The Nation September 25, 2011

RESULTS Eglish Premier League Manchester C. 2 - 0 Everton 3 - 0 Bolton W. Arsenal 4 - 1 Swansea C. Chelsea 2 - 1 Wolverhampton W. Liverpool 3 - 1 Blackburn R. Newcastle U. West Bromwich A. 0 - 0 Fulham Wigan Athletic 1 - 2 Tottenham H. 1-1 Stoke C. Manchester U.

Two held over Abia rape case

PAGE 6

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

Ife / Modakeke’s scars of war

German Bundesliga 0 - 0 Hannover Augsburg 1 - 2 Borussia Dortmund Mainz Monchengladbach 1 - 0 Nurnberg 4 - 2 Freiburg Schalke 1 - 0 Kaiserslautern Wolfsburg Bayern Munich 3 - 0 Bayer Leverkusen

– PAGES 19-20

SUNDAY

September 25, 2011

thenationonlineng.net

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Vol.06, No. 1893

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Anxiety over Boko Haram’s infiltration of security agencies PAGE 5

Northern leaders are hypocrites, says Niger Gov. –PAGE 4 From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

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HERE are fears in government circles that some members of the Boko Haram sect may have infiltrated the security agencies are .

This is coming as suspicions have arisen that some former intelligence chiefs and officers may be behind the sect.

Investigations showed that there is concern in government and among some security agencies over Boko Haram’s intelligence network which has made it difficult to unmask or crack the sect.

According to findings, some security reports have confirmed that Boko Haram members appear to be a step ahead of security agencies fuelling speculations of infiltration of security agencies.

It was learnt that Borno State has remained under intermittent siege of Boko Haram due to the L-R: Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Leader of the delegation, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Senator Ayo Ade-Seun, during the visit to the flood disaster area in Ogbere-Agugu,Oyo State at the weekend. alleged infiltration.

Continued on Page 5

Photo: FEMI ILESANMI,

ASUU: lecturers ready for strike PAGE 2

There is more to modelling than just 32 glamour PAGE

–Elizabeth Aisien

2

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

News

Nationwide warning strike: No going back, says ASUU

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ECTURERS across the nation yesterday said there was no going back on the proposed oneweek warning strike scheduled to begin tomorrow.

They added that plans have been perfected to ensure the action succeeds.

The warning strike called by the National chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is to push for full implementation of agreements reached in 2009 by the body with the Federal Government.

Vital areas of the agreements yet to be fully implemented, according to ASUU, include non passage of the bill on 70 years as retirement age for professors, non payment of earned allowances and poor funding of universities, among others.

ASUU National President, Professor Ukachukwu Awuzie, stated that there was no going back on the proposed strike.

He said members have been mobilised nationwide for full participation.

Awuzie said: “Already, our branch union members across the country have warned that they would not take notice of any form of persuasions from anybody over their stand on the issue until they get a firm commitment from the government.

“If government fails to show seriousness in addressing the demands of these union members, the NEC should not be held responsible for their actions,.” he said.

He berated government for insensitivity to the sector.

“After two and a half years of signing the agreement with the government, nothing tangible has come out of it.

“It shows we are not in any way interested in the future of this country, knowing fully well that education is the bedrock of any meaningful development,”

•Prof. Awuzie

By Our Correspondents

Awuzie added.

In Rivers State, ASUU members in the three universities said they were more than prepared to observe the action.

The lecturers at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), PortHarcourt and the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port- Harcourt assured they will fully participate in the strike, which they said will be total.

UNIPORT’s ASUU Chairman, Dr. Kinikanwo Anele, yesterday said: “UNIPORT’s ASUU members have been fully mobilised. The administration has been formally notified of the strike. Since it is a national assignment, every ASUU member in UNIPORT will take part.

ASUU Chairman at RSUST, Dr. Felix Igwe, said: “All ASUU members at RSUST are very prepared for the strike. We had a meeting on Wednesday and the members assured that they would key into it.

“Our demands at RSUST have not been met.

The 2009 FGN/ASUU agreements have not been implemented at RSUST. “The nationwide strike is intended for us at RSUST. It is a springboard because we will resume the suspended strike after the nationwide strike. It is only in Rivers state that the agreements are yet to be implemented.”

ASUU’s chairman at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUOE), Port Harcourt, Dr. Ugochukwu Kysburn Agi, also said members of the union would take part in the nationwide strike.

He said: “Members of

ASUU, IAUOE are joining the strike. They are mobilised. The branch is part of the larger ASUU and is committed to its aspirations, goals and struggle for a better Nigeria.

“This is the real struggle for true independent Nigeria, the struggle against neo-colonialists.”

Meanwhile, students called on government to accede to ASUU’s demands to avert disruption of academic calendar.

Students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) lamented the proposed strike.

Coming just after resumption for second semester, they said the proposed action would be one too many.

They expressed fears that ASUU may embark on indefinite strike, if the warning strike fails to achieve desired results, a development they said would elongate their stay on campus.

Some of them pleaded with ASUU to be patient with the Federal Government and continue with negotiations.

A nationwide strike, they argued, with the prevailing security challenges may expose undergraduates to undesirable elements.

Some departments had already shifted their examinations to accommodate the proposed strike.

The department of Mass Communications moved its Post Graduate Examinations earlier fixed for tomorrow by a week much to the chagrin of Master students.

They lamented that their hope of completing their programme in record time might have been dashed.

Many students were seen yesterday staying put on campus.

They strolled around parks and gardens while some opted to loiter close to Ramat Hall, the University’s main female hostel.

In Oyo State, authorities of the University of Ibadan

(UI) have already shifted the ongoing second semester examinations in deference to the proposed strike.

Many students were seen leaving the campus over the weekend.

Some of them saw it as an opportunity to take a deserved rest from rigorous academic activities.

ASUU Chairman in the institution, Dr Demola Aremu, said they were prepared for the strike.

He lamented that government was yet to implement the agreements reached over two years ago.

But in Kaduna State, the division within ASUU at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, may affect participation in the nationwide action.

While a faction of the union recognised by the national body and the school management insisted that it will participate fully in the warning strike, the other which claimed to have majority of members said it does not subscribe to the action.

Chairman of the National body recognised ASUU, Dr Muhammad Aliyu, said that the union would participate fully in the strike.

He stated: “After dialoguing with the Federal Government for two years, we have resolved that government is not willing to implement those aspects of the agreement.

•Continued on page 6

…Other workers to join

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ON Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) have also signified their intention to embark on a one-week warning strike from October 3.

NAAT’s President, Comrade Abdulateef Jakomba, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja.

The strike, according to him, will be a prelude to a total and indefinite fullblown industrial action if the Federal Government remains adamant.

The unions appealed to the Federal Government to respect and implement the agreements it willingly entered into with them.

Jakomba recalled that the unions had on November 5, 2009 separately signed agreements with the Federal

Have Your Say How do you view the attitude of the Federal Government to the agreement it freely reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on the conditions of service, university autonomy, and funding of education in 2009?

— Send SMS with full name and location before Wednesday to 08074473182 Responses to previous week’s question are on pages 48 & 52

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Government to address some issues.

He noted that government had pleaded for 30 days from last July year, which expired on August 15 to implement the agreements.

The Union leader said the industrial action would become necessary to make government accede to the demands.

He disclosed that the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu on September 22 invited them to a meeting on the issue but failed to turn up.

Jakomba explained: “the three unions: NAAT, NASU and SSANU were invited to meet with both the Minister of Labour and Productivity as well as Education on Thursday 22 nd September 2011. ‘’While waiting, conflicting SMS were received to say the meeting arranged for 4.00pm had been rescheduled for 2 pm. ‘’Another said it was postponed while the third requested us to move to the National Universities Commission conference room from the Ministry of Labour for 4pm.”

The unions condemned the divisive antics of government in pushing for sectorial actualisation of legislative amendment of the universities Act 11 of 1993.

If allowed, he warned that the move would further decimate the various groups in the universities sector.

The three unions lamented: “Whereas the government team had ample time in hearing out the grievances of a sector of the workforce, it spent less than half an hour in attending to our three Unions, NAAT, NASU and SSANU.” Jakomba argued that the salaries of workers in universities should have been reviewed since the National Minimum Wage approved for Nigerian workers took effect last August.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

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HE greatest problem facing the Black race collectively and as people sequestered within strange and alienating nation-states is how to reconstitute and reconstruct the colonial subject. Slavery and enslavement have always been part of the human condition. Some rudimentary forms of colonization have existed in history. But western colonization represents the first intellectual and systematic attempt in history to subject a whole race to the project of inferiorisation in the guise of the so called civilizing mission.

Sometimes, to leave uneducated may be better than to deliberately mis-educate. The Romans after all left their galley slaves severely alone.

Several generations of Africans have had to unlearn the fact that they are not ignoble savages and that their ancestors did not first hear of culture with the coming of the white man— as Chinua Achebe so memorably put things.

When people talk blithely about the signal achievements of the Chinese, the Japanese and some of the Asian tigers, they have forgotten that even when briefly colonized or politically decapitated, they never surrendered their cultural sovereignty to the invaders. After the siege was lifted, they simply reverted to the truncated paths, particularly to the potency of their indigenous languages and their powerful philosophies. India which was also subjugated and colonized retained its indigenous worldview. When Pandit Nehru famously insisted that if Indians could not clothe themselves, let them go naked, he was appealing to the subliminal pride of his people.

India originally taught the west how to clad itself decently.

Many of the visionary post-independence African leaders recognized the primacy of the decolonizing project and its signal importance to the Black psyche.

Having returned Africans to the status of hunter-gatherers, their successors advertise their intellectual inferiority like a badge of honour.

Decolonisation is incompatible with starvation. A lion cannot maintain its leonine stardom on an empty stomach. Despite the fabled Marxism of his youth, a Nigerian leader arrived in the White House

I

N the summer of 2000, snooper attended a send-off party for a friend, a famous Nigerian dissident, who was returning to the home front after a ten year spell of involuntary exile. The host was a successful business magnate of Indian extraction, and the party was held in a posh and plush London Heathrow hotel recently acquired by the business mogul. It was a glittering affair, and the place was packed full with upwardly mobile and enterprising Indians who had found fortune in the west in a remarkably short period.

Many of their parents had arrived penniless in England after being expelled from Uganda by the notorious and unlamented Idi Amin Dada.

For practically all of them, there was no question of returning to India, except on brief spiritual pilgrimages.

The west was home. I suppose this makes for greater focus and intense concentration. I put this question to an Anglo-American friend of mine, a distinguished professor of post-colonial history, and he was as withering as he was devastating.

“You see”, he began as he cut me to size with a look of blistering contempt. “the Indians have their instincts in the right place. Even their ancestors made it to the other side of the Mediterranean before they got stuck. In the case of your people, you cannot cope with fresh challenges of life and history, you are always longing to go back to the womb, to the cradle of mankind, so that you can continue a life of tropical indolence and lassitude. That is why you never made it out of Africa in the first instance.”

When I protested that my peo-

“I

Column

The problems of the colonial subject

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3

nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

Okon dey liki- liki dem wiki-wiki

A • Achebe

proclaiming the day to be his happiest on earth. Another spent his entire first term gallivanting around western capitals until they started avoiding him like a black plague.

But because it involves the altered psyche of a race, decolonization is a complex and complicated affair.

It may require a complete immersion in western culture in order to master its secret dialectic. This, unfortunately, is not a matter for online cub commentators or for internet chancers and sundry neophytes. It is like a general discussing strategy with Boys’ scouts. However justifiable our anger, reflex hostility and hatred for everything western is a luxury the true pilgrim cannot afford.

Humankind is not a fallen angel but a rising ape. Having seized history by the scruff of the neck, the west probably did what it had to do in accordance with the logic of victors. There is no point in crying over split milk. In the final analysis, human nature is the same everywhere. The Inca civilization practiced human sacrifice on a mega-industrial scale. As for those

who preferred one form of colonization to the other, the horrific savagery of the Japanese in the Korean Peninsula, Stalin’s brutalization of the Soviet satellite states and the fact that in some parts of China till date blacks are regarded as devils ought to serve as a cautionary tale.

We must work within the paradigm and limitations imposed on us by the accidents of history.

Whether we like it or not, the postWestphalia nation-state paradigm which in turn produced the colonial nation-state in Africa is a product of the Western imaginary and its pan-Judaic rationalization of global space. Islam does not buy into the nation-state, believing its theocratic empire to be one indivisible continuum bound and bonded in faith. Saladin was not an Arab but a Kurd. But after the First World War and the collapse of the Ottoman empire, the west, thanks to T.E Lawrence a;k.a Lawrence of Arabia, parceled up Arabia and it took the extraordinary bravery of Mustapha Kemal Ataturk to rally the rump of the Sick man of Europe.

S the outlandish revelations of the incontinence and feckless garrulity of our political elite by the rogue muckraker, Julian Assange, continue to reverberate across the land, snooper is secretly entertained by the sheer audacity of the hopeless. Some of the denials are even more self-incriminating than the original allegation. It reminds one of a Jamaican immigrant who was apprehended by the police for taking part in the rioting and looting that swept London and the Midlands in the early eighties. “Officer, be reasonable”, the drunken guy bellowed at the police in the thickest of patois. “How can I be a-rioting in Brixton when I already a-looting in Birmingham?”

Snooper recalls Salman Rushdie’s fiendishly mischievous novel, Shame.

A national elite without shame is a cruel affliction indeed. As usual, Okon has been in the thick of action filing away the name of everybody involved in this show of shamelessness and promising to haul all before a People’s Tribunal whenever Nigeria regained its independence.

With Baba Lekki prodding him and supplying the ammunition of violent resentment, Okon often goes gaga in his recriminations..

“He get one yello Ibo boy I dey like well well before before, but I no sabi say na yeye man like all dem wuruwuru people”, Okon lamented.

“What about eliri Rufai?” Baba Lekki suddenly interjected. In Yoruba, eliri is a very tiny mouse.

“I no get problem with dat one.

Na him oga dem say make dat one

The blackman’s burden ple, the Yoruba, were fabled to have left ancient Egypt after a bitter succession struggle, he shrugged with weary disdain. “They were headed in the wrong direction. Soft people looking for softer targets to dominate. If they had moved in the direction of the Red Sea even if they had been conquered, by now they would have been completely assimilated as a European race”. As I reeled from this relentlessly Afrophobic onslaught, I informed my friend that despite everything, I longed to return home.

“That is empty nostalgia, which is a form of psychiatric disorder”, he blasted.

Before I return to my distinguished friend, let me make a curious confession. Yours sincerely suffers from an affliction which can be best described as intellectual masochism, a gluttony for mental punishment. I take delight in testing my hunches against other insights no matter how savage and antagonistic these may be and no matter how devastating or destabilizing the consequences are. I also take a secret delight in inflicting maximum intellectual punishment on those who believe that Africans are incapable of tremendous intellectual exertions. I have been in some desperate intellectual scrapes and might have been blacklisted by a few conference organizers in the hallowed sanctuaries of western intellectual power.

I met Professor Lambert TrevorRoper at one of those conferences, and he was obviously the star of the show.

He was as brilliant and dazzling as

ever, and had a reputation for not taking intellectual hostages. My first question to him was whether he was related to his more infamous namesake who had famously proclaimed that Africans had no history and were an embarrassment to humanity. This he proudly and pointedly ignored. But as I turned the table on him, forcing him into precipitate retreat and testy non-sequitors, he knew I could not be ignored. He eyed me with a mixture of scorn and panic. He collared me during a break in hostilities.

“If you are filled with this contempt for the west and its institutions, what are you doing here?”, he thundered.

“I am here for the decolonization project”, I had replied casually.

“What? I thought we did that for you sometimes ago”, he replied.

“No, I mean mental decolonization, that is decolonizing the colonizers. I want to show that all these theoretical gimmicks and nonsensical abstractions are a game anybody can play”, I shot back.

“I see then”, he stuttered and slunk away.

But Lambert was not one to take defeat lying low. Still smarting from my vicious put-down, he cornered me in a dark alley at the end of the conference.

“I see you are one of those uppity Africans who think they know everything. Take this and get in touch so that I can drill some sense into your thick, early man’s skull”, he said thrusting his card into my hand and vanishing before I could give him a

good measure of my tongue.

I took up his challenge and we became great buddies. Despite his caustic, malignant tongue, he was as warm as he was generous and was eccentricity personified. On my first visit, he peeped through the shutter of his magnificent study and exclaimed: “Ah, Cannibal!” When I protested vigorously at this racist denigration, he told me he meant Hannibal, the great Roman general of Carthage fame, and that ever since his last visit to a sadistic dentist, he had found himself unable to pronounce the “H” silent consonant and had been substituting it with a “K”. “It is the tyranny of the dentist’s tong, my friend”. Then he called out to his elegant and aristocratic wife. “Betty, Betty, Othello’s Countryman is here!” he screamed, slyly recalling Professor Eldred Durosimi Jones’ celebrated Ph.D thesis.

As the evening wore on, it was apparent that Lambert took a childlike delight in outraging and scandalizing. At a point, he took a tipsy lunge at me.

“I like the way you down your wine, with refinement and considerable finesse. Where did you learn that from?” he asked with snide condescension.

“When my ancestors were making wine, yours were Roman galley slaves”, I fired back. “ I see, I see”, he crooned with juvenile delight. “But instead of looking for ways of inventing the storage barn you were turning your surplus food into cheap wine and thereafter

dey finis and Okon be houseboy. But you know say as dem get wharf rat na so dem get Abuja rat”, Okon snorted with a gloomy grimace.

“Dem wikiliki people say Baba na thief and dat him come wire money to dem woman for London”, Baba Lekki pressed on.

“Dat one na lie. Baba no dey wire money. Na women him dey wire”, Okon countered with deadpan relish. ”When next Baba dey visit dem Boko Haram people make him no forget him camouflage and him bullet proof”, Baba Lekki noted with a devilish sneer.

“Baba dem visit sef na camouflage and bullet proof. Dem wikiwiki don likiliki him wiliwili weli-weli”, Okon observed with profound wit.

“Dem say Madam Bakassi dey among dem barawo”, Baba Lekki resumed with malice. “ Baba dat one na OPC come versus OCP and dem come play draw”, Okon retorted.

“Ah Okon, what’s that?” Baba Lekki asked with delinquent pleasure.

“OPC na oil producing community and OCP be oil consuming people, so shark come meet crocodile and mama come teach dem sense. When dem oil don finish everybody go find him mama’s house. So no need for dem Yoruba people to blow dem grammar. Dat one na Suffereign Natural Confluence, like dem Niger and Benue”, Okon submitted.

“Kai, kai dis boy get more brain than all dem yeye professors!” Baba Lekki crowed.

engaging in orgies of drinking and fornicating and that has continued till date. But you see, we are not going to allow you to drink and fornicate yourself to death. It is not in the interest of humanity at large. By the time we are going to Mars, we would have sanitized your evil forests for you, rid them of Ebola, Aids and human pestilences such as your potbellied tyrants and devious dictators.

Then we will parcel out the land again to those who have better use for real estate. For example, if we hand over your country to Bill Gates in five years you will achieve the food sufficiency which has eluded you for a thousand years…”

He completely ignored my feeble gesticulations of protest, eyeing me with triumphant malice. I had had enough punishment to last ten meetings. On our last meeting, I told him I was sick and tired of the institutionalized cruelties of the west, its merciless rationalism, its attempts to turn humanity into unfeeling cyborgs, robotized machines and this business of going to Mars when three quarters of humanity cannot feed itself. He cut me short with professorial severity.

“It does not matter what intellectual sophisticates like you think.

What is important is to take the bull of history by the horns, and that is what we are doing. We gave you modernity, we gave you Christianity, we even gave you your names.

Now we are going to take man to Mars. Do you want another beer, my friend?”

To my shame, I didn’t decline.

(Copyright 2004)

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

News

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HE Chairman of the Northern Governors' Forum, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu yesterday challenged leaders of the region to stand up and be counted in the battle against the menace of Boko Haram.

In a down to earth speech he delivered at a meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council held in Kaduna he berated leaders of the region for dragging their feet on the threat that Boko Haram has become to the region and the country in general.

“We cannot drag our feet any longer. We can't continue to double-speak in our handling of the issues, saying one thing in the open and acting differently in private. We must categorically say no to the recurring wave of bombing, terrorism and crime in our communities.”

Aliyu said.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad who also spoke at the meeting condemned the spate of violence that across the region has led to the death of many.

Dr. Aliyu said that the North could not afford to fall into another crisis before taking necessary measures to safeguard the integrity and future of the region.

The North, the governor stated, must collectively and categorically say no to the recurring wave of bombings, terrorism and crime in the region.

According to him, the North must go beyond current efforts to address the underlying causes of these violence and take practical steps to “cure the disease and to move forward,” adding that “to secure our future and forestall violence, crisis and conflicts, we must create the space and opportunities for people to realize their full potentials and aspirations”.

Dr. Aliyu noted that Nigerians must decide whether they “are serious about lasting peace or merely paying lip service to it while some of us continue to remain in our comfort zones as our society is overtaken by violence, crime and extremism.

Boko Haram: Northern leaders are hypocrites, says Niger Governor

By Tony Akowe, Kaduna

“There is no doubt that as traditional and political leaders, we have a great opportunity to make the much needed difference. But we must remember that opportunity come with responsibility. We really need to properly define lasting peace – could it be merely bringing about an end to violence and conflicts in our communities and the nation or doing more?”

The governor added: “we have a responsibility to act decisively to conquer poverty, illiteracy, ignorance, diseases and extremism of all forms before we can genuinely hope to achieve desirable lasting peace and stability.

“We must categorically say no to the recurring wave of bombing, terrorism and crime in our communities.

But our responsibility does not end there. We need to go beyond that to address the underlying causes of these symptoms, to take practical steps to cure the diseases and to move forward. To secure our future and forestall violence, crisis and conflicts, we must create the space and opportunities for people to realize their potentials and aspirations.

“We need to do a lot at different levels to change the perception of the North as the bastion of violence, poverty and religious extremism.

As traditional rulers, you can do a lot to assist the development process in the society by involving yourselves in matters that affect the socio-economic well being of the people”.

According to him, “as elites we have to take full responsibility for what is happening in the nation. we need to unite to protect the

Governor PatrickYakowa, Babangida Aliyu and Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad Abubakar at the meeting

interest of those not so privileged, rather than remain fragmented in pursuit of narrow selfish interests, otherwise we will lose all.

“We must have the character to call a spade a spade, to condemn the unfortunate incidents on the Plateau, in Borno and Bauchi States as well as other parts of the Northern states and the nation in general.

“We must be prepared to pay any price to achieve this goal because we cannot expect any tangible development and economic growth as a nation in the present atmosphere that we have found ourselves.

“We should, therefore, be concerned about the rising incidence of religious ignorance and extremism in our communities, we should take deliberate steps

to neutralize any suspicious religious groups with traits of intolerance and extremism.”

He contended that “as prominent leaders, we should be decisive and courageous in tackling our socio-political problems as soon as they arise, to forestall their escalation and degeneration beyond control.”

In his address, the Sultan Abubakar Sa’ad lamented the lives that have been lost to series of violence in the North, pointing out that the nation’s politics and political processes should never be allowed to succumb to unfortunate outcome as witnessed during the last election.

The Sultan noted that “at this stage of our national development, we must be able

to evolve institutions that should bring harmony and understanding among our people and to build consensus on those fundamental issues that affect our collective existence”.

He noted that the sustenance of peace and harmony within the respective communities depends upon the ability and the willingness of elected leaders to discharge effectively their responsibilities to those who elected them, adding that poverty has become a constant companion to a significant percentage of the population.

He noted that “I believe the time has come for us all to renew our determination as a people, as a region and as a nation, to resolve these crises. We must work to-

EFCC has reduced advance fee fraud, Jonathan tells foreign investors

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has assured foreign investors of the safety of their investments.

He hinged his assurance on the fact that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reduced advance fee fraud and financial crimes to the barest minimum.

Also, the Chairman of the EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri, said the agency has recovered over $9 billion in the last three years.

Jonathan gave the assurance at the just-concluded Nigeria Investment Summit and Exhibition in New York.

The summit, which was one of the sideline activities of the 66th United Nations General Assembly, was organized by the African Busi-

From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

ness Roundtable in conjunction with Nigeria’s Mission in the UN. A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Femi Babafemi, quoted the President as assuring foreign investors of having nothing to fear about the possibility of losing their investments to advance fee fraud or any of the other related economic crimes in the country.

Jonathan said: “Our investors can rest assured that their investments are safe in Nigeria and fraudsters pose no threat again because the EFCC has almost eradicated the problem of advance fee fraud in our country.

“A lot of people are impatient over some of these cases in court but not many of them understand that these things take time and that when EFCC files charges in court, it has done its bit and more than 50 per cent is in the hands of the judiciary.

He told the gathering, made up of American, Asian, and European investors as well as Nigerians in the Diaspora, that the “activities of the anti-graft agency have been largely based on the rule of law resulting in reduction of the culture of impunity.”

In her presentation at the Summit where former British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair presented the keynote paper, the EFCC Chair-

man, Mrs Farida Waziri, said apart from ensuring that anyone, no matter how highly placed who violates Nigerian laws were investigated and made to face charges in court, many investors have been saved from losing billions of dollars to fraudsters through a preventive measure codenamed Transactions Clearing Platform, TCP among others.

She said: “The supply side of corruption (the givers) has a big role to play in dismantling the safe havens that provide facilities for laundering the proceeds of crime in their financial institutions. The damning 2010 report by the London based Global Witness chronicled how British Banks (HSBC,

RBS, NATWEST and USB) facilitated corruption in Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. The international investment community must therefore stand up against this.”

Others who spoke at the colourful and well-attended Summit under the theme “Nigeria in the Global Economic System: Taking Nigeria to the World and Bringing the World to Nigeria”, include Mr. Blair, Mrs. Waziri, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur (President,ABR), Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke (Petroleum Minister). Others are Prof Bart Nnaji (Energy Minister), Olugbenga Ashiru (Foreign Affairs Minister), Prof Joy Ogwu, Frank Nweke Jnr., among others.

gether to ensure that peace, security and religious harmony return to every nook and corner of Northern Nigeria “The rising spectre of youth unemployment is a stark reality that we cannot run away from… we need to address these issues seriously and concertedly at all levels of governance and we should do so with all the urgency that it deserves.

“We must say the truth and stand by it at all times.

As religious and traditional rulers, this is the basis of our moral authority and the essence of our leadership. We must remain politically nonpartisan, regardless of the enormity of the pressure for us to act otherwise”.

The Kaduna State Governor, Ibrahim Yakowa who was the host, noted that the meeting provided the opportunity for the Northern traditional rulers to review issues affecting the North and the country, particularly on matters of peace, security, stability and socio-economic progress and development.

“I salute your tireless determination and efforts in collaborating with one another toward finding a lasting solution to the frequent ethno-religious and political disturbances, as well as general insecurity in our region and the nation in general.

We must never give up until we restore our region to the status of its glorious past where we had unity in diversity and focused plans for meaningful development,” he said.

Four Governors, Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Umar Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), the host, Yakowa, and Aliyu as well as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, attended the meeting.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

telligence information on our security agencies than we had thought. And the manner in which they beat security agencies to attack point to some moles within the security network. Some

Lagos, Oyo outline steps to check flooding

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AGOS and Oyo States have embarked on measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the impending heavy rain that had been predicted by meteorologists.

The NIMET had warned that some states across the country were to witness heavy downpour and warned them to brace up for it. Lagos, Oyo and Akwa Ibom States recently experienced heavy rain which led to flooding and loss of many lives.

In Lagos, Governor Babatunde Fashola had directed that all buildings on drainage lines should be demolished while drainage channels that have been over grown by weeds and blocked with refuse should be cleared.

In line with the directive of the governor, the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, explained that the measure was to save the metropolis from floods.

He added that the Adiran channels which transverse several kilometres was one of the 10 drainage outlets established by the government to channel flood from the Eti-Osa axis into the lagoon.

Some of the structures affected are properties, fences and makeshift stalls erected on drainage channels in Somolu, Gbagada and Bariga areas.

Bello said the demolition would be carried out across the state to free all drain channels of illegal structures, while stressing that the government remained committed to its promises of providing good governance to the people.

According to him: “This is the beginning of the work.

There are areas that will be aligned and others dredged.

What we are enforcing now is a follow up to the visit of the governor after the July 10 incidence in the state.”

The Commissioner said the effort was not the only antidote to flooding in Lagos. He, however, urged residents to stop dumping refuse in the channels, saying it is through the cooperation of residents that the objective would be achieved.

Bello said: “I cannot promise you a flood-free Lagos because this is an impact of the climate change all over the world. The climate has changed dramatically all over the world and we

5

Anxiety over Boko Haram’s infiltration of security agencies

•Continued from Page 1 It was gathered that the government is worried that Boko Haram continued to launch attacks on their targets despite the presence of the Joint Task Force in Borno.

A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We are suspecting infiltration of security agencies

by Boko Haram members.

They seem to have more in-

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security operatives have not risen above ethnic and religious persuasions. We think such operatives might be leaking information.” The source added, “If there are no moles, why will a security chief release a Boko Haram leader in detention?

This infiltration is being ad-

dressed. I won’t say more than this.”

Responding to a question, the source continued: “We are working on a theory that some former intelligence chiefs and officers might have been providing back up support for Boko Haram. The guerrilla type of

operation and use of sophisticated arms have buttressed this bend of probe into Boko Haram.”.

The source however promised that the government would eventually smash Boko Haram, no matter what it takes. He said: “The Chief of Defence Staff,

Air Marshal Olusheyi Petinrin and other security chiefs are already reshaping intelligence units in most of the services. The JTF in Borno is also being strengthened.

“With enhanced intelligence system, Boko Haram will soon be a thing of the past,” he assured.

By Miriam Ndikanwu and Bisi Oladele

are having more rains and that is bringing a lot of flood all over the place. You can see what is happening in Japan and all over the world.”

He promised that the government will do everything within its means to reduce flooding. “This government is sensitive, responsive and is willing to help address the challenges.”

In Oyo State, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Alhaji Oladimeji Dauda, said the government was determined to clear all things that are blocking the free flow of water. He added that Governor Abiola Ajimobi has raised a committee to design how to utilize ecological fund for reconstruction of the flooded areas as well prevent a recurrence. He appealed to residents to desist from building on water channels and dumping refuse in drainages.

Lunch of Polio Free Torch Campaign 1&2, L-R, Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed , Former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje, Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Minister of state, Health, Dr.Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chkwu and the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Dr. Emmanuel Abanida at the National Flag off ceremony of 2011 at Maitama General Hospital Abuja yesterday.

Photo: AKIN OLADOKUN

Okonjo-Iweala canvasses joint facility for IMF member countries

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OORDINATING Minister of the Nigerian Economy and Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has canvassed the creation of a multilateral facility where the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Central Banks can work together to provide liquidity to member countries facing financing pressures.

She made this call yesterday on behalf of other African Finance Ministers (Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) at the World Bank/ IMF meetings in Washington DC. She acknowledged that the International Monetary System (IMS) has contributed to global output growth, enhanced global trade, and deepening financial integration.

However, the Finance Minster noted that the deficiencies of the IMS were once again evident during the global financial crisis. These she said have increasingly

• Okonjo-Iweala, From Ayodele Aminu in Washington DC

been the source of tension that, left unaddressed, could threaten the progress of globalisation and the accompanying prosperity.

Consequently, she said if the IMS was to help global recovery and maintain stable growth going forward, there was need for speedy reform. “In this regard, we urge the Fund to take the necessary steps to strengthen multilateral commitments from all members, create a collaborative framework for orderly cross border capital flows, ensure reliable access to global liquidity in crisis times, and provide a wider range of safe

global assets, all of which are mutually reinforcing.

“It could be recalled that during the recent financial crisis, short term-liquidity provision necessitated a series of one-off liquidity injections by individual Central Banks,” she said.

Besides, she said the African Finance Ministers were also open to considering greater international use of other currencies than the four currently in the SDR basket, including those of large dynamic emerging markets. “Nevertheless, we believe that the SDR could play a greater role in strengthening the IMS,” she said.

Nigeria’s Finance Minster noted that the global economy experienced remarkable growth in 2010, but economic activity is slowing down and has become more uneven with increasing downside risks. “In many advanced economies, growth continues to be weak, with high unemployment rates, and increasing concern over sovereign debt crisis in the Euro area and greater uncertainty over the US economic outlook. Given the uneven nature of global

growth, policy challenges differ considerably across countries. In most advanced countries, the main policy challenge is to sustain the recovery and reduce the lingering high unemployment while moving forward with the required fiscal adjustment and the necessary financial sector reforms and repairs. “ In contrast, growth in emerging market economies continues to be strong, leading to concern that rising commodity prices could exacerbate inflationary pressure in a number of these economies,” she said.

For Sub-Saharan Africa, she noted that the growth outlook remained optimistic. “The resilience and rapid recovery of the majority of Low-Income Countries (LICs) from the global crisis reflect their strong structural reforms efforts, pre-crisis macroeconomic policy buffers built during the good days, and increased ownership of policies, and flexibility in the fund’s financing and engagement with the authorities. These reform efforts were instrumental to attracting investment inflows into the region,” she

observed.

However, OkonjoIweala noted that continuing these trends would hinge on robust growth and recovery in advanced economies. “The rising global demand for commodities is arguably a key driver of the enhanced GDP growth together with increases in the prices for oil, minerals, grain, and other raw materials. On the other hand, rising global food prices have put upward pressure on inflationary trends and exacerbated food insecurity for many countries in the region, particularly net food importing countries.

An acute drought, the worst in six decades, has hit hard the greater Eastern African region and has exacerbated chronic food scarcity throughout the region,” she stressed.

For some emerging market and developing economies, she said there was a need to accelerate the unwinding of accommodative macroeconomic policies to avoid overheating in the face of strong economic activity, while ensuring that the poor are protected from the effects of higher food and fuel prices

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) over the weekend charged all those who choose violence as a cause to have a rethink because violence has never solved any problem anywhere.

Governor Fashola who spoke when he hosted a cocktail party in honour of past and outgoing members of the State Security Council at Lagos House, Marina, said every war has always ended with the parties coming back to the negotiation table.

“Let us start at the negotiation table and not end there.

Violence consumes everybody and not just the perpetrators

Fashola to Nigerians:

‘Embrace dialogue not violence’ alone. It diminishes all of us and takes away our common humanity. There is no problem that cannot be solved if there is a common will to share experience and compromise. I think it is in that context that our State and nation will prosper,” the Governor explained.

Governor Fashola who likened security to oxygen which is often taken for granted said it is critical to the nation’s economic

Nationwide warning strike: No going back, says ASUU •Continued from page 2 ‘’Therefore, the strike is now our last option. It is on this note that ABU would participate fully in the oneweek strike from the 26th of this month.’’

However, Dr. Muazu Maiwada, the leader of the other faction, said “as far as we are concerned, there is no ASUU in ABU and so we are not going to be party to the strike.

“In any case, it does not make sense to say ABU will go on warning strike when there are no students on campus. ‘’Lectures are not going on and exams have long been concluded. So, what are you going to shut down in ABU?” ASUU leaders at the Kaduna State University could not be reached as at Press time to determine whether they will take part in the strike or not.

In Bayelsa, ASUU chair-

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AST week at one of those so-called power reform summits held in Abuja, Vice-President Namadi Sambo who addressed the summit said the monthly wage bill of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) would soon hit N11 billion.

He said this would rise from the current N7 billion because of the decision of government to give workers of the company a 50 percent salary increase. According to the Vice-President, “Suffice it to state that we inherited a huge wage bill of over N7 billion monthly for PHCN staff.

However, with the new increase, the monthly salary will escalate to over N11 billion. This figure is interestingly about the same amount the PHCN generates monthly.”

In his treatise, the VicePresident did not tell the nation whether the new salary increase for PHCN workers was part of the general national minimum wage that the government has approved for workers.

What is unclears therefore with his explanation is why government is bend-

man at NDU, Dr Beke Sese, said all members have been mobilised to participate in the strike despite the fact that the university is on vacation.

He said: “Students are not in session .Only Part time, Sandwich and students of School of Medical Sciences are still on campus. ‘’But the ViceChancellor, Professor Chris Ikporikpo, has been informed of the strike action and the need to suspend the academic activities on campus. ‘’Members have already been mobilised to obey the strike because it is a national strike”.

The university’s image maker, Mr. Ebiegberi Amazige, noted that the warning strike won’t have effect because “students have not returned.’’

He however advised the Federal Government to be more committed to education.

development as it defines whether investment will come and if it comes whether it will stay.

“Security is not the responsibility of the security commanders alone or that of the security operatives, it is everybody’s business and responsibility. It requires everyone of us to be agents of information management and to be our brother’s keeper.

“If the security officers do not have information,

they cannot work to prevent crime. Lagosians should be very vigilant and continue to pass information to the security agencies through the emergency toll free numbers 767 and 112. You must resist the temptation to share messages of fear and terror,” Governor Fashola reiterated.

The Governor said the gathering was the little way in which the State Government intends to say thank you to the officers for

the dedication and passion they have shown while serving in making Lagos a relative haven of safety.

While responding on behalf of the honorees, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr. M.D. Abubakar, described Governor Fashola as a Governor who has shown good example in the country.

Those honoured in the Army include: Brigadier General A.B. Maitama, Brigadier Gen. A.V.

A descendant of the historic warrior, Ogedengbe, Obanla Oyekanmi Ogedengbe IV; a descendant of Legendary Aare Latosa, Arole Mabinuori Adegboyega; and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, during a visit by the duo to the Governor, after the stage performance of Ogun Kiriji, commemorating the 125th anniversary of the end of the Yoruba wars in Ado-Ekiti, at the weekend

PHCN: A reward for indolence?

By Olayinka Oyegbile

ing backwards to increase salary for this over-pampered and spoilt company that many Nigerians would rather do without.

It is absolutely clear that most of those who want government to still continue to hold the monopoly of this company are only those who profit from its prostrate state. The question all the union leaders in this sector should answer is whether they enjoy the use of GSM or not. If the government had listened to all those who were calling on it not to liberalise the tele-communication sector would they have been able to have the freedom and the easy access they enjoy today with all and sundry?

Is government not indulging the indolence of the fat cats in PHCN and encouraging the staffers to continue in their devious ways of sabotaging the supply of power to our

Mohammed and Brigadier General J.O.A. OchogeOchoga. From the Navy are: Navy Captain P.A. Agba, Navy Commo-dore.

O.P. Ozojiofor, Navy Commodore Jerry Unoarumhi.

Prominent among those who were present at the ceremony were members of the State Executive Council, including the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, serving brigade commanders in the state and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Major Tunde Panox (rtd).

homes? The same workers who were responsible for frustrating the distribution and availability of prepaid meters because it was able to cut the “crazy bills” syndrome are now to enjoy salary increase while doing practically nothing?

Nigeria is the only country where a child as young as six or less walks confidently with a jerry can to a petrol station to buy five litres of fuel for his/her parent’s generator! We see nothing wrong in this and the government is going ahead to reward the indolence of these workers by giving them more money!

What a country!!

A survey among Nigerians show that many would be more comfortable if the government could take the kind of step that was taken in the telecom sector-free them from the tyranny of PHCN. At the beginning it may be expensive, but has it has happened in the telecom sector so would it be in the power

sector. The government must free itself and the citizenry from the blackmail of the electricity workers.

What sense does it make to anyone as the Vice-President has admitted that what the workers take home as their wages is about what they generate?

This is apart from the private extortion some of the workers engage in by going from house to house threatening to cut supply of lights to traumatised customers who in turn bribe them to stay on a grid that takes power than supply it.

Mrs Omolola Oguntoyinbo does not support the decision to increase the pay of the workers. She narrated how an incident in her neighbourhood almost led to disagreement between the community and the workers. According to Mrs. Oguntoyinbo who lives at the Bariga area of Lagos, “Last week just because wrong bills were brought for all the tenants in the

building, and we were unable to pay the bills they returned two days later to cut the electricity cable.

This led to serious fight between my neighbours and the workers.”

She is of the opinion that until their services are improved upon they should not get any salary increment.

On the other hand, Mrs Adetoun Ajisegiri, is non committal on whether they deserve it or not, saying, “I would not say they don’t deserve it and I would not say they do, but one thing I know is that there is little change in the provision of electricity compared to the previous times.”

However, Semiu Babalola an artisan who lives in Sango scoffed at the idea of any salary increase for electricity workers. He said that he had to abandon his primary job of welding for riding okada because he could not afford to buy a generator that is

big enough to operate his welding equipment.

He was at a loss as to the reason behind the increase.

He asked what benefit it would serve the populace, wondering whether it was poor pay that was responsible for the epileptic power supply across the country and if the increase would help restore normalcy in the sector.

James Akpan who works with a private firm on Victoria Island, Lagos, was astounded at government’s decision. He asked, “What for goodness sake informed this decision? Is it that government is no longer interested in selling the company again?”

To him, it made no sense to give more money to workers of a company that is running at a loss. “That is the way of government.

Why pay people who are not bringing anything to the table? Is this not crass political patronage, at least for some party big wigs?”

The question is: why at this time?

•Additional report by Omobola Oguntoyinbo

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Obi restates commitment to good governance

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NAMBRA State governor, Peter Obi, has reiterated his commitment to good governance in the state.

The governor made this pledge in Awka, the state capital, at a sensitization workshop organised by the Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) in collaboration with the state government.

Governor Obi who is the Vice-Chairman of the NGF spoke at the formal commencement of the State Peer Review Mechanism (SPRM) in Nigeria being spearheaded by the Forum, in which Anambra is pioneering the effort.

While giving assurances of his administration commitment towards the success of the Peer Review exercise in the state, Obi stressed the need for continued collaboration with state actors.

The SPRM is a unique innovation by the Forum geared towards assisting states in Nigeria to accelerate the pace of their development through periodic reviews of progress in the implementation of their development policies, plans and programmes.

The roll-call of guests in attendance include Chairman of the NGC, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State who was represented by his counterpart in Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor Peter Obi, his deputy, Mr. Emeka Sibedu, Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Princess Chinwe Nwaebili, Chief Judge Anambra State, Hon. Justice Peter Nnanna Umeadi and HRM Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha.

Also in attendance were representatives of the World Bank, DFID among other non-state actors.

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Group scores Nigeria low on human rights

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UMAN Rights Agenda Nigeria, a rights group, has described as “unfavourable” Nigeria’s human rights credentials under the current administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The group made this submission at the end of a two-day dialogue on “The State of Human Rights, the Rule of Law and Security” which held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, recently.

In a 11-point communiqué signed on behalf of the group by Chino Obiagwu, Chairperson of Network and Itoro Eze-

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

Anaba, the Secretary of Network, the group observed that while there was a reasonable awareness on the existence of the Freedom of Information Act there is very little knowledge of the contents of the law as well as a disturbing reluctance on the part of state governments to implement the Act. The group also noted that there is a disturbing state of insecurity in Nigeria and a gross inability of the police and other security agencies to effectively deal with the situation

through intelligence, investigation and prosecution.

The rights group also condemned the “hasty action of the President in interfering with the Judiciary by his unjustified suspension of Justice Ayo Salami purportedly on the recommendation of the NJC and demand for a reversal of the action of the President on this to absolve the Presidency of complicity in this illegality.

On the way forward, the group suggested that there was need for government to increase awareness on the contents of the FOI Act and build the capacity of public officers in preserv-

ing, retrieving and providing public information.

The group also urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to overhaul the security outfits and enhance the intelligence and investigative capacities of the police and other security agencies as well as address their welfare.

To tackle corruption, the group implored the President to show genuine commitment in combating corruption by ensuring the independence of anti-corruption institutions and transparent and credible process of appointing the leadership.

PDP chieftain makes case for Wamakko From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

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FORMER Council chairman and active member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto, Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi, has passed a vote of confidence on Governor Aliyu Wamakko, saying the latter remains the party’s choice in the 2012 Sokoto State governorship polls.

According to Abdullahi, Governor Wamakko has recorded remarkable progress in the state as well as delivered democratic dividends to the citizens of the state.

While enumerating some of the achievements of the Wamakko-led administration, the PDP chieftain said “the state university, quality over head bridge, establishments and expansion of professional educational institutions such as the School of Health Technology, School of Agriculture, legal and youth empowerment programmes as well as provision of urban, semi-urban, township and rural roads in addition to water supply” were significant signs that the state has undergone some transformation under the Wamakko.

Senator to face disciplinary action for anti-party activities From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

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MBARRASSED by allegation from one of its mem bers that the former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Chief Michael Abdul, was responsible for the failure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2011 gubernatorial elections in the State, the party has called for the retraction of the statement and an unreserved apology from Senator John Danboyi.

Danboyi, a former Senator representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District had told newsmen during an interview when he was summoned to appear before an “anti-party activities” committee in Akwanga that the party’s refusal to give Solomon Ewuga the Senatorial ticket due to the blind ambition of former Deputy Governor for 2015 cost the party the 2011 elections in the state.

But the Chairman of the party in Akwanga Local Government yesterday said that “for Senator Danbloyi to jump to the hasty and unreasonable conclusion that Chief Dr. John M. Abdul was responsible for the defeat of the PDP in the state is the height of mischief.”

While calling on Danboyi to retract the statement immediately, the Chairman, Mr. Joel Ahmadu Mamman said that the Senator was trying to tarnish Abdul’s reputation and expose him to ridicule by what he called his reckless and malicious publication.

He said, “It is irresponsible for the Senator turn back on the party he has benefitted from and cast aspersion on the integrity of its members.”

He further accused Danboyi of conspiring along with his supporters to work alongside an opposition party that campaigned against the victory of the PDP in the 2011 elections as well as the 2008 local government elections in the state saying that anti party activities has become his stock in trade since 2007.

L-R: •Mrs Stella Okojie, Product Manager, Moneygram, UBA Plc; Mrs Joan Abolo, Regional Director, Benin Region, UBA Plc; and Mr David Osamwonyi, Headmaster , Ogbe Primary School, Benin, during the donation of books to schools via the UBA/MoneyGram Gear Up To School Promotion

Pa Obi kidnap saga: Jang commends FG for dismissing erring soldier G

OVERNOR Jonah Jang of Plateau State has commended the Chief of Army Staff and the Federal Government for their prompt intervention in setting up a task force to investigate the involvement of two soldiers in the abduction of John Obiekeze, Mikel Obi’s father.

From Yusuf Aminu Idegu, Jos

The governor gave this commendation yesterday in a statement signed on his behalf by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Hon. Pam Ayuba.

In the statement which reads in part, Governor Jang said: “The Plateau State government welcomes the disciplinary measures taken against the two soldiers involved in the abduction of the father

PPN promises generational change in Kogi

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HEAD of the gubernatorial election scheduled for December in Kogi State, the People’s Party of Nigeria (PPN) has said it would pursue policy of generational change if voted into power.

A former seasoned banker, Gideon Enema Ojata who emerged as PPN flag in its governorship primaries over the weekend in Lokoja, pledged to pursue a policy of generational change by engaging youths in productive activities as a way of curbing social vices in the state.

Ojata said, “Any administration that lacks creative ideas to create wealth for its people and gives

From Isah Idris, Katsina

youths free education is not a responsible government”.

The PPN candidate reiterated that being from one of poorest families, he knows the hardship and so promised a people’s centered government that would create wealth and engaged youths in productive activities.

The State Coordinator for Gideon Ojata Campaign Organisation, Barr Abutu Timoty said Ojata’s priorities, among other things, is to stamp out corruption and improve the living standard of the less privileged and the oppressed if voted into power.

The primaries was supervised by the party officials including the National Chairman, Chief Abiodun Odusanya, National Secretary, Alhaji Bayo Adebowale, Barr Hamza Abdullahi, State Chairman and Secretary, Yakubu Gowon Omale and Oyibo Adullahi Ayibo respectively.

Other parties have also chosen their candidates.

The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has produced James Enejo (SAN) as its candidate; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has former Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu as flagbearer while People’s Democratic Party candidate, Capt. Idris Wada, is being challenged in court.

to Chelsea FC of England star, Mikel Obi. “Reports indicated that PVT. Jaduwa Thalma has not only been dismissed from service but handed over to the police for prosecutions, while Sgt. Victor Essien will face higher prosecuting authority in line with extant military regulation.”

“We therefore urged the authorities concerned to ensure that the two suspects are subjected to the full course of justice and that complaints from the public against security personnel are promptly investigated for possible remedy.

Doing so will engender public confidence and send a strong signal that crime does not pay, and that no one is above the law.”

The father of Mikel Obi, John Obiekeze, was kidnapped from Jos and rescued in Kano 12 days after in August 2011.

The Chief of Army Staff set up task force to investigate the level of involvement of two members of the Special Task Force (STF) on the Jos crises.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

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ECOWAS condoles Cape Verde From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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RESIDENT of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), James Victor Gbeho, has sent a condolence message to the government and people of Cape Verde on the passing away of their first President, His Excellency, Aristides Maria Pereira.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by ECOWAS Communication Officer, Uwem Thompson.

The statement reads: “It was with deep regret and a great sense of loss that the ECOWAS learnt about the passing away of H.E. Aristides Maria Pereira, the first President of the Republic of Cape Verde, which sad event occurred on 21st September 2011.”

“ECOWAS fondly remembers the heroic role played by Mr. Pereira in the liberation struggle against Portuguese colonialism, leading to the emergence in 1975 of the new State of Cape Verde, which he served as President with dedication, distinction and vision until 1991.”

“While in office, Mr. Pereira was instrumental in laying the foundations of the vibrant and viable democratic and economic path that Cape Verde continues to follow today, and which has offered West Africa a sound development model.”

He went on: “He also led the country into the nascent ECOWAS in 1975. ECOWAS wishes to convey its deep-felt condolences to the Government and people of Cape Verde, and to the family he left behind, for the irreparable loss sustained.”

“It is the conviction of ECOWAS that his exemplary life and works will continue to inspire generations to come, both in Cape Verde and in West Africa, on to greater heights. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Amnesty helped oil production, says Akpabio From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Jonathan happy with outcome of Amnesty Programme ...vows to stamp out insecurity P R E S I D E N T Goodluck Jonathan has attributed the buoyancy of the Nigerian economy to the relative success of the Amnesty Programme for repentant restive youths of the Niger Delta region.

He said oil production now stands between 2.6 million-2.8 million barrels per day.

Jonathan spoke yesterday in Cross Rivers State during the last batch graduation ceremony at the Amnesty Camp in Obubra.

He said the Disarmanent and Demobilisation of the first phase of the Presidential Amnesty programme has closed.

On the effectiveness of the Amnesty initiative, Jonathan noted that in 2008 alone, the nation lost N3 trillion at the peak of the activities of the Niger Delta ex-combatants.

From Yomi Odunuga, Abuja Bureau Chief

Represented by the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs , Hajia Maina Ibrahim-Kuchi, he stated that the current high oil production was a testimony of the success of the amnesty programme.

He said: “It got to a point where Nigeria’s export dwindled to as low as 800, 000 bpd, compared with a targeted 2.2 million bpd for the first quarter of 2009.

“In 2008 alone, it was estimated that Nigeria lost over N3 trillion as a result of militancy in the Niger Delta”.

He expressed his administration’s determination to restore security of lives and property across

the country, saying peace is necessary for development.

“This government is determined and poised to stamp out insecurity in all parts of the country.

“It is when we live in peace as a united nation that we can feed our teaming people, tackle unemployment and confront head-on infrastructural challenges.

“We shall not relent until every part of Nigeria is rid of restiveness and other challenges of insecurity,” he said.

4, 149 ex- militants trained at Obubra have been placed in skill acquisition centres and formal education in Nigeria and offshore by the Amnesty Office.

20, 192 ex-militants

have so far undergone the disarmament and demobilisation training and being re-integrated into civil society.

Another 6, 616 that have disarmed are waiting undergoing non-violence training in Obubra in the second phase of the amnesty programme.

The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chief Executive Officer of the Amnesty Programme, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, urged the ex-combatants to remain peaceful and hard working to make the most use of the opportunity provided them by the programme.

He also charged the international community to support the programme by granting visas to the exmilitants for overseas training and studies.

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KWA Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has stated that the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme would put an end to militancy in the oil-rich Niger Delta region if implemented to the letter.

He spoke with reporters yesterday at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, shortly after attending the wedding fatiha between Mahadi, the son of former National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Gusau, (rtd.) and Hadiza, the daughter of ANPP’s Presidential Aspirant in the last election, Alhaji Bashir Tofa.

Akpabio said: “If implemented to the letter, I believe it would put an end to militancy in the Niger Delta. ‘’Even as I speak now, we may not say we still have militancy but we still have fallouts of militancy, which are the different processes of the amnesty programme disarmament, integration, and of course empowerment.

“I think the Amnesty Programme is on course. It has helped a lot to improve oil production in the country.

“We used to produce less than one million barrels of crude oil per day but now we are producing over 2 million barrels per day, Niger Deltans are cooperating and the militants have laid down their arms.”

He however admitted that there are still pockets of kidnapping and banditry, which he said, would be tackled by security agencies.

“We are working hard, and all hands are on deck to clean the entire Niger Delta of banditry,” he added.

Forum tasks Southwest leaders on MDGs

By Taiwo Adeosun

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ARTICIPANTS at the South-West Regional conference on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have canvassed for the empowerment of Ministries and Departmental Agencies for the actualization of the goals in 2015.

They made the call in a communiqué issued at the conference organised by the Department for International Development (DFID) an agency of the British government, held recently in Ado Ekiti.

Tagged: “Measuring and communicating the impact of MDG interventions”, it drew participants from Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Osun and Lagos states respectively.

Mrs. Abiola Hafsat-Costello, founder of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy and currently Special Adviser on MDGs to the Ogun State Governor, who read the communiqué on behalf of the group stated that there was need to ensure better governance, planning and public budgeting towards MDGs and poverty reduction by supporting evidence based budgeting, budget monitoring and tracking.

The group also resolved to make deliberate efforts to support respective State Governments in their efforts at attaining the MDGs with the view to eradicating poverty.

Besides, the group called for the tracking and management of MDG indicators in each of the South West states will be supported through rigorous data collection, storage for information dissemination and decision making.

•L-R: Guest of Honour, Justice Bola Babalakin (rtd); Guest Speaker, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and Chairman of the occasion, Emeritus Professor of Law David Adedayo Ijalaye during the 20th Anniversary Dinner of Liberation Chambers of OAU in honour of Justice Bola Babalakin (rtd), at Ogunbanjo Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife yesterday

T

HE Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation Mr. Chike Onwe yesterday assured the Igbo leaders of the seven participating states of the annual Igbo Day Celebration slated to hold in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital of adequate security of lives and properties before and during the event.

In a joint press conference addressed by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation Mr. Chike Onwe and the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor Dr. Onyekachi Eni, they assured the participants that security would be beefed up within and outside the state capital to avert any kidnap and armed robbery attack on the participants.

According to them; “the security challenges we have in other parts of the country, in Ebonyi state the picture is not the same but we have not left anything to chance, the security agencies have been

Igbo Day Celebration: Ebonyi assures Igbo leaders, others of adequate security From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

fully mobilized and briefed as to the nature of the event.

I want to assure you that there is going to be a full security cover within and outside the state capital”.

“Security blanket will be cast on Abakaliki and the state to be sure that no incidence of negative nature is witnessed throughout the programme. We want also to assure the Igbo leaders coming from all the parts of the states to grace the occasion to be rest assured that the security of their lives and properties would be guaranteed”.

On the poor state of federal roads leading into Abakaliki, the state capital, they said that the works committee of the event would work assiduously to ensure that the roads regarded as death traps are given a

facelift before the commencement of the two-day programme.

The duo regretted the poor state of federal roads leading to the state capital adding that the event would avail the Igbo leaders the opportunity to have a first sight of the level of suffering Ebonyi people and other uses of the Enugu-Abakaliki and Afikpo-Abakaliki go through on a daily basis.

“The roads leading to Abakaliki from Enugu and Afikpo are both in a very bad state but we want to assure our visitors that the state government through the works committee of the event would try as much as possible to give a facelift to the Federal roads. We have been complaining of the bad state of the roads but this event would give the Igbo leaders the opportunity to appreciate our predicament

and suffering of our people.”

Mr. onwe noted that these’s years event will address a number of issues affecting the Igbo stock and the forward adding that the theme of the event is “Igbo Bu Oke Mba” which will xray the mobilization and sensitization of Ndigbo for pragmatic approach to national importance.

According to the programme of event, there would be a Remembrance Church Service today.

On Wednesday, there would be youth activities, followed by a novelty march between Rangers International of Enugu and Vasco Dagama Football Club.

The grand finale according to the release will hold on Thursday at the Abakaliki Township after the laying of wreath by Igbo leaders.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2011

Politics

Political Politics

Rough road to justice N

OT even the obvious stress of long journey on the federal road, now commonly referred to as death trap, could discourage the determined Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) faithful on that fateful Tuesday.

From the Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta and Kwara States, the party members left in lorry loads. They wore united by their collective solidarity for the national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is on trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal over allegations of operating foreign accounts as former governor of Lagos State.

Their destination was Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where Tinubu, was expected to defend himself against the charges before the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar. However, they missed the kick-off of the process. At Lokoja, gunwielding policemen led by a Commissioner of Police, ‘detained’ the chieftains and their vehicles for 12 hours based on orders from above.

It started like a mild drama.

A road block was mounted and the intimidation commenced. The policemen were apparently tutored ahead to identify the ACN followers.

First to arrive at Lokoja were party members from Osun State. They met a brick wall and could not proceed to their destination.

Next was the Lagos chapter, which got to the scene after the Osun members were denied passage. After barking orders at the drivers one after the other, they ordered the passengers out of the vehicles.

“Na dem sir, na dem, sir”, one of the police cops shouted as he confirmed that they were ACN men and women. The policemen were not up to 20, but they overwhelmed the harmless Nigerians with guns bought by their taxes.

The policeman demanded for the drivers’ licenses. They were easily produced. Not satisfied, he demanded for the vehicles’ particulars. They were provided. Later, he confiscated the car keys. Then, they asked some of them to produce their personal identity cards. That was also done.

After that, a mini-probe was conducted. “Where are all of you heading to?”, they queried. The vehicles were thoroughly searched, but nothing incriminating was found.

Not knowing what to do next, the policemen returned to the big boss, the Commissioner of Police. His face waslivid with anger. The commissioner roared like a lion seeking a prey to devour. “Tell them to go back to where they were coming from”, he thundered.

Many party men were dumb founded. Few of their leaders politely approached the commissioner. They told him that they were going to Abuja as free citizens without exhibits. Since they have not committed any offence, they pleaded with him to restore their freedom of movement.

Pleas by the Ondo State A C N s p o k e s m a n , Adegboyega Adedipe, to the commissioner also fell on deaf enrs. He had approached him with courtesy, explaining that it was dangerous for those who had travelled long hours on the bad road to be subjected

•Tinubu

By Emmanuel Oladesu

to the additional pain of systematic detention. He assured him that they were not on the road for any diabolical intention.

The commissioner would have none of that. His word was law, and nothing more.

He gave the people a marching order, shouting on top of his voices. He said that it was dangerous for them to disobey his orders. He commanded the ACN members to return to their vehicles and turn back to Lagos. At that moment, the party stalwarts developed a thick skin. They said they had a mission in Abuja to identify with their leader, who would be appearing before the tribunal on the morrow.

The defiant attitude of the huge crowd jolted him out of his delusion that the fear of gun could always be the beginning of wisdom. ACN members burst in favourite party songs, dancing and waving their handkerchiefs, which now served as brooms, the symbol of the party. This infuriated the policemen who decided to disperse the crowd.

Time was ticking away.

Around 10.30pm, the policemen threatened to disperse the crowd. Threatening to open fire, many took to their other to nowhere in particular. Some ran back at least 200 meters from the scene. Others who were seized by panic ran into the bush. In the process, they fell and sustained injuries.

Some even lost valuables especially their handsets, purses,

shoes and money.

Already, there was suspense in Abuja among party leaders who earnestly waited for the members. Hotels have been booked for many of them. Meetings that had been scheduled were abruptly cancelled. Their families were also putting up calls to them from home, inquiring whether they had landed safely in Abuja. There were suspense, anxiety and apprehension.

What motivated the onslaught against the innocent citizens by the police could only be explained by the Police Commissioner, but he was not accountable to the ‘detained’ ACN members.

Observers contend that the trial, of Asiwaju which is generally believed to be politically motivated, promptly reenacted the history of war against the progressive bloc by the power that be. It is reminiscent of the arraignment of the first Leader of Opposition, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, before the Coker Commission of Inquiry and later at Justice George Sowemimo’s High Court for treasonable felony trial.

As the entire progressive elements in the country rallied round the former Action Group (AG) leader and premier of Western Region during the dark period, so the ACN family and other men of goodwill swarmed on Asiwaju Tinubu, in a manner that has translated the trial into a big national issue.

Even, outside the country, the victimisation of the opposition leader generated interest. Friends of Nigeria sought for explanations for the al-

“It started like a mild drama. A road block was mounted and the intimidation commenced. The policemen were apparently tutored ahead to identify the ACN followers. First to arrive at Lokoja were party members from Osun State. They met a brick wall and could not proceed to their destination.”

leged attempt to crumble the opposition from government officials who were recently at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly meeting in New York, United States.

When reality dawned on the passengers that the police would remain adamant, the members of ‘Asiwaju Vanguard’ alerted Folami to their plight at midnight. Members include grassroots party leaders, councillors, supervisory councillors and loyal youths.

They were 30 in number.

The council boss had travelled by air in the morning.

He lodged at Rita Lori Hotel.

From his suit, he hurriedly left for Lokoja in a chartered cab.

It was a two-hour journey. But the risk was worth taking at night for the sake of party colleagues.

On arriving the town, he went to the commissioner to introduce himself. When members who had been dispersed into the bush learnt about his arrival, some of them came out. “Sir, I am Dr Rasak Folami, chairman of Surulere Local Government, Lagos State. These people are our party members. They are going to Abuja. I arrived Abuja this morning myself and I had to drive down to plead with you to allow them to proceed”, he explained. But the Police Commissioner was stiff. His response to pleas by the medical doctor-turned politician was that he was under firm instruction to turn the people back.

“The situation in Abuja is tense and we are not to allow anybody to go to Abuja”, retorted the commissioner, who started sweating at a point in time.

Also that point in time, fatigue had set in on the detained travellers. It was time for dinner, but there were no food and water. Some elderly people among them were being fanned by youths who put off their clothes. Mosquitoes, which have also invaded the area, were biting the chieftains.

Miffed by the undeserved punishment, the youths started to sing solidarity songs and tension rose. Some party members contacted the National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Layiwola Mohammed, and the Lagos Vice Chairman, Adeseye Amingo, on the phone. Their intervention did not yield any good result.

Folami urged calm, promising to narrate their ordeal to the party leaders when he gets back to Abuja. He was day dreaming. As he turned wanted to go, the Police Commissioner decreed that he and his chartered cap should also be detained.

ACN National Publicity Scribe, Mohammed said that efforts to intimidate the party and its followers would fail.

He chided the police for gross violation of freedom of movement and assembly as guaranteed by the constitution.

Mohammed added: “The decision to virtually arrest all our members heading to Abuja in Lokoja to show solidarity with their party leader is a big blow to the rule of law and negates the tenets of constitutional democracy It confirms the general belief that the charges against Asiwaju were politically motivated”.

turf

with Bolade Omonijo boladeomonijo@yahoo.com

Time to consider part-time legislature

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HE cavalier manner that our leaders have adopted in running the affairs of the country is an indication that the national malady could be a terminal ailment.

No one who has found himself or herself in a position of authority in recent times seems to appreciate the magnitude of the problem. Those who probably do, react by simply lining their pockets with enough resources to last three generations, thus further compound the woes. It is a shame. The shame of a country crying out for selfless leaders, but getting selfish, rapacious officials.

Under the presidential system of government, the legislature is saddled with the task of monitoring the executive, ensuring that the Chief Executive does not abuse the mandate freely given him by the electorate. The lawmakers are called to duty to make laws relevant to the society, laws that would promote the good welfare and security of the greatest number. Nowhere is this as urgent as Nigeria. The state of the ship of the nation calls for all hands to be on deck.

There is certainly the need for the national interest to be identified, well defined and ensure that all those elected to office, whether the executive or legislature, work to promote and defend the national interest. There is no indication that the legislatures, at the federal or state levels, appreciate this call to duty. Glibly, they talk of the oversight function, but do little to keep those in the executive on their toes.

How do we improve on the national work ethic when those who should show the way hardly work for 100 days a year? I have heard the argument many times that the duty of the legislator is not merely to sit at plenary, but that a lot is done at the committee level. We have been told that most legislators work actively in monitoring executive agencies and in consideration of the intricacies of pending legislation at the committee level.

But, there is little to confirm this. The large majority of the federal legislators are only interested in taking their fat allowances, including provisions deliberately made to go on foreign trips that they end up not undertaking. Reporters who cover the National Assembly have observed that committee work is done by the few who attend the plenary regularly. Others simply do not care.

Take a look at this set of legislators in the National Assembly. The attitude is appalling. No one is conditioned to make sacrifice for the nation. The Assembly was inaugurated on June 6 and immediately proceeded on a recess after sitting for only one day. Why? Inadequate attention to their welfare! This is hardly a credible reason for an Assembly that has been in place since 1999. The staff have garnered enough experience, some of the lawmakers are making their third or fourth return to the Assembly, yet welfare was cited as reason to fail in their first outing. It is a national shame.

Let us consider this sequence. The elections were held in April, inauguration on June 6, first break on June 7 and resumption on June 28. After one month, the lawmakers, this time on the excuse of the Ramadan fast, went on another break that lasted till September 13. That was a whole six weeks! Where do people take six weeks holiday after working for four weeks? If the lawmakers think that the fasting period is so demanding, shouldn’t they pass Bills that would make the entire period work-free? This should also apply to the forty-day Lenten season. In the first three months, Nigeria’s National Assembly was in operation for only one month.

Our lawmakers should wake up. They have set up a committee to review and revamp the constitution, but they are suggesting that the exercise could last up to 2014. Why. Yes, consultations and public hearings. These are, again, lame excuses. There is nothing requiring attention in the constitution that could not be handled within six months.

The only plausible reason for this tardiness is how to make money from the exercise.

The members would likely comb the entire country many times over. They will visit the British Parliament to ask questions. The American Congress will host them and they will deliberately disagree, thus necessitating long adjournment to make room for reconciliation. Then, by the time they come round to reaching an agreement by late 2014 or early 2015, the elections would be so close that all their actions would be subjected to all sorts of interpretations and suggestions.

The game plan is easy to read. Very soon, the chambers would be as empty as meat sellers stalls on sanitation days.

The only item that excites our lawmakers is payment. Nothing else. The task of ensuring that they work according to their mandates is for the people. We must shout whenever we have to. They have taken the first faulty steps, this is the time to call them to order.

Given the pattern of their work, and to reduce the expenditure on the 469 lawmakers, I seriously believe that we should consider making legislation in the country part-time.

THE NATION

11

ON SUNDAY

COMMENT and ANALYSIS SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

No microwave solution for Boko Haram Festus Eriye

Negotiations only work after military defeat of terrorists

efestus2003@yahoo.com 08052135878 (SMS only)

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DO not believe in negotiating with terrorists. Still I found Professor Wole Soyinka’s attack on former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s over his attempt to broker peace with Boko Haram a bit unfair.

He had suggested that the surprise visit to Maiduguri was an ego-driven bid to play the elder statesman. But civil rights campaigner, Shehu Sani, now claims the controversial visit was originally his idea, and that he approached the former president.

One immediate consequence of the Obasanjo-Sani initiative is that an unknown gunman apparently affiliated to the extremist Islamists walked up to Babakura Fugu –late sect leader Mohammed Yusuf’s brother-in-law – next day and shot him dead. His offence was hosting the talks.

In just 24 hours what had seemed like a stunning move to break the deadlock descended into further controversy after Boko Haram denied responsibility for the killing. So who could have done it? All sorts of scenarios have been thrown up.

One school of thought believes the assassination was confirmation of a rumoured split within the ranks of the sect.

Another theory claimed that the sect had been swallowed by a larger and more malevolent organisation – al-Qaeda- that was implacably opposed to any peace initiatives that could hinder its spread into the continent.

Even more interesting was the attempt to establish a political connection to what was happening. Some suggested that Boko Haram had been hijacked by frustrated politicians who were more interested in making President Goodluck Jonathan look bad than in seeing peace return to the land. These conspiracy theorists are quick to point to dark threats by certain individuals to make the country ungovernable if the president ran for office at the April 2011 polls.

Responding to reports he was negotiating on behalf of government, Obasanjo in half-hearted denial said he was only on a fact-finding mission. But without meaning to do so, he hit the nail on the head. No strategy – whether the peace talks track or use of force – can work without an understanding of what is going on within the sect.

Without a thorough understanding of the ideological positions, psychological profile of the leaders and organisational structure, all negotiations amount to groping in the dark.

I am especially amused by Sani’s threat to abandon the talks if the government failed to grant the sect’s requests as discussed with Obasanjo. He said: “I will not put my life on the line again for another meeting with them, unless the government meets their demands and guarantees the security of their members and myself.”

How can a government that could not guarantee the safety of the Nigerian Police headquarters offer protection to the spawn of Yusuf? Negotiations are not car-

•Obasanjo

ried out with one party holding the gun to the other’s head and demanding he play ball. That is a hostage situation. The least any honest broker in this kind of situation should do is push for all parties to come to the table without preconditions.

Sani’s statement is presumptuous. He wants the government to cave in to all demands made by Yusuf’s family, but what does Nigeria get in return? The assassination of Obasanjo’s host, Fugu, only confirms that the hapless fellow was in over his head. He did not control the AK-47totting killers on the prowl and there is no guarantee the bombings would stop because we don’t know who we are dealing with.

If this government will study patterns worldwide it would realise that all it needs do is hold its nerve and refrain from making any ill-thought out concessions and commitments. Every new bombing may put it under pressure to act, but when you examine it Boko Haram are increasingly shooting themselves in the foot with every new outrage.

Terror will never be attractive to anyone in sane society. It will never be popular because it evil, beastly and arbitrary.

When the sect started out its targets were symbols of authority like police stations.

Today, its innocent victims include fellow Muslims whose corner the sect claims to be fighting.

Negotiations are particularly tricky at this point because of the very nature of the Boko Haram cause. These chaps are not fighting for territory or self-determination; they are not pursuing some economic goals like the Niger-Delta militants. Theirs is a war to foist a religious

ideology on the rest of the populace. What do you offer these sorts of characters in exchange at the negotiating table?

All terrorists are delusional. They are convinced they can achieve their goals by anonymously carrying out random acts of violence against the same people they want to win over! How illogical!

The only solution is to convince them that they cannot win the contest of violence. Examples abound all over the world showing how governments tried to appease and talk to terrorists without avail. They only started to make progress by defeating them militarily.

Columbia is a country that for almost four decades has been battling the activities of Marxist-Leninist guerrilla groups.

For years the government of President Andres Pastrana pursued peace negotiations with the largest group, the FARC. Four years of fruitless talks didn’t deliver any cease fires, only rampant violence.

In 2002 the hard-line Alvaro Uribe was elected after promising to take the fight to the terror groups. At the end of his tenure FARC and the other guerrilla groups were in full retreat, with their appeal declining. Portions of the country which had been no-go areas were reclaimed.

Uribe’s position was that government had to first assert its military superiority to cause the guerrillas to return to the negotiating table with more flexible positions. He understood they had to be made to see that their methods were unworkable.

It is the same story in Spain. For four decades, the Basque separatist organisation, ETA, waged a campaign of bombings and killings in regions in northern Spain and south-west France.

But in September 2010, the group took a unilateral decision not to carry out further attacks. The ceasefire came after years of military reversals suffered at the hands of the security agencies of Spain and France. Today, the popularity of ETA is at its nadir. It had to be defeated militarily, and outmanoeuvred by internal political reengineering that encouraged the activities of moderate Basque organisations.

A more important lesson for us is that there is no quick fix for terror. Ten years after it launched its war against al-Qaeda, the United States is still fighting its foe on several fronts across many continents.

Spain and Columbia have largely contained their own terror groups, but that is after four decades of action.

In defeating a foe like Boko Haram, there would be no microwave, quick fix solution like what happened in the Niger Delta. It may take time, but we must break these killers militarily. Then, and only then, can talks produce the kinds of results we desire.

“Negotiations are not carried out with one party holding the gun to the other’s head and demanding he play ball. That is a hostage situation. The least any honest broker in this kind of situation should do is push for all parties to come to the table without preconditions”

Lekan Otufodunrin lotufodunrin@yahoo.com 08050498530 (SMS only)

This card game called life

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PART from the Bible, one of the best books I have read and which has impacted me greatly is What’s Next? by Rena Pederson, former Vice President and Editorial Page Director of the Dallas Morning News in the United States.

In the book Pederson explores the lives of successful women- famous and not-sofamous-who have redefined themselves in midlife. Interestingly I bought the book under the Ikeja bridge in Lagos from one of the mobile booksellers years ago when I had to wait for my turn to take commercial buses.

I have read the book several times and lent it to some ladies who confirmed that they, as Pederson said in the introduction to the book “gained new insights about his card game called Life”.

Last week, I searched for the book to read again. Once in a while, we get confused about how to respond to things that happen to us and need to encourage ourselves.

In chapter eight of the book titled Don’t Let Life Wear You Down, Pederson wrote “When you are feeling beaten down by life, it is precisely then when you should scrape the courage to try something different”.

“In all our lives, there are times when we feel the effects of discouragement, rejection, or loss. Times when things just don’t turn out the way we hoped. Times when life does not seem fair. During such times, we just wish someone would take care of us for a change. This is the best time of all to take care of yourself.”

According to Pederson in chapter one of the book titled, There is still time, “Those who do get time to try something different, especially something that uses neglected gifts or something more altruistic, should not hesitate to do so. Life is not over until it’s over. You must find a way to use your autumn day well”.

Still in chapter one, Pederson says the first step in deciding “what’s next?” is to find the time to stop and think, “who am I now?”

“Perhaps you need to look yourself in the mirror and get to know yourself again.

You must ask yourself what kind of person you want to become. That often means you must remember the person you meant to be before life and necessity stepped in.

“You must find time to dream again.

What is it you really want to do with the time you have left? Take time-out to reflect on your life’s timeline. Review all the ups and downs. Enumerate the highlights, your accomplishments. Never forget how far you have come. Acknowledge the strength s on which you can build the second half. Leverage what you have learned when deciding what you will do next”.

Life can indeed be a card game as Pederson rightly puts it. Sometimes you “win”, sometimes you “lose”. While you can keep on winning , you can also come back from loosing to win if you don’t quit.

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Ogochukwu Ikeje ohgeeoh@gmail.com 08084235961 (SMS only)

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Comment & Analysis

VERYONE knows that you need more than wings to fly. More than anything else, you need a heart. To make a success of anything, you require more than tools or tutelage. You need a heart to do so, a fire to propel you.

Only a few years ago, planes were falling off the Nigerian sky at an alarming frequency, plunging people to a most horrific death. It wasn’t that Nigerian pilots could not fly an aircraft. Nor was it that the planes did not have wings and therefore were not airworthy. The aircraft were crashing simply because there was no heart to ensure safety in the air. Without such a heart, therefore, no one prioritized the installation of obligatory flying aids.

Nor was the right orientation in place for ground personnel. The result was the unforgettable catalogue of air tragedies of the Obasanjo years. The moment the right heart came the planes flew began to fly peacefully in the Nigerian skies.

Hard-nosed football coaches look for this sort of heart in their players especially the strikers. A good pair of legs is not enough.

Nor is ball control. Do you have enough fire, an insatiable hunger to put the ball behind the opponent’s net? Attackers are rested if this fire is not in their belly.

We need such fire to successfully tackle every challenge facing this country, including security. These days of Boko Haram bloodletting, we have read that virtually every world power has lent us its security and intelligence services to

A heart to fly We need home-made fire to confront evil help tackle terrorism. The other day, we read again that the Jonathan administration has appealed to Britain for help in this regard.

All well and good. But as a nation, we need a heart of our own to confront evil. Outside help is welcome but it will not endure. Beyond the obligation stirred by our common humanity, the West will only help us or anyone else to help itself. There are interests to protect, new grounds to be broken and virgin frontiers to be explored. Beyond that, you are essentially on your own. We need a heart before the helpers come. We need a heart while they are here. And we need a heart after they are gone.

Such a heart has eluded the Nigerian leadership. In spite of assorted national mantra, slogans and other forms of rhetoric, leadership has perpetually failed the nation and its people. Why?

No heart to swing things. No heart to fly.

A few examples won’t go amiss. Our leadership has consistently expended a lot of energy and cash to project a polished Nigerian brand to the world. We have been urged to dress Nigerian and to love the local fabric. But what effort has been made to revive the abandoned indigenous textile industry that should spin out the fabric?

The Ministry of Works takes a handsome cut of statutory funds from the federal purse but has failed to build roads or repair damaged ones on which our perish every day.

Every government has trumpeted its iron-cast resolve to put corruption out of the Nigerian space, but the monster continues to grow in stature nevertheless. It continues to cripple everything we hold dear.

Providing electricity, for instance,

“Beyond the obligation stirred by our common humanity, the West will only help us or anyone else to help itself. There are interests to protect, new grounds to be broken and virgin frontiers to be explored.

Beyond that, you are essentially on your own. We need a heart before the helpers come. We need a heart while they are here. And we need a heart after they are gone”

has since become an unsolvable puzzle essentially because of corruption.

Some might say we lack most of the things we need to take off. No. We have everything we need. We do not lack resources, whether in human or natural form. If crude oil were for drinking, I believe we have enough of it to serve every family three times a day. But its abundance has ironically not always guaranteed its availability nor stopped us from importing fuel at a huge cost. Our human resources have also been helping to build overseas nations. But we cannot build ours. Why? We lack a heart to convert resources to assets, deployable to the common good.

Boko Haram has set everyone’s teeth on edge. Last week our prized federal lawmakers were in an uncoordinated marathon race, beginning from their hallowed seats and terminating in the open space outside the legislative chambers where they felt safe. A security officer was later to dismiss the marathon as a needless product of an empty rumour.

But you won’t blame the frightened lawmakers any more than you will chide a man who was robbed by someone wielding what he suspected was a toy gun.

Who will wait to find out if a Boko Haram threat is a baseless rumour, or that a robber’s weapon is actually not made of iron?

So bring in the British anti-terror experts, but we must bear in mind that we need much more than them to live peacefully in this country.

We need a heart to protect our own, and a new order that puts premium on the human life, even that of a single individual.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

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HO is Aliyu Tishau?

This salient question has appallingly been ignored by General Owoye Azazi, the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Hafiz Ringim, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) since Tuesday’s awful revelations by the selfconfessed co-founder of the dreadful Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad organisation, popularly known as Boko Haram. Tishau’s damning expose on African Independent Televison (AIT) interview that was reproduced by a national daily is yet to be convincingly debunked by the leadership of the security agencies in the nation. We are surprised that mum has now unusually been the dangerous norm in security quarters. Even the police which tried to debunk the claims left gaping holes in their story.

Tishau boastfully claimed to be a Boko Haram’s henchman and made startling security revelations on several violent occurrences in the land. On the cruel bombing of Nigeria Police headquarters, he said: “Three days before the attack, I warned the police that there would be an attack in Abuja that would embarrass the security authorities.

Also, after the bombing of the police headquarters, I was summoned before the IGP and given a GSM phone. I called the person who planned and led the attack and we spoke right in front of the IGP.’’ He went further “When I gave my advice, the police chased, arrested and kept me in detention. Before I was detained, I gave the police the video recordings of how some of our members were being given military training, but the IGP ordered that I should be detained. I was left in detention for 10 months.’’

He was even audacious to add:‘….While I was in detention, I was in contact with our people and I still gave forewarnings to the authorities about attacks. I even told them beforehand whenever an operation was to take place…all these terror attacks are caused by the negligence of government.’

From the dissolute silence of

Comment & Analysis

13

Fire Azazi, Ringim now!

Startling revelations from a self-confessed Boko Haram leader reveal the ineptitude of the duo security chiefs over the Tishau criminality becomes garbed in the these destructive acts of sabotage? outbursts, it is very clear that the robe of politics. The criminality Why are those people still moving country has been running inept of the Boko Haram begins with freely around today? According to security agencies over the years. the states and their directing Tishau, the SSS and police In the history of the land, at no minds. We are disturbed that some mingle seamlessly with the Boko time has its corporate stability governors that are chief security Haram partisans. been threatened than through the officers of their states across the However, we are cocksure that terror that the Boko Haram sect has federation are fanning embers of the security agencies and their unleashed on the nation. violence through various criminal leadership have not been truthful Although the authenticity of groups armed and financed with the country in the discharge Tishau or the veracity of his claims through state resources. Tishau of their professional duties. The may be doubtful, his deep confirmed this: “For instance, in SSS has obfuscated rather than knowledge of the origin/ Borno State, the governor clarified the issue. The state service operations of the sect and its sponsors a group of armed youths has become a charade incapable of graphic encounters with the known as ECOMOG. It is this guaranteeing the country’s security agencies during his 10 ECOMOG that he looks after, security. Otherwise, the service months incarceration and after are above the police, SSS and other should have fished out Tishau unquestionable. We are sad that security agencies. In Gombe State, rather than used a decoy by official negligence has put the the governor has the Kalari. I was declaring wanted a man nation in perpetual fear of Boko once contacted by a governorship identified as Mamman Nur whose Haram while the security outfits candidate to kill an opponent for real existence no one can trace till relish in it. Possibly because of a fee. The security agencies know date. We ask the SSS: why does funding, they enjoy the fact that what I am telling you.’’ He it place N25 million bounty on a the nation wallows in insecurity. continued: “In Bauchi there is the person when their footmen mix If they allow terror to fester in order Tarafuka, an armed group with their foot soldiers? This is the to prosper on security funding, sponsored by the government, most illiterate thing to do by any this is the most cynical and and the government watches on, serious minded intelligence murderously ominous heights even when we have the SSS and outfit. Perhaps, it would be our officials have reached in recent police.’’ It is ironic that Governor erroneous to conclude that the times.

Yuguda of Bauchi had a few days security agencies are aware of the We thought the Presidency before Tishau’s revelations existence of Mallam Abubakar would have swiftly moved in to exonerated northern governors save the situation by restructuring from nurturing such groups. He, Shekau, the new leader of Boko the entire security network. The too, has been silent over Tishau’s Haram. Yet, it has done nothing about getting him apprehended. fact that the state has not made remarks.

We are sceptical if President any official pronouncement We still wonder why the Jonathan is still in control or shows the high degree of official intelligence network of the state complicity in security matters and failed so sheepishly in whether he has been held hostage contempt in which this unravelling the Boko Haram by a so-called cabal in Aso Rock. government holds Nigerians. myth, or could it be a From his inept handling of the Even if President Goodluck reaffirmation of complicity from Boko Haram problem, it is clear Jonathan is currently attending very high quarters? If there is that the perpetrators of the Jos, the 66th session of UN General connivance, who are the powerful Plateau State, crisis must be Assembly in the United States, elements in the polity and the known to his security agencies, does it mean he could not in this security agencies that are behind too. Otherwise, what manner of intelligence outfits era of global will ignore such connectivity, get precise admonitions across to his TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM of Tishau and the countrymen by •Editor •Managing Director/ president will yet be making his stand Lekan Otufodunrin Editor-in-Chief reluctant to act? known on the Victor Ifijeh Clearly, General issue?

•Managing Editor Festus Eriye The Nigerian Azazi, the National •Chairman, Editorial Board state is gradually Security Adviser Sam Omatseye •Olayinka Oyegbile becoming a default (NSA) and Ringim, Deputy Editor •General Editor promoter of lawless the Inspector- General •Associate Editor Kunle Fagbemi enclaves where of Police (IGP) who Taiwo Ogundipe

kept such monu-mental security report and its implication from the Nigerian people have failed the nation. As we said earlier, even the police which tried to debunk Tishau’s claims only succeeded in further confusing us rather than convince us that they are not culpable in this serial security lapses.

First, the denial came almost 72 hours after Tishau made the claims. The police ought to have reacted immediately, considering the urgency of the issues raised about security lapses in the country. Secondly, the police did not tell us how they came about Tishau, whether he turned himself in or he was arrested.

Again, they did not explain why they have not bothered to follow up on him since July 7 when another security arm demanded that he be released to them for further interrogation. The matter over which Tishau was arrested was too weighty for him to be handed over to another security arm for intelligence-sharing and interrogation and be forgotten for over two months until he surfaced last week on television. A more serious police force would have been asking questions rather than suffer the embarrassment of seeing a prime suspect who was supposed to be in custody on television. Moreover, if the police claimed that Tishau’s claims were false, they should have given us their own authentic version of the story.

The escape of Tishau from the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) where he was kept after he was released by the police to them compounded the matter.

Our conclusion? Both Azazi and Ringim have failed to answer to the grievous allegations that Tishau levelled against them; therefore, the honourable thing for them to do is to voluntarily resign or face the consequence of being fired.

Re: Kogi PDP Guber aspirants forum communique

S

O many political waters have been splashed by some political evil geniuses to destroy the polity in this country, especially in the confluence state.

Thanks to the Alhaji Kawu Baraje- led PDP National Working Committee that deemed it expedient cancelling the Kogi State PDP’S gubernatorial primaries fraught with malpractices for a fresh one.

The former one was conducted in the dark. Thanks to Governor Ibrahim Idris, car headlight which was on and off through out the exercise.

The purported Kogi PDP guber aspirants Forum communiqué signed by one Hon. Simeon Okai Maha and which was published recently made an interesting reading.

Interesting in the sense that there was no meeting held, talk less of a communiqué being issued by the personalities mentioned there in.

In the first place, a communiqué is issued and signed by many participants in any meeting but this one is an odd one. How can some politicians be so fraudulent?

By Silas B. Ajagun

Second, can the sole signatory, Hon. Maha, beat his chest that chief Bayo Ojo (S.A.N) was party to the cooked communiqué?

The ploy was to make the public believe that personalities like Prince Olusola Akanmode, Chief Bayo Ojo (S.A.N), H.E Salawu, Senator, (Dr) Alex Usman Kadir, Barrister Bamidele Suru, Hon. Abiodun Ojo, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, AVM Saliu Atawodi (Rtd) OFR, Chief Deinde Abolarin and a few other aspirants would have none of the fresh gubernatorial primaries in Kogi State.

What a way of trying to pervert the truth!

The writer is perturbed as a stakeholder in the affairs of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State and Nigeria at large.

The action of Hon. Maha and his cohorts to pervert the course of justice right from the cancelled primaries is an eye opener. For God’s sake, why can men not keep their sanctity just because they want to reach the top?

I want these people to know that they are toying with PDP’s victory in the forth coming gubernatorial elections in the state. Behold, the third eye is watching your actions! It should be noted that the opposition will capitalize on our lapses to sweep the polls come December 3, 2011.

To be candid, to denigrate power shift to Western Senatorial District of the state will be suicidal for anybody in PDP. Let the truth be told. Do Igala people think the district to which the Okun people belong are bastards? There may be bastards there who try to bastardize their heritage. Let them have a change of heart.

The Okun people have made all the Igala governors what they are today. Governor Ibrahim Idris proclaimed this fact during the national conference of the Okun Development Association held at Isanlu Town Hall in 2010. To try to renege on his pledge that bright morning is for posterity to judge.

Many Okun politicians have

no conscience, and, perhaps, some do have but have decided to sell it for a pot of mesh. No special wonder our orphan Obajana-KabbaEgbe highway is abandoned by the state government unlike ex-governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State patching the Ilorin-Eruku highway.

Why is it that our people in government work against our development? Why do they want to always play the second fiddle to other ethnic groups in the state? Is it a curse on their generation? Why do they not listen to voice of reason in the revered Okun Development Association?

In fact, my heart is bleeding for my kinsmen who sell out money is important but not the husk/end

of success.

C’est un petit action a la petit rue et malad officials. It may be a simple device by the ruling party for paving the way for losing Kogi State to the opposition.

Above all, true Kogi delegates to the fresh PDP primaries should think beyond an Igala candidate but vote massively for either of Chief Bayo OJo (SAN), Prince Sola Akonmode or Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa. We have seen each of the foregoing serve the people of this country meritoriously. Chief Bayo Ojo’s (SAN) meekness and milk of kindness stand him out as a star among other stars.

•Ajagun is an Ilorin-based veteran journalist

Ajimobi, beware of detractors!

I

WILL like to use this medium to remind the Governor of Oyo State Senator, Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, of one advice given to him by the Ex-Gov, Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina at a dinner preceding the

handover date. He said, “You have to weigh all bits and pieces of advice before taking decision”. Sir you must beware of sycophants and selfish politicians.

Olusegun Idowu

14

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Comment & Analysis

Ropo Sekoni ropo.sekoni @thenationonlineng.net

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NE of my readers sent me a text last week asking me to comment on the attitude of ‘Mainstream Politicians’ to leaders of opposition parties in the country from Independence till now, particularly in relation to the invitation of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu by the Code of Conduct Bureau, and to comment on the implications of mainstream politicking for development of the Yoruba region, most famous for offmainstream politics in the country.

Simply put, nothing is happening to leaders of opposition parties today that had not happened in the past.

From the onset of electoral politics in the country, politicians in the ruling (otherwise referred to as mainstream) party have always been afraid of the existence of opposition parties.

Before the first coup, members of the NPC, the party that was declared the winner of the 1959 general elections by the departing British administrators were bent on turning Nigeria into a one-party state. Thus, the ruling party decided that the only way to deal with the regional control of Western Nigeria by the Action Group was to destroy or weaken the party into insignificance. To do this was not easy for the ruling coalition government of NPC and NCNC. But since the coalition government felt that it had to be done for easy control of the country, it threw all its politi-

Who is afraid of “offmainstream” politicians?

Simply put, nothing is happening to leaders of opposition parties today that had not happened in the past cal, bureaucratic, and judicial energy at it.

First, the ruling party recruited some of the leaders of the Action Group into its fold. Such members popularized the discourse of national unity and the advantage of the Western region belonging to the mainstream. This was despite the fact that the region under control of the Action Group was doing much better than the nation in all human development indicators. Crisis was formented in the Western Region House of Assembly at the instance of the ruling coalition of NPC and NCNC parties. A state of emergency was declared in Western Region and Chief Moses Majekodunmi was appointed by Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa to serve as administrator after the suspension of the elected government of fragmented Action Group.

On November 2nd, the Federal Government ordered a Commission of Inquiry into the administration of Western Region from 1954 to 1962, with special attention on certain Boards and Corporations. The leader of the Action Group, the country’s main opposition party, was placed under house arrest. Chief Awolowo’s own assessment of this period in the country’s political his-

tory still rings a bell: “During the moments of this internal review, I regarded my oppressors, persecutors, and political adversaries as a wicked and ruthless cabal. They controlled all the governments in the country, and hence all the political powers.” In addition to the Coker Commission of Inquiry, Chief Awolowo and other members of the opposition party were accused of treasonable felony, and the rest is history. Ironically, Chief Awolowo, Chief Enahoro, Chief Tarka, and many others sent to prison for treasonable felony served as senior members of the government of General Yakubu Gowon.

After the first exit of military dictatorship in 1979, the Unity Party of Nigeria (a party that grew from the ashes of the Action Group) became the ruling party in the five states in the former Western Region: Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, and Bendel. As it was in 1959, the UPN also became the main opposition party to the successor party to the NPC, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). Again, the ruling party at the centre was uneasy with the existence of UPN. Chief Awolowo was already being harassed by the NPN federal government in 1983 before the coming of General Buhari’s military dictator-

ship. If Buhari’s coup had not come, Chief Awolowo was bound to be subjected to harassment by the ruling federal government for his overt pronouncements on the incompetence of the Shagari government and the danger inherent in the administration’s economic policies.

Many people who thought that it was Awolowo’s personality that leaders of ruling party or military dictators that subscribed to the ideology of the ruling party at the centre hated were quickly persuaded otherwise when the government of Chief M.K.O. Abiola was not allowed to hold in 1993 under what would have been the first progressive mainstream SDP, a party that was a little to the left officially, as opposed to the NRC which was a little to the right. Those in charge of federal political might could not take any risk with a government that was likely to bring into governance anything that smacked of Awolowo’s notion that government was created for the purpose of improving the life chances of citizens.

Although Awolowo’s personality was capable of unsettling or making his political opponents feel insecure, evidence that the onslaught against leaders of progressive party by those in charge of the

federal government was not tied to personality became clearer under Obasanjo’s presidency under the PDP, years after Awolowo’s death.

Even though Obasanjo’s party had a comfortable majority at the centre without winning any of the six states won by Alliance for Democracy, a party that resembled Awolowo’s Action Group and Unity Party of Nigeria, Obasanjo still felt insecure.

In 2003 and 2007 elections, he facilitated the replacement of AD governors with members of his own party.

Despite this, the people of the region, whose worldview was captured initially by the Action Group between 1954 and 1962 changed the governments of five of the states from PDP to Action Congress of Nigeria, a party that inherits Awolowo’s philosophy that government exists only to the extent that it is responsible and responsive to the needs and concerns of the citizen. Incidentally, Bisi Akande and Bola Tinubu are leaders of the ACN. Is the invitation of Bola Tinubu by the Code of Conduct Bureau several years after he had left office over possession of foreign bank accounts a replay of the Coker Commission of Inquiry? It is too soon to tell, especially that the charges against Tinubu appear to be changing by the day.

What may be clear at present is that citizens of states under the control of Tinubu’s party have good reason to feel agitated; to believe that their party may be slated by periodic court appearances to experience similar instability to what the Action Group experienced in the 1960s. The citizens also have good reason to remember Awolowo’s phrase: “After darkness comes a glorious dawn.” Most important, they have good reason to prepare against an eclipse, a forced darkness.

The third Yoruba civil war has commenced Femi Orebe femi.orebe @thenationonlineng.net 08056504626 (sms only)

‘Sir, please help me. My daughter entered Olabisi Onabanjo University (CESAP, MASS COM.) in 2001/2 and finished 2007/ 8. She didn’t fail nor repeat any course. Her grades ranged between A& B. Up till now the result has not been released, leaving her frustrated.

Kindly help us for Christ’s sake’ -A concerned Parent.

C

OMMENT: I wrote here a year ago that OSU was no longer a university, but a ‘futurewrecking institution’, as this has become the norm ,rather than the exception. Its CESAP programme in which its perennial students never appear to graduate with a result, looks more like a deliberate multimillion naira scam. It is as unconscionable as it is ungodly. One wonders how long it will take governor Ibikunle Amosun and VC Wale Olaitan to bring that woe-begotten , glorified secondary school, to scratch.

The Third Yoruba Civil War has commenced, albeit without guns.

Snooper of this newspaper it was who speculated only last week that a Third Yoruba Civil War may have begun in reference to the apparently well coordinated, multi-pronged conspiracy against Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the undisputable arrow-head of Yoruba’ s resurgent nationalism and leader of the country’s largest opposition party; one that draws a large and decent member-

So totally reminiscent of the case of Chief Awolowo, everything, fair or foul, must be done to either put him in what they consider ‘his place’ ship from outside Yoruba land. What with a desperate, unthinking link to Boko Haram?

It is common place in our recent and not so recent history that fifth columnists always emerge from within the Yoruba to partner with rank outsiders to unmake and render our millennial achievements shortlived, if not out rightly, unsustainable. The complete routing of the PDP in the South-West is a shame too great for some to swallow , especially those of them who have done time, and are therefore eager to ensnare others. But this time around, they will fail, and miserably, too.

What I commence here today is a solemn duty on behalf of every patriotic Yoruba. Recent happenings, especially the rumblings in the North, must tell us to learn from history and prepare ourselves for any eventuality. It is of utmost importance that we enlighten our people, especially those who were kids when the birds of disaster began to perch in our hair in 1962.

Most of our young people erroneously believe today that they have a country where the playing field is plain and the rules of the game are the same for all. They need to know that Nigeria was set up at independence to be deliberately ruled in such a way that only one nationality, the Hausa-Fulani, will ultimately stand triumphant over the ruins of all the other nationalities. We must not be deceived by an Obasanjo or Jonathan presidency; the plan remains the same. No thanks to Briish imperialism. It is a mould of many colours.

Otherwise, why would Kano State have more than triple Local Government Areas than Lagos State and the Senate would still, like forever, sleep on the latter’s request for a mere enlistment of its new Local government Areas which were constitutionally created over six years ago?

We, in these parts must therefore stop indulging in civilized platitudes and grapple with the real issues of our existence as a people systematically, albeit coyly, being sequestered Some will say this is red herring or instigating tribal politics, but I know it to be nothing but the truth You doubt that, then know that those who rule us, whether Northerners or their Southern clients have always remained truthful to the following seemingly immortal words of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the highly revered Sadauna of Sokoto who, on October 12, 1960, said as follows: “This new country called Nigeria should be an extension of the estate of our great-grand-father Othman Dan Fodio. We must ruthlessly prevent a change of power. We must use the peoples of the Middle Belt as willing tools, and the South as conquered peoples; and never let them rule over us, and never let them control their own future.’

That, indeed, has been the history of this country ever since.

What I write here is the truth; it is neither instigation nor insurrection and it is precisely the reason the former Lagos State governor is being singled out for trial. The minders of every successive federal government are back at work, complete with their Yoruba lackeys who now seem to easily multiply in the SouthWest having been literally consigned to political Siberia. To them Tinubu is bad news and would think nothng of enlisting outsiders to help in his immolation, which God forbid.

A little of where we are coming from will be apposite here to show we do not play slaves. How many of our younger generations know that we had self- government ahead of every other part of Nigeria or that we, in fact, had an Agent (Ambassador) in the United Kingdom , or that at independence, we had more tarred

roads, more pipe-borne water, a first in Africa television, more scholarships for higher education at home and abroad, about the only industrial estate nationwide, a modern agriculture, and an investment corporation, the Odu’a Investment Corporation, serving as a holding company for industrial and commercial companies, banks, insurance companies, real estate enterprises, etc which together formed the largest aggregation of indigenous investment capital on the African continent? Do they, in fact, know that in Western Region, university graduates walked into jobs secured long before they wrote their final examinations? Younger generations obviously need to know that we were First in Africa. But then came deliberate British policy to make us the milch cow for which reason every state policy had to be skewed in favour of the North.

They constructed a federal Nigeria of three regions in which the North alone ‘has’ a population greater than the other two put together as a way of ensuring the Sadauna’s predicted perpetual over- lordship. We now have the words of British civil servants who served in Nigeria to the effect that not only elections, but also census were egregiously rigged to cast northern domination in stone.

This is the only rational way to understand Tinubu’s present travails.

They cannot wait to see him take us out of the woods of many decades because it has ben programmed that we must not be allowed to control our own future. So here now comes a Tinubu who not only heads the biggest opposition party but whose party men, as state governors in the West, are eagerly pursuing regional integration and vigorously advocating fiscal or co-operative federalism in place of the extant suffocating unitarist structure. In their view, this is an audacity Tinubu must be pun-

ished for. I am here not suggesting that he is above the law but why is he being singled out?

So totally reminiscent of the case of Chief Awolowo, everything, fair or foul, must be done to either put him in what they consider ‘his place’ or if he gets too troublesome, they could, very well, get nastier with him. They would not even permit his supporters entry into Abuja whereas supporters of some others could be decked to court in Aso Ebi. Happily, however, our people perfectly understand what is going on and they have said, enough is enough. This discernible trend towards political victimisation and the shenanigans going on in the country’s judiciary must in part, account for why on Monday 8 August, 2011, in all of the six SouthWest capitals of Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Oshogbo, Akure and AdoEkiti, hundreds of our people simultaneously took to the streets to demonstrate. They marched to the respective governor’s office and the state House of Assembly demanding a restoration of the Regional Self-Government which the West won from the British in August 1957 but was taken away by the federal government in 1962.

Some of their placards read : “WE WANT OUR SELF-GOVERNMENT BACK.” They declared in one voice that “This is only the beginning and we will not rest until our demands are granted. We will return to the streets again and again. The battle is joined’, they concluded.

In summary it is fair to say that only justice and fair dealing can help Nigeria scale through its myriad of problems . For now, the country has its hands full fighting incipient terrorism in the north. No group in the South-West will ever toe that path but we would defend with all our vigour, intellect and honour, any and every, effort directed at putting us down.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Comment & Analysis

15

President Jonathan and ‘Aunty’ Ngozi P

RESIDENT Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is an enigma of sorts. When the populace expects him to show purposeful anger and let the hammer fall on officials wanting in their assignments, he engages in equivocation. Some other times, his agility to act by treating rule of law as an ass and giving it a kick in the butt confounds an opposition that literally goes gaga in its reaction. Ebele is serving a bellyful of headaches to those who see him as a push-over. He may turn out the smartest political artist of our time with his humility subterfuge.

However, a predisposition of Mr. President that I find quite intriguing as well as amusing is his customized simplicity.

That Goodluck Jonathan is a village boy from the fishing village called Otueke in Bayelsa state is a fact. But he has since left the laid back, rustic life of the shoeless fisher boy for the bright lights of Port Harcourt, went to college and grabbed a doctorate degree into the bargain. But while he might have physically left the village, the village, and its values of simplicity, credulity, communal celebration of one of their own and respect for elders, apparently never left him. This must have explained his celebrative, effusive praise of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Diasporan Nigerian minister of finance at her swearing-in on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at the Council chamber in Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

It would appear the president was practically ecstatic,

Postscript, Unlimited!

By

Oyinkan Medubi 08187172799 (SMS only) puchuckles7@gmail.com

O

NCE, I watched a magic show in which the magician was supposed to saw his assistant in two and then miraculously put her back together again; a common trick that everyone knows does not really happen. Everyone knows that all they do is open a trap door for the assistant to disappear and reappear through while giving the semblance of cutting and taping them back again since no one in her right senses is willing to go into the uncharted territory of the ‘What Ifs’: what if one is really cut in two? What if we let the saw miss its mark? What if we test the magician to put one back together for real? But, dear reader, that nearly happened on this day as I watched. Someone either lost the key to the trap door, or mischievously forgot to open it as, somehow, for some reason, it did not open and the lady was very nearly cut into two but for the quick wit of the magician. After that day, I think she would give up being a magician’s assistant for a while.

Not so for a commercial trans-

It would appear the president was practically ecstatic

By Bisi Olawunmi

given the flourish with which he introduced the minister : “Let me announce to Nigerians that she accepted to serve …”

He was so appreciative that Okonjo-Iweala agreed to a second coming : “Let me thank you for accepting to come and serve because considering the position you were holding at the World Bank, it is difficult for you to come back to serve as a minister in a country”.

It sounded like the way we were mesmerized by the presence of the ‘White man’ in our innocence as village kids.

Now, President Jonathan virtually went into over-drive in what amounted to an overawed, almost childish celebration of a big ‘Aunty’ made good.

Well, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, at 57, (DOB, 13 June 1954) of course qualifies as an ‘Aunty’ for 53year old Goodluck Jonathan.

But irreverent Sam Omatseye, The Nation newspaper columnist, would have asked : Does he know he is President?

In a direct address approach, perhaps for emphasis, President Jonathan said his compliment of the minister was “with all pride because when your name was made known and it entered the media, (entered the media ?) everywhere I went, Heads of state and government were wondering why you would even agree to come and they were appreciative of me, especially African Presidents, that I did well to pull you back home to help solve Af-

rican problems because they know your worth in the World Bank”. Would an appreciative president Jonathan have hosted an African Union Summit to receive Dr. Okonjo-Iweala if he was the first to bring her back home as minister ? Well, it is no surprise that she is considered a high net-worth official by African leaders having been an executive assistant to the World Bank Vice-President for Africa, Edward Jaycox, in the mid 1980s to early 1990s, giving her a grip on African economic issues. This coincided with the period I was Washington Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (1985 – 1989) and Ngozi was quite helpful in facilitating interviews for me with her boss on matters pertaining to Africa at the Bank Headquarters in downtown D.C. The other Nigerian, also strategically placed for an African foreign correspondent, was the late Mr. Akin Fatoyinbo of the External Relations office at the World Bank Headquarters.

The last time I saw Dr. OkonjoIweala was in Bangkok, Thailand, at the 1991 World Bank/ IMF Annual General Meeting in the Thai capital. She shares the traits of humility and respect for elders with President Jonathan, which I enjoyed in relations with her while in Washington D.C. Of course, she maintained the dignity of her office and the respect was reciprocal.

For President Jonathan, in spite of his high office, but either playing the servant-leader or just simply mesmerized, he went

from complimentary over-drive to hyperbolic over-statement : “The expectation, not just for Nigeria, but the whole world is high. People expect so much from you. Some people feel you have the magic wand to wave and change everything”. The whole world, Mr. President ?

In some circumstances, over enthusiasm can be as counter productive as being miserly with praise. Except that President Jonathan is the appointing authority, if those over flattering statements had come from any other person, I would have suspected a ‘set-up’, a booby trap, for the finance minister – build high expectations and then proceed to de-mystify. It is communication deficit. What, perhaps, apparently did not cross the president’s mind is that to create the impression of a Super Minister can have the unintended effect of generating latent, undeserved animosity for Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, particularly as she is not the only Diasporan in a cabinet that also boasts of professors.

There is also the perception aspect of it. The World Bank, where she is coming from, is not regarded as Third World friendly in many circles. To give such effusive praise of one of its icons could create an impression that the president has been ‘captured’ by the Washington-based institution. Some of the policy measures needed to redress the nation’s economic slide could also be seen as dictates from the World Bank. One such conten-

tious policy option that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was reported to have made an article of faith is the removal of the so-called petroleum subsidy. As anticipated, the Nigerian Labour Congress and other pressure groups are mobilizing to resist the ‘subsidy’ removal. The president and the economic management team would have to adroitly manage the public communication on this if it is not to lead to a national economic shut down. Putting fuel subsidy removal on the front burner, NOW, may turn out illadvised. No doubt, protagonists are free to counter that if not now, When? It could also be argued that government must provide leadership and cannot be run on dictates of public opinion. Such arguments hold where there is perceived transparency in government business.

Well, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is wise to deny owning a magic wand to wave away Nigeria’s economic problems, but the heightened expectation of her endures. And we need to remind Ebele Goodluck that this is the Jonathan Presidency and it does not enhance his rating to be seen as relinquishing the driver’s seat of the economic train to a minister. It is also not good public relations for him to be perceived as one who is so bowled over as to see the World Bank as an Oracle institution.

Mr. Bisi Olawunmi, a Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication, Bowen University, Iwo, is former Washington Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria.

Hooray to the small gods of chaos port passenger in my city. Recently, I heard a tale that sounded really horrible to my ears but, knowing the country we live in, I thought it was not only plausible but possible.

I heard that a passenger on an ‘Okada’ commercial motorcycle in my city was unfortunately cut into two by a trailer when the okada rider forcefully seized the right of way from the trailer. And I thought, what kind of country do we live in?

As if I don’t know. This story is indeed a metaphor for what I am writing about this week, what I have written about before, what many people have written about before also, but which no leader blessed with any level of sanity has been inclined to listen to: the chaos that is our national life.

Don’t get me wrong. Accidents happen everywhere. Horrible things happen everywhere. Sometimes, they don’t even happen but people claim they do. However, when they do happen and in such high frequencies, with very clear, present and discernible patterns of assiduously orchestrated and thoughtlessly crafted carelessness as they do in Nigeria, then you know they are no accidents. It is the Nigerian factor at work. I have tried to reason out many aspects of our national life and failed. Obviously, you’d have better luck getting Satan to let off doing evil. In Nigeria, chaos rules, perfectly.

This insanity is nowhere more visible than in the transportation

industry in this country. Rather than letting us all ride in safety in trains, trams and luxurious buses, it appears everyone has agreed to let us all ride in chaos as all transport sectors seek to up the ante on others in utter confusion. It is so bad now that the only thing foreigners remember about Nigeria is the chaos of the public transportation system. Many agree, nodding their heads, that there is no system. Many also agree, nodding their heads even more, that it is a shame for the government not to do something about it, such as imitating the rest of the world by modernizing it. Many agree, nodding their heads even much more, that even the government is in chaos.

So, as if the lawless Molue, Kabukabu and Taxi drivers were not bad enough, the government folded it hands while Okadas zoomed their way from the inner recesses of Okadaland, where nature had hidden them, to the outer plains of Nigeria in order to expose the country’s shame to the world. And also to get their passengers either lost in motion or cut into two. Why won’t they, when, in some states, I understand, the operators dictate their own terms for the government to follow.

As I walk along the roads in my city daily, I am accosted by more evidence of a people growing up as best as they can and adding to the confusion. There are roadside food sellers whose paraphernalia of office do not exceed a stove, a stool

and a tray on which to expose their finished products to the potential buyers and to germs. Invariably, these women (they are mostly women) sit right by gutters filled with debris from their trade, and in the open, and right under the nose of the local government. I bet ya, no one from that office comes to ask them what sanitary measures they are taking to ensure the health safety of the buyers of their fried yam and dodo, or how they can be helped to maintain this health status, or even if they pay tax. I ask you, what sanity can one maintain in the environment they ply their trade in?

Then there are those others of a similar hue, those who trade in small items, those who vulcanize your tubes and mine, those who sew for you and I, those who wash your car and mine, your raw meat seller, who all just make a little clearing for themselves by the road side and begin to ply their trade so that you and I, their clients, are as incommoded as possible. You are lucky if you do not have a Car-wash centre living near you. Apart from the fact that the little public water available to you is diverted to their use so that nothing comes into your premises but empty pipes like the government’s empty promises, there is the matter of who owns the road exactly. In my area, of course, the Carwash owns the road, except when they don’t need it. Then we motorists can get to use it. The reason is that, well, the road is needed for

washing cars. More importantly is that no one is laying down the law for their operations.

One of the things I find most amazing whenever I have gone to the hinterland of Lagos Island to shop is the atrocious disregard of sellers for the rights of the buyers to have some ground to stand or walk on to even buy the stuff displayed. The reason is that these stuffs are piled on top of the other in what used to be the road so that not only can cars no longer pass through, even people cannot squeeze through. But I hear Fashola is performing wonders there now…

We all suffer when the local government does not do its work. I understand that the only days some local government staff go to work in some states is when pay day is near. What they exist for, I really do not know, but judging by the level of their contribution to national development so far, I would say they don’t know either. There is no doubt that small business operators fill some gap or other. When the big wigs take the country’s money to stash abroad and refuse to develop big corporations that can take care of you and I, I say hooray to these enterprising people. But anything that is not brought under the control of the greater good will sooner than later fall under the control of the private good. Then we witness the birth of the small gods of chaos unless our local governments step in.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTMBER 25, 2011

Essay

The numbing of the American mind and splittering of political reason (2) Belief may obscure fact but can never change it.

L

AST week, we focused on the political extremism that epitomizes today’s version of the Republican Party.

We continue with this cautionary theme: The Republican Party has pledged its entire body and soul to making sure President Obama becomes a miserable failure. The President sadly has been a generous accomplice in his own decline as his economic proposals are but half measures meant to help him barely succeed. That the president is on faltering haunches is no surprise. The midpoint between the minimalist success he seeks and abysmal failure the Republicans would heap on him is bitter disappointment. This is the acrid ground his administration now inhabits. In error that he might soon rue, the President endorsed the premises and assumptions of Republican supply side economics and buttressed their priorities of debt and deficit reduction even in the face of burgeoning poverty and unemployment. If he is trying to reach a different economic outlook than the Republican’s the difference has been whittled so far down that it’s one of degree and not of kind. He walks middle and working class America toward greater peril. The Republicans would hurl them toward it. The velocity is different but the destination remains the same: economic gloom.

Running parallel to the artificially induced economic pain of their similar economic outlooks is a more ominous intellectual and political danger. Despite the President’s obvious conservatism, mainstream media follows the Republican script by labelling the President a progressive just because he called for increased taxes on the wealthy and proposed a mediocre jobs programme. President Obama may be many things but a progressive is not among them. In the main, the President’s plans resemble something from the Nixon or Daddy Bush’s administrations. There is nothing progressive in them. They are basically middle-of-the-road compromises.

For example, the proposed taxes on the wealthy are being presented as a way to lower the debt by paying off creditors.

Yet, who are the government’s creditors in the main? They are large financial institutions and wealthy individuals in general. Thus, the increased taxes on the wealthy will be used to pay the debts owed to them. To a significant degree, the proposed tax is but an elaborate recycling. If the tax funds were to be used to invigorate the economy through the creation of jobs then the tax would mean something substantial. However, in the current format, they are but the taking of something from the left hand in order to place it in the right.

This effort to label the President a progressive accomplishes two invidious objectives. First, it either slanders progressives or the President depending on the spot the observer occupies on the political spectrum. This means genuinely progressive viewpoints about fiscal and monetary policy will not get the air they deserve. They will be crowded out as unspeakable heresies not to be broached in responsible company. They will be considered beyond the realm of reasonableness because President Obama’s moderate conservatism already has been defined as the outer bounds. Solutions like massive homeowner debt reduction, a significant public works programme and financial aid to struggling states and cities are summarily discarded as outside the pale although it was proposals like these that helped pull the nation from depression some 70 years ago. How something that worked before is now whisked aside as abhorrently radical is the sad evidence of the stupefying of a nation. The adage that great nations are rarely felled by greater foes but are destroyed from within by leaders unequal to the national task is being proven true.

Worse, the effective censure of progressive outcomes means the nation has shifted materially to the right politically. What once were the crazed, hatred-inebriated conversations of staunch racists and radical skinheads have become the bread and butter of the Republican Party. The Republican Party used to be known as the “party of (President) Lincoln” but that fond moniker is a fading remembrance. Now the Party’s leadership rolls are stocked with personalities who in their psychological bearing and intellectual narrowness more resemble Juan Peron and the military autocrats of South America in the 1950’s than the man who wrote the Gettysburg Address and freed the slaves. Had any one of the current roster of Republican hopefuls been in Lincoln’s shoes nothing remotely like the Gettysburg speech would have been crafted by their pen. Moreover, every last one of them, including the lone black among them, Herman Cain, would have scoured heaven and earth to find some way and some reason not to free one slave who would not have otherwise been freed by the natural workings of the slave-holding plantation economy, meaning that by and large freedom would have only come upon death.

This jumble of Republican candidates abhors differences in opinions and economic interests. However, their answer is not to harmonize divergent positions. That is the sappy way of the President they detest. They seek not to reconcile

• Obama

By Brian Browne

these differences; they seek to crush underfoot those opinions and interests that do not support their own. People who do not fit their narrow picture of what is properly American better hold tight for a bumpy ride is in the offing.

While they claim liberals want to turn America into a replica of effete European socialism, they want to turn her into a chest-thumping, flag-waving rigid corporatist state that would make any well-heeled fascist feel cozily at home.

The most dangerous element in this Republican brew is Texan Governor Perry. This man has called Social Security a fraudulent and unconstitutional “Ponzi Scheme.” That every developed nation has a similar structure and that this system has been operating for eighty years seems not to impress him. His position is wrong factually and, as a matter of economics, Social Security has shown its worth many times over.

But those portions of the electorate who gullibly look to their leaders to tell them the truth will come to believe Social Security is draining the economy. This is because President Obama seems to be muttering the same thing as Perry except he is mincing words by saying benefits need to be cut or reformed. This is where the President repeatedly ensnares himself. He should defend Social Security from the conservative onslaught because it a fine and effective programme to minimize old age poverty. Saying this is not hard; moreover, it is true. Instead he hems and haws about it because the Republicans have hollered and howled. While Perry seems like someone striving to get to the other side of the shore, President Obama appears stuck in the middle of the pond.

The guy who can’t get out of the water is the one in danger of drowning. The President inched open the floodgates by suggesting the knife should be put to Social Security. He further opened them by championing deficit reduction during a recessionary period. Economic history dictates the opposite approach. Through his policies, he hoped to appease those who hate him. He forgot a simple truth: when you open the floodgates, the flood cometh. Now the President treads water for dear life while Governor Perry marches toward disaster as if he were calamity itself.

Perhaps the most startling thing about the Republican candidates is that they stake a claim to a Christianity hard to find in the Holy Book. What they claim as the teachings of God are nothing but a morass of cultural prejudices bequeathed to them by their mortal forebears. Their fathers did the same thing two hundred years ago when they used the Bible to defend slavery. These Republican candidates love the excesses and wrongs of the past more than they love any of the fairness and equality of the present. They would rather close the door than open it. They would rather starve the hungry to teach them a lesson than feed a man to give him the strength to find a job. They would neither give a person a fish nor teach him how to fish. They spew irreverent conclusions that God is against government programmes to help

the poor as the poor should be made to rely on private charity. I cannot find anything in the Bible supporting the contention that God is a Republican or that charity must be private to be proper. But people like Perry are much more intent on converting God to their ways than trying to adjust themselves to His kind instruction. The Bible I know talks about leaders exercising wisdom and being kind and just toward the weak and poor. The God in the Bible I read does not seem to be the fount of government small and mean.

Not too long ago I was viewing a Christian television station. A prominent right wing evangelist was making such a mash of history and economics that my initial thought was the gentleman had to be engaged in satire. My mouth gaped when I discovered he was serious. He explained the Great Depression and every serious financial disruption, including the 2008 recession, were caused by government interference in the economy. The man of the cloth had just uttered a lie as big as three continents and two oceans. The opposite is far closer to the gospel truth. He then asserted certain passages of the Bible clearly indicated Jesus would oppose the capital gains tax the government applies to certain investment income. What? I dashed from my chair to pick up the Bible. I read the passages repeatedly. I read them from every conceivable angle and under several different shades of light.

Of what that man claimed, the passages said nothing of the kind. Yet this is the type of self-righteous, ignorant tales conservative America daily engorges. It explains why much of the electorate is mean, bigoted and selfish. They are quickly judgmental without stopping to weigh the facts because fact no longer matters. Verdict is obtained faster than the evidence needed to support it. Gone is the age of reason. We have entered a time of mean conclusions.

These people have gotten to the dangerous point where they put lies in the mouth of God in order to create the world they want. Not even the Most Sacred is sacred. Much of what they claim to be economic policies based on the teachings of Christ are things Jesus would have difficulty identifying as the fruit of his teachings. Irony of ironies, much of what they claim to be godly economics are often the views of atheist economist and priestess of merciless capitalism, Any Rand.

Most leaders and nearly all the followers do not read enough to realize the economic teachings of her unbalanced mind have infested their pulpits and pews. It is a strange tale indeed. Right wing preachers and politicians mount their religious and secular pulpits on a daily basis believing they are expressing the economic ideas of the Divine but are actually promulgating the free market cant of a person who detested the very notion of God. It is almost laughable that things they attribute to God are nothing but the ranting of an eccentric atheist who literally worshipped money. That Republican candidate Ron Paul named his son “Rand” is not coincidence but is a tragic testament to the sway this errant figure has over Republican leadership.

America is in trouble. On one side, it must nurse a diffident, manipulative President unsure of whether to consume his soup with a knife, fork or spoon because he remains unsure which utensil his onlookers would prefer that he handle. On the other side, stands a pack of candidates only two of whom are stable enough for high office. Yet neither has a solid chance of winning the nomination. Unless he commits some high crime, Perry should win the Republican nomination.

In such an environment, prudence leans toward the incumbent more out of sullen resignation than as a positive endorsement of his helmsmanship. However, this is not enough because, in such an environment, forces more visceral and stronger than prudence are in strong agency. President Obama is on a skein. If the election were today, he could lose to the Republican candidate no matter who that might be. If Romney, then no grave increase in danger especially if the Democrats retain control of the Senate or reclaim the House.

Disaster waits if Perry were to win the White House. It would be a grand lark if blacks and progressives had the foresight to invade the Republican Party. By swelling the ranks of the party for a moment, they would tip the balance away from Perry toward a Romney/ Huntsman ticket. While all would not be well, the worst danger would have been avoided. In the general election, these same people could vote their conscience. While General Powell would still be searching for his transformative hero after the election, he would not have to worry that the election had placed in the White House a profane caricature of Reagan’s caricature of a president. But this dilution of Republican conservatism cannot properly happen; it is a fantasy borne out of the natural inclination to seek quick exit from the imminent danger that looms in the person of Governor Perry. He is one of the few people with the rare potential of making the last Texan to be president look like Socrates by comparison.

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Focus

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

•In a trail of yellow, participants defy the showers penultimate saturday in Lagos to create awareness for childhood cancer

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PHOTO: JOE AGBRO JR.

Battle against childhood cancer I

N 2006, three year old Ayomide Adelere was suffering from pains in the limbs after recurrent bouts of malaria. She was referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. After several tests, she was diagnosed of leukaemia. A treatment regimen which saw her endure three years of chemotherapy, drugs, needles and infusions started. It culminated in her being flown to India in 2009 to have a Bone Marrow Transplant on sponsorship of well-meaning Nigerians and the Lagos State government. But, because of her delicate frame, she was not able to have the operation. In 2010, she died. She was aged seven.

In 2010, two-year-old Mohammed Abdulamalik had an eye infection which was diagnosed as cancerous. An unknown illness had struck him when he was two months old which resulted in his two eyes going blind. His family had to raise N100, 000 for an operation but this was a daunting one for his parents and family members. It was the publication of his story in The Nation newspaper last year that brought attention to his plight - and also good fortunes. He was operated upon free of charge by the National Eye Centre, Kaduna. However, on the morning of August 12, about a year after his case came to limelight, Mohammed succumbed to death after fighting via a life support machine for four days. Citing the cause of death, a doctor in Mohammed’s medical team said the cancer must have spread to his brain chamber, “thereby affecting his breathing system few days to his death.”

Litany of childhood deaths This year, four year old Kaosichukwu Chime was diagnosed with Angiosarcoma of the liver, which is a rare cancer. Though, Kaosi, as she is fondly called, may not know the gravity of her condition, she must

Childhood cancer is on the rise in the country and treatment elusive, writes Joe Agbro Jr. who took part in a walk for cancer awareness in children penultimate Saturday killer has been rampaging children and Ten facts about cancer there are no signs of it stopping. According 1. There are more than 100 types of cancers; any part of the body can be affected.

2. In 2004, 7.4 million people died of cancer - 13% of all deaths worldwide.

3. More than 70% of all cancer deaths occur in low and middle income countries.

4. Worldwide, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill men are (in order of frequency): lung, stomach, liver, colorectal and oesophagus.

5. Worldwide, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill women are (in the order of frequency): breast, lung, stomach, colorectal and cervical.

6. Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world.

7. One fifth of all cancers worldwide are caused by a chronic infection, for example human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer and hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver cancer.

8. A third of cancers could be cured if detected early and treated adequately.

9. All patients in need of pain relief could be helped if current knowledge about pain control and palliative care were applied.

10. More than 30% of cancer could be prevented, mainly by not using tobacco, having a healthy diet, being physically active and preventing infections that Courtesy: WHO may cause cancer. no doubt wonder why since January, unlike her peers, she has been subjected to batteries of tests, scans, and painful injections. Her condition had started as fever. When the fever however became recurrent, she was referred by her family doctor to Federal Medical Centre, EbuteMetta, Lagos. There, doctors could not ascertain what was wrong with her after being placed on admission for two weeks.

The doctors through a CT scan were able to pinpoint the liver as the source of Kaosi’s problems.

She was later referred to University of Lagos Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi-Araba, where doctors decided that they would perform a biopsy to ascertain the matter with Kaosi. Considering the delicate nature of the liver and to avoid bleeding, it took

about a month to prepare Kaosi for the biopsy. It would take the arrival of the liver specimen sent to Queens Hospital in Essex, England, to arrive at a diagnosis.

Receiving the diagnosis, doctors at LUTH told the Chime family that an operation will be carried out on Kaosi, but not in Nigeria. A figure that would cover the cost of treatment which includes travel expenses, feeding, surgery, drugs and radiation was put at seven million naira.

That figure suppressed Mr. Chime. Yet, he wanted life for his daughter.

Childhood cancer on the rise While cancer in children comes as a rude shock to many, the reality on ground is that children are actually afflicted with the ailment. And the number of afflicted children is on the increase. But, this deadly

to Patience Okoro, a matron who has worked in LUTH for 17 years, cancer in children is on the increase. “We use to have few cases before but last year, we had over 30 cases.”

Compounding this high incidence is also the high cost of treatment. In Kaosi’s case, financial strain was heavy on her family as they raised money for the drugs, tests, scans, and blood components. “I have spent over one million naira,” lamented Mr. Chime, Koasi’s father, four months into his daughter’s ordeal. Until Kaosi’s condition, he was a middle income earner working as a clearing and forwarding agent in Lagos.

Yet, this amount was only to get a diagnosis.

“I didn’t want to bother anybody,” he had resolved. But fear of losing his daughter prompted him to solicit help via newspaper pages. His efforts paid off as he was able to raise N2.2m, courtesy of donations from well-meaning Nigerians, including, Bona Ude, a lawyer and chairman of Udi Local Government, Enugu State, who gave N1m. With this sum, Mr. Chime and his daughter jetted out to India to commence treatment.

No doubt, the treatment of cancer is expensive. But the cost would have been reduced if treatment were available locally.

Also, cancer treatment is not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) due to its huge cost. Dr. Remi Ajekigbe, head of Radiotherapy and Oncology department at LUTH said that machines for treating • Continued on page 18

Focus

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Change in lifestyle leads to cancer W

HAT is responsible for the high incidence of cancer in Nigeria?

Cancer incidence in the country is high but it is not only in Nigeria, it is all over the world. One, people are getting more and more aware. Maybe, those who are not reporting before are now reporting.

Secondly, our lifestyle has changed a lot.

We are now more westernised, maybe, more than westerners that we copy. We’ve changed our diet, we’ve changed our way of living; we’ve changed our way of doing things. So, we’re doing those things which our fathers and forefathers are not doing.

In the far past, cancer used to be a disease mainly of the western world. It was very rare in Africa. But, we’re now part and parcel of the western world.

When you refer to lifestyle, what in particular would you identify as the major culprit?

People are smoking more than they used to in the past. They’re taking alcohol, and they’re taking more of junk foods with serious and very different additives. And some of these things are carcinogenic. They may be sweeteners which make the food taste better. We want to buy more but are we actually thinking of their side effects?

Then, it has been documented beyond reasonable doubt that out own foods here contain a lot of fibres and that fibres are good for us because they don’t allow stool to stay for so long in our intestines. In the stool, there are certain things there that are carcinogenic. But, when they don’t stay for too long because our foods contain a lot of fibres, we pass them out before they become cancer causing. But, these days, we are now abandoning those foods that contain a lot of fibres and eating junk. We should continue our food that has fibres and vegetables – eba, amala, and fufu. And also, if a lady is too loose, she stands the chance of having cancer of the cervix by running around with men.

What are the kinds of cancer you particularly see on the rise among Nigerians?

Virtually all kinds of cancers are on the rise in Nigeria. There is now awareness and people are showing up. But, cancer of the breast is the number one cancer in Nigeria and also all over the world. This is followed by cancer of the cervix, then cancer of the prostate in the men and cancer of the colon and rectum, lung cancer, skin cancer which affects mainly albinos, and all kinds of cancer.

What is the state of cancer management in Nigerian hospitals?

Honestly, we do everything that is done • Continued from page 17

cancer with radiation are functional in three of the cancer centres (LUTH, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna, and Eko Hospital, Lagos) in the country but he said a situation where there is “just one functional machine for the whole hospital is not just good enough because any machine can break down.”

Medical tourism Hence, this forces many Nigerians to join the global trend for medical travels or what is now known as ‘medical tourism.’ Findings revealed that at the Indian embassy in Lagos, a sizable chunk of visa applicants throng there for medical visas. But, it is only few Nigerians that can afford to be ‘medical tourists.’ It is especially pitiable for patients from low income status who are referred abroad for treatment.

The survival rate is still low in Nigeria where only about 10 – 20 percent cure occur, compared to the 80 – 90 percent figure which obtains in developed countries. Okoro said this is because the patients do not report cases early. And, with poverty staring at many victims, it is going to be tough redressing this situation. According to Dr. Ajekigbe, “there are many who can’t afford the treatment.” The solution, he says is, “either we use alternatives that are much cheaper, that even we are convinced will not do the job because the body has requested for another thing. That is the truth. But, having said that, some Non

Dr. Remi Ajekigbe, Associate Professor, Radiotherapy and Oncology, and Head of Radiotherapy and Oncology department, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos in this interview with Joe Agbro Jr. speaks on causes of cancer

•Dr. Remi Ajekigbe anywhere else abroad where the facilities are available. We have facilities in very few hospitals in Nigeria. Honestly, as at now, we have five cancer centres that are functional. Out of these cancer centres, there are two where the machines have broken down. So, the ones that are functioning now are just LUTH, ABUTH, Zaria, and Eko Hospital, Lagos. So, what we are suggesting is that the government can do it that any hospital with cancer treatment machine can have at least two machines. So, if one breaks down, another can immediately take over. Just one functional machine for the whole hospital

is not just good enough.

Now, how is cancer treated in the country?

In the past, we used what we call Cobalt 60 machine. It’s a very powerful machine but the actual thing that works in it is the Cobalt sources and it can be stolen. Now, if it is stolen, it can be used to make rough atomic bomb because radiotherapy treatment is peaceful use of atomic energy. But, this Cobalt 60 machine is being faded out because if a terrorist handles cobalt sources, he can make rough atomic bomb. We have faded out the one in use at LUTH. We are now

using what is known as Linear Accelerator. The other centres will also eventually fade out cobalt 60 machine because these are days of terrorism and that is the danger with Cobalt 60 machine. Linear Accelerator manufactures its own radioactive substance and there is nothing that can be stolen.

Now, the linear accelerator treats cancer by radiation, how about other forms of treatment?

Other forms of treatment apart from radiation are chemotherapy (use of drugs), surgery, immunotherapy, there is biological therapy, and there is gene therapy. There are so many treatments of cancer. It depends on what the body wants. But the three major ones are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

How easy is access and cost of treatment to average Nigerians?

Well, chemotherapy is available but like we said, it is very expensive. Occasionally, some parts of the body dictate the kinds of drugs they want.

Some of the drugs can run into a million naira and don’t forget they have to have it every three weeks, some for a year. And where are the funds? How many patients can afford that?

This cost is without admission, without blood transfusion, without pain killers and other things that would be needed – just cancer drugs.

What advice would you give to people suffering from cancer?

Everyone, including you and I should examine ourselves. If you notice any lump, or any thickness, in any part of our body, we should see our doctor. If we are bleeding from any orifice where we should not bleed from, we should report to our doctor. If your bowel habit changes, report to your doctor as it could be signs of cancer in the colon. If you notice a black spot in the soles of your feet, report to your doctor. Anything unusual that you notice in your body, you should report to your doctor.

•••Bold strides to raise awareness Governmental Organisations (NGOs) help minimally but they are also not rich.”

One of such NGOs is Children Living With Cancer Foundation (CLWCF) which assists in treatment and care of children afflicted by cancer. In both Ayomide and Kaosi’s cases, succour came their way through contact with its founder, Dr. Nneka Nwobbi. But, there still remains a lot to be done, said Dr. Nwobbi. “Children cannot take care of themselves and I found out that no one was speaking for them.”

Awareness week Since 2008, September has been declared the month for cancer awareness in children.

But in Nigeria, this awareness is still at a low ebb. This year, to mark the month of childhood cancer, CLWCF organised a walkathon from the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos to LUTH on September 17.

Defying the Saturday rain, about 150 people kitted in yellow T—shirts and fez caps had gathered for an awareness walk against childhood cancer.

Among those who took part in the drenching walk were former first lady of Cross River State, Mrs. Onari Duke who came with her daughter, founder of CLWCF, Dr. Nwobbi, and Mrs. Ronke Ogunleye, who is also a pharmacist and cancer of the cervix survivor. The walk was also spiced up by

students from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. As the trail of yellow filed slowly towards LUTH, bystanders looked on.

The walkathon was also an avenue to embark on fundraising to buy a Cold Centrifuge for LUTH, used to separate the components of the blood. The machine which is capable of separating bags of blood into their various components (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) would go a long way to reduce the cost of managing cancer patients. In Ayomide’s case, the component of the blood she required was the white blood cells. It costs about N10m for a machine which separates the components of eight bags of blood at a time. And according to Dr. Adebola Akinsulie who is a consultant paediatrician at LUTH, there are only two of such machines in government hospitals in Lagos, and both are epileptic.

Founded in 2002, CLWCF has been creating awareness as well as caring for children living with cancer. Previously, it had held art exhibitions where proceeds from the sale of artworks were used to assist children. Cancer, though, a noncommunicable disease has often been surrounded by myths. Some people think cancer is caused by curses and witchcraft

and tend to avoid those afflicted with it. Dr. Nwobbi said, “Sometimes, these children feel it is their fault for having the disease.”

But, what is certain is that it is not only the patient that suffers, especially, when it concerns children. According to Matron Okoro, “the whole family has to be counselled and become part of the treatment.”

Before Mr. Chime and his daughter, Kaosi embarked on treatment in India, he had confessed in tears: “Seeing her play with me gives me joy but I don’t know how long that will last.” Though, still faraway, his words still rings. And he still needs N4m.

“While the rich take their children abroad for treatment, the poor cannot do that,” said Dr. Nwobbi, as the wards of various teaching hospitals across the country may be bulging with child cancer patients. And many may just die, waiting for an expensive treatment that might remain elusive to most.

To help either Kaosi or help procure a cold centrifuge Contact: Dr. Nneka Nwobbi, founder CLWCF on 08033156908 Account Name - Children Living With Cancer Foundation Account Number – 0001180414 Bank – Diamond Bank

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

PAGE 19

Face to face with homosexuals Page 21

PHOTOS: TAIWO ABIODUN

•The dilapidated buildings

Scars of war Twelve years after the war that ravaged some quarters in Modakeke and Ife, Osun State, the ruins of the razed buildings are sad reminders of the futility of war. Taiwo Abiodun who visited the two towns last week reports

A

NYONE who wants to confirm the truism in the time worn cliché that when two elephants fight, the grass suffers; should take a trip to Modakeke and Ife in Osun State.

Twelve years after the war that claimed hundreds of lives and properties between both communities over ownership of and supremacy over

Modakeke, things have not been the same again as only a few of the houses that were torched or destroyed have been rebuilt or renovated. Many have been sold or abandoned.

In fact, the first thought that may perhaps come to the mind of an observer who knows the story of the conflict between the two communities would be,

“So, to what end? What has come of the war?”

At this juncture the words of former American President, Jimmy Carter, would come to mind. The former president had at a Nobel lecture in December 2002 said, “War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an

evil, never a good. We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other’s children.”

Looking back today, if the combatants reflect on Mr. Carter’s words they’ll credit him with a rare insight.

In both communities now, twelve whole years after the bitter war those •Continue on page 20

20

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Life •Continued from page 19

who are not bold enough or ready to confront the realities and futilities of war have refused to return to the area, especially the scarred battlefields of Lakarabata Lines 1, 2, and 3.

Left in ruins A walk through these areas is likely to set off goose pimples and memories of many lives and properties that were lost during the fracas. The carcasses of the ruins are loud testimonies to the fact that the owners are either not interested in rebuilding or have been too pauperised by the loss to be able to do anything tangible.

Desolate buildings For instance, some of the buildings at the Lagere Shopping Complex and the John Holt buildings have become dilapidated and abandoned. The iron roofing sheets of the buildings are totally gone and yet to be replaced. This has left the buildings exposed to the rain, sunshine and weather elements for the past 14years, while the mud houses have caved in.

In Lakarabata Lines 1, 2 and 3, tall trees have started sprouting out from the empty and abandoned houses. Some others are covered with weeds and scores of others are inhabited by animals and reptiles. A few others have been taken over by loafers who have turned the ruined buildings to smoking joints for Indian hemp and other drugs.

One interesting thing is that students of higher institutions situated in the town have invaded these areas and took over some of the houses. They have rehabilitated some of them living there free of charge, as they have no one to pay their rents to. Apart from that, they have in no small way ‘helped’ to add to the population of the residents in the area.

A couple who are both octogenarians , Pa Felix Ayodeji (85) and his wife (80) who fled their house during the war said they were residents of the area and had to return few years ago because they are old and had no place to go .They said they have done some repair works on their destroyed house but need to do more.

Pa Ayodeji said “We were living here before and when there was war, we all ran away and I think that was about 14years ago .We came back to this house about five years ago. We are neither from Ife nor Modakeke. We are from Otan Ayegbaju in Ondo State. I am a plank seller and that was what I have been doing all my life before the war broke out. Now, when we came back here there were no windows, all the windows were gone. We are able to do the little repair works we could do.’’

The octogenarian wife interjected, “We want the federal and state governments to help us. We still need to do lots of rehabilitation,” the couple pleaded.

Mrs Mary Falola was met at her residence, a one storey building, she decried the state of the buildings and appealed to the state government to come to their aid. She said “That is how we have been living here, it is not easy. My elder brothers who could have spoken with you are not around, the family needs government assistance to put this house in order. We are just living here with some other people here.’’

A trader, Folashade Awe, who lives in the vicinity lamented the areas that were ravaged by the war have become eyesore, adding that the landlords of the area had fled.

She added, “I am a resident of this area. I was born and bred in Modakeke here. In fact, I married here and my children grew up here. Though our house was not torched during the crisis, I am not happy the way things are. If not the students who are living here by force we would not be living here, too. I want the government of Osun State to assist in bringing sanity back here. There is peace now and the place should be rebuilt.”

For Mr Matthew Oladele, it is painful

•Another dilapidated buildings

Left in ruins

PHOTOS: TAIWO ABIODUN

•Pa Felix Ayodeji and his wife living in the vicinity and seeing all the surroundings make him tearful, “It is high time the government assisted the people, things should not continue like this. I used to see people coming here and pointing fingers at the houses and roads as if they

are going to do something, but no one sees them again. This area has become a bush, an eyesore and it is irritating. In fact, this place is not habitable for human beings.

The houses need a lot of repairs.’’

And the question on everyone’s lips is where are the two elephants that fought

and what have they done to assist the affected ones after they had settled their differences?

If you have story contact TAIWO ABIODUN on 08034157684

Life

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

21

T

HE wordings of the invitation letter did not quite suggest that the workshop was about reporting an event organized by homosexuals or sexual minorities (as they preferred to be called).

The letter had it that it was a workshop on Sexual Diversity and Human Rights Project. Incidentally, almost all the journalists invited for the two-day workshop at the Nasfsah Hotel in Minna, the Niger State capital, had a different opinion as to what the workshop was all about. Part of the letter indicated that “the training is part of the implementation of the findings of the research project on “Sexual Diversity and Human Rights in Nigeria funded by the Ford Foundation” aimed at building “the capacity of the media in reporting accurately and on issues of sexual diversity and human rights.”

The invitation letter stated further that: “To achieve the objective that participants will be sensitized on how to use a developed media toolkit in reporting on sexual diversity and also taken through international instruments (treaties and consensus documents), and the history of the struggles for the human rights of sexual minorities.”

The workshop, however, later turned out to be a first-time meeting of some journalists with homosexuals. The homosexuals, it was explained in the course of the programme, were trying to get “fair reporting” from the Nigerian media especially when their “rights” are violated by the society. The first question that came to the mind of this reporter was how do you report fairly an issue which the society abhors to the satisfaction of all? This is so especially when those whose “rights” have allegedly abused have not coming out to complain.

However, one of the resource persons named Williams at the workshop took the reporters by surprise when he said that he was indeed one of the sexual minorities.

He said: “I have often asked my mother what she would have done when she was pregnant if the doctors had told her that I will turn out to be a gay person. Would she have aborted the pregnancy?”

Williams is just 25 year old and he believes, like many of his kind, that he has a right as a human being to be treated decently by the society and the law. He wants to be referred to as a sexual minority rather than being called a gay and he has no apology for the kind of sexual orientation he has chosen for himself. A graduate of Laboratory Technology from the Accra Polytechnic in Ghana, Williams has a dual nationality (Ghana and Nigeria), but said he preferred to be regarded as a Nigerian.

He told The Nation on Sunday that he believes he was born as a sexual minority, disproving the belief that people develop interest in it along the line apparently due to peer group pressure. According to him, “I just happened to be part of the sexual minority family and that is my sexual orientation and there is nothing anyone can do about that. I identified the fact that I was born a sexual minority or gay as you may want to call it when I was eight years old, but since I was too young to know what was happening, I did not experience it. However, as I grew up and my sexual feelings began to mature, I began to know what it meant to be a sexual minority which is quite different from what society wants and it came to full reality when I was 18.”

Since it is not a normal thing for families to accept their loved ones with such sexual orientation, how did his family feel when they discovered the type of a person he was? Williams who said he came from a well nurtured family argued that to his siblings, his choice of sexual orientation did not come to them as a surprise because “they know that I have always been different from all of them. So, when they found out about my sexual orientation, they did not take if with hard feeling. But there are times when they verbally abuse me for who I am.”

“But for my parents,” he continued, “it came to them as a big blow and they could not come to terms with it. So, my relationship with them turned sour as at the time. There were times when some of my gay friends come to look for me at home

Face to face with homosexuals Tony Akowe unexpectedly found himself in the company of practising homosexuals . He had a very intimate discussion with one of them and my mother would tell them to stop looking for her son and this often created problem between us. She believed so much that it was a phase in my life and that I will soon overcome it. However, they have come to terms with my sexual orientation because they have come to realise that there is nothing they can do about it.”

To him, his growing up and school life was not different from that of other children. While many believe that several people who are sexual minorities today may have gotten the habit while attending a boarding school, Williams said he attended a day school and was rather on the quiet side and so never experienced anything of such while in school. Like every other students in the school, Williams said he had girl friends and associated freely with everybody in the school and so, nobody knew his real sexual orientation.”

He said after his secondary education he went to Ghana where he attended a Polytechnic. He stated: “I did not know what the orientation was there and so, I kept largely to myself and was not out going. So, nobody knew I was gay.”

However, he made public his sexual orientation in 2009 and “people started cutting ties with me while others maintained their relationship because they realised that they cannot change me.”

Williams was asked how he is able to identify people of his own sexual orientation. He told The Nation on Sunday: “After school, I came out to search for people with the same sexual orientation.

There was this magazine called Hints which had a gay column. On that column, there were always gay men who wanted to meet other gay men. I read the magazine

and contacted one of them who later introduced me to others. That was in 2003 and, from then, I started making friends in the gay community. In my first social event, I was surprised to discover that we were about 500 there. I just read that magazine and knew how they were organized, their rights and how to fight for these rights.”

What are the challenges that he has faced since making his sexual orientation public? In his words: “The challenges cut across every other gay person who has come out to the public with his orientation.

These challenges include security of life, rejection by family members and even friends as well as the society; discrimination in health policies especially in the HIV/AIDS programme; verbal abuses, among others.”

He added that if you don’t have self esteem as a gay, you may be forced to behave the way the society wants you to behave. “The challenges are enormous and I have continuously worked to overcome these challenges and I will continue to work for the rights of gay, not because they are gay, but because they are human beings and are Nigerians whose rights are guaranteed in the Nigerian constitution.”

He, however, believes that many people often refuse to talk about the issue of gay and lesbianism because of the fear of being considered as one by the Nigerian society. He observed.”

He said he is, however, not unaware of the position of both the religious and legal systems about sexual minorities but he believes that the state and religion organisations should be unbiased about the issue. He believes that though Christianity frowns at the issue of sexual

“He, however, believes that many people often refuse to talk about the issue of gay and lesbianism because of the fear of being considered as one by the Nigerian society. He observed.”

minority, Islam is more hostile to it. He argues that the legal system should be able to put the religious bodies in check when it comes to the issue of sexual minorities because “the state has a legal system to protect people.”

He noted: “There are people without religion and so, where do you place them?

The state should make it possible for everybody to be protected irrespective of your sexual orientation. If the constitution guarantees you protection, the various religious groups will have no choice than to abide by the law. As a country, we must come to the realisation that our laws abhor violence. Our law books are filled with laws that are discriminatory against people because of their sexual orientation.

So, Nigeria should come out of being a discriminatory society. Sexual minorities should have a right to live and access HIV/AIDS treatment.

“We advocate for a non discriminatory Nigerian society so that sexual minorities can contribute to the development of this country. I know of someone who went for a job interview and in the course of the interview, someone called the panel to inform them that he was gay and that was the end if the interview in spite of the fact that he was the most qualified for the job.

He never got the job and there are several people like that out there who cannot get jobs or have lost their jobs because of their sexual orientation. The question is, can I get a job now when the law criminalises being a gay?”

Even though the Christian religion frowns at gay and lesbianism, Williams claimed that he is a Christian, but has no definite church where he worships. In his words, “I am a Christian, but I don’t want to be associated with a particular church because I have been sent out of a church before because of my sexual orientation.

So, I only commune with God in my closet and so, I don’t have any denomination. It is more of a spiritual thing as far as I am concerned.”

He said his family members are still praying for him to change his sexual orientation in the near future.

22

Life

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

VOX POP names time to time in that video, so I believe that the lady should come out and call names of those people she knows in the gang.

Keeping tabs on people and events in cyber space

PICTURE OF THE DAY

I

• This is a classic Nigerian scene. I’ll leave you to guess what he is doing at the top of the ‘NEPA’ pole!

WEIRD INFO

N a video circulating the Internet, a girl gangraped begged to either be spared or killed. The video showed a lady believed to be a student being raped by a gang of five young men in Abia State University. The act appeard to have taken place in a single-room dormitory or student hostel.

This has stirred huge controversies among the school authorities who are denying the authenticity of the rape and members of the general public who are calling for the arrest and prosecution of the rapists.

Huge financial rewards have been offered by members Nigerians in exchange for the identities and arrest of the rapists. There is a general call for the rape victim to get in touch with any of the concerned Non-Governmental Organizations via the internet or a phone call. Here are some of the reactions posted at www.thenationonlineng.net a n d

www.lindaikeji.blogspot.com; Fred Nwonwu I have said somewhere else that it may be difficult to get the guys involved, owing to the quality of the video and the fact that the idiots made sure their faces were not caught by the camera man.What to do now is to get the girl to come out. If she can damn shame and reach out to one of the numerous NGOs that have a mandate for stuffs like this, then this case will be solved the faster. Mind, I am not advocating that she appear in public to be probed by my fellow pressmen. A quite session with an NGO should do it. Think it will do for NGOs to begin posting their names, addresses and phone numbers on blogs like this. We should not let this matter die like this na!!!

Mareurta I believe the lady in question will know one of the gangs, as one of the guy said the lady was mentioning

Kshorty1 If you have any information that can lead to the arrest and prosecution of all five suspects please send an email to info@eienigeria.org The identity of anyone who provides such information will be protected. The reward for providing this information is N200,000 (two hundred thousandNaira). You can read the tweet at my Twitter handle @OKshorty1 Emeh Achanga I haven’t commented on this or posted this story on my blog because no amount of writing would bring these boys to book if the victim is afraid to come out and speak.

She knows these monsters and maybe considers herself lucky to have been alive. These goats are connected and dangerous to have done this and recorded it, spared her life (knowing nothing will happen). Instead of concentrating on those devils, we should all make an open call to that girl to reveal herself. She needs to be rehabilitated, maybe flown out of the country for security reasons. Her family might be living in fear of a reprisal attack by those devils and their cohorts. If she can only come out and talk, I think those cows calling themselves Vice Chancellor’s and Governors would be put to shame.

JOBS ONLINE

A • The fake murder scene

A

HIRED killer fell in love with his victim then faked her death with the help of some tomato ketchup. Hitman Carlos Roberto de Jesus, from Brazil, was paid £345 to murder Iranildes Aguiar Araujo.

He was contracted by housewife Maria Nilza Simoes, who was convinced Iranildes was having an affair with her husband.

But when de Jesus saw his intended victim he fell head over heels in love with her and confessed the plot. The pair then conjured up a plan to fool his employer into believing he had carried out the hit. The new lovers bought two bottles of ketchup from a local supermarket.

De Jesus then got his supposed victim to rip her shirt and grip a machete under her armpit.

He then taped her mouth up, tied her hands, smothered her with ketchup and got her to lie still on the floor as if she

• Iranildes, alive during an interview

were dead.

The ex-convict photographed Araujo and sent the picture to the ‘cheated’ wife saying he had killed her.

Araujo said: ‘I tore my shirt, put the knife by my side here, then he tied me up and smothered me with ketchup.’

But the ruse was discovered three days later when Simoes saw the hired assassin kissing the very woman he was meant to have bumped off. She then went to the police to complain he had stolen 1000 dollars from her.

Detectives were amazed when de Jesus told the full story in a confession.

The murder was supposed to take place last July in the small town of Pidonbacu, in the state of Bahia, in eastern Brazil.

The three suspects were grilled by police chief Marconi Lima before being released on bail.

The hitman and his ‘victim”’ faces extortion charges and the woman

who hired him charges of making threats to kill.

Sheriff Lima said: ‘In eight years of policing I’ve never heard anything like it.’

While a local shopkeeper remarked: ‘Could Maria not see that the knife was in the woman’s armpit?’

DID YOU KNOW... …that it would take 1,200,000 mosquitoes, each sucking once, to completely drain the average human of blood. …that according to German researchers, the risk of heart attack is lower on Friday than any other day of the week …that the focusing muscles of the eye move about 100,000 times a day.

To give the leg muscles the same exercise would involve walking 80km (50 miles) a day. …that an average human speaks about 4,800 words in 24 hours.

B Microfinance Bank has new job vacancies for Client Advisers (REF CODE: CA), Cashier/Tellers (REF CODE: CAS) and Sales Client Advisers (REF CODE: SCA). The Client Advisers are to posses; Minimum educational level of B.Sc./HND, good communication and selling skills, active PC user, customer oriented personality, 12 years working experience in any related field would be an added advantage.

The Sales Client Advisers should have a strong passion for marketing, minimum educational level of B.Sc./ HND, previous work experience in selling financial products (especially Deposits), a good relationship skills and team spirit while the Cashiers/Tellers should posses a minimum of an OND degree.

Interested candidates should forward their CV and Application letter as attached files to vacancies.bs@abmfbnigeria.com not later than Monday Sept 26th 2011. Please indicate the REF CODE for the position you wish to apply for, as the SUBJECT of the mail. Failure to comply would disqualify your application.

Seven Up Bottling Company is searching for an Accounts manager. This is a management position and the successful applicant will be expected to have the following minimum qualifica-

tions: A university degree or higher national diploma in Accounting plus ACA qualification, 12 years experience in financial and management accounting responsibilities five of which must be at management level, sound knowledge of Accounting Principles and practice, good financial management and analytical skills, between 35 and 40 years age bracket and must be computer literate.

Interested candidates to apply in their own handwriting, latest 6th October 2011 with relevant CV credentials to: The Executive Director, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, 247 Moshood Abiola Way, Ijora, P.O. Box 134.

Apapa. Lagos.

Circuit Atlantic, an Inter-

national procurement company currently needs the service of fresh graduates to fill vacant positions in the Client Relations Department of their Lagos office. Applicants to these positions are expected to meet the following requirements: Must be computer literate (ability to use MacBook computers will be an added advantage), be able to communicate in flawless English, not more than 27 years of age, must be familiar with the major social media platforms and should be a university graduate.

If you think you meet the above conditions, send your CV to circuitatlantic@gmail.com before Thursday, 29th of September, 2011

23 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

I

T is no moot point that one of the many issues that have overtime generated serious interest among writers, critics and literary enthusiasts in the literary enclave the world over is controversy bordering on plagiarism, the use of an individual’s ideas, words, or works as if it were one’s own. This and what in another instance is considered fair/unfair usage of a person’s intellectual efforts have also provided minders of literary issues with entertainment of the sort that makes memory of such occurrence indelible.

The tiresome yet entertaining controversies about Yambo Ouologuem’s Bound to Violence, Camara Laye Radiance of the King, and Zakes Mda’s Heart of Redness remain etched in the memory of many keen minders of literary developments.

Just about two weeks ago, the literary world was treated mildly to a title controversy involving an eminent African writer and a popular American rapper-actor. The Nation on Sunday gathered that Curtis James Jackson, whose stage name is 50 Cent, has been working on a biopic based on an American football player whose career is threatened by cancer. In deciding on an appropriate title, he reportedly settled for “Things Fall Apart” which, incidentally, is the title of a seminal novel of a leading figure in the pantheon of African Literature, Chinua Achebe.

Mr Achebe who was 28 years old when he published the widely read novel in 1958 got his title from a line of William Butler Yeats’ poem, “The Second Coming”.

It was learnt that when the foundation responsible for the management of the renowned author’s works got wind of the development, it wrote to the producers of the film to find another title for their work, noting that the use of the title would infringe on the right of the author to it. In response, the producers reportedly offered the sum of $1 million to the 80-year old literary icon in order to be able to use the title because, according to them, “50 Cent would rather want to keep the title”.

However, reports indicated that the foundation stood pat and told the producers that “the novel with the said title was first produced in 1958 (17 years before 50 Cent was born), listed as the mostly widely read book in modern African Literature, and will not be sold for even $1 billion”. Not willing to start a legal tussle with the foundation, it was gathered that the producers advised the 36-yearold actor, whose Get Rich or Die Tryin’ movie released in 2003 brought him to fame, to modify the title. The title of the movie which is due for release next year is now “All Things Fall Apart”. The choice of this title was apparently made in order “to avoid a potential huge loss” that could be made possible by settling for a new title.

While the disagreement over the book title lasted, question bordering on whether book titles are copyrighted was raised. Some were of the view that Mr Achebe’s right wouldn’t have been infringed upon if the rap artist had gone ahead to use the title for his movie, more so that the writer lifted the title from another writer’s work. “I can’t help feeling Mr 50 Cent has been a little hard done by Achebe … It Seems hawkish, at best, to hound someone else for using a sentence you yourself borrowed,” Peter, a literary critic said.

Commenting on this, Dr Chima Anyadike of the Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, maintained that, “There are copyright issues, legal issues which can be sorted out. And the authorities in these areas can give their own views on it.

My own literary contribution is simply that if people are saying Achebe didn’t create that title, it is partly correct and partly wrong because Yeats did not create a title called ‘Things Fall Apart’. He wrote a poem and in that poem is a line which contains those three words, which Achebe chose to make a title of his work. In that sense he created that title for himself. So, if copyright laws say titles are copyrighted then he is right. But if there is no such thing in copyright laws, then the law should apply”.

From a legal viewpoint, Bar Mike

• Achebe

• 50 Cent

The Achebe / 50 Cent title controversy In the wake of the reported refusal of Chinua Achebe to allow 50 Cent use “Things Fall Apart” as the title of his new movie, the question of whether book titles are copyrighted stands out like a sore thumb, writes Ademola Adesola Anyanwu, Legal Adviser and Deputy Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, has this to say: “Generally speaking, under the different subjects that come under copyright protection – literary works, musical works, artistic works, et cetera – it is accepted that titles are not protected. It is strange to me that 50 Cent in the first place is offering so much just to use the title. Probably he didn’t seek proper legal consultation. That’s actually the first flaw there. You can use any title repeatedly. Titles are not covered under copyrights, even under what we call moral rights. You see, under copyrights there are quite a lot of other rights that you can assign – the right to reproduce, the right to transpose, the right to even use. Usually there are still some exceptions even when the rights inure in any published material, especially when the work is used for educational purposes, or for public good. As long as it is not for commercial purposes, you can still use those things.

“But what normally happens is that these rights that inure forever in any work of art, which we call moral rights, require that for anybody who uses your work, regardless of the purpose and even when it falls under the exceptions, should acknowledge it. There must be some acknowledgement that this is that person’s work, or this is taken from that.

Coming back to the issue of the title Things Fall Apart, I really do not think that Achebe has any right that would be violated if anybody used it, whether to even publish another volume of poems, or another novel. I can publish a novel and call it “Things Fall Apart” by Mike Anyanwu. The whole thing is that in terms of material content it would

be entirely different from that of Achebe. But I should add that what might not have been clear to us is the extent to which 50 Cent wanted to use the title. Probably he had taken some particular lines from the book.”

Similarly, Bar Tade Ipadeopa, an Intellectual Property specialist and Legal Adviser to the Association of Nigerian Authors, wrote: “The creative artist comes to the point at which a name is assigned to the work, the brainchild. That name may be ‘Untitled’ or ‘Let it be’ or some such enigmatic name. In order to identify the work from other works in the vast ocean of creative output, the ritual of naming has come to stay.

“Naming, however, is not a neutral act. It vests the work with identity, with a clarity it did not have prior to naming. A name often does more than simply identifying the brainchild of the artist. It can locate the work within a tradition or situate it within a chronological framework or place it within an ideological context. The Wretched of the Earth conveys a certain essence even before the first sentence is read, as does ‘The Second Coming’. It is a well known fact that the human brain works by association. With artistic creation, association is a major consideration.

“As with every significant aspect of human endeavour, the law has a finger firmly stuck in the pie of naming; who does it, whether it can be done at all. In theory, titles are free. Essentially, that means an artist should be free from unpleasant legal consequences for copyright infringement if he or she decides to name a finished work ‘Abiku’ or ‘Things Fall Apart’. In Nigeria, the Nigerian Copyright Commission will not grant

exclusive protection for a name or title or short phrase. That is reserved for entire works.

“It was a matter of some quaint attention therefore when the media reported the outcome of the engagement of Chinua Achebe’s legal team with 50 cent’s legal team in which the latter was forced to change the title of a forthcoming movie from ‘Things Fall Apart’ to ‘All Things Fall Apart’. It would appear that both legal teams completely forgot the origin of the title. This is sad. Lawyers are supposed to research their subject before offering legal opinion. Besides, there is good reason for keeping titles free. Imagine if every human being had to have an original name? Well, a brainchild and a child have a lot in common.

“Most artists will prefer to give their works a name that is different from known names.

This is a matter of aesthetics and artistic pride.

But no artist should have to change a title named after another work of art deliberately or otherwise. There is space for every bird to fly. The day an artist’s freedom to name a work is fettered in this manner is the day to rethink the law. Fortunately for us in Nigeria, that day is a long way off yet.”

In a revise document from the US Copyright Office, it is stated that “Copyright does not protect names, titles, slogans, or short phrases. In some cases, these things may be protected as trademarks. However, copyright protection may be available for logo artwork that contains sufficient authorship. In some circumstances, an artistic logo may also be protected as a trademark”.

Furthermore, in another document obtained from a website managed by a Copyright expert, it is explained that, “You can trademark a title, if you like. That’s a whole separate process, and it’s somewhat time-consuming and costly. Rarely is it worth it for an author to trademark a title, unless it’s tied to a business or brand that you do want to trademark for wider purposes. In that case, you’d decide for greater reasons than protecting the title”.

24

Arts

F

ESTIVAL of Nigerian plays (FESTINA) which was rested in 2005 has been resuscitated and will be staged as from Friday this week.

Addressing newsmen last week, Gregory Odutayo, the president of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), said that the festival of plays which will commence on Friday, 30th September will end on Friday, October 21st. The venue of the plays will be the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

According to Odutayo, FESTINA which was begun in 2001 was rested for this long due to many challenging problems confronting NANTAP. One of those challenges was that the association at a stage could not get the necessary support from the relevant corporate organizations to sponsor and support the festivals. “Beyond that,” Odutayo said, “the economic and social situations in the country was not favourable for the theatre. We put all that into consideration and decided to suspend the shows. But today, we feel we can do it once more to bring back life to the sector,” he said.

The idea of the new era of FESTINA is to stage plays by Nigerian artistes whose works have been outstanding. “Before now, we used to sponsor plays but it is no longer the situation. This is why we have some theatre troupes to come in to make things better. They are Hornbill House, Renegade Theatre, Crown Troupe of Africa and Performing Workshop and Studio. These are troupes that have been in the vanguard of ensuring that live theatre stays alive in Nigeria,” Odutayo, a theatre practitioner stated.

The whole essence of this festival of plays is to make practitioners feel the beauty of their profession. This is why such plays as The Wives by Ahmed Yerima, The Golden Fleas by Segun Adefila, The Waiting Room by Wole Oguntokun and Nigeria The Beautiful by Odia Ofeimun will be cel-

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Festival of Nigerian plays hits the stage

•Odutayo •Nefretiti performing on stage

By Edozie Udeze

ebrated this year. The performances will dwell on the total beauty of the Nigerian situation and to let the world know too that theatre can be used to draw attention to the problems of the society.

“This is why we have chosen to forge ahead in this new era in our annual theatrical feast. But we are not doing it alone; we are working with other groups to

achieve the goals and objectives with which FESTINA was initiated. It is like we are starting from the scratch. But we are mindful of the fact that we have to offer our theatre enthusiasts the best of theatre. This is why we are not commissioning plays. We are doing it with troupes who know what it takes to make theatre total and vibrant,” the NANTAP president clarified.

The festival of plays will have impor-

tant personalities in the sector in attendance in order to give vent to the shows.

The opening ceremony will come up on Friday, 30th of this month by 10a.m with Ahmed Yerima’s The Wives mounting the stage. It will be performed by Performing Arts Workshop and Studio and will be directed by Kenneth Uphopho. The play is a satire on the role of wives in a polygamous home. It is written to spurn that institution long castigated for its many failings and shortcomings. This and more are some of the issues that will rule the waves while FESTINA lasts.

Remembering Kiriji War of Yoruba land One hundred and twenty five years after the end of one of the world’s longest civil wars, South West states brought back Ekiti Parapo War (1770-1886) through a stage performance in Ado-Ekiti yesterday. Adewale Adeoye reports.

O

VER 200 artistes who have been in camp for four weeks yesterday took Ekiti State to a new artistic level with the performance of Kiriji. Their performance drew a long standing uproar among the audience of locals and foreign dignitaries.

In his speech, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi said the “Kiriji war signifies courage, fortitude, strength of character, bravery, selfless sacrifice, ingenuity, great sense of valour and an astounding contribution to scientific inventions in the quest for survival.” He added that “these iconic men and women, fought graciously in manners never seen before and in traits hardly found in recent memories.”

The Kiriji stage performance was initiated by Fayemi saying that it was “a distinctive attempt to rekindle ancient intra-ethnic rivalry which invariably led to long-lasting peaceful coexistence among the Yoruba people.”

There are plans to invest the returns from gate fees in the proposed Africa’s first indigenous Museum of War history, according to an official of Ekiti State.

September 23 was exactly 125 years after the Yoruba leaders signed an armistice for peace in Lagos. To mark this event, political leaders and traditional rulers in the entire Southwest converged on Ekiti for the extraordinary event.

Enduring legacy Even though stories about the war are fading like stars at dawn, yet, for most aged Nigerians, especially Yoruba people in their 90s, September 23 is not just statistics, but a date that leaves an enduring footprint. If you are in doubt, Pa Omiekun Adekunle, 92, serves as a living pathway to the rediscovery of one of history’s most chilling stories of brutal repression by a once dominant and awe-inspiring Ibadan Empire and the he-

roic resistance of a people against a superior force. A force that was later brought to its knees, through share determination, bravery and valour. Though Pa Adekunle was not a soldier in the Ekiti Parapo War, which began in 1770, between a terrifying Ibadan military might and other Yoruba sub-tribes tagged Ekiti Parapo, his father was a marksman in the Yoruba civil war that lasted for 16 years. Pa Adekunle said he holds on his palms the “raw, true account of the war” as handed over to him by his father.

This reporter visited his village, IreleEkiti, a small community surrounded by lurch green mountains and rocky hills, located North East of Ikole-Ekiti. The community of mainly agrarian locals, played a critical role on the side of the allied forces.

Munching a piece of white kolanut sourced from his dingy, ancient pouch, he said, with a toothy grin “my father played a significant role in Kiriji war, my uncle also belonged to the secret service in the war.” He said his people fought for 16 years, in one of the longest wars history has ever encountered. “We fought with determination to free the entire Yorubaland from the domineering influence of a unitary government led

by Ibadan”, he added, pointing to a mountain top in the centre of the village where thousands of military officers of Ibadan origin were said to have been massacred and later buried.

He said in the 1930s, the skeletal remains of the soldiers could still be found littering the mountain top. Palaake was the name of the military commander said to have led the uprising around 1780 against the Ibadan invasion.

The Chief of Staff to the government of Ekiti State, Mr Yemi Adaramodu, who chairs the committee working on the project, had a breakfast chat with this writer on a cloudy

•A scene in Kiriji war

Monday morning last week. He said ‘the celebration of Kiriji is not just about history’s longest civil war. It is also about culture, science, inventions of our great grandfathers. It’s about the culture of resistance against injustice and it’s about a long history of struggle for an egalitarian society.”

The revival of the venture involves different stages: the stage performance of Kiriji, starring notable artistes such as Dele Odule, Fatai Oodua, Ojo Pagogo, Karan and many others; the setting up of the Museum of War History and the production of the film on Kiriji.

A journey into history He said generations of modern Yoruba people may not really understand what Kiriji is all about. “Our people read more of Western history as if we do not have history. We know more about Napoleon Bonaparte without realizing that we had a General Latoosa, Ogedengbe, Ogboriefon and many others.”

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Ayodele Junaid told this writer: “Our people do not know that Yoruba people had scientists that invented

several great items before the coming of Europeans.” An official in Oyo State said that “the Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) victory in the South West is not all about political victory, but also about cultural revival and the recall of lost values. Kiriji will do just that.”

The governments of Ekiti, Oyo and Osun are leading the campaign for the project, but the venture enjoys the support of all the South West states including Edo and Ondo States. The stage performance will go round all the South West states beginning form September 23. The Special Adviser on Regional Integration to the Lagos State Government, Rev Adetunji Adebiyi said that Lagos State “is delighted to host the stage performance” adding that it was significant that the peace treaty by the Yoruba tribes was signed in Lagos.

The question still lingers: what does Kiriji mean and what really is the significance of the war? Long before the coming of Europeans, the Yoruba people had a rich, wealthy system of government backed with a strong, time-tested military machine that at one time was said to be in the range of 10 divisions (about 150,000 soldiers), almost the size of Nigerian Armed Forces today, which was mainly controlled by the Aare Ona Kakanfo (Field Marshal and Commander of the Armed Forces). However, around 1769, the Oyo Empire, which was the most fearsome government in Yorubaland, had been faced with deepening cleavages, pitching the military institution against the political class. There were, also, growing disenchantment among the Yoruba sub-tribes, against the unitary system of government. The sub-tribes wanted a federal system with a loose centre, prompting bottled up grievances against the Are, who preferred a command structure.

Continued on page 49

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Books

25

Akon: Height of political dialectics T

HAT Akon was born at night is not the main issue here. She was born when there was no light but there was, nonetheless, hope for the womenfolk. That is the story Arnold Udoka set out to tell in this play simply entitled Akon. It is a play that has all the trappings of women liberation. And knowing the playwright as a champion of women liberation, it is much easier to see why he carefully and deliberately chose Akon to tell his story.

Udoka is fond of telling the story of his people – using a platform that gives him an edge over other usurpers or what one may call interlopers. He is at home with the true situation of the Annang people, a microcosm of the Niger Delta environment and what they stand for. He uses his familiar terrain to weave his stories. He resorts to customs and traditions to build sentiments, curry for attention and then beg for solution.

Udoka is a crafts master who dwells too much on emotions, embedded in the total beauty of language and poignant points of argument. His subjects are often embroiled in situations of rancour and acrimony, but he will quickly resolve those with arguments that leave you a bit dumfounded. Akon thought she had it going for her. Her political position to contest for the chairmanship of her Local Government was somewhat assured.

For a while she rummaged in

that euphoria, calling on the electorate and her womenfolk to rally round her. But she was not at home with the customs of her people. She didn’t even feel it proper to go asking for one, for she was a modern woman – a lawyer, schooled in the ways of modern life. Ha! Ha! Mgboho, the old woman – a complete replica of the old ways, laughed. She was the clog here, informing Akon’s opponents of this secret.

What secret? You may ask.

Oh yes, Akon is not a woman.

She is a mere girl, trying to contest for this big position. But why, why now? Ha! Ha! She laughed again. She has not been circumcised and therefore not qualified to lead her people. This was the situation as the man used it now to win over the men. He went on to win the election based on this undue sentiment. But was Akon, this icon of the new generation women, perturbed?

Her role in life was to help extricate men from mundane leadership in which darkness over-rules wisdom and keep people in perpetual agony of backwardness.

As the intrigues to unseat her and her political ambition continued unabated Akon remained resolute, solid and unmoved in her drive to make a point. Udoka uses the occasion of the play to enter into a comprehensive argument of whether or not colonialism was right in its application of ruling forcefully and damning the consequences. Akon schooled in

England where she got a dose of neo-colonialism and how African leadership is perceived abroad.

Her sentiments not-withstanding, it is obvious from those outings in the book that both the colonizer and the colonized that leadership anywhere in the world has to be based on the total will of the people.

In the end, Akon had something to smile home with. She’d been made an Ambassador-designate. It was her resilience, dedication, honesty and integrity that got her that. So while other women tried to berate the old woman, Mgboho, for her anti-progressive stand, Akon chose to calm them down. Here lies the beauty and power of arguments as was employed by Udoka to convince the audience and make the play a delight. It is a delight as far as arguments and depth of information can go.

But how far the play can go in making meaning on stage remains to be seen. Or is it the type you usually call the director’s play? So it seems, for the potency of the dialectics of arguments gives the play a blend of history and politics. When on stage, the audience are bound to feel they are in a classroom for a doctorate degree in historical and political semantics purposely coated in Annang traditions. How that can be resolved to give Akon a total acceptance while on stage is not Udoka’s headache per se, but that of whoever will be manacled with the responsibility of putting the play on stage. That will, of course, be

one task too many.

Essentially, the issue of female circumcision is well tackled in the play. The resolution is apt but a man needed to be seen acting with more authority both for tradition and for the entire community.

Yes, for man still holds the ace in

a typical African setting. The man is the oracle.

Title: Akon (Drama) Author: Arnold Udoka Publishers: Kraftgriots, Ibadan Year of publication: 2011 Reviewer: Edozie Udeze

Seeking an oasis for an eternity of thirst

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THOUSAND Years Of Thirst, published in 2011, is Denja Abdullahi’s fourth collection of poetry, coming after Mairogo: A Buffoon’s Poetic Journey around Northern Nigeria,(2001),The Talking Drum(2008) and, Abuja Nunyi (This is Abuja,2008).The dominant motif that ties the four books together is that of the wandering minstrel on a journey of discovery of life in his natural, social and cultural environment.

In the latest collection, the poet’s intent, in this regard, is explicitly stated in the last two lines of his sonnet-like fourteen-line ‘Dedication’ on page 5-‘To the spirit of the pathfinder/Giving new insight to a static world.’ Here, we are left in no doubt about the nature of the poet’s endless journeys. A Thousand Years Of Thirst details in poem after poem, the author’s search toward opening new grounds, both in literary terms, and, with regards to offering fresh ideas, for making his world a better place.

A Thousand Years of Thirst is structured into four sections reflecting the thematic routes and detours of the persona eternally on the move towards fulfilling the purpose of his journeys. The four sections are: The Poet’s World with twenty one poems; The Wandering Minstrel with eighteen poems; Rediscovery with six, and, African Love Songs, the largest with twenty-seven poems.

The first section starts with an invocation of the poet’s Muse in

‘Oasis’, the first poem in the book.

The reader is given a glimpse into the preparations of the poet at the point of setting out. This journey towards the oasis presumes a dissatisfaction with the prevailing situation in the poet’s world, and the nature of the oasis being sought after is vividly described by the poet.

We shall be quoting several lines from this poem that, in a way, sums up the thematic concerns of the book: ‘Whisper the promise of scented fluid into my camel’s ears/ And make it race to the prized beauty./ Said to be waiting in honour at the oasis./Long have I encamped in virtueless plains/Long have I foraged through putrid pastures/Long have I supplicated in temple of ease/Now I long for the musky freshness of the oasis/ Now I crave to tended/By the delectable one of the oasis/Now I swoon to unveil the one of the oasis/Let the rosy-bodied girl of the oasis/Shy not in welcoming the restless rider…’.The poet as a restless rider, journeying away from the diverse straits of encampment, seeks the tenderness and companionship of a beloved one. The love theme prevails in this first section as well as in the other three other sections of A Thousand Years of Thirst.

The other poems in The Poet’s World, like ‘When The gods Speak”, ’The Poet’s World’, To The Hill, A Thousand Years of Thirst,Mirage,The Call, Dejection,Rain Beats, Band-

wagon, Unanswered Questions,As The Bird Flew Away, Let Us Not Rave,ANight of Glimpses,Carpe Diem, A Farmer’s Lamentation’, Revelers At a Bkt Joint, In A Tavern, and, To The Petulant Poets, intimate us with the poet’s critical and disillusioned look at the different kinds of thirsts encountered by the persona on his journey.

In ‘The World Says I am Small’(page 21), the poet voices his anger at an indifferent world-”Evil abounds in here/ Defying my strident call for change/Ears of iniquity so big and floppy/Ignoring riotous anger issuing from my throat…”.

There’s a resolve, however, by the poet to remain committed to a re-imagined world which his art avails. The fourteen lines in “A Retreat To Imagination’ buoy up the weary traveler at the point of dejection with a stubborn hope for succor in the alternate world of the imagination-When the world obstructs my march/ In imagination I will retreat./ …When obscurity pushes me to the abyss/In imagination I will seek for fame./Men might deny me joys of life/But in imagination I shall be joyful…’

In the second section titled, ‘The Wandering Minstrel’, there is a definite shift from the earlier concerns of the poet with love and poet’s world. This section reveals a new consciousness of the poet as a social and political

being. The poet’s anger at the social inequities he sees all around him is expressed in an uncompromising stance in ‘The Wandering Minstrel’, as he declares‘My song will turn to fiery embers/scalding palaces of tyrant rulers/Saying with collective fury that:/Doom awaits those

few who thrive/On the miseries of many.’(page 43).The same ‘fury’ is expressed in the next poem, instructively entitled, ‘Rage’, where the poet makes a direct call for the for the wiping away of the tyrants in the society.

The contrasting roles of the warrior and the poet is brought to the fore in their confrontation in “Between the Warrior and the Poet’. In the dramatic exchanges between the two, the author, do we say predictably, takes sides with the poet, believing that for all the gallantry of the warrior in battle, the poet has the last word: In strife or peace men must go/ Soon for you the end comes on a bloody day/Then your tale and mine can only be told/With the same words you once despised’(page 46).

A review of Denja Abdullahi’s A Thousand Years of Thirst.

By Chiedu Ezeanah

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Arts

1st Chapter

Politics of semantics

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HE third wave of democratization and contemporary anxieties about the future of contemporary liberal democracy; how both the left and the right entertain fantasies about the abolition of government; how contemporary developing countries represent the fulfillment of these fantasies; how we take institutions for granted but in fact have no idea where they come from.

During the forty-year period from 1970 to 2010, there was an enormous upsurge in the number of democracies around the world. In 1973, only 45 of the world’s 151 countries were counted as “free” by Freedom House, a nongovernmental organization that produces quantitative measures of civil and political rights for countries around the world. That year, Spain, Portugal, and Greece were dictatorships; the Soviet Union and its Eastern European satellites looked like strong and cohesive societies; China was caught up in Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution; Africa saw the consolidation of rule by a group of corrupt “presidents for life”; and most of Latin America had fallen under military dictatorship.

The following generation saw momentous political change, with democracies

Fukuyama is an original and independent mind, and his writings have never seemed to be constructed on a doctrinal foundation. He takes ideas seriously and he tries to see the big picture ... His views on American policies and their implications deserve thoughtful attention and market-oriented economies spreading in virtually every part of the world except for the Arab Middle East.

By the late 1990s, some 120 countries around the world – more than 60 percent of the world’s independent states – had become electoral democracies. This transformation was Samuel Huntington’s third wave of democratization; liberal democracy as the default form of government became part of the accepted landscape at the beginning of the twentyfirst century.

Underlying these changes in political systems was a massive social transformation as well. The shift to democracy was a result of millions of formerly passive individuals around the world organizing themselves and participating in the political life of their societies. This social mobilization was driven by a host of factors: greatly expanded access to education that made people more aware of themselves and the political world around them; information technology, which

facilitated the rapid spread of ideas and knowledge, cheap travel and communications that allowed people to vote with their feet if they didn’t like their governments; and greater prosperity, which induced people to demand better protection of the rights.

The third wave crested after the late 1990s, however, and a “democratic recession” emerged in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Approximately one in five countries that had been part of the third wave either reverted in authoritarianism or saw a significant erosion of democratic institutions. Freedom House noted that 2009 marked the fourth consecutive year in which freedom had declined around the world, the first time this had happened since it established its measures of freedom in 1973.

Political anxieties At the beginning of the second decade of the twenty-first century, malaise in the democratic world took several distinct forms. The first was the outright re-

versal of democratic gains that had occurred in countries such as Russia, Venezuela, and Iran, where elected leaders were busy dismantling democratic institutions by manipulating elections, closing down or buying independent TV and newspaper outlets, and clamping down on opposition activities. Liberal democracy is more than majority voting in elections, it is a complex set of institutions that restrain and regularize the exercise of power through law and a system of checks and balances. In many countries, official acceptance of democratic legitimacy was accompanied b the systematic removal of checks on executive power and the erosion of the rule of law.

In other cases, countries that seemed to be making a transition from authoritarian government got stuck in what the analyst Thomas Carothers has labeled a “gray zone,” where they were neither fully authoritarian nor meaningfully democratic. Many successor states to the former Soviet Union,

like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in Central Asia, found themselves in this situation. There had been a broad assumption in the years following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 that virtually all countries were transitioning to democracy and that failures of democratic practice would be overcome with the simple passage of time. Carothers pointed out that this “transition paradigm” was an unwarranted assumption and that many authoritarian elites had no interest in implementing democratic insti-

tutions that would dilute their power.

A third category of concern has to do not with the failure of political systems to become or remain democratic but rather their failure to deliver the basis services that people demanded from their governments. The mere fact that a country ha democratic institutions tells us very little about whether it is well or badly governed. This failure to deliver on the promise of democracy poses what is perhaps the greatest challenge to the legitimacy of such political systems.

Nobel Greats

Sir Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul

Winner of Nobel Prize in Literature 2001 “For having united perceptive narrative and incorruptible scrutiny in works that compel us to see the presence of suppressed histories”

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Born: 17 August 1932, Trinidad Residence at the time of the award: United Kingdom Language: English

S. Naipaul is a literary circumnavigator, only ever really at home in himself, in his inimitable voice. Singularly unaffected by literary fashion and models he has wrought existing genres into a style of his own, in which the customary distinctions between fiction and non-fiction are of subordinate importance.

Naipaul’s literary domain has extended far beyond the West Indian island of Trinidad, his first subject, and now encompasses India, Africa, America from south to north, the Islamic countries of Asia and, not least, England. Naipaul is Conrad’s heir as the annalist of the destinies of empires in the moral sense: what they do to human beings. His authority as a narrator is grounded in his memory of what others have forgotten, the history of the vanquished.

The farcical yarns in his first work, The Mystic Masseur, and the short stories in Miguel Street with their blend of Chekhov and calypso established Naipaul as a humorist and a portrayer of street life. He took a giant stride with A House for Mr. Biswas, one of those singular novels that seem to constitute their own complete universes, in this case a miniature India on the periphery of the British Empire, the scene of his father’s circumscribed existence. In allowing peripheral figures their place in the momentousness of great literature, Naipaul reverses normal perspectives and denies readers at the centre their protective detachment. This principle was made to serve in a series of novels in which, despite the increasingly documentary tone, the characters did not therefore become less colourful.

Fictional narratives, autobiography and documentaries have merged in Naipaul’s writing without it always being possible to say which element dominates.

In his masterpiece The Enigma of Arrival Naipaul visits the reality of England like an anthropologist studying some hitherto unexplored native tribe deep in the jungle.

With apparently shortsighted and random observations he creates an unrelenting image of the placid collapse of the old colonial ruling culture and the demise of European neighbourhoods.

Naipaul has drawn attention to the novel’s lack of universality as a form, that it presupposes an inviolate human world of the kind that has been shattered for conquered peoples. He began to experience the inadequacy of fiction while he was working

on The Loss of El Dorado, in which after extensive study of the archives he described the appalling colonial history of Trinidad. He found that he had to cling to the authenticity of the details and the voices and abstain from mere fictionalisation while at the same time continuing to render his material in the form of literature.

His travel books allow witnesses to testify at every turn, not least in his powerful description of the eastern regions of the Islamic world, Beyond Belief. The author’s empathy finds expression in the acuity of his ear.

Naipaul is a modern philosopher, carrying on the tradition that started originally with Lettres persanes and Candide. In a vigilant style, which has been deservedly admired, he transforms rage into precision and allows events to speak with their own inherent irony.

FEDERATION CUP

Pg. 28

Okonkwo, Nwabili are stars to watch

Enyimba ‘ll be unstoppable —Anyansi Pg. 45

Pg. 28,45

Nation Sunday, September 25, 2011

PAGE 27

ORIENTAL WAR

Heartland battles Enyimba for FA Cup T

ODAY in front of the teeming Lagos football fans, two Eastern clubs, Heartland of Owerri and Enyimba of Aba will slug it out in what has been tagged “The Oriental Battle”.

The 66th edition of Nigeria's second most cherished club competition will be decided tonight, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, in Lagos.

For Enyimba, a serious contender for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League trophy, adding the Federations Cup to its growing list of trophies will be a welcome development.

Though Heartland are more determined to clinch what may turn out to be their only silverware this year, pundits, favour the Aba warriors to triumph.

Over the years, the competition has evolved from the All Nigeria Governor's Cup, Challenge Cup, and Coca-Cola FA Cup to Federation Cup. Interestingly, Enyimba has emerged as the most successful team since the competition was rechristened Federation Cup, in 2009.

It's the first final between both teams in the history of the competition.

Meanwhile, Heartland coach, Lodewijk de Kruif has expressed confidence in his boys to spring a surprise against Enyimba FC in tonight's Federation Cup final nicknamed 'Oriental derby' billed for the Teslim

Igbinabu of Heartland

By Innocent Amomoh and Taofeek Babalola

Balogun Stadium at 4:pm.

Enyimba lost in the final against Kaduna United in last year's edition of the championship.

"We are here (Lagos) to lift the cup.

When I joined the team they were already out of contention for the continental ticket and I told the boys that we have to focus on the Federation Cup to get something for ourselves and the fans. They have tried their best to reach this stage and I have to credit them for their efforts.

"Enyimba is a big club in the country today and there is no doubt, that they will have the support of the crowd during the game but that won't affect us. We are determined and focused for the match and at the end of the day Heartland will lift the trophy. We are the underdogs but we will give our best."

Meanwhile, Enyimba coach Okey Emordi has predicted a tough match against the Naze Millionaires. "It is going to be a tough match and I believe that my boys are up to the task. We are in the right frame of mind for the match. The match is very important to us. If we win it will boost our morale for our continental assignment and if we lose it will definitly affect the team's morale that is why we will go all the way for victory.”

•Cletus-Itodo of Enyimba

•Villas Boas

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Past winners since 1954

• Enyimba of Aba

• Okey Emordi

Enyimba will remain unbeaten —Tyavkase

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NYIMBA’S most experienced player, David Tyavkase, has declared that the club will maintain their unbeaten run at the famous Teslim Balogun Stadium during Sunday’s Federation Cup final against Heartland.

The former African Champions are yet to lose in five matches at the stadium since it was inaugurated in 2007.

“Enyimba played a goalless draw against top Ghanaian side, Ashanti Kotoko, when the stadium was inaugurated in 2007. In that same year, we played three matches in the Nigeria Football League Super Four and won the league without losing a match.

“I was in the team and we played three matches against Rangers, Wikki and Gombe United. We defeated Rangers and Wikki, then played a draw with Gombe United. ”Enyimba returned to the Teslim Balogun Stadium again in 2009 and defeated Sharks by a lone goal to win the Federation Cup,” Tyavkase, who is the most decorated player in the present Enyimba squad said to SuperSport.com.

Okonkwo, Nwabili are stars to watch

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UPER EAGLES’ defenders Chibuzor Okonkwo and Valentine Nwabili are the top stars to watch in Sunday’s 2011 Federation Cup final match at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Left-back Nwabili has scored about goals in this year’s CAF Champions League, hitting the net against Al Hilal of Sudan home and away and in Enyimba’s final group phase match against Cotonsport Garoua of Cameroon in Aba last weekend.

The lion-hearted defender has been in and out of the senior national team but is likely to be looked at again following a run of great form.

On his part, Chibuzor Okonkwo has been first-choice for right back in the reign of Coach Samson Siasia nad has logged valuable experience in that sector, playing the full game in the international friendly against Argentina in Bangladesh earlier this month.

Other stars to watch out for in the Enyimba FC crew are striker Uche Kalu, who has about four goals in the CAF Champions League, agile goalkeeper Chijioge Ejiogu (popuarly called ‘Arugo Monkey’) and who burst onto national scene with FC Arugo of Owerri several years ago, and the calm and calculating midfield workhorse Chidozie Johnson.

Defender, Emmanuel Anyanwu was part of the U-20 national team that won the African Youth Championship in South Africa in May and got to the FIFA World Cup quarter finals in Colombia in August, while Kenneth and Nnaemeka Anyanwu are also talented stoppers with vision and panache.

Otekpa Eneji has seen action with the Super Eagles, including an international friendly with Korea Republic in Seoul last year, and is team, Dream Team. Bernard Okorowanta

Heartland is fired up-de Kruif

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EARTLAND coach, Lodewijk de Kruif has branded Enyimba as favourites for today's Federation Cup final against his team, but say his wards are fired up for the encounter.

Enyimba were losing finalists last year after coming off second best in a thrilling final against Kaduna United.

Following their exemplary run in this year’s CAF Champions League, bookmakers' odds have installed Peoples Elephants as favourites to clinch the trophy and the Dutch trainer of the Naze Millionaires is going with the pundits.

“Enyimba are a very popular side in Nigeria and many believe they are the favourites.

“It does not worry because these things are not too important,” de Kruif told SuperSport.com.

The 42-year-old gaffer also took time out to speak on the readiness of his players for Sunday’s game.

“The boys are fired up and giving their best in training. As always, I expect them to give their best and I am confident (they) will do well in the game.

Clashes between both clubs are usually feisty affairs as they both have rich histories and tradition exemplified by a rivalry that is severally described as ‘Oriental war.’

“I have heard about that (rivalry between the clubs) but honestly I don’t really know much about it

as I am a foreigner in this country.

“But I know what football rivalries around the world are like and I will apply myself and see that the players do the same,” he stressed.

Heartland has won the competition once while Enyimba have claimed success in Nigeria’s oldest football competition on two occasions.

has valuable experience from playing for the previous Olympic team and forward Junior Osagie, a burstling sharp-shooter was in the books of Club Africain of Tunisia before recently returning home.

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• Lodewijk-de-Kruif

Sweet memories of the Federation Cup...

N

IGERIA Football federation’s (NFF) Technical Director, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme recalls with sparkle in his eyes the 1981 final match between Enugu Rangers and Bendel Insurance, which ended 2-0 in favour of the Coal City boys.

“That was a match. You know, Rangers were still unable to fathom what went wrong three years earlier, when they were pounded 3-0 by Insurance. Insurance was confident that they could repeat the feat, and you know, it was the year after the Green Eagles won the 1980 African Cup of Nations, and the two clubs were well-represented in that team.

“The players on both sides looked forward to another golden session.

But Rangers would not have any of the 1978 blues. They went all out and won the day fair and square”.

Ex-international player Siji Lagunju, who is the Chief Technical Officer of the Nigeria Football Fed-

45

Enyimba' ll be unstoppable—Anyansi

FEDERATION CUP FINAL

FA CUP 1954 : Calabar 3-0 Kano Pillars F.C. 1955 : Port Harcourt FC 4-1 Warri 1956 : Lagos Railways 3-1 Warri 1957 : Lagos Railways 5-1 Zaria 1958 : Port Harcourt FC 6-0 Federal United 1959 : Ibadan Lions 1-0 Police NIGERIA CHALLENGE CUP 1960 : Lagos ECN 5-2 Ibadan Lions 1961 : Ibadan Lions 1-0 Lagos UAC 1962 : Police 1-0 Mighty Jets (Jos) 1963 : Port Harcourt FC 1-0 Mighty Jets (Jos) 1964 : Lagos Railways 3-1 Mighty Jets (Jos) 1965 : Lagos ECN 3-1 Mighty Jets (Jos) 1966 : Ibadan Lions beat Mighty Jets (Jos) 1967 : Stationery Stores (Lagos) 3-1 Mighty Jets (Jos) 1968 : Stationery Stores (Lagos) 3-1 (r.) Warri 1969 : Ibadan Lions 5-1 Warri 1970 : Lagos ECN 3-1 Mighty Jets (Jos) 1971 : WNDC Ibadan 2-1 Enugu Rangers 1972 : Bendel Insurance (Benin City) 2-2 3-2 Mighty Jets (Jos) 1973 : 1974 : Enugu Rangers 2-0 Mighty Jets (Jos) 1975 : Enugu Rangers 1-0 Shooting Stars FC (Ibadan) 1976 : Enugu Rangers 2-0 Alyufsalam Rocks (Ilorin) 1977 : Shooting Stars FC (Ibadan) 2-0 Racca Rovers (titre attribué 2-0 à Shooting Stars) 1978 : Bendel Insurance 3-0 Enugu Rangers 1979 : Shooting Stars FC (Ibadan) 2-0 Sharks FC (Port Harcourt) 1980 : Bendel Insurance (Benin City) 1-0 Stationery Stores (Lagos) 1981 : Enugu Rangers 2-0 Bendel Insurance (Benin City) 1982 : Stationery Stores (Lagos) 4-1 Niger Tornadoes (Minna) 1983 : Enugu Rangers 0-0 (5 t.a.b. à 4) DIC Bees (Kaduna) 1984 : Leventis United (Ibadan) 1-0 Abiola Babes (Abeokuta) 1985 : Abiola Babes (Abeokuta) (6 t.a.b. à 5) BCC Lions (Gboko) 1986 : Leventis United (Ibadan) 1-0 Abiola Babes (Abeokuta) 1987 : Abiola Babes (Abeokuta) 1-1 (7 t.a.b. à 6) Ranchers Bees 1988 : Iwuanyanwu Nationale (Owerri) 3-0 Flash Flamingoes 1989 : BCC Lions (Gboko) 1-0 Iwuanyanwu Nationale (Owerri) 1990 : Stationery Stores (Lagos) 0-0 (5 t.a.b. à 4) Enugu Rangers 1991 : El-Kanemi Warriors (Maiduguri) 3-2 Kano Pillars F.C. 1992 : El-Kanemi Warriors (Maiduguri) 1-0 Stationery Stores (Lagos) 1993 : BCC Lions (Gboko) 1-0 Plateau United (Jos) 1994 : BCC Lions (Gboko) 1-0 Julius Berger FC (Lagos) 1995 : Shooting Stars FC (Ibadan) 2-0 Katsina United 1996 : Julius Berger FC (Lagos) 1-0 (a.p.) Katsina United 1997 : BCC Lions (Gboko) 1-0 Katsina United 1998 : Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) 0-0 (3 t.a.b. à 2) Plateau United (Jos) 1999 : Plateau United (Jos) 1-0 Iwuanyanwu Nationale (Owerri) 2000 : Niger Tornadoes (Minna) 1-0 Enugu Rangers 2001 : Dolphin FC (Port Harcourt) 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors (Maiduguri) 2002 : Julius Berger FC (Lagos) 3-0 Yobe Stars (Damaturu) 2003 : Lobi Stars (Makurdi) 2-0 Sharks FC (Port Harcourt) 2004 : Dolphin FC (Port Harcourt) 1-0 Enugu Rangers 2005 : Enyimba FC (Aba) 1-1 Lobi Stars (Makurdi) (aet, 6-5 pen) 2006 : Dolphin FC (Port Harcourt) 2-2 Bendel Insurance (aet, 5-3 pen) 2007 : Dolphin FC (Port Harcourt) 1-1 Enugu Rangers (aet, 3-2 pen) 2008 : Ocean Boys FC (Brass) 2-2 Gombe United FC (aet, 7-6 pen) 2009 : Enyimba FC (Aba) 1-0 Sharks FC (Port Harcourt) 2010 : Kaduna United F.C. 3-3 Enyimba FC (Aba) (aet, 3-2 pen)

NationSport

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

NationSport

eration, said he has so many excellent memories from the Federation Cup. “Yeah, I was part of the final matches in 1977, 1984 and 1986. But my biggest memory was that of the 1977 final, between my club, Shooting Stars and Raccah Rovers. I was very young, and we had beaten Enugu Rangers in the semi final match, which was played twice. We (Shooting Stars) were also the holders of the African Cup Winners Cup, having won it in 1976.

“It was a tough game, but we won 2-0. In 1984 and 1986, I was a member of the Leventis United team that defeated Abiola Babes 1-0 each way to lift the trophy”.

Yet, he still can’t forget the 1969 final, between Stationery Stores and Mighty Jets, because he wrote a composition on the final match and emerged the best student in the whole of the Western region!

• Heartland of Owerri

N Sunday, Enyimba will play in the final of this year’s Federation Cup and next week they continue their quest for a third Champions league trophy in Morocco.

They may also be 16 points off the pace in the Nigeria Premier League, but executive chairman Felix Anyansi-Agwu has warned that you write off their chances of retaining their league crown at your own peril.

The astute club boss told MTNFootball.com that they are in all competitions to win them.

MTNFootball.com: Sir, you must be excited that your team have qualified for the semi-final of the CAF Champions League in fine style, unbeaten in 11 games so far.

Anyansi-Agwu: Naturally, I am very elated with the splendid display by my team. It goes a long way to show the stuff we are made of and what we are capable of doing in this competition. I don’t agree that we got to this stage with little resistance, but with a dint of hard work, dedication and determination from the management, technical crew and players, we have gotten the results we aspired for.

We are now in the semi-final phase which we shall successfully navigate and be in the finals, which I hope will give us the chance to be crowned African champions for the third time.

Our aim all along is not just to win the trophy but do a good representation for the continent at the FIFA Club World Cup. We are not been boastful when we said at the beginning that we are in the competition to win because we have been well motivated to go this far because of the circumstances we passed through when we were crowned continental champions twice without going for the world club championship due to its postponements and it hurts us a great deal.

With the current opportunity thrust at us, we are going to grab it with both hands and do a very good job by winning the CAF Champions League and going on to display our brand of football at the world stage.

This has been our motivation.

What do you know about your semi-final opponents, Wydad Casablanca, even though you played against another Moroccan side in the group stage?

All the clubs in the competition already have a way of sizing each other. We have seen their games as much as they have seen ours and I believe that there is nothing hidden anymore for the remaining four teams.

Semi-final is a different ball game and my players displayed their hunger for victories with the win over Cotonsport of Cameroon, where some people thought we would lower our standards, but that was not the case.

We are taking that winning mentality into the game against Wydad and by God’ grace they won’t stand on our way. The match against Wydad is going to be highly competitive. Nothing would be spared as we are going to release all in our arsenal to pick the final ticket.

We are going to Casablanca to earn a win against Wydad with the worst case scenario being a draw and come back home to wrap up the game.

We have a lot of experience going

for us in this competition due to our past participations and we shall bring them to bear as we march towards our target.

Your team did not start so well in this competition and even in the domestic league, where you are miles off the front runners, but you have gradually clawed your way back to a touching distance of both continental and domestic trophies.

Was it that you lowered your standards at the start?

No. We never lowered our standards. In life you don’t always measure a person by only the top marks he makes, but also considering some of the lower patches he went through.

We did not start the season very well but we are now right where we wish to be and that is what is most important for us.

You mounted the saddle as Enyimba boss in 2000 and the club have since won a lot of trophies including two CAF Champions League trophies. Do you see the consistency of the management team led by you as a major reason to what the team have achieved?

The club’s successes lie on a combination of factors. Yes, stability in the management has gone a long way in helping the club achieve a lot while the commitment of the people who are working here can’t be wished away.

Without the commitment of everybody working at Enyimba, there is little that I can achieve as the club chairman. It is not a one-man affair.

Also working for us is the commitment of the government of Chief Theodore. A. Orji, who has taken off from where his predecessor left off in taking good care of the club with regards to funding. We have promised to bring back the trophy to him as a mark of appreciation.

Does your team have all it takes to win all the trophies it is pushing for this season?

Our slogan here has always been to win everything that we set out to win. We don’t go into a competition for the sake of completing the numbers and we are right on track to be crowned champions in every competition we are participating.

Our trophy cabinet still has a lot of space to be filled hence our doggedness in all competitions.

We started out poorly this season but we have not lost sight of what our target is even in the domestic league where people have written us off but we have our game plan to retain our league trophy at the end of the day. It is not over for us in the league and that is a fact.

We are in the final of the Federation Cup, we are going to get to the final of the Champions League and most probably, we will win the league too. All these things are very possible and all we need is support from Nigerians to win the continental trophy.

Enyimba are a big factor in Nigeria now and this fact cannot be wished away by anybody.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s Federation Cup final, which will be an ‘Oriental Battle’, what do you expect?

It is going to be a very entertaining match which we hopefully will win. We expect them to come all out fighting the fights of their lives but we are unstoppable now.

Like I said earlier, we don’t enter any competition for the sake of completing the numbers but we are

in it to win and the Federation Cup is no exception. I am not going to engage my sister club in any verbal war but just wait until that final day in Lagos. I am glad that they qualified for the final, but at the match proper there will be no brotherly love until we are crowned winners of 2011 Federation Cup. The tradition of Enyimba has always been that we don’t see a trophy and lose it except for last season when some manipulations led to our loss.

As has always been the case with players of Nigerian clubs that earns some measure of success dumping such clubs. Do Enyimba have what it takes to retain their players or are we going to see a mass exodus?

In Enyimba, we encourage our players who have served us satisfactorily to seek greener pastures where it is possible for them. We don’t hold back players against their wish when we are sure that such a player is in good hands. The likes of (Vincent) Enyeama, (Dele) Aiyenugba and a host of others are eloquent testimonies that every player here could aspire to greatness and we will support him.

We are not going to stop any of our players at the end of the season.

They are free to seek for clubs both within and outside of the country.

What is your take on the pitch at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, which becomes almost unplayable any time it drizzles?

It has really been a disappointment with the rains. It is not a befitting edifice for the champions we are. We are going to make a very strong case to the government for a total rehabilitation of the turf to match the standard that we have attained on the continent.

It is very unfortunate that we are in this heavy rain region and the natural turf and the soil get worked up easily to make playing very difficult, but I believe that before long, our pitch will be the best on the continent. It is a promise.

• Anyansi

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Style Watch 29 In-Vogue Social Circuit Oops & Kudos Parade Well-Being Entertainment plus

There is more to modelling than just glamour – Elizabeth Aisien – Page 32

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Glamour

‘My mother encouraged me to become a model’ Beautiful and ever gracious, Elizabeth Aisien's looks easily give her away as a model and beauty queen. Just a few years after she relocated to Nigeria from her UK base, this mother of one has not ceased being in the news. Currently the Managing Director of Beth Modeling Agency, she owns the franchise for hosting the Elite Model Look in Nigeria, which is the biggest modelling competition in the country. She takes REMI ADELOWO and KAYODE ALFRED into the enchanting world of her glamorous career

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

–an eye on celebrities and society people

08023201831(sms only)

Celebrity tweets and a minister’s fake Twitter account

By PATIENCE SADUWA

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D’banj

Banky W

IKE a two-faced coin, today's social media has two faces. The good face as well as an ugly, terrible one. Take Twitter. This micro-blogging service that is the rave of many celebrities worldwide can be utilized both for good or bad, depending on the user's motives. Many celebs communicate and get closer to their fans through the medium. Some use it to engage in titanic cyberspace battles or what the late Afro-beat king, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, referred to as roforofo fight, particularly the verbal variety. American celebrities are especially guilty of this with some, like the 'Umbrella' singer Rihanna, using Twitter to engage in a virtual cat-fight with fellow artiste Ciara early this year.

One thing this social platform has done is to make the job of the paparazzi easier. Previously, these photographers and cameramen (who seem to take sadistic pleasure in tormenting most celebrities), had to rely on news reports, contacts and other sources to know the whereabouts of whichever celeb they want to focus their sharp lenses on. Now, they can get all that info just from following them on Twitter.

It's not just the paparazzi whose jobs have been simplified with Twitter. The fans too are having a field day as they get to read personal stuff about their favourite celebrity both of the music or Nollywood type- where and how they are spending their day, what they are wearing, what they are having for dinner, the dream they had last night in which they got a role in a Hollywood movie, Bingo, their pet dog's favourite food, the music the mallam security guard in their house loves listening to at 5 a.m every day the nail and hair colour they have chosen to wear for the movie premiere next week and so on and so on.

Most of the stuff they tweet about are just mundane stuff full of inanities and frivolities. Of what great world interest for instance is it to know what Angelina Jolie had for breakfast? Though, she doesn't look as if she eats much these days considering how skinny she's looking.

In the past, most celebs often accused journalists of being busy bodies, of always sticking their noses in their business. Now, the same celebs use these social media to write about their work and personal life. So, who is the busybody now?

There's also the issue of account impersonation with some celebs and public figures having their accounts hacked.

A typical case was that of Finance Minister Dr Ngozi OkonjiIweala, who recently issued a statement through her publicist warning the public to disregard a fake Twitter account linked to her. The same thing happened to Paul Okoye, the second half of the dynamic musical duo, Psquare.

A gangster's paradise Besides the frivolous nature of some of these tweets, there is also the security aspect. We live in an increasingly dangerous world with our dear old Naija daily becoming a gangster's paradise, what with all these kidnappings, murders, bomb blasts, suicide bombers everywhere. There is also a growing army of hired assassins, political, social and street thugs, yahoo yahoo, guy men, ritual killers, voodooists and other blood suckers on the prowl waiting for their next victim to devour.

Sasha It's therefore not just dangerous but foolish to put out so much personal detail out there on social network sites such as Twitter and Facebook for just anybody to have access to. Certain things should be kept in the private sphere known to perhaps just family and close friends and not to be broadcast to the whole world.

What gave old Hollywood movie stars of the past that air of mystique, magic and glamour that their fans found so alluring was that they didn't put themselves so much in the public sphere. They gave some info to their fans but kept some parts of their lives private. Ok, there was no Twitter, FB, Bebo and other sites back then in the 40s or 50s, one might argue. Whatever.

The bottomline is, there's too much personal info out there on cyberspace that's really unnecessary, not useful to anyone or can even be dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Glamour

Social Top celebrities gear up for pre-independence concert

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TUNBA Olusegun Runsewe is one Nigerian who does not pretend about the 'Nigerianess' in him. When the man of many parts speaks about Nigeria, he does so with enthusiasm, which makes one wonder if this is not the same country that is bedeviled with a myriad of social, economic and political challenges. Not only does he go about promoting Nigerian culture and tourism, he has consistently continued to fly the country's flag at every opportunity. In a strategic move to inculcate the spirit of patriotism in Nigerians and assure them of their security in the country, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation of which Runsewe is the Director General, has concluded plans to hold a pre-independence concert in Abuja. The first of its kind by any organization, the concert will also boost the nation's quest for unity among the citizenry.

According to Runsewe, the concert may enter the nation's calendar of pre-independence activities and therefore become a yearly affair for all the 36 states in Nigeria.

Otunba Runsewe stated that top musicians like Sunny Neji, Ayefele, D'Banj and Lagbaja would play at the concert, while some Nollywood stars would also be in attendance. Already, preparations are in top gear for the successful hosting of the concert, while participants have been assured of adequate security during the event. Other highlights of the concert include a condition which provides that only people who wear local fabrics printed in National colours of green and white would be allowed into the arena. At the event, 36 different dishes representing the best of each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory would be available for consumption at the venue. “The idea is for Nigerians to taste foods other than from their states. It is another way of knowing ourselves better to foster unity,� Runsewe said. A raffle draw has also been planned to enable some lucky ones take something home from the event. While the best dressed and dancer will be honoured on that day, the NTDC boss also announced that visit to some hospitals would precede the concert.

Mina Okoloko, Sandra Solebo calm down

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HIS is the story of two celebrity friends who grew up together, did everything together and married two rich big boys who were also best of friends but have now fallen apart. Regarded as one of Nigeria's most beautiful young women with a smoldering beauty that can set off fire alarms, Sandra is the beautiful wife of Femi Solebo, a former banker and director at Notore Chemicals. She is also the daughter of Emmanuel Edozien, a former professor at the University of Ibadan. Mina, who is partly Scotish, on the other hand, is an Obafemi Awolowo University-trained lawyer. She is married to Jite Okoloko, who calls the shots at Notore. Mina and Sandra epitomized everything about true friendship prior to their marriages; they rocked the social scene together and were virtually inseparable. Not even marriage could drive them apart as they still saw each other from time to time. But a few years ago, Notore, where both husbands are directors, ran into a huge crisis ER skin shines and shimmers, over share percentage allocation among other reasons. Though Mina and from miles away, you easily O k o l o k o notice that this is a woman who recently joined takes grooming very serious. Ibinabo does the league of bar herself a world of good by paying attention owners after she to her body. But the last few years have not opened FLUID been particularly exciting for the ex-beauty bar and lounge queen. The troubles of the once-upon-a time on Saka Tinubu actress began when an automobile accident she Street, Victoria was involved in claimed one life. The events that Island, Lagos, followed that episode consequently brought to the two hitherto an end Ibinabo's social life, albeit temporarily. close families Right from her days at the University of Ibadan, the are now keeping young woman has been famous for her jet-set a low profile, lifestyle. She was in fact the owner of the now while giving the defunct Pyramid Night club on Victoria Island, party circuit a Lagos. A mother of three children fathered by three exvery wide berth. lovers, her brief stay in prison also contributed to her They no longer desertion of the social space. Judging by her appear at events appearances at functions in recent times, Ibinabo, together and however, appears to have regained her groove. The always cleverly Rivers State-born pageant organizer has once again avoid anything become a big name in the social hub, especially in the South that would put South region where she now resides. Beautifully dressed at them on pages of all occasions, her captivating looks in recent times belie her society journals. age. It remains unclear if the former queen is in a new relationship after she parted ways with the father of her last child, Fred Amata.

Ibinabo Fiberesima struts

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Ardenil boss, Niyi Adeagbo strategises

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OCIETY big boy, Niyi Adeagbo, is making new moves at elevating his security outfit to conform with international best practices. Niyi is the CEO of Ardenil Security, a security and safety solutions company that specializes in vehicle security and diagnostics and security solutions for homes and companies. A party goer, the young man in his early 40's, is currently restructuring to provide what he calls tailor-made solutions in security business that would meet the specific needs of clientele. The socialite who is also into real estate, upon graduation from the university, tried his hands on various enterprises to make ends meet and later sought greener pastures abroad where he garnered the needed experience before returning to Nigeria to start the security business with other likeminds. Also the chairman of Ardenilscott and Homes Nig Ltd, a real estate firm, Niyi loves watching football and he likes been around women for feminine experience.

KAYODE ALFRED

(E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com, Tel: 08035733605, 08099400057)

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Glamour

I felt my world had ended when my father died Call her a silver spoon lady and you would be damn right. Daughter of the late former Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Alhassan Idoko, Love Idoko is a young woman with big dreams to achieve what many consider impossible. A motivational speaker, publisher and events manager, Love's passion to change the world around her inspired her to publish a book titled “Celebrating Change” at the age of 17. In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, the young lady, still in her 20’s, shares her success story, childhood and her dreams

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OW was it like being the daughter of a former Chief Judge?

It was a good experience for me because my father was not just a judge, he was a man of God. He was born-again and a role model. And when I say he was born-again, I mean he was someone that we knew that, in the morning and at night for two hours, you can't talk to him because he's studying his Bible and praying. He actually preaches. In fact, his best topic used to be on the Holy Spirit. He was an elder in Winners Chapel before he died and he was Chief Judge for 15 years. And he was still serving before he passed on. So, it was a good experience for me coming from such background. I started reading inspirational books at a very young age.

My father's and my mother's greatest assets were books. If you sell my father's books, you will be a millionaire (laughs).

That was the only thing he had in his room. My mum too loves books, so I started reading books by John Maxwell, Mike Murdock that inspired me to do something positive in my life.

How would you describe yourself while growing up?

I was a very quiet child when I was growing up; I wasn't friendly. Some people called me a snob when I was in school then. In my secondary and university days, they said I was a snob. I

started becoming friendly when I started inspirational talks. I used to be an introvert and all that. I was the kind of child that was looking for escapes and all that. And I'm the last born in a family of four so I didn't have a choice; I just had to be at home and be under the watch of my parents.

As a Microbiologist by profession, where did the bias for entertainment come from?

I actually studied Microbiology because my father wanted me to study Medicine. But unfortunately, he passed on five days to my SSCE exams and I felt devastated; I felt like my whole world had ended. I was so heartbroken because he meant the world to me, but as I said, I had started reading inspirational books from a very young age, so I knew that I didn't have a choice but to succeed in life. I told myself that if I fail in this life, I will be a disappointment to God and to my parents. I kept telling myself and I tell people that woe be unto me if my children are ashamed to call me their mother because I have failed. So I didn't have a choice. I didn't know how I was going to do it. I didn't know how it was going to happen but I just knew I had to succeed and so I went to study Microbiology. But I wrote a book few months before I entered school, at the age of 17. It was titled “Celebrating Change”, with the foreword by Bishop

David Abioye of Winners Chapel. The content of the book is how to find unspeakable joy even in the midst of pain, sorrow and uncertainty. It was actually his death that made me write that book and I got into school to do the Microbiology. But I don't believe that what you study in school determines what you do. I believe that whatever you're passionate about, you can achieve remarkable success in that field.

Yes, I studied Microbiology but I've always been passionate about doing something to touch lives positively and that's why I started Motivation Magazine. The magazine is aimed at encouraging young people to do something positive with their lives and to leave a mark that cannot be erased.

Motivation Magazine is published by

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D.R.E.A.M.S Pointers International.

D.R.E.A.M.S is an acronym for Developing Resourceful Entrepreneurs and Activating Mental Success. So under D.R.E.A.M.S, we publish Motivation Magazine and we do Events Management. I went to do a course in London sometime last year in events management. Then, we also do media consultancy.

What's been your experience as a young, female entrepreneur?

I would say it hasn't been easy because a lot of people would want to associate with you, only when you're succeeding. As a lady if you think the only reason why you can get favours and succeed is because you're a lady, I think it's a wrong notion, because no matter how pretty you are, that beauty is going to fade and if a man does something for you because of your beauty or because you're a lady in quote, I don't believe that favour is going to last. My belief is that if you remain relevant, people will look for you, no matter what you do. If you're a solution to a problem, people will look for you.

So I keep working on myself constantly to be solution to a problem, to be relevant, so I can be looked for. I believe with hard work and commitment, I can achieve whatever I want to achieve.

Do you agree that your family connection has helped in aiding your success?

I believe that everything is achievable with hard work and commitment. I'm passionate about what I do. A lot of people think that because my father was a Chief Judge so I'm using family money or connection, fine! I thank God for his name. His name opens doors for me. But then again after he died, so many things happened. I would say that everything that I've done, it hasn't been with family money, his money or anything. It has been a function of hard work and God's favour.

Because when I finished from the university before my Youth Service, I started doing GSM business in the same town where I had a driver attached to me. My father's office, we had a driver, but I didn't care, I bought an umbrella, a table and a chair and I was doing GSM business. A lot of people will not do it.

Gradually the business was growing and I employed somebody. I now started doing hampers and that was how money started coming. So it wasn't like because I came from a privileged home, I just sat down, crossed my legs and things just started falling into place.

No, I struggled!

For someone who has so much on her plate, are you in a relationship?

I'm not going to say anything about being in a relationship or not being in a relationship. But I try my best to be available when I have to. But I don't like talking about relationship with journalists. I fear you people.

...It wasn't like because I came from a privileged home, I just sat down, crossed my legs and things just started falling into place. No, I struggled!

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

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In the last few years, quite a good number of Nollywood stars have taken one further step in their career by joining the league of movie producers. And what better way to herald their films into the market other than packaging a world-class premiere for a select audience, including industry stakeholders. It was actress Uche Jombo’s turn recently when she hosted friends and colleagues to the premiere of her movie titled ‘Damage’.As would be expected, the event was an opportunity by movie stars to showcase the best and worst of styles, reports Olusegun Rapheal Photos: Olamiju Oretola

A perfect gentleman's look. Kudos to ace actor, Chidi Mokeme

Never, ever caught off guard when it comes to her style. Kudos to Stella Damasus

Why flaunt your precious assets just to look good?

Oops tTo Uchenna Nnana

Kudos to Uche Jumbo for her ability to build a A beautiful young woman with a great sense of style, Kudos to Doris Simon-Ademinokan bridge between the past and the present

A beautiful mini gown, a nice smile and good colour combination, but the upper side is too revealing Oops to Iyabo Ojo.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Glamour

VENTS

BY OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

08033572821

VIPs honour Gen. Azazi at son’s nuptials

By Remi Adelowo

W

ITH a job that is as brain wracking just as it is time demanding, General Andrew Owoye Azazi surely has a lot on his plate. But penultimate Saturday, the retired Army General, who is the National Security Adviser, briefly put aside the nation's pressing security challenges when he played host to the cream of the society at the wedding of his son, Owoye(Jnr) to his hearthrob, Chimnonso.

The event kicked off with a church service at the famous Church of Assumption, Ikoyi, Lagos, where Owoye(Jnr) and Chimnonso were officially pronounced as husband and wife. Venue of the Couple: Owoye Azazi (Jnr) and wife, Chimnonso reception was the expansive lawn of Giwa Barracks, Falomo, just a stone's throw to the church. The roll call of guests was expectedly impressive.Leading the pack was the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, the Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo, other top government functionaries, retired top military brass and captains of industry.

Bride’s parents, Chief and Mrs Njokanma

L-R: Vice President, Namadi Sambo and Gov. Timipre Sylva

...with groom’s parents, Gen. and Mrs Owoye Azazi

L-R: Gov. Liyel Imoke with Gov. Adam Oshiomhole

Former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Alison Madueke (retd.) and wife, Diezani

Mr Jeddy Agba and wife

L-R: Mr. Victor Hammond and wife Philomena

Couple with First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan

L-R: Dr. Wale Babalakin and Chief Ebitimi Banigo

L-R: Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada with Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadome

Photos: Olusegun Rapheal

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

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with Patience Saduwa

Lifestyle Health Nutrition Fitness

08023201831 (sms only) psaduwa@yahoo.com

Modern lifestyle and rise in asthma cases (1) R

ecent studies indicate that certain factors such as modern lifestyle, diet and lack of exercise may be contributing to the increase in the number of asthma cases globally. In the United States and other developed countries of the world, for instance, asthma is on the rise. More than 17 million people are affected in the US alone, with a third of these being children.

About 5,000 people die from the ailment yearly. Besides these factors, other asthma causes include genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchioles). It is caused by chronic (ongoing, long-term) inflammation of these passages. This makes the breathing passages, or airways, of the person with asthma highly sensitive to various 'triggers.'

When the inflammation is 'triggered' by any number of external and internal factors, the passages swell and fill with mucus.

Muscles within the breathing passages contract (bronchospasm), causing even •Experts blame rise in asthma case, on a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, a fast food further narrowing of the airways. This •An inhaler diet among other factors. narrowing makes it difficult for air to be breathed out (exhaled) from the lungs. possibly even obesity and increasingly sedentary Modern lifestyle has led to our getting less exercise and an epidemic of obesity.

This resistance to exhaling leads to the lifestyles.

There is some evidence to suggest an association between obesity and asthma. typical symptoms of an asthma attack. "We have dramatically changed our lives in the last 50 Asthma affects all ages, although it is more common in younger people. The Because asthma causes resistance, or years," said Fernando Martinez, who studies allergies frequency and severity of asthma attacks tend to decrease as a person ages. obstruction, to exhaled air, it is called an at the University of Arizona. "We are exposed to more Asthma is the most common chronic disease of children. The ailment has many obstructive lung disease. products. We have people with different backgrounds costs to society as well as to the individual affected. Many people are forced to Asthma and lifestyle being exposed to different environments. We have Though the data are stronger for some made our lives more antiseptic, especially early in life. make compromises in their lifestyle to accommodate their disease.

The good news for people with asthma is that you can live your life to the diseases than others, experts estimate many ... And we may be paying a price for that." allergies and immune-system diseases have fullest. Current treatments for asthma, if followed closely, allow most people We grow up as children with less exposure to doubled, tripled or even quadrupled in the with asthma to limit the number of attacks they have. last few decades, depending on the ailment infection than did our ancestors, which has made our and country. Some researchers suspect the immune systems more sensitive. We spend more and Asthma has no cure but self-managing it day to day is important to breathe trends all may have a common explanation more time indoors, where we are exposed to indoor well, stay active, and keep asthma symptoms at bay. Discover the role diet and exercise play in controlling asthma symptoms and next week, we shall look at rooted in aspects of modern living allergens such as dust and mold. The air we breathe is including the "hygiene hypothesis" that some home remedies that can help in reducing asthma attacks. blames growing up in increasingly sterile more polluted than the air most of our ancestors homes, changes in diet, air pollution, and breathed.

With additional reports from Washington Post

Home remedies for constipation

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onstipation occurs for many different reasons. Stress, lack of exercise, certain medications, artificial sweeteners and a diet that's lacking fiber or fluids can each be the culprit.

Certain medical conditions, such as an underactive thyroid, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes and cancer, also can cause constipation.

Even age is a factor. The older we get, the more prone we are to the problem.

And constipation is a problem, although it's not an illness. It's simply what happens when bowel movements are delayed, compacted and difficult to pass.

Once you understand the basics of

constipation, it's possible to treat it. Depending on the severity of the case, it may respond to simple home remedies, or it may require medical intervention.

What's Normal?

Some people mistakenly believe they must have a certain number of bowel movements a day or a week or else they're constipated. That couldn't be further from the truth, although it's a common misconception.

What constitutes "normal" is individual and can vary from three bowel movements a day to three a week. You'll know if you're constipated because you'll be straining a lot in the bathroom, you'll produce unusually hard

•Friut juices, vegetables and fibre can give relief from constipation

stools, and you'll feel gassy and bloated.

Laxatives Aren't No. 1 It's not a good idea to use laxatives as the first line of attack when you're constipated. They can become habit-forming to the point that they damage your colon. Some laxatives inhibit the effectiveness of medications you're already taking, and there are laxatives that cause inflammation to the lining of the intestine.

Conventional thinking on laxatives is that if you

must take one, find one that's psyllium- or fiber-based. Psyllium is a natural fiber that's much gentler on the system than ingredients in many of the other products available today.

Now that you understand what it means to be constipated, it's time to learn some tried and true home remedies for this disorder.

•Continued next week

40

• Continued from last week OR two years, Abike acted like a responsible and loving senior wife. She wanted to hurt her husband Dotun as much as he had hurt her by taking a second wife but she needed to bid her time. Abike observed that Amaka, her second wife was always demanding for money from Dotun.

Abike also noted that Amaka was the one sending all her siblings to school and she had six younger brothers. This meant that apart from asking their husband for money for herself, she also needed money for her siblings. At twenty three, Amaka was carrying a huge financial burden. This was compounded by the fact that she was not prudent with the money because she was quite ostentatious.

Amaka and Dotun sometimes had a quarrel because Dotun had given her some money for the house which she had spent on clothes. Abike knew that a lady who likes money can easily be swayed by a rich man. She decided that it was time to carry out her plan. She told Amaka that she realized that she had financial demands which their husband could not meet. If Dotun would not allow her to take a job, she could start doing business. She even promised to introduce her to some people who could give her contracts.

Abike decided to go back to the hotel where she used to spend Friday nights with her former boss.

But she would not go alone. She decided to take Amaka along with her. She knew that her former boss had friends who used to hang out there with beautiful ladies.

Most of them could not resist chasing a beautiful lady. She decided to introduce Amaka to a friend of her former boss so that she could ask him for contracts. Within weeks, Amaka had collected contracts worth millions of naira. She offered Abike some of the money as appreciation for introducing her to the big guys. But Abike smiled at her and told her to keep the money.

She was aware that this contract also included going out with the big guy. She wanted to look like a saint when the whole story came out into the open.

Dotun soon started noticing that Amaka was spending a lot of money buying jewellery and clothes and he decided that he needed to find out what was going on. He left home for work one day, decided to drop the car with the mechanic and took a taxi cab back towards his home. He stopped a few meters from his house and waited. He wanted to know if Amaka was getting money from any other source. What he thought was that perhaps Amaka had taken a job which would al-

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Relationship

Relationship Deola Ojo 08027454533 (text) pastordeegfc@yahoo.com

Dotun’s story (3) low her to leave home after him and to get back home before he did.

He was even contemplating allowing her to keep the job if it was something that she enjoyed doing.

He waited for about an hour and then he saw Amaka’s car turning into the street, he asked the taxi driver to follow the red car. After driving for about an hour, Amaka packed in front of Monday’s office.

She came out and went in. he waited in the car for about ten minutes and Amaka came out with another man, but she did not enter into her own car, but went with the man in his own car and sat in front. The car drove past them in the taxi and he could see the two of them holding hands. He did not want to believe his eyes. He asked the taxi driver to follow them. They soon arrived at the hotel, it was the same hotel where he had caught his first wife Abike with her boss.

He saw Amaka get down from the car and walk into the hotel hand in hand with the man she came with. If he had a gun in his hands, he would have shot the two of them dead right there. He came out of the Taxi screaming at Amaka as he ran after them. Amaka looked back, saw him and was too shocked to move. As he lunched out to grab her, he slumped and the next thing he knew was that he was in hospital on admission.

Looking back over his life, Dotun wondered how he found himself in a marriage with two women who were both adulterers.

He was more disheartened when he found out that Abike had introduced Amaka to the man she was having affairs with. His greatest worry now is that he fears for his life and wonders if his two wives would connive one day and just murder him. Now he locks the three doors leading into his room securely at night. And even with that he still does not sleep well. He has stopped being intimate with both his wives. He is wondering if the best thing to do is to send both wives packing. But he is afraid of marrying another woman. What if he marries another woman and she does the same thing that the first two did, or perhaps she may even

be worse than her predecessors. As the saying goes, the devil you know is better than the one you do not know. Should Dotun have married a second wife? Even though he is

contemplating marrying a third wife, would this be the right thing for him to do?

I think the first mistake Dotun made was not confronting Abike when he found out that she was having an affair with her boss. Because he did not confront her, he did not know when she stopped having affairs. He had carried bitterness in his heart for years without realizing that things had changed. Perhaps if he had confronted her, the story could have been different. Even though it is never easy for a man to forgive an adulterous wife, some men have done it. Even though the memory of what the wife did still hurts them sometimes, they have chosen to forgive and to rebuild their relationship. Some of them chose to forgive

because they decided that they would not want to go through the same experience with another woman. They believed their wife would never cheat on them again and they felt that this was better than looking for another wife who would probably do the same thing.

A man who choose to forgive his adulterous wife, says it has not been easy. It still hurts when he remembers what she did. He especially of feels hurt when he meets some his former friends whose wives have never committed adultery. He wonders why his wife is the one that cheated. But he also realizes that his wife has certain qualities that the other women do not have. With this he consoles himself. He has found out that the pain is reducing with time.

Dr Adetolu Ademujimi, (son of the Chief of Staff to Ondo State Governor, Dr Kola Ademujimi) and his wife Bunmi during their traditional wedding in Ado-Ekiti, last Saturday.

Signs that he is not Mr Right

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ADE did not find peace in her heart. In a matter of weeks, she would be married. Dare had proposed and given her just a short time to reply. His family were to meet hers today. Although she loved him, she felt this strong premonition that he is not the one. She wants to clarify her doubts before it is too late. This information is for her.

The saying that love is blind is true in most cases when two adults who are in love begin a relationship.

Guys and ladies alike tend to ignore some dangerous signs exhibited by their partner which could lead to a life time of dissatisfaction and regret.

Signs which could send warning signs

Mr. Emmanuel Emeka and former Miss Emmanuella Ifeoma with friends and well-wishers after their wedding, recently.

By Olubusayo Abiola to a lady that her man is not the one are numerous. No disputing the fact that the perfect man is hard to come by, it is important that ladies steer clear of men with traits as would be discussed as follows.

According to the Administration Officer, Counselling Centre, University of Lagos; Mr Olayinka Omotola, one of the signs that a woman should look out for in her man is ambition and focus. He said, “some men are referred to as’ NFA’, No Future Ambition). They just roam about and live their lives anyhow”. He emphasised that it is important that such a man loves the woman. According to him, love is not just any flimsy feeling, but it is amplified through the actions of a person. “He must show care, love and attention. Whatever she is going through, he must put himself in her shoes. Love has to do with so many things beyond what we see nowadays. If a guy is insisting that there must be sex before he marries her, the lady should beware”, he said. Mr Olayinka recommended that a Mr right should demonstrate such lifestyle and behavioural tendencies such as love, attention, tolerance, patience, respect, understanding, friendship, happiness, support and sexual understanding.

According to a lecturer in the University of Lagos, Mrs Mustapha Koiki, the basic thing a lady should look out for in a man is the fear of God . According to her “a man worthy of consideration for marriage should have the fear of God.” Other signs are elaborated in the book Finding Mr Right and how to know when you have by

Stephen Arteburn and Dr Meg J Rinck. Signs that a Mr Wrong is near.

“He has a controlling and finicky attitude. He constantly finds fault with the way you do certain things. He is choosy and hard to please. He is meticulous to a fault; in fact, he is fastidious. He does not give you enough attention in such a way that he seems indifferent towards you. He tells you ‘I love you” much more than he shows it. When you tell him of this, he promises to change. Even when he does, he gradually reverts to how treats you before.

“He can seem too good to be true.

You fall for his charm and his seeming perfection. Before long , you realise he is an expert at extricating himself from blame, even when he is duly at fault. He believes rules do not apply to him, so everyone should make exceptions for him.

“He looks for women who are helpless and are afraid of being alone such as the divorced, widowed or those who lack self esteem and who want someone to cherish and love them. Simply, he looks for easy targets. He does not see any problem with lying. Thus, he hides things such as his fears, weaknesses, financial problems . He may tell the truth but not all of it. You have heard him lie to friends and relatives. When you tell him about it, he makes excuses that they are just harmless lies or white lies that does not matter. As a result of this, you sometimes suspect he lies to you too.

“He gets angry over insignificant things. You get disturbed as to what exactly you did to cause him to flare up. He is irrationally jealous. He gets unnecessarily fussy over not too important things.”

Soft Rock artiste Paschal Uche Ejikeme, better known as Etcetera, has evolved over the years as an endearing and talented artiste. His thought- provoking lyrics never cease to stir listeners and that has placed him in the category of being one of the very few artistes on the scene who churn out conscious music. In this interview with AHMED BOULOR, the singer/songwriter opens up on his life, music and his darkest moments. Excerpts:

H

AS soft rock always been a music genre that is close to your heart?

Soft Rock or Alternative Music has always been a very attractive genre of music for me.

From a very young age, I've been fascinated by guitars and pianos until I started playing myself and am still fascinated by how calming it is to me especially when am tensed and stressed.

How did your first and second album fare in the music market?

My first album (Etcetera) was like an introduction of Rock music to Nigerians by a Nigerian and surprisingly, the response was massive and thanks to the fact that Nigerians have been exposed to good music from the days of Sunny Okosun, Kris Okotie and Majek Fashek. My second album (Yes I am) is currently having a huge impact on the lives of Nigerian youths and Nigerians in general due to its timely political messages and the richness in depth in terms of rhythm and lyrics.

Do you think the Nigerian music scene is ready for your kind of music?

It's very wrong to ask if Nigerians are ready for anything in particular, Nigerians are well traveled and well exposed to global trends. Nigerians are ever ready to key into current global trends. Rock is a global brand and as a pioneering ambassador of Rock in Nigeria, I get so much love from the streets and that is the first criterion in measuring my acceptance.

Why exactly did you leave X3M Music?

I had a three-year (2 album deal) with X3M music and when my contract expired, I decided not to sign a contract extension because I needed time to access the level of achievements I have attained with the Label.

As a growing brand, I think it is only normal and very appropriate for me to at every point in my career take a proper overview of my growth and developments. It is just basically a business and career decision.

What's your relationship with Steve Babaeko?

Steve is a good friend of mine and will continue to be.

How often do you perform live considering the fact that your kind of music is best appreciated when performed on stage?

I play Alternative or Rock music and it can only be played live. So in other words, I play live all the time.

How did you develop your talent in singing and songwriting?

As a singer/songwriter you always look to the works of others for influence and it's quite interesting that every now and then, a song will pop up that you wish you wrote. Sometimes you improve by doing covers or your own rendition of other people's songs. But basically it boils down to you having lots of rehearsals and how attentive you are to happenings around you.

You seem like a very passionate and caring person; what can you do for love?

Love as a word is becoming relative by the minute. There's a lot of artificial fallacy being attributed to it these days that I tend

turn it is taking. I see youths like myself in the quest for survival, going into armed robbery and other illicit and illegal activities. Health care and education are comatose while politicians are very busy helping themselves with looting the treasury.

I wrote the song 'Ring the Alarm' out of pains I see in different places and on faces including my own. It's a perfectly timed message especially in this year of election. I am really happy with the impact the song is having in the lives of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.

Is 'Ring the Alarm' your first politically-inclined song?

'Ring the Alarm' is not my first politically-inclined song. I have other politically- inspired songs on my first album such as Biafra (land of the rising sun) which talks about the darkest to question its true existence. From my point of our dear nation - a civil war that songs, everyone will understand that I am took the lives of 3 million Nigerians. There indeed very passionate. I will do anything to is another one entitled 'On the Last Bus to protect whatever I am passionate about, be nowhere' that talks about how Africans are it my music, my friends and my family. in arms and the destruction of lives and You are yet to be linked with any lady at properties through needless war. the moment; for a guy as good looking as You deviated from doing bedroom tunes you, do you have any time for romance? in your first album to doing mid tempo I am a very private person. My friends tunes in your sophomore album. Could even say I am weird. Maybe because I have you explain the need for such a change? a lot of mood swings. You hardly see my out As it is said, change is the only constant at strange places because there are a lot of thing in life. The changes you noticed in things that I'll never indulge in. I am human both my albums are due to the fact that I and once in awhile I take out time to have don't just open my mouth and sing. Every fun but like I said, I am a very shy and song I sing must be inspired. Music, they private person and I'll choose say, is the food of the soul, so I must be not to publicize my pri watchful of what I sing about in order for vacy. me not to poison the souls of my fans. I recorded both my albums at different times What was really in my life and the inspirations are different. going through your mind when The thought-provoking nature of the you wrote the song lyrics of some of your songs has placed you entitled 'Ring the in the category of being one of the very Alarm'? few artistes on the scene who do conscious music. How does that make you feel?

Like every young It is a very fulfilling feeling to be inspired Nigerian, I am very and to inspire others. So whenever someone worried about my says I am their inspiration, I say thanks to count God for blessing me with a talent that He ry is using to speak the truth to his and people. the Some years ago you were reportedly attacked by robbers at Anthony Village who made away with your Honda Civic car, your phone, wrist watch and some undisclosed amount of cash. How were you able to grind through such a misfortune?

I don't dwell on misfortunes. What happened with the stolen car issue has been forgotten. It was very painful but God being the perfect healer has healed and comforted and he has blessed me a million fold.

Did you learn any lesson of life after that attack?

From all my experiences, I've learnt to value God, life and friendship more. I would also like to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone that has supported me and my career to •Etcetera this point. I love you all.

My friends say I am a weird person —Etcetera

Obey set for King’s Day of Praise

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OME October 6, highlife crooner-turned-Gospel Act, Evangelist Dr. Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi will return to the stage with the annual King's Day of Praise scheduled to take place at Bishop's Court, Onikolobo, Abeokuta.

According to the Evangelist who is the Chairman of the committee putting the event together, this year's event will be a clear departure from the previous editions as several guest artistes have been lined up to feature. Among the list of guest artistes are Evangelist Bola Are, Funmi Aragbaye, Bola Shodipe, Divine Twin sisters, Hannah Shokubi as well as Traditional Religious cultural group like the Niger Delta, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and French Cultural groups.

Obey also revealed that the executive governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has agreed to be the Chief Host of the event.

An annual event that came into existence in the year 2004, the Kings' Day of Praise is known to have attracted great people from across the corners of Nigeria. Visionary of the event is Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke Ona Egba.

Nnena and Friends for Independence Day show

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n line with the independence celebrations, Nnena who has proven herself as a great lover of children will be on hand to thrill her fans in an exceptional Independence Day Show. Set to be anchored by Nnena and Saco, organizers say that the live show promises to be fun with an array of darling musicians such as D.J. Zeez, Oshadipe twins, Nnena band, Bistars and a host of other up-and-coming musicians.

Also on the list is Papa Ajasco and Company, uproarious comedians including Akpororo, Elenu and others. Hot dance steppers such as “Dance na the main thing” and the amazing Jonsog dancers would be there to thrill the audience.

This year's Nnena Independence Show, according to the organizers, will hold at The ultramodern air conditioned Main Exhibition Hall, National theatre, Iganmu-Lagos.

There would be two consecutive shows at 12noon-3pm and 3pm-6pm and lots of gifts for participants. The Nnena and Friends Independence Day show is supported by Indomie Instant Noodles, Ribena, Fumman and Binta International School.

42

Entertainment

Top African music stars in contention for MTV EMA awards

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

W L O H L Y OOD Compiled by MERCY MICHAEL

Strong nominations for Afro Hollywood Awards 2011 •Nominees know fate at pre-award ceremony in Osogbo

•Majid

50 Cent aims to feed a billion hungry people •Fally Ipupa

•50 Cent

Crane over Ghollywood

Okyeame Kwame, Obrafour to renew rivalry on stage

Remilekun steps out with Igi Aruwe

•Dele Momodu with Musiliu Obanikoro

Dele Momodu relocates House of Ovation in Ghana

•Kwame

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Movie wannabe’s set to throng NMS auditions

Wizkid, Omawunmi, J. Martins, others thrill at MTN Calabar concert

•J Martins performing

Jazz acts converge for Freedom Concert

GUS 8: Reality as rain destroys contestants’ tent

•Akio Ilami

43

Eldee, Tiwa Savage, Banky W for Hennessy Artistry VIP Nights

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PICING up events for the 2011 edition of Hennessy Artistry, Hennessy Nigeria has announced a series of VIP Night club parties starting from September 30, 2011 with Tiwa Savage, eLDee and Banky W leading a pack of Nigerian artistes to major clubs in Nigeria.

Starting from Friday, September 30, Tiwa Savage, Banky W and eLDee will headline four exclusive Hennessy Artistry VIP Nights in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

The first of which will hold at Octopus Lounge in Yaba on September 30. The VIP event will showcase spectacular performances from the headliners as well as some of the country's finest artistes; all backed by official DJ Caise.

In the words of Tokini Peterside, Hennessy Communications and Events Manager, the innovative musical platform not only gives room for vast creativity, but also encourages “The Art of Blending”. This is why this year, she said, one lucky Facebook fan will get to win a VIP Night-Out with the superstars at the VIP event, and hang out with them for the night by visiting the Hennessy Nigeria Facebook page Shortly after the theme song for Hennessy Artistry 2011 titled “Toast to the good life” was released, Banky W, eLDee, Jesse Jagz and M.I embarked on a scheduled trip to Cognac, France alongside Hennessy Nigeria's Communications and Events Manager Tokini Peterside, and Head of Trace Urban Anglophone, Sam Onyemelukwe.

While there, the artistes were treated to a night in “Chateau de Bagnolet”- a private chateau in Cognac belonging to the Hennessy Family. Banky W, eLDee, Jesse Jagz and M.I joined the likes of Common, The Roots, Ray Charles and Alexander Burke on the list of prestigious guests at the exclusive Hennessy chateau- An occurrence all four artistes playback as “an experience they will never forget”.

Currently in its 5th edition, Hennessy Artistry is Nigeria's most innovative musical platform. The series was first unveiled in Nigeria in 2007.

Through the years, it has evolved from a cocktail-mixing contest between renowned bartenders to a battle of DJs and now a platform for experimental collaborations among multitalented artistes.

•Banky W

44

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

NTDC plans patriotism concert for Independence Day •Abuja agog for Lagbaja, D'banj, Sunny Nneji, Nollywood stars, others

•P Square, performing at the Amstel Malta Showtime

P-Square offers deal to Showtime Category winner

•Sunny Nneji

•Lagbaja

•D'banj

Sharp Corner plans Nigeria release

O’jez celebrates Chisco boss Anyaegbu at 53

MC Macaulay back on stage!

•Anyaegbu

•Macaulay

•Madu

FROM THE CAMPUS PAGE 46

THE NATION SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

F

OR the second time in three years, the Teslim Balogun Stadium will host the final of Nigeria’s oldest club competition, the Federation Cup. The stadium entered the history books as the first to host the newly-introduced Federation Cup, in 2009, and now becomes the first to host two finals of the competition.

SuperSport’com looks at the rising profile of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, in the history of Nigeria’s oldest club competition.

Built by the Lagos State Government and named after the famous striker, Teslim Balogun, who was popularly known by his nickname ‘Thunder,’ the stadium has since earned a place in the history books of the 66-year old competition.

In fact, Thunder Balogun remains one of the greatest Nigerian footballers, who played in the competition that started as the All Nigeria Governor’s Cup, in 1945.

When the famous duo of Enyimba and Heartland (formerly called Iwuanyanwu Nationale) converge on the stadium on Sunday, September 25, it will be an historic event at which equally hosted some

With Prof. Emmanuel Ojeme

FEDERATION CUP

FIFA, Super Falcons’ Coach and Homosexuality

Teslim Balogun Stadium F set to host grand finale matches during the 2009 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, in Nigeria.

It also played host to the testimonial match of Nigeria’s legendary forward, Nwankwo Kanu.

The stadium has a FIFA Two-star artificial turf and a sitting capacity of 24,325.

Ironically, it lies adjacent to the National Stadium, Surulere, a notable ground that became the tradition home of the defunct Challenge Cup/Coca FA Cup for many years.

Before the National Stadium was built for the 1973 All Africa Games, another famous ground, the Onikan Stadium, then called King George V Stadium hosted several epic finals. Cup action moved to the National Stadium after the All Africa Games was concluded.

Today, the National Stadium has lost the spark

• Ezeji

that made it the pride of place for Nigerian Cup stars due to poor management of the facility.

However, a strategic reverse for the Teslim Balogun Stadium that occupies the reverse is the case position in the heart of Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, who is not just a passionate footballer enthusiast, but also a footballer to the core.

Although it’s not in the magnitude of the Abuja National Stadium that was built for the 2003 All Africa Games hosted by Nigeria, the Teslim Balogun Stadium is the best maintained sports facility in the country.

The 2002 final won by Julius Berger was the last to be staged at the National Stadium.

After Berger’s victory over surprise finalists, Yobe Desert Stars, in 2002, Coca-

Cola decided to move the final across the country to underscore its importance as a national competition.

The Nigeria Football Association (NFA), organisers of the competition accepted the proposal and the event was held in Kaduna (2003), Benin-City (2004), PortHarcourt (2005), Abeokuta (2006) and it returned to Lagos in 2007.

Makurdi, the Benue State capital hosted the last final sponsored by Coca-Cola in 2008.

Enyimba: Interestingly, Nigeria’s most successful team, Enyimba FC, which is in the 2011 Federation Cup final, played the first competitive match at the stadium against perennial Ghanaian champions and one of Africa’s best teams, Ashanti Kotoko.

The stadium also played host to the Nigeria Football League Super Four playoff which was also won by Enyimba.

Ezeji: It will be the first time at the stadium for some of the gladiators on match day, but cup legend, Victor Ezeji, is one player with fond memories of the famous stadium.

Ezeji, who is one of the most decorated Nigerian Cup Stars played for Dolphins and Sharks in the 2007 and 2009 finals at the stadium.

“The Teslim Balogun Stadium is a fantastic facility for a Cup final and the passion of the spectators is overwhelming,” he said to SuperSport.com.

Ezeji expressed disappointment that he could not make it a hat-trick as his team lost to Ocean Boys in the quarterfinals.

“It was fantastic experience for me after two finals in 2007 and 2009. I won the Cup against Rangers with Dolphins in 2007, but lost with Sharks to Enyimba, in 2009. I think it’s a 50% result for me since I won one and lost one.

"A third final for me at the stadium would have been wonderful,” the cup legend told SuperSport.com.

Like Ezeji, it will be the second cup finals for Enyimba stars Phillip Auta, Josiah Maduabuchi and Emanuel Anyanwu.

OOTBALL, a sports activity described by many of its followers as the beautiful game, sometimes, is full of controversies at local and international levels. It is either that governing bodies are engrossed in electoral politics, maneuvering of candidates to leadership positions, bitter and intractable court cases or corruption issues are agog as it often happens in FIFA, in recent times. At other times, match fixing issues make the headlines. Recently, however, a new controversy emerged about observed prevalence of homosexuality in football teams. And someone, an African, cried out, detesting its occurrence. Subsequently, FIFA became angry and is at the verge of probing the Super Falcons Coach, who is an African, for crying out. I consider this issue worthy of further examination and debate.

By simple definition, homosexuality is a sexual relationship between people of same sex. If it occurs between females, it is known as lesbian behaviour. While homosexuality occurring between males is known as gay behaviour. Suddenly in our world, there is a growing population of lesbian and gay community, particularly in the developed world of Europe and America.

Football as sports activity involves teams who are either all males or females. We do not yet have heterosexual teams. Hence, homosexual attractions and tendencies could be a possibility, considering the restrictions of camping for sports training and competition which can be for weeks and months. Same sex relationship that leads to lesbianism and gayism are a taboo in some cultural settings, particularly in Africa. In the Western and American cultural settings, a man can marry a fellow man and live like husband and wife. In the same vein, a lady can be in courtship with a fellow lady and finally marry each other. In Africa, however, such behaviour is an aberration.

Heterosexuality is the practice.

As an international game, there are bound to be a clash of culture on homosexuality. It is heavily abhorred and forbidden in Africa, unlike in the Western World. It is therefore, not difficult to understand, while an African coach would scream out at the incidents of homosexual behaviour among footballers, as the Super Falcons Coach did. What is not clear to the writer is whether this homosexuality is observed among the Super Falcons or other national teams or whether the Super Falcons are raided by other female team members and vice versa as they engage in competitions.

What is at issue, however, is that an African Coach who culturally should detest homosexuality has voiced it out and the European led FIFA is angry about it. What really can FIFA do or accomplish by probing the issue? In my opinion, FIFA should understand the multicultural diversity of its organization and ensure that cultural clash does not destroy the game. In Africa, men do not sleep with men legally and culturally. In the same vein, women do not sleep with fellow women, legally. It is forbidden and it is a taboo. This cultural purification of sexual relationship is one of the good things Africa brings to the football world in addition to their brand of football. If an African therefore, screams that homosexuality is dirty, FIFA should understand, because it is a cosmic African World view.

This homosexuality issue which is alien to African culture leads me to some other obnoxious practices associated with football. Some African footballers in Europe punch their ears and wear earnings. Some put on ladies hairstyles. Recently, a national daily newspaper showed the pictures of wives and girlfriends (WAGS) of Nigerian professional footballers in Europe in very skimpy dresses, bikinis and lingerie’s. These are European but unAfrican cultural behiaviour being imported to Nigeria. It is a cultural pollution and impurity. Our footballers should avoid imitating these aspects of European culture just as they should keep off homosexuality. Yes, the Super Falcons Coach is a true African for detesting homosexuality. FIFA beware!

• Eucharia

47

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25 , 2011

Essay

Kukah’s Mustard Seed I

T was through Governor Sule Lamido I came to know Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah that closely. As two powerful talkers, Lamido and Kukah were bound to find in each other the basis for plumage, including giving each other a nickname.

But as two Catholics, Kukah and I took no more than six months to disagree on the way forward over an issue that affected me personally but him clerically and socially.

But the moment of reckoning calls for a proper recognition and celebration of the message of Kukah, the message of the meaningfulness and workability of aiming high. Without the intent of risking a theological infraction, I am constructing a Kukah sense of the Mustard Seed as an ideology as well as a strategy of personal and social liberation from the restrictions of birth, class and group marginalization. And not only personal liberation but then attaining greatness in life to the point of becoming the light and the shield for others still caught in those webs. And above all, retain the organic connection with the people in the context of their squalor and mass misery even from the peak of solid personal and professional achievement. There is an element of idealism in this but without idealists, the world will go no where.

Thinking big and thinking foolishly big are two different things.

When I speak of Mathew Hassan Kukah in terms of humble background, I do not mean in material terms. After all, growing up in the rural areas in those days and even up to our own days was complete and sweet, even if only for the abundance of fresh fruits which you could eat at will anywhere in the hamlet for free. School was far and you had to trek an hour every morning to get there but the teachers understood and accepted the seriousness of the task of producing the future leaders of the community and the country. And so on and so forth.

So, when I talk of humble beginning, my own contextual sense of it is in terms of belonging outside the indulged ethnolinguistic cum geo-political constructs in a country in which “the practice of ethnic politics has sustained the belief that each of the over 250 ethnic groups must struggle for its own share of national resources” by way of recruitment to top positions in government and the distribution of government institutions and social services.

The humility of this beginning is that a lad from this background who lacked an ingrained sense of push or sheer luck as to venture out of his localism into either Kaduna or Lagos or Kano is automatically doomed or locked up for life into the drudgery of communalism. Things are much, more fluid today and lot easier in terms of the constraints on moving into and out of territories and circles around the country, nevertheless, I know that unhooking from community of birth on a purposive and determined mission for the rural lad is still a problem today. Unless of course he or she is coming to town for no serious purpose other than join the army of adventurers, experimenters with anarchy, thugs, pimps, smart

By Adagbo Onoja

alecs and prostitutes created by the Nigerian pressure cooker of lack of quality education or jobs.

When I look at the kind of requests for assistance I get in this respect, I wonder how I got out on a meaningful and purposive basis myself. On reflection today, it must rest substantially on the privileges of connection with the local power structures because by the time I finished secondary school, I had people asking what I was doing still hanging around Makurdi. By the time I got to Zaria, I knew whom I was to meet for admission into the School of Basic Studies of the ABU, Zaria. It didn’t work that way but I was already cued on.

There is no way I could have done all of that on my own at 18 and from a rural background.

This is the sense in which Kukah is a statement for millions in terms of not only over coming a similar circumstance, probably worse in their own time, by constructing, quite early, a paradigm but by pursuing it diligently with some assurance of reaching a spectacular height, ever before calling on any godfather, (we all do need godfathers and this is no any outrageous thing).

Again, my sense of the spectacular height is not him becoming a Bishop even as strategic as his is. For, Kukah is practically the ambassador of Christendom to Islam in Africa since the Sokoto Caliphate has no equal on the continent. This is what I see when he sits over tea with the Sultan of Sokoto, himself a cross between tradition, the military and religious leadership. No two individuals can resolve Nigeria’s multiple contradictions but even an incoherent Nigeria cannot ignore the symbolism of the plumage of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto and the Sultan of Sokoto. On this, we must shout Allahu Akbar. Why? God must, indeed, be great to give us rapport/confidence building experts and consensus minded individuals whose co-operative works could benefit the common folks of Islam and Christianity in Nigeria as against the fire and brimstone relationship of recent years in which only the commoners perish. If this was far fetched before, it no longer is after what we saw recently with Egyptian Muslims and Christians protecting each other. Doctrines may differ but we can still find a meeting point somewhere in praxis. After all, we are worshipping the same God.

•Kukah

What is really spectacular about Kukah then is his operationalization of the paradigm of the Mustard Seed starting from a qualitative, deliberate self preparation for a role in mind, consisting in the most elaborate intellectual foundation through formal and informal education, for example.

Aside from the basic training for priesthood, Kukah has been to the University of Bradford studying Peace and Conflict, then to the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London and then Harvard. It is possible to go to the best schools in the world and come out still a phantom but not Kukah who went to a place like SOAS already ideologically made as to speak to Christianity in Africa, obliterating some of the problems created by the way imperialism used Christianity in its coming to Africa, particularly its devastating attack on culture and identity.

His spectacularity rests also on being one of the few to, most successfully and systematically, call the instruments of modern power to the help of the Mustard Seed’s journey. Quite early, he broke into the mass media as a columnist, writing a column by the name The Mustard Seed in the Sunday New Nigerian in the eighties. He is the author of several books, each dealing with one or

“There is his organic commitment to the community which means he is not just hanging there as a global citizen but spatially locatable. But community commitment for him is not just taking care of the material needs of ones’ own parents and immediate relations but about providing the entire people the grand perspective to move on and expand their capacity to subdue nature and live better”

the other of the hot issues in Nigerian politics. He has no match in the masculinity of his advocacy. He seemed to have taken the advice of the masters such as Plato and Aristotle to heart on the powers of the skill of rhetoric. He seemed to have made barrier breaking an article of faith if we just take the example of his managing to get into the New Nigerian establishment when many of his types kept a distance, not to think of, much less try to run a column there. He is a global citizen in the range of actors and forces he breaks bread with.

The civil society is also his theatre and finally, he kept close to his primary constituency, problematising each responsibility given and, by so doing, giving such office higher visibility.

The cumulative effect is such that if Kukah were to move from the Church to the formal political arena, he will create problems for many politicians. Perhaps, he should do so.

There is his organic commitment to the community which means he is not just hanging there as a global citizen but spatially locatable. But community commitment for him is not just taking care of the material needs of ones’ own parents and immediate relations but about providing the entire people the grand perspective to move on and expand their capacity to subdue nature and live better. As a priest and fisher of men (and women too, of course) this might not seem spectacular. But we are not talking of the preacher with a consensual or a mediocre view of good and bad. Instead, we are talking of Kukah’s clerical populism. And those who want to understand the substance of this just have to find and read his speech titled “Culture and Development: Southern Kaduna’s Struggle for National Integration”, delivered at Kagoro on January 1st, 2010. His was not just an analysis of the crisis of existence of Southern Kaduna but also a sharp criticism of observable cultural inwardness among them. For me, this made the paper a manifesto for change within the ideology of putting the

Church at the service of man and not the other way round.

Finally, Kukah is spectacular because he is clear headed about Nigeria. Many are not now. In particular, he is not among those making the funny assertion that 1914 is a mistake. His intellectual grounding will never allow him make such statement because he knows that every nation in the world today is a mistake.

This is to the extent that there was a time in human history when there were people but nothing like the nation state. And time is coming when there would be nothing like the nation as we know it today. So, to say that the amalgamation of the North and the South into the Nigerian State is a mistake is to say nothing.

Unless it is meant to give those saying so an escape route from the arduous task of nation building.

If I have painted the picture of an angel, Kukah’s sense of self definition and strategic response thereto excuses it. He says that the British were colonized and so also the Irish, the Americans and of course, the Africans. But look at where America is today or even who is her president, (Africa cannot lose sight of Obama’s symbolism, whatever the contradictions). Even the Africans are revving, if you take Mandela and the moral authority he packs in him as the ultimate practitioner of forgiveness and reconciliation.

That is, no adversity is beyond reconstruction. It is a matter of pulling oneself by the boot trap, ala Booker T. Washington. If I got Kukah correctly here, that too is seminal, though debateable.

It is a debate Kukah will win given his own pedigree as a product of the difficult and narrow path, achieving magnificence without cutting corners, hustling, and deal making or being ‘smart’ thereby demonstrating to us that the road to greatness must itself be great or it is fraud.

That is what we are celebrating and the celebration has to be social, not private.

Onoja is a staff of Government House, Dutse, (adagboonoja@gmail.com)

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

48

Have Your Say G

President Goodluck Jonathan about two weeks ago fielded questions on topi-

cal national issues in what was his maiden media chat. The inferable point from the posse of assessments of his outing is that he appears as one who is everything but cut to the chase.

For instance, respondents to our question on the issues of the presidential media chat submit that the President is barking up the wrong tree on the single tenure of seven years for president and governors and six years for lawmakers. To them, there are more important matters that the Otuoke man in Aso Rock should dissipate his vim on. They also score him low on security, judiciary, and electricity issues.

However, a very significant number of respondents cheer his decision on the Libyan transition programme. Like many more Nigerians, they would appreciate if the President can also put forth his best 11 in terms of making better decisions on home issues.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s fervent belief in true federalism, a euphemism for confederacy, as against the break-up of the country which some regional separatists, religious anarchists, ardent pessimists and their foreign collaborators are agitating for was clearly and adroitly articulated in his maiden media chat. It is absolutely correct that a number of negative occurrences and ugly developments have stirred the fears of disintegration.

The solution lies in the proper identification of the causes of the spate of violence and putting in place appropriate measures, modalities and strategies for possible solution.

Olaniran Afolabi A., Benin City, Edo State.

Dr Goodluck Jonathan has left no one in doubt that he has what it takes to improve security, power and tackle other problems militating against this country. I may not agree with some of his methods but then I’ve never deluded myself that one person has answers to all our problems. The best we can do is to support him.

Prince Eyo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The President left leprosy uncured and paid heed to rashes. I do not believe he is a political nitwit. I’m convinced that he is in cahoots with some brigands and acting out their script. I pray he would not be the last president of Nigeria. He trivializes the priorities and prioritizes trivialities. He has not discerned between partisan politics and patriotic governance. He has messed up the judiciary, failed in security mismanagement and power supply, and committed verbal diarrhoea on Libya matter.

Bayo Alimi, Lagos State.

The President’s proposal on single tenure is a well-thought out decision for economic reasons and tensed electoral atmosphere.

Olusa Bola, NIMC, Abuja.

President Jonathan’s actions since he took over from Yar’Adua remain worrisome to sane people. It is like he doesn’t have ideas or solutions to the numerous challenges facing Nigerians. None of his decisions so far has any positive impacts on the masses.

Nigerians should rise up in prayers to end this PDP government of misrule and mismanage of our resources.

Hamis F.A. Balogun, Akure, Ondo State.

In my own opinion, Mr President should concentrate on how to fix our battered economy, provide security for the citizens and make our epileptic power supply a thing of the past rather

What is your view on president Goodluck Jonathan’s position on the single tenure proposal , security, power judiciary and the transition going on in postGaddafi’s Libya, made known during his last Monday maiden Media chat?

Sheed Lateef, Ogbagi-Akoko, Ondo State.

Mr Jonathan, I’m, sorry, is not the messiah Nigeria has been waiting for.

He is not decisive and speaks and acts like a common minister. He is interested in single term more than the lack of power, unemployment, armed robbery, poverty, and corruption which he has endorsed by his misbehaviour in the judiciary scandal. We should be careful.

Mr Mohammed Ali, Idah, Kogi State.

• Jonathan

than being occupied with issue of single term proposal. For an egalitarian society we must have a sound and independent judiciary. On the other hand, the transition process in Libya must be treated with care to avoid any further chaos. OUR GOVERNMENT SHOULD TALK LESS AND DO MORE. Bello Kazeem, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Nigerians must not expect anything from President Goodluck Jonathan. Mr President only goes about telling people all kind of lies.

As for security, power, judiciary and others, he has failed not only Nigerians but also other international communities. Goodluck Jonathan is a leader that lacks action and Nigerians don’t want such a person. What Nigerians want from him now are his actions and not empty promises.

Ekhaletruo M.A Emma, Ilorin, Kwara State.

On tenure system, we are confronted with a highly essential comic relief. On security, Mr President is on sabbatical. As for power, sanity is gradually being allowed to run its course. The case with the judiciary is that we are experiencing the grandest manipulative transformational agenda. And on post-Gadaffi Lybia, I wish the rainbow coalition within and without fair winds.

Kayode A, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

I consider tenure issue a needless proposal for now. Let Mr President concentrate on providing security for the nation and the entire citizenry.

Rotimi Isaac, Oyo, Oyo State.

The President should forget the single term bill. He should make security proactive. The judiciary should be truly independent.

Bello Lukman, Pol. Science, Unijos.

President Jonathan shouldn’t heat up the polity with tenure amendment.

He should reverse the suspension of Justice Salami. He should remember that his Presidency is a product of rule of law.

Dr Jose Mourinho, Aba, Abia State.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s maiden media chat was revealing. The single tenure proposal of seven years is the best thing that can happen at this democratic dispen-

sation as it will reduce costs and wastages of human, material and financial resources from second term seekers. On security, power and judiciary, the President has failed Nigerians. He should be bold and decisive in these aspects if he is to succeed. As for post-Gaddafi Libya, Nigeria’s position cannot be any different from that of the international community.

Samuel Ishaya Shammang, Mangun Town, Plateau State.

The single year tenure is justified, but the time of the proposal is not.

The President is supposed to face the alarming challenges of security and other serious problems for now. The proposal will be justified in two years.

Chief G. Lgboanugo, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Although l00 days may be too short to assess the performance of President Jonathan, his maiden media chat did not offer much for cheer and direction. It is clear he’s already overwhelmed and has no clear-cut solutions to the nation’s pressing challenges. His take on the crisis in the judiciary, electricity tariff, security, tenure proposal, etc., shows that he is not people-oriented. However, his position on Libya is in order. On the whole, l score him a D7, hoping that he would reappraise his style of governance.

Ayo Aregbesola, ljesa-lsu, Ekiti State.

The question and answer session termed “media chat” conveyed the impression that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan utterly lacks the charismatic quality, leadership poise, depth of conviction and the policy coherence to move this country out of the wood.

While it is granted that Jonathan was not the harbinger of Nigeria’s multifarious crisis, I however regret to say that he lacks the solutions to these problems.

Barr S.E. Irabor, Makurdi, Benue State.

I think our President is confused.

Let him drop the idea of single term and face security, power, judiciary, and other sundry challenges in the country. He should remember the oath he took before he assumed office.

Hamza Muhammed Ohiare, Egbeda, Lagos State.

The issue of single tenure should be hurriedly drop by the President. It shows lack of insensitivity on his side.

Nigeria is unravelling, all the President is ferociously tackling is the issue of single tenure.

Goodluck Jonathan is a gambler.

The single tenure proposal is very unripe. It is another tenure elongation ploy. Insecurity will remain until a revolutionary democracy unfolds. Power failure cannot cease.

Power projects are the conduit pipe through which money is siphoned by the crass opportunists. More so, the judiciary is bastardized by the Presidency, and injustice continues unabated because corruption is the order of day.

Comrade Dayo Akingbola, Ondo State.

The single term (7yearrs) will not lead Nigerians to anywhere. Rather, it will compound our economic woes.

It will be an opportunity to loot the treasury because politicians know they won’t come back. I don’t belief Jonathan is yet ready to tackle the insecurity in the country, and every right-thinking Nigerian knows the role that the executive arm is playing in the crisis in the judiciary. I support his stand on the transition going on in Libya.

Ogundare Abiodun .A, Osun State.

The President failed woefully to adequately address the mounting state of insecurity in the country. Discerning Nigerians who indeed esteem the lives of Nigerians expect him to take the bull by the horns. Arrest those who threatened to make Nigeria ungovernable for him and declare a state of emergency in Plateau, Bauchi and Borno States. Encourage a pragmatic and well-coordinated man-hunt for all Boko Haram members and bring them to book in order to give peace a chance.

Prince Eminghotei Elefa-Ebi, Akure, Ondo State.

My view on the single tenure proposal is that it is rubbish and foolish.

It should be thrown into the dustbin.

In the areas of security, power, and judiciary, the President has failed us.

He is unmindful of all the Nigerians that have died as a result of the security laxity in the country. Again, he got the Libyan issue wrong. The USA, France, and England have vested interest in seeing Gaddafi out. What’s Nigeria’s interest in rushing to identify with rebels?

Christopher Madu, Federal Housing Estate, Karu, Abuja.

President Goodluck Jonathan is misplacing his transformational priorities. What Nigerians want to hear is how he’s going to create jobs, rejuvenate the economy and stabilize the power sector. The single tenure proposal is vexing. Already Nigerians are losing faith in his style of governance.

Let him not use the single tenure issue to divert attention from core critical issues of national development all in the name of political stability.

Nneoyi Ina Ofem, Calabar, Cross River State.

Continue on page 52

DIS GENERATION

By Jennifer Ehidiamen 08054503875 (Sms only)

To all Nigerians who are raped…

L

AST week, a video of a female student who was gang-raped by five men in August went viral after the story was published on Linda Ikej’s Blog and the video uploaded on NaijaPals.com. It was a very sad and disturbing story. The video itself tore at the hearts of most people who watched it. Although only 10 minutes of it was uploaded, it was reported that the ordeal took place the whole day with the men threatening to continue for two days if the victim did not co-operate with them. The young woman, looking helpless and confused, called out their names pleading but it fell on deaf ears.

The guys, sadly, are said to be students of Abia State University (ABSU). You could hear one of them boasting to be studying law. Which means, these were not some faceless hoodlums lurking in the dark of the night. They are vibrant youth who chose to express themselves in such gruesome way.

Someone got me thinking about the “ABSU rape” case from a different perspective. To jenniferize his words, it is a reflection of what bad governance is doing to Nigeria today and what we ourselves are doing to our nation with our apathy. Five men raped one girl, I bet she trusted one of them! Our government leaders that we trust gang rape Nigeria’s resources everyday while the rest of us are outrage and trust the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to “search” for these “rapists” and prosecute them.

Meanwhile, although the governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, have denied that the incident took place at the school and state, claiming it to be the work of the enemy against his administration, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi urged the appropriate authorities to take action to ensure justice. The minister views “the behavior of the perpetrators as decadent and barbaric; and believes the attitude of these men, if indeed they are young Nigerians, does not represent the character and nature of the Nigerian youth.”

He advised Nigerian youth “to remain focused and positiveminded, disclosing that his Ministry will soon begin to implement programs that will address their concerns.”

To rephrase one of his statements, although many rape cases take place in our society, perhaps the intensity of this lady’s case is to change the culture of silence that is often associated with rape in our society. No woman deserves to be victimised and abuse. It would have been easier to advocate for the young lady had she reported the case to the police or appropriate authorities after it happened. No doubt, many people would rather keep silent than report a rape case for fear of ridicule. But there are many organizations springing up to address this issue.

Have you ever been raped by a friend, relation or stranger? Do you know someone who has? Do not keep silent about it. You can contact any of the following for help: •Team WAR (Walk Against R a p e ) : e m a i l : ijewereesther@gmail.com Telephone: 08057861285.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

A

S he sat on a chair on the dais, flanked by some of his wives, children, and wellwishers, his countenance eloquently told the tale of his inner reality. “I am happy and I thank NANTAP for organizing this for me. I thank them for remembering me. I am very elated,” he told The Nation on Sunday in his thick Ilesha accent, which unlike every other thing about him has not succumbed to the vicious vagaries of time. That is the quintessential actor, ideational playwright, resourceful artistic director, talented songwriter and singer, reflective technical director, and outstanding set designer – Moses Olaiya Adejumo, whose enduring stage name, Baba Sala, evokes memory of a clownish character whose endearing acts of buffoonery were a mirror through which the society of his time saw its foibles, follies and inadequacies.

It was in recognition of his contributions, unalloyed commitment to theatre practice, and his exceptional development of the comedy genre (a funny way of being serious) that the big guns in the theatre industry converged on the Banquet Hall of the National Theatre to honour one of their patriarchs whose pioneering endeavours in shaping the Yoruba Travelling Theatre movement of the 60s, 70s, and early 80s are trailblazing. The event which was anchored by the popular actor, Yemi Solade, and television presenter, Feyikemi Abodunrin-Ogunyinka, kicked off on a pleasant note with some tuneful musical performance by the Funkadelic Agidigbo band.

It will be recalled that Baba Sala, 74, became a full-time professional theatre comedian in 1969 after he did away with his Moses Olaiya Concert Party and came up with the more lasting Moses Olaiya International Alawada Theatre Limited, which travelled extensively round Nigerian cities and towns, and even the United States and the United Kingdom, with many brilliantly produced performances which contributed immensely to his popularity as a first-rate artist. The advent of the first television station in Nigeria, The Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), equally impacted on the career of this maestro of hilarious comedy, for he was given one-year contract of drama sketches at the station based on the directive of the then legendary premier of the western region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who had at some occasion witnessed the enriching performances of Baba Sala. It is on record that Baba Sala virtually wrote all his plays in which more often than not he was the lead character easily identified with his protruding belly, outrageously big bow tie, baggy trousers, pipe tobacco, big wristwatch, among many other embellished costumes and funny props.

An entrepreneur of enviable success, Baba Sala still provides leadership for his Alawada Group International Limited as the Chairman/Managing Director. Though the NANTAP honour warmed the cockles of his heart, Adejumo is not alien to such. He is a recipient of the national honour, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), which was conferred on him by General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1978.

But his journey to the apogee of his theatre career was not altogether swimmingly actualized. As is the case with every mortal, there was a time in his career when the maelstrom of a tragic development almost swept him into oblivion. That was the time when, quite ironically, the film, Orun Mooru which contributed richly to his fame, was wickedly pirated and sadly cost him huge financial and property loss.

Donning a toothy smile, he equa-

Arts Extra

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Baba Sala’s day of honour The Banquet Hall of the National Theatre, Lagos, was a beehive of theatrical activities penultimate Friday when the inimitable humour merchant, Moses Olaiya Adejumo, known as Baba Sala, was honoured by the Lagos State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP). Adesola Adesola who witnessed the memorable event reports

•Baba Sala with the award

bly told The Nation on Sunday: “The film, Orun Mooru, was kind of stolen from me for dubbing by one man. He pirated it and made it into a home video.

“It affected me seriously because we borrowed money to do the film. The practice then was to borrow money from banks to do our films. The films were often done abroad, unlike today where they use video. The money we used to borrow then was so huge that it required heavy collateral. That was why my career almost took a dip.

But that was how God wanted it. I now see it as a case of a woman killing a snake discovered by a man. It is neither here nor there.

What really matter is that the snake is taken care of.”

Among the eminent cultural and theatre personages who attended the event chaired by Chief Segun Olusola were Jimoh Aliu (one of Baba Sala’s contemporary artists), Ben Tomoloju, Adejumo Louis of the “Headmaster fame”, Afeez Oyetoro, Jide Kosoko, Fred Agbeyegbe, Greg Odutayo, and other theatre enthusiasts. The event which was tagged “Living Legend Series 2” is a brainchild of the Lagos State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) under the chairmanship of Mr Mufu Onifade. The rationale behind the laudable initiative, according to Onifade, is “to celebrate our many living legends of Nigerian Theatre, most of whom are in their 70s”. The first edition of the series took place last July with Fred Agbeyegbe as the man in the spotlight of honour.

Agbeyegbe is a seasoned theatre professional who in 1986 organized a theatre festival tagged Ajofest.

He has also sponsored many plays in and outside Nigeria.

Because it was an event meant to garland the shoulders of the doyen of comedy in Nigeria as the Grand Living Legend of Nigerian

Theatre, there were a series of heartwarning musical and theatrical performances interspersed with much more insightful and downto-earth tributes on the person and craft of the creative mind behind the production of such films as Orun Mooru (1982), Are Agbaye (1984), Mosebolatan (1986), Agba Man (1990), Obe Gbona (1990), Return Match (1992), Diamond (1995), Ana Gomina (1998), among many

other hilarious stage performances. But it was observed that none of Baba Sala’s film or drama sketch was shown; not even one of the performers came close to mimicking the very character of Baba Sala.

The Chairman of the occasion, Amb. Olusola, described Baba Sala as unrivalled humour artist whose dramaturgy fittingly addressed societal ills. He recalled that when

he went to Cotonou, the capital of Benin Republic, with him, the people there turned out in large number and “nearly went berserk for joy because they saw Baba Sala in real life”, adding that “what brought me out of the sick bay this morning was because I wanted to see you, Baba Sala. I am happy to be here. There can’t be any programme in honour of Baba Sala without my presence. My people, NANTAP, has just begun. There will be more glorious day for you.”

In the view of Adejumo Louis, Baba Sala is “the man who you can call the first merchant of comedy, of humour, and of programmes in this country. So far he is still the best. The comedians of today, in spite of the great performances they are putting out, have failed to acknowledge this great man who is the pioneer. This is the best of them all. That is why I’m so delighted that NANTAP is honouring and celebrating this man while he is still alive. In his comedy there is real lesson, sound message, and enlightenment. You laugh but you learn. In those days of his live shows, I attended one and I couldn’t stay till the end because I experienced the real rib-cracking that people talk about. Every step, every statement, every move was humourous. It wasn’t just what he said, but what he did. That’s why these contemporary comedians should learn from Baba Sala. And they will start to learn when they start to acknowledge that this is the father, the real merchant of humour”.

For Prof. Ahmed Yerima, the legacy and place of the man who is also a church leader cannot be underestimated. “He gave birth to a genre of comedy which the Yoruba theatre has continuously experimented with through characters like like Jaguar, Baba Mero, Aluwe, Aderupoko, Baba Suwe, Mr Latin, Sanyeri, and Alaran, to mention a few,” he said.

Remembering Kiriji War of Yoruba land Continued from page 24

In his book, History of The Yoruba, the late Rev Samuel Johnson wrote on the war “the Are at this time exhibited some of the worst phases of human nature at such a pitch of glory, his words being law to all Ibadan and its dependencies, he became the dupe of his flatterers; he considered himself a god and that nothing was impossible for him to effect. He certainly thought he could make a short and easy work of the task before him.” Ibadan soldiers were reputed to be fierce and highly skilled in infantry and night pitch battles. At that period, this reporter gathered, the art of war was a science. For instance, the then soldiers studied the movement of antelope, leopards and the flight of birds to determine the level of preparedness of oncoming enemies. “When the birds fly in one direction, the enemy is set to attack, when the birds fly in disarray the enemies are advancing, when the birds gather in droves, singing, the enemies are dining. When antelopes jump about with their heads upright, the enemies are about to encamp, when the antelopes are downcast, the enemies are far away,” Mr Abiodun Abe, who has done research on the war and now saddled with the responsibility of coordinating the stage performances across the Southwest, told this writer. He said the Yoruba warriors of the time, given their skill and wit, could match any sturdy

empire of the time.

Are’s forebear having in 1155 AD , seized several territories stretching to Togo and Ghana, horrified the Fulani who had invaded Osogbo in 1842, was said to have become emboldened that the sky was not even the limit of his prowess and dexterity. Around 1770, Are sent emissaries and envoys across the entire Yorubaland and some parts of today’s Delta State, asking that tributes in the form of material items, be paid to him. In the spring of 1769, fresh from an extensive infantry and naval training of over 89,000 new recruits, he ordered the arrest of Ekiti’s military commander, Fabunmi of Oke Mesi who was accused of planning rebellion in the form of guerrilla warfare to topple the Ibadan dynasty. It was the pattern to exterminate voices of dissent in that epoch. The recruit who was ordered to arrest Fabunmi was said to have been arrested and detained. In annoyance, Are again ordered that the whole of Ekitiland be brought by force of arms, under his trampling.

The Yoruba playwright, Chief Jimoh Aliu, in a recent publication on Kiriji, stated that within a short period, the Ekiti mobilised young men that they trained for a military expenditure that was later to become heroic. One account said the first encounter between Ibadan and Ekiti tagged Ogun Jalumi, (battle of Waterloo) ended in ignominy for the Ekiti

soldiers, prompting the Ekiti to call on Ogedengbe, a tall, fiery fellow, with shooting eyeballs, who had been reluctant to lead the Ekiti Parapo, having himself had his military training in counter insurgency and infantry at Ibadan, and was wary of leading his people against his benefactors. Ekiti warriors were said to have sought for assistance from their “creek kinsmen, the Itsekiri for training in naval combat.”

Johnson described Ogedengbe thus “…..he was a very straight-forward man, he was always true to his words to be faithful to his covenant with them, for he had sworn never to oppose them.” He added: “Ogedengbe at last issued from Ita Ogbolu his retreat, and took the field of the Ekiti Parapos against the Ibadans. On hearing this, the Ibadan war chiefs sent home again for more reinforcements and on the 3rd November 1779, the Are sent his fighters to the battle field for another round of war. “In a chat with this writer, Chief Oyekan Ogedengbe, the grandson of Ogedengbe said his father gathered 10,000 soldiers which he led to Otun-Ekiti, where the military strategy against Ibadan was hatched. “The battle was fierce. My grandfather was a trained military leader who commanded thousands of soldiers. The Ijesa and Ekiti are siblings, so my father was excited to lead the battle against a unitary government of the then Yoruba nation.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Arts & Life

50

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

POLITICKLE

A brief history of Nigeria (Revised edition)

CHEEK BY JOWL

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

NOK CULTURE. Oyo Empire. Benin Empire. Kanem-Borno Empire.

Terracotta. Arochukwu. Trans-Sahara trade. Islam. Uthman Dan Fodio.

Jihad. European settlers. Slave trade. Royal Niger Company. Christianity.

British Colony. World War I. Lord Lugard. Amalgamation of North and South Protectorates. World War II. Oloibiri. Crude oil discovery. Nationalism. Herbert Macaulay et al. Chinua Achebe. ‘Things Fall Apart’.

October 1st, 1960. Independence. Parliamentary system of government.

Political parties. Nigerian People’s Congress (NPC). National Convention of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC). Action Group (AG). First Prime Minister. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Opposition. Obafemi Awolowo.

October 1st, 1963. First Republic. First President. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Western Region. Universal Primary Education (UPE). Cocoa. Cocoa House.

Western Nigeria Television (WNTV). Northern Region. Groundnut pyramids. Eastern Region. Enugu coalmines. Mid-Western Region.

First military coup. Five majors. Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu. General J.T. Aguiyi Ironsi. Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi. Head of State. Yakubu Gowon. 12 states. Aburi Accord. Republic of Biafra. Federal forces. Nigerian Civil War. National Stadium, Surulere. 1973 All Africa Games. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Naira and Kobo. Oil boom. Corruption. Coup.

Murtala Mohammed. Udorji Salary Review. 19 states. National Theatre.

Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77).

Col. Buka Suka Dimka. Coup. Olusegun Obasanjo. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. Operation Feed the Nation (OFN). Constituent Assembly. National Party of Nigeria (NPN). Unity Party of Nigeria. Other political parties.

1979 elections. Shehu Shagari. Second Republic. 1980 Africa Nations Cup. Triumph. Corruption. Austerity measures. 1983 elections. Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO). Massive rigging. Corruption. Scarcity.

Coup. Muhammadu Buhari. Tunde Idiagbon. Supreme Military Council. Essential commodities. War Against Indiscipline (WAI). Coup. General Ibrahim Babangida.

Programmes. Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFFRI). Mass Mobilization for Social and Economic Reconstruction (MAMSER). International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan. Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). Debt servicing. World Under-17 Youth Championship (China ’85) victory.

Dele Giwa. Letter bomb. Mamman Vatsa. Failed coup. 21 states. Gideon Okar. Great Ogboru. Failed coup. Wole Soyinka. Nobel Prize in Literature. 30 states. Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) military campaign. National Population Census.

Disputed.

Transition to civil rule. National Republican Convention (NRC). Social Democratic Party (SDP). 1993 elections. M.K.O. Abiola. Baba Gana Kingibe. June 12, 1993. Annulment. Nationwide strike. ‘Step aside’.

Ernest Shonekan. Interim National Government (ING). General Sani Abacha. ‘Bloodless coup’. World Under-17 Youth Championship (Japan ’93) victory. 36 states and FCT. National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). Epetedo declaration. Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Nationwide strike. Africa Nations Cup (Tunisia ’94) success. FIFA World Cup finals (USA ’94) scintillating debut.

Human rights abuses. Ken Saro Wiwa in the Ogoni Nine. African first. Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games football gold medal. Fela AnikulapoKuti departs. Phantom Coup. Lawan Gwadabe. ‘Coup’. Oladipo Diya et al. Nature’s coup. Indian prostitutes. Heart failure.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Pay rise and reforms. Independent Electoral Commission (INEC). People’s Democratic Party (PDP). All People’s Party (APP). Alliance for Democracy (AD). 1999 elections. Flawed.

Obasanjo. Atiku Abubakar.

•Concludes next week

QUOTE

It is the love of country that has lighted and that keeps glowing the holy fire of patriotism.

—J. Horace McFarland

Jokes Humour THE Godfather, accompanied by his attorney, walks into a room to meet with his accountant. The Godfather asks the accountant, “Where’s the three million bucks you embezzled from me?”

The accountant doesn’t answer. The Godfather asks again, “Where’s the three million bucks you embezzled from me?”

The attorney interrupts, “Sir, the man is a deaf-mute and cannot understand you, but I can interpret for you.”

Skill Workshop 5 techniques for good craftsmanship

by Annie Proulx •Proceed slowly and take care.

•To ensure that you proceed slowly, write by hand.

•Write slowly and by hand only about subjects that interest you.

•Develop craftsmanship through years of wide reading.

•Rewrite and edit until you achieve the most felicitous phrase/sentence/ paragraph/page/story/chapter.

SUDOKU The Godfather

The Godfather says, “Well, ask him where the heck the money is.”

The attorney, using sign language, asks the accountant where the three million dollars is. The accountant signs back, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

The attorney interprets to the Godfather, “He doesn’t know what you’re talking about.”

The Godfather pulls out a pistol, puts it to the temple of the accountant, cocks the trigger and says, “Ask him again where the heck the money is!”

The attorney signs to the accountant, “He wants to know where it is!”

The accountant signs back, “Okay! Okay!

The money’s hidden in a suitcase behind the shed in my backyard!”

The Godfather says, “Well, what did he say?”

The attorney cunningly interprets to the Godfather, “He says that you don’t have the guts to pull the trigger.”

•Culled from the Internet

1ST STEP IN SOLVING PUZZLE: (336) Look at the 3 bottom horizontal (GHI) 3x3 boxes. The left box has 4 in cell Ic, while the middle box has its 4 in cell Hf. The right box must, therefore, have its own 4 in row G,

PUZZLE 338

A 6 B 2 4 1 6 C 3 5 D 1 6 7 E 6 2 9 F 5 4 1 G 1 8 7 6 5 H 4 8 1 9 I 2 4 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

25/9/2011

where there is only 1 vacant space - cell Gi Thinking along these lines, try and fill in all the other vacant cells.

Solution on SATURDAY. Happy Puzzling!

SOLUTION TO PUZZLE 337

7 8 3 9 4 6 2 1 5

9 4 1 5 8 2 6 7 3

5 6 2 1 7 3 4 8 9

2 5 9 4 6 1 7 3 8

4 3 7 8 9 5 1 2 6

8 1 6 3 2 7 5 9 4

3 2 8 6 1 4 9 5 7

1 9 4 7 5 8 3 6 2

6 7 5 2 3 9 8 4 1

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

51

Young Nation Hello children, Now that you are back to school, hope you enjoyed your first week. I wish you all the best in the new session

08056745268

WORD WHEEL This is an open ended puzzle. How many words of three or more letters, each including the letter at centre of the wheel, can you make from this diagram? We’ve found 53, including one nine-letter word. Can you do better?

Riddles with Bisoye Ajayi 1. I am something people watch recorded videos in me what am I ?

2. I am something people listen to recorded sound in me what am I ?

Miss Ajayi is a JSS 1 student of Queens College, Yaba, Lagos.

•Children of Victoryland School learning how to cook during the vacation

CATCHING THEM YOUNG

WORD SEARCH

Carpentry tools Carpentry tools are a vital addition to your wood working shop.

Tools that are used for carrying out wood work or artistic crafts on wood by carpenters are known as carpentry tools. Wood works involves different kinds of techniques, which renders the use of specialized tools imperative to carry out specific functions. Wood working tools help a carpenter or a woodworker in making or repairing objects made of wood or work done in wood, especially wooden interior fittings in a house, as moldings, doors, staircases, or windowsills. In order to perform carpentry or woodworking at its best, whether in the construction of furniture, building, decorative and other objects, there are innumerable types of carpentry/woodworking tools. Artistic crafts and wood work can be easily carried out with these woodworking tools.

The types of tools used in carpentry can be classified by the specific jobs that the groups of tools are used for. In woodworking, or carpentry, tools are used for cutting, measuring, securing into place temporarily, fastening permanently and carving. Many carpentry tools are offered as both hand tools and power tools.

Here are some of these carpentry tools.

•Mrs. Omolara Elemide, Managing Director, CAP Plc, a division of UAC of Nigeria Plc, in a session with students during the just concluded 2011 UAC Goodness League Programme in Lagos.

Nine-letter word loitering Other words enrol, gel, gilt, girl, glen, glint, inlet, leg, legion, lent, lento, let, lie, lien, lignite, line, liner, linger, lino, lint, lion, lire, lit, litre, log, loin, loiter, lone, loner, long, longer, lore, lot, nil, ogle, oil, oilier, oiling, religion, relit, rile, riling, ringlet, role, tile, tiler, tiling, tingle, tinglier, toil, toiler, toiling BLADE CHISEL CLAMP CROSSCUTSAW DOVETAIL

DRILL FILE FRETSAW GLUE HAMMER

NAIL PLANE SANDPAPER SQUARE WOOD

Word search created by Ifeoluwa Onifade Answer to Riddle 1. Television 2. Radio

Send in your stories, poems, articles, games, puzzles, riddles and jokes to sundaynation@yahoo.com

Life

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

O

NCE upon a time, there was an ancient city somewhere in the middle of Africa known as Eria. The people of Eria were mostly farmers, herders and petty traders, but they did have a desire for progress and future development. It was a small, rural community where everybody knew everybody, and every family had a farm and some others had a few stalls where they sold produce from the farm as well as some other items brought in by travelling merchants.

For a long time, everyone was comfortable with the economy of the city of Eria and the general state of things, until news came in that a nearby village had discovered some liquid substance which everyone called “black oil” in their soil. This “black oil” was the toast of everyone, including explorers from far-away lands! It could be used to do almost anything apart from feeding. All of a sudden, the prices of good in Eria began to collapse and their once stable economy seemed doomed by the sudden prosperity of their neighbours.

Merchants were more interested in dealing in this “black oil” rather than their lousy farm products which were worthless compared to the “oil.”

The neighbouring village was fast becoming a metropolis as businesses were springing up, houses were being built, jobs were being created and everything was happening so fast!

They were getting richer and developing faster than any economist could predict.

The king and the entire people of Eria wanted, more than anything to see their city grow and progress in various fields of endeavor such as manufactur-

Shor Shortt Stor Storyy Rita Ohai Rita Ohai

07089069956 (sms only) e-mail: pearlohai@yahoo.com blog: www.ritaohai.blog.com

A tale of three merchants Written by Precious Wanganga

ing, processing, agriculture, oil, gas and mineral exploration, property development, export and general business activities just like their neighbours.

The king of this great city called for a city-wide summon to be held. In attendance were selected individuals from every tribe who were wise in learning, discerning of times and seasons and having insight and knowledge of matters.

They all communed, discussed and debated for long hours. Finally, they came to a conclusion. They resolved that three prominent, astute merchants from Eria should be sent to sojourn in this neighbouring village-turnedmetropolis for a period, and then journey to far-away lands to study and learn the ways of the people and how such lands were able to attain their wealth.

These three Merchants: Shon, Won and Tu embarked upon their

journey through the neighbouring village, then on to the distant lands of the fair-skinned people. Many years later, they returned to the city of Eria, now well learned, better experienced

and with superior foreign expertise to establish their trade. The king was greatly pleased at their return. They showed so much wit, charisma, acumen and demonstrated vast knowledge. As such, the people felt secure, confident and trusted in the judgment of these merchants and gladly entrusted their earnings to them.

Decades later, the city seemed to have prospered, developed considerably, reasonably advanced, and the people were just beginning to savour the benefits of the trade of the Merchants. All of a sudden, a prominent scholar and highly trained professional of that city was given the responsibility of supervising and monitoring the trade of Shon, Won and Tu. This professional in the course of dispatching his responsibilities discovered that the merchants had not only made themselves extremely wealthy at the expense of the people’s earnings, but had also lent out of the deposited earnings of the people without secur-

The tenure issue is not a priority of ordinary Nigerians. He has the mandate of Nigerians to give good governance. This issue is diversionary and is dangerous to the health of the Nigerian state.

Iliya Zuma, Kubwa, Abuja.

It’s very shameful for the President to breathe out the proposal on single tenure because Nigerians are still sorrowful about poverty.

Rabiu Isiaku Kanye, Kabo Local Government, Kano State.

My view on the single tenure: The words of a poet which say, “when gold rust, what will iron do?” are enough to explain the situation of our great country. Democracy mongers cast favourable aspersion on the President which was why he emerged victoriously in the last April poll. Why is the President disappointing them with his quest for 6 and 7-year tenure system? Why not make the existing 4-year tenure single?

Our country demands much more from the President. Please, Mr President, National Assembly, the single tenure system is irrational and out of context.

Amadi Miracle A., (EBSU student).

The single tenure proposal is a good idea but the political leaders must change

Have Your Say What is your view on president Goodluck Jonathan’s position on the single tenure proposal , security, power judiciary and the transition going on in postGaddafi’s Libya, made known during his last Monday maiden Media chat? their perception of leadership from politics to service delivery. On security, the President needs to do more to protect life and property of all Nigerians.

Olufemi Idowu, Minna, Niger State.

In the single tenure proposal controversy, Jonathan, as a person, is not the problem. Nigerians are afraid of PDP hijacking this window of opportunity and pushing the self-acclaimed poor Jonathan from the Southsouth as its “Guinea pig” - a case of PDP eating its cake and still having it.

Uche C. Amalu, Calabar, Cross River State.

The President is behaving like Emperor Nero of Rome who was fiddling the country was on fire. The problems of insecurity, power and the various social, economic and political injustices in the country are there to address. So, Mr President should be concerned and focused on good governance to the people of Nigeria.

Akano Abraham A., Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The single tenure proposal should be thrown away so that we can face the security problem.

Agwa David, Jos, Plateau State.

Nigeria has lost its meaning as a country. Most times one wonders why we call it a nation. No vision, no justice, no truth, no love. Our leaders have taken

ing a mere collateral as little as a pigeon, calf or hibiscus flower from their friends, allies and family members.

The three merchants had ruined the city’s trade. Their enterprises were now in great debt and had incurred huge losses most of which could not be paid back or were not recoverable. It was discovered that the merchants had taken of their “acquired wealth” and purchased choice properties, estates and investments in the new developing and “thriving” cities of the day including the neighbouring “oil”-rich city.

The king was greatly saddened and his heart troubled sore. Being advanced in age, he became ill and weary of the woes that had befallen his people, and of the impending disaster and threatening collapse of his once great city. The people had lost the trust and confidence they had in the merchants and in their trade also. It was their worst nightmare in broad-daylight.

That great city was in dire need of a solution, a pacifier, a revolution, a visionary that would bring the city the glory it deserved and restored the fortunes it had lost. Eria was on the verge of a huge collapse. Many prayed, some sighed, a lot more moaned and cried, while some others yet, smiled home with lots of gold and silver coins in their kitty of which they owed no liability…

Still glaring at the picture, Chike regretfully paid homage, ‘My friend, you died in preparation for an election that never held. ‘Where ever you are, you are a councillor.

I’m really sorry, honourable.

Adieu.’

Continue from page 48 Jonathan seems to be out of tune with happenings in Nigeria! Once we can have transparent electoral processes devoid of rigging and malpractices, single term is needless. Intelligence gathering should be intensified to nip whatever security threats in the bud. Unless PDP subsumes its interest to the larger national interest we will never have a virile judiciary worthy of our dreams!

PDP is not intellectually capable of solving Nigeria’s power problem!

Umar Sanda Usman, Biu, Borno State.

52

us back to the stone age with no regrets. Cry! The besieged country.

F. Martins, Warri, Delta State.

President Jonathan should shelve his 7-year single term proposal for presidents, et al. It should not be his priority in view of the parlous state of the country. It’s not a prerequisite that a president or a governor must get two consecutive terms to make any achievement. Security should be beefed up in the country for peace to reign. Insecurity will scare away investors, foreign or local. There are cases of industries relocating to Ghana and other relatively peaceful countries.

Power is the cornerstone of the nation’s economic development. Electricity should be removed from the constitution’s exclusive list to concurrent list so that states, LGs, companies and entrepreneurs can generate and distribute electricity. The judiciary has been messed up of recent. Let’s be optimistic that the new Chief Justice will redress and reform the body.

Ayoola Odusanya, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.

The single tenure is in order so as to reduce the political tension often generated by the political parties/ desperate politicians. It will give room for the other marginalized geopolitical zones to enjoy political slots.

Prince Oniyelu O.J., Ilupeju, Ekiti State.

The idea may be good, but let the single tenure proposal start at the end of Jonathan’s tenure, if he is sincere. Mr President is not in control of the security situation in the country despite being the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. His security chiefs have compromised security, especially in Jos. Fitzemmauel Ola, Oketiri, Lagos State.

I regard President Jonathan’s revelations during his maiden media chat as his personal opinion. I don’t see anything wrong personally in anybody’s personal opinion.

Lanre Oseni, Lagos State.

Single tenure will promote looting and high level of corruption by office holders because they will reason that there is only one tenure to use.

Akpabio Patrick, Calabar, Cross River State.

Jonathan believes that opposition to a single tenure is a mere emotional preemptive reaction to a-yet-to-be bill which when presented would serve the best interest of Nigeria. I agree with the President, except that the tenure should be 6 years. On security, power and judiciary, the President needs to be more decisive and courageous. However, his principled commitment to global justice and democracy which informs his support for the Libyan rebels and the NTC

is highly commendable. Jonathan has positioned Nigeria as leading light among modern African states.

Bisi Adefila, Osun State.

Whether Jonathan believes it or not Nigeria will surely disintegrate. Some leaders in the defunct Soviet Union must have spoken like the Otuoke man, but the Soviet Union disintegrated peacefully. Some of us are fasting and praying that the long overdue disintegration will be peaceful, but the ruling elites of Jonathan are making it violent already by their obstinacy to allow a referendum as was in Sudan or to convoke a true sovereign national conference. Jonathan is only speaking his mind, not the mind of people like me.

For me, anybody who says Nigeria should not disintegrate is public enemy number one. It is the best thing that can happen to this worthless entity created by the British and their agent named Lugard in 1914.

Bar Emma Chukwuka, Owerri, Imo State.

I strongly support President Goodluck Jonathan’s position on the single tenure proposal. It will save Nigeria from frequent wasting of human life and property, and money that usually follow most, if not all, of our elections. Those who have made up their minds against President Jonathan’s leadership are those kicking against anything coming from him, no matter how good the proposal may be. But for the man-made security problems being manufactured by some people in the country, I believe that Jonathan would have started addressing many of the pending problems before now. I wish to plead with those creating additional problems for him to allow him fulfill his promises to Nigerians.

Joseph G., Bauchi Ring Road, Plateau State.

Continue on The Nation website: www.thenationlineng.net, click on Sunday Magazine, then Have Your Say

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

53

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUYIDE

ADEYEMO

CHUKWU

AVIOKHIRE

ADEWINBI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluyide Temitayo Adeola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bamigbola Temitayo Adeola. All former documents remain valid.The general public should take note.

ONYEKWELU I,formerly known and addressed as Maureen Chinenye Onyekwelu, now wish to be known and addressed as Maureen Chinenye Enemali. All former documents remain valid.The general public should take note.

TOKAN

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Celestina Felix Tokan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Celestina Aliyu.

All former documents remain valid.Ministry of Defence and general public should take note.

ATINYA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Juliana Ene Atinya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Juliana Ene Aboh. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

OKUSANYA I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Folasade Olaleye Okusanya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Folasade Olayeye Obiogun-Okesola. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

EMENALOM I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Maureen Obiarure Emenalom, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Maureen Obiarure Ahize. All former documents remain valid.

IMSU, IEI and general public should take note.

EKPENYONG I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekpenyong Margaret Joy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Amedu Margaret Sidney. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MADU I,formerly known and addressed as Mrs Madu Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Onyenso Chioma. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AKINADE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinade Kemi Omolade, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ben-Odhomi Kemi Mary. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ABEL I,formerly known and addressed as Abel Olusoji, now wish to be known and addressed as Dahunsi Adesoji. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADEFIOYE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adefioye Stella Adebimpe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adekoya Stella Adebimpe. All former documents remain valid.

TASUED, Ijagun, TASCE, OmuIjebu and general public should take note.

OKERE

I,formerly known and addressed as Okere, Obunwa Kate, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nwachukwu Kate. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OLALEKAN

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyemo Oyinade Oluwayemisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Araoye Oyinade Oluwayemisi.

All former documents remain valid.

Olabisi Onabanjo University, NYSC and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Judith Ego Chukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Judith Okorafor Kalu Ibe. All former documents remain valid. Education Authority Arochukwu LGA and general public should take note.

USMAN

I,formerly known and addresssed as Miss Akam Bevlyn Egajor, now wish to be known and addresssed as Mrs Bevlyn Egajor owan-Enoh. All former documents remain valid. General public should pls take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ramatallahi Abiola Usman, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ramatallahi Lawal. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AKINNIYI I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinniyi Nihinlola Paulinah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Hassan Nihinlola Paulinah. All former documents remain valid. Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, University of Ibadan and general public should take note.

OYELEKE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyeleke Kemi Muibat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adedara Kemi Muibat. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Offa, NYSC and general public should take note.

ADEBAYO

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebayo Folasade Anifat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Saliu Folasade Anifat. All former documents remain valid. Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Talat Amafara, NYSC and general public should take note.

EKWERE I,formerly known and addressed as Mrs Glory Stanley Ekwere (nee Miss Glory James Akpan) now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. (Mrs) Glory Gabriel Umoh.

All former documents remain valid. L.E.C. Oyion Board, Uyo State Secondary Educa, NYSC and general public should take note.

EHORO

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Oroma Ehoro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oroma Enwuka. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

AROYEHUN I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Aroyehun Hannah Oluwapemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adetimirin Hannah Oluwapemi.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MOJEED I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Mojeed Fausat Funmilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Shorunke Fausat Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid.

Ggeneral public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I,Sunday Dada Otetubi is the same person as Sunday Oladapo Otetubi. All former documents remain valid.

Hospital Management Board and general public should take note.

JOSHUA-OBA I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Nyengiwari Mabel Joshua-Oba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nyengiwari Mabel IpaliboOsokolo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NWAOGWUGWU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Leah Adekemi Olalekan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Gbolahan Leah Adekemi Kofoworola. All former documents remain valid. National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwaogwugwu Confidence Oge, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Achilike Ekejiuba. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MAMUDU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Okere Kate Stella Ekendia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kate Ekendia. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Education, Rivers State College of Health Science & Technology, Rivers State government Service Commission, Oyigbo LGA and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Mamudu Christabel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omoh Christabel. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OGBONNA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Chika Peace Ogbonna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chika UcheMbama. All former documents remain valid. MTN Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikwe University, Akwa and general public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to notify the general public that Ayodele Abidemi Ademosu and Ayodele Abidemi AdemosuOchem are one and the same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ayodele Abidemi Ademosu-Ochem . All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public should take note.

AKAM

NWANMADI

I,formerly known and addresssed as Miss Chinyelu Florence Nwanmadi ,now wish to be known and addresse as Mrs Chinyelu Florence Umeojiaku.

All fomer documents remain valid.General public take note.

ADAMSON I,formerly known as Miss Temitayo Sesi Adamson, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Temitayo Sesi AdamsonAbiodun. All former documents remain valid. General public, take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I wish to inform the general public that I, the bearer of the names: Miss Chimatarauchemu Pepetual Nnabugwu, is the self-same person bearing: Mrs Chimauche Perpetual Nnabugwu Okoro. All documents remain valid. General public, take note.

EKPENE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ndopno Johnson Ekpene, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ndopno Ubon Monday. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NAJIM

I, formerly known and addressed as Oluwadare Najim, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwadare Gbolahan Maxwell.

All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGUNNIRAN I, formerly known and addressed as Ogunniran Anu, now wish to be known and addressed as Oke Anu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AWORH

I, formerly known and addressed as Dr (Miss) Aworh Mabel Kamweli F., now wish to be known and addressed as Dr (Mrs) Ajumobi Mabel Kamweli F. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

BAIYEWU Formely address as Miss Baiyewu Abosede M.elizabeth, now to be Address as Mrs Okunsolawo Abosede M.elizabeth. Working place .Local Goverment Commission Abeokuta,Ogun state.

UGBOACHI FAMILY

The family of Ugboachi Nwobodo Ezekiel wishes to be called Ikechukwu Ezekiel family from now on. This change affects my wife and children. All documents and certificates are here by rectified.

ODUFUWA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olabisi Oluwatoyin Odufuwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olabisi Oluwatoyin Adeniji. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AJEPE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajepe Omobolanle Mayowa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jolaogun Omobolanle Mayowa. All former documents remain valid. HMB, Ado-Ekiti, NMCN and general public should take note.

OKERE

SALAKO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Titilayo Kofoworola Salako, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Titilayo Kofoworola Wilson. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OBAFUSO

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Obafuso Yetunde Olusola, now wish to be known and address as Mrs. Obhafuoso Olusola Yetunde Adeola. All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Ohamara, Chukwudi T. A. and Ohamara, Chukwudi T. are the same and one person. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Atata Glory Onu and Atata Glory are one and the same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Atata Glory Onu. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Inegbenose Thaddeus and Inegbenosun Thaddeus are one and the same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Inegbenose Thaddeus. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Aviokhire Meshack, now wish to be known and addressed as Izuagie Ete Martins. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

TUMANU

I, formerly known and addressed as Preye Tumanu, now wish to be known and addressed as Jakpa Stanley. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NWARU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwaru Ogonda Tessy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Dick Ogonda Tessy. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OBIANUJU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Appolonia Obianuju, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Doris Ugwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHUKWUNEKPO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chukwunekpo Joy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogboka Nwobueze Joy. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

DICK I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Faith Dick, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Faith Nmekue.

All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police and general public should take note.

NWALA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mercy Amarachi Nwala, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Mercy Amarachi Umunakwe. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EDEDJO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rhoda Ejiata Ededjo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Rhoda Ejiata Iyoha. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public should take note.

OLAYINKA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olayinka, Sefunmi Ifedayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kosemani, Sefunmi Ifedayo. all former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission and general public should take note.

LASISI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lasisi, Rasidat Olayemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omowale, Rasidat Olayemi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OGUNDERO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogundero, Olubu Veronica, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ekundayo, Olubu Veronica. All former documents remain valid. Gbonyin Local Government, Ekiti State and general public should take note.

FADUGBA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Fadugba, Oluwabunmi Abiodun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olu-Ojayi, Oluwabunmi Abiodun. All former documents remain valid.

SUBEB Ekiti State and general public should take note.

OMILEGAN I, formerly known and address as Miss Omilegan Yetunde Abosede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Komolafe Yetunde Abosede.All former documents remain valid. Igbajo Polytechnic Igbajo, Osun state and general public should take note.

OSAKUNI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ngozi Osakuni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ngozi Chekwube Nwachai.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tunrayo Sherifat Adewinbi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tunrayo Sherifat Fashola. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AMOSU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amosu Olayinka Airat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ajetomobi Olayinka Airat. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State Local government Service Commission and general public should take note.

OYEDEMI I, formerly known and addressed as Oyedemi Funmilayo Christianah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ademakinwa Funmilayo Christianah.

All former documents remain valid.

University of Ibadan, NYSC and general public should take note.

ADEYEMI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyemi Jumoke Tomilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Amoo Jumoke Tomilayo. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

ADEWUMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adewumi Adenike Seun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Alabi Titilola Adenike. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

OLATUNBOSUN I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs Olatunbosun Temitayo Omolara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ologun Temitayo Omolara. All former documents remain valid.

Atakunmosa East Local government, Iperinde and general public should take note.

ODUKANMI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odukanmi Omolara Olanike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Falope Omolara Olanike. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AYEDUN I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayedun Oluwaseun Damilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogunshona Damilola Oluwaseun. All former documents remain valid. National Biotechnology Development Agency, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and general public should take note.

UMAR I, formerly known and addressed as Umar Muritala Mohammed, now wish to be known and addressed as Umar Muri Michael.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

FABUYIDE I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs Fabuyide Omolade Omolewa, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Adejuwon Omolade Omolewa. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Teaching Service Commission and general public should take note.

ONI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oni Animashaun Abidemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Yusuf Abidemi Arike. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AFOLABI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olutayo Olaitan Afolabi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olutayo Olaitan Abiona. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OSADEBE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osadebe Gladys Nkechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adegboyega Gladys Nkechi. All former documents remain valid. Niger Chemical Limited, Oyo and general public should take note.

ADEJUMO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adejumo Fatimoh Omolara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Babayomi Fatimoh Omolara.All former documents remain valid. Ifelodun Local govt., Ikirun, Osun State Local government Service Commission and general public should take note.

UNUM I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lucy Sewuse Apeon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Lucy Sewuse Unum.All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

BADIRU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Badiru Bolanle Sikirat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Araba Bolanle Sikirat. All former documents remain valid. Teaching Service Commission, Ogun State and general public should take note.

NWOKORO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nneka Ebru Nwokoro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nneka Ebru Okpe.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ONIFADE I, formerly known and addressed as Onifade Olayemi Funmilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Onifade Olayemi Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, Institute of Chertered Accountant of Nigeria and general public should take note.

ADEFIOYE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adefioye Stella Adebimpe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adekoya Stella Adebimpe. All former documents remain valid.

TASUED, Ijagun, TASCE, Omu, Ijebu and general public should take note.

IDOWU I, formerly known and addressed as Idowu Adekunle Moses Oluwasegun Oluwaseun, now wish to be known and addressed as Idowu Moses Oluwasegun Oluwaseun.

All former documents remain valid. WAEC, NECO, NYSC and general public should take note.

OGUNLANA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunlana Olabisi Margret, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adelana Olabisi Margret. All former documents remain valid. Ogun SUBEB and general public should take note.

OYEFESOBI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyefesobi Cecilia Adunni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Osonuga Cecilia Adunni. All former documents remain valid. Teaching Service Commission, Abeokuta and general public should take note.

SORINWA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sorinwa Dorcas Folake, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fagbeiro Sorinwa Dorcas Folake. All former documents remain valid.

Teaching Service Commission, Abeokuta and general public should take note.

ADEKOYA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adekoya Kafilat Funke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Eleshin Kafilat Olufunke Odunayo. All former documents remain valid. Ogun SUBEB, Ijebu-Ode LGEA and general public should take note.

SAMUEL

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Samuel Deborah Oluwafunmilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jimoh Deborah Oluwafunmilayo.

All former documents remain valid. TASUED, Ijegun, NYSC and general public should take note.

ALIU I, formerly known and addressed as Aliu Akeem Akanji, now wish to be known and addressed as Aliu Akeem Oluwaseyi Akanji.

All former documents remain valid. Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, All foreign Embassies, Government Agencies other revant bodies and general public should take note.

UDEIGWE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ngozi Udeigwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ngozi Onyeagu. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OWOLABI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Owolabi Temitayo Iyabo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olaniyi Temitayo Iyabo. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Local government Service Commission and general public should take note.

OLAWOLE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olawole Florence Olayinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fakiya Florence Olubunmi. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Health Management Board and general public should take note.

ADVERT: Simply produce your marriage certificate or sworn affidavit for a change of name publication, with just (N3,500.)

The payment can be made through FIRST BANK of Nigeria Plc. Account number 1892030011219 Account Name - VINTAGE PRESS LIMITED Scan the details of your advert and teller to gbengaodejide@yahoo.com or thenation_advert@yahoo.com For enquiry please contact: Gbenga on 08052720421, 08161675390, Emailgbengaodejide @yahoo.com or our offices nationwide.

Note this! Change of name is now published every Sundays, all materials should reach us two days before publication.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

54

The cost of wearing tattoo

T Lagos vice-chancellorship race

“P

OLICE Sergeant, others arrested in Benin over (for) killing of police constable” (DAILY SUN Headline, September 21) “… there should be an aggressive enlightenment campaign given that the deadline for replacement of all licences and plate numbers is one year.”

(THISDAY EDITORIAL, September 21) Truth & Reason: number plates.

“The Union does not, in anyway, want a reoccurrence of such crises in LASU again….” (ASUU LASU BRANCH PAID ADVERTORIAL, THE NATION, September 21) Appointment of LASU VC: recurrence (not reoccurrence) of such crises in LASU (yank off ‘again’ because of its redundancy).

“Onitsha-Enugu Highway rehabilitation ready soon—Minister” (National Mirror Headline, September 21) It is the road, not the rehabilitation, that would be ready soon, hopefully!

“Given the level of degeneracy in the education (educational) system….” (TRIBUNE EDITORIAL, September 21) National Life of September 20 committed two headline errors: “Strike: Obi reads riots act” Back to school: the Riot Act. “…As Babangida commends NFF over (on/ for) his appointment” “It should also move a step forward by calling the aggressor to order and sanctioning same (the same).”

(THISDAY COMMENT, September 20) “The Nigeria Police is (are) now peopled with criminals….” (THISDAY, September 20) “…no effort should be spared in finding out who was responsible for it and sanctioning them accordingly.”

(THE NATION COMMENT, September 20) My view: No effort should be spared in finding out those who were responsible for it and sanctioning them accordingly.

“Kebbi govt to extend amenities to boarder communities” (DAILY CHAMPION Headline, September 19) Of course, there is a distinction between ‘boarder’ and ‘border’ (which applies here). Do we need to return to kindergarten classes?

“We pray that all those who work with the President this time around….” ( T H E NATION, September 19) Truth in defence of

freedom: this time round.

“Get 5% discount on any of the LAPTOPS purchase @ any SLOT retail store….” (Full Page SLOT Advert, THE PUNCH, September 17) All about image: laptops purchased.

The Moment On Saturday of September 16 Front Page Lead Headline demonstrated loose thinking: “I’m not a man eater” A rewrite: I’m not a cannibal. A headline should be as firm as possible.

Newsstar of September 17 circulated two headline blunders: “Fear, anxiety grips Jos, as crisis ridden city await CDS arrival” The correct version: Fear, anxiety grip Jos, as crisesridden city awaits CDS’ arrival.

“Obey picks September 27 for late wife’s burial” Would the music maestro have buried his wife alive?

Headline casters/writers should think, please!

“4 Boko Haram men charged over UN House bomb blast” (THISDAY Front Page Screamer, September 17) I charge Kirikiri Canal Board of Editors with (not over) suicidal journalism!

“Four policemen arrested in Lagos over (for) N5m debt” (DAILY I N D E P E N D E N T Headline, September 17) Saturday Mirror of September 17 circulated two lexical thorns via a headline and an advert: “NLC mobilise for mass protest next week” Get it right: NLC mobilses.

“Live luxuriously…@ the heart of Abuja” (NICON LUXURY, ABUJA Full Page Advert) From whatever perspective: in the heart of Abuja.

I b a d a n - b a s e d SATURDAY TRIBUNE of 17 September committed four goofs: “She always demand for sex” This way: she always demands sex.

As a verb, ‘demand’ does not take ‘for’—except as a noun. “…the billionaire is taking the affair very serious (seriously).”

“Four sect members charged for (with) UN House blast” (Front Page Sub-headline) D A I L Y INDEPENDENT Editorial of September 16 disseminated copious improprieties: “The exercise, which may see about a third of the over 200,000 strong (a hyphen between the figure and the word) Federal Civil Service loosing (losing) their jobs….”

“This newspaper has consistently advocated for a comprehensive review of

the cost of the machinery of government.” Let us delete ‘for’ in the interest of all stakeholders.

“Hitherto entry into the service has (had) been largely based on….”

“Jonathan restores overseas training for resident doctors” (Nigerian Compass & THE NATION Headline, September 16) GEJ restores…to (not for) doctors “Ogungbo said the most important way to prevent epilepsy is (was) to offer early drug treatment….” (Source: as above) “Lamentations as Oshiomhole demolish (demolishes) illegal structures” (DAILY CHAMPION Feature Banner Headline, September 16) “Bendel Insurance Company, (sic) registration (RC6083) once prides (prided) itself as the number one trusted….”

(Source: as above) “So long as the military and other security agencies’ presence are (is) seen on….”

(THE NATION, September 16) “To mark the day, there was (were) free health tests by….” (THISDAY Health, September 16) “The University of Lagos Multipurpose Hall A was filled to the brim with….” Check out the meaning of ‘fill’ in order to appreciate the redundancy of ‘to the brim’. Got the point? “…the level of political consciousness and internet have (has) risen significantly.” (Nigerian Compass POLITICS, September 16) The next two gaffes were committed by the Rivers State Government in a halfpage advertorial published in THE GUARDIAN of September 15: “The venue and time still remains unchanged.” Port Harcourt International Oil and Gas Summit & Exhibition 2011: ‘remains’ changes to ‘remain’.

“We regret any inconveniences this will course (sic) our esteemed speakers, valued partners and the participants.” Public notice: cause.

“Nigerian Navy pays last respect to Aikhomu” (Nigerian Tribune Headline, 15 September) For the naval gentleman: last respects.

“Depoliticing the judiciary” (National Mirror Editorial Headline, September 15) Get it right: politicizing.

ADVICE: Dear reader, I loathe SMS that comes in incognito or nameless. It smacks of stupidity! I do not interact with faceless and cowardly critics.

HE practice of tattooing is centuries old, and is central to some cultures.

Much has been written about the hazards of tattooing especially its latent health effects. Recently attention has been directed however to the potential and prevalent forms of Body Art called “TATOO” on different parts of the body. Some believe the practice is wrong while others have no objection.

“This is fashion madness see what fashion can cause. I think ladies should limit their fashion,” said Tunde Adebayo, a student of University of Lagos.

Adebayo described ladies that wear tattoo in uncomplimentary terms. “How can a responsible lady wear a tattoo all in the name fashion”, he said angrily. He narrates a story of how a friend of his was rejected at a job interview because of “tattoo”.

Religious objection to tattoos can be found in Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh on account of the dead or tattoo any marks upon you.” Some people even go to the extent of drawing

By Omobolanle Oguntoyinbo

snakes, skeleton heads which depicts evil. The practice of tattooing seems to have now become mainstream. Young adults and teens worldwide are having dangerous compounds and chemicals injected under their skin for the sake of body art. The trend started in the early 1990s. By 2003 it was projected that 36% of 25- to 29-year olds in the country had at least one tattoo, said Olakunde Oluwaseun a 400 level student of the University of Lagos While justifying the need for tatto, Olawale Benson said, “I started having tattoo when I lost my parents. Their death was just a year interval. The tattoo on my right and left eye symbolizes tear drops which means their memory can never be erased or forgotten and then I think that was the only thing I could do to still keep them alive in my heart. Some wear it for memory sake, while some wear it all in the name of fashion”.

Tunde Ajisefinni of Mobil

Exxon Hospital said, due to some of the chemicals, aluminum, copper, iron, lead, mercury, carbon, calcium, cithium, Phosphorus used for tattoo.

There has been various kinds of infections such as HIV/AIDS related to reused needles.

Diseases associated with tatto includes hepatitis, skin infections, bacterial infections, Fungal infections, allergic reactions skin irritation, cancer.

Allergic reactions to temporary and permanent tattoo inks may occur with getting a tattoo, or tattoo removal. Infections are associated with poor hygienic conditions.

According to experts, there is no such thing as a safe tattoo.

There are reasonable number of studies the adverse health effects of tattoos. Nearly 40% of organic pigments used in tattoos are not approved even for cosmetic topical use. Almost 20% of pigments were cancer causing aromatic amines. Tattoo inks travel in the body. Black tattoo pigments are been found in lymph nodes.

Safety and Security Alert!

K

IDNAPPING has become a serious security threat to individuals, corporate bodies and the government. Many families, businesses have lost their loved ones to this dastardly act. Kidnappers snip lives from victims and also inflict grievous injury on the state and national economy.

Families of victims pay ransom through their nose to secure release.

Hence, we all have to rise up against its spread.

What is kidnapping?

Kidnapping is the taking away of a person or group against the person’s will, hold in false imprisonment, a confinement without legal authority for a ransom or in furtherance of another crime. It is called Abduction when the victim is a woman.

Causes are: • victims • criminals • domestic workers, etc.

Safety Measures; The following are ways to effectively check and manage this security threat. They are: A. Before Kidnapping 1. Reduce social activities that can attract the attention.

2. Do not display assets, nationality or institutional affiliations.

3. Limit your movements. Use alternative routes.

4. Do not use same car always.

5. Don’t leave your door open but conduct risk simulation in your home to identify gaps.

6. Install security surveillance devices or intrusion detection devices.

7. Be enlightened on risks associated with lifestyles, occupation and relationships.

B. During Kidnapping 1. Show cooperation 2. Be calm and avoid hot arguments.

3. Be active by tasking your security intellect.

4. Don’t develop Stockholm syndrome.

5. Study the attitudes, discussions, dressing, motives, mannerisms, etc through your mind.

6. Absolutely restrict yourself to what they ask to say or do.

7. Avoid sharing clothes.

8. During rescue operations, lie on the floor and put your

How to recognise and overcome kidnapping and essence security risk education hands on your head to show you are not armed and of no threat.

After Kidnapping a) If your release is secured through the payment of ransom, the use of force or escape, you are to assist the law enforcement authorities to swipe the culprits so as to reduce the incidence of kidnapping. It is important to cooperate by giving enough details about the incident to aid investigation; and b) You should appreciate the offer of post-trauma counseling.

What is Risk?

Risk is simply a concept that denotes precise probability of specific eventualities.

Objectives of Risk Education are; A. Awareness raising – design strategies to disseminate knowledge and understand sources of harm; B. Skills transfer – aim to develop transferable life skills relating to the risk assessment and control and C. Behaviour modification - aim to reduce risk taking behaviour.

Elements of Risk Education A. Develop unclassified national intelligence: The national/state security adviser’s need to make government create mechanisms meant to develop unclassified national intelligence estimate on various threats to security i.e. banditry, all forms of terrorism, ethnoreligious violence, to mention but a few.

B. Building scenario in risk education: Efforts should be made in building scenarios to educate the public on risk, understand the nature and degree of possible security threats. Prevent threats by living to its responsibility as revealing clandestine institutions involved in transacting illegal businesses.

C. Interactive in risk education : It is imperative to make risk education interactive, so that the process will be participatory. d) Crowd risk education: Emphasis should be placed on educating the general public on

security risks. Risk education need be incorporated into the school curriculum from primary level to tertiary level. It should be taught in places of worship, community associations, work places, professional organisations, among others E. Active participation in risk education: individuals should participate in the process of risk education by: • attending community security meetings, • seek for information from relevant security agencies whenever the need arises, and • exploring interactive fora • participating in security talk show especially when relevant information are shared on the need-to-know basis.

In conclusion, Nigerians should show apple interest in knowledge of security threat and in-depth risk education as we experience emerging security challenges daily.

FEEDBACKS RE: How to recognise the characteristics of suicide bombers If the National Security Adviser’s office adopt the solutions to terrorism outlined in your column, Nigeria will be free from Boko Haram menace.

The three tiers of government should formulate and executive policies to improve social conditions.

Mr. Odiki, A. O. (PHC) 0818132**** RE: You said enough to help our country to save the life of its citizens. My fear is those in authority may not take you serious.

Mr. Dangyang, S. (Jos) 0809676**** Please send feedbacks and challenges by sms or e-mail to the undersigned.

Please, send comments, responses and contact the undersigned for security and safety challenges by sms or e-mail.

By: Mr. Timilehin Ajayi (Safety and Security Consultant) E-mail: timilehinajayi@yahoo.com 08095683454, 08075518732

55

T

Life Extra

IME was 5.00pm Tuesday, August 23rd. The event of the day was the 241st Inaugural Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IleIfe. Interestingly, the intellectual event turned out to be a dramatic one. Guests from all walks of life had been seated before the takeoff time. On the hour slated for the event to commence, the man, Professor Olalere Oladitan, Professor of French and Francophone Languages, walked into the Oduduwa Hall venue of the lecture on the trail of the institute’s Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, Prof Bamidele Idowu Omole and Mr. Ayorinde Ogunruku respectively.

Delivering his lecture paper titled From Literature Towards A LawCulture Discipline -An Unending Quest for Justice, Prof. Oladitan suddenly went musical with his academic presentation. His main hypothesis was on making strong points at decrying the spate of injustice that had pervaded our nation. Yet, he placed the greatest of the blame on individual professionals who failed to know the rights due to them in the line of their respective professions. The other portion of the fault, he shifted on the concerned authorities for not instituting proper laws to ensure that the rights of respective professionals are protected.

Taking advantage of the intellectual gathering which often provided the link between the academia and the larger community, Prof Oladitan, a man with passion for literature, law and drama, stressed his message with a musical dance drama performance.

Also nicknamed “Poem of the Week”, Prof Oladitan held the gathering spell-bound with his sonorous voice as he explored his scholastic input in the various faculties of the institute from its days as the University of Ife(UNIFE) till the present day OAU. He noted that for over thirty-nine months, he had traversed several departments of the institute. He spoke on efforts he had made towards altering some stereotypes in certain departments of the institute, his literary cum dramatic canon plus the strategies he had employed to enhance students’ comprehension of his intellectual postulations.

As the crowd got engrossed in the depth of his brilliant lecture, the professor diffused the tensed environment with a song he said he had composed to send home the message. Iyan ti mo gun, Baba, ma je n nikan je... Amala ti mo ro, Baba ma je n nikan je... Obe ti mo se, Baba ma je n nikan je... Adura ti mo gba, Mu see, Edumare mu see (translated thus: My mound of pounded yam, smooth warm and lastic, placed ready in my plate, Baba, not for me alone to consume...). And as he rendered the song, a number of his students filed out from the left corner of the hall dancing and acting out the song. And for over five minutes, none of the guests, including the scholarly invitees in their flowing academic gowns could immediately take their seats.

On the other side of the hall where sat the VC, Professor Omole and Registrar, were two men with their mouths ajar. They jumped on their feet clapping to attest to the interesting interjection of the intellectual Inaugural Lecture. As if he was oblivious of his catch on the audience, Prof Oladitan continued reading his text paper enhanced with Powerpoint presentation while also interjecting his submission

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Quest for justice A man of many flairs, Professor Olalere Oladitan, Professor of French and Francophone Languages, had his Inaugural Lecture marking the 241st for the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) formerly University of Ife (UNIFE) recently at the institution premises. Joke Kujenya witnessed the event

•Prof. Oladitan

•Performing artistes during the lecture

in French, Latin and other Francophone languages to buttress his knowledge of other tongues.

Facing the VC, he said: “Mr Vice-Chancellor sir, in the last week of July 1990, I received a letter from the office of the VC de-

ploying me from my Department of Foreign Languages to be the Acting Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts. When I accepted the offer, I doubled there over the next thirty-nine months as the Acting Head of the Department and the Executive Director of the Awo

Varsity Theatre. The latter was and still is the laboratory to the former. Till now, I regard that department and the theatre as important parts of me and my career...”

“In this inaugural lecture, I intend to trace my itinerary from

a focus on imaginative writings called Literature, with a capital L, to a proposal for the recognition of and support for a LawCulture Discipline. In the course of my exploration, we shall identify the substantive commitment of the (Nigerian) authors –seeking justice in their world. From this point on, issues of Law are introduced as we query whether the society reciprocates the writers’ concern (for justice). If it does not, what actions can we take or have we taken? What is or has been the role of each of us in this auditorium with regards to this quest for justice for writers, for literature and literary pursuits?

How does this extend to culture generally and the Law-Culture Discipline that we are (now) proposing...?

Speaking on the musical concept of his approach at attaining justice, Prof Oladitan said: “You see, I’m a staunch advocate for Law-Culture and Discipline to be infused into the curricula of Nigerian Universities. Let’s take the Faculty of Arts to begin with. People study history, music, creative arts, etc. If we can have rules and regulations that are known to us, like there are laid down rules which all writers must of necessity heed to, which on a normal day, is meant not to be forced upon, but warmed-up to by the members. Yes, there are laws backing us up even though there are still some areas still to be covered by law and still being cheated. As I said about interpretation, interpreters as we see in Church, are everywhere both in Christianity and other faiths. If we can find professionals in fields such as medicine which are recognised and held in high regard, what stops this from being reciprocated to various parts of our culture such as religion?

The reason is not far-fetched. It is because these professionals are protected by laws making them undergo rigorous training. You cannot go into these professions without being a member of one professional body or another.

You go to school to study publishing for example, and you are not taught things like law in publishing, piracy issues, etc, which are core areas meant to be taught in schools. You go for training in journalism and you get trained as a journalist. Immediately, you get introduced to certain bounds, certain rights and bills such as the FOI which are parts of law relating to culture. That is the point I am trying to emphasize.”

Prof Oladitan, who had in recent times been on the campaign against Copyright in the country added: “While I never really practised as a lawyer because of the ‘village’ which I found myself then (laughs, I however got involved in Copyright Law and have established myself as a leading figure in the field of Copyright Law. The most important thing I have learnt about life is being grateful for whatever God has done for you. From childhood, I had always wanted to become a writer, an academic per excellence and in general, to live a very quiet life. And that is what informed that song performance.

And even though in generality, no life can be termed quiet, but if you keep looking back at your life and regretting the activities that had happened overtime, moving forward in life would be a near impossibility. I believe that the best thing for an individual is to see each decisions taken at several points in one’s life as the best for that time.”

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I

MAGINE if a city of almost four million people disappeared every year. A Los Angeles, Johannesburg, Yokohama. It would be hard to miss.

Yet it goes largely unnoticed that almost four million girls and women “go missing” each year in developing countries when compared to their female counterparts in developed countries. About two-fifths are never born; a sixth die in early childhood, and more than a third die in their reproductive years.

High mortality rates are just one of many barriers to equality between men and women, as argued in the World Bank’s new report. Equality is not just the right thing to do. It’s smart economics.

How can an economy achieve full potential if it ignores, sidelines or fails to invest in half its population?

The world has taken significant steps over the past 25 years toward narrowing the gaps between men and women in education, health and labour markets.

Today, girls and boys participate equally in primary education in most developing countries; a third have more girls in secondary school than boys. At the university level, women now outnumber men in more than 60 countries.

Women are using their education to participate increasingly in the labour force, diversify their time beyond housework and childcare and shape their communities, economies and societies. Women now make up more than 40 percent of the global labour force — including a large share of the world’s entrepreneurs and farmers.

This pace of change has been remarkable: For example, what took the United States 40 years to achieve in increasing girls’ school enrollment, Morocco did in a decade.

Other dimensions of equality, however, portray a more disturbing picture.

Girls who are poor, live in remote areas or belong to minority groups still cannot attend school as easily as boys. Women are more likely than men to work in low-paying occupations, to farm smaller plots and to manage smaller firms in less profitable sectors.

Whether workers, farmers or entrepreneurs, women earn less than men: 20 percent less in Mexico and Egypt; 40 percent less in Georgia, Germany or India; 66 percent less in Ethiopia.

Women —especially poor women— have less say over decisions and less control over household resources than men. Women’s voice and representation in society, business and politics is significantly lower than men’s — with little difference between poor and rich countries.

Leveling the playing field for women would offer huge potential.

Talk to Julian Omalla. This Ugandan business woman had trouble getting a loan in 2007. She was not alone. Ugandan women owned nearly 40 percent of registered businesses, our research showed, but got less than 10 percent of commercial credit. Since Omalla gained access to credit, thanks to Uganda’s DFCU Bank and the World Bank’s

W

E all agreed that urgent steps must be taken to stop the raid, serial killings and bloodbath on the Plateau. It is clear that just show of concern will not do it. If that will do it, then we should all go to bed with our two eyes closed. League of Imams, Pentecostal Movement, Conference of Catholic Bishops and Northern Governors Forum, have all expressed concern, calling on government to be proactive and save Nigeria. Unfortunately this alone will not stop the carnage.

The callous, cowardly act of bombing the United Nations House in Abuja on 26 August 2011 by a member of the BOKO HARAM sect, with over 80 people injured and 23 deaths caught the attention of the international community. The eyes of the world fell on Nigeria. Within a period of 3 weeks, in Jos alone, more than 70 people were murdered in cold blood. Some were woken up from sleep, midnight, and slaughtered like rams or clubbed to death or burnt with their houses and property.

The international terror group had infiltrated Nigeria. The ease with which the group got its foothold in Nigeria is not a good sign. The country is still suffering from the bad name given to it by exporters of prostitutes to Italy, now Nigeria has to contend with being known as importer, trainers and exporter of terrorists. And in most vocations, Nigeria is not known for half measures. We always go for full measure, press down, shaken together and running over. One can imagine the incalculable damage that will do to us among nations. Our problem had degenerated from bad to worse.

Now the ranging controversy is the correctness of President Goodluck Jonathan’s application of more force in Jos, like he did in Borno. To arrest the situation, President Goodluck

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Empowering women powers nations

•Hafsat Abiola, founder of Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) addressing women at an empowerment rally By: Robert B. Zoellick

private sector arm the IFC, her food and beverage company has thrived. Today it employs hundreds of people.

Much more can be done to stop women from being economically marginalized.

Equalizing access to fertilizers, and other inputs for female and male farmers, for example, could increase agricultural yields in much of Africa by 11 percent to 20 percent. Removing obstacles to women that block certain sectors and occupations could raise output per worker by 3 percent to 25 percent — depending on the country. Legal reforms that would allow women to own land and businesses, or inherit property, can free them to become economic agents of change.

Putting resources in the hands of women has shown to be good not just for them, but also for their children. It increases a child’s chances of survival, health and nutrition and school performance.

Empowering women to use their talents and skills can boost countries’ competitiveness and support growth —a valuable, under-used resource

in an uncertain global economy. During the 2008 financial crisis, women’s incomes helped keep many families afloat —hence the importance of ensuring that women’s productivity and incomes are not held down by market or institutional barriers, or overt discrimination.

This challenge is not just about developing countries. Around the world, one in 10 women will be sexually or physically abused by a partner, or someone she knows, over her lifetime.

The World Bank’s new report calls for action in four areas: • addressing human capital issues, like the higher mortality of girls and women, through investment in clean water and maternal care and persistent disadvantages in education through targeted programs; • closing the earning and productivity gaps between women and men — by improving access to productive resources; water and electricity, and childcare; • increasing participation by women in decisions made within households and societies; and • limiting gender inequality across

For peace in Jos, let’s chase away the stranger

By Kehinde Laniyan

Jonathan, during the maiden edition of the media chat on 12 September 2011, announced to the world that the Chief of Army Staff had been ordered to take over the security of Plateau State.

And that means application of more force.

Some newspapers called it declaration of state of emergency through the backdoor. I think it is not important from which door peace chooses to enter Nigeria. Let peace choose any door, as long as Nigerians can secure peace; all is well that ends well. Of course, Plateau State is not new to state of emergency. It was instituted by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo when the crisis in Jos was getting out of hand while he was the President, and this gave us a little respite.

Newspaper reports few days ago said Governor Jonah Jang was looking dejected and hostile because he was stripped of his power as the chief security officer of Plateau state. His countenance was said to have changed after a four-hour meeting with President Jonathan on 13 September 2011 in the State House, probably to work out the modality for operating the new security arrangement in Jos. I guess some hard truths have been exchanged between President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Jonah Jang.

While the opposition is right in calling for dialogue in arresting the situation in Jos, one is of the view that it will still be necessary to apply minimum force given the fact that BOKO HARAM, and all the quarreling parties have not submitted their arms. The state cannot be asked to sheath its sword in the face of such barbaric, high-level criminality that is going on in that

place. That will be absolutely irresponsible. The challenges in Jos require a mix bag of solutions: carrot, sticks, force, reward, punishment, justice, appeal and talks.

We need to understand that not everybody involved in attacking the state, killing innocent people in very senseless manner, going for vengeance and constantly making commitment to building ‘world caliphate’ can be brought to the table to talk. Some of them may not be ready for talks and will not listen to message of tolerance. In that case, what do you do? The correct option is not wait and allow everybody to be roasted like maize. In fact the faceless BOKO HARAM group had foreclosed the idea of negotiating with the government in a release it issued immediately after executing its operation at the United Nations House in Abuja.

The value of people who engage in this kind of killing must have been distorted and they no longer see this world as it is. They see another world entirely. Therefore, we run the risk of wasting more lives by waiting too long and applying wrong strategy. The state has the responsibility to protect Nigerian values which are tolerance, plurality of cultures, plurality of religion; against runaway culture/value that declared its hatred for BOOKS and those who read books.

Genuine grievances between the peoples of Jos dated back to many years but recent killing gives one the impression that the fights have been infiltrated by Al-Qaida trainees from Sudan and Yemen. In that case, the stranger to the brotherly quarrel should be fished out and

generations, by investing in the health and education of adolescent boys and girls, creating opportunities to improve their lives and offering family planning information.

We have seen that focused policy attention can make a difference. Sustainable solutions are best grounded in partnerships including families, the private sector, governments, development agencies and religious and civil society groups.

Even in the most traditional societies and poorest villages, I have seen that when women gain opportunities to earn more for their families, it quickly overcomes men’s suspicions — or even initial hostility.

But people often need a project that sparks a changed outlook. The poorest countries can accomplish much more with financial help.

The World Bank will invest, in part, because the economic payoffs are large.

Gender equality is the right thing to do.

And it is also smart economics.

Robert B. Zoellick is the president of the World Bank Group. Their new report, “World Development Report: Gender Equality and Development,” was released Monday. chased away first and after that we will enjoy the benefit of dialogue which PDP, ACN, Muslims, Christians, Pentecostal Fellowship, the Sultan of Sokoto and other peace -loving people have subscribed to. A proverb says, ‘the fox must be chased away first; after that the hen might be warned against wandering into the forest.’

Without chasing away the stranger, I am afraid even the bold initiative of negotiation and dialogue introduced by former President Olusegun Obasanjo may not yield much fruits.

The first indication of Al-Qaida’s presence in Nigeria was 2 years ago, when Nigerian born terrorist, Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab, aboard flight 253, was caught trying to set off explosives on Airbus A330 Northwest Airlines plane flying from Amsterdam to Detroit. Investigations revealed that Mutallab was trained and indoctrinated in Yemen. In addition, few days ago one national newspaper reported that confessional statements made by some members of BOKO HARAM in the net of security forces have shown that 270 Nigerians were trained in Yemen and Sudan in act of terrorism.

The report said that some of these trainees were involved in several bombings and killings in different parts of the country since the beginning of this year.

I don’t expect the crisis in Jos to escalate with the involvement of armed forces. On the contrary, armed forces will limit the capacity of the killers to operate. Careful observation of trend in Maiduguri, for instance, shows that military presence had made it difficult for the terrorists to engage in senseless killing. The armed forces are also useful for demonstration effect which could serve as deterrence.

(Kehinde Laniyan is an administrator and sent this piece from Abuja)

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

How mergers and acquisitions will redefine banking sector Expected business combination deals by banks this week will largely define the success of the ongoing banking reforms and the prospects of the financial market recovery, reports Capital Market Editor, Taofik Salako

T

HE ongoing banking reforms was built primarily on four cardinal principles including enhancement of the quality of banks; establishment of financial stability; creating a healthy financial sector evolution and ensuring that the financial sector contributes to real economy.

Since the August 2009 public presentation of the “state of banks” address by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), there have been radical changes in the contextual and regulatory frameworks of the Nigerian banking sector.

The current reform has been remarkably different in both its approach and perspectives. First, the emphasis under the new risk-based regulatory approach lies on quality credit risks management alongside adequate capital. Banks are not only now mandated to put in place mechanism to identify, measure, monitor and control risks; they are expected to report such mechanism for review of the shareholders, giving the majority of shareholders opportunity to assess the operational structures of their company rather than the extractive figures alone.

CBN had provided the best-practice guidance in the form of the Guidelines for Developing Risk Management Frameworks, upon which banks were required to develop their own specific guidelines.

The institution of credit bureau system is also a part of measures to foster the development of a creditfocused banking management. Poor credit management, it should be recalled, was a major cause of the banking failures as most banks piled up non-performing loans amidst dwindling capital base.

A major perspective derived from the creditrisk regulatory approach is the reversal of modus operandi of the Nigerian banking system from universal banking to niche banking system. Against the one-size-fits-all universal banking, niche banking allows banks to specialize within the broad spectrum of whole and retail banking as well as geographical spread of operations. The extent of banking operations would determine the minimum capitalization. Banks are now to be categorised as regional banks, national banks and international banks based on identified capital base and areas of operations. Also, banks are required to concentrate fully on core banking rather than fiddling with non-banking financial services.

Also, the introduction of tenure system for bank chief executives and auditors represents a major shift in the Nigerian corporate governance system.

Managing directors of banks can now only serve for a 10-year period while auditors are compulsorily replaceable after certain period. However, the tenure decision touched on the core of entrepreneurship and has opened a debate on the limit of public control on private businesses.

In addition, the unprecedented sack of managements of banks, the use of ‘naming and shaming’ to recover bad loans and the prosecution of sacked chief executives of banks have struck the roots of chronic debtors and executive recklessness, which have the most known causes of bank collapse in Nigeria.

The establishment of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), the bad-debt warehouse, has brought a new sense of relief and assurance to the banking sector. Amcon has so far invested N1.7 trillion in purchase of non-performing loans and rescuing banks that would have otherwise been liquidated due to terminal capital insolvency.

AMCON impact in the stability of the banking sector

•CBN Governor, Sanusi

•Access Bank MD, Aig-Imokhuede

•Intercontinental Bank MD, Lai Alabi

•AMCON MD, Mustapha Chike-Obi

is underscored by the facts that the corporation has investments in all banks including the nonintervened banks. The standby assurance of AMCON has complemented the avowed commitments of the CBN and the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to the safety of depositors, a general sense of security that has prevented run on the ailing banks.

Besides, several other policies including the harmonisation of the year-end of all banks to December 31, of every Gregorian calendar, the extension of the reform to the microfinance industry, ongoing efforts to develop alternative non-interest financial system, synchronization of the regulatory and economic roles of the CBN, new rules and regulations on electronic banking and customer service, code of corporate governance to address peculiarities of banks in addition to code of corporate governance for all quoted companies, ongoing effort towards full adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by all banks in Nigeria by the end of 2012 and several multi-billion interventionist initiatives aimed at facilitating credits to some key sectors including agriculture, aviation, power, and small businesses among others, indicate the comprehensiveness of the banking reform along

the line of the four cardinal principles.

Enter the crucial stage But more than any of the elements of the twoyear old reform, the meetings of shareholders of banks this week to consider crucial business combinations hold significant influence on the colouration of the success or otherwise of the reform programme. After extensive special industry audits indicated over exposures by banks, huge nonperforming assets, insider abuses, corporate governance lapses, and depleted capital base, the CBN had in August 2009 took over eight banks including Afribank Nigeria Plc, Intercontinental Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Oceanic International Bank Plc, Finbank Plc, Bank PHB Plc, Spring Bank Plc and Equitorial Trust Bank (ETB).

Two other banks- Unity Bank and Wema Bank were placed on the watch list of the apex bank. The apex bank had resolved the issues surrounding the takeover of ETB with the core shareholders and subsequently returned the bank to its owners, leaving seven banks, all quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), under the CBN-appointed managers. Under the CBN-appointed managers, the rescued banks had stabilised and fostered a selfdefined recapitalisation plan that would lead to the

exit of CBN-appointed managers. Three of the rescued banks- Afribank Nigeria Plc, Bank PHB and Spring Bank, that were adjudged incapable of recapitalising were nationalised in August.

Although, the nationalisation wiped out about N30 billion investors’ monies as government took over the assets and liabilities, reverted the three banks to private limited liability companies and delisted them from the NSE, most pundits believed that the timeliness of the action by financial services regulators saved the system from a much more catastrophic contagious effect of delayed decision and inaction. Afribank, now known as Main Street Bank, had been valued at N8.69 billion while Bank PHB, now Keystone Bank, and Spring Bank, now Enterprise Bank, were valued at N11.49 billion and N9.51 billion respectively. However, the three banks altogether accounted for 1.4 per cent of total market capitalisation of the banking sector, which stood at more than N2 trillion.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said the nationalisation of three incapable banks and steps being taken to ensure recapitalisation of other ailing banks through mergers and acquisitions were “significant steps towards the resolution of the banking crisis. Indeed, the Commission believes these actions will accelerate the recovery of the Nigerian capital market.” The NSE has also expressed similar opinion noting the need to look beyond the nationalisation to the bigger picture of resolution of the banking crisis.

“Despite the short term adverse reaction by the market, we view these steps, on the balance, as positive as it effectively draws a firm line on the recapitalization process for Nigeria’s troubled banks. We view the actions of the CBN as well thought-out and think it will stabilize the system over the long term, having avoided a looming systemic crisis that the relative illiquidity of these banks portended,” analysts at Afrinvest summed up the opinions of most investment advisers and market pundits.

While the financial services regulators had driven the process so far, shareholders are now saddled with the responsibilities of rounding off the recapitalisation in line with the commitments of the CBN that shareholders would have unfettered opportunity to exercise their rights in the modification of the shareholding structures of their banks. Starting with the meeting of shareholders of Intercontinental Bank and Access Bank tomorrow, the five rescued banks would this week place their schemes of mergers and acquisitions before their shareholders at their extra-ordinary general meetings (EGMs). Oceanic Bank is seeking business combination with Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Intercontinental Bank has opted to combine with Access Bank, Finbank has chosen First City Monument Bank, ETB has signed on to Sterling Bank while Union Bank has chosen the African Capital Alliance (ACA) as new core investors.

The roads to the EGMs The emergence of schemes of arrangement and court-ordered meetings for the consideration of the banks’ business combination followed a long windy process of search for new core investors, deliberations, signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and crucial signing of Technical Implementation Agreement (TIA), which then bound the parties in the business combination to consummation of the process. Each bank had •Continued on page 58

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Business

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

How mergers and acquisitions will redefine banking sector •Continued from page 57

engaged its financial advisers to ensure optimal value in the recapitalisation while the apex bank was advised by a team of local and international advisors including Deutsche Bank. Beside regular updates on the each stage of the recapitalisation process, the managements of the rescued banks have continuously engaged shareholders on the capital restructuring. While a cross section of initially bewildered shareholders had resorted to litigations, rescued bank managements and financial services regulators painstakingly followed through the legal processes, which culminated in decisions in favour of the apex bank and the recapitalisation process.

Many analysts have commended the transparency and fairness of the managements of the rescued banks and the CBN, which have seen the recapitalisation process going through all the normal stages of business combinations from staff and internal management review to board decision, financial advisory, memorandum of understanding, presentation of initial facts and details to shareholders and general public, much more detailed implementation agreements, production and consensus-building on scheme of mergers and acquisition, the filing of the scheme at the Federal High Court and subsequent order of the court for the EGM, publication of the EGM order including date, time and venue, the posting of schemes of mergers and acquisition to shareholders within the statutory 21-day timeline and up to the massive interactive sessions between banks’ managements and shareholders to elucidates on the highpoints of the schemes.

“The process has been very good because the CBN allowed the banks to work out their own strategies without imposing it on them. Some of them want to merge, while some want to bring in foreign investors. I think both strategies are welcomed and I strongly believe they are going to help our economy,” astute investment adviser and chief executive officer, Anchoria Investments and Securities Limited, Chief Olusola Dada noted.

Value propositions of the mergers and acquisitions The core benefit that has continued to propel mergers and acquisitions as fastest corporate growth strategy lies in the creation of competitive advantages that leverage on the strengths of the combining entities while minimizing their weaknesses. The global economy has in recent time witnessed many voluntary business combinations from otherwise strong companies to further drive growth and returns. Many of these had reverberated in the Nigerian market including the business combination between Kraft Foods Inc and Cadbury UK, which turned Cadbury Nigeria into a subsidiary of Kraft Foods and the acquisition of BOC Group Plc by The Linde Group AG, which brought BOC Gases Nigeria Plc under the Germanbased multinational. BOC Holdings UK, a member of the BOC Group Plc, had owned 60 per cent equity stake in BOC Gases Nigeria Plc and the acquisition of the BOC Group Plc by the Linde Group made the latter the ultimate owners of the BOC Holdings’ 60 per cent majority stake in BOC Gases Nigeria. On the domestic scene, the merger of Stanbic Bank and IBTC Chartered Bank to form Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc signposted the road to voluntary mergers and acquisitions in the Nigerian banking industry. The

recent acquisition of significant stake in Vono Products Plc by its main competitor-Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, also underlined the inherent values in mergers and acquisitions.

The business combinations by banks would specifically lead to injection of much-needed capital, improved liquidity and competitive positions, economy of scale and synergies, significant cost reduction, more robust banking platforms and product offerings, improved corporate governance and banking best practices, immediate reclamation of eroded shareholders’ values while kick-starting the gradual build-up of future shareholders’ values.

Managing Director of AMCON, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi has said the corporation would invest additional N800 billion in the five rescued banks undergoing process of business combination if the shareholders vote in favour of the business combinations at the forthcoming EGMs. The additional N800 billion would bring total capital injection of AMCON, which had earlier injected N700 billion to fully recapitalise three bridged banks, to N1.5 trillion. AMCON is expected to recapitalise the rescued banks from their negative shareholders’ funds to zero level in exchange for equities.

Also, new core investors are expected to capitalise the rescued banks above the minimum capital adequacy level. For instance, the ACA is expected to inject $500 million equity funds and $250 million Tier II capital into Union Bank while FCMB has guaranteed N15 billion to ensure Finbank meets 15 per cent capital adequacy ratio.

Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN), Mr. Peter Ikpamejo outlined that the successful completion of the recapitalisation deals would engender increased competition and minimise systemic risks in the banking system.

Besides, many analysts hold that the recapitalisation of the banks and the final resolution of the banking issue would also have salutary effect on the performance of the financial markets including the stock market, where a newly reinvigorated banking sector is expected to lead gradual and stable recovery.

Analysts at several leading independent investment firms including FSDH, Vetiva Capital, Afrinvest, Sterling Capital, GTI Capital, BGL, Cowry Asset Management among others have said shareholders’ supports for the business combinations might spur further rally in banks’ share prices, and by extension other stocks.

“There are definite advantages that mergers and acquisitions readily confer on the surviving entity in terms of operating capacity, new capital injection, new management direction, new product offerings and expansion. The new regime will definitely create competitive disruption among Nigerian banks as they scramble for income opportunity. This is what brings new innovation to bear in terms of product development, customer service delivery and most importantly good return to shareholders,” economic and investment advisor at Sterling Capital, Mr. Sewa Wusu stated in a preview of the banks’ mergers.

A retired banker, Mr. Alfred Akinremisi, said new core investors would impact positively on both the operations of the banks and dividends to shareholders. Akinremisi spent two decades between 1964 and 1984 working at Union Bank at a

time that Barclays Bank was the owner and later core investor in the bank. “I know the benefit of a reputable core investor given our experience then under Barclays,” Akinremisi said recalling the glorious period of the Nigerian banking industry.

Access Bank and Intercontinental Bank: The making of a new top tier bank Many specific post-combination scenario analyses have focused on the expected impact of the mergers and acquisitions in the structures and market shares of emerging banks. Beside the general benefits of the recapitalisation, analysts agreed that the congruence and competitive advantages of the merging entity would determine the degree of impact of the combined entity. Many scenarios have particularly pointed the business combination between a highly aggressive middle tier Access Bank and widely acknowledged retail banking and iconic customer-focused Intercontinental Bank as a large-impact business combination. The dominant structure of the Nigerian banking sector has remained largely unchanged in recent years with the four of First Bank of Nigeria, United Bank for Africa, Guaranty Trust Bank and Zenith Bank nearly half of all the key parameters of the banking industry including gross earnings, loans and advances, total deposits and total assets. However, analysts said the top-tier structure is set to change if the shareholders consent to the mergers and acquisitions.

“If current mergers and acquisitions sail through, we expect Access Bank and Intercontinental Bank to pool a combined market share of 9.8 per cent, placing them in the top tier league. We also expect Ecobank and Oceanic Bank’s post merger combined market share to stand at 9.3 per cent, while FCMB and FinBank’s combination should translate to a market share of 4.7 per cent. Our analysis further shows that if these deals are consummated, the number of top tier banks will increase by two, while the combined market share of the top five banks by total assets will rise to 57.6 per cent from the current 51.2 per cent,” analysts at Afrinvest concluded in a long review of the banking sector.

Shareholders also appeared enthusiastic about the merger. President, Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Dr. Faruk Umar, said the combination of Access Bank and Intercontinental would create a unique bank with enough aggressive competitive instincts, nationwide branch network, technologies and product offerings.

Rule of thumb The importance of the EGMs lies in the statutory requirements for any change in capital structure of any going concern in Nigeria. Under the Companies and Allied Matter Act (CAMA), section 539, sub-section 2, the scheme of merger and acquisition will only become effective and binding on existing shareholders if the scheme is ratified by not less than three quarter, i.e., 75 per cent of the number of the company’s shareholders present and voting, either in person or by proxy at the courtordered meeting. This provision clearly highlights the danger of complacency and reticence on the part of majority of shareholders. A laid back attitude by several shareholders, who otherwise have voiced supports for the business combinations, might give a handful but equally aggressive opposing

shareholders the opportunity to truncate the process.

Voting during the EGM is by poll, rather than popular acclamation or show of hands, and every ordinary share carries a vote.

With the provision for voting by proxy, the law has adequately made room for participation of all shareholders in this crucial decision-making.

Shareholders who may not make it to the EGM are only required to fill the proxy forms attached to the scheme documents earlier sent to them, indicating how they intend to vote and send such proxy forms to the company secretary, registrar or the board of the company. All instruments of proxy must be stamped by the Commissioner of Stamp Duties and deposited at the office of the registrar not later than 48 hours before the date of the meeting. Many of the banks have already put in placed online interactive platforms to guide shareholders on their rights.

But section 539 of CAMA also provides succour to the majority of shareholders against the antics of minority. According to the provision, majority vote in favour of the scheme binds all shareholders including the dissenting shareholders and as such, the company is not required to make any exit provision for shareholders who voted against the motion. Such dissenting shareholders may however opt to sell their shareholding through the secondary market.

A major shareholder of one of the rescued banks, Chief John Akinleye, whose shareholdings could result in several millions of votes, said though he had suffered serious depletion in the value of his shareholdings, he would support the recapitalisation to salvage the remaining value.

The ominous warning Even while nursing legitimate concerns that shareholders, especially minority shareholders, have been unfairly the whipping boys of the banking reforms, most shareholders know that supporting the business combination is the only option that holds out any gains for shareholders. In what appeared to be a definitive stand on immediate action on any failed business combination, ChikeObi said AMCON has put additional N500 billion on standby to fully recapitalize and take full control of the five rescued banks in case shareholders vote against business combinations. According to him, AMCON has an investment scenario of minimum of N1.5 trillion if the business combinations of all the rescued banks sail through and a worst case scenario of N2 trillion should the shareholders reject the mergers and acquisitions deals.

He said in order to deal with any unforeseen eventuality at any of the EGM, AMCON has increased the shelf value of its bond to N4.5 trillion to provide headroom for additional capital that might be needed. He noted that though financial services authorities have no premeditation of any failure, they would act in any failure to protect the interests of the majority of vulnerable people by protecting depositors and guaranteeing continuing operations of the banks, employees’ jobs and customer relationships.

While government can force a closure to the lingering issue as it has done with the nationalised banks and still derive similar or quicker benefits for all other stakeholders, the gains of the shareholders now and in the future lies in successful EGMs. Now, the onus lies on the shareholders to recreate values for themselves.

News

•L-R: President of the Institute of Emergency Management, Mr. Richard Fajulugbe; First Vice President of the Institute, Dr. Sola Aina and Director General National Emergency Management Agency, Sanni Sidi at the inaugural meeting/induction of Patrons and Fellows of the Institute in Lagos recently.

•L-R: Oba of Badagry, HRH Aholu Menutoyi and Area Computroller-General /Zonal Co-ordinator, Nigeria Customs Service, Zone A, Lagos, Mr. M. T. Othman, during the formal inauguration/ fundraising of the Skills Acquisition Centre by the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), held in Lagos recently.

PHOTOS: BADE DARAMOLA

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Business

59

‘Infrastructure critical to port development’ Dr. Taiwo Afolabi is the Group Executive Vice Chairman/Managing Director, Sifax Group, a conglomerate with interest in shipping, cargo and aviation handling. In this interview with Musa Odoshimokhe he speaks on the challenges confronting the maritime sub-sector, and other issues

A

S one of the companies with stakes in the nation’s maritime sub-sector, what is your assessment of the industry in terms of performance these past years?

I will give the industry a pass mark overall because given the rather unpleasant operating environment we find ourselves, I think the industry has tried to a large extent but I do admit that there is still room for improvement.

But having said that, if you will permit me to use our company as a yardstick, I will say categorically that we have tried, even if I have to say so myself.

For instance, when we took over from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) all the concessionaires were revived. We did a lot of investment in the infrastructural development of the ports. There was a turnaround of the ports because things were now done faster than they used to be. The way we are doing now has led to improvement of the economy.

For this reason, we think things are getting better for the maritime business in Nigeria.

You should not forget that the port is the gateway to the economy. That we have shown concerns about this is one way we can get others too to invest in our economy. Through this approach, people can take the necessary steps to help sustain the economic growth.

We discovered that starting from the month of July to December there is always port congestion, a development we have since tried to address. In the past there were no equipments that would be used to operate most of the vessels that came to the ports and this sort of slowed down the process at the ports.

And when it happens, it means that a vessel will be in the port for almost a month.

Meanwhile, you have more than 10 or 20 vessels waiting to berth, so what we are doing now is ensuring a quick turnaround time of vessels. And to a large extent we have been able to improve in this area because we don’t have much of the congestion in the ports these days. Though there are still some abnormal cases but we have made some remarkable impact in containing the menace of port congestion.

However, I think we still need another deep sea port. If we have another deep sea port the issue of congestion would be brought to an end. And it is my belief that the professionals must be engaged in this onerous task because if the experts are engaged and everybody else understands his or her brief, knows when to berth the vessels with the planning department fully in control of their assignments, like taking care of the discharge of the cargoes from the vessels within specified period, this will add value to maritime business in the long run.

But the first thing that you need to ensure that you have enough equipment to carry out this function. For instance, I just came back from London last week to sign a contract of $21 million to bring new equipment, modern equipment to the port and we just signed another contract to bring a new terminal operating system to take care of operations. At the same time, there are other things that we are doing like one of our sheds that we have to demolish to maximise our space to bring more containers.

If the port is not allowed concessionaire, I don’t think it will be possible to bring about any remarkable improvement at the port. But I can tell you quite frankly that operators in the sector are conscious of what they are doing. Directly or indirectly, we are all adding value to the economy of the country; this could be either by way of providing employment to people or making it easy for those who bring their products and ultimately helping to attract foreign direct investment into the country.

Can you quantify the number of people the maritime sector employs on the average?

I may not be able to give you a sector-wide statistics. But speaking specifically of Sifax,

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THE EXECUTIVE

•Afolabi

“What we should find out is whether we have the infrastructure that can take care of the vessels. As I am talking to you right now our office in the United States, which is expected to handle a car carrier vessel cannot operate because there is no adequate space to accommodate the cars ” we have over 4,000 staff on our payroll and by this action we are creating wealth not only for those who have the necessary skills and expertise but other supporting hands. By the same token, we have kept the maritime business moving and equally enhancing human development. But that is not the only place we have made our impact, we have also invested in the aviation sub-sector.

What I have observed is that most people engaged in the aviation sector don’t know what it takes to operate in the business. They have not realised that it is better to concentrate on cargoes rather than invest more on passengers. So, we have discovered that we need to invest more in cargoes as a way of adding value to the economy and creating more wealth ultimately.

To drive this passion for cargo fleet, we are looking at establishing Continental Airline by December this year. The cargo aircraft has not attracted much investment because there are so many cargoes outside there looking for planes. We have seen that and believe it is something we can invest in and we are doing that. This will further help to raise the level of revenue for government because as you bring in aircraft you will pay for parking space. For every money made, a certain per-

centage would have to be paid back to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Indigenous shipping companies have virtually been relegated to the background.

What can be done to achieve a complete turnaround as far as indigenous shipping is concerned?

I think the indigenous shipping companies can come together and invest in a national carrier. Going forward, I think the government should try to revamp the sector in order to encourage private sector participation in the sector.

It is very disheartening to find out that the person who wants to buy your products is the same person that dictates the price for it. This is very painful. I want to say that government should allow only indigenous companies to buy the national carrier, if they can buy it we will all invest in it and before you know it, we would have set up to 10 vessels dedicated to cargo fleet within a short time.

In your own opinion, do you think the country can generate adequate revenue from maritime to keep the economy afloat?

There is a lot to do in the maritime subsector to improve the economy. But there is a caveat: only if the proper approaches are developed and adopted.

For instance, Ethiopia is not a very rich country but what they rely on is their national carrier in the area of aviation, this is the hub of their economy. I don’t see any reason why Nigeria cannot do that. The government in Nigeria has neglected this very vital area and I don’t really know why they have done that.

With all sense of responsibility and at the risk of sounding immodest, I can tell you we private investors know what it takes to drive the economy of this country. All what we require is for the government to provide the enabling environment.

Cotonou, in Benin Republic, has remained the preferred destination for most Nigerians who want to buy second-hand cars. Why is this so?

What we should find out is whether we have the infrastructure that can take care of the vessels. As I am talking to you right now our office in the United States, which is expected to handle a car carrier vessel cannot operate because there is no adequate space to accommodate the cars. We started with them in our terminal but at the end of the day we could not go further. A few other companies are still negotiating with us and we are still looking for space where they can berth their vessels for onward clearing. We don’t have enough space. In other words, if you allow these cars to come to Nigeria, there is very little we can do to handle them. And until we are prepared to do so there will be catastrophe if we allow all the cars into the Nigerian ports at the same time. In Benin, I think they have the facilities to handle enough of these cars and that is what is going for them.

So what do you think can be done to ameliorate the situation?

I must say that Nigeria needs more ports because all the ports we have are saturated.

Let me tell you why Sifax Group is buying new RTG equipment. It means that we are going to maximise our space. With this equipment, we can maximise the space inside the ports. Ever before we were using reach stalkers, but unfortunately this will not give you a kind of maximisation you need inside the port but RTGs are modern equipment though very costly but notwithstanding, this is our country and we don’t have any place to go than put in our best so that it can grow. I can tell you right now that we are the only indigenous firm that is involved in container terminal operation others are involved in only general cargo because a lot of technical knowhow is required to do this.

Why do contrabands still find their way into the country through the ports?

I know that the customs are trying their best. But in any organisation or country, you still have some people who want to evade taxation and other deductions whether we like it or not. At the same time, the government can liberalise this because what you ban still finds its way into the country.

Like I told you initially that maybe in future, the government can liberalise this, the economy of Nigeria is growing. Everybody sets eye on Nigeria. For instance, you find out that when there was melt down in Europe and America everybody was focusing on Africa because of Nigeria.

Everybody in this country goes out to work in order survive, we rarely depend on government. In overseas, they give them credit cards, there are certain amount they give to the old age. The young ones have incentives that they get. But an average Nigerian is very enterprising and hardly depends on government.

Is it out of place for private sector operators to build additional ports for the country?

If you don’t have enough incentives from the government, it will be difficult for you to go and invest your money. Because for instance, if another government takes over the reins of power and there is no concrete investment then you find yourself in a serious problem. We are talking of billions of dollars and that is serious money.

60

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Business

ITF centre takes off soon, to train 375 annually

P

REPARATIONS are in top gear to commence operations at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Model Skills Training Centre (MSTC) in Abuja before the end of the month, the management has said.

The Deputy Director of Training, Mr. Danjuma Abeko, gave this hint in an interview with The Nation over the weekend.

The Abuja Model Skills Training Centre is a postSecondary School Technical Training Institute established to nurture and produce the much needed technical personnel with the right skills set to face the challenges of the changing world of work.

The mission of the centre is to create opportunities for school leavers and adult learners to acquire employable skills, knowledge and values for lifelong learning and self-help in competitive global economy.

According to Abeko: “All is fully set for the take-off before the end of September 2011 as 95% completion has already taken place, as this involves 16 Labs/ Workshops and 10 Classrooms with 5 Administrative Offices. The centre has received over 80% of-the-shelf supplies of tools and equipment which are considered sufficient for commencement of module one and two of the training programme. The customized supplies are expected progressively at the commencement of the centre.

“The centre has a total of 62 members of staff. 30 out of this number are instructors trained in Singapore. For the proposed trainees, 251 candidates passed the entrance examination out of 450 candidates that sat for the examination in March 5, 2011.

“The centre admitted only 200 commencing with the first batch of 100 and the rest will be kept on the active waiting list.

Hostel accommodation is being provided by the ITF, it is affordable and the proximity

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

to the centre is quite close,” he added.

Going down memory lane, Abeko recalled: “In pursuing this modern technical skills development, the ITF undertook a study of skills acquisition from other countries and decided to settle for the Singaporean model of skill acquisition by establishing a similar model in Abuja. The Singaporeans were invited to Abuja to help do a feasibility study; with this, a partnership was established. The feasibility study report which was produced spelt out modalities for collaboration on the following identified trades: Electronics, which involves Computer and Networking, Information and Communication Technology, Culinary Skills, Mechatronic, Automation Technology, and Facility Technology.”

The project, Abeko recalled, was self-financing, as the Federal Government did not have to approve any take-off grant.

“It is being financed by the statutory 1% contribution from employers of labour. The Industrial Training Fund budgeted a total sum of N1.2 billion for the project and this was approved by the Ministerial Tenders Board (MTB). The ITF has already awarded contracts worth N1,172,851,148 with supplies received and ready for installation,” he said.

Expatiating, Abeko said to get the necessary approval for the project, President Goodluck Jonathan was informed of the efforts of the ITF and his approval was received that ITF should go ahead with the project in line with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act. “In order to meet the entire requirement governing contract award, a copy of the agreement between ITF and

Security seminar for October

A

S part of efforts aimed at ensuring personal safety and security of properties, a Canadian firm, Family Assets and Legacy Company (FAL) has concluded arrangement to hold a seminar on security for working families in the country later in October.

The seminar is billed to hold at different venues across the country.

In a media statement signed by the company's Communication Director, Janet Rey, two products have been launched by the company which are Securing Your Family (SYF) and the Upward Mobility Service (UMS) According to her, the new services are in line with FAL's focus on working families in English-speaking and

By Nomso Obiajuru and Sade Omololu

emerging market countries.

She added that Nigeria had been selected for the pilot programme and FAL would be introducing similar services next year in other advanced countries.

Justifying the need for the seminar, she said: "There is a pressing need to give working families in emerging markets and developing countries, credible options for developing income security and family well-being from the uncertainties of the job market and government policy."

Ray further stated that the service will help to bridge the gap between working families and high networth individuals.

ITEES of Singapore was sent to Federal Ministry of Justice for consideration and clearance.

Furthermore, Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) was provided with the details of the contract agreement for them to issue a Certificate of No Objection, the National Office for Technology Acquisition Promotion (NOTAP) was given the details of the contract for issuance of payment certificate for transfer of technology,” he stated.

Subsequently, he said: “In the ITF headquarters in Abuja, three floors were dedicated for this programme, and an Auxiliary building to house the Skills Training Centre. The needed Alteration and Amendment works were carried out in accordance with the Singapore Plans and specifications, which is in line

with both parties obligation on the agreement.”

The ITF, Abeko further stressed, had on 10th January, 2011, sent a team of 29 (Instructors) trainees to undergo Train-the-Trainer (TTT) and the Technical Skills Up-grading course at the Singapore Institute of Technical Education from 12th January to 11th March, 2011 in preparation for the take-off of the Abuja Model Skills Training Centre.

The ITEES Consultancy agreement covers Curriculum Design and Development, Workshop set up, Facilitation of Equipment purchase, Train the Trainer programme and Post Implementation support, he added.

On what prospective students stand to benefit, Abeko said: “Graduates are

employed by a wide range of private and public organisations in all industries, ranging from telecommunications, manufacturing, banking, retail, government, education and health care and insurance. Some of the job titles held by graduates include Information Communications and Computer Technician. There are excellent opportunities for career advancement to supervisory position and beyond.

“The challenge is for students to prepare themselves by upgrading their technical skills and knowledge by taking up higher-level courses. By this arrangement, the Abuja MSTC will produce 375 graduates annually.”

On the completion of the

course, trainees can work, plan, install and carry-out maintenance work on data communication systems, software applications and manage data centre services, while in training,” he said.

“The learning methodology, which is the MSTC pedagogic approach of 70% practicals and 30% theory further allows trainees to acquire new skills and knowledge through exploratory teaching and learning methodologies such as case studies, probe-based learning and group work”, he said, adding: “Through planning their learning, exploring resources and ideas, practicing what they have learnt and performing with compliance, trainees will become more effective and independent learners.”

•A cross-section of students undergoing ICT training at ITF facility in Abuja

Arowolo inaugurates wealth mastery programme

N

IGERIA’s leading p e r s o n a l finance coach and mentor, Ayo Arowolo, has launched a revolutionary personal finance and wealth management programme aimed at assisting individuals to achieve their aims and objective and attain a secured fulfilling life.

At the formal inauguration of the Ayo Arowlo’s Wealth Mastery Coaching in Lagos, the coordinator of the coaching programme, Mr Ayo Arowolo, said the Wealth Mastery Coaching was devised to give pragmatic approach to issues of personal finance and wealth management.

According to him, having attended several lectures and courses in Nigeria and abroad without being able to achieve desired results, he realised that personal finance and wealth management require more than theoretical tutorials but a knowledgeable guiding hand that could mentor one to attain the objectives.

By Taofik Salako

He said the Wealth Mastery Coaching helps individuals to bridge the gap between their dreams and realities by providing them with necessary knowledge, information and motivation to attain their purposes in life.

Speaking at the formal inauguration, former president and chief executive, Neimeth I n t e r n a t i o n a l Pharmaceuticals Plc, Mazi Sam Ohuanbunwa emphasized the importance of knowledge and mentorship in the process of achieving sustainable wealth.

He noted that rather than the narrow view of wealth as the amount of money someone has, wealth goes beyond cash and investments to include the totality of a person’s value including his talents, knowledge and relevance to the society.

He urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of

personal capacity development and ethics noting that the major reason why businesses fail is because of human conduct.

In his remarks, information and communication technology expert, Mr. Tim Akano said a coaching programme like Ayo Arowolo’s exposes individuals to early opportunities that could provide them with competitive edges before the rat race by many other late comers.

According to him, individuals need to look for the hard trend that they could turn into money ahead of the rush by others.

Prior to the formal inauguration, the Wealth Mastery Coaching has undergone three years of experiments and testing. It was launched in February 2011 with more than 30 business men and salaried workers. Since then, many participants, usually refer to as Wealth Masters, have reported amazing

turnaround stories.

Mr. Tayo Ayinla, an Abuja-based business man, who was honoured as the Most Outstanding Master for 2011 at the formal inauguration, was able to turn around his life and business around in 90 days through the programme.

Ayinla, chief executive of Wise Trust International Limited, said he was able to buy a house in United States while increasing the cash flow for his business by more than 200 per cent.

“The single biggest result achieved in less than one week of joining the programme was a complete change of mindset on the idea of wealth and personal finance,” Ayinla said.

He said with the knowledge, information and interactions during the three-month executive course, he was able to reorganise his personal finance as well as company finance by blocking all loopholes and exploring new strategies of winning more customers.

Business

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

61

Federal Character Commission to manage facilities nationwide

T

HE Federal Character Commission has called on the Federal Government to release funds for the promotion, monitoring and enforcement of equitable and proportional distribution of infrastructural facilities in the 36 states of the federation, including Abuja.

In a communiqué signed by the Chairman of the FCC, Prof. Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem, after a three days retreat, the commission disclosed that it intends to promote, monitor and enforce compliance with the principle of fair and equitable distribution of

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

all public service, bureaucratic and political posts at all levels of government throughout the federation.

The communique, which reads in part stated: "The retreat reaffirms and applauds the belief and commitment of the people of Nigeria towards building an indivisible, democratic and sovereign nation through harnessing the opportunities offered by our diversities and natural human resources.

"The retreat notes that suitable legal frameworks

to enable the commission promote, monitor and enforce fair and equitable distribution of socioeconomic amenities and infrastructural facilities nationwide, has been provided by the

Commission's enabling Act. "It was recognized that while the Commission's first mandate has recorded a measure of success but limited in its overall benefit, a conscientious

implementation of the second mandate would impact more positively on the life of every Nigerian and indeed non indigenes resident in its overall benefit, a conscientious implementation of the

Institute to host seminar on corporate fraud

H

OW to tackle corruption and corporate fraud will top the agenda at a 2-day national conference being organised by the Public Administration and Management Development Institute (PAMDI) in Abuja next week.

The Director-General of the institute, Mr Elijah Ogbuokiri, said the conference would explore how to fall back on provisions in the Freedom of Information Bill to bring the rising spate of corruption in the country under check.

“One of the dividends of our democracy is the passage of the Freedom of Information Act 2011. This Act it is believed will further enshrine democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

“In line with our mission to be visible in promoting excellent leadership in public administration and corporate governance, PAMDI is organising a 2-day National conference on the new law as

By Chuks Udo Okonta

it as affect the fight against corruption and corporate fraud in governance,” Ogbuokiri said.

“The problems of corruption and corporate fraud are some of the social menaces preventing the country from achieving its desired position in the comity of nations. The issue is how the Freedom of information Act can help this nation fight corporate fraud.

This and other issues of national importance will be discussed at the conference,” he added.

Ogbuokiri noted that the Information Minister, Mr Labaran Maku is billed to present the keynote address during the conference with the Chairman of institute’s governing council, Prof. Jack Osimiri as Chief Host.

Also, founding DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Prof. Anya O. Anya will serve as the Chairman.

Smirnoff Midnight Circus hits town

S

MIRNOFF, Nigeria’s number one party drink is bringing to Nigeria the incredible Smirnoff Midnight Circus. The Circus is part of a global phenomenon on the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project platform.

Nigerians are promised a thrilling night out experience at the circus which is the first of its kind in Nigeria. The Midnight Circus will move round six locations in Nigeria, giving consumers an opportunity to physically experience and engage in extraordinary circus moves and thrills.

Audiences at the Midnight Circus will witness unforgettable never-seen-before theatrics of world famous circus acts. Consumers at the event are promised an exciting and unique experience.

The Smirnoff Midnight

By Omobola Oguntoyinbo

Circus train begins its tour across six cities on Saturday, November 12, 2011 from Lagos stopping over in Benin, Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt and finally Calabar in December, spicing up the internationally acclaimed Calabar Carnival.

Organisers of the event have promised their consumers an unexpected but enjoyable ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. The Ringmaster leading the circus and his gorgeous looking Smirnoff Girls will be visiting select bars, awarding exclusive tickets to consumers who are drinking Smirnoff Ice or Smirnoff Vodka. These tickets give the awardees and a friend an opportunity to attend the Smirnoff Midnight Circus closet to their location.

•Mr. Joe Dada, Executive Director, Corporate Services, UAC of Nigeria Plc (second right) assisted by Olaseni Fawehinmi (left) and Okike Orji Kalu (right) both of UAC, presenting gifts to Adesola Adeboye of Federal Government College, Ogbomoso, Oyo State (second left) at the final ceremony of 2011 UAC Goodness League Programme in Lagos recently

L-R: Group Managing Director, Emzor, Chief (Mrs.) Stella Okoli, 1st Place Winner Female Amunat Olowoira, Executive Director Operations, Nkeiru Okoro, Executive Director Emzor, Subsidiaries / Special Projects, Mr. Marcel Ezeoke

Emzor committed to raising talents, says MD

T

HE Group Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Chief (Mrs) Stella Okoli has promised the firm’s commitment in encouraging talents both in music and athletics Okoli made the promise during the monthly ‘Wellness Race’ of the firm.

The woman who could not attend the last three edition of the race due to her busy schedule was in high spirit, dancing singing and smiling to the music of the guest artiste, Mo Cheddah .

Spotting donning a white top and blue pant sports wear, the group MD of Emzor could not hide her feelings she said: “ It is

By Gbenga Aderanti

such a joy every month we have real fun and happy to be participating in the ‘Wellness race’. I’m happy that every month, both old and young have fun. And we are encouraging upand-coming athletes to come and taste ‘Emzor Wellness.’

According to Okoli, Emzor would continue to give opportunities to young and old, both male and female to express themselves. “We like to catch them young and we’re catching them young and we will continue to catch them young, “ the excited woman said to the large crowd which defied the heavy down pour to

participate in the race.

She said the race was initiated because of the value Emzor placed on wellness of Nigerians, saying “The importance of the run is unlimited wellness. All our products are champions. We think Nigeria. We believe in Nigeria. I want to say that this is part of what we do for unlimited wellness.”

While Rashidat Olowora again came first in the female category of the ‘Wellness race, Kefas Williams who came first last month was beaten to the third position by a 17year-old Kayode .

The 8 km race started about 730. The athletes defiled the early morning showers to participate in the race.

second mandate would impact more positively on the life of every Nigerian and indeed non-indigenes resident in Nigeria.

"There was consensus at the retreat that the Commission, being nonpartisan, and one of the 14th constitutional federal executive bodies, is suitably positioned to ensure the effective utilization of public investment for sustainable development.

"In this regard, the imperative for the Commission to interact closely with ministries and departmental agencies (MDAs) at the federal level, as well as with the various governments cannot be over-emphasised."

Samsung restates commitment to Africa’s economicgrowth

By Adeola Ogunlade

S

AMSUNG Electronics West Africa, a leading electronics company, has reinstated its commitment towards promoting development in sub-Saharan Africa through its range of innovative technology.

The Managing Director, Samsung Electronic Nigeria, Idorenyen Enang made this known at the ongoing Samsung Week Programme at the Lagoon Restaurant, Lagos.

According to him, the Samsung Week is aimed at showcasing the thoughts, direction and new innovative products of the brand to customers, partners and other stakeholders in the I n f o r m a t i o n , Communication Technology (ICT) industry in Nigeria.

He said “we are out to meet the needs and unique conditions of Africans with products made in Africa, by Africans and for Africa’s socio-economic development.”

He further said that the firm’s products are not only to make people smarter and more enjoyable, they also contribute to solutions for social and environmental problems, adding that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the key point of the Samsung Week.

He highlighted activities marking the event which include: grassroots soccer competition, 20 per cent discount and reductions in prices of Samsung branded products in Lagos and Port Harcourt, donations to orphanage homes, free service for Samsung products, special children and family fun- day, singing competition with prizes and fantastic giveaways.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Review

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The Niger Delta question A

S the title suggests, there is something different if not entirely controversial about this book as to set it apart from similar intellectual offerings on the Niger Delta crisis. Even the author admits this as much when he alluded to it as a foray into a “dangerous territory in which petty-mindedness and narrow interests vie for advantage and top to bottom criminal minorities seek to impose their own versions of the Niger Delta crisis on public opinion”.

The issue of course is that the Niger Delta issue remains a live one any day. While the paradigm for explaining the social reality in the region may appear to mutate with every passing day, there is something pervasive in the orthodoxy that not denies individual complicity in the anomie pervading in the region, there is perhaps equal force to silence if not drown contrarian views on the Niger Delta question. This is where the author insists that we lift the orthodox veil to appreciate the full dimensions of the atavistic forces now on the loose in the Niger Delta.

The author of course needs no introduction. He is Niger Deltan and former deputy Governor of the oilrich Akwa Ibom; hence he can by no means be described as a stranger to the hard reality of injustice environmental devastation and the alienation which this has bred in his dear region. While his viewpoints may not be agreeable to some, such is his conviction that the” root-cause resolution” can only be found in a creation of a new moral order out of the current morass in which the region has found itself.

But that seems to be jumping the gun. The 309-page narrative starts by tracing the trajectory of the region’s emergence in the global map of commerce and energy when it was foremost player in the highly lucrative palm oil trade which helped fuel the industrial revolution in the 19th Century. There, the advantage conferred by its access to the coast and the effort by the British to break the mo-

nopolies of King Koko over the oil palm trade would set the stage for a major confrontation – the taking of 67 white expatriates as hostage at the time. Rebelliousness would therefore seem to be in the blood of the modern day militant. The struggle to secure their place in the world is in their DNA! This variant of agitation would erupt barely a century later – borne of the same logic of perception of injustice – only that this time the cause or curse is hydrocarbons. At independence, the nation was a loose federation with revenue shar-

ing based on derivation. There was some form of equity. Soon after, no thanks to the civil war and the oil boom of the 1970s, the nation steadily jettisoned this equitable principle. Apart from marking the nation’s steady drift towards fiscal unitarism, the region from where the bulk of the nation’s resources was derived was left to wallow in abandonment and environmental despoliation and its people reduced to hewers of wood and drawers of water!

Of course, the elites wallowed in corruption while a new culture

Charting the course A

S the days go by, there is yearning by the society for people who will not only refrain from societal ills, but would impact positively and proffer solutions which would eventually lead to the realization of the Nigerian dreambuilding. But while the causes of faulty Nigerians have been diagnosed as the harmful disease which is called “The Silence Syndrome” which is made up of apathy, fear, selfishness, complacency and so on, solutions must be successfully proffered for its cure.

Hence, it is in the understanding of the discipline required of nation building that the book, ‘The Nigerian Dream, The Passion, and The Vision, The Hope, written by Kingson Chinemerem Uwandu, a final year student of Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, comes in handy. According to the book, Nigerians desire a nation built on justice, fairness and equity. This is largely expressed in its National Anthem and Pledge.

Following from this, it becomes imperative that citizens of a particular country are left with a choice to either advance their country or betray it.

Nigeria is where it is today because she is happy and okay with her status. For instance, if hunger, poverty, bad leadership, corruption, still persists, the fault is entirely hers.

According to the author, during the American Revolution, when George Washington was asked in 1774, “shall we whine and cry for relief?” he replied, “It is not enough for men to be passive friends and wellwishers to the cause.” Nigerians should not still remain beggars in this 21st century.

And the book delves into the role Nigerian leaders must play to achieve a nation where peace and justice shall reign. The author reiterates the words of John Kenneth Galbraith: “All the great leaders have had one characteristic in common. It was the willingness to confront unequivocally the anxiety of their people in their time…” He therefore surmises that Nigeria needs great leaders who are ready to fight for the victory of their country and ensure that the country is well embedded with unforgettable impact and enviable trademarks.

The author also gives an overview ensuring that people have the right to good governance. Mentoring the protégés will multiply the highest level of influence by nurturing and listening to them (the youth) so as to build a good relationship with them. And the author supports this statement with a plan called ‘A Vibrant Succession Plan’ which entails mentoring and motivating the young ones to learn from the experienced

leaders.

Kingson also identifies how a credible election in Nigeria is a right and not a privilege. He emphasized on some of the rights guaranteed by the country’s 1999 constitution, one of its which states, “The federal republic of Nigeria shall be a state base on the principles of democracy and social justice. It is hereby, accordingly, declared that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this constitution derives all its power and authority… the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provision of the constitution…”

Though The Nigerian dream: the passion, the vision, the hope offers refreshing important information about the nation-building of Nigeria, it is hardly a book suitable for leisure reading because of its boring presentation. It will however be appreciated by Nigerian youths desirous of having a feel on how the country can be made better.

Title: The Nigeria Dream, The passion, The vision, The hope.

Author: Kingson C. Uwandu Publishers: Gani Fawehinmi students’ chambers, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos.

Year of publication: 2011 Number of pages: 201 Reviewer: Adeosun Taiwo

of impunity with took varied forms described as bunkering and outright theft of oil took shape. While the elite indulged themselves in under the regime of entitlement, angry, frustrated youths, initially employed as canon fodders in the elite pastime of extortion soon came to their own: welcome to the Niger Delta crisis! The battle between the criminal state and the criminalised underdogs – the socalled militancy in the Niger Delta had begun in earnest.

To be fair, the author makes the clear distinction between those in the vanguard of responsible agitation and the criminal gang giving the region a bad name. It is of course the latter group which he was preoccupied with for the understandable reason that his stated concern was for the agony of the people forced to live under the blanket of fear imposed by gangs whose sole motivation is greed and who have no understanding of moral restraints. This obviously is where the work derives its rationale: the author’s humanistic preoccupation with taming the brazen rule of the outlawry, his effort to see the restoration of the notion of authority in the face of virtual collapse of the moral order in the region and his desire to see to the recreation of a new society of law and morality.

This, to me is where the work stands out as bold as daring. Unlike many commentators on the Niger Delta crisis, the author does not rationalise evil; he does not call criminality by any other name.

When he prescribes his theory of societal rebirth –stemming from his profound conviction that no future society can be constructed on the foundation of some congenitally malformed youths posing as the face of the Niger Delta– he does not strike as a detached theorist – content with watching from the sidelines; he knows it because he is involved. He may well be guilty of simplistic reductionism of the cri-

sis to individual personality defects; yet that he is able to write with such candour – against the received wisdom which seek to rationalise if not excuse maladjustment certainly makes him credible.

But clearly that is as far as matters go. As they say, two wrongs do not make a right. Does the author subscribe to the view that the wrong being perpetrated by the Nigerian State is a lesser evil than the wrong being done by the militants? The author would seem to have wished the question away as if it does not matter – hence his reluctance to explore in some greater depth their interconnectedness. Or is it because the former supposedly holds the monopoly of violence which the latter now threatens to challenge?

So much for his unalloyed faith in the Nigerian justice – and morality. The author obviously sees rays of sparks of light when others see nothing but thick, enveloping darkness. Of course, many would have been happier if he was as loud on matters of equity and justice as he was in condemning the criminality by the Niger Delta deviants while sparing their elite counterparts!

Finally, the author raises a poser which deserve some chewing. It is the business of amnesty which appears to have bought the nation some peace. What is the future of the amnesty business? Would the conditions which necessitated the amnesty not recreate itself another cycle in future without the altering the material conditions which produced it in the first place?

The book is no doubt an important contribution both to the resolution of the Niger Delta crisis as well as to the National Question.

Book Title: Lifting the Peril (A Root-cause Resolution of the Niger Delta Crisis) Author: Patrick Ekpotu Publishers: Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru Nigeria Reviewer: Sanya Oni

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

News

‘Disability cannot stop me’ Mr. Oniye Akinwande was an accountant with the Ondo State government for 23 years.

He has surmounted many hurdles placed on his path by physical disability and the vicissitudes of life, reports Tosin Makinde

O

NIYE Akinwande appeared condemned to suffering from birth.

He was diagnosed with congenital hip dislocation, a disorder of unknown cause in which the head of the thighbone (femur) is displaced from its socket in the pelvic girdle.

Generally recognised at birth, this disorder can escape notice for month in some cases until the child exerts pressure on the hips.

His family background was not helpful either. His mother was the second of four wives with seven children. The rivalry and thick hostility in a typical polygamous family conspired to make living even tougher. But Akinwande was bent on succeeding against all odds. His parents saw to it that he was educated despite his disability.

Their sizable cocoa farm could not offer much but they were determined not to deprive him.

They even tried to correct the disorder. In 1974, he was in Lagos for surgeries on both legs.

He had a prolonged stay at Igbobi Hospital after which walking became a lot better. But the disorder was there to stay.

He would have to learn to live with it. Accepting this reality

helped him in no small measure.

The Oka-Akoko born man was determined to succeed. This saw him through secondary school from 1974-1980.

Despite his physical challenge, he recalled enjoying schooling. “I learnt a lot there (African Church Grammar School, Oka-Akoko). The principal forced me to learn maths and loved me so much that he gave me an accommodation at the Corpers’ Lodge and always encouraged me not to mingle with the other boys,” he recounted.

An exceptionally brilliant chap, he made his O’level at a sitting and performed well in the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board(JAMB) exams. Thankfully, he was admitted to study Business Administration at the University of Ilorin. It was a bitter-sweet experience for Akinwande. The excitement of getting a degree was conflicting with the thought of how to move to Ilorin.

A miracle took place just at the nick of time. He recalls: “The late former Minister of Labour and Productivity during the Shagari Administration, Chief Adebayo, came to my aid by offering to take me to Ilorin in

•Akinwande

his car.’’ That led him to another challenge: attending lectures on the upper floor of a storey building.

“I could not attend lectures like my mates because the lecture

room was on the upper floor of the building. Therefore, most times, I collected note from friends to copy and read,’’ he revealed. Another miracle occurred up in his second year

at the university. Rotary Club offered him a scholarship that saw him through schooling.

After service, it was time to get a job. Akinwande reasoned it would be best to get a government job. But he experienced raw discrimination. “I was always visiting the Government House regularly to see if an opportunity would come up but eventually saw the then Military Administrator who offered to give me an employment. He ordered for my employment placing me at level 8”.

But that job never came.

Three days after the order, the then Military Administrator was transferred. ‘’Afterward, I was prevented from entering the government house like before.

What I learnt was that I lost the appointment because of some religious coloration that was applied and for ethical reason. I am a Jehovah witness and not from Kwara State. They believed that they have people like me in their state who needed the same help so I was denied and advised by concerned people to go to Ondo State and look for a job,”he explained.

The day he arrived Ondo State, the then Military Administrator, Olabode George, was going to visit the state house. Akinwande decided he would be waiting for George at the gate. “A lot of people tried to persuade me to leave the place but I was adamant. When the governor came with all his entourage he saw me and asked for what I wanted. I told him I needed a job and gave him my letter. He collected and promised to do something about it,” he said In September 1988, he was employed as an accountant on level 8 step 2. But more challenges were to come. For over a decade, Oniye worked with Ondo Civil Service Commission without promotion or confirmation of his appointment. He said: “I don’t know what happened. I was always sitting in my office since I can’t be moving around like others. I expected others to

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tell me when the time for promotional examination was set but I was never informed. ‘’I never knew my appointment was also not confirmed. I thought it was because I hardly socialise or mix with people that much. Hence, for 13 years I was on the same grade while my colleagues that were employed at the same time were gaining promotion and none of them thought it wise to inform me of the promotion examinations.”

He waited till 2003 to be promoted to the next grade after passing the examinations in flying colour. Akinwande, who has gone to acquire a Master’s degree, was pained that those who were employed on the same day with him had become directors in Ministries. All of these unpleasant experiences led him to establish Good Samaritans International, a NonGovernmental Organisation involved in advocacy for people living with disabilities.

He believes PWDs need support and not sympathy.

Government, he said, should provide social security for them to cope with living. Akinwande also said legislations protecting PWDs should be enforced.

According to him, “There are enabling laws that can ensure the needs of PWDs are protected but they are not implemented”. In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed to the Board of Ondo State Action Committee on AIDs (ODSACA) in 2006 to mobilise PWDs for active participation in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Vice President of The Nigeria Association for Physically Disabled Person (NAPDP) is married to Victoria with three kids. She said she was motivated by love to marry him.

“I never thought about his material possession. It was love from the heart, not wealth or his fame,’’ the fashion designer said.

Akinwande said nothing, not even physical disabilities, could stop a determined man from succeeding. He summed up what life has taught him: “Death is the worst type of disability anyone can experience.

As long as one is alive, nothing can stop one from making it.”

Decades after, Ajimobi revives free health services in Oyo

A

MONG the few steps taken by the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, in his first 100 days in office, the free health service stands out. The project, which has been lauded by beneficiaries and observers alike, saw over 50,000 residents across the state access free medical treatments and drugs offered by the state government.

Health is among the factors that pile most pressure on finances of working class Nigerians.

For a moderate family of five, where the income of both parents falls into about N100,000 bracket monthly, medical services and drugs take a huge chunk of the meager income, leaving them with an unfair balance for other aspects of life that are usually considered “not compulsory” in the face of health challenges.

That, perhaps, accounts for the reason politicians play politics with the aspect of life given the fact that everyone is affected.

So, when Ajimobi flagged off his free health service project at the headquarters of Ibadan North Local Government, Agodi last week, not a few residents heaved a sigh of relief. The case was particularly so because the state is largely populated by civil servants and traders who belong to the low income and middle class social strata. Hence, it was a succor long awaited.

The project, which is run in partnership with the Development Support Initiative (DSI), also took place in nine other local governments across the state.

The 102 medical personnel involved in the

The newly introduced free health service project by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi administration in Oyo State raises hope of a renaissance of the Obafemi Awolowo welfarist era, writes Bisi Oladele project served patents with different ailments, including diabetes, hypertension and HIV/AIDS. They also offered optical and dental surgery while free eye glasses were distributed to those with eye defects.

Many beneficiaries were also counselled on birth control and family planning to prevent unwanted pregnancies and regulate number of children.

Aside being part of the fulfillment of the Action Congress of Nigeria’s cardinal programme of qualitative health care delivery, Ajimobi said that the programme was borne out of his administration’s concern for the well-being of the people of Oyo State.

According to the governor, the free treatment will cover all the 33 local government areas of the state, with 11 local council areas constituting the first phase.

While expressing satisfaction with the level of turn-out on the first day of the programme, he said that by the time it ended, more than 60,000 residents of the state would have been treated.

His words: “Since most of our people cannot afford the high cost of treatment in conventional hospitals, it is our resolve that we should take the

hospital down to them so that they can have access to free treatment.’’

At the Ibadan North centre, the council Chairman, Mr Idris Lapade, explained that all residents in the state were free to access the free health services stressing that it was not restricted to any group or tribe in particular.

Aside general consulting, dental care and eye treatment, the scheme also had a provision for maternity .

Lapade, who explained that available drugs for patents at Agodi were aimed at treating 5,000, also added that the project would soon be integrated into the primary health care system in the state such that all patents that patronize health centres would enjoy free health services. All types of ailments were diagnosed and treated including those that needed referral He said the programme would be repeated every two or three months till it becomes integrated into the state’s healthcare system.

One of the general consulting physician, Dr Oluyombo Peters, who spoke to our correspondent, explained that common ailments reported as at the time of the interview were hypertension, diabetes and some minor ailments. He added that some

flood victims also showed up complaining about skin and eye problems. The medic also disclosed that there was provision for relief materials for those in need.

The sections operated were reproductive health, ophthalmology, dental care, surgery, pharmacy and general consulting.

Though the programme witnessed low turnout initially, crowds of patients had gathered by mid-day after discovering that the medics were professionals and the quality and quantity of the drugs high.

At Mapo, the Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Abass Najeemdeen, lauded Ajimobi for initiating the project which he said would go a long way to address medical needs of the people in the state. His counterpart in Ibadan South West, Alhaji Taoheed Adeleke, also eulogized Ajimobi’s vision, saying it was an unprecedented initiative in the state.

They described Ajimobi’s government as a “focused and responsive one which knows where the shoe pinches.”

They appealed to residents in the city to avail themselves of the opportunities provided by the free health project.

A beneficiary, who spoke with The Nation, Mrs Suebat Oladejo,57, said she came for treatment of pains in the leg. She expressed happiness that treating of patents was not attached to party affiliation, creed or tongue.

Over 40,000 patents, including this reporter, have so far benefited from the projcet in Ibadan, Ibarapa and Oyo as at press time.

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S

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

News

INCE Nigeria returned to the path of democratic governance in 1999 till date, one state that has remained the cynosure of all eyes among the nation’s 36 states is Lagos, “The Center of Excellence”.

Right from the 29th of May, 1999, when Nigeria again had the golden opportunity of perceiving the alluring aroma of democracy after the jackboot era of prolonged military dictatorship in the land, the state of Lagos, has been glowing very brightly for the world to see, locally and internationally till today!

As that time, Lagos State was among the six South Western Nigerian states governed then by the Alliance for Democracy, AD, with the Executive arm of government headed by its former governors, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while the legislature was under Senator Olorunimbe Mamora.

To show how cohesive the party, AD, was at that time notwithstanding the fact that it was in the minority since the majority political party nationwide then was the people’s Democratic Party, PDP, it was noteworthy that all efforts to infiltrate the ranks of the Executive and the legislature arms of the Lagos State government at the time failed woefully as pro-people and sustainable-development-oriented physical projects were aggressively pursued and implemented between 1999 and 2003.

Predictably, the reason why Lagosians decided to stick with the Alliance for Democracy – led government in Lagos when it metamorphosed into Action Congress, AC in 2003 was simply because of the purposeful, focused, and people- centered, pro-development leadership at both the executive and legislative arms of government.

It is a well-known fact today locally or internationally, Lagos State has continued to blaze the trail since 2003,

Why campaign against Ikuforiji will fail

By Rotimi Adebayo

when the batons changed hands at both arms of government in the state of aquatic splendor.

As we all know, whenever there is any talk about whether or not Nigeria’s democracy is working today, (locally or internationally), Lagos state is always cited as the true symbol of how Nigeria should progress to attain her God-given potentials in the years ahead.

And since the coming into office of the duo of Mr. Babatunde Raji Fahola (SAN), and Right Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji as Executive Governor / and speaker of the state House of Assembly in May 2003 and December, 2005 respectively, the state of Lagos has witnessed monumental transformation that has continued to mesmerize both lovers and haters of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, controlled government in Nigeria’s former federal capital, which evolved again from the Action Congress.

While strenuous efforts have been made by notable members of the opposition to infiltrate, divide and distabilize the ruling government in Lagos State at both the Executive and legislative arms of government from 1999 till date, the latest alleged N7 billion fraud levelled against the incumbent Rt. Hon. Speaker of the State House of Assembly is another clear case of such that seeks to desperately call a dog a bad name in order to hang it!

To demonstrate how desperate those opposed to the massive infrastructural renewal of Lagos State since 1999 to date have been, and prove that they will leave nothing to chance until their ungodly agenda of throwing up Lagos State into a conflagration is attained, a faceless group with no

•Ikuforiji fixed address nor telephone number, named, Nigerian Anti-Corruption Vanguard (a.k.a Kick Against Corruption) recently forwarded an unsubstantiated petition to the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission EFCC. The kernel of the bogus petition signed by one Mr. Olawale Williams, its President include the following: v That Rt. Hon. Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji committed a fraud of N7 billion; v That he has used his position to collect a whooping sum of N500 million as his monthly imprest; v That the Speaker had, in the last 14 months collected nothing less that N7 billion, which the group alleged has been illegally ferried into his foreign accounts; v That he had used parts of the alleged loot to acquire a building at 2, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland Ikeja, where he sells very expensive automobiles as a personal business outfit; That the Lagos number three man

once committed perjury by denying his record of conviction in INEC forms submitted in 2007 and 2011, whereas he has been done twice while sojourning in the United States in 2001 and 2005. v And that his first arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol happened in Wake county, North Carolina, in April 22, 2001, with a false case number 2001CR040190 when he was said to be resident at 2116 Saturn Street Raleigh, NC 27603.

The faceless organization also asserted that Rt. Hon. Speaker Ikuforiji was again convicted for a $22,731.00 credit card fraud and got convicted in 2003.

It was therefore based on all the aforelisted offences as contained in the petition that the Lagos State Number three man got invited by the nation’s anti-graft agency, the EFCC. While the EFCC’s invitation was received by Ikuforiji on his way out to performed the obligatory Lesser Hajj which coincided with coming to an end of the annual 30-day , Ramadan fast by the world’s Muslims in the last week of August 2011, the Lagos Speaker had instantly mandated his top principal aides to seek for EFCC’s postponement of his appearance date till he returns from Saudi Arabia So, having received the clearance of the anti-graft body to do so, he then travelled for the Holy pilgrimage.

To demonstrate himself as a highly responsive and responsible public officer that has no skeleton in his cupboard, The Rt. Hon. Ikuforiji immediately honoured the EFCC’s earlier invitation within 24 hours of his return to the country.

While he was honouring the EFCC’s invitation on his own volition, that the faceless fifth columnists behind

the ridiculous petition. started spreading such wild lies about Hon. Ikuforiji that he had be on summarily arrested and whisked to Abuja like a common criminal.

While the primary intent of the faceless petitioners was to set Lagos State ablaze by creating massive breakdown of law and order in the highly cohesive State House of Assembly, it was however gratifying that no such anticipated crisis occurred.

Rather, the 40-member, Action Congress of Nigeria ACN- dominated House quickly rose up in unison to outrightly condemn the petitioners.

At the well-attended World Press Conference addressed by 35 members of the House, on Thursday, September 8, 2011, the honourable , members outrightly condemned the petition against their leader and simply dismissed all allegations leveled against Ikuforiji as nonsensical.

Speaking while reading his threepage speech on behalf of all other members of the assembly, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Taiwo Kolawole advised the highly respected anti-graft agency “to be wary of mischievous elements and shadowy groups, who may be pursing sinister agenda to tarnish innocent reputations for partisan aid” Hon. Kolawole buttressed his point thus; “for instance, the group that wrote this petition against the Honourable speaker is not a registered entity. It has no address. The credibility of its members is suspect.

Their allegations against the speaker are so laughable and ridiculous that they could not have emanated from serious minds.”

Adebayo is Chief Press Secretary to the Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

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PDP agent’s name not in voter register C

LAIMS of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP)’s witness giving evidence at the Kwara state governorship election petition tribunal, sitting in Ilorin, the state capital yesterday contradicted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s voter register.

One Wale Ajiboye had alleged during cross examination that he was duly accredited and allowed to vote at poling unit 008 of Ile Ire Ward, Idera, Ifelodun Local government of the state.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

The PDP is the third respondent in the petition the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)’s Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN) filed before the Kwara Election Petition Tribunal challenging the return of PDP’s Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his deputy, Peter Kishra.

Ajiboye, who claimed to be PDP agent at the said polling unit, told the tribunal that there was no incidence of over voting, non accreditation or inflation of result as alleged by the

ACN. Ajiboye said that he, like several others, was accredited before voting began.

When cross examined by the ACN Counsel, Olanlokun Omolodun, the PDP agent’s name was conspicuously missing on the voter’s register for the ECWA Primary School polling unit 008 of Ile-Ire, where he claimed to have voted.

The same Ajiboye had told the tribunal that he submitted a written report in Yoruba language to the PDP on the conduct of the

election.

He later said he never wrote any report when Omolodun asked him to write a summary of what he had come to do in tribunal.

The ACN has brought as exhibit the voter register for several wards across Kwara which showed no ticking, indicating that accreditation did not take place before voting and strengthening the party’s allegations of over voting and multiple thumb printing.

Results from many of the wards were more than

the number of accredited voters there.

A witness to the first and second respondent (Ahmed and Kishra), Ibrahim Abdullahi Dikko, had also claimed both in his statement on oath and during cross examination that he was duly accredited and had voted at about 1.20p.m on April 26 at the Central Office polling station of Patigi Ward 1.

But when Dikko was confronted with the voter’s register for the polling unit under consideration, Dikko’s name was nonexistent.

Businessman petitions Ringim From Adimike George, Onitsha

A

N Onitsha based businessman, Mr. Boniface Onyeriri, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Hafiz Ringim over alleged bias in the investigation of a bank fraud and his illegal detention by policemen attached to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

Onyeriri through his counsel, Collins Okpara, urged Ringim to investigate the policemen for detaining him over his inability to pay N150, 000.00, which they demanded.

The Managing Director of Bonfel Nigeria Ltd stated that he was accused of complicity in a bank fraud when a vehicle worth N9.5 million was bought from an auto firm with a cheque bearing the name of his company with forged signatures.

The petitioner alleged that the dud check was cleared without verification, making policemen from FCID led by CSP Ibrahim Mangu and one Supol Aigbe to invite him to Abuja on September 6 2011 for questioning.

Okpara said: “When Onyeriri honoured the invitation, he was detained and asked to pay N150, 000.00 for his bail. When he could not afford that amount of money he was denied bail and all entreaties by close associates and family members to the investigating police officer to grant him bail were rebuffed.”

He frowned at the manner the case was being investigated, saying it smacks of corruption, gross incompetence and attempt to extort and intimidate his law-abiding client.

He lamented that instead of probing bank officials who honoured the computermanufactured cheque, police investigations have focused mainly on Onyeriri.

Okpara added: “Sir, we also urge you to investigate the motive or the grounds forming the basis on which our client, Chief Boniface Onyeriri was detained. ‘’I believe it is our collective duty to create a Nigerian Police Force we can be proud of by positively identifying the bad and incompetent eggs and flushing them out.”

•L-R; Head, Human Resources, Vitafoam Nig. Plc, Mr. Akin Oladiran (2nd left) presenting computers to the Principal, St. Annes' Junior School 3, Mrs. Olusola Beckley at the school premises, Molete Ibadan at the weekend

Tinubu’s trial will fail, says group From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

A

HUMAN Rights group based in Oyo town, Good Governance and National Stability yesterday described the ongoing trial of former Lagos state governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal for allegedly operating foreign accounts while in office as an attempt to stifle opposition in the country.

Its Chairman, Pa Adebiyi Odekanyin, told reporters that such attempts will fail.

Odekanyin said the trial is ‘’an invitation to Trojan Horse’’.

He explained: ‘’ Since the PDP has a notion that they would rule for ever as declared by its National Chairman, the party and the Presidency is not ready to entertain any obstacle to frustrate their ambition.

He lamented that government is focusing on pulling down a leading opposition light when they are pressing national issues to contend with. ‘’However, the greatest joy is that the party (PDP) and their media are posing as if all is well that ends badly.

There are a number of things to tackle to make Nigeria a paradise on earth.

“Of all political signatories in Nigeria today, most Nigerians, and even the outside world know that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is not only a patriotic man but his is equally altruistic in his political approach to the welfare of the Nigeria populace.”

He urged the government to fix Nigeria instead of trying to pull Tinubu down .

NDLEA launches Forward single term proposal to NASS, group urges Jonathan drug-free clinic

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

T

HE National Watch Newspaper in collaboration with Coalition for Democratic Advancement yesterday called on President Goodluck Jonathan to send the six - year single term bill to the National Assembly.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on behalf of the group, Honourable Destiny Madu maintained that a six-year single term is better than the seven-year single term earlier conceived by President Jonathan.

According to him, a six year single term is enough for any leader to complete his programmes and be tested.

His words: “This historic noble move by President Jonathan to constitutionalise inclusivity in governance by sending a proposed draft bill to the National Assembly, a coordinate organ of government, is most salutary and commendable and will situate President as an executive president for all times and all seasons.”

He ruled out the possibility of Jonathan benefiting from the proposal.

Madu said: “Consistent with his policy thrust, predicated upon people, partici-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

pation and development, Goodluck Jonathan has chosen to always decrease whilst Nigeria in-

creases in the biblical tradition.

“Thus the sending of the single term draft bill to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan is

simply indicative of fidelity to constitutionalism. ‘’For this all of our followership and leadership across Nigeria are in perfect agreement with him.”

86 traffic offenders prosecuted

T

HE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) last week arrested and prosecuted 86 persons over traffic offences such as seat belt violation and others.

Onitsha Unit commander of the Corps, Mr. Ben Akunne said the offenders were arrested in different parts of the city.

He spoke during the mo-

From Adimike George, Onitsha

bile court session.

Akunne said the arrests were carried out during an exercise tagged Mini-OperationZero III, which was to enforce use of seat belts and total adherence to traffic rules and regulations for reduction of auto crash.

He added: “The choice of

Onitsha for this exercise out of other Units across the country was because of its commercial nature and its strategic location. ‘’We believe that if we enforce total adherence to traffic rules and regulations, it will reduce deaths arising from road crashes.”

Mr. G.C Nwabachili presided over the mobile court, which handled 110 cases.

Ngige for religious crisis conference

T

HE 12th annual lecture of the Catholic Young Men Association (CYMA) holds next Sunday.

Senator Chris Ngige is expected to speak on “Resolving Conflicts in Multi-Ethnic and Secular Society – The Religious Perspective” at the event, which holds at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos.

Sir Cosmas Ezeobi is chairman of the conference, which is expected to attract

dignitaries such as Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First lady of Ekiti State, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, Hon. Michael Ogunnusi, Kanu Nwankwo and other stakeholders in conflict resolution.

President of CYMA, Mr. Vincent Uba, said ‘’I believe that those who are policy makers and the stakeholders in decision

making should be able to know certain things that would help in addressing the crises that we face in this country.”

Chairman Organising Committee for the event, Mr. Innocent Madu said ‘’ We believe the church has a greater role to play in bringing lasting solution to the endless crises in the nation.

That is why we looking at the religious aspect of solving these problems.”

T

HE Director General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Femi Ajayi, launched the first drug-free clinic at the government house annex Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital over the weekend.

The concept of a drug free clinic, according to the Agency, is meant to take anti-drug abuse counselling to individuals and families having drug abuse problem.

The DG said: “we recognise that drug users are victims that need help. We are interested in helping the families and victims to overcome the challenges of being involved in drug abuse. ‘’By doing so, we can save the society from the negative implications of drug abuse such as the distortion of the economy, loss of valuable manpower either by way of death or reduced mental and physical capabilities and crime”.

The clinic designed to bridge anti-drug abuse counselling gap in the society has several counsellors and professionals consulting with participants and family members.

The Agency promised to conduct drug-free clinics in all local government area of the State thus spreading the service to the grassroots.

66

Foreign

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

40 killed in Yemen

F

ORCES loyal to Yemen’s newly returned president attacked proopposition troops with mortar shells and heavy gunfire yesterday and used rooftop snipers to pick off unarmed protesters fleeing in panic, killing more than 40 people and littering the streets of the capital with bodies.

One of the most powerful rivals to President Ali Abdullah Saleh — a senior general who threw his sup-

port and his troops behind the anti-regime uprising — warned that the president appears set on driving the country into civil war, calling on the international community to rein him in.

Saleh, who has clung to power despite nearly eight months of protests and an

assassination attempt that left him severely burned, abruptly returned to Yemen on Friday after more than three months of treatment in Saudi Arabia for his wounds. Street battles that had reignited a week earlier in Sanaa rapidly escalated, signaling a possible full-

fledged attempt to crush his rivals and tighten his grip on the country he has ruled for 33 years.

In a strongly worded statement, Maj. Gen. Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, who commands the 1st Armored Division, called Saleh a “sick, vengeful soul” and

compared him to the Roman emperor Nero, burning down his own city.

“With his return, Yemen is experiencing sweeping chaos, and the harbingers of a crushing civil war which this ignorant is determined to ignite,” alAhmar said in the statement.

He called on the neighboring Gulf countries, the United States, and the international community to “deter him, stop his irresponsible behavior that aims to ignite a civil war that would have repercussions on the whole region.”

Yemen’s turmoil is of deep concern to the United States and much of the West because the country is a haven for Islamic militants, including a branch of alQaida that Washington says is the most dangerous remnant of the terror network. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula has launched several nearly successful attacks on the U.S., including the failed plot to blow up a Detroitbound airliner in December

2009 with explosives sewn into the underwear of a would-be suicide bomber.

With the country spiraling deeper into disorder, al-Qaida linked militants have already seized control of entire towns in southern Yemen beyond their traditional strongholds.

In response to the recent violence, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the alliance of Saudi Arabia and five other energy-rich nations, called for a cease-fire and urged Saleh to immediately sign a power transfer deal proposed by the group.

“The security and humanitarian situation in Yemen can’t take any more delays,” a statement issued by the group, currently in New York, said.

Opposition spokesman Mohammed al-Sabri held Saleh directly responsible for the killings.

“It’s as if he was unleashed from a cage and came out to retaliate,” alSabri said. “This man deals with Yemen as if he’s a gang leader, not a leader of a nation.”

Yesterday’s deaths raise to at least 140 the number of people killed the past week.

Pope defends traditional values

P • Thousands of people march with the slogan “no trials or punishments, democratic solutions now” yesterday, in the northern Spanish Basque city of Bilbao. The demonstration protests against the Spanish Supreme Court’s decision to sentence Arnaldo Otegi, Rafa Diez and another independentist members to 10 years in prison.

AFP PHOTO / ANDER GILLENEA

Putin to run for Russian presidency in 2012

V

LADIMIR Putin said yesterday he’ll run for Russia’s presidency next year, almost certainly ensuring he’ll retake the office and foreshadowing years more of a strongman rule that many in the West have criticized as a retreat from democracy. The announcement sets up the possibility that Putin could reign over Russia until 2024.

In nominating Putin yesterday, his United Russia party also approved his proposal that President Dmitry Medvedev take over Putin’s current role as prime minister. Putin took over the premiership after serving as president from 2000-2008, bowing to term limits. But he was always the more powerful figure, with Medvedev

Putin

viewed as a caretaker president.

Putin’s return to the presidency also is unlikely to ease Russia’s dispute with the United States over the building of a European missile-

defense system. Economic pressures, however, could push Putin to pursue more business-friendly policies, analysts said.

During his presidency, Putin ruled Russia with a steely command, bringing about a system known as “managed democracy” that saw opposition politicians all but eliminated from the national eye. His personal popularity aided his maneuvering. Many Russians view Putin as the strong, decisive figure needed by a sprawling country troubled by corruption, an Islamist insurgency and massive economic inequality.

Putin cultivates an image of absolute certainty, substantial strength and acerbic humor. The 58-year-old’s

widely covered pursuits often revolve around “manly” activities, such as hunting, fishing and motorcycling. Photos of a bare-chested Putin have been a hit.

His nomination at a congress of the United Russia party ends months of intense speculation as to whether he would seek to return to the Kremlin or whether he would allow the more mildmannered and reform-leaning Medvedev to seek another term in next year’s election.

The presidential election, to be held March 4, is preceded by national parliamentary elections on Dec. 4, in which United Russia will seek to retain its dominance; the party has 312 of the 450 seats in the current parliament.

German shot dead in Afghanistan

A

GERMAN tourist was shot dead by armed motorcyclists while travelling in central Afghanistan yesterday, local officials said.

The man was killed alongside an Afghan companion in the usually stable central Afghan province of Ghor.

The incident came in the same month that two German nationals were found dead after apparently going climbing in mountains north of the Afghan capital Kabul.

The deputy police chief of

Ghor, Abdul Rashid, told AFP that the tourist made his fatal journey to a forested area despite being told that safety there could not be guaranteed.

“We said we cannot guarantee their security but later we learned they had gone to to Dawlatyar district in an SUV vehicle and that armed men had opened fire on their vehicle,” he said.

“The German tourist and one local villager have been killed and two other Afghans who were apparently the guides have been injured.”

He added that the body of the German national was being brought to the capital Kabul.

Provincial governor Abdullah Haiwad said the party was attacked by two armed motorcyclists.

The German embassy in Kabul was not immediately reachable for comment.

Ghor provincial spokesman Abdul Hai Khatibi also confirmed the incident but did not know the nationality of the victim.

“One foreigner has been killed and two Afghan com-

panions were injured when they were attacked by armed men in Dawlatyar district today at around 3:00pm (1030 GMT),” he said.

“We have reports that their vehicle was attacked by armed men. The body of the foreigner has been brought to the the provincial capital Chaghcharan. We are trying to identify it.”

Afghanistan’s Taliban-led insurgency has been raging for ten years since a US-led invasion in 2001, making most of the country highly dangerous for Western tourists.

OPE Benedict XVI called yesterday for a common front with Orthodox Christians to defend traditional church values, warning of threats posed by abortion and gay marriage.

Facing discontent within his German flock, the pope said religion must not be banished from public life and that Christian churches “are walking side by side” in the battle.

“They speak up jointly for the protection of human life from conception to natural death,” he told a meeting of Orthodox Christians on the third day of a visit to his native Germany.

“Knowing, too, the value of family and marriage, we as Christians attach great importance to defending the integrity and the uniqueness of marriage between one man and one woman from any kind of misinterpretation,” he said. “Here the common engagement of Christians, in-

cluding many Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Christians, makes a valuable contribution to building up a society equipped for the future.”

The Vatican was undeterred by an incident earlier in the day in the eastern city of Erfurt on the edge of the security zone in which a man fired an air gun at a security guard about an hour before a papal Mass.

Police later identified the suspect as a 30-year-old Erfurt man who lived in Berlin. They said an air rifle and air pistol were found in his top-floor apartment, and that he was being held on suspicion of attempting to cause serious bodily harm.

Benedict’s four-day state visit comes as Germany’s church has been losing tens of thousands of followers amid revelations that hundreds of children and young people were abused by clergy and church employees.

Endurance swimmer pushes on to Florida

E

NDURANCE swimmer Diana Nyad pressed on through the Florida Straits yesterday morning, her pace a little slower after a rough night of painful Portuguese Man o’ War stings but still making progress around a quarter of the way to her goal.

Nyad’s team, which is updating fans and well-wishers throughout the world via social media, reported that she was about 25 miles (40 kilometers) off the coast of Cuba. She is hoping to complete 103 miles (166 kilometers) to Florida, besting her own record for an open-water swim without a shark cage by about a half-mile (1 kilometer).

“It’s been a challenging night and morning,” her assistants said through

Facebook, Twitter and her personal website. “Diana recovered from the multiple Portuguese Man O’ War stings enough to swim — but she is struggling right now. Her usual stroke pace, between 52 and 55 strokes per minute, has dropped to 48, but she is able to swim.”

Nyad suffered stings on both arms, her face and her side. She later complained of breathing problems, and two doctors gave her a steroid shot, oxygen and other medicine, they said.

Nyad says her strategy for enduring the roughly 60 hours it should take her to swim from Cuba to Florida, testing the limits of human exhaustion at the age of 62, is to focus on one partial goal after another.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011 CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Smart Ikoko Ivwotor , now wish to be known and address as Ikoko Iruoghene Smart. All former document remain valid.

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AROMIRE

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OMODARA

67

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Worship

INTERVIEW

Living ‘Reasons why church leaders fail’ Rev Karl Teichert is regional coordinator of The Church Faith H Planting Alliance. The South Africa- based American

By David Oyedepo

The miracle power of divine visitation!

H

AVE you been working night and day by your own power, without any positive result? Have you been depending on your university degree thinking that it is what will give you all you need?

Hear this: Just one encounter with God is much more than a lifetime of struggles and efforts. Every day is God’s day; the day you believe is your day. God has more than enough resources to meet all the desires of every living being (Psalm 145:15-16).

God has concluded a definite plan of divine visitation for you.

Let us see some examples of those who enjoyed divine visitation: 1. God visited Abraham: God visited Abraham and turned him into a trans-generational blessing (Genesis 12:1-3). God visited him again in Genesis 15, 17 and 22. Abraham ended his journey blessed in everything (Genesis 24:1).

2. God visited Isaac: God visited Isaac (Genesis 26:1-14). That visitation turned him to the envy of the civilized world.

3. God visited Jacob: God visited Jacob and turned him into a global celebrity (Genesis 32:24-28).

How to recognize divine visitation: Divine visitation can be recognized with His train filling the temple (Isaiah 6:1-4).

Everything in the Word of God is the truth about everything He talks about. Divine visitation is the Biblical order in Zion. God is committed to be present in the midst of His people (Hebrews 12:22-24).

The proof of His visitation: 1. Salvation of Souls: When He is in the midst of people, He saves (Zephaniah 3:17). So, wherever Jesus saves, it’s a proof of His visitation (John 6:44).

2. Deliverance: Wherever God is, you find deliverance there (Obadiah 17).

How to maximize the miracle power of divine visitation: 1). By violent faith: Violent faith is one of the ways to maximize the power of divine visitation. When the woman with the issue of blood heard that Jesus was passing by, she said within herself, “No matter what it takes, no matter how many strong men are around Him, I must touch the helm of His garment” (Matthew 9:20-21).

That is violent faith! She touched it, and her violent faith made her whole!

2). By Word encounter: Something drops from God and then He turns everything inside you around. Every divine visitation is accompanied by diverse revelations. It is these revelations that spark off a revolution in your life (1 Samuel 3:21; Gen 12:1-3).

Every genuine word-encounter puts you on top of life’s situations (John 1:1-5).

3). By violent prayer: Everything about our inheritance in the New Testament requires the engagement of spiritual violence (Matthew 11:12). Violent prayer is a covenant requirement for maximizing the blessings of divine visitation.

4). By loving God: God manifests Himself to His individual lovers (John 14:21). Every true lover enjoys divine visitation naturally.

5). Faith In His prophets: Prophets are channels of divine visitation to every generation. For there were many widows in Israel.

Unto none was Elias sent but unto a woman of Sarepta, who was a widow (Luke 4:25-27). When God sends a man on a mission, He works with him, He works in him and anoints him to deliver.

Fundamental blessings of divine visitation: 1. Supernatural transformation: Every divine visitation will result in your supernatural transformation. The Lord visited Sarah and supernaturally transformed her body (Genesis 21:1-6). Jesus visited the window of Nain as she was going to bury her only son and the dead boy came back to life (Luke 7:13-16).

2. Supernatural favour: When God visited Egypt to bring Israel out, one of the immediate blessings invoked on Israel was the blessing of favour (Exodus 3:21; 12:36). Every destiny is a product of the divine favour available to it.

3. Instant intervention: Divine visitation offers instant intervention; that was the order all through scriptures. Jesus preached the Kingdom in all their synagogues and healed their sicknesses and diseases (Matthew 4:23; Luke 5:17). Divine visitation is the end of man’s frustrations.

Friend, the power to enjoy the blessings of visitation is the exclusive preserve of those who are saved. You are saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as the Lord and Saviour of your family. You can do so now if you haven’t, as you say this prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. I cannot help myself.

Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin. From today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know I am a child of God. Friend, come for a life-changing encounter at Faith Tabernacle in Canaan Land, Ota, from December 6-10, at Shiloh 2011, an annual prophetic gathering of the Winners’ family worldwide. At this event, God will surely visit you and deliver you from stagnation, frustrations, failure and destitution. Don’t miss this great opportunity!

Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books — Understanding Vision, Understanding Divine Direction and In Pursuit Of Vision.

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: BISHOP DAVID OYEDEPO, Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: bishop@davidoyedepoministries.org

AVING been here for some days, what is your impression of the Nigeria Christian community?

I have been very impressed with the church here.

I was in Abuja for a conference that involved people from Africa. I am here in Lagos and what I have seen has been very impressive. I am impressed with the passion for God here and your commitment to sending missionaries to other parts of Africa.

The courage to also declare the mind of God is very infectious and encouraging.

The warmth and hospitality here is world-class and indescribable.

Have you confirmed some of the impressions you had about Nigeria or vice versa?

You know before I came here in South Africa, we heard rumours that Nigeria is full of crime and violence; that you can be easily attacked on the streets. But having been here, we have not seen all of that. We have instead seen the opposite and our friends have treated us so wonderfully here. So, it’s been a wonderful experience.

What do you think the Western church can learn from its Nigerian counterpart and vice versa?

Oh, I have been in South Africa now for 15 years. Before then, I came from Los Angeles. We can learn a lot from the Nigeria church in terms of their commitment to the gospel, commitment to growing healthy leaders and

speaks with Sunday Oguntola on church leadership and planting. Extracts:

•Teichert

courage. Here, I have seen that people exercise faith a lot and truth innocently in God. That is something we need a whole lot in the West.

I think we also need your boldness and courage for the kingdom as well as the spirit of togetherness. In South Africa, they just came out of apartheid and have demonstrated strong unity and reconciliation that are needed in Nigeria. The America church can also learn from the energy, passion and commitment in Nigeria. On

the other way round, Nigerian churches must learn organisation and structuring from America.

Recently we have been facing leadership failure in the church worldwide. Why is this becoming too frequent these days?

That is a great question because we have a real challenge there everywhere in the world. One, it is a sign of the end time. Many Church leaders easily run out of the covering and walk in the flesh. They do not keep the

intimacy with God and forget to keep the essentials in view. They make themselves vulnerable to attacks from the evil one. They do not keep healthy relationships or ask people to watch their backs. They assume their superstars and before they know it, they are already down and out. So, every church leader has the responsibility of keeping in shape and having godly mentors that can always call them to order.

What is your ministry doing to help leaders stay out of troubles?

We have always encouraged leaders to make themselves open and transparent to godly mentorship. We challenge them to make corrections in their lives and avoid troubles that will dent their ministries. We hold conferences, seminars and trainings where we bring these issues to the fore.

What is the best strategy for church planting?

It is always the discipleship model, which Christ practised. You raise a small group of people and disciple them for God. They in turn face others and the church grows. That is always the way to go. We need disciplemaking churches to grow others.

GUEST PREACHER OF THE WEEEK

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re you raising goats or sheep in your church?

What characteristics are your people showing?

Goats are stubborn, disobedient and heady. Goats fight, quarrel and openly sleep with each other. Are these the characteristics of Christians in your church?

Sheep are meek, obedient, loving and easy to lead. They flock together and listen to the direction of the shepherd.

How obedient and loyal are your people to the Lord in their private and personal lives? Don’t forget, Jesus is coming to rapture a spotless, wrinkles and pure church that comprises of sheep, not goats.

Remember, goats will not get to heaven; only sheep’s will get there. Goats create crisis, rebellion and breakaway in churches. Goats create bad image for the church through ungodly living. Goats bring shame to Christ through their sinful and wayward lives.

Pastoring goats will always be a frustrating, tiring and discouraging. Your only option is to start praying, fasting that God should turn your church of goats to sheeps and to start discipling them today.

Too many leaders today are raising disciples for themselves. They gather people, impress them with their oratory power, mesmerize them with their gifts and collect their monies for their own selfish and flamboyant lifestyle. But they never disciple

Your disciples or Jesus disciples? them for the Lord. When you place yourself as the leader people should follow, then the people will be worldly, carnal, selfish and a caricature of true followers of the Lord.

Your disciples will end up where you are. Only the disciples of the Lord will get to where the Lord is.

Disciples of Jesus are godly, holy, committed and obedient to the teachings of Christ. They will rather obey God than to please man. They

will rather die than to sell their birthright for mess of portage.

They shine as lights and season as salts wherever they are found. Which one of these is in your church?

Remember, crowds don’t matter. It is individual disciples that the Lord is looking for. It is better to raise truly discipled men than to start a church without them. In all honest, if the trumpet sounds today, how many of your people will be raptured? One pas-

tor said he is only sure of himself and wife out of about 100 people in his church. How many people are you sure of in your church? 10? 20? or 5?

Well, that shows that only those you are sure of belong to the Lord; the rest belongs to you? Do you have a different heaven for them?

Dr Akin-John(08023000714; akingrow@yahoo.com) is President of International Church Growth Ministries.

WHAT AND WHERE? El-Shaddai Covenant Church clocks 25

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HE 25 th anniversary of ElShaddai Covenant Church, New Oko Oba Lagos, with the theme ‘‘celebrating God’s faithfulness’’ holds from October 30November 6.

The new ultra-modern headquarters of the church will also be dedicated during the celebration.

Ministers expected include Bishop Ojo Powerson (USA), Apostle Sunday Popoola (Ibadan), Rev Sunny Ikiedemhe (Ibadan) and hosts Dr James and Temitayo Iruobe.

Other highlights include pastors’ conference, Gala Night, commissioning of community projects and visit to orphanages.

Church holds convention

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IVINE appointment ministry international will hold its annual convention between Monday 3rd to Thursday 6th October 2011.

The founder and senior pastor of the ministry, Rev Ben Eragbai disclosed this during a chat with the nation.

He said this year convention will feature a lot of programmes which will include songs, drama, dance and ministration. Rev Eragbai also disclosed that eminent personalities and men of God from different walks of life are expected to grace the occasion. Expected at the convention are Rev Lawrence Oyetunji, from Republic of Ireland, Rev Joshua Talena from Abuja, Micheal kayode Odulaja and Rev Femi Emmanuel from Lagos.

The Convention with the theme ‘mega grace’ will be full of healing and prayer-induced provision protection and promotion for the rest of the year and the forthcoming New year.A new level and chapter will be opened in the peoples life through this convention, Rev Eragbai asserted. The convention holds at the church auditorium, 17 Oyewole Street, Palmgrove, Lagos

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Worship

Okoh charges Christians on forgiveness

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HE Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Revd Nicholas Okoh has charged Christians, especially those in the North, to embrace the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Okoh said the spate of insecurity in the country is a display of vengeance and lack of forgiveness.

He said Christians must go the extra mile to demonstrate forgiveness to halt the wanton destruction of lives and property in the North.

Okoh spoke last Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 10th General Synod of

By Sunday Oguntola

the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion in Ikeja Lagos.

He called on all warring parties in the country to sheath their swords and forgive in the interest of peace and progress.

According to him, “In the interest of peace, we call on those involved, especially Christians to go the extra mile, show not only restraint but forgiveness to those who have wronged them. ‘’We believe that only forgiveness can bring this circle of killing and venge-

ance to an end so that government can move on with the business of governance and bring the most needed democracy dividends to our people.”

Describing the present security problems in the country as “the dance of death”, he stated that it is “certainly an ill wind against all parties involved and a disaster for the nation”.

He warned that the various violent reactions may lead to monumental loss to the nation at large, if left unchecked.

His words: ‘’We call on all aggrieved parties to seek peace. We equally call on those who have learnt the art of bomb making and detonation

to stop this diabolical pastime in our common interest.”

Okoh called on President Goodluck Jonathan administration to leave no stone unturned in fighting corruption.

He said: ‘’We call on government to leave no stone unturned in fighting corruption. There are far too many people enjoying questionable privileges who need to be brought under control.”

He called for prayers for the transformation agenda of President Jonathan to succeed.

Apostolic ministers seek return of Biblical standards

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O fewer than 180 church leaders drawn from from the continent of Africa penultimate week gathered at the headquarters of The Apostolic Church, Lagos for the 2nd African zonal leadership conference.

The theme of the conference was ‘’contending for the faith once delivered unto the saints’’.

Participants from Ghana, Cameroon, Uganda, Sierra Lone, Ivory Cost, Zambia, Togo, Niger and others engaged in Bible studies, prayer sessions and song renditions during the conference.

The National President of The Apostolic Church, Nigeria, Dr. Ola Olutola, in his opening address said that although Africa is battling with corruption, poverty, terrorism, climate change and the likes, these challenges are not beyond redemption if the church is strong and united.

He noted the persecution visited on Christians in different parts of the continent and said they are necessary for Christ to reign.

The church, Olutola said, is engaged in strong battles with satanic forces, while calling on ministers in the church to return to Biblical apostolic practices.

He charged them to rely solely on the Holy Spirit to beat the race of life.

Despite the provocations against Christians in Africa, he said they must never retaliate.

The cleric said Christians must be as harmless as dove and as wise as serpent.

Abuja Superintendent of the church, Pastor I. G. Fakunle condemned the various strange doctrines among Christians.

These doctrines, according to him, ‘’are strange to godliness and holiness of life. They downplay God’s judgment of sin and sinners. We are called to cry out and spare not. ‘’The anti -Christ is flooding the world with strange doctrines through the internet, television, home videos, comedy”.

The cleric noted that old time religion of fiery sermons, soul- challenging messages, evangelistic zeal and fervent brotherly love are mocked by many who have substituted spiritual prosperity for material prosperity.

He said: “History equally proved that what made it easy for Islam to overrun North Africa and part of Europe and Asia where Christianity had a firm root and where great bishops emerged was dissensions in doctrinal matters.

By Adeola Ogunlade

“The challenge of uncultured freedom in worship is becoming a show of shame which offends the sensibility of reasonable men and women. We are to contend against this practice and install sanctity in our place of worship.”

He asserted that the churches owe a duty to present and future generations to display a formidable front with incontrovertible proofs of sound teaching of

the doctrines of Christ.

The conference also featured break out sessions on the use of the mass media in propagating the gospel, loving the work more than the word, global disasters, violence and religious anarchy in the world and the need for unity in the body of Christ.

Participants also visited the first storey building, slave trade centre, traditional rulers and other places of interest in Badagry.

Merits award were also presented to the National President of The Apostolic Church, Nigeria, Dr. Gabriel Oladele Olutola;

President, The Apostolic Church, Cameroon, Apostle Paul Tambe; President, The Apostolic Church, South Africa, Apostle Ambrose Mthembu; President, The Apostolic Church, Ghana, Apostle Ebenezer Abebrese; President, The Apostolic Church, Togo, Apostol Pierre Ayitiga and a post -humorous award to the late First President, The Apostolic Church, Nigeria, Apostle Eyo Okon.

•Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev (Dr) Hassan Matthew Kukah with Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi shortly after his ordination recently

PFN canvasses better prison conditions

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HE Prison Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has lamented the deplorable state of the nation’s prisons.

Its Executive Director, Barr. Ben Iwuagwu stated that many prisoners in Nigeria are practically living in hell.

Prison infrastructures, he said, are poor and completely inhuman.

Iwuagwu spoke last week during a 2-day conference with the theme “Informal Social Support System, Security and Nationbuilding; Prison Ministry Model” in Lagos.

He lamented what he described as the repressive atmosphere of prison service in Nigeria.

According to him, overcrowding, inability to offer corrective and reformative services as well as poor feeding and housing conditions

By Kayode Odumboni

are some of the challenges prisoners face in the country.

Iwuagwu also frowned at preferential treatment, which places poor prisoners at the expense of their rich counterparts.

His words: ”We want a situation where prisoners are treated humanely as people who have rights and privileges too. ‘’There should be no discrimination between the rich and the poor and such practices as the rich being celebrated after incarceration and the poor being ostracised from the society must stop.”

Iwuagwu said.

Rt. Revd. Emmanuel Chukwuma, who was the chairman of the occasion, disclosed that the Prison Fellowship of Nigeria has actively participated in the reformative services of the Nigerian prisons system.

The organisation, he said, has been ministering to convicts and

making sure that they live a renewed life after their incarceration.

Pastor Chuks Ray Akuje who represented Mr. Olusola Ogundipe, the Controller General of Nigerian Prisons Service, lamented that prisons in the country are acutely over-crowded.

He made it known that well over 75% of people kept in prisons are yet-to-be-convicted persons.

This situation, Akuje explained, inhibits the efficiency of the Prisons Service.

He explained that in the end, the convicted people who really need reformative services are not able to get it.

He therefore called on the government and the Judicial System to find a holistic solution to the problem of the large number of awaiting-trial persons occupying prisons.

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Making Sense of Life with adeWale Adefuye

Oluwatoyitan: Masterpiece in progress

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LUWATOYITAN is three today. Half of those years have been hard and difficult. Shortly after she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 21 months of age, she convulsed and was rushed to hospital. She slipped into a coma which lasted almost a month. The moment she regained a little bit of consciousness, she was transferred to the UK for further investigation.

The prognosis was horrifying: a severe global neurological damage traceable to the jaundice and infection she had at birth which apparently was not properly treated and some medical negligence and mismanagement. Translation: Toyitan, who is unable to sit, talk, eat or do any of the activities she used to do, requires special attention for the rest of life (except with divine intervention). She is fed through a gastrostomy tube in her tummy with milk that is currently not available in Nigeria.

Funke, Toyitan’s mother, was a member of our church many years ago until she got married and transferred to her husband’s church. The digital age makes it easy to keep in touch occasionally by texts and emails. A few weeks ago, Funke emailed us a three-pager with photographs of the family’s experience. We visited and saw things for ourselves.

A picture of a baby strapped with tubes and various monitors could have been me. I was born at a time when it was fashionable for pregnant mothers to take the drug thalidomide.

It was hailed as a “wonder drug” to treat conditions such as insomnia, morning sickness and depression. Unfortunately, the hazardous substance led to the birth of babies with serious defects. By the time the drug was withdrawn, around 10,000 babies had been born worldwide who either had shortened arms or legs, or no limbs at all.

I got to know one of them, Jeff Steinberg, when he came to minister in a church I was visiting. ‘Tiny Giant’, as he likes to call himself, was born with what others would call handicaps - He has NO arms or hands, and malformed legs. At 4 feet 6 inches tall, he has a most unique message: “Quit focusing on the Handicap and start appreciating the Gift.” For more than 40 years he has crisscrossed the globe delivering this very special message that “God uses the least likely person to accomplish the most extra-ordinary thing, in a most unique way.” In his distinctive style, using humour and music, Jeff shows that each person is wonderfully created to be “awesome and wonderful” with potentials they never even dreamed possible.

The only reason Jeff is able to do what he does is because he was raised where human life is highly valued. He captures his story in an aptly titled book – Masterpiece in Progress.

How much value do we place on human life? Now Funke and Sola, her husband, are faced with a very difficult choice: Should they leave their daughter to chance or seek to give her a decent life? Should they ignore her and concentrate on her two older siblings? Should they sacrifice their careers for Toyitan’s sake and relocate to a clime that provides the necessary support, care and medical attention for this dear one to have a good quality life pending when her healing is perfected?

Luke chapter fifteen readily comes to mind. Jesus tells three parables to illustrate the value of a single soul to God: The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin and The Lost Son. The carer, in each case - the shepherd, the owner and the father - kept faith and searched for what was missing. The young couple are therefore encouraged to do all they can for their daughter.

Still on parables, here is another by the Master: 1 “There was once a man travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man. A Samaritan travelling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, ‘Take good care of him,’ he said. ‘If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’”

Jesus concluded with a poser: “Which of the three became a neighbour to the man attacked by robbers?” Ill health is a great robber indeed!

This is the story of the Good Samaritan. Nigeria still has many Good Samaritans. Funke and Sola need you as they struggle to raise Toyitan, another masterpiece-in-progress in the UK. May the Lord bring you help at your own time of need.

The mother’s account details are: Olufunke Abidemi, GTBank, Adeyemo Alakija Branch. A/c No: 0001318842 1

Luke 10:30-36 (MSG)

adeWale Adefuye, info@walefuye.com, +447624 81 31 84 (SMS ONLY)

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

News

Diya condoles with Ebenezer Obey’s family

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ORMER Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (Rtd), has condoled with the family of gospel singer Evangelist Obey Fabiyi on the demise of his wife, Deaconess Juliana.

Diya, in a statement last week, urged Obey to take consolation in the fact that the deceased was already resting in the Lord’s bosom.

He said: ‘’On behalf of

By Omobolanle Oguntoyinbo

myself and the entire family in the good name of our Lord Jesus Christ, as well as the entire congregation of the United African Methodist Evangelical Church, Abule Ijesha, Lagos, we join the teeming Nigerians and all your other admirers nationally and globally, on the death of your age long heartthrob and Divinely

trusted, confidant in life, Deaconess Juliana ObeyFabiyi ‘‘Indeed, words are not enough to humbly express my shock on her demise, while I was on a vacation in London. ‘‘To this end, May I, on this note, please assure you and all your entire family members, of God’s continued Divine protection, guid-

ance and fortitude to bear her unforgetful, irreparable loss. ‘‘Since we are always convinced in the scripture that “God giveth, God taketh”, as such it is therefore our fervent belief and prayer that the Lord God who gives, will surely continue to marvel you all with his abundant grace and succour to navigate successfully, the ship of your life in Jesus name.’’

Ex-Rep donates food items to flood victims

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O alleviate the feeding challenges of the victims displaced by the heavy flood that ravaged city of Ibadan recently, the former member of House of Representative, Honourable Segun Adisa Akinloye, who represented Ibadan North East/ South East Federal Constituency, has donated food items worth over hundred thousand naira.

During the donation, Honourble Akinloye said “it is a social responsibility to attend to such needs of the people knowing the fact that they’ve lost some of their relatives and belongings and most of them are less privilege people

who need such support at this time.”

Appreciating the gesture, the wife of the deputy Governor of the state, Mrs. Adeyemo Alake expressed her gratitude to Akinloye for taking such steps to alleviating the present situation of the people. “This gift items have been given at the right time and it will go long way to allevaite the challenge for now,” she said.

Alake stressed further that other influential people in the society should emulate such positive humanitarian support Honourable Akinloye has shown to make the society meanngful for the less priviledge.

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By Taiwo Adeosun

Ikeja, is expected to feature key players in the media industry including the Deputy Managing Director of Sun Newspapers, Mr. Olufemi Adesina, The Editor, Nation on Sunday, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Producer, Hossana Hour, Arthur Chukwuma and Mr. Wale

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HE Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, University of Lagos Chapter, Mr. Babatunde Sunny, has advised civil servants against staying in government for too long.

Babatunde said in an interview with The NATION that the practice of staying in government service till age 70 and above is not wise because such persons would have lost physical strength and vigour.

“As a civil servant serving for 25 years or more, you should be able to serve yourself. But most people nowadays don’t retire early. They wait for age seventy or eighty when as Fela would say ‘akuna kuna. “

By Olubusayo Abiola

According to him, long stay in government service can be due to the lack of entrepreneurship acumen that can help a worker into self –reliance.

Speaking on the payment of pension by the university, Babatunde said that the University of Lagos especially the present administration of Professor Babatunde Sofoluwe has maintained a reputation for prompt payment of its pensioners.

Babatunde added that the recently retired workers of the university can no longer be part of the NUP as the current system requires such workers to operate under the pension insurance scheme.

‘Groups decry insecurity in Ogun’

T • Former member of House of Representative Honourable Segun AdisaAkinloye and the wife of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State Mrs. Adeyemo Alake donating food items to the flood victims through the office of the Wife of the Governor

JFC, Church Times hold workshop HURCH Times Agency, publishers of Church Times Nigeria and Journalists for Christ International have concluded plans to hold a one-day workshop on effective Christian media.

The workshop which is slated for Friday September 30 2011 at 3, Olaiya street, off Oregun,

Civil servants advised against long-term service

Fatade, former Editor, Next Newspapers.

Key topics that will be treated at the workshop are, effective church-media relations management, perfecting the art of writing and news letter production. Other topics to be explored are internet evangelism, packaging message for television and book publishing.

In a statement signed

by Mr. Dayo Emmanuel, the organizers said the workshop had become necessary given the dearth of quality Christian media work. The statement further informed that the workshop will go a long way to improve the skills of participants and open their eyes to opportunities in the media industry.

HE Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State chapter and Africa Youth Circle (AYC), have condemned the everincreasing state of insecurity and robbery attacks in Ogun State.

In a press statement issued by the state chairman of NMA, Dr Adewunmi Alayaki described the insecurity issue in Ogun state as one which needs urgent attention as health institutions in the state have suffered repeated attacks.

According to him, he urged the Government to have a workable relationship with the state police in order to bring an end to the activities of these hoodlums before more damages are done.

‘Hospitals especially the public ones should henceforth have 24hours police coverage to restore the presently troubled and depressed psychological state of the health of our members and all health workers’.

Africa Youth circle, a non governmental affiliated to the national network on HIV/AIDS in Ogun State also condemned the recent attack

By Nomso Obiajuru and Tosin Adesile

and car snatching in state which had reached its peak.

This was made known in a statement released by the national public relations officer of the organization, Mr Deji Oladosu.

He described security in Ogun State as nothing to write home about as many areas are deserted as early as 7pm for the fear of the unknown.

‘Youths are being attacked on regularly basis while attempt of rape and car snatching and also on the high side.”

The group maintained that the business of the government is to protect lives and properties of the citizenry.

It therefore urged the Government to do something urgent to avert further occurrence while it creates more employment for the youth not only for the graduates but also for the other category.

It would be recalled that Ogun State in the past few months have been witnessing high crime rate and car snatching.

‘We’ll resist any plan to increase school fees’

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HE students of Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA) have vowed to resist any attempt by the school management to increase school fees this coming session.

This was contained in a statement made available to correspondents signed by the general secretary of the Students Union, Com Abu Ibrahim.

According to him, the university management is ready to implement the National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS) for students known as tertiary institution students health insurance programs and the students welfare insurance scheme .What is the importance of two insurance scheme to the pursuit of academic excellence?

“The federal government has washed its hand off the construction of new hostel facilities prompting the man-

By Tosin Adesile and Christiana Idu

agement of FUTA to partner with private companies to construct two new blocks of hostel to be allocated to students at high rates.”

The president of the union in his word said institutions have continued to clamp down on democratically elected students unions who have refused to keep mute on various form of woes that have bedeviled them over the years.

“Any attempt by the university management to unjustly increase the amount payable by the students of our institution will be vehemently resisted through a peaceful protest.”

We therefore advised the management to revisit their decision as the entire students’ body are not in support of it and would do anything to make sure their view is carried along.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

Sport Extra

FINAL ROUND QUALIFIERS FOR 2012 OLYMPICS

Nigeria paired with Morocco, Senegal N

IGERIA’s Olympic team, Dream Team V, have been drawn in Group B along with Morocco, Algeria and Senegal in the final qualifying tournament for the 2012 Olympics.

Host nation Egypt are in

Group A along with South Africa, Gabon and Cote d’Ivoire.

The draw was conducted Saturday at the headquarters of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Cairo, Egypt.

The tournament, which kicks off in Cairo on November 26, will produce three automatic qualifiers for

An interesting draw, says Eguavoen

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•Lukman Haruna

next year’s football event of the London Olympics.

The fourth best team will also have a chance to feature at the games as they would slug it out with an Asian representative in a play-off.

Nigeria made history when they became the first African team to win an Olympic Gold in 1996.

Cameroon repeated the feat four years later in Sydney, Australia.

Eguaveon as a coach does not inspire any confidence.

I fear dream team V may not qualify.

ATIONAL U-23 head coach Austin Eguavoen has described as interesting the draw for the forthcoming CAF U-23 Eight-Nation qualifier for the London 2012 Olympic Games billed for Cairo in November.

Nigeria is in Group B alongside Moroccco, Algeria and Senegal in the draws conducted at the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF headquarters in Cairo.

Host Nation Egypt is in Group A with Gabon, South Africa and Cote d’ Ivoire.

The championship will be on a round-robin basis with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

The top three placed teams

automatically qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games, while the fourth placed team will engage a team from Asia in a playoff. ”The draw is interesting.

Like I have always said no team is a minnow in African football. This is only a pointer that we should begin preparations in earnest. It would also give us a direction on the choice of African friendly matches to pursue.

But honestly it’s an interesting draw” Eguavoen said.

The Championship, which is the maiden edition, kicks off November 26 to climax on December 10.

London 2012 Olympic Games will take place from 27 July to 12 August, 2012.

INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP

Competition ends in style, as Repton, Lagos draw again WOMEN’S OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS

NFF ratifies Falcons’ programme for Cameroun tie

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HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has approved the programme submitted by the chief coach of the Super Falcons, Uche Eucharia for the 2nd leg of the Olympics qualifiers against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroun slated for October 22nd in Yaounde.

Making this known to NationSport, the chairman, Technical Committee of the NFF, Barrister Christopher Green stated that the Football House gave the senior female national team programme tendered by Uche accelerated deliberations so as to allow the technical crew the opportunity to prepare adequately for the allimportant tie in Yaounde.

He expressed confidence that the Falcons would get the better of Cameroun in Yaounde despite the narrow 2-1 win over the team when the first leg was played last month at Abuja.

“We have already approved the programme proposed by the chief coach of the Super Falcons and we

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri expect to get down to serious business to ensure Nigeria defeats Cameroun to get the Olympics ticket after the elimination from the All African Games which same Cameorunian side won.

NFF , in keeping to the tradition of ensuring early camping, has approved Falcons programme and we expect the team to go all the way to Yaounde to make Nigeria proud.”

When NationSport contacted the Super Falcons head coach, she stated that she was just getting the information from our correspondent but assured that she would make be at the Glass House on Monday to get further information.

She was, however, elated and was full of praise for the NFF with the swiftness with which the programme was approved after barely a week of her submission, while promising to raise a formidable team that will do Nigerian proud in Cameroun.

•Edun lauds boxer’s performance

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HE second edition of the International Amateur Boxing Championship, an initiative of the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF), in conjunction with the Lagos Amateur Boxing Association (LABA), finally came to a glorious end yesterday.

The show which started on Thursday with the dinner night at the Eko Hotels and Suites, and the second phase held at the Rowe Park, Yaba on Saturday, pitched the Repton Boxing Club from England against their Lagos counterparts, with each meeting ending in a draw.

While the first phase ended in a 4-4 draw, the second phase also ended in a 3-3 draw in front of the boxing fans that thronged the venue to catch a glimpse of some entertaining boxing.

Chairman of the LBHF, Olawale Edun, however, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the boxers, especially those who represented Lagos.

“I think practice makes perfect. We’ve given our boxers the facilities, practice, and opportunities, and it showed today. They have battled to very difficult draws, and they where not beaten here. Last year they lost both contests with a very wide margin, but this year they

By Innocent Amomoh have shown improvement and that is encouraging.

“We expect that so many other young stars who are lining behind these experienced boxers will be looking to take boxing as a way of keeping fit, as a sport, and a way of challenging themselves, and occupying their youthful time,” he said.

He stated that the competition has been a win win situation, and that the world class show has shown improvement in all its ramifications.

In the seven-bout show, Otto Joseph of Lagos defeated Michael Macarthy by a unanimous decision in the 62kg category, as Nigeria born Ben Falaja competing in the 69kg category for Repton defeated Rasheed Lawal of Lagos.

In the 64kg category, Repton’s Bret Beardon beat Godwin Pius of Lagos, while Gabriel Francis knocked out Simon Lewis of Repton in the second round in the 81kg category.

However, the second 81kg category bout between Repton’s Michael Evans and Mufutau Kakawa of Lagos ended in favour of Evans, as Rilwan Oladosu of Lagos also lost against Repton’s Sam McNess.

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2011 FEDERATION CUP FINAL

Heartland’s skipper talks tough

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HE Captain of Heartland FC, Chinedu Efugh has added his voice to those tipping the Naze Millionaires to shock Federation Cup favourites, Enyimba International FC of Aba in the today’s final of the 66th edition of the Competition billed for the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Efugh in a interview with NationSport enthused that the level of preparation the Owerri-based club has had prior to today’s final, makes the affair an opportunity for the Heartland to make a telling statement and present the Cup to the sports loving Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri He stressed that the team has been well motivated ahead of the final match and that the players have resolved to play the match of their lives to ensure they win the Cup just like the way Kaduna United surprised Enyimba last season in the final.

“We are ready and eager to prove a point. Enyimba might be the overwhelming favourites but we are ready to shock them just like the way Kaduna United did last year. We want to present the trophy to Imo Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and nothing will stop that.”

Efugh noted.

Eagles, Dream Team tussle over friendly IGERIA’s Super Eagles and the country’s Olympic team, the Dream Team V, are in a tussle over who should feature at an invitational tournament in Morocco in November.

Top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are in a dilemma over which of the two teams will represent the country at the tournament.

An official told MTNFootball.com: “Initially, the Dream Team were pencilled down for this competition to be bankrolled

by LG electronics, but Super Eagles’ coach, Samson Siasia, has insisted his team should be the one to play in Morocco.”

The NFF technical committee is now expected to resolve this confusion.

The two teams have already tussled over players like Ekigho Ehiosun, Nnamdi Oduamadi and Ahmed Musa have had to shuttle between the two teams.

The Dream Team are desperate for warm-up matches ahead of the final qualifying tournament for the 2012 Olympics in November in Egypt.

And now with strong indications that the team will have to settle for

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Portugal, rather than the preferred Turkey, for residential training ahead of the qualifiers, they may struggle even more for test games.

Nigeria’s U20 team, the Flying Eagles, trained in Portugal preparatory to the World Cup in Colombia, but could only manage one toplevel friendly in their twoweek stay in Faro.

However, the same team played several test games when they trained in Antalya, Turkey, earlier in the year.

Officials argue that the bill for the team’s training in Portugal will be footed by FIFA, while the cashstrapped NFF will have to pay for the team’s expenses in Turkey.

Meanwhile, the draw for the 2012 Olympic qualifiers will be staged later Saturday in Cairo.

The qualified teams are hosts Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Morocco, Senegal and South Africa.

The teams will be split into the two groups with the top two teams in each group advancing to the semifinals.

The soccer event of next year’s Olympics will be played between July 27 to August 12.

•Olaide Fijabi of Lagos, poses with the chairman, Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame, Olawale Edun after winning his fight at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday PHOTO: David Adejoh

http://www.thenationonlineng.net

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 6, NO. 1886

QUOTABLE “In as much as NECO has an approved and standard syllabus, strict compliance with it rests sorely in the hands of each school to ensure that the syllabus is covered in terms of teaching.”

— Registrar/Chief Executive of National Examination Council (NECO) Prof. Promise M. Okpala exonerating the body from the poor showing by students.

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N many occasions I find myself often quietly and pensively considering the political conflicts embarrassing and weakening the Southwest zone. In addition to writing on the conflict, I have also been unsparing of all political players and parties in the region, including the feisty Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the cantankerous and disruptive Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I would like to revisit the zone again, particularly in view of the ongoing trial of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the ACN leader, for allegedly maintaining and operating foreign accounts while in office. The trial was long in coming, and once it arrived, it was celebrated by the adversarial press, the ruling party, and a few conniving political families in a manner far disproportionate to both its import and the substance of the case. I fully expect the revelry to continue for some time.

The Southwest is not united in how it sees the world or relates with other people, and indeed cannot be. The region has an historical problem in recognising the threats its people face, or how such threats undermine both its unity and progress. I recall how viciously Chief Obafemi Awolowo was savaged by the ruling party in collusion with regional interests, in the First Republic. For those of us old enough to appreciate the character Awolowo brought to politics, his indifference to personal discomforts, and his defiance of what he called feudalism and its domestic (of the Southwest) agents, we were stunned that anyone could lend himself to be used by the ruling party at the centre to undermine the stupendous progress the Action Group (AG) was midwifing. Well, history has come full circle.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal will determine the case against Tinubu. I have no interest in commenting on what the relevant provisions of the constitution say on the matter, nor in defending anyone or prejudging the sagacity of the young man making history presiding over the case. My interest is in looking at the unquenchable fratricidal tendency of the Southwest, the disconcerting paradox of families that were once victims of political machinations now joining hands with the ruling party and other reactionary forces to weaken and dismember the region, and the ideological vacuity afflicting some state governments in the region.

For as long as Nigeria is not restructured, and where conservatives or outright reactionaries take power at the centre as the Southwest veers towards progressivism, conflict, such as we are witnessing today, is inevitable. This proposition requires additional studies, but it appears that a progressive South-

Southwest’s fratricidal tendency

• Jonathan

•Awolowo

west will always be at daggers drawn with a reactionary centre. Let me explain. It is suggested that the two main political tendencies in the Southwest are progressivism and conservatism, where the former advocates social, political or economic reform, and the latter prefers slow, gradual change that will not threaten the status quo. However, I have long argued here that the people of the Southwest are essentially, culturally and homogenously progressive. The opposition in the Southwest is, therefore, less likely to be conservative than reactionary, that is, a group which is uninterested in or willing to bargain away progressive social or political reform for regional dominance or national relevance. Would you, for instance, consider Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Adebayo AlaoAkala conservative or reactionary?

If the dichotomy in the Southwest coalesced along the lines of progressivism and conservatism, conflicts and other forms of disagreements would more likely be medi-

ated along saner, reasoned and ideological lines. But if the divide was along reactionary and progressive lines, as I suspect, then the conflict would be engendered along violent, vicious and hateful lines. There is nothing in the Southwest political history that precludes families and individuals slipping from one divide to another in strict disregard for family history and principles. With this explanation, we are better positioned to appreciate the troubles Southwest progressive leaders regularly face, especially vis a vis the collusive efforts of the ruling party at the centre.

Now, the question is how do we place the government at the centre? Is it often conservative, or is it sometimes reactionary? I think that with the exception of the Muritala Mohammed regime, which was conservative, notwithstanding its tinge of radicalism, the rest, including the benevolent Yakubu Gowon regime, were reactionary.

This may shock us. There is nothing wrong

Oshiomhole’s political psychology

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T is doubtful whether Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State had time to reflect on the speech he gave before the Guild of Editors in Benin last Thursday, or whether he met minds with his aides on the subject he focused on. If he did, it was strange that he had such ominous thoughts of democracy as he expressed four days ago. We know that the governor is torn between yielding to the labour activist part of him and immersing himself in the administrative part of him as a governor. He has not always been successful in balancing the two, but he has not unravelled so far because the two sides have not yet reached a zero-sum game in which indulging one means a complete repudiation of the other. But he is inching in that direction, as the country drifts into economic crisis, particularly on the issue of fuel subsidy.

If he was not misquoted, Oshiomhole was reported to have said that the people would not rise in defence of democracy if anything were to happen because they were not receiving the dividends of civil rule. As he put it, “…For Nigerians to be ready to defend democracy, there must be something in it for the people beyond the formalities of elections…” It is impossible to have a more mis-

leading appreciation of what democracy is all about, or to misread what it has so far delivered to the people. Oshiomhole may not be a theorist, since nearly all labour union people are practical agitators trained by long years of struggling against oppression to fight for the betterment of their members’ material conditions. But having stayed in office for a few years, it is curious that the governor has severely limited his appreciation of democracy dividends to material improvement of the people.

Worse, and even more unpardonably, Oshiomhole grossly misreads what democracy is all about. The festivals of elections, which he seemed to talk down on, is one of the most beautiful exercises in all of democracy. It may not be quite as beautiful as most of us want it, because of the violence that accompanies it in Nigeria, but it is nonetheless a remarkable festival not to be exchanged for anything else. When Oshiomhole talked of his fear of something happening to democracy, he was probably referring to a violent overthrow of civil rule, either by people power or military power. If it happens by people power, there is no talk of people rising up to defend it, for the people would have spoken.

But if he means military coup, the governor

would be downright unrealistic to suggest the people would shrug their shoulders in indifference. Nigerians may be apathetic on sundry issues, but they are not stupid. Military rule, they know by decades of suffering under unintelligent and arrogant soldier-politicians, is not an option in any way to democracy, whether democracy delivers anything or not.

Oshiomhole has a responsibility to think and talk above the rabble. He is a direct beneficiary of democracy, and he ought to know by now that democracy is not just about dividends, but also about inclusiveness, as North Africans are showing. Democracy should doubtless deliver dividends, but even if it fails to, we must understand it is a problem of incompetent administration. The beauty of democracy is that it has in-built mechanisms to help us throw out unpopular and inept administrations, and to bring in those we think could do the job better. It is time Oshiomhole and many others who think like him began to appreciate what democracy is all about and how to better its practice in our country. If anyone wants to agitate, it should not be to discard democracy entirely because of low or skewed dividends, but to ensure that the mechanisms of democratic change are developed and protected.

with conservatism; but there is everything wrong with reactionary politics. The First Republic reactionary government at the centre was inexorably drawn to the forces of reaction in the Western Region, with devastating consequences for the republic. Three republics later, we are witnessing a repeat of history, as the forces of reactionary politics gather together, not just to hamstring progressive leaders through the courts, but to undermine the sweeping calls for progressive social and political changes the times urgently demand.

There have been some arguments in a section of the media in the Southwest that it is not only in the ACN that we have progressives. It is suggested that there are also progressives in the Labour Party (LP) and the PDP. This is dishonest ratiocination. Anyone can support any party he likes, but no one has the right to distort facts. There is nothing progressive about the PDP or the LP, whether in the Southwest or elsewhere.

If anything, it is clear today that the government in Abuja is reactionary, as it has always been. The conflict going on particularly in the Southwest, of which the trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal is a mere manifestation, is between the restless and unsatisfiable forces of progressive social or political change and the complacent, conflicted and agitated forces of reactionary politics. Perhaps hubris accompanies progressivism, perhaps also some annoying restiveness. Whatever the case, until progressives or even true conservatives find themselves in power at the centre, progressives of the Southwest will not know peace. They never knew peace in the Awolowo days; maybe they would have known it under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) government of MKO Abiola; but it is significant that they do not know peace now.

A cohesive, progressive and vigilant Southwest would have been a disincentive for the kind of atrocious juridical politicking embarked on by President Goodluck Jonathan. But the Southwest may never be cohesive, and needn’t be. What is more important is how the region’s progressive leadership and governments can build on the economic manifesto it is enunciating. Regional leaders are talking of economic integration, but they can achieve it only to the degree of purity of their progressivism. I fear that some of the leaders in the region are either indifferent to integration because they do not grasp the beneficial changes it can unleash, or they are at bottom opposed to it because of their individualism. The geopolitics of the pre-First Republic era helped Awolowo to achieve economic integration.

If he had the time to enunciate social and political manifestos to undergird his economic programme, the revisionism that has hobbled the region since he vacated office would have been checked altogether or at least moderated. This is the challenge before the present generation of Southwest progressive leaders.

Jonathan works by instincts, so he may find the depth required to appreciate the nuances of Nigeria’s political and cultural diversities a little problematic. Nor does it make sense to expect him to recognise the limited benefits his alliance with reactionary politicians of the Southwest would furnish him. It is in fact necessary to contrast the lack of inspiration at the centre with the relief the Southwest is enjoying consequent upon the overthrow of the region’s reactionary politicians. Recall where the Southwest was a few years back, the stagnation and paralysis, the humiliation mediocre PDP governors brought upon everyone, and the total lack of innovation, and you will appreciate the fresh start that has been triggered by progressive change. It is this fresh start, this repudiation of reactionary politics, this boundless longing for progressivism, and the hope implicit in a visionary future true to the spirit of the region that are being threatened; not, as some think, the ACN leadership put on trial last week by the government at the centre.

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Editor - 08050498530, Marketing: 4520939, Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Telephone: 07028105302 E-mail: sunday@thenationonlineng.net Editor: LEKAN OTUFODUNRIN