Saturday 2nd April 2016

Wike: INEC Plotting to Release Results of Cancelled Elections to Favour APC Amaechi lost in Ikwerre, declare it or face crisis Ernest Chinwo , Onyebuchi Ezigbo iand Omon-Julius Onabu Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) to release some of the results in the eight local government areas it earlier cancelled in the March 19 legislative re-run elections in the state.

This is as the governor warned of imminent crisis if

No plan to declare results in places where electoral processes were inconclusive, says INEC

INEC dared to cancel results of Ikwerre Local Government, home of former Governor Chibuike Amaechi, he said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates won.

In a swift reaction, the electoral umpire said Wike’s al-

legations were not true and that it has no plan to declare results in places where the electoral processes were inconclusive.

In an exclusive interview with THISDAY in Port Harcourt yesterday, Wike said he had information that INEC was

planning to release some of the results in the eight local government areas where the commission suspended elections.

He said: “We are now hearing that INEC wants to release some of the results of the election they

cancelled in some of the eight local governments, obviously to help the APC. Don't forget the election was cancelled around 2pm before the election process was even concluded on the 19th, the very day of the election.

Continued on page 8

Fayose Accuses Buhari of Wasting $50m on Foreign Trips ...Page 10 Saturday 2 April, 2016 Vol 21. No 7647 Price: N150

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Adeosun at G20 in Paris, Calls for Inclusive Growth for Africa

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has advocated for sustainable and inclusive growth for Africa while speaking at a high level G20 seminar of finance ministers in Paris, France Thursday night.

At the G20 Summit, the

finance ministers met to discuss current challenges to the international financial architecture and ways of combating macroeconomic volatility.

The high-level seminar also assessed volatility in capital flows and their impact on global economic conditions.

Speaking at the opening

plenary session alongside Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the IMF; François Villeroy de Galhau, Governor of the Banque de France; Valdis Dombrovkis, Vice President of the European Commission and Wolfgang Schauble, Minister of Finance, Germany, Adeosun acknowledged the progress that had been made

in the international financial architecture since the 2008 global financial crisis.

She noted that the first line of defence was sound macroeconomic policies, which Africa in general and Nigeria specifically, is trying to tackle with a series of fiscal housekeeping initiatives.

The Minister said that there

had been excessive focus on GDP as a measure of economic progress, which often concealed vulnerabilities, particularly inequalities.

She called for a more holistic measure of economic growth.

She highlighted the risks associated with international capital flows and warned that African economies needed to be

insulated from the disruptive effects of volatile short term portfolio flows.

Africa can build the necessary resilience, she said, but there must be more careful management of capital flows and a move towards long term

Continued on page 8

IMF Article IV: Nigerian Economy Facing Substantial Challenges Current account moves from 0.2% surplus to a deficit projected at 2.4% of GDP

Welcomes CBN's monetary policy tightening

Obinna Chima The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has pointed out that the Nigerian economy is currently facing substantial challenges, saying lower oil prices have significantly affected the country's fiscal and external accounts.

The fund stated this in the conclusion of its 2016 Article IV Consultation with Nigeria, by its Executive Board. The document dated March 31, was posted on the multilateral agency's website yesterday.

The IMF, however welcomed recent monetary policy tightening by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and recommended that the central bank targets price stability to maintain inflation within the target range.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN in its meeting last week, raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) otherwise known as the interest rate, to 12 per cent from 11 per cent. It had also increased bank’s Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to 22.5 per cent from 20 per cent, in a move aimed at tightening liquidity, which the central bank Continued on page 8

STANDING UP AGAINST NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION...

President Muhammadu Buhari (2nd from right) in second row, with other world leaders at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington DC, United States …yesterday

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY Julius Agwu

There Are Certain Jokes I Shouldn’t Say Any More

People Laugh More When I Crack Vulgar Jokes I Am Starting a Gospel Nightclub –It’s for Believers Julius Agwu

Lilliputian but quintessential, he’s a smooth, sweet talker. Always dressed to the nines, he cuts a figure of a movie mogul. He’s one of the biggest comedians on the continent of Africa. He can even sing – and dance.

He lights up shows and cracks up ribs. An indefatigable, inventive entertainer, successful and blessed with a happy home, he seems unstoppable. Julius ‘the Genius’ Agwu, Nigeria’s impeccable comic entertainer, knows how to live life to the fullest. But in a twist of unfortunate events, the comedian now sees life in a whole different light. In a flashback, he recalls how he was wheeled into a hospital after suffering a lifethreatening seizure at a location. Shortly after, he was pronounced dead and the hospital wanted to put away his body in a mortuary. How did he survive that ‘death’? What anguish did he suffer in the hands of ‘contractor pastors’? Agwu speaks with Adedayo Adejobi about all these and more. And guess what? The rib-cracker master has come with a new one: a gospel nightclub –but, did he say it’s only for believers?

T

he inspiration behind my book, ‘Jokes Apart’ started as a Joke As a matter of fact, now I know how I got here. It can only be God because when it was titled, I didn’t know God was the one titling the book. But I thank God that (it) is my first book and it was unveiled on my 40th birthday – 7th April, 2013.

It was edited by Toni Kan and Peju. It is actually an inspirational aspect of my life right from birth until I attained 40 and I’m actually working on another one named, ‘Life as I see it’; that will be more like a sequel to ‘Jokes Apart’ how did I get here? Life as I see it is the process that I passed through: my encounter with death and my resurrection; that is what I call it. I call it the ‘The birth’ – the rebirth of Julius Agwu.

It is also another inspirational story of God’s glory in my life and the whole idea is for people to understand that my perception of life has changed and this is the ‘reborn’ Julius Agwu.

Life began after 40 After I turned 40 – when my first book was unveiled – I decided that, as they say, life begins at 40, so I started trying to work out, look good because

my business is show business and I need to show for the business to come. So I decided to work on myself, keep fit and all that. That was when I realised that I was shrinking. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. There were different distresses. They weren’t natural any more. I decided to embark on getting closer to God and you know that there are so many contractor pastors all over now, even as I was facing the medical challenge, there is also the spiritual angle to it. So, I decided that it would be necessary as well to look unto God. While you are also looking unto God, you need to know that the same God created the doctors and other medical professionals.

My grouse with contractor pastors pushed me to Bible School I would have medical doctors rather than pastors, so-called pastors – some who think that God called them, while God didn’t even flash them. But right now, the level of anointing and grace upon my life and the best thing that happened to me is that I heeded to that call to attend a Bible School.

I was pronounced dead but God brought me to life Say if you don’t know, you don’t

know. And the Bible says my people perish for lack of knowledge and that was exactly my case and the case of so many billions of people out there. This thing called knowledge, we need to acquire it; not every educated person is truly educated. I would just allow it because they say prayer (prescription) has no overdose. Even as Adeboye is Daddy G.O, people still pray for him. I mean every pastor needs someone who backs him up with prayers. I didn’t know of this until I was shooting my series titled, ‘The vendor’, and I was playing the lead character ‘Joe’ and the way the vendor has been shaped.

The way I created the story is about the story of Joseph, and the ‘Jeo’ there represents me as well. I know there’s something special about ‘J’, Jesus, Julius, Joseph. So I am the voice of the voiceless in the vendor. He (the vendor) is a graduate; after he finished from school, no work. In our present society where people are looking for jobs, it was the practical re-enactment of the character of ‘J’ which was also somehow the person of me. So, this guy is a vendor and sells newspapers, disseminating information, free readers come there to stay and talk, which is what happens in Nigeria. How do we use those talks for positive change in our society? So,

that’s who I am. I want to deal with topical issues, societal ills, see how I can, at least, try and be didactic. I happen to be the executive producer; it is under my production company, ‘Reel laif’. The day after the shoot, 7th April, my birthday again, that was the day we finished shooting ‘The Vendor’.

God has always been there for me. My wife told me everything because I had a terrible seizure and I was rushed to the hospital. By the time I got there, I was in coma. The doctor tried everything to bring me back, I wasn’t coming back.

At some point, the doctor gave up and asked my wife to call my elder sister.

She happens to be the general manager in my company. She called her, the doctor spoke with her and said, ‘Listen, we have tried everything to bring (back to life) your brother but he is not coming back, and according to report, since he is not coming back, let’s put him in mortuary.’ My sister told the doctor that it was not God’s report. So they started prayers in the fellowship. I remembered in the spiritual realm that I was seeing dead people in the past and my dad was telling me to go back. Then I came back and when I came back, I was more like a vegetable. I lost my memory. I couldn’t recognise my wife and everybody, but I have different men of God

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

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SUPER SATURDAY I Wear a New Look to Cover Scars on My Head ...

Julius Agwu with family

Julius Agwu who prayed for me until I got a bit strong. Then I told my wife that we had to go and check the root of the thing. That was how we flew abroad. We went to Texas (in the US). That was where we had different tests. Scan results revealed that I had three tumours in my brain. The doctor had to advise an emergency surgery, which was carried out. The one behind here (points to head) was the size of a golf ball; that is the one that was removed and that is why I have this new look to cover the scars. And then there were still two remaining. Another stage of the whole challenge was checking if they were cancerous. We entered into prayer; we never stopped. It was another miracle. At the end of the day, they said thank God, they were not malignant. So I have been on heavy medication that is why you noticed my dark face. If I did not tell you that I had a brain surgery, you won’t know. This is me; I’m a living testimony that God truly works. I tell people that Satan works in mysterious ways and God works in miraculous ways. I told my own story first.

I did a song called, ‘Second chance’; it is a thanksgiving song to God. It is just to thank him for this rare privilege of a second chance, and I had a show on 7th of February that I called ‘life as I see it’, because my perception of life has changed. My perception of life now is that this life is not our own. If you don’t hold unto God, the author and finisher of our faith, the one who gave us the life in the beginning first, the one who, just by words only, spoke life to existence. People

only remember you in a moment. When you are gone, you have faded, that is what life is about. So, it was a very difficult time for me, but it is a covenant I have with God. I decided to use every platform to glorify him, to promote him, so it doesn’t really matter. So far as it is the story of God’s glory in my life, and it must impact on one of you people. We should learn to always give because in giving comes receiving.

Striking a balance between entertainment and Christianity How I have struck a balance is, first, let us start with the fact that I was part of the presenters at the last ‘Headies’. My very good friend, Ayo Animashaun; he is my brother. We went to the World Cup together. We were at the Grammys two years ago; at times I’m part of his presenters. So I had to come back from America to be part of the award presenters, the category I presented was with Elblis, because it has to do with the Best Rapper of the Year, and behold it was won by MI and I made a statement. I said one of the reasons why I like MI is the fact that he must always pray first before climbing the stage. Balance is the fact that, primarily, I am an entertainer. I found the new love in God but that does not stop the entertainer that I am.

It is just that it has made me to realise that there are certain jokes I shouldn’t say any more. I can talk about the negativity and at the end of the day, the triumph of good over bad, because that is who I am and before now I have always said it to my colleagues that it is not just joke for joke’s sake. There are jokes in the Bible; that book of life. We need to always remember God in everything we do because He gave us the talent.

My new calling I am saying that God chooses whom he wants to use. My point is, God can let you know where you are

coming from. Joseph faced so many challenges, but it never stopped his vision. I have a saying, my personal saying, wise saying, I say: ‘Never allow your mission to becloud your vision’. I give thanks to God, which is necessary. Now, for instance, most of the songs I do, even before now, I don’t curse. Agreeably, I have done one or two vulgar jokes before, depending on my audience. The way devil structured this thing is that people laugh more to vulgar jokes.

Carrying out the calling I’m not looking at that. One thing I did as soon as I had this encounter, I started a fellowship. I spoke to Basketmouth, Bovi, and some of my colleagues, and I got my personal keyboardist. I started using my house, the second and the third, even when I had another seizure and I had to travel out, I still told them, ‘even if I am not there, you guys should always meet.’ It is called CEO (Christian Entertainers Outreach). God has not told me to do that. As I said, I started that CEO and I want to open a gospel club, night club, it won’t just be a night club, it is going to be a lounge, and I am working on it. Believers do not have alternatives. There have to be alternatives for believers. There is something I do on a daily basis on Instagram; it is called Julius Agwu Daily Inspiration. It is inspirational messages that I send. And then what I do now, I speak in churches to youths, to people.

My marriage almost crashed The best thing that has ever happened to me in this new faith is the fact that I am in a Bible school. In the midst of all this, my family comes first. It’s called life as I see it. Those things, they summarise life as I see it, which is my realisation that my perception of life has changed after this whole thing. At the end of the day, it is family first. My marriage almost crashed; for over two months I was living in a hotel.

Attending a Bible School Almost Crashed My Marriage

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ONSAContracts: Indicted Firm Demands Apology from Presidency Emi Systems Nigeria Limited, one of the companies indicted by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has given the Presidency seven days ultimatum to retract the publication which it described as false or be sued.

In a letter titled, Re: Buhari’s Panel indicts over 300 ONSA Contractors, recovers N7 billion”, counsel to the company, Greenfeild Chambers said the publication disparaged its client before right thinking men in the society as it completed and handed over all jobs it was awarded way back in 2002.

“Our client’s attention was drawn by their customers, business associates and contractors to the press statement

accredited to Garba Shehu, the Special Assistant (media) to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the report from the investigating panel of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to the effect that EMI Systems Ltd was indicted as a company which ‘outrightly failed to execute contract(s) or did so partially and have therefore been asked to refund various sums’.

“Our client finds the above press ‘statement of indictment’ as unfounded, false, baseless and does not reflect the true state of affairs regarding the contracts handled by our client and the engagement by our client with the investigating

panel that led to several joint site verification visits carried out by the panel and our client.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state unequivocally that all the contracts awarded to EMI Systems by the ONSA have been fully completed and the contracts were awarded in 2012”, Emeka Obegolu of Greenfeild Chambers said.

The solicitor to the company claimed that the publication cast their client as “a company with no track record of project management and completion; a company that cannot be trusted with contracts in the public sector of any serious government, and a company lacking in integrity and corporate ethics in their day to day business.”

IMF REPORT: NIGERIAN ECONOMY FACING SUBSTANTIAL CHALLENGES

blamed for the current pressure in the foreign exchange market with a strong pass-through to consumer prices.

Continuing, the IMF noted that while the non-oil sector accounts for 90 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the oil sector plays a central role in the economy.

Furthermore, it pointed out that lower oil prices have significantly affected Nigeria's fiscal and external accounts, decimating government revenues to just 7.8 per cent of GDP and resulting in the doubling of the general government deficit to about 3.7 per cent of GDP in 2015.

Nigeria's exports dropped about 40 per cent in 2015,

pushing the current account from a surplus of 0.2 per cent of GDP to a deficit projected at 2.4 per cent of GDP. With foreign portfolio inflows slowing significantly, reserves fell to $28.3 billion at end-2015.

It added: "Exchange restrictions introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to protect reserves have impacted significantly segments of the private sector that depend on an adequate supply of foreign currencies. Coupled with fuel shortages in the first half of the year and lower investor confidence, growth slowed sharply from 6.3 per cent in 2014 to an estimated 2.7 per cent in 2015, weakening corporate balance sheets, lowering the resilience of the banking system,

and likely reversing progress in reducing unemployment and poverty. Inflation increased to 9.6 percent in January (up from 7.9 percent in December, 2014), above the CBN’s medium-term target range of 6–9 percent."

Inflation, however climbed further to 11.4 per cent in February.

The multilateral agency noted that the recovery in economic activity was likely to be modest over the medium term, but with significant downside risks.

It stated that Nigeria's growth in 2016 was expected to decline further to 2.3 per cent, with nonoil sector growth projected to slow from 3.6 per cent in 2015 to 3.1 per cent in 2016 before recovering to 3.5 percent in 2017, based on the results of policies

They explained that the contract awarded to them was valued at €722,059.96 for the four contracts, almost four years ago and the contracts had since been performed to the satisfaction of the ONSA. According to them, they were invited and honoured the investigative panel where they presented documentary evidence to the satisfaction of all parties showing that they did not have any outstanding obligation with the only area of doubt being whether the payment received by the company was net or inclusive of all taxes.

“That the panel insisted that our client should pay taxes on the payments made

to it while our client opined that as a matter of practice, government withholds taxes before payment is made, as the items supplied were individually priced.

“That the tax issue was not conclusive as our client is consulting with tax practitioners to get professional advice on the issue of tax liability as stated above,” they stated.

Obegolu said that there was never a time their client was accused of non-completion of jobs in the 20 years they had been into security solutions and contractual relationships.

“We therefore, on behalf of EMI Systems Ltd, demand that Mr. Garba Shehu issues an immediate retraction of

the misleading publication concerning our client and a letter addressed to our client conveying the said retraction.

This is the minimum that will assuage the battered corporate image of our client and reassure their customers of the corporate integrity of our client and continuing commitment to excellent service delivery.

“Take notice therefore, that unless we receive the letter of retraction within seven (7) days of the date of receipt of this letter, we have our client’s standing instruction to employ all legal means to seek redress for the publication including seeking damages in libel before a court of competent jurisdiction,” they demanded.

under implementation–particularly in the oil sector–as well as an improvement in the terms of trade.

"The general government deficit is projected to widen somewhat in 2016 before improving in 2017, while the external current account deficit is likely to worsen further. Key risks to the outlook include lower oil prices, shortfalls in non-oil revenues, a further deterioration in finances of state and local Governments, deepening disruptions in private sector activity due to constraints on access to foreign exchange, and resurgence in security concerns," it added.

IMF's Executive Directors welcomed the authorities’ policy agenda of enhancing transparency, strengthening

governance, improving security, and creating jobs. They noted that the Nigerian economy has been hit hard by the decline in oil prices, which has slowed growth sharply and led to macroeconomic imbalances.

Given the uncertain global outlook and the likelihood of oil prices remaining low, the directors stressed the need for significant macroeconomic adjustment. They highlighted the importance of implementing urgently a coherent package of policies, in consultation with Fund staff and development partners, to safeguard fiscal sustainability and reduce external imbalances, and advancing structural reforms to support inclusive growth.

Directors emphasised the critical need to raise non-oil revenues to ensure fiscal sustainability while maintaining infrastructure and social spending. They called for a gradual increase in the VAT rate, further improvements in revenue administration, and a broadening of the tax base.

In addition, the IMF supported an orderly adjustment of budgets at the sub-national level through reform in budget preparation and execution. They also stressed the importance of strengthened public financial management and service delivery. They called for the implementation of an independent price-setting mechanism to address petroleum subsidies, while strengthening the social safety net.

"Directors noted that the policy approach of expansionary monetary policy, together with a relatively fixed exchange rate and exchange restrictions had adversely impacted economic activity. It also raised concerns about the authorities’ commitment to their inflation objective.

They underscored the need for credible adjustment to the large terms-of-trade shock, including through greater exchange rate flexibility and speedy unwinding of exchange restrictions to facilitate an exchange rate consistent with fundamentals.

"In this context, they welcomed the recent monetary policy tightening and recommended that the central bank target price stability to maintain inflation within the target range.

Directors observed that further strengthening of the regulatory and supervisory frameworks would help improve resilience

even as financial sector soundness indicators remain favorable.

With declining asset quality a concern as growth slows, intensified monitoring of "Directors stressed the need for structural reforms to enhance competitiveness and support investment. They encouraged the authorities to continue core infrastructure investment, further reduce the cost of doing business through greater transparency and accountability, and promote employment of youth and women," the report stated.

Meanwhile, the total assets of Nigeria's sovereign wealth fund (SWF) grew to N213.67 billion ($1.07 billion) in 2015, up by 20 per cent compared with the previous year, its managing director said on Friday.

Nigeria, Africa's biggest oil producer, established the Sovereign Investment Authority (SIA) in 2011 with $1 billion of seed capital in an effort to manage oil export revenues.

President Muhammadu Buhari took office last May and has prioritised cracking down on corruption and mismanagement, particularly in the oil sector, which has deepened an economic crisis exacerbated by falling crude prices.

"Total assets recorded a growth of 20 percent to N213.66 billion at year end," Reuters quoted the fund's managing director, Uche Orji, to have said in a report issued on Friday.

The total assets were up from N177.84 billion the previous year. And investment income grew by 47 percent to close at N5.8 billion. The report said 2015 was a "difficult year" but the SIA had "managed to protect its capital in a harsh and volatile market environment".

The fund is divided into three parts, a 'Stabilisation Fund' to act as a buffer against economic turbulence, an Infrastructure Fund and a Future Generations fund.

In November officials announced that $250 million from liquid natural gas export proceeds would be injected into the wealth fund. Orji said this additional capital was received in February 2016 and will be invested within the new fiscal year. He said it would be invested using the existing deployment ratio of 40 percent in Infrastructure Fund, 40 percent in Future Generations Fund and 20 percent in Stabilisation Fund.

WIKE: INEC PLOTTING TO RELEASE RESULTS OF CANCELLED ELECTIONS TO FAVOUR APC “How can they have results for a process that was ongoing when it was cancelled by the same INEC? Where did the result surface from? Their claim now is that some of the results in the eight local governments they cancelled were already collated and I ask how was it possible when it was cancelled when voting was still going on by 2pm? This is fraud on the part of INEC. INEC is trying to help the APC by manipulating the result.

The APC lost badly in Rivers so they want to help Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi to save his face.”

He accused INEC of trying to subvert the will of the people as expressed by the voters in the re-run elections.

“As I said before, INEC has not showed any sign that they are impartial. They have not shown signs of that.

Notwithstanding, we have raised complaints and they have seen that our complaints are genuine.

So why are they running away from it. Why?” He alleged that INEC was using the cover of the suspended election to perfect plans to rig elections in the eight local government areas in favour of the APC. He accused the INEC of causing crisis in the state and warned of dire consequences if the commission continued to favour any political party.

Wike said: “I foresee a situation where all they are doing now is to perfect a system where they will now want to rig us out. Just like I said, that will also be highly resisted. So, no one will say that there is crisis in Rivers State.

“INEC should not be causing crisis in Rivers State, INEC should allow the people's will to prevail. I will not fold my arms and allow INEC to perfect that strategy they want to use and rig in those eight local government areas. Rivers State will still resist it. If I die in the cause of Rivers state, no big deal about that.

“If I die for it, it is a sacrifice

I can make for Rivers State as Rivers State cannot be cheated any longer. Allow the people’s will; allow their mandate to stand. Don’t try to satisfy an individual whom you think might have contributed so much amount of money to a political party. The people will decide where their votes will be and so we will resist it with all it takes.”

Wike also accused INEC of deliberately refusing to release the result of elections in Ikwerre state constituency and Ikwerre/ Emohua federal constituency because the APC lost in Amaechi’s home constituencies.

He said: “Yes, he (Amaechi) lost in Ikwerre Local government and that is why they are playing games; INEC is trying to play games, particularly one national commissioner, Amina Zakari. She is the brain behind all these problems you see in Rivers State. She has been teleguiding and manipulating. In fact, I can tell that one of the monitors wrote condemning the attitude of Amaechi during that election. Amina scolded the supervisor for writing a report against Amaechi. We intercepted all those information. Indeed, most of the result swapping that INEC tried to do in Rivers State emanated from Amina Zakari.”

The governor said the people would resist any attempt by the commission to cancel the results as they had already been collated at the centres.

“So, not releasing Ikwerre is a bone on their neck. But I dare them. Let them try to say they are cancelling Ikwerre Local Government. You cannot cancel what has been collated from the unit to the ward. You cannot do that. That result must be released. If they don’t want crisis, that result must be released. We will not fold out hands. It doesn’t matter. No threat will make us to forgo that. We trounced Amaechi in his local government. He failed.

And let be said he failed. Let the whole world know that he failed. What are you protecting

him for? You should protect the votes of the people and not a single individual,” Wike said.

He said the INEC was sympathising with the former governor and was shielding him from embarrassment.

“Go and check the results that have been collated. He failed. He also lost at the federal constituency level. He won’t get senate, he won’t get the federal constituency and he won’t get the state assembly. So, it is making them; let’s protect this man; it’s too embarrassing that they say he can’t even get state house of assembly.

“That is our position. INEC should release Ikwerre local government result. In fact, they must. They have no choice.

Whatever they have eaten, they should send it back. Whatever they have taken from him, they should give him back,” he said.

We Do Not Crown Winners of Election, Says INEC… Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said that contrary to insinuations by some persons, the commission “does not interfere with the decisions of the electorate but only declares those who won election fair and square.”

Speaking to THISDAY in a telephone interview, the INEC Deputy Director on Media and Publicity, Mr. Nick Dazang said as far as the Rivers state re-run election is concerned; only those elections that have been concluded were returned and declared.

"INEC does not crown winners of elections as alleged. It declares those who have won fairly and squarely through transparent processes winners," he said.

On whether the commission was about to release results from areas where elections were cancelled in Rivers state, Dazang said INEC does not intend to declare results in places where the electoral processes were inconclusive.

"As at the time elections were suspended in Rivers

state, not all were concluded, consequently only those that have been concluded have been returned and declared.

The outstanding ones will be conducted at a date to be scheduled by the commission," he added.

Withholding collated results, threat to democracy, says PDP… In a related development, the South-South zonal leadership of the PDP has urged INEC to, as a matter of urgent national important, release the remaining results of the recently concluded re-run election in Rivers State, stressing that it would greatly serve the interest of the nation's democracy and peace.

In a statement by the SouthSouth chairman of the PDP, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, the party strongly criticized the activities of INEC particularly in the conduct of Rivers State election.

Outstanding Constituencies In Rivers re-run elections, 22 out of 32 state constituencies were contested; 12 out of 13 federal constituencies and 3 senatorial districts.

INEC has so far released results of 11 state constituencies and four federal constituencies.

Outside the 8 local government areas where INEC suspended elections, INEC has not released results in 3 federal constituencies, namely Bonny /Degeq00ma, Okrika /Ogu / Bolo, and Emohua /Ikwerre.

Outstanding federal constituencies in the 8 suspended local government areas are Asaritoru /Akukutoru, Etche /Omuma, Tai/Eleme /Oyigbo, Khana/ Gokana, and Opobo /Nkoro/ Andoni.

In the suspended areas, the outstanding state constituencies are 9, namely Assritoru 1 and 2, Etche, Tai, Eleme, Gokana, Khana 1 and 2, and Bonny.

Outstanding state constituencies outside the suspended LGAs 2, namely Bonny and Ikwerre.

WATCH OUT FOR FULL INTERVIEW NEXT WEEK SATURDAY

ADEOSUN AT G20 IN PARIS, CALLS FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH FOR AFRICA and sustainable growth.

Adeosun said that an essential component of more careful management of capital flows was to build better economic mapping and surveillance to manage risks and spill-overs, which she said should be a priority for G20 Finance Ministers.

She called for more understanding and flexibility for

Africa to grow and protect key markets, as developed countries had done while at Africa’s current stage of development.

The minister highlighted the need for long term partnerships and foreign direct investment into African economies to deliver the necessary investment, particularly in infrastructure, to unlock sustainable growth.

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NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Fayose Accuses Buhari of Wasting $50m on Foreign Trips Olakiitan Victor in Ado Ekiti Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has called on well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to stop his needless foreign trips, describing the president’s trip to the United States of America on Wednesday for the 4th Nuclear Security Summit, while Nigerians are suffering at home, as “joke of the year.”

The governor said, “It remains a mystery what President Buhari that met power generation at 6,000MW and could not manage it such that power generation crumbled to 0MW yesterday, will contribute to the Nuclear Energy Summit in America.”

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said, “It is shameful that while President Buhari was far away in the United States of America, attending a summit that does not have any bearing on Nigeria and its people, the unprecedented happened - power generation stopped completely for over three hours!”

He said the sufferings of

Nigerians deserved the attention of the president instead of him junketing around the world, wasting the country’s scarce foreign exchange.

The governor alleged that over $50 million must have been spent on the president’s frequent foreign trips, adding that Nigerians should ask President Buhari whether his trip to the United States of America to attend Nuclear Energy Summit would bring the lingering fuel scarcity being experienced in the country to an end.

“Nigerians are suffering; petrol has become so scarce that our people now sleep at petrol stations to buy fuel at N200 per litre, while the president, who should alleviate their sufferings, is in the USA, attending a summit that he won’t even understand whatever that is discussed there.

“This is not acceptable. Mr. President should stay at home and see to it that at least, power generation returns to 6,000MW that he met it if he cannot add to it.

“Mr. President should stay at home and bring this fuel scarcity that has paralysed almost all

LAST RESPECT...

L-R; Presideht, Forte Oil Plc, Femi Otedola; Dr. Okonta Emefiele; President Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele; at the Christian/Traditional wake-keeping for late Mrs Alice Ohumagholem Emefiele in Agbor, Delta State on Friday Abiodun Ajala

activities in the country to an end.

“Nigerians are saying their president should stay at home

and bring to an end the killings, raping of women and destruction of farmlands by Fulani herdsmen.

“Most importantly, the President should listen more to those of us who criticise him instead of those hailing every of

his wrong steps either because of what they intend to gain or for fear of persecution,” the governor said.

Air Force, Innoson Sign MOU Buhari Backs Efforts to Achieve Global Nuclear Security for Fighter Jets' Spare Parts Tobi Soniyi in Washington efforts aimed at promoting implementation of more with relevant international Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu To effectively prosecute the ongoing battle against Boko Haram insurgents in the North East geopolitical zone, the Nigerian Air Force yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, an indigenous car manufacturing company for research and production of spare parts for its fighter jets.

The efforts is to ensure that aerial battle against the Islamic fundamentalists were not encumbered as a result of lack of spare parts to fix fighter jets and also use the opportunity to encourage local manufacturers.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, told newsmen at the company's headquarters at Nnewi, Anambra that the collaboration between the company and the Air Force had kept its Jet fleet running for months now.

Abubakar, who was represented by the Chief Of Policy and Plans, Air Vice-Marshal James Gbum, said that the MoU would further solidify the collaboration, improve local content and engineering as well as serve the country a lot of foreign exchange used in importing the expensive parts.

“Our war efforts will be in vain if we don’t do something to ensure we get spare parts because, the Alpha Jets for instance one of our fighter aircraft; that have formed the backbone of our struggle against Boko Haram, we were (once) down with one or two at most due to lack of spare parts and mainly the break assemblies of these aircrafts.

"The Chief of Air Staff (Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar) immediately ordered our research and development cell in Kaji to start to research into

this break assembly overhaul; they went ahead, carried out the research, (however) the first proto-type they brought couldn’t pass the test. The Nigerian Air Force later discovered that Innoson Vehicle Maintenance Company at Nnewi is capable of doing it and that they are very capable of collaborating with the Nigerian Air Force to achieve the required standards of overhauling our break assemblies.

"The company was invited to headquarters Nigerian Air Force for discussion and thereafter went into research and development collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and the result was successful. To this effect, we have reasonable number of these Alpha Jets serviceable daily to fight the war in the North East.

"So, today we are as representative of the Chief of Air Staff are here officially to sign a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Innoson Vehicle Maintenance Company. The Nigerian Air Force considers this co-operation with the ingenious company as very very important in producing some of the spare parts locally.

"This is in-line with the change agenda of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and it is also in-line with the vision and key-drivers of the Chief of Air Staff,’’ he said.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, said that the company had the human, material and machinery capacity to sustain the collaboration.

"When they (Nigerian Air Force) came to me, I developed it the way they want it and they are happy with

D.C.

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Washington DC said Nigeria supported all efforts to make the world safer from nuclear and other forms of terrorism.

Buhari, who reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to the global fight against the threat of nuclear terrorism and other forms of terrorism, said Nigeria would cooperate with relevant international organisations to achieve nuclear security.

In Nigeria's country statement to the 4th Nuclear Security Summit being hosted by President Barack Obama, Buhari also pledged Nigeria's continued support for all multilateral

a common approach and commitment to nuclear security at the highest levels.

"Nigeria accords high priority to all global efforts towards ending the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, including nuclear weapons.

"Nuclear terrorism is one of the greatest threats to international security and preventing nuclear terrorism and all forms of terrorism around the globe is of concern to all of us.

"To this end, Nigeria has strengthened the legal framework for fighting terrorism through the adoption in 2013 of an amendment to its Terrorism (Prevention) Act, ensuring the

robust counter-terrorism measures in the country", he said Buhari told the gathering that to enhance Nuclear Security, Nigeria had reinforced its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United States Department of State’s Partnership for Nuclear Security and the World Institute for Nuclear Security.

"In addition, Nigeria has signed an agreement of cooperation with the United States Department of Energy's Office of Radiological Security to protect nuclear and other radiological materials from theft or sabotage.

"Nigeria also intends to strengthen its partnerships

organisations to promote capacity building, particularly in the development of the Nigerian Nuclear Security Support Centre, Physical Security Upgrades and Human Reliability Programmes Implementation," the president said.

Buhari told the world leaders participating in the summit that Nigeria had developed a programme to ensure that radioactive sources in the country were better secured to prevent unauthorised access by terrorists and criminals.

He commended President Obama’s "pace setting initiative and drive", which, he said, had brought the global fight against the threat of nuclear terrorism to its present level.

Obasanjo Charges Governors on Development Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday charged the 36 state governors in the country to raise the bar in developmental performance so as to give the country a new lease of life He stated that the issue of development from governance was imperative if the poor masses were to feel the wind of good life.

Obasanjo commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for what he called good work he was doing to better the lot of

the people of the state.

Praising the Enugu governor for exemplary performance, the former president said, “thank you for the good work you are doing in the state for the benefit of your people. Keep it up.

“From the reports I get, you are doing well. If out of 36 states of the country you can get one that is doing well, it would be encouraging to continue to work on others to do well and by the time you can get up to 50% of the states doing well, it would

mean the country would be better. So, keep it up”, said the former president.

Obasanjo spoke on the occasion when the acting national chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Alhaji Ali Modu-Sherif, and some other top politicians in the country were present. They had all returned to Enugu after attending the burial ceremony of the mother of Ebonyi State governor, Engr. Dave Umahi.

Governor Ugwuanyi who played host to the political heavy-weights, including the

billionaire businessman and politician, Prince Arthur Eze, thanked the former president for his visit and for his kind words.

“We are, indeed, very grateful. We will continue to benefit from your wealth of experience so that we can continue to serve our people better”, said the governor.

During the visit, Obasanjo characteristically stoked his usual humorous mien when he danced to a highlife tune rendered by a life band on hand at the Banquet Hall of the Enugu Governor’s Lodge.

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APRIL 2, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

Boko Haram and the Audacity of Senator Garbai

F

or those who don’t know him, Senator Baba Kaka Garbai represents Borno Central in the Senate. But for him, we would not know the true situation of the war against Boko Haram in the state. The sleek deception

by President Muhammadu Buhari about the situation in Borno State would have remained concealed. Our President was going around telling the world that “no inch of Nigerian territory is under the control of Boko Haram,” while Borno indigenes groan under terrorism.

Many pro-government propagandists gleefully circulated this position. The Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima also insulted patriotic Nigerians with glib comments about those who insisted that some Nigerian territories were still under Boko Haram’s control. But Senator Garbai, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress drew global attention to the deceit in the war against the terrorists. He countered them with facts and figures, showing that his state is divided in equal measure between the terror sect and the Nigerian military. Many of us will not Garbai forget that historic declaration by this senator about two months ago. “The truth be intimidated. Events unfolding in Borno must be told that both Boko Haram and State in the last few weeks have confirmed the Nigerian nation each have full control that Garbai was after all, correct. He was of three local government areas in the spot on. The military has in the last few troubled Borno State and both have a level weeks been amusing us with stories about of dominance in 21 other local councils. “recaptured” towns and villages in Borno Mobbar, Abadam and Kala Balge LGs are State. Yet, we were hitherto told that no 100 per cent occupied by the insurgents,” territory was under Boko Haram’s control. declared Garbai in February.

Garbai’s statement clearly motivated the This honourable senator was threatened military. With the truth staring them in and called unprintable names for being the face, thanks to the alarm, our gallant honest about the situation in his state. soldiers went into action, “capturing” Chieftains of the APC were expecting him some of the territories listed by Garbai as to join in the big cover-up, but he refused to being under Boko Haram.

Gang up against Shehu Sani The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has obviously teamed up with Governor Nasir el-rufai in the battle to crush Senator Shehu Sani.

The chapter recently upheld the suspension of Sani at his ward, as a member of the party and from participating in party activities for a period of 11 months.

This Senator’s offence was having the effrontery to challenge the “anti-people” policies of the el-rufai administration, particularly the demolition of building and inadequate response to insecurity challenges in Southern Kaduna. Sani also spoke out against the “marginalisation” of those who worked for the success of the APC in Kaduna State. He has been having a running battle with the Kaduna State governor over these and many other issues in the last 10 months. The Kaduna APC had to cook up all sorts of

funny things to justify Sani’s suspension.

I was not surprised when the state’s acting publicity secretary of the party, Salisu Wusono said “the serious security threat Sani caused to the fragile peace of Kaduna State when he incited the youths of Southern Kaduna to challenge and irritate the APC state government,” also accounted for suspending the senator.

Which security threat? In a democracy, opposing views must be tolerated. This is one of the ways we can deepen our democracy. Senator Sani’s opposing views about the el-rufai administration is seen as an attempt to bring down el-rufai. The instruction from above is that Sani should be crushed. Obviously, they will only succeed in the short-term.

This senator looks good to laugh last. He clearly has the people of the state behind him in this battle against el-rufai.

Governor Ajimobi and Oyo Civil Servants Like many other states across the nation, Oyo State is also in a mess over months of unpaid salaries to civil servants. Virtually everything is at a standstill in this state, while civil servants have been turned to beggars.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi is accused of squandering the bailout fund meant to clear the outstanding salaries. The organised labour in the state looks set to tackle the governor from next week.

They say he must settle over five months arrears of salaries owed workers, for peace to reign.

The state’s NLC Chairman, Waheed Olojede said unpaid salaries had pauperised the workers, adding that their productivity, diligence and absolute commitment had also been affected.

It is a shame that Ajimobi reneged on previous agreement on how to settle the salaries. Oyo State which has Ibadan (former capital of the defunct Western Region) as its capital has no business being in a mess if well-managed. With a pragmatic governor, monthly Internally Generated Revenue alone should be able to cover workers’ salaries. But this has not been the case. Ajimobi is only interested in frivolities. The other day, he went to hold the wedding ceremony of his daughter in Dubai, while the state suffers. There is hardly anything to show for his five-year rein in Oyo. There is massive decay of infrastructure in Oyo State. If a man has been given a job and he can’t do it, he should resign. Ajimobi should step aside.

Just on Wednesday, the military told us that Alargano, the spiritual headquarters of the sect had been successfully captured by troops. The head of the counter-insurgency operations in the North-east, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor told the nation that the troops’ offensive to capture Alargano since March 18, 2016, was successfully concluded on Monday. He said during the operations, troops had to clear Yajiwa, Joba, Mosa, Ariwuzumari, Missene Sansan and Kagalmari villages, all on the fringes of the forest. Haba! Is Alargano and all these villages not Nigeria’s territories? Irabor said in the last one month, troops also captured Kumshe. Check out the word, “captured” used by Irabor.

“Captured” means to take something hitherto not in your possession. Towns and villages captured of recent included 13 in Kala-Barge LG and Rann town, the headquarters of the local government.

Garbai mentioned all these areas in the alarm he raised in February.

Even the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Mansur Dan-Ali became born again and for once told the truth about the situation in Borno. On Wednesday, he must have stunned his boss (but not Nigerians) when he confirmed Garbai’s position that the terrorists still control some parts of Nigeria. In a chat with Voice of America (VOA), Dan-Ali stated that “two or three local government areas of Borno State are still controlled by the terrorists.” By Thursday, apparently under pressure from his boss and APC loyalists, this minister amended his statement, saying he was quoted out of context, as he did not imply what was reported.

A confused Dan-Ali said what he meant was that “only two local governments were having some remnants of Boko Haram activities and not under their complete control.” So,

what is the difference between this and his previous remarks?

Dan-Ali has apparently chosen to continue with deceit. Regardless, we are waiting for our gallant soldiers to capture Abdam and Mobbar local governments from these bastards.

Again, I am always depressed whenever I remember Buhari’s statement shortly after he was inaugurated; confidently declaring that Boko Haram would be defeated by the end of that year. Before that year ended, he announced that he had succeeded in his pledge, claiming that the terrorists had been “technically defeated”. The attacks continued with close to a thousand Nigerians killed in the last three months. We can’t win this war with propaganda and deception.

There is a limit to the evils of propaganda and deception. Veracity is already biting.

We must be very honest in this war against the terrorists; otherwise, we will be doing a great disservice to the ill-fated people in the affected communities. Only the truth can get us out of this mess. The government must stop telling us that the terrorists have been weakened while attacks occur virtually on a daily basis. We cannot continue like this and expect positive result.

Garbai is truly a patriot and a man of integrity that should be celebrated. He is honest and fearless. While virtually everybody involved in the war against Boko Haram chose to be economical with the truth, Garbai refused to be part of the charade. This country needs men like Garbai if we are to actualise our potential as a nation. The legion of sycophants around our president will not allow any progress in this country if not dismantled. Just as I advised a couple of months back, Buhari must learn to listen more to his opponents than his friends and supporters who will only tell him what he wants to hear. May Allah continue to protect our dear Senator Garbai.

Tinubu Vs Kachikwu: My Take Away The dust raised by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s criticism of our junior minister for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu over the piercing fuel scarcity in the country is yet to settle. Some people think the APC chieftain just wanted to score a cheap political goal by taking on Kachikwu. For these people, this former governor of Lagos State should have quietly passed across his message to the party’s leadership instead of going public. But for me, Tinubu’s action and the way he went about it was just, fair and pragmatic. He needed to escalate the suffering of our people in order to jolt this docile regime into action.

My take away from Asiwaju’s statement was the part he talked about Kachikwu’s facetiousness for remarking that he was not trained as a magician.

“Kachikwu’s flippancy was out-of-line.

He was basically telling Nigerians that they should be lucky that they are getting the inadequate supply they now suffer and that they should just be quiet and endure the shortage for several weeks more. It insulted the people by its tonality. He spoke with the imperious nature of a member of the elitist government the people voted out last year and not the progressive one they voted in.

“Kachikwu must be reminded that he was not coerced to take this job. He accepted the job and its responsibilities knowingly. He also must remember that he does not own NNPC. This also is not a private company that owes nothing to the public except the duty of fair dealing. He is a public servant. The seat he sits upon is owned by Nigerians, not by him. The company he runs is owned

by Nigerians not by him. They are his

Tinubu

boss. He is not theirs. Power is vested in the people. He is a mere custodian or agent of their will. In talking to us in such a manner, he committed an act of insubordination.”

I fully support Jagaban on this battle.

Smooth-talking Kachikwu is always covering his incompetence with “big grammar”. The task at hand goes beyond this. Just as I said last week, this junior minister should just resign and return to Mobil. However, I believe that Jagaban should have also included Buhari in this lashing for months of epileptic fuel supply. Aside from being the petroleum minister, the buck stops on the president’s desk. So, Asiwaju should also hold Buhari by the jugular to deliver on all his promises, including improved electricity supply, job creation, roads, health, education and so many others.

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April 2 , 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

BUILDING CAPACITY TO FIGHT AUTISM Oluwakemi Barrow argues more could be done to tackle increasing cases of autism in Nigeria

A

bout seven years ago my husband met a South African woman who was fascinated by the fact that Nigerians came to South Africa to seek answers and help for their autistic children. She was pleasantly surprised because according to her only a few years earlier, parents of autistic children like herself had to travel as far as Australia to seek help and answers for their children. So, fast-forward to the present: it still seems like we haven’t made much progress in trying to establish Nigeria as self-sufficient in the area of care, education and treatment of people on the autism spectrum.

As a parent of a child on the spectrum, I am gravely concerned that many doctors, paediatricians, nutritionists and other professionals have not built the capacity to cater for the needs of an increasingly higher population of autistic children in our country. Schools and educational institutions have made the most progress, but the progress is still not significant enough, judging by the number of calls and enquiries we get at our centre from parents and families desperately looking for help.

One side of the problem is not having enough professionals with the capacity to support our children and their families, and on the other is the ever-present existence of people seeking to exploit the desperation that parents often face after an autism diagnosis. So, we have heard of some doctors giving out medicines to children without proper medical and physiological attention and schools accepting pupils – wearing them uniforms, promoting them from one class to another and collecting fees from parents without taking the due diligence to create a differentiated programme for the children in line with best practices, and ensuring that the children are also learning. We have parents – knowing very little about what to do to feed their children on some foods that may seem normal to the rest of us – bread, rice, milk, etc., but which may end up being harmful to the children because they cannot get good advice from nutritionists or dieticians or even get enough alternatives when they know better.

To overcome these hydra-headed challenges, I continue to encourage parents to do something, and leverage our own professional experience, expertise and circle of influence to build capacity in one sphere or the other to fight autism in Nigeria. Some of the things we have done and are still working on include establishing an educational centre and co- locating it with a school to give the children

AS A PARENT OF A CHILD ON THE SPECTRUM, I AM GRAVELY CONCERNED THAT MANY DOCTORS, PAEDIATRICIANS, NUTRITIONISTS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS HAVE NOT BUILT THE CAPACITY TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF AN INCREASINGLY HIGHER POPULATION OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN IN OUR COUNTRY

an inclusive learning environment and opportunities for well-planned and implemented mainstreaming, producing educational materials, books and resources to support families, teachers and care givers. I am encouraged by other parents who have the talent and interest in education who have taken up the challenge by also establishing autism education centres, and a close friend who has set up a shop in Abuja to sell supplies (food, supplements and teaching aids) targeted at autistic children. These are laudable, but there is so much more that can be done. For example, we need to provide more organic foods for our children; so our farmers and budding agriculturists should take up the challenge. We definitely do not have enough doctors who specialise in or have received proper training and have the proper tools for managing autism-related disorders. Our physiotherapists need to position themselves as occupational therapists to support our children, and the growing number of Montessori teachers and schools need to realise that the original plan of Maria Montessori’s approaches and tools was for the education of special needs children like our autistic children and not just to provide “fancy” education to the “neuro-typical” children whose parents can afford it.

Our hope is that someday, parents of children with autism in Nigeria will not need to fly half-way around the world to look for help (even if they could afford it).

The incidence of autism in Nigeria is increasing, and the only way we can cope with autism in our prevailing harsh economic circumstances is to look inward, tap into our latent talent and build capacity and institutions locally to address these issues – and even make a decent livelihood while doing so.

There are many myths about autism being an “elitist” condition. Nothing can be farther from the truth. The reality is that when you see people convening walks, talks and events for autism and they seem elitist, you are only seeing 20% of those that are afflicted. The other 80% representing the powerless in society unfortunately remains voiceless, and in many situations condemned their children to a life of deprivation and hopelessness. I am not looking for us to build capacity to take care of the few elite; I am concerned that if even the so-called elite are struggling to make a headway with this condition, what is the fate of the powerless in our midst?

Barrow is co-founder of Thoughtful House Autism Centre, Abuja

APPA’S RESCUE PLAN

The APPA conference was supposed to find a way out of the economic crisis. Has it? Idang Alibi writes

I

n terms of sheer statistics, the 6th African Petroleum Congress and Exhibition (CAPE VI) organised by the African Petroleum Producers Association (APPA) which held in Abuja, March 14-17, was quite impressive.

Stakeholders from 34 countries participated in it; there were 2,340 attendees, 70 exhibitors and 11 decisive plenary sessions were held to search for the souls of African economies dependent on oil and gas; 15 out of 18 member countries were physically present and South Sudan became the latest member of the organisation that began with a modest eight members in Lagos in 1987.

From my record, CAPE VI was the second time in five years that I have participated in a meeting where South Sudan became the latest member of an international organisation. The first one was in the small Pacific island nation of Vanuatu in 2011 where that youngest African nation became a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP), a 76-member economic block of former European colonies.

Impressive as the attendance and participation of CAPE VI was, what, in concrete terms did the committee of experts, the Forum of Chief Executive Officers of African National Oil Companies and the Council of Ministers of APPA, achieve for Africa’s oil and gas industry in the nearly two weeks conference in Abuja?

From the start, some observers were worried about the quality of the attendance itself as only three out of 18 ministers attended in person, causing analysts to question the sense of seriousness with which African crude and gas producers viewed the economic emergency facing them in light of negative development

in the international oil market. However, whatever may be the reservation about the attendance at CAPE VI, the more important consideration was the quality of deliberations and subsequent decision made at the event. Did the meeting do justice to the theme Positioning African Petroleum for Global Development and Value Addition or did it gloss over it? Was the meeting a jamboree or a high-minded one in which delegates saw themselves as a people selected to attend to very important matters?

Can the decisions taken at the event be said to have far-reaching effect to the extent that they could be acknowledged to represent a paradigm shift from the prevailing views and attitudes that have not borne well for the organisation? Do the political leaders of APPA have the likely political will to implement any far-reaching decisions that will alter the status quo? Do they possess the capacity and willingness to think outside the box in the face of the economic problems plaguing their economies?

These and many more are the things to evaluate in order to reach a conclusion as to whether or not CAPE VI was an event of some significance or not for Africa, especially to countries where the black gold is found.

These queries and others were answered by the robust discussions that took place in many of the plenary sessions in which this reporter was privileged to attend and in the eventual 25-point communiqué issued a few days after the conference was officially declared closed by the host, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, March 17.

Some of the key points reached were that members of APPA should focus on value

addition rather than volume of production.

They should intelligently explore mechanisms for domestic and regional refining.

If this is done, they will earn more money from a smaller quantity of crude than they will do from a large volume that is exported. Crude oil is a wasting asset after all. Wisdom therefore demands that we seek to earn maximally from a little volume than exploiting and exporting millions of barrels and selling at a low price which wastes your reserves.

Delegates also arrived at the conclusion that governments of APPA countries need to work harder for investments in the oil and gas sector in light of current circumstance. They need to highlight unique opportunities for profitable partnerships in natural gas space within member countries and investors across the globe.

Two months ago, a German business delegation came calling on Dr. Ibe Kachikwu telling him that his country’s business men in the oil and gas sector were interested in partnering with Nigeria in order to ensure gas supply to Germany. If as CAPE VI counselled, APPA countries develop a robust gas infrastructure for use in solving the energy crisis, many interested stakeholders from across the world are willing and ready to support them towards achieving mutually beneficial business goals.

The oil and gas sector of APPA member countries is rife with corruption and opaqueness that make oil production, for instance, so costly. This possibly accounts for why CAPE VI called on members to, as a matter of urgency, implement anticorruption initiatives and ensure transparency in the running of the affairs of oil and

gas in Africa. In Nigeria, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), one of the measures put forward to sanitise the industry and ensure that Nigeria maximises earnings from oil, has not received any legislative attention several years after it was presented to the legislature.

Another key point that was made in CAPE VI was the one calling on APPA countries to establish a robust information databank on challenges and opportunities for existing and potential investors in the sector. The essence of coming together as a body known as APPA was partly to ensure that members collaborate to reap maximally from a blessing that God has showered on them.

These and many other key points were conclusions reached at CAPE VI. The objectives were brilliantly set out. The debates on them were robust. There were no sharp, divergent or violently disagreeing positions. There was reasonable unanimity on the problems ailing the African oil and gas industry which is why the 25 points in the communiqué touched on the things that needed to be done for APPA countries to move forward.

But what next? This question is necessary because it is one thing to diagnose a problem; it is quite another to apply the necessary antidote to the ailments detected.

All eyes are on APPA countries’ political leaders to see what they do with the cogent recommendations made in CAPE VI, recommendations that are designed to restore their falling economies and give their citizens some respite from poverty and underdevelopment.

Mr. Alibi is director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Petroleum Resources

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April 2, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Where are they?

T

Lagos and the menace of open defecation

his shameful practice has continued to stain the image of Lagos as a rising mega city. For adults the practice is often done mostly under the cover of darkness.

For children, it is usually done in the open under the surveillance of adults. The name of this terrible practice, which happens to be one of the fundamental aspects of sanitation and issues that mirrored our underdevelopment as a nation, is open defecation.

Open defecation is a practice whereby people defecate in open area not meant for that purpose, unmindful of its health repercussions. Despite the infrastructure renewal efforts of the Lagos State government, it must tackle the problem of poor sanitation and open defecation before it could enter the league of developed cities.

From Agege to Apapa, Epe to Badia, Ikorodu to Badagry and other such communities in the state, it is common to see people on the highways disembarking from their cars to defecate openly along the road. Walking along the railroad tracks gives one a panoramic view of things as people- male and female - engage in mass open defecation. On the streets, behind bushes, in groves of trees, in rivers or streams, inside gutters, dump sites, in motor parks, markets, etc., people defecate everywhere with impunity.

In many parts of the state, communities located near the rail track or canals are often the chief culprits. The question is why is the practice so rampant? A lot is responsible for the menace.

A lot of those who indulge in the habit came to Lagos without making any arrangement for a decent accommodation. Just like people travelling abroad without any conceived idea of how they could earn a decent living, many people see Lagos as the New York of Nigeria.

They came to the city and make garages and other open spaces their home, where they sleep and do other things.

But not just the homeless defecate openly in Lagos; many residents of populated areas built in the classic ‘face-me-I-face-you’ model are also guilty of this. In many of the poor neighbourhoods in the city where these houses may be found, poor sanitary condition reigns supreme. Hence, it is not out of place to see houses with more than 30 tenants with just a single latrine. Many buildings have latrines that are unusable and had to be abandoned. In such a situation, people resort to open defecation.

Unfortunately, however, it seems only few people appreciate the extent of this problem which could degenerate into an epidemic in the state. It is a fact that many deadly diseases currently ravaging the world are linked to open defecation and other such poor sanitary practice. It triggers death, contaminates food, transmits skin diseases, causes respiratory diseases, eye problems, scabies, intestinal parasites resulting in kidney damage, tuberculosis and diarrhea-related diseases. A study has claimed that open defecation can cause mental and cognitive stunting among the young.

Many people seem not to understand that the quality

of our lives as human beings is substantially a reflection of the quality of the environment which we inhabit. Many still seem not to comprehend that open defecation creates a host of problems that exceed the merely aesthetic. Besides health implication, open defecation also affects the economy. A 2012 World Bank report revealed that Nigeria loses N455 billion annually due to poor sanitation. This is 1.3 per cent of the national GDP. It should also be understood that an individual produces 200 gramme of excrement every day. One can imagine the volume that goes into the rivers and those that end up polluting our source of water and food when there is flood. Worryingly, according to WHO, one gramme faeces of an infected person can have up to 10,000,000 viruses, 1,000,000 bacteria and 1000 parasite cyst and 100 parasite eggs.

What should be done? In Lagos, open defecation is against the law. But it is not enough to simply enact a law and say people should stop defecating in the open without sufficiently changing their mentality. The government needs more campaigns to enlighten the populace about the dangers of open defecation. A lot of people are still ignorant of the UN supported Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) operational in the state since 2013 which places the burden on communities to take responsibility for the sanitation of their environment.

Alao Diyaolu, Agbado- Ijaiye, Lagos

Dilemma of endless fuel shortages

N

igeria is Africa’s largest oil producer and the continent largest economy, but the country has been paralysed by fuel shortages for weeks. Why is it that an oil producing nation like Nigeria cannot run refineries at optimal levels for domestic consumption?

It is quite disheartening that the four refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna are functioning at a sub-optimal capacity and the country continues to spend substantial foreign exchange to import fuel. The fact that the bulk of Nigeria’s crude oil is still refined abroad is a pointer to this fact. Because domestic refining in Nigeria cannot meet up with domestic consumption, Nigeria resorted to the importation of refined crude for almost the whole of 2010. The four refineries with a combined capacity of 445,000 barrels per day could only refine a mere 80,757, metric tonnes of petroleum products. These are 19,967 of Premium Motor Spirit or petrol;

T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, MBAYILAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

53,223.4 MT of Automotive Gas Oil, AGO or diesel and 7,567 MT of Liquefied Petroleum Gas or cooking gas. The rest 8.1million MT of petroleum that came into the downstream sector was imported. Not much has changed. Not only does Nigeria import refined products, the process of importation is fraught with irregularities - high level of corruption, including the inflation of figures of imported products (in order to make high subsidy claims) at huge cost to both the government and Nigerian citizenry.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), some years ago, indicated interest in the building of three new green refineries with a total capacity of one million barrels each in three states of the federation but has so far remained a mere dream even as the multinational oil firms such as Shell Nigeria, Exxon Mobil, Total, Agip and Addax have continued to shun investment opportunities in refinery projects in the country due to absence of incentives.

While the Nigerian government plays second fiddle with the implementation of World Bank remedy, other OPEC member states, including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Iran, Kuwait, United Arab Emirate (UAE) Algeria, Qatar and Venezuela, are fast expanding their refineries both at home and abroad. Libya and Kuwait for instance, own offshore refineries in Europe where crude oil is shipped to refine and dispense to consumers from fuel stations in Europe. However, fuel scarcity has become a phenomenon in Nigeria despite that it affects the nation’s economy.

Fuel in Nigeria is used not just to run cars and transport for goods and services, but also to power generator for homes and business, as most Nigerians get only a few hours of electricity per day.

Movement of goods and services has become very difficult and this has forced prices of food items and other commodities up steeply, thereby making life very unbearable for average Nigerians.

The effect of all this on the already ailing economy as well as on the productivity can better be imagined.

Temitayo Taylor, Abiola way, Abeokuta

14

APRIL 2, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

AReflectiononOlorogunFelixOvuodoroyeIbru(1935-2016)

B

ack in the days, while growing up in Delta State, the Ibrus were generally a standing metaphor for wealth and fame. Their name only collocated with bottomless financial power. Matters were not helped by the length and width of myths woven around the Ibrus. All kinds of fables spread around them.

For the natives, the mystery around the Ibrus was further complicated with the story of a storey building “standing on one leg” in Agbarha-Otor, the homestead of the Ibrus. It was a display of financial power enough, to put up a storey building in those days, but to make such a building “stand on one leg” was the capping of the financial mystery.

And so, we grew up regarding the Ibrus with awe, especially as even white men served and obeyed them with observable fright.

Journeying from my village in Orogun Clan to Ughelli always made us pass through Agbarha-Otor where it was routine to take another curious look at the architectural wonder of “a storey building standing on one leg”.

Many of the mysteries around the Ibrus began to clear and wear when I got to Lagos in 1991 and began to work in The Guardian, as a reporter.

Sometime in 1993, my news source at the time, Hon Solomon Edojah, then a member of the Federal House of Representatives, in the course of our many interactions, took me, one evening, to Olorogun Felix Ibru’s residence, in GRA, Ikeja.

I was excited that I was going to meet my former state governor. He had invited Edojah for a discussion on politics. Even Edojah regarded it as a prized invitation as he hurriedly rushed into his room and soon appeared in very prized and princely outfit that suddenly transformed his status and value in my eyes. I cannot remember what I wore, but it could not be more than the usual modest apparel of a typical reporter.

In no time, we were at Ibru’s gate.

Typical of him, he had informed his security men of our coming. I was struck by the kind of lighting that beamed the house to every visitor.

The house itself was an architectural mystery.

Dome-like, it’s entrance and general ambience, at the time, were rather exotic. When I returned to the Ibru home last Tuesday on a condolence visit, it was still as exotic as it was in 1993. The house was quiet.

Very quiet. Almost with an official air hanging in the atmosphere.

There he was in the crescent-shaped family lounge, waiting to usher us in. He stood up with hands stretched forth as we shook the soft but firm hands.

Edojah introduced me to him and the discussion began amidst some soft drinks/tea.

Since it was largely on political developments both at the national level and in our home state, I was able to make meaningful contributions, which I think, he appreciated. And that was it. I became his friend and boy.

Many years after, we were either meeting in his private office, on the Opebi Link road, opposite Sheraton Hotel and Towers, or in The Club, right inside the Sheraton Hotels and Tower itself.

From the years of interaction, it was clear he was a man who had a passion for decency. That he was meticulous will be an understatement. He would say

Olorogun Felix Ibru it is better not to make the mistake of the head, hence he is slow to acting, just to ensure he does not make the mistake of the head. Everything was calculatedly worked out. Even the setting of his office bore this mark. He was a stickler for time. But for me, he waived it a couple of times. In those days, his then vivacious secretary, one auntie Josephine (now late), an Igbo woman who could sustain a meaningful conversation in Urhobo language on account of working with Ibru for many years, would say, “your brother is busy now but if you wait for 30 minutes he can see you”.

He was an establishmentarian. Cautiously conservative and full of deep insight. We reflected on many national and local issues and his perspectives were usually rich. He told me many stories, some private, others of his experiences in politics and governance. There were many lessons to learn from his stories. Many of such lessons have remained helpful to me in latter years.

He was hardly in a hurry on any matter. He detested shortcuts. He insisted on doing just what is right, no matter the price. One little but evident way he proved this was, whenever we were leaving his office for the Sheraton premises, he would insist the driver drives down to do a U-turn at Eko Hospital (at the time) and drive properly to The Sheraton instead of just rushing (against traffic) through the less than 50 metres stretch between the Link road and the Sheraton gate Many times, he expressed concern with how the nation was being run, and would say, ‘if we find that there is something wrong with the structure, as an architect, what we have to do is go back to the drawing board”.

Two things he never joked with at the time, was his playing Golf on Tuesdays at 2.00pm and his Igbobi College Old Boys’ meetings. No appointments could waive those meetings.

He was rather fanatical about his Igbobi College engagements. On one occasion, he chided me for not covering the launch of a book, which I think, was published by the wife of an ICY (Igbobi College, Yaba) old Boy and said he would manage to forgive me by giving me a copy of the book, Hallmarks of Labour,

Kachikwu Needs a Dibia

Y

es, he apologized for disowning the magic career. But little did he know that he needs more than magic to succeed in his ardous and double-barrelled task. It is herculean enough to be the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroeluem Corporation (NNPC), yet it is doubly challenging serving also as the Minister of state for Petroleum Resources at the same time.

Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu is a First Class brain. That mental content plus his sterling private sector record at Mobil Oil, may have equipped his confidence that the job President Buhari gave him is not beyond his career threshold, especially as President Buhari himself is the substantive Minister of Petroleum.

But as they say, Kachikwu has since realized that Khaki no be leather.

With rounds of radical reforms that almost turned the status quo in the Oil sector upside down, Kachikwu did not understand that the ancient hands and lords he is dislodging from the Oil sector are bound to unscrew some nuts here and there that will make oil to spill uncontrollably in a way that the sector will bleed from all its pores. It is the massive and multiple bleeding that seems to have overwhelmed Kachikwu, who out of frustration, had to declare that he is not a magician.

Nigerians don’t need a magician. They need one who can fix their problems and make life less brutish and nasty.

Perhaps, what advertised Kachikwu’s failure most was the issue of the sharp drop in electricity supply across the country. If there was electricity, there will be lesser demand for petrol. But the twin plague of dismal electricity supply and petroleum scarcity has heightened Kachikwu’s sins to Nigerians, so much that even Bola Ahmed

written by Patricia Dede Otuedon which he personally signed in a handwriting that looked like Technical Drawing lines: “To my Friend, E. J Odivwri—Felix Ibru, 15/06/01”. Same day, he gave me another book, Breaking New Grounds, Reflections on the Nigerian Capital Market, written by his younger brother, G.M Ibru.

Yes, the Ibrus are rich, but they never flaunt money.

Once, he had made reference to how hard it was for them to make their money, suggesting that it is not like modern day wealth which many stumbled into.

It is not a surprise that when he served as a governor and other public service assignments either as senator, UPU President General etc, not for him, was the public treasury ever a temptation. There was never a scandal of any sort on him.

For many years, for instance, he drove mainly a Peugeot 505 Evolution, in an age where SUVs had become commonplace for even the less endowed persons.

Yet, he was quite caring. I recall how he was unable to attend my father’s funeral in 2009 because he was out of the country, yet sent a five-man delegation with cartons of drinks and “a purse” to the funeral ceremony.

He was not the typical politician. He was reticent and not loud. He didn’t quite have the gift of the garb, but he was deep and venerable. He was not everywhere. He carried himself with Victorian gait and dignity. He was a self-respecting gentleman. Yet he was deeply interested in politics. I understand his interest in politics dates back to his College days at Igbobi where he had served as the Head Boy in 1955, just as his elder brother, Michael did before him.

He was a progressive and had leaned strongly on the Awolowo political philosophy. And that explained why he sided with defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), even when his elder brother and patriarch of the Ibru dynasty, Michael, had openly supported National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

That also explains why in the aborted Third Republic, Felix Ibru was elected the First Executive Governor of newly created Delta State on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1991.

He was a liberal Christian. An Anglican. He was not fanatical on religious matters. He was open and verily de-tribalised. Yet he loved his people. He was very concerned on how to move the Urhobo nation forward. He spoke the Urhobo language with rich linguistic tapestry flavoured by the Agbarha idiolect.

His middle name-Ovuodoroye, literally meaning “Everyman with his own greatness”, was indeed quite descriptive of his life. While he believed and manifested his own greatness, he also acknowledged the greatness of others.

He had submitted a powerful paper on the creation of Urhobo State during the 1991 constitution review exercise.

His love for the Urhobo nation, it must be, that also led him to become, the President General of the elite and influential Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU).

Although his tenure was not crowned with great feats, Ibru yet remarked that he managed to pull UPU from the background and made it a national and even international organ He boasted at the time, “With all sense of modesty, I wish to report that the UPU under my leadership has been transformed from a local union into a national/ international organisation, which now is a reference

Tinubu who seems to have been enduring the challenges inflicted on Nigerians by the government he helped to install, had to blurt out his frustrations and called for Kachikwu to resign if he can’t fix the problems for which he is called. I don’t care if Tinubu made the call because Kachikwu’s policies have hurt the business interest of Tinubu’s brother, Wale, who is a major player in the oil sector . But now that Kachikwu has promised reprieve to Nigerians as from this April and not May as he had earlier threatened, he must now go and gather some Dibias (native doctors) whose main brief will be to scatter and frustrate all the plans of the saboteurs in and out of government who are hell bent in ensuring that Nigerians will be so buffeted with tortourous sufferings and gnashing of teeth in such a way that they will be waiting for Kachikwu and his Buhari master in 2019 to have a breather from the punitive Change they voted for. Kachikwu must have realised this job is not all about grammar and smooth talk.He

point” When he was going to run for the senate, he summoned me and we formed a small committee with late Justus Esiri, the Nollywood actor, as the head, to work out the election plans, especially in the media.

For him, nothing was ever left to chance. He planned every process to the last bit. And he won.

His humility is legendary. While in his office one day, he had placed a call to then Governor James Ibori to formally inform him that he would be travelling to England for his medicals. When he dropped the telephone, he explained that he usually takes “permission” from his state’s governor before leaving the country.

Always dressed in white outfits, the Ibrus, generally have made a myth of white clothings. His was no exception. Often clad in sartorial white Guinea Brocade, specially starched, Felix always looked very organized. Even his handkerchiefs, usually bigger than normal, are also starched and carefully ironed.

Although he may have been tamed by age and experience in latter years, Felix Ibru was said to have been the most rascally of the Ibru brothers.

He smoked, but decently and discreetly.

Yet, he was very intelligent and influential.

He had won the Elder Dempster Lines Scholarship to study Architecture in England on the instruction of his elder brother, Michael, whose foresight had indicated to him that the future of Nigeria will be in construction. He qualified as an architect in 1962.

He later went to Israel to have his Masters Degree in Architecture and that began his flourishing career in Architecture.

With several projects in Nigeria to his credit, it is noteworthy that he was behind the Sheraton Hotels design, UNILAG Sports centre, UNIBEN Sports Complex, Oguta Lake Resort, The Diette-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt, Office extension for Elf Nig. Ltd. Victoria Island, Lagos University master plan, Faculty of Science buildings, University of Benin & Ogun State and the Ogun State Polytechnic Master plan, amongst others.

His architectural adroitness is what explains the famous storey building “standing on one leg” in their Agbarha-Otor hometown, as well as his dome-shaped Lagos residence.

Afew years ago, when THISDAY Newspaper gave him a life time achievement award, he was very happy. Aweek after the awards ceremony, he had called me from Paris, where he had gone for his medicals and asked how he could thank my publisher for considering him worthy of the award especially as it was neither asked for nor was there any price tag to it. We both considered a few ways of showing appreciation and settled for a well-worded “Thank You” letter to Mr Nduka Obaigbena, my Publisher.

Ibru had asked that we should meet on his return.

But we never did.

As life rolls, living becomes the art of avoiding the unobtainable. And that was it.

Ibru ‘s health began to fail and his trips for medical treatment became a little more frequent.

But when last year, he marked his 80th birthday, I was happy that he was trudging on.

However, since all men are mortals, his journey here ended March 12, as his journey to eternity began. For Felix Ovuodoroye Ibru, his sun in eternity is just rising, because who is not forgotten is not dead.

Kachikwu shouldn’t mind if he shares the same first name with Jesus Christ, neither should he mind that his surname literally means ‘no one is beyond God’.

He needs this weird strategy of the Dibias to keep his detractors failing. This is a free counsel.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 2, 2016

15

NEWS

In Brief FG, States to Curtail Fire Outbreaks

The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the incessant fire outbreaks in different parts of the country with a promise to partner state governments on lasting solution to the problem. There have been reported cases of fire outbreaks in some major markets in Lagos, Kano, Kebbi, and other states of the federation. The Minister of Interior,LTGeneralAbdulrahmanBelloDambazau(Rtd),madethepromise yesterday while condoling the government and people of Gombe State over recent fire incident which destroyed properties worth millions of naira in Gombe fruits market. The Minister said there is need to deepen collaboration with State governments, noting that Fire Service falls into concurrent legislative list. He maintained that the synergy would also involve industrialists and representatives of traders in the country by way of an extensive dialogue involving all stakeholders, with a view to building a platform for internalising safety procedures as a culture and to also retool the nation’s Fire Service architecture at various levels.

'FRSCnotCausingAccidentswithRoadblocks'

A LISTENING EAR...

L-RL: Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) in a discussion wth Lamido of Adamawa H.R.M Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, during a courtesy visit and attending Auwal Jaibrilla (Governor of Adamawa's Son) Wedding at the Emir Palace, Adamawa

FG Approve Funds for Recruitment of 10,000 Police Personnel YemiAkinsuyiinAbuja The Federal Government has approved all necessary funds for the take-off, of the 10,000 Police personnel to be recruited in the next two months.

President Muhammadu Buhari announced this Friday while addressing Policemen at the ceremonial parade marking the grand finale of the 2016 Nigeria Police week.

The president who was represented by the Minister of Internal Affairs Lt. Gen. Abdulrahaman Bello Danbazzau, said presidency had been assured that the exercise would commence under a transparent and credible process with effect from 1 April 2016 According to him, aside addressing the national challenge of youth unemployment, this initiative would bridge the chronic manpower gap inherited by his regime in the police The president warned that in car-

rying out the exercise, he expected the Nigerian Police to put national interest in the forefront so that it would be in line with the reforms agenda being pursued under the Ministry of Interior Also he announced that the Federal government had funded the procurement of over 1,000 patrol vehicles and other logistics to strengthen the operational capacity of the safer highway patrol scheme and support the deployment of police personnel towards security stabilisation and restoration of Civil authority in the North East.

The president further announced that the Federal government had initiated actions aimed at giving effect to the concept of Citizens-led policing and strengthening the technical intelligence capacity of the service as a strategic national approach towards addressing the challenge of highly organised crime on a sustainable

basis, adding, “ No nation thrives without security and neither can a nation lay claim to security without an efficient policing service, hence this administration shall continue to support initiatives that will guarantee the reform and modernisation of the Nigeria Police” He noted that no citizen should be in doubt of the firm determination of the Federal government to bequeath to this nation a reformed re-oriented well trained, well equipped and highly motivated Policing service The president added that effective Policing of a community was dependent on the level of security consciousness of the citizens and the strength of the synergy that exists between the Policing agencies and the community Consequently, he warned that no Police service in the world, no matter how well motivated, equipped or

trained could successfully operate without the acceptance and support of the citizens.

In his address, the Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase said the 2016 edition of Nigeria Police week celebration was designed to break from the past and to commence a new beginning that would treat the members of public as respect- deserving customers who must always be kings in their policing world as they guide their relatively nascent democratic culture into sustainable heights The IG noted that on a day like this, they remained united in remembering personnel of the Force who had been fighting side by side their Military colleagues as they advance their common national will to defeat terror elements that had in recent years, been altering over national values in the North East and other parts of the country.

Pakistani, Cameroonian Apprehended Benue Groups Chide Buhari Over Handling of Fulani Crises in Benue for Entering Nigeria Illegally Bassey Inyang in Calabar A Pakistani, Sahid Mahmood and a Camerounian Nji Hagis Chi, have been arrested by the Nigeria Immigration Service in Cross River State.

Mahmood was allegedly smuggled into the country illegally through a forest path in Etung Local Government in the state which has common boundary with the Republic of Cameroun.

According to the Cross River State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Funke Adeuyi, the Pakistani would be thoroughly screened by the Nigerian Immigration Service and other security agencies to ensure he was not dangerous or on wanted list anywhere in the world before being repatriated.

Adeuyi who briefed the media yesterday said Mahmood was smuggled on motor cycle through bush path into Etung from where he entered Ikom en-route Lagos when he was intercepted by border Immigration officials at the village of Yahe, Yala Local Government Area of the state.

“We are collaborating with other security agencies to thoroughly screen the man to make sure he is not on the

wanted list of any country before he is sent back to his country because we have to be vigilant during this critical time in the country why somebody from Pakistan should want to come into the country through bush path,” she stated.

Adeuyi said the Pakistani was arrested alongside Chi who is regarded his accomplice.

She stated that the Camerounian said he met the Pakistani at the bus station in Ikom and decided to function as his guide to Lagos where he was going for an undisclosed reason.

“He was not found with anything incriminating but had enough hard currency on him to do anything he wanted to do, so we are wary of his movement in Nigeria because he has no reason to be in this country,” Adeuyi said.

She said the documents on the Pakistani indicated that he was originally bound for Duala International Airport in Cameroon.

The immigration officer said there was nothing on the Pakistani to show that he had to also visit Nigeria.

Adeuyi said the Pakistani and the Cameroonian would be screened thoroughly before they are repatriated to their countries.

GeorgeOkohin Makurdi Three prominent groups from Benue State, Mdzough u Tiv (MUT), the Idoma National Forum and the Omi Igede have condemned the inaction of the Federal government to the recent killings by Fulani herdsmen in the state.

They described the action of Fulani herdsmen in the state as, “The barbaric killing and wanton destruction of property of Benue indigenes by Fulani herdsmen”, which they alleged had been ignored or tolerated by the powers that be. The leadership of the groups stated that they observed with dismay the refusal of both the Federal and state governments to prevent the escalation of the occupation of their lands since it started manifesting several years ago.

"We the leaders of the Mdzough U Tiv (MUT), Idoma National Forum (INF) and Omi Ny’Igede held a unity meeting at the Royal Choice Inn, Makurdi, Benue State with the Catholic Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Williams Avenya and that of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Adobo in attendance to give their fatherly advice. After thorough deliberations on the armed invasion and occupation of our land by Fulani Herdsmen and the wanton killing of

our people, destruction of homes and farmlands, raping of our wives and daughters in 15 Local Government Areas out of 23 namely, Agatu, Gwer East, Gwer West, Makurdi, Guma, Tarka, Buruku, Katsina Ala, Logo, Ukum, Kwande, Oju, Obi and Konshisha, we have come up with the following communiqué" They also blamed the escalating crises on the delay in the take off the Presidential Investigation Panel promised by the President Mohammed Buhari.

"The proposed Town Hall Meeting by the Federal Government is not only diversionary, but a deliberate ploy to downplay the degree of attention and seriousness that should be accorded the invasion of our land. We wonder why the same Government that promised to set up an investigation committee is now resorting to a mere ruse called ‘Town Hall Meeting’.

We observed that the Town Hall meeting held on the 24th day of March, 2016 in Abuja by 1 Idoma Initiative with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) during which some major decisions were taken as detailed in a communiqué did not have the mandate of major stakeholders in the crisis.

DeltaStateSectorCommanderoftheFederalRoadSafetyCorps(FRSC), Mr.RindomKunvemhasdebunkedallegationsthatroadblocksbyofficials of the agency were responsible for vehicular accidents in Delta State.

Reacting yesterday (Thursday) to the allegation made by state chapter of the National Union of RoadTransport Workers (NURTW) at a stakeholders' meeting during the visit of the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Solomon Arase to the state last week, Kunvem challenged the union to the "name spots of accidents as a result of FRSC's unprofessional conducts on roads." The Delta FRSC commander described the NURTW leader who made the allegation as an aggrieved as a traffic offender probably sanctioned by road safety officials. He said that several motorists were convicted by special courts across the state for various traffic violations during the Easter holidays. He stressed that FRSC officials had a practice of not blocking roads or parking more than one or two vehicles at a time for checks simply to ensure that no scene was created on the road.

Fire Guts Sokoto PDP Chairman’s House

A fire outbreak yesterday razed down the residence of the Sokoto State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma. It was gathered that the inferno affected the wing of the wives of Milgoma, as property worth several millions of naira were destroyed.

The fire which was said to have started at around 4.00pm was put out at around 7pm on Thursday. The fire was put out by the combined efforts of firemen from the State Fire Service and some neigbours. The team leader of the firemen, Mr Bala Na'abu, attributed the fire incident to an electrical fault. Also commenting on the incident, Milgoma described the incident as an act of God, expressing happiness that no life was lost.

Former Governor of the State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), was among the early visitors to Milgoma's house to commiserate with him. Others were the Deputy Speaker in the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji, and former Kebbi Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu.

Imbibe Culture of Excellence

Nigerians have been called upon to imbibe the culture of excellence in their daily endeavours, because mediocrity had affected many sectors of the economy and doesn’t portray the nation in a positive light in the comity of nations.The call was made yesterday in Lagos by the convener of Excellence in Life Series, Dr. Femi Paul, at the series one conference with the theme; ‘The Power of Excellence’ Paul stated that excellence in life series was bi-monthly meeting which hoped to eradicate the prevalent culture of mediocrity, adding that it aimed at transforming mindsets and inevitably optimise the potential of individuals, institutions and the nation in general. He called on Nigerians to join the campaign to rescue the country from mediocrity, stressing that it was vital to build a culture of excellence and leave a lasting legacy for future generations, ‘excellence is simply about doing things well.’

Nigerian Navy Arrests Crude Oil Thieves

The Nigerian Navy has sustained its dominance in the waterways with extensive patrols and increased surveillance activities with the arrest of 11 crude oil thieves and destruction of several illegal refineries in the last one week. The Director of Naval Information (DINFO), Commodore Christian Ezekobe in a statement yesterday, said that the achievement which was in line with the directives of Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, was recorded between March 21-28, 2016.

"The anti-crude oil theft (Anti-COT) drive of the Nigerian Navy received a boost with successes recorded in raids conducted against illegal crude oil thieves, illegal refineries, smugglers and other criminalities along the waterways and creeks," Ezokobe said. Consequently, he noted, operatives of the Nigerian Navy arrested 11 persons at various locations while equipment used for illegal oil refinery and pipeline vandalism were destroyed.

He said that "some of the arrested culprits have been handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution". The Naval Spokesman also restated the resolve of the Nigerian Navy to ensure that maritime criminals and operators of illegal refineries are decisively dealt with as a deterrent to others wishing to sabotage critical national economic assets.

Queen Mother, Osiberu Dies at 96

The death has been announced of Mrs. Juliana Mogbonjubade Osiberu, the mother of the Elepe of Epe, Sagamu in Ogun State, Oba Adewale Osiberu and his siblings, Mrs. Folasade Ogunbiyi (the Iyalode-designate of Remoland) and Engineers Oluremi and Bayo Osiberu. Chief Osiberu, who died on January 22, 2016 at the age of 96, was married to the late Prince Emmanuel Osiberu of the Olasibo Ruling House of Epe, Sagamu, who had died in 2003, after 56 years of blissful marriage. Born in June 26, 1920 as the fifth of six children, into the family of Simon and Sarah Adeosun of the Ologbenla Ruling House of Ife, Osiberu attended both St. Luke’s School Okeigbo and St. Peter’s Primary School, Ifetedo, between 1930 and 1940, when she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate.

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SATURDAY APRIL 2, 2016 T H I S D AY

Plus Steve Babaeko

Poor Pay in Broadcasting Industry Made Me Choose Advertising

MARKET PLACE AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND FITNESS FASHION FILE

pg. 22 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 40 pg. 41

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 2, 2016

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Plus

Before Dreadlocks, I Had to Introduce Myself to People Many Times Over…But that Has Changed Managing Director, X3M Ideas, Steve Babaeko through unwavering diligence, and providence has worked his way up the ladder in a highly competitive industry in the last 20years. In far away northern Nigeria, Kaduna, he was so sure in his my mind that he could be a good copywriter, and so when he came to Lagos looking for a job, he wasn’t asking anyone to give him a job, but rather “give me a test”, and he proved his mettle first at MC&A. Five years later, he joined Prima Garnet and at 40, life began to interpret itself to him in a new meaning. Steve wanted the opportunity to write his own stories. At 41, he decided to plunge into the unknown waters of entrepreneurship with a radical approach to change the tides. Going down memory lane, he shares with Adedayo Adejobi , a mixed grill of his experiences, the opportunities and the challenges, how his agency, X3M Ideas, has been able to stretch the boundaries of imagination

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hat has it been like in the last two decades in the advertising industry?

I started in the industry when I was just 24 years old.

Sometimes, it feels like yesterday and sometimes, it feels like it’s been 50 years. It is a mixed grill of challenges, excitements one has been able to manage. I remember the first day that Mr. Victor Johnson, my former Managing Director at MC&A, gave me that letter that I was supposed to start work as trainee copy writer/radio/TV executive, that day would probably go down as one of the happiest moments of my life because I really wanted to do advertising. But having come through all these ways in 20 years, it is time to ruminate over all the transitions that have happened to both myself and to the industry; the metamorphosis that has taken place in the industry, across both sides have been monumental changes.

Babaeko

Talking about changes, what are some of those landmarks witnessed in the industry?

20 years ago, there were just sprinkles of agencies. You could count the number of big or top agencies at the tip of your fingers. OBM was in their last lap, and may be Grant was a little active. But the big guns were the LTCs, the Insights, SO&Us of this world. Shortly after, Prima Garnet became very big as well. I came into the industry in the late days where agencies had everything under one roof: PR, media, events and all of that.

Those were the days when artworks were done on bromides, you use paint brush for special effects. It was almost the beginning of the advent of computers in agency operations. At some point, agencies would say in their corporate ads “we are computerised…” If you say that now everybody is going to laugh at you, if you are not computerised, how can you get anything done? If you look at how digital is playing a significant role

advertising now, it is incredible. Take a look at the eco-system of marketing communications in Nigeria and you will see that it has totally transformed in the last 20 years.

What really inspired you into advertising?

I was in the back water of Nigeria in Kaduna back then. We heard gists of what happened in Lagos three months later, not as it is now in the age of internet and social media where you could google anything and search for anything you wish to know about. We were really the last people to get to know about things that were happening. I wanted to go into broadcasting, but when I did my NYSC at the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, in Kano, I realised that broadcasters looked really good on TV, but when it comes to remuneration it was nothing to write home about. Sometimes, it was so bad that some people after casting the news, found it difficult to go home. That simply opened my eyes that broadcasting might not be for me because everybody was waiting for me to finish service because we were very poor and they were just waiting for me to get a job so that I could support the family. Of course, I was already using my NYSC allowance to support the family, so time was not on my hands and I couldn’t imagine being entangled in the broadcasting pay that I saw with my own eyes.

At that time, I was really disillusioned.

I didn’t know what to do until Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi granted an interview I read in the Vanguard newspaper, where he talked about advertising and how they treated their staff at Prima Garnet. I thought to myself ‘may be this is what I should be doing’. but again, it was not like the age of internet where I could google what advertising is about. I had to go to the Kaduna library to do a research on the subject and what departments there are in an agency. I stumbled on the creative department; I probed further on what sections there are under the creative department and got to know about

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APRIL 2, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Plus copywriting.

How was your first day on the job?

I think it was a wonderland. I was just tumbling down that ‘rabbit hole.

I wasn’t so sure. Of course there were several cliques in MC&A. I remember one guy who turned out to be my best friend. He was manning the radio/ TV department then. I think he’s been having a bit of a challenge with management and they wanted to actually ease him off, if I looked back now I can understand why my employment letter read “Trainee Copywriter/Radio –TV Executive”. There was a copywriter who was a problem and there was a radio/ TV person who was also a problem. So the management position was to ease them off so they brought me in. When I resumed the guy who was in charge of radio/TV had gone to do some work somewhere, no one knew where he was for two days. I had resumed for two days, I remember the third day he saw me along the corridor and said, ‘hey, you are the new guy?’ I said ‘Yes, I am’. Then he continued: ‘This job, did you apply for it, or they just gave you the job”. I answered, ‘I applied and they gave me the job’. He then said, ‘but don’t you know that it’s not all jobs they give you that you accept?’ We ended up being the best of friends and till now we are still good friends but it started a little shaky. Again, the politics of advertising agency. I had a creative director who didn’t like me that much for so many reasons though I don’t even know what they were then but I had a Victor Johnson, our CEO, who was very supportive and treated me like a son, so it was not all that bad, it was a mixture of all the opportunities and the challenges.

Technically, you only worked in two agencies before you decided to set up your own shop. Why? For me it was both an accident and planned. The planned part was I just realised that in my first year in my first agency, my CEO was like my father, I couldn’t event fathom going to Mr. Victor Johnson that I was resigning, that kept me there for a long time. I did five years in MC&A. Again, why it was planned on the premise that from day one I always knew that if I left MC&A, I was going to Prima Garnet that was how I wanted my career to plot out. I wasn’t even willing to stop- bye along the way. May be it was because my initial motivation came from Mr. Akinwunmi’s interview where he spoke glowingly about Prima Garnet and their staff welfare policy. Prima Garnet became my dream agency. I am the kind of person that if I make up my mind that this is what I want to do, I always end up pursuing it. So every year since I joined MC&A, I usually applied to Prima Garnet and I won’t get called until the fifth year, 2001, when they finally called me and I jumped at it. At that point, I felt I had paid my dues at MC&A, so I moved on.

Again, getting to Prima Garnet, it was fantastic and great time working with Paschal Ayanso, my creative director. I think that was one of the high points of my advertising experience. That was where I was when they set up 141 and asked me to go and become the creative director there. I saw it as opportunity to truly write my own stories. I grabbed that opportunity with both hands, went to 141 and worked as if I was going to kill myself and we built a solid agency brand. I ended up spending another seven years in 141 and then I decided I had done enough and set up X3M Ideas.

So technically, this is the third agency I am working in.

What were the challenges when you worked as an employee in the industry and how did you surmount them?

When you work for people there will be the internal politics of the environment you work in. Where two or three are gathered there is politics in their midst, that is given. You have to surmount the politics of the environment you work.

Secondly, some of the things I know now about business I didn’t know then, you’ll always feel there is some money somewhere they are not giving you.

You are being short-changed, oh, you are holding the shorter end of the stick, oh, these guys are bloody capitalists.

May be sometimes it’s not like that.

The way I surmounted working for people was actually based on my own

industry, we have put in a bit of work.

There are quite a number of people I really respect, I means the people that built this industry out of nothing. They are still the heroes of this industry frankly.

Until some of these men came into the industry, this was like a barren wasteland dominated by expatriates and foreigners.

They came and gave it a Nigerian face to the extent that we can now say in 2015 that we have a Nigerian advertising industry. Credit to those men.

Babaeko

personal principle-if you are working for people, pretend as if you are working for yourself, that may be your saving grace.

This is so because if you are working for yourself, it won’t matter whether there is politics going on, you are not going to quit and run because there is politics.

I run this company today, nothing can make me quit because people are playing politics.

Having risen from the bottom to the success you have attained, within the space of 20 years, what is your advise to others on how to get to the top?

What I love about these saying especially if you are a good student of the Yoruba language which I am, there are sayings for and sayings against. A saying against the ‘big cock’ thing is that one that says ‘the erosion does not mind pulling down the building, it is the landlord that has to fortify his property’. If you juxtapose these sayings, of course, the big guns will not want anyone to play in their territories, especially a new kid on the block, but as a new kid on the block you have to be prepared for it. Marketing itself is warfare. Luckily, it’s not the war you fight with bullets and guns; it’s a war you fight with brains. You just need to get armed with your brain-power and do something different if not you are going to be swallowed. From day one, honestly the state of mind I brought into the industry is not about who is big or who is small? I do not see any big or small agency. In fact, the smaller agencies should be the ones you should be wary of today. The big agencies have been there forever, you know what they can possibly do. The guys you don’t know are the ‘small’ agencies that are just coming and one may not know the tricks they are hiding behind their backs. To be honest, to me there are no big agencies or small agencies. If there are any agencies out there coming up with good ideas then I know I need to watch them closely and try to bring up my A-game anytime I encounter them. And luckily for the client, which is also very good for the industry, I don’t think the clients are deceived by big names anymore, this has been my experience in the past three years.

What about this story of coming to Lagos with only N500 in your purse?

It’s actually true. After all the back and forth with friends in Benin and I paid for my bus fare to Lagos, I had left with me only N500 when I arrived Lagos June 8, 1995. That is the true story. For me, it just reminds me how far I have come and that is why I still can remain very humble, knowing that I did not get here by power but a whole lot of help from God almighty. For that reason I will always remain grounded and grateful.

At what point did you decide to launch out as an entrepreneur and what motivated you?

I love working in 141Worldwide, I

have no problem with the company especially with the gentleman who owns it: Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi. He is my benefactor, my mentor, I respect him a lot. I started working for the Prima Garnet group at 29. I left at 41. That’s a lot of time. I wish people will work that long here. Something happens to a man when he turns 40, I don’t know about other people, but I can speak for myself.

I turned that curve, I became 40 and I started to see the world in a totally different way. People like Mr. Akinwunmi is even luckier that I am, he started Prima Garnet at 33/34, I started this company at 41 meaning that I am even eight years late. At 40, I started to look at the world differently, started thinking about legacy, God forbid if something happened to me, what legacy do I bequeath to my family? Is there anything that I have beside my salary? Do I have stake in the business? Do I have stake in a business somewhere else? The answers kept coming in the negative. Then I decided I had to do something about my life. That is on the personal level.

On the business level, I have been with 141 for seven years. We grew the business but I wasn’t in charge. I had other ideas about how the business could have gone which was the crux of the friction I had with the person leading the team. I felt the company should go right all the time, she wanted it to go left, so we clashed a lot. It was seven years of serious clashing. Being 40, I thought about all the clashes I had to go through all in the name of steering the company in what I felt was the right direction that wasn’t happening. I felt why nobody would listen to me is that ‘you have all these radical ideas of what could be done to take the business to a totally different trajectory but where have you done it before.’ Why should anyone believe that those ideas even make sense? So I felt it was a good opportunity to come out and prove that some of those things are actually the way to go. If I wasn’t in charge, it’s like going to battle with your hands tied behind you. The only way to loosen that is to cut out and go and start something. In three years this is what we have done. God being behind us, this is what we are capable of doing, and I am glad we have been able to make that statement in a profound and loud manner.

In a case like yours, where your role models are somehow your competition, how do you handle this?

There is a saying out there that you should work so hard till you become competition to your role models. I think that is what we have done. The role models we looked up to when we started this business are the people we are competing against today. The Yorubas will say if a child comes of age and ‘needs to have a cutlass, give him one, if he needs to get a hole do not deny him one’. We have come of age, after 20 years in the

Considering the economic downturn and low income, do you think there are still opportunities in the industry?

There is still need or opportunities for at least 20 solid agencies in this economy.

The opportunities are enormous but the question is, are you willing to bring a different thinking to the game? If you can’t, if you are just going to be doing what X3M Ideas is doing then sit in your house, do not waste your time because X3M is already taking that space. If there is no new thinking, new strategies, new ideas and new creative ways of execution of the new thinking you’re bringing on board, then it’s a waste of everybody’s time. What made way for us is that we brought new thinking into this business that is why we gained traction. Yes, there are some businesses you start with some powerful people on board with loads of money, X3M Ideas’ case wasn’t like that, we started with nothing. So if you really want to come in and join the fray, there is already a path or zone now where all kinds of heavy hitters are already seated and entrenched. To come in and break through this clutter, better for that person to know something that all of us do not know. If not, how are you going to come in? So my advice to young entrepreneurs is, sit down, study the market which is exactly what we did, and discover what new angles you can approach the business.

What are the challenges?

Challenges are enormous. At the end of the day, people still ask how can I compare music and advertising and I tell you one single comparism between those two industries is that with music you are as good as your last hit that is even more true for advertising. We just broken a campaign for Etisalat using Francis Odega and the whole country is talking about it, the client has given us another brief today, the bar has been raised, they want you to do something that is even better than the last one they are talking about. If you can’t keep producing that result, nobody is going to cut you any slab to say ‘in fairness to them, they did a fantastic job two months ago.’ The biggest challenge we have in this industry is you have to keep besting yourself with every brief you get.

Now to your signature dreadlocks, 20 years ago you weren’t wearing this?

In this business of communication, differentiation is the key factor. So you ask at some point there are so many creative directors in this country, do I just want to carry my skin-low hair-cut like everyone else and go to clients? How are they going to remember you? To be honest before I started wearing my dreadlocks when I meet people, I had to introduce yourself two three times later before the face finally became familiar. Since I started wearing it, you meet me only once you remember me. It boils down to the fact that in this business creating differentiation should start with you as a practitioner.

What structures are you putting in place to ensure you have people who can run the business when you step aside?

I am just in my 40s. I suspect I might take a back seat at 50. To be honest this job is a tough job. It is like being a member of the US Marine. It is tasking to your body; it is tasking to your brains. After taking all the beatings for over 20 years, one feels tempted to retire early to call it a day. In view of that we are working on our succession plan already, we do not want to make some of the mistakes that bedevil businesses in Nigeria where there are no clear succession plan. We are working on that.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 2, 2016

loud Whispers with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Adieu Tunji Braithwaite The great Tunji Braithwaite passed on at 82 after a brief illness as we have been told. I must confess he really captured my young mind when he came out in the Second Republic talking about cockroaches and rats. In my young mind, I really believed that he was referring to the real creatures and I used to wonder how killing all these rats that shared my room in Shomolu those days would lead to the Presidency. I used to marvel at his unique dress since, his well carved beards and much more importantly his fiery speeches laced with massive hatred for cockroaches and rats. His only mistake was not buying cartons of insecticides and sharing them at his campaigns just the way APC has been doing with brooms. Anyways, he was a colorful character who played his own part, made the appropriate posturing and quietly exited. He remains a true statesman in my books and I will forever cherish his speeches and pray that he is buried with enough insecticides to continue the battle against the cockroaches and leeches that have continued to squander our common wealth even after life. Baba rest in peace you lived well.

Sunday Oliseh and his Super Chickens The worse has happened. We have been kicked out of the African Nations cup simply because of our decision to appoint a semi-mature albino as chief coach. By the time my paddy Siasia came in the damage had been done and we have been nationally disgraced. This Oliseh has always been a character right from his playing days. Mouthy and too controversial, shey that is what we all wanted after losing such a gifted trainer like Keshi. A man who knew what he wanted and always knew how to get it, winning the Cup of Nations garnering accolades and international respect.

What did we do, we took him out and brought this upstart who only knows how to shoot YouTube videos. With his big mouth (I am angry Abeg, so I will yab him Jo) he went on an insult spree.

Insulting everybody from the Minister, to sports journalists and even his players. Shebi, he fought our legendary goalkeeper and kicked him out of the

in his studio. Me, Ajanaku I seize his spare tyre promising to give him back when I get the cheque. He shook his head and drove off. I will not go back to Akwa Ibom naked, by fire by force we go do this play. Alibaba must be paid.

Ibe Kachikwu: Shina Peller to the Rescue

Ibe had screamed last week that he was not a magician and as such we had to suffer till May before the Fuel Scarcity will end.

Although I hear he has recanted and apologised, I agree totally with him. Only a magician can solve permanently the problem we face with fuel with all its politics and I know just the person that should be our Petroleum Minister. He is Shina Peller the very handsome businessman who runs that exotic Night Club somewhere in Victoria Island. He is the son of legendary Magician, Professor Peller. Yes he camp. That time, I screamed o on this same page that this upstart be kicked out, did they listen? They said because I was Akwa Ibom like the keeper so I was ignored. Today, the man has united all of us in shame. Whether you are a Fulani herdsman or a Boko Haram recruit or a Biafra separatist or Fayose loyalist we are all united in grieve. Oliseh has united Nigerians. What religion, national pledge or national anthem and NYSC cannot do, Oliseh with his big head has done. Today we are a nation of misfits, not even qualifying for a small competition like this and the FA chairman is still there with that his yeye glasses and cannot resign at such monumental failure. Na CCT go probe all of una. There is god o.

Tonye Cole: where forth art thou?

I am looking for you o. I have carried my big head to go and produce a play with nothing but a prayer to fund it.

Last time I saw you, we were seated almost beside each other at Bolanle’s play and I liked the slippers you wore. It was so fine, do you still have it? As my daughter climbed the stage and I started crying, you were the only one laughing at me and I swore that I will yab you on my page to get my own back. But when you called out of the blue to say HI to me, I decided to forgive you and make you my friend. Well, who will not want to be your friend especially at these times when we all have to be close to magicians to get fuel to power our lives?

Well, I am looking desperately for you and have decided to come to this page to paste my own ‘wanted’ poster. So anybody that knows this gentleman’s whereabouts kindly tell him that I am looking desperately for him. I just want to greet him o, I swear. The number he used to call me may have been part of

is a real magician and I am sure that Ibe had him in mind when he made that statement. I swear Shina can do it o. He once confessed to me that every Peller is a magician and that he can make people and irritating things like fuel queues disappear with a wave of the wand.

That is why you see that I do not agree with the Jagaban. He should have kept quiet and just maybe we would not have seen or heard the apology and today my friend would have had the opportunity to just do abracadabra and we will all be swimming in inexhaustible fuel.

the unregistered one that put MTN in trouble because since then, the thing never ring again.

Mudi in trouble The highly talented designer is in trouble with me today. Last Saturday I saw one of his antique cars parked near the swimming pool at the Eko Hotel and decided to look for him to catch him. Ever since I have announced my play at the Muson, Mudi suddenly disappeared. A man that used to buy me fish and bread in his wonderful studio at Anthony suddenly became busier than Donald Trump. So that day, I was determined to catch him. I removed my shoes, tip toed towards the swimming pool where I knew he would be sitting. Not knowing that the wayo man had seen me coming, he too pulled his shoes and jumped into the swimming pool and stayed under so that I won’t see him. Na so I come dey tip toe around the swimming pool, looking for him o. The oyinbo people thinking that I was a terrorist, carefully took their leave. Not knowing that Mudi was underwater waiting for me to leave, I finally gave up and pretended to leave.

Cunny man die , cunny man bury am.

I tip toed to one corner and crouched waiting for the dimunitive designer.

When he was sure I was gone, he came out of the pool and started running towards his car like Usain Bolt, I jumped out and caught him and screamed, Mudiiiiiiiiii. He must sponsor whether he like or not. He promised to sponsor the play that I should see him next week

Well done Heritage Bank I was invited to a dance drama funded

by Heritage Bank and produced by Yibo Koko. This Yibo Koko, I saw him at Tera Kulture eating but did not greet him. He was looking really hungry so I decided not to disturb his lunch, not knowing that he was in the middle of this massive production. Th e culture of the Ikwere people were on display. It was very colourful and in depth. The pride of the Rivers people was on display and for once the specter of electoral violence and lilliputian struggle for power was thrown to the background and the culture of this very obviously proud people was expertly showcased for the world to see. The importance of the sea and its creatures to the Rivers people was emphasised and I wondered all night how the costumes and traditional regalia were all so wonderfully put together. Well done Yibo and congratulations to Heritage Bank for bringing this to us.

That Tuface Book I mistakenly bought the Tuface biography expecting to read the story behind one of the most gifted Nigerian performers. But what I saw was a lazy attempt at chronicling the life and art of this legend. This book was so poorly put together that I stood on my balcony and threw it away after only 10 minutes of going through it.

It was a compilation of stories carried majorly by soft sells which at best would not stand empirical scrutiny. For some one to put this together and publish as an authentic record of this phenomenal artiste is the height of lazy intellectualism. This was a very poor attempt which has done Tuface a great disservice. I really loathe the work and do honestly wish that Tuface can commission a more serious scholar to put together a better appreciated work for he really deserves to be chronicled.

APRIL 2, 20 16 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

21

THIS WOMAN’S WORK

with ADE RONKE ; @aderonstar; ronkaf@aol.com

The Wave to the Future Nigeria’s economic climate continues to challenge all citizens. The cost of living is more expensive so is the cost of operating the simplest of businesses. The demographic that are likely to suffer the most are the youth. Realistically, even before the economic downturn unemployment has always been shamefully high, averaging at over 50% for the past five years. Furthermore the state of our secondary and tertiary institutions are not internationally competitive.

Nigeria continues to struggle to empower and up skill young people with the necessary qualifications to survive. If we think our current economic situation is difficult then the future is likely to be worse. The future does look bleak but individuals such as Misan Rewane and her non-governmental organisation – West Africa Vocational Education (WAVE) may have an impactful solution. WAVE focuses on training young people with relevant skills to improve their chances of meaningfully joining the workforce. The rationale behind this organisation is irrefutable. Yet the challenge of solving youth unemployment may be too large for one organisation. Though the future may be predicted it is still yet to happen. WAVE could be the foundation and model on how to truly empower young people. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Misan Rewane shares her story and WAVE’s plans for the future

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hat gave you the idea for WAVE? The idea for WAVE came from brainstorming with fellow Harvard Business School (HBS) classmates who were also from West Africa and were familiar with the youth and unemployment problems in the region. We met at the end of our first year in HBS when someone suggested I speak to them. They were interested in development in Africa so I chased them up and we had our first meeting in the Harvard Innovation Lab. We spoke for hours about what a solution could look like a one-time meeting became monthly then weekly meetings. We received funding from HBS to do some on-the-ground research to test the viability of the idea. We applied for the HBS New Venture competition and won the runner-up prize, which gave us the seed funding to implement the idea.

WAVE was second runner up in the fiercely competitive HBS new venture competition in 2014. What do you think set you apart from the others?

The fact that we had done some onthe-ground work to test the viability of our model. We had meetings with major hoteliers and retailers in Nigeria. We understood their Human Resource needs and how the WAVE model would be able to solve them. As part of our research we ran several one-day training sessions for unemployed youth to test whether there was a demand for soft skills training.

Before this research phase we had several questions: Were soft skills needed? Would people be willing to pay for soft skills training? Would employers be willing to hire for attitude and train for skill? Luckily we were able to answer these questions.

Our test phase made our business plan seem more viable. Our team also set us apart as we were very familiar with the context of the problem. We are all West Africans with extensive experience and a passion to solve this problem. Given that we are the counterfactual to the unemployed young person. We have been given opportunities that have transformed our trajectories relative to the millions of unemployed youth in West Africa who haven’t had such opportunities.

From my understanding WAVE’s focus is youth empowerment, up skilling young people to increase their chances of socio-economic mobility. There are a handful of NGO’s that have youth empowerment as their focus whether it is through leadership training, scholarships etc. However without sufficient government intervention can youth empowerment NGO’s or WAVE make any significant impact?

I think we can, but it would very likely take as much as ten times the resources as

will not be about making enough money to save for anything. Not many young people are willing to make that sacrifice and take the first step, they would rather “sit and wait” for the “right opportunity”.

That being said, of the 3,000 eligible applicants we had last year, less than 600 of them fit the profile. We were looking for a demonstrated willingness to learn and self-motivation.

I did some research on WAVE and there is an 80% success rate with the students, they are able to find jobs in the hospitality industry and that is great. What happens to the other 20%?

Yes 80% of our alumni go on to get employment in the hospitality and retail sectors. 70 to 75% through our own network of employer partners and another 5 to 10% with employers outside our network. Another 5-10% go back to some form of education, part-time employment or self-employment. We are looking forward to running an independent evaluation of our impact this year. This will examine what the employment, income and career trajectory has been for the close to 500 young people who have graduated from the program since 2013.

it would have if we had some support from government. So yes, government intervention is very vital in supporting existing NGO’s to scale impact. For example, at WAVE we want to train 25,000 young people across West Africa and facilitate placement for 75% of them into entry-level jobs by 2019. If we were to achieve this feat without support from the government, one way to do it would be to develop our model into a franchise that is fairly simple to set up. This can be run with minimal training, for anyone across the region who cares about the rising unemployment problem and wants to do something to solve it in a sustainable and profitable way.

While WAVE then serves to regulate and make sure that quality is consistent across board. This would take a lot of resources in terms of funds, people, time and energy.

Conversely, with government intervention, we can tackle the problem more directly, from the root. Many years ago a secondary education prepared you enough to get a job and start a life as soon as you were done.

Going to the higher institution back then wasn’t common; sadly, in this era neither a secondary education nor a University education prepares you enough for the 21st century world of work. Think about the kind of impact, at very little cost, we could have if the government implemented a policy that makes the WAVE model a required part of completing secondary school, we would have far more people

ready for work right out of secondary school and the impact could be millions at a time!

This would be an alternative to a million people writing JAMB and trying to go to a university that isn’t very likely to make your chances at employment any better.

As a matter of fact only about 30% of those who take the exam have a shot at getting into any higher institution. So why not adopt a model that gets these people into jobs at least for a year and until the next JAMB comes around and they can try again. The bottom line is, with government support NGO’s can definitely do a lot more, and faster too, as most of our problems are not shrinking in size, but growing everyday with our teeming population.

Setting up any venture in Nigeria is a challenge, what have been the challenges for WAVE so far?

Last year, we had the capacity to train 600 youth in our academy, yet we struggled to operate at 50% of our capacity. We could not find young people who were willing to take the first step of starting at the bottom with an entry-level job (and pay) that’s not an “office job”. Most people feel they deserve to earn more when they don’t have the commensurate experience or haven’t even demonstrated what value they can bring to the table. What we tell our trainees is that their first year on the job will simply be about learning while adding value - it

What have been the success stories?

There are alumni who have risen to become supervisors and managers and now call WAVE when they need staff.

Alumni that now work fulltime on team WAVE in a variety of functions (e.g. admissions, training, support services). There are also alumni who call us about their new jobs where they are earning five times what they initially earned when they first graduated from WAVE. There are alumni who sponsor unemployed youth in their communities to attend WAVE. All these alumni are paying it forward one way or another by being great WAVE Ambassadors, WAVING the flag and riding the WAVE to the future. As you can see, there’s no shortage of WAVE puns.

In your initial assessment of Nigeria’s economy retail and hospitality are two sectors that will create jobs and therefore you train the students for these sectors. Has this changed in light of the current economic environment?

Great question! Everything’s up in the air with the economic uncertainty in the country but the 170 million people in Nigeria must still eat 1-3 times a day and buy even the basic commodities. So we stand firm on our strategy and positioning our students for the retail & hospitality sector. Additionally, because our focus is on work-readiness skills that are relevant in any workplace and therefore our 170-plus employer partners span media, financial services, health & wellness and logistics industries.

• For more information on WAVE visit www.waveacademies.org

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 2, 2016 WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

L-R: CEO, Tig Communications Ltd, Jude Ukachukwu; Director, Brand & Experience,Etisalat Nigeria, Elvis Ogiemwanye; Etisalat Nigeria, CEO, Yarab Ventures, Yakoub Abolaji Abdulrasaq; Director, Channel Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Victor Nwaobia; CEO, Stanqueen Communications,Stanley Iherobiem and Head, Sales Distribution,Etisalat Nigeria,Oluwatosin Ogunlana during the Etisalat Nigeria’s 2016 Channel Partners Conference in Lagos recently.

R-L: Rotimi Famuwagun of Access Bank receiving Most Outstanding Enterprise Customer Award from Adanma Onuegbu,CEO of Signal Alliance

Substandard Goods

SON’s DG Seeks Stiffer Punishment for Corruption

With the steps and policies of the new helmsman at the Standards Organisations of Nigeria, SON, sales in substandard goods may no longer be a trend.

The SON’S Acting Director General, Dr. Paul Angya gave this indication in an exclusive chat with Marketplace and disclosed that his administration was bent on eliminating all forms of corruption in the system.

Explaining his strategies, he said there were deliberate efforts to clearly separate roles and functions which would further tighten the operations of the organisation against difficult manufacturers and importers.

The Ag. DG explained that the enforcement units was undergoing a restructuring process to enable it become more active, giving no room for any foul play.

“So far, we have reviewed the structure, personnel, processes and procedures of the enforcement department. We used to have enforcement and port operations units operating as one section, but

now, they have been separated for the purpose of efficiency so that we now have a division where people who identify the products are different from those who do the verification. In other words, we no longer have one division acting as the accuser, prosecutor, judge and executioner.

This has taken away the usual familiarity and importers negotiations billings.

“We are also planning to recruit new personnel in the unit so that they can come in with a different and disciplined attitude and perception”, he explained. The SON boss also added that the E payment platform introduced into the system would help eliminate negotiations billings among importers who did not want to pay the standard fees, thus exposing SON officials to corruption.

While admitting that the process may not be without shortcomings, he said that efforts had been put in place to check pranks and fraud on the platform.

“The e payment is structured such that there is

Consumers go low Key on Easter Celebration

Top Brands Rush to Partner Yudala on Mobile Monday

The present economic situation in the country no doubt has forced many Christians to go on low key preparations in marking this year’s Easter festival.

A visit to major markets and chain stores in Lagos revealed that despite the season, markets have nothing to show for it because customers’ demands have not changed in terms of quantity and varieties.

“Usually, the festive period is always characterised with excess demands that even as sellers, we may not immediately have enough stock to meet these demands; this time around, we don’t know what is happening . As far as this market is concerned, we are yet to see or know that Christians are celebrating”, lamented a rice seller in Ile-Epo market, Lagos.

In what he described as unusual, a fowl seller who gave his name as Saheed bemoaned low customers patronage as he said unlike the usual festive rush; customers were only trickling in and offering prices that were below the cost price.

When Marketplace approached some buyers to know their level of preparations, their responses were pitiful, blaming the prevailing economy recession.

“There is no money in circulation, yet things are expensive, imagine, a paint bucket of garri that we used to buy for N300 now goes for N350,same with yam flour, look at the small quantity of pepper they sell for N50,we don’t have option but to buy because we have to eat. What is happening in the country now has taught us to cut down on our spendings, if I spend all my income on Easter celebration, won’t I eat after Easter, won’t I pay my children school fee?” lamented a shopper at Ile Epo market.

The trend remains the same in the textile market where Mrs. Bimbola Aina, a cloth seller in Oshodi Market said. “The usual thirst and rush for new clothing during the festive period is not there this time around.

“This country really needs prayer, I’ve been in this business for more than 20 years, I have never experienced a dry market as this, let alone festive period, I’ve been in the shop since morning, I have not sold six yards of Ankara, yet I will pay for rent at the end of the month. I am yet to see any sign of Easter in the market. “

Following the attention given the Yudala Mobile Mondayinitiative by consumers who now wait for Mondays to do most of their shopping, big brands in the technology arena are beginning to explore partnership opportunities on the platform to attract and enhance patronage for their products.

The Yudala mega sales promotion which kicked off in February has become a popular feature every Monday through which the company offers all categories of shoppers the chance to enjoy best prices and mouth-watering deals on a wide range of mobile devices from the biggest brands including mobile phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs and accessories, among others.

The company reports that this Monday’s edition of the promo which commenced around 6am witnessed an unusually heavy traffic, with the Length Yoga 300 laptop and Lenovo A10 tablet, both of which came bundled with Microsoft Office 365 emerging among the best-selling items from orders processed on the day.

clear separation of roles; for instance, the officers who do the billings are not those who receive payment, another unit verify payment while another do physical verification of tellers. The DG also has access to this platform and before I sign any certificate, I must have verified payment. While I admit that there may be leakages, it will not be as much as dealing with cash where there is physical contact and interaction”, Angya said.

Angya also warned importers and manufacturers who offer bribe to desist from such act, stressing that importers and dealers were those corrupting the system.

He said “The organisation has qualification standards and fixed charges for any class of goods but importers whose goods are either substandard or who do not want to pay the standard fee resort to begging officials on duty for negotiations.

Now tell me, who is corrupting who and who is more corrupt? At this level we are, if there is any corruption, the initiator is the dealer and not

Another product which enjoyed best-seller status was the Samsung S7 and S7 Edge which recently launched on the company’s online and offline platforms; as well as the Apple iPhone 5S and Alcatel Pixi 3.

Feedback also revealed that most customers who placed orders for the device were eager to be among the first to own the S7 while others were looking to purchase it as an Easter gift for loved ones.

The last edition of the promo which was Powered by Intel was also remarkable for the flash sale at 12pm, 3pm and 6pm with customers jostling for the HP 255 Business Laptop given away at a jaw dropping price of N67,900.

Speaking on this development, Marketing Communications Manager, Yudala, Afam Anyika said, “We are delighted by the growing acceptance of Mobile Monday.

The huge orders processed today both online and in our chain of Experience Stores nationwide shows the eagerness with which Nigerians now await the promotion.

Etisalat Restates Commitment to Value Creation Innovative telecommunications company, Etisalat, has said that would continue to engage in activities and programmes that would improve business and constantly bring value to customers on its network.

The company made this known as it hosted its channel partners to an exclusive business conference and gala night.

The two-in-one event which held recently further created a platform for sharing of new business insights and strengthening of the existing bond between the Information Communication Technology firm and its channel partners, networking opportunities and appreciation of the partners for their contributions to the business.

Speaking at the ceremony which presented a platform to reward excellence and devotion, Director for Channel Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Victor Nwaobia, said that the telecoms company placed a lot of value on its partners whose roles were critical to the success of the business.

“It is part of the company’s culture to engage its stakeholders. We recognise the place of our channel partners as critical

stakeholders in our business drive and also the value they bring to the whole chain. This platform enables us to share our strategic business insights, visions and plans for the year and then have the partners contribute with useful feedbacks”, he said.

Vice President, Consumer Sales and Service, Etisalat Nigeria, Ken Ogujiofor, noted that the company’s inclination for innovation and quality of service necessitated that its partners align with the vision of bringing value to customers on the network.

Notable personalities at the event included Executive Vice Chairman, Royal Serve Wireless, Olusola Alabi; Chairman, Easy & Quiet Ltd, Mohammed Anthony; Chairman, C & N Abuson Investment Ltd, Nwabueze Nwachukwu; Chairman, Can’t Stop Ltd, Ndukauba Chukwu; CEO, TIG Communications, Jude Ukachukwu; CEO, Yarab Ventures, Yakoub Abolaji Abdulrasaq ; CEO, Stanqueen Communications, Stanley Iherobiem and CEO, Telecom Centre Ltd, Lekan Abari.

from SON as nobody in SON has the platform to initiate any. Meanwhile, anyone found guilty will be made to face the music”.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to review upwards the penalty for the producers and dealers of substandard products, adding that stiffer punishment would deter existing and prospective perpetrators.

According to him, corruption in the standardisation sector was worse than that found in the financial sector; adding, “If somebody steals a billion naira from government’s coffer, there is time and opportunity for security agents to chase such person and recover the money. But if someone produces substandard cables which eventually leads to fire outbreak claiming some lives, such lives can never be recovered. The Manufacturer of such cable should be treated as murderer and charged as such. 10 years jail term is not enough for someone who commits a heinous crime that leads to the death of a fellow human being”.

Access, Union, others Bank Bag Recognition Award As part of the activities lined up to celebrate 2016 Customer Week, Signal Alliance has recognised four of her enterprise customers at its recently held Enterprise Customers Night.

The Customers recognised included Access Bank plc which was awarded the Most Outstanding Enterprise Customer; Union Bank, being the Most Consistent Enterprise Customer; Continental Re, the Most Innovative in the Cloud and Pan Ocean Oil, which was recognised as the Most Timely Customer on Enterprise Renewal.

Commenting on the awards, Chief Executive Officer of Signal Alliance, Adanma Onuegbu said, “These recognitions are the climax of our Customer Week long activities. We remain humbled and appreciative of the support from our customers.

We pledge our commitment to the maxim which states that, ‘Customer is king’ in our dealings, and provision of world class services.”

Also as part of the week activities, the company paid a courtesy visit to all customers, organised a roundtable talk on IT security and rounded it off with Enterprise Customers Night to recognise and celebrate the company’s teeming and committed customers.

Founded in 1996, Signal Alliance is a top class, outstanding IT service provider, and an end-to-end system integrator which has strategic partnership with major global industry giants such as: Microsoft, Cisco, CA Technologies, Polycom and SAP. The week activities were supported

by Cisco and Microsoft.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

23

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

‘Loot’ Uncountable

D

AILY Sun Front Page Headline of March 28 welcomes us today: “Recovered loots (loot): Why we can’t disclose amount—Buhari” ‘Loot’ is uncountable.

“Taraba: Army arrests 6 over (for) Ibi communal crisis” $4m first automation engineering lab in Nigeria ready for commissioning (inauguration)” Wrong: media practitioner Right: media professional “Turkish Airlines to increase flights (flight) routes in Nigeria” The next four blunders are from an advertorial

by Ebonyi State University signed by Sam N. Egwu, Registrar/Secretary to Council, which was published in the above edition of Daily Sun: “Mama left sound legacies by bequeathing to her children, (otiose comma) sound morals and acdemic trainings (training), which today, (another useless comma) has (have) strategically….”

“As you mourn this rare icon, be consoled by the fact that she has gone to rest on (in) the bosom of the Most High God….” (Source: as above) “Since the inception of the present political dispensation, appointment of the Clerk of the national Assembly has been shrouded by (in) intrigues….”

Now the last entry from Daily Sun under review: “Uganda (Ugandan) goalkeeper Dhaira dies from (of) cancer” THE NATION ON SUNDAY of March 27 comes in with just three gaffes: “Mixed reaction greets sackings” This is no news: mixed reactions greet sackings “DIG commends army, police over (for/on) Yobe attacks” Lastly from Fatai Atere Way: “Onitsha is better now, say Obiano” What is going on here?

Let us continue with a visit to Champion House, Ilasamaja, Mushin, Lagos: “Soldiers take over troubled spots” (Daily Champion, March 28)

Let peace reign: trouble spots.

“President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, expressed sadness over the sporadic violent protest (protests)….” (Vanguard, March 28) “Police arrest four over Maiduguri explosion” Do we arrest the entire editorial team for (not over) lexical recklessness?

“Bribery enthrones mediocrity and crucify merit.” (Source: as above) The Tabernacle of bribery crucifies merit.

“Gang up against Buhari will fail” (NIGERIAN Tribune, March 28) Phrasal verb: gang up; noun: gang-up (which applies here) “We were treated to another similar incidence.…” All newspapers should know the difference between ‘incidence’ and ‘incident’ (which applies here).

“Although the governor’s last minute romance with the main opposition party is held against him.…” Saturday People: last-minute romance “Thus, a core investor…with regards to optimal use of the machinery.…” (THE GUARDIAN, March 28) Either: as regards or with regard to….

“In the heydays of the goggled General when fuel was often unavailable…” (Source: as above) Stranglehold of oil workers: heyday (uncountable) “Last year, many houses of the Igbo in Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos, were razed down.…”

(THISDAY, March 28) No word abuse: simply razed (not razed down). Discard the contrary views by some registers!

Yet another headline gaffe: “Restrictions on inter-bank foreign exchange trading is (are) killing the market.”

“Armed robbers now have good company– street thugs and unofficial vigilante groups.”

(Still from THE GUARDIAN) Democracy as a disincentive: vigilance group “Buhari points accusing fingers at….” (DAILY SUN, March 28) People in the news: Buhari points the finger. No obtuse addition

“Nigeria is at a crossroad” (VANGUARD, March 28) Fixed expression: at a/the crossroads “Stationeries badly needed by.…” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, March 28) ‘Stationery’ is non-count.

“But what appears criminal is the desire of these off-springs of.…” (DAILY CHAMPION, March 28) ‘Offspring’ does not take any inflection.

The next three goofs are from VANGUARD of March 28: ”…the process of economic integration from which will emerge an economic block (bloc).…”

“There is a tussle going on between these two (would it have been three?) arms of government.”

“Nigerian leaders and politicians have continued to adopt and acquiesce to (in).…”

“Globacom sets (set) to rule domestic market” (Nigerian Tribune, March 28) “I have been briefed that the wrangling among the leaders of PDP are (is) over.” (SUNDAY VANGUARD, March 27) BusinessDay of March 28 disseminated a recurring impropriety: “Now that the Police has (have) taken over the supervision of the….” “…and ensure it does not reoccur again.”

(THE GUARDIAN, March 28) ‘Reoccur again’?

Run for cover, my dear reader! Just recur. Recur, recurrence, recurrent. Occur, occurred, occurrence.

“Lack of incentives anger (angers) local manufacturers” (THE GUARDIAN, March 28) “They provide temporary relief.” (Source: as above) ‘Temporary relief? I strongly object to that clumsy expression because there is no permanence in ‘relief’.

“The patients pay for each act of ‘healing’ through their noses.” Get it right: they pay through the nose or excessively.

“At the launching programme (launch) in Abuja.…”

“A cursory look at the figures show (shows) that.…”

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

Daily Sun of March 25 circulated copious shibboleths: “The end point is that people wait for between three to five hours to pay in their drafts.”

English without tears: between three and five “With the attainment of the highest office at any strata of government….” Singular: stratum; plural: strata.

“It may be difficult for Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu to resurrect again politically after his disastrous outing in the presidential elections.” Please, yank off ‘again’ in the interest of lexical sanity and our democracy.

“They better not rely on INEC.” This way: They had better not rely on INEC. “Like (As) we had said at various forums. …”

“So, the government cannot ask the Supreme Court to interprete the law.” Spell-check: interpret. “…the reduction in the number of road accidents and causalities.” (National Mirror, March 28) This way: casualties. “...to that extent, we shall congratulate its authors for (on/upon) hearing the deafening cry of Nigerians for an effective legislature.”

(Nigerian Tribune, March 28) “…were simultaneously a continuation of the power-bloc struggle in Nigeria and unanticipated fallouts from that struggle.” (DAILY CHAMPION, March 28) ‘Fallout’ is uncountable. “…appeal to the discredited tactics of past times also wreak havoc on the procedural sanctity of the democratic path.” (Vanguard, March 28) Notes of disquiet: pastime “Out-of-control trailer crushes 15 persons to death” When a trailer crushes people, they cannot be alive except there is divine intervention.

So, ‘crushed to death’, to me, smacks of lexical insensitivity. This is my own perception of ‘crush’, especially in vehicular circumstances. You are at liberty to accept or not. After all, some dictionaries question my poetic licence on this!

PEOPLE2PEOPLE...with Oke Epia

From Brussels to Babel

I

n the last dozen days, the world has been treated to the trauma of terrorism. A renewed assault in the scale of 9/11 jolted humanity with distressing images of spilled blood, broken limbs, ruptured ribs and lives lost. It has been horrendous carnage from Brussels to Lahore and Babel in Baghdad. But amidst the global outrage, sympathy and solidarity that have trailed these dastardly acts percolates that seething seeds of prejudice and preferential treatment typical of the Orwellian world we live in.

There are several manifestations of this in the three disparate terror attacks mentioned above. Sadly, it has been so since the days of old in the Animal Farm where some animals are more equal than others.

Whether this unevenly tilted template of global affairs will change someday depends very little on moral suasion: That is why despite decades of appeal, the powers that be have stoutly resisted moves to reform the United Nations Security Council to allow for equal representation and equitable relations on the table. But neither will violence nor intimidation tilt the scale of global imbalance. Unfortunately, much of the terrorism mankind is faced with today is rooted in the demented ideology of violence as a means of forcing change. It has not worked. It will not work.

Thus, if nothing at all, world leaders should be applauded for the spontaneous condemnation of terror attacks even if measured and dictated by ideological and geo-political considerations. Going forward however, that spontaneity ought to instigate a galvanised front to deal with the tentacles of terror. But as the anti-terror campaign in Syria exemplifies, the world is often unable to forge a united front in dealing with the problem. And this sadly, often manifests in the response to each strike- whether in Dalori, North-east Nigeria where Boko Haram is still on rampage in spite of a ‘technical defeat’ by the military; or in Iskandariya in the Babel Province of Baghdad, Iraq where scores of amateur footballers and fans were strewn in shreds by suicide bombers of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) penultimate Friday.

On the morning of March 22, 2016, three men walked briskly into the departure lounge of Brussels’ Zaventem airport in Belgium bearing trolleys containing supposed travel baggage. This was the much CCTV cameras could capture, going by images of the mind-wrenching incidents so far released by the authorities. Two twin blasts ripped through the airport thereafter leaving a tragedy of extreme proportions behind. While the Belgian authorities were battling to come to terms with a thunderbolt attack from the blues, another blast ripped through the Maelbeek metro station in the heart of the city during rush hour period. At the end of the day, over 30 persons lost their lives with many more injured. ISIL claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Thanks to the globalising power of today’s technology-driven media, the world was writhing in pangs of pain minutes after the

PEOPLE2PEOPLE

OKE EPIA WITH

Telephone (sms only): 07059850016 Email: resourceman.oke@live.com.

Twitter: @resourceme

attacks. Twitter, the world’s most popular micro-blogging site soon began to buzz with hash tags on Brussels and Belgium while Facebook activated its Person’s finder buttons to help families and friends track loved ones thought to be around the blast scenes.

Messages of grief and solidarity with Belgium poured in from world leaders. “All of Europe has been attacked by this assault on Brussels. The President of the Republic addresses his condolences to the families and friends of the victims,” French President, François Hollande said in a statement. Prime Minister David Cameron took to Twitter and tweeted that he was “shocked and concerned by the events in Brussels” and that the UK “will do everything we can to help.” President Barack Obama who was on a historic visit to Cuba responded by condemning the attack as “outrageous,” adding: “We must be together regardless of nationality or race or faith in fighting against the scourge of terrorism. We can and we will defeat those who threaten the safety and security of people all around the world.”

Even though Muhammadu Buhari has been portrayed as having not shown adequate empathy with victims of terror attacks and communal violence within his domain, the Nigerian President quickly had his voice recorded among world leaders who condemned the Brussels attacks. His spokesman, Femi Adesina said in a statement that “The President assures Prime Minister Michel and the people of Belgium that having suffered the horror and anguish of incessant terrorist attacks over several years, Nigeria stands in full solidarity with them on this day of national pain and trauma.” The statement added: “President Buhari believes that the appalling attack on Brussels reinforces the need for greater international cooperation to effectively confront and destroy global terrorism and its perpetrators.

The President assures the global community that under his leadership, Nigeria will continue to work with other countries of the world to ensure that terrorism never triumphs over free, peaceful and law-abiding nations and people of the world. He wishes the more than 100 persons injured in the attacks a speedy recovery.”

Many have criticised Buhari for rushing to convey solidarity with Belgium when it took him days to merely acknowledge the carnage Fulani nomadic herdsmen recently inflicted on the rustic communities of Agatu, Benue State in North-central Nigeria.

President Buhari after hesitating unhealthily expressed shock at the violence which Senator David Mark, immediate past president of Nigeria’s Senate described as genocide against his people. Tens of lives were lost and hundreds more displaced in Agatu which also recorded massive destruction of farmlands, houses and entire communities by heavily-armed herdsmen. Eventually, the President released a statement through another senior media aide, Garba Shehu promising to “conduct an investigation to know exactly what happened.” According to him, “the only way to bring an end to the violence once and for all is to look beyond one incident and ascertain exactly what factors are behind the conflicts. Once the investigations are concluded, we will act immediately to address the root of the problem.” Nigerians eagerly await what becomes of that investigation even as Agatu has become a dark patch in the history of the Buhari administration.

Agatu ought to have attracted global attention even if the motivation behind the killings were not exactly tied to terrorism. But if the President of the country affected deemed it fit to downplay the carnage in spite of a nationwide outrage then why should the rest of the world worry. After all, has the world not worried enough about Boko Haram even if the rhetoric of sympathy and support has been half-hearted if not dubious?

Less than a week after the brutal Brussels blasts, the pangs of terror struck in Lahore leaving woes, wailing, and wailers in its wake.

Suspected suicide bombers detonated explosives at a park close to a Church and over 70 persons were confirmed dead with hundreds of others inflicted with various degrees of injuries. The attack was targeted at the Christian minority of Pakistan’s predominantly Muslim population, lending credence to unabating sectarian tensions in a country already plagued by terrorism. A splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban, Jamat-ul-Ahrar, had swiftly claimed responsibility for the heinous act. The Pakistani authorities moved swiftly with strings of arrests, detentions and interrogations. In solidarity with victims, the country’s Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif canceled a planned visit to the United States and declared a three-day national mourning. “We will not rest until the cost of this blood is avenged,” he said.

Yes, the media made reported the Lahore carnage as ‘breaking news’ which lasted a little longer on scroll bars. A few news organisations tarried a while on the story. But the massive coverage given Brussels was massive in scale compared to the mentions handed ‘less priority’ zones like Pakistan, Nigeria and Iraq. There was scant if any at all, solidarity with Pakistan and Iraq from the rest of the world. No publicised statements from world capitals in Washington, Paris or London. The Pakistanis can stew in their own juice, seemed to be the unspoken code. Same code that spoke loudest in the case of the Babel blast. What is sauce for the goose is not always sauce for the gander.

Follow writer onTwitter @resourceme

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

TBI Brings Royal Caribbean to Nigeria

In its bid to meet the yearnings of business and leisure travelers, Tour Brokers International (TBI) in partnership with Cruises International, South Africa has brought the Royal Caribbean to Nigeria whereguestsareassuredoftailor-madecruiseatthemostcompetitiveprices..Inachatwith Omolola Itayemi, Managing Director, TBI, Uloma Egbuna, stated that the imperativeness on Nigerians taking a cruise cannot be over emphasised and the importance of cruise to the travel industry

W

hy did you go into travel business?

I don’t like to say I came into it by accident like people would always say. I have always had passion for travel even as a young girl. But after I finished my Master’s Degree, and I started work in a construction company, there was then an opportunity to work with a travel agency, and I said this is something I have always wanted to do all my life. So I took up that opportunity and started working with a travel agency called Abbey Travels and Tours. That was in 1990. So I have actually been in the tourism industry for 26 years now. In Abbey Travels and Tours, I started off as their Head of Tourism that was as early as 1990, nobody was really doing travel as at that point in time, so it was something new in the market and that gave me a passion for tourism. So over the years, I have always been more focused to do tours as against selling tickets and that is why I put a company with my partner Mr. Femi Adefope-Tour Brokers International with aim of bringing tourism into Nigeria and also to let people know that we can always provide for then a one-stop-shop to every destination of the world. And I think that was really the advent Package Holidays when we opened up tour brokers international in 2002.

What are your challenges?

Well, the challenge of running a tour company, is that at the initial stages when we started Tour Brokers International in 2002, we were more like a lone voice crying in the wilderness; people were more interested in going on holidays in the US and to the UK and staying with families and friends because they did not understand the concept of package holidays. So, at the initial stage, it was difficult convincing people but once people now realised that they can actually have a one stop

for money at this point in time, with the present economic situation. So we are saying there are other ways to enjoy your vacation without stressing yourself and having it at good prices.

And then we all know that Nigerians love to travel with children and we are family people and cruising is one of the easiest vacations you can have with your children. The parents are not stressed and then the children are having a holiday of a life time. You don’t have to border about what you children are eating, because you unlimited food.

How affordable is it?

The cruise is very affordable contrary to people’s belief that cruises are expensive. For a thousand dollars for a couple, you can get a cruise to the Caribbean. People also need to be educated about cruising. You can get all the luxury at a cheaper rate.

L - R: Femi Adefowope, Uloma Egbuna, George Argyropoulos and Inge Cross

shop and have an all-inclusive package and not have to go and share rooms with their families and friends all over the world. It gradually became a fashion in Nigeria. For us, the challenges have not really been bad because it is something that we have a passion for. And you know when your work is your passion, you go beyond them; you go beyond the call of duty to make a difference. So, we have really had clients who have enjoyed our tour packages and continually we keep having referral business. So, I think apart from the current economic situation which is biting hard with the tour operators because we constantly have to remit money abroad, so it is a question of you sell packages in naira, you are having to do your remittance in foreign currency which has been a major challenge for us. But otherwise I think we have done pretty well.

Why are you introducing this specific

tour to Nigerians?

In cruising like I said, it is the holiday of the 21st century, a number of people are tired of having the Europe holidays whereby you book your flight, you go to destination, you stay in the hotel and all that. People are looking for other forms of adventure. And so what we have done is to bring that adventure into Nigeria for people. Besides you will find out that it is one of the cheapest means travel in the sense that you pay once and then you probably visiting four or five people in one cruise on a seven night cruise. You don’t have to pack and unpack, or change flight. So, I take off from Barcelona for example, I find myself in Italy, I take off from Italy I find myself in Greece. I take off from Greece I find myself in Turkey and in all of these I haven’t had to pack and unpack; I haven’t had to change flight. So it is all encompassing and because you pay once and you get all the value. Nigerians are looking for value

Who are your partners?

We are also partnering with three international airlines: Emirates, KLM and Delta Airlines. Emirates, for Arabian Gulf cruise, KLM for Mediterranean cruises and Delta Airlines for Caribbean cruises. We are coming up with all inclusive packages with these three airlines so that when you are buying a cruise you are also buying an all-inclusive package, which includes your ticket, your visas and also the cruise content.

Who is your target market?

We have a cruise package per person to the Arabian Gulf that is as low as $1,250. She noted.

We are delighted that clients will now have a one stop cruise shop in Lagos where guests are assured of tailor-made cruise at the most competitive prices.

This is testimony to our excellent relationship with and support from cruises international and Royal Caribbean’s faith in our company.

French Gastronomy Celebrated in Lagos

V

ery nice ambience, very nice location and great city views from Eko Hotel’s Sky Restaurant, venue of this year’s Gout de France. For the second consecutive year, Goût de France, or Good France, celebrates French gastronomy in various locations worldwide on 21 March.

Over 1500 chefs on all five continents joined the event on the day of Spring. Dinners served simultaneously in participating restaurants honour the merits of French cuisine, its capacity for innovation, and its values: sharing, enjoying, and respecting the principles of high-quality, environmentally responsible cuisine. And Nigeria was no different. As guests of Mr Jean-Raoul Tauzin, Air France KLM General Manager, were treated to a fivecourse meal comprising grilled lamb, blue and white cheese, asparagus and red wine paying tribute to the excellence of French cuisine. Chef Tarigan Benyamin stuck to the less fat, sugar and salt rule, delivering delicious meals without weight and health issues.

According to Tauzin, Air France is commited to promoting fine French cuisine on board its flights.” The company he says, is a natural partner of “Gout de France”, perpetuating a culinary tradition of excellence and pleasure menus signed by Michelin-starred chefs and custom made tableware.

Participating chefs included Adedayo Ogunbowale of Aarons Signature, Enugu; Victor K of Chez Victor Restaurant, Abuja;

Grilled lamb rack with lentials ragout and spring vegetables - Star meal of the day

L - R: Yemisi Suleiman, Funke osae-brown, Funmi Ojeshina and writer. Standing is Jean-Raoul Tauzin

Emeka Eloagu of Helene’s Bistro, Abuja; Bosco Govera of L’aquarelle, Sofitel, the Moorhouse, Ikoyi, Lagos; Tarigan Benyamin of Sky Restaurant, Sky Restaurant, Eko Hotel, Lagos and Rodolphe Medard, Zuma Grill, Abuja.

Gastronomy is becoming an important attribute in the development of niche travel and niche destinations. As part of its global action, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs

and International Development has made tourism a priority. Gastronomy is a significant aspect of foreign trade and French tourism, as well as a considerable asset of France’s attractiveness. One third of the tourists who are visiting France say that gastronomy and oenology are among the main reasons which motivated their journey in France.

In the words of Tauzin, “Gout de France

showcases the French way of life, regional products and France as a tourist destination.

Now more than ever, gastronomy is a key part of France’s appeal. Inspired by Augusta Escolier, who launched the ‘Diners d’Epicure (Epicurean Dinners) initiative in 1912 (the same menu, on the same day, in several world cities, for as many guests as possible). Gout de France recreates this wonderful idea by involving restaurants around the world. Over 1500 chefs worldwide are right now paying tributes to the excellence of French cuisine and its emphasis on sharing by preparing a special menu of recipes inspired by French expertise.

25

April 2, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FAMILY HEALTH

What Your Skin Says About Your Health Status

T

he human skin is the outer covering of the body. It is the largest organ of the human body. The skin has multiple layers of external tissue and guards the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs. Human skin is similar to that of most other mammals.

Though nearly all human skin is covered with hair follicles, it can appear hairless. There are two general types of skin, hairy and glabrous skin.

Because the skin interfaces with the environment, skin plays • an important immunity role in protecting the body against pathogens and excessive water loss.

• Its other functions are insulation, • temperature regulation, • sensation, • synthesis of vitamin D, and the protection of vitamin B folates.

• Severely damaged skin will try to heal by forming scar tissue. This is often discolored and depigmented.

In humans, skin pigmentation varies among populations, and skin type can range from dry to oily. Such skin variety provides a rich and diverse habitat for bacteria, and there are several bacterial present on the human skin.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. The skin protects us from microbes and the elements, helps regulate body temperature, and permits the sensations of touch, heat, and cold.

Good health often is reflected in an attractive, youthful appearance. So you might be tempted to blame aging and stress for facial lines, unsightly fingernails, or hair loss when, in fact, these flaws can signal underlying health issues. This starts by whispering, then it’ll start talking, and, if you don’t pay attention, it’ll start yelling and shouting, and then you’ve got an illness.

Skin has three layers The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone.

The skin’s color is created by special cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin.

Melanocytes are located in the epidermis.

The dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.

The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.

There are various tell tales physical signs that trouble may be lurking beneath the skin’s surface.

What to look out for.

Tell tale signs Lines around the mouth: A primary concern for many women is ageing lines around the mouth, which can be caused by smoking. The effects can be lessened by regularly applying lip balm. And quitting smoking, of course.

Sores around the mouth: Sores in the corner of the mouth may indicate a deficiency of B vitamins.

Try introducing more whole grains into your diet, along with green vegetables and meat – all are full of vitamin B. Alternatively, you could try taking a vitamin B supplement.

Dry lips Dry lips show possible internal dehydration, vitamin B deficiency or you could be low in iron intake. Hydrate your skin by drinking plenty of water.

Dry skin/inflammation on the chin: These are sure signs there’s a problem with the digestive system and bowels. Gently massaging in circles and pinching and releasing the chin can help with constipation.

Forehead: Horizontal lines on the forehead: This may indicate digestive issues. They can be combated by drinking warm water mixed with lemon juice first thing every morning.

A pronounced frown line A pronounced line between the eyes shows the liver is under pressure. This could be for physical, environmental and emotional reasons, an allergy to foods/substances or loss and grief . This leads to adrenal overload, known as burnout. Try gently massaging the area with circular moves.

Pimples on the forehead: This could indicate internal symptoms, such as problems with the liver and stomach congestion, Robinson says. “Drink plenty of water to flush out any toxins. You should also eat more liver-friendly foods, such as leafy

Everyone experiences dry skin from time to time.

Usually it’s a minor nuisance caused by cold air or overly hot showers, but in some cases parched, brittle skin is a sign of dehydration or serious health problems.

Hypothyroidism and diabetes can both leach moisture from the skin, for instance, as can nutrient deficiencies associated with a poor diet or eating disorders

with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, 08053372356

green vegetables, and cut out processed foods, as well as caffeine.

fully. Use an oil-based cleanser and take a break from wearing make-up to let the skin breathe.

Ears and jawline Itchy ears: Itchy ears are often the sign of an allergy or low tolerance. Psoriasis and eczema here are signs that the person is depleted in vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin. [Spending] 10 minutes with the arms and face exposed will give the body vital sunshine and plenty of vitamin D. Acne on the jawline: Acne here may result from eating lots of dairy, sugar and refined foods, such as burgers, chips, crisps and fizzy drinks. Eat more fresh foods and replace fizzy drinks with water to flush out toxins. Ensure the affected areas are cleansed thoroughly.

Acne around the jawline: Oestrogen is a friend to our skin, suppressing sebaceous activity, but when levels reduce as women get older, skin lacks lustre and you may experience acne cysts deep in the dermis and commonly found on the jawline and hairline.

Try eating apricots, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and mangos as they all contain vitamin A to normalise the production and life cycle of skin cells.

SKIN Dry skin Everyone experiences dry skin from time to time.

Usually it’s a minor nuisance caused by cold air or overly hot showers, but in some cases parched, brittle skin is a sign of dehydration or serious health problems. Hypothyroidism and diabetes can both leach moisture from the skin, for instance, as can nutrient deficiencies associated with a poor diet or eating disorders.

Atherosclerosis, the narrowing of arteries that leads to heart disease, can affect skin as well—especially on the feet, legs, and shins. If the tiny arteries that carry blood to the extremities become blocked, they can deprive the skin of oxygen, producing dry, shiny patches.

Small bumps under the skin: You may be using too strong a product on the skin. Use the right cleanser. A milder one would be more suitable if you suffer from this.

Eyes Bags and dark circles under the eyes are typically a telltale sign of one too many late nights (and not enough sleeping in). But if you’re getting plenty of shut-eye and still can’t shake the basset-hound look, you might want to take a look at your diet.

Eye bags and puffiness are caused by fluid buildup in the thin, loose skin that sits below your bottom eyelid. Lots of things—from allergies to crying jags—can cause fluid to accumulate there, but one of the main culprits is eating too much salt. Highsodium foods promote water retention throughout the body, and the sensitive under-eye area is no exception.

Dark circles under the eyes: Dark circles that persist despite regular and restful sleep may be a result of food intolerances. Remove dairy and wheat from their diet and see if the circles lighten. Another culprit is alcohol – even in moderate amounts this can cause darkness around the eyes. Try to reduce alcohol consumption.

Dark circles on the eyes: This indicates a possible deficiency of iron in the blood. Try reducing the amount of stimulating drinks you have, including fizzy drinks, coffee and tea.

White spots on the eyes: A series of white spots near the outer rim can indicate a chronic congestion of the lymphatic system. You should avoid lactose and cow’s milk products.

Spots on the cheeks: “These can be caused by not cleaning foundation away properly so the skin becomes congested. This might be from using a water-based cleanser that doesn’t remove make-up

Dark patches These can be caused by medication or illness so please see your doctor. Age spots, on the other hand, may be the body’s way of ridding itself of toxins. Eat more fresh foods, drink more water and massage a small amount of castor oil on to existing age spots.

Oily skin: Oily skin can be caused or worsened by your diet. Pay attention to your diet. As you get older, your skin produces less sebum. Choose the right cleanser to keep it under control and use a face mask regularly.

Puffy skin: The skin may be trying to protect itself from a beauty product that’s too strong for it.

Drink lots of water to help drain the lymph system.

Wrinkles Although wrinkles are inevitable, they also may be a sign of osteoporosis. Is your furrowed brow and grooved mouth ratting out your bones? Research reveals an association between wrinkles and bone health in early-menopausal women. The worse the wrinkling, the greater the risk of lower bone density. Most wrinkles are the result of aging, but excessive exposure to cigarette smoke or the sun can speed the process.

It is advised that you pay particular attention , to your body, even though your skin is a very good and reliable telltale and alarm, that there is something wrong with your health. Indicators can be assured, if you do know that you are eating healthy food, do moderate good exercise , a living sensibly.

Do not overlook any signs at any time, as it is easier to treat a disease or illness, if it is picked up early enough.

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

Auto

Toyota Prius is Prime Reveal at 2016 New York Auto Show, Says Bill Fay

Stories by Bennett Oghifo

T

he 2017 Toyota Prius is the prime reveal at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, the Group Vice President and General Manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., Bill Fay has said.

Fay stated this at the beginning of the 2016 New York Auto Show, recently, adding that, “About two months ago, we started to transition the Scion brand over to Toyota, bringing with it, over 13 years of knowledge on how to attract and engage young customers.As part of the brand transition, remaining Scion vehicles will join the Toyota brand lineup…and I’m happy to introduce the first to join the family… the 2017 Toyota 86.

“We’re really excited to have a bona fide sports car back in the Toyota lineup. The name 86 is shared globally, and is passed down from the car that inspires it, the Corolla GT-S, known by its true fans as the AE86 or “hachi-roku,” which means 8-6 in Japanese.”

The AE86, Fay said did not rely on brute horsepower, but instead a remarkable combination of a lightweight design, responsive power and perfect balance…much like the 86 of today.

“As you can see, the name isn’t the only thing that has changed. We’re investing in the 86 to make it better than ever, with styling updates, new wheels and more premium materials throughout.

“We’ve increased performance with: superior shock and spring tuning; and for you manual transmission enthusiasts…a 5 horsepower bump…combined with a change in the differential ratio…results in improved acceleration. He said the new 86 will go on sale at all Toyota dealerships this fall.”

2017 Toyota Prius

He said another exciting vehicle that will soon enter the Toyota lineup is the C-HR, stating that “the timing couldn’t be better, as the small SUV segment has increased 20 per cent in the last year to become the largest segment in the industry…and half of that growth is coming from entry level models.

“If you haven’t yet seen this concept in person, I

encourage you to visit the Toyota display today and have a look. We’ll have more news on a production version later this year.

“So we’ve got the youth and entry level market covered…Now let’s turn our attention to the hottest part of the market….trucks and SUVs.” Fay said in 2015, light trucks dominated, accounting

for 58% of the total market. “With historically low gas prices and favorable interest rates, we don’t see a cool down in the near future…and we have great news to share.

“Just three years ago right here at the NY auto show, we introduced an all-new third generation Highlander…and it has been a huge success. “

Peugeot Displays Vehicles Assembled in Nigeria at Enugu Trade Fair

F

rontline auto assembler, Kaduna based PAN Nigeria Limited is showing a strong presence at the on-going 27th Enugu International Trade Fair.

According to the company, it was thrilling exhibitors and participants at the fair with outstanding products assembled in Nigeria.

Zonal Sales Manager, South East, of PAN Nigeria, Mr. Gerald Ikejiofor said, PAN was at the fair to showcase the locally assembled automobiles, including the new 508, 301 and the Expert Tepee, all assembled in the PAN Kaduna plant.

According to him, the various models of cars on display are attracting high traffic to PAN Pavilion. Many participants at the fair trooped to Peugeot stand to catch glimpses of the new products on display.

Also on display along with the various models of cars, are genuine spare parts and after sales service advisory which Peugeot offers to their clients across the nation and beyond.

The manager revealed that PAN had put everything in place and working round the clock to achieve the target of 60,000 annual output, under the agreement signed with PSA on the 301 CKD production which commences soon.

Ikejiofor thanked the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ENCCIMA) for the opportunity

to showcase the new Peugeot products which were currently competing favourably with an edge in the market.

The Zonal Manager called on prospective customers particularly the low income earners, to embrace the Peugeot Vehicle Acquisition Finance Scheme (PVAFS) currently going on with Access Bank, FCMB and JAIZ Bank to grab a life time opportunity of owning brand new Peugeot cars.

It would be recalled that the PAN group had taken some innovative steps to present some technical skill acquisition programmes available at the PAN Learning Center, which is a subsidiary of PAN group.

The 27th edition Enugu international trade fair with the theme; “Diversification of the Nation’s Economy from Rhetorics to Coordinated Action” was declared open on Friday, March 25, by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, who was the Special Guest of Honour.

The Minister who was represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Investment, Chief Sam Egwu, assured participants of government’s continuous support in business activities through a strong partnership and providing conducive atmosphere for commerce to thrive. The fair holds between March 24 to April 4, this year.

Peugeot 508 assembled in Kaduna

Michelin Rewards Dealers

M

ichelinTyreServicesNigeriahasfurther strengthened its relationship with its dealers nation- wide with the hosting of a business meeting and a gala night in their honour in the commercial city of Lagos. It would be recalled that the company has over the years hosted its dealers annually.

Principally, dealers who attended the meeting are termed Michelin Business Associates (MBA) and these dealers, who performed credibly well last year in the sales of tyres, are treated by Michelin as led dealers in their various zones.

The dealers who gathered at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, were specially recognised by Michelin with a charge to perform even better next year. Beside the premium brand, which is Michelin tyre, the company also markets two other brands-Komoran truck tyres and Tigar for Passenger/SUV. Commercial Director of the company, Mr. Fritz Mueller, who was on hand to felicitate with the dealers, stated that his company will continue to support the dealers to ensure they achieve their targets.

Mobil, Michelin, Insurance Coys, Others Head to Lagos Motor Fair

I

n what has become an auto festival and show of strength among indigenous and foreign firms in the automotive business, more firms are confirming their participation in the forthcoming 11th Lagos Motor Fair and 5th Autoparts Expo Nigeria. Over 70 indigenous and foreign firms have confirmed their participation at the show scheduled for at the Federal Palace Hotel Victoria Island from April 28-May 4, 2016.

Chairman, Organising Committee of the event, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu said FBN Insurance, Michelin Tyres, Cornerstone Insurance, Old

Mutual were among the additional firms from Nigeria that would take the best in their stables to the event. He assured visitors that all their automotive needs would be met at this one stop show to be attended by reputable globally acclaimed manufacturers and dealers.

According to the Chairman, “Virtually all the major brands of automobiles, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, banking, insurance, regulatory and policy making agencies and bodies are taking part.” He further noted that the growing number of exhibitors confirmed for this event can be attributed to the importance attached to

it by the participants.

“We cannot but attribute the increasing number of participants for the show to the strategic importance attached to it by all the stakeholders in the industry who have been hardworking and consistent with us. It has been a collective effort and all hands have continually been on deck, starting from the private sector to the various agencies of government both at the state and federal level.”

AccordingAgwu, responses from Nigerian and overseas firms so far are encouraging despite the challenges in the global and the nation’s economy

and business environment.

The Chairman noted that the beauty of trade shows was that they took organisations beyond their supposed dreams and into the expected ground of realities. This they do by taking participants to higher levels by consistently keeping them [the exhibitors] in the minds of their target audience.

“Autoparts Expo segment of the event is doing well. Close to 23 African Countries and Cities are involved in this edition which aims at using the windowoftheeventtoreachtheautopartsmarkets in these countries and cities”, he concluded.

27

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

Auto BMW Plotting UltraLuxury X7 Worth $100K

B

R-L: Group Managing Director, Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. Siva Subramanian; Director for Africa, Foton International, Mr. Mike Ma; Deputy Managing Director, Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. Victor Eburajolo; Director Policy & Planning, National Automotive Development Council, Mr. Luqman Mamudu; Group Chairman-Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. N.G. Chanrai; and an official of a company, at the unveiling of the first Foton Daimlar Auman truck assembled in Nigeria… recently

Kewalram Chanrai Group Launches First Truck Assembled in Nigeria Stories by Bennett Oghifo

K

ewalramChanraiGroup hasinaugurateditsAutomobiles Manufacturing Hub and has rolled out its First Foton Daimler AUMAN Truck assembled in Nigeria.

The event, which took place at the assemblyplantattheOshodi-Apapa expressway, was attended by the Group Chairman, Kewalram ChanraiGroup,Mr.N.G.Chanrai; Group Managing Director, Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. Siva Subramanian; Deputy Managing Director, Kewalram Chanrai Group,Mr.VictorEburajolo;Director forAfrica, Foton International,

Mr. Mike Ma; and Director Policy &Planning,NationalAutomotive Development Council, Mr. Luqman Mamudu, among other distinguished personalities.

The deputy Managing Director, Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. Victor Eburajolo said Kewalram Chanrai Group of companies was a diverse enterprise with global presence and distribution that boasts a history spanning more than 150 years.

Eburajolo said, “The Kewalram Chanrai Group, although made upofmanydifferentbusinessentities, has one single purpose - the determination to deliver the best end-to-end products and services to our clients, whilst adding value

to their respective businesses.

“Africa has been a key focus area for the Kewalram Chanrai Group for over a century. Over the last several decades, Kewalram and Chanrai have become household names in the African Market.

Kewalram Chanrai Group’s division Africa Ventures is a supply chain and distribution company spreadacrosskeyAfricanmarkets andoperatinginfivefocusedverticals covering four critical sectors of the economy -Agriculture, Food, Healthcare and Transportation.”

The company, he said was present in Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Ghana, Cameroon. Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi and SouthAfrica and is headquartered in Dubai.

Other existing and new African markets are serviced through the existing network in Africa and Middle East.

On the Automobile Assembly Hub, he said “In compliance with the New Auto Policy of Federal GovernmentofNigeriaKewalram Chanrai Group started work towards setting up anAutomobiles Manufacturing Hub in 2014.”

TheAutomobiles Manufacturing Hub is locates atAfprint Premises.

IsoloinLagosandcovers10,000sq metersofcoveredareaforassembly facilities with more than 6,000 sq meters of open area for road tests and offloading of the SKD kits for vehicles for the various brands under its umbrella.

Barbedos Unveils Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

T

he Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class was officially unveiled in Abuja recently by Barbedos Cars Limited, one of Weststar’s Authorised Dealers for Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class combines stylish, effortless superiority with trend-setting exclusivity and features distinctive characteristics that set the Maybach apart from its standard production model, which include more space, special seats, lavish designs and prestigious interior.

Unveiling the newest addition to the Luxury family, Mrs. Elisabeth Itegbe - General Manager, Weststar Associates Limited, said the much anticipated Mercedes-Maybach has finally made its first appearance in the Barbedos Showroom in Abuja.

Safety is at the forefront in the manufacture of all MercedesBenz vehicles, and the Maybach S-Class is no exception. The model has a number of innovative assistance systems that make driving more comfortable and safer. The PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection,Adaptive High beamAssist Plus and Night ViewAssist Plus are part of the Intelligent Drive systems.

She said, “The MercedesMaybach S-Class is truly in a

MW has plans to launch two versions of the X7, one of which will carry a price tag of over $100,000.

Besides the seven-seat X7 that will compete directly with the Mercedes GLS, there will be a four-seat version of the X7 that will sell for over $100,000.

This is part of a larger move to introduce new Grand Klasse (GKL) models into the lineup, with the uber-luxury treatment also coming to the 7-Series sedan.

BMW brand sales boss Ian Robertson wouldn’t confirm to Automotive News if the new X7 GKL will be competition for the anticipated Maybach version of the Mercedes

class of its own; rugged yet with class and luxury.”

According to the event host, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-class is the First in its segment. “There is no doubt that passengers of the Mercedes-Maybach SClass are enveloped in lounge style modern luxury. “The Mercedes-Benz brand stands for the aspiration to deliver ‘The best’ in terms of products, technology and services. In the S-Class segment in particular, customers have very high

expectations with regard to exclusivity and individuality and Mercedes-Maybach enables us further to fulfill these desires in the exclusive top segment of the market.

“With the Mercedes-Maybach, it is clear that Mercedes made a strategic decision for its newest Maybach badges.”

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class extends the range of S-Class Saloon models with the addition of a vehicle in the luxury segment: the generous interior and extended wheelbase, which fully

benefits the rear compartment, create maximum spaciousness and the use of fine materials and quality appointments makes the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class an impressive chauffeur vehicle for demanding customers throughout the world.

Maybach Motorenbau was a German manufacturing car company founded in 1909

by Wilhelm Maybach and his son. It was, however, acquired

by Daimler Benz in 1960, and now the Maybach is a luxury car brand of Mercedes-Benz.

(Source: Automotive News).

1BMW-X7

Features of 2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO

N

2016 Mercedes Maybach S-Class

GLS. “Of course the quintessential luxury is still the Rolls-Royce — we do not need a Maybach,” said Robertson, pointing to the BMW-owned company as the top-tier of luxury.

He confirmed that the X7 won’t dip into $200,000 territory, a space where the new Rolls-Royce SUV, currently codenamed Cullinan, will be. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the new X7 will not be sharing a platform.

Robertson also revealed that a new small crossover is set to hit the U.S. market from BMW, likely the X2, a coupe version of the X1.

ow that the 2017 Nissan GT-R has debuted at the 2016 New York Auto Show, it’s time to anticipate how the GT-R NISMO variant will look like.

GTRLife.com member Michael Papas teamed up with forum co-founder Matt McCulloh to render what they believe the 2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO will look like. You should pay attention because Papas and McCulloh are the same pair that brought a spot-on rendering of the standard GT-R months before its reveal.

Expect the front bumper to take styling cues from the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 race car, meaning a more aggressive front splitter that curls upward in the center. There will be larger brake cooling ducts while the daytime running lights will be boxed in, surrounded by aerodynamic elements.

Instead of slits on the side of the bumper, Nissan will opt for Shark Fin edges on the end of the lip that extends upwards towards the front bumper.

Of course, the new VMotion grille will be integrated on the 2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO along with its new hood with raised body lines.

Most of the changes will be reserved to the front end, as the side, wheels and rear bumper will remain the same as the current model.

Inside the cabin, expect it to gain the same upgrades as the standard GT-R that debuted in New York, meaning a more luxurious interior.

NISMO will likely put its touches with red stitching and Alcantara to further differentiate from the standard model.

As for whether it will see a power increase like the standard model, Nissan is being vague. The standard GT-R now sports 565 horsepower and the current GT-R NISMO has 600 hp, which means Nissan will have to bump it another 20 ponies to keep the gap at 55 hp.

That doesn’t seem likely however, as it sounds like Nissan executives feel 600 hp is optimal for the sports car.

28

THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • APRIL 2, 2016

WRITERS’ WORLD

How Authors Get Story Ideas

Writing novels starts from a story ideas. It is one thing to have the idea and another thing entirely to develop it, but for sure, there must be an egg before the chicken. The ideas drop in various ways to different writers – from observations around, personal experience, experience of others, news stories, socio-politicaltrendstopowerfulsourceslikedreams.Duringtheweek,Ireflectedonsomeofmysources.

Long before I discovered my writing gift, my father told us a story of how a village retailer was framed up by her enemies, and I felt oh, how wicked can man be. He said someone had knocked on her door in the dead of the night to buy cigarettes, and when she refused to sell, the person had said he would die if he didn’t smoke. At daybreak, the retailer woke up to find the dead body the cigarette buyer dropped there.

In a developed world, this looked like a simple case to investigate, but in the village, how do you handle that? Several years later, I developed that idea into my novel, LOVE WARS, part of which I share here. I also have Melissa Donovan talk about how some novelists got their story ideas

S

LOVE WARS

eated dejectedly alone in one corner of the dingy cell, Gifty Banny had reviewed her situation twice in an attempt to understand what had hit her. Her luck, she knew too well, was that she was the only inmate there - she would have been molested if there were older cellmates, as is the case in Nigerian prisons.

All her thoughts were on one thing: how she got there! Twice she failed to get it, but that would not discourage her from making another try.

She took another look around the cell, and admitted that she did not have to be a medical doctor to know the threat of the environment to her health. Rays of sunlight hit her in the face as she re-examined the one-foot diameter hole up in the wall that was her only access to the external world.

She blinked twice and cut short the deep breath she was about to take. The ‘six by six’ room with a broken cement floor had a pungent odour of human waste. Instinctively, she cupped her cheek in her left palm, her right fingers covering her mouth and nostrils.

Who is behind this? What did I do wrong? She found herself wondering aloud. She had spent the Christmas as she normally would: early morning meditation at home to thank God for Jesus Christ; breakfast of tea and boiled eggs; a church service and the hosting of the few female friends she had made in her one-year stay in Lagos.

Her hardwork attracted her to Chief Ajomo, a multi-millionnaire, and the young man simply called Mike. But she managed to keep a safe distance from both of them. This Christmas day, she had gone to bed early in her Ogudu part of Lagos to avoid either of them. Ajomo, in particular, had been persistent with his telephone calls for a date, but she had resisted that with the excuse that a Christmas day should not be defiled.

An early riser, she always had a deep sleep no matter how short it was. So when the doorbell got her scrambling out of bed four hours after she went to bed at eight p.m., she was a confused lot. The bell rang again, sending her impulsively to the living room of the two-bedroom flat, clutching her nightgown. For no physical reason she knew, she always slept naked even if

she had to share the bed with a man. She had slept with only two men in her eight years of adulthood.

The first man, whom she sometimes felt was the cause of her sleeping naked, was her casual friend during her youth service days in Ilorin, Kwara State. He was also a youth corper, an exceptionally quiet, caring and handsome gentleman.

His name was Steve Bamidele, but people called him Shy. Steve was smart enough to know many women’s secret passion for such men, although many of them would swear they would never be caught with shy men.

Gifty liked Steve and she showed it at the least opportunity. One of such occasions was the Sunday when Steve staggered into her place, drunk. Without asking him why he was drunk and why he was at her place, she prepared a fresh tomato drink for him and gave him food to eat. By the time he stabilised, it was

eleven-thirty p.m. That was about the time he caught her stealing a look at her watch, anxiety written all over her.

‘Don’t worry. Even if we share the same bed, I will not bother you”, Steve assured her and started for the bedroom.

Gifty remained rooted to the spot confused as he hopped into her bed.

Before she could say anything, he had fallen asleep. She took another look at the fragilelooking man she liked, and remained quiet. In her confusion, she decided to share the bed with him so she could take care of him if the need arose. But she did so armed in a pair of jeans trousers with a belt, under a buttoned blouse.

Late at night when Steve woke her up, she instinctively ran a check to ensure that her guard had not been broken open.

Steve raised his head slowly, propped it with an open palm and said: “I thought you trusted me. I told you I will not be of any bother to you”.

That robbed her off her wits. “But you know we are not going out? I....” She tried a defence.

“I know, I also know that we will not come this close if I was just an ordinary friend.” “ But I am a lady, Steve? You have not come out to say you love me.” “ That is the woman in you. From a

BISI DANIELS bisi.daniels@thisdaylive.com Blog: www.bisidaniels.com, 08093618000

study I have made, true love is not said, at least, not in the first many months of a relationship. True love is demonstrated in those months.” “ I will know that with time,” she said quickly and adjusted her pillow. “ We will know,” Steve returned. He too adjusted his pillow, but that was all Gifty would see his hand do. She woke up at daybreak to discover that when she found Steve pulling away her clothes, it was in a dream. Their relationship remained that way, until Steve travelled overseas two months later.

If she had looked well, she perhaps would have agreed with Steve. The first man she truly loved, way back at medical school, had been all over her with songs and love notes. He was a lecturer and a bachelor, but despite the promises of marriage, he dumped her three months after he disvirgined her.

She never got to spend a whole night with him.

This Boxing Day morning, as she struggled into a pair of trousers, she wondered which of the men chasing her was trying to be funny. It was not until she heard: Doctor, if you don’t attend to me I will die o, that the fear of Lagos struck her. The high rate of robbery and murders in Lagos scared her with the same force as the opportunities the city offered.

She decided to tarry a little to understand what was happening. If there is reason for me to suspect armed robbery, I will call the police, she decided as she tiptoed to the telephone receiver at her far right. She was not to get there. “ I am dying ooo,” she heard a shrill cry and then a thud, like the dropping of a heavy bag. “ Yei!” she shouted involuntarily and slumped on her knees to pray, but she stopped when she heard somebody walking away. Gifty got on her knees at that spot and continued to pray.

Next came the sound of a siren that tore the quiet of the night into shreds.

The owner of the footsteps must have called in an ambulance; she consoled herself and got up for the door.

She was wrong; she soon discovered as the police announced their presence with repeated bangs on the door. Right in front of her door was an apparently dead man in a black suit. Co-tenants had fled.

“I didn’t do this. God knows I didn’t,” she broke down into tears, as the whole neighbourhood continued to pour into the compound. A new tenant in the area, she had no friends among the lot. Instead of sympathy, she got torrents of abuses.

For the police, their decision was simple. “Lady, you will explain this at the station. For now you have the right to remain silent...”

From nowhere, a stream of courage surged in Gifty, charging her brain. Rigor mortis, she remembered, and said, “My God never fails”.

Steven King, Mark Twain and Suzanne Collins

No Imagination Necessary: Mark Twain is a shining example. His idea for Huckleberry Finn wasn’t an idea at all; he simply based the character on someone he knew from real life. It turns out that the beloved character was practically a replica of Twain’s childhood friend, Tom Blankenship: Mark Twain said: “In Huckleberry Finn I have drawn Tom Blankenship exactly as he was. He was ignorant, unwashed, insufficiently fed; but he had as good a heart as ever any boy had. His liberties were totally unrestricted. He was the only really independent person—boy or man—in the community, and by consequence he was tranquilly and continuously happy and envied by the rest

of us.”

Making Connections: Suzanne Collins broke the mold with Hunger Games, arguably the most successful post-Harry Potter series to date. So how did she do it? Collins explained: “One night, I was lying in bed and I was very tired, and I was just sort of channel surfing on television. And, I was going through, flipping through images of reality television where there were these young people competing for a million dollars or a bachelor or whatever. And then I was flipping and I was seeing footage from the Iraq War. And these two things began to sort of fuse together in a very unsettling way, and that is when I, really, I think

was the moment where I really got the idea for Katniss’s story.”

Dreaming Things Up One of the most successful living authors of our time, Stephen King, attributes a dream as the inspiration for Misery, a novel that was also made into a film and off-Broadway play: “Like the ideas for some of my other novels, that came to me in a dream… I fell asleep on the plane, and dreamt about a woman who held a writer prisoner and killed him, skinned him, fed the remains to her pig and bound his novel in human skin. His skin, the writer’s skin. I said to myself, ‘I have to write this story.”– Stephen King

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

El Clasico PAGE. 29

2.04.2016

Monday Odiaka

My Junior World Cup Record Remains Immortal

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

My Junior World Cup Record Remains Immortal Though it has been more than 30 years since his goals won bronze for Nigeria at the U 20 World Cup in Moscow, Soviet Union, Monday Odiaka, whose goal against Canada at the tourney remains the fastest in the history of the tournament, a record he cherishes so much, but still laments the non-payment of the team’s winning bonuses as a result of the coup that ushered in Ibrahim Babaginda. In this interview with Kunle Adewale, the former Nigerian international spoke on many

T

Odiaka

he sandy turf of the Navy Ground, Ajegunle was a beehive of activities as a result of the ongoing the yearly Mock Nations Cup and among the crowd was former Nigerian international, Monday Odiaka, who is one of the coaches at the tournament.

Dressed in a well ironed short sleeve shirt and trousers with a polished black shoe to match, Odiaka remains very popular in this arena.

"I am not comfortable at all, but I thank God I am still living," this emotional statement summed up the economic hardship of the man whom FIFA still referred to his 1985 World Cup feat at the last edition of the last edition of the World Youth Championship in Chile.

Odiaka started playing for International Supply which was an amateur side in Lagos and from there he joined the defunct Africa Continental Bank (ACB) also of Lagos scoring seven goals in his first year. In his second year with the club, he was invited to the junior national team and led the team to qualify for the junior World Cup in 1985.

The Delta-born striker recalled with nostalgia some beautiful moments during his career, the first being the day he scored the fastest goal at the junior World Cup in the Soviet Union.

"I cannot just describe the atmosphere; it was as if I was in another planet and I shed tears. Everybody was just starring at me after the game and I was like somebody very special with batteries of reporters all over the world asking to have a chat with me. The goal meant a lot to me and I was very glad when FIFA referred to it at the 2011 tourney in Colombia and my name was mentioned to the whole world. But sad enough, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) did not have it in its record that a Nigerian is the record holder of the fastest goal at the Under-20 competition or that my name is even in the Guinness Book of Record," he said.

On returning from Moscow, he was invited to the senior national team before leaving the country for the Republic of Benin where he had a stint with Dragon of Benin.

On the allegation that Nigerian coaches do not update themselves and therefore are not abreast of the latest football tactics, the former international would rather question the country's developmental programme.

"What is the football policy of the government? All the federation needed to do is to select a number of former internationals and send them on refresher courses abroad and on their return, assigned to different clubs.

That is what our foreign counterparts enjoy from their federations. Why can't we do the same here too? So the federation cannot just be pointing accusing fingers on local coaches without doing anything to better their lot. The federation has not been fair to ex-internationals," he said.

On the allegation that some of these former internationals mismanaged their wealth and did not plan for life after football, he said that not all of them made money while playing.

"In our days, we did not make money. For example, I was employed as a civil servant at ACB and all that I earned was just my salary with the intention that after my playing career, I would return to my banking job, but unfortunately the bank collapsed.”

He however takes consolation in the acknowledgment from fans that watched him in his active days, saying that some of them lament about the state of football in the country now.

Another moment Odiaka will always cherish was in the colours of ACB. “I was in the national camp and ACB was not doing very well in the league, but

fortunately we had a two-week break from the camp and ACB was to play New Nigeria Bank of Benin that boasted about 11 national team players, which included Stephen Keshi, Henry Nwosu, Bright Omokaro, Monday Eboigbe and many more. At the end of the game, we won 2-1 and I scored the two goals that earned us the victory. That day I was not allowed to join the rest of the players in the team's bus; I was carried shoulder-high from the Onikan Stadium to the bank's headquarters at Marina with fans shouting my name to the high heaven. It was one great day I will never forget in my life."

The former Enugu Rangers player also lamented the way the NFA (as the country’s football governing body was referred to then) abandoned him when he sustained injury which he said made it impossible for him to transform his form at the junior team to the senior national team.

"I picked up an injury on assignment with the national team and nobody cared about how I was treating myself. The moment you sustain an injury, you are on your own and the same federation expected the players coming behind us to give their all when they are living witnesses to the plight of those of us before them. It's not just possible. Even the World Cup we participated in, we were not paid a dime either in form of allowances or winning bonuses. What we were told then was that the change of government in Nigeria disrupted all plans to get fund from Nigeria and that when we returned we would be reimbursed but they never did. Just imagine that up till now, we still hear national team players and coaches being owed salaries and bonuses. What do you expect of our own generation where we are just playing for the love of the game and national pride?"

While on national assignment Odika also had some close shave with death.

"I came close to death several times in the course of playing for my country but because of the love and patriotism I have for my country, I never thought much of it. During the qualifying matches for the 1985 U-20 World Cup in a game against Cameroon at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, the Lions came with a 3-0 first leg advantage in Yaounde. Early in the game, Siasia scored one goal, late Osaro Obobaifo scored the second goal and I scored the third that cancelled out the deficit. In the course of celebrating the goal my breath seized and I collapsed struggling for breath. However, the team doctors were able to resuscitate me after which I continued the game. On another occasion, while coming on national assignment, the aircraft developed problem in the air but eventually we landed safely. At another time, while we were coming back from the World Cup in Moscow, the plane almost caught fire in the air. The Spanish and the Brazilian teams were also on board alongside our team that day but we survived," he said.

Another scary moment Odiaka will live with took place in Addis Ababa.

"The Flying Eagles had defeated their Ethiopian counterpart in the first leg in Lagos and in the end of the return leg in Addis Ababa, which ended 1-1, trouble broke out and fans encroached into the field and we were left at the mercy of the Ethiopian fans that descended mercilessly on us. It was a case of everyman for himself and I ran for my dear life while the fans pursued me all the way to the Nigerian Embassy which fortunately was not far from the stadium. I lost my boots in the process and when our team and officials eventually regrouped, they realised I was missing and thought something had happened to me as I was the only player missing. What did I get in return for all these?” Odiaka queried.

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APRIL 2, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Nigeria Professional Football League…

Okpotu Wants to Lift Lobi with Goals Anthony Okpotu has told supersport.com that he is not setting any personal target in the Nigeria top-flight this season.

The Lobi Stars striker is keen to help his club finish in the top-three of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) that will see them win a place to play in one of Africa's club competitions in 2017 if the co-efficient of the country does not fall below having three clubs each in the Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup. "Right now I am only focused on every game as the season goes. And if I

have the chance to score in every match I will take the chance, but it is not about me because Lobi is a team. I am happy I have scored six goals so far, which is good for me.

"I want to help Lobi do very well this season.

This club gave me the chance to be a footballer and I can only repay them back, especially the fans for believing in me. So I hope I can help them win something or even qualify for one of the competitions on the continent," he told supersport.com.

The former Al-Ittihad Tripoli man has ac-

counted for half of the goals that Lobi Stars have scored this season but feels the credit should not go to just him alone and remained adamant on not setting himself a goal target.

"I didn't know I have scored that (half of my team's goals). I must thank my teammates and coaches for that.

But like I said, I won't set any target of the number of goals I want to score," he said.

Okpotu has scored six league goals this season and leads the scorers' chart in the NPFL. He also has three assists.

‘Determination Key to NPFL Win’ Wikki Tourists attacking midfielder Harrison Madu says sheer determination helped his side to convincingly beat Warri Wolves.

The Bauchi outfit defeated the Seasiders 4-0 in Wednesday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) rescheduled matchday 6 clash at ATBS in Bauchi.

Godwin Obaje and Harrison Madu each scored for the side while Idris Mohammed’s brace completed the rout of the Warri-based side.

Madu said the anger over the barren draw

against Akwa United was the tonic that saw his side go goal crazy against the visitors.

“Determination and hard work combined to greatly help us to overpower Warri Wolves.

“After the goalless draw at the weekend against Akwa United we vowed to beat our next opponents.

“I’m happy we were able to achieve our goal and win the three points at stake and with a wide goal margin to boot.

“You can be rest assured that today’s (Wednesday) victory will not be a one

off result but a performance we will replicate in our next matches.

“Our season’s goal is to earn a ticket to the continent at the end of the ongoing league season.

“Wolves are not a bad side but I think they met a side determined to claim the points at stake.

“Of course, we played far better than the opponents and deserved to win all the points,” said Madu to supersport.com.

The victory against Warri Wolves has taken Wikki Tourists' total earnings to 15 from a possible 27 in the nineweek-old top flight.

Week 10 Fixtures

Okpotu eyes league top scorer

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE LAYOUT DESIGNER WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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Good Structures Will Return Fans to Stadium

Not wanting to be like the proverbial prophet that was not honoured in his home land, he decided to return to his fatherland after over 10-year sojourn in the United States, where he established various football academies and equally planted youth programme in some European countries. Henry Abiodun spoke to Kunle Adewale Like many upcoming footballers Henry Abiodun had high hopes looking into the future that he would one day become a great footballer but a nagging knee injury at the age of 15 cut short his ambition of fulfilling his dreams. But the dogged Abiodun would not allow the injury to put-pay to his football ambition as he secured admission into the popular Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS) from where he obtained his grade three, two and one certificates.

As a young man, he cut his coaching teeth with Obeya Babes of Oturupo in Benue State and later Exide Sparkers of Ibadan before pitching tents with the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria and he was responsible for making the YSFON to have a very strong presence in Oyo State, from where he rose to be the vice chairman of the federation.

But still raring to go he left for the United States in 2001 where he attended several coaching schools and because of his flair for youth soccer he established his now famous youth academy-Shalom Soccer Academy, which has produced a reasonable numbers of players. Due to his success with his academy Abiodun has served as consultants for other academies in the United States and Europe and also helped countries in planting soccer academies.

"I started my academy with just one hundred dollars and with only six players and today I have developed over 30 players that have passed from the Challenge to the Classic and to the Olympics development levels in the U.S. I deal with identification and youth programmes," he said.

The coach had since returned to Nigeria in his quest to contribute his quota to the development of football in the county especially through youth development.

On why he returned to Nigeria in spite of the successes he recorded in America, he said: "Firstly I'm a Nigerian and then there is a point you get to outside your fatherland and you start having the feelings that you are needed back in your country. When you start from the scratch in a foreign country and rose to becoming the directors of about three organisations there is always the feelings that you are also needed back home. I left Nigeria with the highest football coaching certificate the country can offer and also emerged as the best student of my set and having gone through various courses in America and have been of tremendous help to the football development in America and some European countries, so why not Nigeria."

Despite having left the shores of Nigeria for over 10 years and with a lot of changes in the country's football, Abiodun never doubted that he could still fits in very well into Nigerian football system.

"I'm a very flexible person and having been to several countries and not have difficulties in adapting to their system.

Moreover, I always have a lot of friends in Nigeria and kept abreast of Nigerian football even from the grassroots. Also, having been a player and administrator with YSFON and formerly a director of coaching in Oyo State before I left for the U.S. it was easy to adapt very well and quickly too," he said.

Poor officiating have been a regular occurrence in the Nigeria’s league but it was this department of the game the returnee coach scored high when answering question on what has changed about Nigerian football since his sojourn to the United States and when he came back.

"The referees have come a long way in trying to improve the standard of officiating. Formerly you cannot win away from

Abiodun

home, but now teams’ record away wins in the league unlike years back when goalbound moves by away teams attract the referees' whistle for one dubious infringement. If the clubs are well tutored and the players work hard enough they can win anywhere which is very good for Nigerian football development. The other change that I noticed have changed since my return is in the stadium facilities. Most of the turfs used by the clubs now are not really bad when compared to what was obtainable many years back," he said.

The technical director of Shalom Youth Academy is not really disturbed by the empty stands at our different stadia during league matches, as according to him if well addressed it would be a thing of the past in the nearest future.

"With good structures on ground fans will return to the stadium but when there is no structure in place there will be disorganisation and there is no way fans would be attracted under such circumstance.

One obvious thing that is taking away fans from the stadiums is the influence of European Leagues of which standard is far better compare to our league. But unfortunately we are not doing enough in terms of sponsorship and packaging the local clubs. Football clubs are beyond going to play every weekend, it's supposed to be an institution where you grow young players. If all Nigeria Premier League clubs have youth identification and development programme they will attract friends who want to watch their mates and parents that wants to see their kids to the stadium," he opined.

He said some young Nigerians had also passed through his academy most of who were born in the United States. "I'm still monitoring their progress because they are great talents," he said.

Asked if his presence in Nigeria would not affect his academy, the former YSFON coach said: "I believe in vision and when you have vision and focus it lives after you.

I was once in Europe during a particular summer where I had the sixth Italian Camp programme which I usually run and I brought Italian technocrats that I invite to the camp which had over 50 players and without my presence it was very successful.

Even now that I'm not in my camp things are going on smoothly because I can run the day-to-day affairs of my academy from wherever I may be in the world. The world is now a global village and I can follow up the affairs in my camp on the internet, face books and by many other means. I have the programmes set for them as the technical director of the organization. Things are moving fine in my academy and nothing suffers," Abiodun said.

Meanwhile, Abiodun was recently relieved of his job as the technical director of Sunshine Stars by the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), which manages the club because of failure to work together with head coach, Samson Unuanel.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Madrid duo of Isco and Marcelo try to put a check on Lionel Messi

Barcelona, Madrid Play for Pride As Zidane hopes to break El-Clasico jinx Club football returns this weekend after the international break with the world’s biggest game today when Barcelona host Real Madrid in final league El Clásico of the season. Ordinarily an El Clasico at the time of the season should have gone for a La Liga title decider, but it would not be so today as Barcelona are already a runaway leader having established a nine-point lead between them and second placed Atletico and 10 points separates them from arch rival, Real Madrid. Therefore, the pressure that usually characterizes the El Clasico might not be witnessed in today’s encounter as both teams would be playing just for pride. However, there is an interesting twist to the game-The last four coaches of Madrid have always lost their first El Clasico, and Zinadine Zidane would be very much conscious of this and would want to break the jinx. The race for the pichichi would also add spice to the encounter. It is no doubt a game for the neutrals to enjoy

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he 231st El Clasico will take place at Camp Noutonight when Barcelona welcome Real Madrid in La Liga.

The home side, which are closing on another league crown, will enter the match 10 points clear of third-place Real Madrid and on the back of a 39-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Real Madrid have also not won a league match at Camp Nou since April 2012 and Los Blancos will have revenge on their mind having taken a 4-0 thumping in the reverse clash at the Bernabeu earlier this season.

With just eight games left to play in Spain's top flight, Barcelona currently boast a nine-point lead at the top of the table. That gap would become six if Atletico Madrid beat Real Betis in today's early kickoff, but it is going to take some effort from Atletico or thirdplace Real Madrid to prevent Barcelona from holding on to their league crown.

Luis Enrique's side were held to a 2-2 draw at Villarreal in their last league match before the international break, but that result stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 39

matches. They have not tasted defeat in any match since the start of October and are well on course to challenge for another treble in the final weeks of the campaign.

Thirty La Liga matches have brought 24 wins, while they have only lost on two occasions. They are the secondhighest scorers (86) behind Real Madrid (87) and also have the second-best defensive record (24) behind Atletico (14). Much of their success has again been down to Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, but it has been another team effort from the Catalan giants, who have arguably surpassed Pep Guardiola's famous Barcelona side.

The league leaders have gone 22 league games in a row at Camp Nou without suffering a defeat - recording 20 wins in the process. They have also lost just one of their last seven at home to Real Madrid in the league.

Today will also see a special tribute to Johan Cruyff, who passed away last week following a battle with cancer. The Dutchman represented Barcelona as a player between 1973 and 1978, before managing the Catalan side between 1988 and 1996. At the helm, Cruyff led the Spanish giants to four La Liga titles

and the 1992 European Cup. The 'Gracias Johan' mosaic will take place before kickoff and there will also be an applause in the 14th minute to mark the passing of the legend. Tributes have poured in throughout the last few days and it will be an emotional night for those involved. As a player, Cruyff won the Ballon d'Or three times and was one of the most famous exponents of Total Football.

Barcelona might well have one eye on a Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid next week, but defeat against Real Madrid could well blow the title race wide open. Enrique's side still have a lot of room for manoeuvre in the final weeks though.

While Barcelona are in the hunt for another treble, Real Madrid's season could well be defined by the Champions League. An 11th European Cup might well soften the blow of another disappointing league campaign, but the fact that Los Blancos have won just one La Liga crown since the 2007-08 season will be a huge concern to president Florentino Perez.

Real Madrid do have 32 La Liga titles to Barcelona's 23, but they have had to watch Barcelona and Atletico share the

trophy in recent seasons. Carlo Ancelotti was unable to wrestle the crown from Camp Nou andZinedine Zidane will surely fail this time around. It is not as if the Madrid giants have been well off the pace in the league, with only four defeats from their 30 matches bringing them a respectable total of 66 points at this stage of the campaign.

It does appear that the title will be beyond them for another campaign, but the supporters will be desperate to finish above Atletico, who currently sit one spot and one point above their rivals. Real Madrid have actually won their last four in the league, which is their best run with Zidane in charge.

Since losing 1-0 at home to Atletico at the end of February, the Whites have beaten Levante, Celta Vigo and Las Palmas, before thumping Sevilla 4-0 last time out.

Injuries have hurt Real Madrid in recent months, but with Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema back to join the league's top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo in the final third, it is starting to look a lot healthier for the Madrid club. Indeed, their fixture list also looks very healthy as they prepare to face Eibar, Getafe and Rayo Vallecano in three of their next

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APRIL 2, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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four in Spain's top flight.

Zidane has also been able to have the likes of Benzema and Bale at the club's training ground during the international break and his team also have one day more than Barcelona to prepare for their Champions League quarter-final. With respect to Wolfsburg, it was a favourable draw for Los Blancos and the season could still bring European success.

Sevilla, Barcelona, Villarreal and Atletico are the four teams to have beaten Real Madrid in the league this season and they have only won two of their last six with Barcelona in all competitions.

Beating the so-called smaller teams in La Liga has not been a problem for the Madrid giants over the last couple of seasons, but their record against the bigger sides has rightly been called into question. Today will provide the perfect opportunity to save some face.

Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu could miss the remainder of the season after suffering a serious knee injury while on international duty with France, butGerard Pique and Javier Mascherano are both fit to feature.

Enrique will however have to assess the fitness of Suarez, Neymar, Messi and Dani Alves, who travelled back from South America following international duty.

Andres Iniesta was not called into the latest Spain squad after suffering with a slight muscular problem, but the midfielder is expected to start alongside Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic in Enrique's strongest XI this weekend.

As for Madrid, Zidane's main call is expected to come in midfield, where Brazilian Casemiro is favourite to start ahead of Isco and James Rodriguez, who have struggled to impress under the Frenchman.

Sergio Ramos returned early from Spain duty after complaining of a back problem, but the Los Blancos skipper is

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West Ham

8

Premiership TODAY Aston Villa Arsenal Bournemouth Norwich Stoke Sunderland West Ham Liverpool

v v v v v v v v

Chelsea Watford Man City Newcastle Swansea West Brom Crystal Palace Tottenham

SUNDAY Leicester Man Utd

v v

Southampton 13:30 Everton 16:00

12:45 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30

expected to start alongside Pepe, who came through international duty with Portugal free from injury.

Benzema and Bale are both expected to join Ronaldo in the final third, leaving the likes of Lucas Vasquez andJese Rodriguez in reserve.

Head To Head • Today will be the 231st El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid and 171 of those matches have taken place in La Liga. Real Madrid are just shading the overall head-to-head with 71 league victories to Barcelona's 68, while

Leicester Tottenham Arsenal Man City West Ham Man Ut Southampton Stoke Liverpool Chelsea West Brom Everton Bournemouth Watford Swansea Crystal Palace Norwich Sunderland Newcastle Aston Villa

31 31 30 30 30 30 31 31 29 30 30 29 31 30 31 30 31 30 30 31

23 32 18 20 12 11 9 -3 5 4 -7 10 -12 -2 -9 -8 -22 -19 -26 -36

66 61 55 51 50 50 47 46 44 41 39 38 38 37 36 33 28 26 25 16

La Liga Barcelona Atletico Madrid Villarreal Celta Vigo Sevilla Bilbao Málaga Eibar Deportivo Sociedad Espanyol Real Betis Valencia Las Palmas Vallecano Granada Getafe Sporting Levante

62 32 59 12 -8 8 9 1 0 -4 -4 -25 -13 -3 -10 -22 -24 -24 -20 -26

76 67 66 54 48 48 47 39 38 36 35 35 34 34 33 28 28 28 27 24

Bundesliga Seria A Juventus Napoli Roma Fiorentina Inter Milan Sassuolo Lazio Chievo Bologna Empoli Genoa Torino Atalanta Sampdoria Udinese Carpi Palermo Frosinone Verona

30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30

39 38 31 18 12 9 4 0 -5 -5 -8 -5 -5 -7 -5 -19 -18 -23 -26 -25

70 67 60 55 55 49 45 42 38 36 36 34 33 33 32 31 28 28 27 19

Bayern Dortmund Hertha Schalke M'gladbach Leverkusen Mainz Wolfsburg Köln Ingolstadt Stuttgart Hamburger Darmstadt Bremen Augsburg Hoffenheim Frankfurt Hannover

27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 96

52 38 10 4 10 6 2 5 -6 -8 -11 -7 -13 -18 -10 -13 -14 27

Head to Head

two teams in all competitions, however, and have lost just one of their last seven home league games against Real Madrid – winning five times in the process. That run of form included a 2-1 victory when the pair met at Camp Nou in the corresponding league match last season.

• The two teams have, of course, also already met in the league this season and it was an incredible night for Barcelona, who recorded a 4-0 victory at the Bernabeu. Suarez scored twice in the clash back in November, which played a key role in Rafael Benitezlosing his job with Los Blancos.

16-04-02 15-11-21 15-03-22 14-10-25 14-03-23 13-10-26 13-03-02 12-10-07 12-04-20 11-12-09 11-04-15 10-11-28 10-04-09

Zinedine Zidane

Luis-Enrique

• Real Madrid have scored 278 goals to Barcelona's 272.

Barcelona have actually won four of the last six matches between the

With just eight games left to play in Spain's top flight, Barcelona currently boast a nine-point lead at the top of the table. That gap would become six if Atletico beat Betis in today's early kickoff, but it is going to take some effort from Atletico or third-place Real Madrid to prevent Barcelona from holding on to their league title

30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30

Barcelona Madrid Barcelona Madrid Madrid Barcelona Madrid Barcelona Barcelona Madrid Madrid Barcelona Madrid

0-0 0-4 2-1 3-1 3-4 2-1 2-1 2-2 1-2 1-3 1-1 5-0 0-2

Madrid Barcelona Madrid Barcelona Barcelona Madrid Barcelona Madrid Madrid Barcelona Barcelona Madrid Barcelona

69 64 48 44 42 42 41 38 33 33 32 31 28 28 27 27 27 -27

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

34

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Fijabi presented with one million naira cheque by President Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Dr. Godwin Kanu

Mohammed, Ultimate Sports Nutrition Ambassador, Kafaya Ameh, Managing Director Mikado Nigeria Limited Mr. Mike Ojema and Trade and Marketing Manager USN Nigeria Limited, Mr. Adewale Osiyemi during the keep fit event last Saturday at the National Stadium in Lagos

Mayweather Calls Broner 'a Snake' Ahead of Theophane Bout Floyd Mayweather has labelled Adrien Broner a "snake" and says he is not good enough to be a payper-view fighter.

Broner, who defends his WBA super-lightweight world title against Britain's Ashley Theophane on Friday night, has insisted there is "no beef" between him and his former friend.

But Mayweather, who

promoters Theophane, has laid into the champion suggesting the fall-out is far from over.

"Adrien Broner, his nickname is 'The Problem' - I think he has a lot of problems," he told fighthype.com.

"One thing I'm trying to find out about Adrien Broner - is he a boxing promoter, is he a rapper or is he a gangster?

"Like I said before, 'The

Problem', that's what Adrien Broner likes to call himself, if I'm not mistaken.

"The problem that he really needs to focus on is his problem in Cincinnati.

I think the best name for him is not 'The Problem', it's 'Snake'."

The London challenger has promise to win the WBA belt "for Floyd" but even if the champion retains

his title, Mayweather says there is little chance of him getting back on pay-per-view.

"You gotta realise, with Mayweather Promotions, we take our time and we build superstars," he said.

"Mayweather Promotions holds the record for pay-perview and we know Adrien Broner is a free TV type of fighter. We all know super fights happen on Saturday."

USN Explains Benefit of Fitness Programme to Nigerians The Executive Director of Mikado Nigeria Limited, the sole marketers and distributors of USN fitness products, Rasheed Mohammed, has stated that the USN Fitness for life programme held at the National Stadium, Lagos at the weekend was beneficial to all who participated in the event in Lagos and across Nigeria where such programme had been held.

He said: “The brand has been in Nigeria in the last 16 months and we actually had done fitness workouts in individual gymnasiums across Nigeria.

The whole essence of this is about fitness, fitness for life as they say and we try to add our own quota in the fitness of Nigerians across board.

“Basically what we try to

do here is to reiterate and reinvigorate the essence of staying healthy. It is not about eating what you want, it is about eating right. Our brands are based on supporting the micro-organism of the body and to ensure that the consumer get the best out of it. They are natural products made from natural resources, there is nothing like artificial stuff in it.

“This is our second coming to the stadium, we were here sometime last year and we were in Abuja the whole of last week to try and sensitise and get Nigerians to start to start to think about their health. The bottom-line here is about your life style. You have to be very disciplined for you to indulge in this kind of product, because it is not our daily food stuffs

we can eat, so one has to be very fit.”

On the supplements for athletes, he said: “USN has the endurance range which is on sale. We believe that the athletes in Nigeria, especially the core athletes like the sprinters, boxers, wrestlers, weightlifters and the likes have the opportunity to use our products as it has been proven over time that it supports the well-being the totality of the body. It does not enhance performance, but supports your natural talents and just keep you on the platform.”

Mohammed, said the USN chose the National Stadium, Lagos for the fitness programme, because the complex was believed to have a wide range community where

various consumers could be reached and have a better understanding of what the products are.

He assured that “USN products did not contain steroids and this has been proven over and over again. It is a major range of products used by the Springbok in South Africa (the South African rugby national team).

USN is a South African product that is recognised internationally. They are natural products and three quarter of our products are engineered to support the physical exercise that you have to do. You don’t take it and expect to perform better than others in sports, you have to follow it up with disciplined exercise and lifestyle.”

GOtv Boxing Night

How Best Boxer Emerged, Explain Organisers Flykite Promotions, organisers of the GOtv Boxing Night, have explained how the best boxer at the event is chosen.

According to Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director of Flykite Promotions, the decision on who emerged the best boxer at GOtv Boxing Night was made by journalists.

Alumona explained that since the first edition of the event in November 2014, it had been the exclusive duty

of sports journalists to rate participating boxers.

"Flykite has no input into who emerges the best boxer.

Sports journalists do the rating based on their assessment of boxers' performances. The points are collated at the end and any boxer who gets the highest number wins the title.

"We have done this to ensure transparency. Without transparency, the growth of the sport, which is the aim

of the sponsors, will not be achieved," he explained.

The best boxer award attracts a cash prize of N1miillion and the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy.

Olaide "Fijaborn" Fijabi, new West African light welterweight champion and winner of the award at GOtv Boxing Night on 25 March, is winning for the second time.

The first winner of the award was Abolaji "Afonja

Warrior" Rasheed.

But at the time he won, there was no cash reward for doing so. Since then, winners have been rewarded with N1million. Oto " Joe Boy" Joseph won at GOtv Boxing Night 4, while Stanley "Edo Boy" won at GOtv Boxing Night 5.

The next edition of the event will hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium on May 1.

Joe Boy, Prince Nurudeen in Blockbuster Clash The much awaited national lightweight title fight between reigning champion, Nurudeen Fatai and challenger, Oto "Joe Boy" Joseph will take place at the next edition of GOtv Boxing Night.

This was disclosed by the

organisers at the end of the sixth edition of the event on Friday. Billed for May 1 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, the fight will headline the event.

Already, the proposed fight has blockbuster written all

over it. Nurudeen, who was knocked out by Joe Boy in a challenge fight at GOtv Boxing Night 4 is nursing a grudge.

Previous attempts at a rematch were thwarted by a lengthy hand injury suffered by Nurudeen. The injury has now

healed, disclosed Nurudeen, who climbed the ring to openly throw a challenge at Joe Boy last Friday. Joe Boy, whose explosive style, gave him a first round knockout over Hogan Jimoh Jnr. at the event, said Nurudeen will fall again.

Oyefule Wins Ikeja Captain’s Day Tourney The 2016 edition of the annual Ikeja Captains Day tournament; a week-long competition put in place to mark the end of tenure of Cdre Tokunbo Ajomale (rtd), came to a thrilling end on Saturday with Femi Oyefule emerging the winner of the competition.

To emerge victorious, Oyefule shot a score of 67-net, leaving Henry Okpe with a net score of 71 in the second position. Former club captain, Kunle Ogunleye placed third in the competition while Ebiyemi Pinnick, also a former golf captain at golf section of Ikoyi club came fourth.

Las Ali Shobande won in the veteran category with a score of 72-net while another former captain at Ikeja Golf club, General Olayinka Sule ducked in the second position.

The prize staked in the guest men category went to Ayo Fagbemi while Tope Melodi was runner-up.

In the Ladies event, Chichi Alamu emerge winner after a net score of 65, leaving Lola Mamud in the second position.

Other winners in the keenly contested event include, Ruth Oluwatosin, Magdalene Quaye, Queen Adam and Maria Asuni.

Others are Toyin Akinola, Uche Dimgba, Omini Ofem, Yomi Egbe, Uche Nwokocha and Tolani Ilesanmi.

Impressed with the turnout at the occasion, the Captain Ajomale thanks every member of Ikeja Golf Club for the opportunity to serve them.

While saying his vision for the club had been largely achieved, Ajomale promise to continue to contribute to the development of the club.

Newly installed Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi was the special guest at the event closing ceremony.

Ooni Ogunwusi led a team of other Yoruba Obas and prominent Yoruba sons and daughter to the closing ceremony.

Alonso Ruled Out of Bahrain GP Fernando Alonso has been ruled out of the Bahrain GP after fracturing his ribs in his horror Australian GP crash.

The Spaniard was ruled unfit to race by an FIA medical assessment on Thursday in Bahrain and later admitted "it is not 100 per cent" certain he will return to action in China in two weeks' time.

McLaren reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne will take Alonso's place this weekend for his F1 debut.

Alonso said he was "a little bit disappointed" to miss out but accepted the FIA doctors' decision.

Explaining the timeline of his condition since his Melbourne accident on March 20, Alonso said: "I was okay on Sunday [after the race], some knee pain, but not big things. I had the green light from the doctors to leave the track and everything was okay.

"On Monday, I had a little bit of overall pain, but nothing too serious. Then I flew back to Spain and the pain was similar or a little bit more, so we decided to do a check - a CT scan.

"I had a small pneumothorax on the lung, so we took the advice from the doctors to relax at home and make everything come to normal, and we repeated the scan on Monday. ""The pneumothorax is gone but I have some rib fractures, so because of that there is a risk of driving because Formula 1 is a unique sport, a unique position on the car, and with the G-forces the fracture could move into the lung as well."

Alonso had a huge accident in Melbourne where his car barrel rolled through the Turn Three gravel trap after colliding with the Haas of Esteban Gutierrez. The sensors on-board the McLaren are reported to have recorded a peak force of 47G. The 34-year-old appeared to slightly limp as he visited the Bahrain International Circuit's medical centre on Thursday morning where his condition was assessed ahead of the weekend's running.

"Two sets of chest CT scans were compared and it was decided that there was insufficient resolution of the signs to allow him to compete on safety grounds," an FIA statement read.

35

APRIL 2, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

AFRICA PLAYS

with KENNETH EZAGA 0807 0530 677, zigi199@yahoo.com

The Fall of the Super Eagles, the Economic Implications and Thoughts About Tomorrow Anybody who still thinks Nigeria senior team football is not in a crisis lives in Cuckoo Land. The recent elimination of the Super Eagles from the race to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, coming just after our team were bundled out in the first round of the CHAN, drives this point home. Not only are we going to miss out on the continental showpiece for a second straight time, we will now not have been in three of the last four finals. Contrast that with the record before 2012 when the Super Eagles made it to 11 straight finals.

In a country where everyone thinks more about themselves that the greater good, there has unsurprisingly been a defence for this almost tragic fall in the fortunes of our most celebrated football brand, but we delude ourselves because the rot in the system is finally taking its toll. This, sadly, has monumental economic implications that affect all our national teams as well as our domestic league and club brands. Everyone loves a winner, but losers have no friends. And we have become serial losers unless you deceive yourself that anyone really cares about our scandal-tainted domination at the U-17 level. Not going to Gabon means sponsorship revenues will drop drastically for our national teams – I imagine Nike are not smiling about this – the media will be affected as readership, listenership, and viewership drop, football agents would see the values of their players slide, TV ratings will nose-dive and all around sport related businesses will suffer. The danger though is that it will get much worse unless we change our modus operandi.

N

ot qualifying for the AFCON means the Super Eagles will not be involved in any major competition in the next two years… and that could stretch to the next three years if we fail to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. It also means that we could soon be ranked close to the 100th position in the world. No serious advertiser wants to back such poor brands, and even if they do it would be for the kind of peanuts Nike currently pays for kitting our national teams. Furthermore this latest setback means the Nigeria Football Federation cannot realistically expect to negotiate an upward review of the sponsorship terms.

More woes are to be expected as revenues from friendly internationals should dip because we are no longer a hot commodity, and because the Super Eagles is the leading brand we have, the dark clouds should also hang over the other national teams male or female.

Media patronage will drop drastically as football fans look elsewhere. There will still be some interest in the Nations Cup, but nothing close to the levels of Nigeria being involved. This mean media player in print, radio, TV, and the web will lose considerably from patronage as well as advertising and sponsorship incomes.

Without Nigeria, viewing centres, airlines, merchandisers, food vendors, beverage manufacturers, marketing communications agencies and related businesses etc, will all feel the pain. Also expected to suffer will be the marketability of our rising stars on the world stage. Even the current appeal for sponsorship for the NPFL will be negatively impacted. We are talking multi-billions in total losses.

So, there is a need to sort out the issues that dog us quickly otherwise it can only get worse. I follow African football daily and can point to teams that will punish us tomorrow if we continue to act in the same we have always done and yet expect different outcomes. Countries like Ghana, Egypt and Algeria top my list of the continent’s most fearsome sides going forward, while others like Senegal, Morocco, Congo DR, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire and Tunisia follow closely. These days it will take a bold man to declare publicly that we are still giants of the African game when we struggle against the likes of Chad, Swaziland and Tanzania, so we need to take a bloodless view of things.

Where is the blueprint?

First things first, it does not appear that is a blueprint detailing a meticulous and structured way that our talents progress from youth to professional levels. If one exists, it is not easily discernible from the

Super Eagles...down and out

prevailing patterns and trends. How does our youth system translate to a sustainably successful senior national team over time for instance? And what are the dynamics in between? How does the NFF work with the NPFL – because it is vital they do - to ensure the continuous development of our best talents?

The young boy that destroyed Nigeria in Alexandria is a 19-year-old Al Ahly star called Ramadan Sobhi and I think it is fair to say the North Africans are not as brutal at age slashing as we do in sub-Saharan Africa. Sobhi is a young winger that plays for Al Ahly and indeed the Egyptian team was dominated by players from the Egyptian Premier League. While this is not a vote for the Super Eagles being turned over to the NPFL players, it indicates, as some of us have vehemently argued, that if our domestic football is not right our national teams will struggle, even in Africa.

Youth teams and the NPFL In the Nigerian system there are too many holes into which talents can disappear in the course of their development.

Today our U-17 and U-20 national teams are made up by players from football academies, who then ship them off overseas - denying our clubs and leagues of our best young talents, after using the national team as a springboard. This is not a sustainable way to develop our talents as the vast majority of them end up failing

and dropping completely out of the radar.

While I can understand a football agent lusting for profit by selling his players to even to some funny leagues overseas, I cannot understand the NFF willingly providing them with the national teams to achieve their selfish business objectives. It is important then that our NPFL teams are forced to have youth teams from which our national youth teams are built. By this I mean only players from our clubs should play in our U-17 and U-20 teams. I advocate this as the ideal, but not believing anyone would listen because of the dark ways the system works. However it must be understood that as long as our selfish desires stand in the way of national interest, we will continue to fail.

When Clemens Westerhof built the all-conquering team of the 1990s, most of the players were initially sourced from our then vibrant league. I stand to be corrected, but there is no top footballing nation in the world that relies solely on league in other countries to build their players. I concede though that the NPFL as currently constituted does not have our best players and steps must be taken to make our clubs competitive as a result, but a successful league would synchronize the efforts of the NFF and the NPFL in such a way that it becomes a win-win for everyone.

Who coaches the Eagles next?

It is important to solve the coaching problem and I think the NFF must man up

and employ a world class coach for the Super Eagles. That we must encourage and support our local coaches does not mean the fortunes of 170m people are reduced to an “omo ni le” issue. The fact is that in the last 16 years, Nigerian coaches have been in charge of the Eagles for 14-and-a-half years. Their record in the period has been poor, let’s face it, and it is getting worse.

I am a proud promoter of the Nigerian cause but I am not an omo ni le. As long as it brings success and happiness to Nigeria, and not the opposite, then I am all for it.

Dutchman Guus Hiddink becomes free in the summer. He is no longer a coach that can cope with the rigours of coaching in top club football, but he may find a less stressful project like Nigeria an intriguing challenge. We do not lack quality, we just need the right coaching, especially now that we have a host of amazing talents coming through. It could make the difference between a golden generation and the generation of wasted talents. There are many top coaches in Africa today, no big deal. Unless you think the joke is on the likes of Ghana, Morocco, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire etc, who are guided by foreign coaches and will be at the AFCON next year while we watch on TV, then let us do the needful. A coach in the league of Hiddink would bring vast World Cup experience, global interest and enlightened order to our team. It would also be infinitely easier to get a big Nigerian business to pick up the tab.

236

JUNE 16,THE 2011SATURDAY • THISDAY,NEWSPAPER THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER THISDAY, • APRIL 2, 2016

FAIRGROUND

Adebola Williams 30th Birthday Dinner Shindig

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

M

edia entrepreneur, Adebola Williams hosted friends and associates to a birthday dinner recently at the Oasis Medspa, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Guests in attendance included the GTBank MD/CEO, SegunAgbaje; Tonye Cole; Pastor Tony Rapu; Mo Abudu; Osayi Alile; Aisha Ahmad; Sarah Sosan; Agatha Amata; MD of Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs Bola Adesola; MD of Main One Cable, FunkeOpeke; and Lanre Da Silva Ajayi.

Others present to celebrate with the RED co-founder were Kate Henshaw; Rita Dominic; Ramsey Nouah; Omawumi; Banky W; Stephanie Okereke; Sound Sultan; NseIkpe Etim; Kola Oyeneyin; Michelle Dede; Mo’Cheddah; Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi and more.

Venue: Oasis Med Spa, Ikoyi; Food by Chef Emeka of Helenes Bistro; Drinks: Eventails; Decor by YVentKouture; Cocktails by Cocktails In and Out; Event planning: Zaphaire Events.

About Adebola Williams Williams is co-founder of RED, which holds Africa’s largest portfolio of youth brands, with three companies, including communication agency, Red Media Africa; media production outfit, Generation Y! (owners of YNaija.com, ‘Rubbin’ Minds, amongst others); and youth development organisation, The Future Project, which presents Africa’s biggest youth event, The Future Awards Africa.

Mr Williams has consulted for global brands, including Microsoft, Google, the British Council and the United States Government.

He also worked closely with President Muhammadu Buhari when he was the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress from 2014 to 2015 – leading on the campaign communication across TV, radio, print, online and outdoor, starting from the iconic photos of the president that went viral in December 2015.

He was selected as one of the Top 100 of Our Generation by Top 100 UK in 2007 and 2008, and was selected as a Global Changemaker by the British Council in 2009.

He was awarded CNBC Young Business Leader for West Africa, Forbes Best 30 Entrepreneurs under 30, awarded Businessday 40 under 40, among others. His company was recently nominated for African Business of the year alongside Dangote Group and Chandaria Industries by African Business Awards, New York.

Tonye Cole and his wife

Adebola Williams, his sister and Dad

Ayo Animashaun, Steve Babaeko and Bisoye Fagade

Evita Moussalli and Serge Noujaim

Ramsey Nouah and wife, Adebola Williams, Chude Jideonwo

Ono Bello, Lanre Da-Silva, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Shade lapido, Stephanie Linus and Rita Dominic

MD of Standard Chartered Bank, Bola Adesola and Adeola Azeez, Deutsche Bank

Pastor Tony Rapu and Tony Ekaidem

Banky W and Sasha

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

37

FAIRGROUND

Big Night of Endo Gala Fund Raising

Dr. Abayomi Ajayi

I

t is no longer news that the Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria, (ESGN) will be holding a gala and fund raising dinner to round off the activities of the Endo awareness month. The gala night, which will have the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo as the special guest of honour, will take place at the prestigious Civic Center on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road Victoria Island on April 9, 2016.

Preceding this grand finale event, ESGN had embarked on Endo awareness walks both in Abuja and Lagos on February 18

Nike Oshinowo

and March 5, respectively.

The walks attracted various support groups from the public and private sectors of the economy.

Notably in both walks, were the current Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Unouaku Ayandike, whose pet project is Endometriosis and a former Miss Tanzania, Millem Magese, who suffers from the condition.

Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, Managing Director, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Nordica Fertility Centre and trustee of Endometriosis Support Foundation (ESGN), apparently overwhelmed by the number of participants,

despite the rain during the Lagos Walk, said: “I didn’t imagine that people will walk in the rain and that gave me also a shot in the arm. But, it is still a drop in the ocean because women need to know how to manage the lifelong disorder, endometriosis, so that they can have quality life and enjoy their marriages.”

Ajayi further told the enthused crowd, “It is a chronic disease where tissues that are normally found lining the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body forming lesions. During menstrual flow, these lesions bleed in their locations leading to pain.

The most common symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful bowel movement, menstrual pain and sometimes some degree of infertility.”

The Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN) is a nonGovernmental /non Profit Making Organisation with the sole aim of assisting women, both young and old who are challenged with the Endometriosis condition. For over 10 years, ESGN has been at the forefront, actively lobbying for better outcomes, education and awareness, care, treatment options and support for women affected by the endometriosis condition.

The Legend Series Concert Holds

S

pace Legend Series” concert will see King Sunny Ade, Onyeka Onwenu and Ebenezer Obey perform live on one stage, and with Timi Dakolo as the opening act.

The Space Legend Series Olympian aspiration is to provide premium experience and class entertainment to the high networth individual, accomplished personalities and captains of industries.

“Come May 21st, 2016, we shall be welcoming this uber-audience to the first of a series of nights of glamour and world-class entertainment showcasing the crème de la crème of Nigerian music industry, built to meet the yearning desire of classic music lovers. Although the concert itself is meant for those with high taste, who can afford it, there are throngs of Nigerians who shall be tuning in live to the concert via different channels: TV, Radio, live streaming on phones, tablets and

Ebenezer Obey

Onyeka Onwenu

King Sunny Ade

laptops.” There is, thus, a veritable opportunity for brand sponsors to reach High Networth Individuals

who shall be physically present and diverse numbers of Nigerians and Non-Nigerians who shall be

tuning in live.

The concert is organised by Uber Space & Motbensonz Solutions.

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 2, 2016

April 2, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

39

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 2, 2016

40

FITNESS FILE

My Guide To Being Gym Savvy

The Edenlifestyle corner with

MAJE AYIDA

majeayida@edenlifenigeria.com www.edenlifenigeria.com, 07062614551

I

f you’re independently wealthy and can afford to take your time while working out because you don’t need to go to an actual job, well, then we hate you. Most of us are busy people. In fact, there are several surveys about reasons for not working out, and No. 1 on the list always seems to be “lack of time.”

There is merit in being savvy in the gym. First off, it gives you time for other, non-gym stuff in life. What’s more, when you’re not messing around, it breeds greater mental intensity. You know that when you’re on a tight schedule, you need to kick some ass, so you do. Here are some of the things to avoid and some tips to becoming gym efficient.

Exercising in a public setting is an awesome way to boost energy, collaboration, and even a little friendly competition to push you even harder. But this also come with a code of etiquette that for some reason, sometimes, people seem to forget.

Wear the Wrong Gear Don’t forget, those super-cute leggings may be super-sheer in downward dog, so it’s best to take them for a test drive before giving the rest of the class a show. Other clothing don’ts include anything too short or too low-cut, especially in a yoga class where you’ll be stretching and bending all over the place.

Use the Mirror a Little Too Liberally The mirrors are for correcting form, not checking your makeup or seeing how good your triceps look. He’s seen everything from popping zits to fixing (than re-fixing, and re-fixing again) hair.

Repeat after me: This is workout zone, not your bathroom vanity.

Glam it Up Wearing some tinted moisturizer and subtle mascara is one thing, but coming to class in a full face of makeup is usually a don’t. While you may start off looking sexy, 15 minutes in you’ve morphed into Heath Ledger as the Joker.

Plus, you don’t really want to worry about your eyeliner streaking while you’re trying to hold a plank.

Create a Stink You know to reapply deodorant before class (hopefully), but re-wearing the same workout clothes from earlier in the week can cause an even worse stench.

That top/bra/pair of shorts may smell OK when you first pull it on, but once your body warms up… ripe city. (Not to mention the lovely bacteria that thrives on damp fabric.) Another culprit: bad breath – especially in the tight quarters of an indoor cycling class. So don’t forget to brush your teeth before class – chances are you’ll be breathing pretty heavy during your workout.

Chat Too Much Hold the gossip for the few minutes before and after a group session. It’s not just rude, it could actually mess with your workout. You are interrupting your own breathing patterns, your fellow classmates, and most importantly, the instructor.

Become the Unofficial Teacher’s Assistant It’s true that with group classes of 30 or more, the instructor can’t be everywhere at once. Still, unless you’re actually employed by this gym, leave your neighbor be. Unless somebody’s

form is so bad that injury is immediately forthcoming or she asks for help, you should mind your own business.

Don’t assume you know why somebody is taking a class, and don’t assume that they want commentary or even assistance.

Do Your Own Thing If a move is no good for your body, an instructor will probably step in to provide an appropriate modification.

But don’t take that to mean you can make up a bunch of alternative exercises as you go, most fitness instructors don’t want to compete with your own personal routine. As in, when everyone else is doing bicep curls and you decide it’s a great time to work on your squat form. Don’t be that person. Not to mention, it’s distracting to the other class-goers.

Now here’s how to a gym don: The Changing Room If all you did was weights, do you really need to shower? Can you get away with a towel to the pits and a reapplication of deodorant? Do you have to get changed there, or can this be done at home? Look for ways to avoid the place altogether, or just minimise the time spent around other naked guys.

Waiting For Equipment Busy gyms can be motivating. There is an energy in the air and it makes you want to partake. But if the place is jammed and there is no squat cage or bench press, or if all the chin-up bars are constantly occupied, then you may need to rethink your workout time of day. Alternatively, you need to look for ways to adapt your plans. If every squat cage is taken and they don’t look like they’re going to be free any time soon, then consider doing something else that day.

Isolation Exercises Let us use the chest, shoulders and triceps day as an example. Almost 70% of the time for that workout is chest.

The reason why is simple: shoulders and triceps also get worked hard while doing chest. Therefore, a lot of time spent on isolation (single joint) movements like lateral raises and triceps extensions just isn’t necessary. Same goes for the back and biceps day. Most of the workout is back, and biceps just get a little bit of work at the end, because they were already trained hard all along during the back workout.

Focusing On Machines I’m not completely down on weightlifting machines, but they should be relegated to the “almost done” portion of your workout regimen. For legs, focus on squats instead of this piece of crap. Machines don’t give you half the workout of free weights, and therefore waste time. My opinion is that machines are to be used toward the end of a workout, when your muscles are so blasted that you simply don’t have the strength left for proper free weight technique. In those instances, machines can be good just as a way to quickly finish things off.

Not Doing Supersets There are supersets, compound sets or just doing your workout nonstop.

When I do chest, shoulders and triceps, I need a break between the sets for chest because it’s hardcore stuff, but after that’s done, the shoulders and triceps are constantly alternated. I’m only taking a few seconds here and there for sips of water until the workout is done.

It revs metabolism higher and results in a high-volume workout.

The Water Fountain If you’re constantly going from equipment to water fountain and back, the time wasting adds up. Especially

if there’s a line. Just get a water bottle seriously.

Static Stretching Dynamic stretching is great a part of an effective warm-up for lifting, making movements that mimic the exercise you’re about to engage in.

Static stretching before lifting has been shown to decrease strength, and is not something you do at the gym if you’re pressed for time. I’m not down on static stretching, but it’s time consuming when you could be doing other things, and no special equipment is required.

Personally, I think the time for static is while watching TV — it’s a great way to maximise your time, so that the gym is more about lifting.

Excessive Warming Up While I always do a proper warm-up before lifting, working my way up to heavy, you don’t need to go overboard.

What’s more, once you’re warm, you’re warm. You don’t need to do it for every exercise. As an example, if I’m doing chest, shoulders and triceps all in one workout, I only need to warm up for that first chest exercise. If I do three chest exercises in total, I don’t need to warm up for exercises No. 2 and No. 3, and I sure as hell don’t need to warm up for shoulders and triceps, because they were getting worked all along with the chest exercises.

Aerobic Warm-Ups I’m a big fan of aerobic workouts, but there isn’t really a need to run on a treadmill or hit a stationary bike to get the blood flowing for lifting. If you really think this is necessary, just walk briskly while you’re on the way to the gym and change rapidly. A real warmup is to do the exercise you’re about to do at a lighter weight. If you’re about to do bench press, then you warm up with bench press at lower weights and work your way up to the heavy stuff.

Now go out there and be awesome.

APRIL 2, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

Tzar Studios Spring/Summer 2016 Collection ‘1760’

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Tzar Studios

F

or Tzar Spring Summer 16 collection titled ‘1760’ a number but more importantly an identity for a certain gruesome period in his life spent in a remote part of Western Nigeria. The experience from this time and Alberto Burri’s work on Sacchi mesh to explain this some what traumatic timeline. The collection is a visual and emotional interpretation of his personal habitation in that environment.The predominant colour being blue emphasizes the difficulty in accepting the

change he had to endure ,an inflexible mindset but then over time after much cogitation he reckoned that embracing the situation and creating his own acceptable version of reality would be the better option. Hues of Brown/Beige depicting long dusty roads he walked daily lined up with navy coloured kiosks selling the indigenous indigo-dyed fabric. Loose silhouettes of oversized burlap-esque linen shirts with exaggerated sleeves and distressed necklines exuding a sense of despair.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

medIA & mARketIng with

Glo’s TVC Takes Subscribers on Tour of Rich Data Bundles

I

n line with its DNA of offering subscribers value for money, Glo has continued to roll out data bundles that drive prices to rock bottom level, the lowest so far since the advent of GSM in Nigeria.

Though Glo currently offers the cheapest and best data plan, the network has continued to launch data bundles that will suit every consumer’s pocket and needs. These plans have also continued to drive down prices of data, giving more value to consumers’ money.

To communicate its new, rich offering to subscribers, Glo has unveiled a new television commercial (TVC) tagged Glo Data Mart. The new TVC features Glo brand ambassadors taking subscribers through the rich data offers on display at the mart.

With urbane Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) as protagonist, the Glo Mart TVC opens with a shot of an open bar where RMD, surrounded by bystanders, is reading a newspaper with a Globacom print advertisement, featuring the lady of songs, Di’ja Blell announcing that with just N1,000 Glo subscribers can get 1.5 GB while N2,000 will fetch them a whopping 4.5 GB!.

The commercial starts with a series of rhetorical questions from an overwhelmed persona, wondering how a telecommunication network can deliver so great a value with a paltry sum.

How do you explain the unbelievable mega data plans offered by the Glo Mart? asks RMD as he flips through the newspaper. He then rises from the table and pays for his drink and proceeds to point to another artwork announcing another juicy offer with the picture of Mavin sensation, Reekado Banks promising 6GB for N3,000 and in a geometric incremental value N4,000 earning the user 9 GB! This fantastic offer leads RMD to posit another question, whilst pointing to the poster, “How do you explain that?” He then moves on to another poster offering featuring Korede Bello’s picture and advertising the booster plans, which can serve as boosters for the data plans whenever a subscriber runs short without notice. N200 will give the user 500 MB while N500 attracts 1 GB!

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08057511558 (sms only)

L-R: 1st Vice President and Vice Chairman, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, Mr. Tony Agenmonmen; Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Franco Maria Maggi; President and Chairman of Governing Council, NIMN, Mr. Ganiyu Koledoye; and Council Member, NIMN, Mrs. Yomi Ifaturoti; during a courtesy visit to NB Plc in Lagos recently

It does not end there, as RMD moves to show the viewer, the Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF) poster with the picture of inimitable Wiz Kid emblazoned and promising a hard-tobelieve 3GB for only N500 on weekends and 1GB for just night browsing with N200. He captures this with another rhetorical question “How can Glo offer TGIF of 3GB for only N500?”

Subscribers also have the opportunity to do either a monthly plan or night or weekend or booster plans. The protagonist goes on to adduce reasons for this incredible offers saying, “…

Glo submarine cables pour 2.4 terra bites of world class bandwidth to West Africa every second, seamlessly connected to Glo’s 20 kilometers fibre optic network offering the best customer services to every individual,

every family, institutions and business.”

Shouts of excited subscribers complement RMD’s narrative and confer the TVC with its grand appeal.

RMD then justifies it by positing in this sound bite “…It all suddenly makes sense! Doesn’t it?”

The opt-in code is *777# for all data plans. This is very symbolic as the significance of figure seven in card games is well acknowledged and it is referred to as ‘ace’ when it is tripled. An ace is the proverbial game changer that can be used to break logjams and solve problems when one literally has the cards stacked against him or you are in a disadvantageous situation that may prevent you from achieving your goals. The unique thing about the opt-in code

Promasidor Cowbellpedia Maths Qualifying Exam Records Impressive Turn-Out he written examination, one of the steps in the national Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics TV Quiz, which was conducted in various parts of the country has recorded impressive turnout of students’ participants.

The quiz competition examination was conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education.

Reacting, Mr. Festus Tettey, Head of Marketing, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk, expressed delight at the conduct of the qualifying written examination for this year’s competition.

Tettey said he was impressed with the massive turnout of students at the venues of the examination in different parts of the country.

Tettey commended the officials

KASIE ABONE

of States’ Ministries of Education and National Examinations Council (NECO), who were on ground at each location to ensure the examinations were conducted in free and fair environment. He therefore gave them thumbs up for the professional way they handled the process.

He explained that Promasidor designed the Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics TV Quiz to discover and nurture talented students in secondary schools in Nigeria.

He said the participating schools were given equal opportunity in the qualifying examination, as five students in the junior category and five in the senior cadre represented each school.

In conjunction with the Ministry of Education, the Head of Marketing, said Promasidor arranged for centres

in strategic locations across the country in order to make accessibility easy for the participating students and their teachers.

In Lagos alone, examinations were written in 26 centers, while in Ogun State, nine schools were used as centres. Among the schools used in Lagos as centres for the examination are: Ransome Kuti Memorial Senior High School, Mushin; Ikeja Senior Grammar School, Oshodi; Kuramo College, Victoria Island; Amuwo Odofin Community Secondary School, Mile 2; and Oriwu Model College, Ikorodu.

Similarly, Remo Secondary School, Shagamu; Abeokuta Grammar School, Abeokuta; Ansarrudeen Comprehensive College, Otta; and Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu Ode; are some of the schools used as centres in Ogun State.

is that it is monolithic for all the data offerings and it is easily recalled by subscribers.

All said, the next generation network, Globacom is forever reinventing to add more value to its highly esteemed subscribers, and the Glo Data Mart TVC is another innovative way of further raising the bar in marketing communications and offering more data for the subscribers’ hard earned money.

Nigerian Banks Ripoff Customers The 2016 edition of the Consumer Rights’ Day symposium organised by the Brand Writers Association of Nigeria has as theme ‘Banking in Nigeria: Developments and Customers Challenges’.

The keynote speaker, Mr. Tokunbo Modupe, the CEO of TPT, took his audience through the journey traversing the history of banking in Nigeria, the reforms and the challenges encountered by customers in the course of banking transactions.

He concluded by saying that despite the many reforms aimed at serving customers better, many of the banks still short-change their customers by imposition of illegal, unauthorised and excess charges.

Other discussants, who analysed the state of banking in Nigeria, included APCON Registrar, Alhaji Bello Kankoroffi, Chief Operating Officer of 141 Worldwide, Mrs. Bunmi Oke, Managing Director of Novelpotta Y&R, Dr. Celey Okogun, a consumer rights advocate, Ms. Sola Salako, among others.

A communiqué issued at the end of deliberations detailed roles each stakeholder in the banking sector namely customers, the banks and the regulatory authority/ Central Bank of Nigeria and government agencies should play to enhance delivery of better banking services to customers.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER• APRIL 2, 2016

MEMOIRS Princess Ogunsanya

I Was Very Close to My Father; He Used to Plait My Hair She is courageous and vocal like her father. Princess Adenrele Adeniran - Ogunsanya, daughter of prominent Lagos lawyer and frontline politician in the First Republic and a close associate of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. In this interview with Femi Ogbonnikan, she bares her mind on a number of issues including her closeness to her late father which many people misconstrued; how she joined politics at a tender age, her defection to the Action Congress (AC), which metamorphosed to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and subsequently, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the death of Chief Funsho Williams, the Lagos State PDP gubernatorial candidate, her stint as Secretary to the Lagos State Government under Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) between 2007 and 2011, among other issues

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Ogunsanya

ell us about your background My name is Princess Adenrele Oyebola Oyetokunbo Adeniran - Ogunsanya. I was born on 18th of January 1948. I am a native of Ikorodu.

I am a Princess of Ikorodu.

I was born in Manchester in the United Kingdom (UK). I had my nursery education in England. Subsequently, I came back as a child, when my dad returned home as a qualified barrister. I now went to a private nursery school in Yaba, Lagos, Saint Agnes, and later, I went to Anglican School in Broad Street, Lagos, Girl’s Seminary. It is a typical Lagos school, where one meets very wonderful people, who were older than me. And it was a good mix and it made and grounded you as a Lagos person. I enjoyed the school nicely and I have always loved to be among people. I don’t like going or moving with stuffy people, but I think my dad got an inkling, when I started sitting at meetings as a child of the Zikist National Vanguard, that were always held in our home at 13, Obaloke, in Apapa Road, Lagos. In those days, all the lawyers, that lived in that area, like Tunde Coker, Ladner, Frank Akinrele, Desalu, Gbajabiamila, GNA Okafor, Alli Balogun and other prominent Lagos lawyers at that time, very distinguished and colourful people lived in that area. Then Apapa Road was not different from what it is today.

I grew up and enjoyed my childhood there.

In it again, my dad was a very happy person and it was there my dad won an election in 1959 into the House of Representatives. After that, I went to Our Lady of Apostle, Yaba, Lagos, for my secondary education for one year. Because, at a time, I did a Common Entrance Examination and I was picked to go to Methodist Girl’s High School, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, and my dad wanted nothing other than Queen’s College, Lagos, for me.

He even decided that, if I did not go to Queen’s College, I would go abroad. And my dad was an old King’s College, Lagos, boy, and if I was a boy, he would have sent me to King’s College. Because with all that my dad had, he was very passionate about them. And so, I had my secondary school and I did my O/Level and A/Level. I left there and went to the Sorbonne, University of Paris, France. I did a course there called, ‘civilization francais’ (French Civilisation). It was an 18 - month course and, then I came to Nigeria. I went to University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos and did a diploma course in International Law, Industrial Law, Business Law. It was a course made for people going into the industry. And from there, in 1971, I went to work in Shell Nigeria Limited from 1971 to 1983. It was Shell Nigeria and later became ConOil, but when I started there it was Shell Nigeria Limited.

We had a lot of expatriates there and I was an assistant to one of the managers in the department for training and development and employees’ relations. It was there, I was until 1983. After 1983, I started doing business and

along the line, my dad contested an election in 1979. And since I have interest in politics, when I was young, my dad used to discuss politics with me. In fact, he used to allow me to sit at meetings, especially, to sit at meetings with any youth group that came from Ikorodu in order to discuss Ikorodu matter.

I used to be very angry, because there was a game we used to play, then, ‘ten-te’, so badly, and this man would say, come and sit down.

But I would ask, “What concerns me with all these things? He would convince me that, it would let them know I was. In addition to that, he would send me to Ikorodu and I would spend a nice time with my grandmother. I used to enjoy it, because there were festivals in Ikorodu and he would send me home to go and be there. You know, parents have ways of knowing the attributes of every child. From there, he was sending me to represent him at every meeting, and that was how my journey into politics started.

You were very close to your dad, why didn’t you take after him to become a lawyer?

He wanted me to. I was in a hurry. Well, I don’t know. I did law, but I didn’t do the law course. And when they were talking (lawyers) and I used to quote what I had learnt and he used to get angry. But God has control of everything that we do in life. He would say, ‘I told you, you could do this’. I don’t know they were circumstances.

You haven’t said anything about your mother. Were you not close to her?

My mother is dead. Well, I lost my mom, when I was four years old, but I was in close contact, because my dad made sure I went to England on holidays when I was small, so that I would stay with my mom and grandmother. My mom’s name was Helen John.

She was a native of Manchester, England.

It seems your dad loved you...

I think my dad was hard on me, but I knew, that he loved me greatly, but I don’t know. I wouldn’t see my dad for any other father. And if I have to come to this world again, I wish he would still be my father. He was a very down-to-earth gentle person, but he was strict. And he understood and I think, like his father, late Odofin of Ikorodu, Chief Suberu Ogunsanya, who was down-to-earth too. And I can tell you instances of what he did, and I think, he did it purposely to teach me lessons. Like I would go to the family house, even after I had married. He would ask, ‘where are you going’? And I would say, ‘nowhere! Why’? ‘It was because I wanted you to follow me somewhere’. And I would go out with him. He would say, ‘Turn right, turn left,’ and we would get to this house. He would come out and see any of his friends and he would be excited. The friend would shout, ‘Ogunsanya wa wo mi o’ (Ogunsanya has come to visit me o). The friend would say, ‘you can’t come into my house’, and my father would ask, ‘don’t you love me,?

And he (dad) would go into the house. The

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

MEMOIRS I Was Very Close to My Father; He Used to Plait My Hair

Cont’d from Pg. 44

Denrele Ogunsanya with children

friend would also say, “I can’t offer you anything”, but my father would drink a bottle of Coca-cola. Sometimes, my dad would say, ‘se won nta akara l’adugbo yi’? (Are they selling bean cakes in this area?). I could remember that, the friend would tell my dad, ‘e fi mi se eniyan l’adugbo yi o’ (you have made me an important person in this area). That was the kind of person my dad was. My dad used to plait my hair as a child. He would plait my hair very early in the morning, because I lived with him, with my nanny and my cousin, Aremo of Ikorodu, Chief Adeniyi Ogunsanya. He (Aremo) took care of me, and he would take me to school.

Could you remember vividly any particular time your dad sanctioned you for doing wrong?

I remember all the time. My dad was extremely strict, and you couldn’t just go to him, unless you had an invitation.

When you had an invitation, you would have to give him, at least, a week before you could see him. And you would have to behave well. I laugh when many people think that he was strict, but he would impress it on me that, not loving you, but remember, that one day, I would be alone or you would be alone. For instance, if when I was in secondary school, I came home early during holiday from London and he had got a job ready for me. One time, he got a job for me from a public relations outfit and I was doing the holiday job. Some people think that he loved his child and loving a child doesn’t spoil a child. They are two different things.

On these occasions when you were being sanctioned, how did your mother react, being a white woman?

My mother wasn’t around, and I had told you earlier, that I had come home with my dad at the age of four and she was not staying with us.

Don’t you have male siblings?

I do. I have two brothers. I had a brother who was also of the same mother with me, but he died when he was young.

But none of them was close to your dad as you were...

I would not want to say that, but my dad was close to all his children.

How would you describe the relationship between Late Chief TOS Benson and Justice Michael Odesanya who were close friends of your dad? They all hailed from Ikorodu and also went to United Kingdom together to study law?

They didn’t go to the same school, but I think, they went to the same primary school in Ikorodu. And I think, it was Madariola Private Nursery/Primary School in Ikorodu. It was a well-known school.

How would you describe their friendship when they used to visit your dad at home?

It was interesting. I had the honour of going out around with them during one summer in London, and I enjoyed myself thoroughly when they were all in a black car. This is because they all cracked jokes and laughed like they were young boys. They were talking about all those things young men talk about. And they made me laugh and it is something I would always remember. In fact, they were fond of one another. They were a great delight and it was nice to sit in a black car with them, just the three of them.

How would you feel if some people tell you that you rode on your father’s back? Wouldn’t you feel offended?

Why would they offend me? I worked hard for whatever I have. But if I say my father’s name has not helped me, I would be an ingrate. It is a gift from God and my father gave it to me, if I rode on his back. When my dad was alive and he would also look at me and say, that is my daughter. And that is it. I have no apology for that. At a stage, when I was

much younger and people would say it to me and I would get offended. For an instance, I did an interview where somebody asked me if I wanted to fit into my father’s shoe and I told them my father’s shoe was too big for me. He was alive and in a hospital, but he called me when I came home to take food for him, in the evening. And somebody said he said I should come now, and I went. When I asked what’s problem, he said, ‘I am angry,’ And I was wondering what I had done wrong. He waved a paper in front of me and said, ‘my shoes are too big for you? Adenrele, my shoes are not big for you. You are going to be great as I am’. I said, ‘I didn’t say I want to fit into your shoes, because you are a great person’.

I don’t take offence to that. I am glad that I belong to the family that I belong to. I am glad of the name he has left for me. I am glad for all the things he did and I am proud of him.

I have no apology. It is not my fault, if some people don’t have somebody like my father.

Who is your husband?

I married a doctor, a dental surgeon. His name is Adeniyan Adeniji. He hailed from Ibadan, Oyo State. And we had four children, but I had a child that I lost, a girl. So, I have three boys. We were cordial. There was no misunderstanding.

Where did you meet him?

I met him when I was in University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos. He was in the College of Medicine.

How did you meet him?

We met at a club. It was the normal way you meet through friends, through associates.

Was he also from a rich background?

I don’t know why there is much emphasis on this rich or poor background. What makes people rich is not money or cars and it is the background that they have. And some people don’t have as many cars. And a Yoruba adage says, “bibire ko se fowora”. Sincerely, he came from a good family background and they were all educated. And I think, his parents were educationists and they retired from there. So, I don’t know, why people pay more attention to riches and I think it is a problem, particularly when we Yoruba people use to say, “Awon ibo like owo” (that Igbo people love and worship money). What concerned me, if the man was rich, but he had prospect. He was handsome. He came from a good home. His mother came from a good home. His father was educated. What is money? Money can’t buy certain things. We pay too much emphasis on money and that is why we are in a position we find ourselves today. People just grab and grab. He came from a rich family and they owned their home. They had cars. His siblings were all educated.

And that is what matters. We have people who are rich, with no substance.

You are very fluent in Yoruba dialect, how did you learn the language?

I was four years old when I came to Lagos and my dad was a nationalist. He was also someone who would always want me to be a traditionalist. Traditionalist in that I know my tradition. I think we are not fair to our tradition and the things you must do as a Yoruba girl, like when I started my first job, I had to distribute my first salary to everybody. My dad was like that. Of course, it is not easy for a young person to pick up a language and I picked it up and I could speak it.

I speak in Ijebu dialect too, and when I started speaking Ijebu dialect and everybody would shout at campaigns. It is not as fluent as my Yoruba, but it is getting better.

Initially, you were in the opposition party, PDP. Why did you defect to AC which later metamorphosed to ACN and subsequently, APC? Well, the main reason was that Funsho Williams died

Denrele Ogunsanya

and when he died I could not get someone that could be like him. It was very difficult for me to change. If you had known my father, he never switched parties. So, I switched and that is why it is difficult for me, I can’t and I don’t have any intention of switching to any party. I think, when you are jumping, today, you are in APC, tomorrow, you are in PDP and I had been in AC, ACN and I am now in APC, which is the same thing since 2006. That is 10 years ago. I know there is a change coming and I don’t know how, but I know it would evolve and I know it is coming. I intend to remain in APC and go about my politics. I try and keep my people close to me. I do what I can do and sit and watch, as it goes along. But I think, a politician must have followership. Some of these high-table politicians don’t have followership. We gather people together and help them, and it is not necessarily money all the time, but I am there for them. I think, it is a great thing and that is what politics is all about. It is about concern and where you come from, your own constituency.

I do that and sit and watch, as the game plays out. But I know, it would be interesting and I know, people will learn a new lesson. I think politics is important to the people that you represent to have a rapport with them. And that is how you will know their needs and problems, while some keep distance.

You were once Secretary to the Lagos State Government between 2007 and 2011 under Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. What was the experience like, being your first time in public office?

I don’t think so. I had been on the seat of an international organisation before, Shell Nigeria Limited.

But public office...

I have been at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). I served four years on the board, and I was quite active. I don’t think, it is different, but I enjoyed it immensely.

I learnt a lot. I was particularly happy to work in that very dynamic cabinet, the cabinet of 2007 to 2011. For me, it was a glorious journey. I have no regret. I feel privileged to have served with Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. It was good for me and I learnt a lot of lessons. You know sometimes, it is good to get to see people, as they really are. And it was a wonderful thing. I enjoyed it because, if you had come to my office, then you would see how I was close with the people there. And I am enjoying now and when I go to places people start milling around when they see me, because one way or the other, their lives have been touched and I know. For me, I think that is what service is all about. The acknowledgement is the dividend that you get. Many people don’t understand it. I was telling someone that Bola Ahmed Tinubu has touched the lives of a number of people and that says something, and it goes a long way.

Your father was a politician and you are also a politician, would you allow or encourage any of your children to join partisan politics?

I would because I encourage other people’s children to be politicians. I would encourage my children but it has to be their choice. It must come naturally from them and it is not what they do not want to do. And I will definitely not push my children, but I would like my children to join and some of my siblings too, if they have keen interest and it is important.

Most of what I do, I do truly, because I have no apology. And I say it, with passion, that I had a wonderful father.

Hasn’t any of them signified an intention?

I have two brothers that are into politics.

What about your own children?

They just told me, one is showing interest. But I am leaving him to take the decision on his own.

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THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • APRIL 2, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

RememberingwithSadness,theIdesofMarch28 Jude Ndukwe

S

ometime in March of the year 44 BC, Julius Caesar of the Roman Republic was viciously murdered by about 60 high ranking politicians among whom was Caesar’s close associate Marcus Junius Brutus. The assassination of Caesar then led to a civil war in Rome that saw to the rise of Caesar’s adopted son Octavius who eventually ruled Rome under the name Caesar Augustus.

Prior to his assassination which also automatically saw to the end of the Roman Republic and gave birth to the Roman Empire, Caesar’s doctors, friends and his wife, Calpurnia, had warned him of going to the Senate that day which was the venue his would-be assassins had marked for his death. They vehemently resisted his attempt to go out on the day warning him of the Ides of March. But one of the conspirators, Brutus (not Marcus), had urged Caesar to ignore the warnings and omens and proceed with him to the senate. There, Julius Caesar was stabbed to death, and there came the end of the Roman Republic.

Fast forward to the months preceding the March 28, 2015, presidential election, Nigerians were vigorously warned not to fall to the tragedy of the Ides of March. That tragedy would be to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls. The citizens were reminded that, just as the faces of Caesar’s murderers appeared friendly, there was gall in their hearts, and they had nothing to offer Nigerians except, tears, sorrow and blood, the type that effectively ended the Roman Republic after the death of

Caesar Caesar.

But, just like Brutus deceived the king and urged him to go to the venue marked for his assassination, some chieftains of APC and followers confused Nigerians with sugar-coated tongues and bogus promises, while severely castigating those warning Nigerians that APC’s “Change” mantra was a farce, and they eventually had their way.

Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Director of Media and Publicity, PDP Campaign Organisation, among others, played the roles of Caesar’s doctors, friends and wife by standing vigorously in the way of Nigerians’ unrepentant drive to committing an electoral error

despite the huge risks involved in doing that.

They were called all manner of names and dubbed “enemies of progress”. But, today with the benefits of hindsight, these people, just like Calpurnia, Caesar’s wife, seemed to have seen tomorrow in their dreams yesterday.

The mistake of Brutus was made; Nigerians “voted” in President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired army General, whose first coming as a military dictator gave us nothing but tears, blood and sorrow, in the March 28, 2015, election. Just like the Roman Republic, that mistake has dealt a severe blow to democratic civility, norms and practices in our nation.

People are suffering, fellow citizens are dying of hunger while some are being killed by state agents. Those who escape being killed like IPOB members and Shiite Muslims are hounded and incarcerated incommunicado for as long as it pleases the Chief Tenant of Aso Rock and his men just like in the case of Hon Akanni Afolabi of the Ekiti State House of Assembly who was held against a court order for eighteen good days without any charge or crime against him.

Terrorists are on the prowl under the guise of herdsmen; value of naira keeps depreciating, prices of foodstuff keeps rising, fuel has become perennially scarce, darkness pervades the land so bad it is now measured in megawatts!

Since the error of the Ides of March 28, 2015, Nigeria has fallen into the disgraceful level of not being able to conduct any election peacefully, freely and fairly. The same process that brought Buhari in is now under severe threat that elections are hardly concluded at the first shot. There must almost always be a re-run. It has become so bad that there are even re-runs of re-runs. It has never been this disastrous!

This is apart from the fact that our elections are now so badly militarized that even the Chief of Army Staff had to be present in the last re-reun in Rivers State while Hon Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation, and Dakuku Peterside, APC governorship candidate in the last gubernatorial election and now DG of NIMASA, were moving about in Rivers State on election day with a retinue of gun wielding soldiers.

Many innocent Nigerians including a member of the Youth Corps who served as an ad hoc staff of INEC were killed before and during the Rivers State election re-run.

It was the same story during the December 5 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State and else where.

No doubt, these events and the very ugly situation the country has found herself, coupled with outright denial of campaign promises by the ruling party, those who saw tomorrow and warned Nigerians against voting for Buhari and APC have been justified. The worst Nigerians owe these people is an apology for not heeding their advice.

With what is happening today, Nigerians are now wishing that March 28, 2015, never came, or that they never made the mistake of voting for Buhari and APC. With subsequent elections that have followed since then, and with PDP winning almost all with landslide margins: from Taraba to Abia, Bayelsa, Rivers, Benue, Kogi Central Senatorial District etc, the message of Nigerians to APC is clear: “ we regret voting for you”!

––jrndukwe@yahoo.co.uk; Twitter: @ stjudendukwe

A New Dawn for Legislative Aides Chidiebere Nwobodo

T

he expiration of 7th National Assembly lifespan drew curtain on the Executive of the Mahmud Abdulkadir-led National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASSLAF). This, invariably, created a leadership vacuum in the forum.

The inauguration of 8th National Assembly on 9th of June, 2015 ushered in new set of members of NASSLAF, who were left without clear-cut leadership.

After several months of pronounced and conspicuous leadership vacuity in NASSLAF, National Assembly Management headed by Clerk of National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikashuwa, in his profound wisdom of quintessential leadership, had on 22nd of March constituted NASSLAF Caretaker Committee led by Sam Melaye, as Chairman and seven members, representing different zones of the country. The well-thought-out decision of the management was borne out of principle of doctrine of necessity, which became imperative to fill the leadership void.

The main objective of this caretaker committee, as explicitly stated in the appointment letters given to its Chairman and members, is to effectively pilot the affairs of NASSLAF for a period of three months, at which the committee is expected to furnish the management with adequate information regarding NASSLAF’s preparation to convoke a congress of all 2015-2016 Legislative Aides Forum for the purpose of free, fair and credible election to all members, that will herald emergence of substantive NASSLAF Executive.

Apart from Melaye, who was appointed interim Chairman of NASSLAF, other members of the caretaker committee and different zones they are representing are as follows: Obiora Okpala (South-East), Ibrahim Nasir (North-West), Akpan Elijah Benny (SouthSouth), Sheriff Yusuf Banki (North-East), Joshua Laven (North-Central), and Ayodele Adekunle (South-West). The committee which was instantaneously inaugurated by Clerk of National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikashuwa within the premises of National Assembly and in the presence of all the representatives of various security agencies, was urged to protect collective interest of NASSLAF

members and carry along every Tom, Dick and Harry.

The Caretaker Chairman of NASSLAF Melaye, who is without traits of political chicanery and grandiloquent speech, promised to re-positioned NASSLAF under his leadership, as progressive forum par excellence, deploring his leadership wherewithal cum intellectual dexterity, to ignite a re-birth of new NASSLAF of which every bona fide Legislative Aide would be proud of, within stipulated timeframe, given to the Committee by National Assembly Management.

With every sense of sincerity, I think National Assembly Management under the drive of Maikashuwa, should be highly and passionately commended for taken this landmark decision at his critical juncture in the life of NASSLAF, after wide consultation. This development can be likened to an employer of labour helping to strengthened Labour Union in his organisation, of which will still come back to checkmate the same management on workers’ rights and staff welfare. If the Maikashuwa-led Management of National Assembly is an exploitive one, it would not have thought in this noble path, because a headless cum spineless NASSLAF, will not be in the best position to protect interest of its members.

Be that as it may, the appointment and inauguration of Melaye-led NASSLAF did not come without lonely dissecting voices at the background, whose aborted mission was to polarise and factionalize current Caretaker Committee of NASSLAF via subterfuge means. These are people that never complained, or agitated through this period NASSLAF was without known leadership, ever since 8th National Assembly was birthed.

Instead, they were busy conspiring and scheming how to hijack NASSLAF leadership, or possibly gate-crashed into NASSLAF Executive. But the timely constitution of this Caretaker Committee punctured all the divisive plots of these shenanigans, whose desperation to create imaginary crisis in NASSLAF using propagandist instigated stories in the media, is second to none.

These recalcitrant renegades held a kangaroo meeting on Sunday in one of the hotels in Abuja, after which they issued out statement announcing, purported “removal of Sen. Dino Melaye’ brother” as Chairman of Caretaker Committee of NASSLAF. The fallacy and lies-ridden press release, was debunked immediately by Sam Melaye, who dismissed his purported removal as figment of imagination of those propagating it. He therefore, in his established predilection for spirit of magnanimity and sportsmanship—which is the hallmark of a true leader, beckoned on his aggrieved colleagues, who wish to lead the group through constitutional process, to join hands with his committee and participate in a free and fair election that would produce substantive elected officials of NASSLAF in the nearest future.

If I may ask, can one remove someone he did not have power to install ab initio? Is Sam Melaye’s only offence as a result of his relationship with Sen. Dino Melaye? Why make mountains out of peccadilloes? Does being Sen. Dino Melaye’s brother invalidate his constitutional and fundamental rights to hold any position, vote or be voted for? Must every sinew be strained? What would have been the fate of Bushs, Clintons and Kennedys of United States of America if they were born in Nigeria?

If few legislative aides, have now abounded their primary assignment in National Assembly—which is aiding their principals as their names applies, to embark on wild goose chase of desperately gunning for NASSLAF leadership at all cost, what would they do if given the opportunity, let say to contest for Senate Presidency or Speakership of House of Representatives? What Sam Melaye-led NASSLAF needs now, is not any form of grandstanding emanating from few aggrieved members of NASSLAF, but total, unalloyed and unreserved support from all members of NASSLAF to deliver in its new assignment.

Sam Melaye-led NASSLAF is vision-driven Caretaker Committee whose core mandates and objectives are well-articulated as follows: • Manage the affairs and operations of NASSLAF in the interim, while creating enabling atmosphere that will herald conduct of credible and transparent election for

emergence of substantive NASSLAF Executive.

• Exploring alternative sources of revenue to run the affairs of NASSLAF, without deducting money from meagre earnings of aides.

• Enlightenment, sensitization and mobilization of Legislative Aides on the need to be active members as regards NASSLAF activities, in other to enhance transparency and accountability in day-day running of its affairs.

• Protection of Legislative Aides against undue denials, humiliation and marginalization in the conduct of their official functions.

• Pursuit of its economic interest in diplomatic manner that will make aides the pride of their Principles and model for Legislative Aides at other levels of government.

• Exploring the possibility of establishing a pool of experienced Aides, where virgin lawmakers could be encouraged to draw for. This is aimed at guaranteeing an appreciable future for Aides, who their Principals, could not retain their seats at the expiration of 7th National Assembly.

Team Melaye, as the name implies is therefore not a one man show, but an aggregation of visions aimed at projecting, protecting and sustaining the interest and welfare of Legislative Aides as elucidated above, without any form of discrimination, but within the ambits of law. It is therefore guided by a philosophy of non-violence, non-confrontational, but matured, intellectual, practical, doggedfeasible and sustainable pursuits.

All hands must be on deck to help the current NASSLAF Caretaker Committee led by Sam Melaye, to achieve its above stated vision and mission, which will go a long way in re-positioning NASSLAF, for effective and unflinching service delivering for Legislative Aides.

––Chidiebere can be reached at: Chidieberenwobodo@yahoo.com

47

THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • APRIL 2, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Ghana’s new Visa plan, Pan-Africanism and African Unity Rhetoric Not a few African leaders have proclaimed or still proclaim Africa as the centre piece of their national foreign policy. But the reality today is that while they continue to pay lip service to African unity, most of these leaders, under the guise of solving domestic problems, many of which are selfinflicted any way, steal their countries dry to build personal castles at home and abroad

P

Paul Ejime

resident John Dramani Mahama in a State of the Nation address to mark Ghana’s 59th independence anniversary on March 6, 2016 made two important pronouncements with foreign relations implications.

The first was his government’s plan to improve the knowledge and usage of French language in Anglophone Ghana, which is surrounded by French speaking nations. The advantages of this strategic initiative, if effectively, implemented are many.

The second policy statement of international import, but which almost escaped media attention is that, starting next July citizens of the other 53 Member States of the African Union (AU) can “obtain visas on arrival (in Ghana) with the option of staying for up to 30 days.”

President Mahama expects this measure to stimulate air travel, trade, investment and tourism in Ghana which, like many other African countries is going through a difficult economic patch.

Historically, this should not be a big deal in Africa that prides itself as the Land of Hospitality, where the people are their brother’s and sister’s keeper. In fact, Ghana’s independence President, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah had boasted on 6th March 1957 when the then Gold Coast became independent Ghana that “…our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent.”

To his credit, under Nkrumah and until his overthrow in the coup of 24 February 1966, Ghana granted visa exemptions to “persons of African descent” born in the neighbouring West African countries, and members of the Casablanca Group - Guinea, Tunisia, Mali, United Arab Republic, Morocco and Algeria - which along with the Liberia Group, formed the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, with the Pan-Africanist Ghanaian leader playing a leading role. In his 1961 book, I Speak of Freedom, Nkrumah had also expressed the hope that: …the African race, united under one federal government, will emerge not as just another world bloc to flaunt its wealth and strength, but as a Great Power whose greatness is indestructible because it is built not on fear, envy and suspicion, nor won at the expense of others, but founded on hope, trust, friendship and directed to the good of all mankind.”

But so much has happened with the concept of a United States of Africa, which took its origin from the 1924 poem “Hail, United States of Africa” by Marcus Garvey, American civil rights activist and great Pan-Africanist. The late Libyan leader Muoamar Gaddafi had romanced with the same idea in his relentless push for the formation of the AU, which succeeded the OAU in 2002, and many still talk with passion about the African Renaissance.

As expected the AU Commission Chairperson, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has lauded Ghana’s visa-on-arrival plan, expressing the hope that “many other African countries will follow suit, in the interest of achieving an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.”

Modern Africa owes a debt of eternal gratitude to Pan-Africanists and independent leaders such as Nkrumah, for their sacrificial struggles. So any initiative that seeks to rekindle the dreams of those founding fathers must be welcomed by all true Africans and friends of Africa. But it is a strong

Dramani Mahama, Ghanian President indictment on the continent’s postindependent leadership that almost 60 years after many of the countries gained political freedom, Africans are more divided than ever. Africa is not zero-poor, but with the mismanagement of its rich human and natural resources, bad governance, corruption and the vicious circle of social strife, poverty and unemployment, there are today more skilled Africans in Europe, and the Americas than are in their home countries. And almost on a daily basis thousands of disillusioned, hopeless and desperate African youths risk their lives on perilous journeys to Europe.

It is no longer news that Africa and Africans are fast losing their unique identity if they have not already done so, with Pan-Africanism now at best a slogan to the inattentive ears of present generation of Africans. Not a few African leaders have proclaimed or still proclaim Africa as the centre piece of their national foreign policy. But the reality today is that while they continue to pay lip service to African unity, most of these leaders, under the guise of solving domestic problems, many of which are self-inflicted any way, steal their countries dry to build personal castles at home and abroad.

Ghana’s visa-on-arrival plan for AU citizens may also be viewed against the deafening complaints by African citizens about the difficulties and humiliations they suffer to obtain visas for Europe and the US. But the truth is that the process for obtaining visas to African countries is no less laborious and frustrating. For many Africans, travelling in the continent whether by road or by air is a nightmarish experience. In some cases, air fares cost more than elsewhere while immigration and check points punctuate the transnational roads, some of which are in terrible conditions, with the attendant extortion of travellers by the border

security personnel. The travel delays and the lack of deliberate pan-African national policies have ensured that intra-African trade hovers between 10% and 12% compared to 40% in North America and 60% in Western Europe.

The 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) founded in 1975 deserves commendation for its 1979 flagship Protocol on Free Movement of persons, goods and services, rights to Establishment and Residence, which guarantees community citizens, a free-visa entry and stay in countries other than their own for 90 days at first instance. In spite of its imperfections, the implementation of this protocol is a major stride towards regional integration and makes ECOWAS the only Regional Economic Community (REC) with a free-visa regime. In fact, in the whole of Africa, it is only the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off East Africa, with a population of less than 90,000 people, which grants visa free access to all foreign nationals.

Time was when Africans took refuge and were even provided the national passports of their host African countries during the independence struggles. Hundreds even received free education in their host countries during the Anti-Apartheid era. But with globalisation and world economic crisis African migrants, who once constituted the bulwark of economic development on the continent, have become targets of violent xenophobic attacks by fellow Africans who accuse them of stealing their jobs.

If Europe is accused of erecting walls/ fences to stop immigrants, African countries are no less guilty for the erection of invisible walls against fellow Africans even in their times of need.

With their ill-gotten wealth and multiple foreign visas, many African leaders and members of their families flaunt their ostentatious life styles abroad, while the majority of Africans are stranded and condemned to abject poverty at home. The same leaders bemoan capital flight and

brain-drain from Africa but do very little or nothing to incentivise or create the enabling environment to retain local capital or manpower. Instead, they encourage the mass exodus of Africa’s best brains; discourage foreign investment and incite social crisis that cause death, destruction and render citizens, refugees in their own countries. With their dual/multiple nationalities, these unpatriotic leaders easily disappear with their families to enjoy their ill-gotten wealth abroad.

And unsatisfied with presiding over comatose or non-existent local health systems, these selfish leaders are now promoting medical tourism at the expense of their own countries.

As things stand, every African must undertake a serious reality check to determine their Africanness and how they have derailed the lofty dreams of African founding fathers, for the purpose of damage control/limitation.

Symbolic as Ghana’s visa-on-arrival initiative may seem, it is a reminder to Africans in general about where they are coming from. The AU and various Pan-Africanist groups/institutions and policy think-tanks must wake up from their slumber. It is bad enough that through slavery, colonial and neocolonial exploitations and plundering, Africa’s sweat, blood and wealth were used to lay the foundations for the industrialisation and transformation of many countries in Europe and the Americas. For Africans themselves to now become champions of Africa’s disunity/disintegration, and the continued siphoning of the continent’s resources, is an unpardonable crime against humanity.

According to Marcus Garvey: “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” It is not enough for Africans to know their history and culture; or to continue to blame others for their woes, they must use that knowledge strategically to work for the good of present and future generations.

–Ejime is a Media/Communications Consultant

48

SATURDAY APRIL 2, 2016 T H I S D AY

49

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

PERSPECTIVE/POLITY

Once Upon a Lion of Ubima Bruno Emenike

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wo examples suffice to explain the decline in the character of some individuals. One is situated in Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. The other is in the nursery rhyme of Humpty Dumpty.

For those given to Darwin’s theory, man evolved from Australopithecines which looked more like primates.

Though the features of this species are akin to that of man, they are not man.

It is in this regard it should be understood why the cliché, that you can bring a man to the city but you cannot take the bush out him, was born.

Over the course of the last few years and in particular the weeks leading to the March 19 rerun election in Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Minister of Transportation, went berserk on national television stations swearing, cursing and indulging in ghetto talk against Rivers State elected officials.

Full of boast and the ‘overwhelming’ powers of the federal government which will be brought to bear on the polls, Amaechi forgot to heed the eternal Biblical truth that, “the humble have I exalted but the proud will I cast down in the imagination of their hearts.”

He failed to realize that he had become a prodigal in need of repentance and forgiveness. He failed to realize that the momentum had

Buhari and Amaechi on tete-a-tete long gone from him. Amaechi failed to realize that pride goes before a fall.

Amaechi failed to realize that the will of the people was more than a million bayonets.

Amaechi should have known that there is limit to brute force when a people are pushed against the wall, they cooperate as a pack, and together they are smarter and more persistent than their oppressors. So it’s sometimes better to be smart and cooperative than it is to be strong! He forgot his history lessons on the French Revolution; he lost touch on the American War of

Independence.

In short, he failed to realize that his cup had run full circle and that his story will be told by the fireplace to children, ‘once upon a time, time. There was a Lion of Ubima.’

And the story was told in the votes of the people. While Amaechi invaded the peace of Rivers State, the people showed a remarkable resistance like the Poles against Hitler’s mighty army.

As the results tumbled in, it was obvious that the strength of the mighty army was no match for the resistance

of the Rivers people; the people had resisted the invaders, those who had come once again to pillage their patrimony like they had done over the years.

Governor Nyesom Wike could not have put it more aptly when he said: “Amaechi plot to rig the rerun elections was for him to rubbish the Supreme Court Judgement. He came back to the state noisily, but left quietly and shamefully.

“No Army is stronger than the people.

No police is stronger than our people.

How many times will they cancel elections for the APC? Amaechi is not on ground in Rivers State.”

In the other explanation which is exemplified in Anthropomorphism, closely related to evolution, the fable of the Lion of Ubima is succinctly told in the rhyme of Humpty Dumpty.

For those who may not know, Humpty Dumpty is not just any rhyme but an anthropomorphic motif that sheds light on the myth of the Lion of Ubima. The people of the state have asked their former governor through the Justice George Omereji Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the activities of the Rotimi Amaechi administration to come and give account of his stewardship, but Amaechi has declined, and has sought refuge in the very courts he holds to scorn.

But like it is said in all things there is a season. For now, it is the season of the story of a man who thought he is a lion but now has come to know that the process of his evolution was incomplete.

––Emenike wrote in through brunoemenike@gmail.com

Adeleke Chides Petroleum Products Dealers

T

he Senator representing Osun West District, Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke has sent out an appeal to petrol dealers in Osun West District in particular and Osun State in general, to stop forthwith, their shylock and selfish attitudes in the unnecessary hike in their petroleum products prices.

Adeleke said he had to make this appeal, bearing in mind that there was no justification for such arbitrary increase in the fuel prices, from these unpatriotic dealers, when it is realized, that there are marketers like Bovas, Forte and a few other independent marketers, selling at the official price of N86.50 and they are still breaking even and making profits.

Adeleke, in a statement by Olumide Lawal, his Special Adviser (Media and Public Affairs) said it was painful to notice endless queue of motorists, struggling to even buy at such ridiculous prices ranging from N180 to N200 per

litre of petrol.

The first executive governor of Osun State, reiterated, that such attitude by the shylock petrol dealers was very unfortunate.

He called on the Department of Petroleum Resources to swing into action, across the state and arrest the ugly situation “which has drastically affected the socio-economic well-being of the masses of our people.”

The senator enjoined the shylock petrol dealers, to note that they shall give account of their stewardship to God Almighty, insisting, that they are enemies of the ordinary Nigerians.

He advised the DPR, to curtail the alleged nefarious activities of some NNPC Mega Stations, who connive with some independent marketers to divert fuel to them at exorbitant prices, which they later Adeleke sell to the helpless members of the public reaching him is anything to go by. at skyrocket prices.

Adeleke is of the view that NNPC This, he said, was unwholesome and should pump out more fuel to organized should be discontinued if information

station, like Oando, Forte, Mrs., Total, Mobil and monitor their delivery without any itch.

Microsoft’s Restates Commitment to ICT Market

CONSAT Launches ‘Yoruba Swaga’

icrosoft has restated its commitment towards growing the Information Communication Technology sector in the country. Microsoft reiterated its commitment at the opening of a new office in Civic Tower, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Expressing his delight at the opening of the office, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Technology, Arc. Sonny Echono, said that, “It is good to know that Microsoft is committed to increasing capacity in the ICT industry in Nigeria, and this is capable of deepening participation and widening the scope of technology in Nigeria, which also present opportunities for potential investors.”

Commenting on the opening of the office which was also graced by Jim Ovia, Chairman, Zenith Bank and Funke Opeke, Chief Executive Officer,

ONSAT continues to support ingenious content with the launch of a new and exclusive channel called Yoruba Swaga According to the Director of Content, CONSAT, Ms. Addy Awofisayo, “CONSAT as an Indigenous company is fully committed to supporting the growth of our Nigerian entertainment industry by providing a platform to deliver the best in Nigerian culture, music, entertainment and lifestyle at a quality that is of international standard. Content is key in this industry and we are always striving to bring new and diverse programming to our audience.”

Producer/Director CEO of Yoruba

M

Mainone Cable Company Nigeria Ltd, the Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria, Kabelo Makwane, said that, “This office presents us the opportunity to invest and enable us localize our capability to impact the Nigerian market and forge strategic partnerships such as the one with MainOne, which is an extension of our offerings.’’

Kabelo added that, “Microsoft is excited to partner with the government in the areas of innovation on a global scale, creation of employment through capacity building and skills acquisition program for young talented individuals.”

One of the transformation partners present at the event, CEO, MainOne Cable Company Nigeria Limited, Funke Opeke, stated that, “As a partner, we have been working with Microsoft for 18 months, offering commercial cloud services to our customers in Nigeria and we have confidently delivered

C

Swaga Channel LTD, Mayor Gbenga Adewusi, said; “We are excited to be partnering with CONSAT on this Venture. I believe the Yoruba language and heritage is a proud and rich one, and through Yoruba Swaga I relish the opportunity to showcase our beautiful culture both at home and abroad.

“Through movies and musicals, others can learn about our beautiful culture, our beautiful native dressing and our towns and villages. I would like to thank CONSAT for this opportunity.”

He concluded that Yoruba Swaga would offer quality Yoruba movies, music and all round general entertainment made by Nigerians for Nigerians.

50

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2016

LIFE

Brutally Raped by a Relative, I Never Considered Abortion, She’s Not the Rapist’s Baby, She’s Mine

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Wendi Lubin, Washington, DC s a first generation immigrant from the Caribbean islands, life really came at me fast.

In November 2010, at 17 years old, after a lifetime of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of my parents, they decided to rid themselves of the burden of having to live with me. I was a high school senior in Florida at the time — six months shy of graduation. I had already secured a full scholarship to Howard University in Washington, D.C.. My future was pretty much laid out, so I thought.

Then that’s when my parents made the fateful decision two weeks before my 18th birthday to send me to go live with two male relatives, both of whom were notorious for a history of violence against women. I begged and pleaded for my parents to accept me to return back home. I sought outside resources for shelter; but as fate would have it, I would end up living for a total of four months with these men. Within two months of living there, the unthinkable happened: I was brutally raped of my virginity, molested and physically abused in every single way imaginable. I was told by the two male relatives that if I told anyone, I would be killed. To say I was horrified, dehumanized, terrorized and completely shell-shocked is an understatement.

In the summer of 2011, during a routine physical for college, I learned that I was six weeks pregnant as a direct result of the incestuous rape.

I was a virgin when the rape took place and I had never been with any other man. My doctor was just as devastated as I was. I remember the doctor and nurse practitioner repeatedly telling me they were “so sorry that this has happened.”

Immediately, my doctor told me I had three options: 1, Abort the baby 2, Adoption and 3, Keep my baby.

This was not a tough decision for me.

I am and have always been pro-life.

What furthered my convictions was that my doctor ordered an ultrasound for me at six weeks pregnant.

As soon as I saw that ultrasound, I realized that I was carrying a human life inside of me. No matter what, I did not have it in my heart to terminate this human life, regardless of the heinous, barbaric crime that had been perpetrated upon me. I never associated my unborn baby as being responsible.

Of course the rapist demanded I get an abortion and my family demanded I give the baby up for adoption. Adoption was not an option for me because I was already beginning to bond deeply with the unborn child I was carrying. No matter what, this was MY child! This was my flesh and blood and I was her mother. In February, 2012, I gave birth to my daughter Valencia Marie.

Having my daughter alone at 19 years old, even though I was terrified, confused and shaking, when my mid wife handed me my child, I knew it was love at first sight.

By 2012 a full-on criminal case investigation was in full effect to get my rapist convicted of the crimes he perpetrated against me. After

Lubin and her daughter

immense pressure from my family, I pursued child support. In retaliation, the rapist filed for partial custody of my daughter and then for full custody. I fought hard to protect my daughter from this monster.

Luckily, the courts did not grant my rapist any parenting time and he has never spent time with my daughter, though he’s still fighting me in court.

Along the way, I never ever regretted not choosing abortion or adoption.

Raising my daughter has been completely worth it. I never associated the rape with my daughter.

I am so thankful to be a mother.

First and foremost, my biggest blessing in life is my daughter. This gorgeous, intelligent child never ceases to amaze me. Each and every day I fall more and more in love with her personality, her charm, and her bright energy. Being a mother is absolutely the gift that keeps on giving. I learn more about my daughter each day as she learns more about me. I am absolutely a loving nurturer, so being a mom just always came naturally to me. It is truly something I wake up every day thankful for, because I know there are some people who cannot have children. So the fact that I get to experience this great milestone in life is a huge blessing. I await the day I am blessed with more children in the distant future. The fact that my own mother was very awful to me and never loved me, taught me that a mother’s love is undoubtedly one of the most important forms of love in a person’s life.

True Love is when I look into my daughter’s eyes. Valencia is the love of my life. And whenever I have more children, they will always be the most amazing love of my life.

To be a mother really shows you the love your capable of. I would gladly die for my daughter. I want nothing more than for my daughter Valencia

to feel the endless love my heart has for her and for her to have all the happiness in the world. I want to raise my daughter to know that no matter how far we are, our souls are connected and that nothing can ever break our bond. There is nothing my daughter can ever do that can limit my love for her. This is the type of motherly love I will always have for any future children as well.

I went on to attend technical school and graduate with a certificate in Medical Administration. I am now earning my Bachelors in Health Services Administration, then I plan on earning my Master’s in Management. I currently work in medical education at the largest medical school in the country. Later on down the road, I plan on becoming a Hospital Administrator or working in Emergency management, since I handle crisis very well. So you see, having an unplanned pregnancy out of rape, in no way ruined my life or my education.

I have never loved my child any less because of her biological father.

Often people ask me how I feel about my daughter because her father is a monster who brutally raped me. I ask them a rhetorical question: “If a child’s biological father was Hitler, Saddam Hussein, or Bin Laden, does that make them less of a child worthy of endless love?” The fact of the matter is NO, absolutely not! As human beings, we do not choose who our biological parents are. Whether it be a serial killer or a rapist, that child is pure, and that child is innocent. That child is a new life. I believe new life begins at conception. In the future, when I have more children, I know for sure I will not view little Valencia who was conceived from rape any different from my children conceived in wedlock.

I have never loved my child any less because of her biological father.

Often people ask me how I feel about my daughter because her father is a monster who brutally raped me. I ask them a rhetorical question: “If a child’s biological father was Hitler, Saddam Hussein, or Bin Laden, does that make them less of a child worthy of endless love?” The fact of the matter is NO, absolutely not! As human beings, we do not choose who our biological parents are. Whether it be a serial killer or a rapist, that child is pure, and that child is innocent. That child is a new life •LifeNews Note: Wedencise “Wendi” Lubin resides in Florida and is a mother, college student, and blogger for Save The 1, as well as active with Hope After Rape Conception.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 2, 2016

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PDP Rescue Group Backs BoT, Insists On May Convention Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja An influential pressure group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Rescue Group has expressed support for the Board of Trustees insistence that the current leadership of the party must step down in May to allow new national officers to emerge during the national convention.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the group’s Chairman, Amb. Wilberforce Juta and Secretary, Mr. Muktar Shagari.

It said that since the Ekweremadu Committee recommended zoning the 2019 Presidential ticket to the North, it is suggestive that the chairmanship of the party moves to the south in line with the zoning rotation tradition of the party.

The group urged the National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff

to immediately set up the approved four committees ahead of the party's Congresses and National Convention.

It stated that the advice became necessary following the failure of Sheriff to constitute the committees as approved by the organs of PDP barely few months to the party's congresses.

It said that this was part of group’s resolution from its meeting held on March 30, with a view to correcting the current impasse and anomalies in the party.

The PDP Rescue Group observed that the decision of the NEC is yet to be implemented barely few weeks to the takeoff of the congresses.

"This apparent foot-dragging has many incalculable damages on our efforts to re-position the PDP as an effective opposition party," it stated.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as SHUIBU OLADIMEJI ALABI, now wish to be known and addressed as SHUAIB OLADIMEJI ALABI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADIGBA JOSEPH ANUOLUWAPO, now wish to be known and addressed as ADIGBA JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MRS BELLO ADEYINKA JOYCE, now wish to be known and addressed as MS ANJORIN ADEYINKA JOYCE. All former document remain valid.

The polytechnic Ibadan, Diamond Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

Anambra Central Re-run Charles Onyekamuo in Awka Following the lull in campaigns by candidates of parties in the now indefinitely postponed Anambra Central Senatorial election, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate in the re-run election which was initially scheduled for March 5, Chief Victor Umeh has said that the candidates of eligible parties were waiting for the outcome of the appeal filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) challenging the judgment of an Abuja High court ordering it to include the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the re-run.

The court of Appeal in Enugu

had on December 7, 2015 ordered a re-run in the Anambra central senatorial district within 90 days after nullifying the victory of the PDP candidate in the March 28, 2015 National Assembly election, Hon (Mrs.) Uche Ekwunife.

The nullification was sequel to an appeal brought by the APGA candidate in the election, Chief Victor Umeh after the Tribunal of first instance that sat in Awka dismissed his petition.

But about a week to the election fixed for March 5, this year, an Abuja High Court ordered that the INEC should include the PDP and its candidate in the election following a suit filed by the PDP.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS SULE GLADYS ABOSEDE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AFOLABI GLADYS ABOSEDE. All former document remain valid.

LUTH and general public should please take note.

L – R: Chief Executive Officer, Bdellium Consult Ltd, Dr. Laja Adesina; Scientist with the African Chicken Genetic Gains (A.C.G.G),Prof. Olivier Honette; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Olayiwole Onasanya; Project Head, ACGG, Dr Tadelle Dessie; and the National Coordinator, ACGG, Nigeria, Dr. Deji Bamidele, during a visit of the African Chickens Genetic Gains project team to Lagos... recently

L-R: Project Manager, GDM Direct, Ms. Oluwakemi Agunbiade; Marketing Manager, Fan Milk Nigeria, Mr. Oluwole Elusakin; and GOO, GDM Direct, Ms. Omolabake Yusuff, during Fan Milk Nigeria Easter family fiesta for customers, in Lagos... recently

L-R: Executive Director, Spectranet, Chief Ezekiel Fatoye; General Manager, Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency ( LASIMRA), Babajide Odekunle; and Chief Technical Officer, Spectranet, Arun Panda, during an inspection of Spectranet facility for GPR in Lagos... recently

R-L: The Managing Director, Lekki Gardens, Mr. Richard Nyong, praying with a survivor of the collapsed building in Lekki, Chika Elechi; the company’s Operation Executive, Ubong Udoh; and Office Management Executive, Mr. Tunde Adebiyi, during the a visit of the company’s management to the survivors Lekki at the Lagos General Hospital, Marina... recently

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SATURDAY APRIL 2, 2016 T H I S D AY

D E LTA S TAT E G O V E R N M E N T

Madam Alice Emefiele (-)

Glorious Exit of a Virtuous Woman The Government and people of Delta State commiserate with the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele as his mother, Madam Alice Emefiele is laid to rest today.

A devout Christian, Mama was an embodiment of womanhood, perseverance and selflessness.

May God grant her soul eternal repose.

Signed:

Secretary to the State Government

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 2, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 2, 2016

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Odumakin, UNILAG Students, Others Walk against Rape, Sexual Harassment Chiemelie Ezeobi

CELEBRATING THE SEASON...

L-R: National President Nasrul-Lalu-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT), Alhaji Kamil Bolarinwa; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar Sa’ad; Chairman, Board of Trustee, NASFAT, Alhaji Abdul-Lateed Olasupo during the 21st anniversary of NASFAT in Abuja yesterday

Fire Razes 80 Makeshift Houses, Five Industrial Warehouses in Lagos Chiemelie Ezeobi

An early morning fire on Friday razed down about 80 makeshift houses on Idowu Bashorun street, Council Bus Stop, Ikotun, Lagos, even as five industrial warehouses were gutted by fire at Isolo area of the state This is just as a petrol tanker carrying about 33,000 litres of AGO fell from the bridge at Anthony Village, Lagos spilling it's products into the premises of Corona School located by the foot of the bridge.

Although emergency responders battled from 3am when the fire started till dawn to douse the fire, no fewer than 80 makeshift shops were burnt.

Also, properties and goods worth millions of naira were said to have been lost in the process.

Confirming the incident, Managing Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Razaq Fadipe, advised members of the public to desist from storing petrol in Jerry cans in their houses.

He said this was one of the major causes of recent fire outbreak in Lagos.

In a similar development, another fire outbreak at the Isolo office of Afprint industries, which started at about 2pm gutted five warehouses.

Also, NEMA South-west Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Farinloye, who confirmed the incident said, "The fire outbreak at Afprint involved five warehouses. The fire started around 2pm but it's been put out now."

Meanwhile, at the site of the spillage, a combined team of emergency workers drawn from both the Federal and State Fire Services, as well as officials from the National Emergency Management

Agency (NEMA) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), battled to contain the product to prevent any fire outbreak.

The truck was later towed away by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), even as no casualty was recorded.

Also, Farinloye, who confirmed the incident said a tanker conveying 33,000 litres of AGO fell from the bridge at Anthony Village, crashing into Corona School located by the foot of the bridge.

He said the incident which involved a tanker with registration number BAU 219 XB, carrying 33,000 litres of AGO(DIESEL), was coming from Oshodi, and descending inward Ikorodu road through Anthony link road.

It was also gathered that in the process of trying to negotiate to

Ikorodu road, from Anthony Oke, it suddenly slipped off the road and rammed into the school's perimeter wall, pulling some parts down.

The General Manager LASEMA, Mr . Michael Akindele, who confirmed the accident said the agency received the distress call at about 11:35pm and that it consequently activated its emergency response team.

He said, "Nobody sustained injury and no mortality recorded. Men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Emergency Response Team ( ERT), and Lagos State Fire Service continuously blanketed the fuel to avoid any outbreak of fire.

"LASTMA and police were also on ground for the recovery operation.

The driver of the truck is said to be at large".

Buhari's Anti-Corruption War has Taken Negative Twist, Says Group

Medical Tourism: Minister Reads Riot Act to Doctors

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Uchechukwu Nnaike

A group, Nigerians United for Progressive Change has expressed dismay over the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it had taken a negative twist.

The group has therefore called on the National Assembly to rise up to correct the executive arm of government from further progressing in error on what it described as "shoddy and ill-motivated" anti-corruption fight.

The National Convener of the group, Comrade Solomon Adodo gave the hint in Abuja during a peaceful protest staged by the group at the National Assembly complex, where it also submitted a letter addressed to the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki.

He said while it was not against the anti-graft fight of the present administration, but noted that it should be whole, total, and should not be riddled with sacred witch-hunt.

According to Adodo, "As a progressive minded and deeply concerned Nigerians, we are dismayed, disenchanted and utterly worried about the negative twist the anti-corruption war of this administration has taken.

"More worrisome and exerting is

the fact that the government has used the politically motivated crusade as a ruse and smokescreen to distract Nigerians from the grinding pains exerted on our collective psyche by the rapidly dwindling and ailing economy under this administration", he said Adodo noted that while the economy had been grappling with so much hardships, hunger and sufferings; the federal government had chosen to be preoccupied with blaming the past administration instead of generating solutions as promised during the campaign for change.

"The fight against corruption has become highly sensational, jaundiced, and thoroughly compromised due to overbearing political undertones and motives."

"At best the fight against corruption can aptly be described as political witch-hunt and desperate attempt to muffle the voice of the opposition political parties and any voice of dissent and constructive criticism," Adodo stated.

The group stated categorically that, "the Prof. Itse Sagay Committee is alien to our law in the manner it operates, as it cannot usurp the constitutionally spelt out roles of the anti-graft agencies and the judiciary."

The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has frowned at the rate of medical tourism among Nigerians and has threatened to sanction any medical doctor in a public hospital who refers a case that could be treated in the country abroad.

He said a responsive government would harness all available resources and expertise to discourage the flight of her citizens for medical reason.

He however said the government could not stop those who use their personal resources, “but if you are going to use Nigerian money, then we need to determine how that money is spent and we will not want you to go out for things that can be done here. Before we pay for it, we want to be sure that it cannot be done in Nigeria.”

Adewole made this known at a dinner and awards ceremony organised by the Lagos State University (LASU) Alumni Association, to celebrate doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for successfully carrying out kidney transplant operation, as well as some distinguished alumni.

The minister, who commended

the medical team at LASUTH for achieving the feat, stressed that most of the cases taken abroad could be managed successfully in the country. He said organ transplant was one of the life-saving complex and sophisticated surgery that often drive medical tourism.

He said the achievement had shown the capacity of the country’s health system, adding that it was a source of hope and a pointer to other things to be achieved.

He regretted that medical tourism by Nigerians had negatively affected the economy, as the country lost about $1 billion annually to medical trips, and on the contrary, it had developed the economies of many of the host countries.

“Kidney transplant is one of the commonest reasons why Nigerians seek medical attention for organ transplant abroad. Individuals with such problems would expend money on international travels, hotels, investigations, medical and surgical treatment, as well as the follow-up care.

"The financing of all these stages of care abroad would be in foreign currency and these practices have had negative effect on our foreign exchange as well as the country’s reserve”, he said.

In a bid to raise awareness on the twin evil of rape and sexual harassment, the president, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, yesterday led hundreds of University of Lagos (UNILAG) students and lecturers, as well as celebrities in a walk targeted at the menace.

Tagged 'Silence is not Golden: A walk Against Rape', the walk was organised by the Moremi Hostel, and it was a gathering of students, lecturers, Nollywood actress, Folake Daramola Salako; a music icon in the person of Mr. Michael Stephens, also known as Ruggedman and activists.

Okei-Odumakin while addressing the rally said, "Rape is oppressive; it is forceful means of possession; and it is evil!

"Rape has destroyed lives, it has not repaired any, and it has to be stopped.

Many promising girls have had their morals destroyed, their confidence conquered, their esteem lowered and their future destabilised.

"More so, victims would become mothers in soon future, but the trauma they got from their previous experiences of rape would also affect how they train their children.

"This is another way the rape experience of one person poses effects on the generation they would lead.

"Rape does not only affect the psyche of the immediate victims, it affects a generation each time it occurs.

"This is so, in that the victims develop an altered psychological process that affect how they relate with families, friends, associations and the general society.

"Asides from psychological distress,

victims also become vulnerable to chronic, and sometimes incurable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and other life threatening STI's" Noting that records of unplanned pregnancies were also high from incidences of rape, she also admonished those in this practice of sexual harassment to desist.

She said, "We also advise the University authorities to help lives escape it by putting measures in place that check abuses and we encourage those who are currently being pestered for such abuse to stand against it, speak out and overcome it all at once."

Nollywood Star, Mrs. Foluke Daramola Salako, who said she was a survivor, explained that she regained her dignity again when she spoke out.

"There are places where the incidence of rape is common, and so we must go to such places and address it there. One of such places is our higher institutions.

"University authorities must put measures in place to check mischievous male lecturers from sexually harassing female students and also discourage female students from sexually harassing their lecturers.

"It is not only unethical to base academic success/assistance on such unfair impositions; it is also unhealthy and destructive to do so."

Stephens in his address said once the incidence of rape happens successfully, its damaging effect was long lasting, if not everlasting.

He said, "Those who are still being pestered should speak out not because silence is not golden.

"If you do not speak out, you imprison yourself and get disturbed all alone. Speaking out debugs your mind of the evil and gives you psychological freedom."

NLC President, Wabba Lauds Mimiko Over Attainment President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba has commended the ability of the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko to provide Physical infrastructure and services which have impacted on the lives of the people.

The NLC boss further applauded the Governor over what he described as his spectacular leadership role in the transformation of Ondo to a modern and one of the leading states in the country.

He said few, if any, would dispute the fact that in addition to the provision of physical infrastructure and services, majority of which he posited had positively impacted on the lives of the people, Mimiko had given the people of the state a voice and sense of identity that stand them out.

The NLC president's commendation is contained in a letter written to Governor Mimiko congratulating him for the success recorded marking the 7th year anniversary of his administration and the 40th creation of the state held recently.

Applauding the Governor for his numerous achievements since assuming office, Wabba said "few , if any, will dispute the fact that in addition to the provision of physical infrastructure and services, majority of which have positively impacted on the lives of the people, you have given Ondo State people

a voice and sense of identity that stand them out.

"As you strive to perfect your legacy, i wish you, the government and people of Ondo state more fruitful harvest in the year ahead" the letter read in part.

Meanwhile, President of the State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Bosede Daramola has also commended Governor Mimiko for creating the enabling environment for Labour Unions to thrive in the state.

Speaking at the Ondo state Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers' 8th Quadrennial Delegates Conference which held at the Dome in Akure, Daramola who recognised Governor Mimiko specially at the function said he deserved every accolade for his support and the peace being experienced by labour unions in the state.

The NLC boss said the recognition of the Governor's support became neccessary because according to her, "labour unions are not allowed to operate in Edo state where our own is Governor".

In the same vein, she thanked the Governor for giving out vehicles to members of the road union workers to operate, positing that it is a mark of respect and a thing of honour for the road workers as the gesture ensured that they are engaged productively.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 2, 2016

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Boko Haram Releases New Video, Denies Surrendering

Edo: Group Floats Afemai Patriots, Targets Devt of Zone

Yemi Adebowale withagency report

The group of like minds committed to the advancement of unity and development of Afemai land and its people have come together to form a body known as Afemai Patriots (AP) at a meeting held during the Easter celebrations.

This was disclosed in a statement yesterday by the Convener, Mr. Kennedy Izuagbe,who explained that the idea was borne out of the need to have a rallying point for the Afenmai people who have lacked a formidable voice to advance its cause for development over the years.

Izuagbe noted with optimism that with the body in place, advancing the cause of development to the people would be smooth, quick and seamless.

Also speaking, the Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Public Utility, Prince Clement Agba and as well as the member representing Etsako East Constituency

The terrorist Boko Haram sect yesterday released a new video denying any suggestion that it might surrender, just over a week after shadowy leader Abubakar Shekau appeared in a rare message looking dejected and frail.

Shekau, unseen on camera for more than a year, released an unverified video late last month saying his time in charge of the Nigerian jihadist group may be coming to an end.

If the video indeed depicts Shekau,

he appears thin and listless, delivering his message without his trademark fiery rhetoric.

It prompted speculation from the army that the Islamist group was on the verge of collapse in the face of a sustained military counter-insurgency.

However, in yesterday's video, Boko Haram maintained it was a potent fighting force, with men holding AK-47s posing in front of Toyota Hilux pick-up trucks and a lorry mounted with a military cannon.

"You should know that there is no truce, there is no negotiations, there is no surrender," an unidentified

masked man in camouflage said in a prepared script in Hausa, the dominant language in the north, in the video posted on YouTube.

"This war between us will not stop," the masked man said.

The video, of markedly better quality than Shekau's and including Arabic subtitles, featured nine masked Boko Haram fighters standing on sandy ground in an undisclosed desert location.

It is unclear if the masked people in the video released yesterday include the Boko Haram leader, reports the AFP. Shekau was still the head of the

"West African wing", said the masked speaker, likening Boko Haram to the Islamist terrorists in Iraq, Libya and Syria.

In March 2015, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, another deadly terror organisation.

But there were few signs that Boko Haram - now styled as Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) - has drawn benefits from the partnership.

Since then, Nigeria's army has won back swathes of territory from the militants, liberating thousands of people who had been living under Boko Haram’s control.

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

in the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Kingsley Ugabi, commended what they described as "the giant developmental strides of the government of Comrade Adams Oshomhole".

The duo of Agba and Ugabi noted that with a forum like Afemai Patriots, further development could be attracted from any government in place to the Afenmai people.

The inaugural meeting which had in attendance people from all walks of life that cut across all political divide including captains of industries, tested and committed professionals was undoubtedly very successful.

The impressive attendance and quality of contributions made are a pointer to the immense potentials of this long overdue voice for the great Afenmai people.

Membership of the body is open to tested professionals, positive thinking and committed individuals of Afenmai extraction.

CJN, Judicial Officials to Brainstorm on Nigeria's Energy Sector Crusoe Osagie

EMPOWERED TO SECURE...

L-R: DTO, Aguda Police Station, ASP, Peter Udom; Community Leader, Prince Demola Dadanla; Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Prince Gbolahan Lawal; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Hon. Abdulrazak Balogun and the DPO, Aguda Police Station, Mr. Olaniyi Okunribido, during a presentation of Patrol VAN, to Aguda Police station by Lagos State Security Trust Fund, in Lagos….yesterday K OLA OLASUPO

Economy: FG Vows to Explore Nation's Solid Minerals Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu The Federal Government yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to diversifying the nation’s economy, insisting that any mono-based economy was bound to collapse someday.

Minister of Science and technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu who spoke during a facility tour of the Enugu Office of the the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) said the government was committed to making huge investment in the solid minerals' sector with a view to making the country economically stable.

Onu expressed concern over the lack of food security in the country.

The minister said the ministry would be focusing on the use of science and technology to process the nation’s solid minerals so as to increase their value.

According to him, Nigeria should be able to adequately feed her citizens considering its vast natural resources especially in the area of agriculture and solid minerals.

He also said that as part of plans to increase the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, the federal government had initiated plans aimed at making the nation go beyond crude oil production into other viable areas such as the solid mineral sector which would in turn reduce the poverty rate among Nigerians.

Describing Raw Material Council as the repository of the nation’s non-oil assets, the minister said the visit was aimed at drawing the attention of investors to the nation’s numerous solid mineral resources, adding that the council had all the necessary data required for viable investment.

His words: “We want Nigeria to be in a position to feed her citizens.

So the ministry will be making extensive contribution in the area of food security for the nation because we believe that once we are able to secure food for our people, we can’t continue to be importing rice and some other things we can produce locally.

“Our concern in the ministry of

science and technology is to make sure that even with our solid minerals, we shouldn’t just be exporting them in their raw state. We should process them to add value to them which will also aid in job creation because you will be needing a wide range of skilled personnel in such processes.

“When you improve on existing technologies, you are helping people to improve on their productivity and when they do that, they will earn more revenue in the process. So science and technology is vital because you need research to improve on high yielding variety of seeds and in preserving and processing them so as to add value to your harvest to ensure you minimize wastage".

Delta Slashes Certificate of Occupancy Fee Omon-Julius Onabu inAsaba Delta State Government has also slashed the cost of procuring the Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) from N425,000 to N200,000 per plot of land.

The new scheme enables acquisition of the certificate to be completed in 90 days while those in possession of the old ones were required to pay the sum of N50,000 per lot of land.

Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, at the flag-off of "Fast-track 90" project in Asaba on Thursday, said that the initiative was designed to eliminate the bureaucratic bottlenecks that had long militated against the acquisition of C-of-O in the state.

He unveiled the electronically generated C-of-O project during

the ceremony with an appeal to stakeholders to cooperate with the government to ensure the success of the initiative.

Okowa noted that statistics showed that though there were the over 400,000 land/property owners in the state, the government had issued out only about 19,000 certificates of occupancy.

Nonetheless, the governor read the riot act to dubious government officials who shirked their responsibility regarding the issuance of C-of-Os in the state, saying such officials would be duly sacked.

He also warned against inflation of the cost of approving building plans by the planning department of the Ministry of Lands and Surveys.

Okowa warned, "Don't do things that are not right; don't slow down

the process of procuring certificates as we will clamp down on anyone found to be inefficient."

He noted that the Fast-track 90 project was an innovative policy to ease the process of doing business in the state, saying that the high cost and delay associated with acquiring legal deeds on landed properties constitutes one of the greatest discouragements to investors.

According to Okowa, "One of the biggest disincentives to investors anywhere in the world is the high cost and delays associated with acquiring the legal titles to landed property in Delta State, the process of obtaining Certificate of Occupancy C-of-O) has over the years become very long, arduous, unwieldy, and opaque, often resulting in unofficial

payments far in excess of the approved amount., he said. "'Fast-Track 90’, an innovative policy of this administration designed to enhance ease of business in the state, has been initiated to overcome the bottlenecks that have become a recurring decimal in obtaining C of Os. It will take a maximum of ninety (90) days for land owners to obtain their C of Os from the Ministry of Lands and Surveys and the new system is fast, transparent and in line with global best practices."

He stressed that "the new C-of-O was electronically generated, secure and fraud-proof and its implementation starting in June, 2016", adding that the government was not embarking on this project because it was desperate for cash."

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has agreed to lead the charge next week as judges in the country gather to brainstorm on pertinent issue involving power and energy sector in the country.

Mohammed in a letter of consent, announced that he would be declaring the programme open and setting the workshop on course to analyse the sensitive issues in the nation's energy sector.

The National Judicial Institute (NJI) in response to the endless power sector crisis in the country and in fulfilment of part of its statutory mandate to train Judges/Justices of Courts in Nigeria, is set to begin intensive capacity building programmes for judicial officers from April 5.

The institute noted that the initiative would provide the needed panacea in the current tussle in the energy sector of the country, especially as it relates to litigations emanating

from the energy policies in the power sector.

According to the institute, germane to this policy was the current crisis bedeviling the power sector privatisation, which had pitched the privatised energy firms against consumers on the 40 per cent tariff increase, which led to the current industrial crisis with the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress at the forefront.

"The National Judicial Institute in collaboration with the International Institute For Petroleum, Energy Law and Policy (IIPELP) will be organising the second Judges workshop on April 5 and 6, 2016 with special focus on 'Emerging Legal and Policy Reform Issues in the Petroleum and Power Sectors of Nigeria'.

"It is hoped that this workshop will aid the judges/justices in the adjudication and resolution of the lingering disputes in the two sectors and bring the needed peaceful coexistence amongst the contending parties," the institute noted.

Dalung Admits N2.9 bn Olympics Money Unaccounted for OlawaleAjimotokaninAbuja Youths and Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has raised the alarm that he was yet to be properly briefed about how N2.9 billion meant for the preparation of Nigerian athletes for the Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil was spent.

It was initially reported that government approved N2.7 billion to be released through the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC) for the participation of Nigerian athletes at the last All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville, Youths Olympics in China and preparation for Rio 2016.

The country only attended the All Africa Games and the Youth Games, while lack of funding has stalled the camping of athletes who qualified for the Olympics. The federations have also been lamenting of their failure to embark on local and foreign training tours.

But Dalung yesterday revised the approved amount to N2.9 billion based on the memo which authorised its approval by President Muhammadu Buhari, which he said was made available to him upon request.

The minister said that he was not

provided with enough information by the former Director General of NSC, Alhassan Yakmut, about how the money was spent, saying the controversy was a source of concern to him.

The dispute about the money became public issue, when the request tabled by NSC for additional fund to prepare Nigeria athletes for Olympic Games was turned down by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPE) which demanded for accountability on how the money earlier released was spent. ‘’It is true President Buhari approved N2.9 billion last year to the defunct NSC. But as I speak today as the Minister, I don’t think I have got enough information about how the money was spent. The story of N2.9 billion is of serious concern to me like any one. Since the former director general told the media that they gave him the money, I am asking the same question,” Dalung said.

Dalung said that the minutes of the approved sum by President Buhari required that the money must be accounted for and must be for the approved purpose.

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Saturday, April 2, 2016

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MISSILE Fayose to Buhari

“Nigerians are suffering. Petrol has become so scarce that our people now sleep in petrol stations to buy fuel at N200 per litre while the president who should alleviate their sufferings is in the USA, attending a summit that he won’t even understand whatever that is discussed there. Mr President should stay at home and bring this fuel scarcity that has paralysed almost all activities in the country to an end.”

– Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose chastising President Muhammadu Buhari over his numerous trips abroad.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

A Drive through The Forests of a Thousand Demons

F

ellow Nigerians, I’m not sure how many of you know or remember the famous Yoruba novelist, Daniel Oroleye Fagunwa. If you’re Yoruba, and attended school when education was still well-rounded, you are likely to be quite familiar with that mystical author of epic literature and magical reality. Who has not read or heard of the rambunctious narration and gripping description in Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmole, translated many years later by the master prose-stylist and certainly the greatest brutaliser of English language on earth, Wole Soyinka, as the ‘Brave Hunter in the Forest of a Thousand Daemons’.

Though fictional, this forest actually exists in the imagination and full consciousness of Fagunwa’s kinsmen. Before the coming and arrival of Nollywood, Fagunwa had painted a vivid picture of the ubiquitous spirits that parade those movies we all love to watch.

Igbo Irunmole or Oke Lamgbodo is truly situated somewhere in a border town between Ondo and Osun States, in the South West of Nigeria. If Nigeria was truly serious about tourism, Oke-Igbo would have become a destination of choice for tourists. The novels of Fagunwa would have been hyped even beyond the level of ‘100 Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and read globally with relish.

Anyway, the long and short of my preamble is that I drove through Ondo State yesterday and I could not but remember Fagunwa, whose personal life trajectory was as mysterious and superstitious as the characters he portrayed in his novels. At the time of his death, he was said to have disappeared while stretching his legs during a break from a long journey. His body has never been found.

Thus I’m endlessly fascinated by Ondo State.

I researched and wrote one of my biggest covers on Fagunwa during my stint as staff writer at the then African Concord in 1988. I bought and read most of Fagunwa’s works mainly Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmole, Aditu Olodumare, Igbo Eledumare, Irinkerindo Ninu Igbo Elegbeje and Ireke Onibudo. All these works flooded my memories as we drove through Ondo State yesterday on the way to our final destination.

I had landed in Lagos from London a few minutes past 5.00am yesterday morning in the company of two friends. Mercifully our luggage came out promptly and we were elated. That was just the beginning of our journey, Prince Damola Aderemi, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi and I drove towards Ikeja GRA. While Tokunbo excused himself, the Prince of Ile-Ife and I chose to travel on a long-winding journey to Kabba in the North Central Kogi State. What should have been a pleasurable adventure soon became a misadventure. Wow, my God, we started seeing samples of what to expect from Maryland Lagos where the queues for petrol had led to some horrendous traffic conundrum.

The confusion and chaos brought to mind the great challenges faced by the Change agent, Minister for Petroleum Resources and President of Nigeria, General Muhammadu

Kachikwu Buhari and his able Minister of State and Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, in forging a new progressive path for our petroleum industry. We managed to navigate our way through that and drove towards Lagos-Ibadan Expressway which sadly was far from being the fast highway it was designed to be. We meandered through that frustrating traffic and snaked our way slowly trying to dodge gaping potholes and gullies.

Our journey past the Lagos Ibadan Expressway and into Oyo and Osun States was uneventful. We stopped by Oduduwa University Ile-Ife, founded by Dr Ramon Adedoyin to meet up briefly with our friend, Mr Yomi Adenuga.

We then had the choice of which direction to take to get to Kogi State. It turned out that we took the longer route but it was an eye opener for several reasons.

Our next challenge was how to refill our tanks intermittently. We saw mostly empty stations, over-congested ones and we came eyeball to eyeball with the cruelest of Shylocks who brazenly and boldly tuned and kept their meters at N200 per litre. It was so incredible. At a stage we decided enough was more than enough and I came down to engage some petrol attendants at a particularly notorious station near Akure.

First I used my smartphone to take pictures.

Thereafter, I sought out the manager who had become incommunicado by hiding after I couldn’t succeed in persuading his guys about reducing the atrocious pricing. The manager eventually appeared but denied himself the way Peter denied Jesus. I played a fast one on him by saying his folks had pointed him out to me and he then owned

up. I told him I was ready to phone Abuja and get the place shut. Shaking like jelly, he quickly called the owner of the place.

Trust me, we were very patient. The director begged me to take it easy with him. He reeled out details of all the esoteric process he had to go through to get his allocation and I actually pitied him. I’m practical enough to know the Nigerian system can’t and won’t change overnight no matter the sermons being preached by APC operatives.

We reached an agreement that he would reverse the meter to the normal price and we can then all pretend that all was well while negotiating individual rates subject to class and status. I was told some people were ready to pay N500 per litre. Well, well, well. That’s my wonderful country, a land of opportunities overflowing with milk and honey if you can squeeze or dig deep enough. Don’t ask me how much we paid eventually. I’m sure life continued as normal at this particular filling station as soon as we left.

We drove past Ilara Mokin, home town of business Titan, Chief Michael Ade Ojo, Chairman of Elizade Group and founder of the Elizade University described as one the best private tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

We also saw the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) as we passed.

We took the turning which bypassed the town of Akure. My mind raced back to the year 1983 and the conflagration that razed down many properties and killed some politicians and their supporters in old historical town. I wished I could drop by to say hello to the Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his hospitable wife Yeye Olukemi Mimiko, to chitchat about

politics and the state of the nation. Despite our heated disagreement over his crossing over to PDP, we have remained friends and I actually love some of his progressive projects, especially his pet health project.

We moved on towards Owo and it brought back tears of nostalgia while remembering the number of times I visited my boss, Chief Akin Omoboriowo, at Owo Prison during the first coming of Major General Muhammadu Buhari. Politicians were hauled into detention and it was a period total confusion. I was barely 23 then but gained immense experience and exposure. We drove towards the Akoko axis and noted Akungba, the hometown of late Ondo State Governor, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, that immortalized the name of Chief Adekunle Ajasin with a State University. We saw the picturesque hills of Ikare-Akoko but sadly the Federal roads were in sordid states of disrepair. Only if these roads were good, internal tourism would have been a regular pastime like it is in the United States. Shame!

Of course, we drove through Oyin Akoko and I remembered the former Inspector General of Police, Sunday Ehindero and his younger brother, my mentor, Professor Sunday Ehindero and their niece Bose Ehindero who have ancestral links to the place. We soon crossed backed into Ekiti State via Omuo Here the road was beautiful and it was like Eldorado as we saw firsthand the salutary work on road rehabilitation and construction carried out by Dr Kayode Fayemi as Governor of Ondo State. However, our excitement was short-lived as we curved into Kogi State. The roads degenerated into more of the same bad stuff that we had witnessed earlier. What struck me though, was how people built beautiful mansions in run down towns and villages, what I love to call living in expensive ghettos.

The road towards Kabba nearly dismantled the bolts of my body. I even pitied the convoy of cars we rode in as they slapped their tummies on stony slabs after giant boulders.

When the road seemed endless, we saw the first sign that we were entering Kabba. We had come all the way from Lagos for the funeral of our friend, Ralph Lewu’s mum, Deaconess Veronica Ebunoluwa Lewu. At the time we left Lagos, the Virgin Atlantic plane that brought us had not yet boarded its return passengers to London Heathrow.

We had said Bon voyage to Princess Kemi Aderemi, my friend’s wife, who was on the flight to London. You won’t believe she landed long before we arrived Kabba was even already approaching their home in Milton Keynes before we got to Kabba.

By the time we eventually got to Kabba at dusk, the whole formal event was over.

Happily, it was not all labor lost as Raph had a night party afterwards in his country home where we were able to relax after such an arduous journey.

I want to just show you the suffering we have to endure as Nigerians and say I do not envy our President. Where will President Buhari and his team indeed start from? The cross is very heavy.

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