Corruption: EFCC charges seven Judges by Vanguard Media Limited

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EFCC moves to prosecute seven corrupt Judges •As Supreme Court meets on 23 others BY SONI DANIEL Regional Editor, North

HE Supreme Court is set to meet on the cases of the 23 judges, who are being investigated over large scale corruption. This is just as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, moves in to take over the matter from where the council stops. Saturday Vanguard learnt that that already the commission’s operatives had established enough evidence of corruption against seven of the affected judges and was ready to charge them to court any moment from now. The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, is reported to have visited the Chief Justice of Nigeria and given the assurance that the judges would be charged as soon as the NJC concluded its findings on them. Saturday Vanguard learnt yesterday that the CJN had however asked the panels probing the judges to give them ‘fair hearing’ in the discharge of their assignment. It was gathered that the directive by the CJN to the panels to ensure that each of the suspects were heard out, was responsible for the delay in the meeting of the NJC to ratify the verdict of the panels.

It was learnt that the Supreme Court would first meet on the matter before an enlarged meeting of the NJC to take a final decision on the fate of the affected judicial officers.

IFE of the Benue State Governor, Arc. Mrs. Yemisi Suswam, yesterday donated food, beverages, confectionaries, clothings and toiletries valued at over N30million to the Benue state fIrst baby of the year in 2014 and three orphanages in Makurdi, the Benue state capital in commemoration of the yuletide. Receiving the first baby of the year born to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ngutor Amenge, at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Mr. Suswam urged pregnant women

that they be reprimanded by the judiciary to serve as a deterrent to others in the system. A top judiciary source told Saturday Vanguard that the CJN was eager

see to the end of the matter before her retirement towards the end of the year. The suspected judges are from the State and Federal High courts as well as the Court of Appeal.

Onitsha: 708 prisoners still awaiting trial BY VINCENT UJUMADU Awka

HE Onitsha Federal Prisons which was originally meant to accommodate 326 inmates now has 793 inmates or 467 more inmates. Out of this number, 708 or 89.3 per cent are awaiting trials, ATM, inmates. The Senator representing Anambra Central, Dr. Chris Ngige made this known when he visited the inmates of the prison to celebrate the New Year with them. He, however, said that plans were in the offing by the National Assembly to legislate on the possible ways of de-congesting overcrowded prisons across the country. He also said that the Senate had earlier, through its Committee on the Judiciary, already made a recommendation on ways of de-congesting the prisons. According to him, part of the recommendations included possible appointment of more Judges for the Federal and

Suswam’s wife donates N30m worth of items to orphanages BY PETER DURU Makurdi

Findings by Saturday Vanguard showed that the panels, which sat on the petitions raised against the judges found almost all of them culpable and accordingly recommended

to see an end to the matter, which has impinged negatively on the image of the judiciary. “But what is clear is that the CJ also wants to call the bluff of the affected judicial officers and

to always make themselves available for antenatal care during pregnancy. According to her, “It is only by so doing that you can enjoy the benefits of good and qualitative medical care during pregnancy and safe delivery at the appointed date.” Mrs. Suswam who donated several items to patients at the hospital also paid the medical bills of some of the patients at the hospital. At the Gidam Beke and Mama Abayol orphanages, Mrs. Suswam offered university scholarship to ten children who had just finished their secondary education.

State High courts for speedy dispensation of justice. He said that the National Assembly was also working on another recommendation to be made to the National Judicial Commission, NJC, for appointment of more judges for quick dispensation of justice,

arguing that a situation whereby trial of inmates was delayed because of inadequate number of judges was not proper. Ngige lamented the number of inmates in the Onitsha Prisons, recalling that the prison which was originally meant to

accommodate 326 inmates currently has 793 inmates. He said: “I am here to celebrate the New Year with the inmates who unfortunately found themselves in this place. We have gone round and discovered that the prison that was meant to

Cross River State Governor Senator Liyel Imoke (m), Speaker, CRHA Rt. Hon. Larry Odey(r) and the Special Adviser, Budget Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr. Peter Oti at the signing ceremony of the 2014 Appropriation Bill into Law at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor ’s Office in Calabar....yesterday.

accommodate just 326 now contains 793 inmates out of which 708 are awaiting trial while only 85 inmates have been convicted. “Part of recommendation which the Senate Committee on Judiciary had submitted is for the Federal Government to increase the number of judges and for the prisons to be decongested. We also have plans for the State Committee on clemency to be more proactive.” Speaking earlier, the Comptroller of Prisons in Onitsha, Mr. Ndupu Azuka commended Senator Ngige for finding time to come and celebrate with the inmates, describing it as a mark of love and benevolence on his side and assured him that the management of the prison would always do their best to take proper care of the inmates, adding that 89.3 percent of Onitsha prison inmates are awaiting trials.

Police officers, endangered species — IGP BY SALISU MARADUN Gusau

HE Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday said that policemen all over the world were endangered species. Abubakar spoke in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital when he presented families of 28 policemen from the state who died in active service with five bags of rice each to ameliorate their sufferings. The IGP was represented on the occasion by the Commissioner of Police in charge of Welfare, Force Headquarters, Alhaji Yakubu Usman. Presenting the gift to the members of the families of the deceased policemen at the command headquarters in Gusau, Abubakar explained that the gesture was aimed at giving the families a sense of belonging, as the police high command had not forgotten

them. He said that the police would continue to initiate other welfare packages in respect of those who either died or become incapacitated in the course of their duties. According to him, lives of police personnel all over

the world were endangered, considering the threat they receive from the public, particularly criminals, who were all out to eliminate them. He however, said that the presentation of rice was just the beginning, as arrangements had been

made by the headquarters toward ensuring that no family of any police officer who died in service was left behind in the scheme of things, and appealed to the public to always consider police officers as their friends and not as enemies.

Enugu community chiefs protest over imposition of monarch BY CHINENYEH OZOR

UNDREDS of protesters from Eziani community stormed the premises of the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters yesterday, protesting alleged imposition of a traditional ruler on them by the ministry officials. The protesters made up of aged men and

women, as well as youths, arrived Enugu the state capital from Nsukka as early as 9 a.m chanting angry songs. They carried placards bearing different inscriptions such as ‘No to Imposition of Igwe on Our Community’, ‘No to Injustice’, ‘Due Process Must be Followed’, ‘Without Justice, No Peace’, among others. In a protest letter addressed to Governor Sullivan Chime of

Enugu State, they alleged that contrary to laid down rules and procedures, a few highly placed individuals were bent on imposing a monarch on the community. The letter reads in part: “We the people of Eziani are here to again beg the government of Enugu State to come to our aid, as some few individuals are bent on doing things against the rights of the people.”

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2015: Cracks in Northern solidarity against Jonathan •as hoodlums attack Buhari’s loyalist BY EMEKA MAMAH and ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

HERE appears to be a major crack in northern solidarity against President Goodluck Jonathan’s supposed ambition to contest the 2015 elections as over 50 top politicians including former governors, ministers and senators from seven northern states met in Kaduna State weekend to strategise on how to neutralise the opposition All Progressive Congress, APC, in the area. Those who attended the meeting said that they in full support of Jonathan and his Vice, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, and distanced themselves from the position of both the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, and the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, that the presidency must return to the North in 2015. This was even as Kano State was almost thrown into crises yesterday afternoon following an attack on one of the supporters of the former Head of State, General

Muhammadu Buhari, Abdul Majid Danbiliki Commanda at the popular Al Furqan Mosque shortly after the Juma’at prayers by unidentified persons. The hoodlums invaded the Mosque and attacked Commanda was bloodied in the presence of the officiating Imam, Dr Bashir Umar Aliyu, former Governor Kano state, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Dr Ibrahim Khalil, Malam Ibrahim Kankarofi, Abdullahi Sani Rogo among other top APC stalwarts. However, among those who attended the meeting included Senator Saidu Kumo (Gombe), Abdullahi Gumel (Jigawa), Alhaji Rabiu Bako, Senator Zeego Azeez, Bawa Magaji Kufana, and Saleh Annur- all from Kaduna State. Others included Senators Jubrin Donguwa and Hamisu Musa (both from Kano), while Alhajis Aminu Jambo and Abdullahi Garus came from Katsina State. From Kebbi State were Bala Gwandu, Bala Kaoje, Samaila Sambawa, just as Ambassador Ladan

Shuni, Yusuf Suleiman and Ahmed Mohammed Gusau came from Sokoto State. However, Sherrif Abdullahi Gashua from Yobe also attended the gathering for Jonathan and Sambo even as those who attended from Zamfara State included Faruk Ahmed Gusau, Col Bala Mande, rtd; Lawani Zurmi and Hon. Matawallen Maradun. Alhaji Ahmed Gusau, who spoke in an interview shortly after the meeting said that the North had benefited a lot from Jonathan’s presidency, pointing out that the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, would showcase such benefits when it was time for campaign. He further said that the North did not belong to ACF or NEF alone as there other stakeholders, wondering where the north as a whole met and decided to vote against Jonathan as claimed by NEF leaders. Hoodlums Buhari loyalist

attack

Meanwhile, eye witnesses told Saturday Vanguard that “ we are witnessing a wedding holding inside the mosque when all of sudden, thugs invaded the peaceful gathering and bloodied Commanda in the presence of distinguished guests.” It was gathered that, “it took the combined efforts of the officiating Imam, and Hisbah Guards to rescue the APC chieftain into the private residence of the chief Imam inside the Mosque before the arrival of anti riot policemen.” According to the sources, the ensuing mêlée caused pandemonium as the worshippers ran helter skelter for safety of their lives even as ‘’political temper rose to a boiling point in the ancient city.’’ In an interview later, the victim of the attack, Danbiliki Commanda said that former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State was the mastermind, alleging that “those who attacked me are Malam Shekarau’s boys and I know them too well.’’ He further said, “I was in the front row where only one person separated Shekarau and I during the Juma’at prayers. I was

Winner of the BIG GAMES 2013-14, Charity Onyewuchi, receiving the key of a brand new Toyota Corolla from the Marketing Manager, Superior Games, Mrs. Feyisayo Tuyo, at the presentation of ‘The Big Games Toyota Corolla give-away brand new car’ to the winner in Lagos… yesterday attending to a wedding fatiha when some persons I knew to be close to Shekarau pounced on me. “It took the combined efforts of the officiating Imam and Hisbah Guards to rescue me from the rampaging thugs. I lost my handset, personal diary and N100,000.’’ But, in a swift reaction to the accusation, Shekarau’s Spokesman, Sule Yau Sule distanced his boss from the violent encounter, stressing that “Malam Shekarau is a man of peace. Certainly Malam Shekarau has nothing to do with this because when we had the instrument of power to curb the excesses of Commanda, we ignored

him, how much more now that we are out power. ’’You know who Dan’Bilki is and his excesses when Malam was in power, but we chose to ignore him because we were conscious that he had the right to his freedom of speech,” Sule stated Sule then advised Commanda to look elsewhere and desist from dragging the name of his boss into the mud to curry cheap political favour. Efforts to speak with the Police Public Relation Officer for Kano State, ASP Magaji Majia proved abortive as calls put to his telephone line could not go through.

Navy appoints two flag officers, redeploys 264 senior officers formation, Commodore BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, Abuja

HE Chief of the Na val Staff, Vice Admiral Joseph Ezeoba, has approved the appointment of 266 officers with Rear Admiral Harry Ngonadi as the new FOC Eastern Naval Command and Rear Admiral SI Alade as the new Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Western Naval Command, Lagos. Other appointments released yesterday affected 20 Rear Admirals, 97 Commodores, 99 Captains, four Lieutenant Commanders, 44 Lieutenants and two SubLieutenants. The Rear Admirals affected included AOA Ikioda, who moves from National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies to Defence Headquarters as Director of Equipment, Standardisation and Harmonisation, JO Aikhomu, formerly Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command is now appointed Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters while IE Ibas, formerly Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Com-

mand, is now the Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. Austin Oyagha who was Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, will report to Defence Headquarters as Director of Development just as the former Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command; AI Ajuonu moves to Defence Headquarters as Director of Sports. A statement signed by the Director of Naval In-

Kabir Aliyu stated that Rear Admiral DO Osuofa was appointed as a Moderator at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, while Rear Admiral SU Chinweuba is to move to Naval Headquarters as Chief of Naval Engineering. Also, AA Yusuf is the new Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Engineering, College Sapele even as OP Ozojiofor is now the Navy Secretary.

Presidency summons Ebonyi Gov over position on Confab By BEN AGANDE, Abuja

HE Governor of Ebonyi state, Chief Martins Elechi, has blamed opposition politicians for allegedly distorting his position on the proposed National Conference in order to pitch him against President Goodluck Jonathan. He stated this at the presidential villa after meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan. According to him, having enjoyed the benefit of a conference as a leader of his state to the 2005 National Political

Reform Conference, it was absurd for anyone to assume he will kick against it now. He said both his political party and his Chief Press Secretary have already cleared the air on his position on the conference and would not allow himself to be distracted by an organised attempt to cause friction between him and the establishment. ”I am not distracted by such organised attempt by the opposition to bring friction between me and the establishment. They won’t succeed, we are all for the national conference.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014 — 7

Crime: Enugu Police arrest 30 kidnappers, 11 cultists 92 robbery suspects BY TONY EDIKE

HE Enugu State Police Command says it arrested 164 suspects in connection with various offences between January and December 2013. The Commissioner of police in the state, Adamu Abubakar Mohammed, who stated this through a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu gave the breakdown as follows: 92 armed robbery suspects, 30 kidnap suspects, 11 suspected cultists, 15 car snatching suspects, 13 vandals and three stealing suspects. He also disclosed that a total number of 39 arms and 51 ammunitions were recovered while 7 kid-

napped victims were rescued without payment of any ransom, adding that a total of 18 vehicles were recovered. Adamu noted that the above figure when compared with that of 2012, showed a drastic reduction in crime rate in the state. “From the record, there is drastic reduction of crime in the year 2013 as most crimes that would have occurred were promptly prevented in line with the tenet of proactive policing strategies which the command believed in”, assuring that the year 2014 would witness a better record.Adamu further stated that “members of the public

were positively sensitized on the need to be security conscious about their environment and properties and be able to report promptly to the command through the designated numbers on information about crime and criminality, and the command’s security operatives were always on hand to attend to any distress calls within the shortest possible time”. He lauded the strong partnership between the state command and sister security agencies, the government and good the people of the state as well as other relevant stake holders, which according to him had contributed in making the state safe and secured.

Amosun’s wife charges students on the Governor to compleacademic excellence ment the efforts of the state

IFE of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun has charged students to always face their studies and put in their best at all times, saying there is a great reward for hard work. Speaking during the second edition of Public Unveiling of the 20 Best SS3 Students in 2012/2013 West African Examination Certificate from public secondary schools in Ogun State at the Progress hall, South-west Resource Centre, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, Amosun’s wife said for the second year running, she would be taking the best students abroad for leadership training programme in the first quarter of 2014 as a reward for their excellent performance in the last WAEC. The wife of the Governor noted that the advertisement placed in the media early in year 2013 contributed to the success story of the beneficiaries, congratulating the beneficiaries for emerging the best students in the WAEC results in the 20 Local Government areas. She urged the students to work towards possessing good leadership qualities, encouraging them not to let her down and to leave the door open for other students to benefit in the programme come 2014 and beyond. In 2012, Mrs. Amosun through her initiative tagged UPLIFTing SS3 Students took the best

WAEC students in each of the 20 Local Government areas in the State on a twoweek Leadership Training Programme by the Uplift Development Foundation to The Buckswood School, Hastings in the United Kingdom. In his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Bar. Segun Odubela explained the programme was an opportunity for the students to have a feel of the dividend of democracy as put together by the wife of

government in improving the standard of education in the state. On behalf of the students, Master Sobowale Bukola expressed appreciation to Mrs. Amosun for fulfilling her promise as advertised in the media to recognise excellence in the WAEC results, saying this has helped boost his morale and motivated him to study hard for the examination. He thanked her for giving Ogun State students the opportunity to travel outside Nigeria when they study hard.

Governor Martin Elechi responding to questions from journalists after a closed-door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

Be decisive in governance — Makinde warns politicians

EMBERS of the political class, have been warned against monetizing politics and advised to take a firm stand against sentiments. The governed and the ruling class were meaningful synergy of opinions and policies, that would meaningfully and gainfully, drive peoples’ confidence and support at all times. These remarks were made by the Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde while fielding questions from Journalists after delivering a ser-

mon at the 2013 Annual Family Reunion Harvest Thanksgiving Services at the Wesley Cat h e d r a l Olowogbowo,Lagos. He berated the obsolete socio-economic infrastructure in the nation advising Nigerian leaders to be wary of the resultant, unimagined chaos and instability that might erupt eventually from the masses who are frustrated for not getting the desired dividends of democracy. To this end, Dr. Ola Makinde enjoined President Jonathan to take a very bold stand

now to stamp out the prevailing insurgency of the Boko Haram and likely threat from others that might tear the nation apart. The Prelate Emeritus commended the sterling efforts of some State Governors, especially Govs Fashola, Akpabio and a few others in turning around the fortunes of their societies. He therefore charged the members of the political class to be very mindful about reckless spending and overbloated budgeting, which in turn adversely affect the fortune of the masses.

Don’t compromise Anambra’s future, Obi tells stakeholders BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

OVERNOR Peter Obi yesterday urged stakeholders in the state to put the collective interest of the state above other considerations, advising that on no account should the future of the state be compromised. Addressing Presidents’ General and Secretaries of the various town unions in the state at the Governor ’s Lodge, Obi said his administration has not only provided physical infrastructure, but has equally rebuilt human resources and restored core value principles. He promised that construction of more road projects would soon commence in parts of the

state, noting that strategic reconstruction of roads in the past eight years had opened up the entire state. He also expressed satisfaction that the state was enjoying peace and harmonious co-existence

and commended the town union leaders for their contributions in repositioning the state. The special adviser to the governor on town union matters, Chief Godfrey Moutolu, and some of the presidents

general said Governor Obi’s administration had accelerated the tempo of work on various developmental projects across the state even as his tenure was coming to an end. They observed that

he was the first governor in the state to bring the welfare of town unions to the front burner by empowering them as government at the grassroots without interfering in their activities.

Housewife, 30, found hanging in her room in Edo

HE Police in Ayogwiri in Etsako West Local Government Council of Edo are trying to unravel the cause of the death of a 30-year-old housewife, Mrs Margaret Atogwe, found hanging in her room. Police are already investigating whether the woman committed suicide or was murdered. Neighbours of the deceased said that the corpse was found

dangling from the ceiling of a dark small room, believed to be the room of the deceased at No. 2 Abeh Street, Ayogwiri. The Divisional Police Officer for Ayowiri, DSP Abdullahi Gusau, confirmed the incident, saying it had been reported to his office. “My officers were at the scene of the incident but we are still investigating on what was the exact cause of the death. “Efforts are on to bring

about the true picture surrounding the controversial death”, adding that the case would be transferred to Benin as soon as investigations were concluded. The elder brother of the deceased, Mr Francis Ayonote told newsmen that the deceased could not have hanged herself. Ayonote said that the circumstances of her sister ’s death were questionable.

He said that the deceased was found nude standing by her window with a rope round her neck and tied to the protector and not dangling as being claimed.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

Lagos govt to Doctors: Shelve planned strike or participate at your own risk BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

AGOS State Govern ment has appealed to doctors in the service of the state to shun any planned strike by the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, or any other organization in the overall interest of the people of the state and their medical ethics. However, the state government has threatened not to hesitate to deal with any doctor who participates in the strike. The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, who made the appeal on behalf of the government yesterday, noted that any industrial action by doctors would bring untold hardship to the people and could result in avoidable deaths of patients who would require their services. He therefore, appealed to the doctors to use other means to redeem their demand other than the strike action, as lives lost during the period of the industrial actions can never be brought back The commissioner said that the nature of the work of doctors does not permit them to embark on industrial disputes without recourse to its implication on the society; saying “workers in the health sector are statutorily classified as offering essential services and there are laid down process and procedures before embarking on such

action”. He recalled that in the past, illegal strikes had in the past caused untold sufferings, injury and death to innocent patients who were abandoned without any warning and warned that “the state government will not hesitate to apply the law to its fullest on erring officers in order to protect the interest of innocent citi-

zens.” He said that since the Lagos State government has no dispute declared against it by its employees, whatever NMA has against the Federal Government should not be extended to Lagos State, adding that the issues the National body has with Federal Government should be

OR the former Special Adviser to President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi, it was joy and goodwill like an endless river on the occasion of the traditional wedding of her daughter, Chibuogu in Onitsha. Ordinarily, it should have been taken for granted that a politician of her calibre would always pull the creme-de-lacreme of the Nigerian society anyday. However, given that most people lose their heads once in power, while there are too many sycophants who identify with office holders while the party lasts, the real

current wage plan would affect all other professional groups. He made reference to sections 118, 209 and 210 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State which state that it is an offence

President/Chairman of Council, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria Dr. Segun Aina, OFR, FCIB, presenting an award to the past Registrar/CEO CIBN, Chief Esan Ogunleye, to the delight of the Registrar/CEO CIBN Dr. Uju Ugbuska FCIB at the special governing council to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Institute at the Bankers House, Victoria Island, Lagos.

to maliciously break a contract of service knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the probable consequence of doing so will endanger human life or seriously endanger public health.

Man flogs orphan to death over Xmas rice BYDAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

HE Ogun State Police Command said, yesterday, that it had arrested a man, Kayode Olubunmi,37, for allegedly killing his cousin,Haruna Adeoye,20, over a bowl of Christmas rice. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi disclosed this in a statement sent to newsmen in Abeokuta. Adejobi explained that the tragic incident occurred on the Christmas day at Ajegunle, Ita-Oluwo, Ogijo in Sagamu local government area of Ogun

State at 10:30pm. According to the Police, the suspect killed, Adeoye, an orphan for eating a bowl of rice given to them by a friend on Christmas day. “ When the suspect, who went on a visit to his friends’ place, came back drunk, he flogged the deceased to death with a stick for eating the rice he instructed him to keep for their dinner. “Haruna was an orphan who had been staying with the suspect for years and Olubunmi could not state why he killed him. “He has confessed to the crime, he is with us at SCID Eleweran and will soon appear in court “, the Police said.

UNN: Host community protests, wants VC removed BY CHINENEYEH OZOR

ARELY three weeks after all the academic and workers’ unions in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, staged protest calling for the removal of the Vice Chancellor, Prof

Batho Okolo over alleged maladministration in the institution and unjust suspension of the ProChancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Emeka Enejere, youths from the host community yesterday protested along the major streets in

Emodi gives out daughter in marriage BY RAY UGWUMBA

ironed out with the Federal Government without allowing it to affect Lagos residents. The commissioner explained that the state has an approved pay policy structure which would be used to review pay structure for workers in the state as internally generated revenue increases, adding that disrupting

worth of a Nigerian politician can only be measured out of office. The Anambra political community led by Governor Peter Obi and his entire family; former Vice President, Chief Alex Ekwueme; former female Deputy Governors- Dame Virgy Etiaba, Mrs. Ada Okwuonu, and Barr. Stella Odife; Chief Chris Uba; pioneer Chairman of PDP in Anambra, Chief Joseph Okonkwo; President of Anambra/South East Traders Association, Chief Okwudili Nwankwo; etc. graced the event. The Governor-elect, Chief Willy Obiano who was out of the country was fully represented. The Igbo business community led by Bishop

Okonkwo, Dr.Orjiakor, and Dr. Chika Okafor (Chikason) refused to be outdone in attendance. The South East political who-is-who, federal political office holders, serving and former governors also trouped out en- masse to be counted.

Nsukka, calling for Prof Okolo’s immediate sack by the Federal Government. The youths protested carrying different placards which read, “Nsukka land does not want Batho Okolo again,” “Nsukka wants reinstatement of Enejere,” “We will continue this protest until the VC is removed.” Spokesmen of the group Mr Victor Ezugwu and Dr Fabian Ugwu said the youths decided to carry out the peaceful protest to call the attention of government to the unholy activities of Prof Okolo at the UNN. “The people of Nsukka

have suffered untold hardship ever since the inception of the administration of Prof. Okolo as Vice Chancellor. Bartho Okolo has been denying the host community employment and admission quota and other benefits they enjoyed under previous administration before h i m . ’’We are not the only ones protesting against Bartho Okolo despotic rule in UNN. All his workers are against him. We have become aliens on our own soil. Government must not sacrifice the progress of UNN by keeping Prof Okolo.’

“President Goodluck Jonathan must act speedily by removing Prof Okolo, before it is too late. “We are not mindful of the fact that he has few months to complete his term; we want the VC removed. We call on President Jonathan to intervene and restore Dr Enejere as the Prochancellor of UNN,” they said. Similar protests were carried out by ASUU, NASU, NAT and the Alumni association in the past three weeks calling on government to recall the pro-chancellor.

Petroleum Coy manager bags UN award

HE United Nation Polac Peace Commission has conferred on the Base Manager of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Ltd, Dr Chukumah Igelenyah, its 2013 Award of Ambassador for Peace, following what the Commission described as

“his immense endorsement of the fundamental ideals and practices of the UNESCO through selfless services to humanity in various areas.” In a statement by United Nation’s Director of Award Center, Ambassador Ramas Asuzu, some of the attributes which endeared

Dr. Igelenyah for the Award include his contribution to employment for Nigerian youths, healthcare delivery services particularly for expectant mothers, promotion of African culture and conflict resolution in Niger Delta communities in the last three years.

The Award which was conferred on him weekend, took place at the Nigeria National Merit Award House (NNMA) and witnessed by top government functionaries, business class and a large turnout of members of the civil society.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014 — 9

Police distort truth on Lloyd’s arrest — Rivers govt BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME, Port Harcourt

IVERS state government has denied allegations that the Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly, Hon Chidi Lloyd was arrested by the Police on his way to fly in the same jet with governor Chibuike Amaechi. A press statement issued yesterday and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Dave Iyofor said Hon Lloyd was arrested in his house before his family members and lawyers. The Police had in a press statement issued Thursday night alleged that Hon Lloyd escaped from a hospital and was on his way to fly in the same jet with the governor when he was arrested. The Police statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO in the state, DSP Ahmad Muhammad alleged that the lawmaker was to have escaped from the law if he had joined the governor in that jet. The statement said the lawmaker was arrested over the alleged murder of a Police sergeant Urang Obediah and a member of the Felix Obuah faction of the Peoples Democratic

Party, PDP who hailed from the same Emohua local government area with the lawmaker, Mr Kingsley Ejeuo. The statement which described the late Ejeuo as the lawmaker’s arch political rival in the local government said the lawmaker knocked the two of them down with his vehicle. According to the statement, Hon Lloyd after knocking down the Police officer still sped ahead to crush the late Ejeuo who was in a Passat car. Meantime, the state government has described the statement issued by the Police as a distorted account of the circumstance surrounding the arrest of the lawmaker stressing that it was an attempt to deceive the reading public. Shocked, several calls were put across to CP Mbu that were not answered. CP Mbu later showed up and when the governor asked him, he denied giving such an order. He then went on and on, making a baseless, noisy argument that no one could comprehend. Governor Amaechi put it to him that he(Mbu) came to search the plane for Chidi Llyod and told him to go ahead and search the plane. Mbu continued to talking endlessly, showing absolutely no respect or regard for the office of the

Governor of Rivers State who is the Chief Security Officer of the State. Governor Amaechi then called the InspectorGeneral(IG) of Police and while the governor was speaking with the IGP on phone, CP Mbu was shouting at the governor, on top of his voice, trying to disrupt the conversation between the Governor and the IGP to the shock and disbelief of those that were there. It was when Governor Amaechi arrived Abuja later in the evening of yesterday that he was informed that Hon Chidi Lloyd was arrested in his(Lloyd’s) house in the presence of his family and lawyer. Meanwhile counsel to embattled leader of the Rivers State House of

13 year -old boy, Ibitayo Samson was on new year day clubbed to death with pestle over an argument on roasting of a goat for the celebration in Ondo state. Eyewitness account said the incident occurred in the early hours of the new year in Aje Qrtrs Okeagbe Akoko area of the state. Saturday Vanguard gathered that the mother of the deceased Ibitayo Oluwatoyin of C & S church reported the incident at the Police Station. Mrs Ibitayo was said to have told the police that her son was murdered by one Oladejo Iskilu 24, of Aje Quarters Okeagbe Akoko, over an argument on the owner of a tyre for roasting of the new year goat. It was gathered that while they were arguing on who owns the tyre, the deceased was attacked with a pestle. Abusive words were

exchanged by the two boys before the suspect ran into the house and came out to attack the deceased. The deceased reportedly sustained serious injurious on the head and was rushed to a private hospital in the town. Saturday Vanguard gathered that the matter was reported to the Community leader who asked the family of the suspect to foot the medical

Assembly, Bar Emenike Ebete says the allegation of murder levelled against his

client by the Police was another attempt to destroy him. Bar Ebete said his

client did not drive the said vehicle, adding that Hon. Lloyd was arrested in his house that Thursday night.

Crisis averted at inauguration of APC Interim Committee •ex- ACN Chairman kicks against list BY AUSTIN OGWUDA, Asaba

OMMOTION broke out yesterday morning in Asaba, Delta State capital following the disruption of the intended inauguration of the Interim Committee of the All Progress Party (APC) in the State. Although the disruption was peaceful, but the former

13 year-old boy murdered BY DAYO JOHNSON Akure

First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan (l) presenting some gifts to representatives of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists during an end of year event held recently at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

bill incurred by the victim. But the following morning, the victim reportedly died in the hospital. Police Image Maker Wole Ogodo confirmed the death of the 13 year old boy. Ogodo said that the suspect has been arrested and is in detention. He added that the case has been transferred to State CID for further investigation.

Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Adolor Okotie-Eboh who led the peaceful protest ensured that the inauguration was not carried out as scores of former ACN members were shouting on top of their voices that they were being schemed out. Grand Hotel, venue for the intended inauguration was charged as more security men were drafted to ensure that the situation was not out of control. Speaking to newsmen, Chief Adolor Okotie-Eboh said, “ you can see for yourselves that people are concerned because of the lopsided number given to the Interim group from Democratic People’s Party DPP, who are not members of Legacy group which we are against. “I am not satisfied with the list of those to be sworn in; the reason is that the

list has not been approved by the national body of APC in accordance with the guideline. That is what we are protesting. We look forward to the national body to look into the protest that we have already made to them to resolve the issue at stake with equity and fairness in mind”, he stated. Some of the notable members of the party that had gathered for the inauguration before the disruption were Senator Spanner Okpozo, Chief Ovie Okokori, Temi Harriman, Felelis Tilije and a former chieftain of DPP, Mr. Olisaemeka Akamukali who was flaunting the said list which was scuttled. At the end of the commotion, the election on interim officers of the state executive of the party proceeded on the arrival of Chief Tom Ikimi, the National Vice-Chairman, South-South. Before then, Ikimi it was learnt had

insisted that he would not come until peace was guaranteed at the venue. The delegates who voted were serving and former elected public office holders in the party and officers of the four legacy parties that formed the APC in Delta State and party elders including former Senator Francis Okpozo, former Deputy Inspector General DIG Donald Ugbaja, former union leader Chief Frank Kokori among others. At the end of the voting, the following were elected as interim officers of the party. Rev. Jones Erue — Interim Chairman, Mr. Chidi Okonji — Interim Secretary, Mr. Akpodafe Edewor — Interim Treasurer, Mr. Precious Enweayoi — Interim Publicity Secretary, Hon. Harvest Igben — Interim Organising Secretary.

Ijaw group declares ASUU man of the year

HE Ijaw Monitoring Group has conferred the Man of the year 2013 on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). In a statement signed by Comrade Joseph Evah on behalf of the group, the Ijaw saluted the patriotic spirit of ASUU members on their efforts to revive the collapsed educational system in Nigeria, adding that the direct talk option with Mr. President restored confidence between the Federal Government and

ASUU which led to the resolution of the crisis. “ASUU won this battle for our children at the time Nelson Mandela, the spirit behind ASUU strength was departing mother earth. ASUU, like Mandela refused to be blackmailed and shifted ground on what is a just demand for the future generation. It is on record that ASUU has been battling every government right from the military era to recover the lost glory of our university education system. So, for a group of

professionals today to put aside religion, tribal and political sentiments to fight

for national interest is very rare; yet ASUU prove to be

the only man standing.

Etisalat announces list for “Prize for Literature” By ANOZIE EGOLE

IGERIA’S fastest growing telecommunications services company, Etisalat, has recently, announced the long list for the inaugural edition of the Etisalat Prize for Literature. The prize which was launched in the first quarter of 2013 is the first pan-African prize that is open solely

to debut fiction writers and poised to become one of Africa’s most prestigious literary prizes for African fiction. The longlist in alphabetical order includes Bom Boy by Yewande Omotoso, Daughters Who Walk This Path by Yejide Kilanko, Finding Soutbek by Karen Jennings, Sarah House by Ifeanyi Ajaegbo,

The Great Agony And Pure Laughter Of The Gods by Jamala Safari’s, The Spider King’s Daughter by Chibundu Onuzo, The Spiral House by Claire Robertson, The Whispering Trees by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, and We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo.

10—SA TURD AY 10—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

•President Goodluck Jonathan

Jonathan in 2014:

ture development but siphoned into private pockets.” On the other hand, Dupe Ajayi, a lawyer, journalist, in a radio programme said the presidential system is too expensive to operate and that we should return to parliamentary governance to cut cost. “Power is too heavy at the centre. States are merely struggling to make ends meet. We cannot ensure proper development because the system is too expensive. Every interest ought to be taken care of for even development.Also, Nigeria is too large for a single police organisation. Efforts at unity of the county should be intensified.” “The need to curb corruption in our national life cannot be over emphasised. They should be killed as done in China. In Nigeria, corruption is celebrated and offenders are never sent to jail except petty thieves. The big thieves who embezzle billions are given fines which are paid easily and released. If corrupt officials are strongly dealt with, the trend will reduce as corruption in high and low places is one of the biggest problems facing the country today. “In this 2014, budget implementation must be taken seriously, and sentiments and emotions must be avoided to ensure prudence in spending of public fund”. Okafor said less than 40% of the budget is implemented and nobody accounts for the remaining 60% of unspent budgetary allocation. “And this boils down to corruption which must be adequately tackled in all the sectors of our economy. There is collective fraud in the polity, theft and misuse of funds as political leaders don’t have conscience or the fear of God. Greed and avarice should be done away with in this new year. Nigeria must turn a new leaf in 2014. Despite reforms in the power sector, the country is still in darkness as many people don’t have smooth electricity supply. “If Nigeria is to develop industrially and commercially and grow small scale enterprises, there should be stable power

No to vain promises BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

In Nigeria, corruption is celebrated and offenders are never sent to jail except petty thieves. The big thieves who embezzle billions are given fines which are paid easily and released

The return to democratic system of government in 1999 after a long period of military rule did not meet the expectations of the people for a better life in terms of social and economic development. Nigerians hoped to be transformed from poverty, joblessness, hunger, disease, ignorance, and exploitation into affluence and abundance considering the immense natural, mineral and petroleum resources available. Democracy has been defined as government of the people, by the people and for the people. However, with the experience of nearly 15 years, many Nigerians have not fared better as regards improved standard of living because they are only of importance to politicians at times of electoral contests. After that, nobody cares about them any more. Interactions between government and the governed based on mutual understanding and trust to provide dividends of democracy seemed almost nonexistent. There is a yawning gap between government and the society making participatory governance a mirage. Political leaders are in their comfort zone far removed from the suffering world of the people on whose crest, contrived support they came to power. Politicians, as in several parts of the world make empty, spurious, deceitful electoral promises which the electorate tend to believe which are not carried out at the end of the day. They are never sincere, credible, transparent nor accountable to the people. What happened last year and even in

the previous years since the advent of democracy left so much to be desired. Over 70% of the country’s budget were spent on recurrent expenditure – as salaries, allowances, emoluments, benefits, welfare, tracts for politicians and public office holders. Just a paltry 30% or less were left for capital development from which a chunk is either stolen, pilfered, misappropriated, diverted or swindled by state offices and cronies. An economic development analysts, Mr. Funsho Ifeoluwa, told Saturday Vanguard that the overbearing nature of politicians for easy money at the expense of national development is likely to spell doom for this country. “How can the nation develop its infrastructure, grow the economy and drastically reduce poverty when over 70% of the national revenue is consumed by the political leadership, including executive,legislature and the judiciary? In such a situation, the ordinary people are deprived of good roads, water, electricity, proper healthcare, good education, adequate security, housing, transportation employment and so on.” Ifeoluwa said governance must be service-driven in 2014 to avert chronic underdevelopment facing the country. “Our political leaders are so highly paid and should reduce their wages by half. What are they doing with constituency allowances running into billions of naira yearly when most of them don’t even visit their constituencies to ascertain the projects needed? Most of the funds are swindled. So, also are security funds collected by governors which are not accounted for. These are funds that can be used for infrastruc-

supply,” a business centre manager, Mr. Davies Ojo said. He also talked about the need for development of a national road network to link all the capital and major cities of the country. “The case of the second Niger Bridge, dualisation of major highways across North/South, East-West road in the Niger Delta region are some of the projects government must ensure their completion in 2014. The railway development should be accorded priority for transportation of heavy goods and luggage across the country to reduce heavy pressure on the roads.” Another area of interest for the people according to Saturday Vanguard investigation is the insecurity caused by Boko Haram terrorism, kidnapping and extrajudicial killings by over zealous security operatives. The need to curb excessive strike by university teachers which shut down public universities for almost six months before it was resolved was stressed by some education stakeholders. “We must not allow non-implementation of agreements to cause unwarranted strikes by personnel in essential and critical sectors such as education, health and power in this new year. We should do everything to avoid strike by the petroleum workers over the privatisation of refineries which could threaten peace and stability of the nation,” said Ahmed Umar, a university teacher. It is incomprehensible that the government is trying to increase the presidential fleet with purchase of new jets. Nothing can be more insensitive when people cannot afford three square meals in a country of abundant wealth and mineral resources.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

BY OLAYINKA AJAYI s the dust raised by a couple of open letters begins to settle and as the nation marches into another calendar year, Nigerians opine that time is already ticking away and everything must be done not only to raise their hopes but meet their expectations in 2014. Alhaji Shettima Yerima, an activist and President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum; Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana among others spoke with Saturday Vanguard on expectations from Jonathan-led government in 2014.

Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014—11

Aturu

Government should focus on security —Alhaji Shettima Yerima

2014 is a year we have to solve our foundational problem before we can move forward as a country. I see the national conference creating a platform for solving our national problem

The major challenge we have now is lack of security in the country. So, government cannot do anything except it focuses on security. Government cannot perform its statutory functions under this atmosphere. To that extent, I think the government needs to focus on security more than any other area. This means giving the people a sense of belonging. I do not see any other issue bigger than this right now. The President should ensure that the people begin to feel the impact of his governance. Nigerians must begin to feel the dividends of democracy. They need peopleoriented government, they need a government that can communicate to them when things are not going on well and not necessarily compounding the problem just like Jonathan is surrounded with people who end up creating more problems. He should see himself as a national president and not allow people to corner him and make him look like an ethnic leader.”

Nigerians should demand for their rights in 2014 – Falana

Saturday Vanguard in an interaction with popular lawyer and renown human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, on Nigerians’ expectations in 2014, was told that unless genuine civil progressive forces mobilise Nigerians to demand for their rights, the government will not wake up to their responsibility. He further decried high level of illiteracy while children are roaming the streets. On the crisis rocking the ruling party, Falana also said the defection from Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressive Congress, APC would continue. “ The crisis of underdevelopment in terms of infrastructural decadence, poverty, illiteracy and ignorance will continue in 2014 if genuine progressive forces in Nigeria do not gear-up to mobilise Nigerians to demand for their rights from the ruling class. The irrelevant inter-class surge would not solve the problem confronting our people. A country where over 70million people are illiterate and 15.5million children are roaming the streets and a few people who have access to the media are entertained by open letters needs to do something. The government would not move up to her responsibilities in 2014 unless the people are mobilised to demand for their rights. The politics of personality will continue to dominate the Nigerian scene and more defections would continue in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, whose umbrella has torn down the line and will no longer accommodate people with potentials. The All Progressive Congress, APC, has the potential to wax stronger but unfortunately they have preoccupied themselves with people with expired ideas including those who brought Nigeria to where we are today. If these issues are not addressed in 2014, it will determine our fate as a nation,” he lamented.

Leaders should be held responsible for their failures —Aturu Human right activist and a constitutional lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, in his own opinion said Nigerians should assert their rights and

Odumakin

Falana Yerima

Jonathan in 2014: Expectations, hopes rise take their destiny in their own hands by going to the national and local assemblies with placards demanding for their rights. According to him: “Nigerians must understand that this country belongs to all of us and not to politicians or the elite alone. Democracy is about the people and if the people don’t ask questions, then those ruling us will continue to act the way they like. Nigerian can only be changed by Nigerians and for the change to come, they must ask questions from the so-called leaders. If they are not satisfied with their responses, they should take to the streets and protest more. If their local governments as well as the National Assembly are not acting accordingly, they should carry placards and converge at the entrance until they are guaranteed that their needs will be met. That is the only way they can make their intention known to the government. The open letter is just a gimmick preventing revolution from erupting in our nation. The only way forward is for our people to be more active by taking to the streets because members of the elite will not solve the problem for us. We want them to go. Nigerians in 2014 should assert their citizenship right no matter the circumstances they find themselves,” he stated.

National Conference is the most crucial thing now—Odumakin

The Publicity Secretary of a Pan Yoruba group, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin in his own view said the national conference will determine the continuity of the country as one entity even as it’s also a year of centenary celebrations of the country. His words: “2014 is a year of our centenary celebrations. It is 100 years of the amalgamation of Nigeria and there are so many

issues around that amalgamation. The way Nigeria has been managed over the years has created doubt in the minds of Nigerians as a project. It is a year that is important for us to discuss our nationhood. Every other thing will stem from that. Whether there will be 2015 or not, will be determined by how we handle 2014. A lot of issues have been raised by pundits, even internationally about what awaits Nigeria in 2015. We must do everything possible to ensure that we have 2015 and that Nigeria continues beyond 2015. This will guarantee peace and stability among Nigerians. Again, if we can negotiate and reach a consensus in the National Conference, then peace and stability will reign. That is why it is the most crucial thing for 2014. “The allegation of corruption and misappropriations of funds are just the peripherals of what is affecting the structure of Nigeria. There is no way corruption can be stopped in Nigeria until we change the constitution. Currently, we are operating a constitution that has immunity clause that embraces and promotes corruption. You cannot endorse such constitution and claim you are fighting corruption. It is not possible because it was constituted with the aid of corruption. If we are talking of abuse of office, this constitution gives room for our leaders to abuse office. If we are talking of fixing infrastructures, our constitution encourages inefficiencies. A national conference must solve our problems. Until we are able to change the constitution, the same issues that have afflicted us before will continue to afflict us until we fix the problem. It is like building a house on a faulty foundation. 2014 is a year we have to solve our foundational problem before we can move forward as a country. I see the National Conference creating a platform for solving our national problem. But without the National Conference, I perceive the outbreak of calamity in Nigeria.”

12—SA TURD AY 12—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

Origins of PDP-GF

Even when the party had 28 governors, the state helmsmen did not meet as a PDP bloc. The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) was sufficient. However, the tide started changing as posturing for the 2015 elections and moves to stop President Jonathan from seeking a second term gained currency. Soon after the 2011 elections, it was palpable that 17 of the 23 PDP governors are second timers who will quit office in 2015. This indicated that future political interests of each of the retiring governors must be protected to ensure peace and cohesion in the party. Besides, some of these governors picked holes in the manner the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur,

Tukur

Akpabio

G5 Defection: Tasks before PDP—GF was running the party and sought his removal through complaints to President Jonathan. Their opposition to Tukur started before the March 27, 2012 National Convention, where he was elected with Jonathan’s backing. Some governors had opposed his election but the president had his way after much pressure. And therein the seed of discord was sown between the PDP chairman and some governors. The discord played out in Tukur’s home state of Adamawa where the state executive loyal to Governor Murtala Nyako was dissolved in 2012. Nyako had the support of some

ITH the defection of five governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and claims that more governors may leave soon, the leadership of the PDP Governors Forum (PDP-GF) has a mouthful of tasks to masticate. Ahead of next week’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party, the Governor Goodwill Akpabio-led body must double its efforts to reduce friction, smoothen debilitating rough edges and ensure harmony in the party. For a party that used to have 28 governors, which later plummeted to 23 and now 18 with a threat of further reduction, PDP can longer stride on the political landscape as the undisputable dominant party in the country. Its rival Progressive Governors Forum has 16 members. It has also lost its command in the House of Representatives with the defection of 37 Reps to the APC. It may also lose its majority in the Senate if some senators from the states of the aggrieved governors cross-carpet to the APC. These are some of the reasons next week’s NEC meeting is crucial. Already, 11 of the 18 governors have met with President Goodluck Jonathan on the burning issues in readiness for the meeting. The strategic meeting is expected to dissect the circumstances that led to the defection of Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano) and some federal lawmakers to the APC. It is also expected to tinker out modalities for raising PDP caretaker committees in the G5 states, discuss the two governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states holding this year, preparations for the 2015 general elections and the recent exchange of missives between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Jonathan among others. In all these, the PDP-GF has strategic roles to play in accordance with the objectives of creating the body last year.

through the NGF, chaired by Amaechi. With the NGF factionalised the PDP set up the PDP-GF to ensure PDP matters are no longer taken to the larger Governors Forum. Thus, the first task before the Akpabio-led forum was to quickly arrest the drift in the party by seeking cohesion among its ranks. The Akwa Ibom governor said that the PDP-GF was not created to rival the NGF rather its duty is to ensure that PDP governors speak with one voice on issues of common interest. He stressed that rather than allow a break in their ranks, the PDP-GF was ready to pull other governors

With the increasing possibility that Jonathan would seek re-election and his inability to meet their demands, the aggrieved governors said it was time to seek their fortunes in APC ‘to rescue Nigeria

of his brother governors and before long the gulf widened with some aggrieved PDP governors playing the role of the opposition against their party. In fact, one of them vowed to remain in PDP and help bury the party The crises played out in the NGF leading to factionalisation of the forum with Governor Rotimi Amaechi leading a faction and Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau leading the other. Apart from Amaechi and Nyako, the other aggrieved PDP governors were those of Kano, Sokoto, Niger, Jigawa and Kwara. They later emerged as G7 governors. Initially, their battles were being prosecuted

into its fold. To show its seriousness, the PDP-GF prevailed on the National Working Committee (NWC) to rescind the suspension placed on the governor of Sokoto State; Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko took part in series of reconciliatory meetings to resolve the steaming crises ravaging the party and helped in working out layers of reconciliation agreements. However, the PDP-GF could not get a reversal of a similar suspension placed on Amaechi as the matter was already in court. With the aggrieved governors and PDP leadership maintaining hard line stance on their positions and APC leaders wooing the aggrieved

governors and leaders, it became obvious that something must give. The deepening gulf between the Tukur-led PDP and the aggrieved PDP governors and leaders reached a climax on August 31, 2013 during the Special National convention in Abuja. The aggrieved members left the convention ground to another venue where they birthed New PDP (nPDP) and dished out a series of conditions for peace to return. The conditions include: President Jonathan should not recontest in 2015, Tukur should be removed as PDP chairman, an order from the President stopping the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating them, resolution of the NGF crisis, resolution of the Adamawa and Rivers crises as well as the demand that governors must be made to control party structures in the states. President Jonathan refused to interfere in the job of the EFCC. He promised to refer some of the requests to the party hierarchy for consideration and told the nPDP that the request to remove Tukur as national chairman could only be carried out by the National Convention. The G7 and nPDP were not satisfied with the president’s response. Having established themselves as a faction of the PDP, they increased the tempo of their complaints with some of the G7 governors embarking on visits to elder statesmen and former heads of states for consultation. Later, they visited the National Assembly on the issue. Following a court ruling voiding the existence of the nPDP as a faction of the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) recognition of the Tukur-led PDP, the PDP hierarchy bared its fangs. It

viewed the actions of the aggrieved members as anti-party activities and set up a disciplinary committee to look into the issues. However, 24 hours to the sitting of the PDP national disciplinary committee and headed by former transport minister, Dr. Umaru Dikko, to examine various petitions and charges levied against the nPDP’s former chairman, Kawu Baraje, former deputy national chairman, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and former Deputy National Chairman (North-West), Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, the five former PDP governors announced their defection to APC at the Kano State Governor ’s Lodge, Abuja. With the increasing possibility that Jonathan would seek re-election and his inability to meet their demands, the aggrieved governors said it was time to seek their fortunes in APC ‘to rescue Nigeria.’ Having failed to prevent the G5 from leaving, a question on the lips of observers now is can the PDPGF can the PDPGF maintain the required unity that informed its formation in 2012? After the defections, the PDP-GF met two weeks ago to deliberate on the question of whether or not Tukur should be removed. Contrary to expectation, the governors decided that Tukur should retain his seat. Why? There was no consensus among the governors on which North-East state should produce the chairman. It was also gathered that the governors were not willing to produce a chairman at this time so as not to hurt their 2015 plans. Having resolved the chairmanship issue, will the PDPGF help in tackling other challenges before the PDP ahead forthcoming elections? Only time will tell.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Sen Emmanuel Bwacha

Taraba Dep Governor betrayed Suntai S By John Mkom

enator Emmanuel Bwacha, is a Nigeri an politician who was elected to the Senate for the Taraba South constituency of Taraba State, Nigeria in the April 2011 Federal elections. He was elected on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform. Senator Bwacha was born in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State. He has an Education Diploma in Public Administration from the University of Calabar. A public servant, he served as Commissioner of Agriculture for Taraba State between 1999 and 2003 in the Jolly Nyame administration. Senator Bwacha was elected to the federal House of Representatives for the Donga / Ussa / Takum Constituency, serving from May 2003 to May 2007. He was Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs. Gov. Suntai recently hosted former Gov. Nyame on his birthday and you were there, willyou say he is getting better? Gov. Suntai is very sound and alert to function as governor and people who have interacted with him of recent have confirmed this. However, there is confusion put in place by Senator Hope Uzodinma and

Taraba State House of Assembly which have left the people in great state of confusion and the attitude of the Deputy Governor have not helped matters because he has demonstrated a very embarrassing sense of disloyalty and quest to grab power by all means and have compounded it because if he has known that Gov. Suntai has invited him to help him stir the affairs of the state in an election he did not participate in, he would simply have said, ‘ well for whatever I do, I do it with the consent of my Governor

pened. The Deputy Governor has been been carried away by the opinion of some sycophants around him who are bent on reaping on the political crisis that is going on and this is quite unfortunate. He doesn’t know the antecedents of the people he is being surrounded with but time will tell and by the grace of God, very soon, the grains will be separated from the chaff Judging by what you said, Gov Suntai is sound and fit to continue in his responsibilities as governor, what is delaying him if the people of Taraba are eager to see

There was need for the deputy governor to be consulting with Governor Suntai despite illegality of their visit to Taraba even if he is not strong enough’. He would have been consulting with his principal despite the act of illegality of Senator. Hope Uzodinma Committee. There was need for the deputy governor to be consulting with Governor Suntai despite illegality of their visit to Taraba. But as I speak, this has not hap-

him back in the number one position? Any foundation that is built on injustice and falsehood cannot stand the test of time. The people in the state are of the opinion that Gov. Suntai should return to work and take his position, but like I have earlier pointed out , the State House of Assembly which the Deputy

Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014—13

Governor has pocketed by spending huge resources on them so that they can do his bidding which they have been doing but we are trusting God that this same people will repent and go back to God so as to avoid the judgment of God. Like I have early said, no falsehood is bound to stand the test of time. If the House of Assembly chooses to reverse its illegal position, it will be better for them and for the people of Taraba state . So what is the position of things now? It is in the appeal court. The appeal court is to interpret the section of the constitution that provides that the Governor should resume work on return from medical treatment; whether the House has the power to stop him from resuming. However the House of Assembly still stands a chance to revisit and reverse its decision and save both parties from going through the process of litigation. If the House of Assembly chooses that, it will save itself from the danger of God’s judgment and that will appear like a restitution but if they refuse , we will watch and see what will happen. We believe that God is interested in this matter. I will not advice anybody to play or toy around with the destiny of such person. I have come a long way politically and found myself in the fore front of the politics of the state since 1992. I aspired to be the local government chairman when Taraba State was created. I have been in the State House of Assembly. I have been a commissioner. I have been in the House of Representatives and now I’m a senator. I can say with authority and from the position of knowledge that Governor Suntai emerged in Taraba state through divine intervention . It was not by monetary capacity or wealth. Jolly Nyame gave power to Danladi Baido and all the dignitaries that were there but God said no. So all these things are just being said by the political jobbers who are surrounding the Deputy Governor who is in a desperate move to take away power from somebody who mean well for him. I recall you were once a member of the State House of Assembly; how would this constitutional matter have been handled at your time ? Yes I was in the State Assembly and I cannot remember at any point we were disobeying the orders of court of constituted authority with impunity. This never happened in my days and I think what is happening is part of a plot to subvert the mandate that brought Suntai to power and this is being orchestrated by some elements who want to draft Taraba state into anarchy, otherwise, I don’t understand the House of Assembly headed by a Speaker who said he never saw the court order that

banned them from screening commissioners. He said that they brought the order when they have finished the screening and yet, they went ahead to screen two other commissioners. Do not forget that all these screening of commissioners are illegal processes. They are acts that are not supported by law because any activity carried out by Umar since the return of Danbaba as far as the law of the land is concern is illegal and this will count against him. He should be prepared to face the law at any time he leaves. I feel for him as an elderly person. The challenges that will follow after this are enough to weigh him down . So, he should be careful and if he is surrounded by people who are self serving because of the little money they get from him, they will regret it. I don’t know if you have been able to confront Hope Uzodima with your facts to let him know what he has done? First and foremost, I confronted Hope Uzodinma myself with two other senators in our chamber. We asked him if what he did is constitutional and he said one has to keep the constitution aside if you want to do some of these things. What a shame for this to be coming from a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Apart from this, the day Bamanga Tukur visited the PDP caucus in the National Assembly, I raised this matter and asked Hope Uzodinma why he asked the Deputy Governor to continue as Acting Governor and should consult with the Governor on key issues. He told me that he did not say so and I believe if the whole of Tarabans should read this, they would know if I’m lying or Hope Uzodinma because he said these things here in the state before the media that the Deputy Governor should be consulting the Governor but when Bamanga Tukur visited, he denied saying that. So, you can see what is happening; the mystery of iniquity in the period we are living in is purely worrisome and disturbing and again, it is not surprising if you know what the scripture is saying about the time we are in. We know you as a friend to Governor Suntai and when he returned to Nigeria from treatment, you showed total loyalty of your friendship but all of a sudden, instead of watching on how he is responding on his ill health, we saw your posters on the streets of Jalingo for 2015. What have you to say about this ? I refuted the fact that the posters were pasted by me. Remember that I am a politician. I have followers but I suspect two sources. First, it could be from mischief makers who want to incite the public against my person. Secondly, they could be from my well wishers who are getting bored with the Deputy Governor ’s excesses.

14—SATURDAY Vanguard , JANUARY 4, 2014

o here we are in the year 2014, a much expected year like others but much more because of the brand of expectations it has engendered. It is the year of big preparations for tremendous happenings with the trail of events they will have in their wake. It is the year, you see, that will follow the year we have been waiting for —the year that must decide many issues for us as a nation, more than several epoch-making years have ever done. Of course, it will bear its own burden of distractions, some pleasant, others a little trite. There is supposed to be a centenary “celebration” of an occasion that depicted a situation which did not in any way enhance our status as a people, but rather characterised us more firmly and described us more truly as a “colonial territory”, an enforced dependency from the shackles of which we obtained “independence”, and which we celebrate on the first day of the month of October, every year. And why not, when even that Independence Day in October which is supposed to have given existence to the birth of democracy now has to contend with a “Democracy Day” created for the date that saw a cessation of our freedom’s seizure by the brutish force of military might. So we already have the Independence Day, Democracy Day, and now Amalgamation Centenary, which may very well open the way for its own day. And it is ALL lying in wait in the year 2014.

*pigs may fly We must tighten the electoral methods that love loop-holes for the disenfranchisement of citizens. There should, in fact, be an open enquiry into the entire electoral organization with the aim of achieving a reorientation of the system and its operators

itself. The emergence of the All Progressives Party, as a serious political force, is now a reality. It may affect activities on the political terrain in a turbulent period before various sections have really settled in their ranks. This relates to the hydra-headed leadership that will have t0 be resolved at no distant date, if it is not to cause the much desired dissension expected by the Peoples Democratic Party whose ranks are being decimated daily by defections to the APC. So substantial has been the influx of the PDP members into an opposition party that the opposition is being virtually installed in a predominant

here will also be yet chunkier distractions by way of openly futile litigation from political sources, of course. The abuse and misuse of that nature, of court processes has continued to provide rye diversions at times to unwavering judicial disapprovals that seem to little deter them, while notable learned men maintain their mincing gait smiling all the way to the bank . Perhaps the weightiest distraction will be the National Conference which is almost upon us, albeit in its amorphous state. The definition of the representation is still to me rather without a definite form, and the structure of its organization is still vague from this distance. But what appears definite is that it is going to be held. There is no way of guaranteeing the ultimate agreement even among those who fervently aver their support for it. It appears that there is even a dissonance in the way its sympathizers project their vision about the resolution of the outcome. Will it have to receive the blessing of the legislature, or is it destined for ratification by plebiscite? Perhaps those who openly speak in frank disapproval of the entire project are merely being honest with the people of this country in their desire to make us face the tedious task ahead. And that is the organization for the national elections of next year.

aving watched with dismay how the two state elections were recently botched, as openly admitted by the organizers themselves, we would definitely need to overhaul our electoral system thoroughly before embarking on an enterprise of that intensity. We should re-consider the legal deterrents against electoral malpractices; for one thing. We ought to streamline our processes of litigation to prevent the untidy prolongation of election cases in court beyond reasonable limits. We must tighten the electoral methods that love loop-holes for the disenfranchisement of citizens. There should, in fact, be an open enquiry

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•Prof.Jega,It's in his own interest, to ensure that his tools are unimpeachable...

into the entire electoral organization with the aim of achieving a reorientation of the system and its operators. I know about the widespread belief in the integrity of INEC’s Jega, and that is not at question here. But the organization cannot feed all the time on the personal reputation of just one man. It is in his own interest, anyway, to ensure that his tools are unimpeachable, to start with, so that the faults may be properly lodged where they belong, should they occur. And then we have the drama, both human and thematic, of the action

position, at least in the House of Representatives. It is also significant that the drift has been mainly from the Northern membership of the PDP who may feel strong enough to balk at the status quo in the leadership of the APC which is markedly Southern. It would be typical of them to recoil from such a situation. And then the fat would be in the fire .

t is a scenario worth contemplating and full of intransigent sharp points. It is however not beyond resolution, especially if its dangers are seen

from afar and preparations are made to forestall them. If it materializes, that would call for maturity, patience, statesmanship, and an abnegation of personal ambition and self- worth. But the stakes are high though the main consideration would be hinged on whether the defectors can go it alone, for they have a destination — they have a goal as core Northern politicians—a priori installation of a Northerner as the next President of Nigeria. That has to be resolved in 2014. It embodies other nuances that may affect even that leadership of the Northern APC itself which may be drawn from PDP members that are yet to defect. It may even lead to the formation of a new party comprising the defectors, and leading to a legal wrangle of another colour. But the APC has declared no interest in the Presidential stakes for next year, anyway, so the stress should be limited to personal issues. But then, maybe we have overshot ourselves in our estimation. Maybe the PDP will overcome its internal problems. Maybe pigs will fly - in 2014.

The removal of the Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja has left a few structural debris littered all over the place. While reasonable efforts have been made to rehabilitate some of them, others are abandoned in a state of desuetude and constitute an eyesore to the terrain. A good example is the former Secretariat which also served at one time as the Army Headquarters. Another is the former Community Centre at Onikan. Even the once gorgeous King Gorge V Swimming Pool in Onikan, when it was a park, is now reduced to a fire service station. At least, that is serving some purpose. The point here is that the departure of the Federal Government should not server to diminish the beauty of the structures in the city, but should rather be made to enhance it. Eko 0 oi baje o. Time out.

SATURDAY Vanguard ,JANUARY 4, 2014—15 Vanguard,JANUARY

A new reason for the season

o all intents and purposes, the festive season is over. Another year with its expected twists and turns, starts in earnest on Monday. It is time maybe to reflect on what the festive season has meant to us over the years. Growing up for me was fun and full of expectations; especially during the Xmas/New Year seasons. For one, it signified the end of the year and the expectation of a promotion to a higher class was always there and if you did well enough, of school prizes— mainly books— and a preferential treatment at home for the duration of the festive holiday. It meant older siblings coming home from different boarding schools. It meant rice with chicken or turkey or — at some brief point during that era— ram for the New Year. It was also the only period you were certain of new clothes and shoes. I grew up in a fairly large compound with families who had children my age. There were games like ludo, football, some athletics even- during the day, and tales, gossips, and more games in the evenings. A few masquerades were also likely to be seen along with traditional dancers and drummers. This season meant a lot of food and families indulged themselves in different delicacies which they always passed round. Dishes were prepared and sent to parents while communal meals were prepared for kids. And if you were lucky to go on a food errand, it meant a few

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coins in your pocket. But the greater excitement was the possibility of new clothes. Tailors worked feverishly to make clothes ready for the festivities and many were the children who got disappointed by their tailors. We also had families that pulled together to sew identical clothes for their children- a sort of ‘aso ebi’ for kids. We kids invariably compared the outfits as we preened and showed off on the way to church. Those were the days my friend. Then as I grew older and fled the nest, the season took a different meaning. As a working journalist, it meant corporate lunches and dinners. It meant calendars, cufflinks, paper knives and hampers as Corporate Affairs managers tried to out do themselves especially during the oil boom period. It meant going from a midnight service straight to the dancing halls of clubs and private parties. Many were the times we dispensed with the midnight church service completely and popped bottles on the stroke of the hour wherever it met us. The more romantic ones chose the early minutes of a new year to toast a special partner. Those were the days my friend. As we grew older and had our own families, the period became a time to give the children a semblance of what we had growing up despite the fact that television had replaced moonlight stories and PCs had destroyed

communal living. I always sense Xmas is in the air when the climate changes and the harmattan wind comes with its dust and mist. This meant cold mornings and colder taps especially if you grew up in a rural town or village. Later, in the city, the first arrival of a Xmas card meant the season had commenced. These days, it is not the Xmas card that signals the season, it is the wedding card. They simply pile up once the season approaches and have managed to replace traditional seasonal cards. There have been times I have been unlucky enough to have two weddings per day for a week during the festive season. I often wonder why people put weddings on Xmas, Boxing and New Year days. Is this a sign of how insensitive we have become as a nation? These are family days which people should respect and hold inviolate. (I hope soon, to write about weddings and how we have created a new industry and a new National past time of waste — of time and money.) Yes; weddings have become another reason for the season.

or many of us over the years, there have been many reasons for the season—a time of decorations, exchange of gifts, visits, weddings and revelry. The birth of Christ and what it should signify is lost on us. That someone who knows he was going to die a horrible death willingly came to earth to redeem us and make atonement for our sins has been lost on us. The nearest thing to sobriety is in the planning of New Year resolutions. Unfortunately, very few of us have the will power to

even follow that through. I realise that the body needs the break that the season provides since it gives us an opportunity to recharge our depleted batteries. And for those who make annual trips home, an opportunity to connect with their roots. Fun is good and the sharing of fun is even better. But as we feed the body during festive seasons, it will not be amiss to feed the mind and body as well. Xmas is the anniversary of a man who willingly went through a sacrificial death while the New Year is a chance to start afresh and correct the mistakes of the past. We should take those to heart and examine the values that are becoming entrenched in our consciousness; values of profligacy, wastefulness, greed and insensitivity to the have nots in our midst. Let the new reason for the season be that of renewal, of rebirth. Another year has begun and we have been handed a blank cheque again. What are we going to fill in it? May God inspire us to do what is right .

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16—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

n my honour, I promise that in this new year, I will do my best. I will do my duties to God and my country. I’m a prominent Nigerian politician. I love my country with all my heart and all my soul. I am a strong believer in the anti-corruption crusade. I believe in the brand called Nigeria and the fact that Nigeria should be re branded, but not the Dora Akunyili way. I will never join those who steal billions of Naira of public money. I will never under any guise steal public money for 2015 elections. I will never lie to my people or deceive them into thinking that all is well, whereas all is not well. God forbid, I will never join any campaign of calumny against anybody or be a party to spreading rumours or lies against my fellow poli-tricians. I will not join the list of those writing mischievous letters to the president or countrymen. I will not encourage Nigerians to sing the George Orwell’s song of old England in the new Nigeria. Nigeria is not an animal farm despite the mischief of those who talk about the animal called man and who also run animal farms in their domain where they parade sickly chickens and ducks. I have read George Orwell’s Animal Farm and I will sing a new song for Nigeria. Nigerians are not beasts and so I will not refer to them as beasts like George Orwell did in old England. For purposes of clarity, one of the most allegorical books I read as a secondary school student was Animal Farm written by George Orwell published in England on 17 August 1945 in which he tried, with full consciousness of what he was doing, “to fuse political purpose and artistic purpose into one whole”. I love Animal Farm and its song, Beasts of England. Orwell wrote the book from November 1943–February 1944, when the wartime alliance with the Soviet Union was at its height and Stalin was held in highest esteem in Britain among the people. The book was initially rejected by a number of British and American publishers. It’s publication was thus delayed, though it became a great commercial success when it did finally appear partly because of the Cold War so quickly followed by World War 11. I am not saying that we politicians in Nigeria are fighting any cold war with one another. Nigerians will never have the beasts of England experience and in my new year resolution, I have a message of hope for the people . So, let the people of Nigeria hearken to my joyful song as evil men in different facets of Nigeria’s life will be overthrown and the fruitful fields of Nigeria shall be trodden by the ordinary people of my political constituency. In this new year, bright will shine the fields of Nigeria and purer shall her waters be. Sweeter yet shall

My new year resolutions

What is your new year resolution? blow its breezes on the day that sets Nigerians free of every corrupt tendencies. I am a politician very close to my roots. My constituency loves me and I love them because I have resolved not to use the money for constituency projects on foreign travels and building of gigantic mansions all over Nigeria and beyond. I will not buy bullet-proof armoured cars either. Yes, I know I want a second term in office but I have resolved not to loot the treasury under my care to achieve my selfish end. I agree that virtually every body knows that the 2015 elections will be rigged but I have resolved to make the difference. I am not saying that I will not rig, but I will rig with class. I must do it so minimally and with sophistication. I will not snatch ballot boxes in broad daylight or sew police and army uniform for my thugs to use in scaring away people in my rigging process. I must not swear in any shrine or temple or employ university students as thugs. I have resolved not to buy any electoral commissioner or use subtle threats against him to manipulate elections in my favour. The last time, I did something horrible which I will not do again. I threatened the electoral commissioner, reminded him that I have the addresses of where his parents, siblings, wife and children were living. I even told him the names of the schools his children were attending and

threatened him to manipulate the results in my favour and I would do the needful. I was then conscious of the fact that he could get sacked and so, I doubled his gratuity and paid him off. I requested to know the number of years he had remaining in the civil service and I calculated the sum and paid him all. This year, I have resolved never to do that again for 2015 election. I am now a born-

stupid in the eyes of the people because I must identify the scape-goat and get him punished even though I will settle him very well also. As a believer in continuity, I must ensure the next CBN governor must be made in the image and likeness of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. If not in anything else, at least in his dress sense. The next CBN governor must always wear all the gadgets of a traditional chieftain. He could have his

This year, I have resolved to sing peaceful and love songs for Nigeria .I will not make statements that will criticise the good leadership of Nigeria PHD in Traditional/Ritual again Nigerian and have resolved not to rig in a crude manner but in more sophisticated ways. My opponents know we all rig but the one that out rigs the other wins the election. I will not let my opponents suffer too much by causing ASUU, NASU, medical practitioners and others in essential services to go on strike so as to make my opponents unpopular. Using trade unions against my opponents is not such a bad idea but for the peoples sake, I

will try and make it less

gruesome by providing alternatives so they will believe in me and see me as the ultimate messiah. I will not do anything that will make Professor Jega look

Religion from Okija shrine or Bible Knowledge from the Vatican.I have also resolved not to talk about Sanusi’s letter to President Jonathan alleging that $49.8 billion oil money was missing. The full story of the missing money is now history. As for job creation, I must ensure that all the youths in my constituency get employed this year. As 2015 is just next year, their services are highly required towards making my next political ambition a reality. All the youths must get employed! I have resolved to do that this new year. And of course, I’m not ignorant of the fact that some people who are occupying certain positions already are not willing to vacate those

positions for anything. I have therefore resolved that these youths I will employ remain in my domain just in case I need to make my domain ungovernable for anyone. This year, I don’t need to be dogmatically tied to my political party in the name of party discipline, I can always get some dissidents and together, form a new version of my party. This has become a necessity so nobody accuses me of anti-party activities or risk being written a love letter. I don’t want any former political office occupier to write me a letter. I want to do my own things my own way without castigations from any quarter. I will not toe the line of those who decamped to other political parties because of threat of losing their domain of thievery. I will not write any ludicrous letter like the one written to Jonathan by former President Obasanjo on corruption et al. I don’t know why people keep forgetting that Aminu Tambuwal is also a letter writer. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, thinks Jonathan is too corrupt to fight corruption, narrating examples to buttress his point, not missing the fact that corruption has become a way of life under the Jonathan administration and dumping all the blames at the doorsteps of the President. I will never indict myself by writing such a letter. I have also resolved in this new year that in my constituency, nobody will write such stupid letters to anybody. I’m equally aware that stealing pension funds is the in-thing. I will not let anybody steal pension funds or deprive retirees of good life in their old age as those stolen in the past never got recovered and the culprits never got any serious punishment because as politicians, we are all guilty of similar offences. I will never accuse my fellow politicians of corrupt enrichment or outline impeachable offences when I begin to lose favour before higher authorities. It is not because I don’t have the liver to do so but because what goes around comes around. As for security challenges, I will call a spade by name and admit that Nigeria and its people are in grave danger. I will not advise President Jonathan to do what OBJ did in Odi and Zaki Biam as a way of tackling insecurity in the country. In my own constituency, I will deal decisively with people that constitute nuisance under the guise of religion or ethnicism. I will match my words with action and instead of using my security votes for something else, I will use it for the purpose for which it is voted. No Nigerian will sing George Orwell’s song of old England in the new Nigeria of my dream. So help me God.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4 4, 2014—17

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18 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

My parents kicked against my becoming an actress --Blessing Patrick

BY JULIET EBIRIM Blessing Patrick is one of the fast-rising actresses in Nollywood. She talks about her life as an actress, model and fashion designer.

y name is Blessing Patrick. I’m an actress from Cross River State. I studied Sociology and Anthropology at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology. I joined Nollywood through a friend who was also passionate about acting. I used to accompany her to locations as well as movie auditions. Then people were trying to discourage me. Particularly, my parents were objecting to it, saying “You can’t go into acting because you need to go to school”. But despite their objection, I was still going to locations with my friend. There and then, I made my contacts and later, returned to school. Professionally, I started acting in 2011. The first person that gave me my first role was Solomon Akpete, popularly known as Solo Amaco. And the movie was called "Daughters of Eve" featuring Mercy Johnson and Majid Michel. I have also done other movies including "Sexy Vampires", "Masquerade Dancers", "Midwifes", "Tears of a Holy" "Heart, Kings’ Bed", "My World", "Enter the Place" and so on. So far, it has been a worthwhile experience. It is said that nothing good comes easily.But I give God all the glory. Things have been working out according to

God’s plan. There was this moment in my career when I did the movie titled, ‘King’s Bed’. I had a lot of experiences on that set. I had to do what is not really me. Though I’m still looking forward to taking up a very challenging role in a movie. I’ve done a couple of movies, but I’m yet to do any movie that has really challenged me to the extreme. I don’t have any regrets doing what I'm doing today. In the course of pursuing my career in acting, I have won a couple of awards. Among them were the City People Best New Actress of the Year Award 2013( English), Best New Actress of the Year at the Nigeria Media Nite Out Award 2013 and Gbedu Recognition Award. I feel so blessed that God is really with me , watching over me and supporting my efforts. Winning these awards and getting all these recognitions meant a lot of things to me. My parents were initially not in support of my becoming an actress. But they don’t have a choice because this is what I love to do. I can’t do anything that has nothing to do with entertainment. They realised that I have also given them what they wanted. My movies are quite inspiring. When they watch them, they are happy for me. As an actress, I look up to God in the first place. I also look up to so many stars like Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Rita Dominic and Joke Silva. I want to act alongside Ramsey Noah, Rita Dominic and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde. Besides acting, I also write. I'm the Editor of Infinity

Fashion and Style Magazine as well as a model. I hope to go into movie production soon. If I wasn't acting,I'd be a fashion designer. Combining acting, modelling and fashion designing is not a problem for me. This is because they are things I love doing, I just try to strike a balance. When I was a little girl, I used to watch movies a lot. I knew I was going to end up becoming an actress. I can fit into any role because that is what makes me an actress, provided I will not be required to go nude.I am passionate about my job as an actress. Acting is my hobby. My childhood was

As an actress, I look up to God in the first place. I also look up to so many stars like Omotola Jalade- Ekeinde, Rita Dominic and Joke Silva. memorable because l started doing what my mates were not doing at the time. I was always with my mother who

fashion designing from her. in fact, my mother made it compulsory for me to learn how to handle a sewing

machine when l was growing up. Perhaps, she knew that she won’t be with me for too long. She left me with a legacy and today, I am who I am because of her. When it comes to style, I dress the way I want to be addressed. My style is me. I have a sweet and lovely shape. At least, that is what people say. But I believe what sells me is the finger of God in my life. It is by God’s grace and hard work that I have been able to attain the height that I have reached today and I hope to be a shining example to the young ones.

Sta ying Out taying

Sta ying In taying

laying indoor games can be a fun activity for adults this holiday season. Scrabble can also be a fun indoor activity too. Solving riddles, playing various card games are other things you can do. If you have a table tennis setup, then you can play single and doubles games which can be very entertaining.Making wonderful greeting cards can be one of the finest activities to do when you are at home this yuletide season. You can divide tasks among yourselves by asking some participants to draw pictures, others to color them and someone to think of new ideas of preparing greeting cards. Make use of quality paper, crayons and water colors to make the greeting cards look the best. If you are fond of music, then playing music together could probably be a cool activity. Try your hand at playing musical instruments such as guitar, piano and violin.You can also listen to some of your favorite songs.

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was a great fashion designer and I practically learnt all that l needed to know about

hotography can be one of the best activities to refresh your mind. What you can do is buy a good camera and start taking some beautiful pictures.Try to capture some nice nature photos like those of water bodies, wildlife and mountains. Outdoor team games such as tug of war, basketball and football can be a very good way to spend your time. Just collect the required sports equipment and go to a nearby ground to practice the games. Swimming or running races can also be very entertaining. Golf is another brilliant outdoor game which can give you a lot of pleasure. If you are quite fond of watching films, then why not consider the idea of going for a movie. It would be better if you can book your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment and enjoy watching your favorite stars. So, have a good time and just chill out, with friends and family of course!

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 4, 2014 — 19

I hate my parents

Aunty Julie, am a teen liv ing with over ly strict parents. I am not allowed to wear tank tops, skirts, makeup, or jewelry. I can’t cut my hair and they will only let me wear it natural. My parents refuse to let me pick out my own clothes. The only boyfriend I ever had was in my dreams, meanwhile it seems like every other girl has made out with at least 5 guys. And sex — that’s completely out of the question; I haven’t even had a first kiss. To make things even worse, I have breakouts and I’m not allowed to use any skin care products. I am ugly, and my parents don’t care. Please tell me what I should do! Flora, Ughelli

Dear Flora, Dating. Curfews. Leisure time. What you eat. What you wear. These are just a few of the many, many aspects of life that you have very little say in right now. And the small amount of your life that your parents don’t control, your school probably does. Of course, different parents have different restrictions and teens themselves have a wide range of reactions to rules. But you definitely are not alone in feeling like your parents’ rules are too strict. As a teen approaching young adulthood, you are becoming your own person but as young children, we are more dependent on the rules and structure of our parents. How else would we learn the value of everything from brushing our teeth every night to avoiding electrical sockets? So parents have the difficult task of figuring out which rules to throw out, which ones to ease up on, and which ones to enforce, but more on this later. The other concern you raise is about “being ugly.” Breakouts are the pits, no question.

The exact cause of acne is still not fully understood, but there are likely multiple factors. What is clear is that there are glands in the skin that become quite active during puberty as hair follicles are stimulated for the first time. Thus, pores can become clogged more easily, sometimes because of a mix of dead skin skills (made worse when skin becomes too dry) and excessive oil production. Acne is often more of an issue for people in their teens to early 20s, but can impact people of all ages. Of course, the skin treatment is only a part of this much larger conflict. You have a very nor-

Nosy neighbours are ruining our romance

The only boyfriend I ever had was in my dreams, meanwhile it seems like every other girl has made out with at least 5 guys

Dear Julie, Thanks for your wonderful advice on so many topics! I haven’t seen any problem related to a little problem I’ve been having, though. It seems the paper thin walls in my apartment make it tough for me and my boyfriend to be intimate, during conversations, during sex, without the neighbours reacting. If I’m on the phone and tell him how I feel about him, the couple next door starts to crack up. I thought at first it was a coincidence, but it has happened about seven or eight times. Once I even said, “let’s talk later, I think the neighbours are listening” and they shut right up. What’s most offensive to me is if we make a noise above a whisper while talking or making love, we hear the neighbours react by sarcastically making sex noises and laughing next door. This feels like a big invasion of privacy. It’s making me self-conscious to make a peep during intimacy . I don’t want an audience! Help, Julie! Do you have any suggestions? Tinuke, Abeokuta

mal, developmental need to go your own way in certain areas of your life. Your parents are used to being in control since they have the responsibility of protecting you from harm. Is it possible that they are having a difficult time adjusting their roles as you mature? Is there, perhaps, some other reason they are so protective? Have you tried to understand their reasons rather than just push back? Clashes between parents in teens may be made more intense by cultural differences and generational differences. Though it may seem like they will never come around and see things from your point of view, a little patience and persistence in communicating with them can go a long way.

Dear Tinuke You’re not alone in valuing privacy, especially in intimate situations. And, it’s hard to think of a positive side to having paper-thin walls. If the neighbours were your friends, your setup would have let you to play a little practical joke on them involving a conversation you “accidentally” let them overhear. But, since you don’t seem to be on great terms with your neighbours, it seems best to focus on privacy-enhancing solutions.

First though, limiting your self-expression during sex or even during conversations with your partner because of what the neighbours might hear puts an unfortunate burden on your relationship. It’s polite to consider that other people might not want to hear your every word or listen to you have sex 24 hours a day, but intimate conversations and sex are natural and nothing to be ashamed of.

Still, some privacy is clearly important. Do the neighbours have any kind of regular schedule? Maybe they’re usually away from home at certain times. You might use those times for more private activities or conversations. Have you ever spoken directly with your neighbours? They might appreciate more privacy too, and you could work out a solution together. If you’d rather not talk with them, and it seems like they’re always there, maybe playing some music could camouflage your conversations. Sounds of the ocean? A little Mozart?

I’m attracted to another Aunty Julie, I have been dating a guy for well over a year-and-a-half, and we really enjoy each other’s companionship. We have a great friendship and a great sex life. The problem is that I am finding myself attracted to another person. I think this other person has a girlfriend. Furthermore, I don’t want to have a relationship with this other person — it’s just that I find myself dreaming about kissing him because he is so attractive. I know I’m crazy because everything is great in my relationship and people envy the relationship I have with my boyfriend. I just can’t get this guy off my mind. What should I do? Stephanie, Lagos

Something important “Mom, Dad, sit down. I have something very important to tell you,” said Samantha, upon her return home from college after graduation. “I met a guy who lives near the college that I really like and we decided we are going to get married!” “Oh Samantha! I am so happy for you!” Gushed her Mom giving her a big hug, “I hope you two will be really happy together! I can’t wait to meet him!” “Tell us more about him” said her Dad, “does he have any money?” “Oh Dad! Is that all you men ever think about? That was the first question he asked me about you too!”

The butt A husband exclaims to his wife one day, “Your butt is getting really big. It’s bigger than the BBQ grill!” Later that night in bed, the husband makes some advances towards his wife who completely

Hello Stephanie, It is completely natural to think and even dream about people other than your primary partner. All you need to remember is that there is a difference between fantasy and reality. Attractions to others are one of the many joys of life. What people imagine related to their attraction allows them to experience and even learn about themselves, their feelings, and their behaviours. People are in control of their behaviours and may make choices and decisions concerning what they may or may not actually want to try. Fortunately, fantasies may create a safe, healthy way to explore the many dif-

Rearranging your living space might also enhance your privacy. Could you move your bed or bedroom farther from the wall you share with the neighbours? Hanging a thick tapestry on the wall might also offer some noise-dampening effect. If you can’t move somewhere with

thicker walls, or replace your neighbours with a lovely couple who is hard-of-hearing, increasing the ambient noise level in your living space may offer you more privacy, or at least prevent you from hearing your neighbours make fun of you. Hopefully, you can focus on enjoying your music and your boyfriend.

ferent aspects of sexuality and attraction. Many people are content to leave their feelings of attraction in the realm of fantasy, safe to enjoy privately, or perhaps with a partner. However, if you find yourself wanting to move forward with your attraction, it could prove useful to examine your current relationship. You may assess its strengths and weaknesses and think about how the two of you

C O C K - T A L E S

may grow within the relationship. Thinking creatively about ways to achieve what’s lacking in your primary relationship may be beneficial. You may then choose not to follow through on your impulses so that you may strengthen the bonds of trust you’ve built over time. Remember, you are ultimately in control of what role this fantasy plays in your life and in your current relationship.

ture...”

Perfect relationship

brushes him off. “What’s wrong?” he asks. She anA sixty-four-year-old man is sitting on a park bench, swers, “Do you really think I’m going to fire up this sobbing, when a young man walks by and asks him big-ass grill for one little weenie?” what’s wrong. Through his tears the old man answers, “I’m in love with a twenty-two-year-old woman.” Birthday gift Ralph is driving home one evening, when he sud- “What’s wrong with that?” asks the young man. denly realizes that it’s his daughter’s birthday and Between his sobs and sniffles, he answers, “You don’t he hasn’t bought her a present. He drives to the understand, every morning before she goes to work, mall, runs to the toy store, and says to the shop we make love. At lunchtime she comes home and assistant, “How much is that Barbie in the window?” we make love again, and then she makes my faIn a condescending manner, she says, “Which Bar- vorite meal. In the afternoon, when she gets a bie?” She continues, “We have Barbie Goes to the break, she rushes home and gives me oral sex, Gym for $19.95, Barbie Goes to the Ball for $19.95, the best an old man could want. And then at supBarbie Goes Shopping for $19.95, Barbie Goes to pertime, and all night long, we make love.” He the Beach for $19.95, Barbie Goes Nightclubbing breaks down, no longer able to speak. The young for $19.95, and Divorced Barbie for $265.00.” Ral- man puts his arm around him. “I don’t underph asks, “Why is the Divorced Barbie $265.00 when stand. It sounds like you have the perfect relaall the others are only $19.95?” “That’s obvious,” tionship. Why are you sitting here on this park the saleslady says. “Divorced Barbie comes with bench crying?” The senile old man answers, again Ken’s house, Ken’s car, Ken’s boat, Ken’s furni- through his tears, “I forgot where I live.”

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4 4, 2014 08052201257

When you begin to experience moments of doubt

unmi loved to have tremendous fun as a single lady but at the point she wanted to settle down, she became more selective of men. She often joked that the party was over and the time for reality had come. She considered three men before finally settling down with Efosa and she had issues with each of these men which she weighed on the scale of wisdom. But as the relationship with each of them blossomed, an internal alarm began to trigger off which made her to eventually call it quits with two of them, making her settle for the most unlikely of the three men. What do you do when this warning light comes on and suddenly flares to a fiery hot red. This internal alarm is about to put a cold damper on your relationship. As your love progresses and you learn more about your mate, there will come the moment when a question must be answered. At some point, every relationship comes to this fork in the road. Do I want this? Is this the guy for me? You love everything about him, but you have some doubts. Do you decide to invest more into the relationship or is it time to walk? Doubt and disagreement are a natural part of partnership. This is the texture we need to keep things interesting; to learn and grow. It is rare that two lovers are completely compatible. There is always something that will disturb or irritate, whether it

is a habit, interest, trait or all three. There are probably many things you would like to change about your mate. Maybe he works too hard or loudly smacks his lips when he eats. His mother is a terror. The list might be endless. Rest assured, he has a few issues about you that he does not love. A relationship is a beautiful dance of being in sync at times and at others, it requires twirling delicately around our imperfections, incompatibilities and inhumanities. Sometimes you dance a steady waltz. Other times you may explode into a fiery tango. There is a great beauty in the efforts we make to tolerate each other. This dance is the way we negotiate our love. So what do you dislike about him? Is he a sports nut? No style? Big nose? Can’t swim? Poor taste in cinema? Can’t cook? These are the behaviours that you dislike. But are they deal breakers? Look closely at your resistance to accept your partner. Do these irritations trigger something in you and your acceptance of yourself? Ask these questions as you examine your ability to tolerate others and negotiate compromises. If you are allowed to caterwaul in the shower, then he can leave the cap off the toothpaste. If he is obsessed with D’banj, just sing along. If he wants to restore a car, you might want to hand him a wrench. These are the things we negotiate. Hopefully, together as a couple, you will find several interests that you can share.

Always be aware that life is a river. Change is the only constant, the only thing that you can ever count on. You and your partner will change over time. One cannot predict the future. But how does the future, on a hunch, look to be with your mate But perhaps, there are important issues that you simply cannot tolerate. Is he using drugs? Does he always borrow money from you? Is he still sleeping with his ex? If you have healthy self-esteem, you will likely kick him to the curb for these habits. The first six months are critical in making clear, clean rational decisions. What can you live with? What should you run from? Dating is like shopping for your final pair of jeans, the pair that looks so good on you, you’ll treasure them for ever.

Will the style hold that long? What about the cut? You must make some tough decisions in search of your emotions. Look inside. What do you really want? Is it realistic? Is it healthy and free flowing? Will the relationship grow naturally or will it become forced? You may not be clairvoyant, but your instinct is a powerful and pure tool. Always be aware that life is a river. Change is the only constant, the only thing that you can ever count on. You and your partner will change over time. One cannot predict the future. But how does the future, on a hunch, look to be with your mate? What if, in the first month, he likes to have a beer with dinner? Then by the fourth month, he prefers a twelve pack. The warning light blinks. Suddenly, your most honest and true instincts will suggest your guy is a liability, not an asset. Asking people to change rarely works well in the end. Why deprive someone of their natural rhythms? If you make your guy toss his model railroad set, he may begin to quietly resent you. We must always try to approach romance with acceptance and unconditional love. When a warning light flares, you know to take a step back and ask the hard questions. What does your heart tell you? Are your intentions honest and pure? Are you staying in this relationship because you are too afraid to move on? Everyone grows cautious for a reason.

How long should I wait before dating again?

y name is Rita and I was married for fifteen years before my husband packed out of our matrimonial home without uttering a word to me. We were not fighting and never quarreled over anything serious. I was too shocked when he didn’t come home for weeks and refused to pick my calls. I eventually got to speak with him through his best friend and he told me he has had it and said he wouldn’t want to discuss our relationship. I sent many people to him and tried to beg him to return home but he was definite about it. Our three little kids were worried

that their father wasn’t coming home anymore and I lied to them that he travelled and would soon be back. It was a long wait for him to come home as he eventually came to the house one day to pick the rest of his things and told the kids that he and mummy were never going to be living together anymore. The two older children cried but the last one didn’t give a damn. My husband moved in with another woman and later filed for divorce. We got an official separation but the divorce is still pending for over a year. He is living with another woman and she has a daughter already. I have been alone for three

years now and I feel very lonely. I’m still young, 39 years and want another relationship. Is it okay for me to start dating again? Ans: The time following a divorce/ separation provides you with an opportunity to be alone with yourself - something many folks never experience. This doesn’t mean you isolate yourself. On the contrary, seek out friends and family you may have drifted from during your marriage. Their support and friendship can strengthen you as you recover and develop new independence. Once you’re on the other side of this process, you’ll know when you’re ready to date again. You’ll be

able to distinguish between dating out of loneliness and neediness vs. being ready for healthy companionship. Many folks coming out of a divorce are in a different phase of life from when they were last single and dating. They may be significantly older, may have children, a career and a life that’s pretty structured and filled up. What may have once seemed a great way to meet people—parties or singles bars, for example may no longer feel right for you. But if you really want to commence dating, don’t do so out loneliness or neediness to avoid going over the same process all over again.

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SATURDAY Vanguard,JANUARY 4 4,, 2014 — 21

Why shouldn’t women be as sexually experienced as men? S

EX has always meant different things to different people. Whilst a handful of ladies hold on to their virginity (as bargaining chips maybe?) a lot of men scoff at the myth of ‘deflowering’ a woman. “What’s the big deal in that?” Scoffed Kamar, a married medical doctor with three children, “Someone has to get there first, I had a virgin girl once but after she’d tasted the forbidden fruit, she was off on a sampling spree. By the time I met my current wife, she wasn’t a virgin and she refused to let on on how many men she’d ‘ sampled’ . 1 was quite at home with that. Better you know the package you’re getting than your girl flaunting her virginity at you,” I recently came across the views of a 25-year old adventurer who said: “My mum first talked to me about sex when 1 was just 10 years old. ‘It’s something very special that happens between two people who love each other,’ she said. Her words stuck with me, so in my early teens, when my friends started experimenting… I wasn’t interested, I didn’t even kiss a boy until 1 was 16. There was no way I was going to lose my virginity in a quickie fumble. I wanted it to be special. ‘I met David at university. He was funny and sweet and when he had an exciting and asked me to go to the cinema experimental sex life. As we with him, I was thrilled. both lived at home we’d often have a bonk in his car or in a oon he was my boyfriend field by my house. We just and just before my 17th couldn’t keep our hands off birthday, I lost my virginity each other. But six months at his house. His parents were after first having sex, we split away and he’d cooked dinner up. We both loved each other and bought presents. ‘I love but felt we were too young to you’ he says as we lay in each settle down, I really missed other’s arm after wards. Even him. However, I missed the though we were young, we sex more, I definitely didn’t

want another relationship, yet I craved intimacy. “A few weeks later, I was on a night out when I met a tall good-looking guy who was a few years older than me. ‘Do you want to go back to mine? He asked after just an hour of chatting ‘sure,’ I said without hesitation. As I left the club, I sent my mates a text message telling them where I was going. The sex was mind-blowing and as I left his flat the next day I realized not only did I not have his number, I didn’t even know his name.

ut I wasn’t bothered at all, I know it’s dangerous going home with a stranger but I loved the buzz, it was the first of many one-night stands. By the time I’d left home, I’d slept with 25 men and was in no hurry to get a boyfriend; I later met a boy at the university who lived in my hall of residence. I went back to his room. We had sex and

It’s something very special that happens between two people who love each other

both fell asleep, I woke up in the early hours and sneaked off. There was no way I wanted to hang around for the morning-after awkwardness! “Over the next four years, I had many men — in fact, my flat mates would be shocked if I didn’t bring a man home after a night out! To celebrate graduating, my course mates and I went on a weekend away. Within three hours of arriving, I was heading back to the apartment of one of the hunky local men. These days, I’ve calmed down a little, but only because working full-time stops me from going out as much. “To be honest, I have no idea how many men I’ve slept with. I stopped counting at 100. But I know how important it is to be careful and I always use condoms. I’d never had sex with a guy who refused to wear protection. Generally, men like my refreshing attitude to sex but most say I’m not girl friend material. They couldn’t cope with a woman who’s slept with more people than them, that attitude frustrates me — it’s 2013 and things should be equal. I know having sex with a lot of people isn’t for every one, but I think they’re missing out!”

Giv e yyour our body an MOT this N ew Y ear! Give Ne Year! Quiz: ivide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. 1. If you are a man, a score of up to 0.95 is good. A score of 0.96 and above is bad. 2. To calculate your body mass index (how fat you are), measure your weight in kilograms (this is value A). A measure your height in meters and multiply this by itself (the result is valued B). A score of 18 to 25 is good. Anything else is bad. 3 . Have you had a major illness in the past ten years (Yes/No). 4 . Have you, ever had any C M Y K

Tackle problem areas and see your doctors for a health check

serious illness in the past ten years? (Yes/No). 5 . When you cut yourself, does the wound take a long time to heal? (Yes/No). 6 . Have you taken several antibiotic courses for infection? (Yes/No). 7 . Do you catch a cold easily? (Yes/No). 8. When you have a cold, does it usually take over three

days to get better? (Yes/ No). 9. Do you get any of the following more frequently than once every six months; thrush, cold sores, mouth, ulcers infections? (Yes/No). 10. Do you feel old? (Yes/ No). 11. Do you have any heredity related disease or diabetes? (Yes/No).

12. Have two or more parents or grandparents died before the age of 70? (Yes/ No). 13. Does your job or lifestyle involve danger? (Yes/No). 14. Do you travel more than 10,000 miles a year by car? (Yes/No). 15. Do you work somewhere noisy, dirty or dusty? (Yes/No). Scores: 1 and 2: No points for a ‘good’ response, one point each for a bad. 3 - 15: One point for a ‘Yes’ and a point for a ‘No’. Your total is 0.1 Amazing!

our body is younger than your age. Make sure you keep it that way. 2-3: Ok. You are in good condition but could improve. 4-7: Not great. Look carefiilly at your answers to see what changes you can make. 8-15: Oh dear! Your body is older than your age. Tackle problem areas and see your doctors for a health check.

Adapted from: Stay Young Longer Naturally by Dr. Marine Kyriazis

22 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

t was a pivotal year in many other ways too…some very palatable and in others not so much so… but *the reality is that each experience, bitter or sweet, brought about a deeper understanding of self, and a greater understanding of how one fit’s in effectively with one’s environment and the people therein. In the dying days the initial feeling was that of relief. Almost as if making it to the end of the year was like grappling one’s self away

2014: This year and out of a myriad of issues and situations like ah! Mo bo! But as you cross the finish line, bent over, hands on knees, head

y first article of last year was to be titled “2013: THE YEAR OF IRETI DOYLE” but I thought to myself, how vain! and decided against it. Political correctness aside, there was just a calm certainty in the pit of my stomach, that the year 2013 would be very pivotal and in many ways it was. Professionally speaking, it was some of my best work yet; proof positive being the several nominations, and the handsome best actress trophy sitting proudly on my mantle.

Indeed, there is much to be grateful for especially if one stops to consider all the other things that could, and did go wrong.

Anyone who survived 2013 wits and limbs intact should be able to look 2014 squarely in the eye and take it by the scruff of the neck…

sagging forward heaving, trying to catch one’s breath the uppermost emotion is not fatigue… but gratitude. I’m grateful not just for ‘making it to the end’ but for making it to the end well.

We lost many a good people in the last year and as far as the African continent is concerned, with the passing of Mandiba there is a huge vacuum…who else is alive who just by their very

existence holds the rest of us to high moral standards as regards nationhood? Who else can stand as a beacon? Ah! E go tey o! At home things were no less dramatic, with political twists and turns that would make a Robert Ludlum novel read like a nursery rhyme! If the repercussion of all the intrigue did not have far reaching consequences, some of them quite personal, it would make for very interesting – and I must include- entertaining viewing. You know, like watching a particularly vicious tennis match. Alas! this is not sport, and the casualties are real human lives.

ersonally speaking,score card

God: If you are a Christian, the first thing to realize is that courtship, like marriage, is not just a relationship between two persons;God should be in the centre of the relationship as the third person—which can seen as a triangular relationship. That is why the Book of Proverbs tells us that, houses and wealth can be inherited from parents, but a good wife comes from God ( Proverbs 19:14). He is the creator of the marriage institution. I personally believe that since God created you specially and knew from the beginning that you are going to get married someday, He has also C M Y K

Dating and cour tship (1) courtship created somebody specially and specifically for you. It is your responsibility to rely on God and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to find that person. Core Values: What are your core values? Core values are principles and qualities that guide your internal conducts and determine how you relate with the external world. Core values define who you are; they go to the root of your existence. They are sacred to your being and non-negotiable a lot of the time. They might be ethical, religious, intellectual, social, appearance related, etc.; the question is do you share common values? If you do not, then it is not advisable to continue the courtship. But if you do, but not all, you need to check how acceptable or unacceptable; what is lacking .... Are they things you can live with or without? Sometimes it is not the level of compatibility that holds the marriage together; it is the

ability of couples to manage their inevitable differences. Ultimately we are all prisoners of nature and nurture; breaking out of that wellguarded prison can be tough business, depending on whether it is a small, medium or maximum security prison.

s we begin a new year I want us to take a look at how to choose spouses. Dating can be described as a form of courtship and may include social activities undertaken by two persons (male and female) with the aim of assessing the suitability of spouse for marriage while courtship is that traditional period before engagement and wedding when couples date to know each other and take a decision ahead of marriage. It is therefore a very critical period. Let us look at areas and issues we should focus on during courtship.

up with the person’s failings, shortcomings and weaknesses for the rest of your life. If your answer is affirmative, please go ahead, if it is negative, end the relationship. Do not ever deceive or fool yourself into believing, he/she will change for the better, so you will

In marriage expect change from only yourself. You do not have control over your spouse’s mind, and it is wrong to shift the goal post after the match had started

Assets and Liabilities: when you marry, you marry wholesale not retail, that is, you marry the person with his/ her strengths and weaknesses, successes and failings; the good the bad and the ugly; his/ her past, present and future. One question you must answer is whether you are ready to put

manage the situation for now. Some people either out of desperation or stubbornness go ahead even when the red flag is all over. They tell you that they will change their prospective spouse once they get married. This is a fallacy. In marriage expect change from only yourself. You do not have control over your

aside, I am still fully convinced that our President is a man of history and destiny. As to his exact role and the long term effects on our nation; the coming days will tell. But there is no doubt in my mind that he was chosen for this time. May God’s will concerning our nation become manifest. It’s true what they say, that which didn’t kill you, will certainly make you stronger. Anyone who survived 2013 wits and limbs intact should be able to look 2014 squarely in the eye and take it by the scruff of the neck…after all we have seen six…what is seven? This year, I’m taking no prisoners, damn vanity and the heck with shame! I decree boldly: 2014: THE YEAR OF IRETY DOYLE!! I walk into boldly, confidently claiming it as mine, knowing that my Lord has already gone before me making every crooked pathway straight! I declare and apprehend a quantum increase in my seed so that I can be more, do more, give more. May it be so for you…you… and you too….in Jesus Name! Happy new year…all good things have come!!

spouse’s mind, and it is wrong to shift the goal post after the match had started. If you want to take the matter to God in prayer, also remember what God told St Paul when he requested God to take away an affliction from him: “My grace is enough for you” (2 Corinthians, 12:9). In any case, if God answers your prayers and your spouse changes for the better, then that is a bonus; your “salary” is the state your spouse was in when you married him/her, that is your entitlement, that is what you accepted and signed for. So if, for instance, your partner is abusive or violent, flee. But if you foolishly go ahead and get married to him/her you have negotiated a very bad and poor salary; do not bank on a bonus.... There should be no room for blind love during courtship, blind love belongs to the realm of marriage only and it is for its survival and your peace of mind; so shine your eyes and borrow more eyes if need be during courtship. Friendship: One of the things courtship must do is build a bond of friendship. You must be friends with your spouse, because ultimately it is one of the major factors that keep a marriage going. I often laugh when some young adults place all emphasis on sex.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014 — 23

(Text Only)

Abdominal Contraction — Nauli word in stomach-care, if you ask me. Fifty two years after I first started this practice, I’m still at it, and much the better for it. Nauli must be the “back-bone” of my fairly good health. Besides myself demonstrating the Nauli, there’s also this other illustration to make the reader know that this is an exercise that can be attempted by both sexes provided there isn’t a medical problem to consider. Technique:

tand with the feet slight ly apart and place the hands on the thighs. Bend the trunk a little forward. Now take in a deep breath and exhale forcefully and fully as you push on the thighs and draw upwards the diaphragm. Quickly, without inhaling, contract the central band of muscles of the oeily and push it outwards giving the appearance of a ridge down the centre of the belly. Now draw the muscles in and out for several times. Benefits: ith Nauli all the in ternal organs are massaged and invigorated. It is a powerful tonic for gastro- intestinal disorders

Abdominal Contraction (1)

was once in a bookshop where I picked up a book on Yoga. In it was a picture of the author illustrating Nauli — an abdominal exercise in which the central muscles of the belly known as the rectus muscles are isolated and made to move in a circular motion of both ways. Though, this appeared to be a difficult exercise, the writer had mentioned that it could be mastered on one’s own without a teacher. All it took was dilligent practice. It immediately occurred to me that this writer of Yoga was very right. I had taught myself this exercise in 1962. It was the first Yoga exercise I ever did. Eight years later when I was 22 I met my Yoga teacher. I came to appreciate the body more and more as a tool which could be bettered by sensible exercise and changes in diet. Every Yoga book I read drove home the tremendous importance in helping the body rid itself more efficiently of waste products. There were exercises to aerate the lungs and increase their capacity; others had to do with cleansing the stomach, while others helped in achieving thorough bowel movement. Of all the various ways and means of bringing about better elimination, Nauli is top on the list. It is said to be India’s gift to the world. It is the final

Abdominal Contraction (2) or weakness. Regular practise leads to an improvement in posture, as well as toning the muscles that are used for respiration and for elimination.

The Lotus Technique:

Sit with both legs out-stretched in front of you. Now, draw the right leg and place the right foot on the left thigh and then drawing the left leg place the foot on the right thigh. Then, crossing the hands at the back grab hold off the big toes.

Abdominal Contraction (3)

Yoga Classes STARTED @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos. 9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

Benefits: This variant of the Lotus strenghtens the arms and legs. It helps expand the chest for more air intake and lubricate the knee and ankle joints for flexibility.

The Lotus

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

hen one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us. A broken heart is like an elephant – it seldom forgets. The emotional connection between soul mates is a bond of human love. This love can be saved, respected and prized, or it can be trampled on, buried, abandoned and even destroyed. Our humanness allows us to bond deeply with another human being and when that bond is between "true" soul mates, divine complements, it is meant to last forever. Because divine complements are connected at three levels, the emotional, the soul and the spirit, letting go when the relationship is over can be extremely difficult. So much so that many remain in an impoverished relationship far too long or emotionally attached years after the breakup. Lingering emotional bonds can cause one to pine for the love that was lost. Clutching onto the good memories even when the bad memories out

number the good. Prolonged emotional attachment is often the result of over dependency on the relationship as the primary source of love. The loneliness and unbearable loss consume one's thoughts and revisiting the memories perpetuates the grief. Some may never be able to let go completely and can even sink into a dark depression, isolating themselves from others. They find it unimaginable that they could be happy with someone else. Even when all reason and logic tells them it's over and for the most part have moved on, the subconscious can hold on to the painful emotional residue for years. Embedded grief may resurface years later especially if triggered by another loss. Letting go of the emotional bonds requires self-love and patience. For most, letting go is much like accepting death. One must come to terms with their soul mate’s absence and set them free with love and forgiveness. The heart needs to grieve and will mend with some time, support and healing medicine. Complete forgiveness can set the heart free to love again. The soul's bonds can also present challenges after separation. Certain connections can persist and are experienced as anything from being tuned in from time to time to sharing a space that feels crowded and overrun with unwanted emotions most of the time.

Will I ever fall in love again? W

ill I ever fall in love again? This is a question that commonly comes up in readings, and the answer to this question will always be the same for everyone who asks me. The answer to the million-dollar question is … if you allow

Love sometimes requires letting go Letting go of the emotional bonds requires self-love and patience. For most, letting go is much like accepting death It's not unusual for soul mates to sense when the other is in danger or has suffered a loss and even to well up suddenly with unwanted emotions. Sometimes, the information comes forth in a dream. Night after night, a mate visits trying to communicate their desire for reconciliation or simply to express their continued love. One woman described her mate’s attempts to re-establish the relationship through the

XPERT E S E H T K AS I am 21 years old and my girlfriend is 20. We have indulged in sex twice on alternate days. I used a condom both the times. However, after sex, she started bleeding. This did not happen when we had sex the first time. What is the problem? It depends on the amount of bleeding. If there were traces of blood, it is likely that she has split the hymen. If the bleeding was heavy, she should see a gynaecologist. I am a 19-year-old man and my girlfriend is 20. We are in a long distance relationship and see each other once in six weeks. During sex, we use lubic gel as a lubricant, but after 15

dream scape as relentless. In her last dream, he asked her to call him. These kinds of experiences constitute a strong bond that's undeniable and that can be difficult to break. For those remaining loyal and steadfast to the promises they made, their willingness to see their divine complements through tough times may add to their own suffering. They may unconsciously run to the rescue by taking on their partner's karma. This kind of loyalty may become a burden too heavy to cope with. A cord connecting one soul to the other often attaches when the human bond is great. Attached at the heart, it functions as a kind of lifeline for the soul that is dependent on the other. Cutting love cords is not really, but keeping the cords from reattaching is a more a difficult task. The phenomenon called cording can be repeated as much as 20 times a day. A soul using the life force of another seems to

get its way more often than not. One bond between "true" soul mates, divine complements, can never be severed. The signature that links them at the dimension of spirit is based on eternal promise established at the beginning of the creation. It is an eternal bond housed at the heart of the spirit in a dimension beyond ordinary cognition, only perceived by those who have awakened to its spiritual power. The recognition of the eternal promise does not mean that soul mates are meant to hold on to a relationship that has ended. To live with the kind of poverty of love that results in abuse, disconnection or perpetual discontent only produces more suffering and heartache. Letting go may be the most loving thing a soul mate couple can do. With forgiveness comes greater acceptance and a higher volume of love, a love that is less attached, full-hearted, at peace and complete.

minutes, she begins to complain of severe pain on the walls of her vagina due to excess friction. Applying more lubricant doesn’t help. I have a rather large penis. It measures seven inches in length, and two inches in girth. Does she need to get examined? It’s the dryness and the friction caused by your large organ. I suggest you use saliva as a lubricant every now and again during intercourse. I am a 30-year-old man. My wife is of the same age. Her vagina is very small and we can’t have sex. It hurts her a lot during intercourse and leaves me unsatisfied. We want a child but she can’t take the pain. Please help? The vagina can expand to accommodate the size

yourself to. People tend to think that everything in life is determined by destiny, and it's true that a lot of what we experience is brought our way by the universe. However, when it comes to what is sent our way, we play a big part in what comes through to us, and what doesn't come through to us. A lot of it has to do with how open we are to receiving what the world is offering us. I'm not talking about receiving what you want or need. I'm talking about being in a state that allows your energies to flow freely without much blockage. Allow me to illustrate this with a common example: Your boyfriend has broken up with you and you're devastated, your world has come crashing down and you feel like you'll never love again. You try your hardest to just suck it up and move on like so many people are advising you to do. You do your best, but deep down inside, you're still holding onto a lot of the pain from that past disappointment. Although you're being given opportunities to be with new people, nothing seems to ever move forward the way you want it to. This is a classic case that plays out for many people time after time, and they always wonder, "Why?" We have been taught from an early age that pain is bad and that we must avoid feeling it at all costs. Crying and letting our emotions out are seen as bad things. So, we begin to lose touch with our energy and aren't able to feel what's going on with it . This creates blockage. So to answer the big "why?" above, it's because your energy is being blocked by past "junk" that you have been conditioned to suppress, you're not flowing as you are meant to. By ignoring our energy and only focusing on the physical, we give up much of the power we have in deciding the quality of life we live. So if you're feeling stuck, not just in love, but in any area of life, it would be very helpful to look into healing and contact an energy worker who can help you get in touch with your energy. You will be able to see where things are blocked and what issues from your past you need to release. Keep in mind that it's not a quick fix and it's basically like learning a new way of living that takes a bit of dedication. But, it will make a tremendous difference in your life, and allow you to receive the opportunities the world wants to send you.

of a penis. It’s rare for it not to expand.

Find out the most comfortable position for both of you. May be, the woman on top position will help. Ask her to apply Lignocaine gel 2% in and around the vagina. Before intercourse, she must wait for 15 minutes and wash off the excess.If the pain persists, consult a gynaecologist. When can a man be said to be satisfied with sex? Is sex enough, or must he masturbate too? Even after having sex, if a man complains of not being satisfied, what does it mean? A man can never get enough unless he’s satisfied mentally and emotionally. You figure what that means in your case.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 2014 — 25

anozieegole@yahoo.com

08116759764

Lanre Teriba marries Folashade Adesomu

ollywood actress, Benita Nzeribe has joined the league of brand ambassadors as she wrapped up an ambassadorial deal with the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) just few days to the end of the year 2013. She is now the latest brand ambassador in town. The sultry actress who has expressed joy and happiness being the brand ambassador of NAMA, has also promised to show commitment towards representing the brand well. “I feel good to be NAMA ambassador. We just finished the photo shots and it will soon go on air. NAMA is seriously doing their job well to ensure that runways and every other air facilities are put in place. I promise to do my best to represent them well. I will be attending their events within and outside the shores of the country when the need arises,” she said.

ospel singer, Lanre Teriba a.k.a, Atorise, said ‘I Do’ to his long standing and pregnant lover, Folashade Ademosu penultimate weekend. Folashade was already pregnant for his hubby, Lanre before the marriage introduction which held at the bride’s family house in Ikotun Egbe area of Lagos. Though this is Lanre’s first marriage but Matinee gathered that the honey-voiced singer has about five kids from different women. We are wishing them a happy married life.

•Benita

I feel good being NAMA ambassador

•Lanre

— Benita Nzeribe

Tuface, W aje,o ther Waje,o aje,other therss stir Mandela’s memorial concer concertt

espite the huge traffic along the ever busy Ahmadu Bello way, Victoria Island, Nigerians and lovers of entertainment, denied themselves the comfort of their beds to witness celebrities bid final farewell to the late former South African President, Nelson Madiba Mandela. The concert which was tagged, “Mandela lives

on”, kicked off at about 9 pm, with a stage performance by the Ebonylife band. The event Talented comedian, Julius Agwu, mounted the stage to do what he knows how to do best. Anchored by Obi Ebuka and Olisa, the event was graced by the cream of society and top music stars like, Tuface Idibia, Tiwa Savage, Waje, among others. The story of what happened in the show can never be complete without mentioning what happened when hip hop icon, Tuface Idibia mounted the stage to perform his award winning track, “ African Queen”. In his usual way of performing, he started by jumping up while singing and many fans followed suit. The Marvin Records songstress, Tiwa Savage stole the show as fans tuned “ Eminado” for her even before she climbed the stage. To show her numerous fans that she has it in stock when it comes to good tracks, she did not stop at only “Eminado” , she followed it up with one of her hit singles, “Oko mi” for the audience to dance away stress. What seemed to amaze fans about the show was that the Nigerian born talented singer, Waje, did not only climb the stage to perform as she was called, she also, counsel the audience. She urged people to try as much as possible, to impact positively on their next door neighbour so as to be remembered when they are no more. For her, it was not just to go and perform on stage, it was also, an avenue to advice her fans.

MI, K ellyhandsome Kellyhandsome end ffiv iv e yyear ear eud ive earss ffeud By Kehinde Ajose

nyone can hold a grudge , but it takes a person with character to forgive. Kelly Handsome and M.I who have been engaged in a five-year old feud have buried the hatchet and let bygones be bygones. The feud started when Kelly Handsome took acerbic shots at some popular Nigerian artistes years back. M.I who was an upcoming artiste as at the time wasn’t spared of the ‘Maga don pay’ crooner’s criticism .This resulted in an exchange of hate tracks between Kelly Handsome and M.I. According to reports, Kelly Handsome reached out to M.I and ended their five year old feud. The duo performed together on stage during MI the CARNIRIV festival last year.

26â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Saturday Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

Saturday Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201D;27

What are the things you do aside acting? Aside acting, I am also a business woman. I run a beauty salon better known as Envoque Beauty Parlour and a boutique called House of Glamour. I have a production company called Jewel’s Production and I launched my foundation last two years, the Juliet Ibrahim Foundation, JIF, to create awareness for the kidney related cancer disease. I have also added music to my bag of careers and I plan to produce my own movies and even more.

uliet Ibrahim is a name to reckon with both in Gollywood and Nollywood as she has starred in well over hundred movies and still counting. Recently, she added music to her ever flourishing career with two singles already in the pipe line. In this interview, she opens up on her relationship with Majid Michel, and why she delved into music. How’s your foundation doing these days? We give God all the glory as we are moving forward and making progress. I just need a lot of support and help in terms of monetary assistance to keep my dream alive. With this, we shall be able to give prompt treatment to the people on our bill. A lot of people rely on us for help and we don’t want to let them down but there’s only a little we can do on our own. There’s a gist making the rounds that you have gone into music. What informed your decision to do so? Yes, I have gone into music and like I have said, times without number that music is my first love. It’s something I have being passionate about since I was a child. I had always wanted to be a musician; acting was like a stepping stone for it to become a reality. So, it’s just a case of me living out my dream. How far do you wish to go in music? I plan to go as far as God takes me. It’s not going to be a pastime; I intend making music my profession and thank God, it’s still in line with acting. Would you leave acting eventually or you intend to combine the two? No, I can’t see myself dumping acting for music. But I hope to stay there for long, become a veteran actress and act motherly roles without having to apply makeup that will make me look the age. So, I will definitely combine the two. How do you intend to combine your duty as a mother with your multiple careers? Remember, I combined it with running my boutique and beauty outfits too. So, it’s not going to be a totally new experience for me. I will cope with the new challenge. My family is very supportive. With all these versatilities, one would think you set out to become an actress? I grew up featuring in stage plays and performing at talent shows .I have always wanted to be on the big screen and in the spotlight. I started off as a model at the age of twelve. I was a runway and Editorial/print model till 2005, when I did my first major film audition and got the lead role to star alongside Majid Michel in “Crime to Christ.“ How many movies have you featured in? I have featured in well over 100 movies and I’m still counting. I’ve starred in both Nigerian and Ghanaian movies. Recently, I started featuring in Hollywood movies. Do you choose the kind of roles you play in movies? If a director or a producer invites me to come and be part of the cast of his new movie. First and foremost, I read the script, understand my character and decide if I would want to be part of the movie or not. If I am paid what I have requested for by the production company, I will go ahead to star in the film. In this process, I put in my very best to interprete my role. I only improvise when it comes to the lines in the screenplay with the consent of the director. For the right money, can you act nude? Not for anything in the world would I ever act nude. How has it been like plying your trade in Nollywood? Nigeria is my second home. I have enjoyed working in Nigeria and with Nigerians as well as I enjoy working in Ghana. Nigerians are very friendly people and they make me feel at home.

28 — SARTURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

You are a beautiful woman. Have you thought about branching into modeling if the money is right? I am a model to start with. And I don’t mind modeling now and then. I would love to do TV commercials, print adverts and represent major brands if the opportunity presents itself. What else should we be expecting from you in this new year? I will ask my fans to keep their fingers crossed. We have a bunch of pleasant surprises this year. We’ll be premièring my first self-produced movie ‘The Number One Fan” in Nigeria this year. Also, I ‘ll be working with a lot of people on some new projects I don’t want to talk about now. For a beautiful woman with a great body, who has gone through the throes of motherhood; what keeps you in shape? I drink a lot of water and l also eat healthy foods. I don’t do any form of exercise to be honest. I am careful not to eat anything heavy after 6 pm. I also try to avoid starchy food.

True confession:

Music is my first love

— Juliet Ibrahim

From your complexion, one can decipher that you are a Mulatto. Can you tell us about your back ground? My father is from Lebanon while my mother is a Ghanaian. I am the eldest of three children, two girls and a brother. I grew up in Ivory Coast; Liberia and Lebanon. I can speak French and Spanish.

If you were not already married, who would you have loved to date in the industry? I cannot date anyone because l am a happily married woman. Besides, I don’t think I would want to date anyone. That’s where I work and earn my living, I wouldn’t want to mix business with pleasure. Can you stand a cheating husband? No! There is no second chance for someone who cheats. I believe that for every mistake we make, we are given a minute to think twice before making it. The rumour about you dating Majid Michel few years ago. Is it true? There was nothing in the past and the present between Majid and I except a working relationship.

I don’t mind modeling now and then. I would love to do TV commercials, print adverts and represent major brands if the opportunity presents itself

SARTURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014—29

Your last name is Ibrahim, are you a Muslim? My last name is Ibrahim and it is also my father ’s. I am not a Muslim. I am a Christian

28 — SARTURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

True confession:

Music is my first love

— Juliet Ibrahim

I don’t mind modeling now and then. I would love to do TV commercials, print adverts and represent major brands if the opportunity presents itself

SARTURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014—29

Your last name is Ibrahim, are you a Muslim? My last name is Ibrahim and it is also my father ’s. I am not a Muslim. I am a Christian

30— SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

07032769933

Premier League Top Scorers

Luis Suárez Sergio Agüero Loïc Remy Wayne Rooney Daniel Sturridge Yaya Touré Romelu Lukaku Álvaro Negredo Aaron Ramsey Jay Rodriguez Olivier Giroud Eden Hazard Robin van Persie Yoan Gouffran Rickie Lambert Yohan Cabaye Gary Hooper Oscar

Liverpool Man City Newcastle United Manchester United Liverpool Manchester City Everton Man City Arsenal Southampton Arsenal Chelsea Manchester United Newcastle United Southampton Newcastle United Norwich City Chelsea

20 13 10 9 9 10 10 8 8 8 7 10 7 6 6 5 5 6

Spanish La Liga Top Goal Scorers

Kalou keen on Arsenal move F

ormer Blues star Salomon Kalou has let the Gunners know he wants to come back to Arsenal and the Premier League. The Ivorian, who can play as a striker or winger, has been at Lille for the last two seasons and has a £2.5m buy-out clause. Last season the 28-yearold scored 14 league goals in 28 appearances and has three in 10 this campaign. But now he wants a return to England, with Tottenham and Liverpool also keen.

Chelsea ready tto o sell trio ffor or combined £52.5m fee C

helsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to back boss Jose Mourinho in the transfer market he will also insist that the West London club looks to trim their expansive squad and the reports that a trio of first team players are set for Stamford Bridge exits.Mourinho is ready to sell Belgian

youngster Kevin de Bruyne for £25m, Juan Mata for at least £20m and Demba Ba for £7.5m. Mourinho is

Liverpool Favourites to sign Pedro from Barca

iverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign Barcelona star Pedro.The Spanish international had been strongly linked with a Nou Camp exit in early December with many believing that the player would play a more limited role under Gerardo Martino.

ready to sell Belgian youngster Kevin de Bruyne after deeming the 22 year old as surplus to requirements.

Arsenal prepare £32m offer Costa A

RSENAL are ready to pull out all the stops to land hotshot Diego Costa. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has a crisis with his forwards after standin Nicklas Bendtner sprained an ankle scoring in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Cardiff. He will be out for at least six weeks and firstchoice Olivier Giroud is also missing due to an ankle injury. Costa, 25, has a £32m buyout clause in his Atletico Madrid contract and it would be a huge investment for the north Londoners following the £42.5m purchase of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid in the summer.

Lewandowski set to Complete Bayern Medical

orussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski is set to complete a Bayern Munich medical ahead of his summer switch to the Allianz Arena. The 25 year old is ready to follow the same contentious route as former team-mate Mario Gotze with Lewandowski’s arrival at Bayern Munich likely to make the Bavarian side even stronger .

Diego Costa Cristiano Javi Guerra A. Griezmann Pedro David Villa Lionel Messi Karim Benzema Carlos Vela Alexis Sánchez Carlos Bacca Jonas Sergio García Cesc Fábregas Gareth Bale Ivan Rakitic Oriol Riera Magem Rodri Ikechukwu Uche Raúl García Giovani Dos Santos Jorge Molina Youssef El Arabi Neymar Isco

Atletico Madrid 19 Ronaldo Real Madrid 18 Real Valladolid 11 Sociedad 11 Barcelona 10 A. Madrid 8 Barcelona 8 R.Madrid 8 Sociedad 8 Barcelona 8 Sevilla FC 8 Valencia 8 Espanyol 7 Barcelona 7 Real Madrid 7 Sevilla FC 7 Osasuna 7 Almeria 7 Villarreal 6 Atletico Madrid 6 Villarreal 6 Real Betis 6 Granada 6 Barcelona 6 Real Madrid 6

French league top Goal Scorers Zlatan Ibrahimovic PSG 15 Edinson Cavani PSG 12 Vincent Aboubakar Lorient 11 Radamel Falcao Monaco 9 Alexandre Lacazette Lyon 9 Andre-Pierre Gignac Marseille 8 Filip Djordjevic Nantes 8 Emmanuel Riviere Monaco 8 Darío Cvitanich Nice 7 Cheick Diabate Bordeaux 7 Bafetimbi Gomis Lyon 7 Nelson Miguel Rennes 7 Salomon Kalou Lille 6 Nolan Roux Lille 6 Rémy Cabella Montpellier 6 Romain Hamouma Etienne 6 Cédric Bakambu Sochaux 6 Kévin BerigaudThonon Gaillard 6 Mevlut Erding Etienne 5 Jussie Bordeaux 5 Prince Oniangue Stade de Reims 5 Foued Kadir Stade Rennes 5 Yann Jouffre Lorient 5 Mustapha Yatabaré Guingamp 5 Ben Yedder Toulouse 5

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014—31

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

07032769933

Napoli closer to capturing Gonalons

apoli are edging closer in their bid to secure the signature of Lyon captain Maxime Gonalons. The Azzurri tried unsuccessfully to sign the 24-year-old French international during the summer transfer as he window, as Les Gones midfielder were unwilling to ultimately remained at negotiate for their star the Stade de Gerland.

Jordan Ayew agrees to join Sochaux on loan

ordan Ayew has agreed to join Sochaux on a six-month loan deal in the French Ligue 1.A deal will be complete subject to the

Ghana and Marseille striker passing a medical with the team second from bottom and six points from safety. The 22-year-old has scored just once in 16 appearances this season will hope the move improves his chances of making the Ghana squad for the World Cup finals in Brazil.

Roma midfielder may be sold in January

oma midfielder Michael Bradley may leave the capital club during the January transfer window. The 26 year old has made five starts under new boss Rudi Garcia this season secure more playing and would be open to time in anticipation of a move in order to the 2014 World Cup.

Inter Milan offer Lamela white Hart Lane exit

nter Milan are preparing a shock loan move for Tottenham attacker Erik Lamela. The Argentine ace only joined Spurs in a club-

record £30m deal from Roma over the summer, but has failed to make any sort of impact at White Hart Lane so far. Lamela – who has been compared to compatriot Lionel Messi in the past – is rumoured to be struggling to adjust to life in London.

Tottenham Plan Loan Deal For Joleon Lescott

ottenham Hotspur are lining up a loan move for Joleon Lescott ahead of their FA Cup tie with Arsenal due a severe defensive injury crisis. Spurs are currently without Younes Kaboul and Jan Vertonghen and with just Michael Dawson and Vlad Chiriches available. The 31-year-old has been a peripheral figure at Manchester City this season with

Man United to launch £32.5m for Di Maria, Coentrao M

an United coach David Moyes will launch a bid for Real Madrid duo Fabio Coentrao and Angel Di Maria, two players that Carlo Ancelotti may consider offers for as he in turn seeks to boost his own transfer funds having been told by his Bernabeu board that in order to finance further additions this season he will have to trim his expansive squad. Ancelotti spent over £130m on summer

signings and though he managed to balance that outlay with several player sales the Italian will have to sell before he can buy.

Chelsea bid for Higuain snubbed C

helsea have had a £50 million bid for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain turned down. The 26-year-old has been in fine form for his club scoring nine

Chelsea battle Inter, Napoli to sign Schar

Chelsea have reportedly joined a whole host of clubs including Inter and Napoli in the hunt for Basel centre-back Fabian Schar. The 22-year-old Swiss international was highly impressive in both of his side’s victories over the Blues during the group phase of this season’s Champions League.

Solskjaer: Ferguson told me to take Cardiff job Vincent Kompany, Matija Nastasic and Martin Demichelis all ahead of him in the central defensive pecking order.

Man United attempted to bring in 25 year old Portuguese left-back Coentrao on summer transfer deadline day but failed to convince

Ancelotti to sell. David Moyes will also look to tempt Argentine winger Di Maria to Old Trafford with the promise of regular first team football that the 25 year old will struggle to retain at Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti will find it hard to use Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale AND Angel Di Maria in the same starting eleven and as such the talented wideman may well be considering his options.

le Gunnar Solskjaer says he's taken the Cardiff City job with Sir Alex Ferguson's blessing.The former Molde boss denies his former Manchester United manager urged him to avoid the post due to Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan. He said: “I had a good contact with the gaffer.

goals in 16 Serie A games. Napoli insist that Higuain is not for sale as they attempt to stay in touch with Serie A leaders Juventus. Chelsea have had the majority of their goals scored by midfielders and Higuain was wanted by Jose Mourinho to boost his misfiring strike force. Strikers Fernando Torres (three goals), Samuel Eto'o (three) and Demba Ba (one) have beenstruggling to find the back of the net this season for Chelsea.

Nigeria international Mba joins Bastia

igeria international Sunday Mba has completed his move from Warri N Wolves to Bastia.The 25-year- old midfielder saw a proposed transfer to the Stade d'Erbajolo collapse back in September but the deal has now belatedly gone through. Mba had agreed to join Bastia back in September but the deal collapsed when Warri Wolves pulled out .

32— SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

By Juliet Ebirim and Kehinde Ajose

How the entertainment industry Distribution still a fared in 2013 major challenge N

igeria’s entertainment industry in 2013 witnessed loads of high and low moments, loss of eminent entertainers, some grabbed juicy endorsement deals while many others romanced controversy. The year was also witnessed the emergence of fresh talents who gained public acceptance and recognition for their hardwork. This week’s Talkback focuses on how the industry fared during the out gone year. Your favourite entertainers bare their minds on the issue.

My best yyear ear

The industry fared very well, especially with the federal government showing interest in investing in the industry. However,distribution still remains a huge challenge, needing more organisation and structure and also more private sector investment, commitment and liason to boost the distribution channel.

We are ge tting there getting

- Collette Orji, Actress

- Oyinkansola

n 2013, the entertainment industry proved beyond all reasonable doubts that it is here to stay. It’s a livelihood and it is absolutely getting better. From comedy, drama, movies to entertainment bloggers and reporters, we all rocked 2013. I think it’s my best year so far.

- Kehinde Bankole, Actress

e are getting there and I pray that other genres of music get breakthrough, fame and popularity, because I am sick and tired of hearing people say if you don’t have a club song, you can’t make it in the Nigerian music industry.

•Yvonne

All hands were on deck - Yvonne Jegede, Actress

o far, there has been tremendous improvement

in every aspect of our movie production ranging from equipment to location, make-up, acting and creativity. During the year under review, we had creative and hard working directors and crew members emerged to make the difference in the industry. Also, with the encouraging competition in the industry, everyone was compelled to come out with his or her best. Besides, when you compare the quality of movies being produced nowadays to those produced before now, you’ll notice great improvement. Though, there is still room for more improvement and creative exploration.

Fresh act or actor orss emerged! - Crystal Okoye, Actress

- Adetoun Adekoya

t was more of the new acts who took the centre stage .The likes of Burnaboy, and Olamide are a proof that the best of the industry is yet to come. What we saw in 2013 is just a tip of the iceberg

Loss of great talents - Senator Comedian

he entertainment industry in 2013, experienced a series of ups and downs. The good , the bad, and the ugly. A lot of entertainers have put Nigeria on the world map of entertainment loving nations and on the other hand, a lot of artiste/management relationships have gone sour. On a sad note, the industry registered the death of great talents. On the average it was a good year.

Gr owth in the industr Gro industryy - Yemi Alade

rom my own point of view, Nollywood fared very well in 2013. Our movies are now being shot on high definition, the DVD market is increasing, scripts are now intense. Actors and actresses have improved and we now have a new breed of actors.

Ne w acts ttook ook the New centre stage

n 2013 , we witnessed a lot of growth in the industry, not only in Nigeria but west Africa as a whole. 2014 holds a lot of promise and potential where international brands and recording companies will approach local talents. The sky is the starting point.

Good music is lacking •Crystal Okoye

Mediocrity still gets a chunk of the cake - Gt Da Guitarman

music scene in 2013 saw so Tmany of our artistes getting endorsement deals, international he

awards e.t.c. While mediocrity still gets a chunk of the cake as hungry radio/TV stations are willing to give airplay to anyone who has money, creativity is relegated to the background and the love of money has taken the centre stage.

- Leo Wonder

I will regard the music made in 2013 as noisy and content-less .The art of making good music is no longer present.

Good year for the ent er tainment sect or enter ertainment sector

Psalm Ebube

2013 was a good year for the entertainment scene in Nigeria. It witnessed loads of great tunes from both secular and gospel acts. The Nigerian entertainment industry can be regarded as one of the most vibrant sectors in 2013. A lot of new artistes debuted and others clinched endorsement deals. In 2014, the COSON and BON issue needs to be addressed in order for it not to hinder the growth of the industry.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JANUARY 4, 2014—33

I was influenced by the spirit of Ajegunle —Abbaly

ohnson Abbaly, CEO, Achievers Consortium Internation al/Multivational Centre, in this interview, reveals how he was influenced by the hard work spirit of Ajegunle where he he was raised. The super motivational speaker recalls his determination to succeed in life despite his poor background and shares his inspiring story from grass to grace. Excerpt: BY MOSES NOSIKE My beginning I have fond memories of childhood. I was raised at Ohikere Street, Wilma, OlodiApapa. My beginning was humble and pretty challenging most times. Growing up at Ajegunle was exciting as it was challenging. I walked to school everyday to St. John’s Anglican primary at Araromi. I was a curious pupil, got into trouble more times than I can recount. My family was managing to get by. My father had been discharged from the army following the Biafra war and my mother was a teacher. My siblings, six of us all lived in the same room and parlour. And occasionally, we had guests from the village who come over to squeeze us even further. Eventually we moved to Ojo where I completed my primary school and went on to Government College Ojo, where I graduated as the Senior prefect of the school.

o, I was not born with a silver spoon. I learnt everything the hard way. I learnt to manage. One of the disciplines my father instilled in us was to always ensure we never gave any impression of what was going on financially at home. We were never allowed to go to neighbours’ homes to watch television, which was a ‘big man’s’ item at the time nor seek food anywhere. No matter how hungry we got, we stayed indoors and swallowed saliva. My parents were hard working, we may not have had enough but they ensured we didn’t look it. My father was a typical Igbo man with a huge ego. He will not be embarrassed. Making a difference in life considering Ajegunle background Ajegunle is grossly misunderstood. Many folks today who now own properties in Lekki and on the island and drive posh cars around town had their roots in that city. Ajegunle has a spirit. It was called hustle. Everyone knew

this was a jungle and survival was for the fittest. We worked, suffered and played harder than anyone else in the world. However, during the course of this hard life, I encountered church folks who provided a different vision of what was possible in God. I towed that line. By attending retreats, workshops, conferences, and other such events, it dawned on me that poverty is not a financial condition but a mental one. As I became increasingly enlightened, I had more control of my destiny and made choices in my professional life that eventually turned my story. Challenges of growing up I learnt to take responsibility for myself very early in life. From junior secondary school, as soon as I got home from school I would resume in the market where I operated a corn grinding machine. I worked after school till 7pm every day. Proceeds from this effort went into uniforms, family support and when I could afford it, pocket money. No one at school knew of my after school work activities. I still managed to speak some of the most refined English language for my age. Even some friends thought I came from a wealthy home. I didn’t bother to burst their bubble. I worked so hard manually. During holidays, I would go to construction sites and seek a helper’s job. Sometimes I got lucky and got chosen. I was skinny and small in size and that didn’t always help with those kind of jobs. After a while, a friend introduced me to Agbara Estate where they take casual workers in the industries to. You had to get there early to be selected on a daily basis. I had some luck here. I worked at Jecon bulb and Drury Company, Toyo Glass, later at Vita Malt, then at Maltex, all at Agbara industrial estate. I never had a chance at Nestle. There were other times I joined a brother who had a commercial bus

Abbaly: As a student, two “Ghana-must-go” bags full of books wasn't enough and worked as his conductor. I would woo him to take routes where I wouldn't meet any of my friends.(laughs). Anyway, in retrospect, I am grateful for the events in my life. Today I can relate with the needy in the streets because I have felt them.

owever, I enjoyed quite a few favours. My secondary school principal offered to pay my WAEC fees because I couldn’t meet the deadline. I didn’t get to write JAMB early as I was always concerned about how to sponsor myself through university. I waited for over six years after my O levels before I wrote my first JAMB exams. I used that time to acquire all

have been different if I had better opportunities, insights and access to a robust network of upwardly mobile people. And I didn’t get that chance but I believe others deserve it. In 2002, I began a movement called the Achievers Consortium in Nigerian campuses. The organisation identified creative, talented and truly smart young people who needed support to make a difference in their careers. We created a platform to support and build the nations creativity pool of young, smart workforce. Recently, I met an incredible man who shared a deep passion for people. It was a meeting of like minds. Dr Jerry Ariomovuohoma is an accomplished doctor of

I learnt to take responsibility for myself very early in life. From junior secondary school, as soon as I got home from school, I would resume in the market where I operated a corn grinding machine kinds of skills, from computer networking skills to public speaking. When I wrote JAMB, it was a one off. I got into University of Benin as a merit student and was pretty older than most of my classmates. My school fees were paid through honorarium from my speaking engagements and also through close friends who supported me through the period. I wrote computer operations hand outs and sold to my friends in the department- the only student who sold hand-outs (laughs).

Homeopathy and a serial entrepreneur with businesses in various sectors of the economy. He has founded the Little Kindness Foundation as a non profit effort to reach the downtrodden and support women and children. By God’s grace, he has been able to raise the Motivational Centre facility and chairs it as President. Our meeting created a partnership that seeks to reach the ends of Africa and beyond.

changing context of the global political and economic landscape. As a student, I had two “Ghana-must-go” bags full of books and foreign magazines. It was all I possessed. I started out with motivational and inspirational books and after a while, I had to switch to “process” books. It’s okay to read books that excite you and spurn you into a mental state. But it is even more important to read books that help you understand the process and the discipline of becoming something of worth. It takes a certain mental toughness to read some of those books and yet within those books lies the material with which greatness is forged! My passion Young people are the future of this land. The problem often is that the impact of disinvestments in education is not visible until a generation later. The “4-year” policy circle we had perpetuated in the country is leading us into an uncertain future. And this is a future that will be dominated by smart nations, and smart minds. Our youths are now living within an economic reality that puts them in a survival mode. And it is difficult to ponder the longterm when you are in a survival mode. This is both a tragedy and the source of my passion. I am concerned that if we do not intervene practically and provide options for our youths, we might be putting the future of the country at risk. There is so

much to be done. In my capacity as co-chair for the

Youth Development subcommittee of the Human Development Policy Commission of the Nigerian Reading books as a mo- Economic Summit Group, tivational speaker we are seeking to push for Books are my life’s blood. I policies that will help imConceiving the idea of a read books and foreign prove the living conditions magazines. I tried to stay motivational centre and opportunities of young

ll my life, I had experienced first hand what it means to be in want and I knew how things would

abreast what’s happening around the world. That often helps me put Nigerian challenges within the ever

Nigerians. I believe men of goodwill will prevail.

34—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

08056180112

Watch your drink, here comes the sun!

T was a hot day and the bumper- to- bumper traffic along the Oshodi-Apapa expressway did little to assuage the plight of hundreds of motorists caught in the late afternoon traffic as they sweated profusely, waiting impatiently to get past the failed portion of the road that was responsible for the gridlock. But even as the traffic inched forward, scores of hawkers meandered through the long lines of vehicles, making brisk business as several trapped motorists and passengers made frenzied purchases from the assorted brands of packaged water and beverage drinks to douse their parched throats. No one appeared bothered by the fact that the drinks they were consuming with relish had been kept for hours in less than ambient conditions. No one also deemed it necessary to query the effect of exposure to the sun of the containers (usually plastic) on the liquid contents. But even if anyone had stopped to ask “what’s in this soft drink bottle?” or “what’s in that plastic container? The answer would probably have been lost •What you consume determines your health in a chorus of “who cares?” Concerns Lately, concerns are being raised about the quality of the liquid contents within these bottles and the package they come in. Are they truly safe? Is the convenience of purchasing a bottle of table water or fruit juice or cola drink that has been left exposed in the sun for several hours really worth the health hazards? The reason for this is not farfetched. What you consume today determines your health tomorrow, so you need to ask if a beverage is a health-promoting choice. Truly, many nonalcoholic beverage drinks out there in the market come under so many evocative names with labels depicting healthy living and promises of refreshment that convince the unwary consumer that the liquid within is the purest drink around. But truth is that even though better regulated than most, are such packaged •Bottles of water should never be stored anywhere drinks indeed better and safer? The answers are varied. Perceptions one, has it been kept as cool purchase and When a friend who owns a as recommended? Has it S u r v e y c o n s u m p t i o n . nearby natural food store been adequately refrigerated A recent international Interestingly, the survey recently warned her that the below 4 degrees centigrade survey on more than 1,000 found that samples of two plastic could leach chemicals (not frozen)? By and large, bottles and over 100 top brands were into the drinks, she could not be the use of plastic containers brands of assorted contaminated. It is often bothered because they were still to store carbonated and beverage drinks on sale on recommended that within the expiry date limit. But other non-alcoholic the open market, found that certain drinks, for Funke Oluwasanmi, a housewife, beverages has always been a at least one sample of a third instance, quinineactually knows about these risks, big issue. A rule of the thumb of the brands contained containing drinks, should and she is perpetually worried as in health circles is that it is bacterial or chemical never be stored in a result. unhealthy to drink from a contaminants, including sunlight. Funke hardly ever takes drinks plastic bottle that’s been carcinogens, in levels Rule of the thumb stored in plastic containers. subjected to high exceeding state or industry Based on the foregoing, Rather, she uses a stainless steel temperatures (sitting in the standards. it makes sense to assume flask to carry soft drinks and car, for example). Besides, that before anyone can water even for her children’s such bottles should never be hile the report noted conclude that their needs. But it is a different tale for stored anywhere they will be penchant for packaged or that majority of the Taiwo Ademola, a trader, who is exposed to heat or brands passed safety tests table water, or soft drinks used to buying soft drinks in chemicals. at the time packaging from or non-alcoholic drinks plastic containers in bulk and PET vs PEN bottles the factories, drastic or packaged juice has no storing in the open space behind To make plastic more changes had occurred in negative effect on their her house, where it is exposed to suitable material for making the safety quality between health, they should find high temperatures. soft drink containers, several then and the time of out a few facts first. For

means of protection have been developed — first, to retain the clarity and physical properties, and second, to maintain the natural barrier properties to harmful effects of ultraviolet light in sunlight. Two of the most popular non-limiting materials include PolyEthylene Terephthalate (PET) and PolyEthylene Naphthalate (PEN). Industry watchers say PET bottles are rather cheap and have acceptable barrier properties. On the other hand, PEN bottles have much better barrier properties than PET and also excellent mechanical properties.

ost soft drinks on the market come in PET bottles (check the bottle’s bottom). Due to new demands from the industry, suppliers of plastic bottles have begun to develop thin-walled PEN bottles which compete well with conventional PET bottles. Contents of a PEN bottle are better protected from sunlight than that of a PET bottle. Light barrier The reason for this is that the increased light barrier depends on the fact that PEN absorbs a greater amount of light at certain wavelengths. An increased absorbance of ultraviolet light as a part of the sunlight brings about the effect that PEN is more easily degraded, which in the polymer art is called photooxidative degradation. Hence ultraviolet stabilisers must be added to several of the most usual polymers, if they are to be used in an outdoor environment subjecting them to sunlight. Hazing In the case of PEN bottles, degradation due to exposure to sunlight is really a problem.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014 —35

I still cook for my family — Buchi BY ADERONKE ADEYERI

Comedian,Onyebuchi Ojieh, with the stage name Buchi is our guest in this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk. This handsome dude who is also an actor and a writer has become a force to reckon with in the comedy industry. He expresses his first cooking experience.

Enjoy. What is your best food? I am a special being with many peculiarities. My taste changes from time to time. While growing up, I loved white rice with a lot of fried plantain but because I want to reduce the intake of carbohydrate, I have swapped to wheat and banga soup. Can you cook this delicacy? Very well. While growing up,my mum did most of the cooking but she ensured we partake in it. I started cooking right from my primary school days and till date, I cook for my relatives when they come visiting. Can you remember playing

any prank to get any food while growing up? I was a bit mischievous at my tender age. There was a particular day my siblings and I wanted to cook yam without the notice of my mum. It was that day I experienced the other side of yam, we were at the mercy of our neighbour. How do you exercise? I engage in swimming at least once in a week. I also play football whenever I ‘m free . I love to engage in computer games to relax my nerves on a daily basis. What is your best fruit? I love seedless grapes very much. What is your advice to Nigerians? Nigerians should eat less of carbohydrates and put God first in everything they do.

Onyebuchi Ojieh

Health Tips

Foods to soothe sore throat (continued from last week)

aving a sore throat is not a good experience . A sore throat can be caused by a bacterial infection which stems from flu-like symptoms. But eating nutritious foods can fuel your body by giving you enough energy to recover quickly. Here is a list of foods that will give you

enough nutrients to fight off the illness and you can be well again. Ginger or Honey Tea: A superb way to calm a sore throat is to drink a hot cup of ginger or honey tea. Inhale the steam from the cup while you sip the tea and it will aid in loosening congestion and tightness of the chest. Honey will coat the throat and will help in preventing irritation, which is the main reason behind this illness. Oatmeal: High in soluble fiber, oatmeal helps in lowering bad

cholesterol levels and is high in protein content too which keep you satisfied for a longer period of time. Make a hot bowl of oatmeal and you will surely get enough soothing qualities for your sore throat. Whole Wheat Pasta : Eating soft wheat pasta is a great way to treat a sore throat. Especially if the pasta is hot and is made in a low-fat sauce. Other than this, whole wheat pasta is also full of many nutrients, including fiber, iron, zinc, and vitamins . Boiled Carrots: Carrots are superb as remedy food when you’re sick, but they should be boiled or steamed before eating. This is because eating raw carrots can be risky for your sore throat and can further aggravate the pain.

Tummy zone 4kid&teen

Make your child eat better this new year s a parent, it is your sole A responsibility to see to your child’s eating habit especially in the new year. These are few tips to help your child eat better this new year. Make a schedule: Children need to eat every three to four hours, three meals, two snacks, and lots of fluids. If you plan for these, your child’s diet will be much more balanced and he’ll be less cranky, Plan dinners : If thinking about a weekly menu is too daunting, start with two or

three days at a time. A good dinner doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should be balanced: whole-grain, bread, rice, or pasta; a fruit or a vegetable; and a protein source like meat, cheese, or beans.

Bite your tongue : As hard as this may be, try not to comment on what or how much your kids are eating. Be as neutral as possible. Remember, you’ve done your job as a parent by serving balanced meals; your kids are responsible for eating them. If you play food enforcer, your child will only resist. Introduce new foods slowly : Children are often scared of trying new foods. Ensure you introduce new foods slowly and make sure the food is appealing.

Weekend Treat Tasteful white rice and fried plantain White rice and stew is a popular Nigerian rice recipe because it lets you eat rice with any stew or sauce of your choice. It is usually eaten with beef or chicken stew which we almost always have in the house. White rice and fried plantain will be an easy dinner to make after a long busy day. Recipe Rice Salt Vegetable oil Plantain Preparation. Wash the rice in cold water and put in a pot, add some water about twice the level of the rice. Leave the rice to boil for ten minutes, then pour the contents of the pot in a sieve. Place the sieve (with the rice) in a bowl of cold water and rinse the rice thoroughly. Change the water and add the parboiled

rice and salt . Check to see that the water level is just about the same as the rice. Cook till the water is just about drying up and add more water until the rice is done. Leave to dry completely. This is usually confirmed by a ticking sound coming from the pot. Before you fry the plantain, wash, peel and slice the plantain . Place in a bowl and add a little salt. Toss the plantain to ensure that the salt is evenly distributed. Pour a generous quantity of

vegetable oil into a frying pan and add a considerable quantity of the plantain to the oil, leaving enough room for the slices to fry evenly. When the underside of the slices starts to turn golden, flip the slices on their other side. Fry till a desired browning is achieved, then remove and place in a sieve to drain out the oil. Enjoy

36 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

Calabar carnival! Nollywood steals the show E

very Christmas, millions of tourists and fun seek ers across the world throng the ancient city of Cal abar, Cross River State,to

catch a glimpse of the annual Calabar carnival. And last year’s Christmas was no exception. The carnival, which kicked off from Saturday, November 30, with the lighting of Christmas Tree ran through January 1. It was nothing less than the popular carnival da Rua in terms of colour, artistry and love-filled atmosphere. Many attendees described it as “a memorable blend of culture, fun, adventure and creativity ability of the people as represented by the five bands of the carnival. “ But besides, the streets parade with makeshift costumes, crowded stadium, happy jamboree and soul rowing jollity that took the centre

stage, graceful participation of Nollywood stars in last year ’s carnival indisputably helped to add glamour and sophistication to the annual event. Prior to the establishment of Nollywood band as an addition to the already existing carnival bands including, Bayside, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Seagull and Freedom band, movie stars have been part of the carnival in the recent past.But this year, they featured prominently than ever in most of the carnival activities as they stole the show. At UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar venue of the carnival grand finale, the likes of Tonto Dikeh, Funke Akindele, Uti Nwachukwu, Fred Amata, Imeh Bishop Umoh, Mr. John Okafor a.k.a Mr Ibu, Nkem Owoh(Osofia), KC Ejelonu, Linda Ejiofor, Gideon Okeke, Enyinna Nwigwe, OC Ukeje and several others were the cynosure of

attraction. Accompanying Senator, Florence Ita-Giwa’s led Seagull band and Cross River State First Lady ’s Master Blasta band, the movie stars caused a stir as they displayed alongside the bands in different forms ranging from their colours, costumes, choreography, music and dance drama to the amusement of the cheering spectators who thronged the venue to catch a glimpse of the event. Upon sighting Mr. Ibu, the crowd ran after him, just as shout of “Osofia in Calabar’ filled the air. Also, the sight of Tonto Dikeh was pleasing to the over one million participants who were eager to meet the controversial actress. The stars also participated in the street party. While the street party which was declared opened by the state governor, Liyel Imoke lasted, the stars were not found missing in action. Just as the people who

Funke Akindele and Mr. Ibu flooded the 14 kilometres carnival route stretching into the U. J Esuene Stadium, the terminating point and theatre of communal

celebration for the day, till the early hours of Saturday, december 28, felt the sensation and vibration as well as experienced the convivial so-

cial atmosphere of the yearly feast, which has been described as the biggest street party ever in the annals of the African continent. The carnival climaxed last Wednesday, January 1, with a thanksgiving service.

Masta Blasta wins again! fter a long parade in the of the 32 days feverish and streets with makeshift cos- exciting Calabar Festival holdA tumes, cultural displays and ing in the capital city of Cross

Why Brazilian Samba dancers were missing at the carnival —Gov.Liyel Imoke ne of the major dancers, Explaining why the Samba they are poised to deliver a everyone looked forward dancers were missing at the brand that is not like other O to beholding at the carnival carnival, Governor Liyel was the Brazilian Samba dancers. But unfortunately, the half-nude dancers could not make it to the carnival.

Imoke of Cross River State, informed that apart from having plans to invite the Brazilians from time to time,

brands around the world. “Also, we think we are better choreographed and more technical than the Brazilians. We also want to deliver a brand that is like no other brands. The Brazilians will be invited from time to time. They will just be an addition to what we are doing. We also have a vision of inviting Trinidadians and people from other carnivals. Just yesterday, we had a thrilling performance by a troupe from Rwanda. So, we have plans to invite carnival bands from different parts of the world to experience our own carnival. The Calabar carnival has gone international and we are very excited about the development,” he said.

dance steps, Masta Blasta which won the carnival crown last year came top again this year. The band, led by the First Lady of the state, Barrister Chioma Imoke displayed a rare mastery of the carnival, earning accolades and standing ovation from the cheering crowd that thronged the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar venue of the event. The band defeated, Senator Ita-Giwa’s led Seagull band which came second, followed by Freedom band which also clinched the third position. They were the winner of last year ’s edition of the yearly carnival, which is the climax

River State. The festival, which is the celebration of the vast cultural and entertainment endowments of the people’s creative industry began on November 30 while the curtail drew on the socio – cultural and tourism feast on January 1, 2014 with a thanksgiving service in the city. The carnival event was flagged off by the state governor, Senator Liyel Imoke in the company of the wife, the state deputy governor, Efiok Cohbams and the wife, the Nigeria Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke and his wife, as well as a host of other top government officials and personalities.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014 — 37

Hairless queens of Nollywood:

Who rocks ?

BY AYO ONIKOYI and JULIET EBIRIM Nollywood is known for its bandwagonism and recently one of the trends that has taken centre-stage is shaving of the hair, mostly for movie roles or simply to reach deep down, as some have said, to bring out the gritty woman in them. Vast majority of them did it for the money while other claim it comes with the job. An honest confession has thus emerged that shaving your hair for a movie scene that would ordinarily bring a thousand naira per scene could fetch as much as ten thousand naira, at least for the upcoming ones who get paid a thousand naira per scene. The popular stars, as we are made to understand could be astronomically paid without any mathematical permutation. The following are some top actresses who have shaved ‘ their hair at one time or the other.

Eve Esin : The Akwa Ibom state born fast rising actress , has joined the many actresses who have shaved their hair for movie roles . In the movie titled ‘’ Girls on fire ‘’ , she was made to shave her hair when her friend , while fighting with her because she slept with her boyfriend , hit her on the head with bottle . Chacha Eke : She recently shaved her hair for the movie ‘’ Criminal Widow’’,

Chika Ike : The actress was paid N5 million to shave her hair in a movie titled ‘’ Moment of tears ‘’ she is the first ever Nollywood damsel to declare amount received as compensation . Her fans say she looks better without the shaved hair . Mercy Johnson : This

Nollywood star actress is a delight to watch any day on

Tessy Oraguwa : She

has taken a step further in her acting career . She is working on a movie and had her hair shaved completely for the role . According to a close source , she was rewarded handsomely to get her hair shaved for the role of a widow in the new movie .

Mercy

Eve

screen . She went bald sometime ago when she featured in a movie ‘’Hearth of a widow ‘’ shot in Enugu . She was reportedly paid handsomely to shave her hair . Her fans and critics say she doesn’t look too good with her shaved hair .

Crystal Okoye: Crystal Okoye is a rookie but one with a big dream. Within a year of coming into the industry she has starred in over 20 films with more than five of them as the lead character. She joined the ‘Hairless Queens’ with her quest appearance in ‘Widows Cot’. Oge Okoye : she went bald in a movie which required the bald effect to

Uche Jombo : She went bald in the movie ‘’ Holding up ‘’ , which she produced with Emem Isong last year , where she played the role of a cancer-ill mother . Uche rocks her shaved head well coupled with her smile which she always have on .

Nuella Njubigbo : She was relieved of her lush hair , a requirement for the lead role she played in a movie . It was gathered that she was paid handsomely for the role . As fans commended her for the great look . Angela Okorie ; She recently joined the list of Nollywood actresses who lost it for a role in a movie titled ‘’ Widow’s cot ‘’ which had about fourteen Nollywood actresses shaving their hairs to meet the requirement of the script .

Adaora Ukoh

The big , bold and beautiful queen had to shave off her hair in a movie titled ‘’Thy Kingdom come ‘’ where she played the role of a woman who became a widow . It was gathered that she was payed N2 million to play the role . Interestingly , she still carries a low cut till date . Her fans confess how much they love her bald look . She sure looks gorgeous with it .

doesn’t look good with her shaved hair .

The popular stars, as we are made to understand cacally paid without any mathematical permutation

portray the character of a widow . It was rumored that the offer was so good for the actress to refuse . Fans say she looks sick with her head shaved .

Halima Abubakar : She surprised everyone when she buzzed her hair

off to create awareness for cancer . And she looks great with the shaved hair . While her fans says she looks good on it , others also reacted negatively .

Ebube Nwagbo : She recently shaved her hair in the movie ‘’ Widow’s cot ‘’ alongside Angela Okorie and Chitta Agwu . She wrote it on twitter that she did it for love of her job and money . Queen Nwokoye : The trio of Oge Okoye , Queen Nwokoye and Ghananian actress Rukky Mushud , were paid some millions of naira to have their hairs shaved to the skin in a movie titled ‘’ The Three Widows ‘’ . Judging by reactions from fans , she

Anita Joseph : She didn’t shave her hair for a movie role , but for style . Judging by fans reaction , she looks hotter with her shaved hair than with weaves . Esther Audu : She’s a perfect description of an African beauty . Esther is one of the ladies who has been rocking her shaved hair for a while now . She didn’t shave her hair for a movie role , but just try out a different look and everyone think she looks great with it . Chita Agwu : The beautiful Nollywood actress , also shaved her hair for the movie ‘’ Widows cot ‘’ . When asked how much she was paid , she simply said ‘’They tried ‘’

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

Olamide, Davido win big at The Headies BY KEHINDE AJOSE

ast rising rap star Olamide Adedeji emerged the biggest winner with three awards at Nigeria’s premium awards show, The Headies 2013, which held last Thursday at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The yearly event was hosted by the duo of Marvin Records’ Dr. Sid and Tiwa Savage. It had A-list artistes battling to win big at the event. But Olamide outshone other artistes, winning the ‘Best Street-Hop Artiste’ with “Durosoke”, ‘Best Rap Album’ and ‘Album of the Year’ both for his sophomore YBNL album. The 24-year old rapper also won alongside another new sensation, Phyno in the ‘Best Collabo’ categories with the hit track “Ghost Mode”. Phyno who is yet to drop his debut album also won the Headies’ Best Rap Single for his hit track “Man of the Year”. Last year’ The Headies Next Rated winner, Davido also bagged two awards: the Hip Hop World Revelation of theYyear award and Best R&B/Pop album with his debut OBO. Sean Tizzle and his producer Dee Tunes went home with two awards for their hard work. Sean won in the ‘Next Rated‘ award category with a Hyundai automobile attached

to the award , while DeeTunes won the award for ‘Producer of the Year‘. Sean Tizzle defeated the likes of Burna Boy, Dammy Krane, Seyi Shay and Phyno to the coveted prize. Other winners include 2Face Idibia (Best Pop Single for “Ihe Ne Me”); Banky W (Best R&B Single for “Good Good Loving”); Waje (Best Reggae/ DanceHall Single for “I Wish”); Black Magic (Best Alternative Song for “Repete”) and Dee Tunes (Producer Of The Year with “Sho Lee”). Best Music Video award went to Jude Okoye and Clarence Peters for Psquare’s “Alingo” and Most Downloaded Caller tune award went to Harry for his tribute song “Mandela”. Legendary rapper Mode 9 came back this year to pick the “Lyricist On The Roll” title which he has been winning until last year with his “Let It Go” single. Praiz won Best Vocal Performance Male for “Rich And Famous” and Nikki Laoye

Olamidee Davido won Best Vocal Performance Female for “Only You”. Jaywon’s “This Year ” was adjudged the “Best Recording Of The Year”. Iyanya emerged the Artiste Of The Year, just as

Kcee’ Limpopo emerged as the Song Of The Year. The awards featured stellar performances from Iyanya, Waje, Olamide, Phyno, Praiz, Seyi Shay, Niyola, Zaina, Yemi Alade.

Princess’ 7-month old marriage crashes KEHINDE AJOSE

alented comedienne and showbiz personality Damilola Adekoya a.k.a Princess and her hus-

band of seven months, Adeshola Jeremiah have ended their marriage. Sources reveal that the marriage was filled with various disagreements. Princess reportedly confirmed the separation. According to her, ‘Yes my marriage has ended due to irreconcilable differences’.‘We have been having issues since the wedding but we still remained together hoping that we would be able to work it out. But apparently, we couldn’t work it out, hence the reason for our separation. We actually ended it several months ago, but we didn’t want to make it public. I’m sure God knows best’ she added.’ May 8th 2013 was the day Princess got married to her former husband at the Balmoral hall Oregun, Lagos. .The wedding was attended by the crème de la crème of the society.

Anu

Anu excites fans with The King Kong Man

t is her first singles and she calls it ‘The King Kong Man.’ You may accuse her of be too emotive judging by the way she talks about her first and new singles, which her outfit, Atunda Entertainment, just released into the Nigerian entertainment scene. But wait until you hear the singles or watch her live performance of it; a performance that she takes to the top level of her game infusing it with her velvety and sensational singing flair and the playing power of the Ekwu, a traditional Igbo percussion, which

The highlight of the night was the induction of legendary Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal into The Headies’ Hall of Fame.

for a lady of her age, it is a delight to watch; then you would understand why she hugs and cradles the singles like a baby. Yes, like a baby because it is certainly her first introduction to the world of singles since she exploded onto the scene over a year ago. Inspired by the cinematography of ‘King Kong,’ Anu (Anuoluwapo Samantha Ozigbu) of the famous Atunda Entertainment, sings about and idolises her ‘ideal man.’ If you have ever been sold on the King Kong sensational movies then you are not a total stranger to Anu’s world of the right man. For her, the ideal man is the strong, virile, robust and complete man with all the good qualities of life but more than that, a man who understands the true meaning of love and sacrifice and is willing to be supportive of his woman and risk all for her when life demands such sacrifice. Romantic and with all the swings that come with it, ‘The King Kong Man,’ is a singles that anyone should take a listening to not just for the melody alone but the instrumentation, vibes and philosophical undertones are very endearing and give a warm and exciting feeling.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014—39

Sammie Okposo dumps COSON W

eeks after he called on the leadership of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria,BON, to respect the global standard of copyright practice following the lingering face-off between the body and the Copyright Society of Nigeria,COSON, gospel singer, Sammie Okposo has renounced his membership with the latter. In a statement by his reps, Okposo’s decision to leave COSON was based on what he calls “lack of transparency and accountability” on the part of the management of the society. The Glo ambassador wants COSON to stop collecting royalties and acting on his behalf with immediate effect. “I, Sammie Okposo, a proud

Nigerian artiste wishes to notify the general public and all stakeholders alike that I have stopped being a member of COSON”, the statement reads. Okposo’s action is coming weeks after the Broadcast Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) pronounced a ban on the airing of the musical works of 96 musicians including Okposo. He has also called for the registration of another CMO with a view to breaking the monopoly currently being enjoyed by COSON. Meanwhile, reacting Okpoo’s statement, COSON’s General Manager, Chinedu Chukwuji said, they have not received any resignation letter from Okposo.

Centenary celebration: Siglo se o hoist largest sett tto Nigerian flag ANOZIE EGOLE History is about to be made again, as a tourism development company, Siglo Innovation recently unveiled its plans to celebrate the nation’s centenary billed to hold this year with the hoisting of the largest national flag on the tallest flagpole in the world. The national flag, which is called the Unity

Flag, is said to be a flag that will have the combination of the other 36 flags of each states in the country around it. The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Ojo Olanrewaju said, the flag was also expected to be surrounded by flags of the 36 states of the federation as a way of symbolising the unity of the country. He added that some other historical information about Nigeria would also be in the park alongside the flag to make the centre a preferred world tourism destination. According to Ojo, the

project, which is under the private public partnership, was designed to boost tourism industry in the country. The flag, which would also be the tallest standing object in Nigeria, would be housed at the proposed Centenary House in Abuja.

12 Best albums of 20 13 201

Eedris Abdulkareem

Eedris Abdulkareem blasts Obasanjo on TTwitt witt er witter KEHINDE AJOSE

igerian Jagajaga crooner, Ee dris Abdulkareem recently at tacked former President, Olusegun Obasanjo on Twitter, calling him names. In his Tweets, he said, “Obasanjo is a fraud. Obasanjo go and sleep we

don’t need your help. You could not make history when God gave you the opportunity. It is obvious, GEJ is not protecting the interest of Obasanjo anymore and that’s why he wants GEJ out.” Eedris and the former president have had issues in the past concerning Eedris controversial hit song ‘Jagajaga’.

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

Stories by IYABO AINA

Celebrity feuds of 2013!

adly , we lost some great actors and on the flip side, new faces were welcomed into the industry . There were quarrels, settlements, marriages were contracted just as some already contracted marriages crashed, and many celebrities went home with awards; there were also some who fell from grace to grass. Starting from Kanye West’s feud with Jimmy Kimmel to Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey’s American Idol showdown, there was no shortage of feuding stars. But above all , the industry had a lot of breakthroughs in many ways. As there were more Hollywood films in festivals around the world.

West twitter rant against Kimmel

fter milking his “feud” with Matt Damon for laughs, late-night host Kimmel got into an actual feud with rapper, Kanye West. It all started after Kimmel debuted a sketch on his show in which children re-enacted an interview West gave to BBC Radio. West further went on twitter to rant against Kimmel during which he said ‘’ Kimmel’s ex Sarah Silverman was a thousand times funnier than you and the whole world knows it” and also demanded an apology from the host. Later ,West appeared on Kimmel’s talk show to publicly end their feud. “A lot of people think you are a jerk. I often in my own personal conversations say, ‘No. I know this guy. He is not a jerk,’” Kimmel said. For his part, West said he had poured all his frustrations at tabloids .

Lady Gaga

Jimmy Kimmel

Kanye West

Perez Hilton

O’Connor threats of taking legal action unless Cyrus apologized

fter O’Connor wrote an open letter to Cyrus, where she cautioned her about letting herself be “pimped” by the music industry, Cyrus on the other side responded by mocking O’Connor ’s mental health issues of two years ago with screen grabs on Twitter. “Before there was Amanda Bynes,” Cyrus wrote of the actress,who has also battled mental health issues. Hours later, O’Connor wrote a second letter criticizing Cyrus for posting tweets . She asks incredulously. “Have you any idea how stupid and dangerous it is to mock people for suffering illness? You will yourself one day suffer such illness, that is without doubt. The course you have set yourself upon can only end in that, trust me.” The feud continued with more letters and tweets until O’Connor threatened legal action unless Cyrus apologized. O’Connor later explained to Time: “The music business is corrupt, a spiritually corrupt arena. It’s full of nothing but vampires and pimps, honestly. You couldn’t understand it unless you were in it. The only way to survive it is to love music.”

Perez Hilton accused of being a stalker by lady gaga

Mariah Carey

Minaj putting up with Mariah T

he American Idol feud that started in fall 2012 continued well into 2013. Reports surfaced that Minaj and Carey weren’t getting along during the auditions, and video surfaced of a heated exchange between the two during which Minaj could be heard yelling: “I told them I’m not fucking putting up with her .” In 2013, viewers got a look at what went down in Charlotte, N.C., during which Minaj stormed out after the two got into a heated debate over a contestant. In November, the feud continued as Carey told New York radio station Hot 97 “Honestly, I thought it was gonna be a threeperson panel. They gave me a nice dangling monetary moment,” she said. While she didn’t name Minaj specifically, she added “It was like going to work every day in hell with Satan.”

One Direction $The Wanted

Twitter battle between One Direction and The Wanted

he former friends took their feud public by trading insults on twitter over the summer. She accused him of being a stalker, while he denied that and said he was receiving death threats from her fans. In November, she revealed the cause of the disagreement. “He started asking me really terrible questions, and he was being very negative about Born This Way “ she told Howard Stern in an interview, referring to questions that suggested her third studio album was a failure. “He was supposed to be my friend and I felt betrayed . ”

Sinead O’Connor

Miley Cyrus

Nicki Minaj

t was a battle royal on twitter between the British boy bands when The Wanted’s Thomas Parker tweeted at One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson in April: “ you even talk about us at your own gigs. Are you that upset you didn’t get in this band?” That continued for a while and their girlfriends even got involved. But in August, The Wanted’s Nathan Sykes indicated that all was right in boy-band land, telling MTV News “I think both ourselves and One Direction are, as far as I’m concerned, whatever kinds of words were said since I wasn’t really part of it, think it kind of went away now,]which is awesome. I think it’s the best people really concentrate on the success that we’re both having and how well we’re doing, which is always great.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4 4, 2014—41

42—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

Do not invite me to all occasions, Obi warns

Gov. Peter Obi (2nd right), with Chief Victor Umeh (1st right), Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo(2nd left) and Chief Sylvester Nwobualor, during the commissioning of Oka Agbiligba Library, Nanka, yesterday

o v. O b i h a s a p pealed to the peo ple of Anambra State to stop inviting him to occasions that do not add value to governance in Anambra State, saying that a Governor of a State has a lot at hands to have time for events that do not contribute in any way to the progress of the people. He said this yesterday at Nanka, during the commissioning of Oka Ag-

biligba Library, Nanka, built for the town by a group of friends led by Okwudili Ezenwankwo. While commissioning the building, Gov. Obi commended all those that contributed to its building and said he would be delighted to attend such events. He said that the gesture was a good example to the wealthy ones on how to use their wealth for the progress of the society. “When some people are rich, all you get from them is indecent display of wealth. Some use theirs to oppress the less privileged. Today, Okwudili and his friends have demonstrated to us one way to use one’s wealth to serve humanity ”, Obi said. Obi, who called on the people of the village to make good use of the library, said that the promotion of education in any form was part of the efforts of his Government to empower the people as, according to him, education remains the most portent tool for competition in the world. Fu r t h e r, O b i s a i d that his Government had taken delivery of 25,000 computers, generators and tonnes of books that would be presented to schools in the State. He said he was encouraged to follow that path, because similar assistances given to Anambra schools, as well as the return of schools to the Church, had made Anambra State the number one in performance in external examinations such as WA E C , JA M B a n d NECO. In a welcome address read by the Chairman of Oka Agbiligba, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, said they were encouraged to invest in a such project because o f G o v e r n o r Pe t e r Obi’s persistent call for the people of the State to think of ways to contribute to the advancement of the society.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014—43

08 116759 759 081 6759759

'My bottom is 7f 7ftt wide and I'm proud of it!'

he has to wear extra large trousers and once managed to crack a toilet bowl just by sitting on it but Sarah Massey, 33, says she is proud to have one of the world’s

largest posteriors. The Chicago motherof-two’s derriere measures an impressive 7ft in diameter and sometimes proves too large to fit through doorways.

But despite being proud of her recordbreaking rear end, 32stone Ms Massey admits that living with a supersized bottom isn’t always easy and receives £750 in disability benefit each month as a result of having limited mobility. ‘Everyday I get some kind of comment thrown at me, both good and bad —I used to be ashamed but now I hold my head high,’ she re-

vealed. Now Ms Massey is so proud of her unique physique, she even takes part in risque photo shoots for fans of her figure. ‘Some people can’t believe one person can have this much butt,’ she adds. ‘Because I’ve got a relatively small frame on top they say, “that can’t be real”. ‘I carry this weight with me all the time, everywhere I go, it’s definitely not fake. Big booty’s are just in my blood.’

The bride wore nothing N udist activists arrested as they marry in San Francisco with — surprise surprise —no clothes on. A bride and groom have been arrested as they tied the knot after stripping naked in the street to campaign against San Francisco’s ban on public nudity. Police swooped on ex-stripper turned activist Gypsy Taub, 44, and groom Jamyz Smith, 20, within a few minutes of them exchanging vows. According to SFGate.com, she told the gathered

congregation: ‘This is a protest against the nudity ban as much as it is a wedding. I know that the people of San Francisco are behind me. ’The couple had derobed outside San Francisco City Hall after a yearlong campaign to highlight what they believe is a draconian restriction on their ability to be naked in public. The service was conducted by nudity activist George Davis, an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church. After a short reading from his ‘holy book,’ entitled ‘Erotic Art,’ Davis said: ‘I pronounce you man and wife,’ adding: ‘Kiss and conjugate.’ Officers from the local police department wrapped the newly wed couple into blanks and bundled them into separate vans as they shared a dance on the pavement during the service yesterday.

Inmate chops off his own penis I

nmate chops off his own penis after being told he is not allowed to be released. A Kenyan death row inmate chopped off his own penis after missing out on a presidential pardon. After telling fellow prisoners that he would not need the organ anymore, Francis Karuri chopped off the appendage and then continued his work, before passing out on the floor in his cell. He was discovered by guards and taken to the Kenyatta Nation Hospital to be treated for the wound, and unconsciousness due to loss of blood. But, perhaps due to the fact that the injury was caused 13 hours before, the organ was unable to be attached by medics. The inmate, who has so far served 15 years in prison was following proceedings of the Uhuru ceremony where 50 prisoners were sent free. He was hoping that his name would be read out on a list of inmates which would be released in time for Christmas. Mr Karuri was taken to hospital, but his penis could not be re-attached. But President Uhuru Kenyatta had not included Mr Karuri, and the prisoner took the drastic action.

Spanish surgeons remove 17-inch tumour from woman’s womb S panish surgeons remove 17-inch tumour from woman’s womb that weighed nearly four stone. Surgeons in Spain have removed a giant tumour from a woman’s stomach that was 17 inches long and weighed 3st 9lb. The doctors at Torrevieja Hospital, in eastern Spain, say the tumour was attached to the 47year-old patient’s womb. Dr Eduardo Cazorla, head of the hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, said that in his 20-year career had never dealt with a similar case. The surgical team say giant gynaecological tumours – defined as those weighing more than 1st 8lb – are very rare and that only five similar cases

have ever been reported in scientific literature. The patient was referred to the hospital by her GP after suffering weight gain and pain in her stomach. The 55lb tumour was so large it was also causing her bowel problems, difficulty sleeping, breathing problems and discomfort while walking. Doctors carried out a series of tests and found a huge cystic tumour which was 41cm long. It stretched from her pubic bone to her sternum. During an operation, surgeons successfully removed the tumour as well as the patient’s womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes. The operation took just two hours and the tumour was found to be benign. The woman spent five days in hospital and another 20 days recovering at home. She has now made a full recovery. She is still visiting the hospital for regular examinations but there are currently no signs of the tumour returning.

Woman left with horrific damage to her nose

oman left with horrific damage to her nose after botched cosmetic surgery at cut-price clinic. Six months after her £2,200 operation, Rita Nugent’s nasal passage caved in The cosmetic surgeon who carried out the operation, Dr Olufemi Adeyinka Adeogba, has been struck off the medical register. Tribunal finds his actions ‘deplorable’ adding he is a ‘risk to patients’ One patient was left with a dent in her breast and a nipple that was too high

44—SA TURD AY 44—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

Ik aW eekly publisher giv es daught er in w edloc k Ika Weekly gives daughter wedloc edlock

t was classy and colourful day when publisher of Ika Weekly newspaper, in Agbor, Delta State, State Steve Ekiri-Mekiriuwa Ashien gave his daughter in marriage to dashing Elijah Ekuderi. The

couple exchanged the matrimonial vows at St. Patricks Catholic Church,Ime-Obi Agbor Delta State before a high-profile dignitaries made up of the groom’s and bride’s guests. Photos by Nath Onojake

From left: The couple Mr and Mrs Elijah Okuderi, Mr.Steve Ekiri-Mekiriuwa Ashien, bride's dad, and Omiregwa (Sir) John Okenabirhie and Lady Celia Okenabirhie, Chairman and MD, Heartland Hotel, Warri, Delta State. From left: Mrs Maria Ashien, brides mother and the Couple; Mr and Mrs Elijah Okuderi

Shop Owner orum Ownerss FForum celebrat es Ne wY ear celebrates New Year

he 4th End-of-the-Year Party Celebration of Shop Owners Welfare Forum took place at Araromi Primary School in Ajegunle, Lagos over the week-end. Photos by Biodun Ogunleye

From right: Mr.Steve Ekiri-Mekiriuwa Ashien, publisher Ika Weekly Newspaper; The couple: Mr and Mrs Elijah Endurance Agor, bride's dad, the couple; Mr and Mrs Elijah Okuderi with Mr.Jonah Okuderi, Okuderi. groom's dad“

Faces at Amuw o Odof in music ffiesta iesta Amuwo Odofin THE 5th Amuwo Odofin musical concert carnival took place at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) compound in Festac Town Lagos, on December 30, 2013 with the Local Government being the major pilot with the support of MTN, Sunfit, Slot Technologies and a host of others. A host of top musicians led by Tuface Idibia performed on the night. Photos by Biodun Ogunleye

L-R: Hon. Corlins Igboewu, Barr. Emmanuel Ugwuodo, Mr Chidi Onu,Chairman of the Association and Barr. Nkemdillim Nwoguh.

L-R:Mr Tunde Faleye, Chairman, Golden Mart. Bakery & Supermarket, Mr Sogon Osikoya and Comrade Ayodele Adewale,Chairman, Amuwo Odofin LG

L-R:Mr Gbolahan Adeyemi,APC Ward Chairman, Mrs Lola Pedro and Alh Abdulkareem Bada

Mrs Zainab Adewakle (c),wife of Amuwo Odofin LG Chairman flanked by Mrs Aderayo Adeniji-Adele (r) and Mojisola Liadi.

L-R: Ichie Osuoffia, Chief Caustus Clulandebelu and Chief Emeka Enendu

L-R: Mr Bayo Adewale, Hon Engr Abayomi Kiyomi and Hon Mojisola AlliMacaulay,Dep Leader Amuwo Odofin LG Legislative Council

L-R: Mr Ifeanyi Thomas Agim, Anusi Oliver Chikezie, Benjamin Okpori and Chrithopher Ogbodo Offor

SATURDAY, Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 45

Xmas par ty in Ur omi party Uromi Rac hael Oduk omaiy a celebrat es 70 Tgh Rachael Odukomaiy omaiya celebrates

hanksgiving service to mark the 70th birthday of Mrs Rachel Aduke Odukomaiya was held at Yaba Baptist Church, Yaba, Lagos on Friday, December 28, 2013. Many important personalities graced the event. Photos by Lamidi Bamidele

R-L: Mrs Rachel Aduke Odukomaiya, celebrant, Mr Bola Odukomaiya; Mr Kunle Aderinto and Mr Tayo Odukomaiya

housands of residents trooped out to be part of the Xmas party/concert in Uromi which had many top musicians performing. Here are pictures from the Uniglobe Xmas fiesta

Oritz Wiliki performing at the Uniglobe Xmas Party .

Mrs Rachel Aduke Odukomaiya, celebrant dancing during the church service.

Uniglobe Chairman; Imoibhio and Ras Kimono L-R: Chief Tokunbo Thomas and Otunba Kunle Ogunmade.

Prince

Cyprian

R-L: Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; Otunba Oyin Jolayemi and his wife, Adepeju

Crowd of spectators at the Xmas party.

Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former Governor of Lagos State and his wife, Abimbola.

L-R: Alhaji Musiliu Smith, former IGP; Alhaji Saka Alao and Alhaji Yahya Aribidesi.

Onijanikin celebrat es 40th cor onation celebrates coronation

he Aladi Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Momodu Afolabi Asafa, MFR, was joined by other royals, noble men and chiefs from his domain to celebrate his 40th year on the throne of his forefathers.

The Aladi Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Momodu Afolabi Asafa, MFR, flanked by his two Oloris, cutting his cake.

The Aladi Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Momodu Afolabi Asafa, MFR, flanked by his two Oloris and other Obas.

Nne Chika

Chika andAnyanetoh Chivuzo

ne Chika Anyanetoh and Mazi Chivuzo Offiah at their traditional wedding ceremony in Enugo Village, Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Their church wedding holds today by 12 noon at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1004 Flats, Victoria Island Lagos.

Nne Chika Anyanetoh and Mazi Chivuzo Offiah

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

By Anozie Egole

What is your passion for musical Tourism? It is important for us as Nigerians to dig deep and look into other areas of developing our economy generally and in our local communities and towns in particular. Edo State of which Esanland form a part has always been the bedrock of popular music in Nigeria. I remember in the 1970s and 1980s popular night clubs were found all over Bendel (present Edo/Delta). People use to come from as far as Kaduna, Lagos, Jos and other major cities in Nigeria to enjoy weekend of dancing in our clubs Like Mr. A, Adesua Discotheque, Lisa Mona, The Limit Night club, So Fine, Transworld Discotheque in Uromi, and so many others too numerous to mention. No musical tour is complete without visits to places like Uromi, Auchi, Agbor, Warri, Sapele, etc. We need to develop annual festivals to attract people to Esanland in general and Uromi in particular; there is also a need to develop our own local talents so we can partake in the present boom which the popularity of Nigerian music worldwide has created. What is your feeling then of restriction of night social activities in Esanland? Like I keep saying, no economy can sufficiently grow with just a 9am to 6pm activity period. Most economic centres worthy of mention operate a round the clock or at worst 18 hour business activities. And I bet you musical tourism as you call it, is part and parcel of those economies. When you go up and down most towns in Esanland today, people are already in bed or indoors by 7pm and those still out by 9pm receive phone calls from their love ones to enquire if something is wrong. My belief is that even the devil is afraid of people so when people are generally moving about, crime rates are reduced. I am not an expert in this area, but common sense should tell us that the

Day Esan land stands still for Uromi musical fiesta A whole lot of Nigerian artistes have performed at these events; in the last 2 years. Do you have plans of bringing in international artistes in the future? Our immediate and future plan is to build an international festival in Esanland that can compete with the best in the world. That may also mean spicing it up with an international music brand from time to time. Today Nigerian artistes are invited to perform in festivals all over the world. it is important we reciprocate this by bringing major international stars to Esanland. Be that as it may, charity they say begins at home. So priority will be given to our sons and daughters, then Nigerian artistes and with gradual progression to international artistes.

Prince Cyprian Imoibhio with Ras Kimono

criminal needs peace and quiet to operate hence they choose night when people are not up and about. What particular message are you trying to send across with this free for all yearly actualization of this project? Firstly, apart from my comments and observations above, the major message is simply that we cannot sit back and rely solely on the government to develop our communities. Well meaning Nigerians especially my brothers and sisters from Esanland who have the means should not shy away from supporting initiatives that will enhance the development of our immediate communities through social economic reinvention. Secondly, the greatest carnivals all over the world are free i.e. Calabar Carnival, Port Harcourt Carnival, Nothing Hill Carnival, Rio carnival amongst others. The difficulty at the moment is that to the extent I am able as one man to fund this yearly musical fiesta, I will continue to do so and hope that others will buy into the idea and turn it into a major carnival. Then I pray at some point governments will see the benefits accruing from the event and provide some form of support as it’s done in the cases of the carnivals mentioned above. So to answer your question; we are trying to create awareness towards achieving an Esan Carnival in this part of the country.

What are your future plans for this event? Our future plan is to progressively make the annual Uniglobe Music Extravaganza

bigger and better and ultimately make it an Esan Carnival that will be lasting many days, with each town showcasing what they are capable of. I am sure we are moving towards that direction even though we are not there yet. But know and believe the awareness and passion for it is growing and spreading not only in Uromi but other towns in Esanland. For instance last year we had an attendance of 20,000 people and this year we had over 35,000 people (estimated). Even Nothing Hill Carnival, one of the biggest carnivals in the world did not record this kind of figures in 2 years. For the records it started with only 50 people in its first year walking round the streets of Nothing hill in

opportunity to give them a platform to develop and showcase their talents. I was quite impressed with the caliber of our own home grown performers this year. Far better than the year before which goes to show they are growing in confidence. People attended this event from far and wide what security measures did you put in place? First and foremost Esan people are peace-loving people. Uniglobe Music Festival I believe belongs to the people of Esanland. They love the concept and are very excited about the gradual development of their own community festival. The greatest security as I always say is God and the people

rince Cyprian Imobhio, Chairman of Uniglobe Group is an industrialist of high repute. With businesses spanning the oil and gas sector, agriculture, construction, hotels, etc in Europe and Nigeria, this business mogul who has a large heart for giving back to the society, has for the past few years been reaching out to the less privileged including free Christmas musical fiesta in Uromi, giving the local people opportunity to see prominent musicians. Performing musical superstar giants like Sound Sultan, Sir Shina Peters, Wadada, Ras kimono, J Martins etc, not to mention comedians like Gordons, Dan the Humourous, Blue Bone, Action One and a host of others are regular features at the fiesta. The fiesta arena has also become like a pilgrimage of sort for up and coming artistes who grace the event from as far away as Lagos, and other cities of Nigeria. Now he says the Uromi Musical fiesta could be upgraded to be like Nothing Hill Carnival in London and the Calabar Christmas Carnival. While in 2012, the Christmas festival focused on music and comedy, last year it was extravaganza night and children’s party. Here he speaks on these efforts to keep Edo people happy through this musical tourism…

Our immediate and future plan is to build an international festival in Esanland that can compete with the best in the world. That may also mean spicing it up with an international music brand from time to time London but today it can conveniently boast of 5 million people over a 3 day carnival period. Another major area for us is the scouting and development of future talents from Esanland who will be our own pride in the entertainment industry. In those day we had artiste like Sonny Okosuns (May God have mercy on his soul) who used to make us proud being Esan people in Nigeria. We want to use the

themselves. So since the show is their own, they were primarily their own security. Of course we had the police on ground to also ensure there was no breach of peace and I thank our very progressive DPO who was on hand to tell us and advice us on some areas of potential security lapses before the show. Most especially I give glory to God as there was not a single incident or even accident.

What was the reaction of the people of Uromi and Esanland in general towards this event? As a journalist I expect you to tell me that because you are the one that has the methodologies and reach to find out from the people. But from what I can see, putting together the peaceful disposition and turn out, I will guess that they love it and cannot wait for next year’s event. From rumour, they are already asking about the artists that will perform next year. I believe Esan people see it as their pride and joy. Don’t forget that this year we also had the children’s funfair and games. It was a joy to see children playing games, dance and receive gifts in the spirit of the yelutide season. Personally seeing the smiles in those young faces made the difference, it was quite emotional. You have a lot of support in Esanland. Do you have any plans to seek a political appointment? I am a business man and not a politician. We cannot all be politicians. Some of us have to support others as long as they are performing well. At the moment we are quite lucky in Esanland and Uromi in particular. Our sons and daughters are occupying important positions at the state and national level and in my own opinion they are doing well. Even the ‘blind’ can see that. So I will continue to give them my support no matter how small and also prayers so they can do better. To answer your question, we can contribute to our people’s advancement without necessarily contesting for a political office through other channels. That is why Uniglobe farm is sited at Uromi.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014—47

BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO, Lokoja

he advent of GSM in Nigeria, though, a laudable feat, has added a new dimension to crime. There are those who use it for mischief. The mobile phone has made communication easier and widespread. Irrespective of class or educational level, one can own a mobile phone and as many Sims as possible without hassle. Until lately when the regulatory body, the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, took the decision to enforce compulsory registration of Sims, the use of mobile phones in Nigeria was subject to a lot of abuses. Even now, it is still possible for a caller to conceal his or her number. Though phone experts say that there are many ways to trace calls or messages from any given phone as each phone have unique serial number and other specific features only peculiar to it but that has not stop those who use it to perpetuate crime. The new trend of crime in Kogi State now is the ‘special’ ways of defrauding people especially those in the corridor of power of their money with text messages. Many government officials are increasingly becoming susceptible to receiving calls or text messages from people that they do not know. These calls or text messages are usually to embarrass them and bring their psyche to submission. Those who perpetrate such heinous acts knows that though one may be at liberty to refuse to answer a call from a strange caller, it is not possible to bar text messages from strange number; at least not for now. Many top government functionary have continue to lament the high numbers of such strange messages they gets in a day or in a month. It would not have mattered much if these messages are merely limited to a single individual; the messages are often syndicated and sent to as many whose numbers are in their possession with the intention of embarrassing their target. The newly posted Commissioner of Police, Saidu Madawaki has attested to the increasing rate of which these new ugly trend to smear the reputation of people in position of authorities and to defraud them has reached in the State. Though he vowed to stop it on his assumption of office. Recently, the State Police Command made a breakthrough when they nabbed one of those who have formed the habit of tarnishing the image of top government officials through syndicated messages. The 26-year old man, Olaiya Ibeun, who was paraded by the police, allegedly sent over 500 bulk text messages, making insinuations with the intent of tarnishing the image of the top government officials including the Deputy Governor of the State, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi. In one of the messages, he had alleged that the Deputy Governor, was to use the resources of Mopamuro Local Government Council (where both he and the Deputy Governor hail from) to develop a property on Lewis Street, Lagos. In another message, he accused the Deputy Governor of bringing into Mopamuro bags of rice, allegedly donated to victims of last year’s flood in the state with the sole

How fraudster uses text messages to defraud people in Kogi

Saidu Madawaki, CP, Kogi State

Those who perpetrate such heinous acts know that though one may be at liberty to refuse to answer a call from a strange caller, it is not possible to bar text messages from strange number; at least not for now. Many top government functionaries have continue to lament the high numbers of such strange messages they get in a day or in a month. aim of getting them to vote for his choice candidate at the local government election. Olaiya did not stop there. In yet another message, he alleged that the Deputy Governor, arm-twisted the Director of Local Government, who took charge of the council prior to the local government election, to part with the sum of N50 million to help perfect the winning of his anointed candidate.

It was clear that it was a case of giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it. For only God knows why, Olaiya was bent on destroying the person of the Deputy Governor.

n other to create a decoy,he also defamed his family members all to serve as smoke screen. Along the line of his mischief, Olaiya gave the Deputy Governor and other of his victims a condition that would make him stop sending further defamed messages - MONEY. The suspect, a Mass Communication graduate, the police said, is a specialist in using the internet to smear the reputation of well-meaning Nigerians. According to the Commissioner of Police, Saidu Madawaki, the phone he uses for the messages has been recovered. He disclosed that the Sims number was coded in such a way that it appears foreign...bearing the number - +224811331529. Apart from sending the messages to impugn on the integrity of his targets, Olaiya is also said to be engaged in defrauding unsuspecting individuals. According to the police, he was arrested after the police successfully tracked down the lady he allegedly used her bank account to extort money from one of his victims. Olaiya was subsequently picked up in Kaduna.

Olaiya, the police, maintained is one of those unscrupulous Nigerians who are bent on destroying the good intention of government by the introduction of mobile phone. “People like Olaiya take immense delight in destroying the good reputation built by people for just no cause.” As he does that, Olaiya, ensured that he leaves no trace. The text messages did suggest that he went to school. He’s was deliberate and not ignorance. He did not want it traced to him so he even insulted his close relatives. Those who have fall victims of Olaiya includes Mr. Funsho Daniyan who is the chairman of Mopamuro Local Government; Mr. Eric Fiki and other top government functionaries from the State until luck ran out of him. Reacting, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Abu Micheal whose boss was one of the receivers of such messages said, “It is sad that a young man, who should devote his energy to productive endeavors, is rather out seeking for who he will destroy for no just cause. The Deputy Governor is pained by the fact that the messages are to create disaffection between him and his people. ‘m yet to find any reason why a young man would chose to thread the path of selfdestruction.” Commenting on the allegations in some of the messages, Abu said, “They are unfounded. They are tissues of fabricated lies meant to tarnish the good reputation my principal has built for himself over the years. The allegations, I will say, are a calculated attempt to rubbish an innocent man, by a man whose sole motive is to satisfy his hunger through a very crooked means. Of course he is likely not alone”. On what would be the next line of action by his boss, Mr Abu said, “My boss could ignore any other allegation but certainly, not the one that is intended to defamed him; rubbish his integrity and smear his character. I can assure that he is very sensitive about his reputation. He may look simple on any other issue but he never jokes with matters of integrity. He is a stickler for due process, honesty and an embodiment of integrity. But the decision on what to do can only be taken by him.” Vanguard also gathered that those who are defamed by Olaiya’s action have demanded for proofs for all the allegations while the Commissioner of Police said Olaiya might be in for a long-drawn legal battle as the law will certainly take its course to serve as a deterrent. Vanguard also gathered that the Police may cash in on the situation to make a scapegoat of Olaiya as their are similar cases waiting for the police to unearth. The Olaiya case might just provide the police with the opportunity to send clear signals to Olaiya’s co- travelers that their days are numbered in the State.

48—SA TURD AY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014 48—SATURD TURDA ne of the key that will propel your rising is the key of persistent thanksgiving. Thank God that the devil could not stop you despite all he threw at you. For some it was hardship, sickness, loss of job, loss of fortune, death of member of the family, discouragement. For others, it was pain, sorrow, barrenness, unprogressiveness, miscarriages, etc. In the midst of it all, God is still God. There can be no other God like Jehovah that reigneth from eternity to the worst. You are better than eternity. The truth of the mat- someone else. When you ter is thatno matter what you thank Him, He will lift you may have lost, God’s interven- higher than your present levtion is the reason why you did el. You are just one step away not lose everything. Remem- from your desired goal. There are three days in a ber that satan’s ministry is to steal, kill and destroy while man’s life. Yesterday, today Jesus came to give you life and tomorrow. You can do and life more abundantly nothing about yesterday because it is gone but you can (John 10:10). I beseech you to join the do something today and look league of those that constant- forward to a brighter tomorly thank God in everything (1 row. Refuse to be tied to your Thess. 5:18). That you have negative past. It will rob you life is by grace. You did not of your now and future. It is a make or created yourself. God killer of joy. When there is no is your maker. He made you joy there can be no fruitfulfor a glorious purpose. Re- ness. Thus, you cannot see member what He told Jeremi- any reason to be thankful. Your attitude is what deterah, “before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and mines your altitude in life. If before thou camest forth out you are not grateful to God, of the womb I sanctified thee, you will be grounded. When and ordained thee a prophet gratitude becomes your lifeunto the nations” (jer. 1:5). No style, you will continue to matter the present state of gain altitude in life. Thanksyour life, it is not the end. You giving will take you to a highare on your way to greatness. er realm in life. Hear me, as Thank God that you are alive. you commit to thanking God Thank Him for your present always, your status will status. Know that you are not change this year.

The power of thanksgiving

maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1 Cor. 4:7). Know that God is the doer of everything good in your life. It is not by your act of hard work, “for without God ye can do nothing” (john 15:5). Lift your voice and thank Him for every good thing that has happen to you. Know that God expects you to thank Him. In Lk. 17, He asked the leper who returned to thank Him about the other nine that were cleansed of leprosy. This means that God keeps record of what He has done and He is waiting for you to return the glory to Him. The leper that returned to give Him glory was made whole while those who did not returned to give Him glory were not made whole. As you thank

Him, He will make available what is missing by making your life whole. It is time to make thanksgiving your lifestyle daily and constantly. To manifest testimonies like never before, you must constantly give Him thanks because it is His will. In doing His will, you will be pleasing Him and in return there shall be restoration in every area of your life because He reigns forever. Keep thanking Him and testimonies shall not cease in your mouth every day, week and month this year. God bless you and bless our great nation Nigeria. Have you given your life to Jesus? If not, please pray this prayer. Father, I come to you as I am. I invite Jesus into my life to be my personal Lord and Saviour. Wash me cleanse with the blood of Jesus and empower me with the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you Father for saving my soul and making me your child. Your prayer request and praise reports will be welcome. Our contact details are below. You can also partner with us by supporting us financially.

Learn to recount God’s benefit in your life and give Him thanks. The Psalmist said in Ps. 103:2, “… and forget not all His benefits”. Never take the happenings in your life for granted. Nothing is too small to give God thanks for. When you appreciate Him for that little, much will be added. Don’t let the devil stop you and make you to focus on what you have not received. Stay focused on your future but be totally grateful for your present. Your future is too great compared to where you are now. Thank Him in advance for where He is taking you. Beloved, see God as the reason For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard behind every Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town good thing in your or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635 08168955932; 08033378769. Elife. Know that, no mail: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org. Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust man can prevail by strength (1 Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C Sam 2:9). Every 1011711622. good gift comes Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:15from God (James 11:30am. Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, 1:17). “For who Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am.

In 2013, federal highways got better BY ADIONE D. OKWUOSA

n early July, 2013, at the peak of the rainy season, members of the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen in his Abuja office. The curiosity of the visit lay in the fact that, rather being an occasion to catalogue the woes of transporters, the latter came to express thanks for the vast improvement in the road network in the country. The luxury transporters were led by the association’s Secretary, Mr. Frank Nneji, who is also the founder of ABC Transport Company, which is quoted on the Stock Exchange. About six weeks before that courtesy visit, ABC Transport Company had slashed its fares in a widely published advert in The Punch newspaper of Monday, May 20, 2013, with the caption, “The Roads Are Getting Better,” and gave its reason solely as the marked improvement in the country’s arterial roads. Again, in October, the Chief Executive Officer of Ifesinachi Motors, Prince Emeka Mamah, added his voice of praise to the Federal Government for the remarkable turn-around in the state of our highways. This is the fitting background to a deep appreciation of the steady

transformation of Federal highways through the urgent efforts to reclaim the national road network from the abject state of disrepair, which the President Goodluck Jonathan Administration inherited. With unflagging commitment to the rehabilitation, construction, and expansion of highways, the Federal Government is catalyzing economic growth and national integration through road transportation. The wastages and suffering of a couple of years ago have been largely eliminated as travel times on some of the country’s notorious highways have been considerably reduced. This is why it is easy to appreciate the import of the courtesy visit by Luxury Bus Owners to the Minister of Works, and the deserving praise they showered on him. By June, 2013, the Federal Ministry of Works had completed 32 road projects covering a distance of over 2,000km. These include the dualization of Ibadan-Ilorin road section I (IbadanOyo) in Oyo State, reconstruction of Vom-Manchok road in Plateau State, dualisation of Onitsha-Owerri Road (Section I) and Onitsha Eastern Bypass, in Anambra State, completion of the rehabilitation of Funtua-GusauSokoto road (section II: Gusau-Talata Mafara) in Zamfara and Sokoto States; completion of the rehabilitation of Katsina-Daura road in Katsina State, as well as completion of the rehabilitation of Ijebu Igbo-Ajegunle-Araromi-IfeSekona Road (Section II) in Ogun State.

There are also a number of ongoing road dualization projects of major arterial highways in the country. These include: AbujaAbaji-Lokoja Expressway; KanoMaiduguri road; Lokoja-OkeneBenin road; construction of LokoOweto Bridge over River Benue with approach roads in Nasarawa and Benue States; dualization of Suleja-Minna road in Niger State; rehabilitation of Benin-Ore-Shagamu Expressway, rehabilitation of Sokoto-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road in Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger States; rehabilitation of IlorinKabba-Obajana road in Kwara and Kogi States, and several others. What is heart-warming is that significant progress has been made in these on-going dualization and rehabilitation projects. In addition, the construction of a new bridge over River Benue at Loko-Oweto is transforming into a reality, with the structural members fast springing up from the underwaters. About 150 piles have been drilled along with one reinforced concrete abutment, while 22 piers have been constructed. The project has already reached about 35 per cent completion, ahead of the planned progress. To this we should add the Second Niger Bridge at Onitsha, and the flag-off of the total reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. In fact, 2013 witnessed the flag-off of the reconstruction, or major repairs, of a number of very important roads,

including Mokwa-Bida Road, Akure-Ilesa Road, Mbaise-Ngwa Road, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Sokoto-TambuwalJega Road, and Owerri-Umuahia Road. Also, a number of roads have been given a new lease of life under the Road Development Programme of the Federal Ministry of Works via the Road Sector Development Team – the collaborative platform between the Federal Ministry of Works (on behalf of the Federal Government) and the World Bank. Some road projects that have benefitted from this programme are: Jebba-Lafiaji Road in Niger State; Takai-Albasu-Gaya Road in Kano State; NafadaGombe Abba Road in Gombe State; Hong-Mubi Road in Adamawa State; Okpala-Igwurita Road in Imo State; Ado-IlumobaAgbado-Ikare Road Sections A and B in Ekiti State; DingayaGalambi-Rungo Road in Sokoto State; Rumukurshi-Chokocho Road in Cross River State; Akure-Owo Road in Ondo State; Kurfi-Chiranchi Road in Katsina State; Lafiagi-Mokwa Road in Niger State, and LafiaDoma Road in Nasarawa State. The Apapa-Oshodi Expressway was a source of embarrassment and agony to many Nigerians before the administration of PresidentGoodluck Jonathan. Mr Adione kwuosa writes from Lagos.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 4, 2014—49

indu Elueze, aka halfman halfdog, is a young man who has found pleasure and passion in rearing dogs. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard Business,he reveals how rearing of dogs makes him fulfilling and also transform into good business. He also teaches listeners through his Pet Planet radio programme what it takes to handle breeds of dogs. Excerpts: Can you explain your passion for dogs and how do you make life out of it? Trying to explain my passion for dogs would seem like explaining my passion for my parents, being around animals most especially dogs is life fulfilling because they hold a lot of healing powers and provide for me a PURE and REAL unconditional LOVE. Growing up with 23 different breeds of dogs and till date I can’t remember ever being at home and no dog either inside the house or around the compound. I am from a family of dog lovers so its just natural the way I feel towards dogs. Making a life out of it is an angle I am just starting to develop because it’s always the love for dog and making sure they end up in the right home where adequate love and care is been given to the dog. It has never been about money or profit making, but solely about passion. What business could anyone do with rearing dogs? Dog business is a multi-million Naira business because of the rate at which families are beginning to show more interest in old culture of rearing a dog with the family. The demand for different kinds of breeds is on the high side and very little is known to the average Nigerian about this trade. But having been in the trade professionally for eight years, I can say to you by experience that it’s surely a very high earning business that requires more awareness for Nigerians to queue in. Tell us more on PET PLANET? The radio show PET PLANET airs every Saturday between 4-5pm on CITY 105.1FM where I JAY HALFMAN HALFDOG & KEMI Smallzzz who is my female co presenter take our listeners on a journey of a life time. This is the first ever radio show based on dogs; How to take care of your dogs, what

Animal Farm: Rearing dogs is multi-million naira business—Elueze

Elueze: Passion helps you to succeed in life food to give, which bred is best for a particular family, simple tips on how to have a better obedient dog etc. The radio show has been on air for over 22 weeks now with a growing fan base and notable celebrities in our society as followers and you need to see our growth check @petplanetnigeria on instagram. The

major aim of PET PLANET is to provide information for dog lovers, dog owners and people who are interested in getting a dog with right steps and care more for the pet in a way where you get the optimal potential from your dog, and PET PLANET also has a 24 hour off air number in case of emergency and information on dog. We have been able to save many of them even without seeing the dogs provide adequate first aid to keep the pet alive till when they can be taken to a vet. Most importantly, the show is a family show where we have different callers from every part of Lagos asking questions on how to win a prize on the show because we understand the key of learning in a very relaxed state . Aside using them for security purposes, what else can it be used for? This is one of the most important reasons for the show PET PLANET. Dogs are not or can not only be used just for security but for the following reasons below; companionship,walking aid for the very old, rescue work on land and sea, narcotic detection and prevention, bomb detection, etc. The above mentioned functions are just few that most people are not aware that dogs play a vital role because of their most effective functions that are super (hearing, smell, sight). Are you trained on how to rear dogs because a lot of people don’t know how to handle them, some people forbid it in their culture? Yes I am trained on how to rear dogs and even also planning to go overseas to improve the knowledge. However, been ‘HALFMAN, HALFDOG’ isn’t not an easy thing but a lot of dedication. Some people forbid dogs in their culture, this is true with some cultures that don’t allow the keeping of dogs. I just have to understand that and with more work from pet planet, that orientation can be changed and they can see the warmth and joy been around a dog. What point are you trying to prove to Nigerians as a young man dealing on dog business? It’s not a point am trying to prove but it’s my living dream been around dogs. I am also trying to get more like minds to come on board to help make our environment more conducive for dogs. For business part of it, statistics will give more insight that Nigeria is setting on a multi million naira investment. Do you think we really need dogs around us? This question always puts a smile on my face. We really need dogs around us not because of the security aspect of it but for the hidden potentials a dog can posses and in turn bring out the very best in each and everyone of us.

hools in rur al areas Airttel empower empowerss sc schools rural Red SSttar Express tr ains 113 3 mar trains markketing skills CSR: Air

n its bid to continue delivery of excel lent service to its esteemed customers, the management of Red Star Express Plc has trained more managers on selling skills. The training which took place in Lagos recently, is called Consultative Selling Skills and is aimed at aiding the Red Star sales professionals become more knowledgeable and horn their skills so as to sell the company’s products and services. Speaking on the training, Managing Director, Red Star Express Plc, Mr Sule Bichi said, “we operate in a very competitive industry and we recognize the fact that to stay ahead of competition, we must possess superior skills in every key area of the business. The culture of training and retraining staff is a continual exercise to keep our workforce abreast of emerging trends in the global business practice, he said. “The Consultative Selling Skills training is a yearly programme introduced in 1997 to equip Red Star managers with the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to market the company’s products and services more effectively. It was revealed that

since the commencement of the training, the company has recorded progressive growth in sales revenue”. Mr. Bichi attributed the company’s growth to the skills and confidence the sales team have acquired and applied in dealing with customers. He stated that “the training has gone a long way in helping them identify their customer ’s specific needs. Learning, apart from being essential to the development of all human endeavours, is a personal experience gained by individuals and cannot be replaced or taken away from them.” Red Star Express Training Manager, Tonye Preghafi, said, the four-day intensive training was a great experience for the participants. He added that, it involved both the theory aspects and on-the-job practical sessions which gave managers opportunity, direct access to modern sales skill which are comparable to what obtains anywhere else in the world and facilitates sales person’s ability to become successful.

Red star: L-R: DGM Sales, Mr. Victor Ukwat, Mrs. Amaka Okeke, Red Star scholar Adebayo Temitope and COO Red Star Logistics Mr. Sola Obabori, presenting a cheque for scholarship award in Lagos.

n line with its vision to share part of the company’s profit with Nigerians, leading telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria, has done much with its CSR initiative to provide quality basic education and opportunity to communities where learning facilities are a disgrace to education in Nigeria. Having seen this, Airtel therefore, initiated a programme: ‘Adopt-aSchool.’ With this programme, the telecom company in collaboration with some states government have adopted some schools in less privileged communities in an effort to support the state governments bearing in mind that government cannot provide all. Those adopted by Airtel have received tremendous improvement in the area of renovation of structures, provision of notebooks, text books, uniform, desks and chairs, boreholes and potable water, appliances and other learning materials. In order to approach it wholistically, trainings are being organised for teachers to benefit and also in-

crease their level of competence. However,Community Primary School, Amumara, Mbaise, Imo State is one of the schools adopted by Airtel Nigeria. It is a primary school located in a remote village of Mbaise where motorcyle (okada) and bicycles are major means of transportation. The Airtel boss who was represented by the company’s Regional Operations Director, South Region, Godfrey Efeurhobo said, Airtel was “extremely delighted to partner with the government and people of Imo State in our quest to chart a new course for the development of education sector in Nigeria in general and Imo State in particular. “As we make progress towards achieving Education for All, attention is being given to those children who are still out of school, who are particularly hard to reach and who are at risk of being excluded, marginalized or otherwise disadvantaged in relation to education. Even when children attend school, they may not complete the full

cycle of primary education and may not experience or achieve learning of good quality. “There is no gainsaying the fact that quality education offers children the best opportunity in life to realise their dreams and become the leaders of tomorrow. It is also important to note that a good environment is crucial to the development of a sound mind. “It is therefore, in recognition of the importance of education and as part of our corporate Social Responsibility and vision; that we have committed to the adoption of public primary schools across Nigeria called Adopt-a-School programme. Among those present were the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya; Commissioner of Education, Imo State, Dr. Uche Ejiogu; Sole Administrator, Ezinihitte Local Government, Dr. Kelechi Osuagwu; His Royal Highness, Eze Ositadinma Benneth Nwokocha; Chairman, Imo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs. Getrude Oduka;etc.

50—SA TURD AY 50—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

BY EMEKA MAMAH, SIMON EBEGBULEM

he former governor of Taraba and Oyo States, Prince Amen Oyakhire spoke with Saturday Vanguard in his Benin City residence. Oyakhire, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, spoke about his career, the Taraba State political crises, ASUU strike as well as pervasive corruption in the country, recommending that the only way out of the country’s problems was to elect ‘’disciplined” leaders like the former Head of State, Mohammadu Buhari. Excerpts: You served as military governor of both Taraba and Oyo states at different times during the military before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force after 35 years of meritorious service to the nation. How have you been enjoying your retiterment? We have rendered the service that most Nigerians will continue to appreciate even when we die. Posterity will complement our efforts. I am also happy that since I came home it has been generally peaceful. I have stayed with my people and progressively we have developed this kingdom; we have also enhanced the economic fortunes of our people. Policies of government are friendly and there is harmony in the society. How have you been coping now as a civilian in Ozalla, your community since you spent 35 years in active regimentation? Discipline or regimentation is not oppressive. It is about individuals making themselves to be patriots and when you are a patriot any where you are is your home. I have not found hostilities any where I have worked and when I came home, I was received by my people. When I came back, the royalty of Benin Kingdom organized a reception for me at 8pm. Usually, the royalty does not open after 8pm but on this occasion I enjoyed that privilege. They bent the rules to welcome me. His Royal Majesty Omo N’ Oba Erediauwa, CFR, his Palace Chiefs, the Esama of Benin, the entire people of Edo State, Anthony Cardinal Okojie of Lagos, Arch-Bishop E. Ekpu as well as Rev. Father Theophilus Uwaifo and DIG Parry Osayande were among many others who graced the occasion. There was a time you were accused of masterminding the trial by ordeal of some people in Ozalla. what really happened? Ozalla, I had always been part of them, even before I became a governor. However, certain terrible things have happened. For a period of 10 years it was found that we lost about 22 of our prominent sons and daughters in terrible circumstances like accidents, sicknesses and these are big men in the society. People would sleep and will not wake up the following morning. So, the elders analyzed it and found out that certain things were wrong in the community. I am not an elder in Ozalla. Basically, the deaths were traced to principalities and powers, witches and wizards. So the Monarch decided to summon his sons and daughters for a meeting on November 4, 2004. I attended the meeting but I was late. When I got to the palace everywhere was full, I

What led to the trial of some people in Ozalla — Oyakhire

Retired AIG of Police Amen Oyakhire came out of my car and sat like the rest people. As I said earlier, I am not an elder in the community so we are not allowed to talk. It is only when you are asked to talk that you talked. So, as the meeting in the palace progressed, certain names were mentioned. They would call the names of people; mention the alleged offence they committed as witches and wizards. It was amazing and if I had not attended the occasion I would not have believed such things. Altogether, 27 witches and wizards were named and they were brought out. One was named and he confessed that, yes he was a member but that he had since stopped being wicked in the last five, ten years. A native doctor there confirmed that the particular man had stopped doing evil things and he was the only one that was exempted from taking the native concoction (Orue) the villagers had sprepared. Some drank as they claimed to clear their names. Some did not drink but nobody was forced to drink anything. Some of the elders who drank “Orue”also reportedly participated in the decision taken by the elders in the palace; that all those who would be named by the native doctor would have the option to drink or not to drink. Some of them died after taking the concoction. In the course of this the police came into the matter, and investigations were carried out as to what led to such trial by ordeal. In the process of the investi-

In the course of my regimental service to humanity in Nigeria, I protected lives and property for a period close to three decades. I have always been a facilitator of what brings joy to humanity. I protected and preserved lives during the Sokoto Bakolori episode, in Kaduna Zango-Kartaf upheavals, in Bauchi religious crisis, in Kano unrest; in the Lawrence Anini saga as well as in the Ogoni genocide case gations, some people were arrested and the Ministry of Justice got the case filed and started prosecution. In fact four or five people were eventually jailed. My name was not mentioned, but ssome newspapers decided to discredit me. Some people in the community too who lost their relations said it was because I was there otherwise what happened would not have happened. Some newspapers which did not do thorough in-

vestigations published libelous stories about me. My lawyers wanted to take them to court but I said no, clear conscience fears no accusation. In the course of my regimental service to humanity in Nigeria, I protected lives and property for a period close to three decades. I have always been a facilitator of what brings joy to humanity. I protected and preserved lives during the Sokoto Bakolori episode, in Kaduna Zango-Kartaf upheavals, in Bauchi religious crisis, in Kano unrest; in the Lawrence Anini saga as well as in the Ogoni genocide case. It is a parody and indeed an irony for me to be so falsely accused. I have no reason to be desperately against witches and wizards. I did not consult any native doctor. I did not complain of any problem. I have a wife and six children. We are well, not maimed and not decimated in progress. Among us, there is a scientist, an educationist, an accountant, an engineer, a medical doctor and a lawyer. I made success of my career in the Nigeria Police Force. I am particularly grateful to God for His blessings. However, over a period of time, development in the community crumbled and the royalty conducted investigations and came up with a report that indeed I had no hand in what happened. It is rare in a community for the Oba and his people to apologize to a son. It is very rare and I have

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SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014—51

Continues from page 50 forgiven and forgotten the matter. You were governor of two states during the military era, how do you assess governance in this democratic dispensation? I joined the police as a young cadet who tried to lose his life in defence of Nigerians and this country. I attended the best schools in the world, I was in Kings College, Lagos, the University of London and the Cambridge University. I was in the London School of Economics. I also went to Scotland Yard, the best detective training school in the world. I was also in Lyon, in Australia. I was well trained in intelligence gathering, so most people did not know me until I became Commissioner of Police in the state command. I did not choose to become a governor. It is not in the career prospect and it is not an ambition for a superior police officer to become a governor, no matter how articulate or organized he is. That I became a governor was simply a fulfillment of destiny. I governed in the North and I governed in the South and that is very rare with two different heads of state. One can govern twice under one Head of State who may be disposed to one’s activities, but that a Head of State goes and another Head of state considers an individual good enough again for appointment is a rare honour. I am grateful to God. I governed in Taraba, a troublesome state for a start; but I brought peace and development in that place during the two years that I spent there. When I left, the elders wept openly but I left for Oyo and when I got to Oyo, I was warmly embraced and during the 10 eventful months, Oyo enjoyed peace and progress. Any state that I went to, peace followed me; not just because I am a royal son but because of my destiny, my attitude to life and simplicity. Anywhere I got to, even my detractors joined me and I will continue to behave the same way I behave to people and the way I see life until I die. Governors today have so much money. Indeed they have 50 times more than what we had as governors. But what we find today is abuse of financial autonomy. There is massive corruption in the country and corruption destroys a nation, it undermines the rule of law and weakens democracy. If our political leaders fear God; if they are patriotic, they will be accountable to the people and there will be less acrimony and our people will enjoy the benefits of democracy. But right now, it is corruption and corruption everywhere and that is not good. Apart from Anini saga, what other major operations or investigations were you involved in as one of the best trained intelligent officers in the country? The desire was majorly clad with a specific sense of values, discipline and patriotic mission. It was easy then for educated Nigerians to secure jobs in the Public Service of the Federation. My career rapidly metamorphosed into an extremely exciting, challenging, impressive and intellectually rewarding experience. I rose quickly in status into the grades of Police Commissioners. In the course of my career, I was trained both in Nigeria and in the UK as a Forensic Detective in Detective School, Wakefield-Yorkshire, International Detective Academy, Lyon in France, New Scotland Yard of the Metropolitan Police in London among others. I was also

‘I become governor to fulfill destiny’

Oyakhire: My career, challenging and rewarding experience

I governed Taraba, a troublesome state for a start; but I b r o u g h t peace and development in that place during the two years that I spent there. When I left, the elders wept openly but I left for Oyo and when I got to Oyo, I was warmly embraced and during the 10 eventful months, Oyo enjoyed peace and progress involved in so many operational and serious national problems including the Sokoto, Bakolori-Talatamafara episode in 1980. We investigated, restored peace, stability and justice. I was then the acting head of the CID in Sokoto State Command. In the defunct Bendel State, we handled the Anini saga in 1986. I was then a Principal Staff Officer in General Staff Headquarters, Dodan Barracks, Lagos. General Ibrahim Babangida was the Military President. Police DIG Parry Osayande was the overall boss of the operations during the infamous Anini saga. There was also, the Bauchi religious unrest which we investigated, restored peace and justice. I was in Force CID, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos then as a Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the General Investigations Department when the Inspector General of Police, IGP, was Musiliu Smith. A Police Commissioner and I jointly investigated the case. We investigated the Kano upheavals. I was in Force CID, Alagbon Close, in charge of General Investigations Department then just as the Kaduna- Zango-Katarf episode of 1992. Senator Simeon Oduoye, a retired AIG and I jointly investigated the case. I was also involved in the investigations of the Riv-

ers- Ogoni genocide of 1994 when I was at Force CID, in charge of nationwide Anti-Robbery Operations. During my service years, God progressively protected and effectively prevented me from destruction on many occasions when I ran into ambush on the highways mounted by armed men who wrongly believed that they could only earn a decent living from violence and crimes.A few of such episodes include the Anambra, armed robbery on June 6, 1983 by 11.30pm at Kilometre 24 on the highway between Enugu and Awka. Four of the robbers perished in the operation. I was then domiciled in Enugu as the Metropolitan Assistant Commissioner of Police. I was injured and hospitalised. My dress was bullet ridden but the bullets did not penetrate beyond the outer skin. On December 27, 1984 at about 10.59pm at Kilometre 40 on the highway between Victoria Island, Lagos and Epe, two robbers died during a violent confrontation with us. I was in Supreme Headquarters, Dodan Barracks, Lagos as a Principal Staff Officer, PSO, when General Muhammadu Buhari was the Head of State. In Ondo State, there was another armed robbery on August 6, 1986 by 9.20pm at kilometre 130 on the highway between Sagamu and Ore on the Lagos-Benin road. Three of the robbers died in the process. I was still in Dodan Barracks as a PSO. The case of Edo State armed robbery occurred on April 18, 1996 by 8.34pm at Kilometre 48 on the highways between Benin and Ore near Okada Village on Benin-Lagos road. Two among them died in the incident. I was in Jos, Plateau State, as the Commissioner of Police. I went to Lagos to give evidence in the High Court, Ikeja, in an armed robbery case. There was the Kaduna, armed robbery on December 15, 1996 by 1.39am at kilometre 126 on the highways between Kaduna and Jos near Saminaka Village. There was no casualty, the robbers fled with injuries. I was on my way from Katsina in transit to Taraba. I was then a Military Administrator. My entourage of three cars saved

mankind as we were the first to arrive at the illegal road block mounted by the armed robbers. Ogun State armed robbery occurred on March 17, 1999 by 3.10am at kilometre 194 on the highway between Benin and Ijebu-Ode on Benin-Lagos road. Five armed robbers perished in the attack. I was on my way from Abuja in transit to Ibadan as a Military Administrator of Oyo State. I was scheduled to formally bring to a close the NYSC Orientation Course at Iseyin by 10a.m same day. I performed the ceremony. I was complimented by the media and the presidency then, for gallantry, patriotism, commitment and excellence. What do you think could be done to improve the lot of the police man in the country and are the police really being well funded? There is no country in the world without the services of the police. There are many countries without resident army and that underscores the relevance of security for mankind. A country is good when the police are effective and hard working. If the policemen and women are patriotic citizens; the country is a good country. We have a police that has a credible history of excellent performance in international engagements. The police over the years have been funded for mere existence rather than performance. The poor performance of the police is because of the poor funding. The police are poorly trained; it is ill equipped, and this same police any where it goes in the past had performed well. But that should not be the story today. Nigeria is not a poor. Nigeria has money to ensure that security services including the police are properly funded because if the police are properly funded, Nigeria will be secured, Nigeria will be protected and Nigeria will develop. But there is a lot of corruption in the police The problem of the police is not merely corruption; corruption you can trace may be to the rank and file, not the officers’ core. You may find some officers who are not good but quite often the money that is allocated is properly accounted for. Otherwise, there is always the hue and cry because policemen are also enemies of themselves and that is why you have the X-Squad. The police is the only organization that fights its own men. A high court judge will not arrest another judge; a magistrate will not arrest a magistrate but a police officer will arrest another police officer for corruption. That is to tell you that there is internal mechanism to fight its own officers who are corrupt. When we find them we will dismiss them, some we will de-rank. What has weighed down the police is not corruption but the ability of government to fund the police adequately and to release funds approved by the National Assembly. You were trained in the intelligence unit of the police but today we no longer have well trained intelligence officers The society is based on intelligence. Intelligence gathering is very critical. In fact, that was why I went to Britain where most countries send their best officers to go and train in Scotland Yard. But funding is central to all these things, most of our officers cannot train in the UK because of the money involved. They only go to Lagos, or Jos and that is the end. Intelligence gathering is worldwide and exchange of ideas from time to time is desirable.

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4 4, 2014 By JONAH NWOKPOKU

harity Runway Foundation, a nongovernmental organization, dedicated to championing the cause of youth and the less privileged, has trained over 200 youths on career development and creative leadership during its second ‘Next Generation Summit’ that held in Lagos. Among areas that the resource persons at the programme took turns to train the youths on include: focus, image development, love relationships and attitude. Speaking on Choosing a Career, the proprietress of Edgewood College, Lekki, Lagos, Mrs. Kehinde Philips, told the youths to get good education and try to identify their passions first before choosing any career. “Identify the things that you are passionate about. That is what to think about when choosing a career. Identify your interests, goals and strategise on how to get there. But I must tell you that it all starts with getting good education, since this keeps you informed and gives you critical skills you need to survive in the society and better provide for yourself,” she said. Speaking on creative leadership, a coach and training strategist, Mr. Myles Makafui, who spoke on: ‘The Roles of Young People in the Future of Nigeria’ noted that it would be easier to begin to transform Nigeria and solve her numerous problems through the youth. He, therefore, tasked the youths to always strive to make a difference, adding that if Nigeria would ever be transformed, the responsibilities lie on the shoulders of the youths. Veteran Nollywood actors, Kate Henshaw and Omoni Oboli, who were also speakers at the workshop spoke on attitude and image development respectively. Earlier, Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Oyeyemi Oladunjoye who was a special guest at the programme, counselled that Nigeria must harness the energy of its youths if it must make meaningful economic progress. Represented by Mrs. Adepeju Sunmonu, Oladunjoye commended the foundation for the initiative, adding that given the enormous talent and energy of Nigerian youths who constitute about 76 per cent of her population, Nigeria has no choice but to exploit that massive energy and talent to better her economic lot. According to her, “What Charity Runway is doing gives me great joy because in a country which prides itself as the most populous Black nation with an active youth percentage of over 76 per cent, we need more organisations such as this to channel that massive youth energy and potential into positive results for the betterment of the economy and the society and, by extension, the country as a whole. “I believe in the Nigerian youth. I have witnessed first-

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CHARITY RUNWAY Foundation trains over 200 youths on career, leadership

Comedian Mandy, Chioma Okoye and Ngozi Eze Kate Henshaw making a point

C Mrs. Adepeju Sumonu M representative of the Y Commissioner for Education K

hand, how the youths with collective efforts have single handedly created sectors in the economy where none previously existed or were wallowing in degeneracy, depravity and abandonment. “The urban music industry, the quickly emerging fashion and software industries as we know it today to be a multimillion naira spinner are products of Nigerian youths.” On her part, the President of Charity Runway, Chioma Okoye, explained that what the foundation has set out to achieve with young people in Nigeria is to identify the numerous challenges confronting them, especially in self discovery and help guide them. She said: “When people talk about the less privileged, they only think of people who are not materially privileged but we are looking at the entire young people and trying to identify the areas that they are not well endowed in while growing up, in terms of their environment, the family they grew up from, which may be a broken home or their educational background which may be that they didn’t go to the right school and therefore didn’t get proper education to be able to start well in life. “So, when we meet with them in this kind of workshop, it is to identify those issues. We discover that some of them do not even understand themselves, and therefore have no confidence in themselves. So we nurture them and try our best to bring out the best in them.” Some of the participants who spoke to Allure said the workshop has made invaluable contribution to their lives. Onyeka Daniel said: “A lot

Mr. Myle Makafui speaking to participants on the Roles of Young People in Nigeria

Proprietress of Edgewood College Mrs. Philips of things said here have been immensely helpful to me. Tips like how to resist peer pressure, boosting self esteem and making wise career decisions have been helpful. I hope that we would use the information gotten from here to become better persons and improve our lives and make this country better.”

Mr. Nnamdi Oboli, Chioma Okoye and Omoni Oboli

WELLBEING TIPS More tips form the home. Try these beauty tips this year and save money for other things. ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾

Heat up eye lash curlers before using them Kept eyebrow & eyeliner pencils and lipsticks in the fridge Pouring milk in to the bath or on skin Apply whisked eggs to hair to make it shiny Mix a drop of serum with foundation to make skin glow Massage an ice-cube

over your face to reduce wrinkles and acne

Use the cold setting on hair dryer to set mascara ¾ Sleeping on a silk pillowcase to reduce wrinkles ¾ Tomato ketchup on hair to reverse hair dye ¾ Pumpkin and coconut oil on your hair to give it a moisture boost Coffee as a body scrub to beat cellulite ¾ Mash up

avocado and use as a body scrub ¾ Having a cold shower to make breasts appear bigger ¾ Burst an evening primrose oil capsule and apply to spots to make the them heal faster Adding peppermint oil to lip gloss to enhance pout Soot from a spent match on a make-up brush, for smoky eyes look A spritz of lemonade on damp hair to give hold and texture

Happy New Year All

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 53

Many feared dead in Jere town, Emir critically injured in Fulani/Native clash BY LUKA BINNIYAT Kaduna

fatal clash between Fulani and Gbagi farmers in Jere town and environs in Jere Local Government Area of Kaduna State yesterday evening left several people dead, with the Emir of Jere , Dr.Sa’ad Usman seriously injured. The cause of the hostilities could not be ascertained at press time but unconfirmed sources blamed it on dispute over land. Although the number of casualties was not known but the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Adenaike told newsmen at about 7 pm that there was pandemonium in the area, but that his men were on top of the situation. A source close to the state government who spoke under anonymity, said that the traditional

ruler who is the husband of Senator Esther Nenadi Usman representing Southern Kaduna, was seriously injured when he

went to mediate over the dispute in his domain, while some of his palace guards also sustained injuries while trying to

protect the Emir. A source from the area told Saturday Vangaurd on the telephone that the Gbagyi had always

complained that the Emir, a non native of the place, had allowed the migration of several Fulani herdsmen who had been clashing

with natives of Plateau and Benue, warning that their presence was not in the best interest of the mainly Christian domain of the Emir.

Group accuses Buckman of high-handedness BY GAB EJUWA

group under the aegis of Burutu Progressives has called on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Chief Peter’Nwaoboshi to notify the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Burutu local government area, Navy Capt Buckman Deinne (rtd) about the looming crisis in the area. The group, in a statement signed by Demifa Laifa and Ebiye Samson, the Chairman and Secretary respectively, alleged that the high handedness and brazen display of impunity likened to that of a

sole administrator was not in the best interest of the council area. The statement held that the cold war between the Caretaker Chairman and his councillors, which according to the group is assuming dangerous di-

mensions, is capable of causing crisis which may result in derailing the good intention of Governor Uduaghan and the PDP in the state, thereby depriving the people of the true dividends of democracy the state gov-

ernment promised them. According to the statement, “Recently, there was an outcry from the people of Burutu complaining seriously about the way the local council was being managed, claiming that each time

they consult with their councillors concerning issues, all of them seem to be in the shadows, meaning that the Transition Committee Chairman is running a one-man show administration.”

Eminent Nigerians advocate for equitable justice •As Odulewu celebrates 2013 Lewu Day

IGERIANS have been assured of a very peaceful, better, secured tomorrow provided the members of the ruling class remained sober, God fearing and prudent in spending. In addition, they were also reminded of the dis-

tribution of the natural wealth to all, coupled with continued checks and balances to determine the functional realization of such bountiful democratic dividends for all at all time. These remarks were made by the former Chief

of General Staff, Lt-Gen. Oladipo Diya (Rtd), former Hon. Fed. Minister of Health, Prof. Nike Grange an eminent political activist and women leader, Princess Engr. Sangodoyin, Chairman Surulere Local Govt. Hon.

Tajudeen Ajide, Archbishop of Lagos, African Church Mission Incorporated, Most Revd. Dr. Paul Owanuga JP at the 2013 Annual Fund Raising and Celebrations of the Lewu Day held at Odolewu, Ogun State Nigeria.

54 —SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 4, 2014

FIFA lists 10 football events of 2014 Ariyo: I’ll love to help Nigeria, but...

ORLD’S football governing body, FIFA has wished football faithful around the world a ‘Happy New Year’ on its website. It further stated that “A sure-tobe thrilling 2014, which will feature no less a showpiece than the FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil, has now begun, yet the next 365 days also contain a host of other key dates on the Planet Football calendar.” To help make sure that fans do not miss any of these events, FIFA.com listed 10 major football dates in the year to include the following: 13 January – FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala: The Kongresshaus in Zurich will host a gala night to pay tribute to the standout performers of 2013.Theverybiggestnames in world football will come together in Zurich to see who takes home the FIFA Ballon d’Or, among other coveted awards. 8 February – The UEFA Futsal EURO will take place in Antwerp, Belgium between 28 January and 8 February, with Spain aiming to collect their fifth consecutive continental crown. Can anyonestoptheholdersandFIFA Futsal World Cup 2012 run-

ners-up? 23 February – The focus of the European football firmament will be on Nice for the draw for the UEFA EURO 2016 qualifiers. This event is the first step towards the continental championship held on French soil in two years’ time. 4 April – Women’s football willnotbeleftbehindthisyear, with the young generation kicking off the elite action on 15 March in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014. Twenty-one days later comes the title decider in San Jose, where the successors to holders France will be crowned. 24 May – After a fiercely contested season of action, Lisbonissettoprovideamagnificent stage for the final of the UEFA Champions League. The last grand finale was an all-German affair, but who do you think will take home the ‘cup with the big ears’ this time around? 12 June – This big one. At 17.00 local time in Sao Paulo, host nation Brazil get the 2014 FIFA World Cup up and running when they take on Croatia. 13 July – The eyes of the planet will be on the Marac-

ana where, from 16.00 local time, the final of the 20th World Cup will take place. 13 August – Returning to the pinnacle of the club game and, while most European competitions will just be beginning, the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final will be held on this day - with the victors hailed as South America’s finest. 24 August – After all the excitement of Brazil 2014, Canada will pick up the baton and bring the women’s game back to the fore – with the final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup to be played in the city of Montreal. Spanning the six previous editions of the tournament, only Germany, USA and Korea DPR have lifted the trophy. Will one of these heavyweights repeat the feat or can we expect a new flag atop the podium? 20 December – The year will draw to a close with the relatively short but certainly intense competition that is theFIFAClubWorldCup,featuring the leading club sides from each of the FIFA confederations. And in the title decider just before Christmas,thenameofthenextclub world champions will be revealed.

OACH Taiwo Ariyo, one of the Nigerians the National Sports Commission listed to assist the American coaches that were hired in November 2013 by Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdulahi, will not leave his lucrative position in Saudi Arabia and join the Nigerian athletics revival efforts. Mr. T, as he is fondly called by his admirers, was invited to Abuja by the NSC and Athletics Federation of Nigeria in their quest to produce podium performances at major international meets, but after heart-warming talks, there was no contract negotiated. However, coach Ariyo who has been working in Saudi Arabia for four years and is in the good books of the Saudis, revealed that as much as he loves his country Nigeria, he is not prepared to walk away from the oil rich Arab nation just yet. “Well, I will like to come home and work if possible. Anything to make our sport better, I will love to be part of it. But after our discussion I have not heard anything yet. I will love to work for my country as long as I am tak-

16 Nigerian powerlifters storm Dubai SIXTEEN Para-Powerlifters will represent the country at the International Paralympics Committee (IPC) World Championships, in April in Dubai, an official of the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation (NPPF) said on Thursday. The NPPF is an affiliate of the Nigeria Paralympics Committee (NPC). The NPPF Technical Director, Samuel Ekeoma, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the powerlifters qualified for the competition from two previous international competitions. The competitions, he said, were Powerlifting Championships in February 2013 in Dubai and the Powerlifting Asian Open in Malaysia in

November 2013. “Our athletes performed well at the two competitions. Yakubu Adesokan, broke the world record at the Asian championships in Malaysia. Adesokan lifted 176kg to erase the 165kg world record of Egyptian Taha Abdelmagid. Ruth Dodo also won bronze at the Malaysia championships. So, we are going to build on the success recorded in 2013 to achieve greatness at the IPC championships,” he said. According to him, the IPC championships will serve as the criterium for participation in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil. “With the assessment of what we did in 2013, the federation will not relent in

its effort to maintain and surpass its performance this year,” he said. Ekeoma added that the federation would attend more international competitions this year to prepare its athletes ahead of the Paralympic Games. “If our athletes participate in more international tournaments, it will keep them abreast or even above their counterparts in world competitions,’’ he said. The director commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its support and appealed to corporate bodies to complement government’s effort in encouraging physically challenged athletes to participate in sports.

champion, Yusfu Alli felt that he should have been contacted as well to oversee the jumps aspect of the programme. Miss Taylor will handle a broad-based developmental programme that will encompass other Olympic sports, while Mr. Campbell will focus on athletics.

Mare Dibaba breasting the tape in Xiamen

Commonwealth Games: AFN camping resumes Jan 5

Maracana Stadium, venue of the World Cup final on July 13 in Rio de Janeiro

en care of like in Saudi. “If they can give me a better offer than what I get here. I will consider coming home to help,” said Ariyo. He, alongside Gabriel Okon, were approached by the NSC, to assist Annie Taylor and Eric Campbell. Even former African long jump

THLETICS Federa tion of Nigeria will resume its second phase camping of athletes for the 2014 Commonwealth Games on Sunday January 5. This is coming after what officials described as a successful conditioning camp, which ran from the first week of November, before the athletes and coaches went on break for the yuletide celebrations. The second phase will see the athletes go into specifics and the American coaches, who were recently appointed by the National Sports Commission, are expected to join in the grooming of the athletes for the season’s activities. It was gathered that Annie Taylor and her compatriot Eric Campbell visited the camp just before the Christmas break to compare notes with their Nigerian counterparts on the ground. According to an AFN official, the American coaches are being expected, but he failed to put a finger on when they will be in the camp that will run at the Abuja high performance centre. “They met us in camp and left and did not come back till the break for Xmas. We expect that they will be with us to embellish what our coaches will be doing,” said the official, adding that there

will be no conflicting roles. “They have their specific roles, which include the determination of fitness levels of our athletes scientifically and nutritionally. These are some of the things our ath-

letes have been missing. So how can we have such a thing now and be fighting? We have literate coaches who understands division of labour, so there can’t be conflicts.”

Diack wants more marathons in China

RESIDENT of the IAAF, Senegal’s Lamine Diack started 2014 with an extensive schedule of activities in the southern Chinese city of Xiamen, home to the Xiamen International Marathon, the first IAAF Gold Label Road Race of 2014. The topics covered focused especially on the development of road running in China, where there has been phenomenal growth in this discipline over recent years. In the past five years alone, the number of city marathons in China has progressed from barely a dozen to 46, with more anticipated to join them in the years to come. “In the USA, there are over 200 marathons for a population of 300 million, so with a population of around I.5 billion Chinese, there is space for many more races. The fact that the Chinese government and local civic authorities are committed to working together with the Chi-

nese Athletic Association to support this development is a very positive sign for our sport,” said President Diack. “China has great potential to develop distance runners. There have been great Chinese distance runners in the past, and there can be more in the future; what is needed is to identify talent at an early age and then ensure that these athletes are given the best possible coaching to take them to the highest level. Having athletics in all school programmes is the start of the path to success,” he added. Ethiopia’s Mare Dibaba set a new course record at the meet. Under a cloudy sky and with temperatures just under 20 degrees Celsius, the weather was very suitable for fast times and Dibaba made her intentions clear from the gun, by running away from the other women very early in the race.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 4, 2014—55

Bazuaye set to launch Football Academy in Edo els to their generations in the

LANS have been con cluded for the launch of the Bazuaye Football Academy where talents in Edo

state will be developed as well as refined to get to the pinnacle of their football career and to be role mod-

International Wrestling: Why we’re collaborating with Uti —Osazuwa C

HIEF Executive Of ficer of a Canadian firm, Quick Connect, Mr Victor Osazuwa has said his company is collaborating with World Wrestling Champion, Power Uti of Nigeria in the inaugural World Peace Wrestling Project to help fight unemployment among the populace. Speaking inn Lagos when Power Uti unveiled plans for the forthcoming wrestling project that would take about 20 international wrestlers round seven Nigerian cities, Mr Osazuwa said that his company’s target in the collaboration is “is to employ 20,000 Nigerians in every state and three million people across Nigeria in six months using sports.” Osazua said that as operators of a concept development company, their mission in Nigeria also included the use of different sports as marketing platforms. “Sports as an omnibus vehicle in addition to its potential as a peace agent will also contribute toward the reduction of cost of goods and services,” Osazua said. Earlier Uti said the 20 wrestlers expected to participate in the Peace Cup will come from countries like the U.S., Canada, Britain, Germany, Brazil, Peru, France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Mexico.Others from Africa include host Nigeria, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Citing some portions of the Holy Bible, Uti said that “The Peace Cup is a vision and has a mission,” stressing that “it is cheaper to promote peace than to execute war.

World Wrestling Champion, Power Uti (middle) explaining a point about the Peace Cup at the briefing in Lagos. President-General of the Nigerian football and other Sports Supporters Club, Dr. Raufu Ladipo (right) and Olu Amadasun, co-ordinator of the programme, listening. Photo: Courtesy NAN Our concept of using sports for global peace has been on for a long time.But we are only actualising it be-

cause of our understanding of the role sports can play in international harmony.” President-Gener-

al of the Nigerian Football and other Sports Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Ladipo,, who was at the press brief-

Umar bemoans govt’s over concentration on football •Says basketball still well rated in Africa

HE government’s backing football is enjoying to the seeming neglect of other sports in the country has drawn the ire of the head of one of the major sports under the supervision of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Mr. Tijanni Umar. In his assessment of sports in the just gone 2013 on a Lagos-based radio station, Metro FM , Umar who is the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, lamented the focus on football by succeeding governments in the last 10 to 20

years and expressed hope the attitude would change this year. “There has been too much focus on football in the last 10 to 20 years to the detriment of other sports particularly basketball. The successes recorded in football these past years are not encouraging yet money is continuously being pumped into it. I am not happy about it at all and other basketball faithful are angry too. We were at the (basketball) Nations Cup which we could have won but for late preparation caused by

lack of money. We had a good team but the preparation was poor due to lack of funding,” he disclosed. Continuing, a visibly angry Umar added, “ you see if we must move forward in this country, we must be focused and seen to be planning for our successes. The successes recorded in football were not through any serious planning or technical input but by happenstance hence it took 19 years to win the Nations Cup again.” The NBBF boss, who also serves as a vice

Serena dismisses Sharapova, meets Azarenka in final

ORLD No 1 Serena Williams will meet the second ranked Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Brisbane International after she downed Maria Sharapova in an enthralling semifinal yesterday. Williams, the defending champion, beat Sharapova 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) in one hour, 43 minutes on Pat Rafter Arena. Earlier, Azarenka reC M Y K

ing, commended the initiative and pledged the support of his association to the project.

covered from a disastrous first set to beat Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic 1-6, 6-3, 6-4. Williams and Sharapova have a fierce rivalry on the court, which is matched by an at times bitter relationship off it. Both women struggled to hold their serves throughout, although Williams was slightly more consistent, break-

ing Sharapova three times in the first set while losing hers only once,

despite making only 40 percent of her first serves.

FA CUP FIXTURES Blackburn Aston Villa Bolton Everton M’brough Newcastle Norwich S’hampton Stoke City West Brom Arsenal

v v v v v v v v v v v

Man City Sheff Utd Blackpool QPR Hull City Cardiff Fulham Burnley Leicester Crystal Tottenham

1:45 pm 4:00 pm 4:00pm 4:00pm 4:00pm 4:00pm 4:00pm 4:00pm 4:00pm 4:00pm 6:15 pm

president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, said that despite the neglect, “ we had to run basketball with our money and peoples’ money. This idea of running from pillar to post anytime we are preparing for a competition must stop. We must start planning well and attention must be given to other sports.” Even in his anger, Mr. Umar expressed hope that basketball will continue to strive to get more corporate support to drive its programmes, adding that “despite all the troubles, we are still well rated in Africa.” Despite crashing in the quarter-final at the last Afrobasket Championship in Cote, d’Ivoire, Nigeria’s men’s team is ranked second behind Angola in Africa and 18 th in the world while the women’s team are ranked fourth behind Mali, Angola and Senegal and 32 nd in the world.

state. According to Ekpen Bazuaye, the proprietor, the aim of this Academy is to encourage Youth programmes in Edo state, most especially in sports adding that the Academy was to get the youths out of the streets and as well get them prepared for the National Sports Festival in the near future. Bazuaye a member of the Edo State Petroleum and Gas Monitoring Committee under the leadership of Chris Okaeben hinted that Governor Adams Oshiomhole has endorsed the Academy where the Youths in the state would marry their education with sports instead of engaging themselves in social vices. “I will like to use this medium to thank the Chairman of Oredo local government council, Osaro Obaze for encouraging youth programmes most especially in sports and his immense contribution to the development of sports in the state. “Grooming the youths in the state through the Academy will be useful to the society, their family and themselves and that is the reason I’m putting things together to bring the youths in Edo state out of the streets. “I would like also to thank the number one citizen of Edo State, Governor Adams Oshiomhole for his support and endorsement of the Academy through the Commissioner of Sports Omorode Osifo. This has shown that change has commenced in the state sports and we are also set to organise more sports programmes to dig out more talents in the state, he said.

Emenike’s Glo Ambassador

LOBACOM yester day appointed Super Eagles and Fernabahce of Turkey hitman, Emmanuel Emenike as its brand ambassador. Emenike becomes the latest addition to an array of football and music stars hooked by the telecommunications company. In a brief but impressive ceremony at the company’s corporate headquarters, the Mike Adenuga Towers in Victoria Island yesterday, Segun Adeyemo, National Sales Co-ordinator, Globacom said Emenike’s appointment was a demonstration of the company’s resolve to celebrate and promote the Nigerian youth. “We do this with that patriotic zeal to celebrate and empower our own stars and motivate other budding talents to excel in their chosen careers.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 4, 2014

Friendly: Keshi lines out newlook Eagles against Ethiopia

UPER Eagles Team B will today battle Ethiopia at the Abuja National Stadium with a totally new team in a friendly aimed at tuning up both sides for the 2014 Africa Nations Championship, CHAN, which

starts January 11 in South Africa. With the exit of most players hitherto part of the squad, coach Stephen Keshi will have to rely on new recruits whom he said he has absolute belief in to deliver the goods at the CHAN tourney, with the Ethiopian friendly a good test. “We have talents all over the country but we don’t have time enough to groom them but I’m sure that the ones that we have chosen will give a good account of themselves in South Africa”, Keshi said during the week. He added that the players are naturally gifted but only need a little bit of self confidence while on the pitch. “That we have been trying to do, so that when we come out fighting everything is possible and nothing will be impossible”, he said. With the exit of the likes of Godfrey Oboabona, Sunday Mba, Gabriel Reuben, Papa Idris, Juwon Oshaniwa and many others who started the battle with the national team as home based stars two years ago, Keshi has been forced to rely on new stars on the block and he insists they will not disappoint even as he quickly points out that the trophy should not be given to the Eagles just yet because of lack of experience. Meanwhile coach of the Walya Ibex, Bishaw Sewnet has said they were not out for a revenge against the Super Eagles who knocked them out of a place at the 2014 World Cup. Speaking exclusively to brilafm.net, Bishaw also added that they’re coming to Nigeria to play, insisting they’re under no pressure to beat the Eagles. “There will be no problem for Nigeria and for us too, and when we play in Abuja, there will be no pressure on us,” he said. The Ethiopians who are one of the 16 teams to converge on South Africa for the 3rd edition of the 2014 Championship, will be fielding the same team that lost out to the Eagles in the race for Brazil 2014, with the exception of just three players; Saladine Said, Getaneh Kebede, and Shemeles Bekele, who all play abroad, assistant press officer of the Ethiopian football federation, Girmachaw Bogale has confirmed.

Agbim, leading the CHAN Eagles to South Africa. Can they repeat the 2013 feat of Team A?

Eagles can excel at the World Cup if … —Erico BY EDDIE AKALONU

ORMER Super Ea gles assistant coach, Joe Erico has said that the Super Eagles could win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil if the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF would provide the enabling environment. “Just like we saw the team win the African Cup of Nations in South Africa, what our players need are right incentives and recognition, then you will see them come up with their best form and performance. I believe there is the need for the NFF to see the World Cup as a big project by which those issues that caused rancour in camp in the past are eliminated. If it is well planned, we will get the best out of the

players and we may win the cup,” he stated. Erico, who served as goal keepers’ trainer under Coach Shaibu Amodu, said with the right environment, players could up their game beyond talent, stressing, “ we have no reason not to exploit the opportunity that we have now to show the world we can do it. The ball is in the court of the NFF to get it right because players and coaches have already shown their willingness and a huge capacity to do more,” he said. He however, said that coach Stephen Keshi must use the African Nations Championship, CHAN in South Africa this month to decide his team. “After CHAN, I think that experimentation

with new players must end so he can focus on the World Cup proper. And I think there is need

DOWN 1.Tottenham Winger (10)

Hotbours

Chigozie Agbim (CAPT), Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Ebenezer Odunlami, Ugonna Ozochukwu, Ikechukwu Paul, Rabiu Aliu, Abubakar Ali, Gbolahan Salami, Ejike Uzoenyi

to work for attacking options, defensive solidity and team work. I know with the right things in place, we will get it right this time,” he added.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1.Musical Instrument (5) 4.Former Akwa United Coach, Justin (6) 7.Anambra State Capital (4) 8.Country in Africa (6) 11.England Capital City (6) 13.Zodiac Sign (4) 14.Gambian Currency (6) 17.Former US President, Ronald (6) 20.Enyimba FC Striker, Bobby (6) 23.Brazilian Premiership Club Side (6) 25.Venomous Snake (3) 26.L.G.A in Kaduna State (6) 28.Former Super Eagles’ Coach, Samson (6) 31.State in Nigeria Known as “God’s Own State”? (4) 32.Celtic FC Manager, Neil (6) 33.Former Tanzania National President, Benjamin (5)

EAGLES PROBABLES

2.Greek Alphabet (4) 3.South African Currency (4) 4.Former US President, Zachary (6) 5.Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Idongesit (6) 6.Cameroun “Indomitable Lions” striker, Samuel (4) 9.Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) Chairman, Mr. Ekpo (3) 10.Renowned Legendary Boxer, Muhammad (3) 12.Zimbabwe “Warriors” Midfielder, Tinashe (10) 15.Albanian Currency (3) 16.Title (3) 18.Organ of Hearing (3) 19.Adhesive (3) 21.Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle (6) 22.Oyo State Capital (6) 23.Petrol (3) 24.Common Name for “garri”? (3) 27.Land Measure Unit (4) 29.Muslim Cleric (4) 30.Zambia National President, Michael (4)

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SOLUTION on page 15

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