Only 10 candidates score above 300 as JAMB realeses results by Vanguard Media Limited

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2—SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 4, 2013

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Ext ernal reser w $50b, sa ys Ok onjo-Iw eala External reservves no now says Okonjo-Iw onjo-Iweala …declares Nigeria Africa’s best investment destination BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief

IGERIA’S foreign re serve has hit about $50 billion, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala revealed yesterday and declared Nigeria as Africa’s current best investment destination “With a foreign reserve of nearly 50 billion dollars, a stable exchange rate, strong banking sector, massive human and natural resources, Nigeria has indeed become one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world”, a statement from the ministry quoted the minister as telling visiting British investors led by the Lord Mayor of the city of London, Mr. Roger Gifford, in Abuja, yesterday. The British investors are in Nigeria to explore investment opportunities in the country. Speaking on the country’s economy, OkonjoIweala told the investors that Nigeria currently was the largest economy in West Africa, second largest in Africa with potential to become the largest African economy in the next five years. The Coordinating Minister proudly told the in-

vestors that Nigeria has managed to bring her inflationary rate to a single digit of 8.6%. In her explanation, she assured the investors that Nigeria is relatively enjoying a stable exchange rate, clean and strong banking sector. Notwithstanding, the Minister of Finance told the investors that despite the huge success the country has recorded in the macro-economic sphere, there are other challenges staring at the nation which include unemployment, poor infrastructure, corruption, governance challenge and power. According to her, Nigeria is not relenting in tackling these challenges through several reforms in various sectors in order to rank among the eight strongest economies in the world, in no distant time. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, while detailing the steps so far taken in addressing these challenges said that through the Transformation Agenda of the present administration, Nigeria has tried to diversify the economy instead of depending on oil as the only source of income. In her words, Agriculture and Entertainment have been given enough priority owing to their capacity to create jobs for Nigeria

teaming unemployed youths. The Minister said that the government has made frantic efforts to reduce infrastructural problems that were inherited from past administrations in Nigeria. She said that the present government is partnering with China in order to revive the rail sector. Other areas that have received attention are construction and rehabilitation of roads which according to the Minister will boost easy movement of goods and services. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala assured the investors that the power problem would soon be a thing of the past as government has taken a bold step to privatise the power sector. She told the British visitors that the privatization had almost been completed. On the aviation sector,

UE to Nigerian Liq uefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) disregard and unwillingness to abide by the country’s Maritime laws, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, using GlobalWest Vessels Specialist platforms has blocked access to the Bonny Channel thereby hindering the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) vessels from leaving or reaching the area.Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency made this known in a statement made available to the Saturday Vanguard on yesterday . Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, said the blockade was done using the Global West Vessels Specialist platforms, hence access to the Bonny Chan-

nel from the fairway buoy at the beginning of the Channel, to buoys 17 and 18 was blocked. By this blockade, all Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) vessels, operating in the area are neither permitted to leave no enter the area, until all statutory obligations are met. The statement signed by Captain Warredi Enisuoh, further stated that the action taken by Agency was due to “NLNG’s disregard and demonstrated unwillingness to abide by the country’s Maritime laws especially, sections of the NIMASA Act which mandates payment of levies based on gross freight on exports and imports and the Cabotage Law. Since its inception, the NLNG has cherry-picked our

the Minister informed the investors that there was serious re-modelling of the country’s airports to meet with international standards. As a follow up, the Mayor of London, Mr. Gifford asked the Minister of the

time frame for the completion of the privatization of the power sector, the Minister assured him of a speedy completion as all bottlenecks to the privatization process had been removed. On the question of Ni-

geria debt management, the Minister informed the investors that due to past experiences, Nigeria is now allergic to borrowing and has also reduced its domestic debt to 19% and external debt to 2%.

Rivers PDP crisis: Police seal off Obia-Akpor LG ...one shot dead in PH BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME, Port Harcourt

BOUT fifty Police men yesterday sealed off Obia-Akpor local government secretariat.

NIMASA blocks access to Bonny Channel

The World Press Freedom Day was held in Benin, with road walk to mark the activity by Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council. Photo: Barnabas Uzosike.

laws. All efforts to get the management to meet its obligations to Nigeria have been treated with impunity.”

Chairman of the newly constituted Caretaker Committee for the council, Mr. Chikordi Dike who confirmed the development to newsmen said about fifty policemen led by the Divisional Police officer; DPO from Rumudomaya came and ordered everyone to vacate the secretariat, saying they were acting on the orders of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu Effort made to reach the

Uwagwu seeks support of Aniocha North LGA BY TOMMY ANADUAKA

N his determined effort to effect a change and bring back the lost glory of Aniocha North Local Government Council Area, an illustrious son and chairmanship aspirant of the local government council, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwagwu has embarked on informative/ familiarization visits to some stakeholders in the area with a view to consulting and seeking their support and blessing for the chairmanship position in the forth coming local government election.

Speaking at the residence of a retired Commissioner of Police and community leader, Chief (Barr) Linus Nwaozomudoh at OnichaUgbo, Mr. Uwagwu said the decision for the visit was to let the people especially stake holders, the youths and others of his intention to contest the forth-coming local government election. Mr. Uwagwu who hails from Ukwunzu community remarked that it was the turn of the area and assured that he will do everything humanly possible not to let the people down if given the opportunity to serve.

Commissioner of Police proved abortive as his lines were switched off. Meantime, the development caused tension in the area. It would be recalled that barely two weeks ago the state House of Assembly suspended the elected Chairman of the Council, Mr. Timothy Nsirim, his Vice and the seventeen councilors over allegations of misappropriation of public funds. The state government went ahead to appoint a seven man caretaker committee for the council pending determination of investigations of the allegations leveled against the suspended local government officials. The chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, in the state, Mr. Felix Obuah had in a press statement shortly after the caretaker committee was set up handed the House of Assembly forty eight hours ultimatum to reverse the suspension of the elected council officials. Meanwhile, when contacted on the development at the local government yesterday, the state Police Public Relations

officer, DSP Ben Ugwuegbulem said policemen were deployed to the local government to secure the place from attack, adding that they got wind of plan by some hoodlums to storm the place. Another source told the Vanguard that the Police actually came to ask the newly caretaker committee to vacate the council, adding that there was tension when the caretaker committee chairman and the members insisted on a court order directing them to vacate their seats. In a related development, a middle age man was shot dead yesterday at a bank on Ikwerre road, close to Emenike Bustop. Details of the incident were hazy at press time, but Saturday Vanguard gathered that the deceased was shot dead inside the banking hall. When contacted for comment, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ugwuegbulam said the deceased was not a robber, adding that he was shot dead by another security agency. He declined further comments when pressed for details.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

Ondo Election Tribunal dismisses ACN and PDP petitions against Gov Mimiko •ACN, PDP reject judgement BY DAYO JOHNSON, Akure

HE Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ondo state over the October 20 governorship election, yesterday dismissed the petitions filed by the Action Congress of Nigeria,ACN, and its candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate Chief Olusola Oke challenging the victory of Dr Olusegun Mimi k o . It therefore upheld the October 20 governorship election of Dr Olusegun Mimiko as the governor of Ondo state. In a five-hour judgement delivered in Akure, the Chairman of the three-member Tribunal, Justice Andover Kaka ‘an said that the petitioners ”failed woefully to prove that the governorship election of October 20 is not in compliance with the electoral act”. Justice Kaka ‘an said that in the petition of the ACN, the petitioner failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt, all the allegations of corrupt practices and non- compliance with the electoral a c t . He pointed out that the evidential burden of proof lies solely on the petitioner and not the respondents, adding that the petitioner could not also prove that alleged non compliance with the electoral act affected the overall result of the election. On the alleged non accreditation of voters, non voting, multiple voting and other malpractices during the election, the tribunal said that the petitioner ought to have called non accredited voters to give evidence. On the injection of illegal voters into the voters register, the tribunal said that the matter is a pre election matter and that the tribunal had no jurisdiction to entertain it. According to Justice Kaka ‘an, the petitioner had 30 days according to the provision of the electoral law to contest the voters register provided by INEC and that since they failed to do so with-

in the stipulated days, it has become a pre-election matter. He said they could have challenged the alleged injection in the State High Court or Federal High Court having detected the alleged injection of over 100,000 voters by INEC. Justice Kaka ‘an described many of the 41 witnesses called by Akeredolu as ”unreliable and mere hearsay”. On the expert witness called by Akeredolu, the tribunal said that he gave conflicting evidence adding that ”he is not the expert he claimed to be and that it will be unsafe to rely on his evidence having given entries different numbers in his report. He therefore declared that the petitioner has failed “to prove that the allegations in his petition affect substantially the result of the election. The petition is hereby dismissed politely.” On the petition of the PDP and its candidate, Chief Olusola Oke, the tribunal said that he failed to prove that the election was not conducted in compliance with the electoral act. Justice Kaka ‘an said that on the injection of the alleged illegal voters in the voters register, the petitioner ought to have challenged such in the Court within the 30 days provided by the electoral act after the soft copy was given to all the political parties by INEC. According to him, there was no concrete and credible evidence before the tribunal that any injection of voters was done by INEC adding that the matter is a pre election matter in which the tribunal lacked jurisdiction. The tribunal said Oke failed to substantiate the allegations of voting without accreditation, multiple voting, thumb printing, ballot snatching and stuffing with credible evidences. Justice Kaka ‘an added that the allegation of injection of illegal voters into the voters register by INEC was not proved by the petitioner, whether its in favour or disfavour of

From left: Wife of Ondo State Governor, Olukemi Mimiko; Governor Olusegun Mimiko; Wife of the Deputy Governor, Alhaja Bejide Olanusi; Deputy Governor, Alhaji Alli Olanusi and others, jubilating after the judgement of the Ondo Election Petitions Tribunal which upheld the election of Mimiko as Ondo State Governor, at the Government House, in Akure, yesterday. the first respondent, Dr Mimiko or maybe it has any impact on the result of the election. The tribunal described many of the 45 witnesses called by Oke as ”illiterates who do not know what the electoral act says but gave

evidences on units where they were not agents on the day of the election.” The chairman added that they gave evidences not on facts but purely on hearsay and basically of no value. Justice Kaka ‘an pointed out that evidences giv-

en were at variance with the petitioners pleadings, making them liars and also testifying on unpleaded facts. He particularly described the evidence given by Oke himself as ”purely primary and secondary hearsay which is not

Court orders arrest of Turaki over N36bn fraud tune of N36 billion, a former governor before the court with immediate effect. BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

OR consistently refusing to appear before the court to answer charges over his involvement in the massive looting of his state to the

Federal High Court judge yesterday ordered the arrest of former Jigawa governor, Ibrahim Saminu Turaki. Justice S. Yahuza issued the arrest warrant directing the Inspector General of Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to produce the

Civil Society groups hail Edo government areas of the LG polls

IVIL society groups, under the aegis of International Coalition of Independent Election Observers, yesterday, accepted and hailed the just concluded local government election in Edo State, describing the exercise as one of the best elections in the nation’s history. Addressing journalists in Benin City, Coordinator, Justice Research Centre, Nigeria and Geneva, Paul Moore and Inwalomhe Donald commended the Chairman, Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) Mr. Solomon Ogoh, for what they described as his competence to conduct free, fair and credible council polls in the 18 local

state. Moore and Inwalomhe said that 66 foreign and local civil society groups and other stakeholders were accredited to observe the elections held on April 20, and subsequently, April 24 and 25, respectively, saying that they observed that EDSIEC chairman was prepared and also has the professional experience to conduct the elections despite the earlier hitches of late arrival of materials. “We recommend the immediate promotion of the Chairman, EDSIEC, for his ability to conduct free, fair and credible council elections. We thank him for the proactive measures he put in place to prevent logistics challenges.”

The aggrieved judge in an order released yesterday said,”You are hereby commanded to arrest the said Ibrahim Saminu Turaki and bring him before me at Federal High Court, Dutse, Jigawa State without delay”. Before the issuance of the warrant, the EFCC had declared Turaki wanted for his failure to attend his trial in the N36 billion case of theft and money laundering instituted against him by the Commission. Saminu Turaki, who ruled Jigawa from May 29, 1999– May 29, 2007, was first arraigned by the EFCC before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in 2007 on a 32-count charge of misappropriating N36 billion while he was governor.

But following his protest, the graft charge was later transferred to Federal High Court, Dutse for trial. His last known address was No. 16, Dennis Osadebe Street, Asokoro Villa, Abuja. But it was not clear last night whether the politician had left the country or was still in the country.

admissible.” The tribunal declared that the petitioner failed woefully to prove all the allegations that the election was conducted without compliance with the electoral act adding that the burden of proof rests solely on the petitioner. Justice Kaka än therefore declared that the case of the petitioner lacked merit and is therefore dismissed. In their reaction, the candidates of the Action Congress of Nigeria, AC N and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the October 20 governorship election in Ondo state rejected the judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal. Consequently, they have said they will appeal the judgement delivered by the three-member tribunal led by Justice Andovar Kaka‘an. This came as the news of the tribunal judgement was received with ecstasy across the state yesterd a y . Party supporters trooped to the streets, singing praises to God for the victory at the tribunal. However, the governor, Dr Mimiko in a statement in Akure yesterday called o n “opposition party members to partner with us in meeting the expectations of our people. Since we hold the belief that opposition party politics should be the constructive engagement of the government in power, we are urging those opposed to our politics to shed the adversarial toga and join hands with us in building an enviable and prosperous Ondo State.

”The Labour Party government salutes the professional competence with which the Justice Andovar Kaaka ‘an Election Tribunal handled the petition within the legal time frame and applauds the decision that squares with the preponderating wish of the electorate during the said election. This has once again, confirmed the Nigerian judiciary as living up to its role as the final impartial arbiter in all contentious mat-

ters.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013 — 7

Boko Haram abducts Shettima Monguno, 92, kills LG Chairman BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

inety-two year old elder statesman and first Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno, CFR, was yesterday kidnapped in Borno State by suspected members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect shortly after performing the Juma’at Congregational prayers at a Mosque in Mafoni ward in Maiduguri metropolis. Unknown gunmen had earlier on Thursday night, killed the acting Chairman of Dikwa Local Government Area in the state, Alhaji Kachallah Umara in his compound. Monguno’s abduction took place at about 2pm in the area said to be the stronghold of the sect members. Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, also said it was saddened by the news that Alhaji Monguno has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Maiduguri, adding that ‘’he is not expected to be subjected to much hardship and humiliation by any group, be it sectarian or men of the underworld.’’ A statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of ACF, Mr Anthony Sani stressed that ‘’if, as it is being bandied about, Boko Haram members are the kidnappers in order to press for the release of their detained members by the authorities, then they are going about it the wrong way,’’ and asked ‘’the good people of Borno state to keep calm and not take the laws into their hands as the federal and state governments will go as far as efforts can go in order to bring to an end, the culture of violence under control not only in Borno and Yobe States but through out Nigeria.’’ The Special Adviser on Communications to Governor Kashim Shettima, Alhaji Isa Umar Gusau confirmed the incident. Monguno, had been a strong agitator for the withdrawal of JTF troops from Borno and at the forefront of those asking the Federal Government to grant amnesty to the Boko Haram sect. As the Chairman of Borno Elders Forum, several meetings were held in his GRA compound on the securi-

ty challenges affecting the state and the north in general. The JTF Spokesman, Lt Col Sagir Musa confirmed the abduction saying, “yes we received an information that Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno was kidnapped today (yesterday) by gunmen soon after performing his Friday prayers at a mosque in Mafoni. Investigation is ongoing to ascertain the true situation.” An eye witness also told Saturday Vanguard in Maiduguri that, “we just performed our Juma’at prayers. I was standing in front of the mosque when Dr. Monguno was exchanging pleasantries with people, and the next thing was that, four gunmen; three with Ak47 rifles and the other with a pistol ambushed the elder statesman, fired several shots to scare the crowd before they bundled him inside their vehicle and took him to unknown destination.” Already, Governor Shettima has summoned all Borno State elders to an emergency meeting at the elder statesman’s GRA residence to discuss possible ways of rescuing him from his kidnappers, who are yet to declare their intentions for abducting him. Last week, the Spokesman of the Military Joint Task Force, JTF, Lt Col. Sagir Musa in a statement in Maiduguri warned residents particularly politicians, civil servants and

traditional rulers among others important personalities to be wary of their safety as, according to him, the Boko Haram sect members had concluded plans to engage more in kidnapping prominent members of the society. Sagir said, “Intelligence available to the Task Force has indicated that Boko Haram terrorists have resolved to concentrate more on kidnappings than robbery. They alleged that kidnapping is more lucrative, less dangerous and requires short time to plan and execute. ”Similarly, a special kidnapping squad has been earmarked and tasked by Boko Haram sect to kidnap persons who could be a wealthy relation, politician, businessman/ woman, traditional ruler, senior civil servants and foreigners alike.” Earlier at about 7pm on Thursday, some unidentified gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents had shot dead, the acting Care-taker Chairman and Secretary of Dikwa Local Government Area, Alhaji Umara, near the Gomari Airport, leaving others present to scamper for their safety. Umara, it was learnt, was killed by four suspected Boko Haram members who arrived his compound in an unmarked Volkswagen Golf saloon car, soon after he had completed his magrib prayers at a mosque close

to his family house. He was according to reports about entering his house when his assailants opened fire on him at close range, before escaping. Governor Shettima had last week dissolved all the local government caretaker committees in the 27 local government councils in the state, following the expiration of their six months tenure. The deceased was thereafter, appointed as acting chairman of Dikwa. Gomari is one of the peaceful wards in Jere, near Maiduguri metropolis. The area had not witnessed any killings in the the past five months. However, in December

last year, some suspected terrorists slaughtered six people including a village head, two policemen and three other civilians in their residents. When contacted, the state Police Commissioner, Yuguda Abdullahi told newsmen on the telephone that he was not in Maiduguri and declined further comments on the incident. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Gideon Jubrin’s cell phones were also switched off as at the time of going to press. However, an aide to Governor Shettima who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on the condition of anonymity said, “if Dr. Sh-

ettima Ali Monguno can be abducted by terrorists, it means the security situation in the state has gone beyond what human beings can imagine.” Meanwhile, security operatives have cordoned off all the major streets in Maiduguri in a bid to apprehend the culprits. When Saturday Vanguard visited the family house of Dr. Monguno at Lagos Street, GRA, about 40metres away from the Government House Maiduguri, scores of sympathisers and relatives were seen trying to gain entry into the compound, but were barred from entering by the eagle eyed security operatives deployed to the area.

L-R: Mrs Olufunke Davies-Jones, retiring Deputy Comptroller of Immigration and DCG Demin Akaa, representing the Acting Comptroller of Immigration, during the pull-out from Immigration Service ceremony of Mrs Olufunke Davies-Jones, held at Onikan Stadium, Lagos. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele

Baga killings: NHRC sets up probe panel …..vows to reveal culprits before July 1 BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

HE National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, yesterday, decried the increasing spate of human right violations across the country, just as it constituted a high powered investigative committee with a mandate to unravel those behind the alleged massacre of over 200 indigenes of Baga community in Borno State. Chairman of the Governing Council of the NHRC, Professor Chidi Odinkalu while briefing newsmen after an emergency meeting the commission in Abuja yesterday, said that the committee would among other things,

“identify general or specific measures that may be taken to prevent a repeat of such incident.” According to him “the NHRC met in an emergency session in response to alleged situations of serious human rights violations in different parts of Nigeria and the associated deterioration in humanitarian conditions, especially with reference to the situation in North-East Nigeria. “Specifically, the Governing Council considered allegations arising from the recent incident involving the uniformed service and alleged insurgents in Baga, Borno state.

“Following extensive deliberations, the Council formally resolved, in exercise of its responsibilities under section 5 and 6 of the NHRC Act, as amended, to undertake an independent investi-

gation into the Baga incident in order to determine, among other things; (a) the specific and general circumstances, actors, and sequence of events that triggered the incident; (b) assess the state of humanitarian pro-

visioning for communities affected by the on-going security situation in Baga and in North-East Nigeria; and (c ) identify general or specific measures that may be taken to prevent a repeat of such incident.”

Okuovwori community gets new exco BY SIMON ADEWALE

N a bid to entrench internal harmony and set the stage for socioeconomic development by some Okpe communities, the people of Okuovwori community in Amukpe District, Sapele Local Government Area, have inaugurated a new execu-

tive.

The new members of the executive were sworn in recently at Okuovwori by two illustrious sons of the community, Barr J.Y. Odebala and Chief Peter Asagba. Those sworn-in inMr. M.B. clude

Oshorakpor (Chairman); Mr. C.O. Egigba (Vice

Chairman); Mr Polly Ifado Okokporoaba (Assistant General Secretary); Mr Macaulay Ogbimi (Spokesman); Mr. Arthur Ekaragha (Financial Secretary); Sir T.Y. Ogbimi (Treasurer); Mr. Wilson Odebala (P.R.O); Chief Barrister O.J Egigba (Legal adviser); and Bishop Goodday Iboyi Okokporo (Spiritual Leader).

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4 , 2013

Only 10 candidates score above 300 as JAMB releases results •Investigates 40 centres •47,974 candidates absent •Only 10 score above 300 •Police Academy, NDA to sit for JAMB BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

HE Joint Admis sions and Matriculation Board, JAMB said yesterday that only 10 candidates scored 300 marks and above in the last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, in the country even as some candidates printed customised shirts and T-shirts where anticipated answers were prepared to cheat during the examination. JAMB Registrar, Professor, ‘Dibu Ojerinde who made this known in Abuja while addressing newsmen said that 40 centres were involved in cheating during the examination, where some candidates paid between N5,000 and N20,000 to be allowed to cheat. He however, said that JAMB was investigating the centres where malpractices took place, pointing out that those 40 centres might be barred from future UTME if found guilty. He also noted that he did not wish to pre-empt the sanctions to be applied until investigations were concluded. According to Ojerinde, apart from the 10 candidates who scored above 300 marks, 628 others scored between 270 - 299; 33,115 scored 250 - 269: 704,622 scored 200 and above while 801,804

scored below 200. He also said that the board recorded 40,692 invalid results due to multiple shading or no shading at all by candidates while the examination was successfully conducted in 3,168 centres. Ojerinde further said that 1,629,102 candidates applied to sit for the Paper Pencil Test, PPT, while 15,508 candidates applied for the Dual Based Test, DBT bringing the total of candidates to 1,644,110. Out of this figure, 47,974 were absent. A breakdown of the number of the candidates that sat for the UTME showed that 1,670,833 applied to go to the universities while 28,977 and 28,445 chose Polytechnics and Colleges of Education respectively even as only 25 chose the newly established Innovative Enterprises Institutes. Innovative Enterprises Institutes according to him, are institutions where skills acquisition are their mandates. Speaking further, he noted that the result of 78,309 candidates from various centres were at present, undergoing screening to ascertain their culpability in malpractices, while 12,110 candidates’ results were being withheld for possible disciplinary action. On the candidates who printed special T-shirts and shirts with prepared

•Delta State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Newworld Safugha(L) gets Distinguished Merit Award from National Association of Nigerian Students,NANS.Pix shows Prince Koyoyo,Chairman of the body(R) presenting the award answers, he regretted that candidates for the UTME had always devised new methods of cheating on yearly basis. The Registrar stressed that the examination cheats had graduated from using ‘’magic slippers’’ to customised Tshirts and shirts in which anticipated answers were imprinted in the sleeves as well as inside the Tshirts. “Details of the results in order of merit according to courses and institutions of choice of candidates will be dispatched to universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education and innovative enterprises institutes at the appropriate time for the purposes of 2013/2014 admissions. “It is the policy of the board to ensure that equal opportunity is given to all candidates seeking place-

ment in the nation’s tertiary institutions regardless of their physical status. We will continue to appeal to stakeholders to show more interest in the acquisition of higher education by this category of citizens. “The board hereby re-

Rivers govt accuses Minister of twisting facts over aircraft documentation BY EMEKA MAMAH

HE Rivers State government has accused the Aviation Minister, Mrs Stella Odua of allegedly twisting facts over her claims that the government used forged documents in the documentation of

Over 1m Nigerians live in London — Mayor of London BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

AYOR of Brent, London, Micheal Adeyeye, has disclosed that the population of Nigerian immigrants in London has hit over 1 million people. Meantime, Governor Babtunde Fashola of Lagos and Mayor of London, Mr. Alderman Gifford stressed the need to strengthen bilateral ties between Lagos and London. The duo who spoke during a courtesy visit by the Mayor at the State House, Alausa, Ikeja, said that the population of Nigerian and United Kingdom immigrants in both cities have showed that the bilateral ties between both countries was age-long. Speaking in an inter-

view with Saturday Vanguard, Adeyeye, one of the three councillors in London, said that “Lagos is like London because it is full of people with diverse ethnic background. “That is why we all need to work together so that we can all gain effectively from each another. We have a large community of Nigerians in London, and the population of Nigerians living in the city is over 1 million. This was what we got from the high commission.” He noted that “this was the reason why there was need to foster business relation between the two nations particularly Lagos and London. And all our efforts would be geared towards ensuring that the partnership grows from strength to strength.” He expressed joy over the ties, saying “I am hap-

py that this is happening between Nigeria and UK. We all know that there is an age long relation between the two countries.” Fashola, in his speech said that London and Lagos have made tremendous progress in various sectors of their economy, saying,“I believe that with this, we can learn from each other ’s success.” The governor said; “Today, Lagos is now dealing with challenges of becoming a global city state in the sense that there are several opportunities in the state. And it has become an attractive destination for the world. “And as we move towards improving our economy in Lagos, there is need for us to strengthened our bilateral ties especially with United Kingdom,” he said.

minds everybody that it has implemented the Federal Government’s policy which stipulates that all candidates seeking admissions into the universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education and Innovative Enterprises Institutes, Po-

lice Academy and the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, must sit for the UTME being conducted by JAMB. “The board will continue to appeal to the various state governments concerned to provide their indigenes with enough capacity building programmes that would allow them apply directly to the board so as to compete favourably with their counterparts in other states of the federation. Let me once again state that candidates are allowed to change their choices of institutions and courses only once,’’ he added, noting that the change of institutions must be effected before May 17, 2013, or two weeks from yesterday. Ojerinde stressed that the Computer Based Test, CBT would hold from Saturday, May 18, 2013, to June 1, 2013 and requested candidates to ensure that they reprint their e-registration slips afresh so as to be sure of their centres.

Speaking earlier, Mr. Gifford said “London is a very great city but we realised that London must strengthen its relation with other countries especially Nigeria because there are many Nigerians living in the city. “And this could be further explained by the five commercial banks out of the 250 commercial banks in the city owned by Nigerians,” he said. According to him, “We have a lot to explore but we believe that to achieve this, it must be done by allowing equal partnership. We believe that the economy that would grow in the next 50 years will be coming from an economy that has great base with a better financial market. If we are going to survive, we must work with these economies. And Lagos is among these economies that have been identified.”

its aircraft, saying that the whole thing was ‘’beginning to look like a witch-hunt.’’ State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Ibim Semenitari made this known in a statement in Port Harcourt yesterday. The statement entitled, ‘’Rivers State government response to Minister of Aviation,’’ read, ‘’the attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to allegations of forged documentation and impropriety by aviation officials as it concerns the Rivers State Government owned aircraft. While the Rivers State Government will not want to join issues with the Minister of Aviation, we would like to make the following clarifications: No aircraft can fly into Nigerian airspace illegally and land at various airports within the country unchallenged. The Rivers State Government-owned aircraft has been in operation since October 2012 ’’The allegation that the state government would use the name of Caverton Helicopters to obtain various clearances for seven months running is both preposterous and embarrassing.

The claim that the aircraft insured is owned by ACASS CANADA LIMITED” of 6700 Cote de Liesse, Suite 206,Montreal, QC H4T 2B5, Canada is a deliberate distortion of facts. An insurance issued to ACASS was used for entry into service while flying between Canada and the USA for per-delivery tests. Rivers State Government took delivery on October, 5, 2012 and duly insured the aircraft and the certificate of insurance duly states this. “Please note below: The Rivers State Government has been flying this aircraft since October 2012 with this same certificate and with the knowledge of the Ministry of Aviation. We believe that all administrative procedure should and must be complied with.” However the state government is worried at what is beginning to seem like a witch-hunt of it and related parties that have conducted business with it. We will continue to engage with aviation officials and follow through with all administrative requirements and processes as is most appropriate.’’

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013 — 9

Opposition boycotts Kogi council election ...as police deploy 8,550 officers BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO, L okoja

PPOSITION parties in Kogi State have stated their intention to boycott today’s local government election for what they alleged as the ruling party ’s perfected rigging strategy, in connivance with Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, KOSIEC. Addressing a joint press conference yesterday in Lokoja, the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN; All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP; Congress of Political Change, CPC said the attitude of KOSIEC in the last 72 hours and that of the ruling party, PDP, pointed towards thwarting the conduct of a free, fair, credible and transparent council poll. Spokespersons for the opposition parties, Dino Melaye and Hon. Buba Jibril, said aside boycotting the election, they shall ensure that election did not hold in the State. Enumerating their stand on why they will not participate, Dino said, “the prerequisite for conduct of election is not in place in the State. The SIEC chairman is a PDP card-carrying member who contested the House of Assembly primaries of Kabba/Bunu State Constituency who is yet to be replaced inspite of our complaints. Already, there is a conflict of interest by the KOSIEC. “Till now and contrary to the electoral act, no polling units have been marked for election; returning officers and polling clerks are PDP cardcarrying members against the earlier stand to use Youth Corps members. Also, there is no display of voters regist e r ” Buba on his own said, the ruling party is using the instrument of government to intimidate and scare away the opposition leaders. “Some of the opposition members have been arrested over the night with some running away from the State”. The duo called on the Inspector General of Po-

lice, the Directorate of State Security and the international community to see to their plight, saying they can only participate in the council poll when the political atmosphere is right. ”There will be no election, and if there is no election, there cannot be declaration of result. The action of KOSIEC in the last 48 hours has cast doubt on their early promises of a credible election as 45 out of 105 voting boxes have already been missing in Lokoja LG and seven ballot boxes are missing in Ijumu Local Government. This is a sad development for democracy in our state and the country”. Buba concluded.

8,550 Police for council poll In a related development, Kogi State Police Command has deployed 8,550 police personnel to monitor the council poll. Addressing journalists yesterday, the State Commissioner of Police, Hilary Okpara, said out of the number, 4,800

were drawn from four neighbouring states to help ensure free and fair election. He added that the deployment was to prevent breakdown of law as well as ensuring that the wishes of the people prevailed at the end, adding that they will make sure that no materials would be hijacked by p o l i t i c i a n s . He said the police have held a meeting with both the chairmanship and councilorship candidates of various parties as well as other stakeholders in the election to let them know that the police did not want anything short of free and fair poll and that they should take the message to their people. Okpara warned that the Police would not tolerate any act of violence during the election, saying that any attempt to disrupt the election would be visited with commensurate lawful force. He urged the people to be law-abiding during the election and not allow themselves to be used by politicians who are out for their selfish interest.

GLO X FACTOR JUDGES: (L-R) Ghana’s hiplife artiste, Reggie Rockstone, veteran singer Onyeka Onwenu, rap musician M.I, all judges of X Factor, and show presenter, Toolz, at the unveiling of the judges in Lagos by Globacom which brought the show to Africa for the first time.

Oil thieves flee, abandon 150 drums of illegally refined dieselother criminal acts on the BY EMMA AMAIZE, Warri

IL thieves took to their heels, weekend, abandoning 150 drums of illegally refined diesel, following a raid on them in Udu Creek, Delta State, by naval men in Warri. Commander, NNS, Delta, Navy Commodore Mohammed Garba, displayed the impounded drums, loaded in three locally wooden

boats before newsmen after which he instructed they should be set ablaze. His words: “the seizure was made by my men on Thursday, we acted on a tip-off, but they fled before we got there, so it was an abandoned seizure.” He said following the zero level tolerance for oil theft, pipeline vandalism and

Pro-Biafra groups present petition to Australian govt

Governor Suswam swears in 12 new T Commissioners •Warns appointees against corrupt practices BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

WO months after sacking his cabinet, Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, yesterday, swore in 12 new commissioners with a charge on the appointees to shun corrupt practices and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state. Addressing the new cabinet members after administering the oath of office on them, Governor Suswam urged the appointees to be guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and openness in the conduct of government business. Suswam also urged them to remain above board and to be catalysts for meaningful development

in the state. ”Given the myriad of developmental challenges that beset our state, the need to fasttrack and reinvigorate the public service delivery machinery has become imperative,”he said. The governor expressed optimism that the calibre of appointees who were sworn in would provide the requisite leadership and direction for the achievement and sustainability of his administration’s set objectives. Suswam maintained that the appointment of some new and the reappointment of former Commissioners was to blend experience with new ideas which would give further impetus to service delivery.

Among those appointed into the new cabinet were Anthony Onu for Science and Technology, Comfort Ajene (Culture and Tourism), Donald Amokaha Ugboho (Agriculture and Natural Resources), John Tondo (Lands and Survey), Egbiri Idah (Youths and Sports) and Elizabeth Allagh (Women Affairs and Social Development). Others are Alex Atime (Housing), Eugene Aliegba (Environment and Urban Development), Conrad Wergba (Water Resources), John Ngbede (Works and Transport), Elizabeth Ugo (Education), Alex Adum (Justice), Omadachi Oklobia (Finance), Justin Amase (Information) and Aondowase Chia (Rural Development).

waterways and strategic performance mandate of the Chief of Naval Staff, the Navy in Warri would spare no effort to battle oil bunkerers and criminals on waterways. Commodore Garba said the waterways in the state were relatively safe as sea pirates were relocating to other states because of the manhunt for them by security agents.

WO pro-Biafran groups, Bilie Human Rights Initiative and Biafra Alliance (Australia) have presented a joint petition and summary of the ongoing court case instituted against the Federal Government to the Australian government. In a meeting organised by Biafra Alliance (Australia), in conjunction with Radio Biafra, London, in Canberra, Australia recently, the groups said the petition was part of sensitisation programme aimed at highlighting the sufferings of Southeastern Nigerians at home. It was gathered that the pro-Biafran groups were represented by four-man delegation led by Nnamdi Kanu, Director of Radio Biafra, London, who travelled from United Kingdom to Australia; Mazi Okezie Oguh, the leader of Biafra Alliance (Australia) and two

others. The Australian government, it was learnt, was represented by high-ranking officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, situated at the R.G. Casey Building, on John McEwen Crescent Barton, Canberra, who received the written submission. According to one of those who attended the meeting, Okezie Oguh, the move is “a new approach in the agitation for Biafra, which includes building meaningful international relations and exploitation of new media techniques.” He said that this is the beginning of the new phase of the struggle, “as Biafrans all over the world will be encouraged through Radio Biafra worldwide broadcast to lobby the governments of the countries of their residence to lend tangible support to the peaceful and democratic agitation for Biafra.”

10—SA TURD AY 10—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, MAY 4,, 2013

Pastor Ituah Ighodalo

There’s no problem in my marriage Ituah Ighodalo is the popular Pastor of Trinity House- a mega church in Victoria Island, Lagos. In this candid and revealing interview, Pastor Ighodalo reveals that there is no problem at all in his marriage. He also talks about God, Love, and Politics. He responds to his critics, and speaks on his journey from Redeemed to Trinity House BY BIMPE ADE

hat are some of the chal lenges you faced before moving your church to its permanent site? You know we’ve been growing a church and at the same time, we’ve been building a permanent site. So, the challenges have been more of the challenges of a new church, and a growing church. As for the permanent site and moving there, God showed us incredible favour, so I will not say that we had challengesbesides typical funding issues that most people have. However, at every step of the way, God provided the funding and when there was no funding there was favour, in that people will just say to you; just go on and do this, just go on and do that. So we got a lot of favour, a lot of help, and a lot of support and we are very thankful to God. Who owns the church? God owns Trinity House. God almighty owns Trinity House. But you are the General Overseer? I’m the senior pastor. No, it’s a church of God. I’m just privileged to lead the church, and to direct it as I’m directed by God, so it actually belongs to God. Are there any future plans to set up branches of the church? Definitely, even as I speak we have a centre at the University of Lagos called Trinity Centre. We have what we call Light Houses in about five locations all over Lagos. We partner with eateries, especially Sweet Sensation, and we use their facility to set up what is called a Light House which meets during the week. As I speak, our mainland branch is being worked on, and it should start within the

•Pastor Ighodalo...I try to just do what I think God has asked me to do next 3-4 months. Also, our first branch in the United States, in California is starting in another two weeks. We are working on something in South Africa by God’s grace and mercy. There’s another mainland branch that should start before the end of the year. And bit by bit, we are looking at places like Abuja and Port Harcourt. So God is doing his work as we find openings. You pastor arguably have the fastest growing church in Nigeria, and you have just commissioned a 5,000 capacity worship centre. Did you imagine a church of this size only a few years after leaving Redeemed? That’s a good question. I’ve always imagined a church of this size. The issue is the number of years. What God has done has given us incredible speed. Before we left Christ Church, we were a little over 4,500, so we are a lit-

right because sometimes you are not so sure, but I try with a very open and honest heart to do what I think God asked me to do. So there’s nothing I do without sort of trying to consult God, and the once or twice that I’ve gone ahead of him without consulting him, I know what the repercussions have been. So I think that perhaps is what people see, and my openness towards God, and my willingness to serve him without any airs and graces. I just do my best for people you know, also I’m a people person. I love helping people, and I’m just really focused on what God wants me to do. Could you please share those one or two times you went ahead of God without consulting him? (Laughs) They are not major things. Many years ago, I was doing some missionary work in England. It was the middle of winter about early

Before we left Christ Church we were a little over 4,500, so we are a little bit used to those numbers and somehow God gave us speed with this particular work so we are very grateful to him tle bit used to those numbers and somehow God gave us speed with this particular work so we are very grateful to him. What draws people to you? You helped build Christ Church from the ground up, and you have done it again with Trinity House. Well I don’t know (Laughs). I don’t know. I have a very simple formula; I try to just do what I think God has asked me to do. So I’m not always

December. I borrowed my cousin’s car, and I was supposed to go somewhere quickly, and as I left the house that day ,something said to me turn left, and it didn’t make sense because the shorter route was to turn right. So I pushed that voice to the back and I turned right and not soon as I turned right, I ran into an accident. I hit some lady, and I remembered that I should have turned left. Needless to say I spent about 45 minutes in the winter ap-

pealing to this lady. She was okay and God took control, but that’s one clear incident I remember very well. There’s been a few others which I don’t remember very clearly but somehow or the other , when God wraps me on the finger I know. How has been an accountant helped in the business of running a church? Not a lot. Aside from the fact hat it’s given me good analytical mind, and good administrative skills which are also very important when you are running any kind of organization. And then also good consulting skills. I tell a lot of people that it’s the same skill that I use to do consulting for companies that I tend to use to do counseling for people. So that has helped, the consulting skills have been very good. How do you respond to being referred to as a pastor for corporate Nigeria, and criticisms that you run a high end church? Well maybe because I have a lot of friends in the corporate world, I encourage a lot of them to come to Jesus. I don’t know how I’ll react to that, but I think maybe I’m doing something right. And again because I still operate in the corporate sphere. I still go to NESG ( The Nigerian Economic Summit Group). So that’s fine we need to reach everybody. Your wife is stunning. How many years have you been married now? I got married 2007, so, it is barely six years. How has married life been to you? We thank God. It’s been very nice. Very wonderful. I have a very understanding wife. I believe she loves me very much. She’s simple. She’s easy to get along with, and we are very good friends. So, I’m quite happy to be honest. What attracted you to your

wife? How did you know she was the one? Her simplicity. She’s an attractive person, but then when we got talking, I found her to be simple, down to earth, sincere and willing to accept me for what I was and not what she thought I was. And we got on very well and I had this desire even if I didn’t marry her to look after her; to protect her, to guide her, and to direct her. I had this desire just to take care of her. I just felt that somehow, God had brought her into my life to look after, so I told her that: look even if nothing happens, I will look after you. And I think I’ve kept faithful to that commitment because I do look after her. You famously left Redeemed shortly after you got married. A lot of people wanted you to end your marriage and remain a Redeemed pastor. Why didn’t you just go with the general consensus and stay in Redeemed? I didn’t think what they desired for me was right. I knew what I was doing when I got married. I received, or I thought I received the support of the church when I got married. And therefore, the solution to that situation was not ending the marriage. There were too many things involved, besides I love my wife, and I was getting on very well with her so why should I end a good thing. So, it’s not denomination, its about serving God, and I knew that I could still serve God in a lot of different capacities and I was determined to continue serving God. So, if you can’t serve God in Jerusalem, you can serve God in Damascus. If you can’t serve God in London, you can serve him in Lagos. So I just kept serving God, and I’m still serving God. What do you think about a Continues on page 11

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Continued from page 10 pastor remarrying after your experience? There are different situations and circumstances clearly the bible says, and I believe that God hates divorce mainly to protect the women, so that men will not just be careless about this business of marriage. So God hates it. Again marriage is a symbol of Christ and the Church, but then there are different circumstances. The bible also says if an unbelieving wife or husband leaves their spouse then the other spouse is free. And more than divorce and separation, God also hates adultery and fornication, and therefore if you are not able to hold yourself, God will rather you marry than continue in adultery and fornication, and just really putting the name of God to shame. So we need to look at every circumstance in context. So, if a person came to me now and said they wanted to leave their wife or husband, I will really work hard to preserve that marriage. Also, there are some circumstances where there is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for whatever reason, and if that happens, you have to move to the next stage. Sometimes, God comes with mercy and forgiveness because he understands circumstances. The key is to follow God and obey him, and do what you think he has asked you to do. You and Pastor Adeboye are related right? It must have been difficult for him to see you go through all that criticism, and ultimately leave Redeemed. You are right. We are related yes. He and my mother come from the same ancestral stock. I cannot say for certain that there is a blood relationship as it were. But my mother and him come from the same ancestral stock. For instance, he taught and lived in my grandmother ’s house when he finished university so there’s some blood line there somewhere. That’s the relationship. Well when you see him, you have to ask him about that. Recently there were rumours about trouble in your marriage on the internet. What do you have to say to clear these rumours, and give some clarity? Yes there were rumours but there is no problem at all in my marriage. It’s just unfortunate that some people decided to go out of their way to create something that was not, but my wife and I are happy. If you go to my house now, you’ll see her there. A lot of women wanted to marry you when you were single in Christ Church. There are rumours of women basically harassing you, so have they relented now that you are happily married? The harassment didn’t stop ironically. It’s just reduced

•Pastor Ighodalo...We are working on something in South Africa by God’s grace and mercy

‘I believe that God hates divorce’ considerably in that while a lot of people were bold and verbal when I was single ,they are bit more subtle and stylish now, but you can still see and feel. Well, God helped me lets put it that way. Some women are very bold these days. Honestly. Sorry about the passing of your father; you were incredibly close to him. What has been the impact of his death on you? A great emptiness. You are right my father and I were very good friends. Simple man. Nice man. Frank and truthful, and a loving man. So a great part of our lives has gone. My mother and I were also very close. We are a

how did you find peace, and is this what led you to Christ? To be honest, I had been born again before that incident but before I became born again, I was doing some business-accounting, and I got into this financial problem wherein I lost a lot of money; my personal money and monies I held in trust for people. But that wasn’t what quite got me born again. I didn’t even realize there was going to be such a problem. Shortly after I got born again, there was the finance house crisis, and all of a sudden people started chasing me up and down wanting to collect money. I had no money to give them, so one day, while driving down third

Most people agree that Jesus Christ was here. Muslims have it in the Qur’an. Buddhists know there was a man called Jesus Christ strong family. Small family very closely knit. So it’s been painful but we’ve adjusted quite well, and life has to go on. What is the greatest lesson you learnt from him? Simplicity and honesty. He was a simple and straightforward gentleman. I learnt that about him, and I admire that about him. I try my best to emulate that about him. Lets talk about your path to Christ. You revealed in the past that you were suicidal,

mainland bridge, it just occurred to me that why don’t I just get out of this thing and have people stop embarrassing me. So I asked my driver to park, and the silly guy too parked. Just before I took that step, one voice said to me YOU FOOL! If you jump, they’ll just eat akara. So I changed my mind, and that thankfully was the voice of God. Thankfully, I was born again and God’s voice prevailed. And from that day, people stopped harassing me,

they still asked but there was no harassment. And bit by bit, I paid every Kobo back. One or two people forgave, and some of them, I became their pastor (Laughs). Did Jesus Christ really exist? How can you prove this without using Bible sources as proof? Most people agree that Jesus Christ was here. Muslims have it in the Qur ’an. Buddhists know there was a man called Jesus Christ. The contention is- was he the son of God or not, and he died and resurrected or not. It’s a difficult thing to physically prove that he died and resurrected, but it’s not too difficult to prove that he was the son of God in that his lifestyle, his teaching, his attitude to things showed that he lived at perfection, and only the son of God can live at that level of perfection that we all aspire to. And the only proof that he died and resurrected is that there is response to prayer in his name. That’s the way I prove. A lot of people refer to CAN as a political party. I assume you are a member. What do you think about politics and the Church? Christian Association of Nigeria? Well I don’t know that there’s registration, but by the fact that I’m a christian, I assume I’m a member. Once there are human beings, there’s politics. And what is politics-an aspiration to governance and leadership, and everybody has a right to aspire to governance and leadership. What makes it sound political is strategy; both proper and improper that people tend to engage to get to pow-

er. I think that every christian must be involved in politics, or to determine those who get into leadership and governance. Everybody has a right to determine who their leader is. We all must be politically aware. And where we feel a call, or an inclination or sense of responsibility or incompetence, we must volunteer ourselves to run because we want good people to be in the right places of leadership. What are your thoughts on Boko Haram, and the level of insecurity in the country? I think Boko Haram is a deliberate creation of some people. It is probably backfiring now, because it is getting a little bit out of control. A creation deliberately done to make Nigeria difficult to govern for anybody who is not Northern. That is simply what I think. There’s this desire for leadership by a segment of our country which again is not an unwholesome desire. It’s just the method that’s unacceptable. Terrorism, killing of innocent people, making the place ungovernable and insecurity will hurt everybody, and it is hurting everybody. Again the government has to be a bit more forceful, more decisive, a bit more aggressive in solving this problem. Yes, there can be negotiation, but you negotiate from a place of strength. I do think that the people responsible, and perpetuating Boko Haram know. I don’t think it’s a secret. So I think they should go after them. You think amnesty was the right move by the government? No, I think it was a set-up. I don’t know why they set-up the president to make that move. You don’t negotiate with people who first of all have not made themselves known in a public way. Secondly, they have not made any demands for anything. So what is the basis for negotiation. Where is the basis for amnesty when they haven’t demanded for anything . The first thing is to find them, second is to round them up, third is to ask them who’s behind this and why are they doing this, then fourth is to decide what to do with them. Either to punish them or give them amnesty. So you must follow the process. You can’t go from A-D. If you were to sum up one message from all your teachings, what would it be? If you believe , all things are possible to them that believe. Also, my greatest teaching is to fulfill the will of God. What motivates you? I have a deep desire to achieve, to succeed, to help, to change, so there’s nowhere I go that I don’t desire to improve, or change the place to make things better.

12 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

CLUMSY RACE TO 2015

The Jonathan/Amaechi face off BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

bviously shaken and scared, the presidency, with an incumbent who already seemed to have burnt his fingers too early in the governing of Africa’ most populous, diverse nation, midway to the end of first tenure in 2015, he is at daggers drawn with perceived political opponents in the same party. Elected as President in 2011, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who claimed to have attended school without shoes while growing up, made promises on spreading dividends of democracy the people with his programme of Transformation Agenda, job creation, reduction of poverty, corruption, improved electricity and enhancing infrastructure among others. But widespread insecurity particularly in the north, had blurred his vision and focus. Several thousands, mainly Christians have been killed, while properties worth billions destroyed. Almost torn apart by internal crises within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors elected on the ticket of the party, under the aegis of Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF led by Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State were politically dicey and unpredictable. Aso Rock was jittery, worried about

Governor Rotimi Amaechi, as the NGF chairman, was seen as the arrowhead of the governors' resistance to the imperial and dictatorial tendencies of the presidency NGF becoming a political power bloc, likely determining the future of Mr. president in 2015. Meanwhile, the national Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, had a running battle with the governors, but enjoyed absolute support of Jonathan, who feared his re-election bid in 2015 could be scuttled by the governors who had some grievances to settle with him. Governor Rotimi Amaechi, as the NGF chairman, was seen as the arrowhead of the governors resistance to the imperial and dictatorial tendencies of the presidency more so as he was being alleged as having presidential ambition to be running mate to Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State in the 2015 race. Even the opposition political parties were not re-

lenting in their criticism of the Jonathan administration. They’ve alleged that he was not taking governance seriously, cannot be trusted,though promised to fight corruption, yet this cankerworm has become bydra-headed and getting more devastating as ever, no tangible promises made in 2011 realized, various committee reports put together with public funds were dumped into waste baskets. Oil theft, bunkering, subsidy fraud, inflated contracts galore. More Nigerians are without jobs in a spendthrift administration, fond of wasting scarce resources on white elephant, mundane projects not of benefit to the economic and social welfare of citizens. The Transformation Agendea has been described as amorphous and mere sloganeering with phantom, spurious statistics given by state departments to create wrong impression that things are going well. The governors, embittered by Tukur ’s leadership style and his nonchalant attitude to state chapters of the PDP, tried to box the chairman to a corner in what political analysts termed as their attempts (governors) to cage President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 presidential vote. Undoubtedly, Governor Amaechi had not been comfortable with the pace of development in the Niger Delta region from where Mr. President hailed. Take the case of the East-West road which is supposed to run through the oil bearing areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta States which would also be of benefit

Continues on page 53

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Vanguard MA Y 4, 2013—15 MAY

16â&#x20AC;&#x201D;SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

PHOTO NEWS The final burial of Lisa of Ondo kingdom, High Chief Ba Bayyo Akinola The final burial of Lisa of Ondo kingdom, High Chief Bayo Akinola was held at the All Saints Church Ogbonkowo, Ondo yesterday. Photos :Dare Fasube

From left: Obioma Liyel Imoke, wife of Cross Rivers State Governor; Chief (Mrs) Orelope Adefulire, Lagos State Deputy Governor; Chief Oyewole Fasawe, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

From left: Mr Akinyinka Akinola (son), Chief (Mrs) Olufunbi Akinola (Wife), Mrs Yewande Zacheaus (daughter) , Mr Seyi and Omobola Johnson (daughter)

L-R: Baale Taye Ayorinde, Erelu Olusola Obada, Minister of Defence; and Mrs Sarah Sosan, former Lagos State Deputy Governor

From left: Phamacist Oluranti Adedji, Mrs Bosede Oshunkeye and Chief Segun Oshunkeye, Chairman, Lafarge WAPCO Plc.

L-R:Mr Sam Amuka, Vanguard Publisher ; Mr Fola Ajidagba and Mrs Nike Olasunkanmi.

From left: Mr and Mrs Tokunboh Ajasin and Chief Mrs Folake Solanke (SAN).

L-R: Mr Paul Agboola; Mrs Gloriastene Agboola and Chief Kola Daisi.

From left: Gen Alani Akinrinade, Sir Pius Akinyelure, Senator Bode Olajumoke, Otunba Olu Adegbite, Mr Joseph Makoju and former Governor Segun Oni of Ekiti State.

Left: Mrs Funke Agagu, Chief Olusegun Agagu, former Ondo State governor; and Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former Governor of Ekiti State

From Left:Dr Olukayode Oyetunde, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, Minister of State FCT, Mrs Iyabo Okoro; Prof (Mrs) Viola Onwuliri ,Hon Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

SA TURD AY Vanguard , MA Y 4, 2013—17 SATURD TURDA MAY

, *the chase after amaechi *awards without honour

e seem to have gone through it all before. The Presidency, or The Party— seldom the President — feels uncomfortable about someone of influence, particularly in the party of the President, and swiftly various unsavoury things begin to happen to the man; all sorts of unsavoury information begin to float around about him; it suddenly becomes apparent that he is unfit for the post he holds; his face is turned to a downward route from the peak of a precipice, and every effort is applied to make him take the wrong step so as to tumble down. The crowd looks on, not feeling involved in the drama of survival against the onslaught of the Powers That Be. Only those who are now being properly identified as Foot Soldiers raise their voices, and in one accord they roar, “Pull him down!” Some, indeed several, have gone that way. It is really not a new thing. When the President is a big, bold man, with little room for conscience, he sometimes spearheads the campaign. When he is not, he relies on “open” subterfuge and conducts the affairs of his patent passion masked in the dignifying character of The Presidency, or The Party. It is a matter of style. Do you remember what happened to a gentleman called Atidu Ogbeh in different clime? Then there was Silva in the current dispensation. And now we have Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. The occupants of Aso Rock are bent on making history perched on a slippery platform. But Amaechi must have gone into •Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi all his troubles with his eyes wide open. He is supposed to be aiming of unity and good feeling. At the best, it for a higher office which plan runs head-on overturns the status quo; at the worst, it puts against the ambitious plans of The the polity on the boil. It is as distractive as it is Presidency. Like a full-fledged Nigerian, he destructive. must have felt that he was protected by the The chase after Amaechi may have been Constitution to nurse an aspiration and strengthened by some miscalculation. The pursue it under the ambit of the law. However, Rivers State governor is an old stager and a the Constitution and the law it embodies fall veteran of various skirmishes, high and low. by the wayside in the prosecution of politics During the consideration for the Vanguard’s -or power play. It is the time-old jungle maxim Man of the Year, which he won handsomely, it of might over right, and “the devil take the came out that several people are comfortable hindmost”. with the projection of his demeanour as the This vicious type of injurious confrontation man most Nigerians would like to be—

Only those who are now being properly identified as Foot Soldiers raise their voices, and in one accord they roar, “Pull him down!

thrives with power-points. Unfortunately, the trend is towards their proliferation in the arena of politics today. The mushroom sprouts of new parties, novel mergers and the resuscitation of defunct ones speak of the creation of power groups. So does the formation of internal groups as we have witnessed in the birth of the group for Northern Governors (who are mostly from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP), the PDP Governors Forum (who are all from the PDP), the National Governors Forum, (in which the PDP claims a majority). The phenomenon of the creation of these groups stems from the desire to dominate a section of interest and influence which may become overwhelming within the party and, by progression, the nation. It produces a messy affair usually, and leaves a rend in the garment C M Y K

masterful yet modest, colourful without being garish and resourceful with full confidence in command. You have to wake up early in the day to catch up with a man like that. That is why they have to hang on to the non-issue of his official aircraft by their teeth. It is indeed risible that anyone would raise an argument, at this stage of our social life, over the possession of a jet by a state government for the use of a governor.

hen you think of how many Nigerians own this means of modern transportation these days, to say nothing of how many are ensconced in the stable at Aso Rock, the wonder is that state governments have not yet started having two. As for having the official papers in order, there must be other ways of tackling that than making it seem like a capital crime. And then for the executives of a political party to publicly meddle

The occupants of Aso Rock are bent on making history perched on a slippery platform

into affairs that do not in anyway touch their office is an example of the infernal nuisance into which powerpoints can turn themselves. The obvious witch-hunt to which Amaechi has been subjected does no credit to the hunters whose passion for having their way, has blinded them to the possible adverse effects it may have on the confidence that the public should have in the decency of The Presidency’s approach to its relations with respectable high officials, with whom it may not be on the same page on some Issues. Mr.Abdulateef Hassan of 8, Nupe Street, Sabon-Gari, Zaria writes: My dear Uncle Bizlaw, why have you not used your very incisive pen to pick a hole in the dubious exclusion of the name of Ms. Bola Abidoye , Nigeria’s, nay Africa’s first female FIFA Badge Referee from the list of Nigeria’s accomplished women and female ‘firsts’ at the recent Nigerian Women Centenary Celebrations in Abuja? Is this a genuine error of omission, or a deliberate slight on an unsung but living Amazon of the whistle of our time? As a football enthusiast that you are, a check with the authorities at NFF NFA and NRA should provide you with further details on this very patriotic Nigerian woman. If you recall, we put out the question here last week for anyone who could provide an answer to no avail. Those who responded tended to see some humorous part of it. But I will respond, first, by apologizing to Bola Abidoye. It was not meant as a personal slight, I am sure, but only a slight manifestation of the corroded system of our public honour awards. One of the dearest acknowledgements of one’s endeavour in life is to be publicly named and awarded a token, by way of a prize or title, for one’s efforts. We inherited that from the British and many people aspired to attain the rank of those who are so honoured. It was a distinguished class of people who were so considered purely for their efforts whether it suited the government of the day or not in Britain. That standard was not strictly adhered to here but, at least, the recipient had to be worthy of the honour done to him by his nation. But the standards had been watered down over time. The manner by which the awards were made became ragged

and questionable. There have been cases of some awards being repeated which removed credibility from the event. Some highly-principled citizens have even had cause to publicly reject the awards they were given. That in itself speaks volumes against the organization of the exercise. It might seem that we have strayed from the subject of a sportswoman denied a merited recognition, but the denial was on the basis of her place among other women who were first in their achievements. It is really on a national scale, the equal of a national honour, and should be so considered. It also brings the procedure of giving awards generally into focus. Let us stay with sports where I used to be able to speak with a measure of authority. One of the best women in track and field that Nigeria has ever produced, by international standards, is Falilat Ogunkoya. There were other very good female athletes especially in her era, but she was outstanding. She was awarded an honour that was below that of her teammate whose record came only a close second to hers. I had a voice in sports then and raised a protest, but I was obliged to keep it down because I was making an “ethnical” point. Well, what does it really matter now that the honours mean so much less than what one should crave for anyway.

wards are now used by some organizations for purely promotional purposes. They tag on to a good name, a famous name, to which they present an award implying that the recipient is worthy of their acclamation, whereas the award adds no note of honour to the awardee. Such is the cheap nature of some awards these days that the system tends to abut on a racket. Bola has lost nothing. Her record stands. The FIFA Badge is still in a class by itself. No one can take that away from her. On our part, what we cannot afford to do is to cease from talking about these inadequacies of our social mores, as my good friend, Chief Bobson Gbinigie (Mandate Against Poverty,Warri),puts it in his own inimitable way: “Nigeria’s politico, socioeconomic salvation can only be made manifest if we decide to deconstruct the Laodicean and edacious brio in us and resolve to fearlessly speak truth to Power notwithstanding whose ox is gored Are you ready?” Time out!

18—SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 4, 2013 Aunty Julie, My husband had an affair and we’re separating. A few months ago, I met this lovely man, we kissed, and I think he likes me even though he knows about my ongoing separation but not all the ins and outs as I didn’t want to be talking about it a lot. He really makes me laugh and I do think he likes me. But I asked him sometime to meet up for a bite and he told me that was lovely, but that he’d met another girl and was going on a second date and all that. What advice would you give me, as I will see him at a work conference soon and I also need to contact him in relation to w o r k ? I still like him. Maybe I should forget him, and move on? Bukky, Lagos Dear Bukky, We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us. A few questions immediately come to my mind. Is your relationship with your husband definitely over? If so, do you have ‘closure’ with it?

My boyfriend can’t trust me again after I cheated on him

I’m getting a separation Have you made your peace with what happened; are you able to move on from it? If the answer to either of these questions is no, then I politely suggest you may not be ready for the rough and tumble of starting a new relationship. Getting to know another man with the intentions that relationship would be an intimate one always involves some difficulties, some misunderstandings, and even if you’re ‘fortunate’ enough to just fall truly, madly, deeply in love with someone, then you’re likely to panic at some point that it all

feels too good to be true. This means that getting to know someone new requires a certain robustness, and so you’re probably asking for trouble to try and meet someone new if you’re feeling fearful rather than happy. Once you’re feeling good about yourself, like most of us do when we allow ourselves ‘space’ from all our anxious thinking, then you will come across as more relaxed to another person and you’ll be able to answer questions that you asked above for yourself. Also, in your particular situation, can you see how a man

who has a choice of two women will most likely go for the safest option, the one that doesn’t involve a complicated marriage breakup situation? And you’d probably do the same given the same circumstances. So, my advice to you is take time to heal yourself over your marriage ending. If you have, then, in a calm moment, answer these questions yourself on how best to go about it. Of course, all relationships provide challenges and that’s the joy and the pain of them.

Should I leave my fiance? Aunty Julie, I fell in love and have never felt this way or wanted to spend the rest of my life with someone, but something has changed. He began getting very jealous and in turn, became angry over the fights. I have never and would never cheat on him and I think he truly knows this but still his jealousy comes out. Now, I feel that he has emotionally turned off because he fears he will get hurt, so he closes up and shows no emotion. I have tried talking to him. I have told him that I need to feel that he cares. I want him to show me the love like he did before. We live together and I feel like we are more of roommates than lovers. After several talks, he told me he is scared of getting married again. He has been married before and it ended very ugly. I have never been married but

I told him I understood his feelings and maybe we should postpone the wedding until we get things back on track with us or call it off all together. I thought things were getting better but he still shows no emotion to me. He kisses me in the morning and before bed but other than that, I feel nothing from him. I love him and don’t want to give up on our relationship, but I fear he will never be able to show me the love like he did before. I just need some advice Elizabeth, Ibadan Dear Elizabeth, I’m not sure you were looking for advice but for a place to simply express yourself and you have done that, and I hope just writing down your thoughts, summarising your situation has helped. Next comes the advice. You must know that problems in relation-

If you were my husband…

A woman at a party walked up to a man and told him, “If you were my husband, I would poison your drink.” The man replied, “If you were my wife, I would drink it.”

Twice a week

After just a few years of marriage, filled with constant arguments, a young man and his wife decided the only way to save their marriage was to try counseling. They had been at each other ’s throats for some time and felt that this was their last straw. When they arrived at the counselor ’s office, the counselor jumped right in and opened the floor for discussion. “What seems to be the problem?” The wife began talking 90 miles an hour describing all the wrongs within their marriage. After 15 minutes of listening to the wife, the counselor went over to her, picked her up by her shoulders, kissed her passionately for several minutes, and sat her back down. Afterwards, the wife sat there speechless.

ships occur because each person is concentrating on what is missing in the other person. Look, whether you carry on trying to make your relationship work , twisting yourself this way and that to get your fiance to realise that you love him, that he has nothing to fear, that all he has to do is to love like he used to. Or whether you decide to be courageous in a different way, to realise your fiance has shut down, can give no more, and your relationship is actually over. Whatever you choose to do in this relationship, I think it’s vital that you understand that good relationships come about when you stop expecting things from others, when you stop seeking certain behaviours from another, when you instead decide to be and to act the way you’d like the other person to be and to

act towards you. All you can do in your relationships, whether they are romantic relationships, family relationships, friendships is do your bit of the relationship with as much integrity, with as much self-awareness and with as much love as you can muster. The rest is up to them. And if the rest isn’t good enough for you that is, then you must move on. So, there are no right and wrong ways to do relationships, I believe, just ways that are right and wrong for you to experience them. Yes, it takes courage to let go of a relationship that is important to you, but if your partner cannot give you what you believe you need, then courage is what’s required to make space for a partner who can. This is not an easy path to take, I completely understand.

C O C K - T A L E S counselor spoke to the husband, “Your wife needs that at least twice a week!” The husband scratched his head and replied… “I can have her here on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

Coming home late Two married buddies are out drinking one night when one turns to the other and says, “You know, I don’t know what else to do. Whenever I go home after we’ve been out drinking, I turn the headlights off before I get to the driveway. I shut off the engine and coast into the garage. I take my shoes off before I go into the house, I sneak up the stairs, I get undressed in the bathroom. I ease into bed and my wife still wakes up and yells at me for staying out so late!” His buddy looks at him and says, “Well, you’re obviously taking the wrong approach. I screech into the driveway, slam the door, storm up the steps, throw my He looked over at the husband who was star- shoes into the closet, jump into bed, slap her on the ing in disbelief at what had happened. The butt and say, ‘You as horny as I am?’ . . . and, she always acts

Dear Julie, I cheated on my boyfriend, and I want him to trust me again. But he couldn’t one year after and it’s spoiling our relationship. He agreed to stay with me after a lot of convincing, but ever since, he has become so insecure in a way that he is always thinking I am talking to another guy. I feel like I made such a huge mistake and like I deserved the treatment, but it is a year now and I still deal with the stress that he always thinks I am cheating. Should I end it, or is there hope for our relationship? Fifi, Port-Harcourt Dear Fifi, People generally don’t cheat in good relationships. But it’s a pity that you find yourself in this situation. Yes, it was a situation of your making but some of the responsibility lies with the state of the relationship also. The first thing that came to my mind as I read your relationship question, was for you to simply and lovingly put this exact question to your boyfriend. Simply share your experience and ask him, honestly, if he is able to forgive and let the relationship become something better than it is. Tell him if he can’t, then the relationship will have to end. He might be able to do this but it might require some effort on his part and he might not. But now he seems to be saying he can deal with it but his actions towards you is saying a different thing. And perhaps, you ought to be really honest with yourself, also, as to why you cheated on him in the first place. Did it have anything to do with low self-esteem in you perhaps? Or was something not right in your relationship? So, all in all, I think what’s needed is genuine, loving, and open-hearted honesty between you both.

like she’s sound asleep!” Hold Me Husband and wife are getting all snugly in bed. The passion is heating up. But then the wife stops and says: ”I don’t feel like it, I just want you to hold me.” The husband says, ”WHAT?” The wife explains that he must not be in tune with her emotional needs as a woman. The husband realizes that nothing is going to happen tonight and he might as well deal with it. So the next day, the husband takes her shopping at a big department store. He walks around and has her try on three very expensive outfits. She can’t decide. He tells his wife to take all three of them. Then they go over and get matching shoes worth $200 each. And then they go to the Jewelry Department where she gets a set of diamond earrings. The wife is so excited. She thinks her husband has flipped out, but she does not care.The wife is jumping up and down so excited she cannot even believe what is going on. She says “Okay, I’m ready, let’s go to the cash register.” The husband says, “no, no, no, honey we’re not going to buy all this stuff.” The wife’s face goes blank. “No honey, I just want you to hold this stuff for a while.”

SATURDAY

spouse strays and a marriage of many years hits the rocks. Yet a lot or marriages tagged ‘hopeless’ have been known to defy the odds when the estranged couples reunite. What makes a marriage work the second time around? Some couple of years back, Rachael walked out on her husband of over 17 years taking with her the three children of the marriage. “He had an affair that resulted in a child,” she explained. “At the time the child was born, I was completely unaware of the other woman. It was my husband’s uncle that told me arrogantly that as a ‘senior’ wife, I had to be present at the christening. I felt insulted and humiliated. My friends advised I shouldn’t do anything drastic, so I went. Where I got the serenity to go through the whole ceremony from, only God knows. “My husband was profusely apologetic. The girl was intent on getting her claws into him, he accused. He was so contrite in the next few months that I finally tried to forgive his one false slip since we got married. We’d been together for years that we were almost like brother and sister. “Some two years after this incident, I learnt that this same girl was pregnant again for my husband. This time, I didn’t bother to confront him. My company was already building accommodation premises our things in the car and left. “That evening, a close friend for middle management staff and I quickly applied for a of mine who worked in my office called, almost collapsing flat. with laughter. She said I s soon as I got my flat, I should see the look on my furnished it to my taste husband’s face when the and waited. Just as I thought, personnel manager told him I this meddling uncle of my was on leave. When he asked husband came calling again. my friend where I was, she said This time, he wanted the she feigned amazement as the naming ceremony to take place in my matrimonial home, the new baby’s father’s house. I heartily agreed. My husband couldn’t believe the enthusiasm I showed at getting ready for the ceremony. What he didn’t know was the fact that last time she visited, which I’d taken almost all my was a few days ago, I was still things and the children’s to living with him. He had the my new flat. I had no guts to even tell her that I’d intention of humiliating walked away with money myself all over again by meant for food stuffs and ram hanging around for a bogus for the naming ceremony. naming ceremony. “It was months later that I “Three days to the naming saw him. I learnt through the ceremony, I’d already taken grapevine that he was living my annual leave, I told the alone in the house. His lover kids to make a show of going hadn’t moved in with him and to school then come straight I felt a bit relieved at that. home. I then took the rest of

Vanguard MAY 4, 2013—19

What makes a marriage work the second time ?

The struggle is very different if there is an apology than if there isn’t. The capacity to forgive varies greatly according to the depth, or absence of it in the relationship, that preceded the offence”, C M Y K

He pleaded with me to give our marriage a second chance

until several weeks after his first visit. He was in a dreadful state, drunk and crying. He said he was not concentrating on his business that his new relationship meant nothing to him. If I didn’t come back he was moving into my flat immediately! “This was the husband I’d known and loved and temporarily lost. There

was no decision for me. I had never stopped caring for him. I moved back to my matrimonial home and the children were glad to be back with their father.

ut that wasn’t the end of the story. My resentment couldn’t be cemented over just like that. I found myself wanting to know every detail of their relationship, what they did, where they went, was she better in bed than me? My husband at first tried to be patient, but in the end we rowed and punched it out of our systems. But the two children are there — those are permanent reminders of unfaithfulness and it hurts. But if I want my family to be happy, I have to learn to let go...” Rachael’s husband’s case is a classic case of the ageing ego needing to be boosted — albeit temporarily — by youth and vitality. What is less common is that the couple were able to set their marriage back on the rails. The honeymoon period of the husband’s affair was bound to wane but the bonds that tie husband and wife are less “

The power of apology

he capacity to repair our relationships by opening our hearts to forgive (or apologize) is an important measure of emotional development, but I am wary of making forgiveness a yardstick by which we can judge ourselves and others. Forgiveness can happen in an instant or it can take a lifetime.

When he came to the flat, he looked so harassed and unhappy that I almost felt sorry for him. He pleaded with me to give our marriage a second chance and I said I would think about it. He’d gone through a lot of pains to find my new address and I was touched. “I didn’t see him again

Even nursing a grudge, which is clearly anti-forgiveness, may serve a vital purpose at certain times in certain lives

observed Laura, a psychologist. “‘People’s process and creativity in this regard need to be respected. Even nursing a grudge, which is clearly anti-forgiveness, may serve a vital purpose at certain times in certain lives. In short, I don’t want to tell anybody — especially somebody I don’t know — that

flimsy. The couple’s story echoes that of many. The divorce rate has never been higher, yet paradoxically, divorce is rarely the answer to people’s problems. An astonishing number of divorced women wish they had stayed with their spouse. More so when they find it difficult to find partners who can still commit to them and their children. Some end up being ‘the other woman’ they so much loathed in their now dead marriage. Affairs generally fall into two categories. One is symptomatic of a failing marriage,and is used as the way out, in which case, there is little hope of a reconciliation.

forgiveness is the right path for them. Life is too complex for that. “Indeed, I think we need to remember that not forgiving ourselves, not forgiving others, is a part of who we are. It is as natural to us as our defences, our repression, our dissociation, our denial. No one is so evolved as to deal creatively with

he other occurs during a time of stress and, if the relationship had good foundations, it needs not spell the end; only the fact that a marriage has survived the test of an affair and near break up to strengthen it,” agrees Muji, who is also a “born again’ wife. Success stories like this tell you just how many women said they had emerged with a happier marriage. The best approach is to allow your man space then, let him try living with the other woman. If your relationship is meant to be, it will survive. Patience is your weapon. Lastly, you have to recognize the dark side of reconciliation— that an affair is never forgotten. It is a blemish on your relationship forever. But ironically, the fear of a repetition can strengthen your re-union. The couple may make more effort to keep it alive. Neither wants to go through the same agonies again”.

every loss and insult. No one is free themselves, positive and negative. No one is immune to the joys of being vindicated . “We all have this in us. We are all enmeshed to some degree in our inner dramas and the unimaginable passions and loyalties they represent, which hold sway over us in ways not even we can know. If we can see some of this in ourselves, accept it, be concerned about it, it is less likely to control or overwhelm us. We will have a better chance to stay connected, to dissolve whatever scar tissue we can from a life of hurt and conflict, and move on to the goodness of love.”

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4 4, 2013 08052201257 anyagafu@yahoo.com

Are you in a healthy relationship?

aving a happy, long-lasting, m u t u a l l y satisfying relationship is possible. You just have to make the relationship work. You may not have to be into big public displays of affection. Some couples love in a much quieter, subtler way, one that’s brought them both great happiness, as well as the capacity to endure challenges and hardships. People in successful relationships owe much of their success to small acts of respect, compassion, anticipation, honesty and generosity. When couples are in a state of distress and hopelessness about their partnership, it is often difficult for them to have a sense of what a healthy relationship looks like. When people feel isolated, separate or distant from their partner, they

react by becoming anxious, angry and controlling or they withdraw and pull into themselves. We all need relationships for survival. Most couples understand this on some level but don’t have a sense of what it looks like to be connected and supportive of each other. Always treat your

partner with respect, honesty and integrity. It takes a great deal of courage to allow oneself to risk being open to another person. This is even greater when that person really matters to us. Being sure to treat our partner the same way that we want to

be treated strengthens our bonds. Endeavour to be there if your partner is in distress and offer him/ her a safe haven. We all need safe emotional connection and someone that we can depend on when we are upset, feeling down or feeling unsure of ourselves out in the world. Feeling emotionally isolated from our partner is terrifying. Learning to be there for each other when needed is the ultimate act of love. We all have our weaknesses and therefore should be willing to accept your partner’s weaknesses, not just their strengths . This is very important. Understanding where our partner is vulnerable and what their fears may be will create a sense of knowing that builds a strong foundation upon which a relationship can build and grow. We fall in love with our partner ’s strengths and they with ours! It is the vulnerabilities and fears that create the bumps that can create disconnections in the relationship. It is important to always resolve conflicts in a gentle and loving way. When we feel secure with our partner, we are more able to resolve differences easily and not get caught in blaming each other and fighting to the death. Knowing that fights are really protests over emotional disconnection can aid you in moving more quickly to resolution. Some couples don’t show interest in their partner’s life. This is a mistake. When there is a strong bond in a relationship, we are more open and curious to the things that excite our partner. We will not be

Our relationship is off and on Ques: It all started two years ago when I first met my boyfriend and we just automatically hit it off! Even though we only had one date in the beginning, it was alright with me since I thought things would eventually get better for both of us.A couple of months later in the relationship, we started having issues, his true colours started to show. He was constantly hurting me, being mad at me all the time. He often stopped me from hanging out with my friends, telling me who I can be friends with and can’t be friends with. At first, I ignored the fact that he did all that because of how much I loved him. Then, he started accusing me for what I have not done. He started accusing me of lying a lot, when I never lied.Our communication level was horrible. It was so horrible that I felt as if I couldn’t talk to him without being mad. I started feeling scared to open up to him about what I’ve done. He once embarrassed me in front of my colleagues and so on. I could never speak to another guy, even his friends because he always thought that they liked me and were trying to get with

me. I felt as if I could never be myself around him, because of the way he acted and treated me. Whenever he said something to me, he would then switch his answer a couple of minutes after that. He then broke up with me, and told me that he was not going to come back to me ever again and I started to move on ... then all of a sudden, he re-appeared and asked me back out. I hesitated because of all the hurt that he has caused me in the past, but I eventually did. I gave him so many chances, but he has not changed to my liking. I feel as if he’s not the man that I fell in love with in the beginning. I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m not saying that he has not changed at all, because he has but there are some things that are still not working, and I feel that whatever I try to do to better ourselves and the relationship, it will never happen. I broke up with him so many times because of ridiculous things that he does that I don’t like. But then, whenever I try to speak to him about it, we can never understand each other or reach a solution. There was a time when I didn’t know how I felt for him. Just like right now,

I don’t know if I love him or just care for him deeply as a friend. This relationship needs a lot of help, and I’m scared. Every time I break up with him and try to move on, we always end up getting back together. Mercy, Benin

Ans: A good relationship is not complicated,does not need drama and does not require a long story to explain itself. Whereas a bad, or dysfunctional relationship needs words, words and more words to explain itself. A good, healthy relationship is a relationship that works. That’s not to say that such a relationship doesn’t require courage and strength not to help the other

person change, but to face ourselves and our often unerring desire to self-sabotage. A good relationship is worth working hard for, whereas a dysfunctional

relationship is something else. The fact is, it takes two people to make a relationship work. Two people who are both able to look closely at how

able to create a strong connection unless we allow our partner to truly know us and for us to truly know our partner. Joining with our partner in things that make them happy creates the strong connections that we yearn for. Learning to forgive your partner when they make mistakes helps you reconnect more readily when there is an upset. The willingness to attend to our partner ’s deepest disclosures is the beginning of mutual responsiveness and healthy connection. It is also advisable to show reassurance and support when your partner is struggling.Trust is built and maintained in a relationship when we can let our partner know that they are still loved even when we may be upset by their actions. Openness, attunement and responsiveness are key elements of a secure relationship. Just as a flower will wilt and die if it is neglected, your relationship will also fail to thrive if you don’t take the time to nurture it. Celebrate the big and small moments in the relationship. Love is a continual cycle of coming together and losing connection. If we trust the connection, we don’t feel so much distress when there is a disagreement . Ultimately, we know that our partner is there for us. Going out on dates, making small gestures and creating rituals will strengthen the bond between you so that you can withstand the bumps that are inevitable in any relationship.

well they relate and how able they are to open themselves to the deep intimacy that is always present in a good relationship. So from your story, it seems clear that your boyfriend seems frightened to be in relationship with you. His self-sabotage appears evident in the inconsistency of his behaviour towards you; his need to control you. It is also clear that this relationship is important to you , that you have suffered greatly in trying to work out why it’s been so difficult at times. I believe that we bring into our life people who reflect our current level of self-growth, self-awareness and wisdom which means that if this man is frightened of commitment, chances are you are too.It takes two and you’re never going to get what you want from this relationship if your boyfriend isn’t willing to take a long hard look at how he’s relating to y o u . And I politely suggest you might want to look at why you are so drawn to a man that on the surface is so ‘unavailable’, and so distrusting of you.

08084043428 •Danny, 37, tall, dark, from Edo State, businessman,based in Abuja, wants a curvy lady aged 30 and above on 07044226634 •Joefrey Benjamin, 39, from Benue, needs • Ken, 31, goodlooking, a working class lady of 28 who is ready for graduate,employed needs a lady of 18-30 for a serious relationa serious and committed relationship on ship on Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want 08169188232 08125931042 e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com to share with our readers? Please •Debo, 29, from Lagos State, wants a •Kelvin, 29, serious relationship with a God-fearing Do you want to be linked? wants a good lady of 27-40 that would lead to Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to be looking female for marriage on 08139258631 linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal information of people a relationship on who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for disappointments or •Oluwakemi, 35, tall, dark, from Osun 08105351941 embarrassments some people may encounter in the process. State, based in Lagos, would like to meet a working class lady of 30-35 on 08162637815 •Andrew, male, wants a decent lady for a wife on 07054762377 • Tola, 26, undergraduate desires a man of 30-40 for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage on

C M Y K

" C

ven before a child is born, the parents,or parent makes plans for the future, saves for the needs of the offspring(s) who will become a part of their lives till the day they depart the earth. It is a thing of pride for the expectant parents when they are seen as “complete” by society. I still remember the joy I felt when I gave birth to my daughter. Hearing her first cries brought tears to my eyes and even now when I

ground. Place the palms down, on the floor below the shoulders. Keep the elbows lose to the body. Keep the knees together. Extend the toes back, pointing them to the rear. Pressing the palms hard against the floor, inhale and slowly raise the upper part of the body. Draw the head far back feeling the vertebrae bend one by one, until the body from the navel

preserve and even test evidence collected if at all they are. I suppose the rape of a minor does not weigh heavily on the scale since there is no money to be shared.Gone are the days when neighbours cared for children growing up around them.

A cause wor th ffighting ighting ffor or worth look at her pictures back when she was a toddler, I still shed a tear,and I thank God each day for this immeasurable gift. This is a gift which I would cherish and protect. I suppose the same does not ring true for everyone as it boggles the mind why some parents would blame a young child or teenager for an irreprehensible act like rape? How? Or why a male relative will see the need to stick his ‘member’ into a two-year old baby girl? Why? Why?

ape and child abuse have been with us for years but these days they are committed with reckless abandon,and even with the inclusion of parents covering up the act so that society would not “look down” on them. I feel totally helpless whenever I read such stories. My involvement with Project Alert on Violence against Women and Children, an NGO committed to fighting for those who have been

alone touches The Cobra downwards the floor. Feel that the entire Technique: ie prone on the L ground with your forehand touching the

Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013—21

info@katehenshaw.com

weight of the body is resting on the legs and hip (rear end of the spine). No weight of the body should be on the palms. Retain the pose as long as possible (from 20 to 30 seconds). Concentrate on the abdomen and the rear end of the spine. Slowly lower the body and exhale. Release the entire body to rest on the floor and relax with deep breathing. Repeat the posture three times. Benefits: This Asana tones up the spine and expands the chest. It also helps to set right

violated(by those who are supposed to protect them) beyond words, has indeed, been an eye opener. Real life stories that leave your mind reeling with all sorts of questions...as to how an adult who knows the difference between right and wrong could do this evil and still roam around freely,even some in a position of

hildren are a giftfrom God and the fruit o f the womb, His reward” so the Holy Book says. Having attended a wedding last week Saturday, the priest preached that the purpose of marriage was for companionship between a man and woman and procreation. Many women and even men scour all sorts of places in search of this golden fleece; special diets are adhered to, painful medical procedures are borne and countless other experiences are recounted by those who have gone through this process. There are some women whose “ovens are always filled with buns “whether they planned for them or not. These don’t even break a sweat when it comes to being put in the family way.

SATURDAY

risk of being dehumanised and molested daily;whether hawking wares on the street, in an orphanage, at home or even in school. It is indeed, sad to note that despite the passage of the Child Rights Act in 2003 by the Federal Government, nothing much has changed. Our judiciary

Rape and child abuse have been with us for years but these days they are committed with reckless abandon

authority. How do we expect these children to function properly, emotionally and psychologically? The atrocities are too numerous to count and too heinous to ignore,and we are fast heading towards a precipice if we do not proffer lasting solutions to these atrocities. The Nigerian child is at great

minor spinal disorders. The abdominal and back muscles get themselves well stretched, thereby effecting proper circulation of blood into the regions of the spinal column, stomach and back. It helps to increase the body-heat, promotes good appetite, removes constipation and increases the digestive power. This Asana specially renders the spine supple and elastic. This provides good health, vitality and juvenility to the individual. This Asana is particularly

does not help the situation when in court a young girl is asked to show where she was molested, in full view of all present? How does that make anyone else come forward? Clearly we do not have well equipped forensic laboratories available to collect,

helpful for ladies in toning up the ovaries and uterus.

Main Benefit:

The cobra is always practised as the first in a series of backward bending movements. Its effect is to arch the spine back gently, promoting flexibility of the lower back in particular. The gentle pressure that the pose brings to bear on the abdomen also has a beneficial massaging effect on the internal organs.

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

C M Y K

owadays everyone seems to have selfcentred disposition,but we forget that no man is an island. Sooner or later, it will come knocking on your door step should it not be nipped in the bud. No matter your status, you cannot be everywhere that your child is. We need to love and care for our children, instil in them good morals and encourage them to confide in us about anything without fear of reprisal. Every Nigerian child deserves the right to life,food, good health, shelter and education.They deserve the right to be protected in and out of their homes. Our laws need to be tougher and enforced without exception against this evil acts on our children. Prosecution should not only be for the perpetrators but also of parents unwilling to co-operate and give evidence for aiding and abetting. We need to have zero tolerance for rape, child abuse and domestic violence for it is a cause worth fighting for.

22—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

Never Kiss and Tell…

veryone thinks that men are so much different than women. You may think that men less emotional. Not at all. They just tend to express themselves differently. Sure they are different genders but they are still the same species. Men appear different but not all that much. They do many of the same things that women do. But they just do them differently and approach them in a different way. It’s the same way when they both kiss and tell. The harmless stuff When men have their eye on someone, they ’ll talk it over with their friends. It’s not really kissing and telling but their friends will know that they plan to ask you out BEFORE you do in most cases. PG stuff Many women want to know, “Do men kiss and tell?”. The answer is yes. If you go out on a date, it’s normal for men to tell their friends how it went. Guys aren’t into discussing the fine details. They might tell their friends that they made out with you or that they got to second base. It’s normal. Ladies do it too.

Guys aren’t into discussing the fine details. They might tell their friends that they made out with you or that they got to second base. It’s normal. Ladies do it too Sex Yes. Defiantly. If they had intimacy with you, their good friend(s) know about it. That includes oral intimacy and groping, too. Now they won’t be so quickly inclined to tell their friends about any sexual activity that wasn’t all that good. However, rest assured that if you rocked their world like a porn star, their friends will know all about it. Men don’t talk about feelings all that much. It’s not because they don’t love

you or care about you, they’re just not like that. They’re MEN. They might talk about what they have planned with you over the weekend or something like that. Men kiss and tell but they generally avoid talking about their feelings with the guys. It’s just their way. If they’re thinking about getting serious with you, they’re not doing to discuss that with them. If they had a fight with you, unless it’s a serious fight, they won’t discuss that either. It’s important not to take the fact that your man kisses and tells the wrong way. It’s kind of like bragging rights so to speak. If they have a woman that absolutely rocks their world in more ways that they can count, they absolutely have to kiss and tell. Their friends will be generally happy for them AND you. However, they’ll all be just a bit envious as well. But Ihave often said over the years that a true lover of women never kisses and tells. Whenever I say this, guys around me become quiet and start scratching their heads and generally look confused. So why is this so important? Let me explain… A man who loves women doesn’t kiss and tell because he has no need to val-

Ask the Sexpert 1 I am 27 years old and have a fair complexion. I am a bit on the heavier side but not exactly fat. When I was 21, I visited my native place with my family, and accidentally spotted bathers in the nude while I was changing to take a dip in the river. Since then, I like to get naked in public. In fact, when I am alone at home, I am usually in the buff. But I don’t like to have sex. I get aroused when people see me naked. For the same reason, I went to Warri with my closest friends and went skinny dipping in front of strangers. I get naked whenever and wherever it’s possible. How can I rid myself of this habit?

This habit can land you in trouble. So, strengthen your will power and refrain from baring it all in public. If you wish, you can admire your nude self in the mirror as long as it’s in private.

I am 18 years old. I masturbate regularly. However, when I urinate five minutes after I ejaculate, I find some semen in my urine. Is it normal? Is some semen left in the urethra which passes of along with the urine? Could it be a retrograde ejaculation (semen entering bladder)? Please explain in detail as I am a medical student. You are jumping the gun to be a doctor. Obviously, most of the sperms are ejaculated, but if they are found in the urine, it does not matter. There is no question of the sperms being pushed back into

the bladder as the sphincters are closed to prevent their entry.

I am a 37-year-old married, working woman. I have two children aged 12 and 8. My husband is 41 and he doesn’t have any time to talk to me. This has been the case for seven years. He avoids me, is always on his cell phone, and returns home late. Whenever I try to get too close to him, he says he does not love me and doesn’t want to get intimate. I am depressed over abstaining from sex. Does he like somebody else? I have no clue. Watching other men take care of their wives makes me feel worse. I can’t bear this any longer. Please help. He seems like a very callous husband, since he enjoys all the benefits of home

idate himself to other men by bragging about his “conquests”. His encounters with women are never about bolstering his own self-esteem or adding another notch to his bedpost. It is all about respect. This is because he is not interested in taking something from her, but always in sharing something with her. In his world, all experiences in life are amplified once they are shared, and if she doesn’t feel like a queen, he can never feel like a king. A lot of guys will go on a date with a girl, get a tepid kiss on the cheek at the end of the night, and then lie to all his friends that he slept with her and brag about how irresistible he was – or worse, how easy she was. A lover of women will lie the other way. When asked by his friends if the girl he was out with the night before went home with him, he simply says, “I like her. She’s a really nice girl.” Let her do it. After all, you have nothing to hide. So if she tells other people, that is perfectly fine. But it should never come from you. Let her be the one to talk about your night together. The proper response to a girl who turns to you and says, “Wow, that was amazing!” is to laugh and say, “Don’t tell me! Tell all your friends!” Respect. That’s why. Respect for her. You see, a man usually doesn’t need to worry about his reputation. Women do not have this luxury. Unfair double standards, to be sure. So out of respect for her and her reputation, a true lover of women never kisses and tells. A natural seducer has the notion that a woman who sleeps with him, a woman who trusts him enough to open her body, her emotions, and her heart to him, well, that is a very profound thing. That is something that can never be taken lightly. And the last thing he would ever do is compromise her respect by bragging to all his friends. You can do a lot of damage to her heart and to her future dealings with men, and she trusts you not to. Sure, you can manipulate her or deceive her, you can conquer her and make it past all her defenses. What then? Have you won? Is she going to look back on her encounter with you and smile? Is she going to daydream about you as she goes about her day? Always remember that you are responsible for your impact, and you can hurt a woman’s heart and sadden her a little more. And then it’s tougher for her to trust the rest of the guys! Your goal should always be to leave her better than you found her. That, my friends, is true respect. And a woman that senses this from you, and believes that you are not about to kiss and tell, will open herself up to you in ways you never even dreamed…

and family. The least he can do is reciprocate some love. Take the help of a marriage counsellor and a mutual friend to make him see reason. Also, find other ways to keep yourself happy.

I am a 33-year-old married man. For a long time, I was not having sex with my wife as she was pregnant. Since I was unable to control my urge, I visited a sex worker. The condom tore during sex. But I continued with the act for about five minutes. Now, I am worried about having contracted STDs. I am under extreme stress. What do I do? Get pathological tests done under the care of a doctor specialising in the treatment of STDs. You will know whether you have an infection.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013—23

Why good posture is important P

ain, stiffness, fatigue are issues that affect us all as we age, but, how many times has someone asked the question, “What is good posture?” Good posture involves training your body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement or weight-bearing activities. When it comes to posture, mother knows best. Her frequent reminders to stand up straight and stop slouching are good advice. Good posture contributes to a good appearance. A slumped posture indicates a curvature of the spine. Good posture keeps bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly. It helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in arthritis and decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together. Good standing posture When standing, keep these tips in mind: Hold your chest high; keep your shoulders back and relaxed, pull in your abdomen and buttocks, keep your feet parallel and balance your weight evenly on both feet. Try not to tilt your head forward, backward or sideways, and make sure your knees are relaxed — not locked.

ake the wall test To test your standing posture, take the wall test. Stand with your head, shoulder blades and buttocks touching a wall, and your heels about two to four inches (five to 10 centimeters) away from the wall. Reach back and slide your hand behind the curve in your lower back, with your palm flat against the wall. Ideally, you’ll feel about one hand’s thickness of space between your back and the wall. If there’s too much space, tighten your abdominal muscles to flatten the curve in your back. If there’s too little space, arch your back so that your hand fits comfortably behind you. Walk away from the wall while maintaining this posture. Keep it up throughout your daily activities. Proper posture requirements: Correct sitting position Sit up with your back straight and your shoulders back. Your buttocks should touch the back of your chair. Distribute your body weight evenly on both hips. Bend your knees at a right angle. Keep your knees even with or

Try to avoid sitting in the same position for more than 30 minutes

slightly higher than your hips. (use a foot rest or stool if necessary). Your legs should not be crossed. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Try to avoid sitting in the same position for more than 30 minutes. At work, adjust your chair height and work station so you can sit up close to your work and tilt it up at you. Rest your elbows and arms on your chair or desk, keeping your shoulders relaxed. When standing up from the sitting position, move to the front of the seat of your chair. Stand up by straightening your legs. Avoid bending forward at your waist. Correct driving position Use a back support (lumbar roll) at the curve of your back. Your knees should be at the same level or higher than your hips. Move the seat

close to the steering wheel to support the curve of your back. The seat should be close enough to allow your knees to bend and your feet to reach the pedals. Correct lifting position If you must lift objects, do not try to lift objects that are awkward or are too heavy. Before you lift a heavy object, make sure you have firm footing. To pick up an object that is lower than the level of your waist, keep your back straight and bend at your knees and hips.

o not bend forward at the waist with your knees straight. Stand with a wide stance close to the object you are trying to pick up and keep your feet firm on the ground. Tighten your stomach muscles and lift the object using your leg muscles. Straighten your knees in a steady motion. Don’t jerk the object up to your body. Stand completely upright without twisting. Always move your feet forward when lifting an object. If you are lifting an object from a table, slide it to the edge to the table so that you can hold it close to your body. Bend your knees so that you are close to the object. Use your legs to lift the object and come to a standing position. Best position for sleeping and lying down No matter what position you lie in, the pillow should be under your head, but not your shoulders, and should be a thickness that allows your head to be in a normal position. Try to sleep in a position which helps you maintain the curve in your back (such as on your back with a pillow under your knees or a lumbar roll under your lower back; or on your side with your knees slightly bent). Do not sleep on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest. You may want to avoid sleeping on your stomach, especially on a saggy mattress, since this can cause back strain and can be uncomfortable for your neck. Select a firm mattress and box spring set that does not sag. Try to do what’s most comfortable for you.

•Proper posture requirements

This information could save your life!

Beware of pain medications W

h e t h e r rescription or over-the-counter, there are incredible hazards linked to pain medications. The concern about pain medications is significant to the point that the risk of someone dying directly from a side-effect from pain medication is higher than the chance of dying from illegal narcotics, diabetes, lung disease, or even an automobile accident. Take note of the following:

O p i a t e s Common opiate-based prescription drugs such as Codeine, Morphine, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, and Oxycodone are often prescribed after surgery, major accidents, severe injuries or for painful medical conditions. Research shows that the number of overdose

deaths from opiate pain medication overdoses is now greater than those of deaths from heroin and cocaine combined. Non-Steroidal Antiinflammatory Drug ( N S A I D ) You have heard the names before: ibuprofen, naprosyn, Motrin, etc. Research shows that patients with a history of prior heart attack that took NSAIDs — even in the short term— had a greater risk of death, or another heart attack. COX-2inhibitors The National Cancer Institute discovered that those taking 400mg doses of the drug had a 250 percent greater risk of dying from heart attack or stroke and those taking 800mg had a 340 percent higher risk. Message: Beware. Avoid self-medication and do not use any drug without doctor’s advice.

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013 By FLOREMCE AMAGHIYA

The push from acting to event management

left University in 2008, but before then I was into acting and was involved in movie making - more of TV dramas. I read Theatre Arts and that made it easy for me to cope with acting, in the midst of doing one or two jobs to help pay my school fees. I was a part-time student at University of Lagos. I had to work and school because it wasn’t easy for my mother alone. At a time, I left the scene for a long while and when I returned after graduation in 2008, I wasn’t getting enough roles as I had stayed of the movie scene for a long while. Out of frustration, I decided to travel abroad but my visa application was rejected. There was nothing much to do since I didn’t want to be tied down with a white collar job which I consider time wasting; I had to register my own company. Before then a friend and I registered an event company, but when the visa application didn’t work out, l didn’t go back to work with my friend; I registered my own company. I wanted to be creative and at the same time to be very free. The first event I did was in 2011; it was targeted at selected people - the married couples. This is because I realized that when someone gets married, the burden of taking care of the home falls on the woman, while the man is sometimes gallivanting somewhere. A lot of things dampen your romance; the valentine special is an avenue for their romance life to be rekindled once more, if not, it will die. In often cases, you noticed that the woman is no more attractive enough hence the cheating. It is also an avenue to know how well you know and understand your spouse, play games together and also dance with their mates in a relax atmosphere.

‘Uniting couples, my highest desire’ L

inda Francis, founder and CEO of ‘Red Roses Event’ outfit, has her hands full. Apart from her records in Nollywood as an actress, she is showing great talents in guidance and couselling for younger ones who are passionate about reaching their potentials; as well as exhibiting professional dexeterity in event management specially for couples. In this interview, she shares her reasons for targeting youths and maried couples; her childhood and future plans. Enjoy!

deavours to advise them on career choices. The last l did, I got the likes of Chidi Mokeme, RMD, Segun Arinze and some speakers to come and talk to this young boys and girls. We had an interactive section with them on how they can follow their dreams in school. It feel it is very important because I got my owns dreams in school; it’s very important as much as your studies; you need to put interest in a certain field and follow your dreams on time while schooling or doing one thing or the other. Nigeria is a country where many talents are wasting and dying away because of lack of sponsorship and helpers, but if you start working on your dream early enough, then you would get to your goals on time.

My childhood

y childhood was quite a lonely one; I grew up with my mum and my brother. I never saw my dad; mum was both dad and mum to my brother and I. It was a terrible experience. I am not saying that mum didn’t do her best, of course she is the best mum in the whole world, but l am saying that I missed a dad’s influence. I wish l lived with my both parents. It even gave me a complex problem even as a child. Each time l am opportuned to visit my friends’ homes and meet their parents together, I wished I also had a dad. My dad didn’t die of course; he walked away from my mum when l was a child and I don’t ever want that to happen to any one else. That was the genesis of my valentines’ event for couples. I have seen my mum cry in the secret and in our presence and in such occasions I knew and prayed that God would give me a husband who would not ever leave me. Mum became everything to me; she became my dad, my sister, my best friend. In fact, we could pass for sisters today because she is very young! I stole her sense of dressing; she dresses very well- a fashionista super mum. She took

My future valentine’s plan

•Linda Francis

us through school alone, but it wouldn’t have been so if my dad was present. I decided on time to learn to know everything about marriage in order not to make any mistake in my time.

Challenges

hen I registered this company it was nothing apart from the fact that I have a background in acting and filming. I didn’t have the finance to do anything about the company, but God brought people who eventually taught me all the things I know today; I am getting better by the day in the trade and more. I learnt from directors, entertainment people. Ayo Makun of the AY Comedy Show is my friend and brother in the same church. He gave me tips about organizing shows and l learnt a lot. Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) was the first person I ever acted with, so he trained me; he was like an elder brother, an uncle and a friend

I have seen my mum cry in the secret and in our presence and in such occasions I knew and prayed that God would give me a husband who would not leave me…

all in one to me. He found out l was studying Theatre Arts at that time; then I was still in youth class, he made it a point of duty to carry me to every audition until I could do well enough to get a role that I eventually got. I have always loved to help people perhaps because l grew up needing a father’s love. And in the same manner; I organized events for the youths in the little way that I can. Secondary school boys and girls with dreams are my target. Most of our young children these days want to read certain courses while their parents want them to read certain other courses. So, the forum is to invite experts in different fields of en-

fter every event; any good busi ness person sits and counts where he or she had made a mistake and where he or she got it right. We discovered after this last Valentine’s special that there weren’t enough time for the couples to reawaken their fondness and passion for one another because this attitude of theirs didn’t happen in a day; a day together cannot undo the havoc that has been done over the years. We have had some cases where couples still went ahead to break up their marriages even after attending our Valentines’ Special Treat. We have decided to make the next event a longer one; perhaps a weekend of special Valentine’s awakening for the married couples. I had a lot of friends; a lot of people saying that it’s not fair about making the event for only married couples. But this event is for a purpose; to bring the married couples back together- that way bringing the families back together. I don’t want to deviate from the original purpose because without the family then there is no future of any nation. Marriage is an important institution for every nation and it is important we take care of the issues rising up daily to help the future. So, in the light of these; we are planning that come next year we shall get a bigger venue, more couples, more time together, games to be played, issues to be discussed and all that. We had some couples who had been together for 25 years in the last concluded event and some who just got married. We plan to have more in future.

Buying fake hair drove me into the hair business —Bukola Oleah (Mide’s Mane Boss)

ust like a typical enterprineur who is being driven by the passion to stand out, Bukola OwoyeleOleah risked a ten year banking career for the hair world. Now, she seats atop Mide’s Mane, one of the leading human hair dealers in Nigeria and West Africa. Here is her experience, and how she found Mide’s Mane. Read on.

Let’s talk about your hair My natural hair is long but isn’t really full. Sometimes I wear wigs and make it into weaves so my natural hair can take a break . How do you take care of it? I steam regularly and try as much as possible not to retouch often because too much relaxer weakens it. I also use Mayonniase before steaming, and then wash. What’s your favourite hairstyle? I like side or center parts because of the shape of my face. I don’t like too much volume of hair covering my face. What determines your hairstyles? I don’t go for hairstyles because they are in vogue. I consider my face and the occasion What kind of hairstyle can’t you be caught wearing? I don’t like fringes because it doubles the size of my face What about wearing crazy coloured hair? I can only use gold highlights.

Have you had a bad hair day before? Yes, that was four years ago. There was this hair I made and actually went out with it. I didn’t notice it had tangled at the back because the side drops were still okay and I kept feeling funky with it. On my way, I noticed that people were staring at me and I thought they were admiring my beauty. But when I got to a friend’s place, she called my attention to it and I felt the ground should open and swallow me. Why did you decide to go into the hair business? I stumbled on it. When I left the banking world, I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do. I just knew I was tired

HAIRSTYLES OF THE WEEK

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2013 — 25

and wanted to do something interesting that would engage me, would enjoy, and at the same time make money from. Initially, I got a francise for a supplement product. It didn’t do too badly but I got tired of it too. So I decided to go back to the drawing board and find out what I really wanted to do. But I’ve always been an hair person but I didn’t know I would go into it commercially until I bought a very expensive hair and after washing it, the hair literally died. I was disapppointed because it was a virgin hair and I got the list of what the hair was supposed to do but it didn’t. So, I discussed with some friends and they also confirmed they too have parted with good money only to find out they got fake hairs. So I became concerned that noone was doing anything about it. Obviously, there was a gap and I just wanted to fill it. Then I made researches and made up my mind that if I would go into hair, I wouldn’t do what everybody does. I wanted to be different which is what people really wanted. So, I decided to do the normal thing and gave my hair a local name which everybody can identify with. That’s how we came about Mide’s Mane from my middle name, Aramide. I was able to get suppliers from different countries. Their hairs are really nice and we signed some exclusive contracts to sell their hairs in the whole of West Africa. When did Mide’s Mane kick started? It started fully in June 2011 because in 2010, I was still testing the waters and getting samples. And to create a Nigerian brand, we gave our hairs local Nigerian names like Aduke, Uwana, Asabe instead of the usual Brazillian, Idian hairs. What makes Mide’s Mane hair different? Our hairs are different because they are authentic virgin hair. They are not manufactured but got from human beings. They last for a very long time. Another thing it has is fine texture and I’m even tired of replying texts and talking to people because we’ve got loads of people requesting for our hairs. Who are you target? Going by the quality of what we sell, our hairs are affordable. We deal with mostly working class.

*Bukola Oleah

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Do you colour your hairs and repackage? Sometimes, we help people to treat their old human hair. Some people also request that we make them into wigs.We also colour and do maintainance.

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

Mila Kunis pips Rihana to be crowned FHM’s sexiest woman

NET set to immortalise Dagrin

ost-sought-after Hollywood actress, Mila Kunis has been named FHM’s sexiest woman for the year 2013, with Rihanna bagging the second spot on the list. A poll was carried out where readers were asked to vote and 100 women were selected. “Mila Kunis has had a phenomenal year. She’s starred in the highest grossing comedy Ted and is the most in-demand Hollywood star right now,” Dan Jude, deputy editor of FHM said. “Not only is she naturally stunning, but she has a great sense of humour and isn’t afraid to poke fun at herself. The nation has spoken, and the verdict is that she is officially the perfect girlfriend, the British magazine declared of the star, currently dating Ashton Kutcher. “She’ll take some beating in 2014.” The actress who starred in Oz-The Great and Powerful is dating fellow actor Ashton Kutcher and was recently quoted telling a magazine that she would leave the glitter of Hollywood for a quiet family life indicating that she planned to settle down soon.

s part of plans to immortal ise the name of late Olaitan Olaonipekun popularly known as Da Grin, NET Newspapers Limited, publishers of Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET), has announced the setting up of a memorial lecture in honor of the departed rapper. A statement by NET’s Publisher, Ayeni Adekunle disclosed that part of the reasons for the memorial Lecture is basically to immortalise the name of the artiste. Da Grin, according to the statement, died in a very tragic circumstances. “A young man who was full of life; who was very hardworking and very promising had his life cut short in such horrible manner. Could his death, just like that of CD John, Chidinma Mbalaso and many others have been prevent-

ed?’ Ayeni pondered. The Memorial Lecture, scheduled to hold at Protea Hotels, in Ikeja GRA, at a yet-to-be-announced date, will feature speakers from all relevant industries: security and safety; media, health and medicine, governance, entertainment, communication, management and others. ‘We’re working on getting relevant people from the FRSC, Police Force, Nigerian Medical Association, and other bodies; including representatives from the musician’s union as well as the labels, to come educate us all on what we need to know on pertinent health, safety, living, investment and other issues, using the tragic end of Dagrin as a case study. An artiste with an enviable talent, Da Grin was reputed for rapping in his native Yoruba language and scantly in English Language. If he had survived the auto-crash which eventually claimed his life on the 22nd

of April, 2010, Da Grin would have become one of the mega stars we have around today. He connected with his fans on such a real level. His demise, which marked the end of an era for a shining star, left a vacuum that is yet to be filled by anyone. Before his death, Da’grin thrilled his fans with his club hit singles of his debut album, Dagrin C.E.O. The album featured hit tracks such as, Kon doh, Jor oh, Moti gboro, Pon pon pon amongst others.Today, three years after his demise, fans are still paying tribute to Da Grin. Recently his fans gathered to remember this young dynamic artiste who took Yoruba rap to the next level. A whole crop of young and established artistes have towed his line yet, Dagrin’s sensational single Pon Pon Pon continues to remain ever green. For the short time he had reigned, where even legends strive to; he created a style.

Starboy, Wizkid releases Jaiye Jaiye with Femi Kuti

•Mila Kunis

op star Ayo ‘Wizkid’ Balogun who recently renewed his contract with EME, has dropped a monster track titled, Jaiye Jaiye featuring Africa’s most celebrated icon, Femi Anikolapo Kuti. The multi-award winning Grammy nominee, Femi Kuti, gives the track a new school high-life mix as he puts his superb saxo-

Bongo Centre agog as Uche Ogbuagu takes over F

OR Imo State born rising music stars who have been clamouring for a credible platform to showcase their talents, here comes the awaited opportunity as the state entertainment centre comes alive after a long period of inactivity. Popular comedian and Special Assistant to Governor Rochas Okorocha on Entertainment, Uche Ogbuagu takes over the management of the center. The center regarded as symbol of Imo state entertainment and nicknamed Bongo Centre because of the popularity of bongo genre of music in the state, was

abandoned for years due to poor management. Speaking on the development, Ogbuagu also called Chief comedian of the state, informed that the governor has charged him to turn the place around within the shortest possible time and ensure effective management of the centre. He however, expressed his readiness to restore the glory of the center where people will experience maximum amusement. The humor merchant also reiterated his desire to nurture creative Imolites and bring them to limelight using the Centre as a platform.

phone skills to its full capacity. The track, Jaiye Jaiye produced by Sarz, shows Wizkid talking about his increasingly successful music career. Apart from this historic collaboration, Wizkid has worked with some of the biggest names in the local and international music industry including Akon, The Game, Kardinal Official, Wale, Young Jeezy, M.I, Ice Prince among others.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

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An evening of samba music as Stella Monye celebrates 30yrs on stage By ANOZIE EGOLE

Onyeka Onwenu, MI, and Rockstone unveiled as X Factor judges BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

RIMMING with excitement for being selected as judges in the Globacom’s music reality TV show, X Factor, pop diva, Onyeka Onwenu, rapper, MI, and father of Ghanaian Hiplife, Reggie Rockstone have been unveiled as judges. Unanimously, they promised to be fair to all as they set for work in the auditions coming up in Ghana from May 4, and Sunday, May 5 . While commending Globacom for offering a rare opportunity to African youths to explore their talents, Onyeka, popularly called the Elegant Stallion, said “I am greatly excited to be part of

this great show, and I will definitely have fun while the competition lasts. I promise to be fair in my judgment, add humour to the game, be a good ambassador of Glo and display the greatest form of integrity which Globacom is known for.” MI also commended Glo for making history as the first company to bring the show to Africa. “I am very happy about this. It is going to be the biggest ever reality show in Africa and that’s the truth. It’s more than just about Nigeria or West Africa. It’s about the whole of Africa. I’d be glad if another great artiste comes out from this

pack to upstage people like us but such a person has a lot of work to do because he needs the X Factor to get to the top of the pack,” he said. Equally speaking on his selection, Rockstone said he was excited because X Factor is designed to find new talents. Meanwhile, after hugely successful outings in Port Harcourt and Abuja, the auditions for the show will this weekend move to Ghana. However, after the Ghana auditions, the judges will return to Nigeria for the Lagos auditions slated for Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, 2013.

t was an evening of fun and connecting with music of yesteryears as singer, Stella Monye marked her 30 years on stage. The event, which doubled as her fiftieth birthday anniversary was also used to unveil her much talked about Samba Project. It brought together musicians of yesteryears and Stella was leading the way. She took the audience through her musical odyssey, reeling out old numbers which brought her fame and recognition in the 80’s. Hardly had she finished than Oracle Marshal Art mounted the stage with their teakwando concert performed by a group.All stood still as Raskimono, Mike Okri, and Oritz Wiliki filed out to do what they know how to do best. Stella Monye unveiled her much talked about, “Samba Project” to mark her golden jubilee and 30 years on stage. It took place at Bespoke Event Center, Lekki, Lagos last weekend. Despite the distance and the traffic congestion along Lekki -Epe Expressway, fun seekers besieged the venue to catch a glimpse of the action. Among the dignitaries that graced the event were Chairman of Daar Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Dr Soyinka, Raskimono, Mike Okri, Oritz Wiliki and others.

P Square, Flavour, others set Umuahia on fire U

MUAHIA, the capital of Abia State came alive recently when some top musicians from across the country performed in the Youth Empowerment Summit organised by the Ochendo Youth Foundation. The likes of P-Square, Flavour, J Martins, Terry G, Morachi, DJS Jimmy Jatt and Waxcy took turns to thrill the crowd

who thronged the Umuahia Township Stadium venue of the event to catch a glimpse of the action. Also, some home groomed artistes were not left out as they performed alongside established ones. Organised by 2 Flame Entertainment CEO, Don Lulu and Ikuku, the event

Flavour on stage

was designed to give the youth and citizens of the state a breathe of fresh air after the lecture session at the Michael Okpara Auditorium. Speaking after the show, the musicians expressed the need for this kind of shows to be organised regularly in the state. They also posited that meaningful engagement of the youth will go a long way in reducing unemployment and crime in the state. On whether they would storm the state again in future , the music stars answered in the affirmative. It will be the umpteenth time in few months the Abia social circuit was electrified with such dazzling show by some of Nigeria’s finest stars. The event was witnessed by top politicians,captains of industry and members of the state executive council including, Honourable Kingsley Megwara, Emma Madubuko for Chieftancy Affairs, Chikamnayo and Akujobi commissioners for Information and Youth respectively,Cosmos Ndukwe,Chief of Staff, Onyi Nwama, Permanent Secretary,Youth among other dignitaries

•Stella Monye

28— SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

Soul singer, Bez engaged to Oyo ex-Governor’s daughter

ward winning alternative soul singer, Bez Idakula is ready to walk down the aisle any moment from now. The ‘Stupid Song’ crooner, last Wednesday got officially engaged to his longstanding girl friend, Bolatito Ladoja, the daughter of ex-Governor of Oyo state, Rasheed Ladoja who is a corporate banker with FCMB. A graduate of International Relations from Warwick University, UK, Bolatito, also has her Masters in Management from Imperial College London. Described as an explosive soul singer with a truly unique voice and playful stage presence, Bezhiwa Idakula, simply known as Bez began his musical career in 2011 when he released his album Super Sun, including the single “Stupid Song”. The Boston Globe placed it at number 3 on its top ten world music albums of 2011, calling Bez a “superb alternative-soul singer”.

Fans stampede Mike Okri I

f you are a lover of reggae music and you were not at Stella Monye’s event which took place last Sunday, definitely, you missed something that you cannot be privileged to witness again. It was an experience that took the audience as far back as the 80’s when this music, “Oyo” by Mike Okri was on the lips of every happening dude in town, and on every radio station across the country. The dude who mounted the stage just to say ‘hi’ to his fans, was surprised when fans started singing the track “Oyo”. Having realized his fans’ yearnings, Mike Pkri had no choice than to do what he knows how to do well.

Blackwater records unveils fresh artistes By Esther Onyegbula

ne of Nigeria’s leading record label, Blackwaters records has signed on two new artistes; Wale Wayles and Jaycii. Both talented rising singers are not just entertainers but also, they are songwriters in their own rights. Presently, Wale Wayles whose real names are Akinwale Afolabi has dropped his first single featuring YSG rapper Vector, while Anthony Babajide Cole aka Jaycii has also released his first hit single titled ‘Badman’ .Inspired by late rapper, Christopher Wallace (Biggie), Jaycii who began his music career at the age of 13, believes that music will give him a platform to reach out to a large number of youths in the country. Speaking at a media parley, Operating Manger of Black Water Records, Adewale aderoju, said, the duo’s unique musical style and dexterity is great asset that will definitely take them to places in their career. He added that the record label has put in place structures to help young artistes develop and nurture their talents.

ongstress, Tiwa Savage and her manager-turnedfiance, Tee Billz are currently enjoying the best that love can offer them. What more! As you read this, the sensational singer is in the UK shooting a music video with her

s e o g e g a Tiwa Savg in London shoppin

man

alongside D’Prince. She was caught in the streets of London during the week where she went on a shopping spree. Tiwa Savage and her manager, Tunji ‘Tee Billz’ Balogun got officially engaged on the songstress’ 33rd birthday. Meanwhile, before they openly declared their love,Tiwa in the past had repeatedly denied any romantic link with Tee Billz who on his own part made no comments either.

Raskimono stirs fans at Stella Monye’s show

he adage that says a man does not grow old in the music he knows how to dance resonated last weekend when famous reggae artiste, Raskimono held his fans spellbound for hours while performing at the concert organsied by singer, Stella Monye who celebrated her 30 years on stage. Raskimono took the floor as he went down memory lane singing one of his best tracks, “Yaga yaga Yo” which shot the talented singer to limelight in the 80’s till early 90’s. His performance was greeted with thunderous ovation from the cheering crowd.Indeed, it was Raskimono in his best element.

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2013—29

Why eradicating tropical diseases and making inventors in Nigeria is an urgent task —Prof.Alphonsus Ekwerike

By CHIOMA GABRIEL

r.Alphonsus Ekwerike, Nigerian born ,American Clinical Researcher and Neuroendocrinology Professor, the creator of Invention Technology professional courses who discovered the NASA-WISEIASC index main belt asteroids 2010 TL 78 and CFH 1472 in the US is on a mission of letting an ultimate vision of a new Nigeria come through innovations, eradication of tropical diseases and poverty. He had his early premedical and first professional in science and medical / clinical research trainings from the Indian New Science College; Osmania University,Hyderabad Medical institute and the Academy of Medical Sciences from 1981-1986. In his quest to study the medical neuroendocrinology course further,he had doctoral trainings under Prof.Gyula Telegdy,the former Rector, Medical Univeristy of Szeged,Hungary, Europe and Head of Department of Pathphysiology. He was on scholar’s academic exchange programme on neuroendocrinology research technique traingings under Dr.Hillary Murray ,Dr.Glenda Gillies, of Department of Rheumatology and Neuroendocrinology Research,Imperial Medical School Charingcross Hospital Hammersmith. He was part of the NASA-WISE Program Trained Explorer , NASA Sponsored in 2010 at the University Of California,Berkley and Dept. Of Mathematics,Astronomy Unit, Hardin-Simmons University Abilene joint space science trainings. My inspiration I worked under the mentorship of late Professor Thomas Adeoye Lambo,former Deputy Director General of World HealthOrganization,WHO; former Vice-Chancellor ,University of Ibadan, and the Founder of Lambo foundation Clinical Centers,acupuncture,nervous disorders clinics and neuroendocrinological research centers,Lagos, Nigeria. I did my national youth service corps (NYSC) at the Lambo Foundation Clinical Center,GRA,Ikeja,Lagos in 1986/87 and was retained ,to work as a neuro- rheumatological disease research physician and offered a Lambo’s fellowship to innovate a Nigerian oriented neuro-endocrinological integrative health care delivery system for mental health,nervous and hormonal disorders. I received the best staff / scholar’s award three consective years at the Lambo Foundation Research Center. The dissertative thesis of this was written,defended and C M Y K

approved by the collaborative authorities of Lambo Foundation (WHO) and the Chinese Medical Colleges and the World Health Organization Medical Research experts headed by Prof.Adeoye Lambo and Prof.Zhou Zhang in 1992.The innovative result of this neuroendocrinology course study is Sciencemedicine(Basic & Clinical Research Practices) ; and Neurosquatemetry (Cognitive neuroscience for mental health management and inventions) professions. Why research and innovations? Two things that birth all things are research and innovations.Any country that ignores these will surely be doomed.Nigerians are very smart people but their educational system and policy are very defective and obsolete and needs critical review as to compete in the 21st century world demands.It is an absolute insult to this great nation that her graduates cannot be absorbed easily into the economy and workforce immediately after schooling. The worst to notice is that institutions and teachers are highly neglected and the media which is the fourth estate in any nation’s governance are not duly equipped to radically fish out and spotlight some grass root talented citizens whose gifts could have propelled this nation unto greater heights.Nigeria is an oil producing rich country but her infrastructures and citizens’ sights say differently .Will Nigeria vanish if she has her own working refineries? Will heaven loose if Nigerians start

held in the highest esteem,every citizen though just came off war was happy,united,trusted and had opportunities.What ever that has happened to the great nation,let us push it aside. It’s a good thing, all calls God but in different ways.Let us believe in God that we all call;work harder and well,exposing every fraudulent acts and disdaining all their actors as opposed to this current trend of according fraudsters undue accolades,respect and chieftancy titles.Overseas,no matter how good you are,once you are a Nigerian,you are a suspect of a crime committed or about to be committed. I sincerely don’t believe that this is the right treatment for innocent Nigerians.Our young intelligent men suffer terribly to go and stay abroad in disregard of what ever inhuman treatment meted to them, just to stay off Nigeria.What is this our lovely people ? The Bible says,my people perish because of lack knowledge(Hosea 4:6 ) and I say yes,that is true and we did but now, let us go with the same biblical promises that “your gift will make way for you”(Proverbs 18:16). Invention Technology Program makes any one an inventor. It is easy,almost free in offing.Various governments should use it to rapidly develop their regions and our wealthy men should give in charity to sponsor every willing Nigerian child,youths,and unemployed.It is the easiest way to create employment and become self sufficient in technology,agriculture ,educational and health

Overseas,no matter how good you are,once you are a Nigerian,you are a suspect of a crime committed or about to be committed inventing vehicles,electricity, telecommunications, Medical / hospital equipment,drugs,engineering and other technological products and devices? Will the land open if we innovate a new uniting system of governance that assures equal rights, freedom,liberty,opportunities,security and social supports etc to our senior citizens,unemployed youths, women and children ? It is a very big shame and unbelievable occurrence that Nigeria which was the toast of all nations in 1970s and early 80s is now deemed the fraudulent capital of the world.I saw this nation when graduates are

needs,etc.The current educational system is consultatively consolidating,when a teacher is not paid well or even paid at all for some months and schools ill equipped, laboratories and libraries without equipment and books,what good knowledge can the teacher transfer to the students? It does not pathway anyone to creativities as seen in advanced countries.Our leaders do go abroad,see all the wonders of men’s imaginative thinkings that are made ,enjoyed them for a moment and come back to the hellish no electricity living. I think we can help them think right,maybe too they are

Dr.Alphonsus Ekwerike ...Two things that birth all things are research and innovations having stressful lives of how to solve these problems. Innovative education is it,the only way forward for Nigeria.It will cost heavily and will never be sustained if we ask foreigners to transfer their technologies to develop Nigeria but radically training every Nigerian child innovatively on science, technology, engineering,mathematics and medicine ( STEMM) project which invention technology Program is advocating will instantly change this nation,sustaining every challenges. Imagine,in one of my invention technology lectures, about 18 engineers stood up when asked those that don’t have jobs. A country that needs constructions and innovations can’t engage or employ her trained elites , a third world country for that matter looking for advancement.This is so sad.Thank God for giving Invention Technology Program to immediately train and equip citizens of all ages with skill and techniques to become professional inventors,creating jobs and inventing things that would prosper this country. This is not common here Well, invention technology is a branch of professional study of cognitive neurosquatemetry,which is a neuroscience subject unit of behavioural neuroendocrinology.This course is offered in all levels of learning,from kindergaten to university education,found in foreign countries and are made up of two branches :- ethical

invention ,which teaches how to invent things that we need in this world and technostronomy invention,which teaches how to invent or discover some thing in space. It was the later that helped me discover the new asteroids. My target now is to create a nation of citizens inventors like US,China,India and Europe. The way this nation is going in their quest for extravagant self competitive foreign spending, may extinct this country.There is nothing Nigerians cannot invent if they learn Invention Technology Program with the government and Bank of Industries backing them to invent,manage and sell their inventions or products.Our

redirection of purpose to the grass root growth and innovation should be the gospel in every body’s lip.Every level of education should have Invention Technology Program as a study curriculum and this in turn will help the institutions become self sustaining financially by having and selling their competitive innovations in an open market after I have begun campaigns to have governments enact a bill to protect the invention technologists and their innovations with the presidency,some members of legislative chambers (senate & representatives) and governors but there are great bottlenecks up there to crack. How would you achieve these projects in Nigeria ? I have been offering Invention Technology Program lectures to willing Nigerians of all ages and levels of education; to making professional inventors who will start inventing new things and ways to uplift Nigeria in the world.Currently I am in Nigeria for the tentative program planning meetings for the first global faculty on tropical diseases,seeking innovations and eradication of tropical diseases to be held at the College of Medicine,University of Lagos, Nigeria on June 67,2013. This tropical disease program is organized jointly with American Academy of Primary Care Research,USA; Science Medicine Research Institute,USA; Tropical Pharmedic,Nigeria; Medilag Consult and the College of Medicine,University of Lagos, Nigeria. We have innovated a novel model of learning and earning full time academic credits from the best universities around the world called SUPREP (Syndicate Univerisities Preparatory Research Educational Program ) Model Learning through which I created the first world Suprep institution called Science Medicine University that has just celebrated its 10th year in successfully training and retraining professionals around the world.

30—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

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32 — Vanguard, SARTURDAY, MAY 4, 2013

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Regret my past? No way—-Waje BY ANOZIE EGOLE

What are we expecting tomorrow (last Wednesday)? Well, you should be expecting the release of the album, that’s all. It has been a long time project. A lot of my fans have been asking to know when the album will drop, and I’d promised to give them unlimited dose of my music outside of the singles I have done in the past. How many singles have you dropped so far? If we start from my solo, it would be about six singles. They included “Not the Way, I Wish, Orumeni, solo” among others. But my album is not a compilation of all these singles anyway. How long did it take you to put the album together? Well, it took a while. It is not a matter of months. We have been working on this project for the past three years. What were some of the challenges you faced while working on the album? For me, my career is not necessarily based on how many albums I have dropped or not. Dropping an album is not my goal. It’s just about using the right materials, shooting the right video and so many other things . What I feel is very challenging to me has nothing to do with the album. It is towards my career as a whole. Not just thinking about coming out with a new album, it is all about rebranding myself. I perform with a live band and I have a 10-man band. So, I am thinking about making sure that my band and my brand are consistent. Another major challenge I have is working with different people and trying to fix their time to accommodate my own time. Working with people like producers, director, executive producers and lots of people has also been so challenging. How long has the 10-man band been in existence? We have been together for about a year and half now. To your album, what is the title of your new album? Simple, it is self titled “Words aren’t just enough”, “Waje” Why did you choose that as the title? It is my world. All I’ve done is try to tell people what has happened in my life, the challenges I’ve faced, my high and low times. So, in other to make it interesting, I just added some melody to those stories. That’s where I got the acronym, Waje from

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,which means, “Words aren’t just enough”. And I think for my first album, it would be great to have it as the title. The album talks about love, fun, caution, some level of things. And you know, there are different aspects of it, heartbreak, all these are the things that I go through in my head. It is either my experience or other people’s experience. Just that the album is a way of welcoming you to my own school of thought and how I do my own things. Even before the album launch, your name has been a household name. What is the secret? I am still not satisfied. What I would say is that, it is all by the special grace of God. There are limits to what we can do and God takes control of other things. I was not one of those people that knew what to do before coming into the industry. When I joined the industry, I didn’t know anything about publicity, manager and other things. The only thing I knew was how to sing. I didn’t even know that people have agents that book them for shows. For me, it is while sojourning in the industry that I learnt many things. I think that was what has helped the brand to grow, knowing fully well that I want to do this and I am willing to overcome all the boundaries. Also, I have a higher goal for myself. You said you have not reached the turning point. What are the strategies you ‘ve put in place to get to the peak of your career? Those strategies, I can’t disclose to you because it is my thing. If I tell you my strategy, it would be like someone revealing her secrets to another person. So, that is my own secret. Which of your tracks do you think brought you into limelight? I think the one that really projected me very well was “So Inspired” which featured Mona. This is because, after that song, I was nominated for Channel O award. I think that was the song that brought me into limelight and it is known across Africa. I won a couple of international awards that year because of the song. I won Defa award in UK. But to me, if you ask me, I would say that everything has just been a gradual process. Each track I drop opens a different door for me. As So Inspired won me an award, so also is I wish. Did you actually pose nude in your new song, I Wish ? I don’t think there is anything about the

song. I know most people have not taken time to watch the song and they are criticizing it based on what others are saying. They cannot speak from their own angle. Well, I am an artiste and the work of an artiste is to be able to express his or herself the way the script is. So, I have decided to express myself the way the script says I should. The song is about heartbreak and when you are singing it, you have to connect with what is in the script. There is no need singing about heart break and at the same time smiling. It’s acting. It’s like when you want to make a painting, you must make it look real. One of the reasons why Monalisa’s painting has been one of the most celebrated paintings in the world is that, one side of her face was smiling while the other side was not. She was almost sad and at the same time, you could see the emotion on her face. That is what being an artiste is all about. It is about being able to express yourself and not lying about your feelings. Aside music and acting which you recently started, what else do you do? Tunnel was the first big movie I featured in. I have been on the set of “Heaven’s Help” which is a new movie we are shooting at the moment. You have one of the best casts you can think of. It was directed by ex-BBA winner, Katung. I also run a private school with my mother. These are some of the things I do when I’m not in the studio. What is your driving force? My driving force is my passion for what I do. Aside music being my passion, it is also like a hubby to me. I am also driven to make ends meet. For me, it is now a business because the Bible says that anything we lay our hands on shall prosper. I intend to prosper in it. When I say prospering, it is not only about music but also being able to encourage young people. I want young people to know that if Waje can win a Grammy award, then, they can also do the same. I want them to know that if I can conquer Africa then, they can do the same. I know how many people that have approached me and said that they are inspired by my music. I don’t think I am worthy of all those praises but at the end of the day, it makes you feel good that you are doing something good that people want and appreciates. Are you signed to Chocolate City? No, I am not signed to Chocolate City. I wonder why everybody is saying that I am signed to ChocolateCity. I am signed to Waje Music Entertainment. Are you telling us that you have a record label? Yes. When did you unveil the label? I have been running the label for a long time now. Artistes have been coming to me to sign them on but I keep telling them that we sign artistes on a partnership level. So, it has always been there. You still liiok stunning without make up. What’s the secret? The secret of my beauty is God. I am the careless type, I don’t know how to act what I am not. You can ask my hair stylist, Elijah. He has

itting relaxed in a well equipped salon somewhere in Lekki area of Lagos, her stylist carefully adorns her head with the Brazilian human hair in preparation for her album launch. As our reporter approached her, Waje, as she is popularly called, said in a very comic way , “welcome my brother. As you can see, I have been very busy, e no easy to launch an album”. If you’ve never been close to her, hardly would you know how jovial and friendly she could be. Aituaje Iruobe, a.k.a, Waje, in this exclusive interview with SHOWTIME CELEBRITY, talks about her music career, journey to fame, and taking us personnal in the end.

growing child. I had issues of youthful exuberance and my mother working so hard to provide for her kids. These were some of the challenges I faced as a child.

The only thing I knew was how to sing. I didn’t even know that people have agents that book them for shows. For me, it is while sojourning in the industry that I learnt many things

been making my hair for a very long time now. I really don’t know the secret. Sometimes, I wear bogus clothes to Shoprite. Sometimes, I wear shots and T-shirt to go and buy bolle. That’s the kind of person I am. I feel that whatever we are doing, we should be able to defend it. I don’t want a situation where tomorrow, I would be a shadow of myself because of the way I have lived . I want a situation that people wouldn’t be surprised if they heard I walked down the street to buy something. What is you favourite fashion item? I am a very free person. I wear easy clothes like T- shirts and jeans, knicker, sandals, slippers. As you can see how I’m dressed to the saloon- my short with T-shirt and slippers; that’s my kind of dressing.

Did you have music in mind while growing up? I had in mind that I wanted to do music but I didn’t see the picture. How did music begin for you? I started early enough. I was singing in my church choir. I would gate crash and go to sing at shows. And whenever I heard that my school is doing something, I would go and plead with them to allow me perform. And at the end of every show, they would give me transport fare to go home. Those were the kind of things I did. Why are you still single? Well, I am not God. I don’t know why, but in case you know, please, let me know. I don’t think anybody knows why he/she is still single if they are really single. Who is your kind of man? A God fearing man is my kind of man. A man that has respect for himself. Because, if you don’t respect yourself, you can’t respect another person. I always tell people that you can’t confidently say you can fall in love if you don’t love yourself. Because if you love yourself, you would respect yourself, you would work hard to provide the things you need for yourself.

What’s your take on female artistes going for married men? I am not a moral teacher, so, it is not my business. Everybody has their purpose for coming to life and we are entitled to our actions. God would not be judging us the same time, we will be judged separately. Is it true that you are dating M.I? No, I am not. We are just good friends, nothing more than that. How do you handle your male fans? I find it very surprising because I don’t even see the male fans. To be honest with you, I really don’t know the answer to this question. The only thing is that I know where to draw the line. What does love mean to you? To me, love is simply respect. I know why I am always hammering on respect. I know that this our generation, we have lost respect for ourselves. Have you been sexually harassed before? Not directly. I haven’t been sexually harassed before.

Is there any man in your life now? No, there is nobody.

How do you feel being a single mother? When people ask the question how you feel as a single mother, I don’t get it because, regardless of the circumstances, a child is a blessing from God. Whether the father is there or not, a child is a huge blessing from God. So, when people ask how I feel as a single mother, I don’t understand. Do they expect me to regret being a single mother? Don’t you regret why you had a child out of wedlock? I don’t regret my past. If you see my daughter, you know I have no regrets. This is the picture of my daughter(she scrolls through her phone to the point where her daughter is). Is she not worthy to be called my daughter? In fact, if you have this type of daughter, you would feel so fantastic to be a single mother. What was your growing up like? My growing up was fun. I am the first child and the first daughter in my family. I was a tom boy as a child. I was born with a plastic spoon, nothing like silver spoon. My parents got divorced when I was young. So, I had a few challenges just like any other

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Regret my past? No way—-Waje BY ANOZIE EGOLE

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growing child. I had issues of youthful exuberance and my mother working so hard to provide for her kids. These were some of the challenges I faced as a child.

The only thing I knew was how to sing. I didn’t even know that people have agents that book them for shows. For me, it is while sojourning in the industry that I learnt many things

Is there any man in your life now? No, there is nobody.

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34—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

The most scandalised Nollywood damsels! BY AYO ONIKOYI

• Nuella Njubigbo

•Cossy Orjiakor

•Lola Alao

•Funke Akindele

here is hardly a Nolly wood actress who has n o t tasted the sting of a scandal at one time or another in her career. While it appears some of them go courting controversies, others have had controversies tossed their way either by some overzealous press guys who dig up stuffs about them and mixed it with a little bit of dirt or by some circumstantial happenings that caught them right in the middle. While some of these actresses have ignored many scandals trailing their career, others have simply laughed them off. Like, in every movie industry, there are practitioners who crave for attention and thus ,go the extra mile to expose certain aspects of their lives to make the headlines. Here are the top ten actresses who have been severally scandalised. Interestingly, these scandals, true or false, have never dented their careers, instead, they have come out of them stronger, bigger and more popular:

Tonto Dikeh

Tonto is arguably the most scandalised actress in Nollywood. Every time her name comes up in the papers it seems to be about one controversy or the other. Some have said she found her way to stardom riding on the wings of controversies and it seems much of it is true as Tonto seems to take up roles most of her colleagues wouldn’t dare. The daring actress has played all kinds of roles, most of which bothered on near nudity and soft porn. She astounded the movie world not too long ago when she revealed that it was Jimmy Jatt who deflowered her. Such is the boldness of the Rivers State born

•Tonto Dikeh

actress. There have also been rumours of her sexual involvements with several artistes including Tuface, KC Presh, Wizkid and even Iyanya. When she veered into music, like some of her peers have done, it was controversy galore again as many critics took her to teh cleaners, hinting the actress has nothing of a singer in her. And just recently she posted a near naked picture of herself on Twitter with large tattoos on her back.

Nuella Njubigbo

‘Ella’ as she is fondly called by her many fans have been linked to series of romance tales within and outside the industry. The first tale that went viral was the romantic involvement with Yul Edochie and it appeared there was an element of truth in that. At least, the dashing actor once owned up to the relationship and asserted it happened long before he met his wife. Though Nuella has come out to deny all these series of romances, however the echoes still linger. The one about her and the director, Tchidi Chikere was particularly poignant to her as her PR person had to come out and release a statement on the matter. She has also been alleged to be in a relationship with a state governor from the South-South region, which reportedly earned her a SUV. Others who have been linked with her in the past include footballer Emmanuel Emenike and a few others.

Cossy Orjiakor

ossy has said she is one of the most misjudged persons in the entertainment industry but that does not excuse her image of ‘high octane sensuality’. Her boobs have become the label through which people identify her and she doesn’t help matters as she flaunts these at every occasion. The most popular scandal about her is that of her sleeping with a dog for a fee but Cossy has denied this at every turn. If she is truly misjudged it cannot be about her excesses in exposing her sexy body. Recently she tweeted near-naked pictures of herself just to show off her new panties and also posted in the social media a picture of herself in ‘orgasmic bliss’, possibly giving her fans the picture of herself at the height of a sexual act. But with all her excesses, Cossy is downto earth and focused.

Lola Alao

Lola was recently thrown into a controversy involving her good friend, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe and a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dino Melaye. It was a messy affair and Lola, who said she was wrongly accused and implicated in the matter, was at the centre of it all. Before the Lola-Bisi-Dino saga, there was the issue of her husband, who labelled her on the pages of newspaper as “diabolical” but Lola said in a recent interview that she doesn’t bear grudges against anyone. In spite of her former husband’s campaign in the media to drag her name in the mud Lola has never once spoken ill of the man and even saying “I liked the guy. He was a nice guy. It just didn’t work out”

Funke Akindele

Funke was really an actress with many sex scandals. It was rumoured that she had escapades with some notable men before her marriage to Oshodi big boy, Alhaji Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede. Even her marriage which held the movie world spellbound was enmeshed in controversy. She has been implicated in secret relationship with many of her colleagues

Bisi Ibidapo Obe

Bisi Ibidapo-Obe is not new to controversies in fact this beautiful actress has always had one controversy or the other trailing her. Her alleged relationships with Timaya, K1 and several others made headlines not too long ago. And recently her controversial personality took a dive after she announced that Dino Melaye was responsible for her pregnancy. The tabloid again was filled with tales of Bisi and Melaye’s alleged romance-which the exhonour bale member denied. Seven months after she claimed she met the father of her child, she was delivered of a baby girl and she was once again in the news when she named the child after Dino Melaye.

Genevieve Nnaji

Despite her super star status in the industry, Genevieve has had her own fair share of controversies to add to her growing profile.Before she became as big as she is today she was reportedly involved in romanctic affairs with several actors, such as Pat

Attah, Kunle Coker and others. And when the tale of a man who claimed to be the father of her only child waged a media blitz on her, Genevieve’s popularity soared. She was even said to have dated an ex Vice President. On top of all that there is a lingering rumour of her secret affair with D’Banj, which many have said could lead somewhere.

Foluke Daramola

efore her blissful mar riage to her heart-throb, Kayode Salako of Change Agent of Nigeria Network, Foluke was fingered in the break-up of Kayode Salako and his estranged wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Bukola Salako. Before then there was also a controversy that Foluke was evicted from her home by her landlord for inability to pay her rent. But most of the scandals about her have been put to rest as the actress has been vindicated.

Tayo Odueke (Sikiratu Sindodo)

Popularly known as Sikiratu Sindodo, a name she got from the movie that launched her into stardom,her romance with National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oshodi, Lagos, Musiliu Akinsanya also known as MC Oluomo which ended prematurely rocked the movie world. The said MC Oluomo bought a Murano car and a duplex in Maryland for her. She was also rumoured to have dated actor and producer, Kunle Afod. Just few months ago, the gist went round town that she was having an affair with younger brother of Kunle Afolayan, Aremu which she has profusely denied. She is presently rumoured to be in a sizzling romance with top Fuji artiste, Malaika.

Faithia Balogun

This estranged ex-wife of top Nollywood actor, Saidi Balogun, Faithia is surely not free of some scandals in Nollywood. She was once rumoured to have fought her colleague in the Yoruba movie industry over a young Ibadan politician, Rotimi Ajanaku whom she accused of snatching from her. She was once reported to be in sizzling romance with the Director of Corporate Pictures. It was also reported that this almost destroyed the marriage of the top marketer.

•Foluke Daramola

•Bisi-Ibidapo-Obe C M Y K

•Genevieve Nnaji

•Tayo Odueke

•Fathia Balogun

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013—35

Ngozi Nwosu speaks from London!

‘I ‘ll soon return home’

ILING actress, Ngozi Nwosu, of Fuji House of Commotion who has been placed under doctors watch after her surgery in a London hospital, has raised hopes of her returning to the country soon. Ngozi recently flew to the United Kingdom to have a kidney transplant, and according to an insider, she has bounced back to good health after the surgery. In a recent telephone chat with HVP, the actress said, “ I’m getting better and by the grace of God, I will soon return home.” She noted however, that her returning to the country will depend on the approval of her doctors. “I will return home when my doctors certify me fit to return to the country,”she said. Ngozi's recent pictures which she uploaded online showed how she has dramatically transformed from her emaciated look to good health. For some time, the Fuji House of Commotion star, who plays a troublesome character called Peace, had been a shadow of her old self as she battled with kidney-related ailment.Thanks to Lagos State Government under lead-

ership of Babatunde Raji Fashola and other wellmeaning Nigerians who came to her rescue. The governor donated N4.5 million after

reading of her ailment in a publication. Her friends and corporate organizations donated another N2 million she needed for her treatment.

Lancelot Imasuen and wife welcome baby no 2 P

OPULAR Nollywood director and producer, Lance lot Oduwa Imasuen and his wife, Osas are in a happy mood at the moment. The couple welcomed their second child, a baby girl last Friday, on a day the celebrated director was marking the one year remembrance of his late mother. He was thankful to God for blessing them with another beautiful baby. Lancelot and Osas got married about six years ago.

C M Y K

the ceremony said,there was enough to eat and drink while it lasted. Among Mercy's friends that graced the occasion were Ufuoma Ejenobor, Faithia Balogun, Jennifer Eliogu and Tricia Eseigbe-Kerry. Mercy returned to the country about two weeks ago with her hubby and their bundle of joy after spending few months in the United States where she gave birth to baby Purity.

Mercy Johnson, hubby and baby Purity

Okonjo-Iweala rallies Nollywood over N3bn grant BY ANOZIE EGOLE Nollywood town hall meeting was con vened last Saturday at the Eko Hotel and Suities, Victoria Island, Lagos, by Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and her counteraprt in Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke . The purpose of the meeting was principally to address some of the issues trailing the

a & wif

ast Sunday was cel ebration time for Nol lywood actress, Mercy Johnson and her hubby, Prince Odianosen Okojie, as they dedicated their four-month old daughter, Purity Okojie to the Lord. The child dedication ceremony took place at the Christ Embassy Church. The couple later held a reception for family members and friends at their Ajah home. Those who graced

•• Ngozi

Star Spot

• Oduw

Mercy Johnson & hubby dedicate baby Purity

• Dr Okonjo- Iweala

N3 billion grant which President Goodluck Jonathan promised the industry on Mrach 2, 2013. Before now, some practitioners had accused the two ministries that have been assigned to manage the process of disbursement of failing to consult wide enough before choosing some filmmakers into a committee. But speaking at the meeting, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said, she was happy that the filmmakers felt satisfied

that they were consulted for the process. The Minister, who noted that the essence of the N3 billion grant was to encourage the filmmakers to up their game in the industry, disclosed that film distribution was identified as a major bottleneck of the industry. She promised that a large chunk of the fund will be targeted at achieving effective distribution and exhibition framework.

“We have been brain-storming on this amount that the president has put forward, and how best to use it. We have a town hall meeting of about 200 people in the industry to try and get some idea about which direction to go in terms of disbursement. Distribution was identified as the biggest bottleneck and if we can figure out how to get distribution right, we can then unleash the creative energy of the film industry.” She stated that apart from tackling distribution problems, the fund will also be used to build capacity, encourage creativity and support production of films. About 200 filmmakers, representing various guilds and associations were in attendance.

36— SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

Power Pasta Spaghetti Turkey Meatballs and Spicy Tomato Sauce

I want to remain young and fit always— Kehinde Mr. Kehinde Abiola is the National Executive Director, Nigeria of the Opportunity Industrialisation Centre. He is our guest on this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk as he speaks on why he is so much concerned about his health.

t 52, how have you been coping with your health? I focus on foods that would nourish my body, not just eating for the sake of it. Although I used to eat eba while growing up, but at this age I had to caution myself in line with the medical advice to live healthy. I still eat solid food but, I make sure I take a lot of fruits before going to bed. I don’t always eat much because of my age. And I believe anyone who wants to live a long should be disciplined and obey healthy rules. Growing up? As a young man, I’ve always been excited whenever I see pounded yam. But now, the story has changed because of my health; I eat it with moderation and with vegetable soup

which has inestimable nutritional value to the body. Have you ever played pranks to get pounded yam? If I play pranks at all, it was during my secondary school days. But, I can’t remember any now. How often do you exercise? My wife tutors me on various exercises including jogging and that is what I do in my house. She teaches and reminds me to do exercises always. And your drinks? I take water every time. But, I indulge in juice once or twice every two months. I’ve taken my eyes off sweet drinks. I also trust in God to live long. I want to look young and healthy always to achieve my purpose in life.

Nutritional Values

Asparagus helps to treat HIV— Study

sparagus contains loads of folate. Among other health benefits, folate is essential for pre-conception and the early stages of pregnancy. Asparagus’ high level of this mineral means that is can reduce the risk of birth defects and helps the nervous system develop beautifully. Asparagus is a great for your heart. It fights depression and puts you in a good mood. Gets rid of warts by eating one of the best super foods. It lowers cholesterol Stimulates milk production in nursing mothers. It is a potent antioxidant, is anti-fungal and antiviral and it helps cleanse the body and

Abiola...I’ve always been excited whenever I see pounded yam

Health Tips Grains, fish, others can improve fertility

HEN trying to conceive you should eat a healthy diet with a focus on a few key items. However, it is important to consider the following foods: Whole Grains The true fertility foods are whole grains, healthy fats, excellent protein packages, and even the occasional bowl of ice cream. Fish It is important to have adequate amounts of omega three in your diet if you want to improve fertility and the best source for this is found in fish. To limit your exposure to the mercury eat only fish that have little or no mercury present such as catprevent kidney stones fish, salmon, and shrimp. Asparagus prevents Iron bladder and urinary Iron is necessary to improve fertract infections, helps tility as well. Some good sources of with treating HIV. iron are meat, iron fortified cereals, Helps prevent multiple beans, and asparagus. Adequate sclerosis. It contains anti amounts of iron will also be imporcancer properties and is tant once you are pregnant because especially powerful in of the increased volume of blood. preventing lung cancer. Is Increase Water intake energizing and fights Sometimes the diet changes to inchronic fatigue syndrome. crease fertility are not limited to It will lower blood pressure foods. High levels of soda connaturally and stimulates sumption means the body is probhair production and is ably not getting enough water. Inone of the best super creasing water consumption to at foods for balding. So as least 8 it is spring time, it is the perfect time glasses evof year to get out and find some locally ery day may grown, preferably organic asparagus. help to inIt is delectable finely chopped in crease fersalads, barbecued with mustard, or tility. lightly steamed.

Chef Corner

Fisherman soup, a most for every home

isherman soup is a delicacy from Akwa Ibom state. The ingredients are fish, fresh prunes, big crayfish, fresh periwinkles, yam, Cameroon pepper and other spices that bring out the flavour. It is cooked with different types of fish without meat inclusive. It is very delicious and healthy too. Recipes include stock fish, smoked catfish, crayfish, palm oil, pepper, yam, seasoning, hot leaf, salt, water and other spices. Preparing this soup, the following steps should be taken. Boil the yam, pound and roll it in balls. Put all your ingredients in the pot with pepper and cook for some time, as it boils add the yam balls and put your fish as last and leave to cook. At this stage, the soup is ready and can be eaten with rice or other food.

Ingredients: Sauce: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1 can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, liquid included 1 teaspoon finely minced canned chipotle en adobo and sauce, or more to taste 2 teaspoons chopped oregano leaves 1 sprig fresh rosemary Salt 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves Meatballs: Cooking spray 1 pound ground turkey meat 1 slice fresh whole-wheat bread, crusts removed, pulsed into crumbs 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving 1/2 cup finely grated carrot 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 2 large cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper 1pack Power Pasta spaghetti Directions: Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil for pasta. Make Sauce: In a 4-quart saucepan heat the oil over medium heat. Saute the onions until translucent, about 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add tomato paste, tomatoes, chipotles, oregano, rosemary, and salt. Bring all the ingredients to a low boil, reduce heat and cook for approximately 15 minutes, until liquid has evaporated slightly. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. While sauce is cooking, make meatballs. Meatballs: Preheat the broiler. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Combine the turkey with all other ingredients in a large work bowl. Form into 2 1/2 inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Broil for 10 minutes, or until browned and almost entirely cooked through. Meanwhile, remove rosemary sprig from sauce and add fresh basil. Add the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and cook additional 10 minutes, or until sauce has slightly thickened and meatballs have absorbed some of the sauce. While the meatballs are cooking, cook the Power Pasta spaghetti according to package directions. Drain the Power Pasta Spaghetti and return it to the pot. Add the sauce and meatballs, toss and heat through over medium heat.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013 — 37

Its over: Kim Kardashian officially single!

o she hasn’t broken up with Kanye West, but just dissolved her marriage with now exhusband Kris Humphries. The duo who have been at each other throwing accusations and counter accusations since they split last year officially ended their marriage in an LA court . Although Kris had been demanding for an annulment of the marriage based on the

Beyonce

fact that the marriage was a fraud, he later dropped the charges in light of overwhelming evidence stating contrary. He also did not get the $7million he had demanded from Kim as settlement. Now that Kim Kardashian is officially a single woman again, the question is does this mean wedding bells for her and Kanye West? We’ll certainly be watching out for that.

Jennifer Lopez A

Beyonce, J.Lo to headline London charity concert for women BY IYABO AINA

eyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Florence & The Machine are teaming up for a four-hour charity concert in London next month to benefit women’s health and education projects around the world. The “Sound of Change Live” concert on June 1 in London’s Twickenham sports stadium could fund at least 120 projects supporting girls and women in more than 70 nations, if all the tickets are sold, organizers said on Wednesday. Organized by the Chime for Change campaign, founded by Italy fashion house Gucci, every ticket buyer will be able to choose which project their ticket will fund in what organizers said was a world first for such a venture. Beyonce, currently on a European tour, will play a 45minute set. She will be joined in the venture by singer and dancer Lopez, R&B artist John Legend, British indie sensation Ellie Goulding and rapper Timbaland, with more performers still to be announced. U.S. actors James Franco,

Blake Lively and Jada Pinkett Smith will be among the presenters. “Our goal is to have a great time together while we unite and strengthen the voices of girls and women around the world,” Beyonce said in a

statement. Rock promoter Harvey Goldsmith, who helped put on the Live Aid and Live Earth charity concerts, will produce the concert which will also be broadcast internationally.

Kim

Rihanna buys Chris Brown £700,000 car as bir thda birthda thdayy gif giftt

•Rihanna & Chris

ihanna has got enough dosh to make sure Chris Brown doesn’t just get socks and a dodgy jumper for his 24th birthday. The singer recently shelled out £700,000 on a limited edition 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss which only 75 were ever made. And she’s also planning to take him to the well known UK tourist hotspot in New York. Report gathered was that Rihanna has spent more than a million dollars on his main gift which is a custom made car. She had it personalised with his initials on the red leather seats. Rihanna is also planning a break to the UK in June when they’ll visit York.

38 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

C M Y K

SATURDAY

You can distinguish yourself by carving a niche — Benjamin Omage

Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013 — 39

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

to boil water all through my years as a child and I am doing same. I remain grateful to God, when I go back to memory lane about where we are coming from.

hat success means to me It ranges from different viewpoints as you know, being alive today in this country, without losing my mind is a success... considering the happenings and conditions of human beings within this sphere; and in spite of that I am still able to own a growing creative business in the noisy world has to be God. You know writing needs focus? So, doing my thing, composing songs, and script writing in this environment should be applauded. Generally, I am inclined to think if you are doing something meaningful with prospects, it doesn’t have to be conspicuous. Adding value to the society and being at peace with God and myself that’s success to me. Creativity at work Well, it’s in parts, as you know creativity can be a very broad sphere. I am first a Writer which demands that I have my hands in almost everything ranging from technical writings (like proposals and structuring for individuals and

en, as he’s called by close associates, is an adept researcher and concept developer. He has a unique passion for marketing for companies such as Santa Celeb Event, My Customer And I and The Reunion Show international, with transactions that cut across West Africa and other African countries. Ben was born in the 80s in a suburb but has lived against all odds to venture into several fields even with his first degree in History and International Relations. Ben recently had a chat with Youthful Vibes on how he has differentiated himself from other young people. Excerpt: My privileged Background I was born and raised up in a good family.My parents were buoyant to give us qualitative education. I grew up in the Ajegunle. We gradually moved within the suburbs to C M Y K

I believe challenge or challenges are part of life. That’s why we are where we are and from this situation we can see what the future holds

Olodi Apapa.I had my primary education at Saint John’s Anglican Primary School,and my secondary education at Ajeromi Ifelodun High school, Ajegunle. Thankful to God, I am a graduate of History and International Studies from Lagos State University, and I hold some other professional qualifications as well. I believe challenges are part of life. That’s why we are where we are, and from this situation we can see what the future holds. The whole Nigerian experience is a challenge; going to school in “the hood” or where people consider a slum is a challenge, no electricity, no good water ; we literally had

businesses) to articles, drama, screenplay, novels and I also write and compose songs for artistes and musicians. I carry out research and marketing for various organizations. A good example is the fast growing customer relations consulting firm “MY Customer and I” that I run. We also have a radio show with the same name and concept as well. Positive influence on young Nigerians “My customer And I” is a movement in the areas of customer relations and customer service management in Nigeria and beyond. Through this initiative, we teach young

Group picture of the participants

Some of the participants posing for a picture after the event

Young Nigerians making the difference M

oral rearmament/Initiatives of Change (MRA/ IofC) on April 13, 2013 played host to several young professionals who are making a difference in their various communities. The forum, tagged: Army of Change Makers was anchored by Victor Gotevbe who also spoke on Leveraging Networks for Positive Impact. Barrister Abiodun Owoseni, General Secretary of MRA/IofC provided knowledge and insight into the history and works of MRA/IofC. MRA/IofC will host a training of trainers workshop on May 29 at their Ikoyi Centre.

Nigerians as well as the elderly to treat each other with respect. That way they would be loved and love others in return, whether you are in the open market ,shopping mall or in a coperate environment, you would be conscious to the fact that you are the reason why every brand and branded item that you see are in business! And as a young person working in an establishment you would do your job accordingly. In other areas my creative works be it music or production, script or novels are tailored to impact positively both morally or spiritually.

he next five years? I see myself in a new phase of my purpose, where all my potentials are several gears in motion solidified enough to hold several peoples and societies amidst the common challenges that hitherto had crippled them. My words to other youths I don’t know if these three D’s are appropriate to sum up my thoughts for them, but i would say Discover- who you are, what are you potential(s) , Develop- them and continue to develop society with them, and Distinguish- yourselves from the crowd , by caving a niche, that would sustain you in the this ever changing world.

40 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2013

Compiled Ephraim Oseji

MOURINHO has agreed a sensational return to Chelsea

ut the Special One’s emotional comeback is unlikely to be officially announced until July 1.Until then both Chelsea and the outgoing Real Madrid chief will shy away from publicly confirming any deal is done. Mourinho is still under contract at Real. But, barring any last-minute hitch, he will be back at Stamford Bridge on a £10milliona-year package.

United want Klopp as Sir Ale erguson Alexx FFerguson successor

an United have placed Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp at the top of their managerial ‘ wish-list’ as they look to life after Sir Alex Ferguson. The Old Trafford side have been very impressed by the German’s success at the Westfalenstadion and hope to lure the 45 year old to the club when veteran Ferguson steps down. Klopp has been an astonishing success at Borussia Dortmund, leading his side to back to back Bundesliga titles and now to a Champions League final. Man United are also admirers of the way he likes his side to play and will hope that no other side nabs him before Ferguson calls it a day.

Man City chase £32m rated Reus

anchester City are thought to be weighing up a rather ambitious bid of £32 million for Marco Reus, the player who was simply instrumental in getting Dortmund past Real Madrid and into the final of the Champions League. City as we all know are reeling from surrendering their title to arch-rivals Manchester United and are looking at a summer rebuild and are now considering the Bundesliga star a main part of this. The midfielder is only 23 years of age and is settled at the club having only joined last season from Borussia Monchengladbach yet such a substantial fee and lucrative wages may mean that Dortmund’s resolve could well be tested and it is not a given that the attacking midfielder will be staying in Germany this summer. C M Y K

Hodgson considers Miami as possible base for World Cup 2014

ngland manager Roy Hodgson is in Miami looking at potential pre-World Cup finals bases should the team qualify for next year ’s tournament in Brazil. England already have plans to base themselves in Rio de Janeiro for the World Cup itself and have identified a hotel overlooking the Copacabana beach as a possible location. Now Hodgson is looking at the option of taking England to another city with world famous

Usmanov: Arsenal have no superstars Alisher Usmanov, the Uzbek tycoon who owns a 30 per cent stake in Arsenal with partner Farhad Moshiri reignites his feud with Stan Kroenke by claiming that the Gunners’ majority shareholder “doesn’t show any wish” to construct a team capable of delivering trophies Usmanov launched a stinging attack on Arsenal rival Stan Kroenke by accusing the club’s majority shareholder of showing little desire to create a succesful team. The 59-year-old billionaire has been entrenched in a long-running battle with the American to gain control at the Emirates Stadium and took a shot at his foe’s meek ambitions, claiming that Kroenke “ would probably be happy” if the Gunners finished fourth. “The team has no superstars now,” the Uzbek fumed .

Usmanov with Roman

beaches during the build-up. With the England manager abroad this weekend, Andy Carroll will be scouted by Hodgson’s assistant coach, Ray Lewington, when West Ham United take on Newcastle United today, But Hodgson did not send any member of his staff to watch John Terry in action for Chelsea. Terry has indicated he would like to return to international football after the Football Association chairman, David Bernstein, leaves the post this summer.

A can FA FIF he lp Ro on ey quit Man Utd for ee e!! fr fre

tract at ayne Rooney could buy out his con . free Manchester United and leave for r United for The striker could quit Mancheste . just £12million a year from now first – and most highRooney could become one of the a tightening of FIFA’s profile – players to benefit from months. laws to be agreed in the coming to buy himself out wed allo The England striker may be Premier League new with l dea of the final year of his es left and making champions United, paying the wag ther team without a himself available to sign for ano fee. but he is sure to That would cost Rooney a fortune in the summer of make much more as a free agent ld Cup finals as a 2014, when he could have the Wor shop window. 0-a-week in his final Rooney will be on around £240,00 potential £12m buy-out. year at United, so that means a

Vanguard, SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2013 —41

Compiled Ephraim Oseji

ROAD TO WEMBLY AND ARMSTERDAM

Rodgers boosted by arrival of two new scouts from City

iverpool have recruited two more senior scouts from Manchester City. Last summer, Liverpool lured Dave Fallows as head of recruitment and scouting while Barry Hunter also joined as a chief scout. The pair had also worked together at the Etihad Stadium. They will now be joined at Anfield by Andy Sayer and Kevin Hunt, who have been key members of Manchester City’s scouting network in recent years. Sayer had responsibility for monitoring players in Germany, Holland and Scandinavia.

Clar ke angr Clark angryy with presenter over jibe at Odemwingie

Luis Suarez ‘has the mentality of a child’, says Henk Veldmate My wife is trying to help me - Suárez

iverpool striker Luis Suarez “sometimes has the mentality of a child” when he plays football, according to the man who brought him to Europe. According to Henk Veldmate who signed the Uruguay international for Groningen from Nacional as a 19 year-old in 2006 and said Suarez’s character was heavily influenced by his South American upbringing. “He’s a grown up person but also, in the way he likes playing football, he sometimes has the mentality of a child,” said the Dutch club’s sporting director. “That’s the way he enjoys playing. If you compare the mentality and attitude to Dutch players, then in South America it’s dead or alive. “To do the best for your family - it’s a way of life and a way of surviving.” The striker has revealed how his wife is trying to help him and attempts to rehabilitate himself will be a family affair after his wife warned him to become “a happier person”. Suárez says his wife, Sofia, has been the sternest critic of his behaviour for persistently arguing with opponents. “My wife has made observations like: ‘You were arguing with the referee and the defenders too much: you didn’t really seem up for it today. You might as well have not been on the pitch.’ I go away, think about it and realise she was right.

Suarez with wife Sofia C M Y K

Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Join Juventus

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to leave PSG this summer with a return to Juventus looming large for the prolific marksman. The 31 year old has had an excellent first season at the Parc des Princes, netting 32 goals in all competitions, leading PSG to an inevitable Ligue 1 title, their first in almost two decades, as well as the Champions League quarter-finals.

Benteke wants buyout clause in new Villa deal

Christian Benteke is keen to discuss new terms at Aston Villa. Villa chairman Randy Lerner is willing to upgrade Benteke’s terms at the end of the season. Benteke could demand a trigger fee clause like Demba Ba’s at Newcastle in his next Aston Villa contract with big clubs showing an interest.

Pique: My worst night with Barcelona

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique admits the club has “decisions” to make after their humbling by Bayern Munich after their 3-0 Champions League defeat “When a team is so superior you can only congratulate them. Now we must close the Liga and make decisions for next season,” said Pique. “Perhaps was the most bitter night for me in Barcelona.

teve Clarke has heavily criticised Adrian Chiles for ridiculing Peter Odemwingie, who has called in the Professional Footballers’ Association to resolve his row with his club Steve Clarke has heavily criticised Adrian Chiles for ridiculing Peter Odemwingie, who has called in the Professional Footballers’ Association to resolve his row with West Bromwich Albion. The Albion head coach has accused the television presenter of being “out of order” for the derogatory remark about Odemwingie at the club’s official awards dinner onweekend and revealed the forward could play against Wigan on today.

Teammates blanked Essien's birthday bash

ose Mourinho knew he had to quit Real Madrid after seeing the way on-loan Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien had been treated by his ‘teammates’.The onloan Chelsea star invited all his Madrid colleagues to his birthday bash but only a handful of them turned up. And it was left to the Bernabeu boss to console his upset player. He told the Ghana international that it was nothing personal — it was not that his team-mates did not like him and, sadly, it was not because they had anything better to do.

Barcelona offers £40m for Luiz

arcelona have targeted Chelsea star David Luiz as the ideal man to sort out their defensive problems and are willing to offer £40m for the Brazilian international. The Catalan giants are looking to revamp their defence this summer following their humiliating 7-0 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich in the Uefa Champions League semi-final and see the former Benfica centre-back as the ideal fit for their playing style.

42— SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

Ordeal of 14-yr-old boy kidnap — mother laments plight of family

By ONOZURE DANIA

14-year-old boy, Daniel Olumide Oke, who was allegedly kidnapped in February 2,2013, has narrated his ordeal while in the kidnapper’s den. His plight was more disturbing when it was realized that it was a neighbour at their number 51, Lasisi Ige Street,IkotunLagos,that masterminded the kidnap. According to the boy who was still traumatized by the incident,the ugly drama started after his father appealed to one of the boys in the neighbourhood who is close to the family to help him wash his car. “It was on a Saturday and my Daddy asked the boy to help him wash the car. While he was doing that, his brother, Raymond, came to assist him. As they were washing the car, my mother asked me to go and open her shop. While I was doing that, Raymond came and asked me to follow him to his sister’s child birthday party. I objected insisting that he should tell my mother first. He consented but said I should rather follow him to go and repair his shoe. “While on the way, we first branched at a place to buy fried fish and then we went to board a bus that was going to Ikorodu. All the while, I didn’t know where we were going until we got to Ikorodu before he now told me that I had been kidnapped and that he was going to collect N2 million

The victim’s mother, Mrs Olayinka Oke

from my Daddy. That if I don’t cooperate with him, he will kill me. He told me that he had charm, cutlass and axe, he said his girlfriend, Bolanle Fassasi,

also has the same weapons as well, which they would use to kill me if my daddy doesn’t give him the money. “At Ikorodu where I was

2 docked for stabbing police officer with bottle By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

CP, Umar Manko

The victim, Daniel Olumide Oke

n Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, yesterday, remanded two unemployed youths, Solomon Pius, 22, and Tunji Oluketuyi, 36, in prison for allegedly stabbing a police officer on his face and left eye. The Magistrate, Mrs Olumide Fusika, adjourned the case to May 2, 2013 for ruling whether the accused persons, who are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful assault, will be granted bail or not. Pius and Oluketuyi, of no fixed addresses, pleaded not guilty to the charge brought against them by the police. Urging the court to remand the accused persons in prison pending the health status of the victim, the prosecutor, Insp.

Akeem Raji, noted that the accused committed the offenses on April 28, at Marwa area of Lekki, a Lagos suburb. Akeem said: “The duo conspired to assault one Cpl. Foluso Omokoye by stabbing him with a bottle on his face and left eye. The accused, who was causing nuisance and civil disturbance in the area assaulted Omokoye, while performing his lawful duty. The accused caused the complainant injury on his face and left eye while trying to apprehend them.” He pointed out that the offense contravened Sections 172, 244 and 409 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

taken to, I was locked inside an empty room. I was sitting on bare floor. While we were there, he said he would collect the N2 million from my daddy, I now

told him that my daddy doesn’t have such money, he said he has, that he must collect it. That night, he and his girlfriend started making calls, asking for

Man,31, in court for stealing and attempted murder By ONOZURE DANIA

31-year-old man, Okeowo Dare Coker, was Tuesday arraigned before an Ikeja High Court for alleged armed robbery, stealing and attempted murder of one Abayomi Ekerin. Coker who was docked before Justice Olabisi Akinlade, is facing a three-count charge preferred against him by Lagos State. The prosecuting counsel, Akin George said that the defendant on December 23, 2010, at about 6.30am while armed with dangerous weapon robbed one Abayomi Ekerin of his Camry Saloon car. He said that the crime occurred at Baruwa Abulegun Street in Ipaja area of Lagos, stating that

the stolen car with registration no is MBC 777AA is valued at N1.4million. George also alleged that Coker attempted to kill Ekerin at Mangoro bus stop, when he stripped him naked and pushed him in to the canal. According to him, the offense committed is punishable under section 309 (2) (a) and 403 of the criminal code law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011. However, the suspect who resides at 9,Shofluwe Street in Ipaja, Lagos, pleaded not guilty to the three count charge leveled against him by the state. Justice Akinlade ordered that the suspect be remanded in Kirikiri Maximum prison. She adjourned the case to July 11, 2013 for trial.

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ped by neighbour my parent’s phone number. While they were waiting for the number, they started doing things to scare me. They even took me to one church and when we got to the entrance of the church, they changed their mind and took me back to their hideout. Later, they offered me food but I refused, I was afraid of eating their food. But, at a point, I was so hungry that I ate the food and it was for only two nights out of the four nights they kept me there. That was where they kept me until the police came to my rescue after four days.” The mother of the victim, Mrs Olayinka Oke, a fashion

electricity or gas, so I decided to do all the cooking. When I finished cooking, I gave my son his food. Later, I went outside to check if they have finished washing the car only to notice that my son was not there. I asked after him and they said he was sent on an errand. However, when I noticed that it was taking long , I asked again but I was not satisfied with the answer Raymond’s brother gave me. At that stage, I became apprehensive and as I was looking frantically for my son, a woman that sold N50 fish to them while they were leaving said she saw Raymond with my son. Since they

At Ikorodu where I was taken to, I was locked inside an empty room. I was sitting on bare floor. While we were there, he said he would collect the N2 million from my daddy, I now told him that my daddy doesn’t have such money

designer also told Crime Guard that it was very traumatic for the entire family especially when they realized that it was a very close family friend that masterminded the kidnap. “That day, my husband said I should not allow the children to play with

mentioned Raymond, we all concluded that because of his closeness to us, nothing will happen to my son. “However, the waiting continued till 1pm and when it dragged up to 3pm, I knew that something was really wrong. I called Raymond’s

phone, but his number was switched off. Around 11.30pm while I was outside, I saw Raymond coming in, I asked him about my son, he said he doesn’t know that he went out since 5am. I now said you went out since 5am, what of the woman you bought fish from, said she saw you with Daniel, it was then that it dawned on me that this boy must have gone to do something to my son. So, I immediately called my pastor and told him what happened, he said I should pray and anoint my son’s picture and that the next day I should call the police to arrest him, that he knows something about my son. The following day, I quickly reported the case to the police at Ikotun. They came and arrested Raymond. Later, members of his family brought a lawyer and they were harassing us claiming that our fears were unfounded. It was after intense interrogation that they were able to reveal my son’s whereabouts. Police detectives then stormed the place and rescued him. The case was subsequently taken to SARS in Ikeja and from there to court. During appearances in court, members of the suspect’s family especially their mother, was deriding and taunting us, claiming that nothing will come out of it. We are waiting and we know that justice will be done at the end of the day, “she stated.

...As hoodlums terrorize residents of Lagos suburb — stab 10 -yr-old boy for refusing to run errand By UJU MBANUSI

emories of April , 2 0 1 3 , will for a long time bring shivers down the spines of a 10 -year- old boy identified as Victor Chukwu, following the incident which happened that afternoon, when he was mercilessly beaten and stabbed on the head by two area boys in the neighborhood. When Crime Guard visited the Abule Ijesha residence of the Chukwus and scene of the incident, Victor was still in shock as he sat on a bench near his mother’s shop gazing at passersby. His mother, Mrs Linus Chukwu however, gave her account of what transpired that afternoon. “This harassment has been going on for a long time, ever since I stopped selling on credit to them from this small shop I manage to support my teaching job, they decided to make life unbearable for I and my family members. I had returned from school that afternoon and called my son, Victor to go fetch some water for me to use in preparing our evening meal at the 2

started beating him, while the others watched, ignoring his cries and pleas from neighbours and passersby; who could not do much because these men are a notorious gang. As if beating him mercilessly was not enough, he took a broken bottle and stabbed my son on the right side of his head; saying it will teach him a lesson to always obey their orders irrespective of who might have sent him before they did, that anytime he touches the scar, he will be reminded of that incident. “When I heard my son’s voice, crying in pain, I ran to the place and behold my son, with blood gushing out from the right side of his head. When I wanted to ascertain what my son did from them, Gbenga pushed me away, saying if I don’t take my time, he will give me the beating of my life. The timely intervention of some neighbours saved me that afternoon.I rushed Victor to a nearby hospital for medical attention. I also got my dose of the beating

Wife accuses pastor of being adulterous

...I caught my pastor husband counselling woman on our matrimonial bed, both naked By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

30-year-old housewife, Mrs Abosede Fasina, has told an Agege Grade ‘Ai Customary Court in Lagos that she caught her pastor husband having sex with a church member on their matrimonial bed. Responding to a divorce suit instituted against her by her 35year-old husband (Pastor Fasina) she said: “My husband is adulterous. He counsels his church members at home, and I discovered that most of them are ladies. “One day, he was inside the room counseling a woman when I dashed in,and to my surprise, my husband and the woman were both naked on our bed. When I confronted him, he beat me and

threw me out of the house. When I reported the case to his father, he said I should not disturb his son.” However, Abosede told the court that despite the adulterous lifestyle of her husband, she is still in love with him. The pastor, who resides at 4, Moses Street, Alagba, Orile-Agege area of Lagos had approached the court seeking dissolution of their four-year old marriage over his wife’s alleged wayward life. He accused his estranged wife of having lost her sense of dignity, and was now smoking and drinking alcohol. He told the court that he had prayed for

Abosede’s deliverance from the evil acts but his effort was in vain. “Since the marriage is childless, we owe ourselves nothing. So, I want the court to dissolve the union. Abosede possesses all the bad habits one can think of. She was accused of stealing a phone in our house. I believed she actually stole it because of her behaviour. She goes to other co-tenants’ apartments to gossip. And whenever there is any fight in the house, my wife’s name is always mentioned,” Pastor Fasina pleaded. The Court President, Joseph Adewusi, after listening to both parties, told the couple to maintain peace and adjourned the case till 10 May for judgment.

• Victor Chukwu community bore hole very close to us. As the obedient child he has always been, he took the plastic jerry can he normally uses and off he went. On his way, he was accosted by one Waheed and Gbenga. These two young men and their friends always hang around the neighbourhood smoking marijuana and causing trouble. They called on him and asked him to go buy them something at a different direction from where I had sent him. He told them he wanted to get some water for his mother, that he can not go on another errand at that time. They asked him what gave him the audacity to refuse their orders. They blocked the road, prevented him from passing. My son pleaded with them but they insisted he must obey them first. One of the young men, Waheed, dragged him and

Mrs Linus was not exempted from the beating, as she got her own dose later that evening. She continued with her narration: “When my husband returned, and saw his son with bandage on his head, he asked what the matter was, I was telling him what happened, when Waheed and Gbenga came around and told me not to mention their names in the case again. I ignored them and continued with what I was telling my husband. Gbenga dragged me out and started beating me, my husband tactically held himself back from starting a fight with the gang, to avoid turning it into a street fight. After he succeeded in getting me out of their grip, he went straight to the police station at Sabo and reported the case.”

44--- SATURDAY, Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

Christabel Obiuw evbi bags cchief hief taincy title Obiuwe hieftaincy

L-R: Mr. Nigeria Okwata, Mr. Lucky Obiuwevbi, Dr. Richard Obiuwevbi, Princess Christiana Obiuwevbi, Chief Phoebee Akudihor,(Ovieghara of Agbarha-Otor kingdom), HRM. Florence Omeru (Queen of Agbon Kingdom), Air Commodore Felix Obiuwevbi (Rtd) and Barr. Gweke Akudihor.

EXECUTIVE Assistant to Delta State Deputy G o v e r n o r , Engr.Christabel Oke Obiuwevbi was among eminent Deltans conferred with chieftaincy titles by His Royal Majesty Air Vice Marshal Lucky Ochuko Ararile (Rtd), Avwaeke1, Ovie of Umiagwa-Abraka Kingdom, in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, during the celebration of his first coronation anniversary in Abraka. Engr. Obiuwevbi bagged the title of “Ivie” at the occasion

R-L:HRM Matthe Edirin Egbi, Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom and Chief Christabel Oke Obiuwevbi

Ma. Ibir onk e Ola Ibironk onke Olayyode marks 90 in style

HRM Avwaeke1 Conferring the Chieftaincy tittle on Engr. Christabel Oke Obiuwevbi

Wedding bliss ffor or Damilola and Olayemi

t was a dream come true for Damilola Sowale, daughter of Chief Kolawole Sowale and Olayemi Abifarin, son of Mr. Ibikunle Abifarin when they consummated their long courtship in Holy matrimony penultimate Saturday. The wedding took place at the New Estate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos. Photos by Sola Oyelese

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L-R: Engr. Kayode Obiuwevbi,Sandra Obiuwevbi,Chief Christabel Oke Obiuwevbi,Tosin Obiuwevbi, Kevwe Obiuwevbi and Princess (Mrs) Christiana Obiuwevbi.

More photos from Vanguard’s P er sonality of Per ersonality the Y ear A ward Year Aw

he 90 th birthday ceremony of Mrs. J.I. Olayode, fondly called ‘Iya Guinness’ took place on Sunday 21st April, 2013 beginning with thanksgiving service at C and S Shillo Church, Agege, Lagos. Some of the guests include the children, grandchildren, great grand-children and extended family members. Among Edukugho family members present were Emmanuel Edukugho, Richard Edukugho, Mrs. Kate Edukugho, Mr and Mrs. Mike Binitie, Mrs. Ttsoma Mayuku Edukugho, Layinka Edukugho, Ms. Tselu Edukugho, Ms. Olu Harriet Edudkdugho and several well wishers.

emories from the Vanguard’s Personality of the Year Award dinner which held on April 6th continue to linger. here are more pictures fron the award.

The couple; Mr and Mrs Olayemi Ajiboye Abifarin bride Father rigth

L-R: Mrs Obad Fawaz; Mr Hassan Fawaz and Mrs Majeda Fawaz

L-R: Mr Moses Ibikunle Abifarin, groom’s dad, Mrs Funke Ogundeji, represented the late bride’s mum, the couple, Mrs Mary Abiodun Abifarin, groom’s mum and Chief Kolawole Sowale, bride’s dad

L-R: Sam Iroegbulam and Dimeji Olasupo

Ma. Ibironke birthday cake

Olayode,

cutting

her

Mr. Emmanuel Edukugho (3rd left) with other members of Edukugho family

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The Jonathan/Amaechi face off Continued from page 12 to Abia, Cross River, Edo, and Imo in terms of trade, commerce and transportation. Inability of the Jonathan regime to handle the East-West road with the urgency and efficiency required is causing carnage and fatal auto accidents daily in that critical area as the major stakeholders including the governors seemed worried. It reached a point at which Governor Amaechi challenged the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, a kinsman of President Jonathan, to resign because he has failed to deliver in the region. “I had gone through the region and no presence of his ministry was felt anywhere in the area of meaningful or people oriented projects. Under Orubebe, what development have we witnessed? None.” Amaechi claimed that for every one project Orubebe can show him, that he had done in the Niger Delta region, he will show him 10 of sch projects in Rivers state. He advised him to face his work and make his presence felt in the region. “After all, I don’t have any mansion anywhere, but I know Orubebe’s mansion. If he wants, we will show the world his mansions,” Amaechi was reported telling journalists in Houston, Texas, USA at a Town Hall meeting with Rivers State community. He also clarified his rumoured presidential ambition which put him on collision course with President Jonathan. His words: “I cannot contest against Mr. President. We are from the same region. I respect him and he is a good man. I am tired of responding to this issue of presidential ambition. It is normal to have contrary views on some topics but it doesn’t transcend to hatred.” Amaechi continued: “It is the likes of Orubebe that fans the embers of hatred. It is unfortunate that he can accuse me of corruption, nobody has accused me before. If he (Orubebe) wants us to go public any day, I am ready.” Several things have happened between the two states – Bayelsa and Rivers which could strain relationships since the ascendancy of the Jonathan administration. The issue of disputed oil wells along the border towns in the two states still left much to be desired, with no amicable solution reached by both parties. The Rivers government had accused various agencies of the Federal Government including the National Boundary Commission,

NBC, of bias over the dispute. Although, Rivers has approached a court of law and got reasonable judgment, the government said that the decision of NBC and the Accountant General of the Federation to release the revenue proceeds from the oil wells to Bayelsa State was a clear case of injustice. As a result, Rivers had to pull out of the joint peace talks with Bayelsa interstate boundary. According to the Rivers State government, to continue to allow Bayelsa State to take full benefit of some revenue proceeds from these disputed oil wells while NBC is in the middle of the delineation exercise, is “blatant injustice and therefore most unacceptable to Rivers State. Tele Ikuru, Deputy Governor of Rivers had declared that under the circumstances, the commitment to speedy and transparent resolution of this “potentially volatile and protracted boundary issue cannot be guaranteed.”

ivers State government had argued that the most effective and transparent way to make all parties genuinely focus on the settlement bid is by the immediate intervention of the Federal Government to direct the payment of all revenue proceeds from the disputed oil wells into an escrow account under the Accountant General of the Federation. Rivers wanted all withdrawals hitherto made from and given to Bayelsa from the erstwhile escrow account maintained by the two state governments must be returned and a return to the status quo with regard to the 11th edition of the Administrative Map of Nigeria as reiterated by the National Boundary Commission. In order to cut Governor Amaechi to size and bring him down as Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum, the presidency inspired a PDP Governors Forum with Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom as Chairman to undermine the NGF, make it irrelevant together with Amaechi. The aim of the presidency is to depose him and rid NGF of its influence in national politics, paving the way for full support of PDP governors ahead of 2015; as the Jonathan presidency saw Governor Amaechi as probably a stumbling block.President Jonathan has thrown his weight behind the candidature of Katsina governor, Shehu Shema as NGF chairman to replace Amaechi. Presently, Rivers PDP executives have been replaced with that no longer loyal to the embattled Governor Amaechi, led by Felix Obuah who has suspended the speaker, deputy speaker, leader, whip and 23 other members of the state House of Assembly and declared their positions vacant, ostensibly for failing to rescind the suspension of Obio-Akpor Local Council executive and legisla-

tors. Earlier, an Abuja High Court judgement had removed the Pro-Aaechi executive led by Godspower Ake, which triggered the PDP crisis in Rivers State at the prompting of the presidency. Matters came to a climax in Akure last Friday when the 700 Bombadier Global Express aircraft owned by Rivers Tate government to convey Governor Amaechi was temporarily prevented from leaving Akure for failure to provide a manifest. Thereafter, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCCA) said it was grounding the Rivers aircraft for operating illegally in the country as its documents had expired since April 2. In a swift response, the state Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari said all the documents were in order and had applied to the Minister of Aviation for the import license. It had been in the Minister’s office since September, 2012, the Commissioner claimed. But the new Chairman of Rivers PDP said, with facts available to him, the aircraft does not belong to the state and so Governor Amaechi should explain its true ownership. In a Ray Power Radio programme called Political Platform aired in Abuja, the presenters expressed the view that, “the issue of 2015 presidential election is at the bottom of the Jonathan/ Amaechi face-off''. At the same time a contributor reminded the two political leaders that they were not elected to wash their dirty linens in the public, but to provide good governance for the people. A top official of the Aviation Ministry had explained in the Radio programme, that an aircraft registered in this country can move within, but if from abroad, needs clearance to move about. He aircraft came from US into Nigeria. At Akure, it was found that it had no manifest of the crew and passengers, it is not a car which can move without a manifest. There was also no clearance. It had no fly plan. Aviation regulations were violated. The Aviation official added: “Immunity is not impunity. This is about aviation regulations, not about politics.” The need for safety in air travel cannot be overemphasized considering important personalities and governor who died in private aircraft crashes including governors fatally injured; However, the question here is about the timing of the action targeted at Amaechji to politically deal with him for romance with a Northern presidential aspirant. Prof. Wole Soyinka said it all when he expressed concerns over pettiness in governance at any level which is not appropriate for any government in a democratic situation to pay attention to unimportant issues rather than serious matters. To him, pettiness at any level is unbecoming of any democratic situation.

54 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

Rivers PDP verdict stood Justice on its head — Tony Okocha BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

n this interview with Jimitota Onoyume, the soft spoken Chief of Staff, Government House, Rivers state, Sir Tony Okocha bares his mind on the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state. Describing the Abuja High court judgement that sacked the Chief Godspower Ake led Peoples Democratic Party as a travesty of justice Sir Okocha expressed very strong hope that it would be upturned at the appellate court. He also spoke on issues ranging from the suspension slammed on members of the state House of Assembly by the PDP in the state and other topical political developments in the state within the last three Okocha....I know that the men at the Assemweeks. bly are unbiased Excerpt Respond to the recent judgement that sacked the Chief Ake led Peoples Democratic Party in the state knowledge that you cannot sit on a That was a sham. As far as I am matter that concerns you. There is no concerned it was a travesty of justice. way you can sit as a chairman of It was justice standing on its head. I council when under investigation. He was present in the court. The lawyers was just suspended. They were alleged in the legal term would call us laymen. to have misappropriated council funds. There are certain issues in law that are They were alleged to have created trite, clear to the ordinary man. problems here and there. The As far as I am concerned it was not a Assembly said the chairman, Vice judgement that would stand anywhere Chairman and his councillors should in the world. It was a judgement that pause, wait for a while, while the was procured. matter was investigated. How are you responding to the But I must tell you that as an judgement? indigene of Obio Akpo local Well! We are law abiding people. You government area, it is a welcome know the disposition of the governor development. Welcome in the sense of the state; we are going the whole that what used to be a close circuit arlength to seek redress. We are rangement that we had in the local believing God that the Appeal court government has changed. They ran a will upturn the judgement. circuit arrangement. I am a In your opinion, what are the stakeholder in the local government. defects in the verdict? It is a good omen for the people I am not a lawyer. I was a delegate because a lot of things had actually at the congress where Chief G.U Ake gone wrong, how funds had been miswas elected. We have also tried to show appropriated. A situation where Obio to the world the video clip. The Akpor local government became like situation where somebody never got an individual’s personal estate. It’s close to 90 nautical miles to where a sign of relief to many. The day I was forms for the party offices were leaving as Chairman of the council, I obtained, he never got close to the was ready to submit myself to any congress venue. From what I heard, was unbecoming, unthought of, no- investigation. There is nothing wrong he was not even in the country. body can imagine it can happen. with you serving a people and they (Referring to Mr Felix Obua new Are you in court to challenge the say come and give account of your Chairman of PDP in the state) stewardship. Abuja High court verdict? I don’t want to bother myself talking Are you in anyway pre-empting the Yes we are. about this whole matter because is a outcome of the investigation of the Shortly after this, the elected matter of conscience and you and I Chairman, his Vice and the seventeen suspended officials by the House of know that Usman Danfodio said that councillors of Obio Akpor local Assembly? conscience is an open wound that only government were suspended by the I cannot. I know that the men at the truth can heal. For me I have left him House of Assembly, an action some Assembly are unbiased; they are not (Felix Obuah) to his conscience persons have literarily described as from the local government. I have told because it was a broad day light dissolution of the House. Incidental- you it was an allegation raised. It is robbery. Somebody who never contest- ly it is your local government and you for the committee to either see it as ed election and in his heart of heart were a former Caretaker Committee spurious or confirm. My information he knows that he never got close to Chairman of the council. Any was that the allegations against the the election. Yet he went on air saying comment on the development? suspended council officials were so the judiciary had restored his I am not competent enough to speak weighty that the House could not mandate. on this. What we heard was that there afford to ignore. In his heart he knows the truth. were petitions written and addressed Twenty seven members of the House When you lie to yourself the white man to the assembly. We also heard that the were suspended by the new PDP calls it a hoax. For us we leave him to petitions were accordingly sent to the leadership in the state led by Mr Felix his conscience first and foremost. Then House Committee in charge of such Obuah. Any comment on this? we are also letting the world know that issues. That is another illegality. The party what happened on the 17th of March You and I know it is a common has a constitution, another political

Somebody who never contested election and in his heart of heart he knows that he never got close to the election. Yet he went on air saying the judiciary had restored his mandate

rascality. . If they were party members they should know the rules, laws of the party. You don’t just wake up to suspend a party member. First the matter will be originated from the ward. There will be opportunity for response. The chairman of the party has no right to suspend the party, not to talk of suspending ranking members of the House of Assembly What is your relationship with the Police in the state? The Police are in charge of internal security and I do not think there is any problem. You have heard of reported plans to impeach the governor of the state. Any sign so far? There are thirty two members of the House of Assembly. You and I know there are simple majority or 2/3 majority. Five members cannot be a reasonable number for such action. It is just that these are people with no respect for the laws, it is unthinkable. What is the way out of the political crisis rocking the PDP in the state? There was a congress in the state. Before the state congress we had ward congress and local government congress. Nobody came to the state congress because you were a big man. You became a delegate to the ward congress, then another election was conducted for delegates to the local government area just like that. The truth must be told that a congress was held on 17th March, 2012. All the delegates were present at the congress. The electoral committee sent by the party was present; the chairman of the electoral committee, Dan Orbih was also there. There were no contestants to the offices as such. Because of INEC that said there should be election, the governor insisted that there should be election so that we ascertain if the people coming up had the mandates or not and acceptability of the people. An election held, they called out delegates from each local government. They all came out and voted. At the end votes were counted and results announced. The presiding officer declared Chief Ake winner. Ake also made acceptance speech. Beyond that, the party at the national level also directed the Zonal office to inaugurate the elected executive. Dr Steve Oru did the inauguration. And I was there The Minister of State for Education, Mr Nyesom Wike is from your local government area. Any word for him on this crisis? The Hon Minister of State for Education should come back to his root. The laws of nature are fixed. He cannot circumvent them. You have the laws of retributive justice and the laws of Karma. Those things are real. They are here with us. He should remember that the evil that men do now lives with them not even after them. There is nothing wrong in somebody being ambitious but when an ambition is inordinate then it becomes a vice. So he should get back to his root, know that this is the family that produced him. He would not have been Chairman Obio Akpor local government area if not for the same man he now wants his neck today. Anywhere he is, he should know the family threw him up.

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SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013 — 55

FG unveils new aviation policy BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Abuja

HE Federal Govern ment yesterday unveiled a new National Civil Aviation Policy to regulate activities of the aviation sector. Unveiling the new policy at the public presentation at the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NIMET, headquarters, Abuja, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Odua said the new policy became imperative for safety and security purposes. According to Oduah, the regulatory function would also include monitoring foreign non-scheduled flights and helicopter operations. She said, “Part vii of the policy deals with General Aviation (GA) and provides for measures to generate definite policies, develop regulatory framework and adequate infrastructure to support it. “For reasons of safety and national security, this part focuses on the need to control and monitor all non-scheduled flights operations – including helicopter operations, offshore and onshore in Nigeria as well as the oper-

ation of foreign nonscheduled flight and flying schools.” Represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Aviation Review, Ms Ann Ene-Ita, she said that changes in the sector at global and national levels including likely future development led to the establishment of the new policy. The minister who said that the policy will be reviewed in every five years or as situation demands, expressed optimism that it would be adaptable to new safety security, facilitate growth of domestic airlines as well as strengthen the existing regulatory framework. In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airlines, Capt. Edward Boyo decried the old policy stressing that it created unpleasant scenarios for the private sector and aviation stakeholders. Boyo said the new policy reflected provision for Public Private Partnerships, PPP, private sector involvements as well as favourable business condition for the private sector. The Chief Executive Officer of IRS airline, Ishiaku Rabiu described the

R-L Gov. Peter Obi; Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria, Chris Cooter; Dep. High Commissioner, Marcello Franco and the Canadian Minister of Trade at the Nigerian-Canadian Investement Conference at Toronto, Canada, yesterday He said if the policy is ness greater improvechange as one borne out of courage and determina- fully implemented, the ment. It was gathered that aviation sector will wittion.

Ban Ki-Moon tasks govts to ensure safety of journalists …as Media Rights call for improved welfare BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

ECRETARY General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, yesterday called on govern-

Obi in Canada, describes Nigeria as a Haven for investment

OVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State has described Nigeria as a haven for investment, calling on investors to consider the country for investment if they wanted returns on their investment. He made this call yesterday at the on-going Canadian-Nigerian Investment Conference taking place in Toronto, Canada. Obi who is part of the Federal Government Delegation led by the VicePresident, Arc Namadi Sambo, said that while other continents appear to be saturated in terms of investment opportunity, that Africa remained a virgin land, with her resources both natural and otherwise still largely untapped. His words: “Africa today represents a world of unlimited potentials in terms of investment. I say this because while other continents are either saturated or in various levels of saturation,

Africa remains largely untapped.” Speaking further, Obi said that even among African Countries, that Nigeria was a place to be considering her population, which, according to him, translates, ipso facto, to large market. Beyond Large market, he cited the friendliness and hospitality of Nigerians as another factor worthy of consideration.

through the new policy, the National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is expected to give much attention to controlling and monitoring of all nonscheduled flights operations in the country. The first NCAP was first introduced in 1989. It led to the establishment of the NCAA and Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The 2013 policy which entailed 10 parts identified the need to establish a national safety programme in compliance with the International Civil Aviation (ICAO) safety management standard. The programme is expected to ensure that aviation service providers have adequate safety management.

Though he agreed that the country is facing critical security and infrastructural challenges, he said that all other countries had their own challenges and that one fact that must be admitted was that the country under President Goodluck Jonathan, ably assisted by Arc Namadi Sambo was doing everything possible to overcome those challenges.

ments, societies and individuals to do their utmost to protect the safety of all journalists. The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, “Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media”, highlighted the need for action to upholding the right of journalists to carry out their vital work. In his message during the World Press Freedom Day celebration organized at the United Nations Information Center, Lagos, Ban Ki-Moon said that the event was an opportunity for the United Nations to renew commitment in challenging times. In his words: “The United Nations system has established a Plan of Action on Safety of Journal-

ists and the issue of impunity. The plan aims to raise awareness and to support practical steps to create a free and safe working environment for journalists. “On this World Press Freedom Day, we call on Governments, societies and individuals to do their utmost to protect the safety of all journalists, offline and online. Everyone has a voice; all must be able to speak freely and in safety. “The dangers are not only physical: from cyberattacks to bullying, the powerful are deploying numerous tools to try to stop the media from shedding light on misrule and misdeeds. “Freedom of expression is a fundamental human

right, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is a cornerstone of good governance, sustainable development, and lasting peace and security. Yet every day around the world, journalists and media workers are under attack. They face intimidation, threats and violence.” Ban Ki-Moon noted that over the past decade, more than 600 journalists have been killed and at least 120 in the past year alone, adding that hundreds more have been detained. Expressing concern that so many of the perpetrators escape any form of punishment, he pointed out that assault on journalists is an assault on the right of all.

Removal of roadblocks reduced corruption in police by 80 Per cent, says IGP dental discharges and human rights abuse have through proactive reBy GABRIEL EWEPU, Abuja

HE Inspector Gener al of Police, Mohammed Abubakar yesterday said the removal of roadblocks from the nation’s highways has reduced corruption in the Nigeria Police Force in the past one year after he assumed office.

Abubakar disclosed this during an interaction session at a ‘One Day Roundtable and Dinner’ organized by a non -governmental organization, CLEEN Foundation to mark the post-one year of his being in office. Opining on the removal of roadblocks from highways across the country, Abubakar said it has drastically reduced acci-

eliminated the N20 syndrome, as well as harassment of road users. Abubakar said: “The withdrawal of police roadblocks has reduced 80 per cent corruption in the Nigeria Police These roadblocks were centres of corruption, which dented the image of the Force. With the removal of the roadblocks, the accidental discharge, harassment and

reduced as well. “Measures are put in place for the past one year have led to drastic reduction in complaints against members of the Force, especially extra-judicious killings and N20 syndrome. “In improving police image and enforcement of fundamental human rights, there has been increased media presence

sponse to media and public enquiry, greater synergy between police and other security agencies.” Meanwhile, CLEEN Foundation presented awards to deserving top 10 police stations in the Nigeria who participated in the Altus Police Visitors’ Week, 2012, and whose performance were assessed and met the standards set.

56 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 4, 2013

S part of the on-going reform on capacity building in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the regulatory authority has intensified efforts at ensuring that the necessary long awaited reform is achieved in the Agency and in line with international standard. According to the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi, the only way we can overcome the agency challenges and deliver results to government and Nigerians is to intensify our efforts with good attitude to work. We need to sacrifice our time for service delivery. If we are supposed to sleep eight hours we have to reduce that to four hours in order to show results for the government and people of Nigeria and also our international friends.

NIMASA intensifies effort on capacity building

Our Set Goals Akpobolokemi without mincing words said, our goals are precisely drawn from our mandate anchored in the four point agenda which has to do with capacity building in terms of empowering the local people in their businesses, creation of employment opportunity for Nigerians within the maritime sector(05:12) leveraging on it, training of young men and women in regulated maritime fields so that the human capacity gap can be improved within some period of time and that is why we are establishing maritime university and also channeling more resources into the existing Maritime Academy. We are by law to give five per cent of our statutory three per cent [05:49] levy to the maritime academy. When I took over, they were owed moneys

L-R Interconnect ClearingHouse Chairman, Admiral Allison Madueke, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Eugene Juwah, CEO/MD Airtel, Segun Ogunsanya and Former NCC Chairman, Ernest Ndukwe at the Flag Off of MNP at Muson Centre, recently in Lagos. from 2009, 2010 and there about and as we stand, from 2012 down all those backlogs were cleared and in addition, we went ahead last year to give an intervention fund to the maritime academy, Oron outside the statutory

obligation. This year outside the statutory obligation that we must do, we have an approved budget of two billion intervention fund for MAN, Oron all geared towards building capacity.

Quail Eggs: A super healing ffood ood T

rabbit, e.t.c. He has for sale good species of these animals including large quantity of quail eggs. “British researchers say that quail egg should be pronounced a super-food, as it has a very good impact on our health and even helps to fight obesity. According to nutritionists, the egg as food is one of the richest in good essential ingredients and we all should consume at least two e g g s a d a y. The

Grasscutter familing

Quail eggs, another nutritional value

he Managing Director, Jovana Farms, Prince Arinze Onebunne, has become a role model to many youths and retirees in the country because of his experience in Animal farm, creating minilivestock millionaires. According to him, the industry has thrived in recent years. And for people who want to make ends meat with animal farming, Onebunne advises them to try raising quails for health and wealth. Quails need little water and food and lays an egg a day, he said. “The meat is white, tasty and healthy for consumption, however, the eggs by far is the most important product. Speaking further he said, he helps people to set-up farms for quail, grasscutter, snail, fish,

researchers emphasize the egg’s important role in general health protection as well as losing and maintaining body weight. Quail egg is simply an elixir of life, we all need. “To eat quail eggs as part of a healthy diet, it is recommended that people consume them raw. But a lot of people don’t like the idea. But to make the taste more pleasant you can mix it with orange, tomatoes or pineapple natural juice. Quail eggs Onebunne said, are considered as

one of the best known natural treatment products. Chinese medical practitioners have been using quail eggs for treatment over decades with brilliant results. As quail eggs are slowly becoming an easy to get product on the market, more people are beginning to show interest in its uses as an active natural medicine instead of the chemical products with many side effects. “You may be surprised at how many benefits that come from the simplest foods, and quail eggs is one of nature’s big surprises. Quail eggs are valuable little things that have a number of amazing health benefits, and you may be surprised at how valuable the little eggs can be at keeping you healthy and free of disease and illness. “Quail eggs contain 3 or 4 times as much nutritional value as chicken eggs do, and they are 13% protein while chicken eggs are only 11% per cent. They contain nearly three times as much Vitamin B1as chicken eggs do, and you can get double the amounts of Vitamin B2 and Vitamin A by eating quail eggs. Fertile quail eggs are also very rich in calcium and phosphrous, and you can actually obtain 5 times more potassium and iron from quail eggs than from chicken eggs. Jovana Farms organizes nationwide sensitization training seminars on the practical ways of making it through small scale animal farming. Attend our nationwide seminars nearest to you and know more opportunities in quail and other small animal farming. Visit: www.jovanafarm.com or www.facebook.com/jovanafarm for more details.

Therefore, working to actualize our goals, we are seriously developing more new academies, even though one is having some issues which we are trying to resolve, I mean the one of Badagry. The other one has no problems so we are continuing with activities geared towards construction, bush clearing etc. The idea is to help close the human capacity gap compared to what our contemporaries have. Now in the area of maritime security, Akpobolokemi said, our vision is to make our workers safe and without mincing words, we’ve been able to achieve that largely, particularly in the Lagos area. Now we are seriously moving to the Niger Delta area where some activities that are not too good for the development of the maritime sector [07:42] are on. So that is the area, in the area of oil theft which we are also involved in stopping, we are on top of the matter and we are making progress in collaboration with other security agencies. In marine environment management, we’ve been able to get twelve laws gazetted which has given us the legal authorization in enforcing marine environment laws and as we speak, some vessels deployed in managing marine environment have started coming. In order to help the on-going construction, we have purchased equipment so that we should be able to manage our marine environment. All these things are going on at the same time to give us the desired result. We are not saying that we have gotten where we want to but good steps are being taken to guarantee success in all areas from our mandate. Our achievements My biggest achievement is in the area of human capacity development. Last year we sent over five hundred Nigerian youths for B.Sc programme in maritime fields such as naval architecture, marine engineering, nautical sciences etc. This year also, we have sent more than a hundred and this will be on-going to intensify this drive and with the rate at which we are going I believe in the next ten years at least in Africa, we should be the greatest factor to be reckoned with in terms of human capacity building. When you take that side by side with the amount of resources we are spending on our maritime academy in some years to come, it will ease out the challenges we have with the liquidation of Nigeria National Shipping Line. These are some of the major achievements because you may have the ships, you may have the vessels, you may have everything but without the human capacity operations you may not properly be organised. At least, with what we have been able to put in place in the industry, I believe in a few years to come, our domestic trade would boost our manpower to take over the industry in domestic trade. According to him, what we are trying to do is to establish a culture of transparency in NIMASA, so that it will no longer be business as usual, but deep coherence in running government activities, functions or business and today as I speak, we have the requisite manpower to get the nod of IMO in core things that we are doing because master mariners that hitherto were the major problem, we have them now. We’ve been able to employ the marine engineers, the surveyors that we lacked previously. We’ve got them. So the issue of manpower deficiency is now a thing of the past. So what we have is sufficient enough for us to make a difference locally and internationally. The agency has also succeeded in engaging some youths for employment as part of our success in NIMASA. Today, people become interested in maritime issues in the country because of the level of awareness we have been able to create in villages or communities as we plan to bring more persons to the industry and in time to come, the industry will continue to grow by what is being done today.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013—57

Oshiomhole, democracy and the burden of leadership By Dr. (Deacon) Oserheimen Abulimen

overnor Adams Oshiomhole is committed to turning Edo State around for good, but not without a cost. With the electoral system, the recently conducted local government elections, Oshiomhole has to clean up the Augean stable of previous governments. He is like Moses in the Holy Bible. "...And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.”. The above explained the burden and challenge of leadership Moses faced in the course of leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. It wasn’t an easy task. It is obvious Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is presently in this quagmire. Like Moses, Oshiomhole a misunderstood struggle-monger, is almost becoming a victim of his own creation –One Man, One Vote. A champion of the democratic struggles in Nigeria, a selfless labour leader who sacrificed personal comfort for the common good is now being derided over the last week local government election in Edo state. Like Moses led the children of Israel from bondage, so did Oshiomhole to Edo people. He inspires us alot and we fought together for Nigerian workers and democracy. He fought for workers welfare so as to engender qualitative improvement in the lives of all Nigerians. He, with others struggled for a democracy that would guarantee Nigerians access to quality education, healthcare and good physical infrastructure. These heroes struggled for a country where every Nigerian would have legitimate means of livelihood. They fought for a country that would enhance the productive capacities of every Nigeria, both human and natural. They fought for a country where every Nigerian will live in dignity. Oshiomhole is one man who is a patriotic Nigerian struggling for a united Nigeria and a society where every vote will count. As a Governor, just as in labour unionism, he is still in the struggle for a society where the will of the people, not Godfathers, is the basis of governance.And he hasn’t betrayed this trust. There is no doubt he meant well for Edo people. He preached One Man, One Vote like a puritan politician, if

Gov Adams Oshiomhole

As a Governor, just as in labour unionism, he is still in the struggle for a society where the will of the people, not Godfathers, is the basis of governance any. He cannot be Governor and the same time the Commissioner. He cannot be EDSIEC Chairman neither can he pretend to be. He cannot sit in Osadebey Avenue and at the same time in Uromi for the election. He has told us time without number that he cannot rig election for anybody; what shall it profit him? And so, during and just after the local government elections, some elements best described as criminals, who terrorize the rest of society hijacked the political space, a section of the media and our religious bodies especially, the churches were not spared. They own churches and freely and plant their choice pastors there. I mean the emergence of Godless Churches, Churches that churn heavenly things as piety while being pre-occupied with worldly things.

They encouraged the looting of our commonwealth by public officials, some of whom are made elders in these churches – the more the public official loots, the more prominent he or she becomes in these churches. Similarly, contractors who fail to complete projects (leading to the phenomenon of abandoned projects and the consequent continued underdevelopment of Edo state) while having collected the funds from the treasury, occupy prominent places in these churches. Such churches have nothing in common with the teachings of Jesus. Edo State was in their hands before Oshiomhole came in. It was a state where poverty, inequality, under- and unemployment were on the increase. The majority of our youths and graduates were unemployed. But the situation, since Oshiomhole came on board, has changed. They would be foolish, if they don’t fight back. And so, the opportunity presented itself: late arrival of electoral materials by EDSIEC- they seized it, cashed on it and politicized it. However, let me quickly remind us that we must not forget the general acknowledgement of the decline of education system in the state before Oshiomhole came. We also know that this decline was partly due to the neglect of the education sector by successive governments at the state and local government levels. And that these politicians who shouted hoax masterminded the coup against Edo people in the past. We must not forget

so easily. Be it in terms of road infrastructure, Oshiomhole opened our eyes. We were in a parlous state but today, there is no local government that has not benefited from Oshiomhole’s road gesture. Some will argue, ‘its our collective patrimony’ but don’t forget that some diverted same to private pockets in the past and heavens didn’t fall. We now see extra lanes being constructed along Uselu, Ugbowo, New Benin, Airport Road, and Akpakpava road. We now see street lights in RingRoad, Sapele Road, Sokponba Road, Siloko Road and the magnificent glittering sight to behold in Five junction. We now see red roofs in our public schools across the 18 local government areas, water in difficult terrains and employment of jobless youths. We’ve not had it so good before and we must do everything possible to sustain this tempo. In Oshiomhole’s enlightened self interest, he freed the political space and brought governance down from it’s Olympian height to the ordinary people. Today, anybody can go to Edo State Government House, access the governor, the Commissioners and even lead one man protest to Osadebey Avenue. We all know that, before Oshiomhole, we dare not leave our individual local government areas to be seen in Benin City or Government House; because, if your leader, in this case a Commissioner sights you, it’s either expulsion from the party or a punishment near it. Today, even Oshiomhole’s worst critics attest to the fact that we now have a purposeful and visionary leadership in the state. The Governor is not oblivious of this fact that except good leadership, the political and economic leaders will be consumed by the rot they have created in the c o u n t r y . In effect, good governance and improved social and physical infrastructure as well as inclusive political participation, economic and wealth creation and distribution and retooling of our educational facilities as well as conducting a free and fair local government elections are not only needed by Edo people but some appreciating and encouraging minds can yield more of democratic dividends.Or else, our political Pharaohs will say of us, “they are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in”. Lest we forget that it was also in this wilderness that the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. This is the burden of leadership and that’s why I sympathize with Moses and Oshiomhole. Dr. Deacon Abulimen writes from Uromi, Edo State

58—SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 4, 2013

C M Y K

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, MAY 4,, 2013 — 59

2015 Presidency:

Jonathan should not use state machinery to manipulate another term —Ugolor *Says Ibori should also benefit from state pardon BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN CITY

ev.David Ugolor is a Niger Delta activist and the Executive Director of the African Net work For Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ). In this interview with Saturday Vanguard, Ugolor who was arrested and detained over the murder of the Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, condemned what he described as the attempt to use “Abuja magic” to destroy Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, saying that the move was an attempt to ridicule the Niger Delta struggle. He declared that the amnesty program of the Federal Government was a charade, just as he urged the Federal Government to also grant pardon to former Governor of Delta state, Chief James Ibori in order not to give ethnic coloration to the pardon policy of the Federal Government. Ugolor vows that he will continue to fight for justice with a view to finding the true killers of his bosom friend, Comrade Oyerinde.He spoke about other national issues and the recent Local Government Council election in Edo state. Excerpts: As a Niger Delta activist, how would you reconcile the current war between Governor Rotimi Amaechi and President Jonathan? This is another Abuja magic in display, we are in trouble. Just last week, Femi Falana released a statement where he said there is a gradual move towards dictatorship in Nigeria and an attempt to muzzle opposition groups and free speech. You know Falana cannot just make a statement out of the blues. I raised alarm that this government is not willing to listen to alternative voices.Every attempt to demand justice has been frustrated and the level of impunity today in Nigeria is alarming.It cuts across government sectors and institutions. If you look at the just released human rights report of 2012, it is the same message and the response of this government has been very bad.Yesterday it was me, today it is Amaechi, tomorrow it could be Adams. The Niger state governor also complained recently, so you can

see that there is a gradual trend towards muzzling people with alternative views and even a threat to justice and once there is threat to justice, you cannot talk of the rule of law, you cannot talk of democracy. The Nigerian Governors Forum is a platform for the governors to articulate their positions. They are not arm carriers, the NGF is made up of both governors from the opposition and ruling party and they elected Rotimi Amaechi as their chairman, and all the issues he has been raising are not his personal views. They are consensus issues. Should he now pay a price for that? But you can see that this Abuja magic have brought politics into the NGF and this we condemn out rightly and as if that is not enough, this Abuja Magic which is interpreted as those old politicians who have expired in their states, as soon as they form partnership with the presidency, they try to undermine everything that happens in the states, they portend danger. The on-going politicization of the NGF activities is condemnable, it is unacceptable and as civil society, we cannot keep quiet. They brought the judiciary into who becomes the chairman of PDP in Rivers state, they

•Ugolor...The Nigerian Governors Forum is a platform for the governors to articulate their positions chi is dirty politics in an attempt to undermine some persons as we move towards 2015. It is 2015 politics that is at play. Even at that, does Amaechi not deserve and have the right to aspire to be president of this country? Does any other person from the South-South not have the right to become the president? Now, if you do proper assessment of South-South presidency, what practical benefit has the region benefited from this government?Amaechi raised concern about the East West Road. Who will say that the road is not an issue in the Niger Delta? He said if the federal government cannot handle it, let the South-South governors handle it, is there anything wrong about that? The politics surrounding NGF has to do with 2015 election and we are saying that everybody, every tribe in the region, the Urobhos, Itsekiris, all have the same right to aspire to become president of this country. But as a matter of fact, I am not too concerned about who becomes president because from the example in Edo state, the issue of tribe does not really matter. To

Pardon is now being given to some tribes and some tribes are not given, what is the difference between James Ibori and Diepreye Alamieyeseigha? went to Abuja to get a court ruling, something that could be done in Port Harcourt. It is an attempt to muzzle Governor Amaechi and I think Nigerians should rise up against it. If the President wants to contest in 2015, the first thing he should do is to engage all stakeholders from the region, particularly the NGF. I don’t think anybody who wants to be the president of Nigeria should be fighting Amaechi who is the Chairman of the NGF because his position is that of the NGF. They are playing dirty politics. Look at the delay or seizure of the Rivers State aircraft. The differences between the President and Amae-

a large extent, if Oshiomhole was to contest on the basis of ethnicity, he may not even become a councillor in the state. But the people of Edo believed that ethnic background is not the issue but who is able to deliver.Let me tell you, if an opinion poll is carried out in the region today, people are not happy with the current presidency of Goodluck Jonathan. The so called SouthSouth presidency is a ruse, no benefit has come to the region and I think we have a responsibility to begin to articulate views that will help to advance the course of our people. The fact that less than one per

cent of those who believe in arms are currently in comfort zone with the present government does not take away our own right to ventilate our concerns and as an Urhobo person, I have a right to articulate issues that will advance my tribe in the region. The fact that we don’t carry arms in the region, does not mean we are stupid because we have our own vision. Presidential pardon Pardon is now being given to some tribes and some tribes are not given, what is the difference between James Ibori and Diepreye Alamieyeseigha? As a matter of fact, Alamieyeseigha also have an international dimension to his corruption. That is why I want appeal to the international community that they should not play into the hands of this government because this government’s so called anti-corruption crusade is wrapped up in tribal sentiments. So, when this government said they were cooperating with the British government to bring Ibori to justice, it was a ruse. The British government is wiser. Few months ago, Tinubu was being paraded before the Code of Conduct Tribunal because of his strong views. Look, we all have responsibilities to defend this democracy. Left alone, I don’t think Jonathan would have become the president of this country if not for Nigerians who fought doggedly. We also have the right to disagree with him. Anybody from the Niger Delta who has been driving along the East-West road would not be happy with the pace of work there and I don’t think that can fetch him votes from there.Let him not be deceived, Abuja Magic cannot say who will be president in 2015. It is what you are able to do, and what he is able to deliver to the region that will be the basis for who becomes what. Violence is not exclusive to any particular tribe, now that the federal government is dealing with only those who carry arms, the fact that Urhobos do not carry arms, the fact that the Ogonis do not carry arms does not mean they are stupid. Look at the billions of naira that has been sunk into amnesty which would have been

used to build infrastructure, this is fraud. Less than one per cent of the people in the Niger Delta are the ones benefiting from the amnesty. This government has not been able to justify the billions it has spent on the people of the area to justify the sacrifices the people have made, the sacrifices made by Ken Saro Wiwa and the Ogoni eight and the sacrifices by other tribes in the region. You cannot appropriate such for just one tribe. I think the presidency is heading for disaster in the region and every tribe has the right to defend its own. Governor Amaechi comes from a tribe and every tribe has the right to aspire to be president of the country. Edo council election It is still the case of Abuja magic, I will comment on the post election; I congratulate the Edo State government for conducting the election because it was done because of the agitation of Edo people that they needed a democratically elected local government administration and the government responded and election have held. At least, there is a general consensus that election was held and issues arose. Although I didn’t monitor the election, my colleagues did and from my own appraisal, the key lessons we must learn is that there are areas we must improve on, but the idea that the election should be cancelled is unacceptable, we must move forward. People have invested resources, elections have been organised and people have won and some have lost and the constitution is clear that when you lose an election, you can approach the court. The court is there and we will monitor the court process as civil society groups to ensure that the judiciary does its part. I also condemn the violence that erupted, people should not see election as do or die affair, election should be for service. When you don’t win election, go and do other things. We must commend the Edo state government for seeing reasons; for listening to the agitation of the people that election should be conducted and then there is the logistic challenge. I think the idea of printing our materials abroad is not acceptable. We must internalise because apart from the capital outflow, we must learn to trust ourselves. I understand the challenge of the material not being hijacked but I think they should improve on it in future so that those things can be printed here. On one year anniversary of Olaitan Oyerinde One year after, the president of this country has failed again. It is becoming increasingly clear who killed Olaitan. There is no doubt about it. But what they wanted to do was to rope me in and close the case but it is now clear. It was the President that ordered the investigation into the killing and after almost a year, nothing has happened to the extent that a sitting governor, Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state had an altercation with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice who lied to Nigerians.

60 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 4, 2013

Oshiomhole keen to resuscitating Afuze games village — Osifo *Vows to bring back Edo sports glory

OEdo State Commissioner for Youths, Sports morede Osifo is the

and Social Mobilisation. Recently she had an exclusive chat with Saturday Vanguard’s ISAAC OLAMIKAN where she revealed plans by the state government to revive the sports in the state and also ensure that sports development in the state is in tune with the developmental strides of the state under the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole administration. EXCERPTS:

What are you doing to ensure that Edo State regain its pride of place in the sporting arena? Yes, we are working hard to make sure that the state regains its prime position in sports. Like you rightly said, the old Bendel State used to be the number one in sports. When the state was split into Edo and Delta States, the two states engaged in stiff competition. However, over the years Edo State has not been doing as good as we all expected. That is why the Comrade Governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole brought me to this ministry to see what I can do to move sports forward in the state. He is a lover of sports and he wants to see the state does well in all areas of sports. We are trying as much as we can to bring back those glorious years that you talk about. For instance, we want to bring back the Ogbe Hardcourt, an international tennis championship that was hosted by the state some years ago. In line with this, we are reaching out to corporate bodies to solicit their support because the government cannot do it alone. The state-owned football team, Bendel Insurance, have not being doing well. We have been having series of meetings to see how we can make them get better. We want to know what their problems are and what they are expecting to get and they are not getting. We want to ensure that they move from the lower league to the more prestigious premier league. We are planning also to have inter-school competition in the state

where you have all the schools in the state showcasing their talents. From this, we will discover new talents that can be groomed to do the state proud in future national competitions. We are also trying to organize a sports festival where new talents can be discovered and prepared for the next National Sports Festival. We are having meetings with the sportsmen and women too to identify what their needs are, to fish out the truants, that is those who ought to be in the state but are actually in other states but collect salary from Edo State. This staff verification is meant to stop those who are benefiting from the state coffers but are not working fully for the state. The state governor by rewarding those who did the state proud in the l a s t National Sports Festival has motivated them and others to put in more effort in the future. We are also planning a sports tournament to be tagged Edo Governor’s Cup. We are also giving our fem a l e football team, the Inneh Queens, all the support they need to enable them do well nationally. The state is renowned for having sporting facilities but all of them are now in deplorable state. What are you doing to revive them? Over the years, before the Comrade Governor came into office, most of the facilities you are talking about had been abandoned. For instance, one of such facilities which is situated at the Technical College has been abandoned for about 20 years now. When I went there on a facility tour, we discovered that the place has been turned to a thick

f o r e s t . We are trying to recover these facilities, bring them back to life. The governor has shown that he is keen on bringing such facilities like the Afuze Games Village back to life. The revival of these facilities will reduce the pressure on the Ogbemudia Stadium as everything seems to be concentrated there at the moment. Edo State at the moment does not have elite sportsmen and women unlike what obtained in the old Bendel State? You only get elite sportsmen and women when you have identified those that have good potentials and you work on them to bring out the potentials. We want to work on those athletes in sports with large medal hauls in major championships. It is from this set of athletes we are certain to get the elite sportsmen you are referring to. What is the state government doing to recognize past sports stars that brought honour to the state? Nothing like that has been done in the state but we are planning something soon. We are doing this to encourage those who are wearing the state colours to feel proud and put in more for the state. For instance, recently, when Victor Oduah, former captain of the Eagles and Bendel Insurance died, we made a pronouncement that henceforth such sports stars will be given the honour they deserve. Also we will be organizing a yearly football match in his (Oduah’s) honour.

Golden league suspension stuns athletes Most Nigerian homebased athletes are remorseful after the Athletics Federation of Nigeria suspended the Golden League series last weekend. The athletes caused a stir at the University of Benin Sports complex when they refused to compete, despite pleas from athletics officials for them to reconsider their demands, which included cancellation of the standards set for them by the AFN and also payment of allowances to all eight finalists. Subsequently the meet was suspended by the AFN. The athletes were stunned by the declaration. They argued among themselves why they had to prolong the matter after making their point

known to the AFN officials. “I think we went too far. Honestly speaking most of us are here for the money. And because some of us are lazy, we are grumbling about the standards. Otherwise, what is 10.49 that we can’t achieve,” said sprinter, Ogho-Oghene Egwero Patience Okoro, a veteran, stated that it was regrettable that her colleagues did not stop after the AFN acknowledged their demands. “Most of us come to the meet, hoping to get something in return, but we have nothing. However, since we made our observation known to them we should have competed. Now look, there will be no more competition.”

According to hammer thrower, Queen Obisesan, the suspension of the meet will affect those who are looking to compete and improve on their ratings. “It is sad what had happened. When I was in Germany, I paid to compete in meets. Some of us here cannot afford to stay in Europe, that is why we come to Nigeria to compete. Now where do we go?” Cross River athletics coach, Earnest Tshe lamented the action of the athletes. He said that the AFN was doing them a favour organizing the meet. “What is it about the standard they can’t achieve? It means that they are lazy, they need to work hard if they want to become world elite athletes.”

*Racing... (from right) Obinna Metu, Ogho-Oghene Egwero and Fred OvieAgbaje vying for honours. BY ISAAC OLAMIKAN

Athletics Federation of Nigeria technical director, Omatsheye Nesiama has urged home-based Nigerian athletes to get serious if they were to make any impact in their careers. This is coming at the heels of last Saturday’s boycott of the Golden League by athletes who were demanding for the meet standards to be lowered. Nesiama, a Nigeria Navy Commodore, stated that it was disheartening that athletes could be pulling themselves backwards when the federation is trying to uplift their standards. “ If at this stage our athletes cannot run 10.49 in the 100m, it means we are not serious. When a youth athlete in this country ran 10.5m in the 100m its absurd that our senior athletes are complaining that we are pushing them too far by asking that they should run the same distance in a lesser time. We’ll not accept it,” Commodore Nesiama

NESIAMA: Our athletes need to get serious said. He disclosed that in suspending the golden league the federation has decided to channel the funds to grooming youth athletes especially considering that they (the young athletes) have continued to show signs that they are ready to take the stage by storm. “They will be the ones that will be on stage by 2016. So, why don’t we give them the grooming they deserve to make it when it

matters most. Majority of the senior athletes are not thinking in terms of achieving international success or national prestige, what they are after is money. So, our salvation lies in the young ones who are rearing to go,” he asserted. Nesiama allayed fears that the action of the athletes will discourage the sponsors from participating in future programmes of the federation.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

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Vanguard MA Y 4, 2013—61 MAY

62—SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 4, 2013

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SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

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Vanguard MA Y 4, 2013—63 MAY

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 4, 2013

Rangers will score in Angola, says Emordi D

ESPITE the likely absence of Sunday Mba and Emeka Ezeh in today’s CAF Champions League tie between Enugu Rangers and Club Recreativo Libolo in Lu-

anda, coach Okey Emordi stated that his wards are capable of turning the tables against the Angolan side. The first leg ended goalless in Enugu and

NFF makes U-turn on CHAN N

IGERIA Football Federation may have rescinded its decision to pull out of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) billed for South Africa next year. Nigeria, despite its status as a power house in African football have not featured in the championship with two editions gone by. Last month, NFF officials hinted that Nigeria will not be represented in the third edition due to financial constraints. The NFF was criticised for taking that backward decision, most especially after the Super Eagles won the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa. The first round qualifier for the tournament is billed for the weekend of June 21. Nigeria was drawn to face Cote’d Ivoire and according to an official of the NFF, Nigeria could still host Cote’d Ivoire in the first leg as the federation has not written to CAF, signifying the country’s withdrawal. “The NFF is yet to officially communicate CAF of their position on the CHAN qualifier. “We have not given up on the Eagles participation. We are hoping that we can raise the money to ensure that the efforts of the federation in camping these home boys in the last one year are not in vain. “You would agree with me that we are yet to make an impact in the CHAN. It’s not a thing of pride that Nigeria have not featured in CHAN since its inception,” the official told mtnfootball.com The NFF technical committee chairman Chris Green had informed that the federation will about N120m to prosecute each qualification match.

CRUNCH TIME... Rangers player Ukeachi (M) dribbles Libolo FC player of Angola during their first leg CAF Champions League in Enugu. Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire

Okpekpe Race: Road runners ready to roll E

THIOPIAN and Kenyan long distance runners together with their Nigerian counterparts are set to compete in the maiden Okpekpe road race, which takes off this morning in Okpekpe, Edo State. The 10km race is parading a strong field of East Africa runners who will be vying for the 50,000 dollars total prize money on offer. These athletes include Deriba Merga, Tilahum Regassa, Abere Chane Lema, Sofia Shemsu and Salam Abere Alebachew from Ethiopia, while Moses Masai, Yusuf Biwott, Fredrick Kipchumba, Betty Chep-

Today’s matches ENGLAND Swansea v Man City 3:00 pm Tottenham v Southampton 3:00 pm West Brom v Wigan 3:00 3.pm West Ham v Newcastle 3:00 pm QPR v Arsenal 5:30 pm SPAIN Real Madrid v Valladolid 5.00 pm Deportivo v Atletico Madrid 7.00pm GERMANY Werder Bremen v TSG Hoffenheim 12.30 pm Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich 3.30pm

leting and Georgia Rono from Kenya. Some of these athletes have made their mark in the world marathon circuit and they are expect to fuel the rivalry between the two nations that have dominated world long distance running over the years. Local athletes are not left out. A team of Nigerian long distance runners have been in camp in

Afuze, Edo State preparing to give the visiting elite athletes a fight and according to incumbent president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Solomon Ogba the Okpekpe road race will help reignite athletics in Nigeria and also open up the serene Okpekpe town the highest point in Edo State to the world. “We are excited by the

AFN to organize the first road race in this part of the world. For me we have no apologies as some people say we want to showcase the road to Okpekpe is beautiful. We actually want to show there is life in rural Nigeria. Edo State governor, Adams Oshomole and other top dignities are expected to grace the event.

Emordi is hopeful that their goal scoring touch, which deserted them in the first leg will come back to hurt Libolo. Emordi who won the champions league with Enyimba in 2004 is hinging his optimism on Rangers’ goal scoring spree against Kano Pillars last weekend. “The massive League victory against Kano Pillars is a prelude or dress rehearsal of what to expect in Angola against Clube Recreativo Desportivo (CRD) do Libolo. “I’m happy the goals that deserted us when we hosted the Angolan side have suddenly resurfaced. We hope to re-enact the feat in Angola.” Rangers were forced to drop Mba and Ezeh on Thursday when they departed for Angola. The players’ traveling documents got trapped at the German Embassy where they were deposited by the Super Eagles handlers as they planned a training camp in Germany ahead of the Confederation Cup in Brazil. Mba who was eager to star for Rangers after he was released by Warri Wolves said that it was regrettable that he could not make the trip to Angola. Also missing is midfielder, Ugonna Uzochukwu. He picked up two yellow cards against Vital’O of Congo DR and also against Libolo in the first leg. Rangers, Nigeria’s only surviving club on the continent this year, need a win or a draw to advance to the money-spinning group phase of the Champions League.

•Deriba Merga

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Across 1 Sudanese Capital City – (8) 5 L.G.A in Rivers State – (4) 7 Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin – (9) 9 L.G.A in Niger State – (5) 10 State in Nigeria – (7) 13 Assistance – (3) 14 town in Lagos State – (4) 16 Period of Twelve Months – (4) 19 He invented the Sewing Machine, Edward – (4) 21 Former PDP National Chairman, Solomon – (3) 22 Kogi West PDP Senator, Smart – (7) 24 Former Benue State Governor, Ishaya – (5) 26 Marketing Manager, Harp Lager Plc, Cherry – (9) 28 Famous Metal – (4) 29 L.G.A in Osun State – (8) Down 1 Burkina Faso “Stallions: Defender, Bakary – (4)

2 West Ham United Manager, Sam – (9) 3 Country in Africa – (7) 4 Super Eagles Midfielder, Sunday – (3) 5 Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius – (5) 6 Former Nigerian Vice President, Alhaji Atiku – (8) 8 Amphibian – (4) 11 Qatari Capital City – (4) d12 Kano Pillars Goalkeeper, Theophilus – (9) 13 L.G.A in Bauchi State – (8) 15 Musical Instrument – (4) 18 Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Peter Godsday – (7) 20 Linear Measurement Unit – (4) 23 Country in Asia – (5) 25 Story – (4) 27 Ocean – (3)

SOLUTION on page 60

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