Sun News -October 26, 2012

Football brought crisis in my family –Sani Lulu, NFF’s Ex-boss –Pg35

Sadiq Abacha stages A-class wedding –Pg31

TSweekend OCTOBER 26, 2012

25

Going Pink for Breast Cancer –Pg32

•Sports •Fashion •Music •Movies •Celebrities •Interviews •Events

Majek Fashek Exclusive

I CONFESS

26

TSweekend OCTOBER 26, 2012

THISWEEK

Getting his groove back

T

he year 1988 marked the turning point for reggae music in Nigeria. It witnessed the rise of a young man who mesmerized reggae buffs with a clear vocal rendition and sonorous voice likened to that of the late reggae legend, Bob Marley.

Fair complexioned and handsome, Majekodunmi Fasheke popularly known as Majek Fashek indeed set the entire country on fire with his debut album, Prisoner of Conscience. The album was philosophical as it was prophetic. It called for rain with the hit track, Send Down the Rain and there was a deluge, thus earning the musician the nickname, Rainmaker.

Another song, Let Righteousness Cover the Earth was quintessentially Bob Marley. Within a few weeks of release, the album climbed to the top of the chart and was among the first five on the Jamaican Top 10 chart. Majek soon became a folk hero and a household name in Nigeria.

But that’s the good part of the story.

A few years later, Majek embarked on a musical tour of the United States and his life fell apart like a pack of dominoes.

So, where did he get it wrong? What actually derailed the promising career of a shinning star like Majek? Would Majek ever get his groove back? These were the questions on the lips of his fans and admirers, and it seemed nobody could provide answers to them. But now, there appears a light at the end of the tunnel for the reggae artiste, who nine months ago relocated to Nigeria after many years of unprofitable sojourn in America.

Recently, Majek invited TS WEEKEND to his house in Lagos and for four hours bared his mind on several issues including music career, new album, wife, children, sojourn in America, and of course, his experience with hard drugs. This is Majek Fashek you never knew – candid, frank, witty and sagacious.

Also in this edition are the regulars like sports, lifestyle, uptown, gourmet lounge and film/TV. Have a splendid weekend.

THE TEAM Tosin Ajirire

Entertainment Editor

Gbolahan Dada Sports Editor

Josfyn Uba Style Editor

>>TOSIN

Sam Olatunji

08056008696

Deputy Entertainment Editor

Joe Apu

Chief Correspondent

CONTENTS

Chimaobi Uchendu

Senior Correspondent

Sam Anokam, Braide Damiete, Monica Iheakam, Mercy Jacob and Kate Halim Correspondents

Tony Ogaga Ehrariefe, Demola Balogun, Christine Onwuachumba and Aderinsola Ajao Contributors

33 Myths and truths about breast cancer

34 ….Let your eyes speak

Chima Jupadim

Assistant Chief Proofreader

Shina Ogunbiyi, Kayo-Sanya Kayode and Paul Nnayereago Layout & Design

TS WEEKEND is a weekly publication of THE SUN Publishing Ltd. 2 Coscharis Street, Kirikiri Industrial Layout, Apapa.

PMB 21776, Ikeja, Lagos. 01-8980932, 6211239 Email: tsweekend@sunnewsonline.com Website: www.sunnewsonline.com

OCTOBER 26, 2012

TSweekend

27

FILM/TV

Clems Ohameze returns in The Kingdom

A

• OHAMEZE

fter a very long break from mainstream acting, famous actor, Clem Ohameze is back. He glows with a scintillating performance in The Kingdom - a soon-to-drop movie. Other talented entertainers that dazzle and wow moviebuffs alongside Ohameze are Eucharia Anunobi, Van Vicker, Jibola Daboh, Annie MacauleyIdibia, Tade Adelana, and Chelsea Eze. From the stable of De Kross Movies Production, The Kingdom was directed

by Ifeanyi Ikpoenyi and shot in Abuja for several weeks with high-end equipment and tested crew members. Speaking on the movie project, Christopher Ozoemena, executive producer, disclosed that the flick was shot for the international market in line with global best practices. “The Kingdom was painstakingly shot on High Definition, thus making it an

international movie project. Also, being a big budget movie, we decided to do something different from the usual Nollywood style. Our costumes, locations and cast and crew were different from the usual stuffs you have around. For example, we shot the king’s sitting room inside the interior of Nicon Hilton. Our choice of locations made the movie a classic and it also portrayed Nigeria in a good light,” Ozoemena maintained.

The Kingdom, which was written by Michael Jaja, tells the heart rending story of an evil king who is hell bent on wiping out the entire family of his friend and business partner, over a failed deal. The plot of the suspense filled flick takes a new dimension when one of the sons of the late man returns to avenge the extermination of his family inside the king’s palace.

“The script for The Kingdom was so mind blowing when I first read it. It further got me attracted because of the royal

actions embedded in the script and I said my company must produce this great work. It will surely be a cinema delight when it’s finally out,” visibly elated Ozoemena said.

The Kingdom will be screened at some selected international film festivals, before coming home for the commercial release.

Get ready for WAP Talent Hunt

W

ale Adenuga Productions is at it again.

Renowned for its top-rated TV programmes like Superstory, This Life, Papa Ajasco & Company, Nnenna and Friends and the recently launched WAPTV, the outfit has cooked up another delight tagged, WAP Talent Hunt.

According to the producer, rather than being a money-making scheme, the WAP Talent Hunt is mainly targeted at discovering and projecting new talents into the entertainment industry, and as a result of this, entry into the competition is free of

charge “to ensure that everyone is able to participate and stand a chance to be among the winners.”

Further buttressing the aim of using the talent hunt as a means to give back to society, the company has also announced that apart from being free of charge, top six contestants will win fabulous cash prizes while all contestants would go home with a Star Times decoder each.

This is aside the instant fame that the contestants will have from nationwide exposure on several platforms.

The WAP Talent Hunt would take place at De Next Centre, Ajao Estate, Lagos on Saturday, November 3, for contestants between ages 4 and 17, and Saturday, November 10 for those between 18 - 60. • ADENUGA

Corper Shon debuts on TV

C

orper Shon, a new television drama series, which general objective is to mirror the challenges, dreams, relationships and lives of Nigerian youths who answered the clarion call for national service after graduation from tertiary institutions, is finally ready to hit the screens.

The explosive TV drama series from the Stables of Stanword Media Productions and Vinesheild Ltd is set in a suburb town

• A SCENE FROM THE PLAY

in Southwest Nigeria, and stars Benita Nzeribe, Benedict Johnson and Sam Uche Anyamele. Others are Marshall Mbionwu, Rachael Isaac, Anita Duru, and Onyi Eze. Also showcasing their skills are Hakem Rahman as Alhaji Jaiyeola; the fun loving and decadent landlord of the building housing some of the corpers, his irascible wife; Iya Sikiratu (Jay Bee Sachi), his daughter; Sikiratu (Gift Okoroji), his rogue son; Lukmon (Michael Yusuf Michael), his bosom friend, Okonkwo (Kingsley Ihekoronye) and Rita Anigbogu as Mama Ngozi, the town gossip.

According to the producer, Corper Shon television series aims to present the good, bad and ugly side of the National Youth Service, which sees many Nigerian youths travelling to the strangest of places, in the bid to serve their fatherland.

Produced by Stanley U. Okoronkwo, who has blockbusters like Omugwo, Innocent Blood, Killing Machine and Last Day among others, Corper Shon is directed

by AMAA award winning director, Andy Nwakalor and written by Destiny A. Mordy.

• ANOTHER SCENE FROM THE PLAY

• ANJORIN

Lizzy Anjorin wins Young Achievers’ Best Actress award – Floats Foundation for special kids

S

tar actress, Elizabeth Ibukunoluwa Anjorin of wave-making Yoruba comedy, Kofo Tinubu has bagged the Best Actress of the Year award.

The Badagry, Lagos-State born actress was honoured alongside other young leading lights in different fields of endeavour at an elaborate Young Achievers’ Awards held on Sunday at the exquisite Balmoral Hall, Oregun, Lagos.

Elated Lizzy Anjorin who was gaily dressed in a black gown dedicated her award to her late parents. “As the only child, I wish they were alive to share in the joy of a beautiful moment such as this with me. This award also goes to all my numerous fans from far and near who voted for me. To say that I am overwhelmed is to state the obvious. I have laboured very hard in my career as an actress and I am glad that some people out there appreciate what I do.”

In the wake of the release of her comedy flick, which hit the shelves about two months ago, the actress has continued to earn rave reviews for her sterling performance. Kofo Tinubu, which centres on the life of an imbecile daughter of a rich man was screened to a sold-out audience during the Sallah at LTV Cinema Hall in Lagos, and has become a household item.

As an offshoot of the success of her comedy flick, Lizzy is now championing a cause for special kids with her Lizzy Anjorin Foundation (LAF). A representative of LAF revealed that intensive activities have begun with a short tour around special schools and orphanages in Ogun State .

28

TSweekend

OCTOBER 26, 2012

MAJEK FASHEK

BY FRANK CHIKE

F

or Nigerian-born international reggae star, Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek, the days of locust are over. The talented musician seems to have gotten his groove back. After years of unprofitable sojourn in the United States, Majek who relocated to Nigeria nine months ago has rekindled his career and had begun to play big shows for corporate organizations, super rich clients and state governments. All these are courtesy of his new management company, A+ Global Entertainment led

by Hajia Amina Dangaji.

Having vowed not to talk to the press any longer, most especially on matters concerning his lifestyle, the Rainmaker recently broke his vow and opened up like never before. He personally invited TS WEEKEND to his house in Lagos and for four hours bared his mind on several issues that he has been keeping close to his chest.

Indeed, the encounter was more than an interview. It was a soul-to-soul discussion and confession of a ‘sinful’ past.

Excerpts:

YOUR RETURNED TO NIGERIA FROM THE UNITED STATES MORE THAN SEVEN MONTHS AGO, TELL US HOW YOU HAVE BEEN ENJOYING YOUR STAY HERE? I have been thanking Jah for making it possible for me to be here today, courtesy of my sister, Hajia Amina Oluremi Dangaji, the CEO of A+ Global Entertainment who has been the only person sponsoring me, she is God sent, she is the only person that has fully understood me.

Hajia is Rastafarian. In fact, she is a music business goddess (laughs). I believe that is why God eventually brought us together to work and rekindle my career. And working with her, we have been able to achieve a lot within a space of nine months.

Haija has given me two cars and a bungalow where I now reside in Lagos and we have recorded a new album, which we are going to release in matter of weeks.

A T

A STAGE, MANY PEOPLE THOUGHT THAT YOU WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO BOUNCE BACK TO THE STAGE YOU WERE BEFORE? (Sits up) Well, there’s a time the Nigerian press were writing rubbish, telling people that Majek has gone mad, that

Majek is a cocaine addict. In fact, they nearly spoiled me before the world, but Jah said no, that Majek would not die, and here I am today bouncing back to a new glory.

I knew what I passed through during those days that I was in America, when God was punishing me, maybe for my sins, which I think he has forgiven me. And that’s why He told me to come back home for people to witness the blessing He now wants to shower on me, so that those people that were laughing at me, will see a new Majek.

TELL US ABOUT THE ALBUM THAT YOU ARE COMING OUT WITH? The new album is coming under A+ Global Entertainment in conjunction with my label and the work when completed in matter of weeks will be titled, Gangsta Rasta. I am doing the record for A+ Global Entertainment based on our understanding because Hajia has been so good to me.

WE GATHERED THAT THERE IS A SONG IN THE ALBUM CALLED, I DON’T WANT TO DIE IN NEW YORK, WHY SUCH A TITLE? Yes, New York, people do me wayo. They owe me one million dollars. I mean Sony Music Company (USA) and Interscope Records from the royalty of an album I did for them titled, Sprit of Love, and I am hoping that if I collect that money I will give some amount to Hajia because she has really suffered to make me whom I am today, Na she help me to bounce back.

SOME YEARS BACK YOU SANG ABOUT MAJEK FASHEK IN NEW YORK, WHERE YOU ATTACKED AND EXPOSED THE UGLY SIDE OF THE CITY, SO WHY NEW YORK AGAIN? You know what happened, I have lived in New York for years and I was disappointed that the city is nearly the opposite of what people outside thought it to be. Could you believe that there are a lot of homeless people in New York? In fact, majority of them are hard drug addicts, sleeping outside in the cold night, with their blankets as shelters. But no matter what, the US government from time to time pays them salaries for their feedings. In short, I saw hell in that city, and I decided to sing something that is satirical about my life experience in New York.

TELL US ABOUT OTHER SONGS IN THE NEW ALBUM? I won’t tell you, why don’t you wait until madam releases the album in the first week of November 2012. So that you can play and hear more, yes, lest I forget, the production was handled by Chris Okon, Yes, I have not also told you that we are planning to do a musical tour of some cities in Nigeria, come December this year. The tour is for my fans to see the new Majek Fashek, the Majek that they used to know.

IS IT TRUE THAT YOUR KIDS ARE ALSO DOING MUSIC IN THE US?

OCTOBER 26, 2012

TSweekend

29

MAJEK FASHEK

Yes, my first son, Randy Majekodunmi is a music producer, while his juniors, Destiny and Susan are doing hip hop, and they are currently recording their debut album, which is being produced for them by their brother, Randy (brings out the CD to show us). I participated in doing some of their tracks.

WHAT KIND OF FATHER ARE YOU TO THEM, ARE THEY COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR LIFE STYLE? (Angry) See, you must be a fool for asking this question, but I forgive you because you are my paddy.

NOW ANSWER THE QUESTION, MAJEK? My kids love me very well, and they have revolutionary minds like me, and they always treat me like an egg.

They hate doing anything that will hurt me, even though we are not living together, as they are already on their own. I do go to their houses anytime I like and they do entertain me, buying wine for me, and when I am going they do give me big amount of money. In fact, they have never allowed me to go broke, and just last week they sent me some big amount of money.

IS YOUR WIFE, RITA NOT MISSING YOU? DON’T YOU THINK THAT YOUR ABSENCE CAN MAKE HER ABANDON YOU? Yes, she is missing me, because the romance I give her anytime I am around is too much. I dey romance her well, but I am sure that she is not too worried about my relocation to Nigeria.

I LEARNT SHE WAS HERE IN LAGOS SOME WEEKS AGO? What I am trying to tell you is that no matter what happens nobody can take my wife away from me. Never mind those guys over there. They cannot enter because I have used love to padlock them away. They cannot enter because me and Rita are under a kind of love oath.

No be juju o.

HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST CHILD, RANDY? He is about 37 years old now. He is about to get married, I know his girlfriend.

IS ANY OF YOUR CHILDREN SMOKING INDIA HEMP? No, right from when they were kids I have been advising them not to smoke Indian hemp because of its effect on the brain. As you can see, since I began to reduce my rate of smoking India hemp, I have been looking healthy. That’s one good thing that Hajia has done for me since I returned to Nigeria. In short, Igbo (Indian hemp) is not good for the health. Now, what I smoke is cigarette.

IT’S LIKE WHAT YOU ARE TELLING US IS A WHITE LIE? Who told you I am telling lies? Do you think that I am Ras Kimono who said that he is a vegetarian or Rastafarian whereas he is not? Although, he used to be one but at a stage he failed the law (laughter) YOU HAVE NOT SAID MUCH ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH IGBO (INDIA HEMP)?

Igbo and cocaine dey scatter brain. I don’t use cocaine.

YOU JUST SAID SOMETHING ABOUT RAS KIMONO? Yes, Kimono go eat goat, dey come catch am. Now his

belly don be like that of a pregnant woman.

He is suffering for failing the laws of the Rastas. His friend, Black Rice did the same thing but he’s smarter than Ras Kimono that is why his belly has not begun to protrude (laughs).

What I am saying is that I am a true Rastafarian, I keep the laws.

Back to what I was telling you about India hemp. Yes, when I was young, I was a habitual Indian hemp smoker till I became hooked to specie of hemp produced in Delta State, a harsh one for that matter, which nearly ruined my life. It’s by God’s grace that I gave up the habit, if not I would have run mad by now.

That’s why I have been telling my kids and other musicians around me to drink alcohol instead of taking Indian hemp or sniffing cocaine because alcohol don’t damage brain like those hard drugs would do.

MANY OF YOUR CONTEMPORARIES IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS ARE DEAD, WHY DO YOU THINK GOD STILL ALLOWS YOU TO BE ALIVE? I think it’s because Jah has special plans for me. As you can see, I am the last Rastafarian prophet that is still standing in Africa and God is working through Hajia to fulfill his plans for me.

I bought a saxophone last year when I was in America but I don’t want to be playing it anyhow here in Nigeria because I don’t want to compete with Femi Kuti or to show that I can play more than him, that’s why I only go about with my guitar.

HOW SOON WOULD RITA, YOUR WIFE BE COMING TO NIGERIA AGAIN? I don’t know yet, but if I buy the house that I am planning to buy soon, she would come and stay for like one month with me.

IN ONE OF YOUR SONGS, YOU WARNED OF FIRE AND REVOLUTION HITTING AFRICA, NOW DO YOU STILL BELIEVE SOMETHING LIKE THAT WILL HAPPEN, GOING BY THE WIND OF DEMOCRACY BLOWING ACROSS THE CONTINENT? Yes, that my prophecy has not come to pass.

But Jah still warned me to continue to tell my people that bloody revolution would hit Nigeria soon and that the blood of evil men will be sacrificed to the gods of war. How it will happen I don’t know. Even the time it will happen I don’t know but Area boys, the poor masses will lead that revolution and the fight will not be a war of ethnicity when it starts. In fact, J.J Rawlings’ revolution is Ghana will look like a child’s play when Nigeria’s own comes. Nigerians would soon rise to fight.

• MAJEK WITH HAJIA AMINA

30

TSweekend

OCTOBER 26, 2012

UPTOWN WITH KEMI YESUFU 08055001849

Sadiq Abacha stages A-class wedding A sk those privileged to have attended any of the weddings of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha’s children and they will testify that the former first family knows how to wow their guests. For the umpteenth time, the Abachas led by their mother, Hajia Maryam staged a wedding that has set the standard for other members of the high society. Sadiq, one of the handsome sons of the former first family, got hitched to the love of his life, Huda Mahmud in a five-day cultural extravaganza held from October 16 to 21.

Eugenia Abu’s golden jubilee lights up Abuja

O

ne event made Abuja celebrities moved from one venue to the other penultimate week. It was the 50th birthday of one of the country’s most celebrated broadcasters, who is also a poet and educationist, the lady simply known as Eugenia Abu. The discussion panel raised to critique the birthday girl’s writings kick started the three day long celebrations to mark her hitting the golden age. The seating of the panel held at the FCT Archives auditorium on October 18 was followed the next day by a poem recital tagged “Gratitude: The Life and Art of Eugenia Abu”.

The climax of the silver jubilee of the remarkable lady who anchored the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) network news for 17 years was the public lecture held at the Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Center. The lecture aptly titled “Being the Best You Can Be” was well attended.

Eugenia is a 1981 graduate of English Language from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She also has a Master Degree in Communications Policy Studies from the City University, London. A motivational speaker and multimedia strategist, Eugenia delivered the 2009 Nigerian Independence Anniversary Lecture in Perth, Western Australia. Her first published book, a collection of essays entitled, In the Blink of an Eye won the ANA/NDDC Flora Nwapa Prize for best female writing in 2008. Eugenia’s second book, Don’t Look at me Like That is her first poetry collection and has themes of life, love freedom and redemption. Her love for children and writing saw her founding an annual summer writing workshop, “The Treasured Writers” for children in Abuja, which she coordinates.

• EUGENIA

All of these events were characterized by glitz and glamour. First, there was the Kamu ceremony held at Kado Estate, Abuja. Then there was the Wushe-Wushe event held at the Blue-Velvet marquee, which was followed by the Walima.

On Friday October18, the wedding Fatiha took place at the National Mosque. Guests of the couple reconvened at the International Conference Center (ICC) later in the evening for the wedding reception. The compere at the reception, Dayo

• SADIQ AND HUDA ABACHA

Benjamins-Laniyi described the ambience at the ICC as celestial and there was not one dissenting voice. Not only was the entire hall covered up in white decorations with sparkling lights, even the plate holders and chairs were made with glitering stones. These along with the hundreds of beautiful faces adorned in high fashion resulted in a show of opulence only the Abachas can pull-off.

It was at the reception that Sadiq publicly declared that Huda was going to be his “one and only true love”, not just in words but also with a wave of his index finger. The love from the couple who met in Dubai years back was infectious.

It was clear for all to see that they were really into each other as they exchanged rings during their reception.

For the Wushe-Wushe night, Brymo and MayD performed while Dr. Sid and Zaaki Azzay entertained guests at the reception chaired by Niger-Delta strongman, Chief Edwin Clark.

Former First Lady, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua was the mother of the day. Just as there was enough eye candy for both guys and babes to view, there was a lot to eat and drink with most guests expressing happiness that they were part of the Sadiq and Huda’s wedding.

Ogbeh sisters giddy over Runway 3

O

gwa Iweze and Ofure Adive are the sister duo behind soar away fashion label, Dzyn. Ogwa, the older sister and Ofure, both are daughters of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) top shot, Chief Audu Ogbeh.

While Ofure read Biochemistry at University of Jos, Plateau State, Ogwa left the same university with a degree in Accounting.

Despite leaving school in flying colours, the Ogbeh girls went straight into the world of fashion. And soon enough, the city of Abuja took note of their creativity. To say that their label is miles ahead of competition is stating the obvious. When the sisters held their inaugural fashion show with other young designers at the International Conference Center years back, quite a few fashionistas were struck by the creativity behind their collection.

For cynics the presence of their dad at the

show, meant that they had a lot of financial support to take the risk not so privileged kids could. According to commentators, Ogwa and Ofure could afford to invest millions in the fashion industry and turn their back if things don’t work out. But with their much-talked about fashion show, The Runway, getting to its third year, naysayers are turning into fans by the day.

Though, Ogbes are not as flamboyant as the sister duo behind Selera Faces, Seluwa Moma and Arafat Ukonga, the ever smiling siblings from Benue State have become a permanent fixture in the Abuja high society. Without a doubt, the in-crowd in the capital city is looking forward to what the sisters will bring this year. The Runway 3 will feature 10 designers and a mix of male and female, couture and pret-a-porter designers. Confirmed participants include Vodi, 1979, Gemini, Baldon, House of Silk, Yutees, Dzyn, Debbie African Stitches and John Frica.

• IWEZE

Maryam Booth petitions IG over death threats

F

ans adore top Kannywood actress, Maryam Booth. But one of them, a Kaduna-based rabble-rouser, Naufal S. Mohammed has turned rouge. Since April, he has been sending threat messages to the petit actress. How it all started? Naufal, who lives in the Ungwan Dosa neighborhood in Kaduna, sent his favorite actress many messages asking that they become friends.

When the Kannywood star ignored his friendship calls, he issued her warnings that bordered on blackmail.

Naufal, a self-acclaimed photo-shop expert, promised to deal with the actress by matching her head to a nude body that looks like hers if she doesn’t pay him money. He asked that the Hausa film star meet with him so that they can agree on the amount she would pay him. Maryam chose to ignore her blackmailer who boasted that he was behind a well-circulated photo-shopped picture of a northern governor, which painted him as a homosexual. This infuriated him. He went on

to buy a Blackberry and used Maryam’s photograph as his DP. He conned lots of people

• BOOTH

into believing that the phone belonged to the actress. But he soon gave himself away by using nude pictures as his DP. All the while, this crazed fan was pulling his dirty pranks; Maryam was in India where she was receiving treatment. As soon as she stepped into the country, friends besieged her with questions over “her strange love for nude DPs and other uncharacteristic behaviors”. It then dawned on the actress that her psychopathic fan had fulfilled his threats. For daring to ask him why he was out to tarnish her image, Naufal sent voice notes to Maryam and her friends, vowing to kill her.

In the voice note, he proudly introduced himself while stating his evil intention. It was at this point that Maryam petitioned the Inspector-General of Police. Though, everything seemed calm in the Kano home of the Booths when Uptown visited the family, mother of the topnotch actress, Hajia Zainab Booth, a much-loved Hausa movies veteran called on the police to take action on the petition.

OCTOBER 26, 2012

TSweekend

31

Talking beauty with Face Craft’s Jennifer Anyanwu BY CHRIST I N E ONWUACHUMBA

I

t looks like a showroom of an interior décor, complete with super comfortable couches and impressive artworks .A customer gets up to leave, gloriously impressed by the treatment and beauty lecture she has just received. Another customer has just arrived, a male, and he is gestured to another comfy couch as he waits to be pampered. This is what happens when you visit the beauty studio of Face Craft. You get the best. And in any case, who doesn’t want the best?

Jennifer Anyanwu, the vivacious woman behind Face Craft, is a seasoned make-up artiste who has done over a dozen make-ups for celebrities. “I want to make you look and feel your best,” she says. For her, it is not enough to just paint the face; it is far better when the skin underneath is well taken care of. That for her is the major goal. TS WEEKEND had an encounter with Jennifer recently in her newly opened upscale studio in FESTAC Town, Lagos, which also happens to be her second outlet. Excerpts: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE MAKE-UP AS A CAREER? Make-up is not something I chose; it chose me. Right from when I was a little girl, I had always been enchanted by beauty, anything concerning beauty; I was always there.

It got to a point that even when my mum wanted to dress me, I would tell her, ‘I can’t wear that’. I would tell her what I wanted to wear and eventually it came out nice. I have always been looked upon as a fashionista among my peers.

YOU PRODUCE SOME BEAUTY PRODUCTS, WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO FORMALLY LAUNCH YOUR LINE OF BEAUTY PRODUCTS? Very soon, it is in the pipeline, I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag. I am just trying to do all my underground work and come out with a bang.

YOU JUST DON’T DO MAKE-UP YOU ARE ALSO INTO SKIN CARE, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MAJOR PROBLEM NIGERIAN LADIES HAVE PERTAINING TO THEIR SKIN? Most Nigerian ladies do not know what to use on their skin. So, I am here to tell them what to use on their skin that will work for them. You know a lot of people experiment on their skin with different products, but when you come to Face Craft for your skin treatment, you are 200% sure of what you get. You are getting serious value for your money.

• IWUAYANWU

I HEARD YOU TELLING ONE OF YOUR CUSTOMERS THAT TAKING CARE OF THE SKIN IS TECHNICAL; IT IS NOT SOMETHING YOU JUST DO, CAN YOU PLEASE ELABORATE? What I meant by that is, when you want to use cream on your skin for a particular purpose, maybe for moisturizing or lightening.

Lets say lightening; you don’t just lighten the whole of your body just like that. You check out for the dark areas, work on them first before you progress to your entire body. So, when a part of your body is darker, instead of using the cream all over your body, work on that dark area first with the lightening cream.

Then you moisturize the other parts that are already blended, with that you get an even perfect skin tone. That is what I meant by technicality, I call it Face Craft technique.

YOU’VE WORKED WITH SO MANY CELEBRITIES AND DIVAS, WHICH OF

THEM IS YOUR FAVOURITE? I have worked with so many people. I have been opportune to work on the faces of former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, Pastor Chris Okotie’s ex-wife, Stephanie, D’banj, Flavour, Monalisa Chinda, Helen Paul, Kate Henshaw, Iyanya, and many models. My favourite is D’banj, he is very funny, he keeps making us laugh. He actually gave me a nickname, ‘Mamalet’.

WHAT IS THE MOST MAKE-UP MISTAKE YOU’VE SEEN WOMEN DO? Most aggravating is the way they draw their eyebrows and the way they apply their blushes. Some of them use very dark eye pencils to draw their eyebrows and it doesn’t come out nice. You are not supposed to use a very dark eye pencil to draw your eyebrow, you are supposed to use brown, any shade of brown. When you use black, it doesn’t come out well, it makes you look like a masquerade coming out to dance.

Then, some people think when you apply blush, you need to draw a round red circle on your cheek. It is very wrong, if you want to apply blush, it should be like a silhouette.

That is, it should be there and yet not there, we don’t want to see too much colour on your face, making the unfortunate wearer seems like she has a pink or red face.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW? It’s consistency and hard work. An engagement ring on a finger can make me walk up to a person and introduce my services to him or her. I don’t need to know you from anywhere, as long as I have spotted that shiny metal, I’m on your case. I’ll inquire about your wedding most especially who will do your make-up. I am a walking billboard of my trade. So, when I walk up to you, my appearance alone will make you stop and listen to me. Most of my jobs, I get them because of the way I look. I am a serious minded beautician; beauty for me is serious business.

FACE CRAFT IS WELL KNOWN, HOW DID YOU GET YOUR BREAK IN THE INDUSTRY? Every human being has his/her uniqueness and Face Craft has her uniqueness.

I am someone who is very resilient; I don’t like to take ‘no for an answer. I am a fighter, I pursue my goals with an intensity that is astounding, and my competitors will tell you so. I don’t quit until I get results. That is how I came this far.

I am not a quitter, am not one who quits, where people go and fail, I go there, take that thing and come back. My dad actually calls me a ‘go getter’. And then my name itself is very unique, a lot of people like my name, it says what we do.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST BIG JOB? One of the City People officials called me and asked if I could come and make up for the models at the City People Awards, I said why not? So, I started working with them, I did the first one and they liked it, I ended up working with them for four years. I actually had a column in the magazine. So, I will say City People really gave me the ‘break’ because a lot of people started calling me for jobs and asking my opinion about beauty and skincare.

WHERE DID YOU LEARN MAKE-UP? I learnt make-up from Tara WHAT IS YOUR MUST-HAVE BEAUTY MAKE-UP AND SKIN CARE? For make up, that will be my powder, because with my powder I can do anything. For skin care, that will be my moisturizer, it keeps you fresh and supple all the time.

WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE LOVED TO BE IF YOU WERE NOT A MAKE UP ARTISTE? I don’t think I would have done any other thing, I wanted to be a lawyer but my dad being a pastor said if I become a lawyer, he would disown me. He said lawyers are liars, so I followed my talent (laughing). You see the irony of life because I knew I would have being a fine lawyer.

WHAT IS THE TOUGHEST PART OF YOUR JOB? I wouldn’t say anything is tough because I am doing what I like and I’m being paid for it. So, it is not tough, it is my hobby. I am enjoying myself and people are paying me, I like to make people beautiful, that’s what I like most. I could just stop you on the street if I just happen to notice a burn on your face and say, ‘excuse me, I don’t like this thing on your face. I can treat it’, and yes, they actually come and I treat it. I am that obsessed with making people look good.

DO YOU ALSO CATER TO MEN AS REGARDS YOUR SKIN CARE LINE? Yes, everything we have for women, we also have for men except body scrubbing.

We also do facials and body scrubbing in steam.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR SKIN CARE LINE AND WHEN YOU’RE MAKING IT OFFICIAL? My skin care line consists of body cream, herbal soap, face -cream, toner and the night cream, which is used for lightening. It all depends on how you want to look and it lightens evenly while smoothening your skin making it soft and supple. The herbal soap is also for lightening and I have three variants: orange, paw paw and carrot soap. It refreshes and mildly takes care of your skin, making it fairer and supple. Face cream is used to treat any impurity on your face, pimples, blemish, and patches. It leaves you with a clean clear face. We’ll soon launch the beauty line

32

TSweekend OCTOBER 26, 2012

Going Pink Breast Canc

BY KATE HALIM

O

ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Aside creating more awareness about this killer disease which is stealing women away from their loved ones irrespective of their race, class or status, it also means hundreds of pink fundraising events and a heightened focus on the impact of this disease in the world.

Anywhere you see the pink ribbon, it is a wake-up call to the realities

of breast cancer. The pink ribbon represents fear of breast cancer, hope for the future, and the charitable goodness of people and businesses that publicly support the breast cancer movement. It is intended to evoke solidarity with women who currently have breast cancer.

Breast cancer organizations use the pink ribbon to associate them with breast cancer, promote breast cancer awareness, and to support fundraising, while others use it as their primary symbol. While specifically representing breast cancer awareness, the pink ribbon is also a symbol of goodwill towards women in general.

In Nigeria, each October, hundreds, if not thousands, of products are emblazoned with pink ribbons, colored pink, sold with a promise of a small portion of the total cost being donated

to supp and he treatme many pink i with br victims the sile ferers out for

k for cer

port breast cancer awareness elp victims get adequate ent. Aside the pink ribbon, men and women wear in solidarity reast cancer s and help ent sufspeak help.

OCTOBER 26, 2012

TSweekend

33

...The Myths, the truths MYTH Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.

THE TRUTH Only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer. But if you discover a persistent lump in your breast or notice any changes in breast tissue, it should never be ignored. It is very important that you see a physician for a clinical breast exam. He or she may possibly order breast imaging studies to determine if this lump is of concern or not.

Take charge of your health by performing routine breast selfexams, establishing ongoing communication with your doctor, getting an annual clinical breast exam, and scheduling your routine screening mammograms.

MYTH Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only.

THE TRUTH Quite the contrary, each year it is estimated that approximately 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 410 will die. While this percentage is still small, men should also check themselves periodically by doing a breast self-exam while in the shower and reporting any changes to their physicians.

Breast cancer in men is usually detected as a hard lump underneath the nipple and areola.

Men carry a higher mortality than women do, primarily because awareness among men is less and they are less likely to assume a lump is breast cancer, which can cause a delay in seeking treatment.

MYTH A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.

THE TRUTH A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, currently remains the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. Breast compression while getting a mammogram cannot cause cancer to spread.

According to the National Cancer Institute, “The benefits of mammography, however, nearly always outweigh the potential harm from the radiation exposure. Mammograms require very small doses of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation exposure is extremely low.”

The standard recommendation is an annual mammographic screening for women beginning at age 40. Base your decision on your physician’s recommendation and be sure to discuss any remaining questions or concerns you may have with your physician.

MYTH If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too.

THE TRUTH While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history.

Statistically only about 10% of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of this disease.

If you have a first degree relative with breast cancer: If you have a mother, daughter, or sister who developed breast cancer below the age of 50, you should consider some form of regular diagnostic breast imaging starting 10 years before the age of your relative’s diagnosis.

If you have a second degree relative with breast cancer: If you have had a grandmother or aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk increases slightly, but it is not in the same risk category as those who have a first degree relative with breast cancer.

If you have multiple generations diagnosed with breast cancer on the same side of the family, or if there are several individuals who are first degree relatives to one another, or several family members diagnosed under age 50, the probability increases that there is a breast cancer gene contributing to the cause of this familial history.

MYTH Breast cancer is contagious.

THE TRUTH You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else’s body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth of mutated cells that begin to spread into other tissues within the breast. However, you can reduce your risk by practicing a healthy lifestyle, being aware of the risk factors, and following an early detection plan so that you will be diagnosed early if breast cancer were to occur.

MYTH Anti-perspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.

THE TRUTH Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.

34

TSweekend

OCTOBER 26, 2012

LIFESTYLE

MAKE-UP ….Let your eyes speak

BY JOSFYN UBA

T

he foundation of a good make-up starts from the eyes. Once you get it right, you are on the right track to a perfect finish, explains celebrity make-up artist Jennifer Anyanwu of facecraft. At a beauty workshop recently in Lagos, she handed down tips to fabulous looking eyes:

NARROW EYES Narrow eyes don’t get enough props-there’s something so mysterious and sexy about them. I suggest avoiding heavy, dark shadow and liner, which can overpower narrow eyes and close them up too much.

Stick with light, iridescent shadows instead.

ROUND EYES? When it comes to eye shapes, round is feminine and versatile. You can try out a lot of different makeup looks on round eyes. Round eyes look very youthful, and you can exaggerate your eyes’ girly

fullness by shading all around the perimeter with a smoky eyeshadow. Apply liner around the perimeter of the eye, and then extend the liner out to create a beautiful almond shape.

If you have small, round eyes and want them to appear bigger, use the same technique with light or frosty liner shades to really open up the eyes.

HOODED EYELID They require some clever make-up mastery. With this eye shape, a piece of skin folds over the lower part of the eyelid. Dark shadows are best to make the lids stand out. Bold make-up looks amazing on this type of eye. A hooded lid looks amazing with a smoky eye. Pump up that lash line and line inside on the inner rims of the eyes. Liquid liner on the upper lids will stay put and won’t smear all over the folds of your sexy hooded eyes.

DEEP-SET LIDS? Applying make-up to deep-set lids can be a bit tricky, you want to enhance them without making your eyes look sunken. The trick?

I’ll never date Beckham as a married man –Katherine –Pg39

–Pg39 – Life really CAN begin at 40

sports

TSweekend

OCTOBER 26, 2012

35

Bring on United!

–Cech 37

By ROMANUS UGWU, Abuja

B

eing a renowned quantity surveyor and having once held sway as president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi needs little or no introduction, even as the Kogi State-born football administrator means many things to different people. For some, Lulu was the beautiful bride of Nigerian football due to the administrative structure he put in place while holding forte as the 'Lord of Manor' at the Glass House. But to others, he was the worst thing to have ever happened to Nigerian football.

Surrounded by his inner circle of mighty men, popularly referred to as the 'Four Musketeers of the Glass House', Lulu claimed that some members of his board and those he described as authorities in government stabbed him in the back, betrayed him and forced him out of the football secretariat with a planned impeachment.

“It was a coup d'etat because they did not follow the due process in forcing me out of office,” he quipped in anger, as he petitioned God; “something went wrong, somebody offended me. I don't know who did it, but I'm only waiting for God's verdict.”

Drilling him for hours in his first elaborate interview since his impeachment from the Glass House in Abuja, Lulu provided answers to the allegations on his abandonment of his board members for the four musketeers, his possible return to the football house to actualise his unfulfilled dreams and many more.

He also spoke on how he overcame the shock of the multiple incidences that happened to him in a very short space of time, which include his impeachment from the NFF, arrest by the EFCC and kidnap of his mother, all happened in a space of five days to climax his ordeal.

But did Lulu divert the FIFA Under-13 project fund his administration collected to build his FOLSA Academy as alleged? What was the extent of his involvement in the widely publicised missing dollars at the Glass House? These and a litany of other questions were the issues the astute football administrator took time to address in this must-read interview.

Frame of mind to assess Nigerian football My case with government is still lingering. So, I'll not be in the right frame of mind to assess Nigerian football. Moreover, I won't assess it in isolation of what I did in the system. Until there is clarity in what is happening in the court of law, I don't think I can make an objective assessment of Nigerian football.

However, I've said many things in the recent past and the facts are there for the media to examine. We delivered all we promised to Nigerians with the meagre resources available to us. I still believe that the real stakeholders should judge their leaders. I've been there and I want to say that at the opportune time, I would open up more on this.

Self-assessment I started with the maximum support of, most importantly,

TURN TO PAGE 36

NFF’S EX-BOSS, SANI LULU, OPENS UP…

Football brought crisis in my family

36

TSweekend OCTOBER 26, 2012

Sports/SANI LULU

‘Marrying Igbo woman helped me as football administrator’ Continued from page 35 the government. They gave my board and I the enabling environment to operate. There was also great support from the stakeholders. With them, it was easy for us because there was rule of law and due process in operation. The statute was effectively followed. We operated within the confines of FIFA rules. I would leave the rest for the media to explore.

As far as I'm concerned, with the mandate I enjoyed, I think I tried my best to guide Nigerian football in the right direction during my time as the head of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). But while we were getting to the point where we would see the light clearly, the unexpected happened, and I was kicked out of office.

I wouldn't want to say that Nigerians did not appreciate what we did. Instead, it was two or three persons, who were given the mandate to check what we were doing that misused their mandate against our favour. It's very unfortunate and I'm waiting for God to give final verdict on what transpired.

As for the legacy I left behind, the ultimate thing in football is the performance on the field of play, which is what Nigerians want to see.

Also, is putting proper structures in place. There were no administrative structures before we came on board. It was during my tenure that we used our powers, in accordance with FIFA Statute, to nominate the secretary general and put up a vibrant secretariat.

We brought in a new secretariat led by the secretary general with two deputy secretaries and four assistant secretary-generals. On that platform, we were able to think of how we could organise them and their programmes in accordance with the statute.

We operated and managed all our national teams and for the first time, we had as many as nine national teams participating in continental and FIFA-organised tournaments. The nine national teams ranged from the Super Falcons, Beach Soccer and youth teams, to the Super Eagles. We even went ahead to establish Under13 teams. I want to repeat that it's on record that it's only Brazil that could equal what we did.

In football, participation is more important than winning laurel. We have over 200 countries affiliated to FIFA, yet Nigeria was constant in all those tournaments. Among the about 24 countries that participated in those competitions, Nigeria was always there. It was a thing of joy for us on the board then.

I want to believe that we did very well to the best of our ability and we were at the point of graduating beyond mere participation, to winning laurels, before we were forced out of office.

Record has it that we won three laurels starting with the Under-17 FIFA Tournament in South Korea. We tried to defend that trophy in the preceding edition, but lost it narrowly to win silver.

We also won silver in a very tough Olympic match in Beijing, China. Everybody who watched that match knew that we did very brilliantly well against a Lionel Messi-led team.

Again, we qualified for the 2010 World Cup. It was not easy. Some people even confessed that while we were working tirelessly to qualify for the Mundial in South Africa, many people in powerful positions worked tirelessly also to sabotage our efforts. I was serving the government, but somebody within the system was there fighting to bring me down. It was a very complex situation, whereas the victory was not for Sani Lulu, but for Nigeria.

Unfulfilled dreams as president of NFF Everybody knew exactly what our target was.

We wanted to use the power of football to build a better future for Nigeria by making Nigeria a leading football nation in the world. That was my dream and if I've not actualised it, I would remain unfulfilled. That was our vision and it was not a tall one for any winning mind. Within four years, I worked very hard to realise more than 50 per cent of my proposal. But I needed more time to really get the job done properly.

Those were the things in my mind and that of my colleagues. We believed that we could pursue and deliver them to Nigerians. But God knows the best.

'Kogi football federation' The records are there for anyone who cares to crosscheck. So, it would be unfair for anybody to accuse me of turning the Glass House into Kogi

started with CAF without laying a solid foundation first, just as one cannot jump into the university without first completing his primary and secondary education.

What we did was in the best interest of the country. We wanted the coaches to operate in a truly organised setting like the referees. I'm happy that I did it even though I can't tell if the structure is still maintained.

Threat to life

•Mrs Lulu football federation. I challenge anybody to name those Kogi people I employed at the Glass House. That was part of the corruption allegation levied against me.

They also said that I parked Kogi people anytime I travelled out of Nigeria. But I would love people to come up with facts and proves their allegations. Hearsay is not civil. The truth is that my administration was never dominated by Kogi indigenes.

Ruling of musketeers We assigned responsibilities to people. All my board members presided over one standing committee or the other, and they played leading roles.

I never withheld anybody from discharging his responsibility. It would have been a problem if I had created 20 standing committee and gave them to only four persons to oversee. I structured it in such a way that every member of the board headed at least one committee. I never deprived anybody from working, but if anyone insisted on travelling, I would remind him of his responsibility.

We had a collective responsibility in the discharge of our specific assignments as contained in the statute, and everybody on the board had a role to perform. I wouldn't go into details but to say that I was transparent with the way I handled issues during my tenure. I challenge anybody to come up with facts and prove how I shortchanged him. I did not deprive anybody of anything and if anybody accuses me of working with four musketeers, I would want such a person to be specific with his allegations.

However, as a president in dare need of results, what is wrong that I saw people that were committed with their duties and decided to work closely with them? I had people who came close to me on sympathy grounds to help me achieve results. If there is anything I achieved, I did not achieve it alone. The credit should go to the entire members of the board.

For instance, apart from the FIFA world ranking in 1994, which placed the Super Eagles on the fifth position, it was during my tenure that Nigeria rose to the ninth position in the world ranking and that has remained the best ever since then. The second best ranking for the country was between 2006 and 2009. But it was a collective effort of all the board members and not mine alone. Though I was driving the project, I relied on one or two persons to get the job done.

Waiting to return I want to think that about 150 million Nigerians would admit that I rendered quality services to this great country. They gave me the desired motivation to work. But with the circumstances that threw me out of NFF and considering the fact that it was a hobby that took me there, I still remain passionate about it. But I had always told people that I did not forget anything at the Glass House to lure me back to it.

The only painful thing is that they did not follow due process when they forced me out of office. They would have done it in a civilised manner. That was the unfortunate thing. So, I'm not desperate about returning to the Glass House.

I've told them that having impeached me illegally and later vacated the impeachment; they should reinstate me to my position. But, I'm not keen on going back to that position. However, man proposes but it is God that disposes. If God

•Lulu says that I must go and become a messenger there or elsewhere, I will obey. I'm waiting for Him. I worked very hard when I got into that position and everybody knew that I deserved to get a second term because of my achievements.

After deputising Dominic Oneya, I contested for chairman in 2002 and lost. I wept, but God told me that it was not yet my time. In 2006, I did not spend a dime and yet God installed me in that position. So, to be candid, those who are faithful will always reap the fruit at the right time. I'm faithfully waiting for what God will do on the matter.

Lulu still in charge at Glass House I want to thank God if people still have that notion. However, I think that I should be on the seat if I'm truly in charge. If I'm in charge, the president of the federation should be reporting to me on daily basis. I should be dishing out instructions to the staff and have closed contact with them. I would be monitoring the structure.

But if people are still believing that I'm in charge at the Glass House and giving me credit for what is going on there, it means that God is still watching and thinks that I'm still relevant. I'm happy that God is speaking through the mouth of Nigerians.

Missing dollars It was an unfortunate incident and Nigerians have the right to talk. When that incident happened, many people advised that I should allow it to die a natural death, but I was the first person to insist that anybody who stole that money I got in a hard way, must return it. For being accountable and transparent, I insisted that we must not allow the matter to be swept under the carpet.

People argued that money used to miss in the past without anybody raising the alarm, but I insisted that my regime would be different. I could have kept the incident secret, but I didn't.

So, it was the Sani Lulu-led board that insisted on recovering a missing fund at the Glass House for the very first time.

Nigerian players joining obscure leagues During my tenure, we tried to manage the process by which Nigerian players joined other leagues in the world. That was why we postponed indefinitely FIFA Players' Agents examinations. We were bent on streamlining the best practices in international transfer of players, and we almost got it right.

Failure in certifying Nigerian coaches We started from the foundation. I insisted that I wouldn't start from external bodies. I didn't deem it right to start with FIFA-registered coaches. We couldn't have started from international level without laying a solid foundation at home.

For that reason, we started with the categorisation of Nigerian coaches. We graded our indigenous coaches with full support from CAF and FIFA. It has never happened before in Nigeria.

So, my first assignment was to ensure that all those coaches, who had outstayed their welcome in the system were gradually weeded out despite their higher grades. The idea was to give the young generation of coaches the opportunity to spring up. There was no way we could have

If there was a threat to my life, it was the day I was taken to Kuje Prison. Another was the day my mother was kidnapped. I'll also add the petitions many people wrote against me. Some Nigerians asked why I waited this long before opening up on my travails, and I told them that it was because of the love I have for my country. It was because I didn't want to overheat the polity or create further confusion, even though I was unjustly impeached.

My reaction could have caused further distractions. But now, God has directed me to tell Nigerians the truth about all that transpired. My target is to meet with the President. Meeting him will help to untie the knotty issues, which will do a lot of good to the country.

Shock absorber If what happened to me had happened to anybody who does not have faith or support from God, that person would have gone to the other side of the divide. Anybody who knew what happened to me within that period knew what I passed through. I was impeached from the NFF and arrested; my mum was kidnapped; many petitions were written against me to the EFCC and other security formations. All these happened within four or five days, but God fortified me. For my mum to go through that humiliation for eight day, was enough to eclipse anybody's life.

For the authority to accuse me of stealing N1.8billion, which I did not do or know anything about, was enough to kill me, but God preserved me. I thank Him that I'm still alive and looking healthier than I was, even when I was at the Glass House.

Coup d'etat?

For me, there was no time the iron was too hot to bear. There would always be challenges, but what matters is how one manages them. I tried and managed the challenges and God has always been on my side. For the four years I was at the Glass House till the time of my impeachment, God was there for me.

What happened to my regime was a coup d'etat. It came as a surprise to me because due process was not followed. They just forced me out of office even when I was returned unopposed. They abruptly deprived me of serving my countrymen and women.

Igbo wife, an added advantage When the going was good, peopled addressed me as a detribalised Nigerian considering the fact that I marry an Igbo woman. But when things went awry, they said that I was a tribal person.

I did not become NFF president with Kogi connection. My base was the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). My relationship with people, particularly my Igbo wife, schooling in Warri, staying in Lagos and being born in Zaria, made me a true Nigerian. That background helped me to understand why I must not discriminate against anybody while in my position as the NFF president.

Not after football money I didn't abandon my professional calling as a quantity surveyor, but I was fully involved in the running of football from my university days. I never depended on football for survival. Instead, I've been raising money for football. Even as a director of sports, I used my money to encourage people to play the game. In all my life, I've been using my money to develop football, while I regard anything that comes from government as secondary.

I did a similar thing while at the helm of affairs in the football federation. That was why I left many resources behind. I used the little money I had to serve Nigeria through football and God has rewarded me greatly.

OCTOBER 26, 2012 TSweekend

37

EURO SOCCER

Bring on United!

Cech calls on Blues to continue fine start

P

etr Cech has hailed Chelsea’s flying start to the Premier League season and says he cannot wait for this weekend’s title clash against Manchester United.

The Czech goalkeeper has starred as the Blues have won seven of their opening eight league fixtures to open up a fourpoint gap over United and reigning champions, Manchester City.

Roberto Di Matteo’s side lost to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, in a Champions League tie but their No 1 has told the club’s official website, he is already looking forward to Sunday’s game at Stamford Bridge.

“We have made many good starts in the time I have been here, but we started

insisted Cech.

“By this time, he would have been burnt out without any break, but now you can see he still has slowly the first two games this Olympics, and Cech feels he has left us after the start of the season the hunger to play and he is fit and season. We seem to get better as benefited from that time off. and went for a holiday but you has a lot of energy. It is great to see the team gets to know each other,” “People were surprised when he can’t play two seasons in a row,” him playing like that.” said Cech.

“Now, we have played two tough away games at Arsenal and Spurs and we got six points which is a huge advantage, but now we time soon unless injuries force him ayern Munich attacker, Arjen to say farewell to the game. await the game against Robben, has made it clear that The Dutchman revealed earlier this Manchester United at home he has no intention to hang up week that he has considered retiring because that will be a another big his boots any from professional football in the past test.” due to his ongoing injury worries, but Cech, 30, also took time out to the 28-year-old has now stressed praise the recent performances of that he will only quit if physical Spanish attacking midfielder, Juan problems leave him no Mata, who scored twice in the 4–2 other choice. win at Tottenham on Saturday.

“Retiring crossed Mata was rested at the my mind •Robben start of the season after a summer in which he played in both Euro 2 0 1 2 a n d the

I ‘ll not retire voluntarily – Robben

B

because I was disappointed and frustrated that it’s taking this long before, I can make my comeback,” he told Bild.

“However. I also said that playing football and scoring goals still gives me a lot of pleasure, and that I have no intention to retire voluntarily.

“It’s really frustrating when do you anything possible in order to make sure you can do your job, yet your body doesn’t cooperate.

“Don’t worry, though. I will soon be back on the pitch again. Retiring?

Absolutely not!”

Robben has made six appearances in all competitions for Bayern this term.

Juventus defeat ‘ll spur Napoli – Hamsik

N

apoli forward, Marek Hamsik, believes that the Azzurri’s defeat to Juventus in the top-of-the-table-clash last Saturday will inspire them to perform better for the remainder of the season.

The Slovakian believes that the loss to the Old Lady will make his side more determined to succeed in the coming weeks and continue their Serie A challenge The Slovakia international admitted he felt the Serie A leaders were slightly fortunate to run out 2–0 winners in Turin and that a defensive error for Martin Caceres’ goal cost them at least a point.

“Juve had a lot of the ball, but never looked dangerous,” he told Tuttosport.

“Unfortunately we left Caceres alone at the corner, and we were punished.”

Walter Mazzari’s team remain second in the table despite the loss, and Hamsik feels that they must take their disappointment out on their next opponents after failing to take the chance to move to the summit of the league.

He added: “This defeat will give us the right sort of anger for the next games. We start next weekend against Chievo, and that will be important.

“We then go to Bergame (to play Atalanta) and that will also be tricky.

•Hamsik “We have to work hard.”

Premier League Fixtures SAT 27 OCT 2012 Aston Villa v Norwich –12:45 Arsenal v QPR –15:00 Reading v Fulham – 15:00 Stoke v Sunderland – 15:00 Wigan v West Ham – 15:00 Man City v Swansea – 17:30 SUN 28 OCT 2012 Everton v Liverpool – 13:30 Newcastle v West Brom – 15:00 Southampton v Tottenham – 15:00 Chelsea v Man Utd – 16:00

La Liga Fixtures La Liga fixtures SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2012 Espanyol v Málaga Real Betis v Valencia Celta Vigo v Deportivo La Coruña Rayo Vallecano v Barcelona SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2012 Real Zaragoza v Sevilla FC Levante v Granada Athletic Bilbao v Getafe

•Cech

38

TSweekend OCTOBER 26, 2012

Sports/LIFESTYLE

Here come the girls!

Sharapova, Serena, Kvitova and Co bring the glamour to WTA event in Turkey

W

e’re used to seeing them dressed in sportswear and drenched in sweat after battling their way through to two or three gruelling sets of tennis, but the top-ranked ladies on the WTA Tour show they can really dazzle off-court.

The elite women players have gathered in Istanbul for TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships and took centre stage at the glitzy launch party ahead of the start of the action

which begins on Tuesday.

World No 2, Maria Sharapova, was joined by Serena Williams, Li Na, Angelique Kerber, Petra Kvitova, Victoria Azarenka, Agnieszka Radwanska and Sara Errani at the event’s draw ceremony in Istanbul.

There was time for pictures as the girls had their make-up done and then they posed for the photographers as they made their grand entrance in front of the world’s press.

The ladies have been split into two groups for qualifying with the best making it through to battle it out in the semi-finals, then final to land the prestigious title.

Williams returns to the event with the Wimbledon and US Open titles, plus the Olympic gold medal to her name, yet has no chance of finishing the year as the No. 1 in the

world.

Williams has not played since beating top-ranked Victoria Azarenka in the final of the US Open in September and her sparse schedule is one of the reasons she won’t have a chance of overtaking the Belarusian despite dominating the major events in the second half of

the year.

Azarenka needs only two wins in the elite, eight-player WTA Championships in Istanbul to end 2012 as No 1. Williams and Azarenka have been drawn into the same round-robin group when play starts on Tuesday.

“I don’t really care who I play, when I play, as long as I can play,” Williams said. “I’m really happy to be here. I’m on the Red side with Victoria, it’ll be good.”

Angelique Kerber of Germany and Li Na of China complete the Red Group.

French Open champion and second-ranked Maria Sharapova of Russia headlines the White

OJ Simpson bids for freedom

D

isgraced OJ Simpson has launched a new bid to be freed from jail after lodging an appeal.

The former American football star and actor was cleared of murdering ex-wife Nicole and her friend, Ronald Goldman, at a famous trial in 1995.

But he was jailed for up to 33 years in 2008 for armed robbery and kidnapping.

Now, Las Vegas judge, Linda Marie Bell, has agreed to reopen the case to probe whether there was a conflict of interest.

Simpson, 65, was not present in court when

the judge agreed to consider 18 questions raised in an appeal by OJ’s lawyer, Patricia Palm.

She claims his 2008 lawyer, Yale Galanter had “personal financial and business interests” that prevented Simpson receiving fair representation.

It’s likely Simpson will have to testify.

Amir Khan’s fiancée demands explanation … Over boxer’s ex-lover’s cheating allegation

A

mir Khan’s pretty fiancee, Faryal Makhdoom, has reportedly demanded a showdown with one of the boxer’s former lovers to find out if he cheated on her.

Furious Faryal has texted former glamour model, Natalie Fox, 28, asking to meet with her after getting suspicious their relationship was still happening when they were together, a •Khan with fiancee newspaper has claimed.

It is believed she found text messages between twotime world champion, Amir and blonde Natalie alluding to a “fling”.

Blonde Natalie, a model with Flirt agency, has claimed she romped with the Bolton ace just two weeks before his official engagement to Faryal in January.

But Amir, 25, insists it happened a year earlier, shortly after they met through mutual friends and when they were both single.

Now, New York-based student, Faryal 20, wants to know the truth before she marries Amir.

It is reported she is even prepared to fly to the UK to meet Natalie face-to-face for a showdown.

Faryal has asked to see what evidence Natalie has of the alleged affair, insisting: “I have every right to know.”

Group, with form e r Wi m b l e d o n champion and last year’s winner in Istanbul, Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic, Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland and Sara Errani of Italy completing the bracket.

Since losing to Williams in the US Open final, the last of the four Grand Slams of the year, Azarenka has won 13 straight matches and has held the No. 1 ranking for 34 weeks.

The Belarusian won the Australian Open in January and five more titles this year.

“Every match here is tough. I obviously have great champions in the group. It’s tough no matter what. It’s challenging, definitely, but I’m looking forward to it,” said Azarenka, who lost last year’s Istanbul final to Kvitova.

Williams has played a curtailed schedule because of injuries and illness but she holds a 10–1 career record against Azarenka.

The American is ranked No. 3 in the world, but she holds a 9–1 record this year against the other seven finalists in Istanbul.

Williams has only twice finished the year as No. 1 - in 2002 and 2009. She has played in the season finale six times and won twice, in 2001 and 2009, her final appearance at the event.

Her record this year is 53-4, with her only losses coming to Ekaterina Makarova in the fourth round of the Australian Open, to Caroline Wozniacki in the quarterfinals in Miami, to Virginie Razzano in the first round of the French Open and to Kerber in the quarterfinals in Cincinnati.

•Sharapova

TSweekend OCTOBER 26, 2012

39

Sports/LIFESTYLE

I’ll never date Beckham as a married man – Katherine K

atherine Jenkins is glad she quashed internet rumours that she was having an affair with David Beckham - because she didn’t want her fans to think she could ever romance a married man.

She kept quiet for months after rumours spread that she was dating the footballer behind Victoria Beckham’s back.

But the 32-year-old finally broke her silence on Twitter in August.

And she admits that she had to go public in case people had the wrong impression of her.

She said: “I didn’t want people to think I would date a married man.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to think I would do that to another woman.

“I wanted to put it right. It couldn’t have been more wrong. I couldn’t have people thinking such things of me.”

The opera singer was unfairly accused of issuing the denial as a publicity stunt.

However, Jenkins insisted she had no choice as she had been subjected to months of online abuse.

She said: “From my point of view, I was actually getting •Katherine months of people saying this to me on Twitter and calling my friends and asking if it was true.

“It went from being now and again to constant abuse.”

She added: “I was getting death threats before I spoke about it. You wouldn’t believe how crazy and out of control it was getting.”

She caused a stir with the summer public denial - tweeting: “Dear Twitter friends, I’ve read some horrible rumours on here & want u 2 know I absolutely deny I’ve had an affair with David Beckham.

“I’ve only met David twice once at the Military Awards in 2010 & on a night out in the West End in Feb 2012.

We were out in a group of friends & it was just a normal fun evening out.

“Just so we are clear, I have never been on my own with him and never arranged to meet up.”

•Beckham

•Muamba and wife

Muamba marries fiancée in castle ceremony S

even months ago, he was lying on the White Hart Lane turf after collapsing and suffering a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup tie, with doctors saying he was ‘in effect dead’ for almost 80 minutes.

But following on from his miraculous recovery earlier this year, ex-Bolton Wanderers star, Fabrice Muamba, married his fiancée, Shauna on Saturday at the 19th Century Peckforton Castle in Cheshire.

Guests included former England striker, Andy Cole, 41, while a Manchesterbased catering firm, provided Caribbeanthemed food - including jerk chicken and curried goat, reported the Mirror.

Muamba was also believed to have invited some of the medical staff, who helped save his life, including cardiologist, Dr Andrew Deaner, and Manchester United striker, Robin van Persie, 29.

However, New York Red Bulls striker, Thierry Henry, was not at the bash - despite some media reports.

Shauna, 27, was a constant presence at Muamba’s bedside following his dramatic collapse during Bolton’s FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham Hotspur in March, which shocked the footballing world.

Their wedding was held at the castle, where Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, 33, and Sunderland player Wes Brown, 33, both had their marriages.

Muamba proposed to Shauna on Valentine’s Day earlier this year, just a month before the cardiac arrest happened. He was forced to retire from professional football in August despite his recovery.

“Since Fabrice almost died, he didn’t want to waste one moment. It looked as if the wedding was going to be a little way off, but he decided he didn’t want to wait.”

The couple have a three-year-old son named Joshua, who was said to have yelled at the TV when he saw his father collapse during the match: “Mummy, Daddy is frozen!”

A friend told the Daily Star: ‘Since Fabrice almost died, he didn’t want to waste one moment. It looked as if the wedding was going to be a little way off, but he decided he didn’t want to wait.’

The player said in August: “I thank God that I am alive and I

pay tribute once again to the members of the medical team who never gave up on me.’

Life really CAN begin at 40 …But only if you cut back on the booze and join the gym

S

tudy looked at how many older adults ate their greens, didn’t smoke, limited their alcohol and stayed active.

Those who engaged in all four behaviours had triple the chance of enjoying a healthy old age compared to those who did none.

The old adage that life begins at 40 is true - as long as you quit smoking, don’t drink too much alcohol, eat fruit and vegetables and work out, a study has revealed.

Researchers were looking at what impact certain good habits could have on achieving a healthy old age over a 16-year period.

This was defined as someone aged 60 or over who had good mobility and mental health and didn’t suffer from any chronic diseases.

A study of more than 5,000 people aged from 42 to 63 revealed individual behaviours such as staying active, had a small benefit.

However, study leader, Dr Siverine Sabia, from the University College London, added: “Our study shows the cumulative impact of healthy behaviours on successful ageing - the greater the number of healthy behaviours, the greater the benefit.”

Those who were active, ate their greens, didn’t smoke and limited their alcohol had the best chance of enjoying a sprightly old age.

Participants, who engaged in all four behaviours had more than triple the chance of enjoying a healthy old age compared with those who engaged in none.

The British and French study looked at the records of 5,100 men and women, who did not have cancer, heart disease or stroke in the assessment phase during 1991-1994. Those still alive were then re-assessed in 2007-2009. Of the total participants, 549 had died during follow-up, 953 were classified as successfully ageing, while the remaining people aged normally.

In the study population, five per cent of people did not engage in any of the four healthy behaviours.

Dr Sabia said: “Although individual healthy behaviours are moderately associated with successful ageing, their combined impact is quite substantial.

“Multiple healthy behaviours appear to increase the chance of reaching old age diseasefree and fully functional in an additive manner.”

40

TSweekend

OCTOBER 26, 2012

GOURMETLOUNGE

WITH DEMOLA BALOGUN

08023032724

FACT FILE

Obesity (diabetes) syndrome

W

• GUESTS HAVING A NICE TIME. INSET: CHIEF CHUKWUKADIBIA

Zaaz pops up with sassy hospitality experience

I

f you are a discerning holiday maker, business traveler or corporate executive who has traversed vast tourist destinations across major cities in Nigeria, then you are most likely to know what makes Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos a celebrity haunt and hub of hospitality aficionados and showbiz personalities.

Allen Avenue is unarguably a nouveau riche enclave with pulsating beat rhythm and classic style of its own which are interwoven - opening its bowel to exhilarating pleasures and compelling after work happy-hour, over choice invigorating drinks and delectable cuisines.

Recently, the choice of Allen Avenue

by Fes. Chukwukadibia (God is chosen above and beyond other gods), for a well-appointed hospitality haven called Zaaz Hotels, evoked luxurious comfort, rejuvenation and rare pleasures to indulge in. Flaunting an impressive Agiliga corporate profile which boasts of flourishing oil and gas marketing and international investment across the Atlantic including Texas, Hoston in America, Chukwukadibia has safely landed at Allen spot. It was exactly the same spot where a hospitality support group had purveyed pleasure and busi-

ness simultaneously but with daunting economic challenges paved way for the newly opened Zaaz Hotels that the chief executive vowed will go full 360 degrees in creating a world of adventures and relaxing ambience that is perhaps second to none.

Not given to elaborate protocol, Chukwukadibia was practically the supervising architect and construction engineer as he moved from one spot to the other while putting finishing touches to the hotel complex, which according to him, was extremely important in order to ensure strict compliance to details by workmen, adherence to quality fittings and specified modeling of the facilities in quality design and functionality.

The over 40-room hotel boasts of tastily furnished accommodation filled with WIFI fast speed broad band telecommunication system, sauna bath and card key access that controls electricity consumption in all the rooms.

To a large extent, the bespoke launch was rather informal as guests popped up sparkling wine lavishly and sipped fruit juice to their fill with finger chops, spring roll, samosa and chicken kebab to go with it. The special attractions were exotic cocktails of grenadine and fruity cream liquor including sweet vermouth all carefully blended by F&B unit led by

Ajibola Pelemo, who was the master sommelier at the occasion.

In an exclusive interview with Gourmet Lounge, Chukwukadibia explained that it took well over a year to complete the hotel project, which hitherto had 23 rooms but has now been remodeled into 43 rooms, including executives suites, extensive function space, recreational facilities, body sculpture shop and tranquil setting all conveniently sheltered from the demand of the outside world.

Zaaz is intensively exterior, refined, and elegant, and offers supreme taste and perfect ambience for business and pleasure, with standard swimming pool and restaurant services for non-residents and casual diners. The hotel may be swarmed over in no time, which may require discreet security and 24-hour surveillance.

Despite the huge investment which has netted experienced hands like haute cuisine chef, Kizito Agbaegbu as the hotel manager, perhaps, a franchise brand of casino, (the MGM Las Vegas model) may be an innovative product offering at Zaaz, to key in loyal customers, top flight business executives and airline officials while keeping membership and discount on top card.

ith a sedentary lifesty le (no recreation, no exercise, no social activity) resulting in poor fitness and dietary regimen, you can easily take in more calories than you utilise through normal daily activities either at home or office, which often leads to obesity or excess weight gain.

Having a diet that is high in calories like soft drinks, pastry, white bread, snacks, and skipping breakfast, drinking beer,

stout, carbonated sweet drinks, fruit juice, malt drinks, and also eating oversized portion of eba, pounded yam, fufu or semovita late at night contribute to excess weight.

Excessive drinking (bingestyle) of alcohol, or soft drinks, youghurt and getting less than six hours of sleep at night can cause changes in hormones that increase your appetite. This may also cause you to crave foods high in calories. So to avoid obesity/diabetes, watch your food and drinks’ intake and cultivate active leisure style through daily exercise, healthy nutrition and social networking.

Kitchen tips • Use a wooden board to chop vegetables; it will not blunt the knife.

Don’t use a plastic board as small plastic pieces may go with the vegetables.

• To bake potatoes quickly, place them in salt water for 15 minutes before baking, use the skin of boiled potatoes to wipe mirrors to become sparkling clean.

• Immerse egg in a pan of cool salted water, if it sinks, it is fresh, if it rises to the surface it is quite old.

• Make a small hole in the egg by piercing with a pin before boiling it. You will be able to remove its skin very easily afterwards.

Okey Bakassi, KOK, Aki for MR. FAN’S re-launch

T

he sleepy town of Ejigbo, an outskirt of Lagos, will be agog this weekend as notable Nollywood stars and musicians gather to entertain fans and fun seekers at the re-launch of MR. FAN’S, a fast food and entertainment spot.

Among those that will thrill guests and fans at the MR. FAN’S event centre are popular comedians like Okey Bakassi, Omoba Handsome, Shama Melody, 2 Can Talk, and My Husband. Also, Kanayo O. Kanoyo and Osita Iheme aka Aki are the lead actors expected at the event.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, MR. FAN’S, Chief Fan Ndubuoke revealed that the firm had to bring in some of the best names and well known faces in the entertainment industry because the enterprise has been rebranded, repackaged and repositioned.

“We are a leading name in the fast food and entertainment industry in the country. MR FAN’S is a brand name and so we have re-branded to serve our cus-

tomers better. We have repackaged in order not to disappoint those who believe in us and we have repositioned for vantage services. What we are doing is just to thrill our numerous customers to sensational groove because we have brought more glamour and new packages on our menu for the delight of our

• BAKASSI

promoters and patrons,” he says.

Explaining why the Ejigbo show has become inevitable, Ndubuoke stated: “Besides fast food business which has been our mainstay all these years, we now, in our efforts to meet the demands of our esteemed customers, added so many other items on our menu.

“First, in our new magnificent site located in Ejigbo, Lagos, we now have a VIP lounge, event place or centre and bar. We also have a viewing centre for live coverage of world football games and a barbeque. Since we are into a serious business, we are staging this Ejigbo Show by bringing in leading actors and comedians closer to the customers”.

Ndubuoke noted that the re-growth and expansion of MR. FAN’S became inevitable because the competition in the industry got stiffer by the day. He revealed that MR. FAN’S is now beefed up and boosted with facilities such as airconditioned rooms, security monitors, spacious parking spaces and utilities that can guarantee comfort and luxury.

F & B CRACKER • Be content to remember that those who can make omelets properly can do nothing else -Hillare Belloc • The Golden rule when reading the menu in a restaurant is: if you can’t pronounce it, you can’t afford it -Fran Muir • Kissing doesn’t last. Cookery does - George Meredith • It is impossible to have a failure with chimney; there’s nothing to set and no ingredients barred -Robert Morlay • To eat well in England you should have breakfast three times a day -W. Somerset Maughan