28 persons killed,20 houses razed, As gunmen attack two villages in Zamfara

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2 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014—3

Ondo: Ilaje/Ese-Odo by-election holds today

By Dayo Johnson Akure

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ODAY’S by- election to fill the vacant seat of the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo state is going to be a battle of strength between the ruling Labour Party ,LP, led by Governor Olusegun Mimiko and the opposition parties- Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, and All Progressive Congress, APC. Although INEC indicated that seven political parties: All Progressive Congress (APC); Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) and the ruling Labour Party (LP); Advance Congress of Democrats (ACD); People for Democratic Change (PDC); Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA)will field candidates in the election, only three are dominant.

Two of the parties LP and PDP are “desperate” to win this election to make a political statement ahead of the 2015 Presidential election. Despite the fact that it is taking place in only two of the 18 council areas of the state, it is not going to be a tea party.

However, today’s election is going to be the fourth by-election that Governor Mimiko, popularly known as the Iroko of Ondo Politics, would use to test his strength with the opposition parties in the state.

Iroko has always floored the opposition parties to show that he is fully in charge of the politics of the state.

But today’s by election which is sequel to the untimely death of Hon Rapheal Nomiye may be tough for Iroko.

This is because two of the parties involved in the election LP and PDP are out to use the outcome of today’s poll to make a statement ahead of the 2015 general election.

While the PDP led by the likes of Presidential Adviser on Amnesty Kingsley Kuku and former governorship candidate, Olusola Oke would want to impress President Goodluck Jonathan that the party is still alive and can still be relevant in the coming poll. But Governor Mimiko will want to again show his supremacy over the opposition parties, therefore endearing himself to the President as someone to be relied on in 2015.

Kuku sees today’ s election as a serious one hence he mobilised the likes of the Defence Minister of State, Musuliu Obanikoro and the War Lord, Asari Dokubo to the riverine area to give him moral support and to address the party’s final rally last Thursday.

But Iroko in his reaction believes that God is in charge and will see him through this battle.

Reports had it that Mimiko in his usual way of not taking things for granted has relocated to the oil rich communities where the election will hold to drum up support for the candidate of the party and showcase the numerous projects done by his administration. All political appointees from the constituencies have returned to their roots for the poll.

It will be an understatement to say that the election will be tough as both parties see the election as a must win for their parties.

Interestingly, the three candidates of the parties jostling for the seat are of Ilaje origin. So, head or tail whichever party that wins, it is sure that the seats

PDP- Kukute; LP- Akinjo and APC- Omojuwa will remain in their kitty.

The ruling Labour Party is fielding Kolade Akinjo who hails from the Mahin/Etikan / Aheri axis of the Ilaje community; the All Progressive Congress candidate, Chief Adewale Omojuwa hails from Ugbo axis while the Peoples Democratic Party picked Adewale Kukute who also hails from Mahin.

Akinjo was an aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Omojuwa was a former chairman of the Ondo state Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) while Kukute was also a Commissioner in the Commission and presently the coordinator of SURE-P in the Southern part of the state.

Of the three candidates, that of the APC, Chief Omojuwa may not show much strenght in the poll following

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He was said to have been preferred as a result of the love the people of the area have for him with the expectation that this will turn out to be an advantage for the party, moreso his present position as the Coordinator of the SURE-P in the area of today’s election.

The LP candidate, Kolade Akinjo was a Special Adviser to President Obasanjo on Youths’ Affairs. His choice was unanimous and his popularity cuts across the three political parties. Even the physically challenged persons have vowed to give their votes to the youthful candidate.

Akinjo was strategically picked to boost the party’s chances of winning as he is also popular among the youths in the constituency.

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard on

Today’s election is going to be the fourth by- election that Governor Mimiko, popularly known as the Iroko of Ondo Politics, would be using to test his strength with the opposition parties in the state. Iroko has always floored the opposition parties to show that he is fully in charge of the politics of the state the internal wrangling occasioned by his emergence as the party’s candidate. It’s not clear if the leadership of the party has been able to reconcile him with other aspirants that contested for the primaries.

However, Omojuwa is the best of all the aspirants of the APC that contested for the primaries following his antecedents in OSOPADEC . But others feel otherwise.

Even the state executive members of the APC in the state are not whole heartedly in support of his course as the party failed to organise a rally but the candidate prefers a house to house campaign.

It is obvious that Omojuwa is not in this election from all indications.

The candidate of PDP, Chief Kukute who is a Mathematician would be riding on the backs of the leaders of the party such as Kuku and Olusola Oke to make an impact in the poll.

Kukute however was said to be the secondary school teacher of the LP candidate in the election Kolade Akinjo many years back.

his chances, Omojuwa said he was confident of winning the election, noting that his track record while leading the intervention agency would speak for him.

Omojuwa said the APC has mobilised through house to house campaign and that the result of the election will shock the ruling LP to its foundation.

The former OSOPADEC boss said the people of the areas cannot be deceived by the fire brigade incentives hurriedly brought by the state government.

He said the constituencies have been neglected by the ruling government since its inception.

On his part, Akinjo said the Labour Party had everything that is required to win election in the area and was confident that the people would vote for him.

Akinjo said the Labour Party had in the last few years contributed to the development of the two local government areas that constitute the federal constituency.

He listed the projects executed in the areas to include Mega Schools;

Igbokoda international market; the asphalting of the Igbokoda-Ayetoro road and implementation of the Abiye Safe Motherhood programme.

The LP candidate added that winning the election would not be determined by his being a member of the LP, adding that he had supporters base across the major political parties, student bodies and professional bodies in the area.

He however said he was ready to contribute to the development of the area using his wealth of experience and connection.

The PDP candidate, Kukute said his party would floor the other political parties going by the “ obvious fact that the constituency is the stronghold of the PDP. ” We are not losing any sleep. We will coast home to victory today.”

Also, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh at the Party’s rally in Igbokoda threatened to punish any of its members that collaborate with the opposition party against the interest of the party’s candidate.

Metuh declared that the election is about the control of the soul of the National Assembly and the nation. He said any leader of the party that collects money from the opposition and works against the interest of the party would not live to enjoy the money.

He said he and other NWC members were in the state on the instruction of President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu .

Meanwhile the two leading parties, LP and PDP have bickered over the election.First to fire the salvo was the PDP which alleged that the LP plans to rig the election in collaboration with security operatives and militants.

The party’s state Chairman, Ebenezer Alabi listed the rigging devices to include delay in release of ballot materials to the strong units of the opposition parties, cancellation/ invalidation of results of units with overwhelming votes for the opposition parties and creation of false alarm of insecurity to relocate collation centre to Akure.

The party also alleged general monetisation of the electoral process by the leaders and other strategic stakeholders.

But the Labour Party LP in a swift

4 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

Gunmen attack two villages in Zamfara •Kill 28 persons, 20 houses razed

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WO villages in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara

State were attacked yesterday afternoon, killing 28 people .

FG appeals judgment on Sanusi

BY INNOCENT ANABA Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and wife, Unoma, waving to the crowd at the venue of Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency Town Hall Meeting yesterday.

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HE Federal Govern ment, yesterday, asked the Court of Appeal sitting

Police deploy 3,000 officers for Ondo by-election

BY DAYO JOHNSON AKURE

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OLICE authorities in Ondo state have deployed 3,000 officers

to maintan law and order in today’s by-election in Ilaje /Ese Odo Federal Constituency of the state.

Spokesman of the Command Wole Ogodo said yesterday in Akure.

that the command was fully ready to ensure that the election is violencefree.

According to him, “ the Command has fully prepared for this election.We have deployed over 3,000 officers and men to the

places where the election would be held and our men are also battleready to tackle any act of thuggery and violence during and after the election “ He appealed to the politicians to shun all acts that can cause violence at the election, saying whoever is caught causing trouble will be adequately dealt with by the police.

The by- election was sequel to the death of Hon Rapheal Nomiye representing the constituency in the House of Representatives.

Nomiye died in November last year.

Seven political parties are contesting in today’s election but only three are dominant.

They include Labour party which is fielding Kolade Akinjo; PDP, fielding Adewale Kukute and APC’s Adewale Omojuwa.

in Lagos, to set aside the judgment of a Federal High Court in Lagos, which held that seizure and withdrawal of the passport of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, was illegal and a breach of his fundamental right to freedom of movement.

The lower court judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba had in his judgment in the suit by Sanusi, seeking to restrain the police and the Department of State Services, DSS,from infringing on his fundamental human rights, following his detention and seizure of his passport at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos on the day he was removed as the CBN governor, ordered the government to return his seized international passport to him.

The lower court also ordered that the government should apologise to the embattled suspended CBN governor and consequently awarded him N50 million as exemplary damages for the embarrassment caused him by the seizure.

But in the appeal filed by counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, the Federal Government is asking the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment of the lower court.

Anambra: Ngige insists Voters’ register for 2013 election was flawed

BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

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HE governorship can didate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in last year’s election in Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige insisted yesterday that there was massive mutilation of the voters’ register used for the election.

Ngige, under cross examination by the counsel for INEC, APGA and Governor Willie Obiano at yesterday’s sitting, said he did not com-

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plain about the register used for the senatorial election in 2011 which he won because it was not as bad.

He however admitted that he was duly accredited and later voted at his Nkwo- Ide Square polling unit of Alor Ward 1 in Idemili South Local Government Area and remained there till about 3 pm when the result was announced.

Ngige said he received complaints from his agents in other parts of the state orally, voice and SMS telephone messages which gave him the situation report.

The attacks took place at around 12:00 noon, local time, yesterday in Maitsaba and Birnin-Tsaba villages in the Zurmi local government area of the state.

In recalling the incidents, the Chairman of Zurmi local government , Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed Gurbin-Bore, told newsmen yesterday in Gusau, that the Gunmen were seen dressed in Nigerian Military uniforms, and riding about 50 motorcycles. The gunmen encircled the agrarian villages, and began shooting sporadically.

Along with the 28 people who were killed, 20 houses were burnt, with essential grains harvested by the local farmers destroyed.

Zurmi local government is about 100 km from Gusau, the Zamfara state capital, and home to the Inspector General of Police, M.D Abubakar, and Minister of Defence, Aliyu Mohammed Gusau.

As at press time, no group has claimed responsibility for the two attacks.

Former Enugu Deputy Speaker Ali, is dead

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ORMER Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon Linus Ali, 59, (Aliphem) is dead.

Ali’s first son, Ikechukwu confirmed his father ’s death in Enugu yesterday.

Late Ali who retired from the police before joining politics, represented the Igboeze North 1 Constituency in the assembly between 1999 and 2003.

He will be buried at his home town at Umuossai, Onicha Enugu Ezike in Igboeze North Local Government on May 2, 2014, after a funeral mass at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Onicha Enugu-Ezike. Left to mourn him include his wife Evelyn and nine children among several other relations.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5 , 2014 — 5

Slaughtered Fulani herdsmen not insurgents — Gov. Almakura

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI AND ABEL DANIEL

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OVERNOR Umaru Tanku Almakura yesterday condemned the killing of some Fulani herdsmen by soldiers in Keana Local Government Area of the state Thursday saying that those killed were not insurgents, describing the action as uncalled for.

Almakura spoke at the palace of His Royal Highness, the Osana of Keana, Emmanuel Elayo, during a condolence visit to the affected community in Keana.

This was coming against the backdrop of allegations by the Amnesty International that ‘’more than 1500 people were killed in the armed conflict in the northeastern Nigeria in early 2014'’ by troops under questionable circumstances, describing it as human rights abuses.

The Defence Headquarters, however, promised yesterday that it would investigate the allegation of human rights abuses against suspected terrorists by troops, even as it said the claim was confounding as due process had always been observed in dealing with insurgents in line with international best practices.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade.

However, Governor Al-makura faulted the operation by the troops saying that their failure to liaise with the stakeholders in the community before carrying out the attack was wrong. ’’The Fulani herdsmen were gathered in a funeral ceremony of one of their elders when the soldiers invaded them and started shooting and killing them in just about a hundred meters away from the town. They were crying and wailing that they were mourning the death of their elderly man, but the soldiers would not hear but shot nine of them at the spot and later killed six men within the neighbourhood.

“But what we are hearing is that they were insurgents. They could not have been insurgents because every citizen here including the Ardo who is the leader of the Fulani settlement here is a member of Keana. The Ardo is one of the members of the community- based peace committee who has participated actively in the reconciliation between the Tiv and Fulani herdsmen in the state.

“The insurgents are in the forest from where they operated in places like Benue, Kogi and Adamawa. These ones here could not have been the terrorists. We must investigate diligently the circumstances surrounding this operation that led to the death of these innocent herdsmen,” Al-

makura said.

He however appealed to the Fulani to remain calm and avoid taking laws into their hands as efforts shall be made to ensure that justice was done.

Replying, the Osana of Keana, Dr. Elayo regretted the ugly incident saying that those who were killed by soldiers were not insurgents but members of his community who had been living in the area for the past 20 years.

According to Elayo, “when I heard about the killings, I called the Commissioner of Police but he told me that his men were not part of the operation. I also called

the soldiers stationed in Keana but they said their superiors ordered them to remain in the station and that they would not violate the order.

“Let the government help us bring back the deserted Tiv who were chased out of Keana and had their yam produce destroyed by insurgents. Let them come back and do their farm work. If not, there would soon be hunger in Nasarawa State.”

Saturday Vanguard also observed that the deserted Tiv communities in Keana had been taken over by Fulani herdsmen at the time of visit to the area as

angry youths in Keana protested to Governor Almakura asking him to send soldiers away from their community.

They also insisted that they preferred the police to soldiers. Normalcy is however, gradually returning to the area as people were seen going about their businesses.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquaters has countered the allegations by Amnesty International that more than 1,500 were killed in armed conflict in North-Eastern Nigeria in early 2014. It doubted the serious allegations of human right

Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero speaking at a one-day retreat on implementation of the state approved 2014 budget held on Thursday. With him are the Deputy Governor Nuhu Audu Bajoga and Deputy Speaker.

abuses in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.The Director of Defence Information, Major General Olukolade said, ‘’This report is a new dimension to the wellknown fact that the security operation in that part of the country was necessitated by the need to address the gross abuse of human rights being perpetrated against Nigerians by the terrorists.

“It is noteworthy that despite the peculiar asymmetric nature of the security challenge, measures have been put in place to ensure compliance with tenets of human rights and rules of engagement by troops involved in the conduct of the mission.

“It is in this respect that most of those apprehended in the counter-terrorist operations are kept in custody. These detention facilities have been visited by Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and others to verify the conditions of detainees.

“This is even in the face of destruction of relevant amenities by the terrorists who have burnt down prisons, courts and government facilities in that part of the country in the course of their ceaseless attacks.

“The claim contained in the Amnesty International’s report attributing gross abuses of human rights of Nigerians to both the terrorists and the security forces is quite confounding.”

Defection: 37 APC lawmakers ask court to stay judgment

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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N a bid to retain their seats, 37 lawmakers whose seats are currently under threat at the House of Representatives, yesterday, filed a motion seeking to stay the execution of the Abuja Federal High Court judgment that asked them to vacate their offices.

It will be be recalled that Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the High Court, in his judgment, urged the lawmakers to honourably resign from office, having defected to the All Progressive Congress, APC, even though they were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Justice Ademola further held that by virtue of their defection, the lawmakers, stripped themselves of the powers to vote or contribute to motions before the House of Representatives.

It was the decision of the court that in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigerian, as amended, the de-

fected lawmakers, even if in the majority, cannot effect change in the current leadership of the House. Specifically, the high court, said they have no moral or legal ground to remain in the House of Reps, stressing that they were only holding a mandate that was bequeathed to them by the PDP, in trust.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers, in an appeal endorsed by eighteen of them, yesterday, sought for a stay of execution of the judgment, pending the resolution of all the legal issues.

Those that applied for suspension of the judgment yesterday were Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe; Abdulmumin Jibrin; Abdulahi Wamako; Aliyu Patigi; Ahmed Zerewa; Aishatu Ahmed; Aiyedun Olayinka; Alhassan Garba; Aliyu Mandaki; Aliyu Shehu and Aminu Shagari.

Others were Aminu Suleiman; Aminua Tukur; Andrew Uchendu; Asita Honourable; Bashir Babale; Blessing Usiegbe and Dakuku Peterside.

In their six grounds of appeal, the appellants, contended that the trial judge, erred in law

when in spite of the objection and clear lack of jurisdiction of the court over the subject matter of the suit, assumed jurisdiction and determined the matter on its merits.

Besides, they argued that the trial judge erred in law and lacked jurisdiction when he ordered the appellants to vacate their seats as members of the House. Accusing the Judge of exhibiting biased tendencies while the matter lasted, the appellants, insisted that Justice Adeniyi, sacrificed objectivity and breached their fundamental rights to fair hearing.

More so, the embattled lawmakers, are seeking for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Clerk, from preventing or interfering in any way with their rights to participate in any of the official, plenary or other business of the House of Representatives.

The motion for stay filed by

their counsel, Mr. Sabastine Hon, SAN, disclosed that already, the House of Representatives has started making moves to compel the lawmakers to vacate their seats as members of the House of Representatives.

In a 22 paragraphs affidavit in support of the motion, the applicants, averred that they were elected by their constituents to represent them in the House of Representatives on a term of four years respectively which is still running.

They maintained that if they cease to so represent their constituents, there will be no representation of the interest of those constituents in the House.

“That the process of further amending the1999 constitution is in progress; and if not restrained, the respondents may hinder the appellants from participating in the process”, they added.

They further averred that the amendment of the constitution requires 2/3 majority; and if they are not permitted to participate in the process, the requisite 2/3 majority may not be attained.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

Police uncover baby factory in Asaba *Arrest 40 year-old proprietress

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA, Asaba

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EN of the Delta State police command have smashed a baby factory at the outskirts of Asaba, arresting a 40year-old woman who runs the factory.

Conducting newsmen around the sealed factory yesterday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Celestina Kalu said, “Today, (4/4/14) at about 1030 hours, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO ‘B’ Division Asaba received information that a habitual human trafficker, one Chinelo Ezeugo, female, aged about 40 years at Oko market area Asaba recruits unknown pregnant women and delivers them of their babies for sale.

“Operatives of the Division were mobilized and they swung into action and on reaching the scene, five pregnant women from different parts of the country

and four children namely Ibrahim Usman, 5 years; Usman Mohammed 2 years ; Chidera Okechkwu

5 years and Abigal Ezeugo 1 year were rescued. The human dealer was also arrested”.

Heavy security presence in Yenagoa ahead of Jonathan’s daughter’s wedding

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA, Yenagoa

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HERE was heavy se curity presence in Yenagoa and its environs yesterday ahead of today’s wedding ceremony of President Jonathan’s adopted daughter.

Armed security operatives were stationed at strategic points along the major highways leading to the state capital as well as the roads to Otuoke, the President’s hometown.

Some of the roads including that leading to the Yenagoa residence of

the President at the Kpansia suburb were shut to traffic from the Isaac Boro expressway end.

Residents in such areas were forced to go through the Melford Okilo road to access their homes.

Also, more policemen and officials of the FRSC were drafted to the major highways to help control the high volume of traffic on the roads.

Some motorists coming from Edepie axis of Yenagoa were forced to make a detour around Opolo to link the Elebele road before connecting the Sani Abacha expressway.

Minister of Labour Chukwemeka Wogu cutting the tape at the Commissioning of Medical and Health Lodge flanked on the left by National President Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abdulwaheed Omar, National President Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, (MHWUN), Comrade Ayuba Wabba (right) and others during the commissioning in Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

Shettima sacks Commissioner, three Special Advisers

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

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OVERNOR Kashim Shettima has yesterday relieved the Borno state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Mr. Inuwa Bwala of his position as member of the state Executive Council with immediate effect.

Our Correspondent gathered that this is the first time Governor Shettima embarked on reshuflement of his cabinet since he assumed office in 2011.

Shettima also directed

the Special Adviser on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Dr. Mohammed Bulama to take over and oversee the Ministry pending the appointment of a substantive commissioner.

This was contained in a press statement signed and issued by the Permanent Secretary- administration, Dr. Maryam Bukar Abba Ibrahim which was made available to Journalists yesterday.

Similarly, Governor Shettima also relieved three Senior Special Assistants, Makinta

Zarami, Ali Umar and Umar Ali Bolori of their positions.

Shettima expressed appreciation to the former commissioner and the three Senior Special Assistants for their respective contributions under his administration.

It would be recalled that the nationwide APC ward congress scheduled to take place in Borno state on Saturday (Today) has been postponed following allegations of circulation of fake printed ballot papers and other sensitive materials in the state.

Oshiomhole leads 12-km keep-fit exercise

By SIMON EBEGBULEM, B/City

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OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole yesterday led other participants in a 12-kilometre road walk in Benin City tagged “Walk for Life”, assuring that the exercise will be a monthly exercise.

The governor who flagged off the exercise at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, said the exercise was designed to help improve the health status of participants.

The maiden edition of the road walk covered major roads in the state capital including Akenzua, Plymouth road, Ring road through Akpakpava to Ramat park and

terminated at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

“I think what we have demonstrated today is that we are all fit by the Grace of God and not by our power and that we are ready to lead our people by example.

“The walk for life road walk is an initiative of the state’s ministry for sports to encourage our parents, citizens of Edo, sportsmen and women to remain healthy.

“The reason for this exercise is to arrest the menace of sudden deaths, especially through slumping in our society today where people cannot even walk half a kilometre without grasping for breath.

“I am glad to see all of

you participate in this maiden edition and I expect that it will be a monthly affair even though you don’t see government officials in this number. It is always good to be healthy and remain healthy and in order to remain healthy, you continue to exercise.

“When we ask our people to walk, they think it is punishment but when they see us walking down to Ramat Park, it’s not because we are poor, it’s because it is good for our health and life.

“I believe we are much fitter now than we were two hours ago. As you can see, those of us referred to as elders are much younger by this exercise.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014 — 7

FRCN vs Sanusi: Court orders parties to maintain status quo

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, ordered parties in the suit by suspended Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, seeking to restrain the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRCN, from investigating him to maintain status quo.

Trial judge, Justice James Tsoho, made the preservative order, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Sanusi is in the suit contending that by virtue of the provisions of Sections 7, 8, and 62 of the FRCN Act 2011, the Council lacked the statutory powers to investigate him and the CBN. He is also seeking a declaration that the FRCN, constituting itself into an investigating body in a manner contained in some newspaper publications of March 24, is ultra vires its powers.

Defendants in the suit

are the FRCN and The Executive Secretary of FRCN. Meanwhile, FRCN has filed a preliminary objection, challenging the suit.

The court has adjourned till April 11 to hear the substantive suit.

It will be recalled that Sanusi had on March 27 refused to appear before the Council which was investigating allegations of financial recklessness against him.

In a letter to the Executive Secretary of FRCN, Mr Jim Obazee, to explain why his client would not honour the Council’s invitation, Sanusi’s lawyer, Mr. Kola Awodein, SAN, said the invitation was not only in bad faith, but premeditated to embarrass and disparage his client.

President Goodluck Jonathan had suspended Mr. Sanusi from office on February 21, 2014 following the recommendation by the Council, which accused the CBN, under his leadership, of financial recklessness.

The recommendations

followed the Council’s review of Sanusi’s response to its report on the audited financial statement of the CBN for the year ended December 2012 and other related issues, which

it described as unsatisfactory.

Following the receipt of the Council’s invitation on March 14, 2014, Sanusi said he responded two days later seeking clarifi-

cation on the specific activities of the CBN the FRCN was investigating, adding that since no response was forthcoming from the Council, he did

I’ve executed 565 projects in Ikot Ekpene — Akpabio A total of 565 interministerial projects executed from 2007 to 2013 have been inaugurated in Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency.

Governor Godswill

Obot Akpabio who stated this yesterday during a town hall meeting and constituency briefing at Ikot Ekpene Council Hall for Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, enumerated that Ikot Ek-

pene got 189, Essien Udim, 266 and Obot Akara, 110 projects.

Akpabio dressed in traditional attire further mentioned roads in the constituency to include dualised portions of

Joint Military team arrests four criminals, recovers hemp in Onitsha

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

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OUR suspected criminals were yesterday arrested by a joint team of armed forces who are currently raiding suspected criminal hideouts in all nooks and crannies of Anambra State. The operation, according to sources, is part of Governor Willie Obiano’s initiative and avowed determination to rid the state of criminal elements and criminality.

A convoy of the joint team, comprising the Army, Navy, Police, Department of Security Services, DSS and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA had on a tip-off, stormed the hideout near the Old Motor Car Spare Parts (Mgbuka) Market, Obosi, near Onitsha at about 12 noon, arrested the four suspects and recovered some bags and wraps of suspected Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp) estimated to weigh a little less than 100 kilograms..

According to an eyewitness, as the suspects

sighted the team, they took to their heels but in a concerted effort, five of them were tracked down, while others escaped into a nearby bush.

L-R: Mr. Chibuke Oforbuike, Managing Director, Pegco Communications presenting Nokia Asha phone to Ogochukwu Nnaji, winner of the dancing competition at the Globacom pavilion at the 25th Enugu International Trade Fair, while Mr. Chinedu Orji, Globacom Business Director, Enugu State, watches.

SSCE: Brand new car awaits student who scores 9 credits — LG boss

BY NDAHI MARAMA, MAIDUGURI THE Caretaker Chariman of Gubio Local Government Area of Borno state, Alhaji Zannah Modu Gubio has pledged to give a brand new car to any student from the area who got 9 credits in the on going 2014 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE).

Alhaji Zannah Gubio made the pledge in Gubio the headquarters of Gubio local government area while seeing off the students of Government Secondary School Gubio.

It would be recalled that in 2011 SSCE, only two students passed English and Mathematics at credit level in the whole of Northern Borno Senatorial District,

not see any need to honour the invitation, noting that he was surprised to see advertorials in newspapers and other media publicizing the invitation.

and even these lucky students, according to investigation, were not Borno indigenes, as their fathers were military personnel posted to Monguno Barracks.

The council boss said, government will shoulder the responsibility of their transportation to and from Maiduguri where they will go to write their final year examinations, following the insecurity by Boko Haram terrorists which led government and the ministry of education to relocate some troubled centres including Gubio to Maiduguri.

The chairman also promised to purchase Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination form for any student who passes with 5 credits including mathemat-

ics and English and sponsor him/her to any university of their choice across the nation.

He then donated 140

mats, 140 buckets and 150 plastic kettles to the students and charged them to work hard to pass their exams and get the reward awaiting them.

Abak – Ikot Ekpene Federal Road, Uyo – Ikot Ekpene Federal Road, Ikpe Annang – Ukana, Umo Obot, Ibo, Market and Adadia roads, among others.

He hinted that a Turkish company has taken over the running and management of Sunshine Batteries Industry, Ukana, which is to generate employment opportunities for many youths in the State.

On the citing of a threestar hotel in Ikot Ekpene, the Governor, flanked by his wife, Ekaette Unoma, announced that the 12storey hotel with 150 rooms, 12 suites and two presidential halls to be run by Sheraton Groups would be inaugurated before May 2015.

He recalled, “In the year 2007, and again in 2011, you loaned me to our dear state to recreate, reformat and reboot the state. In all these years of my labours for our dear state, you have remained a bulwark of support and encouragement.

For this we owe you a debt of gratitude.”

According to him, “This ancient city holds a lot of memories for me, some of which stretch back to my childhood. I still remember the narrow paths we used to take to school and to the markets.”

How attempt by armed men to free inmates in Edo was foiled —Etowa

By SIMON EBEGBULEM, B/City

T

HE Controller of Prisons in Edo state, Mr Effiom Etowa yesterday gave account of how his men foiled an attempt by unknown armed men to free inmates who were being conveyed to the Oko Medium prison from the Benin High Court last Thursday.

He explained that the

three suspects involved in the alleged rescue attempt were arrested by his men after a shoot out. He said one of the two vehicles used by the suspects was impounded while the other escaped with the occupants.

According to him, the suspects had trailed the two Green Maria conveying the inmates from court along Sapele road area of

Benin to Airport road when they were blocked from overtaking the green Marias. “And the 18 inmates in the Green Maria were high profile inmates whose offences ranged from robbery and kidnapping. The two vehicles had been on the trail of the two black maria and another backup vehicle that were being used to convey the inmates back to prison from the court.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

NURTW factions clash in Ibadan

BY OLA AJAYI, Ibadan

R

IVAL factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in Oyo State yesterday ruptured the peace in the state as they engaged each other in a shoot out at DugbeInalende, Ibadan causing stampede in the ever busy Dugbe market.

It was the convoy of the governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and his Imo state counterpart, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, that dislodged the hoodlums.

According to a release issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State, Dr. Festus Adedayo, the hoodlums had been having a field day in the area shooting guns and wielding machetes before the arrival of the governors.

The governors, who had just left the burial ceremony of the mother

of Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), were on their way to the Rochas Okorocha Foundation when they heard sporadic shots from the hoodlums and stampede from the adjoining market in the area. Initial information collated suggested that the hoodlums were members of rival factions of the road transport union.

The governors’ convoy, according to the release, then came to the aid of the fleeing traders to dislodge the hoodlums before reinforcement was called from the police headquarters and the state crime-fighting outfit, Operation Burst.

At the time of filing this report, the number of casualties could not be ascertained.

But, Saturday Vanguard gathered from an unconfirmed source that some people were killed while the crisis lasted.

Also, confirming the

incident, the Caretaker Chairman of the Ibadan North West Local Government, Mr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the hoodlums were destroying things before they were dislodged.

He said, “Immediately we heard, we sent security agents there. We are just leaving there now. I suspect a foul play. The incident confirmed my anxiety that some people were planning to forment trouble as from April because of the election”.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olabisi Ilobanafor said five suspects were arrested in connection with the incident.

Oba Akran dispels death rumour

B

ADAGRY: The Akran of Badagry in Lagos State, Aholu Menu-Toyi 1, has dispelled speculations doing the rounds that he had passed on.

Police frown at discharge of kidnap suspect by Delta magistrate

BY EMMA AMAIZE, Warri

D

ELTA State Police Command has expressed dissatisfaction at the discharge and acquittal of a housewife, Grace Obi, arraigned before a Magistrate Court in OtorUdu, Delta State, on a three-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping by the court.

Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, in a statement said, “On March 7, 2014, a case of kidnapping of one Grace Obi ‘f ’, aged 33yrs was reported at Area Commander ’s Office, Warri. Investigation into the case revealed that the

kidnapped victim, Grace Obi, actually masterminded her kidnap in a bid to extort money from her husband.

“This assertion is reenforced by the fact that out of the N1.5m paid as ransom for the release of the victim who spent three days in the custody of the phantom kidnapping gang – N1.2m was recovered from the victim herself, while N300, 000.00 was allegedly used to settle the gang for their role,” he said.

His words, “The kidnapped victim and a member of the gang, who were arrested, made confessional statements, giving a graphic narration of the incident.

“After several overtures made by some highly

(L-R) Oseloka Obaze, Secretary to the Government of Anambra State; Comrade Ifeanyi Offodile, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers, (NUT) Anambra State Chapter; Chief Willie Obiano, Executive Governor, Anambra State and Dr. Mrs Uju Okeke, Hon. Commissioner for Education during the governor’s inspection tour of the state headquarters of the NUT in Awka...yesterday

placed citizens persuading the Command to compromise the case, the Command refused to bulge mainly on the grounds that we deemed it necessary to send a clear message across on the Command’s uncompromising stance on cases of kidnapping.

“Hence on 21/3/2014, the two suspects were arraigned in Magistrate Court II, Otor-Odu Warri, presided over by Mrs. Vivian Duku Tadafe – Senior Magistrate Grade I – being the Court of 1st instance in a 3- count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping under the enabling provisions of the State Anti-Kidnapping Law 2012,” he added.

“I wonder why people keep on saying I’m dead when I’m hale and hearty.

“I am not dead as being widely speculated on the facebook,” the traditional ruler told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry yesterday.

NAN reports that a similar rumour of Akran’s death was reported in July 2013.

He added:“The social media is supposed to be used to spread genuine stories. So, I wonder why someone would go about spreading false information that I am dead.

“As you can see, I’m very much alive, enjoying a

G

on offer at the Glo stand.

Visitors to the pavilion who cut across different age groups, sexes and social strata troop to the pavilion in their hundreds to be part of the excitement.

Speaking with journalists after activating the Glo Games Store on her handset, Chioma Nwachuchwu of the

Institute of Management Technology, Enugu, said that she decided to activate the VAS service “so as to have access to some of the interesting games on the Games Store portal.”

Another excited subscriber who shared his experience with newsmen at the Glo stand was Mr Ikenna Ogugbaja, a

why he decided to carry such a mischievous and misleading rumour.

“We have also reported the case to the police and other security agencies so that it can be investigated.”

The traditional ruler expressed concern that the internet was being used as a medium for spreading false information.

He advised members of the public to be wary of some information emanating from the internet, saying criminals use the medium to manipulate people and carry out nefarious activities.

N4GG: Why Confab must endorse true fiscal federalism

BY EPHRAIM OSEJI

A

non-governmental organization, Network for Good Governance (N4GG) has advised delegates to ongoing National Conference to endorse true fiscal federalism.

Glo Friends and Family Finder, Games Store thrill youths at Enugu Trade Fair businessman. He said

L O B A C O M pavilion at the ongoing 25th Enugu International Trade Fair has continued to attract a large number of shoppers and visitors.

Reports indicate that old and new subscribers daily besiege the Glo stand to subscribe to the bouquet of Value Added Services

remarkable healthy lifestyle and attending to day-to-day royal engagements within the kingdom, the state and the nation.

“I am sure that I still have a long time to live on earth..

So, I’m going to be here for a long time and nothing is going to hold me back.”

The Monarch said the boy, who allegedly initiated the rumour, had been “summoned” to the palace with his parents.

Akran also said the matter had been reported to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

“We have called the boy and his parents to explain

that he had been using the Glo Mobile Newspaper “for close to three weeks until my handset malfunctioned and I lost all the information on it. But coming to the Glo stand at the fair, I was able to re-activate the service and I have read today’s dailies on my phone.”

Making the call on behalf of the organization after a meeting held in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, N4GG South-South Zonal Director, Dr Kevin Jack Green, argued that the call for true fiscal federalism become necessary to ensure that federating units source their funds and develop their states at their pace while paying tax to the centre.He noted that a situation where states depend mainly on the Federal Government as presently practiced was not a reflection of true fiscal federalism.

Describing the structure of Nigeria as old and therefore should be pulled down and replaced, Green said, “The structure as we see

today called Nigeria is faulty in the sense that we call it Federal Republic of Nigeria. How federal is Nigeria when the federating units will come to Abuja every 18th of the month cap in hand begging for allowance from the Federal G o v e r n m e n t ?

“Today we do not have more than 10 states in Nigeria. The rest are glorified local government areas. If a state cannot generate funds to pay salaries of its workers, how do you call such a state?”

He stressed that if true fiscal federalism is enthroned, all the states would be encouraged to generate revenue and it would not be a case of one state reaping from the resourcefulness of other states.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5 , 2014 — 9

Kidnappers of Clark’s son demand N50m ransom •Police arrest four suspects as ex-militants, IYC join search

BY EMMA AMAIZE, Warri

S

USPECTED kid nappers of Mr. Ebikeme Clark, son of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, kidnapped Wednesday, at Kiagbodo, Delta State, has reportedly contacted the family, demanding about N50 million ransom for his release.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, however, told Saturday Vanguard that the police have arrested three of the suspected kidnappers and were inching closer to their hideout, warning that no ransom should be paid.

He said one of them confessed that he participated in the “planning stage of the kidnap,” adding that the police were working with ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo and other Ijaw groups to track down the kidnappers.

Aduba said the kidnap was carried out by Ijaw kinsmen of Edwin Clark and the police would burst the syndicate.

Elder statesman, Chief Clark was said to have briefed President Goodluck Jonathan, the governor of Delta state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Mr. Aduba on the incident.

It was gathered that he called the Commissioner of Police on Wednesday when his son was kidnapped and had been calling him frequently since then with Mr. Aduba assuring him that the police were doing everything possible to secure the release of his son.

On how the ransom was demanded, a source told Saturday Vanguard yesterday, “The kidnappers made contact with family members of Mr. Ebikeme Clark in the late hours of Thursday, April 3. They (kidnappers) and Mr. Ebikeme Clark spoke with family members through Mr. Ebikeme Clark’s phone.”

“In their usual manner, the kidnappers demanded for ransom. We were informed it is within the region of N50 million,” he added.

But, there was a clear indication yesterday, that abductors may not have their way in the ransom demand, as the police, collaborating with ex-militant C M Y

Chief E. K. Clark. IYC, investigation so far is to the effect that the kidnappers hideout may be somewhere in the creeks around Delta and Bayelsa States close to the coast, that is the communities near the sea though from experience kidnappers are never stationed in one place as they move from one place to the other to avoid been caught. “ To this extent, all the

Ijaw communities and community leaders in the communities close to the coastal parts of Delta and Bayelsa States have been contacted to form rescue team to comb all the creeks, towns and villages in a bid to free L-R shows the 2014 annual 52nd Synod Secretary, Diocese of Lagos Methodist Church Nigeria Very Rev Sola Ala; Archbishop of Lagos Dr Joseph Sunday Ajayi, (JP) ; Bishop Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Rev Isaac Ayo Olawuyi; Lay President Diocese of Lagos, Barr. Olusegun Sofunke and his Emeritus Colleague Sir Akin Oyenusi at the 52nd Annual Synod Diocese of Lagos hosted by the Ikorodu Road Lagos Circuit Railway line, Mushin, Lagos State. leaders were hot on their pursuit.

Commissioner Aduba told Saturday Vanguard unofficially where the police suspected the kidnappers were hibernating and the rescue efforts, but pointed out, “They are not for publication.”

Our independent investigation, however, showed the kidnappers were hiding somewhere in the creeks between Delta and Bayelsa states.

IYC spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare, told Saturday Vanguard, yesterday, “The IYC has mandated its of-

ficials in the riverine clans of Oporomor, Seimbiri, Ingbelebiri and Mein in Bayelsa and Delta States to swing into action and fish out the kidnappers of Mr. Ebikeme Clark, son of Ijaw National Leader and Former Federal Commissioner for Information,

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin

B

ARELY one week after a 70-year-old man died in an hotel in Benin City while making love to a married woman, a 44year-old furniture maker, identified as Julius, allegedly slumped and died

•As LP calls for prayers over incessant killings

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

B

ARELY eight days after a- 65 yearold retired Chief Magistrate,Olufunmilayo Timeyin was killed at her Laderin Estate in Abeokuta, the Police in Ogun state arraigned the 21- year- old househelp, David U* David, who appeared before Magistrate Anthony Araba of the Magistrate Court 1, was arraigned on a one count charge of murder.

The prosecutor further stated that the accused committed the offense “contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Law of Ogun state of Nigeria 2006”.

The accused however, pleaded guilty to the offence as charged.

In his rulings, the trial Magistrate, Anthony Araba, who

remanded in prison custody pending when the advice of the DPP would be ready.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party in the state has called for prayers over the incessant killings of people in the state in the last two weeks.

The state Publicity Secretary, Deji Kalejaiye in his reaction to the incessant killings said, “ It is quite appalling and highly regrettable that on daily basis, people are being killed”.

Tanker crushes okada rider to death

BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO, Lokoja

A

motorcycle rider in Lokoja yesterday was crushed to death by a kerosene tanker after his motorcycle collided with a car and in the process fell to the path of the kerosene tanker which ran over him before rescuers could come to his aid.

An eye witness account who spoke with Saturday Vanguard said the motorcycle rider later identified as Enojo Alfa was carrying a passenger

along IBB way when he was hit along with his passenger by the other private motorcyclist.

The source said that while the deceased was still lying on the road, the trailer loaded with kerosene ran over him and split his head on the road. The passenger was lucky to have only been injured.

Saturday Vanguard source said while people were still trying to take the deceased away from the road, his motorcycle got missing.

“The motorcycle was sto-

people and communities are totally against kidnapping, sea piracy and other social vices.

“Also, some Ex-Niger Delta freedom fighters have volunteered to join forces with the IYC and security agencies to effect the release of Mr. Ebikeme Clark.

While we appreciate the pains the Clark family may be going through, the IYC reiterate its position that ransom should not be paid to kidnappers. This is another case of commercial kidnapping; hence payment of ransom must be discouraged,” he said.

44-year old furniture maker dies in a hotel after sex with lover Wednesday April 2 in an

Police arraign house help who killed Magistrate in Ogun nearly betrayed emotion ordered the police prosecutor, ASP Sangotokun to duplicate the case file to enable the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) advise his court on the case.

He also ordered that the accused be

Mr. Ebikeme Clark without delay. The Ijaw

len”.

The tanker driver was said to have tried to run away after he ran over and killed the Okada man but other aggrieved Okada riders gave him a hot chase and caught up with him and almost lynched him before the police rescued him.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Emeh Emeka who confirmed the story said the trailer was carrying kerosene from Port-Harcourt to Suleja. He said the motorcyclist was first hit by an unidentified taxi cab which ran away.

hotel while making love to a woman whose identity is yet to be ascertained.

The father of three who hailed from Agenebode, Etsako East local government Council of Edo state, was said to have commissioned his new house in the month of December last year.

According to family sources, the late Julius hurriedly left home at about 9 am after refusing the breakfast prepared by his wife, but ended up at a hotel located off Dumez Road Benin City with his lover.

Saturday Vanguard learnt that the deceased paid for an hour, popularly referred as short time, and it was after the expiration of the time that the hotel attendants went to alert them that their time was over but there was no response.

It was gathered that two hours after, the couple were yet to come out of the hotel room. The hotel attendants had to force the door open only to discover the lifeless body of the man but the lady was nowhere to be found.

It was further gathered that sperm was seen all over the man’s body, and a packet of Viagra was discovered in his pocket.

Men of the Ugbekun police division who recovered his lifeless body allegedly recovered his Toyota Pathfinder SUV, his mobile phone and a cheque of N20 million allegedly issued by one of the palm oil companies in the state.

10—SA TURD AY 10—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , APRIL 5 5, 2014

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

S

C M Y K

SCOURGE OF UNEMPLOYMENT Adedoyin, a Masters degree student, University of Lagos finds himself operating the popular Okada in Lagos. He said: “I am a graduate of Geography, from Bayero University, Kano, and after my Youth service, I could get any job. I tried to help myself by taking up a teaching job in one of the private schools, but even as the salary was meagre, the payment was irregular. I found out that operating okada as business is a lot better. Seven months after starting the okada business, I was able to enroll for my

,,

ixteen years ago when Joseph, now 39, graduated from the University with second class upper, he looked very promising even with his charming skills and the business acumen he had acquired during his undergraduate years in the university. He had to pay his fees from the menial jobs he did every time during academic break, ready to explore the world of opportunities available.

He didn’t wait a bit in search for job. Rather, he started a business with the little resources he could gather.

Unfortunately, five years after, his business efforts became moribund after fire razed the building where his business was situated. He lost everything he had laboured for. He was hopeful, dusted his credentials and joined millions of job seekers in search of employment. After a couple of years when none was forthcoming, he applied for employment in the Nigeria Immigration Service. Sadly, he could not live to tell his own story as he died few hours after he wriggled himself out of the venue as a result of the stampede that killed 18 others.

With the story of the Ph.D holders applying as drivers in Dangote companies still fresh in our memories and now the death of 20 vibrant youths as a result of a stampede that occurred during the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, employment saga, it shows that all the measures to check the scourge of unemployment have defied all logic by successive governments.

The percentage of labour force that is without job is alarming while the army of the underemployed and unemployed youths are frightening. Authorities have put the figures of the unemployed at 23 per cent representing about 20.3 million Nigerians who are currently jobless.

The matter is compounded daily as more higher institutions churn out fresh graduates to add to the already saturated labour market.

Except for the bourgeoisie, there is no Nigerian household that does not have at least one unemployed university or polytechnic graduate still searching for job. A few of those who responded to questions on this issue indicated that unemployment has frustrated a number of youths and graduates into finding other means of survival no matter how menial.

unemployed Nigerians.

“There are many employment consultancy companies that I have paid a lot of money to thinking they will help. But it had never worked.”

The absence of social security and paucity of basic amenities have not helped matters either. Quite a number of industries have closed shop in Nigeria since the last five years.

Adedayo Oyebanji, an employer of labour in Lagos said the inability of government to fix electricity in the last ten years has resulted to many companies closing

The security challenges in the country caused by incessant attacks by insurgents in the North and kidnapping in the South are part of the numerous causes of unemployment in the country

Masters degree at UNILAG.” Adedoyin maintained that the recent ban on the Okada is now taking its toll on him as he had to join other job seekers to get a job. He lamented the way employment consultancy companies take advantage of the unemployment situation to extort money from helpless

shops and raised the level of unemployment. “So many companies, conglomerates, have relocated to neighbouring countries with smaller markets and potentials but with friendlier business environments and they are doing well there.

Go to Ghana, some of the industries that relocated from Nigeria to Ghana are

doing well. These days, the high cost of doing business is enough compelling reason for their relocation.

There are very bad roads, poor electricity supply, multiple taxation, among others,” Oyebanji said.

On the argument that government is not an employer of labour; that the duty of government is to create the enabling environment that would help the private sector create jobs, Oyebanji said that even in its duty of creating the right environment for the private sector to flourish, governments at all levels have failed. He cited the incessant power outage, the threatening security situation, corruption in high places as well as unfriendly policies of the CBN. On the increasing trend of disinterest by job seekers in highly labour-intensive works such as agriculture, factory work or creative business ideas in preference for white collar jobs, Oyebanji said these are some of the reasons for remaining in the labour market for a long time, adding that there is no clear cut direction by the leaders and politicians since many of them engage in ostentatious living to spite and oppress those who don’t have. This according to him is one of the reasons

for the get-rich-quick syndrome by the younger generation who apart from not getting the desired job, search for other means to survive. This to a large extent had given rise to the menace of the Yahoo boys, Blackberry boys, Area boys, Boko Haram and other ethnic militia groups in the country. Many of these graduates may eventually be recruited into the rank of oil theft syndicates, armed robbers, kidnappers, militants and insurgents, while their female counterparts may end up as prostitutes.

The security challenges in the country caused by incessant attacks by insurgents in the North and kidnapping in the South are part of the numerous causes of unemployment in the country. To reduce unemployment in the country, the individuals concerned, the private sector and governments at all levels must put in place creative measures to stem the tide.

If the argument that the present generation have wasted a lot of time searching for jobs to better their lives and with the increase in the level of unemployment, the youths of today who will be parents in their mid life years may have been severely wounded by this problem. Under this condition, it is doubtful how they can propel the needed wheel of development. If young people are provided with employment opportunities, they can become productive assets and take their part in mainstream society offering the best of their skills and talents.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

U

nemployment, insecurity, harsh economic conditions among others indicate that young graduates in the country are losing out.

While unconfirmed statistics indicate that three out of ten graduates in the country are unemployed, some of them have become commercial motorcycle operators and petrol station attendants. To add to their frustration, some smart but dubious recruitment agencies have capitalised on their woes to exploit them under the guise of securing profitable jobs for them. Some job seekers shared their experiences in the labour market with Saturday Vanguard.

According to Daniel Ogunbiyi, a graduate of Federal University of Technology, Akure, “Most of these recruitment agencies and agents make you feel like you’ll be given a job, but it’s all lies. A firm is not supposed to require you to pay money before giving you a job. First of all, you are expected to pay a nonrefundable fee of between N2,000 and N10,000 as registration fee. Then, you are sent to a company to work as a freelance marketer and at the end of the first month, you are expected to give them 20% of your salary or part with a certain perC M Y K

centage of your salary for the first 6 to 12 months”.

The unemployment tale takes an interesting twist when one considers the activities of some agents who take advantage of desperate graduates seeking employment. These agents who are found in various parts of the country pose as representatives of some elitist firms and lure job seekers into parting with large sums with a promise of

,,

BY JULIET EBIRIM,OLAYINKA AJAYI & IYABO AINA

Recruitment agencies worsen our plight —Job seekers Narrate ordeals in the hands of would-be employers country is such a cloudy venture in which even the person involved does not know the possible outcome and duration’.

Another job seeker, Ekene Umeh, a Business Administration graduate also disclosed that in most companies, ‘ working experience’ is a prerequisite to getting a job.Despite the preparations made before going for

I had to borrow suits and shoes, which I’m not used to ordinarily, then painstakingly comb the streets with files containing my credentials all to no avail

helping them get a job.

For Michael Adekunle, a graduate of Industrial Chemistry, ‘It is quite disheartening that an average school-leaver in Nigeria is subjected to the compulsory experience of knowing many (if not all) the offices in his or her locality and even beyond, as he or she hunts for job.

“Personally, I had to borrow suits and shoes, which I’m not used to ordinarily, then painstakingly comb the streets with files containing my credentials all to no avail. The search for good jobs in our

Vanguard , APRIL 5 5, 2014—11

the so-called job interviews, one is only made to regret being in attendance.With the ethics and answers to likely questions learnt, we are left frustrated in the long-run. Even when one gets very close to getting the job, ‘work experience’ raises its ugly head suddenly and becomes a monster on the way to one’s success.

The question that comes to one’s mind becomes- How is a fresh school-leaver expected to get this socalled ‘work experience’ without being given a job to start with and trusted to do it well?”

Furthermore, he said, “Unlike the ‘long-legged’ school-leavers offered jobs expressly even in places they never merited, the authentic first-class holders are unlawfully disqualified from getting deserved jobs,with ‘work experience’ serving as a hindrance or excuse”.

Eloho Joseph, a graduate who just completed her NYSC programme lamented that “The pains and sufferings accompanying one’s resolve to acquire a university, polytechnic or any other related degree, after four to six years of sleepless nights with endured patience seems to be the beginning of one’s woes and troubles”.

Ella Okonkwo, a Mass Communication graduate added, “There are no jobs in this country. So many graduates are willing to work, but what can they do when the jobs are not there?

I completed my youth service in 2011 and I have attended many interviews, yet I still don’t have a decent job”.

On his part, Clifford Umoh, a 2010 graduate of the University of Ibadan, said he has traveled to major cities in the country in search of jobs that seemed to elude him. After three fruitless years of search, he pitched

his tent recently with a secondary school in Lagos.

He said: “I studied Political Science in school, but, today, I’m a teacher. Since I graduated, I have traveled to Abuja, Port Harcourt and other cities in search of a job. I passed the aptitude test most times and the employers will promise to “get back to you”, but they never do. Although I am optimistic of getting a good job someday, I had to take this job out of frustration because I was tired of staying at home without working.”

She said: “I was offered this job after many months of searching for a job in Lagos. Although I completed my youth service recently, getting a job has really been frustrating. I took this job with both hands because I know people who graduated long before me who are still hunting for jobs.”

Also, Yunusa Mohammed one of the unemployed graduates of Engineering from Kogi state University spoke with our correspondent while waiting to be selected for a daily job at one of the manufacturing companies along Oshodi Apapa road, Lagos. He said: I had to wake up early and be at the gates of many companies and government ministries. No matter how early you get there, other thousands of job seekers will be waiting for the only three or four job positions available. The next thing you will see is a man would come out and say: “I need two guys for office assistant, two guys for house keeper.” Thereafter, four out of the over one thousand applicants will be selected for the positions.

The rest would walk home disappointed hoping to return the following day for another opportunity. As the months and years roll by, ‘depression’ sets in as you are rejected so many times, then you start to question yourself that how can millions of Nigerian graduates be unemployed? So, I think the Federal government should really take a serious step into this case of unemployment in Nigeria ‘’.

Another menial job seeker, Ayeni Taiwo said: ‘’I pray they hear and listen to us. My concern is why are they saying the youth is the future of Nigeria, and they are not discussing the future of both the youth and Nigeria?I personally hold this notion that the oppressors will have no peace as long as they live because the youth have suffered enough ‘’she said.

12—SA TURD AY 12—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , APRIL 5 5, 2014

JOBLESS YOUTHS ROAM ENDLESSLY IN IMO

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

T

he advent of the Rochas Okorocha adminis tration in 2011 was heralded by jubilation. It was a mass movement of sorts. Most people, especially the adherents of the Catholic faith, did everything to stop Chief Ikedi Ohakim from returning to Government House, Owerri.

The grouse of the Catholic faithful against Ohakim was principally the alleged manhandling of their priest by the security personnel attached to the former Governor. Now that the chips are down, many have realized the truth but the harm had been irreversibly done.

On assumption of office, Ohakim promised that he was going to engage no fewer that 15,000 hands for varying services in the state. This looked unrealizable but in a matter of weeks, his administration hired street sweepers, tipper drivers, grader drivers, civil engineers, horticulturists and others, who were engaged to plant and tend flowers, ornamental trees and grasses. Contracting firms that were working on some state projects also hired a good number of hands. Private and public structures started spring-

them resigned from their previous jobs and came home to serve the government and people of Imo State. It was not very clear at the time of filing this report, the extent the aggrieved youngsters have gone with the court but the truth is that they have not been recalled.

News which made the rounds midway into the saga was that the Governor reacted angrily when members of the Civil Service Commission advised him to re-absorb the sacked youths. The commissioners reasoned that if Okorocha was still interested in sacking them, due process must be followed, including Angry youths issuing of queries.

Obviously not amused by ing up in several parts of the state. Imo became a this candid advice, Okorocha sacked a few huge construction site of sorts.

Commissioners in the Civil Service CommisThe Ikedi Ohakim administration equally adversion, including Chief Analyn Nwaneri, as tised for jobs for his 10,000-job offer. People applied, well as suspended the Permanent Secretary, sat for the examination, got interviewed and later Mr. Austen Otuokere. This core civil servant given appointment letters and posted to relevant was never allowed to smell his office until he government ministries and parastatals. The situawas later retired from service by the Govertion remained until Chief Rochas Okorocha came on nor. board as Governor in 2011. His first broadcast sent Reacting to the growing level of unemploycascading shivers down the spine of Imo people. He ment in the state, an Owerri based veterinary summarily sacked the youths who were employed by surgeon, Dr. Godwin Offor, advised youths to Ohakim. In a similar move, Imo State Rural Road stop looking for what he termed “nonMaintenance Agency, IRROMA, was scrapped and existent white collar jobs”. most of the staff sent packing and into the overflowWhile saying that there was no way goving job market. The local government development ernment can employ everybody, Dr. Offor centres, which was created by an Act of the State however blamed successive administrations House of Assembly, were similarly sacked. All the at the state and federal levels for largely people engaged in these establishments, including ignoring the agricultural sector. drivers, messengers, clerks and technicians, were “What will it cost to start a poultry, piggery similarly laid off. or snail farming for these school leavers?

Irked by this development, beneficiaries of Apart from absorbing the unemployed Ohakim’s 10,000 jobs dragged the state government youths, such agricultural venture will help in to court. They have so far given the Industrial Court no small measure to ensure food security in sitting in Enugu, a graphic account of how some of Nigeria”, Offor opined.

Delta North Political Agenda ‘Lost in Lagos’ launches restaurant week endorses Adigwe for Senate

By ANOZIE EGOLE

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etermined to promote good dinning in Nigeria especially in Lagos state, the foremost premier guide in Lagos that gives Lagosians more ways of discovering Lagos, ‘Lost in Lagos’, has concluded plans for a 10 day maiden edition of Lagos restaurant week billed to take place between, 7th -17th of April.

Addressing newsmen recently on the event in Lagos, the founder, Tannaz Etebarian Bahnam, said that the whole show is simply to promote dinning in and out among Lagosians. “ Restaurant week will offer restaurants an

opportunity to show their specialty to a larger audience. This event is designed to bring over 20 Lagos most exclusive restaurants together.

During this period, select restaurants will offer set menus for launch and dinner and Saturdays are excluded.

The restaurants are selected based on the ones that can offer both local and intercontinental dishes that are located both on the island and the mainland,” she said.

According to her, the restaurants will offer different dishes at an affordable price. “The prices for the foods at the event will be lunch, N4,000 and dinner, N6,000. There will also be Snap It Photo contest,

where there will be pictures of people eating and the picture will be uploaded on our

website. Any person who wins, goes home with an Ipad,”she said.

20 oup ttasks asks 2011 5: Anioma gr group Uduaghan, hails Orji on state by keeping silent on power shift the issue in order to

By Hugo Odiogor

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nioma Economic Group has tasked Delta State to take a definitive position on issue of succession in 2015 even as the Lagos professional group hailed Governor Theodore Orji, of Abia for endorsing power shift in the south East state.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday, AEG alleged the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is fanning the embers of discord in the

accomplish a hidden agenda.

The statement signed by Barrister Mac Anthony Ndukaeze stoutly praised Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji who came out openly this week to announce that in the interest of justice and fairness, the people of Ukwa/Ngwa should produce the next governor to give a sense of belonging to everybody in the state and eliminate marginalisation and ethnic cleavages.

BY TOMMY ANADUAKA

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EADERS and members of Delta North Political Agenda (D.N.P.A) have unanimously endorsed and passed a vote of confidence on Chief Pascal Adigwe over his 2015 Senatorial ambition. Speaking at the end of an enlarged meeting of the body held in Asaba, the chairman, Chief Anthony Azaka said the decision to endorse Chief Adigwe was as a result of a recent research carried out where he was found to be the most credible contender for the Senatorial seat.

Chief Azaka described Chief Adigwe as an

illustrious son of the area who during his tenure in the House of Representatives for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency attracted meaningful development to the entire district.

The Delta North Political Agenda according to another leader of the group, Ogbueshi Alex Azinge, has completed arrangements to organize an educative and informative seminar for the people of the senatorial district so as to ensure that only a credible and experienced contender that has all it takes to represent them is supported and voted for in 2015 senatorial and other elections.

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SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , APRIL 5 5, 2014—13

Self employment is the only way out — Joseph Modey Since its inauguration, the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, which was meant to serve as a clearing house to link job seekers, fill vacant positions or provide opportunities for self employment has been combating the scourge of unemployment with a measure of success but yet unemployment level continues to rise. The Lagos State Co-ordinator of the agency, Joseph Modey maintains that the level of unemployment in the country is not less than 23%, adding, “in defiance to all our toiling to reduce or eradicate unemployment in the country, it is on the increase. It is defying every method applied to curb it.” Excerpts

BY ADERONKE ADEYERI

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he primary objective f this agency is to combat unemployment in the country but a close look reveals that the level of unemployment in the country is on the increase, what is your organization doing to combat unemployment?

Unemployment has become a significant problem in the country and the federal government through its various agencies has developed and is still developing different strategies to address the problem of unemployment which also led to the creation of this agency in 1986 as an institutional response to the issue of unemployment. National directorate of employment has been working day and night to reduce the level of unemployment in the country through various programmes. When we came on stream, the first thing we did was to study the structure of unemployment as it was then in the country and we discovered that this problem has spread through various levels of the populace especially in terms of age and education. In terms of age, we found that most of the unemployed citizens were young people between the ages of 17 to 35years old. On the part of education, we got to realize that the graduates of higher institutions were significantly affected by unemployment .

At a lower level, most of the people affected were secondary school drop-outs and o

those who do not have any formal education. So, we designed our programmes to take care of unemployment at the various levels and we are making progress even though some think it is a slow pace.

For people with little or no formal education, we embarked on skills acquisition programmes because we realize that the fundamental basis for employment is the possession of skills. Hence, we concentrated more on vocational training and over the years, we have trained more than 25,000 people in different vocational trades like auto mechanics, hair stylists and many other professions in Lagos.

The interesting part of this is that many of them become independent and even employ others to work with them hereby reducing the number of unemployed citizens of Lagos state. For the unemployed graduates, we have embarked on entrepreneurship development training programmes where we re-orientate, instruct and advise them to concentrate on self employment .

To this effect, we have been able to assist young graduates to manage their own businesses and even become employers of labour.

Can you give statistics on the current level of unemployment?

For now, the level of unemployment in the country is not less than 23%.

Do you mean the level of people who are willing to work but without job in the country is not more than 23%?

Yes. Or do you think it is above that? The sad reality that we have to admit is that in defiance to all our toiling to reduce or eradicate unemployment in the country, it is on the increase.

It is increasing faster than every method applied to curb it. The reason is not far fetched. In the 1970s, we had only five universities which produced few graduates. During this period, potential organizations visit tertiary institutions to get potential students even before graduating but following the federal government massive investment in education, we have over hundred universities apart from the numerous polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education in the country and each institution produces hundreds of people who will seek employment from the government or the private sectors. Also, our population is increasing on a daily basis and because of the harsh economy, the private sector who should be the absorbent of labour is not expanding as rapid as it should.

As the state coordinator, what could be the saving measures to this crucial problem of unemployment in the country?

The best approach to this problem that seems insurmountable is to rapidly ex-

Modey

pand the private sector. At this level, Nigeria unfortunately is still a consumer nation. We must learn to transform our raw materials into finished products. I mean the country must intensify our level of industrialization and reduce the level of consuming products we are not manufacturing.

Many Nigerians need to be orientated especially our youths through modification of the educational curriculum from the primary to the tertiary level about self employment.

I also want to stress that this task is not a one agency business but a collective service to humanity. All hands must be on deck to achieve this.

In the course of this struggle against unemployment, what challenges does this agency encounter?

Our challenges are cumbersome. There are deficits in our infrastructure. We experience inadequate financing to tackle a massive problem. For in-

stance, we have the mandate to train people in entrepreneurship but often lack the fund needed for the person to start the business. Most times, when we encounter such challenge, we refer people to other finance institutions like the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, etc . Also the mindset of the unemployed people we are dealing with at times stand as a challenge for us in tackling the problem of unemployment. Often times, an unemployed graduate who has been groomed with the intention of getting a job in one government organization often finds it hard to face the reality of the labour market. Young graduates will be reluctant to face the real world.

What percentage of the budget is allocated to this agency?

We accept whatever we are given. The federal government has many things on his hands and as such is often short of funds.

The bell is ticking, mass movement is real — Enahoro

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

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Enahoro

he Vice President, African Veterinary Association, AVA, Dr Gani Enahoro, has warned that the possibility of mass movement is real in the country if urgent steps are not taken to address the growing rate of unemployment.

Enahoro who is the immediate past President, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, NVMA, noted that Immigration job was never part of the hot-cake employment opportunities that was worth queuing for, adding that what happened in the last couple of weeks was a show of shame. “If any lesson must be learnt, Government should begin to note that the possibility of a mass movement is real in Nigeria, like it was in other places. The first ingredient of a revolution was witnessed on that fateful day when so many youths gathered at different locations all over the country at the same time, with a similar objective. With the “cando” attitude of Nigerians, it won’t be long

when such gathering would take place again and they may refuse to disperse in a hurry. Instead, they would demand for their due rights from the government tenaciously. The bell is ticking, let those who have ears hear now,” Enahoro warned.

He continued: “The large army of unemployed and largely qualified crowd of graduates that gathered across the country for pre-employment screening for the NIS jobs is one of so many natural indices that flaw the unrealistic technical figures of growth/GDP statistical indicators that had serially been bandied by the Coordinating Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala that Nigerian economy is healthy and million jobs were generated by Government.

“A fairly frank World Bank has today classified Nigeria as an “extremely poor country”, which is not a surprise, when compared to the 60.9% of Nigerians ear-

lier classified by the Federal Bureau of Statistics as living below poverty line in 2012.

“Governance has long been reduced to lie-telling in Nigeria. The more crafty the liar, the more respected and honoured as a statesman. If the Minister of Interior, Abba Morro would be sacked at all by President Jonathan, it would certainly not be as a result of the corruption, negligence and wickedness that led to the unfortunate deaths that were recorded during the NIS show of shame, but it would be due to the unexpected exposure to the public of the true picture of unemployment in this country and the very bad unabsorptive economy that has no promise for the future of our youths. Morro would be punished for that slip”.

14 — SA TURD AY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014 SATURD TURDA

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ome developments in the continuing saga of uncontained terror visited on Nigeria by the Boko Haram terrorists are becoming frightening. They indeed need to be carefully evaluated as their implication may call for a better apprehension of our predicament, and thus the ordering of a more adequate responsibility in our conduct.

One has often wondered, to begin with, how correct is the term “insurgency”, as applied to the situation in the Northern parts of the country. My dictionary identifies that description more with “ riot”, “uprising”” or a situation which involves an upheaval among the people of an area within one another. It becomes a civil war when it implicates the entire populace while, on the other hand, it is war, plain and simple, if it is an attack inflicted by other elements though comprising some of the natives themselves.

The latter is what seems to be happening, although it might have taken off originally among the natives of a certain section of the country. But there is a lot of evidence that the motivating spirit and personalities are foreign to this country. For one thing, it is most unlikely that the enormous amount of money required for the arms and the funds demanded by the logistics, are generated within Nigeria. The source of these expenses should have been on the front burner in the efforts to •Major-General Chris Olukolade combat this evil force right from the beginning as it was Boko Haram storm. But loss of lives of both civilian suggested by many people they were not just belching and military as widely reported on many occasions, but the out hot air because, as very in the media? idea did not appear to catch knowledgeable and directly Item:Are the authorities the fancy of those in charge affected citizens, they asked unaware of helicopters of the investigations a few worrying questions, dropping arms and immediately, or it should like: ammunition, food and medical not have taken so long ltem:“How were the supplies to area well known to before we hear anything insurgents able to attack the be stronghold of the positive in that direction.

Maiduguri Air Force Base insurgents? and demobilise as well as Item: Are we dealing with t is all the same burn planes and other fifth columnists in this crisis? disturbing, very military installations Well, what can we say? disturbing, to learn that despite existing state of Major-General Chris some strongholds of the emergency and curfew Olukolade, the Defence Boko Haram are being existing in the town?” spokesman, has warned— refurbished with supplies by helicopter. It is a deposition that is mind boggling. In fact, one might have credited such a statement to a deranged person had it not been made by personalities that could never be associated with a lunatic proposition.

The leader of the group is no other than a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Item: How could 20 to 30 threatened(?)—to make anyone Marshall AI-Amin Dagash Toyota Hillux vehicles pay dearly for making (Retd). The revelation was move in a convoy freely statements that are considered made at a press conference with subsisting curfew and untoward to the military war in Abuja early this week, at effort. None of the rhetorical still go undetected?” which were also present a Item: How did a little questions above could be said former Minister of Finance, band of rag-tag misguided to be complimentary to the total Mallam Adamu Ciroma; a youths metamorphose into effort against the Boko Haram. former Secretary to the a well-kitted, well-armed But the calibre of the speakers Federal Government, killing machine, moving promptly dismisse any Ambassador Babagana freely in convoys of misgivings about their motives.

Kingibe;Shetima vehicles and supported by They are genuinely patriotic, Mustapha, an elder more so since they are in the helicopters? statesman, and other Item: How did the Shilka heat of the situation. If this is political figures and Tank,a multi-purpose, self- war, not a mere insurrection as opinion makers in Bornu propelled anti-aircraft we have frequently pointed out and Yobe States. They were artillery weapon positioned on this page, have we really got grouped under the identity to secure Giwa our act together? of the Political Elders Forum Other aspects of this crisis Barracks,fail to from the two States which indeed give cause for anxiety function,resulting in heavy are both in the centre of the

*questions, questions *dis na we kontry

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It is all the same disturbing, very disturbing, to learn that some strongholds of the Boko Haram are being refurbished with supplies by helicopter

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with regard to its conduct, and that is without prejudice to our appreciation of the gallantry and bravery of the armed forces. There appears to be lack of direction in support of what is a single purpose, that is, the eradication of the Boko Haram menace. In relation to this, we may ask, should the President of our nation be engaging openly in a nauseating blame game with State Governors over who is responsible for the mess we are in?

It is time we stopped searching for a peg on which to hang the dilemma of the predicament in which we have found ourselves. It would be a time-consuming and profitless enterprise. The cause may have sociological or economic roots, as many have suggested. It may be because of our evident neglect of planning a good future for our youth. It may be all of that and more, or a combination of other factors.

But the question now is how do we put this horror behind us without creating others in its place?

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good approach would be to dismiss distractions. Okay, I know it has been said before, but it will bear repeating. Nothing will be said here from now on about the staging of the preposterous show titled, “The National Conference”. It would be merely adding to the preposterousness of the mirthless comedy. Now that so many of our eminent men and women are already on the gravy train, we shall just have to wait until the bread wagon rolls to a stop. In the meantime, it may be very difficult not to ask some of these questions. And here is the last one for now: Is the issue of the Boko Haram considered inimical to the unity and progress of the nation enough to for it to be an item on the agenda of the National Conference?

The discovery was made in Soka off the Lagos-lbadan Expressway. An enclave of unmitigated dreadfulness established for the sole purpose of slaughtering human beings and dismembering the cadavers for sale, had apparently been functioning there for an appreciable period. The unfortunate victims were kidnapped, sometimes cruelly

tortured and then ruthlessly disposed of, while the hapless relatives pined for their return in vain. Investigation, to employ a new cliche in the market, “is on-going”.

When one has recovered from the shock of the story, and that takes a while, the truth then gradually sets in:we are in Nigeria.

Look, a newly-married man cannot operate his little fan because there was no electricity supply, like the rest us, in his house. However, he has a generator, like many of us these days. But fuel is hard to find except “on the black”.

How for do ? So he gets five litres for one hundred-andtwenty naira per litre and goes home to his “honey.

They put on the generator, switch on the fan and everything is fine — except that the “gen” is in an enclosure at the back of the house and the fumes have no means of escaping. Neither does the young man who sleeps on into the arms of untimely death with his pregnant wife and a younger relation. In Port Harcourt where it happened, they will tell you, “That na Naija,fara!”

Soko, an off-shoot of Nigeria’s busiest highway, on the outskirts of one of Africa’s largest cities, is the scene of one of the most barbaric human butchery imaginable.

That is Nigeria for you.

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nd what would anyone want with the dismembered parts of a human corpse? As if you did not know. Affluence, of course!

Juju or “black magic” that is reputed to be capable of procuring immense wealth, and business or other forms of successes in a variety of endeavours. Don’t ask me if it works. Just look around Soka and you would know that you are in the middle of a booming factory of skulls, and limbs, and genitals—the dismembered carcases tell it all. If it did not work, there would not be so much patronage. There should therefore be no high hopes for finding out more about this inhuman criminal enterprise since investigations find progress a challenging ordeal in the face of affluence and influence. May God rest the souls of all who have been banished from life through this route. Who knows how many others remain undiscovered.

This is our country, Nigeria.

Timeout.

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SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, APRIL 5, 2014—15

certain high profile gentleman celebrated a land mark birthday recently. It was also in many ways, a celebration of a pioneering success in his chosen field. Many years ago— about 30—this gentleman who shall remain nameless, told me of the early days and of his tireless and sometimes frustrating efforts to establish his enterprise. Along the way, he was told his efforts to secure an operating license would be easier if he made a Northerner his chairman. He balked at the idea of having someone imposed on him as chairman. His stubbornness made things a lot more difficult than they would have been but it paid off, though not without conceding to having a prominent Northerner on the board.

This scenario was very common in the 70s and 80s when having a Northerner on your board, preferably as your chairman, was the beginning of economic and business wisdom. This was in the days when you needed a license to do virtually everything except go to bed with your spouse.

I also had a similar experience to the aforementioned gentleman—who didn't in those days—when I was trying to set up •Prime People magazine. I approached a prominent Northerner who was the CEO of a top, top, bank

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with the idea of his investing in the business and also having him on the board. He agreed.

Shares were allotted and business started. He hardly found time to attend board meetings but still showed genuine interest any time we discussed. And because his name helped the profile of the board, his shares were reserved even when he had not paid a dime. At the end of a year or so of our operations as a company, it was decided that those who had not fully paid should be notified and their shares offered to others if they still didn't pay. This gentleman, who in many ways was a good and decent man, was genuinely surprised that he was being asked to pay. He had assumed, apparently, that his acceptance to being on the board would be rewarded through concessional shares.

This was a typical story of an era; an era that witnessed Northerners making tons of money through the import license system and by sitting on company boards. An era, if you like, of parasites. Today, you wonder where all the money has gone to.

Sometimes last year, an email went viral about how the nation's resources in the past decades had been mismanaged. It was stated there that the bulk of the blocs at a particular period were given to Northerners.

Again you ask, given the widespread poverty that has enveloped large areas in the North, what happened to all the money. Why do they still have so many unemployed and unemployable youths?

A probable answer was given by the late M.K.O Abiola—God bless his soul.

He said:' Muyiwa, I am not the richest Nigerian, but if the others choose to put their money under their beds, then goodluck to them. But they must remember that cash is not wealth'.•

Unfortunately, this is a lesson many Northern elites, indeed many Nigerian politicians fail to learn. They believe the more you take, or loot, from the system, the higher your chances of escaping poverty. But if you do not invest, and if you live a life of opulence, surrounding yourself with high maintenance acquisitions, then you will sooner than later, go back to where you started from.

We must indict the Northern elites in this regard and say they are guilty of not investing in their region—not on enterprise, not on their youths, not on infrastructure, not on the social system.

The result is what we are witnessing today. I personally have nothing against the Hausa/Fulani. I think they are more considerate and more willing to help people outside their enclave than many southern tribes, mine included. Certain Fulanis have been there for me at some key moments in my life. But in the main, they believe too much in the archaic system of class and patronage.

I had expected civilian Presidents to remove the distortions that encourage the parasitic mindset. It was Babangida, a northerner, who removed the import license system that allowed a lazy elite to get rich by feeding off the system.

The Southern Presidents who one thought would do more have done little to create a level playing field for all Nigerians.

President Jonathan seemed to have gone a few steps backwards in this regard. He has instead created his own parasitic elites. And his is supposed to be a transformational government!

Recently, one Dr Bugaje, an otherwise articulate fellow, came out to say that the idea of calling some states oil producing is a misnomer. The only oil producing state according to him is the Nigerian State. This line of argument is not only disingenuous, it is provocative and insulting to those in whose backyard the wealth of the nation is being shipped out. These are people who have to live with gas flares and pollution while the oil blocs go else where. Instead of empathising with the oil producing states and promising them a better deal through the conference, he is rubbishing their contributions to the commonwealth. Dr Bugaje should realise that the niger-deltans are not glued to Nigeria; especially these days when tighter, more equitable unions are separating. The vast Nigerian State he is talking about will then be nothing economically if the tiny oil states pull away. He shouldn't bet against it... especially if he is fanning the embers of disunity. Rather than join those who advocate for a Nigeria beyond oil, he is still fixated on oil revenue. This is the same parasitic mindset that has benefited neither the host— Nigeria— nor the parasites— the elites.

I will be a happier Nigerian if the only thing that comes out of the conference is a restructuring of the country around true federalism. If the conference can tackle the issues of derivation and devolution—the two Ds that have bedevilled this country—and thus create a more level playing field, then Nigeria will be better for it. China, we must remember, has no oil.

They believe the more you take, or loot, from the system, the higher your chances of escaping poverty

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Believe that He is

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o you know that so many people claim to come to God, asking for one thing or the other without receiving their desires? The question one may ask is why is this so? After all God says He is who He says He is and would do what He says He would do. Why then do I not have my answers or miracles.

Beloved, know for a surety that God cannot lie. It is absolutely impossible for God to lie. It is not in His nature and character.

You see, even if God tries to lie He cannot. God is not a man that He should lie nor the son of man that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19). God is a God of integrity and is always faithful. The truth and the question therefore is, how did you or how do you approach God? Did you or do you approach Him in fear, doubt, unbelief or in faith? This is what determines the kind of result that you receive from God. The bible says in Heb. 11:6, that “but without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him”. From this text, you can see that it takes faith to please God. What is faith? A simple definition is, faith is acting upon that which you believe. Until you act upon that which you believe you are not operating in faith. Look again at what part of the text says. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is”. What do you believe that God is? Now I am not talking about what your pastor or a Christian brother or sister said or preached to you. I am asking you, what do you believe that God is?

Is He your miracle worker, your healer, provider, etc? It is important that you catch a personal revelation for yourself. People always manifest victories in life the moment they have a revelation. Remember in the gospels, Jesus Christ asked His disciples, who do men say that I am?

While they tried to give various answers, Jesus turned and asked them who do you say that I am? Peter answered and said thou art the Christ the son of the living God.

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A parasitic mindset

Beloved don’t approach God as though God is a man that is limited. Know that nothing is impossible with Him. What is impossible with man is possible with God. For with God all things are possible to him that believeth. You must believe that God is everything He says and nothing less. Not only should you believe that He is but that He is a rewarder. Your case is not hopeless because there is no hopeless situation with God and it is definitely not too late. People thought it was already late in Lazarus case, but God proved them wrong. This same God shall prove all of your enemies wrong in Jesus name, amen.

Let’s conclude by looking at two people in the bible who operated Heb. 11:6. First is the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:25-34. For twelve years this woman had being bleeding with no solution in sight. She had being to doctors but instead of getting better she grew worse. But then she heard of Jesus being the miracle worker and she made up her mind to go to Jesus. She said to herself, if only I can but touch the helm of His garment I know that I shall be made whole. Here you can see that she believed that He is a healer and miracle worker. She had no doubt or unbelief.

She had faith. Know that this woman had never had an encounter with Jesus before yet she believed and acted on what she heard. Was she rewarded? Yes. She was made whole completely. Her faith was rewarded.

The second person was the centurion who came to Jesus on behalf of his servant in Matt 8:5-13. The centurion requested that Jesus should heal his servant. Jesus accepted to go with him to his house. The centurion said to Jesus, you don’t need to go to my house just speak the word and I know that my servant shall be healed because I know that you are a man of authority. Again you can see that this man came to Him believing that He is and that He is a rewarder. What was the result? The centurion’s servant was healed. Note that in the two cases Jesus said that their faith that they acted upon was responD A sible for their miracles. They both K came believing that God is who A He says He is and would do what He says He would do.

A N Believe that God is your healB er, provider, refuge, strength, B I prosperer, deliverer, etc. Don’t R permit fear, doubt and unbelief into your life. Resist them by A turning to God’s word and act G A upon the word that will manifest N your desired breakthroughs.

Come to Him believing that He E N is. God bless you, OUR GREAT A NATION Nigeria and President E N Goodluck Jonathan mightily.

He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him

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For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635 08168955932; 08033378769. Email: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org.

Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C 1011711622.

Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:1511:30am. Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am.

16 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

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enultimate Friday, the Federal Govern ment inaugurated a new board for the Nigeria National Merit Awards, NNMA, with Professor Francis Idachaba as Chairman. The Board is saddled with the responsiblity of ensuring that the right people are nominated and honoured by the Goodluck Jonathan administration which pursues promotion of merit, hardwork and intellectuallism in the nation’s quest for sustainable development.

Established in 1979, the primary objective of NNMA according to Act 59 of 1979 was to confer the Nigerian National Order of Merit,NNOM, on Nigerians who through intellectual and academic attainments have contributed to national and global developments in the fields of science, technology, medicine, humanities, arts and other fields of human endeavours. At least, that was what the Secretary to the Federal Governnment said during the inauguration. It therefore means that Nigerians cannot buy this great honour and there would not be shortcuts and easy ways in the dispensation of the awards.

Nigeria as a copycat might have copied this from other countries which bestow similar honours on their citizens. Nigerian National Merit Awards might have been fashioned after Britain's Member of the Order of British Empire, MBE which recognises distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organisations of all kinds.

In Britain, like I stated sometime in this column, the MBE is perceived as the humblest of honours unlike in Nigeria where our National Honours could become something that people lobby for and use for settlement of political associates, cronies, and sychophants.

These days, National Awards which ought to be awards of distinction could be bought by political cronies and those that merit it could also be dropped for political reasons. The depth of character unswayed by material attraction and superficial rewards which should be the most considered could become the least considered. Persons of low pedigree, political jobbers and crooks could be nominated for what ought to be a mark of distinction. This should be watched out for so that in future, only the visionary, the courageous and patri-

...Of national honours and national horrors

President Goodluck Jonathan presenting a National Award to a recipient

ots should get nominated and honoured. That way, this national embarrassment of turning down such awards by people in the mold of Gani Fawehinmi, Prof Chinua Achebe and Prof. Wole Soyinka would be avoided. We should build up to the point that credible Nigerians should no longer reject national honours because such awards appear to be going to every Tom, Dick and Harry.

Typically, many would give anything to have such honours bestowed on them but the NNMA board should avoid a situation akin to what played out during the centenary awards where Nigerians raised their voices at awards given to perceived undeserving individuals.

We keep making the mistake of not drawing a line between national awards and presidential awards as both seem to be used interchangeably.

Presidential awards should be awarded by a president to his friends, praise-singers and political allies while national awards in the mold of NNMA belong to the nation and are given on its behalf, by the President, using the guidelines and criteria set by law.

According to the books, every nation has a system of recognising and rewarding the outstanding feats and achievements of

its citizens. Such recognition and rewards place on record, public appreciation for the contributions of those citizens who have distinguished themselves in their services to the nation. These are also instruments for motivating the wider citizenry to strive for greater heights and to contribute more actively towards promoting the nation's intellectual, creative and societal value systems.

Nominees are usually invited from different professional bodies and the final decision on the awards is however largely left to the discretion of the President, and the only criterion should be meritorious and distinguished service.

But this selection process has been bastardized over the years. Undeserving elements have been nominated by some of these bodies for the awards and

But this selection process has been bastardized over the years. Undeserving elements have been nominated by some of these bodies and many of such nominees have been rewarded The Nigerian Government, over the years, instituted several categories of honours and awards that are conferred on Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour. A few weeks ago, Centenary Awards were given to many. The Nigerian National Merit Awards should therefore honour Nigerians from all walks of life who have rendered special and outstanding services in their various callings, to the benefit and progress of the nation. The Act establishing NNMA empowers the President of the Federal Republic to make provisions for the award of honours and decorations.

many of such nominees have been rewarded.

Last year, during the National Honours Awards, many personalities from Nollywood, the Nigeria film industry,were given awards for their excellent performances that gave the country positive projection beyond our national borders. Actors like Olu Jacobs,

Kanayo. O. Kanayo, Chinedu Ikedieze, Patience Ozokwor and others were given welldeserved awards that could hardly be questioned. But there are awards given to some people that do not deserve to be there in the first place. Such people believably have not made any significant contributions to national development to warrant being given any recognition at all, let alone the nation’s treasured awards.

When incompetent personages make the list, and in

some cases bag the awards, the meaning of the national award is devalued.

In the past, some security personnel were given national awards and many Nigerians questioned the justification for such, especially since Nigeria came under the siege of Boko Haram insurgents who have taken some parts of the North hostage.

Everything appears wrong with it to these Nigerians.

There have also in the past been situations in which some of the top level recipients of certain awards were arraigned for corruption and some even jailed for looting public funds entrusted in their custody.

Whose role models are such holders of national awards?

Are recipients of national awards or honours not supposed to serve as role models in the society?

One should not therefore wonder why the national awards in recent times have attracted serious criticisms especially on the account of the personality of individuals that were honoured and why many eminent Nigerians who were nominated repeatedly rejected same.

For instance, renowned Nigerian literary icon, the late Professor Chinua Achebe rejected the offer of national honour by the Nigerian government citing then the chaos in his own state, Anambra where he said a small clique of renegades, openly boasting of connections in high places, seemed determined to turn his homeland into a bankrupt and lawless fiefdom. He flayed the brazenness of this clique and the silence, if not connivance, of the Presidency. That was 2004.

In 2008, human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), rejected the

national award conferred on him saying a government that “covertly and overtly encourages corruption has no honour in its arsenal of power to dispense honour”. Fawehinmi rejected the honour because of what

he described as government’s lacklustre fight against corruption and said there was no hope in sight for the decadent socioeconomic situation affecting the people in the country,

emphasizing that Nigeria was not in the atmosphere for national awards.

A member of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila in 2011 also rejected a national award for similar reasons, citing misgovernance and the proliferation of names of men of questionable integrity “and people who cannot be

said to have merited the honours” as part of the reasons for turning down the award.

Nigeria can do without such embarrassment from her citizens in future and the next NNMA is the time to get it right.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014 — 17

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18 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

I will not allow any man to break my heart — Ovo’ Daniels Gabriels

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urrently serenading the motion picture industry is fast rising act, Ovo’ Daniels Gabriels. The Jesse-born thespian from Delta State who studied Nursing Education at UCH, University of Ibadan is also a model and presenter.

Her unique voice and delivery of the English language flawlessly and effortlessly aside her plausible interpretation of roles has endeared her to movie directors and producers alike.

In this interview, Gabriels who also did other certificate courses in acting, presentation and broadcasting speaks on her adventure in Nollywood and other issues.

By SAM ANOKAM

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cting to me is divine. I grew up acting. It is passion and a gospel to me.

It is a way of affecting my generation positively.

I started acting from primary school, doing dance drama. I was always playing lead roles. I took it serious in Secondary school. I was in the literary and debate society, got involved in poem recitation and drama sketches as well as represented my school both at state and national competitions. I was amongst the best. I also joined a theatre group called ‘Irawo Owuro’ (Morning Star) Theatre Group, it was a stage drama thing, visiting schools in churches to showcase our acts. I was writing drama script and directing the youth drama group of my church before I left for higher institution. All these informed my packaging today by God’s grace.

Infact, when I told my pastor and spiritual father then that I was going to study Nursing, he was shocked and wondered why I didn’t want to study theatre arts. God has been good to me.

I registered with the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in 2004. I was also at a time, State Secretary, AGN, Delta Chapter before I left for school again to add some colourful feathers to my cap. I’m done with my first degree and I fully back into the business of acting.

God has given me a great personality and knowledge of the

art.God also gave me a unique voice. Men shiver hearing my voice and somehow, some people get intimidated by my voice. Some call me ‘radio voice,’ ‘man’s voice.

Whatever it is, it is God’s gift and I thank Him for it. My most recent movies include, ’Xmas Package’ directed by Chris Obirapu produced by Chief Zebrudaya alias 4:30, ‘Dangerous Mission’ and ‘Impossible Mission’. I played the female lead character alongside top actors like Kenneth Okonkwo, Clem Ohameze, Ugezu J. •Ovo’ Daniels Gabriels Ugezu, directed

by Ugezu J. Ugezu produced by Ariscole Investment.

I just finished two movies shot at Asaba, staring alongside Mercy Johnson and Nuella Njubigho, directed by Vincent D Anointed produced by Ariscole Investment Nig Ltd. The other movie ‘Night Nurse’ is directed by Chima Okoroji, I stared alongside Mike Ezeruonye and Nuella. God has been faithful since i returned from school.

Without mincing words, I have a

I look out for people a lot and I love myself, I love kids and would love to have a dozen

STAYING IN Engage in exercise

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he health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are numerous . Are you disturbed as a result of your chores. Engaging in exercise can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance.

It helps your cardiovascular system work more effectively and also gives you the strength to work . When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores.

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crush on John Dumelo and like others like Genevieve Nnaji and Majid Michael The issue of sexual harassment is everywhere. Why all these pretenses?

It’s a ‘man’s world’ so we all say, lots of women, ladies, the girl child are being sexually harassed daily just because they need help or job to survive. Tell me, does it mean we can’t help each other survive without harassing? We need to grow up.

Whatever position we find ourselves is God’s grace, we should fear God. My love life is personal. But why can’t I marry an actor, are they not human beings? Yes, I can marry an actor if I find true love in him. But the man I want must be God-fearing .

One who will respect me as a lady, support my acting career and aspirations. My friend, soulmate, someone we connect on same frequency, a great dresser with good sense of fashion, fun to be with, a guy who knows when he’s wrong and knows how to say, I’m sorry. He must also be averagely comfortable.

I will not allow any man to break my heart. Before he plans to do that, I would have seen it coming and move on. I don’t deceive myself. I know when to draw the line and count my losses and save my heart from being broken beyond repair. It happened once but affliction shall not rise the second time.

I’m just the girl next door, downto-earth, loving, caring, understanding, fun to be with, respectful, honest, focused, positive and intelligent. I have a good heart, I mind my own business, I love my privacy, I get angry like a normal human but I don’t keep things to heart.

I know how to say I’m sorry when I’m wrong, I look out for people a lot and I love myself. I love kids and would love to have a dozen. I love and enjoy cooking and baking. I’m an African woman brought up in an African culture, I got no time for pretense. I’m comfortable in my skin.

My favourites actors are Genevieve Nnaji, Mercy Johnson, Omotola Ekehinde, of course aunty Joke Silva, Julia Robert and Jennifer Ganna.

GOING OUT Visit a new place

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ven if you have a great job and have a vibrant social life, nothing can replace the unique experiences of visiting a new place.

Visiting a new place opens your eyes to how the rest of the world lives; how they do their things and a new way of thinking.You should leave your shell and explore new worlds.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014 — 19

Scandals:

Do they make or mar artistes’ career?

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ith so many publicised scandals and controversies rocking most Nigerian entertainment celebrities, one begins to wonder how it affects the careers of those concerned. While some people see it as a form of publicity, others think it is the fastest route to destruction. Saturday Vanguard spoke to some showbiz people on the issue and here are their views.

Every publicity is good — Lilian Esoro, Actress

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scandal is a scandal,whether you are a public figure or not. But as an entertainer, it destroys you because you have people looking up to you for certain reasons. But every publicity is good, whether positive or negative.

More scandals mean more strength and happiness - Cynthia Okereke, Actress

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It damages the reputation of the ar tist e artist tiste

candals have no negative effect on an artiste, because the more scandals you get, the more publicity you also get. My mother used to say that when people talk about you, it means you have grown. But when nobody talks about you, it means you are a nobody. So, the more the scandals, the happier and stronger you are as an artiste.

– Tamara Eteimo, Actress

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candals not only mar an artiste’s career, but also damage the reputation of the artiste, notwithstanding the fact that it might be true, false or a mixture of both. And this reduces people’s trust and faith in that particular artiste.

Sometimes,an attempt to cover up a possible scandal ignites a greater scandal, when the cover up fails. That is why most celebrities try their best to avoid scandals.

It depends on how scandalous it is

- Kevin Ikeduba, Actor It depends on how scandalous the story is. A scandalous story can make and also mar an artiste’s career. Some can bring you down from the top to the bottom, while others can also take you up from the bottom to the top.

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The e and Theyy can mak make mar you!

- Chioma Okoye, Actress

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candals can make and destroy you too. The important thing is knowing what kind of scandal you want for yourself. But good image is better than a scandal. So artistes should be careful of what they want.

Scandals destr oy yyou ou destro in the long run - Collette Orji, Actress

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ersonally, I don’t think scandals make people. Most times, they mar you and put you in a place contrary to where you truly are and how you would have preferred to be seen. They bring an unacceptable perception of you to you! There is good and bad publicity, but scandal in itself can’t make you.

There’s no need to work so hard to get to the top and and wasting it all at the end of the day. You can remain in the news without unnecessary or irrelevant scandals. What is good is good and vice versa, no need twisting issues. Scandal in the long run will only mar you.

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

08111813050

Most enterprising actors in and outside Nollywood

They have become household names in the Nigerian movie industry. Despite bringing happiness to many homes in Africa through their talents, these actors have also excelled in other areas of life. While some of them are into real estate business, others are pulling their weight in the lucrative business of renting movie equipment, services as well as signing endorsement deals with some leading multi-national companies. Here, are some of the enterprising Nollywood actors who are reaping the fruits of their labour in and outside the industry.

Chidi Mokeme Chidi Mokeme is one of the hunks in Nollywood. He's an accomplished actor and entrepreneur. GQ as he is fondly called by his fans has featured in numerous Nollywood movies and television programmes including the popular Gulder Ultimate Search which he has anchored three times.

The tall and handsome dude

is currently living large.He is known to be one actor who is into many things aside acting.

Mokeme owns a thriving clothing line, GQ Clothing Line. He is also an importer and one of the few Nollywood stars that attended President Barrack Obama’s inauguration in the United States.

Married to a US-based

medical doctor, Mokeme, who was the first actor in Nollywood to cruise a Hummer jeep flies first class and lives in a palatial mansion in Victoria Garden City Lekki. He also owns other exotic cars. The ladies' man is a heavy investor in the property business as well as a flourishing sex toys business.

Jim Iyke

Jim Iyke Like him or hate him, the bad boy of Nollywood, James Ikechukwu Esomugha is a force to reckon with in the Nigerian movie industry. He's one of the highest paid actors in Nigeria. Since he became a known face on screen, the Anambra State-born actor has been consistent in his chosen profession.

The multiple award-wining graduate of Philosphy from the University of Jos has featured in over 200 films. He owns a movie production company, called Untamed Productions as well as a music label, Untamed Records which produced his maiden album, titled, "Who Am I"?

Currently in a sizzling relationship with top Ghanian actress, Nadia Buari, Jim has his own reality show called, Jim Iyke Unscripted. He has produced two films with internationally renowned actresses-Judy Shekoni and Tangerine Martins in London. Recently, he produced “2 Dollaz,” a sequel to the most commercially successful Nollywood comic flick “1 Dollar.” He is the producer/executive producer of a yet to

be released movie, “Shades of White.” Outside Nollywood, Jim is generally regarded as a fashion icon and one of the best dressed African celebrities.

Jim Iyke is the founder of a nonprofit organization called the Jim Iyke Foundation, and a pioneer in the Movement for Better Education and Well-being for the Less Privileged Children in Africa. The foundation, which is generally considered as the most successful independently-run celebrity foundation in Nigeria, is constantly creating forums and organizing workshops, symposia, and musical/comedy shows to highlight the health and state of being of the children of Africa to the world. Several of these shows and campaigns were organized in Ghana, Liberia, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Lagos.

His business interests span through Oil and Gas transportation, an upscale special clientele automobile dealership, named Untamed Cars, as well as real estate investments, events management, and a number of brand endorsement deals with one of the prominent telecoms company, Globacom. Jim speaks English and Igbo fluently, and passable French. He loves to cycle and has traveled around the world. He is an avid reader and loves to write poetry. He also mastered martial art and has earned a Black Belt in Ti Quan Do. He drives in state of theartcarsandliveslikeaprince.

Chidi Mokeme

Nkem Owoh

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nown for the instinctive use of his talents than written manuscript, Nkem Owoh without any form of contradiction is one of the pioneers of comedy business in Nigeria.

Not many are aware that Owoh had played prominent roles in the defunct New Masquerade and Bassey and Company aside his own programme slot called Star Comedian's Corner by the Anambra State Television (ATV) in 1987.

When Bassey and Company was rested in 1990, Nkem Owoh relocated to Lagos from the eastern part of the country, and was active in the scripting of ‘Memorial Hospital’. While operating behind the camera, he did a lot of writing and acting. At that period, he wrote the blockbuster movie, ‘Taboo.’

Owoh, a graduate of Engineering from the University of Ilorin has won numerous awards including the African Movie Academy Award for

Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2008, starred in the 2003 monster hit movie, ‘Osuofia in London’. He performed the song about advance fee fraud, ‘I Go Chop Your Dollar’ which was featured in the film, ‘The Master’.

Apart from his acting career, the Enugu State born-actor is very much involved in the business aspect of showbiz.

He owns a multi-million naira production outfit aside a modern day editing studio. He has cameras which he hires out both for high-tech movie productions and coverage of social functions. Owoh also owns a film school where writers, actors and other talents in the profession are trained.

He sells accessories for film productions alongside anchoring occasions as the MC in addition to organising shows. The MTN ambassador is a huge investor in the real estate business as he owns an eye popping mansion in the burgeoning estate exclusively preserved for the super rich big boys in the capital of Imo

Nkem Owoh state. Though his family lives abroad, Owoh who is one of the highest paid actors in the industry owns landed property and houses in his home state, including an enviable array of exotic cars parked in his Enugu GRA residence.

Mr Ibu

Mr. Ibu

Though not much is known about his other investments outside Nollywood, the inclusion of popular humour merchant, John Okafor, a.k.a, Mr Ibu is not an oversight.

If for nothing, his many movie roles which has placed him at a vantage position as one of the highest paid comic actors of all times, is enough to list his name among the "Big Boys" of Nollywood.

Like some of his col-

leagues, Mr. Ibu is also doing well in real estate business and hi-tech movie making equipment rental services. The incurable clown who has tried his hands as a butcher, hair stylist, photographer, cannot travel out of the shores of the country with anything less than $50,000 for his services.

The funny actor also rakes in money through endorsements, appearances and anchoring events.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014 — 21

Desmond Elliot

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ith over 200 movies and a number of tele vision shows and soap operas, Desmond Elliot is indeed an accomplished producer and director.

Born to a Yoruba father and an Igbo mother, Elliot who is married to a Calabar woman and describes himself as a Pan-African owns Densiot movie production company.

The graduate of Economics from Lagos State University in 2010, was nominated for the Best Actor category at the Nigeria Entertainment

Awards. He has co-produced and featured in numerous flicks such as Bursting Out, Holding Hope, Nollywood Hustlers, Before the Light, Edikan, Final Tussle, Guilty Pleasures, Black Night in South America, A Better Place, Caught-Up, Double Game, Fine Things, Ghetto Queen, Secret Pain, Men Who Cheat, A Time to Love, Ekaette, Extreme Measure, among many others.

Elliot moves about town with top of the range SUVs, Benz coupe among others and

makes huge profit from his movie equipment rental business as well as endorsements, adverts and his public relations with telecoms giant, Globacom.

The father of two set of twins and a budding singer owns a wonder-to-behold twin duplex in Lekki, Lagos. He runs Desmond Elliot Foundationto sensitize people on water, hygiene and sanitation. His wife, Vicky is also a major viable Nollywood distributor on Lagos Island.

Desmond Elliot

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hough on the quiet side, Obinna Nwafor better known as St. Obi by all standard, is a 'big boy' in the movie industry.

Rated as a personality that symbolizes integrity, finesse, discipline, hardwork and quality, the saint in the Nigerian movie industry has broken so many records in his foray in tinsel town.

For instance, the widely travelled actor who runs Agwhite International Limited has featured in movies across the country and beyond. The movie, ‘Dapo Junior’ was shot in the Netherlands while ‘Fantasy’ was shot in Slovania and ‘Real America’ in the USA. The versatile actor ’s debut

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St. Obi movie as a producer and director, ‘Take Me to Maama’ was a success and a major landmark in Nollywood. The film is the first Nigerian movie that was promoted and marketed by Africa’s largest television network, NTA aside being endorsed by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria even as Obi is a non Catholic faithful.

Silently breaking visionary strides in the industry, his company is preparing to fix the distribution problem in Nollywood by launching Agwhyte Global Entertainment Network (AGEN); Africa’s largest film distribution network; with over 190,000

Osita Iheme

idely known for play ing the role of ‘Pawpaw’ in the flick, Aki na Ukwa alongside Chinedu Ikedieze in 2003, Osita Iheme is one of the most-sought-after and highly paid actors in Nollywood today.

Having featured in so many movies such as, Mirror Boy, Markus D Millionare, Stubborn Flies, Reggae Boys, Secret Adventure, Spoiler, Village Boys, American Husband, Big Daddies, Columbia Connection, Daddy Must Obey, Mr.Ibu, 2 Rats, Boys from Holland, Brain Box, Criminal Law, Jadon, Last Challenge, Remote Control, Royal Messengers, Winning Your Love, Young Masters, among others. The Lifetime Achievement awardee at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2007, is currently occupied with raising fund for the talented unemployed youths, and also, providing a

outlets (4,800 in Nigeria) across 55 countries, globally.

He raked in millions as a resource person for the Goodluck/Sambo Presidential Campaign Organization. His company developed and produced over 15 television and radio commercials for the campaign organization.

Married to Lynda, a Chief Technical Officer of a leading telecoms company with children, Obi lives in a multi million naira mansion in Lekki.

Aki & Pawpaw

platform for them.

Iheme, famous outside the shores of Nigeria is into other businesses. He has interest in real estate business as well as importation of stockfish.The graduate of Mass Communication from the Enugu State University sponsors the Osita Iheme Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools.

The comic actor who already has a Toyota Harrier SUV and a Honda Sports car, not too long ago acquired an LR3 Land Rover SUV worth N7 million is also a Chief with the title, Aha Eji Aga Mba 1 of Mbaitolu L.G.A in Imo State.

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hinedu Ikedieze be came a household name in the Nigerian movie industry after acting alongside Osita Iheme in the movie, ‘Aki Na Ukwa.’

With over 200 movies and

St. Obi and

Wife

The handsome hunk also operates from his well furnished modern up-to-date equipment multi million naira office in Lekki Phase 1. Mitsubishi Pajero jeep, Honda jeep are among some of the cars parked in his g a r a g e .

Last year, Obi who is also a model spent several millions of naira organising a befitting evening of netwotrking for the Nigerian business community.

He has featured in well over 90 movies including, Sakobi, Executive Crime, Candle Light, Goodbye Tomorrow, Heart of Gold and Last Party.

Chinedu Ikedieze still counting, the graduate from the Institute of Management Technolo g y , Enugu is in hot demand.

Aki as he is fondly called is raking in good money from movies and various endorsements including a mobile phone company in South Africa. To get the pint size actor travel of the country for any function or business, you must be ready to spend between $150,000 and $200,000. He

is also investing in properties in Lagos and the South East.

The Abia State-born actor who has won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role is almost set to move out of his Omole Phase 1, Lagos apartment as his multi-million naira mansion is near completion. He recently doled out millions of naira when unveiled his wife’s fashion label, Nikiz’s Fashion.

Come June, Aki, MFR, in company of his screen twin brother, Pawpaw and other eight entertainers are going to cheer the Super Eagles to victory during the 2014 FIFA World cup. Already, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has earmarked N138.4m for the jamboree. Among powerful cars in his garage are a brand new Infinity jeep and Honda Accord (Special Edition).

22 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

BON, COSON face-off:

Is Mocheddah engaged?

We ‘ll not sacrifice the interest of the music industry —Okoroji BENJAMIN NJOKU

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he Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Tony Okoroji has said that the representatives of COSON in the on-going NBC/NCC/COSON/BON/ IBAN joint committee will not sacrifice the interest of the music industry.

Addressing members of the COSON management at a meeting during the week, Chief Okoroji said, “We understand the historic nature of the on-going negotiations. In the interest of the country, we are willing to bend backwards where it is necessary and compromise where we consider it appropriate but we will not under any circumstance sacrifice the interest of members of COSON or the right owners in the various countries around the globe who have mandated COSON to manage their rights. You have my word that we will not sacrifice the interest of the music industry in Nigeria.”

According to Okoroji, ‘COSON is not interested in

distributing pittance to our stakeholders as copyright royalties.

Music is intellectual property with substantial value.

Those who want it should be ready to pay for it. Our industry must show in its returns the fact that by far, we are the most active in the continent.

We cannot say that we are the first and then we are behaving like the last.”

On January 9, 2014, the National Broadcasting Commission published a major pronouncement in reaction to the COSON, BON/IBAN conflict and set up the NBC/NCC/COSON/ BON/IBAN Joint Committee to review copyright royalty tariffs with respect to broadcast of musical works and sound recordings and to ensure that the royalties paid by broadcast stations in Nigeria are fair, reasonable and in accordance with prevailing standards. The joint committee was inaugurated in Lagos on February 24, 2014.

AMG music group unveils new act ‘ESKQIU MG Music Group, one of A Nigeria’s rising record labels, recently unveiled its

new act, Salami Quadri with stage name Esqui.

Esqui, a native of Osun state who has spent most of his years in Lagos is also known as ‘’AMG BOY” by his fans. The name ‘’ESKQIU ‘’ came from his initials S.Q while AMG boy, represents his record label AMG Music Group.

He’s been a music lover from C M Y K

his teenage years and has mastered the art of lyrics recitations of songs done by popular artistes in that era.

The new act who just got signed on to AMG Music Group 2013 has recorded a couple of songs under his new label with his major song, titled ‘Kamalo’.

BY IYABO AINA

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Nigerian Idol : Drama as contestants battle for 3 more spo ts in TTop op 1 2 spots 12

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ith one-group performances down on Nigerian Idol, the fight for the next three contestants who will make it to the Top 12 has hit feverish pitch.

10 more contestants graced the beautiful stage on Sunday, March 30, 2014 for a spot in the Top 12, the second group of the Top 30 contestants performed some of the globe’s biggest songs to the awe and admiration of the viewers and judges.

Five of the contestants impressed the judges, with Eye-D crowned as the lady of the night with her performance of Lean Rime’s ‘How do I live?’ The decision on who will be joining Elvis, Lisa and Jesse in the Top 12 from this group is solely based on votes from viewers nationwide.

op Nigerian female artiste Mo’Cheddah has been off the music scene lately , an industry that gave her recognition. And her absence has become worrisome to her fans.

Recently, she showed up looking smashing in a hot photo shoot and with what looks like an engagement ring on her finger.

The former Knight House artiste abandoned music to join her boyfriend, son of an Ondo monarch Bukunyi to live in South Africa.

Maybe, they’re already engaged and soon to marry. In 2012, Mo’Cheddah was in a nude picture mess with Eldee which was allegedly sent privately

by Mo’Cheddah to the rapper on twitter but mistakenly leaked to the public. Both of them denied the report back then. Mo’Cheddah’s music career nose-dived afterwards.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014 — 23

Efya and Dbanj motional outbursts know no geographical boundaries when Ghana’s pop diva Jane Fara Fauzzier known as Efya who hopes to be one of Africa’s leading female artistes some day once opened up about her crush on D’banj. Who knows? Whenever they get together they might just have a son who will be the heir to D’banj’s Koko holdings. We only hope Genevieve won’t mind.

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Celebrity crushes:

Who has the hots for who?

BY KEHINDE AJOSE

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t isn’t strange for any human to have wild fantasy and day dream about their object of obsession. We all have someone we long to have for one reason or the other. Even the celebrities are not left out of this normal feeling we have seen and heard about too often. They call it a crush or having the hots for the person, because they desire the person so much for either love or lust and for whatever reason. This piece X-rays whom Don Jazzy, Wizkid, Yemi Alade and others have crushes on.

Emma Nyra and Terry G er sexy eyes aside, Emma Nyra doesn’t deny she has a crush on the ‘ginger your swagger’ sensation Terry G. Forget about Terry G’ s crazy energy and enthusiasm, Miss Nyra has the hots for him. When asked in a recent interview with Saturday Vanguard, who her celebrity crush is, she says:’ I always say Terry G.I like people who are their own persons. He does his own thing, his own sound’. Unfortunately Mr Terry G has a baby mama.

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Yemi Alade and Flavour lavour Nabania, the Highlife artiste isn’t ashamed to flaunt his hot body which makes the likes of Yemi Alade have the hots for him. He recently tweeted a selfie of himself that showed a lot of skin for the ladies. Yemi Alade revealed recently in an interview why she kissed Flavour’s poster in Enugu and the crush she has on him: “I cannot explain why I kissed the poster, it was very spontaneous.But the truth of the matter is that I have always had a crush on Flavour .If people ask me who my crush is ,I say it’s flavour. I don’t know who else I will have a crush on. I was just having fun.

But really, the kiss was sincere,” she says.

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Chidinma and Dammy Krane

M Wizkid and Genevieve

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obody knew that deep inside Ayo Balogun a.k.a Wizkid lies an undeniable feeling he once had for star actress Genevieve Nnaji. He once opened up to Toolz on Ndani TV. ‘I really had a crush on Genevieve until I met her and I realized she was my aunty. I love her.” When asked if he will love to date her he said: “Yea, definitely, but I doubt if she would date me”

Don Jazzy And TToolz oolz

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ho wouldn’t crush on Tolu Oniru known simply as Toolz, for those knock-out hips and curves. The highly endowed on-air-personality once opened up in a TV interview that the ace music producer, Don Jazzy once had a crush on her. According to her: “Don Jazzy is my personal person , Don Jazzy is like somebody that thought me a lot about the industry. People say that I have a crush on him, but I have to say he is the one that has a crush on me’ she explains.

C M Y K

iss Kedike featured Hypertek’s star-boy Dammy Krane in the video of her hit love song ‘Kedike’ which is a metaphor for heart beat. Since then, they have been close just like two inseparable love-birds. When she was asked who she would love to date amongst Iyanya, Wizkid, Dammy Krane, and Davido, she says: “Iyanya has the body.

Davido has the money, Wizkid is the Starboy , Dammy Krane is a sweet cute guy. I will probably go with Dammy Krane”.

Lynxx and Chidinma

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orgeous Nigerian rapper Lynxx who is a ladies’ man couldn’t resist the sexual appeal the ‘Kedike’ star exudes. In a picture that went viral,he was kissing the talented singer’s cheek and he captioned the picture: “Ain’t nobody’sbusiness’#SheDeyMakeMyHeartGo. He also calls Chidinma his celebrity crush in a recent interview.

According to him: “She’s so cute and tiny, and she has a powerful voice. I think that’s attractive. I haven’t done a song with Chindinma because I’m shy. I’m really not a shy person, but around her, I am shy,” he reveals.

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

BY ADERONKE ADEYERI

Casual shoes that separate you from the regulars

BY OLAYINKA AJAYI

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s the weekend rolls in, many guys seriously anticipate casual wears that are comfortable and cute.

It’s electrifying when you are dressed in casuals that inspire other people to emulate you.

Casual shoes for men differ in style, and even the way you match them with other casual trends also differ. Some of the most renown casual shoes include: flat Moccassin Suede, Penny loafers, Italian made stockton, sneakers, canvas shoes and timberland boots among others.

It may interest you to know that some of these casual shoes can be worn to the office, but this to a large extent depends on your style and convinience. For example, you can wear penny loafers with a suit. This is a casual way of wearing suits and you don’t have to wear socks or a tie, just make sure your outfit looks simple.

However, this style will also depend on the nature of your job. If you own the business, then it is okay to wear penny loafers with a suit or native attire but if you’re employed, this trend will not be cool for you, except on weekends. You can try it on cocktail parties and hanging out with friends. Here are some casual shoes that put you in the class of cute men.

•Alex Ekubo

•Uti Nwachukwu

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SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014 — 25

By ANOZIE EGOLE

Craziest cocktails so far Classic cocktails can be fun, but one can never resist the urge to mix things up a bit. That means we can’t pass up an alcoholic drink without something new thrown in the mix. Be it ice cream, avocado, or even ice cubes. Here are some craziest cocktails ever.

Avocado Margarita

•Avacardo Magrita

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he mixture for this kind of cocktail comes out well, when mixed up in a Vita-Mix blender, but in case you don’t have such fancy appliances in your kitchen, a regular old blender should

•Italian sipper C M Y K

suffice. Just add in additional liquid (more tequila, or a dash of lime juice, whichever you prefer!) if your blender is having trouble grinding up the ice and avocado chunks.

It is made up with, 2 cups crushed ice,6 oz. regular well tequila of your choice, 1 avocado, peeled, sliced, and pitted, 2 oz. triple sec, 4 oz. lime juice, pinch of cilantro and salt on your glass if that’s how you roll. It is mixed when you place ice, tequila, avocado, triple sec, lime juice, and cilantro in a blender, and blend until desirably smooth. Salt your glasses if you wish, and pour your groovy green margaritas into glasses.

Close your eyes, take a sip, and enjoy.

•Shibuya shake

•Lamonade

Orange

•Moscow Mule

Moscow Mule

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his is not a very common cocktail but, it is very different in its own way and has a very unique taste. Due to the Vodka content in the drink, it has a very little content of alchohol depending on the quantity of vodka that you added on the recipe.

It is made up of, 2 oz Vodka (Square One Organic Vodka), 3 oz Ginger beer, Juice of half a lime, Garnish Lime wheel and, a glass: it is very simple to prepare. Just add, all the ingredients to a Moscow Mule mug or highball glass filled with ice and garnish with a lime wheel.

•Cucumber chilled magarita

26 — SARTURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

Why I haven’t b featuring in Yoru movies!

Joke Silva also speaks passionately about as a wife, mother and a role model to the y

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oke Silva fondly called the “grandmother of the Nigerian film industry”, is an award winning actress and a role model, with a successful and influential career spanning over three decades.Being the wife of veteran actor, Olu Jacobs, Joke is renowned for the memorable roles she has played both off and on screen. In this engaging interview with Showtime Celebrity, the veteran actress bares her mind on a number of issues affecting the industry and her career.

She says, while doing what she knows how to do best, she does not compromise on her standard when it comes to acting in Nollywood movies.

She also explains why she has not been featuring in Yoruba movies as well as why most younger actresses look up to her.

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

You are a role model to many young women. What do you think could make them look up to you?

First and foremost, I want to thank God for establishing the work of one’s hands. I think, one has been blessed to have longevity in the movie industry. Everybody wants fullness of life and longevity in their chosen professions. That’s one of the reasons these young actresses see me as their role model. There is the longevity and the passion that one has for one’s work in addition to having a family life and a career at the same time.

Joke Silva

C M Y K

In your own assessment, how would you rate what they call the “New Nollywood?”

I’m not a supporter of this idea of the ‘new and old Nollywood.’ I look at the entire film industry as one which has been recording steady growth. That’s the way I see the industry. It’s really sad because I think we have one of the oldest enterainment traditions in the whole world-theatre. We have been making films way back in the 50s. And for us to celebrate 20 years of Nigerian film industry last year, I personally believe, we are underrating ourselves.

Unfortunately, people like us whom they consider as “old-fashioned" are not in controlled of the affairs of the industry. There is need to sound a

note of caution that we must jettison our history, so that posterity will not judge us.

Are you agreeing with Kunle Afolayan when he wrote on his facebook page last year that celebrating Nollywood at 20, is celebrating 20 years of producing low quality films?

I’m not sure if I would support that opinion. This is because I know that within the last 20 years, Nollywood has churned out some absolutely amazing films. I wouldn’t support that kind of assessment of the industry. But I do know that a lot of Tunde Kelani’s films fall within and before these years. So, you can’t authoritatively claim that Tunde Kelani’s works are not bar raisers.

Even though there is an on going argument that TK does not see himself as a Nollywood practitioner.

But I think we need to understand what the word, Nollywood stands for. For me, Nollywood is the entire Nigerian film industry. It got branded with the name, and it has been in existence for much longer than the name.

Would say, you began your career in commercials and on stage?

I started on stage definitely.

So, What’s your preference; stage or screen?

I don’t prefer one to the other. I enjoy working in both genres. For me, both of them are part of my way of expressing myself. I discovered that if I’m being pigeonholed into either of the two, I don’t feel I’m expressing my unique creativity in both mediums.

But frankly, where lies your strength?

I’m strong in both genres. It’s just that sometimes, people expect to see me more often on screen than they do on stage. My strength lies in both genres.

These days, you are rarely seen on screen. What happened?

Yes, I had a project I was doing. It took me away for a while, but I’m working now.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014—27

Much ado about Ebola

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ince the latest outbreak of Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and the threats in neighbouring West African countries, people have stopped sharing personal items such as towels, toothbrushes, cups, cutlery and hankies. The tendency to indulge in shaking of hands, hugging, kissing or even having sex has reduced significantly. Public gatherings involving large crowds have virtually disappeared.

Healthcare providers are reluctant to attend to patients with symptoms of fever and other suspected signs of illness.

In affected communities, everybody is going about wearing hand gloves and is wary of touching anything that might serve as a mode of transmission of the deadly virus. The practice of killing and consuming bush meat, fruit bats, antelopes, porcupines, monkeys and other tainted delicacies has ceased. Such is the magnitude of the threat of the disorder which kills nine out of 10 victims.

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édecins Sans Frontières, MSF (Doctors Without Borders) noted in Conakry, the Guinean capital, that it is facing an unprecedented epidemic of a magnitude never before seen in terms of the distribution of cases. MSF has intervened in almost all reported Ebola outbreaks in recent years but say the geographical spread of this outbreak is worrisome because it is greatly complicating control of the epidemic.

In Nigeria, the Federal Government has confirmed there is no case of Ebola in the country but already there is a red alert. So what can be done if anyone is infected? Not much, really. There are no vaccines, though some are being tested, along with new drug therapies. Patients frequently become dehydrated: they should take in fluids.

Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever is a viral illness characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This can suddenly graduate to vomiting, diarrhoea and internal and external bleeding. Natural reservoir of the Ebola virus is in the rain forests of Africa and

•Avoid contact with potential Ebola patients and their bodily fluids in areas of the Western Pacific.

The disease infects humans through close contact with infected animals including chimpanzees, fruit bats and forest antelope. It spreads from one person to another: by direct

health-care setting, such as a clinic or hospital is also possible. Thus, the virus is often spread through families and friends because they come in close contact with such secretions when caring for infected persons. People can also

The disease infects humans through close contact with infected animals including chimpanzees, fruit bats and forest antelope contact with infected blood, bodily fluids or organs, or indirectly through contact with contaminated environments.

People can also be exposed from direct contact with the blood and/or secretions of an infected person — dead or alive. Nosocomial transmission within a

be exposed through contaminated objects.

Precautions are simple. Avoid contact with potential Ebola patients and their bodily fluids. Do not touch anything which could have become contaminated in a public place. Wearing of masks, gloves and other protective

equipment is mandatory as is thorough washing of hands.

The WHO also warns against consuming raw bush meat and any contact with infected

bats or monkeys and apes.

Fruit bats in particular are considered a delicacy in the area of Guinea where the outbreak started.

28—SATURDAY

Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014 and pies, salads and dairy products.

Cases of food poisoning are on the increase and the most common cause is usually poor food hygiene. Described as “an infection of the intestines which can range from a mild tummy discomfort for a day or two with some mild diarrhoea, to severe diarrhoea and vomiting for several days or longer”, food poisoning is a common, usually mild, but sometimes deadly illness.

Symptoms Depending on the type of contaminant and the amount eaten, symptoms can develop rapidly, within 30 minutes, or slowly, worsening over days to weeks. Most contaminants cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea that occur suddenly (within 48 hours) after consuming a contaminated food or drink.

Abdominal cramping, fever and chills, bloody stools, dehydration, and nervous system damage may follow.

Causes Food usually becomes contaminated from poor sanitation or preparation.

Food handlers who do not wash their hands after using the toilet or are infected themselves often cause contamination. Improperly packaged food stored at the wrong temperature also

FOOD POISONING:

The bad, the worse and the terrible promotes contamination.

Viral poisoning Noroviruses, a group of viruses that cause a mild illness, is the most common viral cause of adult food poisoning. Rotaviruses cause moderate to severe illness with vomiting followed by watery diarrhoea and fever. It is the most

common cause of food poisoning in infants and children. Bother are transmitted from water, shellfish, and vegetables contaminated by faeces, as well as from person to person.

Bacterial poisoning Salmonellae bacteria cause food poisoning transmitted by undercooked foods such

as eggs, poultry, dairy products, and seafood.

Campylobacter causes mild illness with fever, watery diarrhoea, headache, and muscle aches. It is transmitted by raw poultry, raw milk, and water contaminated by animal faeces.

Staphylococcus aureus produce a toxin in foods such as cream-filled cakes

LIFELINE

Dealing with disappointment of not conceiving in time

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OR couples taking longer to get pregnant than expected, it would be a natural thing feeling disappointed because building a family and becoming a parent are fundamental parts of life, so when they don’t come easily, it’s common to feel as something is wrong. It is usually practicable to accept that pregnancy doesn’t always happen as expected.

If you’ve been trying for more than a year, you might want to consider your options.

The first step may be

to visit a fertility expert because, quite often, many such problems are quite easy to treat, so you could end up sparing yourself a lot of further disappointment by identifying any problem quickly. A good first step is to recognise that infertility is a crisis and probably one of the most difficult things you’ll ever face.

It can call into question the most basic expectations you have for yourself, your body, and your relationship.

Acknowledging this is a key to coping. It’s normal to feel a monumental sense of loss, to feel stressed, sad, or overwhelmed.

People who are successful in their careers can have a particularly difficult time dealing with the loss of control that comes with not

being able to conceive. If you’ve planned everything else in your life successfully and suddenly you aren’t able to have a child, it can be very hard.

When faced with infertility, it’s quite normal to blame yourself. But you do not need to blame yourself. You may have doubts. Self-doubt is common, but most fertility experts know that when people get caught in negative patterns of thinking it only make things worse.

Instead of blaming anyone, look forward to managing the situation. When you start feeling like you “should have” or “could have” done things differently, remind yourself that infertility is not your fault, even if you could have made different decisions in the past.

Others Bacillus cereus causes mild illness with rapid onset of vomiting. It is associated with rice (mainly fried rice) and other starchy foods.

Escherichia coli (E.coli) are infective bacteria that can cause kidney failure and death and are transmitted by eating raw or undercooked hamburger, unpasteurized milk or juices, or contaminated well water. There is also Shigella (traveler ’s diarrhoea) transmitted in water polluted with human wastes; Listeriosis is a moderate to severe illness transmitted on uncooked foods such as meats, fruits, vegetables, soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk, and cold cut meats; clostridium botulinum (botulism) transmitted in foods such as home-packed canned goods, honey, sausages, and seafood; and Vibrio cholera that is transmitted by infected, undercooked, or raw seafood.

Treatment The main treatment for food poisoning is replacing fluids into the body (rehydration) orally and through an IV. Hospital admission may be necessary, depending on severity of dehydration, response to therapy, and ability to drink fluids without vomiting. Children, in particular, may need close observation.

Prevention Safe steps in food handling, cooking, and storage are essential to avoiding food-borne illness. Pathogens cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, yet they may be on any food.

Look forward. Ask questions. Get answers. You need to understand what’s happening medically so that you can make informed choices.

By implication, you need to work as a team with your partner. It could be helpful to find other people who are going through the same thing, or talking to people, who work in the field of infertility, can help you see that you are not alone. Talk to each other and to others.

Admittedly, couples in which the woman is still young and who have been trying for a baby, may need to dip deeply into their life savings to undergo IVF. Once you know how much your treatment is likely to cost, agree with your partner how much money you are prepared to spend in total. If the first round of treatment does not work, could you afford another? Having a baby may be a priceless gift, but pushing yourselves into financial crisis would only add to the stresses you already face.

SATURDAY

Human Nature

Kidneys help remove wastes from the bloodstream, so when they fail, the build up of wastes in your blood can cause rashes, severe itching, and dryness.

Don’t die for a kidney

The prevalence of kidney disease within the community is alarming. Hardly does a week go by without one being accosted by at least one patient of End Stage Kidney Disease requiring regular dialysis or a transplant.

Once kidney function becomes compromised, so does overall health. Are your kidneys healthy?

Here is your chance to know the signs of kidney damage, and what you can do to protect your kidneys and naturally improve their function.

you have kidney disease it lowers the levels of this hormone, which causes decreased red blood cells in your body resulting in anaemia. This decreased oxygen delivery to cells causes fatigue and general weakness, and should be addressed quickly.

Go for regular check up Regular medical checks for abnormalities in the blood and urine help detect signs and symptoms of blood disease in time. If you are diabetic, hypertensive of a patient of heart disease, it is important to get the diseases properly managed.

Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol Keep your blood pressure normal to delay it or prevent kidney failure. If you have diabetes, control your blood glucose level. Keep your cholesterol levels in the target range. Reduce salt intake.

Choose foods that are healthy for your heart: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods. Limit alcohol intake. Be more physically active. Lose weight if you are overweight. If you smoke, take steps to quit. Drink plenty of fresh, clean water.

Beware of lower back pain One of the first and most consistent signs of kidney damage, or just slow and unhealthy kidneys, is lower back pain. Sometimes it’s only on one side, which occurs if someone sleeps on only one side and this will be the side the kidney is having more problems with due to gravity.

But in most cases, after it’s on one side only, the pain will move to both sides. Waking up in the morning or even in the middle of the night with

Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014—29

Causes of kidney damage A major source of kidney problems is through the heavy metal ingestion such as cadmium which primarily enter the environment through the burning of oil and coal and the incineration of municipal waste. Cadmium is also found in phosphate fertilizers which contaminate our food supply.

It’s important to note that smokers directly inhale cadmium into the lungs, and contain more than twice the amount of cadmium as nonsmokers. lower back pain on one side or both is suspect. After urination, the back loosens up a bit and feels much better. This is an early warning sign of kidney damage, and is much more treatable if addressed quickly.

Don’t ignore rashes, itching, and dryness Kidneys help remove wastes from the bloodstream, so when they fail, the build up of wastes in your blood can cause rashes, severe itching, and dryness. This is often an early sign of kidney damage, and should be taken seriously.

Avoid the temptation to treat it with topical creams, which does nothing to rectify the actual problem.

Suspect changes in urinary function Kidneys make urine, when

they are failing, urinary patterns may change. Examples of this change include urine may be foamy or bubbly or you may start getting up more in the night to urinate.

You may urinate more often, or in greater amounts than usual, with pale urine or you may urinate less often, or in smaller amounts than usual, with dark colored urine. Also, you may feel pressure or have difficulty urinating or your urine may contain blood.

Preliminary changes in urinary function are moderate signs of kidney problems, with change in color being a sign of more acute damage.

Investigate swelling of body parts Kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from the body, so when they are not working properly and are unable to

perform this function, extra fluid will build up. This often causes swelling in the face, hands, legs, ankles, and feet. At this point, kidney damage has become much more acute and should be addressed immediately.

Report fatigue and weakness Kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which helps make red blood cells that carry oxygen. When

30—SATURDAY

H

Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

OW do you expect me to feed my baby with breast milk alone?

Will she cope all through the six months period?

She asked. Mmmm, my sister breast milk is enough for your baby during those periods. All you need is to make it available. Please don’t deceive yourself! I am a working class mother.

How will I cope with work and exclusive breast feeding? Please count me out.

Hahahaha, she laughed.

But you can make it, Mama Blessing responded.

Okay, if I should do that what is the benefit to my baby because there are other infant formulars that are almost the same as the breast milk.

You think so? Mama Blessing said: “If it is not breast milk it will never be like breast milk.”

Whether you are breastfeeding, using formula, or doing both, you want to make sure your baby is getting all of the vitamins

MOTHER & CHILD

Why your baby should not receive any supplement or water and nutrients he needs to grow big and strong.

Breastmilk offers all the nutrition a baby needs until she is six months. By about that age, she’s ready for her first spoonful of solids.

However, breastfeeding is great for your baby. According to health experts, breast milk is all your baby needs until she is six months old.

Unfortunately, many mothers are shying away from it. But the fact remains that it is worth making every effort to breastfeed, and most problems can be overcome with information and support.

It is the single most effective intervention for preventing child deaths, yet less than 40 percent of infants under six months old receive the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding

Why exclusive breastfeeding is recommended Breast milk is ideal for any baby, for the best growth and development mentally, emotionally and physically.

It is not only important for baby, but has many benefits for mom, namely…helping her lose the postpartum pounds easily after birth and it also helps prevent postpartum depression.

Benefits Exclusive breastfeeding means that an infant receives only breast milk with no additional foods or

liquids, not even water.

The benefits on child survival, growth, and development are well documented. Exclusive breastfeeding also provides health benefits for mothers.

It impacts on neonatal and infant survival and health It is the single most effective intervention for preventing child deaths, yet less than 40 percent of infants under six months old receive the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

Diarrhoea and pneumonia are the leading causes of death among infants in developing countries.

Studies have shown that infants under two months old who are not breastfed are six times more likely to die from diarrhea or acute respiratory infections than those who are breastfed.

Breast milk, especially the first yellow thick milk called colostrum, contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents and high levels of vitamin A that protect infants against disease.

•To be concluded next Saturday

SARTURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014 — 31

been uba

her acting career, her role younger generation...

Meaning that you have staged a comeback to Nollywood?

I have never left the industry. In fact, I have been doing a lot of works in the theatre and also, starring in some films in the last couple of months.

But it’s not the case of being selective?

Not particularly; once in a while, I do get scripts that I would reject outrightly.

In the past couple of days, I have said ‘Yes’ to a couple of scripts. But I also said ‘No’ to one script simply because I didn’t agree with the story line of the movie.

these platforms are not open, as you cannot monitor your sales and things like that. So, it’s a bit difficult for an investor since he cannot monitor the sales. But right now, things are looking a bit better than the previous years. I think, we will consider the idea of going into film production again. I know that we did a lot of theatrical productions in the 80s.

Judging from your roles in movies, you are not far from being a feminist?

Yes, I think that’s very important. God created the universe with the two opposite sexes.He didn’t create the woman to be subordinate to the man. He created her to be a helpmate to the man.

It’s amazing that you raised this issue because one of the scripts I rejected recently was a script in which not even one female character was positive. All of them were negative characters. I said to the producer, I’m sorry, I wouldn’t want to be part of the film. I like to see ‘flood characters’, let’s see how human beings surmount the challenges of life. I don’t want to see angels and saints in the sense that they can do no wrong. We have our redeeming qualities, let’s celebrate the human being both male and female.

You may have been asked this question before now. Did you set out in life to become an actress?

As a child, I wanted to be everything. I wanted to be a nurse, a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher. I

Were your parents surprised that you ended up as an actress?

I’m not sure that my parents thought I would be an actress. But they knew it was a talent I had and so, they encouraged it.That I became an actress was no surprise to anybody who knew when I was younger.

Could you remember the film that brought you into the limelight?

They were two films because at that time, there were two distinct industries. There was the Yoruba Film industry and there was the Home video sector for the English viewing audience. It was “Violated” coproduced by Amaka Igwe and Ego Boyo that brought me into the limelight. And for the Yoruba audience, it was “Owulorojo” by SJ Productions.

But you haven’t been featuring in Yoruba movies for a while?

Yes, I haven’t been approached to star in a Yoruba film for a while. The Yoruba film producers haven’t invited me to feature in their films.

They believe you belong to the English genre of the industry?

They know that much.I belong to the industry, and our film industry is one. That is my believe. I have always believed that.

Unfortunately, you have not ventured into producing your own movies?

We did. I produced the film called, “King Maker ” with my husband about 10 years ago. We were part of a new distribution network that was to kick off then. But it never actually fly as we were hoping it would. As a result, we decided that we wouldn’t go into film production unless there is a proper distribution platform. It would be a risk getting investors to sponsor a production where there is no open distribution platform.

Though, there are distribution platforms,

Everybody wants fullness of life and longevity in their chosen professions. That’s one of the reasons these young actresses see me as their role model. There is the longevity and the passion that one has for one’s work in addition to having a family life and a career at the same time.

wanted to be everything under the sun. But there came a crucial time in my life; that was in my late teens when I needed to understand what direction I was going. I was brought up to ask the Lord some silent questions whenever I’m at a crossroads.

So, I went to the Lord with my questions concerning what direction I should follow in life. When I was studying for my A’ Level Certificate I got offers from the universities to study medicine. I also got offers to study Theatre Arts if I passed my A’ Level examinations. So, it was a bit confusing for me. I took it to the Lord in prayers. He was faithful as I knew exactly where He wanted me to be, and I haven’t moved away from that path.

How do you combine your duty as a mother, wife and an actress?

One, I have had very good role models. I think that’s a key and my first role model was my mum. She was married to the same man all her life, until my father died. That’s over 40 years of marriage they had. Also, my other mentors were Chief Mrs Olaoye, Mrs Oyin Oladapo, Mrs Laoye and my mother ’s sister, Mrs Busola Olumide – all these people juggled being wives, being mothers and being professionals.

One of the things I learnt is to make time for the family, your career cannot supersede the family. The family always comes first in everything I’m doing.

There is what is called prioritising, what needs attention at a particular point. Is it work, family or your husband. They rarely do need attention at the same time, thank God, so you give attention to whatever needs attention at whatever point in time.

There’s one thing I learnt from my mum which is to always have very good back up; your house helps and family members, especially when the children are very young and you are a working class lady. I also learnt that changing house helps is not the best thing to do.

When someone becomes your house help, she automatically becomes part of your family. Their problems become yours as well.

You operate as one family, that’s the way I’ve been brought up. And because of that, you are able to function well as a family. My house help has been with us for over 14 years now. I used to have challenges with my drivers, I kept changing them. I had to go to God in prayer asking for a good driver and the present one has been with us for over five years.

Joke Silva and her husband, Olu Jacobs

Last year, you were appointed as the Managing Director of the Kwara State Nollywood Movie Studio otherwise known as Malete Film Village which was established by the state university. How have you been coping with the appointment?

At the moment, the entire project does not have any kind of funding.So, it’s currently on hold. But one of the good things we have been able to achieve so far is the acquiring of an amazing property that will serve as the studio when renovated. But right now, there’s need to raise a lot of finance for the project.

C M Y K

32— SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

08116759764 anozieegole@yahoo.com

Waliyah Abiola finds love in music

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ne of MKO Abiola’s daughters, Waliyah Abiola has found love in music.

The sexy singer said, she hates to disclose her identity to strangers so as to avoid being accused of using her father’s name to boost her career. According to her, “I have been doing my music without giving reference to my father’s name and Iam comfortable with it. When asked if the father will be happy with her career, “I think my father, the late MKO

*Waliyah

Abiola, would have supported me and would have been quite tickled by the whole thing. He loved proverbs and music; therefore, what I am doing is not strange. He loved to sing. He often sang at weddings and as a school boy in Abeokuta. I have fond memories of him singing, “The Beatles” songs in the kitchen. This must have been a relic from the time when he was studying to become an Accountant in Scotland. I am not relying on my family name to gain popularity,” she said.

*Omawumi

Princess Black dares producers

Princess Black

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udding actress, Helen Monday Ufot popularly known as Princess Black, is leaving no stone unturned in her quest to be one of the hottest up and coming actresses in Nollywood. The sexy actress, who believes that directors are running after her because of her big boobs and hips decalres that she’s not afraid of sexual harassment in the industry.

According to her, “Sex is a game that is bound to happen between two consenting adults. I have been sexually harassed several times by some producers and directors.

Though, I have what it takes to handle the opposite sex even when I’m not

Omawumi takes Agriculture to studio

T on set.” Speaking further, the budding actress said, there were occasions when she was denied of movie roles simply because she turned down sexual advances made by some producers towards her. But these days, I usually tell the producers and director to woo me if they can.”

alented singer, Omawumi has joined forces with other top artistes across the country to stage a campaign in support of going back to land tagged, “Do Agriculture, it pays” in a hit single, “Cocoa na Chocolate” which will soon hit the market.

The campaign which was initiated by Koko Master, D’banj has other 19 top artistes from across the country including Femi Kuti, Fally Ipupa, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Juliani, Judith Sephuma, Bufallo Souljah , Dama Do Bling , D’Banj , among others.

According to the multiple brand ambassador, Omawumi’s desire is to let the Nigerian youths know that

there is money in agriculture. “All we want is to let the government know that, if they pay half of the attention they give to oil to agriculture, our youths wouldn’t be roaming in the streets again. “Our ancestors lived happily through farming and you do not need much academic experience to become a farmer. Why we choose other artistes from different African country is to encourage the same in those countries. We also want to let people know that, even if you are in the city, you can farm,”she said.

Register MCSN now, PMAN tells NCC T

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he leadership of the Care taker Committee of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, has called on the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), to obey the directive of the National Assembly in its votes and procedures of December 18, 2013, and register without further delay, the Musical Collection Society of Nigeria (MCSN).

According to a statement from the musicians’ body signed by its Chairman, Kevin Luciano Gabriel, the failure

of NCC to register MCSN despite the National Assembly’s directive was unjust and exploitative. “The issue of collective management is confronting the industry right now.

While the NCC is paying deaf ears and imposing only one society on Nigerian music makers and stakeholders, the National Assembly, has directed the NCC to give due recognition to MCSN since the nation’s constitution

does not provide for monopoly in the business of collective administration.”

Alleging a deliberate attempt to continue to impose a particular collecting society on Nigerians, the statement said, “It’s sad that the NCC has refused to carry out this directive. Our investigations reveal that there is a cabal within the top echelon of the NCC.” Kevin Luciano Gabriel

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014—33

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ou’ve been there, not knowing exactly how this goes down: Girl meets guy, guy asks girl on first date, and it was a bomb!

Guy asks girl on second date, make-out sessions ensue. Guy asks girl on third date, which also goes swimmingly, and then girl never hears from him again. He might have died for all she knows. This leaves girl bummed/hurt/confused/and repeatedly asking her friends “Why would he do that? It’s so unlike him!”

Now’s the time to remind yourself that you didn’t invest that much time into this relation, and that this scenario unfortunately comes with the territory of dating. But that doesn’t make it feel any less crappy after someone disappears after the first few dates.

There are many reasons for that. *You’re not in a relationship yet: Three dates is an arbitrary time line. The first two times you meet up, you’re having fun and learning about each other.

Generally speaking, the third time you hang out is when he might put pressure on himself to make a decision because he doesn’t want to send the wrong signal. After that, when the fourth date would usually occur, the feeling he may have is that the two of you might be heading in the direction of the relationship, which he might not be ready for. * The timing isn’t right: Typically, if he falls off the face of the earth and the two of you had an amazing time on the first three dates, it’s safe to assume that this has NOTHING to do with you and EVERYTHING to do with bad timing. *There’s someone else: Of course, there’s always the chance that there are other factors in his life that you’re not aware of, like a lingering exgirlfriend, a crazy work schedule, or maybe he has his eye on someone else. When the latter comes into play, it’s not about your connection with him, whatever that may be, it’s about him having a deeper connection with someone else. * Men are avoiders: Would you have felt better if he called or texted at the very least and said, “Hey, I’m really sorry, I think you’re a great girl, but I’m just not ready for a relationship,” instead of falling into a black hole? Yes.

s e v a e l e h n Whe k r rk a d e h t n i you “But men are often avoiders, so they would rather just disappear than have a conversation. They do this for two reasons: One: they might feel it’s presumptuous to have that kind of conversation, and two, they don’t want to have to explain themselves especially if they think you’re going to talk them out of whatever they’ve already decided, so they cut bait. *He isn’t ready to put in the effort a relationship requires: Men communicate with actions more than words.

So, to figure out where you stand, look at what he’s doing or not doing to pursue you. With a person who is relationship ready, there won’t

XPERT E S E H T K AS I am a 27-year-old woman and live with my widowed mother who is 56. Recently, I realised how boring her life is. So, I put my dildo in such a place so she could enjoy the pleasures of life. I am sure she uses it regularly with enthusiasm. What else shall I do to spice up her sex life?

A very interesting way to take care of the mother!

Presumably, you are also taking her for dinner, picnics and a visit to her friends. Now that you think you have put her on the right track, let her help herself. Self-help is best help. Of course, she could

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be so many games. If he isn’t giving you the attention/respect you deserve, taper off your interest until he steps up.

Then, if he doesn’t make the effort, you’ll end up less hurt in the end, because you weren’t always available and investing more than you should have been. * He decided he likes hanging out with you, but he’s just not into you that way: And that’s OK. You’re not for everyone and everyone isn’t for you. Most dates are designed to fail. * He doesn’t know a thing about R.E.S.P.E.C.T: If someone disappears and you find it disrespectful, look at it as a blessing in disguise. This is

Guys who make false promises and don’t follow through are worse than guys who don’t promise anything someone who didn’t treat you with the respect that you deserve up front, so moving forward, you’ll know that you need someone who respects you enough to communicate.

find a partner.

I am 27 years old and want to get married. I have been in touch with a woman whose company I enjoy. She is average- looking, with an average body, but I cannot seem to fantasise about her. Fantasising about other women is not a problem. Is this the right yardstick to measure whether I will be able to have a good sexual relationship with her? How can I determine if I should go ahead and marry her if I am not sure about consummating my marriage?

Now, you want me to be your astrologer. Only you can decide. Is sex the only criteria for marriage, or do you wish to have a partner who gels with you? How do you know she is not a sexual being?

* He’s chock full of false promises: Guys who make false promises and don’t follow through are worse than guys who don’t promise anything. False promises equal a false reality. In this case, someone doing the gentle fade out versus telling you things he doesn’t really mean, leaving you hurt in the end, is actually a good thing. * He might have some growing up to do: Chances are if he leaves you hanging, he’s immature and you dodged a bullet anyway. Who knows, if he is a good guy at heart, perhaps he’ll grow up and you’ll give him another chance. If he’s lucky, of course. *. You’ve been dating the potential, not the person: Like I said before, look at what he’s doing and ask yourself how is he acting now and then go from there. If his actions are lining up with what he says, he’s legit. * You have mutual friends and he’s not sure where the relationship is going but he wants to avoid making it weird if it doesn’t work out: This is the risk you run when you date your boyfriend’s friends, so beware.

But if the person you’re dating is in the same place you

I am 19 years old. My girlfriend is 18.

We got physical few days ago. While in the act, my manhood got wet and while cleaning it, my hands got wet. I washed my hands twice with soap and inserted my finger in her vagina. Are there any chances that she is pregnant?

It’s unlikely. But both of you are still below the age of adulthood (21 years), so you should wait until then. Else, indulge in foreplay with clothes on.

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014 Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

oseji16@yahoo.com 07032769933

Man City to sign Mangala

Wenger keen for Ar senal ttoo Arsenal buy German rsenal boss Arsene A Wenger is happy to work the Bundesliga transfer

market this summer. Arsenal are evaluating the cost of a deal for Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic.

Scouts have been in Germany continuing to monitor Schalke's Julian Draxler and Nuremberg's promising Josip Drmic but Mandzukic represents the ready-made centre forward.

Bayern are reluctant to sell but Mandzukic wants regular football and has one year left on his contract.

for £20m M

anchester City are closing in on a deal for £20m— rated Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala from under the noses of Chelsea and Manchester United, according to reports.

The 23-year-old, who moved to Porto in 2011 for £5.4m from Standard Liege after impressing in the Belgian Pro League, has garnered a reputation as one of the most promising centre-backs around Europe.

According to reports, City are ready to tie up a deal for £20m for the French international, as boss Manuel Pellegrini wants to renew his efforts to sign the centre-back in the summer —Joleon Lescott's contract expires at the end of the season and Martin Demichelis and Matija Nastasic have failed to prove themselves as consistent partners for Vicent Kompany.

Mourinho plans to offload five senior players Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho plans to bomb out five senior stars this summer. Report says Ashley Cole, striker Romelu Lukaku, Brazil international David Luiz and holding midfielder John Obi Mikel are also on their way out. And with owner Roman Abramovich under pressure from financial fairplay rules he is insisting Mourinho has to balance the books if he wants to buy big this summer.

That means others could also follow, with stalwarts John Terry and Frank Lampard out of contract this summer and yet to be offered new deals. So too is Samuel Eto'o and with this trio, around £22m-a-year could be saved from the wage bill. Petr Cech is also under scrutiny, with Thibaut Courtois, on-loan with Atletico Madrid, breathing down his neck all the way from Spain.

Inter Milan ahead in race for Morata I

talian giants Inter Milan are putting serious effort into signing Real Madrid striker and Arsenal target Alvaro Morata, with the Serie A side reportedly starting a bidding war with a bid of around •18m. Inter Milan are ready to challenge Arsenal for Morata’s signature; and reports has confirmed that Inter have submitted a bid in the region of •18m, though still short enough of Madrid’s valuation.

The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest prospects of Madrid, but has failed to make strong impression this season Chelsea are understood to be readying a under Carlo Ancelotti, summer transfer offer for Real Sociedad managing only one league midfield sensation Antonine Griezmann.

The 23-year-old who has been linked with start so far. The Spanish U21 international was a summer switch to either Arsenal or previously linked with a Manchester United in recent weeks, could move to Tottenham be trumped by league rivals Chelsea.

Griezmann has been in top form for Hotspur, as a part of Gareth Sociedad all season and has notched up 15 Bale’s record transfer.

Chelsea interested in Antonine Griezmann

goals in 35 appearances.

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United plotting £50m for Lallana and Shaw M

anchester United are reportedly dead-set on Southampton pair Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw, with a colossal £50m double swoop primed for the summer.The pair have come to the fore this season in what has been a tremendous campaign for the Saints, and are very much part of Roy Hodgson’s England setup.

Lallana and Shaw have attracted a host of European giants with their respective performances, with the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea also said to be sniffing around.

...ey es £34m rrat at ed Matinez ...eyes ated M

anchester United have joined the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Monaco in the race to sign Porto’s gifted striker, Jackson Martinez. Report says that the Colombian striker is among the potential transfer targets for Manchester United to strengthen their attack.

United have had a poor campaign this season, and are currently lying seventh in the table. Manager David Moyes will be given a transfer war-chest in the summer,

and although defence and midfield are the main areas where he should be looking to make necessary reinforcements, a move to bolster his attacking options is also on the cards. Chelsea and Arsenal are also thought to be interested Jackson, with reports emerging back in November claiming that Blues’ manager Jose Mourinho had travelled to Brussels to watch Jackson play a starring role in Colombia’s 2-0 victory over Belgium.

Roma closer to Pjanic deal

R Nigeria international

oma are closing in on a contract renewal agreement with Miralem Pjanic.The club have been seen as in talks with their Bosnian playmaker and his representatives for a number of weeks over a proposed improved and extended deal, amid continued interest from Paris SaintGermain. With his current contract expiring in June 2015, it was generally seen that one delay in negotiations centred on the inclusion of a buyout clause.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014—35

'Iranian Messi' dreams of Arsenal switch

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ubin Kazan teenager Sardar Azmoun—dubbed the ‘Iranian Messi’ —has revealed it would be “a dream” to play for Arsenal.

The north London outfit, who submitted a £2million bid for the 19-yearold in January, have jumped the queue after Barcelona were banned

by Fifa from signing players.

Liver pool ffail ail Liverpool L

in bid for •20m Pastore

iverpool target Javier Pastore has no inten tion of leaving French side Paris Saint Germain in the summer, according to his agent.The Argentine, who scored a supreme solo goal against Chelsea in the Champions League midweek, was linked with a move away from the Parc des Princes back in January. But his agent, Marcelo Simonian, has moved to quash rumours, stating that the player is fully settled in France.

Chelsea

Roma and Milan vying for Santon

could sell Petr Cech, says ex-player

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S Roma and AC Milan are showing interest in Newcastle fullback Davide Santon.

The highly rated defender is believed to be pondering a return to Serie A and the Magpies are reportedly prepared to sell in case of a good offer. Reports has learned that both AS Roma and AC Milan are expected to step up their interest in the coming months.

The Giallorossi need to sign a long-term replacement for Douglas Maicon, while they lack quality options on the left flank as well.

Liverpool in new assault on Konoplyanka

Allar dy ce: Allardy dyce:

Suarez among best in the world

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he Hamers boss is wary of the threat posed by the Uruguayan ahead of their Premier League clash on Sunday, but feels the hosts' form could prove key West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has hailed striker Luis Suarez as one of the world's best footballers, and is fully aware of the Uruguay international's threat ahead of their clash with Liverpool. The Premier League leaders visit Upton Park tomorrow, with West Ham facing the unenviable task of trying to halt the Merseyside club's 13match unbeaten league run.

Pele T

Neymar always looks for fouls

he former striker believes the Blaugrana attacker goes down too much, while attempting to downplay expectations ahead of the World Cup Brazil legend Pele has criticised Barcelona attacker Neymar for his tendency to go to the ground too easily, but feels the former Santos star has already improved since his move to Spain last summer.

The 22-year-old was heavily criticised by Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone in the aftermath of the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie earlier this week and Pele agrees that his compatriot still looks for the foul too often.

"I think Neymar looks to create fouls and situations that aren't there," Pele said.

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ormer Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino believes Jose Mourinho may opt to get rid of Petr Cech this summer.

Cech, who faces stiff competition for the No. 1 jersey from Belgium international Thibaut Courtois next season, remains a reliable goalkeeper but has made several uncharacteristic errors this season.

On Wednesday night, for example, the 31-yearold allowed Javier Pastore’s effort to beat him at his near post, as Paris Saint-Germain recorded a 3-1 victory over the Blues in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Former Republic of Ireland international Cascarino feels Mourinho will revamp his playing squad this summer, and picked out Fernando Torres and Frank Lampard as two players in danger of being moved on at Stamford Bridge. He also named Cech, who could decide to leave the club if he loses his firstteam place to Courtois.

FANS ZONE Are you a Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona fan and would like to meet fans, male or female from other parts of the country. Then send your name, age, where you live and the club you support to 0802354-2350. sms only.

zKanem Isidore, 34, Onitsha Barcelona, want female Barca fans. 08132811372 zAremu, 28, Ogun, Liverpool needs a female fans.07031849229 zOsagie, 36, Barcelona want female fans as friends.08080587277 zPeter, Ughelli, Chelsea, want a female fan as friend.08032056478 zFidelis, 24, Edo, Chelsea fan. 09092863941 zYetunde, 20, Asaba, Manchester United, needs male and female fans.08146340702 zKendra 19, Warri, Arsenal.08103203735 zMaureen Oby, Lagos, Chelsea. 08182329998

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iverpool have reignited their interest in Dnipro midfielder Yevhen Konoplyanka.

The Reds narrowly missed out on the Ukraine international on transfer deadline day in January, but they seem determined to make things right in the summer transfer window.

Konoplyanka’s representative James Lippett seems to be ready to resume talks with the Liverpool officials, as witnessed by his latest comments.

Yevhen Konoplyanka, 24, has developed into a key player for both club and country and he is widely tipped to leave Dnipro for a big European club at the end of the current campaign.

Vertonghen on Zenit radar

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enit are considering a summer move for Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen. Former Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has just taken over the reigns in St Petersburg and he is hoping to add the Belgian defender to his ranks at the end of the season. Zenit are on the lookout for a high-quality centre-back and they had been linked with a move for Benfica star Ezequiel Garay, but it appears the club have now turned their attention to Jan Vertonghen.

Jan Vertonghen, 26, has largely impressed since joining Spurs from Ajax, having made 57 Premier League appearances and scored 4 goals. Zenit have revived their title bid in Russian Premier League with back to back wins over Krylya Sovetov and Amkar.

36 — SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, APRIL 5, 2014

08111813022

Re-defining the actress called Chiege Alisigwe SAM ANOKAM

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fter featuring in the movie “My Love” which she acted alongside Ramsey Noah in 1998, Chiege Alisigwe disappeared from the silver screen without traces.

But the pretty actress has resurfaced again in a talkshow called, “Chiege Re-defined.” The talkshow, which is still receiving finishing touches, remains Chiege’s little way of giving back to the society that has made her what she is today. HVP caught up with her during the week as she explains the idea behind the talkshow.

She said, “I believe mine is a talkshow with a difference. It has always been in my mind as a child to ‘give back’ to the society. For me, this is the time to give back to the society.

Sometimes, when people hear ‘give

back’, they believe it’s all about dipping your hands in your pocket and bringing out money to give to the people. What I am trying to achieve in this talkshow is to redefine things around my environment. I am trying to redefine people’s views on social issues, and how they see things around them. The show is for everybody and there is a lot of benefit attached to it. It is not limited to celebrities alone.”

When asked whether she has dumped acting,having been missing on screen for a while now, the actress replied; “I am still acting. I have some of my movies that are yet to be released. I’m just trying to fulfill my dream. I am an actress and I have done a lot of movies. I am still not fulfilled until I’m able to touch some lives.”

Dautvsidino eb deb Nolly wood

BY SAM ANOKAM

Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie plan wedding tattoos

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Pitt and Angelina

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rad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will be marking their marriage with matching tattoos. The ‘Moneyball’ actor and his actress fiancee-who raise six children together - already have multiple pieces of body art each but want to commemorate their union with some “weird” new inkings.

Those in the know said, “They are deciding with what and where they will ink themselves to mark their long-awaited marriage. Brad really wants to do something special, and frankly, a little weird to mark the occasion, and they want to get the exact same design, in the exact same spot in their bodies.” The couple are planning to have the designs etched somewhere that isn’t always visible and Brad, 50, is particularly enjoying coming up with the right piece.”

“Brad is like a teenager again as he and Angelina decide on their matching tattoos.

He’s let Angelina help him pick out tatts in the past but this time, it’s a real collaboration.” The glamorous Hollywood couple will tie the knot soon.

ularly known as Davido, ‘Aiye’ crooner, David Adeleke, pop cis and other top Fran u ogw Oje his cousin, Ikechukwu hit a movie location Nollywood stars are warming up to movie entitled, ed ack soon for the shoot of an action-p ‘John Zerebe’. wu, a graduate of To be directed by Teco Benson, Ikechukversity hinted that the Uni cock Bab Banking and Finance from State, starting from flick will be shot in Lagos and Osun wanted to be involved in ys alwa e next month. He said: “I hav t runs in our family. I Nollywood. As you know, entertainmen ead of going into inst on ucti choose to go into movie prod is from Osun State, her mot My ido.

Dav sin, cou my music like e featured in a TV hav I h, oug Alth while my father is a Deltan. going into fully programme called, ‘Bella’s Place,’ I am es.” plac go will it w kno I ie.

Nollywood with this mov ense, susp with d fille ie mov the that ed add Ikechukwu who boy rt sma a of y stor the is a intrigues, twists and dram involved in all got He big. g livin on t ben was od from childho school which sorts of illicit activities from secondary . end cted xpe une an to culminated of Mel Gibson, Will The budding actor who has the likes as role models also ve Smith, Omotola Ekeinde and GenevieN10 million. put the total budget of the movie at

Enter African Queen of Queens new reality TV show, “African Queens of Queens” A being packaged by Mega Hit Africa is set to hit the airwaves.

According to a statement by the organiser’s publicist, Mr. Gabriel Choba, the show is designed to showcase the beauty of the African woman. Participants who will be drawn from different African countries will be camped for one month. Audition for Francophone countries will hold in Cameroon, while that of the Anglophone countries will come up in Nigeria and Ghana respectively. The statement further revealed that the star winner of the show will smile home with a brand new Range Rover, while the 2nd and 3rd prize winners will equally walk away with a RaV4 SUV, and a free trip to Dubai.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, APRIL 5, 2014 — 37

08111813022

Jim Iyke is bereaved!

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ollywood actor Jim Iyke is currently in a sad mood. He lost his loving mum, Esomugha to the cold hands of death on Tuesday, April 1, 2014.

Jim Iyke’s mother said to have been sick for a while and had undergone several operations in India and the United Kingdom. No official statement has been released by the family, but those who are close to the actor confirmed the sad news.

Jim Iyke

Tchidi Nuella

WAR OF WORDS

...as Tchidi, ex-wife wash their dirty linen in public B arely a week after his marriage to actress Nuella Njubigbo, Nollywood director, Tchidi Chikere has broken his silence, calling his enstranged wife, Sophia, “a nightmare.”

Sophia, while reacting to Nuella’s confirmation last week that she was getting married to Tchidi had accused her exhusband of being responsible for the break up of their marriage. But, Tchidi who has been refused to join issues with her all this while, during the week took to the social media-Twitter, to lash out at Sophia in anger.

The popular director said, his ex-wife is trying to tarnish his image, instead of acting mature over whatever challenges she might be going through at the moment. He, however, debunked the allegation she levelled against him that he has not been taking up his responsibilities as a father, revealing that he pays Sophia her monthly allowances even till date.

Not stopping at that. Tchidi also accused his ex-wife of infidelity, saying she rarely has time for her family. He said, Sophia starved him of love and care for years.

According to him, “God knows, I have tried to be mature about this. God knows I tried to be silent. This is the woman who claims she loves her husband. I begged her

for years, I cried for affection. I begged for a bond, but she never cared. I want to experience love and what it really means to have a home. What life feels like to be truly married. You have a boy friend(s), you have been bearing his name.

I’m sure he’s dumped you because of your attitude and you are coming back to say you love me. Remember when I used to cry for food in my own house where I provided for everything. Do you know what love is all about?”

Warning his ex-wife to stay clear of his life in order for her world not to come crumbling, Tchidi uploaded pictures of Sophia and her many lovers, exposing all her misdeeds and calling her a “nightmare.”

Meanwhile,in a swift reaction to Tchidi’s defence, Sophia has denied cheating her husband. She said, her exhusband uploaded the picture where she posed with her friend to justify the allegations he levelled against her.

According to her, as a business woman who travels far and wide, she makes friends with people.

Sophia

Reacting, Sophia said, “I read all you said about me and I laugh. Is that the best way to justify yourself? It is well.

I will not exchange words with you because there is nothing you say or write about me that would shake me.”

“You said, I used juju to lure you into marrying me. If truly I and my family used juju to hold you, let God who sees everything judge you and I. You said, since you married me that I have not shown you any affection whatsoever. But you forgot the interview you granted to one of the national dailies in 2001, where you confessed that I am the best thing that have happened to you.”

“Even if you call me a prostitute tomorrow or a thief, people who know the truth know the truth. God knows everything and sees the heart of men. He will pay everybody back according to our deeds....”

ANTP grand patroness makes case for unemployed youths

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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depicts a typical child who is destined to be great IFE of the Chairman of Mushin Local despite the shenanigans of his distractors.

Government Council, Mrs. Rachael Oludayo Adepitan, has appealed to members of the Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners, ANTP, to use their talents to create employment for the teeming youths roaming Faithia Balogun, Tope, Peace Aniyam-Osigwe and the streets without any gainful employment.

Segun Arinze at the nomination party in South Africa.

She spoke at a ceremony where she was honoured with an award as the Grand Sokhulu(Felix), Joselyn ‘Potraits of a Lone Farmer”. he 2014 nominees for the Africa Patroness of ANTP, Mushin Chapter.

Dumas(Northern Affair) and Uche Others nominees were The Sand Movie Academy Awards, AMAA, According to her, “the place of entertainment Nnadili for her role in “B for Boy.” Fishers from Mali, Kushaya were announced Wednesday night, at industry in the overall development of our Also, nominated in the Best Actors Ingagasi from South Africa and the Emperor Place Hotel, category were Zengo society can never be over emphasised. Apart Johannesburg, South Africa.

Sincerely Ethiopia from Ethiopia.

Ngqobe(Forgotten Kingdom), Kanayo from creating employment for our children, Also, Emem’s Apaye received 6 Veteran actress, Clarion Chukwura Kanayo(Apaye), Mothusi Magano(Of nominations to set a new record for was nominated for Best Actress in a culture can also play significant role in Good Report), Joseph Nollywood. Speaking at the gala leading role for her role in Emem shaping the moral values of our society Benjamin(Murder At Prime Suites), Isong’s latest film,”Apaye.” She was night , Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Chief through quality scripting, editing and story Adjatey Annan(Potomanto) and Majid nominated alongside Uche Jombo, Executive Officer of AMAA Michel(Brothers Keeper). lines that can promote ethical behaviour.”

Monalisa Chinda and Daniella for enjoined film makers in the continent In the Best Documentary category, At the occasion, a 26 week drama project, their roles in “Lagos Courga, Chioma to unite and promote the best in Nigeria got two nominations: Chukwuka-Akpotha(Accident), Linda titled, “ADEPTAN” was unveiled, and it Africa through their works.

‘Daughters of the Niger Delta” and

Uche Jombo, Clarion Chukwura, others set to battle for AMAA award

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38—SATURDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 5, 2014 Dear Aunty Julie, Recently, I realise that I have trouble getting an erection. I feel ashamed of this and I always make excuses whenever my partner wants sex. I explain away my inability with excuses of being too tired or working too hard lately but these are not really the issue.

I fear, I have erectile dysfunction. I am 45 years old. What do I do?

Ray, Port-Harcourt.

Dear Ray, Either you’re not getting sufficiently aroused, or it might be time to get a prescription .

Erectile dysfunction is when a man can’t get an erection to have sex or can’t keep an erection long enough to finish having sex. It is also called impotence. Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, but it is more common in older men.

However, erectile dysfunction doesn’t have to be a part of getting older. It’s true that as you get older, you may need more stimulation such as stroking and touching to get an erection. You might also need more time between erections. But older men should still be able to get an erection and enjoy sex.

Doctors attribute erectile dysfunction to a number of things: Diabetes (high blood sugar),hypertension (high blood pressure), atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), stress, anxiety or depression; alcohol and tobacco use; some prescription medications, such as antidepressants, pain medicine and medicine for high blood pressure; fatigue, brain or spinalcord injuries, hypogonadism (which leads to lower testosterone levels); multiple sclerosis, stroke, some types of prostate or bladder surgery If you can’t keep your blood sugar or your blood pressure under control, you can get erectile dysfunction. It’s important that you take your medicines for these problems just the way your doctor tells you.

Sometimes, your hormones get out of balance and this causes erectile dysfunction.

Your doctor will decide if you need blood tests to check your hormones.

She is

inconsistent

Do I have erectile dysfunction?

Some medicines can cause erectile dysfunction. If this is true for you, your doctor may take you off that medicine or give you a different one.

Drinking too much alcohol, smoking too much and abusing drugs can also cause erectile dysfunction.

Problems in your relationship with your sexual partner can also cause erectile dysfunc-

experience or because of a previous episode of impotence can heighten it. Feeling stressed, including stress from work or family situations and being troubled by problems in your relationship with your sex partner; feelings of depression, being so self-conscious that you can’t enjoy sex also cause impotence.

He’s not using protection Aunty Julie, My lover doesn’t worry about safe sex? I have just started dating my boyfriend for like two years. Before him, I have never had sex before I met him because I was scared and ashamed of what my partner would think or say. But now, since I met this guy, I felt I could really relate to him and I opened up completely to him. We had sex with a condom twice but just three weeks ago, we did it without a condom, and he pulled out.

I realised that I’ve been sickly lately. I got out of bed throwing up, my breasts have been really tender and sore.

I’m supposed to have my period next week. Could I be pregnant? I know that I have to take a test and find out afterwards, but from your knowledge, what would you say?

Vivien, Akwa Ibom Dear Vivien, You shouldn’t be having unprotected sex with anyone who is not your husband. Stop having sex with this person

* A lady was walking down the street when she was a approached by a lady beggar asking for money. The lady took a N100 note out of her purse, and asked “if I give you this money, will you spend it on chocolate.” “Don’t be ridiculous” the beggar replied “does it look like I have nothing better to spend money on?” “How about shopping?” she asked. “No,” the beggar said, “don’t you understand I need money just to stay alive.”

“Will you spend it on your hair?” the lady asked.

Annoyed, the beggar replied, “No, I just need money for food, and shelter. “In that case” the lady said “I don’t want to just give you money, I would like you to eat out with me and my husband tonight.”

“Why?” The beggar asked. “Well,”the lady said, “I think it’s important for him to see what a lady looks like after she gives up chocolate, shopping, and hair appointments.” * A husband and wife decided they need to spice

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tion. Improving your relationship may help your sex life. If you decide to seek therapy, it will probably be most effective if your sex partner is included. Couples can learn new ways to please one another and to show affection. This can reduce anxiety about having erections.

Also, feeling nervous about sex, perhaps because of a bad

until he gets tested for STDs and also insist that he uses protection . If he refuses, dump him.

I want you to also understand that a girl can get pregnant at any time of her period and if you don’t want the responsibility of a child, then contraception should be used.

Whether it’s a condom or taking the pill.

From what you said, it’s likely you may be pregnant but the best bet is to take a test .

But wait for your period and if it doesn’t come, just go ahead now and get to the doctor.

Periods are not always like clockwork and can be off a fews days or even a week or more. There are many factors that can cause a period to be late, early or even missed. So, getting a test is your best bet.

But you should also worry about STDs. Anyone who has had sexual contact can get an STD. Men and women of all ages, regions, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels can get them. However, STDs are most common among

teens and young adults, with about two-thirds of all STDs occurring in people under age 25. This is because young people are more likely to be more sexually active and take more risks, and the cervix of a female is more likely to get infected by chlamydia and gonorrhea.

So, stop having unprotected sex because many STDs are spread through contact with infected body fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids, or semen. They can also be spread through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes, like sores in the mouth. You may be exposed to infected body fluids and skin through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Anal sex is very risky because it usually causes bleeding. Sharing needles or syringes for drug use, ear piercing, tattooing, etc. can also expose you to infected fluids.

Most STDs are only spread through direct sexual contact with an infected person. So, always use protection because he is not your husband and he may have other sexual mates.

C O C K - T A L E S up their sex life. The wife buys a pair of crotchless underwear, puts them on, and goes into the bedroom. She seductively asks her husband, “Hey Big Boy, do you want some of this?” The husband takes one look at her underwear and replies, “Hell no! Look what that thing does to underwear!” *There are three women. One is dating, one is engaged, and one is married. They decided to get kinky with their men and really pull out all the stops to make it extra special. The woman who is dating says, “Okay, so I bought black leather, red lipstick, fishnet stockings, and really got crazy. He loved it so much he thinks he’s in love.” The woman who is engaged says, “I showed up to his work after hours wearing only a red coat. Let’s just say he wants to move the wedding date up!” The woman who is married says, “Okay, I really went all out. I got a babysitter for the kids, and bought a black mask

Dear Aunty Julie My girlfriend is inconsistent. We have been dating for ten months and we are both in out 20s. We love each other and do everything like typical lovers. She told me she was a player before she met me and at first she was just trying to play me. She said the longest relationship she ever had before me was about two and a half month, and I’m the longest date she ever had. But she tends to speak from the two sides of the mouth. The problem is, she’s getting bored with me and even though she didn’t say so, I am feeling so. The only thing that is binding us together now is sex. She said I’m good and I work hard to satisfy her sexually.

But I want our relationship to be much stronger than just sex.

She’s always hurting my feeling while I pretend to be strong. I’m not a sex maniac and I want much more out of a relationship than just sex. What should I do?

Should I continue to date her or just give up on her. I feel insecure with our relationship. There is a strong missing link in our relationship and her feeling is not consistent. Sometimes, she’s affectionate and sometimes, she is dull and so far away. What should I do?

Emmanuel, Ibadan Dear Emmanuel, Something is wrong somewhere with your relationship or your girlfriend and you must work this out if you want to continue with her. If your girlfriend is a player like she claims, then you must understand that once a player, always a player. It’s possible your girlfriend is afraid of getting hurt, so in turn, she bails out of every relationship to save herself and in turn hurts others. But ultimately, she’s hurting herself. She may not ever be alone, but she will always be lonely.

and a whip. My husband gets home, goes straight to the fridge, and grabs a beer. Then he plops down on the couch and says, ‘Hey Batman! Where the f*ck is dinner?!?’” * A woman was nagging her husband to cut the grass, to which the husband answered, “What do I look like to you? A landscaper?!” Next time the sink was dripping, she asked him again, “Honey, can you fix the faucet?” The husband replied, “What do I look like to you? A Plumber?!”

Two days later, a light bulb went out and she begged him again, “Honey, can you change the light bulb?” His reply was, “What am I? An electrician?!” A few days later, the husband comes home from work to find that the lawn is cut, the faucet is fixed, the light bulb is changed. Very surprised, he says, “Honey, what happened here?” The wife replies, “You know our new next door neighbour?

He came over and fixed everything.” The husband says, “Honey, how did you pay him?!” “Oh, you know,” the wife says, “he told me that I could either bake him a cake or have sex with him.” Somewhat relieved the husband asks, “Whew, so what kind of a cake did you bake for him?” The wife replies, “Who do you think I am? Betty Crocker?!”

SA TURD AY Vanguard, APRIL 5 5,, 2014 — 39 SATURD TURDA

Would you defy your mum to marry woman of your choice? marriage proposal. No matter how hard I stood up to my mother, she said she strongly believe that mum would eventually drive us apart. She said she wasn’t particularly fond of my mother either and she would rather end things now than have a broken marriage.

“I pleaded with her but she stuck to her guns. I knew her decision must have cost her dearly as she genuinely loved me.

T

H

ad I properly investigated the family? Well, what was there to investigate? This was not the dark ages for heaven’s sake! She then decided to pay a visit to Tinuola’s family with dad so as to get to know them better. As likeable as dad is, he’s always dancing to my mother’s whims simply because she’d used her family connections to get him where he is today. What he didn’t realize is the fact that he would have fallen on his face if he wasn’t a competent engineer.

To cut a long story short, I took them to Tinuola’s

family. It was a long trip from our Ikoyi residence to the Akowonjo area where the family lived. As we arrived, my mother turned up her nose at the modest bungalow they lived in. I told her it was not a rented house, that the father owned the property. But my mother snorted and dad looked uncomfortable. When we went in, there were some members of Tinuola’s family around. The poor girl’s mother had bent over backwards to make us feel welcome, with mouthwatering spread on the dinning table. But the way mother carried on, you would think she was being forced to eat some horribly prepared buka food.

“We’d hardly got back into the car when mum started.

Did I see the strength of the family? Wouldn’t all my hard earned money go into helping them better their lot when we get married, especially since Tinuola was the first child and most of

her siblings still in school?

She noted she didn’t see any car parked in front of their house, and wanted to know what both parents did for a living. I was really losing my patience

,

AIWO, a 32-yearold medical doctor had finally found a girl he thought he could spend the rest of his life with. Tinuola was a chartered accountant and he could feel and see the genuineness of her love.

She virtually worshipped the earth Taiwo walked on.

She was definitely the one and he arranged for his parents to meet with her, give their stamp of approval and agree on a suitable day for the wedding. “ “Then my mother took over,” recalled Taiwo sadly.

“Because she came from a royal family in a village, she thought she was of impeccable pedigree. First, she wanted to know if my girl’s family was rich I told her they were not exactly what you would call poor.

I

was so mad with what my mother did that when I found a job that offered accommodation, I took it. I didn’t go visiting as often as my parents would wish. When I heard Tinuola was getting

No matter how hard I stood up to my mother, she said she strongly believe that mum would eventually drive us apart

at her snootiness. I told her emphatically I would get married to the girl and there was nothing any of them could do to discourage me.

“In the weeks that followed, my mother really put on the pressure. She’d investigated Tinuola’s family and dug up skeletons that would scarcely raise an eyebrow. She was so hostile to the poor girl whenever she visited that in the end she told me she was no longer interested in my

,

married a couple of years after we broke up, I went to the wedding even though I wasn’t invited and wished her luck. I gave the couple an impressive present and told Tinuola’s husband he was a very lucky man. I was almost 35 when I was able to take another woman home to meet my parents. I called to tell them I was on my way with my wife and was invited for lunch. After a hearty meal. Mother was

her inquisitive self all over again. Who was my new girl and when did we intend to get married? I smiled triumphantly at her and said, 1 called to tell you I was bringing home my wife. Well, here she is. We got married at the registry last week and she’s now my legal wife! ‘My mother nearly burst an artery!

“How could I get married without involving the family? I reminded her that the first time I did just that, she threw so many spanners in the works that the whole thing fizzled out.

I was 35 and no longer a child. What was more, my wife was pregnant. That if it was any consolation to her, my wife’s family aren’t pleased either, so we have decided on an elaborate traditional engagement party to appease both families.

“The look dad gave me was a proud one. My mother quickly recovered from her-shock when she realized there was still room for a social bash. As we left, I almost felt sorry for robbing her of the glamour of organising a proper wedding but after the humiliation she made me suffer with Tinuola and the nervous wreck I became later on, I thought I should take my own pound of flesh.

Let her see how painful it could be to set your hopes on getting something you really cherish, only for it to be snatched from you just when you thought you had a good grip!”

Ho w to seduce yyour our spouse!

How nowing your partner is in the mood for love, says an expert, can be as tricky as mind-reading or as easy as ABC, as long as you can crack the lovecodes. Many couples who have been with one another a long time will use their own very personal signals to let each other know when ‘tonights’s the night’. Here are some of the signals experienced by a few couples: “When my wife strips down to nothing but her necklace, I know she’s feeling randy. If she takes

her necklace off before bed, I know sex might be off as well.”

,

K

wanders round singing. “I’m in the nude for love.” When my wife wears a dress zipped

When my wife wears a dress zipped up front or back, I know my chances of hooking her are high

“I wear the flimsy night dress he loves to see me in, and let him watch as I squirt perfume behind my ears and my knees. My husband takes his clothes’ off then

,

up front or back, I know my chances of hooking her are high. If she’s in Jeans and sweater, it’s not promising.”

If my husband shaves at night instead of in the

morning, I know he’s got his mind on fun and games at bedtime. In case I haven’t noticed, he sometimes takes my hand, places it on his cheek and says, “smooth as a baby’s bottom”.

If he leaves the landing light on when we go to bed, I know he’s in the mood because he likes to see what he’s doing. We don’t like to make love with the bright bed room light one? “She takes her shoes off and walks around barefoot on the toes. Then she sits near me and rests her feet on my

knees, so I can massage them. That’s her signal.

She’s ready and willing.”

“When he suggests we take our night cap up to bed after a good dinner, I know what’s coming.” “When I get home from work; and notice the lights in the sitting room are dimmed and the curtains closed, I know my wife’s setting the scene for sex. She’ll have prepared a meal we can eat with our fingers, have a bottle of wine chilled and the kids out of harm’s way...”

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

F

or most women, abandonment is perceived as the most emotionally leveling betrayal.

Without trust that her guy will remain faithful to his commitment, a woman is apt to worry endlessly that he will drift away or even worse, find someone else she imagines will fulfill him more.

The lyrics from the popular song by Sheryl Crow, Strong Enough , typify a woman’s desperation: “Lie to me. I promise to believe. Lie to me. But please don’t leave.”

From the vantage point of view, a woman is always on guard wondering what her man was up to when he comes home late, doesn’t answer a text for over an hour, or shows up with little to say to her. She perceives his emotional distancing as a sign he is making plans to move on and no amount of convincing will make her feel secure. Her insecurities defeat her. Rather than living the most fulfilling life she can, one with experiences that validate her worth, she clings to her man expecting him to be her all.

A woman’s diminished worth and the resulting fear of abandonment can cause her to display a variety of destructive behaviours. There are some behaviours common to women who fear abandonment: *Fantasizing dooms day abandonment scenarios: In those quiet moments when there’s little else to think about, it is not uncommon for a woman’s phobic tendencies to rear their ugly heads as daydreams of tragic endings. She might imagine receiving a call that her mate has died, run off with someone else, or left a “Dear Jane letter” stating his intention

to leave town without saying goodbye. These destructive daydreams represent buried fears and secret wishes erupting as habitual conscious thoughts and can be difficult to control. The fear is, of course, that she will be discarded and alone and the wish functions to perpetuate a deep

Do you fear abandonment? sadness that she has deeply identified with. In this case, a woman must battle the stronghold of negative thoughts by feeding her subconscious more positive ones. She may have to identify each fear and counter it with a positive affirmation such as, “You are irreplaceable and your partner knows your value to him.” *Giving her man too much of everything he wants: A woman who lacks the confidence that she is central in her mate’s life, may think she must be near perfect to keep him around.

She is likely to go overboard catering to his every need or whim, spoiling him even when he doesn’t deserve spoiling. With this behaviour, she will lose his respect rather than gain it. A woman like this needs to step back and notice how much she deserves beyond the relationship. If she starts pampering herself with as much attention as she gives him, she will be perceived as a more desirable mate. *Seeing another woman as a threat:The fear of being replaced may lead a woman to believe that every other woman in her man’s life, even if only an acquaintance, is a threat. She will become suspicious, try to divert attention to herself and respond

The fear of being replaced may lead a woman to believe that every other woman in her man’s life, even if only an acquaintance, is a threat rudely to a woman whom she might otherwise like to be friends with. In this case, a woman will have to stop comparing herself to other women and see herself as her mate’s natural choice. *Unreasonable demands on his time: Women who are afraid that space and time away means her man is trying to escape, usually exhibit demanding and controlling behaviour.

Calling to check on him every hour on the hour, texting nonsensical

I want to shout at my in-laws?

Ques: My husband and I have been married for over ten years and have been together for a very long time.

We are very happy in our marriage and we both know that we will live out the rest of our lives with each other.But I have a problem with his family, specifically his mother.

First, let me start by saying that my father-in-law is an absolutely wonderful man. He is simply a wonderful father-in-law who spends lots of time with his grand children.

He and my husband are extremely close. But my husband’s mother is a selfish, vain and small-minded woman, and so is his step- mother.

They are alike as far as seeing only

to their wants and needs, and can be petty and downright mean toward family members.

Sometimes, I feel like shouting at them when they go beyond what I can tolerate. Should I shout at them? I would never, ever want to cause my father-in-law grief or anguish, nor my husband, but there have been a multitude of times where they’ve said and done things that have been so downright awful that I’ve bitten my tongue not to say anything to them directly. It’s been like this for long and over the years, it gets increasingly difficult not to tell them how horrible they are, and how they are directly affecting the relationship between my husband

*Gbenga, 50, widower, based in Lagos, needs a widow or a divorcee for a serious relationship on 07060981642 *Emeka, 26, in Lagos State, needs a bouyant and sex-starved lady in Lagos between 28-48 for a relationship on 07083109899 *Peter, 33 , tall, humorous, lives and works in Benin, wants a lady of 26-28 who is a Nurse and from Edo state on 08176451049 *Emeka, 35, from Anambra state, wants a caring lady of any age on 0803731775 * Chuma, 50, civil servant , needs a fair lady who is well mannered, humourous and ready to settle down on 08070685881 *Martin, 26, from Onitsha, wants a girl of 22-26 for a relationship on 08130451826 •Ademola, 42, resident in Abuja, wants to

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and his Dad, and the fact that it might someday affect the relationship between my kids and their grandfather.

Cecilia, Enugu Ans: It is always better for many couples with in-law issues to work as a unit. You have to let your husband fight certain battles by letting him know how you feel. I feel he should be the one to communicate the issues to his mother, his step-mother and his father. It seems like a round-about way of dealing with problems but from what you’ve told us, these women are not going to have a thoughtful discussion about their

messages while he is at work, and intruding on his leisure time with “to do lists” are all signs that she wants to stay engaged and maintain control.

Her separation anxiety is likely rooted in her fear of being alone and she may need to dive deeply into the source of this anxiety to gain control of her own behaviour. *Pulling away and pushing him away: Some women, especially those who felt abandoned by their fathers in childhood may find it difficult to trust the bond of a love relationship and will pull away emotionally as a protective response. It is difficult for them to enjoy their lover for fear of losing him. Other women will do everything in their power to push their mate out the door with negative behaviour, sabotaging the relationship and creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of abandonment. If they succeed, it confirms they were right – a man’s commitment means nothing. A woman who will pull or push away, needs to develop insight into her own psychology and sabotaging behaviour. Her efforts at giving love over time will prove that love is worth the effort.

actions, especially not with you. If you call them out on their bad behaviour, you will not win.

I know you want to scream at them or even sit them down and calmly tell them why they’re awful. But really, it won’t help. It’ll just alienate the wrong people. You and your husband are the most important in this situation. You have to stand together and protect your partnership. Don’t try to create problems between him and his family. Try as much as possible to tolerate them but there is one exception to this rule. If the mother or stepmother’s bad behaviour involves your kids, you’re allowed to sternly explain how you do things in your household. In those situations, you can be the crazy mum.

tionship on 07086048181 *Iyke,35, single, needs a homely, responsible and educated lady who is truly ready to settle down on 08111101481 *Biddy, 39, from Lagos State, fair, good looking, entrepreneur, needs a meet a good-to-go lady for a serious relationship on 08151831681 good looking God-fearing lady on * Ismail, 37, based in Kaduna, needs a busty lady of 20-26 for mar- 07089151818 riage on 08031590030 *Uzoma, 51, employed, single, *Rotimi, 44, employed, wants a God-fearing lady for a serious rela- Igbo resident in Lagos, wants a female graduate who is Do you want to be linked? level-headed and beNeither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting low, 35years for a serito be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal informa- ous relationship on tion of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for 08175419686 disappointments or embarrassments some people may encounter in the process.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

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Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014—41

42—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, APRIL 5, 2014

yemisisuleiman670@yahoo.com

Grecian Goddess S

i imple yet sultry, the style of the Grecian dress has become a classic in the fashion world, and this is clearly illustrated with the number of dresses churned out by designers at fashion shows, and interpreted at the red carpet events.

The look is so popular because it emits a casually light vibe. A one-shouldered dress is simple and looks amazing on anyone.

GrecianDrapedDress.gif

Gracian Cut Out Dress

ENE LAWANI

FADE OGUNRO

AGBANI DAREGO

Maybelline Make-up Masterclass

R

enowned beauty brand Maybelline New York, recently held a master class in Lagos, with celebrity Make-up artist Bimpe Onakoya, taking make-up artists on the rudiments of being a good make-up artist. The event which held at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos, was also used to introduce the Maybeline kajal and mascara to the attendees.

Speaking on the essence of the masterclass, Funto Oni, Assistant brand manager Maybeline New York said the event was initiated to meet the needs of the beauty industry in the country .“The industry is growing everyday and there is a need for more professional information. Bimpe is great at what she does, so we decided to bring her to talk to other make-up artists who want to be as good as her to talk to them and train them on how to improve on their skills and knowledge.”

Bimpe Onakoya is currently the artistic director for Maybeline New York, she is a dynamic and creative Makeup Artist with over ten years industry experience spanning television, print, editorial shoots, advertising campaigns, bridal beauty, fashion shows, celebrity and events.

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•Make-up artists at the event •Bimpe Onokoya doing her job

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

UNILA GV C buries mum in style UNILAG VC

F

inal burial ceremony th and the 40 day Fidau prayer for Alhaja Fatimat Bintu Bello, mother of the Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Professor Rahman Bello took place recently at t Iboro in Yewa North Local Government area Ogun State. Many highprofile dignitaries including the Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State were in attendance.

Photos by Wumi Akinola

Vanguard, APRIL 5 5, 2014—43

Olugbodi @ 50 TUNJI Olugbodi, Group Managing Director, Verdant Zeal, recently celebrated his 50 th birthday. The vent was graced by the crème de la crème of the society.

R-L: Prof. Rahman Bello, welcoming Gov Ibikunle Amosunand the Speaker Suraj Adekunbi of Ogun State House of Assembly.

Mr Tunji Olugbodi and his wife, Biyi cutting the 50th birthday cake .

R-L: Speaker, Suraj Adekunbi, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Olu of Ilaro-Paramount Ruler of Yewa Land, Oba Engr. G. O. Olalowo Alademeso of Igan Alade and Oba Sesan Oguntayo - Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife

Chief & Mrs. Fassy Yussuf.

Mrs. Rasidat Adesanya.

Osoba

and

Mr.

Segun

Otunba Tunde Osokoya and Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Apampa.

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State (left) and the celebrant, Mr Tunji Olugbode

L-R: Mr Tunji Olugbodi, GMd, Verdant Zeal; a guest and Mr Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman, Troyka Group

Reception ffor or Pr of Mar gbogidi Prof Maryy A Agbogidi

A Thanksgiving service was held in honour of Prof. (Mrs) Oghenerioborue Mary Agbogidi, the Pioneer First Class graduate of Delta State University, Abraka ( Delsu ) and the first female Professor of Botany (plant ecology and ecophysiology) followed by a reception at Senior Staff Club, Delsu, Abraka . Photos by Nath Onojake

R-L: Sir Ekeke, Perm-Sec, Civil Service Commission,Sir David Onokpe, PermSec, Ministry of Local Government,Chief Aghwana, Prof.Patrick Muoboghare, Prof. (Mrs) Mary Agbogidi and husband, Pastor Agbogidi.

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R-L: Prof. Patrick Mobuoghare, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Delta State,Prof.(MRS) Mary Agbogidi and husband, Pastor Agbogidi

Pastor and Prof. (Mrs) Agbogidi.

44 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

How Airtel made Journalist a multi-millionaire

BY AKABUDE UCHE PETER

D

anjuma Ibrahim Yakubu grew up to know life as one with immense responsibilities. With a

wife and four children, eight siblings and aged parents to cater for, the stage appeared all but perfect for him to justify his position as the eldest child of the family.

For this journalist with FRCN, Lafia, the inter-play of the unseen force that goes with a name and the Nigerian culture that confers family responsibilities on first born sons was not so kind. For years, he single handedly had the onerous task of catering for all his people, an assignment made more difficult by scarce financial resources.

But fate showered him with favours.

Danjuma was recently presented with the cheque of N10 Million by leading telecommunications operator, Airtel Nigeria, after he emerged the grand prize winner of the just concluded Red Hot Promo, a consumer loyalty reward initiative put in place by the telecommunications firm.

There is no doubt that good times are here for Danjuma and his defined line of dependants. The win has empowered and repositioned him to discharge his responsibilities to all in a more qualitative manner without breaking much sweat. His dream to give qualitative education to his younger siblings, bring much comfort to his aged parents, engage in personal development programmes and own some worthwhile businesses have become more realistic.

What is more? Looking ahead after receiving the prized sum from the wife of the Nassarawa State Governor, Hajia Salamatu Umaru Tanko Al-Makura in

Optometrist, Dr. Osi Ogberaha (left) examining the eyes of Primary Six Pupil of St. John’s Primary School, Lamina Sodiq while Optometrist, Dr. Bukola Awe (right) examines the eyes of another Primary Six Pupil, Oyindamola Soyemi at the Airtel Adopted Primary School in Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.

Lafia, an elated Danjuma was quick to realise the sudden change of status in his life and the new vision that may consequently be birthed. The desire to also be a blessing to others like the network has been to him is the immediate preoccupation of his mind. Doma, a town that saw his birth, bore witness to his growing up and currently serves as his residence, has been in need of pipe borne water. The long years of waiting for intervention from

either agents of government or other concerned quarters to provide this basic need may be effectively over soon as Danjuma appears poised to play the saviour.

In his statement shortly after receiving the prize, he said, “Danjuma, as the name implies, is a person from a family that has a lot of responsibilities. In my case, I am someone whom God has raised to use to address the needs of his family, and part of

it is that in my own area, we have a problem of potable water. So, I will use part of the money to sink borehole but I won’t collect any money for that.

The Airtel Red Hot promo was a multimillion naira open consumer loyalty reward scheme launched in October 2013 to reward customers’ activities on the Airtel network, whether voice or data. It ran across the six geo-political zones, producing sixty millionaires and other cash prize winners over a period of sixty days.

The promo was one of the company’s several empowerment platforms created to enable customers on the network realise their dreams, achieve set goals, make meaningful impact within their environment, build and secure a bright future. With a rich bouquet of products and services, Airtel is not playing in an unusual turf. Indeed, it has consistently shown commitment to a culture of empowering people whether in the core business area of telecommunications or in the field of sports, entertainment, education, ICT and vocational training.

Airtel’s exploits in the social responsibilities circle is also well documented. Beginning with Oremeji Primary School 2, Ajegunle in IfelodunAjeromi Local Government Area of Lagos State, the company has successfully replicated its exclusive CSR-based AdoptA-School model in different parts of the country among which include Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun state, Amumara in Imo state and Ediba in Cross River state.

The Company's Nigeria’s chief executive officer and Managing Director, Segun Ogunsanya, in a recent statement succinctly captured the essence of the company’s drive towards empowering Nigerians across all spheres of human endeavour. There is no doubt the company’s vision of being the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians is being matched with commendable and measurable actions with far-reaching impacts as the stories of Danjuma Ibrahim Yakubu, Amarachi Uyanne, Golden Eaglet’s Adamu Abubakar, Muri Oriyomi Lawal, Robots for Christ, among many others, may have provided sufficient proofs.

Tunji needs N7million to stay alive

BY ADERONKE ADEYERI & OLAYINKA AJAYI

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ntil he was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, Ojeawere Tunji Stephen – a worker in a paint manufacturing company, a father of two and doting husband; a healthy and vibrant forty seven years old, ready to face the challenges of life while helping out whoever needed his help.

But, unexpectedly, out of the blues, fate dealt a cruel blow on Tunji who hails from Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

At the moment, he is engaged in a do-or-die battle to save his

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life from the clutches of a potentially fatal kidney failure.

Ojeawere Tunji presently undergoes dialysis at the Healing Stripes Hospital owned by the City of David Lagos.

In his narration to the media , Tunji stated: “this still remains a nightmare to me. I started feeling pains in my body early July last year. I thought it was malaria.Later, it graduated to typhoid and then I was told at the hospital that I had kidney problem. On the first of July, I was on admission at FMC Abeokuta, Ogun state where I was told that my case had deteriorated to the level of kidney failure and I needed a

transplant. Then I began my dialysis and things began to fall apart. My blood pressure was sky rocketing and my PCV was at a reducing percentage. I was very close to the end of the road. From FMC Hospital, I moved to St Nicholas Hospital in Lagos and continued with the dialysis.

Initially, the doctors felt the kidneys will be restored but it did not after many tests and dialysis .‘’Some times, a dialysis costs N70,000 to N100,000 depending on the cost of drugs prescribed and I will have a blood transfusion and I have to undergo this at least twice a week, otherwise the story will be different. I have spent all my life earnings but because of this sickness, I am left with nothing to cater for my wife and beautiful kids of four and two years old respectively. Doctors said I need a kidney transplant because I suffer a chronic kidney disease.

Now, I need a total of N7 million for the kidney transplant in Vickran Hospital, India. Please help me. I am pleading to Nigerians to come to my aid so I can live a normal life again.

"The bitter truth I have been made to understand is, one can continue with a dialysis only to stay alive without having to live a normal life and the kidney

problem remains. I want to live again. I want to cater for my family and not be a liability to them and everyone around me, he lamented.’’

His young and pitiable wife, Funke also appealed to generous Nigerians amidst tears to save her husband from untimely death.’’Please Nigerians, save the life of my husband. I am too young to become a widow. We have two kids who are yet to enjoy their father. I do not have a regular job. Life has been so tough for us. Please help me”.

Also, Tunji’s pastor, Pastor Joseph Ebata of the Redeemed Christian Church of God alongside some other pastors of the Church said Joseph and his wife were very active in the Church before this incident and .’’we woke up one morning to this sad news of kidney failure around July and as a Church, we have been supporting him alongside some other people for his dialysis because Joseph and his wife were active members the family. For the dialysis, we have spent over N2million and we will still spend more pending when the transplant will be done. I think what he needs is a permanent solution that will require N7million and that is why we are appealing to

Nigerians. Tunji needs your support to live a normal life again”.

According to a medical report signed on the 30th of January 2014 by Dr. Rosemary Chiejina, a medical officer of the Healing Stripes Hospital, Lagos, "Tunji is a known patient in our facility and is currently being managed for Chronic Kidney Disease. He receives dialysis treatment thrice weekly. Kindly accord to him the necessary assistance".

Another medical report signed

by Dr. Ogidigben Oghenekevwe,a medical officer and Dr. E.L Bamigboye, a clinical director at St. Nicholas hospital Lagos said the patient is hypertensive. "He was presented on the 21st of August, 2013 for the purpose of effective haemodialysis and work up for renal transplantation. After review by consultant nephrologist, an assessment of end stage renal disease was made. Estimated cost for each dialysis session is N38,000 and patient is to have three sessions a week."

Please call Tunji on 08029493233 and forward your contributions to save his life toTunji Ojeawere, First Bank, Account number 3075796472 .

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014—45 urity balls, in which girls‘gift ('their virginity’) to their fathers until marriage,is sweeping America.

Purity balls, in which a girl pledges to remain ‘pure’ until her wedding day, symbolically ‘marries’ God, and promises her father that she will remain a virgin until she’s a wife, have become a phenomenon in America, now taking place in 48 out of the 50 states.

The balls resemble giant wedding ceremonies, with the girls — all around the age of 12 — wearing white gowns idea of girls giving their virginity to and dancing with their fathers who their father to safeguard until marpromise to ‘protect’ their daughter ’s riage, and the ceremonial purity balls, developed much later in alliance with chastity.

Evangelical church movements.

During the ceremony, fathers present their daughters with purity rings, which they wear to symbolise their commitment to virginity.

The concept of purity pledges exists in over 17 countries and across America, blossoming from the original purity movement that began in the USA in the 1980s.

They soon began wearing rings to symbolise their commitment, but the

P

08 116759 759 081 6759759

‘Y ou are married ttoo the Lor d and ‘You Lord your daddy is your boyfriend’

A head-shaving flash mob!

A

company set an in spiring example when 428 employees shaved their hair for a cancer research charity, raising an incredible $2.1million in total.

The feat was undertaken by employees at Quincy, Massachusetts-based G r a n i t e Telecommunications, who gathered in the lobby on Monday to have their locks chopped off or facial hair shaved, making for quite the heartwarming scene. According to Today.com, each of the participants raised $5,000 for their efforts-$2,000 from chief executive Rob Hale, $2,000 from his own mother Judy and $1,000 from the company itself. Mr Hale explained that the event was kicked off after he dared one of his workers to shave off his long beard, offering a company donation to charity in exchange.

When other employees heard about the offer, they expressed their interest, and soon it became a companywide challenge. Mr Hale —whose own father passed away from pancreatic cancer six years ago — and his team agreed that the money raised should go to DanaFarber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Word spread even further, and 19 barbers agreed to donate their services, cutting the hair of 350 employees in the Quincy office.

Nearly a hundred others who worked in the Rhode Island, New York, Georgia and Florida offices also participated.

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Not Putin out!

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ussian woman starts bizarre anti-sanctions campaign by vowing to never have sex with President Obama— and getting a tattoo saying it to remind herself.

A Russian woman has gone to bizarre lengths to show how much she dislikes President Obama—she’s gotten it tattooed right on her arm. What’s more, 28year-old Eugene Tolkcheva’s message tells

the American president that he is banned from having sex with her.

‘Barack Obama is denied access to the body,’ reads the Russian-language inking she got in protest of sanctions in place against Russia in the wake of the annexation of Crimea.

Lucky for Tolkcheva, the tattoo was done with henna and is temporary.

The Omsk woman was sure to clarify that the

Obama ban does not imply an invitation for others.

[It does not mean] everyone else can,’ she told Omsk Here.

Tolkcheva said the tattoo is her unique way of showing solidarity with Russia in opposition to American and European sanctions on the nation and for Omsk, specifically. Tolkcheva has begun a campaign that asks her fellow

‘Room moved to driveway’

S

oldier fed up with daughter ’s messy rehab its moves entire contents of her room to driveway.

One Georgia father became so frustrated that his daughter couldn’t keep her room clean that he has decided to take out all of its contents and put it in

the driveway while she was away at school.

On Monday, the father, who is a soldier based at Fort Stewart, placed his daughter ’s bed, desk, chair, bookcase and other items in the middle of the family’s driveway in Ludowici, about 55 miles south of

countrywowen to follow suit and ban the president from having sex with them.

Hers is just one method that proannexation Russians have used in their retaliatory ‘sanctions’ of Obama. Stores and other establishments across Russia have banned the president personally.

Putin himself has issued sanctions against high level U.S. officials.

Savannah.

In front of the bed, on two large pieces of plywood, he wrote, ‘Haley, room moved to driveway. Clean it next time.’

The soldier, who did not want to be identified, told WSAV that while in retrospect he thought the move was ‘extreme,’ he added that he warned his daughter to clean up or else be treated like a soldier. His daughter is an honour roll student, he added.

As an added incentive for Haley to keep her room clean, her father hired a painter to give her bedroom a fresh coat of paint.

46—SA TURD AY 46—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , APRIL 5 5, 2014

2015 POLLS:

Who succeeds Fashola? zIkorodu searches for justice, fair play zAgitates for a female governor

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

E

xpectedly, the forthcoming general election has been generating heat with groups and indi viduals angling for ascendancy in the build-up to the polls. Indigenes of Ikorodu Division have started agitating to produce the next governor of Lagos State.

Meanwhile, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has assured members of the party that there would not be any imposition of candidates in the congresses of the party.

Tinubu spoke last Wednesday, at the party’s secretariat in the state on ACME Road, Ikeja, during the Stakeholders’ Forum called by the party to sensitise members on the coming congresses.

Also at the event, two former prominent members of the party who defected to other parties made a grand return to the party. They are former Dep- direction of their division for the next uty Governor of the state during the occupant of Lagos House when the regime of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Ja- tenure of the incumbent Governor, kande, Chief Rafiu Bakare Adeyefa Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) ends Jafojo; and a former House of Repre- next year after having completed his sentatives member in the Second Re- mandatory two terms of four years public, Chief Rasheed Shitta-Bey in office. known to many as Jabita.

Dabiri-Erewa, a three-time member On the APC congresses which start of the lower legislative chamber is today, Saturday, April 5th, 2014, with facing yet another challenge in her the ward congress, Tinubu stated that political career. the party remains committed to demThat challenge has to do with the ocratic principle and hence will en- calls from her constituency for her sure that the voice and choice of par- to take a shot at the plum office of the ty members emerge at the end of the governorship of Lagos which her parday. ty, APC, had zoned to the East sena“We will not impose any candidate torial zone. But she has Senator Gbenon our members. It is you all here who ga Ashafa, who is also from the diviwill make your choices during the con- sion to contend with in the race as gresses and other intra-party elec- various groups have started campaign tions,” he assured. for Ashafa to succeed Fashola.

On Ikorodu indigenes agitation, the For clarification, the political strucissue of continued marginalisation of ture of Lagos State is divided into Ikorodu in the politics of the state three senatorial zones among the five has been on for some time with the administrative divisions, namely Laaffected people discussing the issue gos Island, Epe, Ikeja, Badagry and in the comfort of their homes and of- Ikorodu divisions. fices until recently when a member Of all the divisions, only the Ikorodu of the lower legislative chambers pro- and Badagry divisions are yet to provided the needed platform for accen- duce a governor for the state since its tuating their misgivings. creation in 1967. The only time an Chairman of the House of Represen- indigene from Ikorodu mounted the tatives Committee on the Diaspora, office was during the military adminHon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa in her de- istration of late Group Captain Gbosire to improve the welfare of her con- lahan Mudasiru in the short lived Mustituency, unwittingly stirred the hor- hammadu Buhari government. net nest as the forum soon turned into Realising the perceived injustice, the agitation for a female governor in the leadership of the APC may have restate. solved to zone the office to the east Their specific request was that the senatorial zones comprising of Epe ruling party, APC, should look at the and Ikorodu divisions. The case of

Gov Babatunde Fashola

Ikorodu division has further been boosted by the fact that their kith and kin in Epe had produced Michael Agbolade Otedola in the short lived Third Republic.

The decision of the ruling APC to zone the governorship of Lagos to the East Senatorial district of the state has pitched the people of Ikorodu Division against their Epe kith and kin.

The two divisions form the major groups in the East district of the state, though they belong to distinct political areas alongside three others, such as Ikeja and Badagry in the West Senatorial district and Lagos division in the Central District.

With seeming consensus that the office be zoned to the East with the

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When contacted, the Interim State Chairman of the APC, Chief Henry Oladele Ajomole, said the suggestion is just a mere notion which is not binding on the party, saying merit and competence will form the basis for selecting the party’s candidate.

“The suggestion that the governorship of the state has been zoned to the Lagos East senatorial zone is just a mere notion by some people within the party. There is nowhere or place the party sat down to state that the office has been zoned to the East.

“As I said, it is a notion because the two other zones have produced governors for the state. Tinubu came from the West, Fashola is from the Central and so some people will feel that the governorship should naturally go to the East zone,” he said.

Findings, however, revealed that prominent indigenes of both Ikorodu Division and their Epe kiths and kin have stepped up efforts to outwit one another in the race by lobbying important personalities within the party.

As a boost for their aspirations, traditional rulers in the divisions have been mobilizing their subjects towards realizing the objective.

With the field wide open to sons and daughters of Ikorodu Division to take a shot at the plum job, prominent indigenes had been shopping for the replacement of the incumbent and are moving for Dabiri-Erewa into the Lagos State governorship race by calling on her to take up the challenge.

Though the agitation had been subtle with those rooting for her emergence as the state’s helmsman come next year making clandestine move to drag her into the race, their actions have become more manifest in recent times.

The right occasion provided itself during the recent empowerment of her constituents in Ikorodu Town Hall last Saturday. At the event, the call for her candidature became more deafening with preponderance of opinion asking her to vie, saying the state was ripe for a female governor.

Those present at the occasion that took place at the Ikorodu Town Hall included a former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Abiodun Ogunleye and a former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Olorunfunmi Bashorun.

The traditional ruler of Ikorodu land, Oba Salaudeen Oyefeso was represented by his wife, Hajia Muibat who set the tone for discussion on the occasion by calling on Dabiri-Erewa to consider the possibility since the plum

Dabiri-Erewa has all it takes to be a capable governor. She has our support and we urge the party to give her the slot.We also want the governorship candidature of the Lagos APC zoned to Ikorodu

expiration of the tenure of Fashola who hails from the Central District, politicians and other stakeholders in the two divisions have commenced intensive lobby for the plum office.

Fashola’s predecessor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu picked the ticket from the West District, specifically Ikeja, thus prompting suggestion that the contest for the office be narrowed down to aspirants from the East zone.

job has been zoned to East Senatorial zone, part of which Ikorodu forms an integral part.

Speaking on behalf of her spouse, Oyefeso said “Dabiri-Erewa has all it takes to be a capable governor. She has our support and we urge the party to give her the slot. We also want the governorship candidature of the Lagos APC zoned to Ikorodu,” the monarch’s wife said.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

government realized that and began to claim the ownership of the land.

I was told that Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, the new minister, was there last Saturday with soldiers. That is what the residents of Lagos get for 1.2 million votes cast in favour of President Goodluck Jonathan in the last election.

This is a threat to the Lagos state housing initiative. It is a threat to the downtrodden in the state that are looking up to the state government to provide home for them.

FG on collision course with LASG over housing schemes

On Apapa oil tankers The problem in Apapa emanates mainly from the operation of the two ports, the Apapa and the Tin-Can Island Ports. These two ports are under the control of the central government. As for Apapa Ports, the problem has escalated after it was concessioned and what we found out was that the parking area in the port was taken away from tanker drivers by the concessionaires. They have thrown out tankers and the containerized vehicles. This morning on my way, I was informed that a container had fallen and LASTMA is battling to remove it from the road. And this is what happens everyday. And I have explained that I don’t know any country that aspires to be great that continues to haul containers and oil products on the road.

*as Fashola marks 2,500 days in office

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overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, last Wednesday, marked 2,500 Days in office as well as rendering account of stewardship in the last 100 days at the LTV Auditorium, Agidingbi, Ikeja,where he responded to various questions from the audience.

As usual, the governor responded to various issues where he indicted Federal Government officials for interfering in the on-going state projects.

Fashola also faulted the choice of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga as a Federal Minister representing Lagos, saying he cannot represent the interest of Lagos as he is not an indigene as stipulated by Nigerian Constitution. Excerpts: On illegal structures built under powerline No state government has responsibility for transmission lines. Till today, the Federal government still holds the absolute control over it and I believe it has entered into agreement with Manitoba to manage them. I have written to the then Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN. The reality is that all the buildings that exist under the powerline must either move or the power lines are realigned. One thing must happen. It is dangerous to live under it. The radiations are dangerous to health. For those living under it, they should begin to plan to move. We will continue to engage with the operators of the power sector to see if it is possible to realign them away from the residents and I know that no one in our government has given approval for the erection of such buildings under power line. They are illegal and we should stop erecting structures under them, even as we commence effort to relocate those who are living there.

On choice of Federal Minister from Lagos Lagos doesn’t have two ministers under this administration. Lagos just had its fair share of the ministerial appointment two weeks ago. Mr. Olusegun Aganga does not represent Lagos. I think it is section 147 of the 1999

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constitution that provides that every state should be represented by a minister and the person should be an indigene of that state. For me, Aganga is from Edo state. To his credit, he has supported Lagos state initiative especially the Lagos Free Zone, LFZ. At the last election, the president won election in Lagos state with 1.2 million votes. All the other states got ministerial slots except Lagos state until two weeks ago when they realized that 2015 is close by. That is the reward for the vote the President got from Lagos state.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, we were given a Junior Minister. That is the reality. But some states that had

should be at the federal level. At the federal executive, the constitution has said that the President should pick someone from each state to represent the state not to represent the Federal Government. That is the point and you will see in our previous experiences, some ministers have forgotten that they are representing their states.

What they have often gone there to do is to levy war with federal might against their own state. The legislature and judges have never done that.

It is only in the executive arm that we have experienced this type of behaviour and it is simply because they don’t understand that they are there to represent the state and not to levy war against their state.

The state has started the issuance of Electronic C of O, and very soon we will clear the backlog.

That is in our control and I can assure the residents of Lagos that we will deal with that

Stoppage of housing scheme The contractor at Oyingbo has stopped work. And it is because some agents of the Federal Government have moved soldiers there. They are claiming that they own that land. The land is the land next to Mainland Hotel. That was part of the land that Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson acquired during his tenure as governor of Lagos state, when Alhaji Femi Okunnu was Federal Commissioner for works.

And in documents handed over to the Lagos state government, Okunnu clearly indicated that the land belongs to Lagos state government. The land has been unused for many years.

It was until we started the Lagos HOMS (Housing Scheme) initiative, when we decided to build 48 flats there. We started building, then people came with soldiers and said that the land belongs to the Federal Government. So that is the reason why the contractor isn’t working any more.

They used soldiers to stop the contractor from working.

Also, this morning (last Wednesday) on my way to work, I observed at Ilubirin,where we have started the construction of 1, 188 flats that somebody has gone ahead to put the sign of the Federal Government at the site, claiming that the central government owns the land. That land has been there for the last five years. That land was issued by |Lagos State Government to Julius Berger Plc during Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s administration. In January, we awarded contract for the construction but suddenly the federal

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BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

the population of less than the number of votes cast for the President in Lagos got full Minister. Perhaps, another important point is that my understanding of that provision is that it isn’t different from the idea of sending representatives to the National Assembly.

Also in the appointment of judges of Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, justices are picked from across the country so that there will be a sense of representation on national basis in those courts. And with their presence, they are able to provide local knowledge of cases that come from their local areas in order to assist the Court of Appeal. That is exactly what it should be. That is how it

Vanguard, APRIL 5 5, 2014 — 47

There is an old rail line built by the British. The tracks are still there.

What will it really cost the central government if truly it is serious and understand what it is doing to fix that rail and move containers and petrol wagons on rail. That is where the problem is. Unfortunately, because of the way we transport petrol products, it was further revealed during our engagement with NUPENG that the rail track is the only place in the tank farms that there is fuel. It is a difficult issue really.The tankers have to go there and lift fuel that will be used by you and I daily. And this is nothing but clear evidence of the Federal Government inability to manage the most important sector today of our economy. That is where over 90 percent of the country’s economy is earned. It is characterized by mismanagement, loss or stealing of money. Over the last few weeks, residents of Lagos have been subjected to unending traffic and pain; sleeping in petrol stations to buy resources that God gave to this great nation. It showed where the country’s problem came from. It is from the ruling party.

Certificate of Ownership On the backlog of Certificate of Ownership, C of O, yes there are backlog.

But the state has started the issuance of Electronic C of O and very soon, we will clear the backlog. That is in our control and I can assure the residents of Lagos that we will deal with that.

Debt profile of the state If anyone doesn’t believe us, let them believe the international agencies that have rated us. And they have kept our global rating at BB minus stable.They have withdrawn the rating of the states and not Lagos. That showed how good the economy of the state is. That is why investors are coming into the state.

On whether we borrowed or not, we borrowed but this was done sensibly and sustainably. If our critics claim that we are borrowing without the central government’s consent, it showed why Nigeria has economic problem. We cannot raise bonds without Federal Government’s consent. If they say that we are raising bonds without the state government’s approval, it showed that they have lost control of the economy.

48 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

T

hings seem to be falling apart in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, following the discovery of the decomposing body of a lady, four days after she was declared missing.

The deceased, Ngozi Eze, 35, reportedly went to see off a friend on March 9, 2014 and was on her way back when her assailants accosted her in a bush path,gang-raped her and strangled her to death. And as if that was not enough, her breasts and private part were chopped off.

Efforts of the community neighborhood watch led by one Mr. Onyema Ossai, to unravel the circumstances surrounding Ngozi’s murder, reportedly led to the apprehension of four men suspected to be behind the dastardly act.

The suspects identified as Ndukwe Omeke, a motorcyclist,Chinedu Ugwuanyi, a palm wine tapper, Eugene Ukwueze and Ibekwe Eya, also a motorcyclist, alleged that they were offered N600,000 by one Kenneth Idoko, a cattle dealer, to get fresh female breasts and private part.

Surprisingly, one of them was discovered to be living adjacent to the deceased’s compound. They reportedly told policemen that they decided to strike that fateful day because the community was celebrating its annual ‘Omaba’ festival which usually attracted a good number of people both within and outside the community.

A competent Police source told Crime Guard that the suspects confessed that the cow dealer gave them a white handkerchief with which to wrap the fresh private part and breasts and bring to him before they would be paid.

However, when those of Ngozi were taken to him ( cow dealer), he reportedly gave the suspects just N500 to fuel their motorbikes ,claiming that he was yet to get the N 600,000 from the major source.

The suspects, according to Police sources ,further stated that immediately they delivered the late Ngozi’s body parts, sleep eluded them and they began to live in perpetual fear . Unsure of their fate, they reportedly confided in their anchor man whom they said gave them a white stone to put in a cup of water and drink,assuring that nothing would happen to them.

Crime Guard gathered that before Ngozi was murdered, the alleged ring leader, Ndukwe Omeke, attempted to kill his wife and take her parts to their anchor person

From left:•Chinedu Ugwuanyi •Eugene Ukwueze

•Ndukwe Omeke

•Kenneth Idoko

Ritual killers on the prowl in Enugu

•Four suspects arrested over alleged murder of lady •Sell fresh parts for N600

By CHINEYE OZOR ,apparently to have the largest share of the amount. He was reported to have successfully lured his unsuspecting pregnant wife to the bush to fetch some firewood he

claimed to have gathered.

But his mission was rendered unaccomplished as his colleagues never showed up at the designated place, after six hours of waiting.

Police sources said the suspects confessed that their anchor person promised to pay

them N600,000 on every lady’s fresh parts brought.

How they were arrested Explaining how they were apprehended, chairman of Umuagama neighbourhood watch Mr. Onyema Ossai said: “Around 7.30pm, Mr. Jerome Eze, father of the

deceased, came to inform us that his daughter Ngozi, who had gone to escort her friend was missing. Immediately,I assembled all the vigilante members in the community and went in search of the girl, unknown to us that she has been killed.

Mobile Policeman’s children, cultists .. attack husband, loot goods

By ESTHER ONYEGBULA

M

edical doctors in an undisclosed private hospital at Idimu area of Lagos, are currently battling to save the life of a pregnant woman, Mrs. Gloria James who was allegedly beaten to a state of coma by children of a Mobile Policeman attached to MOPOL 20, Inspector Richard Ekpo, last Friday.

Unfortunately for the woman, efforts by doctors to save her first two months pregnancy failed .

Mrs. Gloria Oluwatomiwa James was allegedly first attacked by one of the policeman’s son identified simply as Olorunda in front of her shop at Idimu Mammy market during a verbal confrontation.

Trouble, as gathered, started when she demanded for an apology from Olrunda whom she said stepped on her while he was going to smoke Indian hemp from a local dealer around her shop.

Eye witnesses told Crime Guard that the area is not only noted for smoking Indian hemp but also a haven for cultists . Although, there had reportedly been several raids and subsequent arrests by policemen, but that has not stopped the deed.

Rather than apologise, Olorunda, as gathered, reportedly was not any remorseful but confronted her. He allegedly pounced on the pregnant woman for daring to ask him to apologise and gave her a thorough beating.Consequently she was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Crime Guard learnt also that when her husband went to report the ugly development to the Mobile Policeman, he was also attacked by his children. The seriously wounded woman narrated how the incident happened to Crime Guard on her hospital bed.

Explaining with difficulty owing to the bruises on her mouth she said,

•The destroyed wares in the boutique “Last Friday , I was sitting in front of my boutique because there was no light,when a youn g man came to buy Indian hemp from one of the local dealers around. As he was trying to sneak in to avoid being seen,he stepped on my feet. As I bent to move his leg,he asked why I was touching him rather than apologise. Even when I showed him the sand from the sole of his slippers that was still on my feet, he still

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014 — 49

•Ngozi Eze deceased

“After a fruitless search that night, next day, we went to Enugu Ezike Police division to report,where we were told to bring her picture. We sent messages to neighbouring communities and commercial motorcyclists informing them to assist in the search.

“Four days later, we were informed that some children

who had gone to the bush to cut palm kernels came back to say that a foul smell was emitting at the bush part. We rushed to the place only to behold the decomposed body of the missing N gozi.

“O

n hearing that the corpse has been recovered, one Ndukwe Omeke,

someone. In response, Ndukwe boasted that he can never be arrested by any person.

Chinedu Ugwuanyi was a member of the neighbourhood watch of the community. He was alleged to be the one who tied Ngozi’s hands and pulled off her clothes while Eugene Ukwueze was the first to rape her before others took their turns. The corpse has been buried due to its decomposed nature”, he stated.

The deceased’s younger brother John Eze, who said the family was yet to come to terms with the reality of the

The Parish Priest St. Mary’s Catholic Parish Umuagama, Enugu Ezike Rev. Fr. Mellitus Idogwu who also spoke to Crime Guard, condemned the murder of the innocent girl, saying that his Parish had to organized a rosary procession to cleanse the land.

Rev. Fr. Idogwu also urged the Police to ensure that all the culprits in the alleged crime were brought to book, to serve as deterrent to others .

He also called for the need for the neighbourhood watch in the community to be encouraged.

When contacted, spokesman

,

•Ibekwe Eya

who lives adjacent the deceased fled the community.

This aroused suspicion and we recalled that he had earlier discussed a N600, 000 business deal with his colleagues.

“Then ,we started sniffing on how they got a business of N600, 000 because we all know what they do to eke out a living. One of the assailants, Eugene Ukwueze, has been on the run for three years over a robbery incident where one of his colleagues was killed at Aji, a neighbouring community. Since it was discovered that Eugene was the one discussing the N600, 000 business , we invited him for questioning because we already know his antecedents.

“One thing led to the other and we were able to arrest one of them who owned up and confessed that they laid siege at the bush path from morning till 4pm before they carried out the nocturnal operation.

“All the suspects are indigenes of Umuagama Community. We started apprehending them one after another and handed them over to the police for thorough interrogation. “ We got information that one of them, Ndukwe Omeke, the gang leader, has been sneaking into his in-laws residence to eat at night. On the day he was apprehended ,we overheard his father inlaw telling him to stay away from his compound that he cannot be sneaking into his compound after killing

Four days later, we were informed that some children who had gone to the bush to cut palm kernels came back to say that a foul smell was emitting at the bush part.

We rushed to the place only to behold the decomposed body of the missing N gozi

tragedy, revealed that at the station, one of the suspects ,Ndukwe Omeke told Police that his colleagues told him never to own up to the murder, assuring him that they would be bailed at the end of the day.

“But they later owned up.

When we asked who sent them to kill N gozi, they said they had no special person in mind to kill ,that they were only waiting for any girl to emerge.”

Catholic priest reacts

,

for the Enugu State Police Command, Ebere Amarizu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said investigation into the murder had commenced, explaining that those behind the murder were currently being interrogated and had given useful information which was helping the police in thier investigation .

beat pregnant woman to coma in Lagos how he continued to hit me, even when I ran inside my shop. It took the intervention of a policeman in uniform to rescue me from him.”

S

•Mrs. James on hospital bed insisted that he didn’t step on me.

An argument ensued during which he threathened to deal ruthlessly with me if I opened my mouth to talk again. Before I could respond, he slapped and started hitting me.

“Other shop owners who came to rescue me from his grips withdrew immediately they discovered he was the one. This is because everyone is afraid of him in that area. That was

he continued, “ As I was nurs ing my wound , he came back and demanded that I should give him N18, 000 for his gold necklace. I told him I didn’t see any necklace on him when he came and before I knew it, he continued from where he stopped. He went ahead to destroy my wares... At that point, I ran to a corner of the shop and picked up my phone to call my husband.

Immidiately he saw me, he dared me to call anyone ,boasting that he was the son of a Mobile Policeman and that nobody can do anything to him.

When I had the opportunity, I sneaked out to Idimu Police division to lodge a complain.

Police attitude “Immediately I told the policemen that I was beaten by the son of a Mobile Policeman, they looked the other way.Then, all of a sudden, I started

feeling funny and started vomiting.

Rather tan sympathise with me, the policemen at the counter drove me outside, saying I should not mess up the environment. I went outside as directed and sent a text message to my husband to rush to the station that I was dying.

“When he came, one of the policemen told him to take me to the hospital. Even when he appealed to the policemen to effect the arrest of their colleague’s son who was still destroying things in my shop, they refused.

“Out of pity , one of the policemen whom I contacted earlier drove in with a van and voluntered to take me to the hospital. We, however , went to my husband’s shop first to take some money. On our way back, we stopped

by Inspector Ekpo’s house to inform him of his son’s action. But his wife walked us out of her compound.

Another attack Immediately we came out of the barracks gate,we were attacked by Olorunda, his brothers and their friends. They hit my husband with

dangerous objects. In the process I fell down. They kicked me continously on the stomach until I passed out, only to wake up to find my self in the hospital a week after.”

Collaborating her claim, her husband alleged that when he went to report the case at Idimu division, he was thrown inside the cell on the instruction of the Mobile Policeman whose children manhandled his wife.

I was released after four days. “ Again, when I went to open my shop, Inspector Akpo came again with his children to attack me, asking who told me to open the shop. I was teargased inside a supermarket where I had run into to take refuge. Since then, I have not opened my shop,” he lamented.

Following this development, Crime Guard reliably gathared that after getting a strongly worded petition, Force Headquarters, Abuja ordered the immediate arrest of Inspector Ekpo while his children are presently on the run.

A

Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

few weeks ago, yet another illegal babymaking factory was discovered in Akute, Ogun State. Eight pregnant girls, among them three under-aged girls, were found. What started as a hush-hush affair has become a monumental national embarrassment and huge moral burden. The first time I heard about it was about 12 years ago when a couple threw a lavish party to celebrate the arrival of their twins. I overheard loud and foulmouthed politicians, w ho thronged the ceremony in droves, saying that the babies were •Port Harcourt babies.• Being a JJC, I did not understand and asked what Port Harcourt babies meant. I was then told that there is somewhere around the Garden City where childless couples go to purchase babies.

Babies have become products manufactured in factories for sale. The proliferation of babymaking factories is minimally caused by poverty or unemployment; it is fuelled by greed, desperation and dead consciences. I cannot recall any time in the past when humanity got so degraded and became a commodity for monetary reward. Not even the slave trade compares to this odious act. Must we denominate all aspects of our lives in naira and kobo? There is something fundamentally wrong with our value orientation, and our moral fabric, as a people, is in tatters.

As many others have observed, how come churches

The baby doom

and mosques are springing up everywhere, yet evil is growing in geometric progression? It just does not add up.

What exactly is behind this malady? According to the Imo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Mohammed Musa Katsina, •I can authoritatively tell you that some of them are used for rituals.• Some of them are prepared for export.I must tell you that there are some(people) who are naturally barren and need babies but are always ashamed to go through the legal protocol to adopt.• I have heard stories of people being used for money rituals (usigho) since I was young. In fact, a cousin almost became a victim in the 70s. So ritual killing for money is not new to me, but please excuse my naivety as I ask these questions: After you have made this evil money, will it keep you alive forever? Will you use it to bribe God to throw open the gate of heaven for you and your likes? Can it buy permanent good health? Will you stay young forever and be

spared the challenges of old age? Will your life become problem-free? Will it buy you permanent happiness?

If it’s true that politicians buy babies for rituals to win elections, will it make executives who are constitutionally barred after two terms get a third term? If you are in the legislature and can contest multiple times, will it not come to an end

illegality that they do not want to legally adopt. Some couples want to deceive themselves, the rest of us and God; I guess, that the children are biologically theirs. What a shame! Even a lawyer, Mrs.Julia Ngala Norgu, who should know better, was arrested last year by men of the Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, for allegedly being in possession of a oneweek-old baby girl. A thorough investigation revealed that Norgu, a Cameroonian, was never pregnant.

The illegal business(?) has become so lucrative that civil servants, doctors, nurses and other medical personnel are involved, also pastors, couples, grandparents, etc.

Even Geoffrey Okoli, a 54year-old blind graduate, •saw• the enormous

,

50—SA TURD AY 50—SATURD TURDA

The pain and shame of this tragedy is too much. This is one battle we must all fight and win

someday? I hope some of these •victories• that are celebrated in churches with thanksgiving services were not achieved with the slaughter of innocent and defenceless children? God have mercy.

The other reason the police commissioner gave for this ugly trend are childless couples who want babies. That in itself is not a problem, but some people are so steep in

,

opportunities and got involved.

Some questions are bothering me. Who and where are the parents of these girls, especially the under-aged? Did they ever report the disappearance of these girls or they actually sent their own blood on this morally-suicidal mission? What drives these young men impregnating these girls? Lure of quick money or a kick from having

multiple sex partners or the free sex? No, not free sex because they are actually paid. Do they realize that they are distributing their offspring round the world to complete strangers and for unwholesome purposes?

What happened to these young consciences? What kinds of families breed these young men and women?

In one of the cases the report said the son of the couple who run the illegal baby-making factory is among the young men impregnating the girls.

To keep more money within and increase profit, the parents have recruited their own son. So they are in fact, selling their own grand children. Even in illegality, should there come a time when people draw a line? This is sad, very depressing.

The pain and shame of this tragedy is too much. This is one battle we must all fight and win. We must become vigilant of what happens around us and community policing must be intensified.

By the way what has become of all the people who were arrested?

Our law enforcement agents must exhibit the highest sense of professionalism and incorruptibility in this matter.

The national assembly also should rush through a bill prescribing very stiff penalties for these people who have brought this evil to our land. This is without prejudice to existing laws. This baby doom must stop.

(Text Only)

Buck up with exercise 1. The Locust

Technique ie flat on the floor with face downwards and keep the hands by the side of the body with the fingers clenched into fists. Rest the chin on the ground by raising the head. Inhale and stiffen the body by pressing the fists against the floor.

Slowly raise the legs as high as possible. Keep the legs in a straight line, while the two thighs, knees and ankles touch each other. The weight of the legs must fall on the

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body and hands.

Contract the muscles of the buttocks, stretch the muscles of the thighs and further extend the position of the legs.

Retain the posture for a few seconds in the beginning and gradually increase the duration. Concentrate on the upper portion of the body, i.e. above the waist. Slowly lower the legs to the floor and simultaneously exhale.Relax with n o r m a l breathing. Repeat the posture two or three times. Relax in Makarasana.

2. Head to Knee Pose

1

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it down, breathe in deeply as you raise both hands overhead and lift slightly backward. Rest the

forehead on your knee with the two hands backward. The head to knee pose gives tone to the hamstrings, the spinal column becomes flexible and the abdominal organ gets massage leading to their better functioning.

Constipation is banished and painful periods in the womanfolk becomes a thing of the past.

Benefits: The Camel, Ustrasara in Sanskrit, endows the practitioner with elasticity. The chest expansion that conies with this exercise coupled with gentle but deep breathing are most rejuvenating.

People with chest and respiratory disorders will gain help from the practice of the Camel.

3

3. The Camel

Tehnique: it on your heels and ar range hands next to the feet with fingers pointing backwards.

Now lift yourself up and hump the chest and let the head drop.

The is the Camel, stay in the posture for some 15 counts.

Lower the body, rest a while and repeat as much as you can.

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2

Yoga Classes STARTED @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014—51

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nnovation, empower ment the secret of development. Countries don’t develop when innovation and human empowerment are relegated to the background. However, developing countries and economies of the world today are driving on innovation and necessary human development through empowerment.

Asian economies are growing robust and of course on the lead today because of innovation, human empowerment and most importantly political will that guaranteed speedy development in that continent. Science and technology become their way of life with high quality education system a plus.

However, while many African countries are still at the backdrop, few are at snail speed movement in spite of the numerous resources in Africa. The above mentioned has become a serious challenge because of corruption and lack of political will tantamount in African region.

Worried by this epilepsy, few Nigerians among many have decided to make a difference.

Among those Nigerians who believe in innovation and never satisfied in the quest for human empowerment is Mr. Joseph Chukwuma Ikunna, CEO of many companies who took time to study both at home and abroad. His objective was to work hard in reaching his full potentials, and most importantly to create employment for some of the millions of Nigerians that remain unemployed. He is a strong believer in empowering people and creating leaders.

His unsatisfied drive and passion, all geared towards putting smiles on the faces of people and as well bring about development in some communities.

Worried by the waves of insecurity in the land, massive unemployment and his eagerness to fight all, he has recently purchased land in Uzinaumu with the intention of setting up three large scale industries, of which licenses have already been granted to produce some of the brands he is current-

charis Group with over 26 branches nationwide and with heavy presence in three African countries; Ghana,Gabon and Cote D’Ivoire.

According to manage-

Thriving on innovation and human empowerment

Ikunna

Solomon

ly importing. This on its own is likely to produce about 1000 jobs in the region. These industries he said will work together and share machinery to make it very cost effective to export those products to other African countries, and perhaps to the rest of the world. He also has set up a renewable energy company, with the intention of harnessing natural energy produced with the sun of which Nigeria is abundantly blessed with to provide clean and uninterrupted power supply to homes owned

by Nigeria’s dwindling middle class.

According to him, his greatest achievement is Joseph Chukwuma Ikunna Foundation, which he intends reaching out to millions of Nigerians, especially those in the south east. He

has over the years financed and encouraged many young and budding politicians who did not use their positions to help the needy in the land.

In this course of innovation and human empowerment that hinges on economic development, social welfare etc. another Nigerian who has refused to give in to failure is the President, Coscharis Group of companies, Cosmas Maduka, that first started Automobile business in 1983 when the company was incorporated with the business of importation and distribution of genuine automotive spare parts and accessories of Japanese vehicles and several kinds of automobile related products from inception embraced innovation with a lot of human empowerment that positioned Cos-

Dr. Maduka ment source, “Coscharis delivers excellent products and services to our customers, giving them the highest value for their money and contribute to societal development and progress by exploring and exploiting technological innovations, plugging back resources for the society, providing fulfillment and a sense of pride in its employees; and will ensure the sustenance of these values by operating with increasing profit and waxing stronger and bigger into the future”.

Reaping the benefits of innovation and human empowerment, since 2001, Coscharis Motors expanded its automobile range by diversifying into the sales of Ford vehicles etc.

Another Nigerian who has distinguished himself in innovation and human empowerment is Chief Solomon N. Ogbonna, a prolific artwork collector and renowned estate devel-

oper of international repute. He believes a man without a vision is not capable of achieving any meaningful enterprise and he that has focus will not allow anything to distract him until he realises his set goals.

In his effort to promote innovation and human empowerment in the Nigerian system, he has empowered professional bodies. Also in his quest to make Nigeria an attraction for tourism, he set up Aguene Art Foundation, an indigenous non-governmental organisation for artwork collection, preservation, development and advancement of art and culture. And this he did to further enhance the preservation of our proud African heritage at the global level. Chief Solomon N. Ogbonna, the chairman, board of trustees of the foundation, an Ambassador for Peace, also an awardee of the Pan-African Partnership Award for Peace, Art & Culture Development and other numerous awards in different fields of human endeavour, has embarked on the establishment of African Art Museum where he intends to create jobs for many unemployed Nigerians and also entice foreign investors through that means.

In his words, he encourages government to channel resources to innovation and human development as this is the only way the economy can grow and develop. And when we do this, corruption, kidnapping, armed robbery and other vices in our society will reduce to the minimum.

Solar energy can generate youth employment—Oluw —Oluwadare adare

lubunmi Oluwadare, CEO, O ShineLite Ltd. It is a solar powered LED Lighting company focused

mainly on renewable energy providing solutions in every human endeavour. Excerpts: What is it all about and how does it work?

The project is all about using the resources God has bestowed on us to see how we can use it to benefit of mankind, having seen it work in other parts of the world, so we can use it to confront the challenges of power supply in Nigeria and other African countries.

God gave us a lot of resources, potentials untapped, so we are looking at generating electricity through renewable energy that is green and that is the campaign all over the world now.

Everybody is looking towards green because of the benefits derive from green environment. You can see in America today and other parts of the world, leaders are campaigning for renewable energy. Americans today are paying people to use renewable energy to power their houses, factory etc. because there is no emission of carbon monoxide to the atmosphere and that is the direction we are looking at. It focuses more on the Sun. How do you intend to make it work in our Nigerian environment considering the challenges surrounding power generation?

Having seen a lot of failed projects on renewable power supply, first and foremost we had conducted research on other countries how it works and what motivate them to use it and how to maintain it. We now compare it to the failed solar and wind energy in Nigeria. We discovered after our re-

search that human error was responsible for major failure in the past.

Most of our engineers here are not knowledgeable enough. But because of the monetary aspect of it, everybody was going on solar, buy panel, battery connecting them without having the technical know-how of it. There are a lot of things involved in it, technical aspect of it which is not our job but our technical partner.

So, what we are trying to do is to partner the best manufacturers with good track records and references; we had meetings, trainings, demonstrations backed with good research for months to know that this one is viable and looking at the capacity of the sun in Nigeria/Africa and the kind of solar panel we can use to package this new compact solar light. So we come up with this product that is suitable for our environment since it doesn’t require much technical details before installation. We can install it by ourselves and maintain because it is compactly designed to work.

What is your strategy to convince individuals or government to look towards this direction?

Having seen that a lot of people have lost interest in solar street light, what we are doing is to gain back their interest to it, so we are putting together different packages to encourage them and prove to government that this thing works. And that is what we are looking for on the area of partnership, PPP in some major cities to partner and this means if we are given a concession

of major roads, we would put this solar light there but we would regain our money through the advertisements on those poles. So, you are not spending your money, and it is at no cost to government. To prove to them if we are able to achieve these things, the government would know that you can’t give me light for me to have a street and put the light there and you are giving me a concession on lamppost advertisement of those street light poles and the light is not coming up.

So, the responsibility is on us to ensure that things we instal work so that government would believe in what we are doing. But this PPP can only work in major cities. Again, we are looking at a situation where if you want to give us a contract, let us give you a demonstration of this thing in any location you want it for a certain period of time for you to see for yourself if it is working before giving us contract. Another measure is that we won’t collect a contract we would not be part of its maintenance. Most companies will install and will not maintain it. No! We would not do that, we instal and maintain. And if you don’t want us to maintain for you, we will train people that will do that for you because our name is attached to these innovative www.shineliteafrica.com solar street light and these products come with years of guarantee because the products are made in different countries – the battery is made in Taiwan, the panel is made in U.S and the body part from China. The panel can last for 25 years, the battery can last for 5 years and this makes it easy in terms of maintenance.

How is this going to create employment among our youths?

There is an angle we call, solar for jobs. It is a project that is targeting youth employment and we hope it’s going to work because our partners had done it in Asia and it created a lot of jobs for youths. Since our project is a compact one, what we are looking at for instance, if government gives us one thousand street lighting, or a perimetre of airport to put all in one solar light, what we are going to do is offer training for the engineers that will install the solar street lights and we assign like 100 poles for each to manage and maintain, we can generate about 500 to 1000 jobs. How are we going to do it? We can tailor

10 poles to each youth, you instal, maintain and we train you. It’s your job to make sure that these 10 street poles light is functioning. You oversee it. And it must be within the community we are running the project. It’s not a big deal for us to do since we can train them, they would be the ones to oversee the maintenance. If my own is 20, I will know I’m overseeing 20 street lights and those lights must not go off and if any other problem arises I will be the one to alert the authority and they would be able to fix it and myself has acquired knowledge to fix the fuse or clean the panel etc. These are the areas we are looking at to create employment opportunities for our youths.

52—SATURDAY

Vanguard, APRIL 5 , 2014

SON and the politics of cement standardization F

or almost three months now, there had been issues on the standard ization of Cement in Nigeria.

What started as a mere grumbling by the coalition of civil society groups and professional bodies in the construction industry, took a major dimension when the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) set up a committee to look at the issues raised by the concerned professionals.The issues raised were deep and should definitely be a source of concern to any responsive and reasonable government. The coalition, according to Newspapers reports, called on the relevant authorities to initiate actions to make 42.5 grade of cement the standard product in Nigeria.

The stakeholders’ argument is that nearly all the cement manufacturers and importers in the country are in the habit of taking advantage of the lax regulation and lack of enforcement to vary their pigmentation in favour of the lower grade cement (32.5) which in most cases is used in building and seen to be partly responsible for the collapse of houses.

They are of the conviction that the practice, which is quite prevalent, is usually overlooked by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON,) a situation they claim is partly responsible for the worrisome cases of collapsed structures in the country.

The coalition urged lawmakers to probe manufacturers and importers of cement for compromising standards in the building and construction sub-sector.

They vowed to confront the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN) for poor standard of locallyproduced and imported cement.

They contended that their stance is not unpatriotic; rather, it should be seen as a fight not to compromise standards on the altar of monetary gain. They claim in their working document that in advanced countries, there is migration from the lower grade of cement or 32.5 to the higher level of 42.5 specification and even 52.5 with a uniform standard set by government, and manufacturers and importers can be held accountable whenever there is infraction or reduction in agreed specification.

The coalition spokesperson, Mr. Tunde Ojo, blamed the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, for condoning manufacturers’ unethical conduct and vowed to mobilise block makers nationwide against manufacturers and importers of poor quality cement. While some other cement

manufacturers were dillydallying and persuading the government to let the 32.5 grade of cement stay or better still, allow manufacturers that want to continue producing the 32.5 grades to continue , Dangote Cement responded swiftly and revealed that it has since increased its cement capacity to 42.5 grades and also started producing 52.5 grades in line with international standard and quality benchmark.

Reacting to the threat of coalition of civil society groups and professional bodies in the construction industry, the company, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Devakumar Edwin said Dangote as a company is an international conglomerate, which prides itself in quality and safety and has the capacity to produce the best grade of cement in all its plants across Africa.

He said that though the cost of production of 52.5 is high whereas the cost of production of 42.5 is equal to 32.5, Dangote, as a company has decided to pitch its tent with the highest quality by producing the highest grade of 42.5 grades for sales across its plants and also 52.5 grades for specialized useage.

He noted that 92 per cent of Portland

implications of using 32.5 grades of Cement and as such moved to producing a better quality 42.5 grades for public consumption.

To further authenticate his claims, Edwin urged Nigerians to check the entire Dangote Cement bags and will see 42.5 grades boldly written on it and to further reassure the people that it produces the best grades of cement in the country, the company re- designed its cement bag to further show what the Dangote cement is made of.

At the launching ceremony of the new cement bag, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) formally admitted that Dangote Cement, is indeed producing 42.5 higher grade of cement into the Nigerian market.

The agency said it had inspected the company’s manufacturing facilities across the country and found the processes to have been upgraded to efficiently produce the 42.5 cement grade, which provides higher strength in building and construction.

SON made this declaration during Dangote’s pre-media launch of its newlyintroduced 42.5 cement grade, Dangote 3X cement, in Lagos, stressing that the indigenous cement manufac-

Over 90 per cent of consumers are not aware of the different types of cement available in Nigeria, their expectations in respect to the performance of cement are the same regardless of the type cement produced in the United States (US), are in 52.5 and 42.5 Grades, while other imported cement from China, Japan, Denmark and Paris are all 42.5 Grade.

In further explanation of the different cadres of Cement, he said: “Over 90 per cent of consumers are not aware of the different types of cement available in Nigeria. Their expectations in respect to the performance of cement are the same regardless of the type.

The grade (quality) of concrete to be used may allow 32.5 grade cement for certain construction work such as pavements and culverts but would demand 42.5 grade cement for structures, columns, bridges and multi storeyed buildings and would demand 52.5 grade cement for very tall multi storeyed structures and flyovers.”

Edwin said Dangote Cement is conscious of the limited power and the

turer had been given full certification by the standards agency to produce the high quality cement.

The SON Director General, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, who was represented by an enforcement official of the agency, Mr. Adeoye Onipede, commended the move by Dangote to increase its value proposition to Nigerians with the new product and urged the company to keep abiding by the strictest manufacturing standards.

Edwin, who presented samples of the new product at the event said the launch

by Dangote was to show the company’s commitment to the safety of human lives rather than maximising profits alone in the country, maintaining that incidences of building collapses in the country do not only destroy lives and properties, but also bring about huge economic losses to the nation.

Edwin said most of the building

collapses in the nation were caused by varied factors among which poor quality cement is significant, pointing out that the lifetime investment by Dangote was to further demonstrate the company’s effort to guard against unfortunate incidents of failure of buildings and the attendant loss of lives and property.

Describing the features of the Dangote 3X 42.5 cement and the differences between the 32.5 and 42.5 cement grade, the Group Chief Marketing Officer, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Oare Ojeikere, stated that the 42.5 cement grade is 30 per cent stronger than the 32.5 cement grade, adding that the 3X is specifically designed according to the block maker’s specification.

He said a higher grade of cement is vital in putting an end to building collapse in the country, adding that it is about time Nigeria joined other countries in the sub-region to move away from 32.5 cement grade to 42.5 cement grade.

According to him, the 3X, which stands for “Xtra strength; ‘Xtra life and Xtra yield” is the brand name for the Dangote 42.5 cement grade now sold in 50 kilogramme bags across the country.

He stressed that because of 3X’s higher strength characteristics, 42.5 grade cement gives higher yield than 32.5 to users in situations where strength is not a crucial factor.

The Honorary Adviser to the President, Dangote Group, Mr. Joseph Makoju, said in 2002 local production of cement in the country was less than 2 million tonnes, noting that with the efforts of Dangote cement and other cement producers in the country, the cement industry has come to stay.

Association of Housing Corporation of Nigeria, Mr. Toye Eniola, said there had been issues bothering on building collapse in the country, leading to loss of lives and destruction of buildings, stressing that with the introduction of 3X, the association will collaborate with Dangote to ensure that the product gets the necessary support and patronage it deserves to put an end to the spate of building collapse in the country The president, Brick Molders Association, Mr. Abel Kayode, said brick molders were very excited about the introduction of the 3X and said the association would recommend the product to it’s over 3000 members.

With the confirmation of the regulatory authorities that Dangote Cement is indeed producing the best grades of cement in the country and the move to make other cement manufacturers take a cue from this, one cannot but thank the coalition of civil society groups and professional bodies in the construction industry, who acted as the whistle blower, that the cement manufacturing sector needs to be thoroughly looked into for the grades of cement they are producing.

Analysts are however blaming the regulators, especially SON for waiting too long before insisting that cement manufacturers upgrade their capacity to producing higher grades of cement in the country, If truly, 32.5 grade cement can only be used for certain construction work such as pavements and culverts.

Nigerians cannot be blamed since majority of the populace do not know the difference between grades of cement. To them, cement is cement and no matter the type of construction work to be done, any cement can do adequately well.

Thanks to the coalition of civil society groups and professional bodies in the construction industry, who made it open that cement is not cement and that 32.5 grades, commonly produced and used in the country is not the international standard for structures and could be responsible for most of the building collapses in the country. With the ongoing sensitization, it is now obvious that while 32.5 should only be used for pavements and culverts, 42.5 grade of cement is to be used for structures, columns and bridges, 52.5 grade of cement is best for multi storey buildings and for very tall multi-storey structures and flyovers.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

OBIANO’S FIRST WEEK:

Morning shows the day

BY OKEY ONYEACHONAM

W

hile it may be very early in the day to draw conclusions on the factors that would define Obiano’s tenure as Gov ernor of Anambra State, skeptics of his abilities in government have reasoned that first week activities are not enough yardstick to determine his grasp of the flow and ebb of bureaucracy. On the other hand, there is cause for optimism amongst those who know and believe in his ability at surmounting the odds. Some political pundits have surmised that the carnival-like inauguration of Governor Obiano and the seamless pace of activities in Awka Government House since then are signs of good things to come.

Governor Willie Obiano’s first week in office started on a high note after the Monday 17,th March 2014 colourful inauguration and handover ceremony at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka. The next day, the new Governor appeared at his desk in Government House and commenced work in earnest.

His first major assignment was the first Executive Council meeting, and thereafter, he appointed three principal officers and observed their swearing-in. The officers include: Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze; Chief of Staff, Professor Joseph Asike and the Principal Secretary, Mr. Willie Nwokoye. While the SSG was retained at his post from the previous administration, the two others came armed with experience from the ivory tower and the private sector respectively.

Unfortunately, as often seen in these climes, allusions are already being made in some quarters to the fact that the Governor, Secretary to the State Government and the Speaker are all from Anambra North Senatorial District.

But then, it is a fact that the exigencies of delivering good governance outweigh parochial considerations in Given the scale situations that were not necessarily created by the new Governor. Whereof progress reas the SSG was retained; the Speaker corded during the has been functioning as elected in that capacity. Thankfully, as would be exweek, there is every pected of a focused technocrat, Govreason to believe that ernor Obiano marched-on unperthe man is indeed cutturbed to the next assignment.

Next stop was a meeting with memout to not just fulfill his bers of the Anambra State House of Aselectioneering camsembly where he set the tone for a mutually respectful partnership that will paign pledge but is bring great benefits to Anambra State. ready to surpass a legaAddressing the lawmakers, Governor cy of performance left Obiano said, “long before I began to take political leadership seriously, I had by his predecessor always known that any democracy without a strong parliament is a farce! I have known that the legislature is the true separation of powers and checks and backbone of democracy and the single balances, the Governor observed at a most important repository of the sover- meeting with Judges on Wednesday 19th March, 2014 that since “our couneign will of the people.”

Preaching the message of respect for try’s recent return to democracy, no-

,,

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where has the Judiciary played its role as the last hope of the common man as it has done in Anambra State. As Obiano puts it: “Anambra’s great history with the courts does not only underscore the importance of your role in our developing society; it also shows that Ndi Anambra are increasingly becoming aware that their grievances can always be fully addressed in a court of law. This is a sign of growth. We have turned 360 degrees from where we once were to where we must be.”

The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi later took the Governor round the Judiciary and High Court complex to take stock of structures and facilities that need rehabilitation and replacement with a view to assisting in quick dispensation of Justice.

Same day, Governor Obiano inaugurated the Agriculture Committee and charged them to create agricultural

Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014—53

revolution in Anambra State. The terms of reference for the Committee include amongst other tasks: To prepare the agriculture blueprint for Anambra; prepare funding and financing model for agriculture; carry out any research necessary for the assignment; determine the current output of each of the target crops; map the state to determine areas where specific crops can be grown for optimum yield, determine gaps in the production of each of the four target areas: rice, maize, cassava and poultry farming.

To underscore the importance of peace and security in the 189 communities in Anambra State, Governor Obiano fast-tracked consultation meetings with the Royal fathers and the Anambra Council of Elders. He told the Traditional Rulers and the Elders Council, “as custodians of our culture and tradition; leaders of thought and elders in communities, you have a big role to play in setting the ethical and moral tone for Ndi Anambra and Ndigbo in general. We have set out on this journey to return Anambra State to a welldeserved glorious path, but we can hardly make any progress if we do not win with the people. So, I expect you at various levels in your respective communities to continue to play the role of mobilizing the critical mass of our people to accept our programmes and projects.”

In the same vein, the Governor charged the leadership of the Association of Anambra State Town Unions (ASATU), made up of the Presidents General of the 189 communities in Anambra; “my administration is sparing no effort in the fight against the criminal elements that have changed the reputation of our cities. It is high time we give RED CARDs to criminals in Anambra State and that is where you comein. As leaders of our town unions, you must always stand up for what is right in our society, you must devis a mechanism for identifying the bad eggs living among you, while we are creating better jobs for those willing to work.”

Obiano warned the ASATU to avoid the niggling friction between them and the traditional rulers, and assured that his administration will work hard to eliminate the friction and build understanding that will preserve the peace in Anambra State.

Just when some felt that the Governor should pause for break from the busy schedule of consultations and project meetings,Obiano, showed signs of a strong leader when he threatened to penalize contractors and consultants handling government projects some of whom were suspected to be doing a shoddy job. Addressing a large group of local and foreign contractors and consultants at the Conference Hall of Government House, Awka, Obiano threatened to terminate the job of any contractor found to be performing below expectation. He declared that his relationship with consultants would be based strictly on performance.

Earlier, the Governor assured Development partners that the cordial relationship they had with his predecessor will be sustained. He promised to work assiduously and more responsively, grow and strengthen collaborations and make it easier for donor interventions in Anambra to serve as critical building blocks to achieving the State’s development needs. So far, Governor Obiano appears not to have broken stride all week and there is no indication that the style would change pretty soon.

Given the scale of progress recorded during the week, there is every reason to believe that the man is indeed cutout to not just to fulfill his electioneering campaign pledge but is ready to surpass a legacy of performance left by his predecessor.

54—SATURDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 5, 2014

NBBF sanctions Plateau Peaks, Royal Hoopers •Ready for All Star Game

T

HE Nigeria Basket ball Federation, NBBF has sanctioned Plateau Peaks Basketball Club of Jos and Royal Hoopers Basketball Club of Port Harcourt for actions inimical to the growth of the game.

While Plateau Peaks are to forfeit the Week 4 game against Gombe Bulls for abandoning the game and for the action of their fans who switched off the lights at the venue of the game which prevented the visiting team from taking the mandatory free throws awarded them, Royal Hoopers are forfeiting the Week 1 game against Dodan Warriors for not showing up at the venue in their Week One encounter in Lagos.

The NBBF stated that the action of Plateau Peaks supporters “put the game into disrepute and compromised the safety and security of the visiting team and technical officials”, adding that “by walking off the court (Plateau Peaks) had deliberately abandoned the game and frustrated Due Process and consequently you, by that action, forfeited the game to the visiting team.”

While acknowledging Royal Hoopers’ prompt response to the query issued them by the NBBF, the federation warned the club that their financial

An action during the first phase of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League just concluded in Abuja. The second phase holds in Ilorin from May 1 to 12, 2014. problems were not tenable reasons for not honouring league games and other obligations.

The team was warned not to allow a reoccurence in future as more stringent sanctions will be applied.

Equally Plateau Peaks were strongly warned to ensure that their supporters refrain from actions

capable of bringing the game into disrepute “otherwise appropriate sanction will be applied.”

Meanwhile the NBBF has put in place the machinery for the All Star Game scheduled to hold in Lagos on April 25, 2014, adding that the Local Organising Committee, LOC for the game shall be announced soon.

World Cup: Edo sports commissioner pleads for Osaze

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HE Edo Commis sioner for Sports, Mr Chris Okaeben has urged the Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, to recall England-based forward Osaze Odemwingie to the national team.

Okaeben made the appeal while addressing sports journalists at the end of the “Edo Walk for Life” monthly exercise in Benin.

“Having learnt his lessons and shown remorse over his actions towards the coach and the team, and the fact that he is on top of his game presently, Osaze should be recalled to the Super Eagles,” he said.

The commissioner said his comments were only an appeal since Odemwingie had shown patriotism and loyalty in the service to his fatherland in times past.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Odemwingie had fallen out with the team officials over some of his C M Y K

comments on the social media.

Okaeben said the player had not only been an asset to the country but Edo as well.

He pointed out that the player had been supportive of Bendel Insurance FC’s quest to gain promotion to the elite cadre of the national football league.

“As a state, we are forever proud of our own as long as that person is contributing his own quota to the development of the state. So, we are forever proud of him.

“We have no choice other than to support him and urge the National Sports Commission (NSC), our brother Keshi and the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) leadership to please see to the need why they should recall Osaze to the national team.

“This is because this will add value to the development of football in Nigeria.

“Today, he can also do for his country Nigeria what he is doing in football internationally.

“We are lending our voice, we are appealing, and we are not imposing it on them.

“But I want to strongly say that our brother, who is the coach of the national team, is a product of this stadium (Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium) that we are standing here today, and this makes him the son of Benin Kingdom.

“I join voices with every average Edo man to appeal to him (Keshi) to please extend the hands of fellowship to our brother and son, Osaze Odemwingie, and ask him to come contribute his best to our nation,” Okaeben said.

While acknowledging the fact that many see the player as a proud person, Okaeben however said Odemwingie was not any different from an average Edo man.

Lee Evans threatens legal action against AFN

F

ORMER 400m world record holder, Lee Evans could be heading for the courts to clear his name of dope charges after he was slammed for four years by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN. An AFN medical and doping committee hearing found Evans, who has been coaching in Nigeria for close to four years, culpable in the testing positive to steroids of a junior female athlete during the African Youth Championships in Warri, Delta State. Another coach Abass Rauf was banned for life.

But Evans has been seething with anger and despair as he felt his hard earned reputation in athletics has been tarnished by the AFN who he believes, did not give him a fair hearing and impulsively hammered him with the four-year ban.

“Lee is very angry and he is considering going to court to clear his name. He is of the view that he was not given a proper hearing,” said Lagos state coach, Adu Uruemu.

Lee who previously had a coaching stint in Nigeria in the early 80’s was brought back to Nigeria in 2008 by the AFN with an aim of making him head coach, but that move was suffocated by intrigues of various interests at the AFN and

the National Sports Commission. Cross River State signed him up, but in 2012 he left Calabar in a hurry, claiming that it was a small town and he needed to work in Lagos, where there is more life and money.

A member of the AFN who pleaded anonymity, because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, stated that coach Lee who reportedly admitted giving a food supplement to the young athlete, was given a fair hearing and was accordingly sanctioned.

“Due process was followed. He was given a fair hearing, by the AFN and based on our findings, we made our report and he was rightly sanctioned.

“The young girl who tested positive mentioned his name. And he was invited to the hearing and he stated his side of the story. Lee is free to go the Court of

Arbitration for Sports if he is aggrieved by the out come of the hearing,” said athletics official.

Commenting on the issue, Bruce Ijirigho, who recruited coach Lee for the Cross River grassroots development programme, lamented that it was unfortunate that his one time pal found himself in the dope mess.

“If you give any supplement that is bound to enhance the performance of any athlete that is doping. It does not matter whether they are on the banned list or not.

“It is rather unfortunate Lee found himself in this kind of mess.” Ijirigho stated.

It was gathered that the athletics officials have for long kept watch on athletes coached by the former Americanborn track star. This was with the suspicion that there was something behind their high performance in local meets.

RUSH... Nigerian long distance runners led their Ethiopian counterparts in the 3000m event at the African Youth Championships in Warri, Delta State.

Sex scandal hits athletes camp S EVERAL Ugandan national team runners have deserted an athletics camp in Kapchorwa as a sexual harassment scandal involving female members of the team deepens.

Allegations first surfaced last month following an investigation into below-par performances

by Ugandan athletes at the African Cross Country Championships.

A runner, who preferred to remain anonymous rather than face reprisals, told the Daily Monitor that an unnamed coach would “ wake up in the middle of the night and come to our room”, and “if you refused to do what he

wanted, he would beat you up”.

Following this, Ugandan team captain Moses Kipsiro, who won a 5,000 metres bronze medal at the 2007 World Athletics Championships followed by a 5,000m and 10,000m double at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, confronted the coach in question but was then controversially dropped from the team for the World Half Marathon Championships.

Kipsiro was particularly critical of the fact that a male coach had been assigned to the female members of the team.

It is claimed the habits of the coach are known to the authorities but

nothing has been done to reprimand him and the scandal has been denied and dismissed as “political” by the Ugandan Athletics Federation.

A further development has taken place today after male and female national team runners deserted the Police Athletics Camp in Kapchorwa and chose to train on their own because the coach remains present and unpunished.

“We cannot continue working with such a coach and we can’t stay in the camp because the situation is not about to change if he is still in charge,” another unnamed female athlete said.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 5, 2014 — 55

Taekwondo ref wants competitive trials ahead of championships yield good results, as some might

T

HE President of the Ni geria Taekwondo Referees Association (NTRA), Ferguson Oluigbo, on Thursday urged the Nigeria Taekwondo Federa-

World Cup 2014: Osaze mends fences with Keshi S

TOKE City inform striker, Peter Osaze Odemwingie has said it was up to coach Stephen Keshi to include him in his World Cup plan after he claimed to have made up with the coach.

The pair fell out after Odemwingie was omitted from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations squad and took to Twitter to vent his frustration.

“I have been speaking with the coach, it’s the only right thing to do.

“I had to be humble and make a step forward towards my senior colleagues,” added the 32year-old.

Odemwingie was upset to be overlooked for the tournament in South Africa and at the time he claimed he was dropped because he often speaks his mind.

He also accused Keshi of disrespecting him because he the coach did not inform him personally of the decision.

Keshi responded by saying “it was nothing personal “ and 16 months on Odemwingie appears to have come to terms with what happened.

“You can’t continue to stay in that angry state of mind. Staying in that state, it’s not the right thing to do. It’s never helpful for anyone,” Odemwingie said.

“It was very disappointing at the time, it was hard to accept it. I had a strong feeling that it was Nigeria’s time to win it. I was as frustrated as any other player.”

Odemwingie was proved right in his instinct that Nigeria’s time had come again - they won the trophy for a third time - and he still sounds regretful when he reflects on the past.

“I thought we could win it; Cameroon and Egypt were not there, Ghana were struggling and a few players were missing so I felt it was our chance.

But I didn’t make the squad,” he said.

“And it would have been the tournament that I would have got scored goals than before, because I had moved to the Premier League and improved as a player - especially in front of goal.”

Despite his sense that he missed out on a golden opportunity, Odemwingie now seems ready to let the bad feelings go and he is generous in his praise of the players who took Nigeria to the title.

“I’m very happy that we won it in the end because many names that had not been in the frame for the squad for the past 10 years were there and they helped the team lift the trophy,” he said.

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tion to use competitive trials to select taekwondoists for international championships.

Oluigbo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that through such trials, athletes would be able to defend their records and prove their competences in accordance with their current forms.

“It is better to invite taekwondoists who have excelled in various national competitions — taking into consideration — the first three positions in competing against each other.

“Through such platforms the officials will be able to identify those of them who have the competence to be selected to represent the country for international events.”

Oluigbo said the idea of selecting the practitioners based on past merit to participate in international competitions would not

have lost form.

“The fact that one is a national champion should not be criteria for automatic invitation to camp, because such can limit the opportunity of other champions who may be in better form.

“The purpose is to record upsets, because we have some vibrant taekwondoists that are determined to aim for international recognition and in the process, make the country proud.

“The reason is that some after emerging winners in a competition, they may go to sleep and can become inconsistent in training and can fail in acquiring the latest techniques.”

According to him, when such are put in practice, national champions will become serious with their training, having in mind that some taekwondoist may be warming up to surpass them.

Stoke can beat Chelsea again — Hughes •Keshi Odemwingie last played for Nigeria in February 2012 - a goalless draw with Rwanda in a Nations Cup qualifier He also feels it went some way to making up for, what he feels, had been an underachieving generation.

“When we talk about the gen-

eration that just passed, we wish we won more for Nigeria.

We won silver at the 2008 Olympics, it’s good but it’s not gold.

We won three bronze medals in the Nations Cup, which was still good but the frustrations were there,” he said.

•As Osaze battles Mikel

M

ARK Hughes wants Stoke City to take confidence from December’s 3-2 win over Chelsea when they meet at Stamford Bridge today.

Oussama Assaidi’s stunning late strike saw them pick up

BROMIDE OF OKPALA’S SACK LETTER

three points late last year in a thrilling affair at the Britannia Stadium.

As the former Chelsea striker prepares to visit the club with Stoke for a second time this year, following defeat in the FA Cup fourth round, Hughes wants to complete an unlikely double.

“We can take a lot of confidence from the fact that we have played and beaten Chelsea in the league once this season,” he said.

“It was a tremendous occasion for us, especially with the manner in which the winning goal came about - in the final minute when they had no time to get back on level terms.

“We have played them at Stamford Bridge in the cup too this year, and we were in that game from start to finish. We didn’t really create the opportunities that we would have liked, so we would like to improve upon that.”

Stoke take on a Chelsea side smarting from two defeats on the spin - losing to Crystal Palace in the top flight and Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League. While they are without Ramires due to suspension, Jose Mourinho also has doubts over Ashley Cole and Samuel Eto’o for the visit, and Hughes wants to prepare well for whatever side Chelsea put out.

“When you go to a club who have resources like Chelsea do then it can be difficult to know what sort of team they will put up,” he added.

“At the moment though Jose has a few lads missing so we can gauge some kind of an idea of what he is likely to do.

“Until the team is confirmed an hour before kick-off you can never be sure, so we will do our homework on them, but we will put a lot of our efforts into making sure that we play to the levels that we have performed to recently.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 5, 2014

R-E-A-V-E-A-L-E-D: How Keshi tried to buy peace from NFF

By PATRICK OMORODION

government paid us the money it promised us for winning the Nations Cup, I didn’t receive the amount announced by the governor. As a result I contacted my boss (Keshi) to ask why I got less than what was announced. I have also received my C of O for the land.

Keshi then told me that I should accept it that way, that it was the decision of the coaches to part with some percentage of their money to give the NFF so that peace would reign. I then told Keshi that now that I know he was aware of it, I have accepted it but not without asking him whether he thinks that by giving them a part of the money, he will have the peace he is looking for.

He answered and said, Insha Allah, by the grace of God, I hope we will have peace. But has he got that peace now? No. I know because the NFF had a mind set, they wanted Keshi out and have been plotting towards it.

They never wanted us to do well in the Nations Cup and didn’t want us to qualify.

They said I was dragging the president’s name into this matter but it is true that Maigari told me he doesn’t care even if I report him to the president. He said so, he cannot deny it. Now tell me, if we hadn’t qualified for the World Cup, will Nigerians not say that we couldn’t qualify under President Jonathan? Did they mean well for the country and the President?,” Okpala asked.

IT is no longer news that Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi had a running battle with his employers at the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF during and after the 2013 Africa Nations Cup in South Africa, especially after the federal government and some state governments rewarded the team for the victory.

It could be recalled that some members of the NFF Board openly accused Keshi of taking the glory alone, adding that the NFF equally contributed to the success of the team.

“Keshi is just behaving as if he alone made the Super Eagles success in South Africa possible. The NFF Board also played a vital role. We gave him everything he needed to succeed so why is everyone praising Keshi as if he alone made the victory possible,” one of the NFF Board members had said.

It is on record that after some state governments hosted the Eagles and splashed some monetary reward on them, with players who are indigenes of those states getting double of the money others got, some top officials of the NFF convinced some other states from where they hailed from to host the NFF and reward the Board members.

Consequently when TODAY’S MATCHES the government of Cross River State which hosted Man City v S’hampton 12.45 pm most of the Eagles qualiAston Villa v Fulham 3 pm fying matches decided to Cardiff City v Crystal 3 pm host the team and Hull City v Swansea 3 pm splashed millions of Newcastle v Man Utd. 3pm Naira and land to the Norwich v West Brom 3 pm team, Super Eagles Chelsea v Stoke City 5.30 pm coach, Stephen Keshi acted fast and took a chunk Across Down of the money approved 1 United Nations High Commis- 1 Italian “Serie A” Club-Side – (5) sioner for Human Rights, Mrs. 2 Spain Striker and Juventus Forfor the team and gave the Navanethem – (6) ward, Fernando – (8) NFF Board members.

4 Ecuador National Coach, Rein- 3 L.G.A in Yobe State – (8) This is however coming aldo – (5) 4 Compensation – (6) to light as disengaged 7 Cross River State Commission- 5 L.G.A in Rivers State – (6) er for Sports, Mr. Patrick – (4) 6 Former Independent Corrupt Assistant Coach of the 8 Rodent – (6) Practices Commission (ICPC) Super Eagles Sylvanus 9 Delta State Governor, Emman- Chairman, Mr. Mustapha – (6) uel – (8) 11 Former Italy “Azzuris” Striker, Okpala spilled the beans Greece Capital City – (6) Luca – (4 in an interview with 10 12 United Arab Emirates (UAE) 13 Former Flying Eagles (U-20) Saturday Vanguard Capital City – (8) Coach, Christopher – (8) 14 France National President, Fransports in his fight to get 16 L.G.A in Osun State – (8) 19 Spanish “Primera Liga” Clubcois – (8) the NFF pay him his Side – (6) 15 Boast – (4) slashed bonus and out- 21 L.G.A in Lagos State – (8) 16 Help – (6) 22 Former Netherlands “Orangstanding salary as 17 Major Ethnic Group in Nigeria – es” Striker, Bouldewijn – (6) (6) outlined in his contract 23 Yoruba Girl’s Name – (4) 18 Hebrew Alphabet – (6) with the football house.

24 Educate – (5) 20 Former United Nations Secre25 Number – (6) “You know I was no tary-General, Mr. Kofi – (5) longer with the team but when Cross River State

•Ideye

I can’t perform without Emenike — Ideye S

UPER Eagles striker, Brown Ideye has revealed that he struggles when he does not play alongside his strike partner in the national team, Emmanuel Emenike.

Ideye was poor at the 2013 Fifa Confederations Cup in Brazil where he was saddled with the responsibility of leading the line for the Super Eagles.

He badly fluffed his lines as Nigeria failed to advance past the

preliminary stages in a group comprising Tahiti, Uruguay and Spain. The Dynamo Kyiv attacker has now revealed that his troubles asserting himself in Brazil was down to the absence of Emenike .

“Maybe if Emenike had played at the 2013 Confederations Cup, I would not have faced as quite as much pressure as I did. Since Emenike was not there, the other person people

looked upon to perform was me,” Ideye told supersport.com. Ideye said the “pressure to perform” got to him and he failed to score a single goal in the tournament.

“When a lot of people put pressure on you to deliver and you don’t, you feel like you are the worst footballer on earth,’ he said. An angry Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi declared afterwards that Emenike would not have missed the chances Ideye the other selected forwards missed during the tournament in Brazil and Ideye admits the gaffer was not out of line.

SOLUTION on page 15

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