The Nation March 3, 2012 by The Nation

2 News

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

EMEKA ODUMEGWU-OJUKWU 1933-2011

•Ojukwu’s widow, Bianca, being led to the church by Governor Obi's wife and her friend

NAMBRA state Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, said yesterday that the Nigerian civil war has finally ended with the burial of ex-Biafran warlord, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, in his country home, Nnewi. Obi said the love that had been shown to the Ojukwu family and the entire Igbo nation by President Goodluck Jonathan was an indication that the discrimination suffered by the Ndigbo after the civil war was over. On account of that, he said, the Igbo can now feel a sense of belonging in the Nigerian project. Obi said: “Mr. President, by the love you showed our leader while he was alive and now that he is dead, you have just ended the civil war. ‘’The Igbo can now have a sense of belonging and your actions have endeared you to our hearts. We will continue to support you. You can count on us.” Obi described the late Igbo leader as a man that chose a life of service and pursuit of a better society, stating that he boldly took odd but right decisions, urging people in authority to always take right decisions in the interest of the people and nation. In his speech, President Jonathan commended Nigerians for gracing what he described as the final journey of one of Nigeria’s greatest lead-

• From left: First Lady, Patience Jonathan; President Goodluck Jonathan; Ojukwu’s son, Emeka and Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi

Civil war now over, says Obi •Jonathan: Ojukwu was my father • MASSOB leader lauds President for honouring ex-Biafran warlord Okodili NDIDI, Onitsha ers. He stated that Ojukwu was one of the few leaders who left a legacy that spoke volume about his sefless service to his fatherland, saying, “Ojukwu left a clean record. The President, who led his wife, Patience, and seven governors to Ojukwu’s burial at his Umudim Nnewi community, recalled fond memories of the former warlord, describing him as his father. He said: "I consider this burial as my own. I consider myself as part of the family. Ojukwu made me proud because when my father died, even though he was not healthy, he drove to the swamps of the Niger Delta, to my village, Otuoke, to pay his last respect.’’ That singular act, he said, made him to love Ojukwu the more. He continued: ‘’When I saw him, I nearly wept. Since then, he took me like his younger brother and son. ''In the history of a com-

munity, a town or a nation, sometimes God raises people to do a particular assignment, and people would not know what you represent until you depart from mother earth, then people would know who you are. "We have seen leaders whose corpses were even rejected by their own people. But Ojukwu is one of those who was brought by God to lead his people. ‘’We are not only mourning him, we are celebrating him. I have not witnessed a burial like this since I was born.’’ Jonathan seized the opportunity to thank the Ndigbo for their support for him and his family. He thanked the church, the Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi and others who contributed in one way or the other to Ojukwu’s befitting burial. He said: ‘’In Africa, we have leaders who after their death, even their corpses were not allowed into their country. But Ojukwu’s burial is today the best in the history of Nigeria.

His burial is personal to me.”. Leader of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazurike, represented by his second in command, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, commended President Jonathan for the honour given the fallen hero. Ezeonwuka said the MASSOB leader, though not physically present, was in touch with the members of the Movement who worked round the clock to ensure a peaceful ceremony. In his homily, former Bishop of Orlu, Rev. Gregory Ochiagha, described the late Ikemba as a true Nigerian who fought for the unity of the country and promotion of justice and equity. He said the death of Ojukwu marks the beginning of an era where the labour of our heroes would be remembered and rewarded, adding that it is time to build a Nigeria where peace and justice will prevail. The cleric prayed that the country should be blessed with leaders who would place virtue above ill-gotten wealth; leaders will the political will

Name 82 Div, Niger Bridge after Ikemba, says Bishop

NGLICAN bishop of Enugu Diocese, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to name either the headquarters of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu or the Niger Bridge, Onitsha after Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu. Chukwuma also asked for additional state in the South East with a view to ensuring the peaceful passage of the fallen hero to the great beyond, as it had been his aspiration to equalise the South East with other zones. The bishop, who co-officiated at the inter-denominational service held for Ojukwu at the Okpara Square, handed the message to Vice President Namadi Sambo. ”It will be a thing of joy to us if the President would accept this request,” the bishop reiterated.

Chris OJI, Enugu He, however, did not insist that the memorial must be the two landmarks he suggested, as he said that any other befitting structure, institution or establishment would be acceptable. The bishop’s request was greeted with long drawn applause from the large crowd that witnessed the occasion. Bishop Chukwuma performed the task of giving the final blessings and closing prayers at the service which was led by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Bishop Callistus Onaga. The final blessings and prayers were preceded by titillating performance by Prof. Laz Ekwueme Choral Group which rendered the Panis Angelicus and Holy City that sent the crowd asking for more.

Igbo leaders flay Umeh over comments

CROSS section of Igbo leaders and politicians have described as embarrasing the introduction of Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, by the National

Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, as the new Igbo leader. Umeh introduced Okorocha as Ojukwu’s successor and new Ezeigbo when the remains of the late Igbo leader was brought to Owerri, the Imo state capital. Faulting the comment, an APGA chieftain and coordinator of Peter Obi Solidarity Front (POSF), Obi Okafor, a legal practioner, said that the leadership of Ndigbo is not a political appointment and should not be supervised by any political party. He noted that previous Igbo leaders were never foisted on the people but emerged naturally by unforseen events and circumstances. According to him, “if all political parties should install their own Ezeigbo, then we will have anarchy. Again, discussing the issue of Ojukwu’s successor while his remains have not been laid to rest is against Igbo norms and culture.”. Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka said politicians lacked the attributes

Okodili NDIDI, Onitsha expected of an Igbo leader, adding that their atecedents have proved that they do not have the interest of the Igbo at heart. He said Umeh’s comments were not only unfortunate but a deliberate ploy to exploit his closeness with the Ojukwu family to politicise the traditional Igbo leadership. “The emergence of Chief Ralph Uwazurike, for instance, was not politically influenced but as a result of his contributions to the welfare of Ndigbo. “He has continued to provide leadership to the Igbo. Recently, he single-handedly evacuated the Ibos who were stranded in the North. He also resettled the disabled Biafran veterans who were abandoned by politicians despite the vital roles they played in the defence of the Ndigbo.’’ Also speaking, Chief Stephen Ekulu expressed fears that politicians would balkanise the Igbo tradition. “Igbo unity may suffer serious setback if these desperate politicians are not cautioned to stay away from traditional leadership and provide the political leadership they signed up for.’’ he said..

to transform the vital sectors of the country’s economy. Dignitaries at the church servive included former Vice President, Alex Ekwuemeh; Speaker of the House of Rep-

resentatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Governors of Delta, Ebonyi, Ondo, Kaduna and Cross River states. Others were Senators Chris Ngige, Uche Chkwumerije and Andy Uba; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Hon. Uche Ekwunife, the member of the House of Representatives representing Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal constituency; Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and others.

Gunshots scare mourners •Banks, markets shut

ESPITE the agreement between the military and members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) that the burial of former Biafran leader, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu would be peaceful, gunshots boomed during the church service in Nnewi, Anambra State yesterday. Although no one was injured, the gunshots scared many of the worshippers who gathered at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church to mourn the former war lord. The burial attracted people from all walks of life, including governors, National Assembly members, traditional rulers and ex-Biafran soldiers. Ojukwu’s burial also attracted cultural dancers from Anambra and other South East states, including the Ohafia war dancers from Abia State. From Ojukwu’s gate to the church were a legion of security men who provided the needed security.

Nwanosike, ONU, Awka, All markets in Anambra State were shut. Banks and shops were also shut while transporters were off the road. The governors of Delta, Anambra, Ebonyi, Abia, Kaduna and Ondo states and more than 10 bishops attended the burial. The senator representing Anambra Central zone, Dr Chris Ngige, said Ojukwu had gone home in a blaze of glory. The church service began at 10:45 am, while Ojukwu’s corpse arrived the church at exactly 11.40 am, accompanied by soldiers in their ceremonial uniforms. The service was led by the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Most Reverend Dr Hilary Odili Okeke, while the homily was delivered by Most Rev Gregory Ochiagha of the Orlu Diocese, Imo State. Ochiagha described Ojukwu as a leader who was always thinking of his people instead of self. He prayed God to bless the country with such a leader.

FG must immortalise him, says Bayelsa governor

overnor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has called on the Igbo to forge a common front in Nigeria’s search for national integration just as he called on the Federal Government to immortalise him the deceased Igbo leader, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu. Governor Dickson, in a message of condolence on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State to the family of the late former Biafran leader, the Igbo race and the entire country, described Ojukwu’s transition as ‘’a colossal national loss,’’ which he said had closed a chapter in the nation’s history and opened another vista. “It is against this background that Ndigbo should unite to forge a common front in our search for national integration,” said Dickson in the statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Mackson. Governor Dickson also noted that although the late Ojukwu immortalised his name while he was alive, the Federal Government should also immortalise him because “no honour bestowed on him would be too much.” “The people of Bayelsa State were indeed saddened by the death of the icon and hero of our time,” added the governor who also asserted that “Ojukwu‘s charisma and courage, his demonstrable pursuit of justice and equity, and tenacity of purpose distinguished him as a colossus not only in Nigeria but all over the world.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

4 News

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

EMEKA ODUMEGWU-OJUKWU 1933-2011

Igbo shut shops in Oyo, Lagos, Bayelsa, I

T was a grand exit for the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojokwu, the Nkemba Nnewi, yesterday. His interment reverberated across the length and breadth of the country. From Kaduna to Yenagoa, Bauchi to Ibadan, Ilorin to Aba and Lagos to Markudi, traders of the Igbo extraction took a break from their normal routine to honour the man regarded as the greatest Igbo son ever. In Bauchi, the Igbo residents shut down their businesses and locked their shops in honour of Ojukwu as he was committed to mother earth at his country home of Nnewi. Those who took part in the 1967 to 1970 Biafran war described him as the “man who successfully created a modern Nigeria.” In Bauchi, the capital of the state, shops owned by the Igbo on major streets were locked, leading to a lot of inconveniences for customers who were out to make purchases. A cross section of Igbo traders resident in Bauchi said they had to close their shops to pay their last respect to the Igbo leader who also liberated other oppressed minority ethnic groups in Nigeria. In Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, more than 1,000 Igbo, joined by their Yoruba friends, thronged the football field of the Technical College, Osogbo to celebrate the Ikemba Nnewi’s passage. Addressing the crowd, the President of the Igbo General Community in Osun State, Engr. Ben Okoye, said they were all happy to celebrate Ojukwu in death because of his leadership role and his dogged fight to defend his people and make all Nigerians see reason for promoting justice in all parts of the country. It was marked with lots of food, drinks and singing, especially by women groups. Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta stood still for the late Ikemba as Igbo traders closed their shops and market stalls and suspended other private activities to mark his final burial. They moved round Yenagoa, the state capital in a carnival-like procession terminated at the Peace Park where various speeches were made in honour of the late warlord. In his tribute, President of the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, Bayelsa State Chapter, Chief Gabriel Kalu Idika, said: “This is a man who has laid a legacy worthy of emulation. He was an example of service to humanity.” He charged all Igbo in the state, like others in the Diaspora, “to declare March 1, 2012 a work-free day as a mark of respect and honour for this late African hero. Let it be also a mark of promoting unity, love and progress among all the Igbo in Bayelsa State.” In Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Prof. Tam DavidWest; former Governor of Old Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo and former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN poured encomiums on the late Igbo leader. Ojukwu was described as a true Nigerian who fought for the liberation of the suffering masses. They paid glowing tributes to the late Ojukwu and asked other Nigerian leaders to emulate his virtues

•Vice President Namadi Sambo in a handshake with Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi shortly after the burial activities for the late Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu in Enugu on Thursday. With them are Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi (right) and Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State

•Ojukwu’s casket

•A cross section of women delegates at the burial

•From left: Chief Ohuabunwa; Chief Judge Muoghalu and Senator Chris Ngige.

Augustine AVWODE, Kelvin OSA- OKUNBOR , Isaac OMBEYenagoa, Adesoji ADENIYI, Osogbo, Austine TSENZUGHUL, Bauchi, Oseheye OKWUOFU, Ibadan, Adekunle JIMOH, Ilorin

The event was a requiem mass organised in honour of the late Ojukwu at Saint Mary Cathedral, Oke-Padre, Ibadan where hundreds of Igbo leaders in the state and other eminent Nigerians converged to honour the late Biafran leader.

Most shops and stalls around Ogunpa, Oke-Padre and Felele areas of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, owned by Igbo businessmen and women were under lock and key as members of the Igbo community in the state abandoned their businesses to honour the late Ikemba. A lecture was later organised at the Olubadan Stadium for the late Igbo leader. Speaking at the lecture, former Minister of Petroleum Resources,

David-West described the late Ojukwu as a patriot who signed to defend the nation, tasking the nation’s leaders to emulate him. Akeredolu used the occasion to call for a sovereign national conference to address the various problems confronting the country. Also, Igbo residents in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday shunned all commercial activities as a mark of solidarity with the departed Biafran warlord. The President General, Igbo Community Association, Kwara

•Ohafia war dancers from Abia State

State, Mr. Truelove Njoku had on Tuesday directed all Igbo indigenes resident in the state to observe March 2, the day of Ojukwu was buried, as a work-free day. In compliance with the directive, offices and shops belonging to peoples of Igbo descent were yesterday put under lock and key. Some of them were decked in black T-shirts with the inscriptions: “Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu 1933-2011,’’ ‘’Our Leader, Adieu,’’ ‘’Eze Igbo Gburu Gburu,’’ ‘’The Peoples’

News 5

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

EMEKA ODUMEGWU-OJUKWU 1933-2011

Plateau, Kwara, Kaduna to honour Ikemba

•Former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme; his wife, Beatrice, and former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku

•Some soldiers in front of the tomb

From right: Former Anambra State governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju; ANPP Chairman, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Anambra state Deputy Governor, Emeka Sibeudu and his Abia counterpart, Ananaba

Abia State

Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa

General, IKemba Nnewi.” Njoku added that the development was commendable and showed that the Igbo hold in high esteem their credible leaders. In like manner, shops in Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo and other towns in Benue State owned by the Igbo remained shut yesterday as they mark the final funeral rites of Ojukwu. There was a special funeral service at the expansive IBB Square in Makurdi, where Prof. Kalu of the University of Agriculture,

Makurdi and oil mogul, Chief Austin Ezekwesile, delivered lectures on the life and time of Ojukwu. In Kaduna, business was yesterday paralysed as the Igbo in the city also closed their shops and business premises in honour of the late Biafran leader. All shops and businesses owned by the Igbo were placed under lock and key throughout the day as they observed a sit-at-home order issued by the Eze Igbo in Kaduna, Igwe Sylvester Aneke.

The Nation learnt that spare parts shops, electronic stores, stationery stores and other shops owned by them were locked while residents of the city who were not aware of the development wondered what was going on. Most Igbo residents in the state were seen wearing black T-shirts with the picture of the late Igbo leader in front. In Lagos, the city with the highest concentration of Igbo outside the South East, shops and stores were also locked in Alaba, Oshodi and the popular Ladipo auto spare

•Some Anambra State officials at the burial.

parts market. Besides, Lagos Airport community paid a tribute to the late Dim Ojukwu Led by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) who also doubles as the President General of Aro Chukwu, Mr. Nnamdi Udoh, and other Igbo leaders yesterday gathered at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to pay their last tributes to the late Biafran warlord. Speaking to newsmen at the Cargo Village of the airport,

Udoh noted that Ojukwu was a selfless leader who fought vigorously for the common man irrespective of their affiliation and tribes. In Jos, the Plateau State capital, the Igbo also shut their shops in most parts of the city and trooped to Catholic churches to hold a requiem mass for the Ikemba. But many of the traders opened their shops later in the day. A trader, who pleaded anonymity, told our reoporter that “Ojukwu was a great man and deserved all the honour.”

6 News

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

MEND claims responsibility for killing policemen in Bayelsa

HE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) yesterday claimed responsibility for Thursday’s killing of four marine policemen in Bayelsa State creeks. But it was silent on a similar attack on soldiers on the same day in which the Commander of the Brass Unit of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), Lt. Col. A.Malik and three other members of the JTF were shot dead. The JTF yesterday formally declared Lt.Col. Malik, one other soldier and two naval ratings missing following a gun attack in the creeks, while Governor Seriake Dickson warned criminals to steer clear of his state. The Media Coordinator of the JTF, Lt.Col. Timothy Antigha, in a phone interview said military personnel, including divers, had been drafted to the scene of the incident to comb the entire area for possible clues. “We have moved to the scene and combing the entire area with a view to seeing any of the bodies.For now, we have not seen any corpse and that is why we have declared them missing,”he said on phone. “We have deployed our men in search of criminals that carried out the attack,” he added. The military authorities are

•JTF combs creeks for suspects, victims’ bodies •Dickson to criminals: Steer clear of our state Isaac OMBE,Yenagoa with Agency reports also in the pursuit of the brains behind the attack and the killers of the policemen at a check point along the Nembe Creeks. The corpses of the marine policemen were found shortly

after after the incident. MEND in an online statement said its ‘fighters’ killed the policemen and claimed to know those who abducted three foreign sailors in the state on Tuesday. It said: “We are in contact with the abductors of Captain Pikus Viktor, chief engineer Melnikov Slava and crew

member Frederick Villamor taken off a Dutch registered reefer, “MV Breeze Clipper. “The kidnappers have offered to hand these sailors who are all in good health over to one of our camps in Rivers State. We are considering this offer as these men were not captured from a vessel related to the Nigerian oil industry.

The master and chief engineer are Russian while the remaining crew member is from the Philippines.” Reacting to the killings, Governor Seriake Dickson, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the position of the state government

Six die in Ogun, Lagos multiple accidents Ernest NWOKOLO, Abeokuta & Miriam NDIKANWU

Dr. Nicola Busacca, Managing Director, Moreno Group, receiving an award at the NOA-FCT Excellence in Service Awards from a representative of FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed in Abuja (See story on Page 59)

Supreme Court upholds Okorocha’s, Uduaghan’s elections

HE Supreme Court yesterday upheld the victory of Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo) and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta) in the April 26, 2011 governorship elections. Okorocha of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) defeated the PDP candidate, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, in the election. In Delta State, the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) candidate, Great Ogboru lost to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of the PDP in the January 6, 2011 re-run election. The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had dismissed the petition of Ogboru on the grounds that the petitioner failed to discharge the burden of proof placed on him. In a unanimous judgment, Justice Sylvester Ngwuta struck out the appeal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Okorocha for lack of merit. He declared the judgment of the Court of Appeal which is the basis of the appeal a nullity because reasons for the judgment were given outside the 60 days allowed under Section 287 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. Justice Tanko Mohammed gave the same reasons for upholding the election of Uduaghan. He said the Appeal Court was wrong for giving judg-

on the issue of criminality along the waterways and creeks of the state remains unchanged. “We will not tolerate criminality. Their time is over in the state. In a few weeks time, the issue of criminality will be brought under control. We are holding series of meetings to bring the miscreants to book,” Iworiso-Daniel added.

• It’s judgment without justice, says Ohakim Kamarudeen OGUNDELE, Abuja ment and delaying its reasons beyond the 60 days stipulated in the Constitution. He said: “It is important for court to give reasons for judgment. It has no power to defer reason for judgment to a later date as judgment and reasons must be given at the same time. “There is no valid judgment worthy of appeal. I declare that the judgment of the Court of Appeal given without reasons is null and void. It amounts to a nullity. I sustain the objection of the third Respondent, the appeal is accordingly struck out.” Having nullified the Appeal Court judgment, the apex court affirmed the subsisting judgments of the State Governorship Election Tribunal which upheld the victory of the governors. Section 285(7) of the 1999 Constitution as amended states that: “An appeal from a decision of an election tribunal or Court of Appeal in an election matter shall be heard and disposed of within 60 days from the date of the delivery of judgment of the tribunal or Court of Appeal. Section 285 (8) of the constitution provides that: “The court in all final appeals from election tribunal may adopt

the practice of first giving its decision and reserving the reasons therefore to a later date. Explaining the section, the apex court held that the Court of Appeal is a final court in petitions arising from National and State Houses of Assembly Elections but not on governorship elections. Therefore its judgment and reasons must be given within the 60 days on governorship elections. Okorocha described the judgment as a victory for the people and an opportunity to continue with the good job he has started. The PDP had asked the apex court to nullify the result of the supplementary election held on May 6, 2011 and declare Ohakim the winner of the election. At the last sitting, the appellant’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), had urged the court to set aside the judgment of the Appeal Court which affirmed the decision of the Governorship Election Petition that declared Okorocha as duly returned governor. According to him, Ohakim won the lawful majority vote. But counsel to Okorocha, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), urged the court to discountenance him. He submitted that the witnesses called by the appellant

at the tribunal supported the position of the Respondents that there was no election in parts of the state, hence the need to conclude the election. Citing a Supreme Court decision in CPC v Jonathan and others, Iziyon argued that since Ohakim, the PDP candidate is not a party to the case, “the appeal is dead on arrival”. The Court of Appeal had dismissed the Appeal. It uphold the verdict of the tribunal which affirmed Okorochas was declared the winner of the poll after he polled 336, 809 votes as against Ohakims 290, 496 votes. The total votes polled by each of the candidates represent the cumulative votes cast on the first poll which held on 26 April and the supplementary election of 6 May, 2011. Ogboru who is challenging the victory of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in the January 6, 2011 re-run election is asking the apex court to hear his case afresh and pronounce him winner of the election. The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had dismissed the petition of Ogboru on the grounds that the petitioner failed to discharge the burden of proof placed on him. The Appeal Court sitting in Benin, Edo State, last November upheld the decision by dismissing his appeal.

Justice Doris Uzoamaka Ugwurike, had in her judgment held that, “The burden lies on the petitioner to prove his case beyond all reasonable doubt.” Affirming that this was not done, she dismissed the petition. Asking the apex court to invoke its power under Section 22 of its Act, Counsel to Ogboru, Dr. Joseph Nwobike told the court to hold that appeal court cannot deliver a valid judgment without giving reasons for same. He stated that the appeal court delivered its judgment against his client on January 5, 2012 and did not give reasons for it until January 27, 2012 when the time 60 days allowed by the law for him to appeal had elapsed. This, he said, robbed his client of the 14 days allowed within which to appeal to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile,the immediate past Governor of Imo State,Chief Ikedi Ohakim, has described yesterday's ruling on his case as “judgement without justice.” In a statement,Chief Ohakim's Media Assistant,Mr.Ethelbert Okere said he (Ohakim) "received the judgment, which came without justice, with total equanimity." He added: "Together with his great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, Ikedi Ohakim fought a good fight to prove that he won the Imo

IX persons yesterday lost their lives in three separate motor accidents at Papalanto/Ilaro junction in Ogun State and the Lagos end of the LagosIbadan Expressway. Two of the accidents occurred at the Papalanto/ Ilaro junction close to Ifo,claiming four lives and the third killed two in Lagos. The first of the Papalanto/ Ilaro junction accidents which occurred at about 8.55am involved a motorcycle with no number plate and a Mack truck marked XQ47 EKY .The motorcyclist whose identity was unknown at press time died on the spot. The driver of the truck apparently lost control and his vehicle crushed the motorcyclist. The remains of the victim were taken to the General Hospital, Ifo mortuary. The second happened at the same spot at about 10.30 am with three lives lost.It involved a tipper with registration number XW937 AGL which rammed into a bus marked XT 708 AAA. Three of the bus passengers- two males and one female- died on the spot while five others were said to be seriously injured. The injured passengers were also taken to the General Hospital, Ifo and the remains of the dead taken to the hospital’s morgue. The Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) RS2.28, Mr. Bakare Adesina , confirmed the two incidents and charged road users to be cautious. The Lagos accident involved a truck and several other vehicles close to the Berger link bridge on the Lagos –Ibadan expressway. It was caused by a gas pipe said to have fallen from an articulated vehicle the previous night. An eye witness, Bukola Waziri, told our reporter that the pipe fell across the road obstructing a free flow

Boko Haram: JAMB may cancel exams in Borno, other volatile states

HE Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, has said there will be no Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in the volatile states in northern Nigeria. Ojerinde made the announcement on Friday in Abuja while speaking with reporters at the 58th National Council on Education (NEC) meeting. According to him, JAMB will be forced to cancel the exami-

•Three sect members killed by own bomb

nation if the Boko Haram attacks on primary and secondary schools in Borno State continue. “When we reviewed the situation in volatile states, for instance Borno, we realised that some of the schools are being bombed, but our investigations showed that only primary schools are affected and not secondary schools. “The board will be left with

no option than to tell the candidates to go elsewhere to write the exams if schools which serve as centres are attacked.’’ The registrar regretted that the development could be quite unfortunate for the students. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Boko Haram had on February 28 attacked four primary schools in

Maiduguri, setting the Gomari Costain Primary School and a section of the Maiduguri Experimental School, Kawanar on fire. They also set ablaze Budum Kulo Gomna Primiary Schools and Abba Ganaram Primary School also in Maiduguri. Meanwhile, three suspected Boko Haram members died on Friday after an explosion at a bomb factory in Kaleri,

Maiduguri. Col. Victor Ebhaleme, the Field Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO), told newsmen in Maiduguri that the incident happened at about 10.30 a.m. He said residents of the area were attracted by the big sound in a residential area at Kaleri and they alerted the JTF. “On arrival, our men discovered mutilated bodies

of three persons suspected to be Boko Haram militants. Apparently, they died while preparing the bombs.” Ebhaleme added that several unexploded Improvised Explosive Device (IED) were also found in the house, which was completely destroyed by the blast. “Several bomb making apparatus were also found in the house,’’ he said. MORE STORIES ON PAGE 59

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

URVIVAL is a basic hu man instinct for the simple reason that with the exception of the modern suicide bomber or the terminally sick with pain, nobody wants to die. However, for the rich and mighty, as well as the powerful leaders of the global economy, mortality revolves around the tenure of office and the limitation of the enjoyment of its perquisites. That explains why leaders in their eighties like Abdulwaid Wade of Senegal and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe are not just ready to quit office yet and are using sheer state power and resources to mow down any opposition to terminate their hold on power. Having enjoyed the aphrodisiac called power they cannot let go as they cannot envisage life without it. In plain language, these two old men have become prisoners of power in their bid to cling to power beyond their tenure. They have also inadvertently become slaves of blind survival till death as they would rather have a state funeral given their biological age, than spend the few remaining years of their long lives out of power or hand over to any young successor or ‘power infants’ as Mugabe so contemptuously dismissed the opposition in Zimbabwe on his 86th birthday recently. But the game of political and economic survival goes far beyond the powerful staying power of geriatric leaders on the world stage today. Tomorrow Sunday March 4, Russians go to the polls involving five presidential candidates but there is absolutely no doubt that the winner will be Russia’s current PM Vladmir Putin. So far Putin’s campaign has focused on urging Russians not to be misled by outside interference which is no more than xenophobia. But this is to be expected as Putin is the Houdini, the master magician of modern Russian politics. Putin, a former KGB agent, and judo black belt with degrees in law and economics is the quintessential modern survival strategist. Under him the Russian economy has bubbled with fantastic oil proceeds that has made growth inevitable while the Euro zone, Russia’s neighbor and competing regional peer, reels from one economic woes to another like a Russian drunk on vodka. This is the stark fact that has emboldened Putin’s strategy of playing to stay in power and doing so brazenly without any fear of the surrounding powerful democracies of the west including the US. Putin was Russia’s president from 2001 to 2008 which was the same term as former US President George Bush who has gone into history and oblivion, after two four- year terms according to the US constitution and will ,as we say in Lagos, never come back. But Putin went on to be PM and appointed Medvedev, a stooge as president of Russia from 2008 to 2012. Putin will take over as president of Russia again for another two terms from 2012 to 2020 according to the Russian constitution which allows only two consecutive terms of four years only. Which is what Putin has respected and made an ass of

Political and economic survival

the law in the process, to the consternation of US leaders like Hillary Clinton who has been barking at the moon in the last two years for Russians not to be led by the nose or be hoodwinked by the Putin come – back, survival strategy. Well, by tomorrow as Russians elect their PM as their new President, it will be clear to the Americans that while they have had their say, Russia’s new President Peter the Great, sorry Vladmir Putin would have had his way.And in the process my admiration, albeit grudgingly, for exceptional political sagacity in whipping the mighty Russian people so blindly into submission, right before our eyes. Similarly in the last one week young and old leaders of nations and organizations alike have had lines written in the sands for them to cross by their pay masters and they have had to make bitter decisions on their future knowing that their political and economic lives were on the line. Such decisions will definitely determine in the immediate future whether their institutions, nations or organizations can be said to be relevant alive or dead or like the proverbial cat, one with nine lives. Ask the leaders of Hamas in Gaza why they have left their headquarters in Syria and relocated to Qatar and Egypt and you will have a vintage story on political and economic survival. Ask the leaders of Yemen why they have to vote for only one candidate to succeed their former leader they

have given immunity and you will see another story on the subject matter from the legitimacy perspective. Paradoxically, try to make sense of the demand of the Northern governors for an increase of their share of the national cake, with the backing of the all powerful Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at this point in time and you see survival as the hand writing on the wall. Starting with Hamas one can say the game of survival became rough and rocky in the last one year with the development of the survival crisis of the Assad regime in Syria, hitherto the main backer of both Hizbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Palestine. Incidentally both Hamas and Hizbollah are also backed fully and financially by Iran, which together with its two allies, does not recognize the state of Israel. That fact alone is a major disturbance of Middle East peace and has snowballed into a sole source of global acrimony and terrorism. Hamas rules the Gaza section of Palestine which it seized by force from Fatah’s PLA which was left with the West Bank. Although Hamas won the last legislative elections in Palestine it could not rule because it could not get international recognition as it does not recognize Israel. Early this month Hamas and the PLA agreed to run on the same platform in the next elections in Palestine prompting Israel their common enemy to shout foul and say ridicu-

lously that PLA must choose between Israel and Hamas as according to Israel, Hamas is not for peace. As if Israel itself knows the meaning of peace given its continuing building projects on the occupied West Bank against UN resolutions. Anyway, Hamas is on the run for survival this time without the old enemy Israel in pursuit but a new and unexpected, though more formidable foe, Assad’s Syria. This is because Hamas has identified with the wishes and aspiration of the Syrian people that Assad should leave office. At first Assad expected the Hamas leadership to pledge solidarity with the Assad regime in repressing opposition to his regime as he was hosting the Hamas office in Syria. Hamas not only did not do that but pledged its solidarity with what it called ‘the Arab Spring’ and ‘Islamic winter’ and stated categorically that Hamas is not part of the solution of the security problem of the Syrian regime in Syria. In addition Hamas’ bigger sponsor Iran expected Hamas to denounce Assad’s opponents in the international community but Hamas not only demurred, its leadership fled Syria while also preparing for the prospects of fund starvation from Iran. In fleeing to both Egypt and Qatar, however Hamas leadership has been proactive and pragmatic. Indeed it has killed two birds with one stone and fulfilled its most pressing twin needs of security and alterna-

tive funding with one move. Qatar will provide the funds and the Islamic Brotherhood on the new Egypt cannot but provide sanctuary for Hamas to show its commitment to the Palestinian cause in the Middle East and its magnanimity as the major beneficiary of power in Egypt after the successful street revolution that drove former President Housni Mubarak out of office. In Yemen the leadership of the country simply made a farce of democracy and the electoral process while the US, the planter of democracy in other places and climes, looked the other way. The outgoing president wanted to persist like Assad is doing in Syria but the din for him to go was unbearable and to make sure that his successor plays ball the way the Americans wanted, his deputy was sworn in and he earned his retirement.The Yemeni part of the deal is that the ruling elite involving their families especially the sons of the outgoing president like Gaddafi’s sons in Gaddafi’s Libya, remain in their military offices even though their father is gone. The Yemeni – American deal of course is never to allow Al Qada to take over the government in Yemen as that would be a failure for the global war against terrorism and the two nations seemed to have agreed to make legitimacy through formal elections of one candidate on the ballot box, the means to achieve that. This arrangement to me is nothing but a pyrrhic victory for the global war on terrorism and a sad day for democracy in the Middle East in general and Yemen in particular. Lastly the call for an increase in the revenue allocation for the Northern states by the Northern governors forum and supported by ACF is a legitimate demand but for its timing and the questioning of the large allocation for the Niger Delta involved in the demand as reported in the dailies. Coming at a time when Boko Haram has laid siege of bombing on

the North it is as if lack of funds was responsible for the rise and growing menace of Boko Haram. That is the impression that the timing of the request has created and that leads to the need to remind Northern leaders of the history of Northern leadership at independence compared to the leadership now that has spawned Boko Haram. In addition the request brings out the need to stress that Nigeria is a federation and in a federation it is not a right to be taking money from the common purse as the states have been doing so far. Indeed in a federation some self supporting states exist that may not take anything from the center as the city state of Hamburg did in the former Western Germany. Three leaders dominated the North at independence and they were all teachers. These were the Sardauna Sir Ahmadu Bello, who was premier of the North; Alhaji Tafawa Balewa the first PM of Nigeria and Mallam Aminu Kano the NEPU leader who was in opposition to the NPC led by the former two leaders who were in power. The driving political and economic strategy of the late Sardauna aside from spreading Islam was to make the North catch up with the south in terms of education and in making sure that short courses and crash training programs were organized for Northerners in the federal civil service so that Northern quota for such positions did not suffer as a result of non-availability of skilled or trained Northern manpower. Unfortunately both leaders were killed in a coup and that created a leadership vacuum unfilled till today. This is no exaggeration as pictures of the late Sardauna still sell like hot cakes at ceremonies and trade fairs in the North and he was killed in 1966 and there have been Sardaunas in many places in the North since. Northern leaders at independence led from a high pedestal of morality, self denial and discipline which succeeding leaders have not been able to appreciate or match. In addition while the late Aminu Kano fought for the Takalawas of Kano and won votes and elections for that, the leadership that succeeded these three leaders was aloof from the masses and awash in wealth acquisition and display and the syndrome that they were born to rule as in terms of conducted census figures, the north was more than the south. Now June 12 changed that and the last 2011 elections showed no one was really born to rule except by elections. It was then that the Northern leaders realized that they have left their masses behind by their aloofness over the years and will have to pay a price for the lack of development in the area under their leadership. Then Boko Haram using religion and western education as weapons came in and is exploiting the nagging, gaping gap between leaders and followers. Which really is not a revenue sharing problem but a core leadership deficit. The solution lies not in more allocations to improve the north but in first in pacification of the masses that leadership in the north has realized its folly in selfish, self-serving pursuits and would lead like the Sardauna that cannot die because of a legacy of selfless service that both the old and young masses of the north still nurse fond nostalgia and very happy memories.

10 COMMENTARY

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Ibori’s day in London court ‘

IS is a graphic illustration of the say ing that no condition is permanent. For more than a decade, he bestrode Nigeria’s political landscape like a colossus. He spent two terms as the governor of oilrich Delta State, after which he became one of the most influential political godfathers and almost single-handedly installed the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua as President. Before then, he was on the wanted list of the British Police, having jumped bail in the Queen’s country after he allegedly stole money from a supermarket where he once functioned as a cashier. But like they say, one man’s meat is another man’s poison. The villain in the UK ran to Nigeria and became an instant hero. He joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and picked the governorship ticket for Delta State. He won the election by, to use a familiar word in the nation’s political lexicon, a landslide. He became the occupant of the Government House in Asaba, turned the state’s treasury into his private vault and diverted billions of naira meant to develop the state to his overseas accounts. He was even said to have sold the shares of the state in Oceanic Bank and used the proceeds to buy up an oil-servicing company in Port Harcourt. Armed with petitions involving the numerous allegations of malfeasance against the governor, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) waited in the wings for him to complete his term as gov-

ernor and face trial. But the anti-corruption agency’s efforts to bring Ibori to justice ended in frustration. Having financed the election that brought the then President Yar’Adua to power, Ibori became the de facto President. Every move the EFCC and the British Police made to prosecute Ibori was frustrated by the then Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa. When the pressure for Ibori’s prosecution became unbearable, Aondoakaa created a high court for Ibori in Asaba in 2008 and appointed a judge that quashed all the 170 charges against him in December 2009, following which the former helmsman of Delta State was discharged and acquitted. But fate was not done with Ibori. The fragile health of Yar’Adua took a turn for the worse about two years into his four-year tenure. After a long stay in a Saudi hospital, he gave up the ghost, and in came President Goodluck Jonathan, a Pharaoh who did not know Joseph. With Jonathan in charge, Ibori could no longer enjoy all the patronage that Yar’Adua dispensed, particularly because he was said to have despised Jonathan and worked against the popular agitation that Jonathan be named the Acting President when it became obvious that Yar’Adua was no longer in control of his faculties. With clear signs that Jonathan would do nothing to save him from the EFCC, he fled to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). But if he thought that Dubai was a safe haven, he was gravely mistaken. With the help of the INTERPOL, Ibori was fished out and extradited to the UK where his wife, Theresa, his sister, Christen, and his mistress, Udoamaka , had each been sentenced to five years imprisonment over their roles in the money laundering charges against him. His trial at Southwark Crown Court in London reached a crescendo on Monday when he pleaded guilty to stealing the sum of £50 million belonging to Delta State. Ibori is believed to have stolen a total sum of £250 mil-

I wager that Ibori will receive a hero’s welcome whenever he returns to Nigeria. If no one else would go to the airport to receive him, his kinsmen in Oghara, who once blocked the roads to the village to prevent EFCC operatives from arresting him, will certainly hit Lagos or Abuja in lorry loads to welcome their worthy son

’

lion. The prosecuting counsel, Sasha Wass, called him a thief in government house. “As the pretender of that public office, he was able to plunder Delta State’s wealth and hand out patronage,” Wass said. The news media has been celebrating the breakthrough. I am personally not excited because it threatens the very essence of our home-grown democracy. Without a vision of the exotic lifestyle that awaits a politician who rigs his way into office, elections in our country will become dull and uninteresting. Political offices will become unattractive. Landslide, “seaslide” and other sobriquets with which we decorate electoral frauds will vanish from our political lexicon, exposing us to the risk of losing our political culture.

Any wonder they continue to steal the nation blind?

T is no longer news that former Delta State Governor, James Onanefe Ibori, has pleaded guilty to a 10-count charge bearing on money laundering and brazen theft of an estimated sum of $250m belonging to the suffering people of the oil-producing state. It is not also surprising that a man who was declared squeaky clean and freed of over 170 money laundering and corruption charges brought against him by the Nigerian government, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is the latest international poster boy for all that is wrong with our governance system. The pathetic picture of the once powerful strongman of Nigeria’s high-wired, winner-takes—all politics, which was released by the London Metropolitan Police during the week, speaks volume of the hollowness of needless brigandage. It also, forcefully so, demonstrates the transience of power. Whichever way we look at it, we all have one or two lessons to take home from the latest tragedy that has befallen the nation with the successful prosecution of one of Nigeria’s cohort of thieving elite in faraway Southwark Crown Court, London. It not only throws up disturbing questions about our judicial system but also paints a gloomy picture about the capacity of the state to fight corruption and prosecute offenders. In a country wracked by crying poverty with over 112 million citizens officially categorised as poorest of the poor, it is hard to fathom how Nigeria continues to breed a generation of thieves in key positions. Perhaps, those gloating over the Ibori saga should pause a bit and go into some kind of self-introspection before casting the first stone. Is it not possible that there exists the Ibori persona in all of us? If given the opportunity, would we have fared better than Ibori? How many of Ibori’s ilk do we have in the corridors of power today? How many more are out there on the streets fouling our business space and swaggering off with crude larceny? In one of my Aso Rock diaries published seven years back in Saturday PUNCH with a title that was slightly different from the one above, I had lamented the familiar stories of corruption in governance and former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s lame-duck approach to tackling it. Seven years on, the words are still fresh as if they were written yesterday. The ghost is still haunting and hounding us. The lethargic fiddling with the menace has taken a life of its own. Corruption has gone full circle and its footprints are visible in all the sectors of our economy. Those words, crafted seven years ago, are bitingly real and I crave my readers’ indulgence to bring them back to life on this page today, with copious repeat of the following paragraphs. “It’s a familiar story. And it’s an unfamiliar story. That is my reading of the discomforting news item about the sleazy activities of Nigeria’s so-called big men. I am not really surprised that, after the last administration (Obasanjo’s first tenure as civilian President) spent millions of dollars on image laundering; the nation’s image is daily creasing on a low cruise. No thanks to fresh revelations, from foreign lands, about how top government officials sullied their hands

in order to maintain their highflying lifestyles. What nauseates and gets one recoiling to a binge of hisses is the fact that nothing has changed; nothing has been learnt; and things get worse by the day, as far as the issue of graft is concerned. Sadly, the Nigerian story has become one huge unscripted patchwork of slime ostensibly manned by rogoues in high places. “The diary of infamy, with festering tales of greed, is bristling with rage. It’s been a harvest of sleaze, weekly. Before the ‘international dimension’ to top-rate corruption, which became manifest in the last two weeks, most Nigerians had thought that the ‘local content’ was enough shame. Because they believed Obasanjo was fully in control of his men with the exception of those he labelled ‘bad eggs’ like the former Education Minister, Prof. Fabian Osuji, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Mobolaji Osomo, who got ‘disciplined’ the Obasanjo way for committing minor infractions, many Nigerians would have sworn with their ‘living wage’ that most ministers were squeaky clean. Not anymore. Now we know why they remained on their seats in spite of the daily insults from the President and in spite of the N95, 000 monthly salaries. The position alone spins money. In millions of naira. In dollars. In pound sterling. In Euros. In short, in hard currencies. That was why they portrayed themselves as loyalists to a President who could hardly see beyond his nose despite his pretentious self-righteousness. It was a fool-proof plan to steal the nation blind—a conspiracy to kill the people, silently.” Of course, these blistering words were unleashed at a time when Nigeria was maintaining its pole position on the corruption index, courtesy of a rash of scandalous allegations to wit some top government officials were alleged to have collected $6 million bribes from Wilbros, an American oilservicing firm, and another 10 million Euros in bribes from Siemens, a German telecommunications firm. Not long after this came the story of the Halliburton bribery scam, where highly respected Nigerians, including former heads of state, ministers and their cronies were listed as having received over $180 million in bribes! Interestingly, whilst the American, French and German governments swiftly moved in and succeeded in punishing those individuals and corporate bodies found to be culpable in the scams, the Nigerian government appeared to have looked the other way. At a point when public opinion against its seeming disinterest in the cases became too close for comfort, the Nigerian government declared that it was still in search of ‘concrete evidence’ that could be used to prosecute the untouchables that were listed in the various scams. Today, as I write this, an obviously handicapped EFCC is still grovelling for evidence in dark alleys while a court in the US sentenced another culprit to jail over the same matter, last week. This brings us back to the Ibori case. It is important to raise questions about Nigeria’s leadership recruitment strategy, especially at the highest levels of governance. Without mincing words, something is fatally wrong with a system that continues to give a clean bill of health to persons of questionable character not only to sit atop the common wealth, but also given the

Ibori’s mode of dressing was probably his greatest undoing. He never wore an agbada or babanriga like many of his counterparts. Hence, it was easy to spot his protruding pockets each time he loaded them with Delta State’s money and headed for the airport en route UK, UAE or Switzerland where other political office holders stash away the billions they pilfer from the public purse. But with the assurance by the British government that every kobo recovered from Ibori will be returned to Delta State, the former governor needs not shed any tears. Many of us who cried blue murder when the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, installed his brotherin-law as successor would now see the wisdom in the move. With Ibori’s cousin successfully installed as his successor in Delta State, whatever money or assets the British government seizes from him will land in the safe hands of his cousin. Getting them back will definitely not be a problem. Those who think the display of his photograph in prison uniform on the front pages of national dailies would amount to a loss of reputation are wasting their time. I wager that Ibori will receive a hero’s welcome whenever he returns to Nigeria. If no one else would go to the airport to receive him, his kinsmen in Oghara, who once blocked the roads to the village to prevent EFCC operatives from arresting him, will certainly hit Lagos or Abuja in lorry loads to welcome their worthy son. The constitution may prevent Ibori from further contesting an election into a public office, but it will not stop him from functioning as a godfather. He will still install his acolytes in sensitive positions at state and federal levels. Traditional institutions in Delta State and elsewhere will still shower him with new chieftaincy titles, including the Tewonde or, better still, the Orarhire of Oghara Kingdom.

Knucklehead With

Yomi Odunuga E-mail:yomi.odunuga @thenationonlineng.net SMS only: 07028006913 liberty to disburse patronage at whim. Once a man gets the nod of some queer godfather, he obtains the licence to, if he likes, walk away with murder. To all intents and purposes, Mr. Ibori would not have had the chance to plunder his state blind if not for the sheer mercantilism inherent in our justice and, I dare say, security systems. It is obvious that, in this clime, accountability, probity, justice and equity have their values in the quantity of minted notes stashed in Ghana-must-go bags. That is why many thieves in Government Houses today are confident of procuring some sort of soft-landing whenever they leave office. With the twist in the Ibori matter, I doubt if any of them would fall into the trap of running to the United Kingdom or the US to face trial when, with our peculiar and generous plea bargain, they could either decide to become senators, ministers or makers of presidents, governors and lawmakers! How many of such men do we have in Nigeria today gloating over the tragedy of a man who was unlucky to come face-to-face with his comeuppance in a country where the law is truly an ass? After all, were we not living witnesses to one of his closest allies’ slap-in-the-wrist conviction to wit the ‘lucky man’ was asked to forfeit a meagre N3m from the billions he allegedly siphoned into his personal accounts? Yet, there are questions that demand immediate answers. What happened to security and intelligence reports fingering an individual that was convicted twice for stealing goods from the UK shopping mall where he worked and for racketeering with stolen credit cards becoming a ‘policy consultant’ to no less a person than the late General Sani Abacha? If indeed there was a security report on him, how then did he get the clearance to contest the gubernatorial election in 1999? Now, see what that inaction has caused the country! The world now knows, through the words of Prosecutor Sasha Wass, that Ibori not only concealed his UK criminal record, but “he was never the legitimate governor and there was effectively a thief in Government House!” Ouch! That was a hard knock. As if that was not hurting enough, the world now knows that age is but a number in Nigeria for as long as ‘Declaration of Age’ certificates can be procured for less than N500 within the premises of any of our courts! How bad will things go before we begin to reclaim a nation’s lost soul? Or must we wait on Godot till eternity?

Dangerous lust and scramble for skin bleachers

-Modupe Ozolua

Three weeks after Lagos storm

‘We’re now afraid of the water we used to enjoy’

Feature/ 14

'Coats of many colours'

Thriller/ 19

Life & Style / 41

Why I keep my clients secret

Weekend

PEOPLE THE NATION, Saturday, MARCH 3, 2012

I wish the explosion had killed me and spared my daughter, says mother of Jos church bombing victim I could not cry. I was just shocked and confused. I felt the bomb should have killed me and left my daughter. But God knows why she had to die before me. She was the second child I had to bury out of my five children. But I give God the glory and honour...

Mrs.Wambuda Inset: Her late daughter Grace

Relat io

nship

HE bombing of the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) by some people believed to be members of the Boko Haram sect last Sunday was one black Sunday too many. The Christian community in Plateau State has experienced many of such attacks on Sundays since the DogoNahawa episode in 2010. Surprisingly, the attacks have followed the same pattern: service would commence at 7 am and about 15 minutes into the service, an explosion from nowhere would turn the day into hell. By the time the smoke that characterizes the explosion settles, the church would have numerous injured members to rush to the hospital or numerous corpses to take to the mortuary. Last Sunday was another such day for the COCIN family, a church that is native to the people of Plateau State. The explosion drew most residents of Jos into tears. Even those whose relations or loved ones were not affected by the recent attack were drawn into the sad memories of previous ones like the Dogo-Nahawa incident and the 2010 Christmas Eve multiple blasts. Hence thewhole of Jos was a wailing city last Sunday with no one to console the other. Mrs. Naomi Wambuda , a retired civil servant from the Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture, is Gar by tribe. She hails from Kanam Local Government Area while her husband is of the Ngas tribe from Kanke LGA all in Plateau State. The couple lost two of their five children in the Sunday blast. Their first daughter, 34-year-old Nambam Grace Wambuda, was the first casualty in the suicide bombing of the headquarters of COCIN last Sunday. Narrating how she lost her daughter in the blast, the victim’s mother, Naomi, said: “We all woke up that Sunday morning like every other day. As usual, Grace woke up earlier than everyone else to tidy up the house because she hated getting to church late. After the domestic chores, she dressed up quickly and left for church as early as 7 am. The rest of us followed later for the first mass. “As at the time of the attack, we were all in the church, but I did not notice the part of the church where she sat. All of a sudden, we heard the very loud explosion and we all ran in different directions. But when the whole dust settled, I could not find my daughter. I began to ask other church members about her, but no one could provide an answer. “Apparently, they already knew what had happened to her and I was the only one who was ignorant of what had happened to my daughter. Every other person in the church knew my daughter was the first casualty of the explosion but they kept that away from me. They deceived me by telling me she had run back home. We left the church and came home but she was not at home. I became more agitated. Her father was already aware that she was dead. In trying to divert my attention, he said she might have followed one of the injured persons to the hospital. “But when he saw that I was becoming more uncomfortable, he broke the news but encouraged me not to over-react, saying it is good that our daughter died in God’s presence. I could not cry. I was just shocked and confused. I felt the bomb should have killed me and leave my daughter. But God knows why she has to die before me. She is the second child I have had to bury out of my five children. But I give God the glory and honour. “My confusion is that of all of us in the family, she was the most dedicated to church activities. She was a very hard working girl in the church and at home. She was in the discipleship class in the church. No one in the house can delay her going to church. Why her? “But my consolation is that she is definitely with our Lord Jesus because she really served the Lord while she was alive. In spite of the loss of our daughter in the attack, I still have confidence and

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

‘Why my daughter? Of all us in the family, she was the most dedicated to church activities’

Henry Miri one of the survivors

‘

•Miss Ruth Dalla survived with a fractured leg

My confusion is that of all of us in the family, she was the most dedicated to church activities. She was a very hard working girl in the church and at home. She was in the discipleship class in the church. No one in the house could delay her going to church. Why her? Yusuf AMINU IDEGU

faith in my religion. My daughter died serving the Lord, I will also die serving Him. Nothing on earth will make me to change my commitment to my religion. As a Christian family, we have forgiven whoever the suicide bombers are.” While families who lost their love ones are mourning and preparing for their burial, the injured ones are still battling to survive at various hospitals in Jos. There are those with leg fracture, brain damage, severe burns and others with internal complications. Some of them were still in coma at press time, trying to recover from the shock of the explosion. For instance, 23-year-old Henry Miri had his face burnt beyond recognition.

One of his ears is also no longer functioning. Medical experts at the Plateau Specialist Hospital were battling to bring him back to normalcy. He may require medical attention abroad except a miracle happens. Henry was not the only one writhing in pain at the specialist hospital. John Peter, a native of Adamawa State, has internal complications that make it impossible for him to stand up. Family members were praying that his case would not lead to paralysis. Miss Ruth Dalla got one of her legs fractured by the blast. She had escaped unhurt, but she fell while running away from the scene and other panicking members of the church marched on her

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•The church compound, a day after the attack

leg and she had both dislocation and fracture. She was told by doctors to buy crutches to aid her movement. Another teenager, Victoria Gyang, had spent four days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the specialist hospital in Jos. She had just been returned to the ward after a surgery on her skull when our correspondent visited. If there are no experts to handle her case, she may require medical service outside the country. For now, the victims are taking solace in the stream of sympathisers visiting them in the hospital. The Plateau State First

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

•Late Grace Wambuda

•Miss Victoria Gyang just returned from intensive care unit after surgery on the skull

•Mrs. Naomi Wambuda

Lady, Ngo Talatu Jang, is more concerned about the female victims who are still in the hospital. She had condemned the bombing in strong terms. In a press statement signed on her behalf by her Press Secretary, Philip Akila Kasham, the First Lady asked the people of Plateau State to go down on their knees and pray against any other religious riot in Jos. She asked the victims to keep their hope in God. Describing the attack on worshippers as unfortunate, she encouraged Christians

in the state and beyond not to take revenge but allow God to fight for his people. She expressed confidence that the God they worship would expose those who attacked them. “The attack is ill-timed, coming at a time when the people of the state have put behind them the ugly past, reunited and have been co-existing peacefully,” she noted. Mrs. Jang expressed her condolences to the families affected by the attack. In the same vein, Hon Suleiman Yahaya

Kwande representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, expressed his sympathy through a press statement. He said: “In recent days, people of the state have been enjoying relative peace and calm as confidence was rebuilding across the religious and ethnic divides. Unfortunately, enemies of peace and progress have sparked off fresh enmity with the fresh attack on worshipers at COCIN headquarters. “I condemn in strong terms these elements of sabotage and pray for the quick recovery of those who sustained injuries as a result,” he said. Hon Kwande appealed to the people of his constituency to remain calm and desist from taking the law into their hands. Governor Jonah Jang, accompanied by the Minister of Water Resources, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and several other top government functionaries, paid a sympathy visit to the church and the hospitals where the victims of the blast were receiving treatment. Jang said: “The attackers knew I worship at the church, but they will not succeed. I will only encourage the people of the state not to panic or take the law into their hands. We should be encouraged that God Almighty is in control.” A former governor of the state, Chief Joshua Dariye, also visited the church to sympathise with the victims. Also visiting were members of the House of Representatives from the state, including

•Rev Soja Bewarang, COCIN President in a media briefing

Hon. Bitrus Kaze and Hon. Simon Mwadkwon. In the face of the circumstances in which COCIN has found itself, the President of the church, Rev. Soja Bewarang, said: “In spite of the obvious provocation, the persecution will rather strengthen us than discourage us as a church. We will not give up on our God-given mandate. We wish to assure our enemies that they will only labour in vain.” The clergy warned the Federal Government against allowing Boko Haram to divide the country along religious lines. He challenged the new Special Task Force (STF) commander to do everything within his power to restore confidence in the people of the state, saying: “This attack came within three days of the resumption of the STF commander and it remains a big challenge to his office, considering that the state had enjoyed about six months of peace before his arrival.” Earlier, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Muhammed Abubakar, had paid an official visit to the scene of the blast where he sympathised with the people of the state over the incident. Represented by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, John Haruna, the IG said: “The attack is unfortunate, painful and condemnable in every sense of it.” The church is counting its losses in human and materials. The President said the property of the church destroyed in the attack was in the range of N5 billion.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

HREE weeks after a raging storm that claimed the lives of 10 school children and two elderly women, natives of Ojota village, Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State are still in tears. “How can one forget and stop crying?” asked Mrs. Alice Hassan, one of the mothers who lost three of her children to the storm. She sat by the window lintel to her apartment. She wore no clothes and looked straight into space. As the reporter approached her and greeted, she sighed deeply and said in her Awori dialect: “You have come again to ask questions, right?” The reporter replied in the affirmative. Then she continued: “Is all this going to bring back our children to us? I lost three children. My heart is empty. My life is empty. There is no children I can bring to life now that could be like those three, especially Temitope. She was such a useful and resourceful girl. Of all the children in this village, she was the most loved. She loved to serve people. You can never see her frown when you send her on errands. “In fact, many of the mothers in the village prefer her, even above their own children to send on errands. She was the one that I would give money to go to Igbede town market to buy my wares to sell. Temitope would buy bags of pure water sachets, crates of minerals, cartons of malt, packs of biscuits” … looking round to locate some of the other stuff she sells … “in fact, everything I sell.” Now crying and pausing to catch her breath …”Ha God, only You can explain why you allowed my heart to tear apart like this. I can never stop crying over the loss of my three children, never…” Two women came to her side and urged the reporter to leave her. “I have cried everyday since my three children died,” she added. A little close to Mrs. Alice Hassan’s bungalow is the cottage of the fourth Baale of Ojota, Amisu Hassan Lakisan, 100 years of age. He is a man of petite stature but still very strong and agile. He was met fixing his fishing net when the reporter met him. He had six wives, lost two, and had 37 children, but of them, 31 are dead. “Children have been dying in this community. But we have never had any like this since about 200 years that this village has existed. I cry in my corners. Even when I go round to encourage the women to take heart and not to cry; I know it is not easy. When I sit down to picture the faces of all the children that died on that February 3. I know all the children in this village by their names and faces, I weep myself. It is a very bad thing that has happened to us. We have never seen such and none of us can explain it. How can our children just die without warning like that? Some of the little ones even wept as usual before they left for school. You know, children will always need one thing or the other that parents were not prepared for. “This is a very peaceful village given birth to by one man called ‘Hassan’. That is why you see that many of us bear ‘Hassan’. We are families, immediate and extended. We are pure Yoruba descendants of Awori saka because our Yoruba is pure. We are not like the Awori laa… The only time we had a crisis was when another village tried to oppress us and said we were under them. They wanted to take us over like other countries tried to do to the land of Israel. We resisted and went to court and we won the case. For everything we do, we were always united. That is why this death has touched every household. Only one mother in the village can cook and feed all the chil-

•100-year-old Baale of Ojota village mending his fishing net when our reporter met him

Three weeks after Lagos storm

We’re now afraid of the water we used to enjoy

— Children of Ojota village where 10 pupils drowned Joke KUJENYA

dren without waiting for their mothers. It is the way our land was founded. Our forefathers made it like that and we have been living like that …until this tragedy hit us. We are still mourning. We are all very sad. Since that day, none of us have been able to do any business.” And what sort of business do men and women in the village do? The Baale responded: “We men are fish-hunters, Ode apeja, while majority of our women weave mats.” A fisherman at 100 years of age! The surprise was expressed. “Yes,

I still fish-hunt to provide for my family. I make it mandatory to send my children to complete their secondary school education. Some of them have gone into the heart of Lagos to continue their lives. But majorly, we do fishing business here. We go far into the heart of the Lagoon to catch fish and then, take to the shoreline where some ‘big people’ from the city come to but our fresh fish.” About the same time, school-age children in the village were sighted playing about. The time was about 11.10am. The reporter approached them and asked why they were not in school. In chorus, they intoned: “We are now afraid

of the water.” And why is that? One of them, Muibi Dada Aliu, 16, a Primary Six pupil of St. Mary Anglican Nursery and Primary School, Igbede, said in Yoruba: “We have been afraid since our other brothers and sisters died. We are even afraid now to walk the narrow path to the shore line where we used to ‘enter’ canoe because their bodies were buried by the water side. I was in the canoe with two of my younger brothers, when our boat capsized. I heard the cries as they were calling for help. I quickly dived into the water and was able to locate them before the waves could carry them out of my

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We have been afraid since our other brothers and sisters died. We are even afraid now to walk the narrow path to the shore line where we used to ‘enter’ canoe because their bodies were buried by the water side. I was in the canoe with two of my younger brothers, when our boat capsized. I heard the cries as they were calling for help...

reach. I could not see anything that day. I was afraid too and I am happy I was able to take them to the shore at Igbede town. Since that time, I have been afraid of the same water I used to enjoy. I even lost my school bag inside the water.” Another student Ganiyu Hassan, 14, a Primary Four pupil, said: “The fear of what happened has continued to traumatise us. We were even discussing and playing on our way to school when suddenly the wind started blowing and some of our friends died. I still remember them and feel it could happen to me too.” Sherif Muibi, 14, a Primary Five pupil, said: “We are all still afraid. We can’t cross the water again. “We all feel that it would be better for us to go to schol at Esofin (a nearby riverine village) than for us to cross the water to the other side. If I decide to be going there, what about my two little ones? I don’t want anything bad to happen to them. My mother had lost three of us already. I don’t want the three of us left to die.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

•St Mary Anglican School, Igbede town where the pupils were attending

•Mr. Sulaiman

•Alhaja Hassan •Alice Hassan and her son sitting by her window

PHOTOS: Joke KUJENYA

•The Baale

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Children have been dying in this community. But we have never had any like this since about 200 years that this village has existed. Even when I go round to encourage the women to take heart and not to cry; I know it is not easy. When I sit down to picture the faces of all the children that died on that February 3... I weep myself

•From left: Sheriff, Ganiyu and Dada with other children in Ojota village who abandoned school out of fear of crossing the water

On Monday, February 3, 2012, a thick windstorm which turned the early morning weather into darkness, shook the frail canoe that was conveying the pupils and two elderly women to Igbede town for schooling and business. Out of the 22 passengers on board, 10 of the pupils and two elderly women died while the other 12 survived. Ojota village is a riverine area near Badagry, Lagos . To get to the town, canoes serve as a means of transportation. There are ‘stops’ leading to the town. The first is ‘Ebute Tanyon’, that is the farthest route that takes one about 50minutes of walk into the village. Next to that is ‘Ebute Agege’, also a bit far to the village. Access to the closest stop, ‘Ebute Ete’, the shore that the village’s only source of water is named after, is currently closed. A woman told The Nation: “As a matter of fact, that route is reserved for the Baale and his chiefs. Because of its closeness to the village and the ages of the fathers, villagers left it for them as mark of honour. And though the men

are still very strong, we can’t allow them to go to the other shores. Another reason is that, that is where those children are buried. “It is believed that when a person dies either by the lagoon ‘osa’ or Atlantic ocean, ‘okun’, they are buried close to the water. So, instead of all of us seeing their graves, it was decided that we should not use ‘Ebute Ete’ for a while. I don’t know how long. But nobody is passing there for now. And that was why you too, (the reporter) was dropped off at ‘Ebute Tanyon’ and had to do the long winding walk down to the village. Speaking further, Baale of Ojota said: “We have so many needs in this village. I can only appeal to the government of Governor Babatunde Fashola to live up to its promises. At the time the incident happened, the governor came here with many people. He promised us live jackets, and also to open a road for us to link Esofin village so our children can go to school without riding across the water. He gave a two-week order. Already, we have

sighted some men clearing the bush path on the other end probably for the link road. The governor also said that he would give our children three ‘Keke Marwa’ to convey them to and from school every day. All these are good. But we need more. We need clean water. We need a good link road to the town and more. Please, help us to tell them. “Life is a little expensive here. But we patronise our own people because we can’t because of every item needed go to the other town,” said Chief Kazeem Tijani Secretary to the Baale, Ojota Village, who also lost a child, Aminatu Kazeem, 8, during the storm. “Long before subsidy removal or not, we have bought our own things a little higher than how much others sell them in town. For instance, a sachet of pure water has always sold for N10 here. Soft drinks sell for N80. We buy Malt at N120 long before the strike. Don’t even let me talk about bread. Yet, we buy these things like that because we have to support ourselves. But things were particularly tough for us during the strike. We really suffered.”

As the discussion progressed, Mrs. Alice Hassan beckoned to the reporter and said solemnly: “Do you know what happened to us means in the Yoruba parlance? It is a bad omen. After losing three children, I cannot afford to lose my remaining children. That is why it is better for them to stay within our watchful eyes at home.” Alhaja Hassan, who lost two children to the storm, echoed same sentiment. “At my age, I am crying in old age. I cannot bear children again. I have lost my only two children. In this village, we cannot afford to lose any other child.” At the St. Mary Anglican Nursery and Primary School, Igbede, a nonteaching staff, Mrs. Tawakalitu Sulaimon, said: “When we noticed that the children from Ojota village did not come to school for a few days, we raised a team to go and visit their families, but they insisted that their children will not come here again. This is not because the school is no longer good for their children, but they are yet to get over the trauma of the sad Monday. We can feel their pains and that is why

we could not do more than trying to persuade them because we too are parents and we know what it means to lose children unexpectedly as that happened. “The school will particularly miss Tope Rufai, a primary six pupil that died in her bid to rescue her brother,” said Mr. Sulaiman Oyekan, a school teacher. “She was a very brilliant student who had represented the school in several academic competitions. As soon as we heard what happened, many of us present ran to the scene. Some of us, male teachers who could swim jumped into the water to rescue some of the children we could easily locate. “I got so concerned not because the students were coming to my school but because I come from a village called ‘Olomometa’, a closeby riverrine area after Ojota village. We know how messy this issue can be. We searched on the water for about five hours before we started seeing a few of their bodies floating on the water. We got more bodies on the second day and the last two bodies, on the third day.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

•A Camry car recovered from the suspects

Our deals with robbers, by Lagos car dealers arrested for receiving stolen vehicles F OR many years, they carried on as mega car dealers. But the honeymoon appears to be over for Mr Ajayi Olalekan, Osho Gbolahan and Dayo Salam, who are now in police net for allegedly sponsoring a robbery gang and receiving exotic cars they snatched from hapless individuals. The syndicate was said to have been smashed last weekend by a team of nine policemen from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Police Command, who also recovered 14 state-of-the-art cars, including jeeps, from the syndicate. Already, the three suspects were said to have made useful confessional statements that would enable SARS to recover more vehicles. One of the suspects, Ajayi Omotayo Olalekan (31), a native of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State who resides in Ile Ife, Osun State, had paraded himself as an importer before his arrest. But in an interview with our correspondent, he confessed to being the chief receiver of the stolen cars, saying there was no point lying about it. Olalekan said: “It has happened already, so there is no need to tell lies now. I was the chief receiver. I used the members of the gang to get any brand of car or jeep I wanted, but I paid them very well for every car or jeep they brought to me. At times, I went with them to show them the type and model of the car or jeep I wanted. Once I saw the car I wanted, I ordered them to go for it. Ebele BONIFACE “I remember their names vividly. They were Abiodun Salau, Jamiu Ayinde, Lukman Rasaki, Mohammed who coordinated them Akin Adedapo, Saheed Sulola, for me because I travel abroad a lot.” Giving an insight into his educaBakare Olalekan, Dare Sonubi, Ayo Oladeji and one tional background, Olalekan said: “I

•Gbolahan

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One day, I told them that I was interested in their smuggled cars. They confessed to me that they used to snatch them and that they were professional armed robbers. I told them that money would not be a problem because I had enough cash to pay for any car or jeep they supplied...

•Dayo

had Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Computer Science from Universal Polytechnic in Ife. I later travelled to Malaysia to work.

From there, I travelled to Dubai to buy goods like shoes, clothes and bags and imported them to Nigeria. I got the money to travel

abroad when my father sold his parcel of land in Ketu (Lagos) for N1.7 million. I was given N700,000 because my mother is the second wife of my father. “I used to clear my goods at Ikeja. From there, I supplied them to traders on Lagos Island. That was about one and a half years ago when I resided in Ikorodu, Lagos. At Ikorodu, I used to stay with my close friend called Osho Gbolahan, who was into computer business there. That was where I met the boys that sell stolen cars. I got to know them deeper and better through one Ali Mohammed, who lied to me that they (robbery suspects) used to buy the cars from Cotonou. “One day, I told them that I was interested in their smuggled cars. They confessed to me that they used to snatch them and that they were professional armed robbers. I told them that money would not be a problem because I had enough cash to pay for any car or jeep they supplied. I told them it should be Honda or Toyota vehicles. But I told them that they should be dealing directly with Ali Mohammed, my representative. “Once they called me on the phone that they had a supply, I would call Mohammed to attend to them. For example, if they brought a 1998 model of Toyota Camry, I would call Mohammed and give him N400,000 to give to them. The market price of the Camry is N800,000. Mohammed would collect the car and deliver it to Dayo, who would sell it for N600,000 or N550,000 and give me N500,000. Hence, my gain was only N100,000. “I bought the 1998 model of

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 Honda Baby Boy from them at N350,000. The market price is between N900,000 and N1 million. I also bought Nissan Maxima, 1999 model for N400,000. The market price is N850,000. Another brand of Jeep I bought from them is the Honda CRV, 1998 model. I bought it for N500,000 while the market price is N900,000. “The FS45 Infinity Jeep I ride is my personal vehicle. I bought it for N3.4 million in the open market. I built a N7.5 million bungalow in Ile-Ife where I reside.” Olalekan recalled that he was arrested on January 10, 2012 while he was playing football with some street boys in Ile-Ife. “The people were surprised when SARS operatives arrested me,” he said. The second suspect, Osho Gbolahan (31), hails from Ikorodu part of Lagos. He also claimed to be a student of Economics at Lagos State University (LASU). He said: “I knew Olalekan because we were neighbours in Ikorodu. He travelled to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) between 2008 and 2009 to import some goods. He was a phone repairer in Ikorodu before he travelled to Dubai. I also sell phones. I later learnt to repair phones, but there were too many complaints from customers who said their phones were not well repaired. So, I restricted myself to selling phones and Olalekan used to bring customers to me. “Later, he started dealing in cars, but I did not know that they were stolen cars until I was arrested for buying and selling cars for him. Even when I confronted Dayo, he confessed that he was the contact between the robbers and the buyers and between Olalekan and one Mohammed. Tell Dayo to stop lying. It has happened and it has happened. “See, I have a brighter future than all of them. Let us tell the police the whole truth so that they would sympathise with us and find a way to help us. “I used to receive phones from robbers, but I was not able to do something reasonable with the money I got from the dirty deals. Hence, in 2009, I started receiving cars from the robbers. I bought one Toyota Camry, 1998 model for N400,000. I paid N300,000 forthe second car I bought from the robbers. The third was for N400,000, but I gave the car to my good neighbour, Owolabi, a taxi driver at Victoria Island, on hirepurchase to compensate him for assisting me when I was arrested by the police. “The fourth car was a CRV 1997/98 model. I promised to pay the robbers N400,000 but failed because I did not want to pay them. Dayo took it and sold it and gave me N400,000 to give the robbery gang. I lied to the robbers that Police arrested me and took the CRV and threatened to kill me if I refuse to leave the CRV. I also told them that the Police had asked me to help them to locate the robbers but I refused. I did not give them a dime from the money. The Police recovered three cars from me. “I also learnt to repair phones and laptops to enable me dispose stolen or snatched laptops and phones. Once they brought a laptop I would format it and offload it with Window SP or Window 7 to format. The only problem I had was with the serial numbers at the back of the phones or laptops.” Asked where he kept all the money he made from the car

snatchers, he said: “I used the money to sponsor myself in the university. I have a friend at the Computer Village, Ikeja, who helped me to sell the phones. I bought SR for N30,000 and resold it for N50,000 while I bought SP for N25,000 and resold it N45,000.” Narrating how he was arrested, he said: “It was the officer in charge SARS a Superintendent of Police who asked Owolabi to call me on the phone. On that day, I received two lectures before I went to Ikeja to hustle for what I would eat. I was at Computer Village when he called and told me where he was. I did not know that SARS men had laid an ambush for me. The moment I surfaced, the team leader held me by my trousers, jacked me up and handcuffed me. They asked whether I knew Owolabi and I said yes. The officer in charge of SARS, Kyari, said if we cooperated with him, he would help us out of this problem. He collected more than 10 cars from us, even though they are now saying they collected only four. “My father lives in America. He is a rich man and a polygamist, The only money he has sent to me all his life is N10,500. The N10,000 was for my NAPTEC examination while the N500 was for transport. I fell into this temptation because I was sponsoring myself in school. I had nobody to assist me. If I regain my freedom I will go for thanks giving.” The third suspect, Dayo Salam (32), resides at Ojogbe Beach Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, but he hails from Abeokuta, Ogun State. He said: “I am a successful car dealer at Owode Onirin where I have operated in the past seven years. I dropped out of school at SSS 2 at Shamsideen Secondary School, Ikorodu because I had nobody to sponsor me. I later started learnig how to sell cars under my late master Musbau at Ikorodu and got my freedom in 2005. “I started going to mechanic villages and workshops to meet ‘strikers’ who knew where there were vehicles for sale. With time, I had my own workshop at Owode Onirin. Due to my rapid progress, people started to envy me. They tried to set me up with criminals. I started making friends. “My trouble started when Olalekan became my friend. He claimed to be an importer of exotic cars. He promised to be helping me by giving me some of his imported cars to sell. But when I started becoming a regular guest of the Police, I realised that he got his supplies from a nine-man robbery gang who snatched cars and jeeps of his choice for him. “But instead of backing out, I followed him. I stopped meeting ‘strikers’ whose only work was to give me information on where to get vehicles that were for sale, following which they took a commission. Another thing that got

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•Another car recovered from the suspects

m e interested i n Olalekan w a s that he knew all the Yahoo boys who have made so m u c h money that they always wanted to dispose their old vehicles off in order to buy new ones. What he used to do for me was to get the Yahoo boys’ vehicles and sell them to me. “I started receiving snatched cars and jeeps from Olalekan in February 2010. I did not deal

agents did not disturb them where they displayed their stolen vehicles, he said they had a union who represented their interests and through which they gave money to the agencies for “settlement”. “Moreover, we helped buyers to register the stolen vehicles and obtain number plates and vehicle licences. All the receivers of the stolen vehicles have special workshops called ‘theatre’ where they take stolen vehicles for refurbishment and painting to the point that even if the original owners sees it he would not recognise it. “Some of the so-called imported tokunbo (fairly used) cars were stolen abroad and smuggled down to Nigeria. It is not easy to stop them because many people benefit from this criminal activity. They see it as a way of life. It is only when they (robbers) kill the victims that the Police take the matter seriously.” On why some car snatchers shoot or kill their victims after snatching their cars, he said: “Some victims are foolish to act as if they knew some members of a robbery gang. No armed robber wants to be identified. Other victims put up foolish resistance with guns in the •Ajayi hands of the robber. Dealing with robbers is like dealing with mad people. w i t h “I am better than Olalekan and Mohammed. I dealt di- Gbolahan because I do not parrectly with him.” He said only ticipate in armed robbery or five cars were recovered from snatching of cars or jeeps. I have him, saying it was financial my money. I pay cash to collect problems that pushed him into a car or jeep. I am not the only dining with criminals. person dealing in stolen veAsked why vehicle inspection hicles. It is better to be a buyer officers and law enforcement or receiver than to carry gun and rob or snatch. It is the big money we get from stolen cars that tempts us to continue to patronise car snatchers.” Commenting on their arrests, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Jaiyeoba Joseph, a Superintended of Police, said other criminally-minded car dealers in the state should be prepared to face the music. Without them, he said, there would be no car snatchers.

Moreover, we helped buyers to register the stolen vehicles and obtain number plates and vehicle licences. All the receivers of the stolen vehicles have special workshops called ‘theatre’ where they take stolen vehicles for refurbishment and painting to the point that even if the original owners sees it he would not recognise it

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

It was fascinating to see Tafawa Balewa drive himself to our house in those days —Desmond Majekodunmi, son of defunct Western Region’s ex-Administrator Desmond Majekodunmi, son of the former Administrator of the defunct Western Region during the emergency period, Dr. Moses Majekodunmi, is an environmental activist and the President of Legacy Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that works to rescue some of the old landmark structures built years ago. In this interview with OKORIE UGURU, he speaks about his life and activities as an environmental activist and the efforts to save the environment and other issues. •Desmond Majekodunmi

IGERIANS know you for many things. You are currently involved in conservation, what is it all about? Primarily I am involved in two types of conservation efforts, one of them is conserving the natural resources of our environment, that is the eco-system. I’ve been involved in that for a long time, in the last 25 years plus. Ever since I joined the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), I have been very passionate about that, preserving and protecting nature, conserving nature. Also there is another aspect, which is helping to conserve our historical artifacts, particularly our buildings, our historical buildings because this is our history, our personality. In Lagos we have quite a lot of these historic buildings built by colonial interveners. Some of them are over 200 years old, some just 100 years old, but any building that is over 100 years old is part of our history, whether we like it or not it is part of our history. I am president of a group called Legacy 1995, a historical and environmental restoration group and that is what we do. You used to be in the public for entertainment music and so on. Many now know you as a conservation activist. Let us talk about your evolution over the years. How did you get into conservation and why so many things packed into one person? It is an interesting question. You know one gets involved in so many things at different times. I’ve always loved music and I was a musician. When I was in school, I had a school band, I kept it even when I went for higher education. I kept up the music at an amateur level. Then I went deeper into it from the production side and I actually trained to become what they called an electro-acoustic engineer, that is somebody involved in sound and recording. It was a good way of having higher academic status but embedded in music because I come from a fairly illustrious family

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It was normally in the evening. I think he just liked the idea of driving the car and that was a very strong memory-the prime minister driving his own car, and you will hardly know that it was the prime minister. He would come to the house and we would all play scrabble together, I would sit on his knees...

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that prides itself in having icons academic achievements. So, it was a way of merging the two, that having academic accomplishment but still keeping close to what was my great love, music. I then started production in the United Kingdom with some top groups including The Rolling Stones and when I got back here, I started working for Polygram which was a subsidiary of Philips. I produced stuff with Victor Uwaifo, revived his career, turned him into reggae and it was very nice. We did a reggae version of Joromi and so on. I worked with Fela on Suffering and Smiling. I actually co-produced Suffering and Smiling; I say that reservedly because to produce Fela is not really…How do you handle fire? Under which label? I think it would have been Polygram, you know Fela was in several labels, I think it was plygram. He might just have been using the studio independently, I really can’t recall. Fela has very special arrangements on his releases and that was a very interesting association. One sort of continued that way with other groups, so it went on for some time. I finally left Polygram, got married to a fantastic singer, Sheila who is late now. She was a great singer. I got a job in Kenya with Colombia Broadcasting Services (CBS). I was there for three years, I was training local engineers and also producing for the Kenya musicians as well. I set up a multi-track studio there and it was a very interesting experience. It was in Kenya that I got bitten by the ‘green bug’, the beginning of the conservation was actually agriculture. The Kenyans were very good in farming. Till today, the main stay of their economy is from the land, either through eco-tourism or from agriculture and I was so impressed by the way these Kenyans were just making good money from their land, including their president. Every weekend, the president will go to his shamba, which really what they call their farm in Swahili and on weekends Nairobi will be half empty because everybody has gone to their shamba. When they come back, they do so with food. Kenyans would hardly spend money on food. They grow their own food and they are healthy people. I said so, it is like this? Meanwhile Nigerian children hardly knew how milk is produced. They would just say it comes from tins. I said okay, when I go back to Nigeria, let me do something more positive, I ‘m going to spearhead this back to the land culture. I said I was going to become a farmer and when I got back, everybody was like eh? You want to become a farmer, aje bota like you? I was so excited until I eventually got the land in Lekki and entered the place and when I saw the first snake, I was like eh! A big giant snake came out of the tree. I couldn’t run, I was so afraid. Thank God the snake was more afraid of me than I was of it. That was a bit of baptism by fire. I did an informal course at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) where I really learnt from the real expert scientists who studied farming. It was a wonderful experience and I was able to translate that experience to our farm. As a result of that, we did what they call conservation farming. IITA had warned us not to go and just clear whole bush with bulldozers and so on, that we should do it gently using a process called zero tillage and leaving some of the original forest that was there. And it worked? We set up an oil palm plantation which is there till today, but that was what attracted people from the •Continued on Page 22

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Saturday

THRILLER

'Coats of many colours' Dangerous lust and scramble for skin bleachers Olatunji OLOLADE, Assistant Editor

AKED, the skinny toddler lay swaddled in a blanket of sweat on the hospital bed. Splayed across the sheet like bruised violet, she cut the picture of a child yet to enjoy her first siesta. Time was 3.45 p.m. and the torrent outside had subsided to a drizzle but the tiny tot continued to drip. Few minutes later, her cherubic face yielded to a grimace, her pinkish lips twisted into a pout and her tiny fingers roamed across her belly to scratch at her back. Closer, she wasn’t as pretty as she ought to be. Her clammy skin was a curtain of rash and scratch sores and she whimpered like a newborn suffocating in a woolly shawl. Her name is Eva (surname withheld) and she is three years old. Contrary to what the hospital matron thought, Eva had developed no fever, neither was she reacting to a clinical drug; the creepy rash on her body, her mottled complexion and tiresome perspiration were direct consequences of her mother’s love for her. Ndidi, a “fashion designer” and the toddler’s mother had in a rare display of maternal affection mixed Eva’s body cream with her personal skin whitener. Although the 34-year-old barely obliged satisfactory explanation for her action, Ronke Egbeyemi, the Chief Matron of the Ijoko, Ogun State-based clinic where little Angel is recuperating, revealed that the three-year-old was subjected to a heavy cocktail of skin bleachers. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

20 •Continued from Page 19

“I do not know what is wrong with the mother but if the girl’s nanny hadn’t rushed her to our clinic, who knows what state the poor child would be in now?” said Egbeyemi. According to her, Eva’s nanny claimed that the child had suddenly broken into a loud wail just before lunch hour. “The nanny claimed that she tried unsuccessfully to pacify her,” stated Egbeyemi. Corroborating her, the nanny who simply identified herself as Hadiza noted that she had always wondered why little Angel was persistently covered in sweat. “That afternoon, she started screaming suddenly and tugging at her dress. When we pulled it off her, we discovered that she was practically dripping and her body was covered in sores.” Despite the allegations against her, Ndidi refused to accept that it was the skin whitener she had been applying on her child that had been causing her much grief. According to her, “The cream no do am anything. Na im true colour the cream dey bring out. Before, dem talk say na malaria do am, today dem dey say na me poison am with bleaching cream. Make dem kuku talk say dem no know wetin do am.” Maddened by her actions and lack of contrition, Festus, her estranged husband and police constable, has decided to take his child away from her. “That (Eva) is my only daughter. I will not wait for that witch (Ndidi) to kill her for me,” he said adding that he would be taking Eva away to live with him and his “legal wife.” Miles from Ijoko, scene of the skin bleaching accident, Felicia, a pub owner, and her three girls sat in a maze of extreme poses. With their faces tone-bleached and heavily made up like the shiny moss crust coating the base of their uncompleted bar, you‘d think they were primed to espouse a poetry of contrariety. So much fade and shimmer shouldn’t exist on one face at the same time you’d surmise. But there it was, embodied by the husks of perceptible bulk Felicia and her daughters have steadfastly become. Every day, the mother and grandma engage in a comforting routine, exchanging profanities with her lecherous customers even as they ogle her behind alongside her daughters’. They are all single mothers, but asides their scanty outfits and love for obscenities, it’s extremely hard to picture what it is that endears Felicia and her joint to her customers. “Na the beer now. They know say my drinks dey always dey cold…and you know say most men like yellow sissy. Na wetin make me dey get many customers be dat,” she explained even as she beat the flies away from the colourless secretion glistening the bleach-sores around her neck. Perhaps there was a time when the 41-yearold’s neck region glistened with an even tone as other parts of her unevenly bleached body but as you read; her once whitened complexion has diminished to a sallow glow. Shades of red, green and black cast unattractive traceries along her veins. Add that to her scaly and badly wrinkled skin and you have a perfect portrait for an anti-bleaching campaign. However, Felicia thinks otherwise, left to her, the rapid deterioration of her skin was caused by a minor bruise and she is not bleaching. “I no dey bleach o. You call dis one bleaching? Na toning now. I just dey tone,” she said quite petulantly. Not a few women, irrespective of exposure and class share a similar mentality with Felicia. “There is a difference between light toning and skin bleaching. Even those creams have it indicated on their leaflets if they are meant to bleach or slightly tone the user’s skin to attain its real glow. The cream I use for instance is meant for light toning and clearing of acme and dark spots. It doesn’t bleach,” claimed Bunmi Adedotun, an advertising executive. Corroborating her, Kikelomo AyindeRoberts, a clothier and beauty products importer, stated that “bleaching is different from toning. And there is nothing wrong with bleaching if you can find the right cream for your skin type. The key is to find the proper cream or mixture that would interact well with your skin. You see, my skin type interacts well with a mixture I discovered three years ago; when my friend tried it, it burnt her skin. I had to recommend another cocktail for her. I also make recommendations for many of these society women you see around,” claimed the clothier even as she scratched a mottled spot on her chin. Skin bleaching or lightening is a global phenomenon, however, in recent years; the practice has come under fire because of its potential negative health effects and association with colonialism and self-imagery. There is evidence that some types of skin-whitening products use harmful active ingredients such as mercurous chloride and hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is banned in many other countries and can only be prescribed by a doctor. Why bleach?

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 Several social pressures favouring lighter skin tone among Africans have been previously identified. Grace Nwogu, a dermatologist, blames “mischievous media advertisements which usually glorifies lighter skin tone at no cost” for the prevalence of the use of bleaching cosmetics by Nigerian females. According to her, “these products are sold solely in local shops patronised by Africans, rather than traditional pharmacies or cosmetic shops. Most are sold as cosmetic products in nonmedical stores without warning about adverse effects or contraindications. With persistent usage, most users of these products end up with badly damaged skins.” On another note, Mariam Alebiosu, a consultant clinical psychologist, identifies the rating of skin colour as a determinant of social class as one of the many factors pushing uninformed Nigerians to try out skin bleaching. “At the end, in their search for prestige, they end up with coats of many colours as skin,” noted Alebiosu. There have been local and transnational campaigns to stop the manufacture of products containing mercury in the EU and efforts to inform African consumers of the dangers of their use and to foster the idea of black pride. Governments in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Kenya have banned the import and sale of mercury and hydroquinone products, but they continue to be smuggled in from other African nations. Despite these efforts, the use of skin lighteners has been increasing among modernized and cosmopolitan Nigerian women as well as their African peers. The prevalent situation undoubtedly contradicts the situation back in the 1970s when typical skin lightener users were constituted mostly by prostitutes, desperate spinsters, divorcees and the rural poor. The media often portrayed women who bleach as naïve, irrational and gullible. But nowadays, ladies are no longer ashamed to bleach or even talk about it with pride in some social circles. According to the World Health Organisation, 77 per cent of Nigerian women use skin lightening products on a regular basis. It is also reported that some women use these products for as long as 20 years. The number is growing by the day. It is generally believed that this practice is influenced by deep racial inferiority, ignorance of identity or a crisis of identity but it is important to note that there is more to it than this. For some of the women skin lightening satisfies their need for attention, their desire for beauty as seen in magazines where models and celebrities have light colored skin. It can be seen as perpetuating the colonial belief that being lighter is better. Today, it is the upwardly mobile Nigerian women, those with technical diplomas or university degrees and well-paid jobs, who are driving the market in skin lighteners. A recent study by Mictert Marketing Research found that one in 13 upwardly mobile black women aged 25 to 35 use skin lighteners frequently. These upwardly mobile women turn to expensive imported products from India and Europe rather than cheaper, locally made products. They also go to doctors to get prescriptions for imported lighteners containing corticosteroids, which are intended for shortterm use to treat blemishes. They continue using them for long periods beyond the prescribed duration, thus risking damage. Skin lightening as a cashcow Skin lightening has long been practised in many parts of the world. Women concocted their own treatments or purchased products from self-styled beauty experts offering special creams, soaps, or lotions, which were either ineffective sham products or else effective but containing highly toxic materials such as mercury or lead. From the perspective of the supposedly enlightened sections of contemporary society, skin lightening is often viewed as a form of vanity or a misguided and dangerous relic of the past. But this view has been adjudged as overtly conservative and subjective, particularly by advocates of skin whitening. At the beginning of the 21st century, the search for light skin, free of imperfections such as freckles and age spots, has actually accelerated, and the market for skin-lightening products has mushroomed in all parts of the world. The production and marketing of products that offer the prospect of lighter, brighter, whiter skin has become a multi-billion-dollar global industry. Skin lightening has been incorporated into transnational flows of capital, goods, people, and culture. It is implicated in both the formal global economy and various informal economies. It is integrated into both legal and extralegal transnational circuits of goods. Certain large multinational corporations have become major players, spending vast sums on research

Dangerous lust and scramble for skin bleachers

•Pictures show victims of the side effects of skin bleachers and development and on advertising and marketing to reach both mass and specialised markets. Simultaneously, actors in informal or underground economies, including smugglers, transnational migrants, and petty traders, are finding unprecedented opportunities in producing, transporting, and selling unregulated lightening products. One reason for this complex multifaceted structure, according to Bosun Awosanmi, a teacher and sociologist, is that the market for skin lighteners, although global in scope, is also highly decentralised and segmented along socioeconomic, age, national, ethnic, racial, and cultural lines. Whether the manufacturers are multi-billion-dollar corporations or small entrepreneurs, they make separate product lines and use distinct marketing strategies to reach specific segments of consumers. Ethnic companies and entrepreneurs may be best positioned to draw on local cultural themes, but large multinationals can draw on local experts to tailor advertising images and messages to appeal to particular audiences. The internet has become a major engine for the globalised, segmented, lightening market. It is the site where all of the players in the global lightening market meet. Large multinationals, small local firms, individual entrepreneurs, skin doctors, direct sales merchants, and even eBay sellers use the Internet to dis-

seminate the ideal of light skin and to advertise and sell their products. Consumers go on the Internet to do research on products and shop. Some also participate in Internet message boards and forums to seek advice and to discuss, debate, and rate skin lighteners. The discussions on these forums provide a window through which to view the meaning of skin color to consumers, their desires and anxieties, doubts and aspirations. The Internet is thus an important site from which one can gain a multilevel perspective on skin lightening. When black isn’t beautiful The ideology of white supremacy that European colonists brought included the association of blackness with primitiveness, lack of civilization, unrestrained sexuality, pollution, and dirt. The association of blackness with dirt can be seen in a 1930 French advertising poster for Dirtoff. Such images showing Black people “dramatically losing their pigmentation as a result of the cleansing process,” were common in late 19th and early 20th century soap advertisements, according to art historian Jean Michel Massing. Some historians and anthropologists have argued that pre-colonial African conceptions of female beauty favoured women with light brown, yellow, or reddish tints. If so, the ra-

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

most of the users claimed that they were ignorant of the health implications involved. Skin bleaching as a mental problem Daudi Ajani ya Azibo, an independent scholar and expert in African-centered (Black) Psychology, postulated through his “Azibo Nosology” the only diagnostic system of mental disorders directly linked to Africancentered personality theory. The body of work is currently the fifth most cited article in the history of the Journal of Black Psychology (JPB). According to Azibo, within every culture one might find as an exception an individual who is radically out of step with his or her culture regarding a given behaviour. The notion that there may be individual bleachers or lighteners who engage in the behavior for reasons far removed from the abnormal is basically according to him. Such behavior is often more inappropriate and pathological than “normal,” he claimed. The behavior of so-called “odd duck” persons or persons marching to their own drum, so to speak, is evaluated as not mentally ill so long as it is not anti-self/anti-African in motivation or actuality and is neither harmful to maintaining African civilisation nor the African individual himself or herself. However, the moment it begins to constitute harm to the skin bleacher, it becomes a criterion for abnormalcy in every abnormal psychology textbook. These principles would appear reasonable. Fathoming the psychology of individuals who bleach or lighten without violating these principles does not seem possible, especially in light of their reactive status as occurs under Eurasian domination of Africans, he argued.

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The key is to find the proper cream or mixture that would interact well with your skin. You see, my skin type interacts well with a mixture I discovered three years ago; when my friend tried it, it burnt her skin

cial hierarchies established in areas colonised by Europeans cemented and generalised the privilege attached to light skin. Perils of skin-bleaching Prolonged use of bleaching agents, with the loss of the protective effect of melanin pigment, combined with sun exposure can theoretically lead to an increased risk of skin cancer. Other complications include eczema, as these agents are often irritating to the skin. With steroid use, the main side effect is the increased risk of skin infections, for example, fungal infections and scabies. There is also skin thinning, with the development of stretch marks and acne. Furthermore, with the uncontrolled use of steroids on the skin, individuals may experience poor wound healing. With the use of more potent steroid creams, applied over a large body surface area, there is a risk of systemic side effects including the development of high blood pressure and diabetes. Mercury agents12 when applied to the skin in sufficient quantities can be absorbed leading to mercury poisoning, which is manifested by a range of symptoms including psychiatric, neurological and kidney problems. Mercury of course is highly toxic, and sustained exposure can lead to neurological damage and kidney disease. Hydroquinone (originally an industrial chemical) is effective in suppressing melanin production, but exposure to the

sun—hard to avoid in Africa—damages skin that has been treated. Systemic side effects of some of these agents (including mercury poisoning) may also be observed in babies if they are used by pregnant or breast feeding women. According to local dermatologists, skin lightening disrupts primary innate immune function of the epidermal skin leading to susceptibility of the users to systemic infections since lightening creams used for long duration, on a large body surface area and under hot humid conditions enhances absorption. In addition, higher susceptibility to infections by users may lead to a state of oxidative stress and increase in the rates of skin cancer. Other side effects of skin lightening creams are damage of elastic fibers of the skin, skin wrinkling, contact allergy, stretch marks and ache. However, despite bans on the importation of skin lighteners, the widespread use of these products currently constitutes a serious health issue in Nigeria and across the African continent. As a result of the serious health effects, medical researchers have conducted interview studies to determine how prevalent the practice of skin lightening is among African women. They estimate that 25 percent of women in Bamako, Mali; 35 percent in Pretoria, South Africa; and 52 percent in Dakar, Senegal, use skin lighteners, as do an astonishing 77.3 percent of

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traders – comprising 96 males (27.6 %) and 252 females (72.4%) in Lagos. The Lagos study was carried out by a team of local researchers, and by the results, it was established that the use of skin lightening creams has become a socially acceptable phenomenon widely practised by both men and women in Lagos. The trend cuts across all socioeconomic strata, age, sex and marital status. Hydroquinolone based products were the most commonly used products although cortico-steroids and mercury-based products were also widely used. In another independent study carried out to determine the toxicity of cosmetics used by 200 female undergraduates between ages 17 and 26 years, findings revealed that many of the cosmetics, which included creams, lotions and soaps, were imported from Europe. About 20% of the girls had used cosmetics to lighten their skin for a period of two months to two years and they claimed that they had experienced irritations. Another 40% used a mixture of cosmetics and soaps in combination and their skins got burnt during the period. Over 66% used medicated soaps which they claimed were very good on their skin, but 17% of these cosmetics contain hydroquinone while 14% and 35% of the soaps contain potassium mercuric iodide. The presence of these chemicals, (hydroquinone and mercuric iodide), which had already been banned worldwide in cosmetics and soaps was viewed with serious concern, especially when

Taming a monstrous trend Notwithstanding the grim analysis and statistics about the inherent dangers of skin bleaching, the yearning for lightness evident in the widespread and growing use of skin bleaching around the globe can be rightfully seen as a legacy of colonialism, a manifestation of what Alebiosu called “false consciousness,” and the internalisation of “white is right” values by people of color, particularly women. Thus, one often-proposed solution to the problem is re-orientation that stresses the diversity of types of beauty and desirability and that valorises darker skin shades, so that lightness or whiteness is dislodged as the dominant standard. While such efforts are needed, focusing only on individual consciousness and motives distracts attention from the very powerful economic forces that help to create the yearning for lightness and that offer to fulfill the yearning at a steep price. Seyi Akinwumi, a lawyer, recommends that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and National Agency for Food, Drugs, Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and other government regulating agencies in control of the regulations and importation of cosmetics and pharmaceutical products should ensure that such undesirable products are not registered or allowed entry into the country. She also suggested a follow-up action to educate young girls on the implications of using skin whiteners, toners, soaps and other toxic products. To Akinwumi, “importation of banned skin whiteners is a monstrous act” thus the need for stiff penalties to checkmate importers and local manufacturers who produce and import into Nigeria those cosmetics products containing toxic chemicals (hydroquinone and mercuric derivatives), which have been banned worldwide. The manufacturing, advertising and selling of skin lightening is no longer a marginal, underground economic activity. It has become a major growth market for giant multinational corporations with sophisticated means of creating and manipulating needs. The multinationals produce separate product lines that appeal to different target audiences. For some lines of products, the corporations harness the prestige of science by showing cross-sectional diagrams of skin cells and by displaying images of doctors in white coats. Dark skin or dark spots become a disease for which skin lighteners offer a cure. For other lines, designed to appeal to those who respond to appeals to naturalness, corporations call up nature by emphasizing the use of plant extracts and by displaying images of lightskinned women against a background of blue skies and fields of flowers. Dark skin becomes a veil that hides individuals’ natural luminescence, which natural skin lighteners will uncover. For all products, dark skin is associated with pain, rejection, and limited options; achieving light skin is seen as necessary to being youthful, attractive, modern, and affluent—in short, to being “all that you can be.”

22 •Continued from Page 18 NCF. They saw these lovely trees and they came. One Philip Hall, one of the founding pioneers of the foundation, came with some people to watch birds. I met these people. They were so interested in the environment and nature, birds and so on. They spoke to me about it, showed me some pictures and also started to become interested. They showed that the environment is what supports our lives, if you have a clean good environment, you have a clean good life. This was way back, over 25 years ago. So, at that time my wife was with me and we said let’s translate that into our music, she being a 100 per cent Musician, Sheila was her name. when she sang with Fela once at Fran and Tunde Kuboye Jazz 38, she and Fela were on stage together, Fela actually bowed to her and for Fela, an accomplished genius musician, to bow to a woman, shows you the level. She was a brilliant musician. So, we made an album called Green Leaves which was all about the environment: When you wake up in the morning and you breathe Give thanks to mother-nature for those trees And all those green, green leaves So you and I can breathe … By the way, Sheila was the singer, I was the rapper. She did not allow me to sing with my voice. Yea, we presented that to His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, when he came to Nigeria and he was very happy to receive it. He was affiliated to the NCF. So, as one started learning more for the conservation issues, it started becoming serious, one got more and more involved until I got to this stage where I am totally sold out to preserving the environment. On a regular basis they asked me to give lectures. I am all over the place to schools, to government and so on, I released a documentary called: ‘Global Warming, Nigeria Under Attack’. It has been shown on many network stations. So, as one started to appreciate the importance of preserving the environment, and the fact that globally as human beings we are now reaching what they call the tipping point stage, whereby if we push the various structures of the environment too far, we may not be able to bring them back. So, we could end up pushing the earth’s life support system over the edge, which will mean that our children when they grew up into their 30s, 40s, 60s would find it very difficult to even survive on this planet. I know you love your children, I love my children. The last thing I want to do is leave a legacy of a cup of poison for them, that will be so evil, so tragic that the legacy that this generation leaves for our children is a calabash full of poison. One gets very passionate about this issue because one loves one’s children. The way you were passionate about environmental conservation, so were you about music to the level of forming the DTD Show in the late eighties and early 90s…? Well, the DTD Show just happened by accident. Again it was because of the environment. Again when I was looking for the farmland at Lekki, by then the Lagos-Epe expressway was an unfinished road. I found a lovely beach which had been christened Lekki Beach. It was used by the German construction workers as a picnic camp and I took friends and media there and the place started becoming very popular. I called Dapo Adelegan, he had this wonderful idea of doing Lekki Sunspalsh and so we teamed together with some other people spearheaded by Dapo who I called whiz-kid, though he has grey hair but I still call him the whiz-kid because he is a very innovative guy. We did the Lekki Sunsplash and all

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

‘Nigeria ‘ll not be destroyed’

•Desmond Majekodunmi

the top musicians of that era performed there. It was a catalyst that led to the blossoming of a whole new generation of musicians…It was and it started this whole big music event concerts. Sheila and I also performed in Lekki where we carried the local rice grown in Nigeria to sensitise the crowd about agriculture and the need to protect the environment. But then after a while we noticed that the beach was getting destroyed by people who were digging sand from the beach front. So, I approached the government at that time and said this your beach is going to get scattered, these guys are digging, hundreds of tipper loads of sand are being carted away. So, they gave me the concession of managing the place, but there were a lot of challenges, violence was breaking out there, Maroko had been broken and a lot of miscreants started coming, attacking people there. A lot challenges and lekki was losing its crowd. So we needed to think of how to bring the crowd back, that was how the DTD television show came up. But we used it for politics too. The Financial Times wrote about us, we do this democratic dance competi-

tion. We told the people you are the ones who voted by show of hands that this one should win because he performed well, likewise when you go and vote don’t sell your vote and so on. DTD Show was very popular and it ran for a long time. A lot of people would wonder that here is Desmond Majekodunmi, a scion from a distinguished home, with a foreign mother, and ajebota to the core and despite that there was no disconnect between you and the common man on the street, how did it come about? Maybe it is the way I was brought up. My dad told us that his father had multiple wives but in the morning he would call everybody together, children, servants and so on, to come and pray. He sort of thought that there should be no discrimination between you and somebody who is less-privileged. I think it was probably from the upbringing of my dad and mum. Some of my best friends were from Falomo which used to be a village. Those village kids would come into the house, later they went to Maroko and I used to go there and see them in Maroko when Maroko was a shanty town and I think I just thank

God to have this little bit of humility. I don’t think any human being has any right towards arrogance and pride comes before a fall anyway. It is very important to come closer to my God who I call Jehovah, Yahweh every day. I think if you are carrying pride and pretences, I think that will be a barrier between you and your God because when you look at the prime example of God on earth, Jesus Christ, this is the King of Kings working on the earth, He didn’t have any discrimination. He set Himself up as an example. So, in whatever little way one tries to emulate such examples. Do you ever feel privileged? Everyday, when I just take a breathe of air into my lungs, I feel privileged; everyday when I have a roof over my head, I feel privileged, or drive in the car, in the area that I live, I feel privileged and so unworthy. By virtue of birth? By virtue of birth, by virtue of every blessing God has given me; the grace of God upon me…you know privileged is the right word. I feel blessed, but unwarranted blessing. I don’t feel that I am worthy of these blessings, that is why I just humble myself to my God and thank Him. I ask him to give the mind to be a blessing to others than keep the blessing to myself, because I don’t really need that much to survive. I’m pretty happy with myself as it is. Yea, I feel blessed but I pray to me more of a blessing to other people. How did it feel like growing up knowing that your father then was one of the most powerful persons in Nigeria-a minister, very close to the sitting prime minister (Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa)? I think that there were possibly times when I was a little boy it went into my head but my dad was able to knock it out of my head very quickly and I think it was because of his tutelage that I didn’t develop airs and graces. Between him and my mum, they let me know that ‘you have no right to be proud,’ that life is too frail for pride. One did appreciate as one grew older that it was a fairly privileged position. I had access to the prime minister who used to come round to the house. He was a friend of the family. My dad was not a politician, he was just somebody that the prime minister had trust in. But he was a minister? Yea, in the system they ran at that time, they were able to bring in nonpoliticians. He came as a specialist? Yea, the prime minister felt he was among those he could trust. One was able to associate with heads of states at a very young age including people like the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed, Gen. Obasanjo and so on. From that period, what particular experience would you consider the most memorable? Seeing the prime minister driving his own car into our father’s house. He drove his own car to your house? Balewa! He was a very humble man. With his entourage? No entourage at all, it was with

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The military intervention was such a disservice to this great nation, it was such a terrible disservice... It was almost like a demonic attack on the destiny of this great country and because it is God’s great country, it will not fall apart, Nigeria will not be destroyed. Nigeria is going to confound the wise. My scripture tells me God will use the foolish to confound the wisdom of the wise...

one ADC and the ADC would sitting next to him, because it was a nice Rolls Royce. It was normally in the evening. I think he just liked the idea of driving the car and that was a very strong memory-the prime minister driving his own car, and you would hardly know that it was the prime minister. He would come to the house and we would all play scrabble together, I would sit on his knees. Compare that era with what you saw then and what is happening within the political circle, how would you describe it? Tragedy upon tragedy trying to turn to disaster. The calibre of leaders at that time, the type of personalities of those days…these were highly intellectual people and the majority of them had a deep passion for this newly born nation, Nigeria. A lot of these guys had gone to foreign universities and came back with first class degrees, using English as a second language, that shows you the level of intellectual capability of those guys. They adopted the Westminster system of government which till today shows that it is a decent system and difficult to get corrupt in, you see what is happening in the British parliament now. The military intervention was such a disservice to this great nation, it was such a terrible disservice. Definitely we had problems, the western region was boiling, there were issues. My own dad was deeply involved as the Administrator of the Western Region at that time, we had problems but none of those problems would have been in any way insurmountable in a democratic system. Are we much different from India which was more aggressively colonised by the British, which had more diversities of religions and had similar diversity of tribes, similar kinds of condition in terms of geographic terrain? India had a lot of issues but the democratic system prevailed each and every time. They had changes of government, changes of parties from one party to the other party and now India is what I would call a first world country. India manufactures jet planes from the beginning to the end, every thing is developed in India, not to mention cars and so on. They were fortunate not to have had this aberration of military intervention. This was the most evil disservice that this country could possibly have had and its bitterness would take decades for this country to overcome and we are still trying to overcome at this stage. It is only by the grace of the Almighty God who has an incredible plan for this place called Nigeria. When you look at the resource base of this country, you can very boldly say that Nigeria is the wealthiest country on this planet in terms of the untapped wealth and potentials. God has blessed this country with an incredible abundance and it is almost like a demonic intervention for this young characters to come out who murdered a great man like Balewa in cold blood. Who gave that power to go and take away the life of somebody who if you live for a thousand years you could never be half as great as him, not to mention the Sardauna, another great man, it was almost like a demonic attack on the destiny of this great country and because it is God’s great country, it will not fall apart, Nigeria will not be destroyed. Nigeria is going to confound the wise. My scripture tells me God will use the foolish to confound the wisdom of the wise. I believe that is what He is going to do with this great and wonderful country called Nigeria.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Another NOLLYW OOD marriage heading for the rocks

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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

Habituating the child actor

ACH time I remember the biblical story of how Satan was cast away from heaven among other glorious angels of God, I think of what stardom can do to the psyche of the human person. Outside of political and soccer fame, perhaps, there is no form of popularity close to the emotional attachment that endears the people to the music or movie superstar in such a way that they are treated like demigods. Before the eventual death of American pop idol, Michael Jackson, and the rekindled story of his lost childhood, I had ruminated over the need to rehabilitate the child actor. When I think of how teenage star of the Harry Potter films, Jamie Waylett was arrested for £2,000 worth of cannabis farm in his bedroom after drug squad officers swooped on the 19-yearold actor. Police had first stopped the actor in an Audi car and discovered eight bags of pot inside the vehicle before raiding the home the actor shares with his mum, Theresa, two brothers and a sister - and seized ten mature cannabis plants valued at about £2,000. If this continues for this child actor, you and I can tell what his life and career may turn out to be. Before going into the issues that wrecked the late Michael Jackson physically and otherwise, let me quickly relate a very close example of our own Nigerian RAINMAKER who is still licking the large wound sustained through the smooth cruising but slippery road of fame and fortune. Majek Fashek is an example of the unfortunate exposure of the celebrity to hard drugs in the course of a blossoming career. I recollect that the chairman of Zenox Computers, Mr. Leostern Eke, recounting at an event how he had sought for 'The Rainmaker' in New York for rehabilitation because according to him, Fashek's case was like that of a lost god. “The musician had performed in my club in the 80s and if anybody had said he was god, no one would have doubted it because, indeed, as soon as he began singing his popular track, Send Down the Rain, heaven opened up its bowel, releasing a heavy down pour that was accompanied by resounding thunder and lightening. Such was the influence that the performance of the musician wielded back in the days. Today, it is worrisome if that glory can be re-enacted because the melody in his voice appears lost. How does the gods relish this strange new voice and heed his request for rain. No thanks to drugs.” Apart from the mystic of his song, you may not appreciate what we appear to be losing in Majek if

Before the eventual death of American pop idol, Michael Jackson, and the rekindled story of his lost childhood, I had ruminated over the need to rehabilitate the child actor. When I think of how teenage star of the Harry Potter films, Jamie Waylett was arrested for £2,000 worth of cannabis farm in his bedroom you haven't listened to him speak about his life and philosophy. In an interview with AfricaSounds in New York, he had said in part: “In my experience as a mystic, I worship God like this: (Majek stands up in the park) You see the doves; I can feel the air of God. I can see the trees, hear the wind. See the human beings…. That is God; through nature, through the wind, through earth, and through the fire - all the things that people worship through. You can invoke them and communicate them and you are more powerful like that, but you don't need to bow and all of that. You see, prisoner of consciousness. “You see the little kids in the park there (Majek motions over at children playing in the park) they

Majek Fashek is an example of the unfortunate exposure of the celebrity to hard drugs in the course of a blossoming career. I recollect that the chairman of Zenox Computers, Mr. Mr. Leostern Eke, recounting at an event, about how he had sought for 'The Rainmaker' in New York for rehabilitation, saying Fashek's case was like that of a lost god

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

THINK

are free from evil. They don't take no evil. They hear no evil, they see no evil. When they are hungry, they cry. Everything is pure to them. That is the kingdom of God. We adults are already contaminated with the demons, but we are trying to free ourselves. Until you and I start to have that vibe, we cannot see the kingdom of God. To feel the kingdom of God is to be like a child with no want and no need.” That was Majek speaking at a time. It is no longer news that Michael Jackson was a victim of self discovery. We do not have an account of his involvement with drugs but somehow; his experiences opened the eyes of the world to other obvious case studies of star anguish. To understand all that Jackson stood for requires wiping away three decades of plastic surgeries that deformed him, the erratic behaviour that made his name synonymous with the warping powers of fame, and a 2005 trial for sexually abusing a child and 'resting out thinking' on the most talented entertainers of the 20th century. Being an adult at childhood, you cannot rule out the fact that his father especially subjected him to abuse, seeing the fortune could be made out of him. Has it occurred to you to ask if actually Michael Jackson went to school? I mean an open school. I mean a school other than getting a private teacher to coach him at home. I am still thinking. Because apparently, he missed those things that children are exposed to during childhood. And when he became an adult, he tried tracing that childhood path. The story of his plastic surgery goes beyond the claim that his father nicknamed him 'big nose' and his determination to be what his black American counterparts were not in the face of colour bar, but an act of keeping up with his status as a celebrated icon. If plaiting one's hair like most of our male celebrities do this day could result in any future physical side effect, many would be worse spectacles. Unlike Michael's parent, the African or perhaps Nigerian examples are a bit different. Thanks to the parents of Tosin Jegede and Benita Osagie who personally monitored their kid stars as they attained their musical careers. Till date, Benita's parents are her managers and thus no appointment is fixed behind them. In the Nigerian movie industry too, most kid actors are children of actors, directors, and producers. This way, monitoring is easy. Therefore it is a good song that in this part of the world, we talk more about habituating the child actor than rehabilitating them.

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

SNAPSHOTS

Annie, Tuface hanging out! N

O one really saw them together after their purported engagement at JayJay Okocha's club 10 on Valentines Day. Though after the engagement, the duo were said to have left for a Chinese restaurant and Annie moved over to his house, they were never seen together until recently at the premiere of Ini Edo's, I'll Take My Chances at the

Silverbird Cinemas last Friday, February 24, 2012. Clad in black tops, both were seen beaming with smile, occasionally beckoning to each other, and laughing quietly in the course of the movie. They were the cynosure of all eyes, as their fans appear to be asking in rhetoric; has the serial father decided to take his love life seriously.

A peep at Ebube’s silicon boobs

OLLYWOOD sexy actress, Ebube Nwagbo seems to have found a way out of what nature could not offer her in terms of natural endowment. The very curvy and beautiful actress has gone ahead to acquire silicon boobs, perhaps to boost her confidence level in the world of showbiz. The actress who flaunted the newly acquired boobs at a pool recently looked absolutely

amazing. Spotted in a pink bikini, Ebube looked ravishingly different in what could be described as a proportionate figure. No doubt, more than ever, the actress is bound to cause uncontrollable stares. Ebube isn't the first Nigerian entertainer to go for a breast enlargement, but perhaps the first in Nollywood. It is not known yet how much the boobs job had cost the mother of one.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

RE ELNEW S Okoroji hit by Giringori's death

•Okoroji

Former PMAN president, Tony Okoroji has expressed sadness over the passing on of the creator of the popular sitcom, Masquerade, Mr. James Iroha, otherwise called “Gringory”. Gringory, the senior houseboy to Chief Zebrudaya (Okorigwe Nwogbe) in the drama, was reported to have died in Enugu earlier this week. Okoroji described the late Iroha as one of the greatest creative talents that Nigeria has ever produced. He recalled that Mr. Iroha played host to him a few months back in his Umuahia

home where they had concerted discussions on how to activate some creative projects that Mr. Iroha had conceptualized. Chief Okoroji at the meeting had also promised to generate response to the debilitating eye problem that James Iroha was experiencing. James Iroha's demise came a few months after the death of another Masquerade star, Christy Essien-Igbokwe who was discovered by the great James Iroha. According to Okoroji “this is a bit too much and absolutely devastating. I took a crew to Umuahia a few

months ago and recorded a significant video interview with James Iroha. Some of that was used in The Story of The Lady of Songs, the cradle to death documentary which I produced on Christy Essien-Igbokwe. A great part of the interview dealing with the experiences of James Iroha is yet to be seen by anyone. I hope we can put it together soon and let the nation see. I am saddened by the fact that we were unable to execute much of what we had planned to do. There will never be another James Iroha”. He lamented.

March date for Funke Akindele, Joseph Benjamin Multichoice, bond in Married but Living Single MCSN legal ITH romantic comedy taking a center stage in the Nigerian cinema, the subtle message of rescue for most troubled marriages appears to be the reason most films hearing with similar themes are making cinematic hit. Here comes

another of such succor, and this time, an adaptation of a book: Married but Living Single, written by Pastor Femi Faseru, the Resident Pastor of KICC and shot under the same title. The film parades star actress, Joke Silva, lover-boy of today's cinema, Joseph Benjamin and versatile actress and film producer, Funke Akindele. In the drama, Kate (Funke Akindele) works in an Advert agency with an overbearing boss, played by Joke Silva, and she's totally engrossed in her career at the expense of her family so much that she chooses her career above accompanying her husband Patrick (Joseph Benjamin) to India for surgery. Her neglect for the only child of the family is epitomized in the daughter's love for only the father and even a stranger, Titi (Kiki Omeli) who turned out to be her mother's competitor at work and husband's mistress. Married but Living Single depicts the challenges faced by career women in the contemporary society as to their ability to blend between career and the family. Screen-played and directed by Tunde Olaoye and Produced by Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul (KAP), the movie is billed for the UK, USA, South •Funke Akindele with Africa and Nigerian cinemas in the Joseph Benjamin month of May.

EQUEL to Suit No. FHC/ L/ CS/ 1091/ 11, filed by Multichoice Nigeria Limited seeking declarations of the court to restrain the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) from demanding for royalty payments and a counter claim of N5 Billion filed by MCSN against Multichoice Nigeria for the use of works in its repertoire, a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the former to file an undertaking within 7 days to pay damages to MCSN, should it be found out that the works in its repertoire were used without permission. Justice M. Idris on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 fixed the date for hearing the suit after listening to the Plaintiff's/Defendant to the Counter Claim's (Multichoice's) argument on a motion seeking for interlocutory order praying the court to restrain MCSN from disturbing its business pending the final determination of the suit. MCSN's Counsel, Mr. Olumide Ekisola of Adejumo Ekisola & Ezeani, did not oppose the Multichoice Nigeria's motion but demanded that it (Multichoice) should be made to give and file an undertaking to pay damages to MCSN should it be found that the order sought ought not to be granted. Justice Idris, then directed the Plaintiff/Defendant to Counter Claim to file an undertaking as to damages and serve the same on the Defendant/Counterclaimant (MCSN) within 7 days.

Dolapo Oni shines on Jacob's Cross

AVING won herself fans across the continent over the past year, evergorgeous star of 53 Extra, Marcy Dolapo Oni, is making her mark on Jacob's Cross, an M-Net's popular series which returned to DStv screen recently. Fans will be able to see Dolapo in action as she takes on the role of Moremi, a member of the Abayomi family who lives in London but returns to Nigeria to attend one of the family meetings. But when she crosses path with Jacob's best friend and business partner, Prospero, the stage is set for romance and drama. Dolapo appears in nine episodes on the new season of Jacob's Cross, she's got a significant and recurring part in the latest season of the muchloved African drama. The show tells the dramatic story of an oil-rich African dynasty and is centred around the life and times of the fictional but larger-than-life Abayomi family! At the center of the story is Jacob Makhubu Abayomi, a smart and passionate businessman who inherited a vast oil business from his Nigerian mogul father and is ambitious to build a legacy of the next great African empire bringing power and electrification to the continent. Parading an MA in Drama from the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in London, she says that she has been passionate about both theatre and television for a long time and has carved out an impressive career that has seen her appear in several stage plays and on the silver screen.

Creative industry is key to the economy—Amaka Igwe

S Nollywood's strong woman, Amaka Igwe announces preparations for the ninth edition of her popular Film and Television Programmes Expo otherwise called BOBTV, the need for Nigeria to begin to see the economic viability of the motion picture industry comes to the fore. With the theme: “The Creative Industries: Nigeria's Untapped Wealth”, Igwe, a frontline Nigerian filmmaker, is of the opinion that Nigeria, through this year's BOBTV could learn from the UN Creative Economy Report of 2012 which states that “the Creative Industries are proliferating in Europe and North America, revitalizing the economy of urban centres through cultural and social

developments offering attractive jobs, particularly to young people. The turnover of the European creative industries amounted to 654 billion Euros in 2003, growing 12.3 per cent faster than the overall economy of the European Union and employing over 5.6 million people.” "The past eight editions have been amazing in many ways. We are convinced that, now more than ever, we need to begin to see the entertainment industries as creative industries and bring about worthy growth” says Amaka Igwe. She added that the aim of this year's Expo is to work towards a repositioning of the Nigerian entertainment industries which is rapidly growing in Nigeria and Africa, to a more robust and sure footed Creative Economy in line

with world best practices by 2015. The event; a platform for business networking, attracts a huge number of delegates yearly, including content-makers, programme developers, and auxiliary industries practitioners from around the world. The three-day event which will showcase various exhibitions on the creative industries, provide master classes, market screening, capacity building and business networking has been scheduled to hold from Tuesday, March 13 and Friday, March 16, 2012, at the Ladi Kwali Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Tosin Jegede stunned Nigerians when she started professional music at the tender age of four. Out of the scene for 16 years, she tells OVWE MEDEME that she is back with a new love: books. In this interview, she talked on her life as a child singer, the Tosin Jegede Foundation as well as her comeback into the Nigerian music scene.

I left music scene to enable me grow up â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Tosin Jegede Y OU have been out of the music scene for over a decade now, what made you drop off? Maybe I did drop off. It was a decision taken by me to stop for a while. I had my first performance at the age of four. After that, I went to the studio to record my first album. At age 16, I decided to take a pause for a while. Is it right to say you stopped music to concentrate on your studies? I think I was very fortunate in academics. The real issue was that as a child celebrity, I could see that some things were artificial so I wanted to have time to be myself and to grow up. I think I was very fortunate as a young child to be that strong-willed. How did those glory days of entertaining work for you? I enjoyed myself and I think I still revel from that now. It was very different because in Nigeria, there were very few child singers. It was interesting then because I was young and many children could relate to me, especially when I attended television programmes. Then NTA Channel 10 and 5 were the only two stations available and I also I attended government events. I was with Nelson Mandela when he came for OAU; I welcomed the President of Germany when he came for an official visit. A show was organized and they invited Shaba Ranks and other world class artistes as at that time and I was the only child that got to sing at the event. That was all quite interesting for me. It was something new for Nigeria. As a child back then, did the glamour get into your head? I would say yes and no. It affected the way I could do things. I could be very secluded then but I wasn't allowed to because of what I do. I couldn't just walk down the streets because the children in my area always got excited and they kept pointing at me, wanting to touch me. Such experience was enough to change anybody's mentality. When I was in primary and secondary school people described me as being humble. I liked that, so I think there was a balance. How has being a child performer shaped the person Tosin Jegede is today? I heard recently that every experience you have gone through makes you who you are today. This interview will shape something I will do maybe in hours or in days. In travelling around, I got to meet a lot of people. Now, I can reflect on how a conversation went as far back as 10 years ago and it helps me in the way I do things now. The biggest example for me is the

late Mariam Babangida. People complain about the Babangida regime but back then, I saw a lot of positive sides in what I was doing because the administration encouraged my career. I was at every naval and army event. During that period, late Mariam Babangida came up with Better Life for Rural Women which was a social project; I performed in most of the events and I got to see firsthand that the women were not tricked. They were given sewing machines and other amenities that aided them and I could see how grateful they were. When we travelled to villages, I could see how someone who is high in status brings herself down to relate with the women in rural areas. I saw her in her different elements. I would say it really affected the way I do things now and that influences me to do things for people. It correlated to why I started singing in the first place. So, I would say it put fuel into the fire that had started burning. Being off the radar for 16 years, what are you brewing now? I think I am going back to my first love which is children. In a sense, I am doing something to impact the lives of the underprivileged. My first performance was when I visited the SOS Children's Village at Isolo and I saw that singing made them happy. Their life was not normal as I saw it then with the eyes of a child which was the reason I started singing in the first place. Now, I run an NGO called Tosin Jegede Foundation. We chose it because of my story. I am a young girl from a civil servant mother and a father who is not rich. We came out and I was able to achieve a lot from encouragement, belief and other factors put together. I am hoping that we can inject that into children's lives today and create people that will make positive impact in Nigeria. What is the Foundation hoping to achieve? Our flagship project is called One Child; One Book. There are many reasons for it but simply put, we want to give books to children who cannot afford a story book. Our focus is underprivileged children, children in public schools and charity homes and children in private schools in underprivileged areas. The idea is that we want to encourage children to do creative reading, support their creative minds and get them writing. They will have some kind of a reading corner where they can share and exchange books with each other. Another reason is that I saw the movie titled Inception and it got me thinking that if someone could conceive the idea, write it, someone else read and

has changed so much and I am trying to see what I can do. Let's just say I am taking my time. The industry is not what is was back then when you were a child. What is your re-entry strategy? I am still putting my strategy team together. I don't hope to fit in. I think if I fit in, it will not be interesting. I want to stand out just like I did then. I am taking time off to develop myself because I realize that I am better when I do what everybody else is not doing. I won't be a Lady Gaga. That much I promise. As a child entertainer, what was your biggest challenge? It could be the rumours. At that time, there were rumours about my parents exploiting me for money. There were horrible stories flying about then. They also said that I was dead. I think those rumours were my challenge. I was fortunate that I was able to put a balance. It wasn't like I left school and travelled to perform for one governor and then my studies suffered. understood it, and it became a film which What schools did you attend? I saw, then there is need to encourage I attended Tade Nursery School, Central creativity especially amongst children. I Bank Primary School, Nigerian Navy think that there are a lot of benefits that Secondary School in Lagos, and then I can be gained from having our children went to England where I attended at the reading. University of West England. Have you written any book? Is there a man in your life? Yes, I have written a book. I wrote a Yes, there is. biography of Cardinal Okojie. It is called How soon do you hope to get married? Cardinal Okojie in the Eyes of Children. I When the time is right, I will handle started working on it when I was 15 and that aspect of my life. For now, I am busy was launched in 2009. We published a with other things. limited edition at that time and it was Myth has it that February 29 is the one very successful. I am working on a book day women are allowed to propose to at the moment based on the Late Chief their partner. Are you the type who will Obafemi Awolowo with the permission of propose to a man? the Awolowo family and it is for children. I would not do that for any reason. It is With all these, is it goodbye to music? not Christian-like for a woman to propose I am already working on some things. to a man. The Bible is clear on that Since my return into the country three because it says the man should 'find' the years ago, I see that the music industry woman.

The biggest example for me is the late Mariam Babangida. People complain about the Babangida regime but back then, I saw a lot of positive sides in what I was doing because the administration encouraged to my career

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Tiwa Savage, Solid Star, others headline Chant Nite

It's 9ice time on Flytime showcase T

AILORED after the secondhalf of his latest album which has, perhaps the highest number of musical collabos in Nigeria, Cecil Hammond's Flytime Entertainment is set to host 9ice in a show dubbed Bashorun Gaa and Versus (BGV) concert. Scheduled for March 11, it is the first time the multiple-award winner and former MTV Base African artiste of the year will be headlining his own major concert. “It promises to be a clash of the titans, a night dedicated to the celebration of 9ice and all that he stands for in the music industry. It is a night his fans will have a first hand taste of the undiluted music of 9ice. It's a night dedicated to all his fans and colleagues who have over the years supported his career,” says 9ices's Manager, Oladehinde Fajana. Fajana added that the show is a special one, in view of the fact that the artiste will be squaring up against all the musicians he collaborated with in his Bashorun Gaa Versus album. Leading the pack is the African

Queen crooner; 2Face Idibia, Psquare, Tiwa Savage Banky W, Duncan Mighty, Terry G and Whizkid. Others are Lord of Ajasa, Dammy Crane, Davido, Modenine, Yemi Sax, Seriki, YQ, DJ Zeez and the Ajayi brothers. Also, some members of the Coded Tones, (9ice's former group) like 2Phat, and ID Cabasa, his former producer and friend of so many years will be on hand at the show. “It's going to be an energetic show filled with music that cuts across age, status and music tastes. Its also a night devoted to traditional and contemporary music” said, Cecil Hammond, Chief Executive of Flytime Entertainment, the promotion company packaging the concert. Hammond revealed that veteran Fuji star KWAM 1 has been confirmed as special guest performer, while the event will be hosted by Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele and Wazobia FM On-air-personality Yaw.

Meet Pryse, the new girl in Choc Boi crew

OR her lyrical prowess on the song “No-tis”, a remake of Jay Z and Kanye West's Otis, along-side, award winning rapper, M.I, one of Nigeria's most celebrated record labels, Chocolate City has decided to sign on female rap act, Princess Esindu. Born and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Princess, A.K.A Pryse, started rapping in church at the tender age of 10. Pushed on by her family which owns and runs Frontline TV Studio in Port Harcourt, Pryse took a keen interest in entertainment. With the intent of nurturing her passion in music, she went to study media in Nottingham, UK. While in the UK, she took up

Pryse writing her own songs, and coproducing with her elder brother, Big H. The budding rapper lists the likes of Jay Z, Drake, Lil Wayne, and M.I as her influences. It is the admiration for M.I that led her to work her way to be signed to Chocolate City, she admits. When asked what it meant to be the first female signed to Chocolate City, Pryse said; “I am just happy it's finally happened, and I'm ready to put in the work, so let's go. I'm ready to be a BOI,” she enthused.

LL roads led to Nugrotto, Victoria Island, last Thursday, February 23rd, 2012, as fast-rising entertainment house, Naijaplaylist Entertainment held the month's edition of her musical / talent show tagged Chant Nite. The show had a host of top Nigerian music stars, on-air personalities, and other stakeholders in the music industry in attendance. Anchored by Cool FM's finest Emmanuel Essien popularly known as D' Mannie, and Afolabi A. Abati a.ka. Aristocratic Afoo, the show began at about 9pm and ran well into the early hours of the next day. It was apparent the attendees were dazzled by breathtaking performances from top acts like Kele Kele crooner, Tiwa Savage, Solid Star, the delectable Oyinkansola, D Tone Martins, Dipo, AJ, Ex-O, Tunde, among others. In line with the theme of the event, a competition between upcoming artistes in the house ensued as they freestyled to different beats supplied by DJ Baggio. At the end of a pulsating and exciting competition, a new R&B star was born, Dino emerged the crowd's favourite. According to the originator of the event, Aristocratic Afoo, “Chant Nite is a platform that's created to give a good platform for upcoming artistes to showcase themselves in the presence of music promoters, record label executives, media moguls, and also give them the opportunity to

perform alongside their role models in the industry. It's actually a kind of competition between upcoming artistes free styling on any beat ranging from hip-hop, Afro, Techno, e.t.c, from which a winner emerges who gets to win free recording sessions and airplay courtesy our partners Cool FM and Wazobia FM,” he disclosed, adding that, “the concept has a different vibe that connects with the audience with its unique style of free styling tagged Chant Battle.”Supported by Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Nigezie TV, Alien Magazine, Booklife Online; the event also had special guest appearances by Konga; the ever dynamic DJ Xclusive, Dotun, Kaylah, 4lah, Dwana, Twi Twi all of Cool FM, and Mayowa of Wazobia FM, among other celebrities.

•Tiwa Savage

May date for Sammy Okposo’s album

ULTIPLE award winning gospel act, Sammie Okposo is set to release his much awaited international album on the stable of TMG Records in the month of May. The Globacom Ambassador and United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace, ever since he broke into mainstream music with his hit track, Wellu Wellu, has

Harrysong bounces back with ‘Taiye Kehinde’

UESTINMARK'S artiste, Harrysong is set to follow up on the success of his series of hit singles 'I'm in love', 'I want you (Gyptian's cover)', 'Obu Ego', 'Obu ego' remix and 'Baby Don't cry'. The soulful singer recently released a new single titled 'Taiye Kehinde' which was produced by Shizzi to the delight of his fans. Speaking about the song, Harrison 'Harrysong' Okiri said 'It is surprising how he came about the song, it is still like magic to me the way we made the song - Taiye Kehinde'. He informed that the recording for the song had started with his long time partner and producer Del B and Questionmark's CEO Kevin Lucciano Gabriel. 'We've had like seven songs when Shizzi came to see Del B during a session and he suggested he wanted to do a song with me”.

gone on to break a lot of barriers, which held gospel artistes in the past is a also preparing for a promotional tour and concert to unveil the album in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, London and America. Sammie Okposo, a well regarded artiste in gospel circles in Nigeria and outside her shores signed on with Oklahoma based TMG (Tate Music Group) Records last year as the first black artiste on the label says he can't wait for the album to hit the stores. “So many works, energy and money has been invested into the album to ensure that it comes out as a perfect work and an outstanding success, he added. The album which has the production imprints of Grammy Awards winning producer, Kevin Bond is poised to be one of the most successful albums of 2012 will be released across Europe, Asia and America by TMG Records on or before the end of May 2012. Its release in Nigeria will be by Zamar Entertainment while also partnering with other distributors for its release in other African countries. Okposo is also scheduled to be in South Africa in a few weeks with other Globacom ambassadors from Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic for an advert commercial for Globacom Telecommunication.

•Sammy Okposo

COVER COVER

R COVER E V

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

O C

F Nollywood is sensitive enough, it would be more concerned with an overt cleansing, rather than its current front meant to battle untimely deaths among its practitioners. So many things are dying in the industry, including marriages rearing their faces like an irony and playing out like a bondless partnership that is merely glamourised in fiction. Separation and divorce can only be seen as a romantic enemy and nobody seems to be bulging. If you think that the much talked about recent separations in the entertainment industry were shocking enough, then you may be undermining the word 'shock', because, indeed like the phenomenon of change, marriages in Nollywood appear to be ephemeral, and there seems to be a determination by fate to hold the industry captive forever. We can authoritatively say that the sixyear-old marriage between popular actress, Doris Simeon, and her movie director husband, Daniel Ademinokan, is in serious threat and may collapse soon, following a precarious crisis that appears irreconcilable. A source close to the couple revealed that the couple have been living apart for some time now, with Daniel being in custody of their four-year-old son. The source further stated that while the actress has remained in Lagos, and busied herself with her job as an actress, her husband has since moved to Abuja because he could not contend with the seeming busy schedule of his wife and consequent abandonment of the home, which was driving the husband crazy. The relocation of the director to Abuja, we gathered, is not unconnected to the fact that the couple do not want people to suspect that there is a hole in the heart of their marriage, thus pretending to be busy apart. Like Nader and Simin, an Asghar Farhadi film that traces the break up of an Iranian family set against the political tensions of life in contemporary Tehran, the unfortunate story of Nollywood's Daniel and Doris may not be political, but not unconnected to one of the parties, the husband, seeking marital attention for himself, and enough motherly concern and a better future for their son, David. This, however, is starkly critical of life in the entertainment industry where couples are perceived to be individually busy to the detriment of the home. The trend becomes worrisome when couples who belong to the same profession, and are expected to understand the demands of the job, are finding the situation intolerable. Daniel, we gather, is so pained

The couple do not want people to suspect that there is a hole in the heart of their marriage, thus pretending to be busy apart

Victor AKANDE, Entertainment Editor and Mercy MICHAEL

that his wife is not showing enough affection for his extended family. Although stories have it that both parents were not totally in support of the two getting married from the onset, but both decided to go ahead with their marriage owing to the love they once shared. And so when they got married at the Registry in August 2008, it was just the couple, their son, David and Doris' sister that were in attendance. Yes, the baby came before the marriage, as the couple started living together in 2005, and had their son in April 2008. But love was in the air for them and anyone who dared come between them was an enemy of the celestial cupid. They wanted to be a perfect example for Nollywood. 'He'd taken her to the end of the world'. Their pictures together were every where. He'd taken her to Europe to meet with his sisters in Spain and Germany. He'd helped her travel to the UK, Canada, South Africa... he took her everywhere. And when their bundle of joy was underway, he was by her side all through the labour; sharing in her pains. And when David was born, it was the best thing that could happen to the young family, or so they thought. Diminishing returns however set in when the equation could no longer be measured on a scale of balance. Daniel felt he was doing everything to put a smile on the face of his wife, but could not get the same in return. Things began to get sore when attention for their son also seemingly became his overt responsibility, we learnt. This was too much for a man who had expected them to pay equal attenti on to the ir son,

R E V O O C C COVER

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

COVER

It appears that Daniel is determined not to continue to entertain the public with the perfect-couple show

Daniel and Doris

Another Noll ywood Nollywood marria ge marriage headin g heading for the rocks such that he began to grumble. He could accept the fact that his wife hated so much to be with his parents. He could cope with the fact that she was in love with her job to a fault. He could also look the other way when Blessing, his wife's PA, appears to be the one practically running the house. He could live with the fact that his love for his wife and non-complaining attitude had pitched him against his younger brother, Patrick, who lives with them. He was used to her getting angry at the slightest thing. He could tolerate the fact that several times, he was the only man out of about 200 mothers attending their child's school Parents Teachers Association meeting. He was used to changing diapers and that was no longer a problem. But he would not wake up to the fact that all these were not just a bad dream as he had thought and not find a way to deal with it, sex starvation inclusive. Impeccable sources say that the man has since bought a house in Abuja and is determined to continue his life there,

taking their only son with him. But why would he take David? Sources say he believes that only he could give their child all the love and attention he deserves. The story was told of how David, their son, was seriously ill for about seven days, and they'd thought the child would pass on. But only the father was passing the night in the hospital. The child's mom, who was on a set of the soap opera, GRA Women, at the time, was merely coming to check on father and son at the hospital daily. But perhaps the last stroke that broke the camel's back was a bottled up anger. Although Doris never wanted to see his parents eye to eye, when his father was sick and he was away, he requested that she visit his sick father, and she obliged. But how critical his situation was, she would not let him know until the old man passed on. “When her husband called her shortly afterwards and she said she was on location filming, he was furious! He asked if she had gone to see his father. She said yes and told him his condition

Does he think she is seeing another man? Daniel is, however, confident that his wife may be any other thing, but she is definitely not a promiscuous lady was really bad and that she experienced a low battery on her phone and that was why she couldn't call to tell him on time.

She said she was waiting to confirm from him if they should take the sick man to the hospital or not. But the husband felt that if she felt concerned over his father's health, and the urgency that it required, she could have used someone else's phone on set to call him. He made effort to get things done through other people because he was in Asaba at that time on assignment. “Then, he received the call that his father was dead. When he called his wife and told her about the death, he was shocked to also learn that his wife did not go to the house throughout that day. Daniel immediately flew back to Lagos from Asaba and went to Surulere where his dad's house is. He sent her an SMS asking why she did not show up. She replied saying that she couldn't go because she knew his mother would be saying nasty things about her”, says a family source. The source said it seems the veil has fallen off the husband's eyes as he is determined to quit the relationship. The source pointed out that the couple have

been living in pretence as Nollywood's perfect duo. The source said although the wife has been going round family members and their Church pastor, asking that they plead with her husband, but it appears that Daniel is determined not to continue to entertain the public with the perfect-couple show. “He used to call her the 'Minister of Finance' because he leaves her to handle his finances. He opened his doors to all her family members and they practically lived with me. He met their needs even when he could not meet the need of his own family members. The situation is driving him crazy. He doesn't smoke, drink or go to club. But it got to a point at the middle of last year that he started staying out late with friends on the Island. I guess he is ready to show his flip side by not wanting to continue fooling himself just because he wants to help his wife maintain a clean reputation in Nollywood or among her peers. “ He tried several times to get her a shop so she could do business but they never could get it right. He got his sister

to even send Mary Kay products from Germany for his wife to sell, but she ended up using them up personally. After his dad's death, he found out she had gotten a shop without his knowledge and when he asked her, she said she wanted to surprise her with it. She has now turned his mother's house to her second home as she goes everyday to complain and beg; the same woman she didn't want to see at all. Does he think she is seeing another man? Our source said Daniel is, however, confident that his wife may be any other thing, but she is definitely not a promiscuous lady. Attempts to reach the husband proved unsuccessful as at press time. But when contacted, Doris said it was all rumour, and that everything is well between her and her husband. Asked why she is living separately from her husband and son at the moment, the actress said she is currently doing a job in Lagos, adding that as soon as she is through with shooting, she will be joining her family in Abuja.

Fergie war y of Saha threat

Ogbuke ready to fire Schalke

Pg. 35

•Saha

Saturday, March 3, 2012

•Osaze

Osaze

•Mikel

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

battles

Mikel

Pg. 35

•Taiwo

•Yak aims to lift Rovers from drop •Taiwo to clash with Anichebe

Harry Iwuala

Carragher

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

RE ELNEW S

Giringori Akabogwu: “Okaa sir!

My OON isn’t worth a Maggi cube

NFC unveils plans for 6th Zuma Film Festival

Super TV comedian and creator of the rested sitcom, Masquerade, James Iroha said to VICTOR AKANDE, Entertainment Editor long before his death, that he wasn't through yet with the entertainment industry. Soon after, glaucoma set in, and now, his painful demise. Excerpts

OW many years have you put into this industry?

atmosphere. People identified themselves with the programme because it was for the people and Well, I started being in the public eye humanity. So, I am happy. It paid me by from the age of eight. That was in 1948 appreciating what I was doing, not and I started being a member of the money, not wealth, but they appreciated choir in church and attending school me, anywhere I went… “Giringori! concerts until I picked it up and made it Giringori!!!.” Actually, I give the honour a professional thing. to my mother and father, who were Please, reflect on when you decided running a theatre, unknown to them. So, to go into acting and how easy or when I got to the University and I was difficult it was for you? studying Drama, I realized that I could I was inspired by my mother. So, it recast my family, my father's house, as a was inborn. Although, my mother was theatre and then all these other busy, she was a good comedian, and she congregational friends of his like Jegede, didn't know it. I didn't even know it Natty, etc. when they started playing myself. I was even angry with her until I their Ayo game in the evening, my knew there was nothing else I could do father would be issuing out this except what my mother was doing. So, malapropism which he called English it was in the university that it dawned and he was communicating. So, that's it. on me and I gave it a dramatic form and Was your father's name also Jegede it became the New Masquerade. or was it his alias? Which university was that? No, but he had a Yoruba friend. I just University of Ibadan (U.I). We were had to rename the guy Jegede. the pioneer students of Theatre Arts New Masquerade was your baby, in What year did you finish from U.I? term of financial remuneration, how 1966. So, I just went into it because I rewarded were you? knew it was God's own calling for me. I I got nothing. I got nothing. The NTA had to do that to make sure that people refused to pay me for creating the got entertained with what my mother programme from which they have made was doing unknowingly. So, I couldn't so much money. They had an argument imagine myself doing something else; that I was their staff. But I didn't create even when I was doing a big New Masquerade when I was an NTA administrative job in the office. staff. It was there before I became their You want to remember that office? staff, because it was at the University of I was in the broadcasting house. I was Ibadan that I conceptualized it. I the Deputy Director-General of the pleaded with them to take it. They were Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State even afraid, until they saw four cans. (BCA). Even with that, I was still doing After seeing four cans, they asked me to some acting. Whenever it was time, I produce. Those who asked them to try it would just remove my coat and go ahead to perform. BCA was my last I got nothing. I got station. I had worked in other places, I nothing. The NTA was Director of Arts Council when we were in Imo State and I moved over to refused to pay me for television when Abia was created. creating the programme I want to believe that The New Masquerade was your first television from which they have comedy programme. made so much money. Yes, I don't know for others but, with me, yes. They had an argument What are those memories you that I was their staff. But I cherish about The New Masquerade? didn't create New Well, I wouldn't forget the fact that the programme itself was a kind of tonic Masquerade when I was for people's souls. It offered them a an NTA staff break in their tension charged

were more than those who refused. But I was quite keen doing it. And then, it turned out that because I was their staff, I was not entitled to anything and I said to them, “When I was your staff also, I got married and had my children. Perhaps, one day you will come home and take my wife and children.” I am waiting for them, With the emergence of Nollywood, what are you doing to come to limelight again? Yeah! If they call me and they feel it's what I could do, I would start doing it. I don't have to go back to school to be able to fill a good part now. If they call me and say, “Do this, or how do we do this?” I will give an idea. I am prepared to work for Nollywood. How would you describe the cast of New Masquerade? Well, they are true to type because I found them for what they were and I wrote for them for what I saw them to be, and they acted themselves and they were quite happy. It was my technique, anyway. So, it didn't bother them at all. But they were happy. We were happy like a family. What is your regret, anyway? The regret is that I didn't realise anything. But I like the idea of being praised. The nation has honoured me with the National Honour of Officer of the Order of Niger (OON). So, that is one thing I found okey. But it is not worth a Maggi Cube (laughs). How much do you miss Jegede Sokoya? Terribly, I miss him terribly. Jegede was very good. I missed him so much. I cried. I have even written a film script and once I get a sponsor, I will no doubt run a tape on it. I titled it: No One Cried, and this is because nobody cried for Jegede. Even the press did not cry. Is that about the only project you have at hand now? I am designing a programme I want to present to the Federal Government for approval. It's about the way I think we can attack corruption. We can do what South Africa did by eradicating apartheid. We can achieve that in Nigeria. If they accept my concept, I am sure we can go far in eradicating corruption through dramatic art.

LANS are underway to make this year's edition of Zuma, a biennial film festival organised by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) a success story. The Corporation has slated May 6th-10th for the event which it says will hold in Abuja. Managing Director of the Corporation, Mr. Afolabi Adesanya said at the pre-event press conference in Lagos that President Goodluck Jonathan has accepted to be the Grand Patron of the festival. He said the president's disposition is a demonstration of Government's appreciation of the film sector in her transformational strides. “As part of the buildup for this year's event, we have the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Nigerian Export Import Bank, partnering with us to sponsor a colloquium on Meeting the Infrastructural Challenges of the Nigerian Film Sector. This has further expanded the list of Zuma's inter-agency

collaborators which included the National Broadcasting Commission, etc that will also sponsor relevant workshops in areas of their mandate.” Adesanya explained. The zuma Film Festival was conceptualised as a Public-Private Sector partnership initiative as part of the Corporations overall strategy to widen the vast opportunities in the Nigerian film industry by providing veritable rendezvous for film practitioners. The NFC boss noted that the theme for this year's event; 'The Human Story, Connecting People', presents film as a potent umbilical cord that binds humanity in their creative activities. Adesanya, who said the ongoing competitive and non-competitive film entries will be closed by March 6, pointed out that the essence of the competitive categories is to reward creativity and excellence in 18 categories, while there will also be Special Honours and Lifetime Achievement Award for deserving personalities.

Ini Edo’s ‘Chances’ as movie producer

HE much anticipated movie, I Will Take My Chances, a collaborative effort between awardwinning producer, Emem Isong and delectable actress, Ini Edo premieres recently with a great number of stars showing support to the movie. The movie is the actress' first attempt at producing and one would, like the title goes, want to believe that Ini Edo is indeed 'taking her chances' in another area of filmmaking. I Will Take My Chances is a tale of love, passion and dance in which, I.K, a young theatre arts graduate that majored in dance in America returns to Nigeria with his girlfriend, Gisele. Both are hopeful of a dance group called “Drumbeat s” and scout all over for sponsorsh ip. While on his Youth

Service in the rustic village of Ikot Uyai, in Akwa Ibom state, he meets the energetic and beautiful Idara(Ini Edo). Despite their obvious differences, the two are drawn together but Idara harbors a dark secret. She has been selected to be the next high priestess of Unek, a deity that is worshipped by her people through dance. The film also stars late Sam Loco Efe, Jide Kosoko, Byran Okpara, Ashiegh Clarke, Ini Ikpe, Biola Williams, Ekere Nkangha, and Meg Otanwa among others.

•Ini Edo

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

He callingmay afteryour I travelled to spendtosome Gostopped on Whitney, soul continue sing! time with him Dear Adeola, thanks for being there for me and many others. Please tell me; there’s this guy I met and we fell in love with each other so much to the extent that I travelled from the South to the East just to see the one I love‘d’. We spent time together to know more about each other. But after I came, I noticed the changes in him. He doesn’t call or text me like before and I’m now scared of calling him. At times, I wonder if it were my same sweet love that has suddenly changed. I still feel for him. Should I approach him or what? Please advise me. - B.B Lagos. Dear BB, breakups happen all the time, yes, it’s sad and it makes you want to cry but I tell you, life goes on all the same. Immediately I read your mail, I started humming Abba’s song, ‘SOS’. The opening lyrics of the song go thus: ‘Where are those happy days, they seem so hard to find. I tried to reach for you, but you have closed your mind. Whatever happened to our love I wish I understood. It used to be so nice, it used to be so good. So when you’re near me, darling can’t you hear me - SOS. The love you gave me, nothing else can save me - SOS When you’re gone (when you’re gone) How can I even try to go on? When you’re gone (when you’re gone) Though I try how can I carry on?’ My dear, first of all, forget about all those romantic nonsense that you won’t be able to carry on if indeed this guy has moved on. I don’t know how old you are, but you got to this stage in life without him, so you can live the rest of your good life without him. Cry a little (I’m sure you have done that already; we all cry when we have problems in our relationships, anyway) and learn to dump the dumper. For all we know, what is love to you might have been an experiment for him. You see, all these social networks are providing some sort of avenue for guys have their fill of vulnerable women. While the women are going mushy, mushy about meeting a new guy and planning on ways to win his love and probably a wedding ring at the end of the day, the guy is there wondering, ‘Oh my God! Is she really going to come down to see me? What’s she like? Jeez, I’m going to have the time of my life!’ Traditionally, guys make the first move and women play the game of leave-me-I-like you. During the first few months of meeting a guy, he should be the one investing his time on telephone calls, visiting and showing he does truly care. Women should never be in a hurry to jump the process of wooing when it seems the guy is unsure of what to expect from us. It doesn’t guarantee that the guy would stay and have you for keeps when he does get your heart eventually, but it gives you a little dignity that he tried hard to get you. So, when you pack your baggage and get out of town to see this guy at the earliest opportunity, you took the fun out of dating. If he had spent some money on buying a ticket or facing the risk of travelling on Nigerian roads, he probably would have cherished you for a while. On his own side, we don’t also know

whether the guy is a good guy but one who was disappointed when he saw you. You need to find out. Pictures can sometimes be deceptive and words can be cheap. Sending studio pictures and speaking to somebody you haven’t seen before on the phone can sometimes create some illusion that make you fall in love. But meeting that person and watching him or her in real life is totally a different cup of tea. Taking myself as an example, I was properly brought up and I have so many unspoken rules. I could be so good to my friends on the phone and when we meet for the occasional festive periods. But when it comes to them coming to stay for some time, I may be a different person. When you use the bathroom and leave as much as a drop of water on the floor, I get edgy. You can’t change the television channel we’re watching together without first asking first an excuse. If you riffle through my phone or my things, I’d lose all respect for you. If you dip your hands into my pot to take a piece of

meat without using a spoon, I’d roll my eyeballs and make a note never to get you near my kitchen again. If you hang your towel and it’s not properly and neatly done and if you just kick your shoes around the house without consideration for how well I arranged mine I’ll have a not-so-fine opinion about you. The list is endless and some may say I’m a difficult person, so, I don’t complain. I only put a little space between us. Now, let’s assume this guy even loved you at first sight but after some days together, he saw that you’re miles apart in the way you do things. He might not even know where to start from about telling you the right way of doing things, and so, he takes a long holiday. Try to find out what really happened. If he’s not willing to talk, there’s no harm in you also taking a leave. With time, you may either find in each other that exceptional thing you can’t find somewhere else and locate each other again, or just drift apart until you find that special person who will take you the way you are. Good luck.

Why do my female friends discuss about breakups and sexual harassment with me? My name is Limet and I’m 20. My problem is that when I go close to any of my female friends they start discussing about their past breakups and who wants to sleep with them and I get bored. What do they mean and what I should say to them; please help me. Dear Limet, I can’t begrudge you for getting bored about what your female friends discuss about, that is because I know us – that is what we talk about all the time. I’m a woman and I know that it is not only those young girls in their 20s that talk about matters like being disappointed by men, being sexually harassed or being ‘toasted’ by the most unlikely candidates, we all do at least until men stop noticing us. I guess we stop getting men’s attention when we’re in out late 60s and so, we stop talking about them. So, why do we talk about men so often no matter how successful we are? It is because that is the way God designed it. God crated women for men and men for women and because there’s no way there would not be conflicts in relationships, no matter how good it is, we must have reasons to talk about each other. Women share relationship matters with men because they feel men would understand why their fellow men acted in a particular way or because we feel men are strong and intelligent to make us feel good after a breakup or give us useful advice about an intending lover. Tune on to your female friend, learn from them and try to be there for them when they need you. Your mum, aunties and sisters will need you to talk to about the men in their lives too. Common, play your role well. Be that man we’re all going to be proud of.

In love with the friend of my ex Hi Aunty Adeola, I was in a relationship for close to three years. I trusted the girl and I was not the type that would check on her because of the trust I had for her. One day, she called to ask me if I would be coming to her school after my office work. That was on a Friday and I told her I wasn’t coming. I got to her school around 11pm and on reaching her room, I caught her red-handed having sex with a guy and I called it quits from that moment. I’m now back in the same school for my HND and I’m in love with her friend. What should I do? Hmm… there are so many things we’re talking about here. One, we’re talking about

the desire to get back at the cheating girl either consciously or unconsciously. We’re also saying you’re trying to end the friendship between two friends no matter how good your intentions are. Another factor we must check is, if your ex-girlfriend has since moved on and does not mind, would then she would be a part of your relationship with her friend, directly or indirectly. Would you want this? Let me ask you this: are you saying this ex-girlfriend’s friend is the only girl you can fall in love with in that school? Are you even sure that they’re not birds of the same feather? Take a moment and think about it. It may sound good now to want to bed her friend to get back at her, but would it be worth it at the end of the day? It’s left to you to decide.

Hearts With Adeola Agoro

E-mail: libranadeola@yahoo.co.uk

God, please, carry me and take me there How do I explain how I’m feeling now? Let me try to put it the exact way it is. I feel so scared and terrified. I feel like a child just learning to take the first steps and wanting to run a distance. It causes a bit of trepidation and my breath is cutting off intermittently. At every step, I’m like, ‘God, please carry me and take me there.’ I need it at this crucial stage of a new project – a project I’ve never done before. Fear of the unknown got me to a level where I almost couldn’t carry on. I tossed in bed for several days and slept with a dull headache. I woke up with the same headache until I learnt to calm myself. Then, I turned to my friends (the few ones I’ve relied on for years) for consultations. They said, “Go on, do it, your God is with you”. Then, I got transported to my very first time at publishing and writing a book. The book, ‘Over 40 Secrets You Should Know about Exclusive Breastfeeding’ was written when I hadn’t even broken into journalism

and I knew no one. I invited the then First Lady of Lagos State, now a senator, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, OON, and those around me sneered that I was climbing on a high horse, which was going to kick me off faster than I could imagine. Well, I went ahead with my plans and Angel Oluremi Tinubu did not only come for the launching of the book, she made a success of the sales and has continued to give me a hand to hold in the dark. I have gone on to do more books and I can’t thank God enough for that first leap. Here I am trying something entirely different from what I have been doing and my heart keeps missing a beat. I’m even too afraid to share what project it is with you all yet until I make a success of it. As I hold on to God to carry me and take me there, I need your prayers to match with mine. Maybe God will hear. Maybe if God grants this wish, we shall all celebrate together. Are you praying for me already? Please do…

I’m a medical student while my guy is just about to take JAMB Aunty, there’s this guy I’ve been dating for over two years. He loves me and adores me. In fact, he is devoted to me. However, the problem is that he was forced to leave his university because he was threatened by cultists. I’m a part 3 Medical student and he is just about to take JAMB. I’m so confused and your candid advice would be highly honored. Dear Doc-in-waiting, I’m a very confident woman and so I always tell myself that whatever my partner is today, I may reach his level and surpass it very soon with God on my side and with a lot of hard work and dedication. It’s not about competing with men; it is about not resting in our oars until we get to the top. What that means is that at some point or the other, a woman may be earning more than her partner or may be better positioned than him. So, I see no form of degradation in you being in a relationship with somebody you’re mile and miles ahead of. Oh my goodness! So this guy adores you and you know. He is also devoted to you! Girl, what more do you need than to be carried on a high pedestal and work harder at making it to the end of your studies and make him a proud man for the rest of his life. Many men are married to women they’re not proud of and that is why they’re always

on the look-out for that kind of woman. You have all it makes to make this man eat out of your palms, just be calm, be the good girl he expects you to be and make him really happy. As for him, help him get serious about his JAMB and encourage him to discover himself in other ways too. I know many men who are not educated but are doing well in their businesses. Who knows, if he’s not able to make JAMB, but able to make it in business, you may need him to set you up in your own practice later on. You, however, need to know the whole truth about his involvement in cultism. People don’t just leave the university because of threats by cultist without reapplying to another; do they? The worst that can happen is for them to get a transfer to another university. I know for sure that one can change their university after completing a semester. Even without ‘long legs’ most of the universities allow transfer of credit from one university to other. But there are some requirements which one would have to meet like an official transcript showing completion of the course(s) and the grade received in the course (s) must be submitted with the plan of study, transfer credit etc. Find out why he didn’t try to do any of these instead of leaving completely and starting afresh. I hope this guy was not a don in a cult now desiring to get the heart of a good girl after messing up his own chances. Do your findings and be careful!

5 dating rules you should know

•Newly inducted students into the leading UK varsities and some staff of Leadmode Resource Centre, during the 37th induction of the students at the Leadmode Resource Centres office, Lagos

Well, there are so many outdated things out there we still practice and those are the same things ruining our relationships. Check out some of these tips by relationship experts in the UK, and see if you can make something of your relationship today. •Instead of trying to find specific ways to ‘make him fall in love,’ focus your efforts on getting to know him and allowing him to get to know you to see if you’re a good match. •The idea that a woman shouldn’t accept a last-minute date offer is as outdated as the one that she shouldn’t wear pants. You shouldn’t be so available that you get tossed into the ‘sure-thing standby’ category, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with accepting a sameday invitation from someone you are interested in seeing. •The only thing a woman should think about when ordering is cost: You want to let him choose something? Then stay in that price range to be polite. Also be reminded you should avoid heavy garlic or onion if you’re hoping for a goodnight smooch. •They want you to believe that when

you call a guy too soon after a date then you will blow the whole thing. Really? Of course not. Actually, it’s always nice to send a ‘thank you for a nice time’ message, by way of text or email, no later than the next morning. That communicates your interest and he’ll reciprocate if the feeling is mutual. That said, there is nothing wrong with saying hello every once in a while. •Advice such as don’t let things ‘get too far’ is another way of saying, don’t have sex to soon. This is the same logic that generally goes together with ‘you shouldn’t have sex until the third date.’ But, now, hang on: What if you do let it go ‘too far’ sooner than that? What if you have sex on the second date or, heaven forbid, the first? Here’s a thought: Don’t get too caught up in those calculations. Instead, says Bonnie Eaker Weil, Ph.D., author of Make Up, Don’t Break Up: Finding and Keeping Love for Singles and Couples, use this rule: ‘Wait until you trust him.’ Can that trust be established over the course of one date? Maybe for you it can. And that’s all that matters.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

HE heat is on and no body knows who turned up the thermostat. How did the two of you end up on the other sides of the bed, like the repelling ends of two magnets? The journey there was a quick one. Now how do you get back to the loving harmony you had? 1. Stop wasting time, look clearly at the very first issue that made you mad and try to put aside your emotional attachment to it. 2. Think it through, does he or she have a legitimate case against me. If there was malice on your part, own up to it. It’s called taking a big person pill. Accountability! This is a tough one, owning up to your own failures. But okay, admitting to being human is good. We are not without failure, it brings growth. 3. If you have a legitimate case against your partner and he or she is not taking responsibility (You know the truth) not just your FEELINGS. You must let that person have time to sort through their own issues (without b-tching at them.... too much) Let that person figure out his own short comings. If you push the issue they will never be humble and see they have wronged the other person (and themselves). People feel justified when being attacked. Just relax!

Managing tiff with your honey 4. Take a Time OUT! We all need to be alone with our (feeling sorry for ourselves). Then we need to get over it. Pity-pot time is actually needed for a while. DO NOT sit on that pot for too long. Flush and get rid of the toxins 5. 5Know that there is a need for every emotion...EMOTION...Energy in motion. E-motions motivate us to change! Change is necessary or we get stagnet. NO growth...Old age and wrinkles set in. But when we move with that Energy we stay full of youth and creativity. The relationship feels new again. At least there is a new wind blowing our sails. 6. Forgive. 7. Start to make up. Now who’s gonna give the first smile or wink and break that awful silence that you can see its so thick? Okay it will be you! Its not the end of the relationship. It’s the beginning of understanding boundaries between the two of you. Maybe there are some insecurities one partner is working on (these are usually brought to the relationship...via old laundry).Give room to grow, understanding we are not “THERE” yet. When I say

“THERE” I mean Perfect...Nobody’s perfect (I know that guy). 8. Fall in Love again. With that same person, you will do it over and over again. Finding new ways to reinvent the relationship. You have to have bumps in your road in

order to learn about each others character. Learning from one another, the better way to handle situations. These problems arise for a purpose, to work on issues that need resolution. Its all good and for our learning journey (sometimes creating nonsense, I am not without sin).It

…deciding whether to give out your home number Giving out your home phone number may be a good decision to help maintain a relationship. However, this action may not always be the best decision when it comes to certain situations. If you need to decide whether you should give out your home phone number or not, please continue reading.

want to give the person your home phone number if your parents don’t want you hanging out with that type of person. However, if this person seems to share some of the same interests as you and seems like the type of person your parents would allow talking to you, go ahead and give them your home phone number.

1. Decide how well you know the person. Is this person someone you have known all of your life? If so, you would probably want them to have your home phone number. Did you just meet this person five minutes ago? You may want to hold back on giving them your home phone number if this is the case.

4. Think about what you would talk about on the phone. If this is the type of person who you always seem to have “awkward silences” with, they may not be the best person to talk to on the phone. Also, if this person shares no interests with you and the both of you have nothing in common, you may want to think twice before handing out your home phone number. Remember that if the person always seems to have something to talk about, the two of you will probably be able to have a decent conversation on the phone.

2. Think about their qualities. Are they a nice person who is considerate? Is this person you’re associating with rude or disrespectful? If there qualities are pretty good, you may want to give them your phone number. Bad qualities are a signal that you may want to wait and get to know this person a little better before giving them your phone number. 3. Consider if it would be alright with your parents. If the person you are talking to is in to drugs, alcohol, smoking, etc., you may not

Miss Deborah Ogbolu cutting her birthday cake recently

does not feel that way when you are walking or crawling through the pain of it (it hurts)...NO PAIN NO GAIN...Cliche’s are so true! Just like Proverbs and Psalms. Little tidbits of knowledge that are guides through life. They are very powerful when you listen and live by them.

5. Decide why they would need your home phone number. Are they going to call you up to do something? If this is the case, the person will probably need your home phone number. However, if you don’t think they will ever call you up to do anything or just talk, there is no point in giving them your home phone number.

How to express passion in a relationship if you’re not quite sure 1.Start off by thinking about that person you love, or feel deeply for. Why did you choose them? What makes them special? •Think about what makes you special to them, what they love about you. •Now for the passion, make your passionate happy, give them compliments on the little things like their eyes in the morning, or their cute laugh or smile, things that they don’t expect. But look genuine when doing it! • Buy them a present out of the blue, don’t be stupid and buy them something you like. If you love them you’ll sacrifice your time to make them happy, which will have its benefits. •Go somewhere special, a place where you met, or talked about going, a concert, a restaurant, a cinema, or maybe a club, and enjoy the time together. • Grab them from behind if you’re a guy and ease them into a hug, kiss their neck and ears, and whisper what you love about being with them. e.g. I love how you make me happy just smiling. • If you’re a girl then, stroke his ears or his face and do your best to look innocent and small, and then kiss him. •Passion needs to be led up to.

Tips Make sure this person is for you, and the same vice versa, if you don’t match you are wasting time, I’m afraid to say its often easier to think if you go rather than choosing someone for bodily attraction, that is not passion, passion is the pure spice of a relationship between two people that love each other in a way they don’t have to talk about, because they know its there. In their hearts.

•Former Ondo State Commissioner for Finance and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship aspirant Wale Akinterinwa; ace Juju musician, Queen Ayo Balogun; sons of the deceased, Yemi and Bola Olowolabi, during the funeral of Mrs Dorcas Olowolabi in Idanre, Ondo State.

LIFE

Society Profile

THE NATION, Saturday, MARCH 3, 2012

STYLE Gossip Interviews

d a h s s e n i s u b a p s y m n w o d Shutting n i a g a n r o b g n i e b h t i w o d o t a nothing u l o z O e p u d o M n a i -Beautic

See Pages 44-45

THE NATION SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

With KAYODE ALFRED E-mail:kayflex2@yahoo.com TEL:08035733605

Terry Waya Abiola Otufale returns to resurfaces limelight A

ention Terry Waya's name among his friends and you will notice infectious smiles. Give it to this popular socialite and controversial businessman; he is a custodian of the good things of life. These days, you cannot miss his spritely spirit. More than ever before, the ultimate rocker, as he is fondly called, is bubbling with excitement. We ran into him at Eko Hotel and Suites when Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State was voted The Sun Newspaper Man of the Year last Saturday, after giving the social scene a wide berth. He was a hot favourite at the event as virtually everyone wanted an audience with him. Loaded with cash and endowed with a high level of intelligence, the smooth-talking socialite attracts men and women to himself like honey does to bee.

biola Otufale would rank as one of Nigeria's most endowed women in terms of beauty. And she has a way of re-appearing on the social radar at a point everyone thinks she has fizzled out. She resurfaced during the recent annual awards organised by Thisday Newspapers at Eko Hotels and Suits. Looking resplendent, Abiola's beautiful outlook belied all that had been written about her since her sudden disappearance from the public. She was also generous with courtesies and pleasantries at the occasion. Before she showed up at the event, her whereabouts had become a subject of speculation in society journals. The media were awash with stories of her love life and different reasons were advanced for her sudden retreat into the cocoon of her craving family. But while the public was being regaled with the speculations, no word came from Abiola herself. But her recent public appearance has put paid to all the speculations. We only hope she will remain within the social perimeter so as not to leave room for another round of speculations.

New, improved Marifa Whyte Marifa Whyte is in the news again. Those who have been wondering about the whereabouts of the Abuja lady and one of the most popular faces at high society parties would be pleased to learn that she is nursing a new baby. Predictably, her family and friends were overwhelmed with joy when the baby boy arrived a few weeks ago. Many of them believe that motherhood would rein her in from her fabulous lifestyle. Marifa, the boss of Saver Q Limited, was once the butt of a serious controversy with reports that she was pregnant for Muhammad Asibelua of Momo Couture. When the heat became unbearable for her, she decided to relocate abroad to have her baby. It has been close to a year since she returned to the country with her bundle of joy and improved status. For instance, her new home on Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, is a beautiful edifice. Happenstances gathered that she has two swanky cars to take her around. They include a Range Rover SUV and a posh Panamera 4. Asibelua reportedly got her these perks for giving him his first child ever.

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Chrise Erondu's new moves

hat won't debonair man of means and proprietor of Page Night Club, Opebi, Lagos, Chris Erondu, do to see that Lagos becomes the reference point in hospitality business? Since he established Lagos' most popular night club, which became a choice hang out for people with high taste, he has continuously reinvented the business with innovative ideas. His inventions have separated his club from the others around. Hence, fun lovers need little or no prompting to troop there in their hundreds every night. And they would have more reasons to keep going back. After the Valentine's show that was staged there penultimate Tuesday, Erondu is said to be planning another big one for Lagosians who patronise night clubs. Those who should know say he has just taken delivery of some state-of-the-art musical instruments and security gadgets for his club. It was also gathered that a training programme was being arranged for the staff of Page Night Club to enhance their competence. Happenstances can also reveal that the boss of Page Night Club is working on an Easter carnival that will feature A-list entertainers. As a build-up to the show, he is already talking to rave of the moment hip hop acts like Whiz Kid and Davido for live performances at the club during the Easter period.

Toyin Fagbayi back on drawing board

few years ago, Toyin Fagbayi was very close to Hajia Turai Yar'adua, wife of the immediate past Nigerian president. She was to Turai what Hajia Bola Shagaya is to Patience Goodluck Jonathan at the moment. Toyin, one of the most trusted aides of Turai, was like the shell while Turai was the snail. They were always together. Toyin had the listening ear of Turai. Turai hardly recommended anyone for appointment without first seeking Toyin's opinion, particularly if the appointee was from the South West where Toyin comes from. To say that the former Alliance for Democracy (AD) National Welfare Officer was the de facto leader of Turai's aides was to state the obvious. But in a twist of fate, Toyin is nowhere to be found in today's power equation. Happenstances gathered that the former woman leader in Ondo State AD has gone back to the drawing board in her bid to remain relevant.

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A Grace Enenmoh savours marital bliss

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THE NATION SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 few weeks ago, the Managing Director of Ascon Oil and Gas, Grace Enenmoh, shed the toga of widowhood six years after she lost her husband, Engr. George Enenmoh, in an ill-fated flight on a Bellview aircraft. She had stuck to her guns, insisting

that the vacuum her late husband left in her life could never be filled by any other man. But the story has changed. The hard working woman has eventually found someone that would help her out of the marital abyss she was plunged into by the death of her first love. The mother of five is getting her groove back as she gave marriage a second shot to Bankole Olowofusuyi in London penultimate weekend. Joy has since returned to her life. Her close friends say you can ride a horse in her bowels without galloping. Her world became brighter as soon as she remarried. To further cement their union, the newly wedded couple went on a honeymoon to Dubai, United Arab

Funke Kuti trudges on without Femi

ith her high profile contacts while her marriage to the Afro beat maestro, Femi Kuti, lasted, no one thought it could take Funke so long to settle into the loving arms of another man. But many years down the road, Funke, who used to dance for her estranged husband's band is still as single as figure 1. Yet, 40-year-old Funke, who deserted the marriage that produced her only child in controversial circumstances, is living large and appears to be having the fun of her life. At a time, it was rumoured that she was seeing Femi again after their marriage had crumbled. But the rumour was later found to be nothing but a figment of the bearers' imagination. There

Nicholas Okaye chickens out

Between Tosin Dekalu and Emeka Odogwu

few years ago, he emerged from the blue and boasted that he would cause a tsunami in the mobile phone market. He openly bragged that he would take over the market with his Anabel brand of mobile phone. The smooth talker had boasted then that Anabel Mobile would become the number one mobile phone in the telecom market. But Nicholas Okoye has suddenly gone mute and those who should know say his Anabel mobile phone is not yet in the market. From all indications, he has retreated into total obscurity, as no one has been able to ascertain his whereabouts. But some people insist he is doing very well but has chosen to lie low.

hat the CEO of Lady Cobbler, Tosin Dekalu, and Emeke Odogwu, son of renowned businessman, Chief Sunny Odogwu, were once an item is like stating the obvious. Since the news of their relationship became public knowledge, it was generally assumed that a high octane wedding ceremony was in the offing. But for years now, no news of any wedding plans came from the love birds. The wait seems to be getting unbearable for well wishers of the love birds who illuminate any gathering with their dazzling good looks. It is now more than four years since they came into public consciousness as lovers but no marriage seems to be forth coming. A few months ago, the rumour filled the air that they might get married before the end of last year. But before the facts could be pieced together, the rumour petered out. Surprisingly, Tosin and Emeka are not being seen together in recent times. One only hopes that all is well between the love birds.

was also another tale of the dimpled and petite beauty seeing a wealthy dude who was reportedly keen on exchanging marital vows with her. But the identity of the guy in question remains a mystery. Funke herself has since debunked it with all the energy she could muster. While many believe that Funke does not really bother about a new husband, others say she is biding her time for a man of her taste. While there is no reason to think that she is involved in any serious relationship at the moment, her husband would grim with envy if he sees how the delectable beauty is trudging on without a sign of longing for their days of emotional merger.

Keystone Bank MD, Oti Ikomi, loses mum

t is often said that the death of a close one causes in one's heart a hole that takes a very long time to heal. It is even more painful with the death of one's mother. This is the wound that has been inflicted on top banker, Oti Ikomi, the MD/CEO of Keystone Bank. He lost his mother, Madam Juliet, to the cold hands of death last week. Oti is particularly depressed because he was said to be very close to his mother when she was alive. Friends, relatives and associates have been thronging his home to register their condolences. Happenstances gathered that an elaborate burial ceremony is in the offing.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

'Why I keep my clients secret' For some time now, not much appears to have been heard about the elegant beautician and Chief Executive Officer of Body Enhancement Limited, Modupe Ozolua. At a time, the news media were awash with news that the body enhancement queen had shut down her spa and treatment clinic. The President of Body Enhancement Annual Reconstructive Surgery (BEARS) Foundation, who turned 38 last October, explains all in this interview with KEHINDE FALODE.

OT much appears to have been heard about you in recent times. What is going on? I have been busy making out time for myself by taking long vacation and reinventing my various business interests. Not hearing from me should not come as a surprise. A friend calls me a “sub-marine!” He says I am always underground, observing everything that is going on only to surface when I want to and then disappear again. But I am always around. Did you just say various business interests? One would think that body enhancement is the only businesses you do. No. I have interests in different businesses. You only know what I want you to know. There is information to the effect that you have called it quits with beauty business and that you have even sold your Body Enhancement outfit... That is not correct. Body Enhancement is still fully operational and will not be going out of business any time soon. As you know, Body Enhancement introduced cosmetic surgery to Nigeria in 2001 and has been going strong for 11 years now. I believe that people are referring to Indulge Spas, the luxury spa I opened some years ago. I shut the spa down last summer. But the spa was completely independent of my cosmetic surgery enterprise. So, it didn’t affect it in any way. As for selling the building, how can I sell what is not mine? Body enhancement procedures, surgical and non-surgical hold twice annually in April/May and October/November. The schedule has not changed. The last session still took place last November. As we speak, my clients are already enrolling for the next session, which is coming up at the end of April. People should not get confused

about Body Enhancement. We are still very much in business, doing what we are great at doing–transforming people’s bodies for the better. Some people had attributed your purported ouster from beauty business and sale of the property to the fact that you were really broke. Others said it was because of your new found faith as a member of the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries... (Laughs)Like I just stated, I have not stepped out of the beauty/health business. I only shut down one of my businesses. Just as it was my choice to open a spa, it was also my choice to close it. It was my money that I invested in it, and when I felt I wanted to exit the spa business, I informed my clients, shut the doors, packed things up and went on a long overdue vacation. I was in Central Africa when I got messages from people about the speculated reasons behind the closure of Indulge. To be honest, I found it quite comical and had a good laugh! I shut down the Lagos office of Body Enhancement last year simply because the spa and the Body Enhancement offices were in the same building. People must have thought I also closed down the Body Enhancement office because I simultaneously shut down the Abuja office. But that was simply for renovation purposes. Am I financially handicapped? No. Am I now a religious fanatic who feels she has to close down her various investments because of her church/religious belief? No. I closed Indulge because it took much more of my time than I had anticipated. What about all the money and effort involved? What about your clients? Once I decided I didn’t want to own a spa anymore, I initially put it up for sale. But I wasn’t satisfied with the offers I got. That left me with one of two options: shut it down or keep it. I chose to shut it down and walk away.

Hon. Adija Adeleye-Oladapo of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) represents Ifo II Constituency, Ogun State. She is the Chairman on House Services and Vice Chairman Public Accounts and AntiCorruption Committees. In this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, she explains the role of women in politics, their challenges and family life.

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Am I financially handicapped? No. Am I now a religious fanatic who feels she has to close down her various investments because of her church/ religious belief? No. I closed Indulge because it took much more of my time than I had anticipated

’

‘My husband’s good looks swept me off my feet’

OW will you describe women’s participation in politics since 1999? There have been some changes but then if we really look back to where we are coming from we have made progress. But unfortunately, the changes we have made are not enough because we are like someone who is walking, when we are supposed to be running. During the last legislation at the National Assembly the number of women had increased compared to what we have now. We have fallen short in number given the campaign for increase in the number of women in policy making positions. So, it is not a good story, we are not really happy that it has reduced. We are already looking inward to see what has really caused

the setback or the drop in our participation. This is like we are going backward. I think we are not ready to allow that, we don’t want to lose focus or anything that makes us sad but we are forging ahead. We are determined, we are focussed and we believe we will get there. Is that not an indictment that women are not capable? No, it is not a matter of women not performing well. The challenges we face as women to get into positions, are three times higher than what the men face. For women to be considered as being effective, you must put in extra efforts of about five times than what the men put in. For instance, if a man gives you N100, you will appreciate it than when a woman gives you N500.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 Yes, I invested a lot into Indulge. But just like everything I do, I put in my best financially and physically and I don’t cut corners. So I don’t regret that. As for clients, I am fortunate I met some lovely people through Indulge. But at the end of the day, as I was no longer interested in offering the service anymore, I did my clients a favour by informing them about it. If I did not, I was not going to continue offering them the quality service they deserved. That would have been an injustice to them. As you know, I brought the first aesthetic laser machine to Nigeria and introduced laser treatments such as hair removal, skin rejuvenation, etc. I am happy to see that people have followed my lead and are now investing in expensive machines and offering similar services. Many people still contact my office, asking for spa and laser services. Right now, I have refused to be pressured into doing laser treatments. They ask for referrals and I have a tough time referring them because of the negative feedback I get from clients who have gone to other places that offer laser treatments. Although I have disposed of my other spa equipment, I still have my laser machine. At this point in time, I am considering other options for my laser clients. But either way, I will not personally continue to offer laser treatments unless I am absolutely ready to recommit all the time it requires. Are you going to have another office in Lagos or you will only use your Abuja office? I do intend to re-open another office in Lagos sometime this year. That translates to going back to commuting every week again! Living out of a suitcase is not much fun. Besides, I am really enjoying having some time for myself. I still see clients at my Abuja office and at a designated location in Lagos, pre-scheduled through my office. All appointments are prescheduled. So, clients still receive the quality service they are used to getting from me. At this point in my life, anything that will unduly stress me out will not be accommodated. I love my long vacations and globe trotting, doing whatever I want to. People see me and pay me compliments on how I am glowing, looking well rested and how happy I am. I don’t regret my decision. You may research into what I have said. So, the women need to put in more efforts to be appreciated as success, whatever we are doing if men do one fifth of it people begin to clap. Most women are not noise makers. We believe that whatever the right hand does the left hand does not need to know about it. Politics is about noise making and little thing the men do attract noise. The women will go into families and affect them positively without making noise. So, before they can say that a woman has really performed you must work five times what the men do. Again, women do not have the same economic empowerment as men have it. The men have so much money to throw around; women don’t have the money. People who are having money invest it in politics. This is also another challenge we face except if we want to deceive ourselves. Politics as at today cannot be separated from money, you cannot separate money from politics. We still play a lot of money politics in Nigeria and how many women who are in politics have that financial muscle? The violence is there, the blackmail is there, especially for the women who are climbing the ladder. The next thing people will say is: ‘Oh she is there because so and so person is sleeping with her.’ The society is not giving us the opportunity. And we have some women who have the money and all it takes to contest elections but they are not ready to be blackmailed. Unfortunately, if you want to succeed as a woman in politics then you have to close your ears. This is also one of the challenges of women in politics and I know that actually contributed to the reduction in the number of women in politics. I also believe that contributed to Mrs Sarah Jubril having got an own vote during the PDP primaries. The governor has all it takes to buy all the delegates, how much does she Mrs Jibril have? Married women in politics have an additional

burden, being one, how has it been? When you look at some of our women in politics who have really attained some heights, some of them are not married; some are single mothers; some have been divorced and there are those who have actually lost their husbands. For you to succeed in politics and stay being married it takes a very understanding husband and children. You have to carry everybody along and at the end of the day if the man says, oh in my house you cannot play politics, you have to choose between politics and him; it is either you drop politics or you drop that man. So, it takes a God-fearing man, an understanding man and understanding children because by the time you are supposed to take care of the children you are in one meeting or the other. A lot of mid night meetings and if you are not there, something else could happen. That is one of the strategies the men also used to work against us. They will deliberately fix their meetings at night because they know ordinarily you are supposed to be at home. And if you don’t have an understanding husband, where will you tell the man that you are going at that hour? And if you are not there when very serious issues are to be determined and decisions taken, then it means you are out. So, the fact is for you to succeed as a married woman, you need an understanding husband. With these challenges, is it advisable for married women to be in politics? Some of our men have now

•Continued on Page 49

As far as I am concerned, it was the best decision I took last year! Does this mean we should expect some new changes to Body Enhancement? Absolutely! I am on a six-week working vacation, which has been more of work than a vacation really. On this trip alone, I have been to three different continents and six different states all for meetings. I am very pleased because I have also acquired new knowledge and new associates. Although we have always offered non-surgical procedures at Body Enhancement, people mostly know about our surgical services. What non-surgical services do you offer? We offer various types of dermal fillers that instantly transform the face and, if necessary, the body. As you know, the first thing you notice in a person is their face. We have many ways of instantly taking years off the face without any form of surgery. It is truly amazing. We thought you only offered surgical procedures... I have always offered non-surgical procedures. I have many clients, both male and female, who get these fillers done. No filler is permanent. But the result is worth every penny. When the right filler is applied to the right place, the result is stunning. I intend to create more awareness about this, so that people would know that they have options when it comes to improving their appearance. Since you started Body Enhancement, you have been very secretive about who your clients are. Why and how have you been able to maintain this confidentiality? That is correct. First and foremost, being a very private person myself makes that aspect of the business very easy for me to manage. I might say one or two things to you about myself, but never about my clients. People who know me would tell you that being flippant is one thing I can never be accused of. Like we say in America, “loose lips, sink ships!” I firmly believe we are all entitled to our privacy, and the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is not exempted from this. Whatever reason a man or woman has to undergo any procedure should be a personal choice and should not be shared unless they want to. This is strictly a personal decision, which must not be infringed on by me or anyone for that matter. Eleven years ago when I started Body Enhancement in Nigeria, I had a client who on her own accord went to the media and told them she had something done without informing me before doing so. Apart from her, I have never admitted to anyone else being my client, and I have no intention of doing so. I have nothing to gain from doing that, especially as it goes against my personal beliefs. I get a lot of verbal referrals. Although I

appreciate the high recommendations, I don’t demand that my clients do that for me, because their privacy comes first. If they wish to tell people about it, that is great. If not, that is also fine with me. I have been able to maintain absolute confidentiality by putting several measures in place, such as working with a highly reputable facility that understands the importance of privacy, cautioning clients on who they tell about their procedure(s), my staff and other means which I will not share. What is next for your NGO, Body Enhancement Annual Reconstructive Surgery (BEARS) Foundation? BEARS has always been very dear to my heart. I derive so much joy being able to use it to be an instrument in God’s hands. Considering that I am very involved in every aspect of BEARS’ activities, due to previously demanding pressures from my other private ventures, I wasn’t able to make out as much time for it as I wanted. Although we haven’t conducted a medical mission for a while, we have been supporting other NGOs and hospitals financially and materially. But now that I am restructuring a lot of things, I am looking forward to making some time out to put together some great projects that will transform some more lives. What has been your reaction to many sensational tales that have been spun about you? Honestly, I am not one to indulge in gossip and petty tales. So, whatever those sensational tales that have been spun about me set out to achieve has certainly been lost, because I don’t hear them. In addition, the extremely few people who are close to me don’t draw them to my attention because they don’t care about such crap themselves. What is your philosophy of life? I believe we are born for a purpose. Hopefully, we discover what that purpose is early and live a fulfilled life doing whatever we are destined to do. Have you discovered your own purpose? Yes. It is to serve by being an instrument in God’s hands. What motivates you? Strangely, that has suddenly become a very difficult question to answer. In the past, I would answer without any hesitation. Now, I see that life is not as cut and dry as I used to think. It is much more complicated. It is filled with intrigues. I am a survivor. I adapt to my surroundings. It is not just one factor that motivates me anymore. At different stages and circumstances in my life, I found strength in different sources. It could be God, people, material comfort or even I. Who has been the biggest influence on your life? I will have to say my father. It is funny how I now find myself quoting some of his words of wisdom. What are the important lessons you have learnt in life? The most crucial and most painful lesson I have learnt is that most people that call you sister, brother, friend, love, and so on are most likely the ones that strive to see you fall. If and when you feel the stab in your back, you can only pray for strength to pull it out and keep moving. What are the secrets to flawless skin? Now, that is a million-dollar question. Don’t we all want to know? You know, just as the idea of beauty is subjective, so is the means of getting a flawless skin. It truly varies. But the underlining guidelines are good nutrition, exercise and drinking a lot of water. Then you have inserts such as the type of skin care products used and personal hygiene. One has to play around those foundational pillars and find out what works best for them. What is your secret to looking good? I take good care of myself. I exercise daily. I have started drinking more water and I eat well. It is so funny that people are always suspicious of my looks (laughs). There are some who see me after a long time and ask: ‘Modupe, what have you done to look younger?’ My usual response is ‘nothing’ That I informed the world that I had cosmetic surgery 12 years ago does not mean I transform my body every day. How about also having good rest or having some good genes working for me? The bottom line is that when you continuously push your body without adequate rest, you will

•Continued on Page 49

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Hair care tips for men A

s we all know, there is no such fad as healthy hair. Hair is basically protein and keratin with no blood supply. As such, for it to stay healthy, it must be well maintained. Because once damage has occurred, the only way to repair the hair is to cut off the damaged length. A healthy looking head of hair starts with a great looking haircut, therefore, your hair like your car needs maintenance. Below are some hair care tips for men. Say no to hot water Though it cleanses the scalp faster than warm water, very hot water strips much of the essential oil from the hair and scalp and leads to dryness. Pat dry Towel drying is one of the biggest causes of damage to men’s hair. When hair is wet, it is highly susceptible to damage. When the hair is rubbed with a towel, it becomes tangled in the threads of the towel and becomes stretched to the breaking point, causing damage to the cuticle, frizziness and split ends. To properly towel dry, shake out the excess water and stroke your hair in the direction it grows, rather than rubbing the hair with the towel.

Shun chemical treatments Frequently colouring or dyeing hair can leave it damaged, dry and dull. •Men’s trimming/ barbing kit

Good shampoo and conditioner A good shampoo and conditioner will help cleanse the hair, smooth the cuticle and add moisture and elasticity. Use a wide-toothed comb on wet hair Do not use a brush on wet hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to comb a wet hair and gently work out any tangle. Avoid heated tools such as blow dryers or irons which can dry and damage hair. Keep your hair trim Since the only real way to remove damaged hair end is to cut off the split or damaged end, so make sure to get it trimmed once in two weeks. Stay hale and hearty The condition of your hair is often a reflection of the overall health of your body. Eat well, exercise, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and reduce stress in your life. Doing so will result in a healthier scalp and great looking hair. Living well and staying healthy will also increase the rate of hair growth.

•Fine pocket comb

•Glossy and locks shampoo

•Dimeji

•Afro hairstyles

•Keep your hair trim

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

•Sinamay and feather fascinator

•Vibrant fascinator in tones of orange and burnt orange, fuschia magenta and double flower feature with spiralled feathers on a two tone sinamay base

•Vintage inspired fascinator designed to sit on an angle •Hat fascinators

Fanciful fascinator Funmi OGEDENGBE

INCE the wedding of Prince Williams and his beau, Princess Kate, fascinator as an accessory has become quite popular and fashionable, and the good thing about it is that it can go with any look. It can be worn instead of a hat to weddings or can be used as an evening accessory. The fascinator is attached to the hair with comb, clip or headband. It can be decorated with laces, precious stones, feathers and wire works. Fascinator’s uniqueness makes one look bold, attractive and beautiful.

•Wedding fascinators with veil

Naomi Campbell closes Cavalli Naomi Campbell walks the runway at the Roberto Cavalli Autumn/Winter 2012/ 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on February 27 in Milan, Italy.

•Carla fascinator

Banana Republic attempts to outdo chanel’s plane show

ROM this week thursday, Banana Republic is showing their new Mad Men collection on Virgin America’s flight 407 from JFK to LAX. As we can see from Virgin’s Twitter feed, models are currently roaming the aisles of the plane wearing looks from the collection and presumably trying not to stumble or bump their heads on the overhead storage bins. Unlike Chanel’s plane-themed couture show, this jet mostly contains normal passengers, who are likely annoyed that the show is slowing down the snack trolley, wondering what the hell is going on, or squealing about how much they love the clothes and can’t wait to rush off to the nearest Banana Republic store, when the clothes go on sale..

SOCIETY

THE NATION SATURDAY, MARCH 3 , 2012

Former Lagos General Hospital matron marks 60 Gbenga KUTELU

•The host, Mrs Atinuke Elugbadebo, and husband, Dr Adewole Elugbadebo cutting the birthday cake

AMILY members and friends gath ered to rejoice with Mrs Atinuke Elugbadebo, the retired Chief Matron of Orile Agege General Hospital, Agege, Lagos, as she clocked 60 on February 25. The woman could not hide her joy as she welcomed her guests with embraces and smiles. The event, which was held on the premises of Lagos State Public Work Corporation, Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was graced by people from all walks of life. The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Kehinde Ogedengbe, described the host as "a caring mother and loving wife who tries as much as possible to make people around her happy". Mrs Elugbadebo expressed her gratitude to God for His blessings which keep her going. She also thanked her guests for honouring her with their presence. •Ayoyinka and Oladimeji host’s children

•Mrs. Jaiyesimi and Mr. Bamidele Elugbadebo

•Mr and Mrs Kehinde Ogedengbe

Boko Haram: Police must sharpen communication skills, says ex-Lagos council chair Osiyemi

former chairman of Mushin Local Gov ernment in Lagos State, Prince Bayo Osiyemi, has declared that the Police must sharpen their communication skills and conflict management ability in the ongoing battle against the Islamic sect,Boko Haram. According to Prince Osiyemi, who also served as Chief Press Secretary to

the Second Republic Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, it is inevitable that those in charge of the nation’s security should now demonstrate professionalism more than ever before. He spoke at the presentation of an award to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ilupeju, Lagos, Superintendent of Police Gbolahan Olugbemi, by

Royal Achievers International Media Network. Stressing that much still has to be done to prepare the Police rank and file for effective and successful service, Prince Osiyemi said policemen should, at all times, be courteous, alert, tackful, co-operative, honest, approachable, trustworthy, hospitable, inquisitive, effective and fair. “Too many avoidable prob-

•Prince Osiyemi presenting the City Pride Achievers Award to SP Olugbemi

lems have been brought on our communities by the inept and sickeningly intolerable disposition of some of our policemen. There are a few exceptions, no doubt,and one of such exceptions is the gentlemen-officer we are here to honour,” he said of SP Olugbemi. He added: “It is clear and incontrovertible that an emotional person cannot be an effective police officer.With what we know out there in the UK as ‘SAFER’ and ‘POP’ approaches, the Police here can be more rational and effective in dealing with potentially explosive situations. “Your responses to threats will naturally depend on emotion and rational brain.The distinction must be made clear.When you are sick, ill, angry, intemperate or afraid, you are bound to be emotional in your actions. “Conversely,when you are rational, you will be able to think positively.It is the rational mind we use consciously to reason, understand, ponder and reflect. “To every policeman or woman dealing with any matters brought before him at our police stations, they will be serving the end of justice better by being helpful (or, aren’t suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty?), showing empathy (being concerned); and by listening at all times,” he said.

Madam Orintunsin at 90

Madam Grace Mopelola Orintunsi cutting her 90th birthday cake after a thanksgiving at Eleyele Baptist Church, Eleyele, Ibadan

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 03, 2012

‘I’m not bothered by the gossips around me’ •Continued from Page 45 physically age pre-maturely. I work hard and when I can, I make out time to rest. Your pictures in the MANIA magazine interview were very controversial because of their sexy nature vis a vis your claim to celibacy and being born again. Anyone who has closely observed you over the years would know that you always have a reason for every public action you take. Why did you do it? (Laughs) You are right. One thing I pride myself in doing is looking deep beneath the surface of people and situations. The reason why I did MANIA is not what people think. Long before I committed myself to it, Dimeji had approached me about doing an interview, but we were not able to conclude on anything for several years. Finally, he, Kelechi and I met for a meeting to discuss the project. Based on the concept they had in mind, which was pushing the edge and creating a world class content/quality magazine worthy of comparison to VOGUE, after a survey, they concluded I was the only Nigerian woman who could deliver on what they wanted–a fearless edition. I guess they were right (laughs). Between my hectic schedule and their preparations, it took almost one year from the time we had the meeting before we finally did the shooting. Why did I agree to do it? First of all, I loved the concept. But more importantly for me, it was a celebration of my life. Not too long before I was approached with the request to do the cover for the maiden edition of MANIA, I had just regained full use of my legs. In late 2009, I had a fall that affected my right leg. Shortly after that, I had freak accident that left me with broken bones in

•Continued from Page 45 understood that when there wives go out, it is not that they are going to do something funny. This has been like a weapon the men always use to hoodwink their wives so that they won’t allow them to go out. But I believe things are changing now, we now have lots of women who are still married and are playing politics, they are in positions and they also have a happy home. Mind you, having a happy home does not mean that the woman is not playing politics, there are homes where the husband and wife are not into politics but secular jobs and they don’t have a happy home. Until we have that understanding the women in politics will continue to face these setbacks. For instance, if someone comes to you now and say I am an actress, what goes on in the mind of the man is oh how do I sleep with her? Because they believe that all actress are promiscuous. When I started politics even some people in the church did not give me a chance; in the community it was like oh it is women that are promiscuous that join politics but today the understanding has changed. So, it now lies in the hands of those of us who have found ourselves in there to change the perception that people are having about us. How did you align your husband into what you are doing? Number one, I came into politics before I got married. Number two, when we find ourselves in such positions, we are to change the perception of those who hold ill-feeling about women in politics. When I came into politics it was not as if the next thing I did was to start contesting elections. I have been through the ladder of the party and that has built the confidence with my activities, so when I asked for something higher it was not as if there were no challenges but we worked to delineate the challenges. My husband understands that I am a politician and he like what I am doing. How has it been working with men in the House? The problem most of our women have is that they suffer from inferiority complex. I don’t see

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They will deliberately fix their meetings at night because they know ordinarily you are supposed to be at home. And if you don’t have an understanding husband, where will you tell the man that you are going at that hour? And if you are not there when very serious issues are to be determined and decisions taken, then it means you are out

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my left leg and a damaged left knee. From being able to walk, run and function normally, I found myself in a P.O.P, nearly crippled, able to move only either with crutches or being pushed in a wheelchair. The next thing I knew, I was having extensive orthopaedic surgery done on my bones and knee in India. I was bedridden for one month with wires in my bones and finally had to learn how to walk all over again. I went through the tedious stages of learning how to stand, wearing a special shoe to help the muscles in my leg heal and using crutches. Then I went on to wearing the special shoe and using a walking stick. Eventually, I graduated to wearing just the shoe before I was finally able to walk without it. It was a very trying and strengthening time for me. But I was never alone because I had my God, loved ones and my church with me all the way. I was still learning how to walk again when I was approached for the MANIA photo shoot. At the time we did the photo shoot, I had regained full use of my legs and it was one year to the date I sustained the injuries. Of course I agreed to do it! It was my way of celebrating God’s continuous faithfulness to me. My limbs are fully restored. My life has been spared by His grace and I wanted the world to know that. Just as art is a personal interpretation, so is thanksgiving. I simply combined both and gave you MANIA. You have a son Yes. How old is he now? He turned 16 last December. Do you intend to get married again or have more children? If I am going to get married again and have more kids, it is certainly not going to be tonight! If and when I do all that, you will know (laughs).

'People see women in politics as promiscuous' any man being higher than me. Despite the fact that I see them as equal, I still recognise the fact that they are men. The fact is that if you want to get things done, especially with the men, you have to really do it the woman’s way like lobbying them, appealing to the conscience, bring out that emotional part in that thing you want to get done and you get the approval from them. I am the Committee Chairman on House Services and have other men as members; even if they are saying something and you don’t want to go with them, you still have to be diplomatic the way you sell your ideas to them and not that you just arrogate decisions. Those who voted you must have been seeing you to address their personal problems, has it really been easy? That one is now part of politics, they have been coming. Few weeks ago I was with a commissioner; this is a commissioner who is not really a politician. In the course of our discussion, I noted that he had asked his secretary to be stopping some people from seeing him because he was tired of spending money on them. He said he spent an average of N50,000 per day on people who come to seek one assistance or the other. I told him welcome to the club because for me, I am used to it but for him, it is strange. The system where he is coming from is different from where I have been and until we improve the economic value of our people, it will continue this way. Politics is supposed to be a call to serve but these days people see it as quick end riches. People believe that if you want to make quick money you have to go into politics. Unfortunately, it does not work like that. Yes, people talk about corruption and I believe the mind set must change right from the grassroots. When you are contesting election they will come to you, if you don’t give us money we are not going to vote for you; if you give them money they vote for you. The money you have given to them you got it from somewhere; people go to the banks to obtain loans. When they get there, what do you think will happen? They want to recoup all the money. When they get there, they are still faced with numerous other challenges coming from people who want to get one thing or the other from you. I have to take care of my domestic staff and fuel my car. This I have to sustain from less than N500,000 that I earn, yet one single person is coming to you to say oh, honourable, I need N200,000 to solve a problem. They don’t even come with little problem but the ones you cannot take care of. So, for corruption to stop, all those coming for one problem or the other must also stop. And that starts by making life easier for the people. How has your upbringing influenced your lifestyle? I happen to be the first child of my parents; along the line, I was on my own so I have some level of freedom. I do things that I wanted to do. You can say that was part of what formed my outlook in life because I had to do a lot of things on my own. Living on my own and trying to survive on personal struggle has really moulded me. And for my dad in particular who is a very humble person and respect people a lot, that I got from him. That is why even when I know that I am older than this person, it is difficult for me to talk to them with disrespect. What made you fall for your husband? He is a handsome man, good looking, which is the thing you look out for before you determine their character. You only know the character when you get closer. That was what made me fall for him. We have been married for over 10 years now, he has been supportive because if not, I will not be

here today. Does your social life reflect how fashionable you are? Yes, I go to parties because my social life is pretty good, I interact a lot. I attend functions as often as I have them coming. In some weekends, I may have over one or two parties to attend. Last weekend, I had about six functions to attend but unfortunately, I could only honour three. You must also know that the position we found ourselves does affect our social life. People will invite you to functions not because if you are not there heaven will fall but because you are their representatives. But for the fashion, I cannot tell you much because I could be in tatters and claim to be fashionable. So let me leave that for outsiders to judge.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

•Gov Aliyu

•David Mark

As restructuring mantra resonates... G

RADUALLY, the decibel about “restructuring” (of the Nigerian federation) is assuming the status of a recurring political terminology in Nigeria. The Nigerian federation has for a long time been faulted by critics, who argued that it favours some at the expense of others, and that it should therefore be revisited for the sake of fairness, equity, justice and progress of the federating units. They have variously described it as ‘imbalanced’, ‘lopsided’ and in some extreme situations branded it as ‘fraudulent’. And the ‘need to do something about it now’ has resonated recently across the country with greater intensity in the face of the challenges facing the country, particularly security challenges which seem to be pushing the country irredeemable towards the precipice. In early February, a political summit held in Lagos, and the total summation of the deliberation at summit was how to immediately steer the country to a ‘safe haven’ using the instrumentality of a national dialogue that en-

Augustine AVWODE Assistant Editor sures a restructuring of the country through a true or people’s constitution. The two-day summit facilitated by the National Summit Group (NSG) at the banquet hall of Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Lagos was christened Eminent National Leaders of Thought Dialogue. The views were similar: only a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) that will afford all nationalities the opportunity to sit down and agree on how they want to co-exist can bring a solution to all the drawbacks experienced so far with the Nigerian federation. The moderator of the Summit, Prof. Pat Utomi, warned that “Nigeria is on the brink,” while Second Republic Governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, declared what many must have also observed that ”We’re on the verge of being a failed state in almost every respect.”

Interestingly, those at the summit were from across the country – the South West, the SouthSouth, the South East, North Central and the far North. Among those who spoke at the summit were Constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN), Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, Sheikh Abdulraham Ahmad, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Chief Edwin Clark, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Olu Falae, Senator Felix Ibru, Alabo Graham Douglas, Prof. Akin Oyebode, Amb. Grace Eke, Prof. Saliba Mukoro, Obong Victor Attah, Ms. Ann kio-Briggs, Mr. Femi Falana, Chief Mike Ozekhome, Mahmud Othman and Prof. Pat Utomi, to name a few. Interestingly, just about two weeks after the Lagos summit, eminent northern leaders also met in Asokoro, Abuja, last week in what political pundits have called ‘a response to the Lagos gathering’. At the meeting, the leaders not only deplored the worsening security situation in the country but also backed the calls for restructuring of the polity.

Importantly, it was their hope that the lopsidedness in the structure of the nation’s politics and economy would be addressed. The Abuja meeting which held under the aegis of Coalition of Concerned Northerners (CCN), appreciated the threat the activities of Boko Haram posed to the unity of the country. In a statement by Dr. Junaid Muhammad (convener), the leaders, who included governors of Niger and Jigawa states, Dr. Muazu Aliyu Babangida and Alhaji Sule Lamido, respectively; former Senate President, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu; former deputy Senate President, Dr. John Wash-Pam; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed; former Ministers Dr. Shettima Mustapha, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri and Mallam Lawal Batagarawa; and former Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council, Prof. Nur Alkali, also decried alleged excesses of the military Joint Task Force (JTF), in its fight against Boko Haram’s murderous activities since 2009. Other members of the coalition included the

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 former Chairman of Langtang South Local Government Council in Plateau State, Mr. Solomon Dalung, former Presidential Legal AdvisersIbrahim Ismail and Prof. Awwalu Yadudu as well as Mr. Sam NdaIsaiah, publisher of Leadership Newspapers; Mallam Mohammed Haruna, Professors Abubakar Rasheed, Risqua Arabu Sokoto, former Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission, Hamman Tukur, former Solicitor General of the Federation, Professor Ignatius Ayua, Prof. David Iyornem and Alhaji Dahiru Mohammed, former Managing Director of the New Nigerian Newspapers, NNN, among others. While discussing the current security challenges occasioned by Boko Haram’s bomb attacks and killings, the resurgent activities of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), other Niger Delta militant groups, the Movement for the Survival of Biafra (MASSOB), and the recurrent calls for Sovereign National Conference (SNC), the leaders said they were in support of restructuring Nigeria. The statement read in part: “In the course of the meeting, the Northern Group reflected on the deteriorating security situation in the region, particularly with regards to the growth and spread of attacks with impunity by the Boko Haram insurgents and other ethnic and religious militants in the North. “In addition, the meeting dwelt on the threats posed by the resurgent activities of MEND, other Niger Delta militant groups and MASSOB. In addition, the meeting dwelt on the threats and recent calls by groups for SNC. The meeting reflected on the elements that bound the northerners and their cultures together, irrespective of ethnicity and religion over many years at (of) their association, and their sadness that the basis of unity of the region has of recent come under a serious assault. “The meeting resolved to support the calls for the restructuring of the Nigerian federation in the hope that the lopsidedness in the structure of the nation’s politics and economy will be a key agenda issue. “It then called on the Northern Governors’ Forum, NGF, to liaise with other stakeholders in the north, such as the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, the Northern Union, NU, Jama’atul Nasril Islam, JNI, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, women, youth and student bodies and other groups to join hands and tackle the identified threats confronting the region.”

Security challenges The immediate trigger of the renewed cqall for a national conference or restructuring as it were is the issue of the security challenges that have buffeted the country in recent years but which has grown systematically to a level of casting Nigeria in the international circle as a land of terrorism. Boko Haram’s bombings and killings with impunity coupled with the fact that government seems to be at its wits end in its bid to tackle the sect headlong have inadvertently fuelled the call for dialogue, especially given the tenor of the attacks, the alleged claims by the sect to having as a ultimate agenda, the complete Islamisation of Nigeria. The pattern or tenor of the security challenges has fuelled deep feelings of hatred, a ploy that seems to have been carefully designed by enemies of the state to cause political and social chaos and possible disintegration of the country. With an alleged official warning to all southerners living in the North to leave the area or be killed, and the actualisation of the threat, many angrily and openly canvassed a sterner government approach. Apart from the tragic Madalla bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church on Christmas Day last year

gional system when states are thoroughly viable and witness healthy competitions. The present situation has been described as having 36 glorified states and a Federal Capital Territory. Each state has a bloated civil service, a governor and his deputy, commissioners, state assembly, judiciary, and so on, which make its total revenue insufficient for prompt payment of salaries and so the states have to run to the Federal Government or banks for assistance or loans.

Fiscal federalism

•Edwin Clark

•Balarabe Musa

One of the aspects of the Nigerian federalism that has been severely criticised is its lack of fiscal federalism. Its advocates claim that it has the potential to solve Nigeria’s socioeconomic and political problems since in their view, it is the Federal Government that presently holds the largest chunk of the national income, a culture that is an antithesis to the concept of federalism, where the federating units are supposed to own their resources and to cede only an agreed percentage to the centre. Last week, there were hot exchanges between some northern leaders who are canvassing for a review of the revenue formula to allow for an equitable distribution and some South South leaders who felt that the northern leaders were asking for too much at their expense. The argument is that had each state been allowed to retain, develop and exploit its resources with a provision to pay only an agreed percentage to the Federal Government, each state would not only strive to develop that which is found in its areas, there would also be a more profitable use of such resources. But of course these are just some of the reasons why the call for a restructuring or national conference has become a top of the agenda in today’s political discourse. Certainly, there are more reasons.

Opposition

•Nwabueze

which killed over 40 people, bombs were again detonated in several parts of Kano in January killing even larger numbers of people. They followed that up with an attempt to bomb the First Mechanized Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna. The attacks in the North have since triggered an exodus of sorts by nonnatives unceremoniously leaving behind all they have worked for in life and thriving businesses. The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural orgnaisation, Amb. Ralph Uwaechue, while recalling various bombings and killings targeted at Christians and Igbos said: “It is now clear that unpatriotic political and religious elements are bent on making our country ungovernable.” He subsequently warned in a statement that “enough was enough”. Also, the pan northern socio-cultural organisation, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), in a statement recently read by its chairman,

•Pat Utomi

Alhaji Aliko Mohammed, said of the Boko Haram onslaught and the general state of insecurity: “Unless addressed quickly and decisively, the threat posed by these attacks have reached such a level that threatens national peace and order and has the potential to cause the collapse of peace, security and public order in the North in particular and the nation in general.”

Structural imbalance The call for restructuring of the ‘super-structure’ forms one of the critical aspects of the whole argument. Too often, people speak of imbalance in the polity. They complain of a Federal Government or a central government that has been so much empowered by the constitution to the detriment of the federating units. It is held that the type of relation that exists between the centre and the states in Nigeria makes a mockery of a federal constitution. Critics contend that the system is operating more like a unitary system of government and

they are quick to blame the long rule by military dictators for the trend. Such people hold and see it as a ridiculous development, a situation where the president of the country will issue a summon to a sitting governor and pronto, the governor would hop into the next available aircraft to keep such an appointment. They wonder whether President Barack Obama can summon any of the governors of the states of the US at will like that. Besides that federal/state lopsided arrangement that has made the states a mere ‘appendage’ of the Federal Government, critics question why of the six geo-political zones, the SouthEast has only five states while the North West has seven. The implication of this lack of fairness, they claim, will be the loss of the revenue that should accrue to the region from the federation account but which the zone is not entitled to going by the provisions of the current constitution. Others canvass a return to the re-

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Yes, there are structural imbalances, like only one state in the North having more representatives in the House of Representatives than the whole of the South– South put together. Today, the old Kano made up of new Kano and Jigawa states, have more representatives than the whole zone of the South-South, but this is not the immediate thing...

But the national conference or restructuring mantra has been opposed mainly from those in government, especially the National Assembly. The Senate has made its stand on the call for a national conference clear, saying there is nothing that cannot be discussed by the Senate who represents the people of the country. Besides, there are individuals who while they hold that there are structural issues that must be sorted out, believe that the issue of corrupt, inept and poor leadership takes precedence over and above the call for a national conference. Chief Martins Onovo, the National Leader of the Strategic Union of Professionals for the Advancement of Nigeria (SUPA Nigeria), told The Nation that “what the country needs urgently is not restructuring but tackling the issue of criminal leadership. If there is an additional state for the South East, the quality of the people that will lead it will determine how far it can go. If there is fiscal federalism, as you call it, if the leadership is corrupt, no one will get the benefit of the restructuring. “The story coming out of England today about a former governor in the state has nothing to do with restructuring or national confab. It is essentially a leadership problem. We must fix it at the states and national level and then we can come and fix the other areas like structural imbalance. Yes, there are structural imbalances, like only one state in the North having more representatives in the House of Representatives than the whole of the South–South put together. Today, the old Kano made up of new Kano and Jigawa states, have more representatives than the whole zone of the South-South, but this is not the immediate thing. Good, quality, visionary leadership is the first thing”, he argued.

FAMIL Y HEAL TH AMILY HEALTH

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Overcoming the enemies of family success

EAR Reader, It is simply wonderful to know that marital success is yours by right, but it is equally amazing to know that success is no accident. You cannot stumble into it like a man fresh from sleep. Your adversary, the devil, will go all out to steal your success. But the good news is -You can overcome the enemies on your path to family success. So today, we are going to identify one of the enemies of marital success and how you can prune it away. Slothfulness Sloth simply means laziness or idleness. So when you say someone is slothful, it means the

person is lazy and unwilling to make an effort to work. Good homes and marriages don’t just drop from heaven like manna, they are worked out here on earth. God had to first work for six days, creating the world before He rested. God’s Word says: And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made (Genesis 2:2). If you want to enjoy marital success, you must be ready to pay the price, because you never enjoy rest, peace and honour in your home, if you are not set to do what it takes to make it a re-

ality. Thus, if there is any seed of slothfulness in your home, prune it off, because the fruit of slothfulness is shame; whether it is spiritual (laziness in studying the Word of God, Prayers) or physical (doing household chores or caring for the family). Nobody loves a lazy person. So you must be diligent, intelligent and productive if you must enjoy a colorful marriage. No wonder God put Adam to test by bringing the animals for him to name, to find out whether he was ready for marriage or not. And until he passed the test of naming all the animals (Genesis 2:19), God did not give him a wife. If you are a bachelor, hoping to get married and you don’t have a job, go and get something doing because God wants to be convinced that you can take care of a wife and yourself. So get into manhood and be diligent. God’ Word says: Therefore shall a man…” not “Therefore shall a boy…” (Genesis 2:24). If you are a youth reading this article, I want to tell you that, there is no need rushing into marriage, develop yourself in

the things of life and be able to take decisions of your own which you can accept responsibilities for. Slothfulness is a destroyer of a colorful dream; a cankerworm that has stolen love and joy from many homes. But the irony of it all is that many know what to do to improve the state of their families, but they simply won’t do it or do it for a while and quit. You must co-operate with God for your marriage to work. Undoubtedly, there are many things you have read through this column and other anointed books, but if you could only put half of what you have read into practice, marital success shall never elude you! Remember, it is not accumulation of knowledge that makes marital success, but it’s application. Your marriage and family will succeed. Receive grace to be diligent, so you can enjoy your marriage in Jesus name. Are you born-again? If you are not, you don’t have access to marital success. To be born again means confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are

ready for this new birth experience, 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! If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21). Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: E-mail: faithdavid@yahoo.com Tel. No: 234-1-7747546-8; For more insight, these books authored by Pastor Faith Oyedepo are available at the Dominion Book Stores in all the Living Faith Churches, and other leading Christian book stores: •Single With A Difference •Marriage Covenant, •Making Marriage Work •Building a Successful Family •The Effective Minister’s Wife •Success in Marriage (CoAuthored with Bishop David Oyedepo).

Sleeping pill users 'up to five times more likely to die early'

LEEPING pills used by millions of people all over the world may increase the risk of early death more than five-fold, warn researchers. The higher the dose, the greater the risk. Those on higher doses also have an increased risk of cancer. But a study suggests even patients taking fewer than 18 pills a year are more likely to die prematurely than those not on medication. The findings come from U.S. research, but most of the drugs involved are commonly prescribed in Britain. They include benzodiazepines such as temazepam and diazepam, newer sedative hypnotics zolpidem, zopiclone and zaleplon, and barbiturates and sedative antihistamines. British experts said worried patients should not stop taking the pills but talk to their physicians first. The study found those prescribed sleeping pills were 4.6 times more likely to die during a two-and-a-half-year period compared with those not on the drugs. Those taking the lowest doses – four to 18 pills a year – had a

3.6 times higher risk of dying compared with non-users. But the study, conducted by researchers at the Jackson Hole Centre for Preventive Medicine in Wyoming and the Scripps Clinic Viterbi Family Sleep Centre in California, found the risk was greater at higher doses. Those taking 18 to 132 pills a year had a 4.4 times higher risk of dying, while those on more than 132 pills a year were 5.3 times more likely to die. Those taking the highest doses each year accounted for 93 per cent of prescriptions in the study. This group was also 35 per cent more likely to develop a major cancer. For some drugs, the risk of death was 5.7 times higher, and for temazepam 6.6 times higher. The effects were greatest among 18 to 55-year-olds, although the reasons are not clear. Just over 10,500 patients taking sleeping pills were compared with 23,500 not on the drugs, and the study took into account pre-existing illnesses. The researchers concluded non-drug treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy may be more successful, 'even short-term use of hypnotics' should be re-

•Individuals with sleep problems should reduce the intake of the drugs and look for alternative way of sleeping

considered. Writing in BMJ Open, they said: 'The meagre benefits of hypnotics, as critically reviewed by groups without financial interest, would not justify substantial risks.' The journal's editor-in-chief Dr Trish Groves added: 'Although the authors have not been able to prove that sleeping pills cause premature death... these findings raise important concerns.'

Insomnia prescription figures show that in 2010 in England, 2.8million were given for temazepam and almost 5.3million for zopiclone. There were also more than 725,000 prescriptions for zolpidem and more than 9,400 for zaleplon. Malcolm Lader, professor of clinical psychopharmacology at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, said patients should discuss any con-

cerns they had with their doctors but 'should not under any circumstances stop taking their medication' suddenly. He added: 'I agree these drugs do have problems, but I find some of these results difficult to accept. 'The main one is that with 18 doses a year you have three times the mortality – that's quite incredible, because you would have people dropping like flies. 'We need to hold judgment until we have further studies.'

Exercise and lung health Individuals who have lung disease often feel that it is impossible to exercise because they suffer from muscle weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. When they try to exercise, they get discouraged and stop working out when they get short of breath. In reality, their subsequent inactivity only makes their symptoms worse. Among the numerous health benefits of exercise is helping the heart and lungs work better. For example, exercising on a regular basis enables the muscles to become more efficient, which, in turn, allows them to perform the same amount of work with less oxygen. Walking is an appropriate exercise activity for individuals with lung disease who want to initiate a physical activity program. It’s relatively easy, doesn’t require any special equipment, can be performed almost anywhere (indoor or outdoor), and doesn’t place undue stress on the exerciser’s musculoskeletal system. Individuals with lung disease should try to breathe deeply as they exercise. All factors considered, increasing the amount of oxygen taken into the lungs would enhance the training impact on the respiratory muscles. In fact, to the extent possible, they should attempt to breathe out twice as long as they breathe

in. At no time should they hold their breath. Being short of breath while working out should not be perceived as unduly harmful. More often than not, it is merely a signal that the lungs are working hard. On the other hand, individuals with lung disease should stop and relax for a few moments before continuing if they feel too tired or if they experience shortness of breath while exercising. Being mindful. Individuals with lung disease who choose to exercise outdoors should be aware of the quality of the air they breathe (as anyone who exercises outdoor should), particularly on days when high levels of ozone ‘‘smog’’ are in the air. Ozone smog exacerbates the breathing problems of people with poor lung health. Individuals with lung disease should avoid exercising near congested highways because they are particularly susceptible to the adverse affects of air pollution. As a rule of thumb, they should try to stay 30 to 50 feet away from any car whose motor is running (stationary or in transit). Individuals with inhaled allergies should try to reduce their exposure to allergy triggers (e.g., dust, dust mites, pollens, animal dander, air pollutants, etc.). Such triggers can make exercise more

difficult for these people. For example, these individuals should avoid engaging in outdoor activities before midmorning, when pollen counts are typically at their highest. Asthma sufferers should consult with their doctor and determine if a preventive dose of medication should be taken before they engage in physical activity. As such, individuals with asthma should premedicate if their physician believes it is appropriate for them to do so. Engaging the part of the brain that controls common sense. Like their healthy counterparts, the exercise-related advice for individuals with lung disease is fairly straightforward: use common sense, make a commitment to exercise on a regular basis, set and strive to attain reasonable goals, listen to the body, and always try to adhere to the ‘‘minimum effective dose’’ principle.

Fitness Tips •Water acts as a natural appetite suppressant. So, the more water you drink the less cravings you will get for those bad foods you love. •High intakes of sugar can increase the urinary excretion of calcium causing weakness in bones, osteoporosis, and even traces of calcium in the kidney.

FAMIL Y HEAL TH AMILY HEALTH

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

From the readers

Dear Doc, People have contracted a lot of diseases without knowing the sources of the diseases. I really enjoyed reading your article. I want to admit that I have learned one or two points to assist those who have rats in their homes. If the house is well arranged and foods are kept in areas where rats cannot access, the tendency of rats to stay in the house will be reduced compared to a situation where the house is in a state of disarray. Yours Faithfully, Nathaniel Omoruku Dear Nathaniel, Thank you for your valuable suggestions. Indeed, not allowing rats to reach food in the house and keeping things in order so that they have no hiding place are both important for discouraging them from settling in our homes. However, keeping them out altogether is also necessary. Mice and rats can live anywhere, even in churches (and mosques?) where there is no food, hence the English expression “as poor as

TAPHYLOCOCCAL infections can lead to erectile dysfunction in men. Erectile dysfunction is the inability of a man to produce a consistent or maintain an erection of the penis sufficient to have a sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction is also referred to as sexual impotence. Sexual impotence is; •The presence of serious ailments like diabetes and •STD (sexually transmitted diseases). In the days of our forefathers, excessive consumption of sugary foods and alcohol were not encouraged, that was why they were able to remain sexually potent till old age. Secondly, the presence of STD’s is another major causative factor. Most men suffer from STD’s

a church mouse”. They certainly are not there to pray and fast but we don’t know how they survive. Pests such as rats and cockroaches have a surprising appetite for paper and materials. Precious items, apart from food, are at stake. Mice eat their own young when they are hungry enough. Perhaps this is where the term “to eat one’s young” comes from, which means “to betray a constituent or charge out of selfserving interests or desperation; savaging” (Wiiktionary.org). So I suggest the three aspects are forbidden. Don’t give them food, don’t give them shelter, don’t give them entry into your home. Thank you for your keen contribution and I hope you help many people get rid of rats. Dear Sir/Madam, OVG Trading & Consulting Ltd is a professional mosquito net and netting fabric manufacturer in China that has been a long-term partner of the International

Red Cross, the China Red Cross and the United Nations. We have the certifications of ISO and D&B. What‘s more, our products meet the WHO‘s requirement with good quality and pretty competitive price. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. FREE SAMPLES will be sent for your evaluation! B.RGDS, Cyan Chen Dear Cyan Chen, Thank you for reading the Family Health Column of The Nation newspaper, for your interest, and for contributing all the way from China. Many people here are indeed interested in the topics about pests, especially mosquitoes. Mosquito nets are life-saving in many respects, especially for young children. I am therefore happy to place your information for our readers in case some of them might take up the task of distributing some good mosquito nets as a business or as a hobby. Wishing you the very best in your business and please keep up the good services. Nice write up about rats in the Nations newspaper. abahjohn2000 Thanks for your comment Mr. Abah. I hope you enjoy a ratfree home. I have managed to keep pests out of my house with glue pads. The only mouse left in my house is Mickey and he is a happy camper any day!

Sound Health with Banji Filani 07089729930, 07034809006

Your column about drugs & happiness in the Nation, Saturday 24, (Sep) 2011 is very interesting. Please keep up with your good work. May the Lord God bless you. Amen. Ebhomhanmoses Thanks Mr Ebhomhan. You and other readers are free to suggest health topics that you would like to know more about and we can discuss them in this column. Cheers. Dear Doctor....I write in response to your article with the above title (Cockroaches). You recommend that we use glue pads to fight these pesky insects, but I have no idea about where the pads are sold. Any suggestion?.......Thanks....Dennis Ekpebu Dear Dennis, I may be using an uncommon term when I say glue pad. They are actually sold by vendors in the street. During traffic jams or go-slows you will see traders bringing them to your car window. They are sold as rat traps, rat gum, etc., and most of them have a picture of a rat on the package. If you want more peaceful shopping and the ability to buy a brand or a size of your choice, you can get them in supermarkets. The glue pad is just a piece of cardboard with a strong glue or gum uniformly spread on the top surface. They are about N100 to N300 each depending on the size or brand. I hope you are able to find buy some easily.

This reminds me of a case of Mr. Ade (not real name), who came to our office to complain bitterly of a problem with his sexual incompetence. He is a 40 year old man married to a lady in her late twenties and he is finding it rather difficult to satisfy her in bed. The reason being that after just about 5 mins of intercourse he ejaculates and could not get back his erection till the following day. After listening to his complains, we carried out some tests on him and it was discovered that he has a heavy growth of staph. aureus. He was treated for the infection, then after the treatment he was giving some herbal drugs for his sexual performance. Now the table has turned around as it is the man that is complaining that his wife cannot withstand his sexual prowess. There have been many cases like that, that we have treated and God has used us to save homes from breaking apart. If as a man you wake up in the morning without your manhood becoming turgid for more than 3 to 5 days then you should know that there is a cause for alarm. You really need to examine yourself before it becomes too late. My candid advice to all men is to avoid having any form of casual sex in order to prevent infection. They should also live a healthy life, eat good and well- balanced diet, exercise regularly and abstain from casual sex. Whenever they notice any form of problem concerning their sexual life they should not hesitate to go for medical check up before the situation gets wors Don’t you forget to get in touch through our lines.

Staph and erectile dysfunction which have ended up destroying their libidos. A sexual disease like staph.aureus is a known destroyer of the sexual organ. Apart from those that are born with sexual impotence, these two factors are usually responsible for the impotence in men these days. Normally, a healthy man with full potency should be able to have erection at least three times daily. If a man sleeps, an erection should be the first thing to wake him from

sleep if truly he’s sexually potent, it is a natural phenomenon. If a man does not experience an erection even when a naked body of a woman is paraded before him, then there is a serious problem. Naturally, although age has a role to play in erection sustainability that is it takes a little stimulation for a youth of between ages 20 to 30 to gain an erection, he may climax quickly but he gains back his erection in a few minutes. An adult male of 40 years will need a more direct stimulation to attain an erection, while a 60 year old male may need an even more direct stimulation before an erection can be achieved. But these days it’s so amazing that even youths in their early twenties are having a problem of erectile dysfunction and almost all the cases involved are due to one infection or another most especially staph infection. This situation is so alarming that I begin to wonder what the situation will be like in the next 5 to 7 years. Even as an adult one’s sexual life should be very active especially among married adults because this will foster a serious relationship among such couples. Most men usually complain of having difficulty in retaining their erection after a round of sexual intercourse, and this has really caused a lot of problem between them and their hubby.

53 Coping with diseases with Prof. Dayo Oyekole

Sexually transmitted diseases EXUALLY Transmitted Diseases are popularly called venereal diseases. They are contagious diseases, easily transmitted by sexual contact from an infected person to a sexual partner who is otherwise healthy. The germs causing these diseases vary a great deal, but all depend on the warmth and moisture of the sexual organs for survival. They readily penetrate the delicate skin and moist membranes that come in contact during sexual intercourse. Once the germs have invaded the tissues of the sex organs, they propagate and spread to other tissues, even throughout the body in some cases. The sexually transmitted diseases cause various kinds of suffering with tragic results as damage to an unborn child, infertility and even premature death. Once established in a person’s body, the disease tends to persist, if untreated, for the duration of life. Syphilis and Gonorrhoea are the bestknown venereal diseases, but the range also includes genital herpes, candidiasis and warts, as well as trichomoniasis, chancroid, staphylococcal infections and Lymphogranuloma venereum. In spite of our present knowledge of these diseases and in spite of the availability of effective treatment, the number of cases of sexually transmitted illness has increased so alarmingly that they are virtually out of control. Changes in public attitudes towards sexual matters, widespread use of contraceptive pills and the emergence of resistant strains of organisms seem to have contributed to the increase of these diseases. The symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases vary, depending on the causative agent. There may be abnormal discharge from the sexual organ, with foul odour and itching sensations, as in Gonorrhoea, Trichomoniasis and Candidiasis. There may be ulcers and pinching sensations as in Genital Herpes Simplex, Staphylococcus, Syphilis, Chancroid and Granuloma inguinale. Thirdly, there are those characterized by the appearance of lumps and bumps in the private parts, as observed in cases of genital warts and Lymphogranuloma venereum. Prevention It should be well understood that when a sexually transmitted disease is diagnosed in a man or woman, the disease has probably already passed on to the sexual partner, it is therefore important that both should treated to prevent reinfection. Also, it is strongly advised that any suspicion of a venereal disease or of possible exposure to infection, calls for urgent medical attention. In fact, prolonged cases of venereal infections have been shown to predispose one to more dangerous infections such as HIV/AIDS. Treatment/Control In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advocated that in order to avoid suffering in the midst of plenty, we must turn to NATURE. Some of the natural remedies being advanced for the treatment and control of sexually transmitted diseases include the extracts of local herbs such as Allium cepa, Senna alata and Plumbago zeylanica. 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: 0803-3303897 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0803-330-3897 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

•The Wailing Wall

Unique nature of Israel, by a pilgrim I

NTERESTINGLY, this was my second visit to Israel, having gone on holy pilgrimage during the 2009 pilgrimage exercise which spilled over to 2010. The experience and expectations were different. This time around, I was nominated to go with the Federal Government delegation led by the Senate Committee Chairman on Foreign Affairs and other stakeholders in the pilgrimage sub-sector as well as the echelon of all NCPC Board and management staff. Simply put, I was in Israel for the media coverage of the visit of the Federal Government delega-

•Mount Horeb

Adimike GEORGE

tion. The composition of the Federal Government delegation included members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs ; Permanent Secretary, General Staff Office (GSO); SGF Office; the Chairman, NCPC Board, His Grace Archbishop Nicholas Okoh; Executive Secretary, NCPC, Mr. John Kennedy Opara; the six federal commissioners on NCPC Board and two ex-officio members of NCPC. Part of the itinerary of the delegation was to attend the JP ceremony of one of the state contingents at the

Shalom Jerusalem Hotel and a dinner to be hosted by one of the Ground Handlers – Tailor Made-that was on the Day One of the visit. The activities for Day Two included a courtesy call on the Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, briefing session by NCPC officials with Ground Handlers at the Embassy of Nigeria, a visit to Jerusalem for prayers at the wailing wall, attending another JP ceremony at the Rimonium Shalom Hotel, Jerusalem by another Ground Handler – International Travel Congress (ITC)- and a dinner at the Nigeria House. With this in mind, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Matthew Ifeanyi Nwagwu, who was the leader of the Federal Government delegation led the delegation to Jerusalem, the traditional capital city of the Jewish people, about a 35- minute drive from the commercial city of Tel Aviv. At the JP award ceremony for pilgrims in Jerusalem, Senator Nwagwu solicited for peace in Nigeria. According to him, Shallom means peace in the Hebrew language. Thus, he said Nigerians came to seek peace in the holy land. He commended the pilgrims whom he said had made Nigeria proud by conducting themselves well. His words “with this kind of candour and spirit, your lives

Whether at the Jaffa market in Jerusalem, Wailing Wall also in Jerusalem, Cana in Nazareth and Karmel market in Tel Aviv, they empathized with Nigeria and prayed that the country would soon overcome its current security challenges will be different”. Senator Nwagwu could not hide his feelings when he openly commended the efforts of NCPC in organizing a successful pilgrimage exercise for 2011. He promised to do everything possible to advance the cause of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria. In his own remark, Mr. John Opara stated that the “essence of pilgrimage is spiritual renewal”. He advised the pilgrims to always be conscious of what they would be remembered for when they got home. He stressed that the enemies of Nigeria were defenceless in the face of the prayers of Christians. He further stated:“I believe that each and every one of you will go back blessed.

The Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, H.E David Oladipo Obasa, stated that Nigeria was passing through a difficult time, but it was a passing phase. He averred that coming to the holy land was a unique experience. According to him: “It helps us to confirm our faith’’. The ambassador further explained that as a nation, coming to Israel was of great significant. “But as people in grief, we should take solace in God, he said because “violence only begets violence”. He affirmed, as “God has been with Israel, so the enemies of Nigeria cannot overwhelm us”. In her remark, the President of Talor Made, Israel, Mrs. Josephine Zinder, the organizer of the JP award ceremony, explained that Israel loves Nigeria so well because Nigerians know the secret. She stressed that Israel was solidly behind Nigeria in this time of trials. The delegation also paid a courtesy call on the ambassador at 34 Gordon Street, Tel Aviv. Obasa was very delighted to receive these important Federal Government dignitaries at the embassy. He told his distinguished guests that the chancery house was built in 1992 and that the embassy was privileged to have its own Nigeria House (the ambassador’s residence) on 22 Hasadot Fashmayao, Tel Aviv. Obasa further informed the delegation that the Nigerian Mission in Israel in conjunction with NCPC handles pilgrimage activities. He said: “I place a high premium on the delegation’s visit”. He described diplomacy as a very important tool in international relations which binds countries together. He added that diplomacy cannot be quantified. He canvassed for enough funding for foreign missions and solicited the senators’ help in appropriating more funds for the embassy. The ambassador further stressed the need for Nigerians to be conscious of the image of the country and put our house in order. He said: “If we are good at home, many nations will respect us”. Consequently, he stressed the need to pray for Nigeria at the various holy sites in Israel. The delegation was also briefed by the minister in the embassy, Mr. James Madugu, who coordinated the pilgrimage activities in conjunction with NCPC at the embassy. He gave a detailed account of the 2011 operations from the commencement of the exercise on November 5, 2011 to January 31, 2012 when the exercise came to an end. The forum was also an opportunity for Opara to formally brief the delegation on the calendar of activities of the 2011 Christian pilgrimage operation and how the commission religiously executed its programmes which resulted in a hitch-free pilgrimage exercise. As at the time of the briefing, the NCPC helmsman affirmed that about 92 flights were recorded since the flag- off of the 2011 pilgrimage exercise. He equally told members of the delegation that the Federal Government does not

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Unique nature of Israel, by a pilgrim Continued from Page 54

sponsor people to pilgrimage apart from Federal Consulars and medical personnel because of the massive movement of people. He further reiterated the commission’s stand on pilgrimage. He explained that the commission planned to introduce two pilgrimages twice in a calendar year in order to meet with the yearnings of some states that were unable to meet up with the commission’s deadline for payment. According to him, there would likely be one pilgrimage during Easter and and another one between October and December 2012. Senator Nwagwu,who was Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Switzerland promised to fast-tract the important issue of Bilateral Air Service Agreement {BASA] with the State of Israel which has been pending. He promised to discuss with relevant agencies and committees in order to make it possible. He welcomed the NCPC plan to introduce two pilgrimages in one year. He thus commended the

NCPC management for their visionary leadership in the administration of pilgrimage exercise. The delegation, while in the holy land , took time off and visited the Wailing Wall, also known as the Western Wall which is the remnant of the Temple where the Jews and all people from different walks of life converge to pray. It is believed that every prayer offered at the place is potent. Little wonder it is a must visit by every pilgrim in the holy land. Members of the delegation were hosted to a dinner by the ambassador in his residence .They were lavishly entertained with Nigerian cuisines of different culinary types in the true spirit of and patriotism. The delegation also met with Ground Handlers at the embassy on their operational challenges during the 2011 pilgrimage. The Federal Government delegation departed Israel for Nigeria after a well fulfilled assignment, thus bringing their offshore oversight function on the 2011 Christian pilgrimage to an

end. It is imperative at this stage to stress that the Christian pilgrimage to Israel is an injunction, as it is evidently spelt out in Zechariah Chapter 8 verse 22 that “many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem , and to pray before the Lord.” Also, Psalm Chapter 122 verse 2 of the Holy Bible reads: “Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem” This ,of course, explains why Opara often affirms that pilgrimage is a journey of a life time and it is meant for Christians who are “spiritually rich, but materially poor” Pilgrimage is not tourism and not a jamboree rather; it is a spiritual journey for renewal of one’s faith in God and moral rebirth. My experience in Israel cannot by any means be forgotten in a hurry. It does not matter how often one has been to Israel on pilgrimage. Every encounter in the holy land is fresh and new, especially if one had gone with the mind to pray. Pilgrims stay for eleven

days and ten nights in Israel. Within this period, he or she is expected to visit at least 10 holy sites of spiritual importance within and outside Israel. One striking thing about this experience is the fact that an average Israeli national reckons and identifies with Nigerians, thus showing concern with what is hap-

pening in the country. Whether at the Jaffa market in Jerusalem, Wailing Wall also in Jerusalem, Cana in Nazareth and Karmel market in Tel Aviv, they empathized with Nigeria and prayed that the country would soon overcome its current security challenges. The 2011 Christian pilgrimage, which commenced

on November 5 2011, came to a successful denouement with the arrival of the last batch of pilgrims from the holy land on February 1. In all ramifications, the exercise was a hitch-free one. It is against this background, therefore, that the commission felt it was apposite to thank God profusely by rolling out its drums on Sunday, February 13 at All Saints Anglican Church, Wuse, Abuja for a thanksgiving service to God for a successful pilgrimage exercise.

•Some of the pilgrims

Kehinde FALODE: 08023689894

Crunchy homemade biscuits

Homemade biscuits are quick and easy to make and they are a great addition to any meal. They can be taken as meal, served as desert or appetizer and you can serve them as breakfast with a cup of tea. Ingredients: Flour Baking powder Margarine/butter Milk Pinch of salt Sugar (optional) Vanilla Method • Mix sugar and butter together until they are thoroughly mixed or fluffy. • Break egg into a small bowl and beat lightly, add drops of flavouring (vanilla). • Gradually add the egg mixture into the sugar and butter mixture (A).

• Mix together in a dry bowl all the dry ingredients (B Mixture) • Gradually add the B mixture into the A mixture and mix thoroughly. • Then add milk and whip until the dough is well mixed. • Make smooth dough from it and roll out thick dough. • Flatten the dough and cut into equal part or desired shape. • Cut it with a biscuit cutter or round/square object. • Cream the baking pan with butter and dust over a little flour and shake it to evenly coat the entire tray. This will prevent your biscuits from sticking to tray when it is done. • Bake the biscuits in the preheat oven for 10-15 minutes.

Health benefits of lime (Part A)

The health benefits of lime include weight loss, skin care, good digestion, relief from constipation, eye care, and treatment of scurvy, piles, peptic ulcer, respiratory disorders, gout, gums, urinary disorders and so on. The first fruit that comes to our minds when it comes to medicinal uses is perhaps the good old lime. This sour citrus fruit can do what many specialist medicines cannot. Lime, bearing the scientific name Citrus Aurantifolia, is being used for ages for treatment of various ailments. Lime is consumed throughout the world in sorbets, beverages, refreshing drinks, pickles, jams, jellies, snacks, candies, sugar boiled confectionaries and culinary and the oil extracted from its peel or skin is extensively used in soft drink concentrates, body oils, cosmetics, hair oils, tooth pastes, toilet and beauty soaps, disinfectants, mouth washes, deodorants and innumerable other products. There are many varieties of lime found all over the world, particularly in the tropical and the Mediterranean climates. Let us have a glance over the benefits and medicinal uses of lime. Scurvy: Lime is so famous as a cure for scurvy, the

Hot soothing lemon drink Many people enjoy hot lemon drinks when they are ill. Lemons have vitamin C, which is vital for the immune system, and the beverage is hot, which always seems to make those having fever to feel better. There are many ways to make a hot lemon beverage. Here are two recipes. Ingredients 1 cup of lemon juice. 2 cups of water. 1-2 tsp. of sugar or honey (to taste). 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon (optional). Spicy lemon drink. •Heat water and cinnamon to boiling or almost boiling point.

•Stir in lemon juice and any sweetener you would like. •Mix all the ingredients together until sugar is dissolved. •Add more ingredients to taste.

disease which is caused due to deficiency of vitamin-C and characterized by frequent infections with cough and cold; cracked lips and lip corners; ulcers in tongue and mouth; spongy, swollen and bleeding gums and so on. Since its cause is deficiency of vitamin-C, its remedy is none other than vitamin-C, and lime is blessed with this vitamin. In old days, soldiers and sailors were given lime to keep safe from scurvy which was a dreaded disease then. Even now, it is distributed among the workers working in polluting environment like those working in furnaces, painting shops, heat treatments, cement factories, mines and so on to protect them from scurvy. Skin care: Lime juice and its oil are very beneficial for skin when consumed orally or applied externally. It rejuvenates the skin, keeps it shining, protects it from infections and reduces body odour due to presence of a large amount of vitamin-C and Flavonoids, both of which are class-1 anti oxi-

dants, anti biotic and disinfectants. When applied externally on skin, its acids scrub out the dead cells, cures dandruff, rashes, bruises etc. and gives you a refreshing bath if its juice or oil is mixed into your bathing water. Digestion: Lime has an irresistible scent which waters the mouth and thus aid primary digestion (the digestive saliva floods your mouth even before you taste it). Then the acids in it do the rest. While they break down the macro molecules of the food, the flavonoids, the compounds found in the fragrant oils extracted from lime, stimulate the digestive system and increase secretion of digestive juices, bile and acids and also stimulate the peristaltic motion. This is the reason behind having lemon pickle with lunch and dinner is an age old practice in India and some of its neighboring countries. Constipation: Primarily, the ample of acids present in lime helps clear the excretory system by washing and cleaning off the tracts, just like some acids are used to clean floor and toilets. Then the roughage in it is also helpful in easing constipation. But it is mainly due to high acids. An overdose of lime juice with salt also acts as an excellent purgative without any side effects, thereby giving relief in constipation.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

‘Lagos will soon start hotel registration’

HE NTDC came up with an an adver tisement saying that all tourism establishments should register with them. What is your comment on the issue? We do not dispute that. The decree that set them up in 1992 did allude to that, but, within Lagos State, the marketing and development of tourism is a function of the Ministry of Tourism.Second, you said that this is not a new situation, that is the apparent issue of who regulates and registers tourism establishments in Lagos State. Yes I am aware that my predecessor did make statements on that. What we know and what I intend to push is that there is a valid law in Lagos State, that is the law of 2003 amended that empowers this ministry to perform this function. We should perform this function as enabled by the law. In this situation where we are faced with a state ministry and a federal parastatal claiming the same function, don’t you think there is a little bit of clash? Yes, you could say that there appears to be a little bit of clash, but one should begin to look at the constitutionality and legality of the issue. A simple review of the 1999 constitution seems to answer that question fairly clearly. The second schedule of the constitution empowers the federal government and the national assembly to do certain things. Those are the items covered by the exclusive list. All other items not on the exclusive list or the concurrent list are left to the residual list. The residual list contains items which the state government and its legislators can legislate upon, and our state, through its legislators, promulgated the law. The law is very clear. So we don’t have constitutional or legal confrontation on that. The law is very clear. It is not on the exclusive list; it is not on the concurrent list which means, therefore, it is on the residual list. By nature, what is not on the concurrent and the exclusive list, by definition, is on the residual list. So if that holds, that means it is the state houses of assembly that should legislate on such items. There is no conflict. If the NTDC wishes to take and interpret Section 60D of the Constitution as empowering them to register hotels and tourism establishments not within Abuja, well I don’t know. The section that I just referred to simply refers to tourist traffic. Tourist traffic, one would imagine, would mean control of immigration items and formalities at the border which are items which

There is a brewing disagreement between the Federal Government, through its parastatal, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), and the Lagos State government through the Ministry of Tourism and Inter-governmental Relations over the issue of registration of hotels and other tourism establishments. Despite the NTDC’s warning to practitioners that it was ready to enforce its constitutional mandate to register hotels, Disun Holloway, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations says the NTDC has no such mandate, insisting that the Nigerian constitution mandates the state to carry out this responsibility. He spoke with Okorie Uguru on the issue.

•Disun Holloway should correctly and are correctly on the exclusive list. Will you comment on the ultimatum given by the NTDC as regards to when they expect every hotelier in Nigeria to comply and what would likely be the outcome at the expiration of the ultimatum? Perhaps we should begin to grow out of using cohesion and ultimatum. This industry is a leisure one; it is a soft industry. It is not an industry that you will begin to use force. We should use legality; we should use instruments of the law. What we intend to do as we stated in the newspaper is to sim-

ply enforce the law in the legal manner, that is, we should prosecute. If the NTDC wishes to go and lock up hotels in a manner that will suggest going backward in time, well, I cannot control what they do. But we suggest that it should be done in a way that is civil. I know one of the arguments for the registration of hotels is the issue of national security.Let me start by saying we share this concern.We will encourage everybody not to do anything that will disturb the police in prosecuting those who break the law. Let me ask you this question: Can you please give an example

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Pending this in-house approval, we held several stakeholders’ meetings with the representatives of big hotels and small ones. They know what we want to do. We believe in dialogue; we do not believe in coercion or force

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of where in recent times a hotel was used to launch an attack. I presume you know the answer yourself. I know I’ve seen it in newspapers that they were not arrested in hotels.We share the national security concern, but we do not expect persons to use it as an excuse to now try to achieve what they legally and constitutionally cannot achieve by force or coercion. That is our position. Lagos said it was going to enforce the registration last year; what has become of it? We have held stakeholders’ meeting. Last year, we started to put certain thing together. I had to get certain approval which my ministry has now obtained from the executive council. We intend to begin to execute them. Pending this inhouse approval, we held several stakeholders’ meetings with the representatives of big hotels and small ones. They know what we want to do. We believe in dialogue; we do not believe in coercion or force. We’ve talked to them; we are carrying them along and we intend to begin to enforce the laws of Lagos State. Maybe, your question should be why this interest, go and register? Is it registration alone or are there certain things that come with the registration, for example, certain payments. Yes, there are certain payments that are made because on a yearly basis whoever registers, collects certain amount. Our main focus is not the collection of funds. It is how do we engage this industry for the promotion of our state. That is our main function. We have so many things we are going to do with the hotels and related establishments. It will even cost a whole lot more than we intend to take from them. When the issue came up last year, the Supreme Court was asked to interpret the constitution as to who has the right to register and grade hotel establishments, what has become of it? It was supposed to be between Lagos and the Federal Government. No, it was supposed to be between Lagos and the NTDC. The NTDC took us to court. It took all state houses of assembly to court and said they are the only one that should register and regulate the industry. The only thing I can say about that is that he who asserts is the one that should prove. They went to court. They should, therefore, prove. Having said that, the case has been in court and has not been diligently pursued by the NTDC. I have started to seek internal opinion on whether we should go ahead to the Supreme Court and have this case struck out for want of prosecution.

•From left: Hassan Zakari - Leisure Afrique, Bolaji M. Mustapha - Head TTL Tours, receiveing her plaque from Nkereuwem Onung - President NATOP, Ikechi Uko - Project Director Seven Wonders.

NATOP registers tour operators for Naija Seven Wonders

HE Nigerian Association of Tour Operators(NATOP) has endorsed the result of the Seven Wonders project which was presented to members of NATOP at its monthly meeting held in Lagos on Tuesday. The NATOP members were also presented with plaques as registered tour opereators. The President of NATOP, Nkereuwem Onung, said that as NATOP is reorganizing by issuing certificates to registered and licensed tour operators and it is appropriate to use the Seven Wonders to drive the Domestic Tourism agenda of NATOP. According to Mr Onung, NATOP members have built successful businesses selling foreign destinations and the Seven Wonders and its 9 clusters offer them an opportunity to become masters of Nigeria tourism. On the NATOP certificates, he said that from now onwards only registered tour operators will be allowed to operate in Nigeria as tour operators will receive two certificates from NATOP and NTDC. He further enjoined tour operators operating in Nigeria to register both with NTDC and NATOP as the emerging environment will not tolerate quacks. 10 tour operators received the plaques, while five more will receive theirs at the next meeting.The 10 are Tour Brokers International,Leisure Afrique,TTL Tours,Speedy tours,Remlords Tours,ATQ Tours,Jethro Tours, Dvine Tour Brokers,Mactee Tours,Global Link Tours.

ICTP partners ATA

HE International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) signed a cooperation agreement with the Africa Travel Association (ATA), the leading global trade association promoting tourism to Africa. For more than three decades, ATA members, representing government leaders and travel professionals worldwide, have strived to increase the flow of tourism arrivals and investments to and across Africa from around the world. In tandem, ATA secretariat has worked to develop and execute these strategies and to plan for the future. Tourism is a pillar of economic growth in Africa and, to ensure that the continent gains from it, ATA encourages private and public investment, entrepreneurial initiatives and strong partnerships that will benefit everyone involved. ATA’s success rests on the inspiration and ideas of its members and partners. ATA Executive Director, Edward Bergman, witnessed the initial launch of the new ICTP destination alliance in May 2011 at the IIPT Summit in Lusaka, Zambia. The launch was announced at that conference by ICTP Chairman, Juergen T. Steinmetz, and Executive Director, Alain St Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board. “ATA is committed to working with its members in the public and private sectors to support a successful and sustainable tourism industry. We need to address tourism across sectors and across borders. This is why we are pleased to partner this initiative,” said Bergman. ICTP has a steady growth of very active members in Africa that include Johannesburg, La Reunion, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda. ICTP Chairman Steinmetz said: “Africa in many ways has excellent policies in place and has planned for green growth. ATA is concentrating on marketing responsible tourism to this continent from North America and other regions. “This partnership is a win-win for both organizations, and we’re looking forward to working with Edward Bergman and his team on upcoming opportunities and events. As a start, ICTP became a member of ATA, and ATA became an associated member of the International Council of Tourism Partners.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

NEWS 59 Mimiko, Gbonigi ask Nigerians to emulate Aluko

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Drug excretion saga

Court orders NDLEA to pay Baba Suwe N25m compensation within 21 days

USTICE Yetunde Idowu of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja has ordered the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to pay N25million judgment fee awarded to a Nollywood actor, Mr. Babatunde Omidina, aka Baba Suwe, within 21 days. Justice Idowu gave the order yesterday while ruling in an application for stay of judgment brought by the NDLEA pend-

ing determination of an appeal it filed against the judgment of the court. She, however, granted the agency’s prayer for a Stay of Execution of the judgment. “I grant a conditional stay of execution. The N25 million judgment debt should be paid to the Chief Registrar of the Lagos High Court who will in turn pay it into an interest-yielding account of a bank that both par-

ties choose. “The money should be paid within 21 days from today”, she ordered. Justice Idowu pointed out that the applicant has not given sufficient proof to show that paying the money will harm its operation in any way. “What was brought is a mere piece of paper that does not show any details of spending and expenditure”, she noted.

•Mourners at a special mass in honour of victims of the suicide attack on Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) headquarters in Jos, Plateau State... yesterday

Eight-month-old, three other Jos bombing victims buried

ORSHIPERS of the Church of God in Ni geria (COCIN), Jos, the Plateau State capital reconvened at the same venue where they were attacked by suicide bombers to conduct a special burial mass in honour of members killed in the last Sunday attack. The four corpses of the victims, including that of an eight-month-old baby, Favour Dangkat, were laid before the congregation to pay their last respects. Other victims are Mr. Joseph Adams Ashaba, Miss Hajara Saidu and Miss Grace Nenbam Wambutda. In an emotion-laden tone,

•Our God ‘ll fight for us — Families Yusufu Aminu IDEGU, Jos, members of the families of the victims said: “The burden of missing loved ones in this circumstance is too heavy to bear, but, as Christians, we have forgiven those who attacked us. May God Almighty touch their hearts and make them know God where they will have the opportunity to confess their sins before God and become disciples of Jesus Christ our Lord.” Plateau State governor, Jonah David Jang, was represented by

his deputy, Ignatius Longjan, and Secretary to the state government, Prof. Shedrack Best. The governor used the opportunity to plead with any one hurt over the attack to remain calm and allow the security agencies to get to the root of the attack. President of COCIN, Rev Soja Bewarang, appealed to Christians all over the country to remain steadfast in their faith in Jesus Christ. At the end of the mass, the corpses were taken away for burial.

Justice Idowu remarked that collecting a bank guarantee in lieu of the judgment debt pending appeal means leaving the money with the debtor to do as he wishes until the case is determined. NDLEA had applied to the court for an order of Stay of Execution on her judgment delivered on November 24, 2011 pending the determination of the appeal it filed on December 6, 2011 against the judgment. NDLEA Director of Prosecution and Legal services, Mr Femi Oloruntoba, while moving the application before the court had argued that the agency will be prevented from performing its statutory functions as well prosecuting the appeal if it is made to pay the judgment sum of N25 million as it is half of its monthly available resources. He had also asked the court for any other order that it may deem fit to make in the circumstance while stating that the agency is contesting the judgment in its entirety. Other grounds on which NDLEA based its application for stay of judgment execution include the fact that NDLEA has shown that lack of fund will deprive her from prosecuting the appeal and carrying out her statutory duties and that Baba Suwe will not be able to refund the judgment sum of N25 million if NDLEA succeeds on appeal. On the issue of public apology, NDLEA stated that if it is made to publish an apology to the respondent in two national dailies as ordered by the court, the apology cannot be retracted if the appeal succeeds, adding that it’s right to appeal will be highly prejudiced. However Mr. Bamidele Aturu, the counsel to Mr Babatunde Omidina, opposed the application for stay of judgment execution on the basis that the ground of jurisdiction, stating that ‘it does not hold water’ “It is our position that the submission of NDLEA’s counsel relating to stay of execution can hardly be faulted but the overriding principle is that the successful party in litigation should not be refused the fruit of litigation”, said Aturu.

Don’t rejoice yet, EFCC tells Daniel as court quashes charges

HE Economic and Finan cial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday told the immediate past governor of Ogun State ,Otunba Gbenga Daniel, not to celebrate yet after a state High Court sitting in Abeokuta let him off the 43count charge of corruption filed against him by the commission on technical grounds. Daniel was initially slammed with a 16-count charge on October 12,last year and granted bail in the sum of N500million only for the commission to add 27 fresh allegations bringing the total to 43. The new charges were added by the EFCC without seeking the consent of the court. It was on the strength of this that Justice Mabekoje quashed the charges yesterday,sending Daniel's camp into jubilation. The jubilation lasted only a few minutes for the commission issued a statement describing the court's decision as a temporary and pyrrhic victory for the embattled former governor.

•Commission to re-file charges against ex-Ogun governor Ernest NWOKOLO, Abeokuta and Mriam NDIKANWU

Its words: "Contrary to media reports that Otunba Gbenga Daniel has been discharged and acquitted by the ruling of an Abeokuta High Court today, the EFCC wishes to clarify that the ruling of Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje was not a discharge and acquittal of the former Ogun State governor. "The trial judge only released Mr. Daniel on the technical grounds that the commission failed to seek the consent of court before filing the amended charges against the former governor. "Consequent on the ruling striking out the charges, the commission will immediately apply to the Chief Judge of Ogun State for leave to re-file the charges against Otunba Daniel. "We consider it prudent and reasonable to re-file the charges immediately as advised by Jus-

tice Mabekoje in the said ruling, as against lodging an appeal against the judgment, which action may take several months to decide at the Court of Appeal. Justice Mabekoje had, in his ruling,said :"Since the applicant is charged with indictable offences in the information filed in this case, it is my view that the value of provisions of section 340 quoted above must be shown to have been satisfied by the person bringing the charge. "It is glaring from the said provisions of the law that no information charging any person with an indictable offence shall be preferred unless by the direction or with the consent of the judge. "Therefore, where a provision directs that a thing shall be done as in the instant case, the natural meaning is that the procedure must be followed. Failure to comply with the provision will be fatal to the criminal proceedings initiated.

"I, however, hold that this action has not been initiated by due process and upon fulfilment of the condition precedent in exercise of the jurisdiction of the court, the information filed against the applicant is accordingly quashed. In recognizance entered into by him is hereby discharged," he said. However, the court held further that notwithstanding the quashing of the charges, all other issues raised against him by the anti - graft agency could still come for determination in future if the EFCC puts its house in order. An elated Daniel was reticent in victory when he spoke to reporters. "God is on the throne. We thank God, no more comment," he said. EFCC's counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, said what happened should not warrant jubilation from anybody.

OVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State yesterday said Nigerians should take a cue from the exemplary leadership qualities of the late renowned economist, Professor Sam Aluko. The governor, in an interview with newsmen shortly after the commendation service in honour of the late economist held at the Chapel of the Annunciation, Archbishop Vinning College of Theology, Akure noted that Professor Aluko lived a fulfilled life that should be emulated, especially by political and public office holders, adding that the late Aluko never sacrificed integrity for monetary temptation in his life time. Dr Mimiko added that his economic theory made a lot of significant contributions to the economic survival of the nation. In his homily, the retired Anglican Bishop of Akure, Rt. Rev. Bolanle Gbonigi, congratulated the family members of the deceased because, according to him, Prof Aluko lived a righteous and fulfilled life. He urged Nigerians to emulate him.

Two killed at Lagos port as clearing agents clash Oluwakemi DAUDA

T was bloody at the Lagos port yesterday, when over 300 clearing agents took over the main access road leading to the second gate of the Tin-Can port to stone and beat to death, the driver of the black Honda Pilot Jeep with registration number EG 233 APP. Despite the heavy presence of security operatives, for over two hours, everybody, including food vendors, okada riders, importers and other port users ran for their lives. The sad incident, however, happened around 12 noon in the full glare of the port policemen who were overwhelmed because of the huge number of the clearing agents that were involved in the mob action. Investigation conducted by The Nation revealed that the driver of the jeep ran to the Nigerian Port Authority’s office when the police could not secure his life and he was brought back to the road and murdered by the angry mob after he was allegedly accused of stabbing to death a fellow clearing agent a few minutes before he was made to pay the supreme price.

We have complied with National Assembly resolution on number plates —FRSC

HE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has described as false, reports in some national dailies that it is yet to comply with the resolution of the National Assembly ordering the suspension of the issuance of new number plates and driver’s licences in the country. In a statement yesterday, the agency said: “Conscious of the House resolution last year, the FRSC stopped the production of the new driver’s licences and number plates, pending the resolution of the contending issues by the appropriate authorities.” Disclosing it was alarmed by “reports creating an impression of non-compliance to the National Assembly resolution,” it insisted that “for the avoidance of doubt, the corps wishes to reiterate that as a creation of the National Assembly and an organisation that operates on the mantra of the rule of law, it will not do anything to undermine the authority of the highly esteemed National Assembly. “To this end, the FRSC wishes to state that the production of new number plates have been put on hold since the House resolution was passed last year.”

Akoko group commends Aregbesola

SUN State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbeola, has been com mended for donating an Information and Communication Technology Centre to his alma mater, Akoko Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi-Akoko in Ondo State. Giving the commendation yesterday, Akoko mainstream socio-political group, the Akoko Elite Forum (AEF), said the governor’s gesture was rare, as most old students hardly revisit their alma mater. In a statement by its President, Mr. Yomi Arodu, and VicePresident, Prince Boye Ologbese, the group said “though a 50year-old school, Akoko Anglican Grammar School has suffered total government neglect like other public schools in Akokoland.

NOA honours Moreno MD Ogechukwu EMEDIKE

HE Managing Director of Moreno Group, Dr. Nicola Busacca, was recently honoured with the Excellence in Humanitarian Service Award by the National Orientation Agency (NOA). The award was presented at Kuje Town Hall, Gwagwalada, Abuja. The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Mike Omeri, Director General of the agency, said Busacca was honoured with the award for his compassion and service to humanity. Moreno, a leading solution provider for large scale construction and engineering designing, will continue to give qualitative services to Nigeria, according to Busacca.

Ileogbo oba gets staff of office

ba Abeeb Adetoye Agbaje, Arowo Okun Joye 11, the Olu of Ileogbo, will today be presented with the staff of office by the Executive Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. The ceremony will kick off by 10am at the Community High School, Station Road, Ileogbo. Before his elevation, the new oba was renowned newspaper agent in Lagos State.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Continued from Back Page what they were doing. It is true that there was some advantage for the home boys who are used to playing on synthetic pitches in the domestic league. The second positive is that the Eagles have a central defender, Egwueke Azubuike, who combined with Yobo in a flawless show. In fact, Keshi kept scratching his head over the possibility of parading Azubuike with Papa Idris in future matches. It simply means that the days of gambling on some bench-warmers in Europe are gone. The third positive rests with the thought that Keshi solved the riddle that only Chubuzor Okonkwo can play at the right back position in the domestic league. Oboabona played the right back with commanding ease. He cut out the attacking forays from the Rwandans. His tackles were immaculate, such that the South African referee, Benneth, cast an indulgent eye on diving by some Rwandan strikers from Oboabona’s neat intervention. The fourth positive is that we saw Keshi’s substitutions add verve to the team’s play in the second half although a few people felt that he ought to have started with Victor Moses and Gabriel Ruben instead of Dickson Etuhu and Osaze. But it was Keshi’s frank talk with his players that jolted them towards a truly new attitude in subsequent matches. At half time, Keshi screamed these words that got the boy to play well in the second half. Keshi raved: “I’m totally disappointed with your shambolic show in the first half. Look, anyone who doesn’t want to play for Nige-

In flight with Eagles ria here should tell me now. He is free to pull off his shirt and I will replace him. You have been too slow out of the defensive play to attack. “This show, so far, is unacceptable. In my time as a player in this team, playing against countries like Rwanda was a piece of cake. We never considered any sloppy outing. We debated the number of goals we would score against a weak team like Rwanda. Draw was forbidden. In fact, strikers promised us goals and they did it. What I’ve seen is very poor.” Keshi told this writer inside the Rwand Air flight on Wednesday night: “My brother, these players can kill someone. I told them about everything that we have seen from the Rwandans and we worked towards checkmating them. I told them that they would be very rough and we trained on one-touch passes, releasing the balls early and making decoy runs to allow for penetrating passes from the midfield for the strikers to convert into goals. What have we seen? Taiwo was very slow, anonymous throughout the first half; Joel Obi was very poor, his control of the ball and ball distribution was atrocious, I kept looking for Osaze, Etuhu and Ahmed Musa on the field. It was as if we didn’t play them. “My men of the match were certainly the home-based lads, especially Ejike. With the way he has played since I resumed, it would be very difficult for anyone to strip him of this jersey. I told the players that if they played the way they did in the first half against Rwanda

in Nigeria, the fans would stone them. Thank God that we drew the game. We were very lucky and I can assure Nigerians that this would be the last time such a poor show would be exhibited by my team. I’ve seen some of the boys. I would invite some others in the coming games, beginning with an international friendly game before the return leg tie against Rwanda in June. One only hopes that Keshi is not merely blaming everyone else but himself. Time will tell. Michael Itemuagbor @ 50 Suave, troublesome, intelligent but one who likes to celebrate others, Michael Itemuagbor certainly knows his onions. His entrance into sports marketing raised the bar of getting the corporate world to identify with Nigerian sports. Itemuagbor’s receptive nature disarms those who meet him for the first time. Yet, he is quick in stamping his feet on anything that convinces him and is ready to take a walk than to stoop to conquer. On Monday March 5, Itemuagbor joins the golden league of 50-year-olds but would have warned everyone to keep it low key. His wife shocked him with a party at 40 and I’m sure that Mike would be at alert not to fall so cheaply for a birthday bash. Whatever it is, Itemuagbor deserves to be celebrated. I’m also sure that readers of this column would trouble him with birthday wishes. Mike, may God in His infinite mercies protect you and your family all the days of your life. Congrats brother.

Leicester varsity don visits Nigeria

EADMODE Resource Centre, a leading provider of UK University distance learning is hosting Pro fessor Steve Brown from the University of Leicester on a faculty visit to Nigeria. The event, which includes a lecture tagged: “Effective Learning Strategies”allows the distance learning students based in West Africa, the opportunity of participatory approach to learning as a means of enhancing academic support provided by the university. The students will meet with the visiting university staff and discuss issues relating to their programmes and areas of research. It is organised by the University of Leicester in col-

laboration with Leadmode Resource Centre and it takes place twice every year (March and October). The event starts today at the Leadmode office in Lagos and ends on Sunday. It holds in Abuja at the Leadmode Resource Centre between March 6 and 8. Professor Steve Brown, who is the visiting lecturer, is a professor of social and organisational psychology with the university and has published over eighty articles, book chapters and reports on social psychological aspects of memory, emotion and organization.

Beautification of Osun starts in June

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Tomorrow in THE NATION PUNCHLINE

We should feel concerned as Nigerians because the arrests of otherwise influential Nigerians abroad have implication for us all as a people SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.7, NO. 2053

—Tunji Adegboyega

EATH particularly of the high and mighty in Nigeria almost invariably offers an opportunity for grand political theatre. We have become adept as a people at the art and science of mourning as absorbing spectacle. Death – one of the most ubiquitous, predictable and inevitable features of human existence never ceases to shock and surprise us. We always seem to forget that the bell of human mortality remorselessly tolls for every man and, for each of us, the appointed date with the grim reaper; the efficient harvester of human souls must sooner or later be kept. Another interesting feature of Nigerian cultural life is our reluctance to speak ill of the dead. Death sanctifies. It beatifies. It apotheosises. It transforms admittedly great men into perfect parsonages without human flaws. Such unfortunately is the stuff of myth so radically detached from reality. Great men also tend to have great flaws. We can profit as much from their wisdom as their foibles if we have the courage to refrain from falsifying history. One of the most prominent and courageous instances I can recollect when a Nigerian boldly spoke his mind on the death of a great political parsonage occurred in 1987. Awo, the great sage had died. The Nigerian political elite including those who viciously opposed him at every turn were engaged in extolling the virtues of a man they acknowledged only after his demise. One man differed. He dared to express a contrary view. He was none other than the great scholar and novelist – Professor Chinua Achebe. In a scathing public statement, Achebe described Awo as nothing but a sectional Yoruba leader and tribal jingoist who was absolutely undeserving of a national burial. Many members of the Yoruba intelligentsia fiercely took on Achebe for what they perceived as his irreverence and jaundiced perception of history. I had nothing but the highest admiration for the distinguished Professor. He shunned hypocrisy and bluntly spoke his mind. After all, Awo was no saint. No mortal is. Despite his intellectual and managerial pre-eminence, Awo never won acceptance as a national leader due to a combination of factors including certain tactical flaws, his perceived political rigidity and a seeming debilitating ambiguity between a desire to be a great transformational leader of the South West and an outstanding President of Nigeria. Achebe was right. But none of these factors detracted from Awo’s intrinsic worth as one of the most influential Nigerians of our time. In the past few days the Igbo nation has risen as one to give their departed leader and foremost defender, Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu, a most deserving hero’s burial. It is their constitutional right. But the whole process has also been accompanied by propagandistic myth making and outright untenable historical adjustments to put it most

Falsified history? Falsified history? ‘Pray, what exactly is that? By Dr. Kalu’s laborious logic, a totally avoidable war of secession to break up Nigeria transformed into a ‘war of unity’ for which the Ikemba deserves credit. I wonder

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•Ojukwu mildly. Showering profuse praise on President Goodluck Jonathan for according Ojukwu full military honours in death, for instance, former Abia State Governor, Dr. Kalu Orji Kalu, said the President “eschewed politics, shoved aside ethnic considerations and went ahead to change the course of falsified history by treating Ojukwu as a hero and nationalist”. Falsified history? Pray, what exactly is that? By Dr. Kalu’s laborious logic, a totally avoidable war of secession to break up Nigeria transformed into a ‘war of unity’ for which the Ikemba deserves credit. I wonder. Waxing philosophical and poetic in a well crafted tribute, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a wily political tactician, said “words such as ‘warlord’, ‘rebel leader’, ‘secessionist’ used to describe Ojukwu do not really capture his achievements”. I am not sure that these words can be abolished from the English language or we can pretend that the concrete events they represent in Nige-

rian history did not take place. In any case, if Ojuwku acted out of conviction and principle as his admirers insist, he has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of about his role during the civil war. Beyond this, Ojuwku had reached the zenith of his glory and powers at the height of the civil war. Everything after that from his acceptance of pardon (which admits some form of guilt), embrace of the NPN, and abortive bid to be elected to the Senate and so on was an anti-climatic climb down. Ojukwu has been described not without some justification as a fighter for justice and rebel with a cause. Yes, the anti-Igbo pogrom in the north against which he reacted was unjust, bestial and indefensible. But that dark incident in Nigerian history can only be objectively appraised within the context of the ethno-regional suspicions and mistrust that obstructed effective nation-building in the immediate post-colonial Nigeria. An initially popular coup against a corrupt, decadent and lawless civilian administration became tainted, rightly or wrongly as an eth-

nic plot and the consequences were very grim for the entire nation. In Professor Billy Dudley’s words: “Ironsi had only held power for seven months when he was overthrown in what was in effect a counter-coup. The coup which brought Ironsi to power had had all the characteristics of a sectional coup. The majority of the coup leaders were Ibo-speaking and all but one of those killed in the coup were non-Ibo speaking. Ironsi’s handling of affairs after coming to power tended to confirm this initial sectionalist image of the coup…There was therefore little surprise when in July 1966 there was a counter-coup, organized by Northern elements in the army – the section that had lost the most in the January coup – and Ironsi was replaced with ‘Northerner’, Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon (later General)”. Of course, nothing could justify the resultant mass slaughter of Igbos in the north. But given the way commentator after commentator has gone on about the Ikemba’s superior education, erudition, eloquence and sagacity, was the rush to war indicative of the requisite wisdom, strategic thinking and prescience demanded of leadership at such a critical point? I think not. Fresh from his release from Calabar prison by Gowon, a strategic master stroke, Awolowo and his advisers had seen that the West had negligible men in the Nigerian military and, more importantly, an army of occupation largely comprising northerners was in effective control of the region. Except he wanted his people to commit political hara-kiri, secession was clearly out of the question for the west – at least not immediately. In a desperate bid to avoid war, Awolowo led a delegation comprising Professor Sam Aluko, Chief JIC Onyia, Justice Adetokunbo Ademola and Chief Jereton Mariere to the East to persuade Ojukwu to return to the negotiating table. A recalcitrant Ojukwu thundered: “I started the struggle in July (1967) with only 120 rifles to defend the entire territory of the Eastern region…I am proud, and my officers are proud, that here in the East we possess the biggest army in black Africa. I am no longer speaking as an underdog; I am speaking from a position of power”. Well, the rest is history. A needless war with over 2 million dead. Many more wounded and psychologically disoriented. The ultimate capitulation of Biafra. One of Africa’s most gifted people reduced to playing second fiddle in the politics of post – war Nigeria. And more painfully, the black race denied the full flowering of the potentials of a people probably best endowed to end the technological dependency responsible for her protracted underdevelopment and humiliation. No doubt, the Ikemba passionately loved his people. It is only that the consequences of that affection appeared to be ironically so cruel. May his great soul rest in peace.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

In flight with Eagles

OOTBALL is a very exciting game. It throws into the trash bin experts’ permutations, which, most times are emotional. But success in soccer comes with a prize. There must be a genuine desire to rebuild the squad from the scratch and it doesn’t take days. Five years appear to be the benchmark to revamp a sagging team to winning ways. Football is a leveler, humbling players with bloated egos. Going to Kigali for Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations tie between Nigeria and Rwanda threw up many possibilities. Will the Super Eagles shed its toga of Super Chicken? Does Stephen Keshi have the balls to field home-based players? Would it be the same old story of prospects that continue to cause pains as Nigerians lament the steep slide of the game here?

Wednesday’s game offered the platform to see if an admixture of home-grown and Europe-based Super Eagles would trample on the Wasps of Rwanda at the Stade Regional de Kigali. I didn’t expect a routing of the Rwandans, having seen how the Chipolopolo of Zambia upset the apple cart to lift the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations’ diadem at the expense of the experienced Ivoriens. The flight with the Eagles aboard Rwand Air on Monday night set the stage for what one saw on Wednesday evening. The stoic silence inside the aircraft showed the presence of a new helmsman. There was order and it was easy to differentiate the players from the others. It was a breath of fresh air, indeed. I saw the unwritten bond among the players and was excited that the home-based interacted with the big boys who they see only on television. I zeroed my mind to the fact the Eagles were united and it meant a big departure from the past.

We had hardly done 10 minutes in the air when we encountered a slight turbulence. The jokes still give me butterflies in the stomach. Vincent Enyeama mocked Dickson Etuhu that he wouldn’t be able to sleep after the turbulence. As the journey continued, Yakubu Aiyegbeni cracked our ribs further. He threw barbs at his colleagues and joked over the few that flew in his direction. It was one family. The 225 minutes flight terminated at the Kigali Airport where we spent over one hour on immigration formalities. The players stayed away from the others. Osaze Odemwingie and Etuhu walked into the nearby duty-free shop to buy chocolates. They were joined by the captain, Joseph Yobo, who offered to pick the bills. On the hindsight, Yobo’s presence may have informed the reason why the duo went to join their mates. Did anyone say discipline in practice? Let’s see if it would be sustained. These are early days.

At Protea Hotel, where the team stayed, the players were only seen during food sessions. They remained in their rooms with their technical staff. We have seen such an arrangement in the past and it didn’t translate to improved performance on the pitch. The first training session on Tuesday evening was exciting. The players acted their script well. Many in the Nigerian delegation warned not to celebrate what we saw, especially as we had not seen the Rwandans train. Match day was marked with hush tone on what to expect. The general impression was let’s wait and see. At the stadium, what we saw in the first half was offensive. The Eagles struggled. Only the home-based stars (three of them) distinguished themselves. Kudos must go to Ejike. Diminutive, but witty, Ejike is a very courageous player. Little wonder the Rwandans milled around him after the barren draw result. Nothing really changed in terms of results for the Eagles. But the first positive is that the Europe-based stars now understand that they are no longer indispensable. They saw the home lads play with ease and enjoyed

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