is into food business for 26 years. I started working at the age of 16 and I qualified as a chartered accountant when I was 21. I desired in my heart to qualify as quickly as possible, and I didn’t want to stay on the professional side. So, I went to commerce and I joined the international food business and had my operation in Zimbabwe. I worked very hard because I could see the opportunity. I became the managing director when I was 28 and they put me in charge of Africa when I was 30.

So, I got to know Africa very well and I could see a huge continent with huge opportunities and potential, but nothing was being done to develop it. I wanted the company I was working for to invest more in Africa, but they declined.

Then, I realised that if one invests in Africa, he would make better returns than in Asia or anywhere else. The feeling today is that the opportunities on the continent are even bigger. In the next 50 years, the opportunities will even be greater in Africa than anywhere in the world. The Far East, especially China is growing very fast, at about eight per cent per annum.

But it does not have the resources that Africa has, which should grow faster. We got to work it out so that we can grow better.

Africa is two per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and it should be 25 per cent or more. All of us have to do something about it, and that is the only way. It is one of my objectives to set up a foundation across Africa and in Nigeria, which will encourage improved governance generally and grow equity across the continent. There is huge unemployment, but we have huge resources

• Rose

Nigeria has a wonderful but neglected market —Robert Rose, Founder, Promasidor Group and we got to do things better. I believe there are huge opportunities for entrepreneurs who have got the resources to do things better. There are no more excuses; let’s start doing it better. We have to provide infrastructure and building blocks

for growth—basic education, basic medical services and many other basic facilities. Africa can be put back on the map of global marketplace if we hold people accountable and demand for good governance. We have got the resources to be better.

How do you see your operations in Nigeria?

We have not reached our potential in Nigeria. One of the things we intend to do is to grow our market share in Nigeria.

•Continued on Page 39

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LOCATION

BACKSTAGE

SNAPSHOT

REEL NEWS

MUSIC

SCREEN

Edited by: VICTOR AKANDE

Tel: 08077408676

E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

ntertainment

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

My life is more precious to me than marriage —Iyabo Ojo ith w h c u o t In e f E o c o L Sam

e b y a M ‘ , e i d I when l l i w y the y m g n si ’ s e s i a pr

24

STANDh BY! Wit

VICTOR AKANDE

Afro Hollywood Best Entertainment Writer 2009

E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com Tel: 08077408676 (SMS only)

nt part of An importa s of any the succes is its civilisation late the mu ability to e t led to the a factors th f other success o s.—Eric civilisation rt Reine

There Will Be Blood: Nigeria’s film industry reflects the messy process of nation building

T

HE opening scenes in the Hollywood epic, There Will Be Blood, feature a grainy video shot in soundless shadow. Without a doubt it is one of the most beautiful big screen scenes in modern memory. But in fact the scene itself, and ultimately the movie as a whole, takes the viewer back to a rougher period in early American history before the country was connected by railroad, telegraph, and highway. Similarly, Nigeria's nascent movie industry operates in a land without robust national infrastructure.

The fact that the industry exists at all, speaks to its amazing resilience.

More than any other industry, Nigeria's film industry reflects the messy, ambivalent process of nation building currently taking place in the country.

Men and women with few resources, but a boundless ingenuity have taken matters into their own hands and crafted not only an industry, but in fact an art form that is quickly evolving into a national cultural movement. While in monetary terms, the Nigerian film industry pales in comparison to that of the United States, it is undeniably the most vibrant expression of talent and ingenuity in the country.

Not only does the industry employ over 1 million people, making it the largest employer outside of agriculture, it has exerted considerable cultural influence both within Nigeria and throughout the African continent. In fact the cultural genre, generally featuring modern themes interspersed with native cultural symbols, represents a new cinematic art form in its nascent stages. Its ability to capture the energy and ambition of Nigeria's youth is nothing short of startling.

The film production industry has given them jobs, hope and ultimately valuable skills.

In recent years, political and business leaders have taken notice of the industry and attempted to capitalize on its vitality. The political leadership wishes to use cinema as a marketing tool to burnish

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

THINK

GUEST WRITER, LINUS IDAHOSA Nigerian film. They were often grainy, choppy, and lacking in sound. But they succeeded in gaining an audience, and, more importantly, setting the ground for the cultural aesthetic the world currently knows as Hollywood. Just as a man cannot become an adult before he is a child, so the Nigerian cinema arts industry must be allowed its period of infancy on its way to a more mature reflection of the lives, stories and values of the Nigerian people.

The youth of Nigeria are its most important resource.

Developing their character and talents is more important and vastly more valuable than all of Nigeria's image abroad. The the oil wealth in the world. As mainstream business the largest employer of community wants to harness Nigeria's youth, the film Nigerian cinema's economic industry is helping to give them potential. However, at this a purpose that is largely lacking point, efforts to corral growth in other sectors of the society. whether by censorship or Of course much of today's films government investment on one express the exuberance and hand; or by strictly enforcing immaturity that come with intellectual property rules on being young. But it also the other threatens the industry contains the energy, passion with extinction. and brilliance that our youth In the United States, wild cat are yearning to reveal to oilmen found small wells and themselves, the country, and drilled them. In the course of the world as a whole. their expansion, railroads, As the American oil industry banks and towns arose in their grew, its supporting midst. As the movie There Will infrastructure began to form the Be Blood depicts, the process backbone of the nation whether was fraught with danger and in term of railroads, telegraphs, uncertainty. It was messy. It industrial equipment, or oil was fraud and corruption, pipeline. In fact today's largest intrigue and violence. But out telecommunications companies of that dynamic process a vast such as Quest Communications energy industry emerged which use rights of way that were ended up fueling America's originally owned by the small industrial growth. My point wildcat drillers. Similarly, as here is not that the Nigerian Nigerian cinema continues to film industry should be allowed grow, both as an art form and to grow unaided or an industry, related unregulated but that at this infrastructure will naturally stage in development, the evolve as a result. Whether it creativity, drive, and passion takes the shape of a village that exists within the industry cinema, production studio or should be allowed to flourish distribution shop, ultimately more freely. the means of distribution will Some point to the fact that the form the basis for a more robust content and quality of today's Nigerian infrastructure. And Nigerian films leave much to be infrastructure, as we all know, desired. So what? The early is the backbone of any nation. days of American cinema —Linus Idahosa is MD/CEO featured less advanced of Del-York International and technology than currently CNN accredited agent in employed in the lowest budget Nigeria

Not only does the industry employ over 1 million people, making it the largest employer outside of agriculture, it has exerted considerable cultural influence both within Nigeria and throughout the African continent

SNAPSHOTS

Genevieve misnomer S HORTLY after the demise of veteran actor, Sam Loco Efe started making the rounds, with confirmation coming from some Guild heads who should know better, a sudden confusion began to brew when counter information began to circulate on the internet stating that the actor had merely fainted and was recuperating in a hospital.

In the middle of this confusion was actress Genevieve Nnaji who went on her twitter page not only to say that the actor was still alive but added a pinch of insult by describing journalism in Nigeria as crap.

The actress claimed on her twitter page to have spoken to

Sam's relatives who told her the whole story was a lie.

As much as many, including journalists had wished that Sam Loco's death was a dream, Genevieve, last Sunday joined the group of confused Nigerians who further made Sam Loco's death a mere drama.

To have called journalism a scrap in Nigeria was an overkill and thus, Snapshot posits that 'he that lives in a glass house should not throw stones.'

A tale of two Nollywood actresses!

I

T was a thing of joy recently when Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson finally fixed a date for her wedding after several months of speculation. The sultry actress who had told everyone that cared to listen that she wanted four kids was gearing up for a superlative week-long wedding th planned to begin from the 25 to th the 28 of August 2011.

But the actress got the shock of her life following a woman's claim that she is still legally married, with two kids to Mercy Johnson's fiancé, Prince Odianose Okojie.

That news got Mercy heavily heartbroken and she is considering calling off the wedding scheduled

to take place in a few weeks.

A similar heartbreak seems to be trailing another Nollywood actress Stephanie Okereke who herself parted ways with her estranged husband Chikelue Ileoanusi some years back.

Stephanie's romance with CNN consultant, Linus Idahosa, is currently in turmoil as the actress has been recently disturbed by a strange woman who constantly calls her home from Canada claiming child support for Linus' love child. Though Linus has denied the claims made by the said woman, Stephanie is said to be heartbroken as she doesn't know who to believe.

WRITE TO US! Do you watch Nollywood movies? What do you think of the Nigerian motion picture industry? Send your review of any movie or short essay on any topic of your choice about the film industry in not more than 200 words. Send entries by e-mail to: victor_akande@yahoo.com or SMS your short comments to 08077408676

•Mercy Johnson and Stephanie Okereke

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

RE ELNEW S

SNAPSHOTS Tonto Dike’s ignorance

Court orders NCC to pay N40 million to MCSN

S

N

ULTRY actress Tonto Dike, whose rising profile in recent times is the envy of many an actress recently gave close watchers and fans alike a reason to doubt her sense of reasoning.

She made mockery of herself when recently renowned Nollywood movie producer opened his twitter account and a host of actors and actresses began to acknowledge him on the social networking site. But surprisingly, the hot-in-demand actress shot herself in the foot when she tweeted thus:”who is he? Please identify your line of work?

But she got a more mature reply from Tade Ogidan who replied thus: “You can ask your other colleagues in the industry who are better informed.”

For an actress of her caliber that has featured in countless movies and has met with scores of movie directors and producers not to have heard the name Tade Ogidan shows the level of her ignorance.

•Tonto

Why Idoma movie industry will miss Sam Loco

C

ONFERENCES of Idoma Artistes (CIDA) and the Idomawood (association of Idoma filmmakers) have joined the list of well-meaning Nigerians currently mourning the demise of Sam Loco Efe, the movie icon who passed on last Sunday.

President of the association, Sunny Okwori who said the movie veteran's demise is a sad occurrence coming on the heels of Christy Essien-Igbokwe's death, added that the actor's death is more painful because he would not be able to fulfil his promise to the Idoma movie industry. “I met Sam Loco during one of his trips to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, some couple of months back, and he promised to offer his support to the Idoma movie industry, and now he's no more.

I just want to seize this opportunity on behalf of all Idoma entertainers to commiserate with the family he left behind. May God almighty give them the fortitude to bear the loss. We will all miss him dearly.”

Damage cast pays visit to PH today

EW development emerged recently on the prolong battle of approval between the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) as a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has declared that MCSN does not need the approval of the NCC to operate in the country, thus ordering the Commission to pay a fee of N40 million as damages for what it described as unlawful arrest and detention of its staff and interference in the operations of the society.

In a ruling dated July 25th, 2011, Justice Charles Efanga Archibong noted that MCSN does not need the approval of the NCC before it can enforce its rights as owner /assignee of musical works in the country, adding that the NCC and its principal agents should not be in the business of subverting the proprietary rights of copyright owners.

“I am persuaded that they have been doing exactly that in their dealings with the Applicants herein. I grant the Applicants the Declaration sought, the Order sought, the Compensation sought and further compensation sought for the 2nd and 5th Applicants. That is to say I grant the Applicants prayers 1,2,3 and 5 listed on the motion paper of 29th January,2008.That is the ruling of the court,” said Archibong.

In Suit No.FHC/L/CS/35/2008 filed at the Federal High Court in 2008,the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN),Mr. Mayo Ayilaran(Director

General),Mr.Orits Williki (chairman),Mr. Louis Udoh and Mr.Halim Mohammed as Plaintiffs/Applicants dragged the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC),Director General, Nigeria Copyright Commission, Mr.Amodu Augustine Alewu (Assistant Director Nigeria Copyright Commission), Mr. Henry Njoku and the Inspector General of Police as Respondents before the court for the enforcement of the fundamental rights of the Applicants that the continued threats of detention, harassment and intimidation by the Respondents is unlawful, unwarranted and in breach of their fundamental rights as specified in the statement in support filed by the Applicants.

The Court order states that the 2nd to 5th Applicants shall not be arrested or further arrested or detained by the Respondents or any of its Officers or agents unless a proper and complete investigation has been carried out and the Applicants are reasonably suspected to be guilty of a criminal offence.

The 1st Applicant (MCSN) further sought a relief of compensation against the Respondents (jointly and severally) in the sum of N20, 000,000.00 (Twenty million naira only) for the unlawful disruption and interference in its business of exploitation of its property.

The 2nd (Mr. Mayo Ayilaran) and 5th (Mr.Halim Mohammed) Applicants further sought an order of the Court that the Respondents apologize to 2nd

Del-York set for second training for Nollywood

T

HE need to redefine the technical process in the Nigerian motion picture industry became a food for thought again, when last Wednesday the Del-York International announced plans to stage the second edition of the training for filmmaker and aspiring filmmakers in Lagos. An initiative which partners the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA), the training which kicks off on August 8 at Apata Memorial School in Isolo, Lagos is expected to run for four weeks, with a mind to increase its turnout by over 100% and train 1,000 youths in the different areas of filmmaking. This year's event marks the second annual edition of a five-year collaboration between NYFA and Del-York International, a leading media and communications company that is committed to transforming Nigeria's creative industries by delivering worldclass media consultancy and capacitybuilding services.

The inaugural training programme was held in March 2010, when Del-York International and NYFA hosted and trained 400 African students in Abuja.

Out of these graduates, CEO of the outfit, Linus Idahosa, said 122 are already gainfully employed in the entertainment sector. Idahosa revealed that the Rivers State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in recognition of the programme's cultural and economic importance had sponsored 120 and 250 students for the training respectively.

Responding to journalists at the Silverbird Galleria during a press conference that unveiled plans for this year's edition, Idahosa said the reason for choosing the New-York Film Academy was to leverage the academy's long reputation and training equipment that will begin to transform Nollywood's filmmaking experience in the technical areas. He added that there will be intense programme for the broadcast professionals as well.

“Nigeria's creative economy has not been given due attention. The industry has got potential and at Del-York, we are going to look for the professionals from the East, North and South of this country and render training and support to make their art internationally

T

ODAY, August 13, 2011, Nollywood actress Uche Jombo in company of Tonto Dikeh, Basorge Tariah Jr and Kalu Ikeagwu all of whom acted in Damage are expected to be in a meeting and greeting tour for their fans at the Xcape Centre, 119 Stadium Road, Port-Harcourt.

Last weekend at the Silverbird Galleria in Lagos, it was a dream come through for Uche who in recent past developed passion for film production.

Damage tells the story of love and the pain of domestic violence with a style that projects the subject as one that has not been treated before in a movie. A man (Kalu Ikeagwu) and his wife (Uche Jombo) love each other immensely yet their day-to-day life can only be described as a 'cat and mouse' situation. They fight violently almost on a daily basis and one of the long-run effects of their fights is the psychological torture their children had to go through.

•Orits Williki and 5th Applicants for the unlawful arrest and/or detention and a compensation in the sum of N20,000,000.00 (Twenty million naira only) against the Respondents (jointly and severally).

The Respondents in a Counter Affidavit of February11th, 2008 averred that the 1st Applicant (MCSN) was incorporated to carry out the duties of a collecting society and they have been carrying on that function for a long time now without the approval of the Commission.

Commenting on the ruling of the court, solicitors to the MCSN, Adejumo, Ekisola, Ezeani & Co said they made their presentation and argument and the court agreed with them and gave reliefs sought so it is up to MCSN to go and enjoy the rights the court has graciously granted it.

•L-R: Chairman, Riverdrill Group, Prince Tonye Princewill, Executive Director, Del-York, Stephanie Okereke and CEO, Del-York , Linus Idahosah

viable,” he emphasised. Executive Director of the organisation and notable Nollywood actress, Stephanie Okereke, noted that she has been in the industry long enough to know that “there is the need to leave this present level where we are being accused of churning out quantity instead of quality.” She noted that her training at the New-York Film Academy has impacted greatly on her art.

Abike Dabiri, a member of the House of Representatives who is lending her weight to the programme, was full of praise for the organisers, describing their effort as one geared towards redefining the technical process of filmmaking. “By doing this, they are empowering the youth and so, as much partnership as can be given by corporate Nigeria, the better.”

In this regard, the organisers revealed that the NDDC will be collaborating with the programme for the second time to cover tuition fees for 250 students.

Other high profile bodies that have agreed to support the intensive, handson film training programme include the Edo State Government, which will sponsor 18 indigenes to attend the programme. In addition, Pepsi will sponsor another 5 students. The training programme is also co-chaired by Mr. H. Odein Ajumogobia, Hon. Abike Dabiri and Prince Tonye Princewill and already has sixty instructors from NYFA's New York and Los Angeles campuses, including Hollywood practitioners, who will instruct this year's students in various filmmaking techniques. The training programme will offer 14 workshops in the areas of filmmaking; acting; directing; final cut pro; digital photography; cinematography; 3-D Animation; producing; screenwriting; broadcast journalism; costume design & makeup; set design; graphic design and special effects as well as music video production.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Why I didn’t emerge winner of MGBN 2004 —Ego, female rapper/singer

Yes that is really true… But we have sorted out our differences amicably and we are now good friends. Remember he wrote one of my songs; I saw no reason for us to continue to have such misunderstanding for the sake of our careers and our record label

27

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Wizkid: Season all of a singer’s cam

Basketmouth in another mouthwatering deal

.Wraps BBA, Sprite Triple Sl

•Wizkid •Basketmouth

Judging Hennessy Artistry by last outing I love

Kefee tours US!

children but I'm not a mother yet —Weird MC Mercy MICHAEL •Hennessy Artistry

Koffi CoMeDyNiteLIVE set to kick off October

K

OFFI Idowu-Nuel's monthly comedy gig titled CoMeDyNiteLIVE is set to kickoff on October 1, 2011, and bill to hold every first Saturday of the month.

According to Koffi “ CoMeDyNiteLIVE shall create an avenue for topnotch humorous entertainment, music and other

side attractions as well as an atmosphere to meet and network as it shall be taking place at the prestigious Kingsize Place in Oregun, an all in one entertainment and relaxation arena”. Event is expected to end by 10pm with an after party at the Red Lounge also in the Kingsize Arena.

•Kefee

Terry G and Danny Young

•Weird MC

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

COVER COVER Yoruba star actress and single mother of two, Iyabo Ojo, was recently spotted at the Silverbird Galleria, looking ravishingly beautiful, with her noticeable gold-plated teeth.

The actress-cum-producer in the Yoruba side of Nollywood is one of the leading faces in the industry. Iyabo, who is lucky not to have been stereotyped like some of her colleagues, just finished work on her movie and is going back to the studio to cook up another flick for her numerous fans. In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, Iyabo talks about being a single mum, her latest movie and coming one.

37

COVER COVER

‘Most women are not submissive’

and English Nollywood? beyond being able to provide for your kids, I think it's wonderful. I started out an you also have to be a committed mom. And English actress before crossing over to the honestly that is very difficult with the kind Yoruba side of Nollywood. We need to all of job we do. But I try; I try to give my children the attention they deserve. It wasn't work together because we are in this industry for the reason, for the love of art. easy in the beginning but it's like a piece of My next movie I'm going to shoot, it's going cake now. I thank God because they are my joy. I'm so happy that I have them. If I don't to be partly Yoruba, partly English and partly Ghanaian. We are one Africa. have them, I don't know what would have How did opportunity to act come about? happened to me now.

They control me.

I OU are here today for the premiere In 1996, I worked in this gift shop in watch what I do because I always remember of Uche Jumbo's movie, Damage.

I have got kids. It's not been easy doing it all Opebi. Bimbo Akintola used to live at the What are your expectations? back of that area and I had seen her several alone but I allow their father to come in I trust Uche. I'm sure she has given it her freely to see them. So, they don't really miss times. I later left but I had my friend still best. I'm sure the movie is going to be a working there. So I usually went there to wonderful one. I'm here to support her as a him that much because he's there. He calls see her. I just told my friend one day that I me, encourages me and compliments my colleague and also for the fact that would like to meet Bimbo because I would work.

That makes me happy too.

The truth Nollywood is doing so well and there is really love to act and I loved her way of need to support one another to be able to do is when you die, you go with nothing. You interpreting her roles. I was given the cannot take your money, gold, land and more than we are doing right now. Damage address, so I just walked up to her and told for me is a must-watch movie because of the property with you. All you have are her I wanted to be in the movie industry. memories spent with people you love.

I theme, the storyline of the movie.

And then, she embraced me and taught me appreciate my children more than anything The movie is centered on domestic a few tricks about acting and took me to else. violence. What's your take on it?

Keppy Ekpeyong. Uncle Keppy and his wife You studied Estate Management in I like the fact that Uche has considered it were very accommodating. an issue to talk about in her new movie clip. school. So, why did you go into acting?

One day, Uncle Keppy gave me a note for Well, acting has always been a passion; it I like the fact that we are preaching more an audition going on then for a movie titled is something I have always wanted to do. about it. Personally, I think domestic Satanic. I went to Mathias and gave him the Even in my violence is a bad thing and it shouldn't be note, they wanted to give secondary school, I encouraged in anyway because it's me a role for a nurse something that causes loss of life or damage was very popular because there wasn't much. to a life of a person. I think it's a good thing because I got myself Luckily for me, the girl involved in a lot of that Uche has decided to talk about it who was supposed to play social activities and because a lot of women and sometimes men the role I eventually played clubs. and even children go through domestic didn't interpret the role Entertainment has violence in silence. So talking about it will very well. They gave me always been in my create the awareness, thereby discouraging the script to read. He liked blood.

Though, the act of violence in our homes in the first my diction and he gave me when I was looking place and also helping those who are the role. It was a great for admission into already in it to get over it. opportunity for me to work school, I wanted to Do you agree that women sometimes with people. That was my study Law, but I have a hand in the kind of treatment they first experience before the get from their spouse? didn't have my camera. I did a couple of Hmm, sometimes, but most times they English. I others but I later stopped don't. I've always said that most women, eventually went because I got married and right from when they are in courtship, are for Estate started having babies. always in denial. Because before they get Management When I came back, the into the marriage, they would have seen a because it was the faces I knew in the industry little of violence from the guy but instead of only course I were not there, and there is a opting out of the relationship, they always could do without bit of tribalism in the go into marriage with such a man in denial English. I industry; once you are not thinking they will be able to change the ventured into it from their side it was man, but suddenly after marriage they but that didn't •Iyabo Ojo difficult to get a role. That realize they can't change the man. And stop my passion was how I joined the Yoruba sometimes too, we women are not for acting. industry. I met Ogogo who submissive to our husbands, especially the Actually, when I was came from Ilaro, and that is where enlightened ones amongst us. young, I wanted to be a model but If you find yourself in a marriage that is unfortunately, I found out that I wasn't tall. I my children's father came from too.

What is the best thing about being a coloured with domestic violence, what will did a bit of modeling when I was young but celebrity? you do?

I later went into my first love, which is The best thing is that it opens doors for I would gladly walk out of it because my acting. When you do something you have a you. You get to meet a lot of people. You get life is more precious to me than marriage. If passion and drive for, you find inner to be celebrated and appreciated, so it's a I'm the one who is violent, I would go for fulfillment. good thing because you are not just anger management classes to see if I can You have not been featuring in movies anybody but you are somebody people control my temper. But if it's the man that is lately want to associate with. You get to be violent, as I said, I would walk away but Of course I have, maybe you've not been favoured and honoured. that is after I must have involved his family. following. I just finished work on a new What is the price you have paid being a If I involve his family and he still doesn't movie, Omo Gomina. And I'm planning to go celebrity? change, then I would have to do the needful back on set by September to shoot a new One, people tend to judge you by your - which is walk out of the marriage. movie. looks and the roles you play in movies.

You're a single mom. What is it like?

You are a Yoruba actress attending a They also judge you by what is written and It's not easy really. You have to be up and Nollywood English premiere. What are said about you. You know when I wasn't a doing, you know times are hard and your thoughts about Yoruba Nollywood

In touch with Sam Loco Efe

‘Maybe when I die, they will sing my praises’ Sam Loco-Efe was a prolific actor, writer, director, singer and graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan. The late actor told VICTOR AKANDE, Entertainment Editor, that he was 66 (on paper) during the 2008 edition of BOBTV in Abuja where he was given the award of Best Legendary Professional for Screen and Stage. Our man brings back the memory of that humour-laden interview regarding his artistic excellence, philosophy of life and views on the state of the Nigerian motion picture industry.

A

T this stage of your career, how do you feel about the award?

Y

I've always said that most women, right from when they are in courtship, are always in denial

public figure, I used to think every rumour has an element of truth in it, but when I found myself in that shoe now, I understand better. Sometimes, I wonder where people get these stories from, because a lot of rumour does not even exist. The truth is that when you hear things like that, initially, you will breakdown and begin to be somebody else. People begin to see you as a snub because you become protective. It's like you are not friendly, but you just don't want people to get too close to you, because they can pick something and lie about you or speak about you wrongly.

That can cause a lot of problems for you because at the end of the day, you are not who you are and become somebody else, you want to be perfect. I have grown past that stage, I don't let things said about me bother me and change me. I have learnt to go on and I have learnt to accept everybody the way they are. I don't look down on people because you don't know where they can help you tomorrow. I believe nobody is nobody; everybody is somebody. If you look at it that way, then, you don't hurt anybody and respect everybody. Like I tell my colleagues, 'whatever is written about you is the price you have to pay'.

I feel that there is still a continuum. There are people who are still static; Monday is always Monday and Tuesday still looks like Monday to them but now, at this age we are beginning to see that Tuesday is quite different from Monday and should be more expanded than Monday. Same way that Wednesday should be more boisterous than Tuesday and so on and so forth. So, we thank God that we are still breathing and we are energizing daily. Forward ever, backward never.

Some people have the tendency to mistake you for a comedian. I like you to react to this.

I've told them several times, I'm a total performer. I never trained at the university as a comedian, I trained as an actor and I don't choose scripts, neither do I reject scripts that are good. So, if you give me a comic script, I would play it, give me a tragic one, I play it; give me a pseudo tragic one, I'll play it as well; and that is the meaning of a total performer. Now, if I have been boxed-in, which is what we call ham acting, in the comic world, it means I won't be able to play the role of a manager, neither would I be able to play the role of a reverend father. And I keep telling them; check all the awards that I've received; only one has been on comedy.

Look at the Piccadilly Circus, Langbodo and others, there is absolutely nothing like comedy in them. But the trouble with them is that there are people who feel slightly off loaded each time they watch comic films, so wherever they see Sam Owoh, or Sam Loko, they forget other films like Ojadike, My Love and so on and so forth. So, when they see me, their mind is tuned to what gives them instant pleasure. I know Nigerians don't like to watch films that are too serious because we think of our salary; whether it is coming at the end of the month or not; think about being sacked or not being sacked.

The next thing for them is to sit down and release tension and comedy film does help to achieve this. That is what is happening. I'm not a comedian; I'm an actor inside out, upside down.

As an African actor, is it correct to say that humour is part of our lives, as a result of which people seek it even in the most serious film or could it just be a psychological quest born out of a tensionsoaked environment?

Drama basically must have a conflict and

Maybe when I die, they will sing I don't know. If they don't sing, I won't mind but I must have fulfilled a mission. I have impacted knowledge

resolution. The resolution may suit some people and may not suit some. If I'm not a full-time Christian and there is a clash between God and the gods; if at the end, God wins the gods, I won't be happy with it. The same goes for the Christians. So, it depends on how you look at it. Comedy is part of drama, so is tragedy.

You can have some tragic films that end with comedy but there are some that need no comic relief at all. But in the African settings we have Guerrilla approach to things, such that where people are even telling serious stories, a drunk may stand up and contribute and people would laugh but what the drunk has just said may be more important than what the story teller had been saying. So, that's why our writers try to marry a little of comic relief into serious issues, it's not that it must be part of it.

As a veteran, I like you to look back at those days when you started and try to juxtapose it with today's Nollywood rave and tell us whether what we have is growth or development?

From all indications, we are growing and developing at the same time. Don't mind some of our boys and girls who want to use big grammar to deceive us or who want to pretend to be militant by saying that we are not moving. Some are even too young to answer this type of question. Some of the stars actually entered this business about five or six years ago whereas some of us started about 48 years ago. For God sake, when you were earning N10 for a film compared to now when you are earning N300,000, for the same kind of film; are you not moving?

When you were buying your costumes all by yourself just to take part in a production and now that the producer would supply you with those things; are we not progressing?

When in those days you lodged six to seven people in a room on location whether they were stars or not; and now, they even beg some stars to stay in a mini suit, are we not progressing? Those days when only one man would write a script and you dared not tamper with the fluidity of the script compared to now that everybody knows what is going on and people can say, no!

They may now tell a producer that this is not too strong, I have my name at stake too, let's do it this way and we hold a workshop and then we go on; with that kind of freedom, are we not progressing? Those days when Igbos would watch Igbo films and Yorubas would watch Yoruba films, but now that Africans and Europeans are watching Nigerian films, are we not moving forward?

They probably feel that we have the tendency to do better. Oh! They want us to move faster than sound which is going to be very difficult.

Even Europe and America, it took them several years to get to the level they are today. Indians, whom we were envious of in those days, the statement that took them about 40 years to make, we made it in less than 10 years here. But some of our die-hard critics, especially the subjective ones want to

use a barometer by saying if we are in London… For God sake, we are not in London; this is Africa. Some doctors now want to become actors because they earn more if they make their mark; lawyers want to join us, engineers want to join us.

Even robbers who can't operate very well again because of inhibition from the police want to join us too. So, I want to be summoned to a debate for anybody to tell me that we are not moving forward. Let them bring that statistical data and we will compare notes.

I want you to be more pragmatic here by relating our own personal experiences, in those days, how really difficult was it for you?

There was nothing difficult. It is now that we are thinking that it was difficult. You see, we took the whole thing like a challenge. We were the ones begging to do it. We bought our costumes, props and contributed money to get vehicle to move us from Enugu to Abakiliki or to Onitsha, Benin, Warri and so on and so forth. At the end of the day, if for example, we might make only N200, which we used to share. Even up till the early 1980s; at the National Theatre, I would direct a play and maybe, get N50 or N100 or N200 as pay.

Do you mean for directing a play?

Yes, for directing and taking part in the play at times. But when the explosion came, everything went up. So, compared to these days, it was a challenge; and if you wanted to scale them, it was more difficult then than now. Also, only a few people were genuinely interested in the profession by then. The situation is more difficult now because there are many people, and you can't have two lead characters in a play. Where there are two leads, one would be sub-lead. Now, there is competition for space.

It is more difficult now because there are so many young boys and girls who can interpret correctly; there are so many elders who speak English effortlessly and interpret effortlessly, and when we say that an actor today earns N500, 000, what that would buy is probably what N200 would have bought in those days. So, it is still the same movement where by a monkey is given different names.

How would you react to the fate of some of veteran artistes who had died uncelebrated when juxtaposed with the fact that you are a fulfilled man by virtue of your recognition?

You see, left to me, there are certain things that are of the earth. My idea of fulfilment is not whether I am given the title of OON or GCON, no! If I have done a job properly and I feel satisfied that I have done one or two things, I am fulfilled. Like I was telling some people earlier, my computer systems are slightly different.

If you ask me now what are my achievements in the film industry, I won't tell you how many cars I have, I have many cars actually, I'm not going to tell you the number of buildings I have, because I put them here

•Sam Loco and there because I'm a roving ambassador. Rather I'll tell you how many actors I've trained, how many I still intend to train, how many directors and actors I've produced. So, that's my own idea of fulfilment.

If they died unsung, maybe we, the living ones are the ones seeing it so, because I have not died yet, so I won't know. Maybe when I die, they will sing I don't know. If they don't sing, I won't mind but I must have fulfilled a mission. I have impacted knowledge.

Yet, we say it is no longer arts for arts' sake…

Yes! But I expect that we should be talking about how to bring the corporate organisations into the scheme of things. Let's say for example, UBA award for best actor of the year N3 million, First Bank's award for the best choreographer, N2 million, Guarantee Trust Bank's award for the best veteran, N6 million, and so on.

This is nothing to them, it is corporate leverage. But our people have not gone there, you don't expect Amaka Igwe or Afolabi Adesanya of Film Corporation to go and steal money and give you? No! Dunlop has enough reserve, Michelin is there, Cadbury is there, NBL is there, Guiness is there, MTN Celtel, Glo and others are there.

Do you know how much they make in a day? Let them do something so that when the actor lives, he has about N2 million and he can then invest. Then, others would now sit up and you won't know that unconsciously, you are creating a training channel. That is what I am talking about.

Thank you very much Mr. Sam Loko but before you leave, give us the benefit of knowing about your background.

Sam Loco Arase Efewonkeke, the only son of the Arase Efewonkeke family, a very modest, poor family, son of a popular Akara (bean cake) seller in Abakali province in those days. The son of a warder who died too early, a boy who learnt how to be self sustainable from youth, paid his way through the university, who was also paying for his children while he was still schooling too, now an actor, director, singer, choreographer; almost a total actor. His mission is go there and conquer.

But don't go and conquer alone, have a team, drive apostles. I am looking for at least one thousand apostles in each department of artistry and these young ones are the ones who will come and do the job when I sit down as mere spectator of events. I wish them the very best.

How old is Sam Loco?

Six-six… 66 and that could just be on paper (laughter...)

ALLOY AGU’S CAREER DIARY (3)

Algiers ‘90 Zambia game, my most unforgettable

Hapoel Tel Aviv contract exits Igiebor

Pg. 34

Pg. 32,33

Nation Saturday, August 13, 2011

AS THE EPL KICKS OFF TODAY

Different strokes for Nigerian stars

Pg. 30,35

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

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NATION SPORT

AS THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE KICKS OFF TODAY

Different strokes for Nigerian stars Nigerian fans will no doubt be looking forward to see Super Eagles players in action as the Barclays Premier League kicks off today with nine games scheduled for this weekend across different venues in England. Only • Ameobi Tottenham Hotspur’s match against Everton has been called off after the London riots that triggered copycat NEWCASTLE V ARSENAL violence across other English cities. While players like Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), Victor Moses (Wigan) and Ameobi set to repay Newcastle Dickson Etuhu (Fulham) will certainly be featuring for their club sides, the same can not be said of Mikel Obi NEWCASTLE striker, Shola Amoebi James’ Park, bringing with him a (Chelsea), who will be missing the game as well as Peter Odemwingie who is reported to be doubtful against will be hoping to repay the confidence prolific scoring record that almost reposed in him by the club with better managed to resuscitate a West Ham league champions, Manchester United. performance in the Baclays Premier side that until his introduction had League this season which begins at home against Arsenal.

Ameobi who just signed a new twoyear extension which tie him to the club until 2014 was handed the captain’s armband by manager, Alan Pardew for the recent friendly defeat at Leeds and has been impressed with the influence he has on the dressing room.

Ameobi’s new team mate, Demba Ba is however adamant that he and Shola can form a Twin Terror partnership to strike fear into Premier League defences.

For some, Ba and Ameobi are too similar to make it work in the Premier League.

But the Senegal hit-man – as confident a footballer as you’re ever likely to meet – believes that they have it in them to plug the goalscoring hole left by the dual departures of Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan.

Ba is the biggest name imported into the Newcastle squad during a summer of transfer frustration at St

made a pretty paltry effort at securing Premier League safety.

He has a hit-rate approaching a goal every other game, managing to make a success of his time at Upton Park despite travails on and off the pitch.

So being paired alongside a player of similar stature shouldn’t really be a problem.

“I think me and Shola Ameobi can play together absolutely fine,” he said.

“I know people say that we’re similar but that’s probably because we’re only similar in size.

“Our games are totally different – Shola likes to play with his back to goal, he’s strong and terrific in the air.

I’m more like playing to feet, get the ball in areas just behind the front two.

“The combination is absolutely fine and I think we compliment what each other does.

“I could definitely work with Shola Ameobi, but I would work with any number of the strikers that we’ve got.

I would be happy to form a partnership with any player in the squad.”

By Akeem Lawal with Agency Report

STOKE

V CHELSEA

Chelsea begins title chase without SUPER Eagles midfielder, Mikel Obi Mikel will be missing in action as Chelsea begin their title quest against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday.

The Nigerian international limped off shortly before halftime of Chelsea’s 3-1 pre-season win over Rangers to further compound the list of injury worries in coach Andre Villas-Boas squad, that are still missing the services of Ghanaian star, Michael Essien.

Chelsea went close to completing the greatest comeback in Premier League history last term but came up short as Manchester United were crowned English champions for a record 19th time.

Chelsea were on the wrong end of some shock results last term, but captain of the side, John Terry admitted Sunday’s game at Stoke could not be another.

He said: ‘It’s not the easiest of starts.

They have a great side and a great manager.

• Osaze

‘If we want to lift this (trophy), we have to go there and win.’

Chelsea are not the only club looking to topple United, with many of their rivals having spent big this summer.

Terry said: ‘I’m worried about a lot of teams this season. Everyone has strengthened.

‘Manchester City and Manchester United have bought in some good players, Liverpool seemed to have strengthened a lot.

‘There are six or seven teams who can really push and have a chance of winning the trophy.’

Villas-Boas’ team selection at the Britannia Stadium will be eagerly anticipated, particularly whether he decides to play Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba or both.

Torres was forced off during Spain’s friendly defeat in Italy Wednesday night, reportedly after suffering mild concussion.

• Moses

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES QPR Blackburn Fulham Liverpool Tottenham Wigan Newcastle Sunday West Brom Monday Man City

WIGAN V NORWICH

Martinez keeps faith with Victor Moses • Etuhu

FULHAM V ASTON VILLA

Etuhu eyes opening victory SUPER Eagles want away midfielder, Dickson Etuhu will be looking forward to today’s season opener at home to Aston Villa with the aim of securing the match full point.

Etuhu, who may not play for the country’s national team in the foreseeable future after he turned down a late invitation handed him by coach, Samson Siasia, will hope to continue with his club’s pre season form against the Alex McLeish side.

McLeish has called for his players to win their own individual battles all over the pitch in order to see off a “well-drilled and skilful” Fulham side.

McLeish is a firm admirer of his opponents and insists it’s a really tough opener for his team. He has called on his players to stand up and be counted as they search for a maximum haul on the first weekend of the campaign.

He said: “This weekend we play a very good Fulham side. They are very sure in themselves and it will be a tough opener for us but we plan on going down there and upsetting that.

“I saw them last week in a European game and they won that routinely. They are a very well drilled side with no little skill also.

“They have some terrific performers up front. Damien Duff is an explosive winger and Bobby Zamora who for me is one of the best receivers of the ball in the Premier League.

“We have to make sure our lads are aware of what Fulham can do. But at the same time there are no real surprises there for any of our players.

“They know the Fulham boys inside out. Lads like James Collins and Richard Dunne have played against the likes of Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson and Clint Dempsey before.

“It’s about making sure you’re on top of your opponent and winning the 50-50 battles - I know it’s a cliché - but it’s about that.

“If we dominate those players we have a good chance of getting a good result.”

• Mikel

WIGAN manager Roberto Martinez is confident Victor Moses and other members of his young squad will rise to the challenge of life without Charles N’Zogbia and Tom Cleverley.

Cleverley’s return to Manchester United plus the sale of star winger N’Zogbia to Aston Villa has left Wigan potentially light in midfield heading into their Barclays Premier League opener against Norwich on Saturday.

One major positive for Martinez has been the form of 20-year-old winger Victor Moses in pre-season.

The yet to be capped Nigerian international ran out the winner in man of the match poll for his performance in Sundays friendly with Villarreal, mirroring the poll on the official site.

Moses continued where he left off against Preston the week before and tormented the Villarreal defence every time he was on the ball, he capped a great performance off with the games only goal on the stroke of half-time to give the Latics a 1-0 win in their last warm-up match before the serious stuff starts.

However, Wigan boss insists the burden must not fall on any one player.

He said: “It is a hole but I think it’s

an exciting hole, because it means the youngsters that we’ve got at the football club, who I feel are ready, they’ve got roles to fill.

“I don’t think it’s down to one player. It’s one of those situations you need to solve as a group of players and I can see that unity and desire to be competitive every week.”

After bringing in goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi and midfielder David Jones so far this summer, Martinez is close to tying up a deal for French striker Nouha Dicko.

The 19-year-old is a free agent after

Bolton Wolves Aston Villa Sunderland Everton (Pp) Norwich Arsenal

v

Man Utd

v

Swansea

WEST BROM V MAN UTD cash-strapped Strasbourg were forced to release all their players, but he is unlikely to be available this weekend.

“Nouha has signed. We’re just waiting on the paperwork from France,” said Martinez.

“He’s a really exciting talent. He’s a young man, and we want to develop him and try to fulfil his potential, which is huge. Those are the signings that are going to take the club forward.

“It’s unfortunate because you don’t want to see football clubs going bankrupt but those situations

happen. We were quickly aware of his talent and we are delighted that he’s chosen us to develop his career.”

Martinez has his sights set on bringing in another two players to boost his squad and he played down concerns over the future of striker Hugo Rodallega, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal.

Martinez denied there had been contact from the Gunners, and said: “I don’t see it as a negative or a worry, I see it as a compliment. And in the manner the players are working, I’ve got no worries about that.”

Anichebe missing with Everton THOUGH not injured, Super Eagles striker, Victor Anichebe will not be in action this weekend due to the postponement of the game between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Nigeria international has struggled with injuries ever since being caught on the knee by Kevin Nolan in a match against Newcastle at the beginning of 2009.

Anichebe was forced to undergo surgery to fix the problem, but has since managed only 30 appearances for the Merseysiders over the past two seasons.

v v v v v v v

However, the 23-year-old has looked sharp in the Toffees’ preseason tour of America, and even scored in the 3-1 victory over DC United last week Everton Manager, David Moyes will not have the opportunity to access the player following the postponement because of the week’s riots in most part of London.

Tottenham players Aaron Lennon and Rafael van der Vaart have expressed their disappointment at the postponement of their opening

match against Everton.

The Spurs players used their Twitter accounts to share their frustration at the game being postponed, while voicing calls for the widespread violence across the country to stop.

Van der Vaart, who also missed out in midweek after the postponement of England’s friendly against the Netherlands tweeted: “Game cancelled against Everton and @Johnheitinga…Obvious why, but I really hope people will get to their senses and stop these riots quickly!”

Osaze in fitness race against Red Devils WEST BROM striker, Peter Odemwingie is said to be a major doubt for his team ahead of their Barclays Premier League opening match against Manchester United tomorrow at The Hawthorns.

The former Lokomotiv Moscow hit man, who is suffering from an ankle injury was declared unfit by the team’s manager Roy Hogson for the botched Nigeria international friendly match against Ghana last Tuesday.

However, Hodgson is hoping the Nigeria international will be fit for his side’s season opener against the league champions tomorrow and is optimistic over the 30-year-old’s chances of making the match.

He said, “All I want to say is the medical staff are very optimistic Peter will recover, so I’ve got to be optimistic. I’m sure he’ll be desperate to play against United and we’ll be happy to put him in the team if he’s fit.”

Hodgson has played down West Brom’s expectations ahead of the upcoming season.

Hodgson has claimed the Baggies’ budget is a stumbling block if they are to better last season’s 11th placed Premier League position.

He said: “People need to be sufficiently aware to realise we are still fighting with lesser resources and we are still pulling rabbits out of the hat to some extent.

“If you spend £100million you are likely to get more or better players than the team that spends £2-3million.

“If you want a Savile Row suit, you pay Saville Row prices but you can still put a suit on your back from Tesco’s.

“There are limits and it would be unfair to expect the Tesco man to look as good as the Savile Row man.”

West Brom have signed six players this summer but have only paid a fee for one of them, Shane Long an estimated £4.5 million signing from Reading.

Hodgson added: “We are not Manchester City or Liverpool. People talk about spending £50million as if it is nothing at all.

“We talk about net spends of £2-3million if we’re lucky. You have to put those things into perspective - and I think our fans can.

“I’d like to think they have got as realistic an attitude towards things as we have.”

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

31

NATION SPORT

Loud Gbosa for all my Sports Journalist Friends I

T was a setting befitting the match making of two big brands and the atmosphere was very convivial with hilarious discussions making the rounds on each table.

Though the space was tight for the large turn-out of the select members of the Sports Editors’ corps, it did not diminish the grandeur and opulence of the tastefully furnished dinning section of the Zeus Restaurant on Isaac John Street in Ikeja GRA, reflected oriental royalty.

The big day was for the official signing of a partnership between global electronics giant, Samsung and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Attending the function at the behest of my friend, Taye Ige, the amiable MD/ CEO of Hotsports Limited, it turned out a very special occasion for me to say thank you in person to a good number of the Sports Editors who gave me a sense of fulfillment during my eight years sojourn at Globacom Limited. These were the colleagues who treated me as a real brother with the near perfect cooperation they extended to the company in matters of publicity and image management. It is indeed very impossible to adequately convey the depth of my gratitude.

Knowing how difficult it always is to mention everyone who has been a help, it is my plea upfront that any name not mentioned here is not for lack of appreciation but due to the limitations of memory and the constraints of impromptu writing.

Most of the names that may appear here were prompted by the occasion and the context of this write-up as there are more reporters than Editors that showed so much love to me through my stint at Globacom.

What people outside Journalism don’t know about the profession is that it instills the highest level of camaraderie in members.

Whereas the armed and para-military forces boast of espirit de corps, no such slang exists in the pen profession though we have the unspoken creed of ‘dog does not eat dog’.

Journalism remains the only profession where the plurality of media organizations does not necessarily translate to cutthroat competition. Well, I am speaking for the Sports arm of Journalism. So, while we work for different organizations, we hardly compete against each other.

At Zeus, this August Monday morning, the jokes flowed freely from Adekunle Salami aka ‘Slam’ of Punch to Sports Day’s Big

By Harry Iwuala

Ben Memuletiwon and Ade ‘I no know book’ Ojeikere of the Nation. There was also Effiong Nyom, his unmistakable boom voice still intact and tugging his last son, spent some time chatting me up on life ‘on your own’. Effiong who will later compere the occasion recounted to me his life as a business man recalling some moments the times have been so dry that raising fuel money got him grounded at home. It made me chuckle because even while in paid employment, I did experience cash drought.

Sandwiched between Gbolahan Dada of the Sun and Paul Akhagame of AIT, with Moraks Abodurin flanking immediately after Dada, reminiscences of the beat swelled my emotions.

I suddenly realized that though we have all added eight years to our age since I took the sabbatical, we still behaved like the young men we were then. And now, feeling a little bit like an outsider, it was yet very glaring that these chaps have grown more together and will stick together for the common good at all times. You will only attempt to be a wedge between them at your own peril.

Beholding the very graceful and regal Mrs. Nneka Ikem Anibeze, one could not help a flash back to the years when she was the slim and shy lone young girl in the mist of male Wolves. That she eventually became Mrs. Anibeze did confirm that there were sharp claws in the hands of some of those Wolves… in this instance, Onochie ‘Onye-egwu’ Anibeze of Vanguard. Nneka, by the way is still a ravaging beauty by every standard.

Dare Esan of Complete Sports will be difficult to be recognized by colleagues who migrated off shore in the late 1990’s and he will need to produce photo and video evidence to convince anyone that he was that troublesome defender in the Complete Sports team during SWAN Cup tournaments of yore. Ben Alozie and Dapo Sotiminu are among those who loom large in size like my good self. From Oluyole City came Ade Somefun who gracefully retired from the Tribune after 18 years of meritorious service. Peter Edema of Daily Independent and the newest Sports Editor in town, Pius Ayinor are amongst those that made lasting impressions on my career and will forever be cherished.

A good number of my media benefactors were absent from the function as they were air-bound to London for the eventually abortive Ghana versus

Nigeria international friendly. Top on this list is Tony Ubani, the mobile comedian whose weekend column in Saturday Vanguard may easily win laurel as the longest running sports column after Biz-Law of the same paper. Frank ‘chairman’ Ilaboya, Ben Alaiya, Olukayode Thomas who also is on sabbatical from the pen, Duro Ikhazuagbe and Tunde Suleiman are amongst those that it is difficult to forget their brotherly support.

While the last group was away for a duty call they were bound to return from in a couple of days, there is one whose absence is permanent.

How would this list be complete without mentioning the one whose presents brings mirth and engenders friendship? The one we loved to call Biafra, who responded to heaven’s call on August 29, 2010. Emeka Enechi, the friend to all and enemy of none. Wherever you are, acknowledge my appreciation.

ITEMUAGBOR’S BOMBSHELL FOR ‘STAKEHOLDERS’ The day did not pass without lessons for those in charge of sports in the country and the most poignant point was made by the newly crowned Otunba of Nigerian Football, Mike Itemuagbor, the CEO of Pamodzi Sports Marketing International (PSMI). Ebullient but self effacing, Itemuagbor is easily a big factor in the commercialisation of football since the mid 1990’s when government began to chant the mantra of autonomy for parastatals. His company has been instrumental to the consummation of major sponsorship deals for football in the country ranging from the CocaCola FA Cup, Pepsi League, Globacom League and national teams partnerships that includes Globacom, NIKE, Addidas, AIT, Afribank, Peak Milk, Tom Tom, etc and now Samsung.

While protesting his invitation to ‘share the big day’ on the podium by Idorenyen Enang, the country Managing Director of Samsung, Itmuagbor laid a new definition that brought a new perspective to those that constitute football stakeholders in Nigeria. He will surely have some people rising with arms in protest but inside that hall, his submission was greeted with applause. According to him, “it is not fair that people who earned money playing football should retire to lay claims to ownership of the game. What happens to the fans that pay to watch the matches? What happens to sponsors who provide money for the matches to be organised? What about the media whose write-ups create the excitement that induce the fans to pay for matches and buy jerseys of the players? What about the Minister who must provide the framework and the enabling environment for matches to hold? These are the real stakeholders that must be reckoned with and not people who have eaten their cakes but want to have it back”. I will write fully about this next time.

Harry Iwuala is a renowned Journalist based in Lagos, Nigeria

•Maigari

VOICE OF SPORTS

With Clement Nwankpa Jnr. sportswar@yahoo.com

From Colombia with hope THE exploits of the Flying Eagles in Colombia couldn’t have come at a more auspicious time. The Super Eagles are undergoing a rebuilding process under new helmsman Samson Siasia. The team just needs every young player Siasia can lay his hands on. I am more enthralled by the fact that Siasia respects youth. He is one coach who doesn’t place much premium on players’ past exploits. Siasia’s emphasis is not on the stature or age of a player but the value he brings to the team. I have my reservations about his tactics, particularly his insistence on a twin midfield combo of Mikel and Joel Obi without a defensive shield but, when it comes to talent-hunting, give it to him. And there would be no better place to hunt for talents for the newlook Super Eagles than Colombia 2011.

Across the globe, national teams are freshening up with younger players. A typical example is the German team at last World Cup where the likes of 26 years old Philippe Lahm and Bastien Schwansteiger were the oldest starters. In the same Mundial, Ghana gave many of the victorious Black Satellites WYC 2009 players a break while relegating proven stars like Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah to the bench. The fact is that the modern game is faster with swift one-touch passes placing more on the door steps of younger players. Teams like England that paraded more 30 something year olds at the World Cup have keyed into the demands of the modern game and consciously reduced the average ages of their teams. This is responsible for the preference of 19 years old Jack Wilshere to the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerard in the post World Cup era. Just after a sterling 45 minutes performance for Manchester United against Manchester City in the Charity Shield last Sunday, Tom Cleverly, 20, had been called up for the botched England/Holland friendly. In Germany, Joachim Loew handed Marion Goetze a place in the friendly against Brazil and the 20 year old Borussia Dortmund midfielder repaid the coach’s confidence with a goal in the 3-2 defeat of the samba kings. Spanish coach Vicente Del Bosque called up 20 year old Barcelona midfield sensation Thiago Alcantara in the absence of the likes of Xavi Hernandez and Cesc Fabregas. The Brazilian strike force is now built around 19 year old Neymar and Pato, 21 even as Santos’ Ganso, 19, holds sway in the midfield.

So this is why the harvest going on in Colombia calls for celebration. The likes of Thomas Mueller, Toni Kroos and Andre Ayew shone at the last World Cup a year after featuring at the WYC in 2009. So, none of the boys buzzing around in the green and white colours in Colombia is too young or raw to be involved at full international level. There is a lot of maturity in the manner they have held their nerves and discarded oppositions even when they came as hard and resilient as the English. No excuses here, Siasia has to tap into the talents available in this crop of U-20s to fill some gaps in the Super Eagles.

Why not? In Terna Suswan, who has been improvised at the left back and Emma Anyanwu, there should be more competitions for places at the right back for Chibuzor Okonkwo.

Since the death of Olubayo Adefemi, there had been fewer options at the right back, now Okonkwo should be made to sweat more for his shirt. Suswan was part of the World Cup 2010 camping while Anyanwu has also been capped at the full international level.

The towering central defence pair of Kenneth Omeruo and Ganiyu Ogungbe is also promising. I always felt the Onyekachi Apam/Dele Adeleye partnership nurtured through WYC 2005 to Beijing 2008 was the future of Eagles central defence but injury to Apam and Adeleye’s inconsistency have not helped nurture this partnership at the highest level. Now, I think we should make the Omeruo/Ogungbe combo count in the years ahead. It wouldn’t be a bad idea if Siasia tries out these guys now that the search for the ideal partner for Joseph Yobo has become the team’s Achilles Heels. I was happy to read the other day that Siasia’s assistant Simon Kalika has tipped Omeruo for the national team, but Ogungbe should also be carried along.

In the midfield triangle of Philemon Daniel, Ramon Azeez and Abduljelil Ajagun, Siasia should now have seen that it is safest to file out with a three-man midfield. Daniel has been splendid in the holding role with Ramon flourishing as a deeplying playmaker and Ajagun in a more advanced position but they have so complemented each other. Ramon, particularly, should feature in Siasia’s immediate plans, perhaps fourth in the midfield pecking order behind the Obis and Fengor Ogude.

Most of the team’s goals had come from the flanks manned by Ahmed Musa and Edafe Egbedi. Musa has already been established in the Super Eagles but the Championship has thrown up Egbedi. The attacking duo of Kayode Olanrewaju and Uche Nwafor would face more difficulties given the glut of attackers in the Super Eagles but talent, they’ve got.

Whether John Obuh’s boys beat France in the quarter-finals tomorrow or not, we have seen enough in this team to pop champagne. They’ve given us hope for the future. Now, over to Siasia.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

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U

CHE Okafor is dead, what does it mean to have lost a teammate like that. He was also described as a funny (comical) person like you were saying of Yekini?

It’s unbelievable but things happen. Uche is a wonderful young man, a wonderful young man that you love to be around, easy going, very disciplined, very dedicated, ready to serve, ready to give a helping hand. I’ve known him, he’s not a ruffian, always there, always content with what he has, and so I really missed Uche. He’s a wonderful young man, may his soul rest in peace. There’s nothing you can take away from Uche Why did you leave football and when?

I was supposed to go for a trial with Columbus in the States for MLS and all of a sudden I sustained an (injury). That week I played with the PDL and a Nigerian player hit me on my knees.

I was even thinking that it was going to be operated. The whole arrangement had been concluded for me to move to Colombus and on Saturday this guy was trying to score and we collided and there was a massive swell on my knee. I decided at that point that I think I have to call it a shot and I stopped.

And after (some weeks) everything was okay and there wasn’t even an operation. I felt that was it I just have to call it (quit).

So you did not consider returning?

No, no, no I would have continued in Nigeria but the pressure would have been so much and I just decided I just have to do what God has asked us to do.

You went into ministry, when did that start and why?

Ever since I was young I have always been in touch with God. As a child I took leadership role in church activities.

What church was that?

Saint Eta in Imo State. Then moving to the Flying Eagles we started organising prayer sessions, to Green Eagles, Super Eagles we did that also. We knew there was a call on our life and eventually by 1999 in Canada the Lord spoke to us and said this is it. I went there, I also wanted to play for Edmonton a football team. The contract was signed.

When did you have the injury?

In 2001 in the U.S., so I looked at it and I said okay. The Lord has spoken to us and said this is what He wants us (to do) You are saying us now To me, to me sometimes I (use to us when referring to myself), that’s why I said (us) it’s a slip of tongue.

The Lord spoke to me, He said ‘yes I want you in the ministry’ and I listened to what God was saying and I started working towards that line and eventually I went to America and from there eventually it was settled 2002, 2004 the Lord eventually spoke to me. When I had my academy, Alloy Agu Goalkeeping Academy in the United States and the Lord said to me ‘come you have to go to Nigeria, you have to give back to Nigeria what I have given to you.’ I said what? ‘(He) said yes, you have to go back to Nigeria and give back to Nigeria what I have given to you.’

Then I have to listen to what the Lord is saying to us and came back to Nigeria. I started the ministry, Christ Divine Church of God which also has branches in UK, Canada, in Spain and we started it and we came back and from there Westerhof called me and said he needed me to help in the Football College of Excellence. I started working with him to get goalkeepers for that college. Daniel (Amokachi) was there, Jay Jay too was there and from there Daniel called me to Nasarawa (United).

AKINLOYE AT LARGE

ALLOY AGU’S CAREER DAIRY (3):

Algiers ’90 Zambia game, my most unforgettable Alloy Agu’s national team journey began with the Under 20 national team. He notched a bronze at his first FIFA World Cup, the Moscow ’85 World Youth Championship alongside Samson Siasia, Andrew Uwe, Monday Odiaka, late Osaro Obabaifo just to mention a few. In 1990 at the Algiers ’90 African Nations Cup, he kept goal in all five games from the opener against hosts, Algeria to the final match against same foes and got silver for that desert adventure. A bronze was his’ and colleagues two years later as he kept goal for Nigeria in all five matches of the Senegal ’92 Nations Cup. In 1994, he was part of the team that qualified Nigeria for her first World Cup appearance and was part of the squad coach Clemens Westerhof took to U.S.A. ’94. That squad walloped Bulgaria 3-0 in the first match, lost 2-1 to Diego Maradona inspired Argentina, beat Greece 2-0 before bowing out gracefully to eventual finalist, Roberto Baggio inspired Italy 2-1 after Nigeria had led 1-0 for over 85 minutes. In this interview with OLUSOJI OLUKAYODE, the former Super Eagles goalkeepers’ trainer revealed what led to his quitting the game that brought him fame and fortune. Also, he talked about his family and how he met his wife before their marriage and more (He) said okay, you’ve been in this field come and help me out with Nasarawa.

When?

2004/2005, I went to Nasarawa and we started working and it turned out to be wonderful. They told me they had five goalkeepers and now that I am the head I should bring them two goalkeepers that I can recommend and I said no these are goalkeepers. Because people have not been working with them the way they ought to work with them, you have five goalkeepers, by the time I finish with these five goalkeepers every one of them will play at different times and will give us victory, give us good result and that was what happened. By the time I finished working with those goalkeepers one of them was called to the national team and became number one choice for the national team.

Who was that?

Femi Thomas, and of course Yahaya, everyone of them. They saw the work we did and Nasarawa went ahead to qualify for the Champions League so it was good. (I went from there to) Enyimba from Enyimba to the national team.

You are married?

Yes I am married, her name is Pastor Chioma Agu She’s with you in the ministry?

Yes, she’s with me in the ministry and we have together eight kids. I have twins, (in all) a boy and seven girls and I have other brothers and sisters, three sisters and five brothers one is late. My mother is alive, I lost my dad, 1997 What are the names of your kids and where are they now?

I can’t tell you where they are now (laughs) but they are all in Nigeria.

Jessica is my first, Stephanie is second, Jenifer is third, Sophia is fourth, Emmanuel is fifth, Rachel and Rosemary are sixth and seventh and Favour is eighth.

You said you don’t want to tell us where they are?

They are here in Nigeria studying, they are all in Nigeria.

Is any of them playing football?

Yes, Emmanuel is playing.

How old is Emmanuel now?

Emmanuel is just eight.

He is the only one playing football?

He’s the only one, my girl cannot play football Why? (Laughs) no, no, no I don’t, I just want them to do some other sports but not football.

You don’t want your girls to play football, do you subscribe to women football at all?

Life is a choice and the choice you make you live by it. If my daughter says to me today, ‘daddy I want to play football,’ it’s her life, she just have to do it. And gone are those days you are rigid about issues after all football is also a lucrative business. It’s not just (that) I am in it (and) I don’t want my girls to play, if they want to play I won’t be against it at all if they decide they want to play football they can go ahead.

How did you and madam meet?

Yeah, in Lagos, there is time and season for everything and when the time (was came) both of us met and started courting.

Where did you meet and what attracted you to her?

What attracts man to woman ha, ha, ha (laughs)? Honestly speaking to you, there was a long relationship between my father and her father so they’ve known each other long before we were born and all of a sudden we also met in the house and there was an event we were doing and she was there. I saw her and I love what I saw, we started courting and that was it.

Did you at anytime have any cause to be scared of marrying her maybe as a result of her beauty or anything of sought?

No, no, no, it’s not the first time you see a lady that you tell her that you are going to marry her. First, you have to know, is she the person? You prayed to God, you sought the face of God. When it was time for me to get married, I started praying to God that I really need somebody to settle down my life with and as God will do it she came into my life and we started talking, we started moving together and eventually I saw that she is the type

and she never resisted me neither did I resist her. We knew there was something that God has destined and we were destined (for each other).

Married life and when you were single what was the difference?

What change, even confidence wise was wrought in your heart and life?

If you have somebody around you every now and then, the bone of your bone and the flesh of your flesh and has kids for you that means a lot and a lot. When you’re married you have a bigger responsibility.

As a minister and a sports person surrounded by fame, at what age would you advice especially sports personalities to marry for whatever your reasons may be?

At the age that you are actually young and able to take the responsibility of marriage because it won’t be nice if you have nothing doing and you get married that will be creating more problem for you and your wife. So now when you talk about football players, they are making money so it is better for them to get married as early as possible so that they can now remain focused, so they can both plan as one big family. I will advocate for that. Marrying later or old age is not (okay), I don’t advise that. I know some will say okay I want to really enjoy life before I get married. But you want to also enjoy your children, when the kids are coming up you also want to enjoy them.

You see a mother and you see the daughter and you don’t even know who is older, so I will advocate for early marriage, early family as long as you have what it takes to maintain it. And you ask God first, first you seek the face of God no matter what you do. Seek the face of God and God will give you direction.

You have been to the World Cup and here is the opportunity to go to the Olympics as a coach beckoning. What will it mean to you to be at the Olympics especially in London?

Yeah it will be a thing of joy to see that Nigeria qualifies for 2012 in England. It will add to Nigeria’s

record that we are part of that and it is a thing of joy and we are looking forward to that and we are working hard towards that.

What is the greatest Nations Cup regret you have?

When we lost out to Algeria in the final (of the 1990 edition), because that match was supposed to be ours. We got two penalties and Diramba denied us those two penalties and from that day he never handled the whistle.

Which is the most memorable moment of your career? Tell me one that is general and one that is specific that is an unforgettable individual moment.

Nigeria/Zambia, 1990 semi final.

Zambia had defeated all the strongest oppositions and nobody gave us the chance and we went in there and we beat them 2-0 that is my most memorable match, a very wonderful game.

Would that be your greatest moment at Nations Cup moment too?

At the Nations Cup, it was the lifting of the Nations Cup trophy because we’re yet to do that again, we’re yet to see that happen again despite the fact that we’re praying that it happens, 1994 in Tunisia when we lifted up that trophy and it was in my hand also.

Have you as an individual been given the house you were promised after winning that Nations Cup? Not yet, not yet, some have collected theirs in Abuja but we all that asked for Lagos we are yet to collect ours.

So do you think all those who chose Abuja have theirs?

Yes they have it, everyone who chose Lagos have the ones who have not collected theirs, everyone who chose Abuja have collected theirs.

How many of your colleagues who are not resident in Nigeria are you still in touch with?

I’m still in touch with all colleagues, Sunday Oliseh, Amuneke (Emmanuel), Finidi (George), our captain the bog boss (Stephen Keshi) and who else again? That’s it, I believe those are

the ones that are outside.

And you still interact Yes How do you feel having some of them in key areas in football like Mike Emenalo in Chelasea?

It’s a wonderful thing, we are all giving back to football what football has given to us which is very, very important. If you are not able to reproduce yourself then you’ve failed. In whatever you do if you are not able to reproduce yourself you have failed because God said I have created you in my own image and likeness and go out there and multiply and be fruitful. So football has given us a lot and lots of opportunities so we are giving back to football has given to us by being in strategic positions.

There’s a question I want to ask you, it’s the issue of age with players. As a minister how will advice the players and what would you be telling them to see as the consequences of their actions more to the spiritual than the physical. I know they are under pressure even when they don’t want to do certain things they are under pressure. But how can you advice them to be able to overcome this issue (of age cheating) even when agents are asking them to do it?

I have said before here that life is a choice and the choice you make you’ll live by it and it is better you be yourself than being what somebody wants you to be. There is time and season for everything.

When you are destined for a particular position, you will surely get there. No matter how fast, no matter how.. you try to be it is the time of God that will come to pass.

So my advise to the young ones is to keep to their age, knowing fully well that when you falsify that age, for instance you are 30 years old and you say you are 20 when you eventually go out to European teams they’ll be looking at you as that age. They’ll be waiting for you to hit your peak and when you are not hitting your peak you have not done well for yourself. So it’s better for you to tell the truth and the truth will set you free.

08050246155 atlarge84@yahoo.com

Flying Eagles need team effort

•Alloy Agu

FLYING Eagles may have set a record of number of goals scored in the first round of the ongoing U-20 World Cup holding in Colombia but they need to play as a team to go far in the competition.

Individual brilliance has seen the Eagles win all their three matches in the first round but champion’s stuff is made of a side that plays as a team.

Iam not in Colombia. I watched the games on television and came to the conclusion that the Flying Eagles are yet to play like potential champions.

They need to play with cohesion which is lacking in the team at the moment.

They have hardly sprayed five passes together and it is not good for a team aspiring to rule the world. Except for two goals which came through team effort, others came through individual brilliance. They have been tipped to win the trophy, but I stand to say that the depth of the team has not been tested. The test may come from the quarter finals if England do not constitute a stumbling block to their advancement. They have twelve goals and conceded two. It means that they are capable of scoring four goals and concede one. The attack has been particularly good. They have ignored the misfiring midfield to score great goals. The defence has also been exceptional though the centre needs a little fine tunning to prevent the unthinkable.

Ahmed Musa has been particularly on top of his game. He has been fast on the ball and he has proved he is the player of the moment. He is unlikely to spend more than a season in VV Venlo if he continues with his brilliance on the wings. He is too good a winger to stay in the backwaters of the European league. The competition between Uche Nwofor and Olanrewaju Kayode is a healthy one. IT will ensure that the goals come if the team progresses in the competition. Kayode has scored three goals in three games while Nwofor has come off the bench to score two.

Credit must be given to Coach John Obuh for reviving wing play. Both wings are working as they should but the wingers need to be told to provide crosses for the strikers to score goals. He needs to work on the midfield. They were overwhelmed by the Saudis in their last group game.

The attacking midfield needs some oiling for its machinery to work as it should. The confidence exhibited by the players must also be commended.

It shows that they have come a long way in international football. The desire to win is written all over the players and they needed to be encouraged to go the whole hog if they survive England.

The first round has been one with few surprises. Guatemala and Costa Rica are among the few. The teams from the same continent advanced to the second round but it would be difficult for them to proceed further.

Guetemala beat favourites, Croatia to cross the first round hurdle having conceded eleven goals in two games and scoring one. They were the whipping boys of their group in Armenia. They were written off after the Saudi drubbing and many thought they were making a first round exit. But they proved everyone wrong and perhaps themselves scoring a goal that gave them life. They were to play Portugal before this piece was written and one hopes their fairytale would continue if they overcome the former champions. They have to work on their watery defence if they hope to go beyond the second round. They are capable of letting in an average of four goals per game and scoring one. Costa Rica won one game and lost two yet •Igali they made the second round as best losers. They were beaten 4-1 by Spain in the opening group game and are surprise qualifiers having beaten Australia. They scored four goals and conceded nine which means thery are capable of scoring once in a game and let in three. Costa Rica conceded the se cond highest number of goals and would have to do more if they hope to continue in thecompetition.

Nigeria and Spain won all their three matches and one would be moved to say the trophy is between the two. Spain have won the trophy before and have the team to lift the diadem once again. They scored plenty of goals and won their matches without much questions. Like Nigeria, the Spaniards have not been tested. The had weak teams in the first round to contend with which is not likely to continue in the quarter finals.

Africa continues to show its strenght in youth football as three cruised to the second round. Egypt had been particularly impressive in the group which had Brazil. A few soccer followers gave them any chances of going beyond the first round, yet they held Brazil in the opening group game and won their remaining two games . It shows they were not affected by the recent political crisis in the North African country and are set to bring good times back to the country known for their pyramids. Having started without much conviction, Cameroun powered back with a win over Uruguay in their last group game. It is good news that they qualified for the next round to give the Africans a hope for better future. The future is littered with thorns as the three African teams hope to advance beyond the quarterfinals in Colombia.

While commending the organisers for a job well done so far, the Federation of International Football Association {FIFA} needs to revisit the issue of age compliance in age group competitions. The age cheats should not be left to pollute the competition further. The age cheats are getting more nasty.

Countries field over aged players with impunity in their desire to win the trophies and it is not good for the image of FIFA. Nigeria is said to field the youngest team in Colombia and who then fielded the oldest? International passport is not enough to prove whether a player is not over aged. Other means must be found to contend with the age cheats in youth football.

IGALI—PUTTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT Olympic champion Daniel Igali was a surprise caller last week. He called to contend with my assertion that wrestling has fallen in the country and put the record straight. He claimed that wrestling has made great advancement since 1991 when the counry won all the gold medals in freestyle wrestling except one. He confirmed that wrestling will not be going to Maputo but the reason he gave was different. He claimed that the organisers did not include wrestling in the schedule for the Games. I thank Igali for calling to put the record straight and wish the wrestlers goodluck as they prepare for the 2012 London Olympics.

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

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Inside The Glass House WITH AMINU MAIGARI

In remembrance of Sam Okwaraji I

T feels like only two days ago but it is actually 22 years to the day that we all woke up to the sad, sad news of the death of ace midfielder Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji.

On August 12, 1989, while featuring for Nigeria in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos, dreadlocked Okwaraji went down under his own weight with only 13 minutes of the game remaining. Not many people cared about the result after, with the news that Okwaraji had died before getting to the Lagos Island hospital to which frantic medics rushed him following the incident.

Over the decades, administrators have harped on the virtues of the man Sam Okwaraji and what he stood for, and why the leading lights of today should emulate those virtues.

Okwaraji was only 25 when he left us but he was already a superstar, not only on the field of play but through his conduct, approach and worldview.

Okwaraji overcame implied rejection and then reluctance by selectors to virtually ‘force’ his way into the Nigeria senior team, and through dedication, determination, uncommon ability and patriotic fervour, became indispensable. It is remarkable that at his death, those selectors were the most tearful and felt more pain than others.

Discipline is a critical factor in any human endeavour, and Okwaraji showed that you can have all these fine virtues and still have ambition. A doctorate degree student in law, the boy from Imo State dazzled all through playing his first game against Algeria in an Olympic Games qualifier in Enugu in January 1988, scoring the fastest goal of the 1988 African Cup of Nations against Cameroon, featuring for Nigeria at the Seoul Olympics and a couple of 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifiers before the fateful clash with the Palancas Negras.

Today, the message goes to our players of today, from senior internationals to academy upstarts, to imbibe the virtues of patriotism, endeavour, perseverance, diligence and ambition that Sam Okwaraji showed in just 20 months that he had in the limelight. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace?

Thank You, Mr. President…

As is his usual practice, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, took the initiative again to show he is the Number One Supporter

of Nigeria football at all levels when he called in to speak with every member of the U-20 National Football Team, Flying Eagles, before their match against England at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia on Wednesday.

Of course, there has never been any doubt about His Excellency’s keen interest and passion for football. He was physically present at the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa last year and came to see the Super Eagles in their hotel on the eve of their first game against Argentina in Johannesburg.

Flying Eagles’ Head Coach, Sam John Obuh also reminded Mr. President of his support for the U-17 National Team during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009, when His Excellency was the Vice President. Obuh stated that having given His Excellency silver as Vice President, his boys are now ready to give him the gold and trophy as President. He also noted that the Flying Eagles gave Mr. President the African Youth Championship trophy to celebrate his one year in office at the beginning of May. Certainly, the President’s words to the boys on Wednesday morning worked wonders as they went all out in Armenia to put the England team out of the tournament. The boys had made a pledge to ‘do Nigeria proud’ and worked hard towards achieving victory.

On the part of the Nigeria Football Federation, we pledge to continue to give the team all necessary support to see it go all the way to clinching the trophy in Bogota on August 20.

This is also an opportunity for me to express our deep appreciation to the people of the city of Armenia and all the workers in the Hotel Campestre Las Camelias for their all-round support for our team throughout its stay in Armenia. The people supported Nigeria all the way in the stands, in the group matches and the Round of 16 clash with England, and in the hotel, the staff were wonderful.

On Wednesday, before our match with England, and as the players and officials waited for the privilege to speak to President Goodluck Jonathan, the staff had this message on a board: Confidence is the result of hours, and days, and weeks, and years of constant work, determination and dedication. Never give in, never give in, Flying Eagles of Nigeria, never give in,

• Okwaraji until you win and go to bed with satisfaction. May God help us. Amen.

Very touching, I must say.

Wonders Never End… Football’s unpredictable, and sometimes dazzling conclusions, hold a fascination that is beyond the imagination.

So, Guatemala, with a deficit of 10 goals, made it to the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in Colombia? With a little more luck, the country would have even made the quarter finals, or gone farther, as Portugal was only able to stop her by the odd goal.

Africa’s representatives, Mali, were eliminated without scoring a goal, and Cameroon defeated Uruguay to reach the Round of 16 after failing to beat New Zealand.

Costa Rica lost 4-1 to Spain in its first game only to edge Australia, and then collapsed against Ecuador. The team would then make it difficult for the host nation in the Round of 16, before bowing out 2-3.

Croatia was projected as the form team of Europe only to fall badly in group D, scoring two goals and conceding eight. Saudi Arabia was bookmarked to go home after the group phase but it was only unlucky against Brazil in the Round of 16.

England reached the Round of 16 without scoring a goal, but met a stronger side in the Flying Eagles. Argentina and Mexico predictably made it to the second round from group F, but the huge sympathy is for Egypt, which lost 2-1 to Argentina in the Round of 16 despite playing so well all through.

The bookmakers thought the Young Pharaohs would not be able to prepare well for the championship because of the crises that have been rocking that North African country for the past months. But the team showed steel and guts and our Olympic team must watch it against Egypt’s U-23 squad in the eight-nation tournament that will determine Africa’s flag-bearers at next summer’s Olympics.

French Treat…

The Round of 16 matches all went through to form, and the Flying Eagles will take on France tomorrow in Cali for a spot in the last four.

Just like we have been doing, the NFF has a special package for the players and technical officials and this will be disclosed to them just before the game.

With the caliber of players that we have, I have confidence that this team will be able to do Mr. President and Nigerians proud when it takes the pitch against the French.

France will not be a rollover, having emerged from the same group as the host nation. Following that 4-1 thumping by Colombia in Bogota on the first day of the tournament, the French team has improved, going ahead to dismiss Korea Republic 31 and overpowering Mali 20, before edging Ecuador on Wednesday.

Another Day In The Continent…

It’s another weekend of continental showdowns across Africa and our teams are very much involved.

Sunshine Stars of Akure, which has been having such a fine run that many would not remember that this is the club’s first time out, will take on MAS of Morocco in Fez while Kaduna United FC, with two points from their first two matches in the group stage, will take on ASEC Mimosas in Cote d’Ivoire.

In the CAF Champions League, Enyimba FC go up against Raja Casablanca of Morocco in Aba. For Sunshine Stars, it is a huge opportunity to put one leg in the semi finals, having won its two previous matches to stay comfortably on top of group B. Victory in Morocco will lift the team much higher with opponents struggling to catch up, and they certainly will not be able because these boys from Nigeria are determined to do something special this year.

Kaduna United Fc also warmed hearts with a 0-0 draw against Club Africain in Tunis two weeks ago, and they also must forget they are rookies here when they play veteran campaigners ASEC Mimosas in Abidjan.

Enyimba FC are no strangers to the continent and the challenge tomorrow is for them to snatch all three points against Raja to make things easier for them as they countenance a place in the semi finals.

The Nigeria Football Federation will continue to give all these teams the needed support to bring glory to our dear country this year.

Take Heart, Martins…

I was in London early in the week when a telephone call from the Chairman of Technical Committee, Barrister Chris Green (who is in Colombia) informed me that Nigerian international striker, Obafemi Martins, had lost his elder brother, Ladi.

The loss of a loved one is always so painful and brings so much grief. The Nigeria football fraternity condole Obafemi Martins and mourn with him on this occasion, while praying that God will grant him and other members of the family that Ladi has left behind prematurely the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

Hapoel Tel Aviv contract excites Igiebor

N

OSA Igiebor has left Lillestrom ,and penned a four-year deal with Israeli giants Hapoel Tel Aviv.

The 20-year-old Olympic National Team hero is excited at his new contract as he will be expected to pocket 150,000 euros (=N=30 Million) as annual

wages. As reported by Rome Blad, the transfer fee Hapoel paid for Nosa was 900,000 euros. Lillestrom have given Warri Wolves a certain percentage of Nosa's transfer fee.

Nosa, a central midfielder, was unveiled by Hapoel on Wednesday, after passing a medical.

Ajilore upbeat despite Brondby's FEMI Ajilore is not worried Poor Start after Brøndby's poor start to the season. He is hoping that the team finishes the season strongly. The 26-year-old central midfielder could make his league debut this weekend against SønderjyskE. Femi told sporten.dk. ''One should not focus too much on a bad start. The football season is long, and I expect Brondby to finish in the top.''

Meanwhile, Brondby

striker Brent McGrath has welcomed the signing of Oke Akpoveta, former Warri Wolves forward. ''We have a more attackers in the squad because Oke Akpoveta has appeared. He is a really talented and exciting player and I'm sure that it will only be able to make me even sharper,'' McGrath told Brondby's official website.

• Akpala

Orduspor track Joseph Akpala

N

EGOTIATIONS between Racing Santander and Club Brugge for the Nigeria international forward, Joseph Akpala appear to have stalled.

Akpala could have Turkey as his new destination. Turkish media reports strongly link the former Bendel Insurance forward with a move to Orduspor.

Orduspor have proposed a three-year contract for Akpala. But the snag is Club

Brugge require two-thirds of Akpala's transfer fee, and this has greatly upset the Turkish club.

Akpala is yet to feature in the Belgian League this campaign.He does not get along with his coach. Last term, Akpala was involved in an altercation with the Brugge coach after he was introduced as a second half substitute in the Europa League game against Dinamo Minsk.

Olubanwo Fagbemi

On Sport Sport On SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

36

e-mail: deewalebf@yahoo.com

N

Gov. Sylva means business with wrestling —Igali (1)

•Bassey etim of Akwa Ibom in red shorts and Muhammed Kazaureof Jigawa at the traditional wrestling.

PHOTO: Bola Omilabu

G

OVERNOR TIMIPREYE Sylva is a lover of wrestling, little wonder though he is a Bayelsan, the home of wrestlers in Nigeria.

In 2009, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation took the game home to the governor’s door-step when they kicked-off the first annual edition of the ‘Timipreye Sylva Classique’ and during that event, Governor Sylva charged the 1999 world wrestling champion, Daniel Igali who is also the technical adviser of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation to produce an Olympic gold medalist.

In this exclusive interview with FLORENCE NKEM ISRAEL, the 2000 Sydney Olympic gold medalist and the chairman, committee on sports Bayelsa state House of Assembly, Hon. Daniel Igali speaks on the preparedness of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation to actualize Sylva’s charge. Excerpts.

SOMETIME ago, you were charged by Governor Sylva to produce an Olympic gold medalist, how possible will that be at London 2012?

Two years ago, precisely December 2009, governor Sylva during the first edition of the Timpreye Sylva Classique gave ma a charge as the technical adviser of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation to produce an Olympic wrestling champion within the shortest possible time and since that charge, the first opportunity we have to test it is the London 2012 Olympics.

I have identified a few athletes and by this time, we are on the verge of gong to the world championships in Istanbul, Turkey which holds from the 9th to 17th of September, it will also double as part of the Olympic qualifiers, it means anyone who places top eight at the world championships will automatically qualify for the Olympics.

It’s a very golden opportunity and I feel that we have the materials to give it a push. I cannot at this point promise that we are going to win a gold medal because we have not put the blocks in place to achieve such but I have every believe that the athletes given requisite exposure have the talent and the wherewithal to make Nigeria proud

internationally.

What actually can it take to produce an Olympic champion?

It does not take one or two years to produce an Olympic champion, let me give a background of myself.

I went to Canada in 1994 and in 1996 while I was still in my early twenties, I was identified as a future Olympic champion. There was a four-year plan for me and a million dollars was allotted to me for four years by the Canadian government and so, money started going into the Canadian wrestling federation and I was able to attend whatever tournament I wanted to attend. I had a complete scholarship; I had a physiotherapist, a trainer and a doctor. These ensured that whatever happened to me, the government, the wrestling authority and the sports authority knew, and that is what it took. Four years and my progress was monitored very efficiently.

If I went to a tournament and won first round, lost second round and won third round, then we would have to find out why I lost and in the next tournament, we would improve on it.

We had a team that was going round even in tournaments that I didn’t go, to scout all the potential opponents in my weight class and I would watch

them. Essentially, what am saying is that it is a coordinated approach.

Olympic gold medals come very far and few by chance. It does not just happen and you can see that its not for lack of talent that Nigeria has not won many of them. Now, to get an Olympic gold medal in wrestling would require us to put enormous resources.

The time is short now and what I would be more comfortable with would be the 2016, after next year’s tournament.

We would need to invest about ten million per athlete. In that case, the athlete would be able to move, - out of the country for a month, in for two weeks and this would mean going with a physiotherapist, a doctor and obviously a coaching and technical crew to accompany the athlete and from now to the Olympics, I would want them to compete in about eight to ten tournaments and once we do that, we would be within the vicinity of winning medals – gold medals for now, I don’t know but if we can keep this programme to 2016, I don’t see why not.

Talking about ten million per athlete, how many athletes are you looking at for this Olympics? Any definite plan?

Right now, the wrestling federation has identified some athletes; we have about two males and four females.

If we can qualify four of them, we would go far. There are two in my opinion hat are medal bound if they compete. The only concern here is that they don’t have enough exposure in the various competitions that an athlete must compete.

I recall when I was identified as a potential Olympic gold medalist in 1996, a plan was laid out for me – in 1997 I was supposed to have fifty-five matches, in 1998 about fifty to sixty matches and within the range of forty to fifty in 1999 and it was how we went about it and I was competing everywhere. There were some that I lost that I had no business losing and there were some that I won that I had no business winning, but it all came together because it got to a time that I had to do it over and over – like my 1999 final opponent from the USA, I wrestled him six times before that time. I lost to him the first three times and beat him the last three times.

Sometimes you meet them for the first time and out of fright or respect, you lose.

The second time, you lose by a slight chance and the third time goes down to who wants it most. Athletes need that opportunity to compete round because all the more serious countries are at every tournament every international tournament, so you would get opportunities to meet them. And as long as you are progressing, you would get to meet the top names in your weight class and when you meet them once or twice, you don’t have any fear anymore – you can beat them. And this exposure is what my Nigerian athletes lack the most.

To continue next week

A test deferred

O ONE will be more relieved than Samson Siasia that last Tuesday’s international friendly between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Ghana’s Black Stars was rescheduled for October because of civil disturbance in London and possible repercussion at the Watford venue of the combustible fixture.

Days to the encounter, the Nigeria coach’s plans were in tatters.

Siasia endured the nightmare of key players withdrawing for reasons varying from visa problems to the usual ‘injury’ until Dickson Etuhu’s snub of a substitute invite amplified his predicament.

Troubled by his constant omission from Siasia’s selection since the former international’s emergence as national team coach late last year, Dickson rued inexplicable retrogression from mainstay under previous coaches Shuaibu Amodu and Lars Lagerback to squad reject. He vowed never to play under Siasia.

To be fair, having the athletic defensive midfielder play second fiddle despite featuring for Fulham, a top English Premier League club, while players from relatively obscure European teams made the grade begs an answer. Justification of the player’s position is evidently driven by the coach’s disposition.

No, Siasia’s excuse of trying out younger, inexperienced lads while there is still time before major championships hardly washes. On the bases of fitness, past national team performances and club form, including a prominent role in Fulham’s 2010 UEFA Cup final run, Etuhu deserves consideration in the new dispensation.

Fresh from the Osaze Odemwingie saga, Siasia will have to change tack. His cause will clearly be helped by ensuring that every eligible, experienced and in-form Nigeria-born lad covets a call-up.

As team boss, the coach really needs no intermediary to ease relations with Etuhu, or any other player for that matter. He also has to devise means of arresting match-evading antics common with prominent players.

He must make allowances for ankle knock, sore groin and twisted knee excuses before internationals, with the likelihood of affected players undergoing ‘intensive’ treatment from doctors so as to feature in high-octane club encounters days after. But the coach’s work is better complemented by officials.

Maintaining regular updates on players available for selection and determination of able alternatives for every position without recourse to favouritism and sentiment will prevent recurrence of last week’s imminent fiasco. Were officials more proactive, injury might have been the only critical factor in the build-up to the London match.

Nonetheless, bearing scars from consecutive losses in confrontations with Ghana and a FIFA world ranking at 43rd beneath minnows Burkina Faso, but buoyed by high-margin wins from recent friendlies, the Eagles soar to swoop another day. Until the West Coast score is settled, the 2012 Africa Nations Cup qualifier away to Madagascar on September 3 and a muchtouted international friendly against Argentina in Bangladesh three days after should do.

Everyone’s Flying Eagles PROGRESS in the 2011 FIFA World Youth Championship (WYC) in Colombia has seen John Obuh’s Flying Eagles morph into every Nigerian’s Flying Eagles. Supporters who doubted the team’s ability despite enviable second-place credentials from 1989 and 2005 have rediscovered voices subdued by lacklustre preparations for Colombia.

Few believed that arriving South America as reigning African Youth Championship (AYC) victors would count against perennial favourites Brazil and Argentina – the teams subsequently identified by Obuh as threats to Nigeria’s cup ambitions. Thus far, the team has come good.

Nigeria effortlessly topped preliminary Group D and nipped second round opponents England 1-0 to set up a thrilling matchup with European power, France, tomorrow. But the boys failed to turn domination into rout, managing to breach their opponents’ Spartan defence early in the second half.

Coming after 16 attempts by the Nigerians, the only goal put past the English by any team in Colombia hardly encourages hope of championship triumph, however. In view of possible emulation of Ghana’s triumph in the Egypt 2009 WYC, the team must improve on tactical discipline while retaining the passion and hunger noticeable in play.

The defence must be tighter and the attack more purposeful with wing scud Ahmed Musa’s excessive touch pruned for quicker and devastating assists and strikes. In linking defence with attack, the midfield cannot afford to be outmuscled on the ball as it unnervingly was in the 2011 AYC final against Cameroon.

Incidentally, the East Africans crashed out from the round of 16 alongside Egypt while the other African representative, Mali, crumbled in the first round, handing Nigeria Africa’s sole charge of a conquest in Colombia.

Overall, Obuh’s wards impressed. The Flying Eagles appear to have benefited from merit-based final selection and the coach’s commendable player-management skills.

Significantly, the team’s graduated approach from cadet level and heartwarming run against the odds have engendered elation widespread enough to suppress the age controversy that often attends Nigeria’s participation at international youth football events.

38

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

BACK STAGE

ZY H A picture

Ogbona Felifeli Dupe AYINLA

O

GBONA Felifeli, the movie started on a rather hazy note.

A father is seen struggling to make ends meet and to send his only daughter, Tinuke, to school with his worn-out tricycle, popularly called Keke Napep; yet his daughter who is in secondary school is seen wearing a nice looking braids. And then she comes back from school and he tries to cane her, but it's glaring that he's hitting the bare floor and this makes a mess of the whole exercise.

Also the part where Baba Tinuke is shown in the next scene making a call, and asking the policeman on the other end about update on their investigation into the missing Tinuke, when she hasn't been seen running away from home.

There was also the part of Murphy Afolabi, who is supposed to be in deep thought, but the rather long delay in his response to the house help, who was talking to him to come and eat, makes it look unreal.

W

HEN in 2004, Nigeria's first Reality TV programme, Gulder Ultimate Search, hit the airwaves, the accolade was about the first self-franchised local content with global appeal. And even though the genre of reality TV programming was first introduced in the 1940s, it did not gain global acceptance until 1999 2000.

Today, not only is a local content competiting favourably with other formats across the world, it has stood a test of time as the oldest and most consistent when put side by side its counterparts outside the billing of Nigerian Breweries Plc. In its seven years, the show has become such a hit, connecting with a large percentage of the Nigerian TV audiences, home and abroad.

What would the show be about? How will the events play out? Will this first attempt at packaging a Nigerian Reality TV show be a flop or will it succeed? Is it a promotional strategy by Nigerian Breweries to increase the sales volumes of Gulder beer? These were some of the questions that heralded the introduction of the idea and call for entries from the eligible public audience.

Seven years after, the answers to many of the propounded questions have remained largely positive. Quite expectedly, several reality TV programmes have been introduced on Nigerian television stations, but very few have staked so much prize money, logistic expenses, and media deployment achieved, let alone the successes recorded by the Search.

The uniqueness of this format is in its physical and mental demand; one often refered to as stretching man beyond the limits of his endurance. another distinguishing factor of the Gulder Ultimate Search is the adoption of adventure theme which, year after year, brings to mind the historical appreciation on the evolution, growth and development of the human race.

Interestingly, GUS remains one of the few reality TV concepts where participants are eliminated based on their inability to fulfill certain tasks, as against the prevalent norm where audiences determine contestants' fate by voting, mostly via SMS. The intrigues have included the adoption of a theme which the contestants are meant to solve, mysteries which when pieced together form clues that would lead to the discovery of the Ultimate Treasure. But in the cause of the adventure, human relations, level of hunger and environmental tolerance, management of human and material resources and other variables are put to test.

In the first edition held in 2004, the contestants had to search for 'The Legacy of Captain Kush.'

This treasure which had been hidden for centuries was however traced to a location at Snake Island, off the Atlantic Coast. It was the duty of 10 brave men and women, who were depicted as the descendants of Captain Kush, to unearth the treasure.

For 21 days, they toiled and had to overcome hurdles, which were designed to hinder them from discovering the treasure. Ezeugo Egwuagwu surmounted the challenges of Mother Nature and recovered the treasure. He thus carved his name in the Gulder Hall of Fame as the first 'Ultimate Search' winner, beating 9 other men and women to the crown. He was rewarded with N3 million for the discovery of the hidden treasure.

In the second season, it was the duty of the contestants to discover the Helmet of General Maximillian which had been 'lost' at the Obudu Hills of Cross Rivers State. Luclan Chambliss beat

Gulder Ultimate Search

Seven years of local format on global trail nine other descendants of General Maximillian to discover the lost Helmet after a 21 day search. His reward prize was N5 million.

The theme of the third season, held in 2006, was 'The Brewer's Secret.' Pharoah needed the secret which was traced to the unpredictable forests of NIFOR in the ancient city of Benin, Edo State. Six men and four women were chosen to discover the 'Brewer's secret' and gladden the heart of Pharoah.

After 21 days, Hector Jorberteh discovered the hidden treasure. His prize reward was N5 million.

Gulder also upped the ante by rewarding him with a brand new Ford Explorer SUV. By 2007, over 28,000 Nigerians applied for a highly coveted spot on Gulder Ultimate Search.

Regional selections were held in Jos, Benin, Owerri, Enugu and Lagos. Only nine contestants, of the lot were chosen to find 'The Golden Age' theme for the fourth edition. Legend had it that a land which once flowed with milk and honey had suddenly become plagued by famine and drought.

This was due to a disruption in the time-space continuum. Only a discovery of the Golden Age could restore the old order of abundance and plenty. The Golden Age was hidden in the Shere Hill of Jos, Plateau State. Dominic Mudabai discovered the Golden Age, thus winning the grand prize of N5 million and a Ford SUV. Of the 25, 000 people that applied to be a part of Gulder Ultimate Search 5, only 10 emerged as heroes of the order to discover the Lost Chronicle which was hidden in the difficult terrain of Awgu Hills, Enugu State. Michael Nwanchukwu emerged winner, winning a N7 million grand prize, a brand new Ford jeep and N500, 000 clothing allowance.

In thesame way, UcheNwaezeapu achieved fame when he found the Horn of Valour in MicCom Golf Hotel and Resort, Osun State. Last year, OyekunleOluremi emerged as the Ultimate Hero in the Ogun State Forestry Plantation. Both winners carted home N7 million cash, a brand Ford SUV and N500, 000 wardrobe allowance each.

Indeed, as Yusuf Ageni, Corporate Affairs Adviser of Nigerian Breweries, often says GUS “is a concept purposely created to promote the brand's values of confidence, discernment, focus, courage, determination and success.”

With this year's edition billed for the undulating plains and plateau of the Egbetua Quarter, Ososo Mountains in Akoko-Edo in Edo State, there is no doubt that according to the show's popular phrase, “contestants will be stretched to the very limit of their endurance.” Interestingly, this would be the second time that Edo state would be hosting the

show.

As usual, there is always a reason for choice of location and it is always in consonance with the theme. Thus, Ita Bassey, Senior Brand Manager Gulder, stated that the choice of Ososo for this year's event was hinged on its suitability for the direction of the show. He added that the Search concept had evolved to a concept that has attracted attention of all and sundry in the Nigerian society. “Gulder Ultimate Search has actually attained the status whereby state governments even invite us to come and stage this unique reality TV programme in their states,” he said at the press conference announcing this year's edition of the event. Could the Edo State government have invited the team to stage this year's edition of Ultimate Search in the state? Whatever the answer is, the show has consistently followed a pattern that is beyond individual or state's interest. Jungle Production, the company which handles the production of the format from inception, has been religious about the quality and suitaility of location for any chosen theme, and as much as the format is also meant to promote some of the beautiful tourist sites in Nigeria, there must be a meeting point between the offerer and the offeree.

Unlike previous editions where twelve contestants competed for the prize, the number of contestants has been widened to 30. Bassey stated that the number was increased to create more fun and excitement. Apart from the excitement the competition is guaranteed to generate, the financial reward that is being dangled before the contestants is a big incentive for people to participate in the event.

Emeka Eguagwu, the first ever winner of the Gulder Ultimate search went home with N3million prize money in 2004. Over the years, the prize money has been increased to N7million cash along with a brand new jeep worth N10m.

In addition, the grand prize winners are also given N500,000 wardrobe allowance. While the second to 10th placed winners win cash prizes ranging from N2.5 million to N500, 000; the remaining 20 participants will receive N150, 000 each. Also with a special cash award of N1million to the last girl standing, there is no gain saying the reality show is the most expensive in the country.

As another edition (Contest of Champions) hits the aiwaves in September, it is hoped that the company that is investing so much to bring entertainment and reward to young Nigerians is achieving the required positioning for its brand.

39

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011 •Continued from Page 22

When we came to Nigeria 18 years ago we did not have reliable data to know what the size of the market was. But with what we have done with our products, not only has it increased our market share, it has grown the market many times. But my belief is that it is nowhere near where the potential is and we will continue to grow the market.

We started with powder milk but have added liquid milk, and we are already projecting to build another factory because we have run out of space here. We are already planning to build another factory in another part of Nigeria which will not only enable us to do our existing business better but enable us to go into new things; things that will actually be grown in Nigeria.

Can you please explain more on the new factory and the plan to grow your market share?

Our new product will be based on an agricultural product which is grown in Nigeria: Soya beans.

This will improve the nutrition of everybody in this country. If you are already eating beans, then you should be familiar with soya. Soya is one of the most nutritional vegetables. It has the same nutritional content as meat. It can be sold one third the cost of meat.

We have already done a market test in Kenya where we taught the people how to grow the right variety of soya. In fact, five minutes ago, I was showing Keith the picture of one of the farmers standing in front of the farm of soya. It is a fantastic product which he never thought he could grow before. We introduced the right variety and we guaranteed the price for him, and he is now making money.

The interesting thing about Soya is that it is a very viable crop. If you grow Soya this year, you can grow maize or any other cereal the following year. So, for the farmer, it is an incredible crop and it is good for everybody. If it is good for everybody, it will improve the nutrition of the country and the agricultural industry, and it will be a win-win situation for everybody.

The factory we are planning to set up in Nigeria is going to be huge. It will be four or five times the size of the business we have now. We are not sure where it will be. We are talking to various states and we want them to encourage us to get the best of arable land where we can site it.

Paul, my son is responsible for putting the people together. We will transfer the expertise to the farmers. So, in the next 18 months, Paul with his team, part of which are already in Nigeria, will organise the farmers and set up the farm.

What’s the financial projection of your new investments and how can Nigerians tap into this opportunity?

We are planning to do an initial public offering (IPO) next year if the market condition works.

Promasidor Nigeria will do an IPO next year and the funds will be used to build the new site. We are already talking with some state governments to find a site for the factory. We cannot put a number to the cost of the new factory at the moment, but we are doing the research. But it will be a huge factory, a major investment.

What are your strategies for coping with intense competition in the food and beverages market?

We are very happy to have competition. Competition grows the market. We cannot expect to have

‘We are planning huge investments that will change the face of Nigerian food and beverages business’

• Rose

100 per cent of the market; it is not healthy. We got to be better and our market share is growing. We have an expression here: the reward for hard work is more hard work. But we have changed that to more better hard work. We have to be on top of the operations to give better value for money. We are doing extremely better and we are looking for ways to better the lot of our customers. Whatever it is, we’ve got to do it better.

What’s the position of Nigeria in your African operations?

Our biggest market is Nigeria

because you have more people than any other country in the continent. You have a population of about 150 million, and at the moment, we sell to about 600 million people in Africa. So, Nigeria in our minds will always be 25 per cent of our business. Nigeria should be the biggest market for us. It is a wonderful market but it’s been neglected over the years.

How do you source your raw materials and what are the opportunities for local contents?

When it comes to milk, it is a very specialised industry. It requires

huge investments in dairies. So, we introduced milk here because there is no large industry and you have a large population and to have milk that can meet the needs of the population is just not possible because what you have are small packets of milk plants. They are very small. South Africa has a very large amount of suitable dairy but don’t have enough milk and therefore they have to import milk.

It is just not practicable for Nigeria to efficiently grow its own milk.

At best, it could meet three to four per cent of its dairy requirements.

‘ competition. Competition We are very happy to have grows the market. We cannot expect to have 100 per cent of the market; it is not healthy. We got to be better and our market share is growing. We have an expression here: the reward for hard work is more hard work ,

So we said what is the best way of supplying the milk needs of Africans? We had to visit some countries of the world. At the moment, we get most of our milk needs from New Zealand. Why New Zealand? Because in both Northern and Southern Island of New Zealand, they have good rainfall and can actually grow crops better and cheaper than most countries of the world. So, they have bigger cows that can produce milk.

New Zealand can grow milk and cow at probably a quarter of the cost at which it can be done here in Nigeria. And the climatic condition is conducive for the cows there. So, the climatic condition encourages huge quantities of milk production.

The plant where our milk was produced last year has become the biggest in the world. It has three towers and one produces 30,000 tons per hour of finished milk product. The other two produced 23,000 tons each per hour. So, all together it is 76,000 tons per hour.

To produce this quantity of milk, you need 760,000 tons of fresh milk per hour coming in to be processed, and the plant works 24 hours a day and gets cleaned two or three hours every three days. Besides this, you have trucks and cranes and all other things a company needs to supply milk. So, milk processing is a huge operation and capital-intensive.

Only 20 per cent of this can be supplied locally. So, we can supply the milk needs of this country much cheaper than we can possibly do if we have to do it from here.

Therefore the cheapest way to feed the population of Nigeria with milk product is to take it from the most efficient market of supply and land it here at a cheaper price.

But we try in all ways we can to source materials that we can locally. That’s why we are investing in the Soya business, where Nigerians can be the main sources of the raw materials and we transfer expertise and funds to assist in the growth of the local agricultural sector.

Looking back at the point you started, has Promasidor Nigeria realised its objectives?

Not only have they been met, they have been far exceeded. It takes time to build an organisation and build the people in the organisation. Promasidor (Nigeria) Limited was set up as part of our African dream of making milk available to the continent, following successful incipient operations in the DRC among other African countries. The company has been operating here since 1993. Over the years, we have achieved tremendous growth and have also reached out to the Nigerian people in many ways. One of the many things we are doing here, which you are quite familiar with, is the Mathematics competition, which is a significant commitment. We are planning to upscale it to the whole of the continent, where all African countries will compete, including Nigeria. That will be highly interesting.

40

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

M

ARRIAGE is a very sensitive in stitution. In mar riage, every little thing matters. From the way spouses welcome each other back home after a hard day’s job to the way they say good night. From the way wives and husbands address each other; to an issue as minute as thanking each other after a meal.

A man ought to shower his spouse with compliments, making her feel like a queen at all times. In return, a woman should always treat her man as if he is the only man in the room; treating him like; ‘oh king! Live forever! Those little gestures go a long way to spicing a marriage.

But the focus of this piece is on the ideal way for couples to sleep; whether it is desirable for them to share the same bedroom or not.

Sharing the marital bedroom and sleeping on the conjugal bed is usually an important part of my idea for a perfect marriage. Ironically, however, things are fast changing, because according to a research finding; some couples who have healthy and loving marriages do not even share the same bedroom, yet they are happy.

A particular couple claim that the reason why they sleep better is because they share separate bedrooms. Sharing a bed with someone who snores, has restless legs, brings work or food to bed and watches the TV till the early hours is difficult. To have a good night sleep is not only Dear Vera, I really agree with you. There is a saying that “If any woman dies because of a man, several men will pass on her burial ground.” There is this guy I dated for almost seven months in my church, he started behaving funny, complains and talks to me anyhow. When I discovered he was angry because I refused to have sex with him, I had to let him go, because I was yet to meet his parents and I didn’t want to risk being used and dumped, obviously he was not ready.

Now, I just have to re-brand myself and move on with my life.

Adeyemo Funke •What on earth will make one take one’s own life? I think those who do that are cowards.

They lack the courage to face the realities of life. Such persons neither believe in themselves nor have fear of God. Nobody or circumstances can make me ever think of that.

Emma Shakespeare •Loving someone shouldn’t be a do or die affair. The beauty should not be the ultimate, actually, I don’t advocate beauty.

But genuine love should be based on issues.

Jide Obokun, Saki •I quite agree with you, nobody is worth taking our lives for. Marriage is not all about producing children, some families crumble after having so many children. Please marriage/relationship needs good understanding to survive along with patience and tolerance which is very far in most families. Again, couples need to be careful, whenever you experience disappointment in your relationship, please put yourself together and move with your life. I repeat, nothing is worth taking our lives for, I believe there’s a man for

About couples’ and separate bedrooms… essential for a person’s well being, but it can also reduce the daily tensions that a couple could find themselves enveloped in.

A person who has had a refreshing night sleep is ready to face the day in a good mood and cope easily with the everyday vicissitude.

Another reason why couples sleep in separate bedrooms is that it affords them the privilege of breaking the routine.

Having separate rooms allows the couple to be in need of each other, making the time together more enjoyable. The scenario painted is that it should not just be a matter of a wife going to her spouse’s room for a “quickie.” No, it means the wife would start thinking about how to go about it; how to lure her partner to her room.

You prepare yourself for the encounter; you bathe, shave, cream, perfume; it becomes like a date where you want to every woman.

Charlse •There is no gainsaying that your write-up is touchy. I believe that those who delve deeply in love without working on their emotion must learn a lot from today’s teaser.

Bravo, keep it up.

Segun Makinde, Ibadan •Re-love is a game…play to win, Vera, your socio-psychological narrations and guidance are appreciated and indeed very useful for both the youths and elders today, and the future, especially when one recalls the past. I agree in all entirety to your love being a game…play to win. One hopes today’s youths are reading and listening!

Lanre Oseni • So sad that same people that have kissed as if they want to cut the tongue, now turn against each other. If any woman refuses you another woman is ready to go with you.

Femi Ajibola Osogbo •Honestly, I like your own perception of life and I like your own philosophy about life too. Love is really a game, we are all playing it. Although we play to win.

Tayo Agbaje, Garki, Abuja •You’re a great asset to our generation, please keep it up.

Ikemesit from Uyo •You are a terrible person, anyway I like your write up about the boobs truly it is an asset, but please advice your fellow ladies not to misuse it by displaying it any how. It is against our culture and religion as Africans.

You make me laugh my head off!

Bukkar •Your piece ‘Love is a game’

look your best to leave a longlasting impression.

Another surprising reason given by couples sleeping in separate bedrooms according to the research finding is that it gives them the opportunity to recover some of the freedom of being single. The claimed that having your own private space can make you recover your own self since you don’t need to think about the other person when you are there.

(But is this not risky?) They also claim that having a private space at home could be very relaxing. Respecting each other’s taste and having the opportunity to decorate their own rooms to taste, is also a form of love. (Really?) They also claim that having separate bedrooms makes them love each other the more.

Staying in separate rooms has become to them a pleasure, not an obligation. You sleep

with your partner because you want to.

However, sleeping in separate rooms leads to the disappearance of spontaneous sexual encounters.

You should sleep in the same room with your partner whether he or she snores or not; that is why it is called marriage; it is a union, be reminded that it is ‘for better for worse,’ besides, physical connection is very key in marriage. Cuddles, touches, companionship etc should come naturally and not only when one of the spouses feels for such.

Sometimes, sleeping separately could lead to problems in marriage. This can be the case when partners are avoiding spending time together or having different expectations. According to Weiner-Davis, a marriage and family therapist and author of “The Sex Starved Marriage,’ “if couples are sleep-

Text messages

ing apart all the time; it can create problems, if one person thinks that isn’t how a marriage should be, it’s a problem.”

Clinical psychologist Dr. Joy Browne says “Sleeping together is important because it is about being together as a couple, it is a statement of compromise and also gives one the chance to at least cuddle, and there is that closeness.”

Pepper Schwartz agrees that couples who find each other moving apart may have “a troubled relationship.”

Generally speaking, married couples may find sleeping in separate beds or separate rooms an effective way to handle different sleep patterns, snoring or tending to young children. Partners must ensure that communication lines and intimacy are not negatively impacted by the separate sleeping arrangements. I encourage married couples to sleep together on same bed in same

Re: Love is a game…Play to win is a beautiful one. Truly no man/woman is worth dying for. The ‘players’ will never change. So why not forget about that player and move on with our life? As for me, my life is so precious, I can not and will not lose it because of anybody.

Moses Efe •Love is a game—Vera, you are the bomb with all your write-ups. In life whatever happens that we feel is not expected or not favourable, although not always easy but rather than quit or do something bad as suicide, see it as God’s new beginning in his divine intervention from some unforeseen troubles.

Princess.

If I were to be a man, I would be a womanizer, thank God I’m not. As a woman what I admire most in the female is the breast and clean legs, please give the women folk more of this, we need it.

Evangelist Okoye Richard •Killing or starving myself when a lady breaks up with me is out of the exudation. I will move on with my life and take time to seek for better partner that knows what love is.

Botdey hye Crown •Today write up is an experience one, love is a game…play to win, I will advise any one found him/herself in such should not lose hope, if your spouse divorces you, don’t hide your feeling, share your problem with people and seek advise, because the more you speak out, the more your heart will be free.

Debo, Imagbon •From the inception, I absolutely understood that there

is someone for somebody for somebody in life especially in marital aspect. Broken courtship or divorce is not the end of life, life still continues, God is love and I know that there is a true love. More power to your elbow.

Adesoji Kenny, Ibadan •Thank you mummy for your counsel, keep it up. My prayer always is that “God give us virtuous mothers”. We need mothers like you. Keep shaping the world with your advice/counsel. We shall help unveil them to those who have no access to newspapers.

Aker Taver •Love is really a game, everyone plays to win, but like you know one can not hope to win all the time, that is the Olympics spirit, same thing as

room. As a matter of fact, many marriage experts believe that sleeping together could keep a marriage healthy.

Couples should do whatever makes their relationships work. Some people like to sleep with the lights on, while some like to sleep with the lights off or at least a little dim, this is where the issue of compromise comes in.

For most couples who sleep apart; it is a practical decision.

They know they will never get to sleep with their partners in the bed due to snoring, restless legs or opposing schedules, many couples have submitted that rather than suffer through the effects of sleep deprivation, separate bedrooms allow them the opportunity to rest well.

In my growing up years, I saw my parents share the same bed all through. We lived in a three bedroom apartment; I never saw them or heard them suggest sleeping separately, no matter what. I conclude by asking again; is keeping separate bedroom for a husband and wife an ideal thing? the spirit of fair play losing a game might be very painful but as you rightly observed life goes on. And since not all relationship ends in marriage, the fact remains that, there is always somebody for everybody that a relationship fails does not mean a better suitor will not come by, be one a man or a woman, one should just be mindful of how much one is emotionally attached to a relationship. If love is indeed a game, then every one of us must always remember you win some and lose some, a loser today will win tomorrow if the errors that accounted for the initial loss are adequately addressed. Why must any one terminate his/her life because of a ‘failed contract?’ forgets the leadership crisis in Nigeria, the state of insecurity across the globe as well as the poor economic situation, life is sweet.

He who fights and run away, lives to fight another day.

Remi Adesina

•I just finished reading your piece for this weekend. It’s a master shot! Love is truly a game. But one sex can’t be winning all times, if it happens, then there would always be an exit. People involve should always look @ 50-50 situation.

Catch you on the spot next weekend, you are doing a great job.

Jerry •You are a great asset to this generation, keep it up. Love is divine, not a game. When you fail in love, you offend in all things. Think before you rush into any serious relationship.

Lust is not love and love is expressed in difficult times, and accept all faults.

•L-R: akirudeen Kuti, the Elewu of Ewu, during MAF's widow empowerment programme in Lagos

Saturday

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Profile Partying Happenstances Style

SOCIAL SCENE

SPECIAL

41

I've never seen it as a disadvantage that I don't have a male child -Olisa

Agbakoba

Saturday

42

SPECIAL

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

With KAYODE OLANSHILE-ALFRED E-mail:kayflex2@yahoo.com TEL:08035733605

ife w d e g n a r t s e , o Edoh s p i h s n o i t a l e r w in ne t been he last has definitely no Frank , ple cou y iet soc heard of nk, the Fra and Katherine Edoho. hor of anc e tim allwinsome presenter and e, mm gra pro iz qu MTN-sponsored TV d to sai is re, nai llio Mi a Who Wants to Be ful uti bea beyond have found love again Katherine. ir crashed When the news of the back, not a few of ile wh a marriage broke insisted there was no their friends and fans it turned out to be iota of truth in it. But attempts made by s the truth and variou associates to reunite and s nd concerned frie cessful. While they the couple were unsuc harbour any hatred both professed not to ame clear that the bec it for each another, good times were over. ication that Frank And there is every ind th his life. The wi has already moved on rounds is that the g kin news currently ma has captured the anchor of WWTBAM dependable source another fine flower. A eat as Sandra rtb identified his new hea ther and mo gle sin a Onyenaucheya, . ker ban erstwhile c sojourn in the Currently on academi tty lady was said to pre United Kingdom, the ently to see Frank, have visited Nigeria rec culations regarding further confirming spe In fact, he is said to Frank's new love life. dra's visit in the UK. San have since returned e-sided affair as But it has not been a on be seeing someone she Katherine too is said to icated that much on also really loves. She ind nged her status from Facebook when she cha “in a relationship.� being married to being

T

It's marriage season for the Abachas

F

or the family of the late maximum ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha, it is a season of marriage. At present two of its members are delving into the nuptial waters.

The story making the rounds is that Mohammed Abacha, a former governorship aspirant on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Kano State, has taken another wife.

Incidentally, his sister, Zainab, who was previously married to Senator Dalhatu Tafida, was joined to another man just a few days after her brother's Fatiha.

The puzzle, however, is that Mohammed's new wife is allegedly one of the ex-girlfriends of his brother; a speculation that has raised a lot of dust within the family. His first wife, Fatima, a lawyer who is already heavily pregnant, was said to be unaware of her husband's latest move.

Members of Mohammed's immediate family were said to have expressed displeasure with the new union. Those who should know further informed that people like Zainab Abba and her mother did not attend the ceremony because they were opposed to the union.

This was in contrast to his sister's wedding, which was said to have been endorsed by the family, even though it was low-key.

The groom, Yakubu Lado, a former governorship candidate of the CPC in Katsina State, was said to have won the hearts of the Abacha family with his performance while he was a member of the House of Representatives.

Where is Faysal Harb? b?

I

lorin-based socialite and businessman, Faysal Harb, is currently out of circulation; a development that has led to speculations about his whereabouts.

The Chairman of Bulletin Construction Company once regarded as a party freak has taken a back seat to the amazement of his fellow high rollers. At a time, he bestrode the social scene like a colossus. Indeed, no party was complete without his eminent presence. He made a statement at all A-list events and was always a force to reckon with.

His absence became conspicuous at the inaugural graduation ceremony of his wife's school, which took place on Friday, July 22, 2011. His absence set many tongues wagging, especially since his daughters Evelyn and Helen Harb were among the graduating students, and other members of his family were in attendance.

Many believed he would show up for the love he has for his children if for nothing else. But he was missing in action. While some say he is out of the country, others claim he is under the weather.

Whatever the case may be, his wife, Jumoke Harb, looked quite radiant and happy.

But the question was asked repeatedly: where is Faysal Harb?

Basketmouth gets baby girl

C

hildren are said to be God's own gift to mankind. And one individual who would readily attest to this is Bright Okpocha, popularly known by fans as Basketmouth. The talented comedian is currently exuding whoops of joy as God's blessing has come to his turn.

On Friday, August 5, 2011, his wife, Elsie, put to bed at 11:50 pm at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, Woodstock, Georgia, United States of America.

Basketmouth was in Nigeria at the time the baby arrived, and he was said to have received the news with great joy. He immediately joined his family in the United States.

This would be the couple's second baby since they got married in 2010.

44

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

He had an amazing kind of metamorphosis, transmuting from a Biafran soldier during the Nigerian civil war between 1967 and 1970 into one of Nigeria's most respected lawyers. Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), speaks to CLEMENTINA OLOMU about the phases of his life, his marriage activism and issues of national importance.

‘My experience as a Biafran soldier made me a better person’ •Agbakoba

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HAT was the greatest challenge you encountered when you were President of the Nigerian Bar Association?

It was running the conference. The NBA is the largest organisation of lawyers in the world. When my daughter got married, to show you the types of challenges we have in Nigeria, I could not find a hall to sit one thousand people. There was no international conference centre then. It is now we have places that could take two to five thousand. But then, there was none. I asked myself, where I could sit 15,000 lawyers. There was no conference hall. That was my main challenge. Most of the lawyers had to stand during the conference.

Some blamed me. But it was an issue What does your life as an activist mean to you?

It is simple: where the spirit takes you. It wasn’t anything that was huge. It just flowed.

I know an employee who has worked in your organization for more than two decades and some others who have been working with you in the last 10 to 15 years. How were you able to retain them for that long?

Ask them. I don’t know. I’ll be the last person to describe why they are still here. I must be doing something right and encouraging.

You are a grandfather and you have not stopped talking. What is the source of your strength?

It is because I see that our problems are not big problems. If it was big problem like sending a man to the moon, I would have said yes. If it is those small things that are not being done, I get very crossed. But I just can’t help myself but to keep on talking so that Nigeria will be an exceedingly great country if we get it together.

In what way has your wife contributed to your life?

She is strong, a good domestic woman, a strong Christian, and she also knows what it is to stand behind a man. Those are the values she brings to the table. She knows my capability.

She does not put pressure on me. She is not concerned with what I’m doing so far I’m

doing it right and have the faith, trust and strength that I’m doing the right thing. I feel all her support, and these are some of the things that drive me.

When I was doing human rights, I had enough problems from the military dictators. She never once said this is too dangerous or I should not do it again. When you say there is a woman behind the man, she is.

Before you got married to her did you see all these qualities in her?

Yes, absolutely. I did What attracted you to her initially?

She is very beautiful. And what about her being attracted to me? Why must it be the other way round? If you ask most women this question, they will deny it.

At what point in time did you make up your mind that this is the woman I’m going to marry?

I didn’t have any one else Why? My upbringing was very tough. We were five boys and one girl. It excluded a female environment. The university gave me the stage to operate freely. But today, I can say that I can operate with or without females. Luckily, I have three girls. So, it expanded my contact with them. But I’ve always been a man, who, even from where I came from, understood the inner strength of one’s home.

Apart from your wife, what qualities would attract you to another woman?

Intelligence; and this is very crucial. A woman should understand how to use her brain, not beauty, although beauty helps.

Physical attributes are important to complement your intelligence, but it’s also important you have character. When that happens, I’m very attracted.

You are a grandfather and still looking very young. What is the secret?

I look after myself.

Which of your kids has taken after you?

They’ve all got different personalities. The first is a lawyer. She has five degrees. She is

full of energy and enthusiasm. She is intellectually driven. The second is very creative and she has a lot of my human rights flavour. She has a numbers of non-government organisations ( NGOs). One is called Do Something Positive.

She likes business. The last is very retrospective.

She is quiet. She is doing clinical psychology.

She has an overarching introspective flavour, which she took from my father, mother, my wife’s father and mother, my wife and me.

At what point in time did the issue of a male child come up?

It never did. A child is a child. I don’t even see it is a disadvantage. I don’t see it at all.

Did you at any time look for one?

Why would I when I have three girls, two grandsons and a girl. What else do I want?

Were you a stubborn child when you were growing up?

Yes, very stubborn. But I knew my mind What did you do wrong to actually draw tears to your mother’s eyes?

(Laughs) When I wanted to join the Biafran Army, I made myself available to be conscripted and I saw my mother looking for me. So, I dodged. I knew it was something that tore her apart that I was going into the army. But the experience of joining the army helped to shape me.

What was the experience like?

As a soldier what do you do? You fight.

And I ended up in prison.

Why A t that time Biafra was beginning to dissuade and my father and others were tired of running. When federal forces were coming to a town, they started by pounding the territory. So, I have what they called 108 kilometre gun that travel about seven miles. What the federal forces did was to first pound the territory before they come in, so people were always running. Some would run into the bush. The man who captured Zakori was one Major Bako, who later died in one of the coups. Major Bako’s father was my father’s clime, and Asika was the administrator of Enugu, which was known as the protected areas of Biafra.

They were looking for manpower, Igbo manpower. My old man’s capture was a major clue for Nigeria. He became the first chief judge of the state. Unknown to him, I was in Biafra, seen as a rebel. If you had dealings with Nigeria and you were in Biafra, you were labelled a saboteur, particularly in Onitsha where I come from. The people were seen as special because the late Owelle of Onitsha, Dr. Nmadi Azikiwe, had switched to Nigeria. My old man was there too. That was how I got into the prison and I was detained under Biafran State military detention.

Also in my detention camp was Prof. Chike Obi, Dan Ebekwe , who became the Supreme Court judge. All these gave me the experiences which later saw me through in life, especially my human rights activities. At the initial stage when I got to prison, people were dying.

What is your take on the issue of minimum wage?

My take on it is very funny. When I go to a party and the party is not well organised, there is a lot of food but people are not eating, because the organisers have not taken the trouble to plan the party properly. The food is not distributed and the drinks are not cold because the party planner has failed to invite an events manager.

Nigeria is so interesting and it represents a number of critical issues. We are the sixth largest producer of crude oil, but we can’t refine it. So, we buy refine petroleum yet we have it locally. It is these policy failures that make government to spend a lot of money.

Government is wasting so much money on ill-conceived planning processes. We spend N1 billion a day importing rice; N1.5 billion a day importing fertilizer among others. The amount of money we spend on imports makes us penniless. By the time we spend all our money importing things, we would not be able to pay anybody.

The problem is not that Nigeria cannot pay, it is that we have a mixed up planning policy where we waste our money and we can’t pay people.

You sent a proposal to the National Assembly. What was it all about?

My proposal to the National Assembly is that Nigeria was not efficient. It is too expensive. Nigeria is spending far too much money on few people. When I studied what government was doing, I discovered that out of 150 million Nigerians, government is spending 90 per cent of our money on about five per cent of the population. And I said what is wrong? I discovered Abuja is doing too many things inefficiently. The 36 state governors are not doing their job because other people are doing it.

Take power from the centre and give to the state governors so they can also be busy. Take some money from the centre and give to the governors so they can also develop, because governance at the latter level is about development. I come from the South East and ours is an absolutely forgotten zone. No roads, no infrastructure, no access to anything. Crime rate is high because government has practically failed. And the reason they are not doing very well is because the Abuja process undermines the governors.

How would you score the National Assembly?

They can do much better. Don’t forget that there is a perception that the National Assembly is corrupt. There is nothing like perception. If people perceive that you are like this, you need to correct it. The National Assembly needs to deal with it. Whether the perception is right or wrong, they need to understand that Nigerians feel that all they do is to take our money. The National Assembly needs to improve more.

Looking at eventsin the judiciary, from the Economic and Financial Crimes

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011 Commission (EFCC) celebrated cases to the issue of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Justice Salami, would you still say the judiciary is the hope of the ordinary man?

It is.

But many people are of the opinion that the judiciary has actually failed the ordinary man…

It is not the issue but the process. Everybody believes that a public servant is corrupt because of what we have seen generally, like Dimeji Bakole’s case. He may not be as liable as you think, because when a man takes a loan, it is not a criminal offence. Running a place with a loan is not a criminal offence. Taking an overdraft is not a criminal offence. This shows you the attitude of our criminal law enforcement system. If the EFCC can charge Dimeji Bankole from what I have read, unless there is something else, that is a waste of our resources.

The problem is not that the CJN and or Salami are doing things that undermine the judiciary; the real issue is that we don’t have this perception in our heads as Nigerians that if we do badly, we will get punished. So, you find that we are always looking for a way to get around it. I was in Abuja recently and there was a traffic jam and people began to climb the curves because there was no one to beat their heads the way the former Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir Ahmad ElRufai would. That is why I like him, in spite of what people say are his misgivings. He looked at the Abuja master plan, he saw that this is water, electricity or phone, etc. All the big men obstructing the master plan, he pulled their structures down. We know there are sacred cows; the rule of law can be subverted and thwarted if Mr. B or A is a big man and is involved.

Why is it that each time we believe we have men of integrity in power and people are beginning to look at them as role models, there is always a revelation that brings their integrity to question?

First is the biblical saying that says you should not put your trust in man but in God. So, you never can say for anybody. You can never speak authoritatively. See the scandal that surrounded the Wiki Leaks issue, the Managing Director of the IMF, the current scandal in the English media over Robert Mudock and phone hacking. What one can do to curtail misbehavior is to have rules. One of the oldest rules is the Ten Commandments.

Once you have those rules, it will be enforced.

People have a perception that if rules are not enforced they can get away with their misbehavior. So, if you are a senior government official, the likelihood is that if you do something bad, nobody will bother. So, a lot of these big men who then see big money fall into the temptation because they don’t see anybody looking at them. The only way to overcome the problem is not to over-rate certain people as the best of all. Instead, give them the rules and regulations.

In advanced countries, there are many strong institutions, independent and well trained police and so on. This alone tells you that if you put your hands in public money, before you bring it out, you are caught. But the reverse is the case here.

The CJN has called for quick dispensation of corruption cases, why do we still have prolonged cases in the courts?

Is it in criminal cases or generally?

Both.

I wrote an article in the newspaper a while ago, saying exactly what you have said; that the confidence of the people in the courts is waning, and I thought that what was important was for the court to keep abreast of issues in the most modern way of delivering justice. Our model is too old, too majestic, where judges wears wigs and gowns and stay very high up. There is too much ceremony. If you go to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, you will see seven distinguished and eminent judges sitting. It is like a ceremony. But in the English Supreme Court, the hall of the Supreme Court is small, so that they are able to deliver justice in a very efficient manner. We need to have a revolution in the judicial sector. That was what I said at the last meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); that we need to persuade our judiciary to do something very quickly if we want the people to regain confidence in us.

You were one of the four people nominated for the chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Do you think you would have done better than Prof. Attahirru Jega?

This is an unfair question. It would be unfair for me to say yes. Jega did splendidly. But I would not say that I would have done better.

•Agbakoba

That will be theoretical. Did I do it? I did not do it. I’m happy that he did a great job. If I was there, I’m sure I would have done a great job, but I would not say that I would have done better. I think what is important is that Jega did very well.

You have drawn the attention of the media to the possible way forward between the National Institute of Maritime Safety and Administration (NIMASA) and the Ministry of Transport. What is your story?

As an expert in shipping consultancy with over three decades of experience, I am saying the maritime sector is a rich sector that contributes a substantial amount of money to the national economy. But because of failure of planning, the sector is not doing as well as it should. And I picked on the cabotage legislature and the war between the Federal Ministry of Transport and NIMASA, and I felt that moving forward, it is important that the shipping sector plays a major role in the process of transforming Nigeria. But to do that, we have to understand who does what.

Nigeria’s problem has always been everybody wanting to do the same thing. The

Ministry of Transport in this process should focus on policy work while NIMASA should focus on regulating. The key concern I have here is, how is it that the 1,000 nautical miles of Nigerian waters is dominated by foreign vessels when we have a local law on carbotage?

Nigerians cannot get in there because the Minister of Transport is busy writing exception and waivers to foreign vessels in a way the acts do not permit.

How can Nigerian operators return to that primary position of getting national treatment so that shipping can be part of the development process?

I advocated that the Ministry of Transport should deal with shipping policy while NIMASA deals with regulation, implementing and enforcing carbotage , the shipping policy act and the local content act. I’m also asking for a ministry of shipping technology because it is so vital to the Nigerian economy. Shipping ought to contribute N7 trillion a year, which is twice the current national budget. Such an important sector of Nigeria should have a ministry. If ICT can have a ministry of

‘

If you had dealings with Nigeria and you were in Biafra, you were labelled a saboteur, particularly in Onitsha where I come from. The people were seen as special because the late Owelle of Onitsha, Dr. Nmadi Azikiwe, had switched to Nigeria

’

communication technology, I think shipping is bigger than ICT or trade and investment, which have been carved out as a ministry. I suggest that shipping is so important that it requires a policy regulator under the minister of shipping.

Taking the corruptive attitude of the people in power into consideration, do you think the N7 trillion would get into the coffers of the Federal Government?

That is another question all together. That means the Federal Government needs to have a strong anti-corruption mechanism. It is because the anti-corruption mechanism is weak that you have the high incidence of corruption. If you don’t have a high law enforcement strategy, people will misbehave.

In my office for instance, if I tolerate noise, there will be noise. But if I set the rules and regulations to say this can’t happen, then it wouldn’t happen. The reason why Nigerians in public service are so concerned about stealing money is because it is so rampant. If you transfer money to an agency, whether it behaves well or not depends on whether the anti-corruption drive of government is weak or strong.

What do you think has not been alright?

Enforcing the laws. I hope you know that there are about 5,000 foreign vessels on Nigerian waters. What is not alright is that they are allowed to come here unlawfully. The law recognises that foreign vessel can come in two ways. When we identify that there is a gap, foreign vessels are allowed to come in to fill the gap or when foreign vessels want to work with Nigerian vessels, they form a joint venture and come in. They come in unlawfully either by waiver of the minister or friends or associate of the minister. But what is happening now is that the bulk of foreign vessels in Nigeria are operating illegally. That is what is wrong.

If the law is enforced, it would mean that Nigerians will have the possibility of owning vessels. If a Nigerian gets a contract, the banks will bring the money, because they know there is business. But now that foreign vessels come and do the work, the banks are not looking at Nigerians. They will ask where is your contract.

When the policy environment is right and the environment to regulate and implement the carbotage is right, what will follow will be uplifting the actors in the shipping sector.

President Goodluck Jonathan has announced his transformation chapter. He says he is not interested in any point agenda, that every sector is important. I will encourage both the Minister of Transport and the DG of NIMASA to present to the President an agenda to transform shipping. Top on the list will be enforcement of carbotage laws to the point where no foreign vessel will be allowed in without a licence. What I expect to see is that the transmission agenda of the government agencies is enforced.

How would you score President Goodluck Jonathan?

It is too early to score him. He has just started.

In terms of what he is likely to do, I’ll like to say that when I ran for the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), it was my solemn duty to understand from day one that I had two years. So, I started counting my 800 days. It is important that if you have public assignment, you hit the ground running.

Jonathan needs to absolutely take advantage of the four years. There was a slow start. The ministers are now in place. Each minister has got a mandate to deliver. Jonathan has set the enabling environment. They will settle, announce their transmission plans and there’s hope that we will start seeing results. I would say from a low average start, it has picked up a bit. I will now put it at about 50 percent. We need to see what the ministers are going to do.

What we all want to see is for Nigeria to work.

Do we have the right people in place?

It is difficult to say whether the ministers are good or bad. Unless you see something happen, you can’t judge. I can say there are a couple of ministers who impressed me from the background they’ve come. Others I don’t know.

One has to see what they are going to do.

What is important is that Jonathan has given them a transmission agenda. I’m impressed with the plans of Mr. Olusegun Aganga, the minister of trade and investment. He spoke about creating four million jobs over the next four years. That is a plan. And he correctly identified, for the first time, that it is the small man that drives the economy. The old policy has been picking on the big players, but what drives a country is the small business. As the Minister of Investment, he is focusing on the right set of people who need to be encouraged to produce. He has come to the table with the right agenda. I admire Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

But whether we need her in the context of where Nigeria is today is opened to debate.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Evergreen little dresses N

O self-respecting fashionistas should be without versatile, timeless and sexy little dresses(LD). It is the ideal wardrobe staple of stylish ladies who know their onion. Whether it is a formal or informal event, a well- chosen little dress will never let you down! And with a simple seasonal update of accessories, it is a look that never fades.

•Joke Silva

•Stella Damasus

•Model

•Funke Olayera

Business side of fashion

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•Mrs Bamitale Kevin-Agono and Mope Abudu

N opportunity is now here for fashion designers to learn the business side of fashion and be better equipped to grow their companies into brands.

This call is from the Business Side of Fashion whose aim is to prepare young designers with less than three years of experience and others with more than three years tagged Generation Next and Next Level respectively to access the Bank of Industry BOI Garment and Textile funds.

This was made known by Bamitale KevinAgono, the originator of the BSOF and Mope Abudu of Nextzon, the support group that will make sure the interested business owners are trained to access the funds.

Kevin-Agono said the BSOF academy was inspired by a desire to uplift the players in the industry to compete globally.

She said, “This year,there will be a zonal competition at Lagos , Abuja and Port Harcourt to identify Generation Next and Next Level designers.

“The designers in the Generation Next category are businesses which have been in the industry for three years or less and/or have funding requirements of less than N5million, while Next Level category is for businesses which have been in the industry for three years or more and/or have funding requirements of more than N5million.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Spice up your look with a jacket T

HE quickiest way to update your party frock is to throw a tuxedo-style jacket over the dress or top. You can get the A-list look with a fitted black or coloured jacket, depending on your combination power.

As the fashionistas below show, blazers and tuxedo-style jackets complement trousers, skirts and gowns perfectly.

•Ex-MBGN, Omowunmi Akinnifesi

•Uchenna Agbo

•Tejumola Oyelakin

48 NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Ado-Ekiti in festive mood for its New Year Day Ado-Ekiti, capital of Ekiti State, was throbbing with festivities last Saturday when the ancient city marked the yearly Udiroko, the traditional new year day. Sulaiman Salawudeen reports.

W

ITH the hype that presaged a day which traditionally marks the beginning of the year for Ado townspeople, what came as a consequence at the Udiroko festival last Saturday at the Palace of Ewi of Ado, Ekiti State, could not have been any less either in the huge turnout of the people or the sequence of admirable events that made the day.

Early signals came of the special event that was to unfold as a noticeable presence of pockets of security officers, including regular and mobile policemen, alongside stern looking officers of the Army mounted guards at strategic spots particularly around the palace. Intermittently, they were seen on furtive surveillance and reconnaissance moves about immediate areas that border the palace.

Although movement was free, the Ojaoba market, just opposite the palace closed for the day. As the day wore on, vehicular movement around the palace, especially between Post Office and Ojaoba end of the stretch became difficult arising from vehicles which were compelled to choose roadsides as temporary park spaces.

As early as 10 am, indigenes who were eager to be part of ‘the new year day’ had started moving into the palace. By 1 pm, all that could be distinguished as space, including the amphitheartre located within the precincts of the palace and the sprawling enclosure had been filled to capacity.

Amid intermittent booming of cannons were chants of rich Ekiti dialect songs and various dance forms that told really of how things were in ages gone by.

Indigenes of the town from far and near appeared in their numbers, richly attired in coloured Agbada and Sokoto and Iro and Buba, depending on whether it is male or female, beaming smiles and exchanging pleasantries. The Ewi busied the royal horsetail which he waved back and forth in welcoming response to subjects that streamed into his domain to savour the day.

Prayers and benedictions soon followed from the ancestral throne of the Ewi himself for obedient subjects who took turns to pay homage, kneeling, prostrating, assuming whatever form and shape that lent eloquence reverence to the revered ancestry of Ado-Ekiti, as symbolised by the Royal Head of the ancient enclave.

It was a day not only for indigenes of the town to pay obeisance; it also offered equal opportunities to people of other ethnic groups to show appreciation to the traditional head of a town which has offered them not only livelihood, but for many even the opportunity for procreation as allowances were made for intermarriages.

Some groups that took turns to pay homage to the Ewi were the Baloguns (Warrior Chiefs); the Egbe Omo Ewi and past and present wives of the kings of the Ado kingdom led by Olori Bosede Adejugbe; while an all-female traditional police of the kingdom, named Olopa Ile Saruku and Olopa

•Oba Adejugbe (left) performing a rite on the occasion

• Dr. Fayemi, Mrs. Olayinka, the governor’s wife, Bisi and Mrs. Laoye-Tomori

• Some members of the Egbe Omo Ewi at the festival

Ile elejoka, thrilled the audience with mock parade.

The entire area appeared festooned in various richly embroidered traditional clothing materials while carved or molded idols that must have survived the millennia dotted strategic spots within the sprawling space, perhaps offering sentinel services to mortals of the earth.

The festival attracted indigenes from within the country and beyond while dignitaries equally graced the occasion in solidarity with a day that comes once every year.

Addressing dignitaries and participants at the event, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III, called on his subjects to join hands to undertake crucial economic and political problems confronting the town.

Oba Adejugbe, who noted that there is need to develop agriculture to enhance industrialisation, also called on the state government to ensure this was achieved before long.

The Oba urged the gathering to make generous donations for the development of the kingdom, including the completion of the open

•Senator Ojudu

air amphitheatre under construction.

He said: "My people of Ado Ekiti, I implore you to let us rise to confront the serious economic andpolitical problems staring us in the face. Every town around us is working hard to excel; Ado people should shake up and work to justify the leadership position that God has conferred on us. In a world of competition, no one can afford to lag behind.

"It is high time we realised that there is immediate need to improve upon our agricultural productionin order to pave the way for industrialisation. There can be no industrialisation without surplus production of raw materials", Oba Adejugbe said.

Governor Kayode Fayemi told the gathering and the people of the state that the face-lifting going on in Ado-Ekiti is neither punitive nor vindictive, but an effort at making the state capital worth its name.

He noted that the ongoing Urban Renewal Project is a must to ensure that Ado-Ekiti wears a look which befits the capital of a state.

He said: “This is a necessary move that all of us would be proud of at the end of the day”, adding that it is the intention of the government to make the pains as minimal as possible.

Fayemi said that government had concluded the first phase of work on Ikogosi Warm Spring Project, which was intended to serve as majot tourist centre for the state, noting that the next work was a consolidation of the project through a Public Private Partnership Initiative.

He explained that an indigene of the town in person of Alhaji Jinadu Ayodele, had been appointed as Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism for the purpose of actualising lofty dreams of the administration for the tourism sector Also, President of Ado Progressive Union (APU), Alhaji Saka Gidado, appealed to the state government for the provision of new sets of transformers to be able to put to maximum use the 133 KVA transformers at Omisanjana, Ado-Ekiti.

The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism noted that the prime purpose was to turn the event into a commercially viable yearly enterprise, noting that Udiroko was a traditional festival that had lived so many ages.

He said: "Udiroko is the first day of the year. It started several centuries ago. It is a period when all groups, farmer, traders, blacksmiths, soldiers, including sons and daughters of the kingdom came together to felicitate with the Ewi on a successfully completed year.

"However, it goes beyond dancing and singing. The plan is to apply the Udiroko festival to engage our cultural sector meaningfully and economically. You are aware that tourism is a component of the state government's 8-point Agenda.

Few of the dignitaries who attended the grand finale of the Udiroko festival included the deputy governor of Ekiti, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka and her husband; wife of the governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, deputy governor of Osun State, Mrs. Grace Laoye-Tomori, founder/financier of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and Chief Alex Ajayi, the Odoba of Ado Ekiti, Chief Anthony Ajisafe Falana, Mrs. Sonoiki; Chief Olu Ogunremi; Prof. Eddy Olanipekun and Chief Ajisafe.

Others were the former deputy governor of the state, Chief Paul Alabi, Chief Olugbayo Ogunleye, Chief Lawrence Ogunleye, members of the state executive council, traditional rulers, prince and princess and various communities resident in Ado-Ekiti.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

•Some art works at the bank of Osun River

Photos: Okorie Uguru

Osun set for tourism revival I

T has been asserted many times over that of the failures of many Nigerian leaders at various lev els, the failure to turn the nation’s immense natural endowment to prosper its people is probably the worst.

In the case of Osun State, it baffles the informed why a state that is the cradle of the Yoruba race should seem to be operating in relative obscurity and poverty, in spite of its rich culture and monumental potential in the tourism sector. For eight years, before the coming of Mr. Rauf Aregbesola as the state governor, Osun was virtually a shadow of itself, especially in terms of tourism development and hospitality business, despite its natural endowment which includes various exhilarating sites capable of generating multi-million dollar revenue annually.

Thankfully, the Aregbesola-led administration in the state is taking bold steps to reinvigorate the sector and make it a major revenue earner .

In his election manifesto to the people of Osun State before the 2007 election titled “My Pact with the People of Osun State”, the governor stated that his vision for tourism in the state was to make it the hub of attraction on the continent.

Six months after, the governor has made good his government’s commitment to turning the state from being a smaller player in the tourism industry to one with an aggressive tourism drive by setting up a special team made up of experts in

their various fields to ensure that his vision becomes a reality.

The team set up to draw a blueprint for the revival of the sector, in its first media parley, revealed the lofty initiatives that will facilitate the revival of the state tourism sector, make it the core of attraction around the world as well as a medium of industrialisation for the state. The leader of the team, Engineer Abimbola Daniyan, disclosed that the team had concluded work on moving the state tourism sector from its present cottage subsistence level to an industrial one.

According to him, the state governor had always marvelled at the degree of connection that blacks all over the world have with the state being the cradle of the Yoruba nation. Yet past administrations had not been able to exploit such a great advantage for the benefit of the state and its people.

The team’s initiatives include projecting the rich culture of the people beyond the shores of the country to the living rooms of blacks in the Diaspora, using the talking drum (gangan) as a point of connection between the natives and those away from home. The drum, according to Daniyan, is to show that it talks because the people have a voice inside their body. The team also emphasised its resolve to involve the public by capturing their interest through various branding and marketing activities, such as branding of cars, couches, clothing

etc. Food vendors would also be involved after going through all the necessary training process of standardising their services to meet the international standards being worked towards. This would not just be to stimulate their interest, but to enhance commercial activities among the residents and boost their revenue generation power.

Schools in the state would also be integrated in the project. This, according to the team leader, would make the youths embrace

tourism as part of their lives.

He said, “In line with the vision of Mr Aregbesola to internalise culture among the youths in the state, one of our goals is to carry the younger generation along in the process of revitalising tourism by reawakening culture among the teeming young population in the state and safeguard the future of our tourism and numerous cultural heritage” Indeed, it is not an overstatement if it is said that the cultural rich-

ness of the state is unmatched anywhere in Sub-Sahara Africa and professionalising the sector would generate job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the state. Also, commercialising it would encourage private organisations to partner the state in developing it to a world class centre of attraction within the shortest possible time. This is what the team is trying to achieve within the Continued on Page 50

•The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun flanked by his chiefs and representatives of corporate sponsors of Osun Osogbo festival after a stakeholders meeting in his palace... on Thursday

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Osun set for tourism revival Continued from Page 49

first two months. Daniyan disclosed that the team is working on establishing a modern tourist’s information centre at Oke-Fia in the state capital which would be the hub of information for everyone who wants to keep abreast of cultural revolution and the latest development in the state’s tourism industry.

As part of the team’s resolve to kick start its activities with this year’s Osun Osogbo international festival, it has christened it “Festival of Renewal” and tagged it “OO-fest” which would be the best ever celebrated. A film titled “Ebun Osun” would be premiered to coincide with the festival. The film, which features renowned Nollywood stars, would be used to project the festival internationally and also tell the story of the people and their beliefs, as well as the significance of the divinity of the Osun River and its place in the Yoruba nation.

In a bid to give the festival a facelift and institutionalise tourism in the state, a new logo, comprising of Ori Olokun cowries inside the map of Osun State and a bamboo tree, has been un-

veiled to showcase not only the rich cultural heritage of the state, but also show its intuitive technological awareness.

Besides, before the commencement of this year’s festival, facilities at the venue of the grand finale would be given a facelift through public private partnerships to give the people and the festival itself a befitting international recognition it deserves.

Unlike in the past, roads would be constructed and some renovated to allow for easy accessibility, an effective crowd management plan would be put in place and a special platform would be put in place for dignitaries, parks would be provided for cars and security of officials and participants at the festival would be given adequate priority.

Besides the revival of the sector, the state government’s intention is to improve its revenue base by N7.5 billion by 2015. According to deputy governor, Chief (Mrs) Grace Laoye-Tomori, “Our target is to bring in 4,000 tourists from the Diaspora in 2012 from which we hope to realise N1.5billion. In 2013, we hope to increase the traffic to 10,000 and rake in N3.6 billion. By 2014, the figure

would jump to 15,000 and our projected revenue would be 5.6 billion. In 2015, we would have hit the 20,000 mark and attain N7.5 billion in revenue.

“This projection was made on the rate of $2500 per tourist, but it is hoped that this would increase with improved services and goods.

Our unique selling advantage is in packing Osun State as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation and our target market is the Yoruba nation at home and the Diaspora.

There are estimated 91 million Yoruba people scattered at home and abroad in West Africa, Brazil, United States, the Caribbean, Europe, Venezuela and Colombia.”

She further disclosed that the government of Mr Aregbesola’s tripod stand approach to building the industrialisation of Osun State has tourism, agriculture and solid minerals as the legs on which it is working.

She remarked, “As you are all aware. We have gone far on the other two legs, and this is how we intend to start on the third leg”.

The tourism potential in Osun State, according to her, is limitless: It is home to many indigenous towns

Erin-Ijesha Waterfal

and villages that boast of existence of more than 500 years and many of them are more than 1000 year old, adding that these historic legacies come with a rich culture, history, monument, artefacts and legends. There are not less than 63 tourist centres and monuments in Osun State from which the Osun grove has been designated by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Indeed, since Osun is the

Kehinde FALODE: 08023689894

This snack is popular in Nigeria and West Africa. It is usually served on social occasions like parties. Also, some people consider them a main dish, but most see them as an appetizer.

Dough ingredients: •All purpose flour (4 Cups) •Butter or margarine (3/4 of a stick or 3 – 4 Oz) •Eggs (2 – 3 eggs, optional) •Salt (1/2 – 1 tablespoon) •Cold or cool water (3/4 cup) Filling ingredients: •Meat (2lbs, I used minced beef) •Seasoning cubes (to taste but 1 bullion should be enough) •Potato (3 – 4 preferably non-sweet small to medium sized potatoes e.g. Irish potato) •Curry (to taste, optional) •Pepper (to taste) •Salt (to taste) •Any other spice you may like to add (to taste, optional) Preparation For filling •It is usually better to start with the filling first before you work on the dough. So on to the filling.

•Put the minced meat in a pot on medium heat over the stove, at first just add the seasoning cube(s) and salt to taste.

•Wash the potatoes, peel off the skin and dice into little cubes less than less than 1/2 inch in length.

•Next, put some water into a pot and leave to boil. Then

add the diced potatoes and a little salt to taste.

•The potatoes should be fully cooked in under 15 minutes because of their sizes.

Drain the potatoes and add the cooked minced meat.

•Now add the other ingredients like pepper, curry and any other spices you choose to use.

NOTE: While cooking the minced meat, there may be a lot of oil produced by adding the potatoes a lot of the oil will be absorbed by the potatoes.

The potatoes may start to have a texture like mashed potatoes.

While there is nothing wrong with this, try to still have some whole potato chunks in the mix. You can do this by splitting the cooked diced potatoes into two parts, mix the first part with the cooked minced meat

thoroughly and add the second part later (mixing just slightly).

For the dough •Into a bowl add the flour and salt and mix thoroughly, add the butter or margarine.

Mix well until butter blends into flour mix.

•Take one of the eggs and separate the egg white from the egg yoke. Keep the egg white aside for now. (NOTE: The egg white is used to give the meat pie a shiny gloss finish – i.e. aesthetic reason. So don’t worry about this step and the next step if you are not using eggs) •Add the other eggs to the one yoke beat and add to flour mixture. Finally, add the cold water gently and slowly, then mould until you get a thick mixture

be involved in the whole process to demonstrate its seriousness, it has also accommodated many serious partners and stakeholders in the initiative. When this initiative by the Aregbesola-led administration is fully implemented, tourism will not only boost the economy of the state by providing jobs, empower families and increase the government’s revenue base, it will project Osun State in positive light as a topmost global brand.

Nutritional and healthy value of eggs

Meat pie Foluke ADEMOLA

spiritual home of Yoruba people, tourism can, therefore, be built on the concept of home return for them.

Government’s approach according to the deputy governor would be integrated, from the packaging to marketing, including the integrated development of hospitality industry and the provision of goods and services and strengthening security in the state. The government has not only signified its intention to

•All together now break off a small piece of the dough and flatten with a rolling pin. Add the filling and then seal up the whole by folding one end of the rolled out dough against the opposite end. You can use a fork to seal off the edges.

•This is just a beauty thing, but you can also use a fork to poke holes onto the top of the pie. The idea is not to make an incision that goes all the way through the top dough because the filling may try to get out during baking and mess up the beauty of the final product.

•Repeat above 4 processes until either dough or filling is expended. Now use the egg white and a brush to glaze the top of the meat pies. We are now ready to bake. Pre-heat the oven to 400F. •Put meat pies in oven and allow to bake from 12 to 20 minutes (watching for brownness).

Once done, take out of oven and allow to cool.

Serve with some kind of refreshing drink.

Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse providing 11 different vitamins and minerals, high quality protein, healthy fats (including omega-3) and important antioxidants. Along with their nutritional value, eggs are tasty, convenient, versatile and good value for money making them an excellent inclusion in a well balanced, healthy eating pattern. Below are few tips: • It contains most of the recognized vitamins with the exception of vitamin C. The egg is a source of all the B vitamins. It is a particularly rich source of vitamins B12 and riboflavin (vitamin B2) and a useful source of folate.

The egg is also a good source of the fat-soluble vitamins A and D and provides some vitamin E. • People with a risk factor for heart disease often remove eggs from their diet, but cholesterol is necessary for life, and it is not a toxic substance. Cholesterol is divided into two types. Good cholesterol is High-density Lipoproteins (HDL), and bad cholesterol is Low-density Lipoproteins (LDL). Eating eggs enriched with omega-3 might actually help to lower LDL levels.

• Eggs are the perfect food for dietiers. The protein factor makes you feel full after eating them. As a matter of fact, eating just two eggs in the morning has been known to reduce caloric intake by up to 400 calories, according to the Rochester Center for Obesity in Michigan.

• Many reports about eggs contradict each other, but saturated fat is what contributes to excessive cholesterol, and eggs only contain 1.5 grams of saturated fat and 5 grams of the right kind of

fat you want to ingest. For healthy hair and nails, eggs provide sulpher, vitamins, and minerals. There’s no doubt that eggs are a dietary staple if you want.

• While eggs are a great source of protein, they also provide other health benefits.

Because egg yolks contain the antioxidant lutein, you get a built-in safeguard against damage to your retina. Lutein in eggs stops any inflammation of the macular pigment which is what protects your retina from harmful light rays.

• Eggs contain many of the minerals that the human body requires for health. In particular, eggs are an excellent source of iodine required to make the thyroid hormone and phosphorus required for bone health. The egg is a significant source of selenium, an important antioxidant and provides some zinc, important for wound healing, growth and fighting infection. Eggs also contain iron, the vital ingredient of red blood cells, although the availability of this iron to the body is still being investigated.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

NTDC boss hails NASCOM initiative

T

HE Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation has said that the Nigeria Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) is the most important committee in Nigeria today.

Commending the idea during a visit to the tourism village in Abuja by members of the committee led by its chairman, chief Segun Odebgami, a former Green Eagles’ Captain, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe said the inauguration of the committee “is what Nigeria needs at this time.”

He said the committee had a very important role to play in curbing youth restiveness and other social vices occasioned by mass unemployment, stating that youths needed an avenue to channel their energy positively and that the committee presented the opportunity by virtue of its mandate, while assuring of NTDC’s maximum support.

Commending President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on whose directive the committee was inaugurated and empowered, Otunba Runsewe suggested that a national council of sports should also be set up and championed by the committee, noting that countries like Ghana, Mexico, Taiwan and even Togo have made similar moves in the past to salvage their sports sector with remarkable results.

Otunba Runsewe also recommended that the national sports council should categorize sporting activities into elementary, medium and high grades stating that the focus was to achieve sustainability in the sector.

Speaking further, the NTDC boss said, “I’m happy that Nigeria has de-

L-R: Otunba Segun Runsewe DG (NTDC) giving a locally made Souvenir bag to Chief Segun Odegbami, MON, Chairman Nigeria Academicals Sports Committee while on courtesy call to Tourism Headquater recently.

cided to wake up from her slumber. We do not need to fight crime because we really can’t. Rather what we need is reorientation because there is a disconnection emanating from the massive support foreign football teams get at the expense of our local league.

“I must also say that I am indeed happy that this committee will expand the scope of sports promotion to include other sports apart from football and ,therefore, we need total support for this committee from all stakeholders by way of adequate funding”.

On his part, Chief Odegbami revealed that the committee, which was inaugurated in April this year at the instance of Mr. President whom he described as a lover of sports, had been doing a lot of groundwork ,noting that the scope of agenda was expanded to incorporate several sporting events like football, track and field, ten-

nis, basketball, amongst others.

In his words, “On April 11, on the directive of the President, Dr. Jonathan, the board of NASCOM was inaugurated by the Hon. Minister of Sports with the mandate to revive the tradition of Academicals Sports in all Secondary Schools in Nigeria.”

Adding, “The board has since commenced work. It is interesting that in the course of designing a masterplan for the project, we arrived at the conclusion that our work will be incomplete without your active collaboration and participation.”

Chief Odegbami also said the youths “were the focus of the committee because they constitute 65% of Nigeria’s population and these are within the academic area noting that the mandate remains to address the issue of youth in Nigeria with regards to sports .We have to look at sports beyond

sports with a view to creating employment within the sports industry. We also have to enlighten Nigerians about sports economy because sports can arrest youth restiveness, while eradicating poverty by empowering people. We, therefore, hope for a commitment from the NTDC to support the NASCOM and what it hopes to achieve” Speaking further, the former national football star disclosed that the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Mr. Edem Duke, had earlier embraced the committee, expressing his belief in the committee’s ability to make meaningful contribution to sports and tourism development in the country.

Chief Odegbami thanked the NTDC helmsman for hosting the delegation, observing that it was, “a great experience visiting the NTDC with its visionary, eloquent and ebullient leader”.

Lagos Airport Hotel intensifies effort to lift the less-privileged

T

HE management of the Lagos Airport Hotel has intensified its efforts in making life more comfortable for the less-privileged.

The hotel, which is one of the companies under O’dua Investment Group, started a scheme to assist the less privileged about three years ago.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the hotel, Mr. Kayode Adenigba, in an interview in Lagos, said the organization considered it part of its social responsibility to help the less-privileged.

He said: “We donate useful materials to the lessprivileged.We do this to ameliorate their suffering and make them happy.This is a means of giving back to the society.”

Adenigba said apart from the materials donated, “the hotel gives out food items to the orphanages and old people’s homes.Whatever we have that we think are of benefit to them are given without hesitation .

He said it was necessary for organizations in the hospitality business to make impact on the community.

He said apart from Lagos Airport Hotel, the headquar-

Gbenga ADERANTI

ters does the same.

“There is a box called the charity box where people drop their donations. At the end of the month, all these donations are collected and taken to orphanages. It has been our system .We believe this is what we can do to assist the less- privileged.

“The response has been encouraging. The Little Saint Orphanage and Lagos State Old People’s Home have been beneficiaries of the gesture,”Adenigba said.

He advised those who have the means to make the less-privileged people happy to do so.

“Though we are happy to help the less-privileged in conjunction with other people, it is the main responsibility of Lagos Airport Hotel to assist them,”he said.

While admitting that the outfit does not discriminate on where to channel its charity, he maintained that places like Little Saint Orphanage are those they have been able to identify around them.

“We believe they need the items we send to them. We can move to other organizations, depending on when we identify them. It is important that we give them one by

•Adenigba one, if we want to do so,” he said.

While he would not disclose how much it has cost the organization to help the less-privileged , he maintained that “most of the materials are picked from the hotel’s stores. Don’t let me put it figure, but it is much.”

He said he did not make the gesture public before

now because “when you’re giving out something, you don’t make a noise about it.

You don’t make a noise about giving something to the less-privileged. You give it from your mind. We just felt we should tell the public what we’re doing in a small way. To us, it is not a big thing. We want to encourage others to do the same.”

IGI partners IPA on travel insurance

I

NDUSTRIAL and General Insurance (IGI) Plc, Nigeria’s foremost insurance company, has signed a partnership agreement with renowned global travel and health re-insurer, Inter-Partner Assistance (IPA), a subsidiary of Paris-based AXA. The partnership, which took effect from August 1, involves IGI and IPA providing insurance cover and reinsurance respectively to boost the worldwide travel experience of travellers, especially to Schengen countries.

IGI’s Executive Director, Special Risks, Mr Sina Elusakin, explained that the new arrangement aims at improving international travel and health insurance services to travellers as well as making world class insurance services available to Nigerians.

“In line with the Schengen Consulates’ requirements, minimum cover for expenses incurred on account of illness, accident, medical care and possible repatriation is C50,000 (N11,000,000).

“Benefits to be enjoyed by policy holders under the IGI/IPA Travel and Health Insurance Partnership include payment of medical expenses; payment of emergency dental expenses; repatriation of mortal remains; research and replacement of lost luggage; advance bail and legal costs as well as medical emergencies/medical transportation,” Elusakin said.

He noted that IGI had been providing travel insurance services to clients going to Schengen and other countries since 2004 in partnership with Sirius International. “With effect from August 1, however, our travel insurance certificates will carry the new IGI/ IPA partnership logo,” he said, adding that “With the new partnership, all approved IGI agents can log on to the IGI website (www.iginigeria.com) to conduct travel and health insurance transactions on behalf of their clients.”

SUDOKU Welcome to SUDOKU, the captivating and engrossing numbers logic puzzle popularised by the Japanese.

The idea of the puzzle is to fill the grid of 81 cells divided into nine 3 x 3 boxes, such that every box, every row, and every column contains the numbers 1-9, each number appearing only once in each box, row and column.

1ST STEP IN SOLVING PUZZLE 323: Look at the bottom horizontal (GHI) 3x3 boxes. The right box has 3 in cell Gh, while the middle box has its 3 in cell He. The left box must, therefore, have its own 3 in row I, where there are 2 vacant spaces - cells Ib and Ic. But, since column c already has 3-in cell Fc, the only space available to accommodate 3 in the middle box is cell Ib. SOLUTION TOMORROW. HAPPY PUZZLING!

52

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

The place of the in-laws!

D

EAR Reader, I feel delighted to welcome you again to this superb column. What I will be focusing on this month is what I call, The Place of In-Laws. As you follow up with rapt attention, it shall be to you a turning point maritally in Jesus’ precious name.

Most of the challenges we see in many homes today are not directly between the wife and her husband, but between the in-laws and one of the spouses. Members of your extended family are your relations, not members of your immediate family. Priorities need to be ordered right.

Struggle to get out of bed this morning?

You’re not alone. Chronic tiredness is one of the most common reasons people go to their physician.

At any time, one in every five people feels unusually tired and one in ten has prolonged fatigue.

Of course, feeling exhausted or run down could be down to the breakneck pace of our 24/7 lifestyle, which can play havoc with sleeping patterns.

But, adds Professor Steve Field, a Birmingham Physician: ‘Doctors must not exclude the possibility of serious illness.’

Being tired could be due to an underlying medical problem, such as undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, cardiomyopathy or an underactive thyroid.

He explains: ‘Tiredness itself is not an illness, but rather will be the symptom of a condition — whether it’s physical, psychological or social.

‘But if this doesn’t appear to be the case, it could be that being tired is due to an underlying medical problem.’

•Tired, weak and breathless, other symptoms: Swollen ankles, feet, legs, stomach and veins in the neck; chest pain after heavy meals or exercising.

Possible cause: Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle. This causes the heart walls to thicken, particularly in the left ventricle, which is the main pumping chamber — as a result, the heart stops pumping blood effectively round the body.

‘As the heart muscle isn’t working properly, there is less oxygen circulating around the body, which is why the condition causes such tiredness,’ says Robert Hall, a cardiac nurse and medical director of the charity Cardiomyopathy UK. The condition can be inherited, or triggered by heart disease or even an infection. Around 125,000 Britons suffer from it and, untreated, it can be fatal.

Treatment: Drugs known as ace inhibitors improve the symptoms by relaxing the blood vessels, improving blood flow from the heart. Betablockers can also reduce the heart’s workload and increase its efficiency.

•Foggy, dazed, groggy feeling other symptoms: Dry mouth, constipation or diarrhoea.

Possible cause: Many people think allergies such as hay fever cause fatigue but, in fact, what makes sufferers tired is their anti-histamine medication, says Barry Kay, emeritus professor of allergy and clinical immunology at London’s Imperial College.

‘These drugs act on receptors in

The number one rule that is of relevance here is that, as a bornagain Christian, you owe your inlaws a godly attitude – as you do anyone else. This doesn’t disregard the veracity that if your in-laws are “difficult” people, controlling and manipulative, or don’t share your faith, this may be a particularly hard challenge.

Certainly, your in-laws are not just anyone. They’re connected to your spouse through a psychological dynamics. So, if you have any form of disagreement with your in-laws, your spouse may feel caught in the middle between parents and you.

If, for instance, you sense that your in-laws are interfering into your

marriage, the old saying, “Good fences make good neighbours,” may apply. In conformity with your spouse, set coherent boundaries, such that your spouse kindly and firmly insists that your in-laws respect these boundaries.

God’s Word says: Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee (Exodus 20:12). That is to say, honouring one’s parents necessitates showing them love, patience, kindness, gentleness and respect. This is applicable to in-laws, too. You are obliged to choose to act in a loving manner toward them.

For instance, you might decide to adopt their tradition, if it’s not really against your faith, despite the fact that you don’t really admire it, but for the sake of peace. Fully partaking in family event is also relevant, even if you have to create time out of none to do that.

Remember, once you are married, you have automatically become part of another family, with its own set of prospects. Therefore, you need to be familiar with and reverence those within limits.

Briefly, let’s examine three limits that honouring your in-laws do not mean: First, it doesn’t necessitate “conforming” to all their “parental” requirements, which, in some cases with some in-laws, may get pretty fanatical.

Second, it doesn’t entail that you must permit them to disrepute, control, or influence you for their own self-centred motives.

Third, it doesn’t require that you inundate all your own feelings, desires, preferences, and needs in the service of “doing things their way.”

In-law discrepancies often grow more intimidating, when a spouse seems to take sides with his or her parents and against his or her partner. The partner may feel “ganged up on.”

This isn’t so much an in-law problem as a marital one. There’s nothing more devastating in marriage than for either partners in marriage to be tied to the apron strings of his/her parents. For every small decision to be taken in the home, he or she says, “I am going home,” because he never left home in the first place.

Don’t let your relationship with your in-law erode your marriage further. Do the healthy thing required of you to give your in-laws their place in your home.

Until you are born again, you cannot effectively acknowledge the place of your in-laws. You get born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you are set for this, please say this prayer: Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know I am born again!

Congratulations! Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: E-mail: faithdavid@yahoo.com Tel. No: 234-1-7747546-8; 07026385437, 07094254102.

For more insight, these books authored by Pastor Faith Oyedepo are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all the Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, and Success In Marriage (Coauthored).

Why do you feel so tired?

There could be a serious illness behind your exhaustion the brain that make you feel sleepy.

‘That’s why it’s vital not to give children some of the so-called older generation antihistamine tablets for allergies at exam time.’

A 2007 study by the charity Education for Health found that nearly three-quarters of students taking hay fever medication could expect to drop a grade in their exams.

Treatment: Older forms of antihistamine, such as Piriton, though highly effective at treating allergies, are more likely to make you feel tired.

‘Newer drugs such as Zyrtec or Claritin have a less sedating effect,’ adds Prof Kay. •Tired and weak, with aching muscles Low testosterone, caused by a condition known as hypogonadism, affects about five in 1,000 men.

Other symptoms: Loss of body hair, loss of bone mass (leading to fractures), loss of libido and difficulty concentrating.

Possible cause: In men, the trigger could be low levels of the male hormone testosterone. When levels drop, it can cause a loss of muscle mass, so the sufferer would feel tired whenever they do any physical activity, says Dr Mark Vanderpump, consultant endocrinologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London.

Low testosterone, caused by a condition known as hypogonadism, affects about five in 1,000 men. The cause isn’t known, although it can be genetic.

Treatment: It’s rare to reverse the underlying cause, says Dr Vanderpump. But it is possible to have testosterone replacement therapy to revert the symptoms and restore muscle strength.

•Physical exertion an effort; creeping fatigue Other Symptoms: Increasingly tired over time; slight sight problems, thirst and passing more urine than usual; frequent infections, cuts that are slow to heal, numbness or tingling in hands or feet.

Possible cause: Undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, which affects around one million Britons. It can be triggered by obesity, which may explain why patients feel so tired.

‘If a person is unfit, everything they do requires more effort,’ says GP Professor Steve Field.

‘They may be eating fatty foods and not exercising, and that makes the body feel tired.’ Fluctuating

blood sugar levels also lead to tiredness.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body’s inability to produce enough of the hormone insulin — or the insulin that is produced is not work-

ing properly.

The symptoms can take several weeks or longer to come on.

Treatment: The aim of treatment is to maintain blood glucose levels to avoid the risk of complications

such as blindness, nerve damage, ulcers and amputation.

Treatment involves regular exercise, a healthy diet and sometimes medication to prevent high blood sugar.

Stress in mothers affects unborn babies Mothers who are stressed out in pregnancy ‘transmit’ the effect to their unborn baby as early as 17 weeks, claim scientists.

They have matched the level of stress hormones found in the mother’s blood to those in fluid surrounding the fetus.

It is the first time a link has been established between mother and child’s stress levels at such an early stage in pregnancy.

Previous research suggests stress hormones activated by maternal anxiety may have a long-term effect on the child’s brain development and future behaviour.

Researchers led by Professor Vivette Glover at Imperial College London and Dr Pampa Sarkar of Wexham Park Hospital, Berkshire, studied 267 women, taking a blood sample from the mother and a sample from the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.

They measured levels of a stress

hormone called cortisol in both samples, says a report published today (thurs) in the journal Clinical Endocrinology (must credit).

At the age of 17 weeks and older, they found the higher the level of cortisol in the mother’s blood, the greater the level of cortisol in the amniotic fluid.

Amniotic fluid is predominantly produced by the unborn baby by fetus and reflects the exposure of the fetus to various substances including hormones.

Dr Pampa Sarkar said ‘We are all a product of our developmental history.

‘One of the times when we are most susceptible to the influences of our surrounding environment is when we are developing as a fetus in our mother’s womb.

‘Our research shows that the fetus is exposed to cortisol in the maternal blood, and we also demonstrated that at and above 17 weeks, the cortisol in amniotic fluid had a strong positive

•Babies exposed to the highest levels of cortisol while in the womb had lower IQs at 18 months, compared with the infants of mothers who were less stressed.

relationship with cortisol in maternal blood.

‘We found that the strength of this correlation became stronger with increasing gestational age.’

She said stress hormones were a reaction to anxiety and useful in the short term because they helped the body deal with stressful situations.

But if the stress goes on for a long time, the hormones can affect people’s health leading to tiredness, depression and illness, she added.

Dr Sarkar said ‘We now need to carry out further work to unravel the mechanisms by which maternal stress affects the fetus, both during fetal life and through into childhood.

‘We do not wish to unduly worry pregnant women.

‘It should be remembered that one of the best ways for people to avoid general stress is to lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle.’

Previous research found babies exposed to the highest levels of cortisol while in the womb had lower IQs at 18 months, compared with the infants of mothers who were less stressed.

Studies show the children of highly stressed and anxious pregnant women were at double the risk of hyperactivity and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) at the age of four.

Anxiety in pregnancy seems to have greater effects than antenatal depression, according to study findings.

Prof Glover, professor of perinatal psychobiology at Imperial College School of Medicine, London, found children in the top five per cent band for behavioural problems were more likely to have a mother under stress in pregnancy.

She says women should be screened in pregnancy so interventions can be used, including counselling for those under most severe stress.

‘It is vital that pregnant women are given adequate support and reassurance from their family, friends and employers, to ensure they have a happy and healthy pregnancy

53 Coping with diseases

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Traditional medicine

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HERE is hardly a family here in Nigeria that can claim that none of its members has used or still uses traditional medicine (complementary or alternative medicine). Some patronize traditional healers openly; some do so is clandestine manner.

The latter reminds us of some mysterious aspects of this non-scientific system.

Traditional medicine is defined by the WHO as: “the health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral-based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being.”

In some African countries, as much as 80% of the population relies on traditional medicine rather than conventional medicine. Some people would go to the market to buy herbs and concoctions rather than go to queue up at a hospital.

Today, round the world, herbal medicines are part of big business. Whenever I see a shop for herbal medicines in the US, as a pharmacologist, I cannot refrain from entering to see the array of products. Many have been made through massive farming and production with the highest technologies available and with some scientific validation of their efficacy, safety or toxicity, dosage, and other necessary information for consumers. Some countries, e.g. China, are certainly netting in huge profits from herbal medicines. Back in Nigeria, I look through the stalls of ele-omo in our markets and seeing barks and

A

good example is a patient after reading our article on staphylococcus infection and the symptoms, came to our office to complain that he has been to different hospitals for various tests which all revealed nothing. After carrying out some series of tests on him in our office, he was diagnosed to be having a heavy growth of staph aureus and he was treated and today he is staph free and a happy man.

Staphylococcus is a very complex disease, apart from being contracted sexually or as a toilet infection; there are some other ways of getting infected.

If you have contracted any form

leaves with mold on them and the rough presentation of nature’s wonders, I cannot but think: “Cry, beloved country”. Africans are far behind and missing a lot even in something that could be claimed as authentically African. Sadly too, much of the knowledge of natural medicines of our ancestors is lost because they tended to shroud the practice in secrecy and keep the knowledge within the cults. Sub-Saharan Africans produced great artworks that tell some history but failed to record in writing. On the other hand, much is known about ancient Egyptian medicine, Chinese medicine, Islamic medicine, Indian Ayurveda, and the Greek and Romans have also left behind important records.

In the early years of the University of Ibadan, research work on local herbs was started through the direction of the Federal Government of Nigeria. In 1984, the Federal Ministry of Health established the National Investigative Committee on Traditional and Alternative Medicine. Another committee to research and develop traditional and complementary/alternative medicine was formed by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in 1988.The National Traditional Medicine Development Programme was established in 1997. Other efforts were made in the 1990’s. Therefore, in 2000, the Traditional Medicine Council of Nigeria Act was proposed.

According to WHO records, “ the functions of the Council include facilitating the practice and develop-

with Prof. Dayo Oyekole

Herbal immuno-modulators II Continued from last week edition]

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ment of traditional medicine; establishing guidelines for the regulation of traditional medical practice to protect the population from quackery, fraud, and incompetence; liaising with state boards of traditional medicine to ensure adherence to the policies and guidelines outlined in the Federal Traditional Medicine Board Act; establishing model traditional medicine clinics, herbal farms, botanical gardens, and traditional medicine manufacturing units in the geopolitical zones of the country; and collaborating with organizations with similar objectives within and outside Nigeria.”The National Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners is presently the supreme body of traditional medical practice in Nigeria.

There are a few standard herbal products being produced by some keen Nigerians. Recently, the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency acquired land at Jesse in Delta State and Dansadau in Zamfara State for the cultivation of medicinal plants. Hopefully, in the near future, we would see more good herbal products being made in Nigeria.

Perhaps the most rampantly used crude herbal concoctions in Nigeria are: ‘agboiba’, ‘agbojedijedi’,

‘agbogiri’, and ‘agboarun.

Some investigators have observed that they often contain disease causing bacteria because of the unhygienic manner in which they are prepared. One such study published in 2010 was done on six antimalarial concoctions by some members of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State and the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State.

Some of the most commonly used herbs and plants in Lagos are: aidan, araba, awopa, efirin, egbesi, erugbo, ponju-owiwi,teji,(by Yoruba names) and cloves. Non-plant materialscommonly used include black alum. If you know any of the commonly used herbs are effective for you, then it may be better for you to purchase the leaves, barks, or other plant parts and make the extract yourself to ensure safety.

Traditional medicine is more than the use of herbs and we shall take a closer look at this system.

Dr. ’Bola John is a biomedical scientist based in Nigeria and in the USA. For any comments or questions on this column, please Email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 07028338910

Staphylococcus and Infertility of disease in the past like, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, candida (yeast infection), urinary tract infection (U.T.I), etc, which you may have treated but not totally cured, could lead to staph infection.

So my candid advice to anyone that has any form of venereal disease or any disease at all should go for complete treatment and cure to avoid staph setting in.

When you wake up in the morning and you usually feel •Some kind of numbness in your joints, limbs or fingers or

•You always have internal heat, •Rumbling within your stomach •Some worm like movement within your body then you need to go for serious body examination. All the above-mentioned situations are part of the normal symptoms of staph infections that don’t have any thing to do with other diseases. Most of the other symptoms are one way or another related to one disease or another that is why in most cases of staph infections a victim may not be aware of what is really wrong with him.

Staph infection spreads through the blood stream, that is why the effect is felt on every part of the body system, when it spreads to the bones and joints particularly those of the arms, legs and spine it forms abscesses.

This is usually what causes arthritis or oedema and if care is not taken it could lead to affected area becoming permanently stiff. If staph infection spreads to the lungs it can cause staphylococcal pneumonia, if it spreads to the inner lining of the heart it results into bacterium endocarditis (which is a serious condition that can cause permanent damage to the heart). Too much intake of antibiotics for other ailments can result into staphylococcus of the colon; if the infection spreads to the brain it could cause insomnia, which could lead to mental disorder. Not all cases of people with mental disorder or psychiatric problems are spiritual, because a situation where by a victim of staph of the

brain could not sleep for days or weeks will automatically lead to a mental imbalance. Another problem of the spread of staph to the brain is epilepsy (falling sickness) that is marked by disturbed electrical rhythms of the central nervous system and is typically manifested by convulsive attacks usually with the victim becoming unconscious.

Staphylococcus infection is a major cause of infertility in both male and female. Most women would have contracted this infection even before marriage usually as a toilet infection, but due to ignorance or nonchalant attitude the infection would have affected the reproductive organs.

If you are a lady and in one time or another you have treated one infection or another especially a venereal disease, you have to make sure that you are totally cured. One mistake that most ladies make is that once they experience itching in their private part they go to chemists to buy drugs to stop the itching.

Once the itching stops they feel they are okay and free, not knowing that they have only cured the infection externally but internally the infection is still there. The internal infection may not show any serious symptoms for some years, but it will gradually be affecting the internal reproductive organs.

When such women now get married they now find it difficult to conceive, running from one gynecologist to another. Such lady could have save herself and her husband from such trouble if only she had done the right thing at the right time.

HERE are two types of immunity, innate and acquired. Innate immunity is present from before birth, consisting of blood based components from the mother, physical barriers such as the skin and chemical barriers within the body.

Acquired immunity, on the other hand, results from encountering a new substance that is recognized as foreign. This induces an immune response which is specific to that substance, be it a bacteria, virus, fungi, parasite or material. There is also the development of a rapid, and long-lasting immune response after the initial exposure to a pathogen, or initial development of cancerous tissue.

Acquired immunity produces antibodies, stimulates the cells which destroy the organisms and neutralize their toxic products. If this becomes too active, however, the result may be undesirable, such as allergic reactions. On the other hand, when the immune response is deficient, we become susceptible to repeated infections. Another activity is the removal of damaged or dying cells and the elimination of any cancer cells that arise within the body. Unfortunately this may result in an immune response against the body’s own tissues, producing autoimmune disease.

Acquired immunity involves white blood cells which are constantly circulating in the blood stream. There are a variety of these cells but of especial are the lymphocytes. There are two groups, B and T lymphocytes. B lymphocytes (B-cells) manufacture antibodies, which are produced in bone marrow and distributed to tissue around the body such as the lymph nodes. When B-cells come into contact with some foreign material, or antigen, they transform into cells which produce vast amounts of the specific antibody. Other B-cells transform into memory cells which circulate throughout the body, preparing it for any future encounter with this antigen.

T lymphocytes (T-cells) originate in the thymus and are active against pathogens, cancerous or wounded cells and transplanted tissue. Their activity requires some direct physical contact with antigens, called cell-mediated immunity. A range of T-cells have been identified including ‘Killer T-cells’ that attack antigens directly; ‘Helper T-cells’ (TH or T4) that enable the other T and B cells to perform their functions; and ‘Suppressor T-cells’ (TS or T8) which monitor and adjust the level of antibodies and counteract the action of Helper T-cells.

Potential Role of Traditional/Herbal Medicine Research by Chinese and Japanese scientists on their traditional remedies is revealing much of importance to immunology. Similar studies are rarely done on African traditional herbs and too often, lack of research is taken to mean that the herb in question has no value. Lack of research is because of a lack of research grants, not because of the plants’ lack of value. Important Asian herbs being introduced into western herbalism that are effective immune boosters include Astragalus, Chinese Privet, Shiitake mushrooms, Schizandra, Rheishi mushroom, Codonopsis, Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng.

There are many equally useful herbs from African continent including Harpagophytumprocumbens, Entandrophragma utile, Moringaoleifera, Pausinystaliajohimbe, Hibiscus sabdarifa and Nauclealatifolia, showing themselves to be especially important immune boosters.

There are many ways in which herbal treatment help immunity cope with infection. Most important is boosting the immune response with immuno-modulators to help the body rid itself of the pathogen.

Another way is using herbs that directly kill the offending organism.

This involves some plant constituent reaching the site of infection which is not always easy, but anti-microbial plants will often do the job.

Both traditional herbalism and pharmacological journals abound in reports of plants having anti-microbial effects. Examples include Aloe vera, Echinacea, Garlic, Harpago, Myrrh, St. John’s Wort, Sage, Thyme and Wild Indigo. How they work is not always clear, but in the case of Echinacea, research has provided some insights. Its actions relate to immunity by preventing and curing various pathogenic infections by activating the T-cells that destroy pathogens, also raising levels of circulating white blood cells such as the neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and B lymphocytes.

For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-330-3897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic LifecareCentres in Ibadan, Lagos or Abuja.

54

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

•Katsina-Alu

AST Wednesday, Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), set in motion processes that would put the nightmare or bad memories of the worst election in the history of Nigeria completely behind her. It set election dates for five governorship elections which were nullified by the tribunals and affirmed by the appeal court, but whose occupants had gone to court to contest the tenure of their offices, following plans by the INEC to conduct elections into the offices using the amended 1999 constitution as amended and the 2010 Electoral Act. But the states won the tenure legal battle and so set the tone for the present.

And whereas everything about the 2007 general elections ought to have been permanently put behind them because of the interpretations given to the constitutional provisions dealing with tenure by the law courts, Nigerians will be battling with what ordinarily should have ended with the last April elections for those who would be going for a second term in office.

Only Kogi State governor, Ibrahim Idris, out of the five ,will be making way for a successor while the rest four will battle for a second term or reelection. The electoral umpire also included Edo State which was not part of those who had gone to court, but perhaps, for reasons of convenience.

Those to face the electorate in the various states are: Governors Muritala Nyako in Adamawa; Timipre Sylva in Bayelsa; Aliyu Wamakko in Sokoto; Liyel Imoke in

•Prof. Jega

Situating INEC’s agenda for six states Augustine AVWODE Assistant Editor Cross River and Adams Oshiomhole in Edo. The terminal dates for the tenure of the governors in the six states which the INEC is set to focus its attention on in the next 12 months are as follows: Kogi - April 4, 2012; Adamawa - April 30, 2012; Bayelsa – May 27, 2012; Sokoto – May 28, 2012; CrossRiver – August 27, 2012 and Edo – November 12, 2012.

According to the INEC, the exercise, which will run from December, 2011 to July, 2012, will take off from Kogi.

The election dates as announced by the INEC are: Kogi - December 3, 2011; Adamawa – January 14, 2012; Bayelsa – February 11, 2012; Sokoto – March 10, 2012; Cross-River – April 14, 2012 and Edo – July 14, 2012.

By the provision of Section 180(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the governor of a state shall vacate office at the expiration of four years from the date when he took the oath of allegiance and oath of office.

,

And Section 178 (2) of the Constitution, as amended, provides that: “An election to the office of governor of a state shall be held on a date not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office.”

In simple terms, this means not earlier than five months and not later than a month.

In line with these provisions, that the electoral body has chosen, not just to stagger the elections for effective planning and utilization of person-

The direct benefit of this is that those who may feel aggrieved by the outcome of the election could go to the tribunal and move far into their petition by at least three months before the winner is sworn in. The cumulative advantage of this would be that Nigeria may be on the path to putting behind her the ridiculous experience of an illegal occupant in an executive office as high as that of a state governor for close to three years while the battle for legal redress rages on in the courts.

‘

nel on the dates of the scheduled elections, but has meticulously ensured that a gap of at least four months is set aside from the date when the elections would be held and when the winner of the election would be sworn in.

The direct benefit of this is that those who may feel aggrieved by the outcome of the election could go to the tribunal and move far into their petition by at least three months before the winner is sworn in. The cumulative advantage of this would be that Nigeria may be on the path to putting behind her the ridiculous experience of an illegal occupant in an executive office as high as that of a state governor for close to three years while the battle for legal redress rages on in the courts.

Road to the present The road to the present effectively began on Friday, April 15, when the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the judgment on the one-year tenure extension for the governors of Kogi,

55

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011 Cross River, Adamawa, Bayelsa, and Sokoto states.

Giving the lead judgment, Justice Mohammed Lawal Garuba upheld the earlier judgment of a Federal High Court also in Abuja which extended the tenures of the five governors. It, therefore, ruled that there should be no election in the five states during the recent April general elections.

In February this year, the Federal High Court stopped elections in the five states, declaring that the polls which brought the five governors to office in the first place were void. That ruling by Justice Adamu Bello set new but separate dates in 2012 for the end of the tenures of the five governors.

The affected governors had gone to court to challenge the INEC decision to conduct governorship elections in their states this year, insisting that their tenures only began after they won the re-run elections in their various states.

But the INEC filed an appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court which stopped the conduct of governorship elections in the affected states.

Justice Bello had held that because the tenures of the affected governors had not yet expired, it would be illegal for the INEC to conduct elections in the affected states.

In the appeal, the electoral body asked the Appeal Court to set aside the judgment of the High Court and hold that the tenures of the governors would come to an end on May 29.

According to Justice Bello, the five governors’ tenures will end on the following dates: Ibrahim Idris (Kogi) April 5, 2012; Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) May 28, 2012; Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) April 30, 2012; Liyel Imoke (Cross River) August 28, 2012; and Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa) May 29, 2012.

Upholding the judgment of Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court that granted “tenure completion” to the five governors, Justice Garuba dismissed the appeal filed by the INEC against the verdict.

In the verdict appealed by the INEC, Justice Bello held that the tenures of the governors started in 2008 when they took a fresh oath of allegiance and oath of office after their victories in the rerun elections conducted by the INEC. The rerun elections were conducted by the INEC after the Court of Appeal nullified their victories in the April 14, 2007 general elections.

The Judge held that since the 2007 elections were nullified and set aside by competent courts, the oaths of office and allegiance subscribed to by the governors had been nullified.

In his verdict, Justice Garuba said: “The provision of the constitution says that the governor shall leave at the end of a four-year tenure, starting from the day he took the oath of office.

This clear and unambiguous provision should be given its plain and ordinary meaning.

“Whichever way it is looked at, it would still maintain its plain and ordinary meaning. Only the oath of allegiance taken after an election conducted within the provision of the constitution can be said to be valid.

“Once an action is nullified by a court, the action has been erased as if it never happened.

When an action is nullified, it is as if it never occurred. Another oath of allegiance is taken to back the commencement of tenure in office.

It cannot be disputed that the nullified election is not a valid election. A person not validly elected cannot subscribe to a valid oath.

“You cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand. The nullification of the election renders it invalid; it never existed in the eyes of the law. Every proceeding that had to do with it is incurably defective. Election victory is a condition precedent to oath taking, once the victory is nullified; the oath has become a judicial myth.”

Situating INEC’s staggered agenda With the INEC under the chairmanship of Prof Attahiru Jega, the electoral body has left no one in doubt that its focus is to give Nigerians an electoral process that is above board. It promptly decided that once the Appeal Court, being the last authority in a gubernatorial election, has upheld the decision of the High Court, the best thing to do was to go out and obey it.

But in obeying it, it has chosen to stagger the elections for obvious reasons which is to ensure “effective planning and utilization of personnel on the dates of the scheduled elections”.

And it must be said that INEC has managed to carve a niche for itself and has also managed to polish its battered image, such that its activities have been imbued with some element of credibility and have been accepted by the generality of the people and the international community.

In a recent interview with The Nation, former governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, who himself was a gubernatorial candidate on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alli-

•Sylva

•Nyako

•Oshiomhole nouncing the results are all pointers to the fact that INEC under Jega was willing and ready to make us dance outside the vicious electoral circle that we have been in and dance outside so that we can make progress.

“I will urge the INEC to go back to the National Assembly and get approval for electronic voting. These politicians are not ready to dance out of the circle. They are yet to realize that electoral system in the world has changed. Look at Ghana for instance, it adopted a global system of election and today Ghana is better off and everybody is clapping for Ghana,” he stated.

This is just one of many Nigerians who have come to appreciate the INEC’s efforts at sanitizing the electoral process in Nigeria.

Reacting to the plan to stagger the elections in the six states, legal practitioner and former Commissioner for Information, Rivers State, Emma Okah, applauded the decision of the INEC saying it would checkmate electoral fraud.

Okah, who was the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) House of Representatives candidate for Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency of Rivers State in the April election, told The Nation in a phone interview that it would also allow the security forces to pay all their attention to the particular state.

In his words: “It will minimize the incidence of electoral fraud and malpractices. The attention of the police, SSS, and other security agen-

•Imoke ance (APGA) for Rivers State in the April election, but lost to the incumbent governor, was full of praises for the INEC. But while he praised the electoral body, he did not fail to blame the nation’s politicians for doing their utmost to frustrate the electoral umpire.

His words: “Let me say that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as a body, has good intention, good plan and good system set up by the electoral body for the elections, but the problem is in the hands of the politicians. Nigeria has been dancing in a circle and Prof Attahiru Jega came to bring us to dance out of the circle and make progress, but unfortunately, like the Igbo man would say “otu ahu ka odinambu ke ogadi ru uwa ebiebi” (as it was in the beginning so shall it be forever). But no, the system, as it has been in existence, cannot continue to be because Jega has come up with Direct Data Capturing Registration system which is a world apart from the old system.

But the only snag is that electronic voting was not allowed. That gave the politicians the opportunity to go back to multiple thump printing which electronic voting would have checkmated.

“If we had electronic voting, the issue of multiple thump printing won’t arise. From the INEC guideline, accreditation at the same time, voting at the same time, signing of the ballot papers, the counting at the same time and the novel idea of highly placed individuals an-

‘

An election to the office of governor of a state shall be held on a date not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office

,

cies and the INEC itself would be fully focused on the state where the election is holding.

“Besides, it will expose the high cost of conducting elections in Nigeria. And I think it is a good idea that will serve as a panacea to election rigging which has become a national embarrassment in the country”.

Another legal practitioner and public affairs commentator based in Benin City, Edo State, Fredrick Eboigbe, said the INEC had chosen the right path and that in the next few years Nigerians would be proud to participate in elections.

He reasoned that the fact that the commission has decided not to wait until the last hour is a welcomed development. He applauded the staggered option for the forthcoming election saying that attention of the whole world would be on each state. He advised Jega not to allow himself to be distracted by praise singer, but be focused as only the credible election can throw up people of impeccable character that can reposition the country.

“What you are seeing is evidence of an individual who is passionate about entrenching a culture of free and fair elections in Nigeria and is determined to do his bit to sanitize a system that is notorious for rigging and fraudulent results.

“With this option, Nigerians will be able to assess and pinpoint where the problems of election rigging is coming from. INEC officials will be conscious of their activities and politicians will watch their steps. I can tell you that if the current tempo is sustained, in the next few years, Nigerians will be very enthusiastic and happy to take part in all electoral processes because they would have known that their opinion, by way of the votes, would be respected and you can be sure that apart from earning the respect of the international community, those who will emerge as leaders would be men and women of good character, ready to salvage the country and move it to the next level and leadership would be a reflection of the true and correct choice of the people as opposed to the previous regime of imposition of candidates at both the party and national levels,” was his submission.

And only a week after the release of the timetable, Prof Jega again reiterated the new vision of the electoral body. He left no one in doubt that the commission has lofty ideas to see that all electoral exercises in the country in subsequent years are such that would be applauded, especially given the interest and concern of the international community on how Nigerians conduct their elections. Besides, he hopes that it is only by ensuring free and fair elections that good leaders who will develop the country will emerge.

Delivering a lecture on Monday, August 8, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos titled Nigeria’s 2011 General Elections: International Dimensions and Challenges, Jega revealed the driving spirit behind the recent approach to electoral matters in Nigeria.

Hear him: “The international dimensions and challenges of the 2011 elections in Nigeria are indeed noteworthy. And they can be better perceived and explained from the perspective of international solidarity, an increasingly defining characteristic of the contemporary global world system than from the three dominant perspectives of modernization, globalization and class struggles.

“From this context, the international dimensions and challenges of the struggle of Nigerians for reformed politics via electoral reforms to bring about free, fair, peaceful and credible elections which culminated in the 2011 general elections, come into sharper and clearer focus.

“Tired of the bastardization of elections to perpetuate authoritarian rule and bad governance by those who used the ritual of elections to ‘legitimize’ their control of power and state resources, and fed up with the poor image and rating of the country in the international system as a consequence of these, Nigerians strove hard for electoral reforms and received tremendous international solidarity to bring these to fruition.

“In other words, domestic pressures combined with international factors and influences, to facilitate the conduct of relatively free and fair elections in Nigeria in April 2011. The formidable challenge remaining to be addressed is how to continue to bring further improvements to the electoral process and prevent a reversal to the old order of chaotic, undemocratic and violent elections with the attendant negative consequences of authoritarian bad governance, instead of desirable, good, democratic governance,” he stated.

It is only when we situate this mindset of Jega as the umpire – in – chief on the recent election time-table for the six states that we can fully appreciate the intentions of the electoral umpire in Nigeria.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Every kobo borrowed is committed to projects—Delta State SSG Comrade Ovuorozie Macualay is the Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG).

He was a former state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). In this interview with OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE, the SSG defended the borrowing of money by the state government, saying the money borrowed is for projects. Excerpts:

S

OME have accused Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of failing to fulfil his electoral promises during his first tenure. Some are even saying he has not commissioned any major project?

I don’t see anywhere in the world where an international airport, for instance, is constructed within two years.The fact that the place has even started functioning and planes are landing there now is a rare feat achieved by the governor because don’t forget the man was sworn in on May 29, 2007. He did not commence the airport project until 2008, and now the planes are already landing there.

What is left is the issue of regulation for the airport to commence commercial operation. If you charter your own plane now, it can land and pick you there, but because the regulatory issue has not been concluded, commercial planes have not started landing there. And I want anybody to tell me anywhere an international airport is completed in a few months or two years. That is why I say anybody can try to be mischievous to score political goals.

Then we talk of the dualization of a 145- kilometre road, not a 30kilometre road and you expect the governor to complete it in one or two years. For God’s sake, Uduaghan didn’t tell Deltans while campaigning that he was a magician. The contract for the dualization of the Asaba-Ughelli-Warri Road was not

awarded until 2009 and you expect that he should complete it in 2011.

One, are the proponents of that view considering the resources of the state? Is it only the road construction that the government is battling with? And if it is the only one, there are types of roads you can’t just start and complete any how. Will the governor go and construct a bridge overnight because he wants to please the people?

Delta State has lately resorted to borrowing. The first was N20 billion got by the former Acting Governor of the state, Prince Sam Obi. Three months after, Governor Uduaghan accessed the bond market for N50 billion. Why? You see, there is no government in the world that does not borrow money to meet its challenges. You borrow from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and what have you. You borrow money from the Bank of Industry or you partner it or the Stock Market. So, there is no government that can embark on development without borrowing. The advantage of the debt management is even better, considering its long term payback of what you are borrowing. If you now say the last government borrowed so much, so I am not borrowing, you may be making a mistake because government is a continuum; there is no break in government. Yes, this administration inherited debt which we have paid . We have started borrowing again,

•Macualay

all for good and commitment to projects. We have not borrowed money to pay salaries. Every kobo

the government of Delta State borrowed is committed to projects. And that is why, as soon as you hear that the government of Delta State has borrowed money, check the roads, you will see that the contractors are back to site. Ours is a government that does not default in payment. Lagos State that we are all commending today borrowed.

Edo, our brother state, has borrowed. And don’t forget, N10 million you borrow this year to execute a particular project, if you delay, in three years to come, N2O million cannot execute the project. So, it makes sense that I borrow today to do a project because tomorrow it will be difficult. So, for every project we agreed to do, it is a project for tomorrow of Delta State and not for Uduaghan’s personal aggrandizement.

Sources claim the fuelling of streetlight generators is the avenue for siphoning funds; how much is being spent on the fuelling?

I will only be a magician to know how much is being spent on streetlight generating sets yearly.

But let me tell you something. The governor does not know who supplies the diesel. The only thing I know when I was the Commissioner for Energy was that those things are contracts awarded for maintenance, along with the construction work. What we are concerned with is that these streetlights should be on from 7p.m to 7a.m .

Whenever there is a failure as I drive

round town, I call that there is a failure in this area, why? And immediately, you will see their maintenance vehicle going round. That is what concerns us as a government.

God and man know that we have never interfered in the business of the light because it is a contract awarded to them. I went to the EFCC to answer this question when somebody alleged that we were spending four hundred and something billion on the streetlights. I took the documents on the contract to them and they were surprised.

The money they claimed we were spending a month was not even up to what we spent in a year. It even pays us because the contractor takes the lot of the dwindling in diesel prices which fluctuate between N100 and N150 per litre. I can tell you authoritatively that no government functionary has a hand in how the streetlights are being powered.

What about the Independent Power Plant (IPP) project which people say is another avenue to embezzle money; what is stalling its smooth take- off?

Thank you very much. If you have not brought the IPP matter, I would have been surprised. If fact, you should go to Oghara now, because what people want to see is the site, but I have always explained that go and find out from anybody who understands what power plant means. You don’t start developing a power plant with the breaking of the ground because that is just about 25% of the entire project.

What takes more of the money at times is the turbine, and you don’t just go for it until you get your drawings right and certified. I don’t mean the architectural drawing but the engineering design which has to be approved by the regulatory body.

Based on that design, you will know the type of turbine you will go for.

And this cannot be achieved within one year because any single mistake you make takes you back to square one.

‘The foundation for Abia’s development has been laid’ Barrister James Kwubiri Okpara is the Special Adviser to Abia State Governor, Chief T. A Orji, on Public Relations. He was the Special Adviser (Legal) to the governor before he was re-elected in the April general elections. In an interview with Augustine AVWODE, Okpara said the foundation for the development of Abia State had been laid. He also condemned what he called ‘playing politics’ with the condition of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Excerpts:

A

BIA State should be 20 years in a few days time. What can you say of the state? Has it come of age at 20?

Well, I think that in spite of the challenges of statehood, Abia State and Abians have a lot to thank God for. It is not easy for one to be 20 years old. Thanks to the efforts of the governor, Chief T A Orji. Without doubt, there have been dividends of democracy and above all, the rule of law. Now Abians are ruled the way they want. The money of Abia State does not go to only one family again and the question of political slavery and economic subjugation are over in the state.

So, if for nothing else, we can hold up our head and say yes, our 20th anniversary which coincides with when Abians have a government of their choice is worth celebrating. At the least, Abia is peaceful and united.

And really if you look at the state at the level of the PDP, it is the most peaceful of all PDP states in terms of party politics.

We have a lot to be thankful for. If you look at the Abia diagonistic centres in Umuahia and Aba for instance, they compare favourably with any other from any part of the world, which is a fact. It is the governor that did it for Abia within this period and I think Abians know there is something they can build on in their quest to be a developed state.

The foundation has been laid and that is a good thing.

Would you say the governor has

settled down to work? Many people are of the view that the state is in dire need of development.

Obviously, yes, but before I answer your question ,let me say that we want to first of all thank the good people of Abia State for giving Governor Orji the mandate to rule the state for another four years.

And I know that Abians at the end of the day will know that they have made a good choice by voting for Chief Orji.

Now on the question, the governor has since begun building on the foundations he laid in the first term.

And because the governor knows that Abia needs development, the basic focus of the government in the state has been the provision of infrastructure, education, industries, health care delivery, security and employment generation for the citizens of the state.

And talking about infrastructure, Abia is one state that does not have either a state or federal secretariat.

After his swearing in, Governor Orji entered into an agreement to build a modern and befitting secretariat for Abia State. And the foundation for it has been laid and work is going on as we speak. In a very short time, Abia would be able to boast of a modern secretariat. There are various challenges that you have to contend with when ministries, departments and agencies are housed in various parts of Umuahia.

It does not make for good

•Okpara

coordination, it doesn’t make for good security and there is a kind of atmosphere where government should conduct its business that is absent. But now, the governor is determined to bequeath a modern secretariat to Abia State within the means of the state.

And still on infrastructure, the whole world knows about the

congestion of Umuahia and the plan to relocate the main market called Isi-gate. And as you know the popular approach is the PPP. But it is apparent that the PPP is not working out. So the governor has taken the bull by the horns and is embarking on direct construction of the market.

If the modern market is ready, Umuahia would be decongested in no small way. The state government is using its resources for that project.

After the election, the governor bought 13 trucks for refuse disposal to ensure that the streets in both towns are clean .

You have also heard about Golden Guinea. For a long time ,so much was promised by the people who claimed to have controlling shares in it to bring it back on stream, but nothing much happened. Now the governor has decided to use government funds to bring it back on stream. And after the election, the issue of kidnapping is no longer in existence in Abia. He has been assisting all the joint patrol teams to ensure that the existing peace in the state is maintained as the governor is consolidating. Let me say this and without apology, between 1999 and 2007 all efforts in Abia were wasted. But since Chief T. A Orji came in, he has done his best to turn things around.

Many people are sort of disturbed that only one state in the South East region talks about the well being of the Ikemba Nnewi who is a great leader of the Igbo. Why is this so?

I wouldn’t be surprised that you have raised an issue like this because that is the impression in the press or the media. It is clear that people are playing politics with Ojukwu’s name and health and it is rather unfortunate that such an Igbo icon should be so treated. And while not joining issues with anybody, I can tell you with all authority at my disposal that the South East governors have been looking into the welfare of the Ikemba and have been rendering assistance in whatever form they can.

The issue is that whenever you have the South East governors doing anything, they often get it across through their chairman, and the chairman of the South East Governors Forum is His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi. Ikemba is the father of Igbo and it is not normal to sound trumpet or expect people to congratulate you for doing anything for your father. Any Igbo man who is well trained and sucked on the mother’s breasts knows that when you assist your elderly one, you don’t go to town with the story or news and start shouting I did this or that.

Firstly, it is not in Igbo custom to do so. Secondly, it is not the style of Chief T. A. Orji. People generally know that he doesn’t make a noise and Chief Ojukwu is our father, an uncle and a good friend of Abia State and what you will do for your father, brother or a good friend is what Chief T. A. Orji has been doing .

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Presidency disowns suspension of NTDC DG

Delta Steel legally sold, says lawyer

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N Abuja-based lawyer, Barrister Max Ozoaka has thrown his weight behind the sale of Delta Steel Company (DSC) Aladja to Global Infrastructures Nigeria Limited, saying that it met the requirements of the law establishing the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). He also advised the Federal Government not to revoke the agreement because of the adverse consequences such action might attract.

Ozoaka, who made the remarks at the premises of the Federal High Court Abuja while answering questions from newsmen on the remark by the Senate Adhoc Committee probing the privatisation of public companies in Nigeria, said the sale of DSC to GINL was legal and therefore binding on all parties concerned.

“From the stories we read in the papers on this matter, BUA was said to have won the initial bid on DSC because it offered to pay USD20 million which was the highest offer made by the bidders. But BUA’S offer was below the reserved price of USD25 million. Because BPE rejected BUA’s offer of USD20 million, the bidding on DSC stopped at that stage because there was no preferred bidder and consequently no sale. ”If we just follow Dr. Julius Bala’s testimony before the Senate Ad-hoc Committee

that BUA offered to pay USD20 million but that the Federal Government insisted that the Steel Company would not be sold for any amount less than USD25 million, how then do you say that the BUA won the bid? Section 2(3) of the Public Enterprises (Private and Company) Act made provision for the Willing Buyer/ Willing Seller option in cases where attempts to privatise based on competitive bidding fails. ‘’Therefore, when bidding process fails as was the case when BUA as the highest bidder could not meet the reserved price, the seller has the right to resort to the Willing Buyer/Willing Seller option which was what BPE did at that time. ‘’At this point, negotiation is open with any willing buyer who is ready to pay the reserved price. It must have been in appreciation of the fact that the bid process has ended that BUA later offered to pay USD25 million which BPE rejected because another investor that was also negotiating with BPE has offered to pay USD30 million, which government had already accepted. ‘’Why would BUA go into negotiation with BPE and even offer to pay USD25 million if it was sure that it had bought DSC with USD20 million?” Ozoaka queried.

Continuing, the lawyer said: “Dr. Julius Bala told the

committee that GINL later offered to pay USD30 million and that based on that offer, the National Council on Privatisation directed him to sign the Share Purchase Agreement with GINL, which was approved by the Council.

He said that no agreement on privatisation would be legal unless it was approved by the NCP and denied signing any letter authorising BUA to pay for the purchase of DSC and even expressed shock when he was shown a letter purportedly approving that BUA should pay for the company, saying he never signed the letter giving BUA approval to pay.”

He advised the government against hostile policies against investors, saying that such acts were inimical to national development in a global village. ”When Yar’Adua came to power, he was manipulated by some opportunists to terminate sales and concessions entered into by the previous administration with some foreign and local investors. ‘’When you do things like that in a democracy where government is supposed to be a continuum, how then do you expect other investors to have confidence in your government as to stake their time and money when they are not sure what the next administration would do to their investment? ‘’We must stop this kind of impunity and arbitrarlness.’’

CBN to pump $500m into agriculture Continued from Page 3 A CBN statement on its website said the NIRSAL is a dynamic, holistic approach that tackles both the agricultural value chain and the agricultural financing value chain. The body is expected to fix the agricultural value chain, so that banks can lend with confidence to the sector. It also encourages banks to lend to the agricultural value chain by offering them strong incentives and technical assistance.

The apex bank explained that NIRSAL, unlike previous schemes which encouraged banks to lend without clear strategy to the entire spectrum of the agricultural value chain, emphasises lending to the value chain and to all sizes of producers.

It said the agricultural sector is central to Nigeria’s economy, accounting for 40 per cent

of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing over 60 per cent of employment. However, the sector represents only 1 percent of exports.

“Over the last decade, agricultural growth has slowed down, and today, it is underperforming despite enormous potential. To reverse the trend, there will be need to tackle some of its major challenges such as low productivity, poor technology and cultural practices, low research and development, and under-financing of the agricultural value chain,” the CBN said in a statement.

It said the funding level in the agricultural sector stands at about two per cent of the total lending of banks as against six per cent in a country like Kenya. Some of the reasons for the low funding, it added, include lack of understanding of the agricultural sector, perceived

Ajaokuta concessioning: Obasanjo violated due process, says Minister Continued from Page 3 And the reason why the ministry was driving that process as against the BPE is something I am not privy to.” Sada stated “But all I know is that there seems to be a tripod agreement between the companies that is interested, the presidency and the ministry. I think this is the tripod that seems to be moving. BPE is just following along when discussions are being done. In a nutshell, this is the situation.”

“But as of now, that concession has already been terminated because of certain findings by government. A committee was set up, which found out so many illegal things being done by Global Holding

running Ajaokuta. It was cancelled.”

The Director General of the BPE, Ms Bolanle Onagoruwa, agreed with the position of the minister, stressing that the approval of the concession of Ajaokuta by Obasanjo was in violation of the BPE Act. Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who is a member of the Senate AdHoc Committee, described the payment of the N300 million to workers of the moribund Ajaokuta as unfortunate.

“N300 million every month, that is quite huge. The implication of that is that we are spending a whopping N3.6 billion annually on salary when nothing is going on. But it is unfortunate. It shows that the company it was concessioned to was a major challenge,” he stated.

high risks, complex credit assessment processes/procedure and high transaction costs.

It said that in the first instance, six pilot crop value chains have been identified based on existing crop production levels and potential in six high-potential breadbasket areas. The crops are tomatoes, cotton, maize, soya beans, rice and cassava.

The NIRSAL is expected to generate an additional $3 billion of bank lending within 10 years to increase agricultural lending from the current 1.4 to 7 per cent of total bank lending.

It will also increase lending to the “pooled” small farmer segment to 50 per cent of the total. The NIRSAL is also expected to reach 3.8 million agricultural producers by 2020 through pooling mechanisms such as value chains, Microfinance institutions and cooperatives. It will also reduce banks’ break-even interest rate to borrowers from 14 to 10.5 per cent.

The guideline is that NIRSAL and its five pillars will be administered by a non-banking financial institution (NBFI).

At the national level, the NBFI will administer the five NIRSAL pillars. It will report to a Board of Directors chaired by the CBN and memberships from Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the Ministries of Agriculture, Finance, and Commerce and Industry among other administrative plans.

Some of the benefits of the programme include increased access to credit, enhanced adoption of better cultural and agronomic practices, use of improved inputs like seeds and fertilizers, increased productivity and profit, income, standards of living, job creation and poverty reduction, among others.

T

HE Presidency yesterday disowned the alleged suspension of the

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe.

The government declared the unilateral suspension of Runsewe by the Chairman of the Board of NTDC, Hon. Uche Anya without deference to President Goodluck Jonathan as “unusual.”

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the Presidency did not issue a statement directing Runsewe to go on suspension.

Anya had on Thursday suspended the NTDC boss without following due process.

“The Presidency has not given directive for the suspension of the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Develop-

ment Corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, who is statutorily an appointee of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“If a director of any agency will be suspended or removed, the minister in charge of such a parastatal will send a memo to the President for an approval to take such a step.

“I have crosschecked from relevant desks, there is no such directive from the Presidency for the suspension of NTDC DG,’’ Abati said.

Asked why the Chairman of the board of the NTDC, Hon. Uche Anya allegedly unilaterally decided to suspend the DG of the tourism corporation, Abati said: “That is unusual.”

In a statement on Thursday, Anya had claimed that Runsewe was suspended for

his alleged refusal to implement the resolutions and decisions of the board.

The letter stated: “Following your wilful refusal to implement the resolutions and decisions made by the Governing Board of NTDC at its duly constituted board meeting of the 4th day of August 2010, the board hereby suspends you from office forthwith pending the completion of investigation by the appropriate authority over your several gross misconducts, contemptuous disregard of board resolutions duly endorsed to you and flagrant violation of the law setting up NTDC. “The Board takes exception to your refusal to implement the Board’s resolutions, including the resolution terminating your illegal appointments of three contract directors and other contract employees one year after.”

Kano farmers get 80 tractors to boost agriculture T HE Kano State Government has sold 80 tractors to farmers in the state in order to boost agricultural production.

The tractors, which were purchased at the cost of N400 million are to be sold at a subsidised price of N240 million to farmers in the state.

Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, who flagged off the sale of the tractors yesterday in Kano, appealed to farmers in the state to collaborate with his administration in its efforts to boost agricultural production and realise its food security aspirations.

The National Tractorization Programme,

Kolade ADEYEMI, Kano

the Governor explained, is to facilitate the transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, to guarantee the right and access of every citizen of the state to food.

According to the governor, Kano is a state, with an agrarian economy, with over 70 per cent of the population into one form of agricultural activity or the other.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011 Continued from Page 2

Will FCT Minister bend the rule for Ahmadu Ali's wife?

The action of this nature must not be allowed to pass. We must obey the rule of law. We have to discuss at our various councils and take appropriate actions, which may include petitioning Mr. President. It will also include joining the department and the FCT Minister in the case. It could also mean going public on the matter, that is, the court of public opinion

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

•Dear Segun, Are we afraid of discussing ideas? Ideas don’t have time limit. Some of the problems you listed are surmountable. I don’t see how the polity has u become heated except that emotions have taken over from reasoning.

Let everybody come up with an idea.

Dr. Jonah •Segun, let it be known that I’m a great supporter of President Jonathan, at least my family and I voted for him in addition to the fact that I get up in the night to pray for him. I believe also that many Nigerians want him to succeed; that being case therefore, I honestly think that with all the challenges facing us now, tenure of the executive cannot be one of them.

Moses Oha Esq. Your article of Saturday 30/ 07/2011, I believe you wanted to write: ‘elections in such a context are (not) different from

Reactions to Illumination

Re: Needless distraction warfare’ (paragraph three, line 11), may your pen never stumble nor dry.

•The single term proposal is good, it help solve succession problems. Let give it a chance.

The president is an honourable person, he will not take advantage of the bill to seek for tenure elongation.

Capt. (NN) Al Olisadebe (rtd) •I do agree, substantially with your views today. The President has just foisted on his presidency unnecessary distraction. He does not seem to appreciate the enormity of the challenges before him and the earnest desire of the populace for dramatic change in governance and desire for quick delivery of essential services.

Taking cognizance of his electioneering promises and the

anxiety that pervaded the land before forming his cabinet, the Press is poles apart from the genuine needs of the people.

This, as you have said, is a ‘Needless Distraction’. However, I want you to have a chat with Rev. Fr. Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, on who sponsored 3rd Term during OBJ era. He said something about it recently in Minna. Like many commentators, I know you didn’t read the news where OBJ talked about ‘do or die’, you just lapped unto it like most of cohorts, check it up in one of the Saturday Punch of April 2007 that fielding credible candidates was do or die for PDP. Lanre •Sir, you captured my feelings in your column today. It’s a pity our leadership is not capable of in depth analysis of

our problems as a country; so instead of addressing the core issues, they tend to blame systems that people else where have practiced successfully. It reminds me of a lazy farmer who blames his work tools rather own up to his failings.

Ben Pever, Zone 4, Wuse Abuja •Segun, Jona, is only trying to distract attention by flying a kite. Is it tenure elongation that is more important from the myriad of problems facing the country? Electricity nil, water nil, security nil, health service nil, education nil, non of this is important to him except single tenure. Nigeria we hail dee.

Alha Adeboye Lawal, Felele, Ibadan •Kudos to you for your piece today captioned ‘Needless distraction’. Your views

Re: Not the way to go •Segun, your article not the way to go is a didactic masterpiece. I am one of those that have given up on Nigeria, but my patriotic spirit has been reignited by your compelling article. Dati Ahmad and Faseun are our way to albatross if we chose to go with them but God forbid, we are wiser!

Okey Ezirigwe, Port Harcourt That was an excellent article.

I agree with you that this is not the way to go.

Thanks •Your essay: “Not the way go to” is incisive and devoid of ethnic, religious and other sentiments. I wish other columnists could take a cue from you.

Usman •Only God can save our beloved country, Nigeria from imminent disintegration. We really need to embark on serious prayers for God’s intervention in affairs of the country. It is still a fragile unity devoid of national interest. The illumination we need at the moment isn’t the diversionary tactics of the present administration on the ill conceived 6 year term, but a move towards the con-

vening of a Sovereign National Conference as proposed by the literary sage, Prof. Wole Soyinka himself during the dynamic years of the NADECO. We must always remember that Nigeria was an error made by a crazy Briton called Lord Lugard with his amalgamated rubbish to solve his country’s economic problems without recourse to the devastating consequences on the ethnic nationalities involved. What we have now is demon-crazy and primordial loyalty not democracy, period! Stay blessed as God watches over us.

Kunle Alaketu, PH 1, Magodo •I’m not surprised that Dr. Fasheun believe the tissue of lies reeled out by that serial killer al-Mustapha, because he once called for his release. His activities recently is very disappointing, he should be call to order.

Alh. Adeboye Lawal, Felele, Ibadan •Dr. Datti Ahmad is progressive when he supports Awolowo but he is a ‘mindless religious extremist’ when he firmly defends his faith against

CAN’s mindless trampling on Nigerian Muslims’ aspiration.

•Re: Not the way to go. Going through your very intellectually researched and morally sound and thought provocating piece reminds me of those great days in Zaria under the tutelage of Prof. Jerry Gana, arguably one of our greats in regional development. You are a great mind indeed. That the stark choice we soar together against all odds or sink separately’ remains a fact that can only be ignored at great perils.

Well done my brother, Chollom Gyang.

•Segun this is great and indeed nationalistic. Not the Buhari phobia anymore. So you can be nationalistic.

•Your piece on “Not the way to go” is a timely reminder to Drs. Datti Ahmad

PUBLIC NOTICE I, Kamoru Oladimeji Iyanda Busari, hereby state that I have bought the property at 40, Olumegbon Street, Surulere from Madam Stella Remilekun Aruwajoye. I can no longer locate the whereabout of the said madam Stella Remilekun Aruwajoye. L. S.D.P.C. please take note.

and Frederick Fasheun that war mongering and posturing are both diabolical and dangerous to the security and unity of Nigeria. We can live without their anticipated doomsday drumming.

Jonas Ajigas, Jos •Beautiful piece. It could not have been better put. Wish the whole country would sit up and listen. Well done. But I thought the song was done by Prof Oti, and the second part: if e push me so, I go push am so, epush me I push am, I no go go’. I stand to be corrected.

Ken Ozoilo

aggregate that of Nigerians.

The postulation on tenure of elected executives is not only diversionary and self-defeatist, but also reflects infantile reasoning.

Orjiugo Esq. •I just hope President Jonathan and his cohorts gets to read your column. It is simple, the best way to get reelected to a second term of 4 years. They can go ask and Governor Fashola and Amaechi how they got re-

elected. Jonathan has to apologise to Nigerians for such a stupid idea.

Ralph Agbo.

I just read your write-up ‘Needless distraction’ in The Nation. It has been disturbing me since I heard this single tenure issue. Thanks for the writeup. Nigeria is a failed state. I will look out for more from you.

Have a nice day.

Eric

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of original land documents with the following names and file no: Alexander I.M Emmanuel with the file No. OY 11215,Plot 601 Utako Cadastral zone B05 and Niger Dock Global Investment,file No. MISC 58986,Plot 1648,Mabushi Cadastral Zone B06 .

Please, if found contact Kamba Investment Limited; 17, Missippi street, Maitama, FCT, Abuja.

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS This is to notify Lagos State, land registry Alausa and the Federal Land Registry office, Ikoyi and the general public that the original Deed of Assignment registered in the name of Caleb Realtor Managers Limited as Number 67 at page 67 in Volume 128, at the Federal Lands Registry, Ikoyi, Lagos and dated 4th January, 2010, cannot be found and believed to be lost or stolen.

SIGNED: MANAGEMENT

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

61

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 12-08-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name ADSWITCH PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1.79 14,000 25,060.00 14,000 25,060.00

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Company Name FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 6 9

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 0.50 900 450.00 7.48 130,500 966,120.00 131,400 966,570.00

AIR SERVICES Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 31 35

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2.23 19,140 40,576.80 6.82 261,396 1,859,051.71 280,536 1,899,628.51

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 21 23

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 0.50 10,000 5,000.00 1.39 155,060 224,793.00 165,060 229,793.00

BANKING Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC FINBANK PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC INTERCONTINENTAL BANK PLC. OCEANIC BANK INTERNATIONAL PLC SKYE BANK PLC. STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 128 31 28 73 56 365 17 173 28 21 23 84 52 292 22 63 16 180 1,652

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 6.12 5,391,042 32,863,581.73 4.41 10,361,327 45,693,342.07 2.90 344,878 1,009,333.31 6.25 12,717,423 77,632,026.35 1.80 22,244,146 38,504,870.25 10.86 8,804,511 95,535,830.18 0.50 1,951,526 975,763.00 12.83 7,711,865 98,943,227.95 9.50 809,000 7,671,192.00 0.70 2,097,500 1,468,250.00 1.15 4,212,800 4,844,720.00 5.72 13,405,054 75,970,492.42 1.44 15,107,997 22,185,033.11 4.67 30,401,583 140,361,154.88 2.09 403,287 842,869.83 0.59 6,870,076 4,072,005.40 0.76 581,185 437,700.56 13.52 4,274,742 57,813,457.43 147,689,942 706,824,850.47

BREWERIES Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 69 6 90 165

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 220.00 365,732 80,454,573.28 6.10 31,328 182,015.68 86.00 956,665 82,116,536.27 1,353,725 162,753,125.23

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 42 20 13 28 103

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 22.00 1,867,606 40,416,223.32 7.58 590,205 4,458,133.30 117.00 15,061 1,732,395.94 44.11 488,299 20,902,806.56 2,961,171 67,509,559.12

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC DN MEYER PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 14 1 18

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 9.34 20,000 177,600.00 28.00 33,120 912,580.08 1.38 424 559.68 53,544 1,090,739.76

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 14 14

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3.12 236,500 728,433.00 236,500 728,433.00

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Company Name NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. OMATEK VENTURES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 1 3

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3.58 50,998 182,572.84 0.50 2,000 1,000.00 52,998 183,572.84

CONGLOMERATES Company Name A. G. LEVENTIS (NIGERIA) PLC PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 49 26 55 48 179

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1.99 1,000 1,900.00 41.01 2,419,750 99,189,943.14 0.95 826,443 794,384.85 39.81 386,953 15,096,056.28 28.00 794,808 21,977,912.42 4,428,954 137,060,196.69

CONSTRUCTION Company Name COSTAIN (WA) PLC JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 17 20

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2.66 14,296 38,027.36 51.97 136,683 7,455,404.48 150,979 7,493,431.84

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 5 5

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1.99 153,000 304,470.00 153,000 304,470.00

Dangote Flour declares N1bn dividends T HE board of directors of Dangote Flour Mills (DFM) Plc yesterday recommended distribution of N1 billion to shareholders as cash dividends for the immediate past business year ended December 31, 2010.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts made available yesterday showed that the company grew turnover by 10 per cent to about N68 billion in 2010, although high costs of business and taxes impinged on the profitability of the company.

The report showed that the turnover rose from N61.39 billion in 2009 to N67.60 billion in 2010. The company’s profit before tax (PBT) however declined slightly from N5.37 billion to N4.91 billion. With taxes rising by 1070 per cent from N187 million to N2.19 billion, profit after tax dropped to N2.7 billion as against N5.6 billion recorded in 2009. With the dividend recommendation, shareholders would receive a dividend per share of 20 kobo.

In similar vein, the board of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) has proposed a dividend of 25 kobo per share as the bank reported impressive growths in the first half of this year. Seven-Up Bottling Company has also recommended a dividend per share of N2.

Audited report and accounts of GTB for the first half ended June 30, 2010 showed gross earnings of N91.842 billion as against N82.962 billion. Profit before tax stood at N31.900 billion compared with N25.722 billion while profit after tax was N25.253 billion as against N18.224 billion.

Audited report and accounts of Seven-Up Bottling Company for the year ended March 31, 2011 showed turnover of N51.098 billion as against N41.069 billion. Profit before tax stood at N2.525 billion compared with N2.635 billion while profit after tax rose from N1.76 billion to N2.28 billion in 2011.

It would be recalled that the management of Dangote Flour

No of Deals 7 39 33 84 47 14 7 16 37 5 289

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 45.00 6,999 324,721.50 16.50 365,494 6,157,953.94 15.20 213,851 3,250,535.20 11.86 3,235,515 37,699,762.77 85.00 392,889 33,305,871.54 4.20 622,200 2,581,836.20 4.50 255,120 1,148,040.00 42.00 89,892 3,748,093.73 400.00 85,660 33,848,039.49 23.80 2,916 71,078.02 5,270,536 122,135,932.39

HEALTHCARE Company Name EVANS MEDICALPLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 12 11 12 33 1 69

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 0.98 266,854 260,464.62 1.83 159,751 291,439.26 25.62 14,568 388,492.35 4.00 289,500 1,131,768.00 0.50 100 50.00 730,773 2,072,214.23

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Mills recently said it had invested in its manufacturing capacities across the country, raising it from 4,500 metric tonnes to 7,300 metric tonnes per day, representing a 61 per cent net growth in volume turnover.

Dangote Flour Mills consists of Dangote Flour, Dangote Pasta, Dangote Noodles and Dangote Agrosacks Limited.

The company said it has invested in ultra-modern technology, with machines that are between three months and nine years old, in an industry where equipments are as old as 35 years old.

Giving a breakdown of its investment in capacity in Lagos, the Group Managing Director of the company, Rohit Chaudhry, explained that the Apapa, Lagos plant capacity was raised from 1,000 metric (MT) tonnes to 2,500/day, while Calabar was raised to 1,500MT from 1,000MT/day, and Ilorin, Kwara State from 500 to 1,000MT/day.

“The investment is despite the global economic meltdown. These projects have since been completed with the exception of Apapa mill which is scheduled for completion in the second quarter,” he said, while announcing the start of direct export into Chad, Cameroon, Niger and the West Coast.

This, he said, “is besides other ongoing indirect export of Dangote Flour products through the activities of middlemen and customers,” stressing that the company, over the years, had transformed through product development and planned to be a five-product firm by next year with the introduction of maize flour for the Kano market.

He said the company plans to control a major chunk of the 295 million population within the Economic Community of

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN BOTTLING COMPANY PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC NORTHERN NIGERIA FLOUR MILLS PLC Sector Totals

•GTB, 7-Up too

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 12-08-11 Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 45 45

No of Deals 10 10

No of Deals 2 6 8

No of Deals 6 8 14

No of Deals 1 8 15 24

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 6.83 1,650,000 11,227,500.00 1,650,000 11,227,500.00

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 7.45 25,000 177,000.00 5.70 14,595 86,521.00 39,595 263,521.00

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 0.50 1,300 650.00 2.80 50,992,857 136,163,304.19 0.50 728,905 365,023.90 51,723,062 136,528,978.09

INSURANCE Company Name No of Deals AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 24 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 4 CORNERSTONE INSURANCE CO. PLC. 1 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC 7 GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC 4 GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC 54 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 3 LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. 3 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC 1 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC 1 N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. 29 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. 2 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. 2 Sector Totals 135

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 0.59 462,737 270,007.91 1.02 259,504 263,099.00 0.50 10,000 5,000.00 2.60 111,230 302,007.84 0.50 636,050 318,025.00 1.14 7,663,668 8,684,916.52 0.50 101,556 50,778.00 0.54 30,000 15,800.00 0.50 500 250.00 0.50 340 170.00 0.50 16,543,900 8,328,468.00 0.50 2,900 1,450.00 1.69 117,712 198,933.12 25,940,097 18,438,905.39

LEASING Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 7 MARITIME

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.50 400,000 0.52 150,000 550,000

Value of Shares (N) 200,000.00 78,000.00 278,000.00

No of Deals 3 7 10

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.50 90,000 0.50 513,968 603,968

Value of Shares (N) 45,000.00 257,004.00 302,004.00

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 2.08 1,229,576 12.71 5,000 1,234,576

Value of Shares (N) 2,522,817.82 60,400.00 2,583,217.82

PACKAGING

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name CHAMS PLC IHS NIGERIA PLC STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

Value of Shares (N) 1,119,308.50 1,119,308.50

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name CRUSADER NIGERIA PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

Company Name NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC BETA GLASS CO. PLC Sector Totals

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.95 1,178,830 1,178,830

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name ASO SAVINGS AND LOAND PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name CAPITAL HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

West African States (ECOWAS) market adding that it remains thoroughly Nigeria-centric dedicating 80 per cent of its capacity to domestic market, and the remaining for the region.

Meanwhile, turnover at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) stood at 253.918 million shares worth N1.548 billion across 3,173 deals. This was mainly driven by the shares in the banking sector with 147.690 million shares worth N706.825 million in 1,652 deals.

This was followed by the Information & Communication and Insurance at a distant figure of 51.723 million shares and 25.940 million shares worth N136.529 million and N18.439 million respectively.

Others with relatively high volume were Food beverages, Conglomerate and Petroleum Marketing with 5.271 million shares, 4.429 million shares and 3.970 million shares.

On the price movement tables, 44 companies traded upon recorded price change with 34 appreciating while the remaining 10 recorded price reduction. Diamond Bank again led the gainers table with a price gain of N0.21 to close at N4.41, followed by WAPCO with price increase of N2.10 to close at N5.00.

Also on the table were GTBank, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) and NCR with price increase of N0.61, N0.36 and N0.17 respectively.

On the losers table, Dangote Flour led with a price drop of N0.80 to close at N15.20 followed by Transnational Incorporated of Nigeria (Transcorp) with price drop of N0.05 to close at and N0.95.

Also on the list were Oando, Cutix and C &I Leasing with price drop of N1.52, N0.10 and N0.04 per share.

For the key market indicators, the upward movement continued with an additional increase of 1.72 per cent each.

Market capitalisation added N123 billion to close at N7.285 trillion while the All-Share-Index added 385.10 to close at 22,775.55 points.

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 0.91 187,500 172,869.00 187,500 172,869.00

No of Deals 68 1 69

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 8 20 5 3 23 146 13 220

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.50 184,000 67.22 6,720 32.60 62,023 5.20 24,600 18.32 6,575 156.50 24,511 28.94 3,653,204 203.32 7,877 3,969,510

Value of Shares (N) 92,000.00 432,419.20 1,973,428.67 121,524.00 114,470.75 3,702,559.18 105,723,723.76 1,523,017.99 113,683,143.55

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name LONGMAN NIGERIA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 6 4 10

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 5.00 51,760 10,552 4.39 62,312

Value of Shares (N) 248,458.00 44,401.36 292,859.36

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 18.20 2,561,690 2,561,690

Value of Shares (N) 43,746,857.00 43,746,857.00

REAL ESTATE Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 22 22

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.50 4,700 4,700

Value of Shares (N) 2,350.00 2,350.00

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 13 13

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 14.30 538,950 538,950 3,173 253,917,908

Value of Shares (N) 7,723,830.00 7,723,830.00 1,547,640,920.79

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

62

SPORT EXTRA FIFA UNDER-20 WORLD CUP... FIFA UNDER-20 WORLD CUP... FIFA UNDER-20 WORLD CUP... FIFA UNDER-20 WORLD CUP

Obuh down plays pressure N

IGERIA U-20 coach John Obuh has played down talks of growing pressure going into Sunday’s quarter-final against European champions, France.

Expectations are running high back home in Nigeria as the Flying Eagles stayed on track for an historic U-20 World Cup triumph with a lone goal win over England Wednesday.

A high-powered government delegation led by the country’s sports minister is expected in Cali in time for Sunday’s showdown against the French.

“There is no amount of pressure that can put me off my work,” insisted Obuh, whose team are the only one from Africa to reach the last eight of Colombia 2011.

“Good enough the power of any coach is his results and so far we have been achieving it here in Colombia.”

He added: “I cannot afford to

lose my head because of any pressure.”

The 51-year-old Obuh revealed that he handles the stress that goes with the job by talking to his family and friends as well as listening to gospel music.

“I call my wife, family, my pastor as well as friends who are very important in my life and who always reassure me every time,” said the coach who led Nigeria to the final of the 2009 U17 World Cup and is here in Colombia with nine players from that team.”I also play a lot of gospel music which talks about God’s love and care for all.

The lyrics and beats calm me.”

Obuh has also made a fashion statement with the Colombian hat he wore as his Flying Eagles stopped England in the second round of the U-20 World Cup. “That was my own way of saying thank you to the good people of Armenia who

supported us in all our matches there,” he said.

“I also love to do something differently and to put on my Sunday best for a game because the pitch is my church.”

Obuh expressed surprise that Africa’s three other representatives, Cameroon, Egypt and Mali, failed to reach the knockout stage of Colombia 2011.

“The African Youth Championship, which we won, was keenly contested and so I expected the other teams to be good enough to express themselves very well at the World Cup. But unfortunately that was not to be,” he said.

“Now we will continue to improve at this tournament so that we could bring back the cup to Africa.”

F/Eagles’ star, Philemon resorts to prayers •Accepts English team was tough

K

WARA UNITED FC midfielder and Flying Eagles star, Philemon Daniel has beckoned on Nigerians to pray for him to be fit ahead of the quarter final tie against France on Sunday in Cali,

•Abdul Ajagun (c) vies for the ball with England's Jason Lowe (r) and Billy Knott during their FIFA World Cup U-20 football match held at Centenario stadium

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri Colombia in the ongoing FIFA Under-20 World Cup. Philemon who could not complete the round of 16 match with England and had to be substituted for Uche Innocent Nwofor told NationSport that he was still to ascertain if he would have any part to play in the last 8 match with the European Under20 champions but reckoned that with Nigerian prayers, he could be healed miraculously before Sunday.

“I am not fine at all but I still believe that I could still make it for the Sunday match. Please tell Nigerians to pray for me for quick recovery. I am still being watched by our doctor and I cannot make any pronouncement on the extent of the injury for now,” Philemon said.

He acknowledged that they had it tough against the junior Three Lions of England but stated that all the flaws noticed in the second round encounter would be corrected before the quarter final tie. The Flying Eagles soared over England 1-0 in the second round tie on Wednesday (Thursday morning in Nigeria) to set up a clash with France on Sunday by 9pm Nigerian time.

Nigeria good for Cup –Green C

HAIRMAN of the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Chris Green said in Colombia on Thursday that the Nigeria U-20 National Team, Flying Eagles, will emerge champions of the world in Bogota on August 20.

Green spoke to a battery of waiting Colombian TV cameras as the African champions cruised into the south-western town of Cali for Sunday’s potentially explosive quarter final clash with European champions France.

“We are here as the champions of Africa and we want to return to our country and continent as the champions of the world. We know it would not be easy, but we have prepared this team very well for the challenge. The Nigeria Government has spent a lot of money to get the team ready and we are happy with the results that have come so far.

“Yet, we would only be truly satisfied when the captain of our team lifts the trophy inside the main stadium in Bogota on Saturday evening”, said

Green, who is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation.

The Flying Eagles, who swept to the continental title in South Africa early May, have the most impressive record at the on-going FIFA U-20 World Cup, with 13 goals for and only two against, and four matches won out of four.

Yet, Green and Head Coach Sam John Obuh refused to show over-confidence when confronted with the inevitable question of whether they are already looking forward to the final match.

Green said: “We have a team that is good enough to go all the way but we are taking it one match at a time and we believe we will be there. But on our radar now is France, the champions of Europe. A confrontation between the champions of Africa and the champions of Europe should provide the competition with some real gloss”. And Obuh said: “I have always said we have to take it one at a time.

We have won four matches and we have three left. Surely, we are going for the Cup, but the present challenge is France and we have to conquer that

to be able to go further”.

The Nigeria team arrived in the mountains-ringed cultural capital of this South American nation just before 2pm Thursday afternoon (8pm Nigeria time) and settled quickly into the impressive Intercontinental Cali.

Although two players are struggling with minor knocks, Obuh told the media that he has a team good enough to stand the firepower of the French, who defeated another African representative Mali 2-0 in the group stage.

Nigeria have also conquered European opposition in this competition, with a 5-2 annihilation of Croatia and a 1-0 defeat of England in the Round of 16.

Green, who holds forth as leader of the Nigerian delegation until NFF President Aminu Maigari returns from London, told a Colombian newspaper that it would have been a disaster if no African team made it to the quarter finals at this FIFA U20 World Cup. “It would have been a calamity of sorts, given that an African country won the tournament at the last edition

in Egypt. The Ghanaians are not here but they are our very good brothers and we are standing in for them as well as the entire Africa.

“Africa has a rich pedigree at this competition and it is just as well that we are still in here. Egypt did so well and played intelligently against Argentina but went out, just as Cameroon. Mali did not even make it to the knock-out stage.

•Green

Kayode guns for U-20 MVP, Golden boot

G

OING by his wholehearted displays for the Flying Eagles in Colombia, Olanrewaju Kayode has most certainly banished the ghosts that haunted him after a below-par showing at the U-17 World Cup two years ago.

Such is the confidence he is riding on these past few days that the Nigeria top striker has now opened up on his personal quest to be both top player of the U-20 World Cup as well as the Goal King.

You take on France on Sunday in Cali in a quarterfinal match of this year’s U-20 World Cup. What have you seen of the French team in Colombia?

They are a good side, highly technical and strong side. They also play a lot in midfield and deserve to be in the last eight of the tournament.

But we will work hard to beat them.

Kayode, you never played for a league club in Nigeria before you left the country. Tell us your own very unique beginning.

I started my career with the Nigeria Football Academy in Ibadan. From there one of the coaches at this academy took me to Ghana, where I joined the Red Bull Soccer Academy. I was at this academy for two years.

During this time, there were interests from the Ghana FA, top Ghanaian clubs as well as clubs from Europe for you.

Yes, a club like Read Madrid was even reported to be interested but the director at the club refused to let me go.

There was also some moves for me to play for Ghana, but my coach insisted I remain patient and wait for my chance with Nigeria.

How then did you get to feature for Nigeria at the 2009 U-17 World Cup, which the country hosted?

Former Ghana international defender Tony Baffoe who is close to the director at Red Bull recommended me to the Nigeria FA and they invited me to come and try my luck with the U-17 team. He followed my progress very closely during my time in Ghana.

You were top striker for the Golden Eaglets leading to the U17 World Cup, but somehow you did not have such a great showing as you were often played as a late substitute.

It was a very horrible experience for me and really wish to forget it. I’m so delighted that

things are very different now in Colombia. Two years ago, I lost concentration, I was not focused.

I’m now a better player and person after such an experience.

But you also enjoyed a fine run at the African Youth Championship, scoring a goal and getting a penalty for another goal as Nigeria beat Cameroon 3-2 to be champions for the sixth time.

Yes, I was focused. I now know what I really want – to be best player of the tournament and also win the Golden Boot awards.

You have so far scored three goals in as many matches. Are you satisfied?

No I’m not.

So, what is your personal goals target in Colombia then?

To score 10 goals.

Is that not asking too much of yourself?

Yes, it is but I know I can do it.

You play in Cote d’Ivoire with Asec Mimosas. How has it been playing with that country’s most popular club?

I have been doing well. They have made me a better player and they tell me they now have several clubs in Europe for me.

After the World Cup we will sit down and discuss this fully.

Which club have they so far mentioned to you?

Dynamo Kiev, Lyon and some other clubs also in Europe.

How have you fared at Asec so far?

I have played five matches and scored six goals, two in the CAF Champions League and four in the league.

Wishing you more goals at Colombia 2011.

Thank you.

•Kayode

Egbedi demands Eagles’ call up

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LYING Eagles winger Edafe Egbedi has asked coach Samson Siasia to invite him for the next full international friendly involving Nigeria.

Egbedi, who celebrated his 18th birthday last Friday, has already matched the threegoal tally he recorded at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup with another threesome at the U-20 World Cup in Colombia.

And he has now issued a ‘come and get me’ plea to Siasia, saying he ought to be considered for the Eagles next friendly game against Argentina in September.

“I believe I have done well to be invited at least for the Eagles next friendly,” a very confident Egbedi told MTNFootball.com “It has always been my

dream to play for the Super Eagles and I believe I’m well on the way to doing so very soon.”

Siasia was in the stands at the Estadio Centenario in Armenia to watch Egbedi sink Guatemala with two goals and lightening pace down the flanks in an opening group game of Colombia 2011.

Among the players who have made the complete transition from U-17 to U-20 and then full international levels are Nduka Ugbade, Benedict Akwuegbu, Chidi Odiah, Mikel Obi, Chinedu Obasi and Lukman Haruna.

Egbedi’s exploits have not gone unnoticed as foreign clubs and agents have been making enquiries about the player who is not attached to any club at present.

63

THE NATION ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010

SPORT EXTRA

West Brom turns down Wigan’s bid for Osaze W

EST Bromwich Albion have rejected a bid from Premier League rivals Wigan Athletic for Nigerian international striker Peter Odemwingie whose 15 goals last season played a key role in keeping the Baggies in the top flight.

Albion sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth said West Brom are determined to keep Odemwingie who has two years remaining on his current deal.

“This summer, we have made it our number one priority to keep our core

players - like Peter - and strengthen the squad around them as we endeavour to firmly establish this club in the Premier League,” said Ashworth.

“Peter enjoyed a fantastic first season with us and is a firm favourite with the supporters, with whom he enjoys a great relationship.

“We have no intention of selling Peter and we are a little bit disappointed that Wigan have tabled this offer.

“We spoke to Wigan beforehand and made it clear Peter was not for sale, but they still proceeded to lodge a bid - which has been flatly

rejected.

“We are in discussions with Peter over a new-andimproved deal to reward him

for his efforts last season and we are very hopeful these talks will reach a successful conclusion.”

Eagles launches Glo branded Jerseys in London

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HE National team, the Super Eagles has launched its new Glo branded jerseys.

The team came out in a sparkling new Glo branded training wears for the first time, on Monday preparatory to their postponed international friendly against Ghana in London.

The squad was decked in their new outfit which has Glo logo prominently displayed under the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) badge for their trainings and during the world press conference at Vicarage road Stadium, Watford.

The Super Eagles also used the opportunity to take group promotional photograph for the sponsoring company, Globacom.

The International friendly match between Nigeria and Ghana has, however, been postponed due to the London riots.

It will be recalled that telecommunication giant, Globacom signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation in July this year worth about N1.8billion naira.

The agreement confers

Globacom with the status of the major partner of Nigeria Football Federation and official sponsor of all national teams in Nigeria.

Like the Super Eagles, all the other national teams will also be rebranded.

• Super Eagles in training with the branded Glo jersey before the botched international friendly against Ghana

2011 WORLD CLUB BERTH

Enyimba motivated to represent Africa— From Tunde Liadi, Owerri HE Chairman of Anyansi Enyimba International

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of Nigeria, Felix Anyansi Agwu has stated that the motivation to represent Africa at the World Club Cup later in the year has been the propeller behind the Peoples Elephant modest display thus far in the ongoing Orange CAF Champions League as they prepare to welcome Raja Casablanca of Morocco in the Match Day Three fixture at Aba by 2pm on Sunday.

Anyansi who led Enyimba to their previous two conquests at the African lucrative club competition in 2003 and 2004 told journalists at Aba in a press briefing that despite the club’s slow start to the competition against Al Hilal of Sudan, the urge to grab the sole ticket to

the FIFA World Club Cup made the Aba Millionaires brave the odds to record a 3-2 win away from home at Cotonsport Garoua of Cameroun hitherto considered a slaughter slab before the tie. “ The Enyimba management have done everything within their powers to ensure that the players are well remunerated.

It was this that ensured the win in Cameroun. We went to Cameroun like a wounded lion because we already lost vital points at home to Al Hilal. The motivation to win and secure Africa’s sole berth at the World Club Cup has been our propeller. We want to win to play at that competition which we were unable to feature in when we won in 2003 and 2004

Learning curve • Continued from back page distract our sports ambassadors during competitions. The trend has continued because most of the soccer teams have failed to lift the trophy.

My fervent wish is for the Flying Eagles win because our football needs that fillip to attain greatness.

Our boys have earned their marks playing against other nationals in various clubs in Europe, Asia and the Americas. They, however, have failed to re-create their club forms playing for Nigeria because of interference from overzealous NSC chiefs.

These government officials are quick to deride the NFF men by saying that it suits them to ask for government cash for competitions, but they wouldn’t want to be monitored when it comes to how it is spent.

Don’t we have bodies responsible for such an assignment?

Nine wise men; four consultants Is the reforms committee on football administration still holding meetings? Can the members not see what is happening in Colombia?

What our football needs for growth is the collective will and support from Nigerians whenever we are involved in international competitions.

The rules of football are on FIFA’s website and the minister can read them rather than waste cash on any reforms committee.

Over 207 countries have complied with these rules. This shows that if we apply the rules properly without any hidden agenda, we will achieve- and surpass-what the big soccer nations showcase in administration.

We must stop this tendency of thinking that there is a Nigerian way of doing things. If we cannot comply with FIFA’s statutes, then we can renounce our membership of the football society (FIFA).

207 nations cannot be wrong and Nigeria right. Why are our laws the only ones in conflict with FIFA’s? Enough is enough.

respectively.” Anyansi Agwu said.

NIGERIA V FRANCE

Akpan, Shuaibu warn Obuh • Say team must guide against 2001 experience

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HE Golden Eaglets class of 2001 duo of Bassey Akpan and Karimu Shuaibu have admonished John Obuhtutored Flying Eagles never to underrate the threat that could be posed by the French Under-20 side if they do not want to kiss the FIFA Under 20 goodbye just like the way they did at the last hurdle in Trinidad and Tobago about ten years ago.

Speaking exclusively with NationSport in separate interviews on telephone, Bassey Akpan who plies his trade with Heartland FC of Owerri opined that after their first round 2-1 win over France they thought they had the Cup in the bag in the final as soon as it became evident that The Golden Eaglets would clash again with Junior Les Blues in the final.

He added that though the turn of event had now become history, they were shocked at the way the French side turned the table whipping them 3-0 in the grand finale with him at the goal post.

“We thought we were going to beat them because we had beaten them in our very first match. But they surprised us with the way they played. We never concluded it would be easy but we didn’t expect what we saw in the final. It is football and we cannot reverse the scoreline but we

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri have learnt a great deal from that experience.”Bassey explained Ahead of the Sunday clash in Cali, Colombia, Bassey admonished the Flying Eagles to forget about their four games they have won and concentrate on the quarter final tie. The circumstance which led to our loss is quite different from what is it today. I think Obuh’s boys have been awesome and I am tipping them to beat France but they need to be very serious and not display tactical indiscipline like their coach accused them of displaying in the tie with England.

In the same vien, Karimu Shuaibu who couldn’t replicate his impressive form in the final match against France in 2001 also expressed same sentiments stated by Bassey but added that injuries to key players who were overworked throughout the competition in Trinidad and Tobago especially in the semi final 1-0 win over West Africa neighbours, Burkina Faso.

“I will say that we actually thought after the first win against France we would still have similar scoreline but we were wrong. They worked on our video tapes and they caught us unaware. I will advice the Flying Eagles to take the game very seriously from the start and never relax until the game is won.”

Shuaibu said.

Tomorrow in THE NATION PUNCHLINE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.5, NO. 1850

What our over-confident minister forgot is that like similar uprising elsewhere, there was no indication that the London protests would deteriorate into the levels of criminal and violent disorder that was witnessed —Tunji Adegboyega

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HAt exactly can we make of the ongo ing macabre war of atrition being wit nessed at the very apex of Nigeria’s judiciary? It is a most unedifying spectacle; a veritable theatre of the absurd. Those who plotted the aborted bid to elevate the President of the Appeal Court (PCA), Justice Ayo Salami, to the Supreme Court are obviously still very determined to humiliate the jurist by all means and at all costs. If they had their way, the PCA will step aside prematurely along with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu who is billed to retire later this month when he clocks 70. The problem for this judicial cabal is the difficulty of pinning any wrong doing on Justice Salami. Members of the judiciary proudly proclaim themselves as members of the learned profession. What is being so shamefully dramatized by the KatsinaAlu/Salami tango is the vast gulf that exists between knowledge and wisdom.

Maybe they realize it or not, members of the National Judicial Council (NJC), are simply dancing to tunes being ochestrated by antidemocratic elements from outside the judiciary.

How tragic when the learned can be so easily manipulated and twisted round the fingers of the unlearned like mere puppets. Alarmed by the courage of the judiciary, particularly the Court of Appeal, in voiding rigged elections and restoring stolen mandates, those who had been ejected from thrones they illegally occupied began a vicious campaign of calumny to undermine and discredit the courts. The arrow head of this dastardly plot was none other then Senator Iyiola Omisore. In a characteristically scurilous newspaper advert, Senator Omisore, understandably enraged at the remote possibility of his ever becoming Governor of Osun State, made the most reckless and outlandish allegations against the Justice Clara Ogunbiyiled panel that restored justice in Osun State.

Omisore was later to be joined by other benefiaries of stolen mandates – Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Segun Oni and Segun Agagu – in petitioning the NJC to re-visit the judicial verdicts that stripped them of their stolen robes.

Rather than routinely addressing the petitioners’ grievances as part of its normal schedule, the NJC set up the Justice Umaru Abdullahi panel to investigate the petitions and related matters. The NJC therefore conferred undue importance and unwarranted credibility on allegations that can at best be simply dismissed as beer parlour and pepper soup joint gossips.

Even then, the Justice Abdullahi panel served a useful purpose. It demonstrated that there was no substance to the myriad of allegations against the justices that retrieved stolen mandates in Osun and Ekiti states. No five billion

Who lied?

‘

•Katsina-Alu

•Salami

Naira was expended to procure justice in Osun as recklessly claimed without an iota of evidence by Omisore. Indeed, the judgement of the Justice Clara Ogunbiyi-led Appeal Court panel on Governor Raufu Aregbesola’s petition remains a most luminous and seminal verdict that will forever offer hope to victims of electoral banditry.

Unfortunately, the NJC would not let matters rest with the submission of the Justice Umaru Abdullahi panel report that wisely refrained from indicting either the CJN or the PCA. Rather, it set up another panel headed by Justice Ibrahim Auta of the Federal High Court to review the work of the earlier panel. Again, the Justice Auta panel cleared both the CJN and the PCA of any wrong doing. Yet, it asked Justice Salami to apologise to the CJN for allegedly lying on oath that the latter interferred with Court proceedings in the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election Appeal. Now, the question is - who exactly is lying? Did the CJN interfere with the Appeal Court proceedings in Sokoto

The CJN, on the 19th of February, 2010, actually wrote the Sokoto Gubernatorial Appeal Panel to put its judgement ‘on hold’ pending investigation of petitions before him. Yet, this is no interference. I agree entirely with the NJC. The CJN only interrupted the work of the Sokoto panel. Surely, he did not interfere

’

State? One thing is clear. The Sokoto judgement was ‘arrested’ and remains firmly in detention till date. Whose handiwork was this?

Lawyers’ minds work in mysterious and mystifying ways. With a lawyer, what you are looking at may not be what you are seeing. But let us take a layman’s glance at the CJN’s sworn affidavit of 7th March, 2011. If language means anything, the CJN’s words in the affidavit are emphatic, unambiguous and unequivocal. In Justice Katsina-Alu’s words “I did not any time whatsoever interfere in any form or manner with the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election Appeal Panel.” Can anything be clearer than this? Yet, the CJN went on to aver that he indeed invite the PCA to his office on February 8th, 2010. The purpose of the summons was cer-

tainly not to have tea or discuss the weather.

He then told the PCA that he had received a petition on the judgement to be delivered on the Sokoto case. But then, this is not interference. The CJN then told the PCA in the presence of Justice Musdapher that the Sokoto judgement had leaked and that the panel be reconstituted, a request which the PCA refused to comply with. But still, in the NJC’S legal dictionary, this is not interference. The CJN, on the 19th of February, 2010, actually wrote the Sokoto Gubernatorial Appeal Panel to put its judgement ‘on hold’ pending investigation of petitions before him. Yet, this is no interference. I agree entirely with the NJC. The CJN only interrupted the work of the Sokoto panel. Surely, he did not interfere.

The CJN in his affidavit claimed that the PCA admitted in his office that the Sokoto judgement had indeed leaked. Justice Salami denies this categorically in his own sworn depositions.

Who is more believable? Could the PCA have admitted to the CJN that the judgement had leaked and at the same time defied the directive to disband and re-constitute the panel? It is unlikely. It is not impossible that the contents of the Sokoto judgement leaked to Justice Katsina-Alu. But by concluding that the judgement if delivered would breach the state’s security, was the CJN not implying that only a predetermined outcome would be acceptable?

Now, if the judgement that purportedly leaked actually upheld the cause of justice, would security still not be breached if a new panel arrived at the same conclusion? Or would the panel be tutored on what judgement to deliver to guarantee peace?

We must never forget Professor Wole Soyinka’s timeless declaration that ‘’Justice is the first condition of humanity”. The excuse of insecurity should never be allowed to obstruct the cause of justice. If Justice Katsina-Alu feared a threat to security in Sokoto State because of the judgement, he should simply have alerted the relevant security agencies to take necessary action to protect law and order and ensure that justice is upheld. Law courts that cannot proclaim truth and justice for fear of insecurity will themselves pose grave danger to national security. Now, the Sokoto judgement was ‘put on hold’ indefinitely in a most scandalous manner. Both the Justice Abdullahi and Auta panels agree that this is wrong. Yet, they claim that the CJN did no wrong. He acted in good faith. Perhaps the Sokoto jiudgement was arrested by the mysterious hand of God. Indeed, in Nigeria’s perverted judicial system, the CJN is the equivalent of Almighty deity. He cannot err.

See reactions to Illumination on Page 60

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday

Learning curve Samson Siasia must be happy today, even though he may not admit due to pride. He can walk around the country, shoulders high, following the postponement of the August 9 friendly between Ghana’s Black Stars and, Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

He could also rant over what strategies he would have used to wreak havoc on the Ghanaians. No one will blame him, if he boasted that the Black Stars would have met their waterloo.

Siasia was speechless because of the absence of his key players on flimsy excuses, such as lateness in applying for the British visa, and the fact that some of them didn’t know that the leaflets in their Nigerian passports had run out.

Pundits are watching what Siasia will do to these two groups, especially after his spontaneous response in slamming Osaze Odemwingie with a two-match ban.

It is quite interesting that Siasia admitted that Osaze was punished for insisting on visiting his European club after complaining about an injury. I wonder whose call it is when a player is injured. Is it not the player who feels the pain? I digress!

Would it be the usual double standard in meting out punishment? Did they not know about this game? Would they be treated like first offenders? Shouldn’t we have a code of conduct for the Eagles that would address these issues to avoid a reoccurrence?

It is quite clear that Siasia has lost control of his players. He was only lucky that the game didn’t hold; we would have been back to the 2001 era where Johannes Bonfrere had only 14 players (three of them goalkeepers) in Freetown where we lost to Sierra-Leone in a World Cup qualifier.

The way forward for the Eagles is for Siasia to throw the camp open to Nigerians, especially some those that we are watching in Colombia.

Friendly matches are meant to expose rookies who have excelled in the country’s age-grade competitions. We need to see new faces during friendlies and they should include those in the domestic league, at least in friendly ties against African countries.

Siasia should tell the players to inform the team’s co-ordinator about the state of their travel document anytime we have an engagement. It is true that they are frequent travellers with their European teams, but in the case, the season is just starting today and they should have known.

Siasia should desist from disparaging our

players in the media, especially those who he thinks are not in his plans.

Danny Shittu and John Utaka may have honoured the emergency invitation to star in the Ghana game because they are struggling for shirts in their European teams and feel that a good outing against the Ghanaians could swing things in their favour.

Irrespective of the manner in which Fulham’s midfielder Dickson Etuhu shunned the emergency invitation to play for Nigeria, Siasia must be told that previous comments about Etuhu’s style in the media may have informed the need to shun him.

Etuhu called Siasia’s bluff because he plays regularly for Fulham, if fit.

Such uncouth utterances like the one ascribed to Siasia against Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha in The Guardian on Saturday last week are unnecessary.

Kanu, for instance, does not have any story of indiscipline in the Eagles. Siasia would need to provide evidence that Kanu influenced Eagles’ selection negatively because he had a room to himself as the team’s captain.

Kanu loves to win matches and would, therefore, not want to compromise the selection of players.

Siasia’s swipe at Austin Okocha and Kanu portrayed both icons as men who lack discipline. Yet, both of them were at the Eagles

Watford Hilton Hotel on Monday to see the players.

The Eagles coach needs both men in his rebuilding process. Does he know? You tell me.

Thank you Jonathan President Goodluck Jonathan won my heart when I was told that the initiative to speak with the Flying Eagles in Colombia was his.

Shortly before the Thursday game against England, President Jonathan inspired the Flying Eagles stars with kind words of appreciation at a time the reforms committee inaugurated by the Sports Minister was deluding itself with tunnel-vision ideas.

Jonathan’s decision not to involve the National Sports Commission (NSC) eggheads shows that he knows where the problems lie.

The President may be tinkering with the decision to pull the NFF out of NSC’s stranglehold, which is what one has been campaigning for.

I’m sure that if the President engages the players in another round of pre-match booster talks, the corporate world will embrace supporting sports with more cash since they know that the President is interested in the only tool that unites Nigerians.

It is my wish that President Jonathan receives the U-20 World Cup in Abuja since the NSC men are not directly involved in the country’s campaign in Colombia.

It is inappropriate for any supervisor to •Continued on Page 63

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