BAMA ATTACK: Jonathan Declares full-scale war by Vanguard Media Limited

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Boko Haram: Jonathan declares full-scale war •Deploys warplanes • We ‘ll do everything to defend our territorial integrity –Defence Hqtr • Military ‘ve killed 1,200 insurgents — AVM Marizu BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI (With agency reports)

IGERIAN warplanes are carrying out air strikes against Boko Haram militant bases at Bama, Borno State, a senior official said yesterday, in a government counter-attack against Boko Haram’s drive to create an Islamist enclave. The official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters Nigeria’s military was battling Boko Haram fighters at Bama, 70 km (45 miles) southeast of the Borno state capital Maiduguri. Air strikes have been carried out “on all the Boko Haram bases”, the official said, adding this reflected President Goodluck Jonathan’s order for a “fully-fledged war” against the group which has waged a bloody insurgency since 2009. “Bama today is the centre of the military battle with the terrorists ... Boko Haram is being repelled by the Nigerian troops as we are talking now,” the government official said, without giving details of the operations or casualties. The battle over Bama, and Boko Haram’s storming of towns and villages to the north, east and south of Maiduguri in recent weeks, has raised fears of an attack on the Borno state capital, prompting hundreds of civilians to flee. “Even today, we can see so many people leaving ... the buses are going out plenty now,” Musa Sumail, a human rights activist in Maiduguri who reports on the violence in the northeast, told Reuters. He said he had seen at least one or two Nigerian government fighter jets in the skies above Maiduguri.

We ‘ll do everything to defend our territorial integrity –Defence Hqtr Indeed, the Defence Headquarters said the armed forces will do everything to defend the nation’s sovereignty. In a statement by Major General Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information said, the armed forces said: “DHQ wishes to reiterate the pledge and commitment it made while briefing the Joint Committee on Defence of the National Assembly to the effect that everything will be done to reverse the situation and defeat the rampaging terrorists. “While welcoming all the concerns shown by Nigerians and a section of the international community following the increased menace and activities of terrorists, it is necessary to reassure all that the Nigerian Armed Forces is more than ever determined and committed to the defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, regardless of any odd. “It is not only the pride and reputation of the military that is at stake

but that of the entire nation. We therefore urge our citizens not to lose hope or be disenchanted but to remain steadfast and supportive of the military as all steps are being taken to ensure the success of the counter-insurgency operations, especially at this crucial time when our sovereignty is being challenged. “With this in mind, it is important to reiterate that the Nigerian military is fully conscious of its obligations to the Nigerian state and remains willing and ready to perform its duties with utmost diligence. Therefore, what the military requires at this critical period in the nation’s history is not pillories but continued support from all stakeholders and comity of nations. “Indeed, this is not the time to despair or shift blames. Rather it calls for concerted effort by all and sundry to stop the agents of darkness who seek to destroy our country and civilization. On its part, the Nigerian military as a fighting force, assures Nigerians once again that this battle will be won.” Military ‘ve killed 1,200 insurgents –AVM Marizu Sharing this view, former Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command of the Nigerian Airforce, Air Vice Marshall Chris Marizu (rtd), yesterday, cautioned politicians against utterances that were capable of pitching the armed forces against the citizens they were supposed to protect noting that the military forces have killed 1200 Boko Haram insurgents in the battle for Bama, Borno State. He spoke in the light of the current challenges in the counter-terrorism efforts in the North east which has understandably elicited a sense of apprehension among citizens and even foreign allies, as He made the disclosure just as the President of Course 18 participants of the Nigeria Defence Academy, Air Commodore Olufemi Agbetuyi warned that it was high time the nation stopped mixing politics with security issues. Speaking at the 18th regular course re-union in Abuja yesterday, AVM Marizu said, “People should know that some persons who have done so much for this country and the military institution cannot just be rubbished on the altar of politics. “Some unscrupulous citizens of this country are using the advantages that they enjoy under democracy to malign the military with innuendos and statements without facts. All the things that Mr. Davies said for instance, there was nothing in it and no facts to buttress anything. The angle of aircraft for instance, was Ihejirika the Chief of Air Staff?

“It shows there are undemocratic elements working in tandem with outsiders trying to destroy this country. For instance, the last few days, the media has been awash with reports that Boko Haram has over-run Bama and taken over the city whereas, the reverse is the case. We have troops there and we are in touch on a daily basis” “The truth is that as at Tuesday, our soldiers had killed over 700 Boko Haram insurgents during the battle. The following day, another 500 terrorists were killed. What is happening is not what is being reported in the newspapers and sometimes I wonder if the media are Nigerian media or what they seek to gain by running our soldiers down” In his contribution, Air Commodore Agbetuyi

From left: Hon Anipole Adisa, Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government; Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora; Azeezat Oshoala, Faconets Golden boot winner and MVP at the 2014 U-20 Female World Cup in Canada; Sheik Alhaji Yahaya Ajagbemokeferi Oshoala, head of Oshoala family and Mr Oluwasegun Sholarin during a reception organised for Azeezat Oshoala in Ikorodu, Lagos. Photo Elliot Ovadje.

cautioned politicians in the country against trying to bring the name of the military into disrepute warning that doing so will amount bringing down the military. On allegation against General Azubuike Ihejirika, he said, “Some politi-

cal elites do not understand what the man went through as COAS, the sleepless nights, the sacrifices General Ihejirika made for the country. I recall how he was tackling the security challenge in the country and some

Nigerians who do not understand or pretending not to, or some enemies of Nigeria said the army was killing people indiscriminately. The same people today are saying he sponsors Boko Haram. Does it make sense?”

...Davis, Australian negotiator is self-appointed –DSS •Invites former Borno Governor, Sheriff BY CHRIS OCHAYI

HE Department of State Services, DSS, has denied being the source of the information credited to Australian Boko Haram hostage negotiator, Dr Steven Davis, describing him as “a selfstyled and self-appointed negotiator.” Deputy Director, DSS Public Relations, Marilyn Ogar, nevertheless said the body was investigating Davis claims and has invited former Governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff to answer some questions bordering on the fresh allegations linking him with the sponsorship of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram. However, the department said it couldn’t be true that the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika was a financier of the deadly Boko Haram, saying it would be wicked of anyone to link him with the sect. Davis had listed Sheriff and Ihejirika as Boko Haram sponsors. Ogar, spoke in Abuja while parading the alleged comastermindoftheNyanyablast, Sadiq Ogwuche, along with other suspects, Ahmed Abubakar, Muhammad Ishaq, Yau Saidu, Anas Isah and Adamu Yusuf. But Ogwuche, the alleged mastermind of the bloodiest bomb blast at the El-Rufai Motor part Nyanya, denied any link with Boko Haram and involvement in the deadly explosions which killed over 100 peoples and injured many others. While dismissing the allegations by Davis on Azubuike Ihejirika, the DSS spokesperson said, it was “uncharitable for Nigerians to reward someone who laid down his life, to associate him withthesponsorshipofthesect.”

She said it was through the doggedness of the military under Ihejirika that insurgents were dislodged from the major cities like Okene, Kano to the Sambisa forest and that “it is wicked of anyone to link him to the sponsorship of the sect.” On the former Borno State governor, Ogar said, “Sheriff has been invited twice and he has been invited again (over his alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram). Investigation is ongoing to review every aspect of Davies allegations.” She also noted that contrary to claims by Davies that the CBN official who handled the funding of Boko Haram, is an uncle to three of those arrested in connection with the Nyanya bombings, none of the six suspectsintheagency’scustody was related to another. “In other words, none is a cousin or nephew to any other

•Dismisses allegation on Ihejirika and only two suspects namely Yau Saidu and Anas Isah have ever lived together at the makeshift clinic called ‘Kishi Clinic’ operated by Rufai Tsiga, a co-mastermind of the bomb blast who is still at large,” she explained. She added that further interrogation of suspects indicated that none lived with or has any relationship with any staff of the CBN, noting that the clarification was necessary to correct the erroneous impression in the media. I’m not Boko Haram member But Ogwuche, who was repatriated to Nigeria from Sudan recently, denied being a member of Boko Haram. He stressed while speaking in an interview with journalists that he had no hand in the Nyanya bombings as he was

in Sudan at the time of the incident. The suspect, however, admitted to have donated N30,000 to widows of Boko Haram members through Tsiga, who had been declared wanted for his roles in the Nyanya blast. On his deserting the Nigeria Army, Ogwuche said that he did it in order to go and study Arabic in Sudan even as he admitted receiving lectures and taking demonstrations with a Jihadist group in Britain before he came back to Nigeria to which he blamed for his arrest by the security operatives earlier. According to him, “I am not a member of Boko Haram and I don’t know anything about the Nyanya blast. I deny it because I was studying in Sudan when the incident happened.”

How Cameroun arrested, released Sheriff—Falana By Olasunkanmi Akoni and Monsur Olowoopejo AGOS based human L Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, yesterday, revealed

how Former Governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff was arrested in 2012 by the Cameroonian government for the crime committed by the deadly Boko Haram sect. Meantime, ahead of the 2015 election, former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Professor Tam David-West, Professor Akin Oyebode and Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin, have, unanimously, urged Nigerians to wake up from their slumber and use the next year ’s election to bring relief to their unwholesome circumstances. Falana and other eminent personalities spoke at the 5th Gani Fawehinmi

Memorial Lecture, titled; ‘State of the Nation and 2015 general elections: Issues, posers and challenges before us, held in Lagos. “In October 2012, Sheriff was arrested in Cameroun on crime committed by the Boko Haram he sponsored. The state government pleaded with the Camerounian government to release him because he is a well known man here and he cannot be arrested.” Falana stated. The Lagos based lawyer said that the former governor was not sincere in his relationship with the Boko Haram sect in the country. Sue me not Davis He however, asked Sheriff to sue him rather than planning to seek redress in court by suing the Australian negotiator, Dr. Stephen Davies, even as he reaffirmed

that Sheriff sponsored of the Boko Haram activities. This came few days after Sheriff said he would seek redress in court by suing the Australian negotiator, Dr. Stephen Davies, who recently fingered him as one of the sponsors of the Boko Haram insurgency. According to Falana, “I am expecting Senator Ali Madu Sheriff to sue me. I heard that he wanted to sue an Australian (Dr. Steven Davies). He doesn’t need that. He should sue me. I am waiting for him to sue me. Not only did he fund that organization (Boko Haram), he also had a deal with them.” He noted that Sheriff cannot denial all the allegations made against him, saying. “In 2003, he had a deal with the Boko Haram leaders to help him win the election and that if he wins his re-election, he will compensate the organization.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

2015: Atiku to run for presidency •Declares September 24, Borishade heads Campaign team BY HENRY UMORU, Assistant Political Editor

HEAD of 2015 Presi dential election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has concluded plans to formally declare to run for the presidency, the most exalted office in the country, Wednesday, September 24 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC. In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Media Adviser, Mallam Garba Shehu, former Minister of

Aviation, Professor Babalola Borisade would head the campaign team. According to Shehu, the former Vice President settled for Borisade because he is seen as a popular political strategist who worked for the victory of late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua as well as the late Chief M. K. O. Abiola on the platform of the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP. He recalled further that Borisade was also involved in the victory of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 and 2003 election.

The statement read, “The former Vice President, His Excellency Vice President Atiku Abubakar GCON, the Turaki Adamawa will contest for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, in the 2015 presidential elections. “The former Vice President will be making the declaration on Wednesday September 24. “The campaign will be anchored by a veteran of successful presidential contests and a former Minister, Professor Babalola Borisade. “Borisade is also a well-

Chieftaincy: L-R: The wife of a prominent industralist, Olori Ojuolape Ojora with the celebrant, Senator Anthony Adefuye FNSE, the business icon, Otunba Kunle Ojora and the former Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd) at the installation of Senator Anthony Adefuye FNSE as the Sobaloju of the source by Ooni of Ife in his palace, Ile Ife.

known political strategist who worked for the victory of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and thereafter, late Chief M. K. O. Abiola on the platform of the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP. Borisade also worked as the strategist for President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 and 2003 elections, both of which were won resoundingly. “This is not about me, it is about our young people. It is about Nigerians. It is their future, not the past. It is about reforming government, securing the people and reconciling the nation, Atiku said. Shehu continued, “Turaki is of the view that 2015 is special and a potential turning point in Nigeria’s history – that we need to seize the moment, to give every Nigerian a chance to help redefine Nigeria as a place for them and their children to prosper and feel safe. He says a change is needed now, and he is ready to lead that change.” Atiku Abubakar in 1998 won the December Adamawa State gubernatorial election, but before he could be sworn in, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP made him the Vice Presidential candidate to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Chibok girls bag varsity scholarship By EBELE ORAKPO

UCCOUR is on the way for Chibok girls who escaped from the Boko Haram terror group and other vulnerable children in NorthEast Nigeria as the American University of Nigeria (AUN) announces the formation of American University of Nigeria Foundation (AUNF) and the launch of Educate Our Girls campaign to raise funds to provide these children with full scholarships. According to a release made available to Vanguard by officials of the AUN, Dr. Margee Ensign, AUN President, while speaking at the event said the #EducateOurGirls campaign will raise global awareness to the need to focus on the education of girls and boys in the North-East region of Nigeria and provide citizens across the globe with the opportunity to demonstrate unflinching support for the rights of girls and women to pursue their education

in a safe environment. “The world was shocked when so many innocent girls were kidnapped for wanting an education, and we are all angry that so many are still in captivity,” said Ensign. “Today, we are proud to announce the Educate Our Girls campaign that will provide scholarships for the kidnapped girls who have escaped. We are asking the cit-

izens of the world to put their money where their hash tags are and tangibly express their support for education and for protection of the human rights of these girls.” The AUNF was launched to create greater awareness to the plight of school age children – especially girls – in Nigeria. “The Foundation launched the #EducateOur-

Girls campaign in September 2014 to fund scholarships for the young Nigerian girls who escaped after being kidnapped from Chibok on April 15, by Boko Haram, as well as for the girls still in captivity once released. As of September 2014, AUN has secured the funds for 11 of these girls who will start at AUN this fall.”

Divorce: Oyakhilome angry over media reports, threatens legal action

EV. Chris Oyakhilome has expressed anger over media reports in which his wife accused him of adultery in a divorce suit in London. Rev. Oyakhilome said yesterday that the allegation was wicked, malicious and was intended to bring his person and the Christ Embassy Church to public

ridicule. According to a public notice advertorial signed by a legal practitioner, Kemi Pinheriro, SAN of the law firm, Pinheriro and Company based in Lagos, Oyakhilome said that the allegations in the media were nothing but a complete distortion of the facts in the pending proceedings in the United

Kingdom. Kemi Pinheriro warned media houses to desist from further publication of stories which were false and damaging of “our client’s reputation and the church”, stating that they could embark on appropriate legal machinery with a view to protecting their client’s reputation and that of the church.

Public, private schools to reopen September 22

UBLIC and private schools nationwide are to reopen on September 22, 2014 after the long holiday was extended due to the outbreak of the deadly Ebola disease. The decision to reopen the schools was reached at a meeting yesterday in Abuja between the Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau and the Commissioners of Education from the states of the federation.

Gbong Gwom Jos tasks Onu Igala BY MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

HE Chairman, Plateau State Traditional Council and Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba has tasked the new Onu Igala, Jos, Alhaji Ibrahim Agumu and his citizens resident in the State to continue with the culture of patriotism and dedication to the service of humanity. Addressing the Igalas led by the Onu who paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Jos yesterday, the Gbong Gwom appreciated the Igala people for being peaceful and maintaining their cultural heritage irrespective of where they reside. He assured that he was prepared to work with the Igala people on the Plateau in fighting against crimes and criminality and appealed to the Onu and his people to continue to give the needed support. Da Buba stressed, “As Onu Igala in Plateau state, I urged you to be a father to all and the same time the eye of Atta Igala in far away Kogi state.

Bomb scare as residents scamper for safety in Jos BY MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

ESIDENTS of Dogon Karfe area of Jos North local government area of Plateau state yesterday scampered for safety when a car suspected to be laden with bomb was abandoned for hours in the area. The 505 Peugeot car with tinted glasses was parked close to a spot where Muslim faithful hold jummat prayers and a recall of abandoned vehicles which turned out to be carriers of bombs which exploded on May 20, 2014 at the Terminus area brought panic in the area. The bomb scare which resulted in pandemonium caused heavy traffic jam along major roads in the town as motorists avoided the Dogon Karfe axis which links other parts of the town. The State Police Command denied the existence of bomb in the said vehicle but it was gathered that its Bomb Disposal Unit detonated the bomb before it could explode.

NGO tackles vitamin ‘A’ deficiency with enriched cassava stems BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

N a renewed effort at combating vitamin A defi ciencies among Nigerians and to boost its consumption, a major nutrient for clear sight, a non governmental organisation, NGO, Harvest Plus, has embarked on the distribution of vitamins A enriched cassava stems to farmers in rural communities in Nigeria. According to the Database Administrator of Harvest Plus, Mr. John Alamu, the project was conceived and funded by donor agencies to address the global challenge of malnutrition, especially in developing countries where it has been discovered that one out of every three person is afflicted with essential nutrient deficiency. He disclosed that the project, which started with four pilot states in Nigeria, namely, Oyo, Imo, Benue and Akwa Ibom States, is expected to be extended to other states in phases every year, adding that by the end of 2014, over 3,350 vitamin A cassava stems would have been distributed to about eight states in the federation.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 — 7

PDP: Ribadu, 7 others withdraw from Adamawa guber race •How PDP, Presidency got Ribadu to withdraw •Ribadu may get ticket for Feb. 2015 polls

WO soldiers were crushed to death Thursday evening by a petrol tanker at a check-point at Leru junction in Umunnechi Local Government Area of Abia State. The driver of the tanker laden with petrol was also said to have been burnt to death when the tanker caught fire in the accident which occurred on the Enugu-OkigwePort Harcourt expressway. The trailer was said to be coming from Okigwe end on high speed to Enugu and on approaching the Army check-point at Leru junction applied brake but the brake failed and it ran into the soldiers at the check-point and other vehicles. The tanker was said to have caught fire immediately burning other vehicles and injuring many others.

No longer running

Others who withdrew are the son of former National Chairman of PDP, Awwal Bamanga Tukur; former Minister of state, Foreign Affairs, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong; Andrawus Sawa; James Barka; General Aliyu Kama; Markus Gundiri and Abubakar Girei.

Those in the race

The six aspirants still in the race for the party’s ticket are former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, Erstwhile Military Administrator of Lagos and Borno states, Brig. General Mohammed Buba Marwa, the immediate Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Dr. Ahmed Modibbo Mohammed; Dr. Umar Ardo, Acting Governor

Ezenwa, former SSG, joins race for Anambra Central senate seat BY VINCENT UJUMADU, AWKA

The FPRO, Ag.CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (middle) being decorated with his new rank by Ag. IGP Suleiman Abba, assisted by DIG Training, Hashimu Argungu recently. Umaru Fintiri, and Jerry Kumdisi.

The horse-trading

However, it was resolved that those who participate in today’s primary will not take part in the February 2015 poll. The bye-election is to fill the vacancy created by the impeachments of Governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy, Bala Ngilari. The new governor will only serve for seven months to complete Nyako’s tenure, while whoever is elected in February will take over from him in May 2015. The crisis meeting, which lasted for four hours, from 9pm on Thursday to 1am yesterday, was held at the Banquet Hall of the State House. After the primary, it was also agreed that all the aspirants will back and work

for the standard bearer to ensure a massive victory for the PDP on October 11. There had been fears among PDP members that the high number of aspirants and a bitter contest for the governorship ticket could tear the party apart ahead of the polls. The All Progressives Congress (APC), to which the impeached governor belongs, is also a strong contender for the position, with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar getting a candidate ready to upset the PDP. With the decision at the crisis resolution meeting, the party’s ticket will now be zoned to Adamawa Central District for the 2015 election. Ribadu, who is from Yola in the central district which has never produced a governor in the state, is expected to bene-

Intending pilgrim slumps, dies in Ogun •As 2,200 pregnant women, nursing mothers get empowerment and died during the semBy DAUD OLATUNJI, ABEOKUTA

RAGEDY struck in Abeokuta on Thursday when an intending aged Muslim woman identified as Oladokun Silifat Ajinni slumped

Tanker kills 2 soldiers at Okigwe checkpoint BY ANAYO OKOLI, UMUAHIA

BY HENRY UMORU ORMER Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and seven other aspirants will no longer participate in today’s governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Only six aspirants will battle for the ticket of the party. This was the outcome of a crisis resolution meeting held in Abuja on Thursday night by the aspirants, Senate President David Mark and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

SOUTH EAST BRIEFS

inar organised by the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to sensitise the intending pilgrims on issues concerning the 2014 Hajj exercise. The seminar which was held at the Secretariat Mosque, Oke-Ilewo area, Abeokuta was the last in the series of programmes held to prepare the intending pilgrims from the state towards a hitch-free 2014 hajj. Saturday Vanguard gathered that the deceased had been diagnosed of high blood pressure during the medical screening held in August and had been advised to seek medical attention.

Meanwhile,no fewer than 2,200 pregnant women and nursing mothers in Olose community in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State benefitted from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P maternal and child health programme. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna, Dr Abisola Sodipo-Clark who disclosed this yesterday, said. The initiative was part of President Goodluck Jonathan administration’s effort to reduce maternal mortality in the country.

fit from the arrangements. Nyako and his deputy were impeached on July 15, 2014 on allegations of corruption and gross misconduct, but they are still in court to upturn the sack.

Why Ribadu, others withdrew

Meanwhile, the national leadership of the PDP yesterday gave an insight into why eight of the 14 aspirants including Nuhu Ribadu stepped down for October 11 bye- election. Addressing Journalists at PDP National Secretariat, National Secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo, stressed that whoever wins on the party’s ticket in the October 11 polls would not contest in 2015. Oladipo who doubles as Secretary of the PDP Strategic Committee for Adamawa Gubernatorial Election, said the seat has been zoned to the Central Senatorial District next year. Oladipo who revealed that the already completed and submitted Nomination and Expression of Interest forms paid by those who have voluntarily withdrawn from the 2014 race remain valid for the 2015 contest, said: “The present contest is about the completion of the tenure of the impeached governor. “Only six aspirants chose to contest in 2014 and forfeit their right to contest in 2015 should they win the 2014 race. All aspirants endorsed the results of the last ward congress held in Adamawa and gave irrevocable commitment to work assiduously and loyally towards the success of the PDP in 2014 governorship bye-election and the 2015 general elections.”

HE former secretary to the Anambra State Govern ment, SSG, under former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju who governed the state from 1999 to 2003, Prince Osita Ezenwa yesterday declared his intention to vie for the senate Anambra Central senatorial zone on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Ezenwa, who was also the former chairman of Njikoka local government area, told political stakeholders in the zone at his Abagana country home that his decision to join the race followed the wide consultations he made on the matter, adding that his meeting with the stakeholders was to formally intimate them of his intention.

Diamond bank maps out N200bn to comply with CBN’s policy on improved MSME BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO, ONITSHA

UTHORITIES of Diamond Bank of Nigeria Plc. said they have spent about N20 billion out of the N200 billion mapped out for the establishment of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSME in all parts of the country. This is coming on the heels of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s policy guideline on improved MSME, as well as federal government’s recent launching of SMSE for improved economic recovery in the country. Diamond Bank’s Regional Manager for Awka, Anambra State, Mr. Ikenna Nwabuwa who disclosed this yesterday at their 46th Diamond Business Xpress Enterprise Series, DBXES held at Industrial town of Nnewi, said the bank had already developed interest in assisting operators of micro, small and medium scale enterpreneuers in

Atlas Mara buys AMCON stake in UBN for $270m BY ABDUL-LATEEF LIGALI, with Agency report

TLAS Mara, the African investment vehicle of former Barclays Chief Executive Officer, Bob Diamond, said it had increased its stakes in Union Bank of Nigeria to almost 30 percent for $270 million. According to a report from Reuters data, Atlas Mara said it was buying a 20.9 percent stake in UBN from Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), taking its holding to 29.9 percent. The deal was said to have been the third significant acquisition by Atlas Mara, set up last year by Diamond and Africa-based entrepreneur Ashish Thakkar, as it seeks to build the firm into Africa’s leading bank. It said in a prospectus published last month it was considering buying a minority stake in a bank in Nigeria, which is sub-Saharan Africa’s largest economy and one of its most attractive and fastgrowing markets for banking.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

BRIEFS

Tony Obuh is my son — E. K. Clark •Says: I’ll not endorse anybody

HE country home of Chief E. k Clark, Kiagbado, Burutu Local Government Area, was set agog recently, when Mr Anthony Chuks Obuh was a guest to officially inform the respected politician of his intention to succeed Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan as the Governor of Delta State. Elder Statesman, Chief E.K Clark, in his response said he would not endorse any governorship aspirant in Delta State, describing all the aspirants as his children. Clark said; “I told the governor that the era of imposition is gone; the era of endorsement is gone; let us do it in such a way that at the end of your office, if you want something else, you can be sure of my support and you will be the first civilian governor that we will give a farewell party and you will leave gloriously. The former Federal Commissioner of Information said the “excitable citation of Mr Obuh on my role in government especially on income tax reforms in 1972 has shown that he is a man with great experience. I don’t know where he was in 1972, but this is the best citation ever said about me. What you said today is far more than necessary to give me awards.” He said he had strong attachments with Agbor people notably, Late Vincent Egbarin, Sir Fortune Ebie, Late Dr. G.O. Orewa and Dr. Cairo Ojougboh. “I am close to your people. The father of your Agbor monarch was my friend and the present Dein is close to me. I am happy the Queen Mother is here. Dr. Cairo Ojougboh is my son and I am happy to accept you as my son. This house is yours. Feel free to come here anytime.” Chief Clark while noting that he was not going to unilaterally endorse any aspirant stressed his preference for a governor who has no

handbag that would drag the state backwards. Earlier, Mr. Obuh in his speech amidst periodic spontaneous applause due to his indepth knowledge of the

intricacies of governance said his decision to contest the governorship position was not borne out of ethnic consideration. “I am here to tell you who is Tony Obuh. I have

served about 32 years in the state Civil Service as a university graduate. I have occupied various positions including eight years as a Permanent Secretary. My governorship project is not propelled by any individual but a product of a well-thought out consideration.

Ebola scare in Asaba: Blood sample of suspected patient sent to Lagos for lab test — Health Commissioner BY AUSTIN OGWUDA, Asaba

ELTA State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara, confirmed yesterday that the blood sample of a patient suspected to be Ebola carrier which caused pandemonium at the Federal Medical Centre , FMC, Asaba on Thursday has been sent to Lagos University Teaching Hospital,LUTH for further test to be carried out. Public Relations Officer(PRO)of the State Ministry of Health, Mr. Churchill Oyowe, who spoke on behalf of the commissioner said yesterday that “it is confirmed that the blood sample of the patient suspected to be suffering from Ebola has been taken to Lagos. As I speak to you this afternoon, the blood is on its way to Lagos for tests”.

DESOPADEC Commissions projects BY AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

HE Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, on Thursday in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Council commissioned multi-billion completed projects under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration. Hon. Michael Diden a.k.a Ejele, Commissioner representing Itsekiri Ethnic nationality in the Commission did the inauguration on behalf of Oritsuwa Kpogho, Chairman of the Commission.

Chief E.K. Clark and Tony Obuh (right) during his consultative visit to the elderstateman in Kiagbodo, Delta State recently.

We’ve not picked any governorship aspirant — Ndokwa youth BY EMMA AMAIZE, Kwale

Ebola: A’Ibom increases screening centres, checks movement of corpses BY CHIOMA ONUEGBU, Uyo

KWA IBOM t a t e Government has said that it planned to extend the ongoing screening of people at the Airport and other areas to major motor parks across the state as part of measures to detect any possible case of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease, EVD. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ememabasi Bassey who made this known yesterday while addressing newsmen in his office said the state government would no longer allow movement of corpses into the state without a waiver from the Federal Ministry of Health. Such corpses must have been screened before waivers are granted. He said, “The state Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport has already met with S

cross section of members of National Association of Road Transport Workers and their Executives to

inform them about the screening. This is because they are at the fore front when it comes to moving people across the borders of the state.”

NDDC hands over N1.3billion hostel to UNIBEN authorities BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

HE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) yesterday presented keys to the N1.3billion hostel constructed at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) by the Commission to the university authorities. Handing over the keys to the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, the NDDC Commissioner in Edo State, Mr Peter Enogieru, explained that the hostel which was equipped with modern furniture and beddings will house

over 800 students. According to him, “There are three floors here, each floor has 58 rooms including rooms for the physically challenged making a total of 174 rooms. Each room is to accommodate two double-decker beds and that is four students and that will give you 800 students. There are other things like 20, 000 gallons of water, Solar powered water scheme, the hostel is well furnished with furnitures and beddings and it is hoped that the edifice will be put to a worthwhile use by the University for the benefit of the students of the NigerDelta”.

HE Ndokwa Youth Vanguard in Delta State, yesterday, said that youths of the ethnic nationality had not endorsed any governorship aspirant from the indigenous group as a sole flag bearer for 2015 governorship elections in the state. President of the group, Comrade Ozegbe Adoh, in a statement, said, “The claim that Ndokwa youths have endorsed Chief Godwin Obielum for governor come 2015, is not true because there are several Ndokwa sons and daughters that are in the gubernatorial race.” “ We are waiting for the PDP to select the best candidate from Delta North and also in the spirit of ethnic sentiment, we will appreciate if the governor comes from Ndokwa nation,” he said.

Candidate imposition: Patani youths absolve Clark BY EMMA AMAIZE, Kwale

HE Patani Youth Association, PYA, Patani in Patani Local Government Area, Delta State, has controverted the accusation by a section of youths in the area that the former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, imposed a chairmanship flag bearer on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the local government. President of the group, Comrade Daniels Ekiyor, in a statement said the youths, who made the allegation were misled, as Patani has elders and leaders amongst them, a former electoral commissioner in the South-South zone, Chief Abeki, to take decision on matters affecting the party. His words,” The matter of candidate imposition by the elder statesman is to say the least a great disservice to his person and total disrespect to the crèche of highly respected leaders in our local government area.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 — 9

BRIEFS

2015: Group calls for Jonathan’s re-election

How I escaped death, Oyegun tells APC bigwigs BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

OVERNOR A d a m s Oshiomhole of Edo State yesterday led other governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to attend the 75th birthday celebration of the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun in Benin City. APC governors at the colourful event includes Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun). Other dignitaries were former governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki; Senator Chris Ngige, Alhaji Lai Muhammed and members of the Edo State Executive Council. Oyegun who expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life till date, disclosed he almost had a fatal accident on his way to Minna, Niger State to attend a political campaign for the NigerEast senatorial byelection. Chief OdigieOyegun made this known during a thanksgiving service to mark his 75th birthday held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin. He said while he was able to escape the accident, his orderly who is currently lying injured in a hospital was not that lucky. The APC leader said he was able to escape the accident when he decided to travel by air, following

an offer by a chieftain of the party and a former governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, who asked him to join his (Saraki) flight. “I thanked Senator Bukola Saraki, who cancelled his trip to Ilorin to go with me to Minna, when he heard that I was

going to campaign for the senatorial seat in Niger-East. He offered four of us places in his plane on a 17-minute flight. But from Minna, my car was involved in a very serious accident, and my orderly is still in hospital today, recovering from injuries he received. While appreciating the

socio-political group, under the aegis of Jonathan Goodluck (JG) Vanguard, Delta South Senatorial District chapter, has thrown its weight behind the clamour for the re-election of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the 2015 general election. In a release by its zonal coordinator of the group, John Edema Okotie-Ebor, he JG said its decision to support the re-election of Mr President arose from its appraisal of his performance since his assumption of office, which it found to be impressive. “Mr President’s visions are manifested in his transformation agenda which are second to none. Same are reflected in the just concluded governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.’

Rivers: South East plans 50,000 march for 2015 Guber race BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

SERVICE OF SONG: From left: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, his wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan; Deputy Governor of the State, Prof. Amos Utuama; The Secretary to the State Government, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay and the former Deputy Governor of the State, Chief Benjamin Elue at the service of song in honour of the Special Adviser to the Governor on ICT, Late Sunny Ofili held in Issele-Azagba, Thursday. Photo: Henry Unini

2015: We will arrest Jonathan if...—South-South Elders Council BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

S build up for 2015 general elections continues to gather momentum, the SouthSouth Chiefs and Elders Council, SSCEC International, yesterday vowed to arrest President Goodluck Jonathan, should he fails to declare interest for second term in office. The group made the position known in Abuja

during a Grand endorsement of the President for second term in office and conferment of Transformation Excellence award on the Federal Ministry of Information and other outstanding Ministries. The Executive Chairman of the Council, Ama-Opu Senibo of Opobo Kingdom, Chief Reuben Jaja, who made the declaration on behalf of other Chiefs said the programme was

Voters Registration: Benin leaders raise alarm over alleged marginalization Oshiomhole. HE Benin Leaders of Thought (BLT), made up of Benin traditional rulers and politicians, have raised an alarm over alleged plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to manipulate the forthcoming voters registration exercise in the state by ensuring that majority of Benin eligible voters are unable to obtain the permanent voter’s card. The group led by the Enogie of Obazuwa and younger brother to the

APC governors, party chieftains and members for their support, OdigieOyegun, described his survival as intervention of God at a critical time of his life. He also added that the celebration of his 75th birthday was an indication that his mission on earth was not complete.

BY GODWIN OGHRE

Benin monarch, Oba of Benin, Prince Edun Akenzua, traced the none presence of a Benin man in the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan allegedly to the activities of some leaders of the PDP in the state whom the group described as “anti Benins”, adding that the alleged desperation by the PDP to take over the leadership of the state was targeted at the Benins and not the Governor Adams

According to the BLT, “PDP leadership is desperate to “capture” Edo State and install a governor from Edo Central. They would have done it through the declaration of a state of emergency, but found out that imposing a state of emergency on a State whose government is doing well and who has a governor loved by the State’s traditional institutions, market women and the people would lead to what no one could conjecture.

designed to showcase their support for the President for serving the country right and doing the people of the country proud. He argued that the President reserved the right to seek a second term in office in view of his performance in the last four years in the areas of education, agriculture, transport, women affairs, entertainment and other critical sectors. Consequently, Jaja further threatened that the Council would arrest the President and compel him to run for the 2015 general elections should he ignore their call. “Our goal is to show support to our president who has served this country right. We feel that he is qualified to run by law and by way of performance. He is doing exceedingly well, we have seen tremendous progress in our education, agriculture, transport, women affairs, youth development and entertainment and the critical sectors of our economy.

HE debate over who succeeds Chibuike Amaechi come 2015 as governor has largely been revolving around the upland/Riverine dichotomy in the state. The people of Rivers believe that nature has divided the state along upland and Riverine areas. There is also the argument by some that the governorship election should be restricted to a contest among contenders from the South East senatorial district. Already, there are over eight governorship aspirants in the two leading political parties, the All Progressive Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic party, PDP from the senatorial district.

Onuesoke commends Jonathan on containment of Ebola BY EPHRAIM OSEJI

ELTA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in the 2007 general elections, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan’s speedy response to the containment of Ebola virus outbreak in the country. Onuesoke, while speaking to newsmen at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on his arrival from Switzerland where he attended Network for Good Governance (N4GG), conference said the swift response of the Jonathan administration to contain the spread of the disease was not only commendable but worthy of emulation by neighbouring countries, adding that his action had proved critics who had predicted massive spread of the virus wrong. The N4GG Country Director noted that the commendation of Jonathan by United Nations, the World Health Organisation and even the United States government had demonstrated the fact that his administration had taken seriously the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens.

Media promoting terrorism in Nigeria – Maku

HE Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, has charged the media to be mindful of its reportage, especially in conflict and terrorism situations, stating that the activities of the terrorists have refused to take the exit door because the media offer them free space and coverage. The Minister gave the charge in Abuja, at the Responsibility to Report, R2R Executive Seminar, organized by the German embassy to address the issue on the Ppower of the media when reporting terror acts entitled: Managing the Media in a Crisis.

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Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

Why more men are having sex with children By OSAAMADI

here was pandemonium one afternoon at No. 9 Awofodu Street, Pedro, Lagos. Mama Nonso could not be consoled. She was screaming on top of her voice. It was not the scream of fright; it was an angry sound of a female animal whose young has fallen into the hands of a predator. All the tenants rushed into her apartment to see her griping Leke’s manhood in one hand and dealing blows all over him with the other hand and biting him. Leke was a young man who lived in one room with his mother on the basement of the same building. He was always in Mama Nonso’s apartment, watching movie with the woman’s little female children, and occasionally running errands for the woman and her husband. People tried to rescue Leke from Mama Nonso who had practically turned crazy with rage but they could not. She lifted every object within her reach in the sitting room – side stools, glassware, picture frames – and smashed them on Leke’s head. As she snatched a bottle filled with roasted groundnut from the table, some powerful men moved in and pinned her down, rescuing Leke from her before she could commit

As part of the routine checks on the girl by her aunty, the aunty found one thousand naira notes hidden among the girl’s clothes in her room

murder. By that time the entire compound had been filled with people, even from nearby buildings, whose attention had been attracted by the commotion. “What is the problem, Mama Nonso?” some elderly men asked her. “Ask him!” she screamed, leaping from the floor and grabbing Leke again, pounding and clawing his face. “Ask this animal called Leke. I caught him red-handed with his penis inside my baby’s bumbum – This little girl who is not up to 3 years old!” “Aaaaahhhh!!!!!!! Leke?” the people shouted. Of course Leke denied it, but everyone knew that Mama Nonso could not be mad like that for any other reason. According to Mama Nonso, she left her little daughters in the sitting room with Leke and went to the kitchen where she was cooking. They were all watching a movie. Leke put little Nonso on his laps pretending to be babysitting her, but working his manhood into her buttocks. The mother suddenly came into the sitting room from the kitchen and caught him right in the act! Hell hath no fury like a woman whose baby is sexually molested. That was in 1995. Several years later in 2007, and several kilometers farther at 7 Fajeromi Street, off Igbo-elerin Road, Okokomaiko, Lagos, a marketing executive with African Alliance Insurance company (name withheld) convinced a 13-year old student of Evangel College, Okokomaiko, living with her aunty next flat to the marketing executive, to come out to the staircase by 5.00 AM every morning to meet him. The marketing executive had a perfectly laid out design to bring himself and the 13-year old girl out from the flats without his wife and children and the

under-aged girl’s aunty and husband knowing what was happening. The insurance marketer had an industrial diesel engine generator installed downstairs at the backyard, of which his wife’s brother who lived with him used to come down by 5.00 AM every morning to switch on. But the insurance man decided to take over the job of switching on the generator every morning. So he told the 13-year old student to come out every morning as soon as she heard the sound of the generator. He told the girl to pretend to be sweeping the balcony, and from there unlock their entrance door and come out to the staircase where he would be waiting for her. And so this secret meeting between the 57 year old insurance marketing executive and the 13-year old student went on for several months before the lid was blown off. As part of the routine checks on the girl by her aunty, the aunty found one thousand naira notes hidden among the girl’s clothes in her room. When the girl came back from school, her aunty questioned her about the source of the money, and the student said her father, the aunt’s elder brother, who lived in Ijegun, Lagos sent her the money. The aunty picked her phone immediately and called her father, but the father said he had never sent any money to his daughter. So she began to flog the girl with cane, and told her clearly that she was not going to stop the beating until she told her the true source of the thousands of naira she found among her clothes. That was when the girl opened up and told her aunty that it was Mr. – the insurance marketingexecutive that was giving her the money!

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Why more men are having sex with children Continues from pg 10

“What work do you do for Mr. – for which he pays you?” the aunty asked the girl. Having been forced to let the cat out of the bag in the first place, the 13-year old girl spilled all the beans, painting in graphic details, everything that transpired between her and the insurance man under the staircase. She confessed that the insurance man had been kissing and fingering her under the staircase; that he had tried several times to coerce her into having sex with him but that she did not agree; that the man had promised he would do anything for her if only she would allow him to put his penis into her private part. Angrily, the aunty confronted the insurance man the following day as he was driving into the compound. He denied, saying he never did such thing with the 13-year old. This further infuriated the aunty who pounced on the man and called the attention of everyone around to the matter. That evening the insurance man went to the Okokomaiko police station and reported that he was assaulted by the aunty of the 13-year old girl. The police came and arrested the aunty and the husband, who decided to take along with them to the police station, the 13-year old girl. After they

Neighbours, however became worried that the little girl was always screaming at night, the scream got too loud and so unbearable to the neighbours one night that they decided to intervene

had written their statements, the police became convinced that the insurance man had been molesting the 13-year old girl under the staircase. So they detained him. That night, the Investigation Police Officer, IPO, a seasoned officer who had perfected the art of grilling suspects both physically and psychologically, informed the insurance executive that he would invite the Vanguard’s crime reporter in the morning to come and take the story for publication. He even cast the headline of the story for the insurance man who was still denying the allegation: “African Alliance Insurance Executive in police net for molesting 13-year old girl.” From that point the insurance man started shaking and pleading with both the police and the 13-year old parents and relatives who came from different parts of Lagos and began to protest at the police station. The insurance man’s wife, a young pretty woman, and other members of his family also came to the police station. Initially, they had been angry that their brother was assaulted by a woman. As the case changed, they were bemused. The wife could not believe it. They all pleaded with the police and the victim’s family not to allow the matter go beyond the walls of the police station for fear that the African

Alliance Insurance Company might sack the insurance executive and throw his wife and children into suffering. The victim’s family left the matter, but the police did not. The insurance man was made to pay huge sum before he was let off the hook. Back to 1995 at 9 Awofodu Street, Pedro, Lagos, you could see a little Hausa girl, not more than 9 years old, washing plates at the public tap in front of the old one-storey building. She was new in the yard. Everyone had assumed that the over 50 years old Sanni (not his real name), a foreign currency exchange dealer, had brought the little girl the last time he travelled to his hometown in northern Nigeria to be his house girl. Sanni had several wives and children but none lived with him at Awofodu. Neighbours, however became worried that the little girl was always screaming at night. The scream got too loud and so unbearable to the neighbours one night that they decided to intervene. “Sanni, why is your house girl always screaming at night?” the elderly men the tenants delegated to Sanni asked him in his sitting room. Relaxed, and obviously enjoying the scenario, Sanni said to them: “Aisha is not my house girl. She is my wife. I have to consummate my marriage, or don’t I have the right to? Thank you very much for your concern, but she will get used to it.” Wide eyed and apparently disgusted, the delegates left Sanni’s apartment, and the matter was closed. The culture of early marriage in northern Nigeria is closely connected to the problem under discuss, insists Elochukwu Charity, who runs an NGO that fights sexual abuse of children and domestic violence. Charity, who had a close shave with a pedophile at age 9, is not the only one mad at men who do this terrible harm to kids. Early this year, actress, Stella Damascus, was furious over Senate’s refusal to outlaw child marriage. She summarized her views in two sharp and short messages: “#ChildNotBride – EducationNotEjaculation!” Messing up children sexually is not restricted to the secular world. Some religious leaders who ought to be in the forefront of the efforts to heal society of this terrible perversion are also neck deep in the act. On March 3, 2014, Vanguard newspaper carried a report of a protest by some women and NGOs over a Lagos pastor accused of sexually abusing children. The protesters were led by Josephine Effah-Chukwuma of Project Alert and Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin of Women Arise. The pastor, a proprietor of an Ophannage at AkuteIjoko, was said to have relocated the orphanage from its former location because his crime was exposed. According to the women activists, “the pastor has a four-count charge of sexual abuse of children hanging over his head.” Two girls from the orphanage were said to have alleged that they had been sexually molested by the pastor. Similarly, there was another report of an Islamic teacher (see www.jihadwatch.org/2014/03/ukquran...) who sexually abused an 11 year- old girl as he was teaching her, but the teacher was spared jail. Since the past 10 years, rape of children by older men has been increasing in Nigeria especially in the

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Continues from pg 11 northern part of the country. In 2008, the then deputy police boss of Kano State, Suleiman Abba, disclosed a case of a 70-year man who raped a 3-year old girl, counting up to 54 recorded cases of child rape in the state alone. He told of another case in which the victim was raped to death. According to the deputy police chief, a few young men rape minors, but majority of those who commit this crime are aged between 45 and 70, and their victims are from 3 to 11 years old. He re-echoed a well known fact about rape: that majority of the parents of the victims do not report to the police when these things happen to them for fear that it will attract a social stigma to their kids. Perhaps to stem this heinous crime, a fundamental version of Islamic law was reintroduced in Kano in 2001 but a prominent Islamic scholar wanted more action against the crime. The crime of elder men having sex with children has no geographical boundary. As a matter of fact, it is a transnational problem. At the international level, it is like pure madness: In Bangalore, India, a 70-year old teacher was arrested for sexually abusing a minor girl in school premises. This took place barely one month after the gang-rape, in the same country, of a six-year old girl which evoked public outrage. At Malvern School of Music, 44 years old Anton Fomin, a Russian piano teacher, is standing trial for sexually abusing three 6-year old children. The children had told their parents that Fomin had been showing them pornographic images from his laptop computer as well as fingering their private parts while teaching them. When police arrested Fomin and inspected the files in his laptop computer, they found exactly the images the children had described. It is possible that the men who tear little girls apart may be considering themselves holy and straight when compared to other guys who screw under-aged boys and animals. On August 19, the Vanguard newspaper reported a story of a 19-year old man who raped a chicken to death in Ondo. And recently in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, a Catholic Archbishop, Jozef Wesolowski, Vatican’s ambassador to the Dominican Republic, was being defrocked and tried in the Vatican for sexually molesting some boys regularly at the oceanfront where he used to disguise himself and offer the boys money to perform sexual acts. Reports say it was the first time a top Vatican ambassador, who served as a personal envoy of the pope was being accused of sexual abuse of minors. It has sent shock waves through the Vatican and two predominantly Catholic countries that have only begun to grapple with clergy sexual abuse: the Dominican Republic and Poland, where Mr. Wesolowski was ordained by the Polish prelate who later became Pope John Paul II. Statistics are like luxuries in Nigeria – mostly non-existent or only available to a few persons or agencies at worst. Elsewhere, substantial data on sexual abuse of children abound. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology, up to 80,000 cases of child sexual abuse are reported

Men defiling Children

every year. The number of unreported instances, it says, is far greater, because children are afraid to disclose it, and the legal procedure for proving it is difficult. In fact another organisation, the Child Sex Abuse Prevention and Protection Centre, says 88 per cent of cases of adults sexually abusing children are not reported.

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The crime of elder men having sex with children has no geographical boundary, as a matter of fact, it is a transnational problem

Why men do it Like in ritual killing, superstition has been fingered as one reason why men defile babies. According to those in this school of thought, some men have been told by their medicine men that they would become wealthy if they have sex with a female between 3 and 11 years old, while others believe that sex with a minor would cure them of certain sicknesses and sexually transmitted diseases. While that may be possible in explaining the reasons for rape of minors in Africa and other third world countries where the culture of superstition is strong, it is definitely not enough to account for sexual abuse of children in civilized societies of Europe and America. A much more plausible reason is the increasingly twisted, warped, perverted mind of this generation. Preponderance of Pornography and media influence Two other related villains people point at as being partly responsible for the

minor sexual scourge are proliferation of pornography and electronic media, especially television and the Internet. Unlike before, more people have access to mobile internet in their phones and with pornographic video materials flying all over this medium, it is not surprising that most people are hooked. “On these sites,” says Dr. Olatunji, a senior lecturer at Lagos State University, “people view adults having sex with kids, and after seeing those materials, the next step is to try to put them into practice.” In addition, he says, programming on television stations these days have sexual undertones which promote immorality. Some people have blamed the moral failure of modern society for this ill. “There is general collapse of morality among people of all nations today,” says Pastor Merith. “These things will continue until the world comes to an end. They are signs of end-time.” However, Charity Elochukwu is more optimistic that there is a way out: “Nigeria needs in-corrupt law makers, in-corrupt leaders. There will be peace if the 360 formula is applied in Nigeria. If not, Nigeria will remain a country that allows its minors get hurt without knowing they are hurt.” Children, they say, are the future leaders. If we keep destroying them before they grow up, there may be no future at worst, or at best, we will end up having a world filled with monsters as people.

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Victims recount their ordeals at homes, schools and offices

tella Maris was sixteen years when she got admis sion into the University to study Economics. She was a very brilliant student and made the best WAEC result in the secondary school she attended. A day before she moved into the University campus, her father took her on a shopping spree and she had fun purchasing all she ever wanted and even those things she never dreamt she could have. Her father spent a fortune on her and she went home a happy girl in preparation for moving into the campus the next day. But something strange happened to her that night. Someone crept into her room and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. She woke up and saw blood stains on her sheets and rivulets of semen on her thighs. She didn't understand it because her father was the only male at home as her male siblings were all schooling abroad. She confided in her mother the next morning and although she looked shocked, she dismissed Stella's story as the figment of her imagination and told her not to discuss it with another person. She moved into the campus the next day and focused on her education. But during lectures one day, she felt very sick and fainted and was taken to the medical centre. Her parents were called after a test conducted on her revealed she was pregnant. It was her father that

BY CHIOMA GABRIEL

Within a short while, it dawned on Stella Maris that the culprit was her father. She confided in her mother who dismissed her allegations as arrant nonsense and warned her to be very careful

drove to the campus and picked her. But he didn't take her home immediately. He drove her to a hospital where he had her pregnancy terminated. Within a short while, it dawned on Stella Maris that the culprit was her father. She confided in her mother who dismissed her allegations as arrant nonsense and warned her to be very careful. But during her long holiday and she was home, the attack became frequent to the point that she demanded her true paternity from her mother. Embarrassed by the whole scenario, her mother warned her again to be careful. Eventually, Stella Maris had cause to leave the house and come to Lagos and seek refuge in a shelter belonging to a non-governmental organisation. Her mother made several trips to the NGO to try to explain the predicament but Stella Maris remained there for months and eventually had to quit school. At the shelter where she sought refuge, she met others like her. Young girls and teenagers who were sexually-abused by their fathers, cousins and other close relatives who were also seeking refuge there. Before her death in 2012, Sele Eradiri, the Nigeria Television Authority broadcaster who featured on a weekly popular programme Newsline once featured a family in Ikoyi Lagos where a 38 year-old man allegedly violated a six-year old daughter of his friend and the mother of the girl equally alleged

her husband was inserting his fingers in the private parts of his own daughters. Sele Eradiri had taken the crew of Newsline in partnership with Mrs Josephine Effah Chukwuma of Project Alert on Violence Against Women and the police and headed to the Ikoyi residence of the couple to rescue the children and their mother and forwarded them to a shelter belonging to Project Alert at Ikeja. Sexual harassment is a common phenomenon in higher institutions of learning, offices and the home. It is often a shameful experience for some of the victims who could not openly talk about their experience nor report their cases to the police. Shame and social stigma faced by many victims have made them remain silent in the face of tyranny. Sometimes too, they are intimidated and threatened by their assailants to remain silent. A young lady who just resumed work after her NYSC narrated how she got a job and lost it barely three months after. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My boyfriend who works in the establishment told me about the vacancy. I applied for the job and was invited for the interview. I got the job. Shortly after I resumed, I realised all the managers were making passes at me but one was most vehement and aggressive in his approach. So, I told him that my fiance works there and that what he was demanding for was not possible. It was like a joke but before I knew

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Victims recount their ordeals at homes, schools and offices

Continues from page 13 it, my fiance's name appeared in the sack- list and I did something that shook the foundation of that establishment. I ran to the MD and narrated my experience to him and told him about my fiance's predicament. I had to resign for my fiance to remain in the company but they still sacked him afterward. It was bad. That is why I am in my own business. It was a very bad case. What baffles me is that the people who do this don't care if you are married or not.” Universities are worse off for this. In many higher institutions, female students sleep their way to 'success' while the male students pay their way through. Cynthia Okere narrated how a particular lecturer tormented her at the university to the point that she spent six years instead of four to graduate . But she was not bold enough to report the man to the authorities. Cynthia said her trouble started when she had to take a compulsory course being handled by the lecturer when she was in 100 Level. If you failed the course, you would be asked to go to another department. "So, the lecturer just capitalised on this to make money and satisfy his sexual urge. He collected N5,000 from male students and demanded sex from female students. I refused to pay and I refused to yield to his sexual advances. I failed the course and had to rerun it in 200 Level. That was when I looked for money and paid the lecturer. But this could not assuage his sexual thirst. The man insisted on sleeping with me. I

Emilia, a secretary resigned her job because her husband suspected she was having an affair. “ Indeed my boss sexually harassed me everyday for years. I was ashamed and embarrassed to do anything about it.

refused and made up my mind to change the course. I was not surprised when he released the result and I failed again." Tertiary institutions across the country are rife with stories of female students' travails in the hands of these lecturers. Lecturers capitalise on the innocence and academic laziness of many female students to have illicit sex with them. In many cases, some of these lecturers have been dealt with by the institutions concerned. Stories abound of randy lecturers who were caught in hotel rooms after they were set up by female students in conjunction with the institution's authorities. During a recent visit to the University of Lagos, a parent of a new student had to force back the breasts of a female student into her bra when she saw the way they were dangling out of her low-neck blouse like water-melons. “ It was incredible. You needed to have seen those breasts. And on top of that, her skirt was very short. Which lecturer would see her and look away? She was practically begging for it. You cannot blame the men all the time because my husband has experienced that in his office. An 18-year-old intern asked him to rent a house for her and he demanded to know why. She told him she was living with her parents and they were disturbing her. I personally walked her out of his office because after he told me the story, I visited him one day and found her seated there.” However, many parents are of the opinion that seductive dressing should not be a yardstick for sexual

harassment. In a workshop held in Lagos sometime ago on elimination of violence against women in higher institutions organised by the Legal Research and Resource Development Centre in conjunction with the Students Affairs Division of the YABATECH, some of the participants disagreed with this position. One of them, an associate professor of law from UNILAG, Mrs Ayo Atsenuwa, reportedly said that the fact that some females dressed seductively in the name of fashion was not enough for any reasonable man to harass them. "If we argue like this, we can as well justify armed robbery. What we are saying is that an armed robber who does not have a car is justified to steal one from those who have. If our fathers did not rape our mothers who were always dressing almost nude in ancient time, then we have no reason to justify rape or sexual harassment," she said. In her presentation at that seminar, the Executive Director, Project Alert on Violence Against Women, Mrs Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, said that there was no reason for anybody to engage in sexual harassment. Josephine Effah, through Project Alert has been dedicated to creating awareness about the dangers of sexual abuse and rehabilitation of sexual abuse victims. She is known to stand against battery, sexual abuse, trafficking of young girls for forced labour and other issues and also operates a shelter for battered and sexuallyabused women. Effah-Chukwuma posited that domestic violence including battery, threat to life and sexual harassment are the commonest forms of violence against women and young girls so far received. “Sexual violence against children, especially little girls, is becoming prevalent. Hardly can a day go without one newspaper reporting a case of defilement and incest against a young girl; sometimes as little as two years of age,’’ she said. She opined that although poverty and socio-economic challenges can be considered to be part of the causes of these abuses, they are avoidable reasons. “It is more about men and boys feeling they have power and control over women and young girls, physically and sexually assaulting them,’’ she observed. For women, sexual harassment is still an issue they face in the workforce. Even female employees at high-profile companies have reported harassment from their coworkers. Women in offices are often harassed, belittled, ignored, objectified and challenged. Emilia, a secretary resigned her job because her husband suspected she was having an affair. “ Indeed my boss sexually harassed me everyday for years. I was ashamed and embarrassed to do anything about it. I felt pathetic and weak. I hated his power and control over me but I pretended it was not so. I needed the job and besides, it was my word against his. I was happy when my husband insisted I resigned.”

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014—15

16—SATURDAY Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 HEN Muhammadu Buhari came into the saddle as Nigeria’s military ruler he astounded quite a number of people by one of his early statements: “I am going to tamper with the press,” he announced. It was even less amusing when he matched his words with action by slapping no less than three elements of the press from different media houses into prison. Journalists had been incarcerated in our country before then, but never in such an open manner in defiance of justice. He made the profession of journalism look like a crime. That, unfortunately, has been happening in some parts of the world, and is still happening today.

Politicians, or military rulers like Buhari, are always “tampering with the press” usually through those who are its committed professionals. The stripe of professionalism depicts them as one in purpose, which is the pursuit of what is news. Now, news is said to be the “report” of an event — not the event itself. To all that, usually is added the garnish of truthfulness, objectivity, and other laudable ideals, as a matter of course. But in the core of the reporter’s heart is the objective of being the first to give it out. That is why wags get away with the profanity that “news is something that someone somewhere doesn’t want known”. And when that someone somewhere is somewhat powerful, the reporter has got his neck on the line.

o it has been from the day the printing machine gave the power to mass communication through Martin Luther’s Ninetyfive Theses. And so it is till this day, when the Islam State Group of the Middle East are putting American journalists, captured while covering the war in Syria, to death by decapitation. Their only crime was being there to perform their duty, to do their job. For that, they paid the ultimate price. It is much less for the three members of the Al Jazeera, the well-known independent television station which started out from Qatar. They are now in an Egyptian prison accused of collaborating with the Muslim Brotherhood which is now a proscribed party, having been ousted from government by the incumbent regime. Peter Creste and Mohammed Fahmy each got seven years jail sentence, while Baher Mohammed received ten years because he was found with a spent cartridge which he declared he picked up at the scene of a demonstration. They have appealed against their

*the media is your friend sentences. Years ago, the international community would have been aghast at their fate, but journalists are now fair game in the hands of power. All the same, the fate of these journalists has excited a surge of sympathy— in some cases mixed with disgust—in various circles. Ban Ki-Moon of the United Nations has also appealed to the Egyptian authorities, all to no

stand up and be counted in the cause of press freedom.

The World Cup in Brazil was about one month away when a commentator declared that by the time the soccer fiesta was over, the issue of the girls abducted from Chibok would have been forgotten. Many people supported that view

capacity for taking the lives of its victims swiftly and silently, striking back ferociously at those who are out to see its end. It is said to have no cure, though its grip on the lives of some fortunate people who contacted it was lost through a series of therapy that might be described as blind. Though the drug seems to have been effective, it has not been endowed with any profound trust whilst the horrible disease continues to snap out the existence of hapless human beings, depriving young men of their brides and destroying close comradeship and its joys. Ebola has become the harbinger of sudden death in the land.

ut it still could not suppress the heartfelt grief and ensuing anxiety of the Boko Haram menace. The darkness that these marauders have spread around the North-eastern parts of this country continues to baffle us. Their blood-thirstiness befuddles the mind. They seem to be from another planet, another age. They attack defenseless areas and murder our citizens with a viciousness that leaves us gasping. They hold out a religious flag whose tenets they flout, and attempt to lay claim on territories to which they have neither right nor title. And they are ready to stare us down through the ugly visage of war. Without any given reason.

•Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu,Minister of Health avail. The Egyptian President says he would not interfere with the decision of the Judiciary, though intervening may not be equated to interfering if properly presented. Civil organizations have rallied to support the Al-Jazeera Three. The spread is becoming worldwide and Nigeria should not be left out. We are a nation with a robust history of freedom of speech, and we are, after all, one-

What makes this horrible pastime so established is the nature of what the profession stands for. In simple terms, it stands for the dissemination of information through systems of communication. The widest gulf between human beings and animals is created by the human speech, by which men form a link of understanding among themselves. No other creature has that gift. Anyone who possesses the ability to use the human word, spoken or written, and that effectively, has the instrument to transmit his opinions and desires to other minds and cause a reaction in favour or against a given idea. An organ that has the power of transmitting such opinions and desires to thousands of minds at the same time can create immeasurable change in any situation. That is the media. The respect or resentment of that power finds expression in the welcome or suppression of those who labour in the mill-house of that industry.

but were perspicacious enough to add that it could indeed happen that way, especially if Nigeria was able to emerge into the group of the last eight—to say nothing about being in the last four! It was true that the wanton kidnap of the girls had excited the express sympathy of almost the whole world, ranging from the ordinary citizens of various countries to the high and mighty in different lands. And here at home, the cry

Politicians, or military rulers like Buhari, are always “tampering with the press” usually through those who are its committed professionals

fifth of the population of the continent. Our press enjoys a tradition of civilised activity, and we should not in anyway be abashed at aligning ourselves with the cause of Al-Jazeera at this time. We cannot forget the recent recognition accorded one of our journalists by the television station. That should give us a sense of kinship. This is a call to the media organisations of this country today —the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Guild of Editors, the Proprietors et al — to

of “Bring Black Our Girls” rode on the rooftops.

The World Cup is over. Nigeria’s success was modest. The issue of the missing Chibok girls is still very much with us. One event that might indeed have overshadowed the disappearance of the girls is the eruption of the dread Ebola disease which landed in the country with sustained drama, and continues to hold the populace in a grip of muzzled terror. It has shown a remorseless

Held in the twin vice of Ebola and Boko Haram, we float past our other shortcomings. It is trite to recount them. We all know them —power shortage, poor roads, poor health delivery, poor health delivery services — no need to name them indeed. However, it is significant that some of these inadequacies have been heightened by the ills of the twin evils of insecurity and infirmity that are holding us in thrall. It is not enough to spend precious breath ranting about the cause and reason for the awful mess that surrounds us any longer, to which some erudite experts strive to advert our minds. Rather, this is the season for serious thought leading to meaningful action. We have to engage our plight with the indomitable purpose of overcoming it soon. And we can do that expeditiously by fully involving the press—yes, the media.

he relevant authorities should see the wisdom of regarding institutions of the mass media as their partners, comrades to be carried along in the discharge of projects and the formulation of plans. A collision course is sometime the result even in the absence of a conflict of purpose. This leads to reports that are accounted to be inaccurate and then ascribed to mischief where none was intended. The press is out to serve the people and therefore put their interest first, over and above the cosmetic presentation of obvious errors and misdeeds. We are dealing here with calamitous circumstances that affect the entire congregation of the people of this nation. This is not politics where the luxury — or indulgence — of partisanship may be accommodated. For instance, journalists were virtually “enlisted” during the civil war. Several became front-line reporters and correspondents were outfitted in military uniforms, bearing the woes and sharing the triumphs of engagement. In the face of these disasters we are one.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014—17

ne man who has shot into political prominence•—and stayed aloft•—is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the man variously and fondly called BAT, Asiwaju, Emeritus, Jagaban or Leader. Some simply but aptly call him Eko because of his almost complete hold on Lagos, the nation•fs richest and most influential State. Many books and articles will be written to explain this man•fs rise to relevance in the political terrain of our country. Many of the words that will be used will likely include courage, doggedness, ruthlessness, a good understanding of the uses and abuses of power, a good understanding of the strengths minding her business and that and weaknesses of human of her small family until a beings great and small, a certain Patrick Sawyer tactical and strategic mind, a happened to pass by. Very few things have hit me political sixth sense and most importantly, luck—which can as hard as the death of that be read as the ability to seize woman; someone I didn•ft even know. I kept hoping she the moment. My curiosity this morning would survive given what she concerning this man who has did for you and I and what she seized many important did to extend the life of a moments— from the NADECO dying nation. As it turned out, days when he made himself a many of my friends in the rallying point, to the AD days medical profession knew her when he exploited the fault well in her formative years. lines to emerge as a formidable power broker, to the Obasanjo days when he virtually became a lone voice against PDP domination, to the merger of three main opposition parties in Nigeria which gave Jonathan and PDP a lot of sleepless nights—is about the Many testified to her beauty legacy he is leaving behind. as a young lady; beauty that Don't get me wrong; I do not is still discernible even in her wish him dead. By his own middle age photographs. But accounts, he is still under 65 what was exhibited at that years which means there is moment of critical decision still a lot of fight in him. was the beauty of the soul; a Besides, whatever the passion and compassion that trajectory of his life at the went beyond the call of duty. moment can be altered by one Someone said she was only momentous action. Like it did doing her job. Wasn•ft Dr in the life if Dr Stella Sam Emenuo, another doctor Adadevoh who was an whose decision at a critical accomplished professional moment has brought death to

Tinubi’s legacy his family and community also doing his job? Her death, and the manner of it, has not only saved lives, it has given life and hope to a nation in search of new ethos, and young despairing people in search of new heroes. *She has shown that despite the greed of our political and professional elite, all is not lost in Nigeria; that Nigeria is still worth dying for. As she is mourned by her family and friends, one

The allegations against Tinubu are not so weightless and could, if care is not taken, affect his legacy

positive stands out from this needless death; it doesn•ft matter how long but how well. She could have lived for another 50 years in a quiet, nondescript existence. Now, she is emblazoned in the hearts of grateful nation. It does not matter whether the nation honours her, whether her profession honours her, she will always be honoured by the rank and file whose lives she saved. She will also

C M Y K

be forever remembered alongside her illustrious grandfather. Hers is an enduring legacy. That said, Tinubu is also a man who is being mentioned alongside some of our successful political fore-fathers especially Chief Obafemi Awolowo on account of his hold on the politics of the Yoruba nation. I was lucky to have met the two of them and came away with favourable first time impressions. I can also see some similarities. Both are loved— and hated with a passion. Both have deep political insights and have gone to great lengths to defend the Yoruba nation. Both have also shown fearlessness and courage when necessary. Both have strong loyalists but have suffered serious betrayals. But there are glaring differences as well. One was a political purist while one is, well, a pragmatist. One guarded his political legacy carefully and kept his children well away from political largess while the other has been rather careless on that front. But it is in the area of personal integrity that the difference has been more glaring. The Chicago episode was an unnecessary one that showed a deep character flaw.

e bring to you today the anointed word of the only true living God. This word, if it gets into you (your spirit man), will impregnate you to bear forth consistent miracle. God bless you as you read and meditate on today’s message. Did I hear you say pastor my situation is so bad that I cannot see any solution? What if I say to you that there is no impossibility with God? The bible says that with God nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37). In the book of Mark 10:27, Jesus said with men it is impossible but not with God: This is why I say that you don’t have to give up. It may seem too late as if there is no way out anymore, but again I say there is no impossibility with God. Jesus will make it good to you if you can turn to Him for help. Don’t you ever doubt the power of God’s word, even when it does appear God has delayed in coming, keep holding on to your faith and have your eyes, mind and spirit on the promise God has made to you. It shall come to pass. Don’t be discouraged when you see your colleague move at a faster pace than you. God knows how to supernaturally and strategically move you ahead of them. He did it for prophet Elijah in 1 st kings 18:46. God’s supernatural hand rested upon Prophet Elijah and he outran Ahab’s chariot on bare feet. I see the supernatural hand of God resting upon you for greater exploits in Jesus name. In Mark 5:22-24, 35-36, 4142, the bible says “and behold there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name: and when he saw him,

The impossible place (4) he fell at his feet, and he sought him greatly, saying my little daughter lieth at a point of death. I pray thee come and lay thy hands on her that she may be healed, and she shall live. And Jesus went with him… while He yet spoke, there came from the ruler of the synagogue, be not afraid, only believe…. And when he was come, He said unto them, why make ye this ado, and weep? The damsel is not dead but sleepeth… and He took the damsel by the hand and said to her, tal-I-thacunii; which is been interpreted, damsel, I say unto thee, arise and straightway the damsel rose and walked; for she of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with great astonishment”. Here was a man whose only daughter/child was sick and at the point of death. This man did

not even believe in Jesus Christ, but a time came when he got into an impossible situation in life in which no man, no doctor, no native doctor or satanic power (which is the source of the problem in the first place) could help him. I am certain that Jesus was not his first option. You know, Jairus was a man of society, he had social status; he was a ruler in the synagogue and such people always believe that nothing bad can happen to them. You that are reading this message; maybe you are wealthy, maybe a political office holder, a government top official who may be thinking that if anything happens you have the wealth and connection to make things happen. Well, this is not always the case. Jairus had all of those, but a time came when they could not help him.

Unnecessary because the law of the land didn•ft raise the bar for elective positions that high. Alhaji Lateef Jakande didn't parade a string of degrees, yet he is one of the most politically and professionally accomplished leaders in Nigeria. Also, nobody could seriously accuse Pa Awo of corrupt enrichment. Yes, there were a few aspersions like papa's land (Maroko) and huge retainerships from big multinationals. But they were straws in the wind; completely weightless. The allegations against Tinubu are not so weightless and could, if care is not taken, affect his legacy. The social media is currently awash with a list of prime properties that are said to be owned by him. The titles are so massive and the method of acquisition so steeped in corruption that only a compulsive land grabber with no thought to his name and reputation will attempt such a thing. I hope the allegations are not true because nobody can lead the Yoruba nation talk less of matching Awo's legacy with such a deficit in probity. Also the allegations of Chief Tom Ikimi on his wealth and deals should not be wished away. He must look beyond the messenger. Would Tinubu wish to be remembered as a man who used politics to enrich himself or as a man who used politics to empower his people? The choice is his. Dr Stella Adadevoh has earned the right to be in the same room with her illustrious grandfather or indeed any great Nigerian leader and it was not down to money.

Pe r h a p s , right now in your life, you have an impossible situation which no one else is aware of and you a r e confused on what to do. Hear me; you can do something about it through God. When Jairus came to Christ, he accepted to go with Jairus to his house but met some delays on the way. During this period, news came that jarius daughter had died but the news did not deter Jesus rather He told jarius not to be afraid but to only believe. He followed Jairus to his house and raised his daughter from the dead. This same Jesus came replicate this kind of miracle now in your life. Listen to me, God is a miracle worker for those who have found themselves in an impossible place. Ask Him to work out a miracle for you and He will do it. He is O L A D U using your I I case to M R A expose and M A K U destroy the

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.

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works of the devil. Remember, there is no impossibility with God. No matter your condition, God has the power to touch you, give you life, raise up your business again, pay off loans supernaturally, trust in Him, He will never fail you. Jesus is the answer. God bless you, our great nation Nigeria and President Goodluck Jonathan. We are trusting God to make a way for us to go on radio and television with the same message of His reality and we count on your financial support in bringing this vision and mission to pass.

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It may seem too late as if there is no way out anymore, but again I say there is no impossibility with God

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18 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

How I handle randy directors, male admirers — Ebinabo Potts-Johnson By DAMILOLA SHOLOLA

pcoming actress, Ebinabo Potts-Johnson is just b e g i n n i n g to stamp her feet on the movie terrain, but she is no stranger to the limelight as she was first runner-up at the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2007 Pageant. She also represented Nigeria at Miss Universe 2007 competition in Mexico. The Bayelsa State-born beauty, endowed with bountiful gifts of nature, says she is ready to take on the makebelieve world. Hear her out: When did you get into Nollywood? I started in August last year, so it’s about a year now and so far, I think I’ve done about 10 movies, if not more. What are the most popular ones? That should be the Afriwood production movie that I did. I’ve done about three with them and so far, people have called me from different places, saying they’ve seen me on Mnet. The Target is the first movie I did with them. I did Anita, and I also did Maid of Honor . But it is Anita and Maid of Honor people having been calling me about, because I played vital roles in them. I was also in Lekki Wives season 2. I heard Range Rover Babes and Sacrifice of Marriage are out, but I haven’t seen them yet How did you feel being the first rnner-up at the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (2007) pageant? It was a nice feeling .Though I came up first runner-up, that’s MBGN Universe, but it was something that made me work harder. As a model, have you done any commercials? After the whole pageant thing, I ac-

I have found out that even those directors that demand sex before offering me roles, end up giving me the scripts without getting any sex from me

tually stopped and went back to school to get my degree. I just got back last year, so I haven’t really done any commercial for now, but I’m working towards doing one very soon. I wouldn’t want to say anything about it yet Did you do any other pageants apart from MBGN ? I actually started with Miss UST, that’s my school. I attended Rivers State University of Science and Technology. I won Miss UST in 2006 and I also went for Miss Bayelsa and won Miss Bayelsa 2006 and then I went for MBGN How do you maintain your shape as a model? I believe this shape thing depends on our systems and our systems are different. I might eat a lot and still be slim but it might show off later in the future. So far, I’ve added a little weight compared to 2007. I actually prefer the look I have now. But to maintain this look, I try not to eat junk food even though I like it and I try not to eat after 7p.m. Your boobs, do you do exercises for them? (Laughs) They’re natural, they’ve always been there.

ou’re a very beautiful girl, how do you handle your male admirers? I am a very playful person and wherever I go, I end up making so many friends, male and female. Most times, those male friends turn out to be those who want more than friendship. I don’t like beating about the bush. What I do is to tell them that all I want is friendship, not anything too intimate. That way I make friends instead of enemies. I try to be straightforward most times in order not to ruin the friendly relationship that’s already been established What do you find attractive in a man? The first thing that attracts me to a man is the personality. He should be handsome on the inside. I believe I am a nice person, and I am attracted to nice people.

•Ebinabo Potts-Johnson

Why did you decide to go into acting? After the whole modeling thing, I went back to school to focus on my education and after that, I thought about going back into modeling but figured out that I have more of acting skills in me. So I decided to give it a

you are going to go naked or something. It is just make-believe.

try by going in for a three-month training in LAPA (Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts) owned by Joke Silva. There and then, I just knew that it’s acting that is the first thing for me before modeling Can you do a sex scene in a movie? The series I just did with Chioma Okoye should be coming out very soon and I had a sex scene in it. It’s my profession. As an actress, you should have your limits, but you should be able to interpret any role well. If sex is in a role and you feel you can do it, why not? If you are going to have sex in a movie, it is not like

Can you go naked or semi nude in a movie? I once rejected a sub-lead role offer to be a stripper, because the producer wanted me to wear a swimsuit and dance on a pole in a club. I can wear a swimsuit in a movie if we are by the poolside or the scene has to do with swimming but anything outside, I don’t think I can do that. If I have to be a stripper in a movie, I don’t have to wear bikini. I can wear shorts and a small crop top or something close. Has anyone ever demanded sex of you before giving you a role? I’ve had that so many times. I’m not going to call names but I have. But I have found out that even those directors that demand sex before offering me roles, end up giving me the scripts without getting any sex from me. But then I find myself even rejecting those scripts most times. What is your view on sex offcamera? Sex is a gift from God. Though sometimes, we find ourselves doing things we’re not supposed to do, but I think it’s something good. It was created by God for reproduction. I feel sex is a good thing and should be done in the right way.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 —19

JULIET EBIRIM 08137897935

I totally subscribe to it — Tolu, Singer A

Would you operate a joint account with your spouse?

aturally, when a couple gets married, the need to merge their money, including paychecks or other recurring income, tax refunds and, of course, cash gifts from the wedding, into one bank account becomes necessary. This often serves as a symbolic gesture, showing the union of two people into one unit. Having a joint bank account can also be a smart financial move that simplifies a couple’s new life together. But on the contrary, most 21st century couples prefer to have separate bank accounts. To them, this is to avoid reckless spending on the part of the partners, and also, to enable a partner handle his or her individual responsibilities. However, as a young couple, would you welcome the idea of operating a joint bank account with your spouse?

good relationship b e t w e e n husband and wife is built on trust and love. If these two factors are in place, then having a joint account besides our individual accounts is something I would definitely subscribe to. The money we put in there would be for our joint projects.

I can’t, for peace to reign — Empress Njamah, Actress

can’t do a joint account with my husband. For peace to reign and to prevent unnecessary problems, we’ll operate our individual accounts. I wouldn’t want money to come between us.

Only for the children’s sake —Cossy Orjiakor, Actress

will maintain my individual account while he will maintain his own too. When the kids get involved, we will open a joint account that

is not business related in any way. It will be just for the smooth running of the home and the children’s upkeeep.

Yes, to make our love stronger — Sheyifunmi aka Shy, Model

will open a joint account with my spouse in order to make our love stronger. But that’s not going to be the only account I will have. I will own other personal

accounts. I believe that having a joint account will bring about unity and help us feel closer.

Definitely, I will — Lawrence Onuzulike, Actor I

will definitely have a joint account with my wife. In fact, It’s one of the things I’ll take care of since I’m newly married. Right now, I even give her my ATM to do the withdrawal. She knows my password and account balance. In fact, she knows everything. I want to work hard to have a very honest marriage, since God gave me an understanding wife.

It’s safer to have separate accounts — Nonye Ike, Actress

wouldn’t want to. It’s safer to have separate accounts. But I would let my husband know what goes into and comes out of my account. I really don’t believe in having a joint account because anything could go wrong.

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I won’t, men spend more — Princess Chineke, Actress

won’t. Men go to the extremes when it comes to spending. Women save more because of the kids. They are more cautious when it comes to spending. A woman plans for the future, but most men believe in the now.

20 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

email: daise4000@yahoo.com

08061644307

WITH FLORENCE AMAGIYA

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- Money is no doubt a billionaire as he has made a lot of money in real estate and in the oil and gas sector. Emeka Okonkwo, as he is known, is arguably one of the wealthiest young men in Nigeria and his record label investment is also one of the richest today. The young dude is also the big boss at Emmy Cargoes Nig. Limited; he is one of the major investor and player in the Nigerian Shipping world. He is a true business man as he has investments in so many businesses in town. He is behind the expensive videos of the Limpopo crooner, Kcee, who is his direct younger brother.

opular 5-star Record label boss, Emeka Okonkwo, is a billionaire, whose business streches from real estate to the music industry. His record label alone is worth over N500m. Recently, he completed one of his many houses in a choice area in Lagos, and he is said to have spent millions of naira to complete the house and the furnished it. The property is a triplex building worth over N250M that he named a 5-star mansion. He is not a very loud person, but a loud spender. Emoney, as he is fondly called, is involved in different business circles as he has lots of

investments. In this edition, we present to you the man and the wheel behind 5- star Record label and younger brother of Kcee. Enjoy!

He has investments in the oil and gas sector, the shipping and businesses outside the entertainment world

E-Moneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story would never be complete without including the story of his elder brother, Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo, a.k.a Kcee, as they both grew up in Ajegunle, Lagos state and virtually attended the same schools from childhood. Their father was a DJ who also sells CDs. It is no wonder that the duo ended falling in love with the music business as one owns a record label while the other is a musician. This rich dude's grass to grace tale actually kicked off when he tried his hands on so many things as a youth would do before finally registering a small clearing and forwarding company known as Borisa Nig. Ltd at Apapa in 1997. The company was

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 21

E- Money:

The magnificent life style of 5-Star Record Label owner!

located at 22 Creek Road, Apapa. He later invested in other businesses as he grew his clearing and forwarding business. Emeka persevered at what he was doing until he finally got his break. Although he is not as popular as the Don of this world, he has made a lot of money and has produced fantastic quality music videos via his record label. He has also impacted in young lives with his various businesses and investment project. Charity E-Money is a charitable person and a giver as he helps those in need and foundations for children who would wish to attend school or learn a trade. True to his tribe, he has employed a lot of boys to work for him at his many establishments. He has also given a lot of younger guys the platform to learn a trade and become men of their own. Investments He has investments in the oil and gas sector, the shipping and businesses outside the entertainment world. Through his record label, the likes of Kcee, Harrysong and some others have had to do expensive videos and live

protected life style. Properties E-money is also an international business man, so it is of no question that he has expensive, outof-this-world houses abroad. Recently, he unveiled his multi- million naira five star mansion in a choice area in Lagos despite the fact that he has other choice properties both in Lagos, Abuja and other part of Nigeria. The house warming ceremony of his latest house in Lagos was a great time of wining and dinning with members of his Record label. According to the news, the house is like a five-star hotel and the treatment served was indeed a five-star treatment.

Cars You can have a field day glancing at trucks of different expensive ranges, colours and sizes as he is a freak of expensive cars and trucks like the GWagons, the Range Rovers Sports, the BMW of this world, the jaguars, the Prado jeeps and many more that are packed in his garage and some are even packed in front to his house. Perfumes/ clothes and style E-money is most times dressed in simple but expensive casual wears as his clothes are custom- made for him. He shops with the very rich and famous of this world as a true rich man that he has come to be.

22 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 KEHINDE AJOSE 08024212530

My only phobia is poverty

I am endowed and proud of it —Vilara

— Kcee

aunting and beautiful Seun Omolara known in the music industry as Vilara has hit back at people who have taken her recent photo shoot to the cleaners, saying she has done the photo session to relaunch herself back into the heart of the music scene. Speaking with Showtime, the Mofe Ba Elo crooner, who says the video for her hit single will be dropping soon, stated that her passion for music is what drives her, hence her comeback despite challenges she has faced. “Yes the motive behind the pictures is to reestablish myself as an artiste and also that I am still on the scene .I just took a break, but now I’m back. Most importantly, to get the word out that ‘Mofe ba e lo’ video is dropping. The pictures didn’t quite go down well with some people. It’s all publicity. There is good and bad publicity in showbiz, so you cannot expect everybody to love the way you do things.The pictures are just promo shots pending the time my video will be ready” she said. Talking about how endowed she is, the busty singer said she thanks those who see her as endowed. “God made me the way I am and I am proud of it but I don’t know my selling point. Let’s wait and see”

Don Jazzy cries out, “I am not a thief”

•Vilara

t isn’t out of place to say the Limpopo crooner, Kcee is working round the clock to make sure his success doesn’t just pan out. The guy who dumped his music partner, Presh to go solo has however hinted on what drives him as a musician. “My greatest fear as a person is poverty. I don’t ever want to be poor. In short, I will never be poor by the grace of God .Poverty is the only thing I have a phobia for ”, he declared in a recent interview. Kcee is presently promoting his spanking video Ogadinma

t is no news that Don Jazzy the ‘Dorobucci crooner acts like the dude next door on Twitter. He is famous for the relational and humorous ways he connects with his fans on the social media. But what he did few days back was to vent his anger over reports by bloggers saying that he recently bought a N150 million car. ”The way we dey write news sometimes sef I wonder. Just read that I bought a car of 150m and that my Bentley is 65m .I be thief? He continues:”Upcoming artistes and producers get misled when they see stuffs like that” he wrote

•Kcee

Roxy Oni wins episode 7 of Star The Winner Is C

•Don Jazzy •Uti Nwachukwu and Episode 7 contestants C M Y K

ontestants, Kelvin James, Blessing James, Damilare An ifowoshe, Roxy Oni, Ifu Ennada and Dehinde Okubajo with a fascinating mixture of musical genres, wowed the audience at the episode 7 of the Star The Winner Is. After all, self-belief and confidence of all six contestants were put to test, Roxy Oni, emerged victorious amongst all putting her a few steps closer to wining 10million Naira and a brand new car. 23year old Oni Roxy proved how much she deserved to wear the winning crown of the night after she beat Fuji contestant, Damilare Anifowoshe to get fast tracked to the final round of the episode with a whooping score of 95-6 votes from the 101- jury members.With a mesmerizing performance of ‘I will survive’ by Gloria Gaynor, Roxy Oni stole the show beating her opponent in the final round Dehinde Okubajo who proved to be a strong contender and who also went home empty handed. Winning the episode makes Roxy Oni the 7th contestant to qualify for the semifinal round, joining Philip, Brenda, Happiness, Naomi, Rhema and Jahtell.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 — 23

By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

The concept behind my Elele video — Emma Nyra

riple MG First Lady, Emma Nyra recently released the visuals of her hit single ‘Elele’, featuring Davido. Shot at Inagbe Beach Resort in Lagos, the video was directed by Sesan Ogunro and styled by Chyna Bee . In an exclusive chat with Showtime, Emma Nyra reveals the concept behind the colorful video. In her words:”The concept was inspired by Nigeria. I wanted to show the beauty of Naija. That’s why I shot at Inagbe Beach Resort,to show how beautiful Naija is”. She continues:”It took a full day to shoot and of course, by the end of the day I was exhausted but Davido was so supportive the entire time! The costumes were all styled by my stylist, Chyna Bee Styling. I want the viewers to understand this ever growing music industry. We are a young, fresh and vibrant generation, but our music is still traditional .Besides, female artistes are just as important and relevant as the males”.

I’m scared of divorce —Banky W By ANOZIE EGOLE

•Emma Nyra

•Banky W

Spirit of Lagos throws challenge for Lagos theme song

s part of efforts aimed at changing the mindset of Lagos State residents towards their environment, public infrastructure and their fellow men amongst others, Spirit of Lagos (SOL), a non-political, nonreligious organization, has invited Lagos residents to participate in a song competition to select a theme song that will resonate with Lagosians and promote the ideals of Lagos State. The competition, which is expected to drive engagement and adoption of SOL’s messages among Lagosians, is open to residents of Lagos, irrespective of their states of origin, ethnicity, religion, class, gender etc. The competition will run from September 1 to 26, 2014. Niyi Omotoso, Project Director of the organization, at a press conference held in Lagos on Friday, August 29, 2014, said that “the theme song competition was conceived to engage Lagosians and create an opportunity for musical talents to thrive as well as generate thought and conversation around the values of Spirit of Lagos.”According to him, “The best theme song must, amongst other things, be new and never been played in any of the media platforms or performed anywhere prior to the competition”. C M Y K

hat seems to be the trend with most celebrity marriages is the issue of break up and the EME boss, Banky W, is very scared of that as he has revealed that divorce is one of the major reasons why he is still single. When asked why he has not yet decided to put a woman under his roof as wife, the singer explained that presently, he is not into any relationship or ready to settle down with a woman for a reason. “It is tough to combining music and relationship together. Though I hope to get married someday, I would not want to quit the union as some of my colleagues in the entertainment industry are doing,”he said. Sometime ago, there were speculations that the singer was dating his artiste, Niyola. Banky W recently denied having an affair with Genevieve Nnaji, who has also been linked in the past with D’Banj.

•Niyola

I’m a grown lady ——Niyola

By ANOZIE EGOLE

ME first lady, Niyola, has declared to whoever cares to listen that she is a full grown lady who can do what ever she wants without owing anyone explanations. The sexy artiste wrote that she is too attractive and sexy for anyone to reject. Saying that God made Eve for Adam. She wrote, “I am a grown woman. I can do whatever I want! Who says you can’t be sexy, classy and smart at the same time? Sexy don’t gotta be distasteful. God made Eve just for Adam! #i am woman #feminine female #i know what I want #i can do whatever I want #take it or take it #no time to check time #made for a king.”. The singer recently released a single, ‘Love To Love You, which was directed by Kemi Adetiba and shot in the US. The single is still ruling the airwaves.

Magrellos set to partner with Nigerian Celebrities

t has been three weeks, since innovative fast food chain of outlets Magrellos, launched a mega outlet in Festac, Lagos, Nigeria. Commendations and appraisals came rolling in from customers and food lovers who patronized the outlet, creating attention on social media as they praised the fast food brand. It was all fun at the launch as guests who trooped in were treated to a swell time. According to the Magrellos Managing Director, Mrs Magaret Ohwofa, “ We are determined to create a new dining experience for the discerning Nigerian food customer. We want Nigerians to think of us as the epitome of delicious food, served in a great atmosphere, and priced just right to never put you out of pocket.” In the wake of things, Magrellos has announced an imminent campaign to align its brand with stars and celebrities from the Nigerian entertainment scene.

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

08111813022

Obi Emelon Emelonyye speaks on his marriage:

‘I donated my kidney to my brother, I can give my heart to my wife’ L

ove, they say, is blind, and lovers cannot see. This saying rightly fits into the kind of love that is currently existing between the awardwinning Nollywood producer, Obi Emelonye and his wife, Amaka. The couple has been married for eleven years now, yet they are still feeling as if they got married only yestreday. Emelonye, in a recent encounter with HVP, revealed that apart from his maker, his wife is the greatest gift he has in life. “I will do anything for her. I have donated one of my kidneys to my younger brother. If she needs my heart, I will bring it out and give it to her. That’s the extent I can go for her in marriage,” Emelonye enthused. Narrating how he met his wife, the producer of the award-winning movies, Last Flight to Abuja and Mirror Boy, said he met his wife on the set of Fire Dancer, a film shot by Tchidi Chikere of which he was the director of photography in 2001. “She starred in the film alongside Genevieve Nnaji, Chidi Mokeme, Zack Orji, among others. One thing led to another, and after one year, she joined me in London. Since then, we have been living happily as husband and wife. Even though many people do not believe in love at first sight, Emelonye said his was a case of love at first sight. According to his narration, “ I was driving into the compound where we were shooting a film. When I sighted her, I told Chidi Chikere who was sitting next to me that “This is my wife.” He asked me if I had C M Y K

met her before now. I replied him on the contrary, insisting that she’s going to be my wife. I didn’t just feel her love in my spirit, I voiced it out. Chidi is a living witness to that instant feeling of love for her.” What attracted him to her, you may want to ask.“I don’t know, but naturally, she’s a very beautiful woman. That’s one of the attractions. But there was a connection in the spirit. Sometimes, some pastors say that they were given a ministry. So, when you see your ministry, you will recognise it. You don’t need a second invitation. The moment I saw her, I knew she was going to be my wife. I was certain about it and that was the best decision I have ever taken in my life,” he replies. On proposing to his wife, Emelonye said, “It wasn’t going to be a marriage proposal at that very beginning. At that time, communication was a big problem. She didn’t have her freedom because she was staying with her aunty. There were no mobile phones at that time.So, it was challenging to build a relationship from a distance. But with God on our side, we were able to surmount all those hurdles because in a way, it was meant to be.” After eleven years of being together, Emelonye describes his “marriage as one of blissful,” adding, “My wife is one of the most supportive human beings alive.” Also, “She’s my biggest fan, and we are blessed with three loving kids; two boys and one girl. At the moment, we live a very happy and contented life in London. But above all, we are surmounting every challenge in front of us, and getting better and growing stronger in the Lord.” Meanwhile, talking about what he doesn’t like about his

wife, the celebrated filmmaker said the only thing he doesn’t like about her is she is madly in love with him. “She loves me too much. It’s not always a good thing to love someone uncontrollably,” he said. On the contrary, he says his wife complains bitterely that he devotes most of his time to his work than his family. “I think she complains that I devote too much time to my work. But it’s a path I have chosen to follow in life, and something I was doing before she met me. Emelonye’s wife is not an actress. But according to him, she writes scripts occasionally.

Chidi Nwokeabia returns with A Chance tto o Dance F

ew years after he made a strong statement with his advocacy film, Champion of our Time, which won several awards, Nollywood actor and film maker, Chidi Nwokeabia, is returning to the trenches again, shooting another big-budget movie, A Chance To Dance. The new film, he said, is a dance story which has taken the respected filmmaker two years to put together. According to him, there was a time that music, acting, comedy, and football were vocations meant for people who were supposedly dunderheads. Nwokeabia observed that these vocations have become lucrative, such that parents now encourage their children to engage in them. “A Chance to Dance is a mega film project that will showcase the talents in those Nigerian youths whom society has branded ghetto hoodlums and criminals. Among the cast will be professional dancers and notable Nigerian hip-hop musicians whose lives and grass-tograce success stories will boost the confidence of that ‘hoodlum or criminal’ whose acts, we have chosen to celebrate instead of their talents. The film is set in Ajegunle, Shitta, Isale Eko, Mushin, Agege and other ghetto neighbourhoods in Lagos state,” he said. Coming few years after his last flick, Champions of Our Time, the respected moviemaker who said he had been busy with other works noted that A Chance to Dance is a production after his heart.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 — 25

08111813022

Why Dencia is seeking $1,000,000 to eliminate Ebola in Africa

IKE Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic who recently launched Ebola containment Trust Fund, Cameroonian pop musician/”Whitenicious” Entrepreneur Dencia has launched an appeal to raise $1,000,000 for the purchase of Z-Mapp - the experimental Ebola drug for Africans who are affected by the Ebola epidemic. Though the manufacturers of Z-Mapp have stated that the current stock of the drug is finished, Dencia is determined to raise the funds, perhaps to encourage the manufacturers to produce a new batch to help fight the virus. In a short the video, on Instagram, an emotional Dencia shares her childhood health struggles as well as her current fears that Ebola is “just a flight away”. She’s taking things further through her foundation, Dencia Foundation For Hope, by raising funds to get ZMapp to Africa.

Between

Uche Ogbodo and baby Chinagorom By ANOZIE EGOLE

igeria’s selfstyled “Lady Gaga”, Uche Obodo who recently gave birth to a bouncing baby girl, Chinagorom in the United States is back in the country to face the reality of raising a child as a single mother. Uche, before she travelled to the United States to have her baby, had split with her hubby, Ato Ubby, denying, however, that she never got married to him in the first place. Now, the controversial actress is back in the country to begin a new life as a single mother. Meanwhile, the actress has disclosed on her return to the country that there is no place like home after she had spent some months in Houston, United States. According to her, “No matter where I go! My #Naija sweet pass.Feeling thankful. Can’t ask for more than I got! #God is still God. Home Sweet home!!! •Dencia

•Uche Obodo

Maltina Dance All 8 hits TV screens A

FTER the successful conclusion of the exciting regional auditions of the number one family dance show in Nigeria, Maltina Dance All season eight (MDA8), tagged ‘Rhythm of Happiness,’ the show is set to hit television screens across the nation and beyond from Sunday, September 7, 2014. 13 out of the 28 family representatives that were selected during the regional audition were able to qualify their families for the show. The number would be further reduced to 10 families who will eventually be admitted into the MDA academy after the pre

s ’ a d in h C a s li Mona um m r e t f a s e k a daughter t ollywood daughter of N

ld own her tions, 6-year-o ROM all indica a Chinda, Tamarlily has sh mes of is e co actress, Monal her mother’s shoes when sh to in ep st readiness to with o serenading age. ured in a vide part pt A ca . as um w m ty r The little beau ic skills to the delight of he ngly started us rprisi phenomenal m r acting trait,Tamarlily has su , he e look of things g th in from show g and from r in he ng by si in ed rd ill co r sk displaying he itely surpass the success re e insunations ar fin re de he ld .T ou ry w st she r indu entertainment tress is bent on having he mother in the ac d ne io ex ompl that the fair-c ter her in the industry. af ke ta er ht daug

C M Y K

grand audition show. The MDA, which has over the past eight years attracted followers keen at following the fun, thrills, turns and twist of the showwill be getting the best from the families as it airs on AIT (7-8pm) daily, Silverbird TV (9-10 pm) and Ebony Live TV (7pm) weekdays and (8.30pm) weekends, while the grand finale would be live on AIT and Africa Magic channels on DSTV. Viewers who miss any edition can still catch all the action on YouTube, Facebook and the Maltina Website. Scaling through the tough challenge at the regional audition in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos are theUnaka, Odigie, Ezekiel, Maisamari, Williams, Utere, Dide, Uzodinma, Leornard, Nwaeze, Oladapo, Abunwa and Awokoya families.They all passed the necessary medical and other screening procedures andwere deemed fit to competeas they march toward the academy. The sum of N10million is at stake in this season’s competition. The first and second runners-up will take home N3million and N1million respectively.

26—Vanguard, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

anozieegole@yahoo.com

rganisers of the forthcoming ‘Warri Again: The Flagship’ show to mark this year’s Independence Day celebration, Brownhill Events Centre, during the week released the list of top Nigerian music stars who will be performing alongside their American counterparts, Ja Rule, and R&B singer, Ashanti at the one-stop event. They include, queen of songs, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Flavour, Oritsefemi, Yemi Alade, Patoranking, Olamide, Wizkid, Iyanya, Dr Sid, Harrysong, Ice Prince, Daddy Showkey and Seyi Shay. Others are top comedians including AY, Bovi, Buchi, I GoDye, Basketmouth, Okey Bakasi, Gordons, I Go Save, Funny Bone, Buchi, Baba Kome and Frank De Don. Whereas DJ Xclusive and

Flavour, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, others for Independence Day show in Warri

Explicit Dance Crew will be handling the entertainment stuff, the show will be anchored by ace-comedian Ali Baba and Omawumi, with a guest appearance by Don Jazzy. Furthermore, Denrele Edun and Eku Edewor

Jimmy Jatt opens up on why he wears cap constantly

BY IYABO AINA

op Nigerian DJ, Jimmy Amu, whose fans know as DJ Jimmy Jatt was overwhelmed,as friends and family gathered to celebrate him during the launch of his album The Industry, which was held recently at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. In a chat with Matinee, the veteran DJ disclosed the reason he constantly wears cap, saying, it is because he is a shy person. Jimmy Jatt who shared the stage with the likes of American singers, Usher Raymond, Shaggy, Eve, KC and Jojo, Naughty by Nature, Carog Wheeler, Magic System and David Hyden, Sean Paul, and a host of others, thrilled the audience with his presentation. C M Y K

08116759764

will host the red carpet. Speaking on the show, Managing Partner/CEO of Brownhill Events Centre, Mrs Julie Pinnick said, ‘Warri Again’ is a show aimed at rebranding Warri

he Afro-pop star and cofounder of Triple MG, Iyanya shutdown london yet again as he headlined the recently concluded 10th year anniversary celebration concert of Coko Bar held on Monday, August 25, 2014 in London. With his trademark waist wiggles melting the hearts of many fans, the star performer was “no holds barred” in dishing out to the ladies as the men cheered him on for representing. Iyanya dished out hit after hit as excited fans danced and sang along. Other performers at the concert included Chidinma, Ice Prince, Awilo Logomba, Emma Nyra and more.

and making it a destination for entertainment. We can use entertainment to drive social and commerical activities in Warri. Before we started the show, people used to look at Warri from a negative perspective. I am happy that people are beginning to acquaint themselves with what Warri really stands for; peace, hospitality and warmth. The forthcoming show, I can tell you will be the biggest show ever to be organised in Africa. The vision is to keep using entertainment to drive the economy of Warri, she added. The maiden show was held in October, last year.

Day Iyanya shutdown London

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 — 27

BY IYABO AINA 08184172548

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s wife in secret love affair

•Arnold Schwarzenegger

nformation going viral has it that wife of former California gov ernor, Maria Shriver’s secret affair has finally been exposed. It was reported that Maria was having an affair long before husband Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed his love child, according to a new bombshell report. Shriver was sleeping with Matthew Dowd, Arnold’s campaign strategist in 2006, five years before her actor-turnedpolitician hubby’s philandering was exposed. Dowd and Shriver reportedly did not make much of an effort to hide their illegal romance, and often flirted in front of her husband’s staffers while he ran for re-election in California’s 2006 gubernatorial campaign. “There was a lot of flirtation,” a former campaign staffer told the Post. “They frequently spent time alone, and Arnold was rarely, if ever, around when they were together. “She had a unique tease with Dowd and lit- up when he was around. He was comfortable poking fun at her, and she would slap him teasingly.” Schwarzenegger, 67, soon caught onto Dowd bedding his wife and muscled him off the campaign but he and Shriver, 58, often argued about the affair. “They were having blowouts in public over Matthew. Yell- ing and crying,” another source told the paper. “I was like, ‘How are we going to keep this from getting out?’” Dowd, 53, has denied the affair to the Post, but he and Shriver recently attended cousin Bobby Kennedy’s wedding. “Maria likes to make it appear that she’s the victim, but she’s not,” another anonymous source told the paper. “The idea that they started dating recently is ridiculous.’’ As Shriver is said to have traveled all over the country to see Dowd while her hubby was toiling away in the state capitol Sacramento source insisted.

Michael Jackson’s children celebrate his bir thday

•Michael Jackson

he late American pop star, Michael Jackson, would have turned 56 on Friday, 29th August 2014 but his kids Prince, 17, Paris, 16, and Blanket, 12, took a trip to the

city of Gary for an intimate family celebration in honor of the King of Pop. According to TMZ.com, the occasion marked the first time the sibling have been seen together for a while as Paris has spent the past year at therapeutic boarding school Diamond Ranch Academy in Utah. The aspiring actress became estranged from her family following her attempted suicide last June, but doctors wanted her to rekindle her bond with her grandmother Katherine Jackson, Prince and Blanket as they believed it would improve her mental health. The troubled star who has grown close to her biological mother Debbie Rowe, was given the all-clear from doctors in May and is reportedly adamant she won’t return to the $US14, 000-per-month private school in the Autumn.

•Maria Shriver

Joan Rivers dead at 81

•Joan Rivers

egendary comedienne Joan Rivers died in a Manhattan hospital Thursday , a week after she went into cardiac arrest during a routine throat

procedure. In a statement, her daughter Melissa said the 81-year-old passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. The legendary comedienne was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital a week ago after going into cardiac arrest during an outpatient procedure on her vocal chords at another clinic, which is now under investigation. She has been at the center of American entertainment since 1965 when she broke out on the Tonight Show. The mother of one, daughter Melissa, and doting grandmother to Melissa’s son Cooper, has most recently hosted Fashion Police on the E! network. ‘It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers,’ Melissa Rivers said in a statement released to the press Thursday. ‘She passed peacefully at 1:17pm surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mount Sinai Hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother. ‘Cooper and I have found ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received from around the world. They have been heard and appreciated.” ‘My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon.’ A funeral for Joan Rivers will be held Sunday at Temple Emanu-El.

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

STORY OF N

he expression, “there is ability in disability’ doesn’t ring any truer for any other person than Nigeria’s superstar comedian, Kelly Blind. Born Kelly Igberhi, the star humour merchant who hails from Sapele local government area of Delta State has made a name for himself in the blossoming comedy sector of the entertainment industry despite being blind. Though destiny has denied him the power of sight, Kelly has refused to be an object of pity by taking on life, turning his blindness into an asset to the envy of not only the sightless but the sightly as well. Hear his story:

T w

By IYABO AINA and JULIET EBIRIM How did your journey into the comedy business begin? started comedy profes sionally in 2009 with the AY Comedy Open Mic Challenge. Since winning the competition, it has been success all the way for me in the show business. Also, I’ve performed in all kinds of comedy shows in Nigeria, like the Nite of a Thousand Laughs , AY comedy Show, Stand up Nigeria, amongst others. But what really brought me to Lagos was my education because there is a school for the blind in Lagos where I studied music, typing, mobility, handcraft and many other things,. The school is called Nigeria Farm Craft Centre for the Blind. How has life been for you generally? Everything has been good, and life has been very interesting. Do you have any project you are working on at present? I have a lot of projects I’m currently working on. First of all, I just unveiled a foundation sometime this year called ‘’Inner Eye Foundation”. It’s strictly for people living with disability, especially those that have talents and wish to showcase them. This is because I believe that disability is a thing of the mind. So if the government is not ready to help, we should come out to help ourselves. That is the idea behind the foundation and it is owned by me. What else do you do besides comedy? I’m into music because I also learnt music then in the school. Right now, I’m planning on how to work on my gospel album. How exactly did you discover you have a talent for comedy? They say any child that was born and brought up in Warri is a comedian. The truth is that when I was in the school for the blind whenever I talked, most of my colleagues would tell me

–

Kelly Blind to go to either AY or Alibaba’s show and perform. There was a day I went to a friend’s house and there was a comedy show on TV and I thought that the comedians were not that funny and I believed I could do better. I told my friend to help me copy the numbers on the screen, because there was an advert placed by AY for those who were talented in comedy to come for auditioning. So when I called AY he gave me his address. Meanwhile,

he didn’t know that the person talking to him was blind. We talked normally. I went to his office alone and when I got there I met the receptionist. She asked me to sit down but I didn’t know where to sit and the receptionist never knew that I didn’t know where the seat was, so I simply used my guide stick to locate the seat and sat down When AY came out to look for the person that was waiting for him he had to go back because

he was expecting me to approach him. I was right in front of him and he was looking at me but I was looking in another direction because when I called him on phone, I didn’t tell him I was a blind person and I didn’t act like a blind person to the receptionist too . After standing there for a long time, AY went back to his office and after a short time I went back to the receptionist and asked if she had told AY that someone wanted to see him. The receptionist

was surprised and went back to inform AY that I was still waiting for him. AY told her that he was just coming from the reception and that he met one guy who acted as though he didn’t come to see anyone. When AY came back, the receptionist now called me and said this is AY. Immediately, I jumped up and started calling AY, looking in another direction while AY was right in front of me. He then tapped me and said. “What do you want me to do for you?”. I told him I wanted to partic-

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 — 29

NIGERIA’S ONLY TOP BLIND COMEDIAN

woman in my life. I like women that are accommodating, tolerant and Godfearing. I don’t like women who are not straightforward.

– Kelly Blind

What has your experience been like with women? There was this lady I was dating and one day I needed to go to bank to withdraw some money. Usually, whenever I want to withdraw money from the bank, I use my thumbprint. On that particular occasion, I wanted to withdraw N20,000. So I asked the lady to help me fill the withdrawal slip so I could thumb print and the amount I told her to write was N20,000, but she wrote N40, 000. When we got to the cashier who was very friendly with me, she said, “It seems you want to enjoy yourself this weekend “, to which I replied “Is it just N20,000 that I would use to enjoy this weekend. Then she said “No, it’s N40,000 that is written on the slip”. I was surprised, but in order not to make the lady feel bad, I had to lie to the cashier that I forgot that it’s actually N40,000 I asked her to write. When she collected the money from the cashier she gave me the N40,000 and left me angrily. That was how our relationship ended .

The kind of women I love •How my girlfriend ran away I’m into music because I also learnt music then in the school; right now, I’m planning on how to work on my gospel album ipate in the comedy auditioning. AY then said, “Na wa o! How will you know that people are laughing or angry when you are cracking your jokes?” Anyway, he saw beyond my disability and gave me a form of N3000 for free. He said, “I won’t ignore you or deprive you of this opportunity so that tomorrow you won’t say it’s AY who killed your career”. He also gave me transport fare when he learnt that I came alone. How did the audition go? On the day of the audition I met over 90 people. When people saw me, they were surprised that even a blind man came for the audition. The whole thing was funny and the rule was that you don’t crack someone else’s joke. The judges included Alibaba, Julius Agwu and others. At the end of the audition I emerged the first among 90 contestants and that was my most memorable experience. That day, I had the opportunity to meet the movers and shakers of the comedy industry and also got endorsed into the industry. Prior to that day, I had never presented myself as a comedian. It was indeed a memorable experience for me. What has been your experience in the industry since then? I’ve had a good experience. I will say the challenges so far are not really chal-

lenges because it has been so good. Some upcoming comedians will say they face a lot of challenges while coming up, but I never had any serious challenges. What was your growing up like? I actually lost my sight through measles, at the age of 11. I was in Junior Secondary School Two (J.S.S 2) then. When it started my parents had to take me to a hospital in Enugu where I did a test, yet there was no result. They later took me to churches for so many years and yet there was no result. At a point I started thinking that a time will come when everybody would be blind. Because I just couldn’t believe it was just me. Growing up was fun in the sense that the children around me didn’t sideline me. I wasn’t side-lined but carried along. My father never pitied me for once and he never looked down on me too. He trained me the way he trained my other siblings. I wasn’t restricted from any house chores, that has really helped me a lot as it has helped in building my future.

brought many good things to me. As a blind man, do you crave for women? Of course, because I’m also human like every other person. What qualities do you admire in wome n? I don’t like fat girls, I like them slim and tall. But right now, I don’t have any

What makes you unique as a comedian? What makes me unique is that I have my own kind of jokes, which no other comedian can do. You must be blind to do my kind of joke. So before you do my kind of joke, you have to attribute it to me. How do you enjoy yourself? I enjoy myself mostly with the people around me; those that make me feel important. How’s your relationship with your colleagues? My relationship with them is very cordial. Especially AY, my father, Alibaba the ancestor in comedy, Okey Bakassi among others. When we meet in shows, we relate very well.

Has blindness helped you in being creative? Yes, because when I found myself in this situation, what I did was to make myself productive. So I believe to an extent, my being blind has really helped me in being creative. Which of your senses helps you most, is it your sense of touch, smell or hearing? I identify people mostly by their voice. Would you say blindness has been a blessing to you or a curse? It has been a blessing to me. Even many comedians now wish to be blind like me. So today I don’t regret being blind, because it has really

How do you handle your female admirers? I just admire them and appreciate the fact that they enjoy what I’m doing.

Kelly Blind

Besides showbiz, what else are you into? I intend to become a broadcaster. My programme will soon commence, it’s called “Better Naija”. It’s for people living with disabilities because they are being treated as third class citizens of this country. I’m standing up to speak for them, because in this present government we’ve not really enjoyed anything and we are being denied things and sidelined because of our disabilities. How do you relax? I’m the kind of person that loves having fun and I go to clubs to relax myself. I can tell you the number of clubs in Lagos, because there is no bouncer in Lagos clubs who doesn’t know me, especially on the Island. I dance very well too. If you were looking at me with pity before, when you see me dancing at the club, you won’t pity me again. (Laughs).

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

N the wake of the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in Nigeria, numerous experts on the local and international scene have commented on the immediate and long-term implications of the outbreak in the country. One with a difference is Dr Francis Ekundayo Okhiria, a clinical laboratory scientist with specialisation in microbiology, and licensed health administrator and Long Term Care Administrator. Okhria who manages a health care consultant group called Victoria Universal Technologies Limited in Texas, USA shares from his extensive clinical and administrative experience in the health care industry, to speak on the reality of Ebola survivors in the country. Excerpts: Some survive, others don’t. Ebola is a deadly virus with a high mortality rate of about 90 percent of people who are infected. Timely detection or diagnosis of the disease is essential because early treatment may increase the chance of survival. Perhaps the reason why some survive and others don’t is because the average time between contracting the infection and the start of symptoms varies. It is usually eight to 10 days, but it can vary between 2 and 21 days. Early symptoms of EVD may mimic those of malaria, dengue fever or other tropical fevers which may mislead the healthcare providers and delay appropriate treatment. Furthermore, the disease challenges the immune system, depletes the blood clotting-cells, and damages the body organs. These subsequently results into disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and multiple organ failure which increases death rate. Hence, the survival rate of infected people who are already immunecompromised may be reduced. Risks posed If an infected person survives, recovery may be quick and complete. However, Ebola virus may be able to persist in the semen of some survivors for up to seven weeks, which could give rise to infections and disease via sexual intercourse. C M Y K

It is unwise to unveil Ebola survivors publicly

Public unveiling It is unwise for the Lagos State Government to unveil Ebola survivors publicly. Patients’ privacy and confidentiality should take precedence over the aim of the government to toot its

which it was produced, it may not be therapeutic post infection. The development of vaccines to prevent EVD is more desirable, however, none yet exists. Therapeutic treatment of people infected with EVD is supportive care which may include giving either oral hydration therapy or intravenous fluid to maintain the body’s electrolyte balance and skin turgor. And of course, the isolation of the patient from the public to prevent further spread of the disease.. Ebola spreading beyond Lagos The implication of the spread of the EVD beyond Lagos indicates that our assumption that the outbreak is localised is false and the government may lose the battle to contain it. This portends that new cases of the infection could be lurking around in some other states of the country. More so that it has become evident that some healthcare providers are not diligent in the triage of new onset cases, problems of under reporting, perhaps lack of surveillance in many states, compounded with the hidden cases of infected of infected persons who may choose to seek traditional healing. EVD outbreak may also pose a

Plugging the gaps A gaps analysis of the EVD strongly suggests lack of preparedness and non-sophistication of the healthcare system. Nigeria is still years away to catch up with modern technology and advances in the delivery of healthcare. Some of our healthcare providers are unethical, healthcare facilities are antiquated and the entire healthcare system is non-responsive to the well-being of the people. The healthcare system in Nigeria requires the infusion of funds, ultramodern technologies, staff development and culture change.

•Dr Okhiria the disease is not a hoax. It is obvious that our healthcare facilities were not readied for such outbreak and it may over burden the healthcare system in terms

We are not completely out of the woods with the EVD outbreak

horn when it is providing its citizens healthcare services which is their rightful entitlement. The government should quietly savour its successful outcome in controlling the outbreak, while it exacts more efforts to consolidate the gains and up surveillance for improved protection. We are not completely out of the woods with the EVD outbreak. EVD survivors who want to share their ordeal with the public may come forward on their own accord or give interested second party an informed consent to act on their behalf. Short term/long term effect The short term effect of EVD outbreak is the immediate realization that

of the availability of trained personnel, equipment and fiscal solvency. We are a society that is quick to forget and we are apt to let down our guard once we have a little reprieve from a situation. There may be a shortage of healthcare workers due to their hesitation to provide care to the EVD patients and the fear of getting infected may pose a long term effect of the EVD outbreak on the healthcare system which is already inadequate and weakened to begin with. Preventative or therapeutic vaccine? Most vaccines provide active preventative immunisation. Vaccines prevents the occurrence of a specific target disease for

public health threats because of its effects on healthcare providers. Failure to observe universal precautions in healthcare facilities may impact on the entire healthcare system. The government should enforce its quarantine (enforced isolation) law, and/or enact one for the EVD emergency. Pros and cons of response The pros of the government response to the EVD has been the ability to seriously view the outbreak as detrimental to human lives, the economy and the stigmatisation of the world community as a clueless entity. The cons of the response validate the belief that the government has no long term strategic plan towards major casualty or natural disaster should it occur. This is true in all aspects of governance, be it human services or basic social amenities. More proactive plan rather than reactive would be advantageous, and it enable less chaotic handling of emergencies. We do not have to wait until the last minute when disaster occurs before a campaign of its probability of occurrence is set in motion. There should have been a drum beat about the disease prior to now. By so doing, the community would have been well informed and educated about the disease. Suffice is to say that Nigerians have been moderately sensitised about the disease.

Integration There should be no stigmatisation of EVD survivors. They should return to the community and successfully perform their usual activities of daily living. There are indications that prolonged EVD cases are often complicated by occurrences of long-term problems, such as inflammation of the testicles, joint pains, muscle pains, skin peeling, or hair loss. Eye symptoms, such as light sensitivity, excess tearing; iritis, iridocyclitis, choroiditis, and blindness have also been described.

30—SATURDAY

SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014—31

metabolism. Adding spicy ingredients like cayenne or red pepper to your meals may not only improve your weight, but it’s also a no-calorie way to flavour your dish. Fruits Women of normal weight consume one or more servings of fruit per day on average. Aim for two or three servings per day, tTop yogurt with berries, add sliced apple to your sandwich. In general, foods with a high water content help people feel full and satisfied with fewer calories. The fruits with the highest water content—such as peaches, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, papaya, and grapefruit—tend to have the lowest calorie levels, giving you the biggest bang for your buck. High-fibre fruits like apples (with skin), berries, bananas, apricots, and pears, help by filling you up.

•People who eat chocolate most frequently have lower BMIs

Water It’s a little known fat-fighting fact: People often think they are hungry when they are really thirsty. So it makes sense to stay hydrated.

Drinking water also helps you feel full. Starting your meal with a broth-based soup or a veggie-filled salad (veggies have a high water content) will help you eat less of your main course. People who drink two cups of water before eating lost more weight than those who don’t. Protein Protein helps keep you full and increases your lean muscle mass, which keeps metabolism revved. So instead of filling up on carbohydrates like pasta and bread, aim to include some lean protein—such as low-fat dairy, legumes, eggs, poultry, and fish—in every meal and snack. Dark chocolate Small amounts of its intense flavor satisfy sweet and chocolate cravings, saving you from the high calories of treats like cakes, cookies, and ice cream. People who eat chocolate most frequently have lower BMIs (body mass index) on average.

Foods skinny people eat all the time B

reakfast People that skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight or obese. On the converse, eating a nutritious meal first thing in the morning jumpstarts your metabolism and may prevent you from overeating later in the day. If you have no time in the morning, try to prepare the night before—try hard boil eggs, oats, toast bread or a sandwich, cup of tea or coffee, fruit juice, etc., before you head out the door. Nuts It seems counterintuitive, but a study from Loma Linda University in California found that the people who ate the most tree nuts were up to 46 percent less likely to be obese than those who ate the fewest nuts. They are high in protein, fibre, and unsaturated fat—all of which digest slowly and help to keep you feel full longer. Compared to refined carbohydrate-based snacks, nuts do not cause a blood-sugar spike and subsequent insulin release, so your body is less likely to store the calories as fat. Popcorn Say no to potato chips and other fattening snacks, and yes to popcorn. Airpopped popcorn only has 30 calories per cup, and with a whopping 5 grams of fibre per 4-cup portion, it keeps you feeling full. Just steer clear of butter and oil, which will negate the health perks. Spicy food Spicy foods may promote weight loss. The magic ingredient: capsaicin, a chemical compound found in chili peppers that appears to suppress appetite or boost C M Y K

•Women of normal weight consume one or more fruits per day

32—SA TURD AY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 32—SATURD TURDA

Lush-plush wedding of Grant’s son

L-R:Mrs Helen Okotie, Mrs Rita Laoye and Mrs Helen Uwadia.

or the Grants and the Onyias, it was like a fairytale with bit of magic carpet ride, which this time leads to matrimonial bliss intead of touring wonderous cities of the world. The actors, Charles Grant, son of Gilbert Grant and Unoma Onyia, daughter of Ejiofor Onyia consummated their love before family and friends at Catholic Church of Diving Mercy. The day was th Saturday, August 30 and no detail was spared as the families gave the couple a memorable wedding. Photos by Shola Oyelese

The couple;Mr and Mrs Charles Grant (m), with both parents; Mr and Mrs Gilbert Grant, groom's parents with Mr and Mrs Ejifor Onyia, bride's parents.

L-R:Mr Bernie Grant, groom's brother, Mrs Patricia Otuedon Arawore and Mr Kelly Arawore. L-R: Chief Ray Ihyembe, Chief Rone Orugboh, Mrs Bridget Rone Orugboh and Mrs Josephine Mensah L-R: Mrs Alice Amuka, Mr Bill Amuka and Engr Anene Azinge L-R: Chief Bode Emmanuel, Dr Gab Bola Soyoye and Henry Ebge

Ma. Moemek e laid tto o rest amidst fanfare Moemeke

Former Nigerit e Nigerite direct or mar ks 60 director marks

hief Matthew Efole, former finance Director of Nigerite PLC, marked his 60th birthday with a thanksgiving service at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos last Sunday. Reception followed at the church premises

ate Madam Ezinne Josephine Moemeke, mother of Mrs Ijedi Iyoha, a top executive at Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON was laid to rest recently. Like every great person who ascends to the great beyond,Late Josephine Moemeke went in a blaze of glory with plenty of drums and trumpets. Her children, relatives, friends and well-wishers were all there to see her off on her final journey

Chief Matthew Efole, celebrant, dancing with his wife, Betty at the reception. L-R: Ijedi, Buchi and bridget.

St Johns Family, Ijushaga Lagos C M Y K

Ijedi, Jude and Odafi .

Jude and Chuks.

Chief Matthew Efole, Celebrant, (M) flanked by his wife, Betty and his friend, Osi Imomoh

SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014—33

C M Y K

34 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

I have scared the hell out of her

Simon, Kaduna

juliecoker100@yahoo.com

I’m dating a married woman Aunty Julie, I’m a young man in the University and very good-looking. I started dating a young woman I met in the same University but she is married to an abusive husband. A little over a year ago, she and her two young children finally left her abusive marriage and she moved back in with her parents so that she could finish her degree, which will take just about another year. From the moment we

started dating, her parents have made our relationship a nightmare. They are extremely controlling of the relationship, abusive of her and her children and generally make it almost impossible for us to be together. I have a very hard time “just accepting” this behaviour for the next year. I don’t understand a situation where this lady after being abused by her erstwhile husband will start suffering a fresh one from her parents. What baffles me most is what makes them think they can control us. How do I deal with this very volatile situation?

Hello Simon, She has left the care of her husband to go under the care of her parents and she is not financially independent. As a student, she is still under the care of somebody and in this case, her parents. I believe the reality here is that her parents are not going to change. She obviously learned how to live with abuse by living with her parents. And you must realise that living at her parents house under such conditions is not good for her or her kids. The question is, what are you going to do about this, and how will you support her in dealing with this situation? You have two choices: encourage and support her in finding the resources and solutions to her financial and housing problems, and help her move out or put up with the situation, and eventually walk away because the situation is unbearable.

He w ants ttoo ssttage a come-bac wants come-backk

Dear Julie, After our relationship broke up and we moved on, my ex wants to stage a come back. Our relationship lasted for only three months and I really loved him even though it didn’t last. When we moved on, we both entered other relationships with other people. My relationship with someone else did not work out and it seems the same for my ex and now, he wants to stage a come back. He calls me most of the time asking me out. At times, he calls to tell me he wants to talk, but eventually does not show up. Then, he calls again with apologies only not to show up again. Now he has come to ask me to marry him! Yes, I still love him, but I don’t know what to expect, how am I sure he won’t go off again. I am not ready to bear such in marriage. I love him very much and somewhere deep in my heart,

Dear Linda, I also wonder what kind of husband your ex will make! Many women (and men) want to be married so badly that they would rather jump into a bad marriage than have no marriage or relationship. Now for your question, watch the behaviour much more than listening to words. Has your ex behaved like the kind of man you want to marry? If not, tell him that. Tell him exactly the

kind of man you want to marry, and then watch what he does with the information. If he changes his behaviour, watch him for a good long time to make sure it sticks. And remember, no amount of love for him will be enough when you are alone for days at a time wondering where he is. Marriage is something you must consider very well before veering into. Don’t be carried away by mere sentiments or take a decision you will later regret. Ponder on it carefully before saying yes.

Dear Julie, I am a divorced woman of 38 and dating a guy of 30 who also had been in a relationship. He doesn’t know I’m older or maybe he does but age has never been an issue for us. I was going through a divorce when we met. We dated a few times, knew we liked each other, but decided not to see each other until the divorce was final for obvious reasons. My divorce is final and we are hanging out together and getting closer. However, he seems to be haunted by his past. He had a serious relationship with another woman for five years. She ended it and he was terribly hurt. Some times, things between us are so perfect. But when we get close/intimate, he seems scared and brings up the past. It’s almost like he’s cheating on her or something. This guy is everything I

C O C K - T A L E S Friends and neighbours

The natural look The other night, my wife and I were going out. She sat there and put on eyebrow pencil, eye shadow, eyeliner, eyelashes, mascara, toner, blush and lipstick, then turned to me and enquired, ‘Does this look natural?

C M Y K

with me. I still like and care about this woman very much. Is there anyway to turn a relationship around and get a second chance when a person really blows it such as I did? How can I gain her trust? Bisi, Akure Dear Bisi, You moved too fast. You should have taken it easy, a step at a time. Well, you have to take it easy for now. Relax for now but always greet her whenever you meet. That may be a way of turning the relationship around by turning into it into friendship. However, it would have to be a true friendship, without ulterior motives. And that means you would have to give up on the idea that the two of you will end up in a relationship. I am not saying you won’t end up in a relationship one day, but I am saying you would have to completely give up the idea and let the relationship go where ever it goes. Work on friendship.

The past haunts him

My relationship with someone else did not work out and it seems the same for my ex and now, he wants to stage a come back

I want to marry him but I don’t know if to trust him. Should I say yes? I am 27. Linda, Auchi

Dear Aunty Julie, Thank you for counselling young ones like me. I love the way you deal with people’s emotional problems. Please there is a special someone I met over a year ago at a pentecostal church I attend. It took me 10 months to get the courage to ask her to go out with me. We had an acquaintance relationship in the church before this. It took quite a long time before I asked her out for a date. After that, I sent her a card telling her how I felt about her. I had these feelings building up for almost a year and I poured them out in a card and letter. Intellectually, I knew that this was the wrong thing to do, but impulsively, I went with my heart and as a result, I scared the hell out of her. Needless to say, I have not gotten a second date and she doesn’t want to have any kind of relationship

Emma and Bryan were staying at ‘The Red Lion’ pub near Castleton in the Derbyshire Peak District for a few nights. In the bar, during the evening, they became friendly with the hotel’s odd job man and told him how much they had grown to love the area. After several pints of beer and a couple of games of darts the odd job man turned to the couple and said, ‘My neighbour has a nice little cottage for sale, on the edge of the village, in case you’re interested.’ Emma and Bryan were excited and visited the cottage the next day and despite its run-down appearance, they were smitten with the place and bought it straightaway, “as seen.” Two weeks later, they moved in and naturally the odd job man came to see how they were settling in. ‘You got a good buy,’ he told them, ‘but the cottage needs some work though. Roof leaks, plumbing’s shot and the whole place needs rewiring.’ Rather taken aback, Bryan scowled angrily and asked, ‘Why didn’t you tell us that before we bought the flippin’ place?’ ‘We weren’t neighbours then,’ the odd-job man smartly retorted.

want in a man but I’m worried that she still has a power over him even after she ditched him. Should I give this relationship more time or just “see the light” and move on? Ije, Umuahia Dear Ije, It is pretty normal for a new relationship to bring up feelings from an old one. But I am not sure there is a “light” to be seen here, at least not yet. Now, you have to watch what your guy does with these feelings. He will do one of two things. He may confuse the present with the past, and only allow the two of you to get just so close. If this happens to be the case, perhaps you should move on. Alternatively, he may realise that a relationship with you is not the same as the relationship in his past, and share his feelings and fears instead of acting them out. If this is the case, you are on your way to building a solid, wonderful relationship.

Marriage and the child Lorna Irwin was striding down O’Connell Street in Dublin, and coming in the opposite direction was Father O’Mara. ‘Hello,’ uttered the Father, ‘and how is Mrs Irwin this fine day? Didn’t I marry you two years ago?’ Lorna replied, ‘That you did Father.’ The priest inquired, ‘And are there any little ones yet?’ ’No, not yet Father,’ murmured Lorna Irwin. ‘Well, now, I’m going to Rome next week, and I’ll light a candle for you.’ ’Thank you, Father.’ A few years later they met again. ’Well, now, Mrs Irwin,” said Father O’Mara, ‘and how are you?’ ’Oh, very well,’ responded Lorna. ‘And tell me,’ said the Reverend Father, ‘have you any little ones yet?’ ’Oh yes, Father O’Mara,’ answered Lorna Irwin, ‘I’ve had three sets of twins, and four singles: ten in all.’ ‘Now isn’t that wonderful,’ rejoined Father O’Mara, ‘And how is your lovely husband?’ ’Oh, Basil,’ she replied, ‘now he’s gone to Rome. To blow out the damn candle!’

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6 6,, 2014—35

Tricked into getting pregnant by a married love-rat! him. That marked the beginning of his disappearing acts —if he wasn’t ill, his mobile phone would be switched off.

hat is it with men who lie to get a woman into bed even when they don’t have to? Is it because they ’re just compulsive liars or irresponsible men who see nothing wrong with lying to get whatever they want? They lie to get female attention, steal colleagues’ ideas and present them as theirs to get promotion and lie out of buying rounds of drinks when it’s their turn. Unfortunately, the number of these type of irresponsible men are on the increase, and it doesn’t matter if they are well bred or poor! The disease is often in the blood!

e was so upset that

he turned to me for support. He wanted to call at my place and I said he was free to do so. Anything to put the smile back on his face. And that’s how he became a constant visitor top my flat. Before we took things further, I wanted to know how things were with his wife and he told me they stayed together that long because of their daughter. That it was time for him to move on. A lot of my friends, especially the ones at the club were skeptical about our relationship because of the short time between the end of Kayode’s marriage and the start of our relationship. But the ones who knew us C M Y K

well agreed we were happy together and wished us well. So most nights he stayed at my place, I never felt guilty. The only time he was away was weekends when he went to spend time with his eight-year-old daughter. He brought her over a couple of times, and told me sadly he wanted more children but his wife didn’t. That was one of the major reasons they didn’t see eye-to-eye. He then started buying me gifts and fancy gadgets for my flat. Why not, I thought I was

already 30 years old and wasn’t’ getting younger. “When I got pregnant a few months later, he was over the moon. He got down on his knees and kissed my stomach —then thanked me over and over again. When I told him a few weeks later it was about time I met his parents, he promised I would as soon as his father got over his heart problem. That was the first time I heard about his dad being ill, but I decided to be patient with

“She must have told Kayode of our conversation because I didn’t see him for a long while. He just sent a text that he was disgusted

When I got pregnant a few months later, he was over the moon. He got down on his knees and kissed my stomach

croaked. I told him it was about time since they were no longer an item. Shortly after, my mobile phone beeped with a message. It was from his wife. ‘Now that you’ve wrecked my marriage, I hope you’re happy’, it read. When I showed it to Kayode later, and asked why his wife was calling me names, he said it was because she was jealous he’d found happiness and I should just ignore her. I’d had enough of all this cat-and-mouse game, so I called his wife. “As soon as I told her who I was, she started ranting: ‘I know who you are and about your affair with my husband.’ Affair?

with me. I texted back that I never wanted to see him again, that I was well rid of him and lots more. ‘I don’t know what I’ve done for you to arrive at that decision’, he replied, ‘but it will never get in the way of me and my child. I’ll make sure it knows who I am.” “Now Kayode’s back with his wife and I’ve discovered a lot of things he told me were a load of rubbish. My child is due soon, and it is sad there’s no husband or a prospective father to make the event a thrilling one. But I’ll be fine. I don’t have any respect for irresponsible people like him and I certainly wouldn’t be proud to call him the father of a child I’d so long looked forward to having.”

How to tell when your relationship is dying

ere, a marriage counsellor who has spent over 16 years sifting through the ruins of other people’s relationship gives his analysis of how partnership can lose its meaning, and a few suggestions for not letting it happen. Signs she is having an affair: Looked for a sudden short term drop-off sex. Everyone has appetite – exactly where is she satisfying hers? Radically, different sexual behaviour; if she suddenly starts suggesting things he hasn’t done before, or doing things very differently even if it’s better, where is she getting the idea from? Sudden increase in working hours: This can easily be innocent,l but

“

Franka and Kayode are members of a club and they met regularly— especially in the gym. They were good friends too, and last December, when everyone was rushing home to get ready for the club’s allnight Christmas eve party, Kayode was at the club’s bar, downing beer. “Hurry up”, Franka called out to him, cheerily, “or you’ll miss all the fun.” Kayode shrugged and told her: “I’m not coming, I had a fight with my wife and this time,l we have had one too many.” Franka was taken aback. According to her: “I had no idea he’d been having problems with his wife who I’d seen a couple of times. I told him to go home, and try to sort things out with his wife. He agreed but when next I saw him, which was in the New Year, he told me he’d finished with his wife as things hadn’t worked out.

“When I learnt from a mutual friend that there was nothing wrong with his dad, he said the friend was lying but it was obvious who was. Did he love me at all? He assured me he did but a few days later, he turned up at mine visibly shaken. ‘My wife’s found out you’re pregnant,’ he

She went on, ‘ you lied to him that your religion forbids contraception so you could trick him into getting married’. I assured her our baby was planned, that we weren’t having affair since her relationship with Kayode was over before we got together. She snorted they never broke up. That he had time for me because he was working away.

Mistakes husbands make: Not adjusting to the fact that you are married

where is the extra cash? (You might never know if lover boy is giving her overtime pay). Sexually transmitted infections: Towels and toilet seats explanations simply aren’t good enough. Things she is getting from an affair that she is not getting at home: “Excitement; that is the main thing”. Having a secret life. If you are clever enough, your marriage should be her secret life!

Full time attention: He is trying harder than you. Usually a step up, someone better than husband in at least one respect – looks, money, youth. Mistakes husbands make: Not adjusting to the fact that you are married. Like it or not, you are now part of a double act, and you can’t carry on as if nothing happened. Women like to see visible sings of commitment, so cut down on after work drinks with

the boys. Getting fat: It sounds harsh, but there are a lot of thin guys out there who’ll be trying it on your wife. Taking her for granted: Undervaluing her, expecting her to be there and expecting her not to get suspicious when you’re having affairs. Overworking: A lot of high-achieving guys drive themselves hard often thinking it is for the sake of their wives or family. But outing in excessive hours to generate your wealth just provides her with motive, means and opportunity for adultery. “However painful, there comes a time when a marriage is beyond repair ”, continues the counsellor. According to him, “violence is not a good sign.”

36—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

YETUNDE AREBI

Re: Vibrator wife, husband must brace up weekend.

Hi On reading the first contribution you will find on this page, I could not help but send a reply to the writer. It captured some of the stories the couple shared with me which informed their decision not to discuss their problem with the church and which were impossible for me to publish earlier on. According to worried guy, he was afraid he would make a fool of himself like one of his friends and a church member. On the guys wedding night, he had suddenly discovered that he could not gain an erection, tried as he could. Afraid that he had a serious problem on his hands, he had decided to call one of their senior pastors who decided that he needed prayers. The pastor then informed another pastor and together, they made their way to the newly-wed-couple at their honeymoon rendezvous (to bind and cast out the demon of impotency probably). By the next morning, the story was making the rounds among the members. Those who found it funny giggled while others praised their Christian virtues to the high heavens, albeit, to the great embarrassment and disappointment of the young couple. Were I in worried guy’s shoes, I definitely would not share this particular problem with any pastor too. One major concern for me from the little story was the fact that this guy, coming straight from the warm and loving embrace of his family on his wedding night, had no father, uncle, brother or cousin he could confide in, if indeed, he believed that he had an erectile problem? These are no doubt people that would have chipped in one thing or another to make his dream wedding come true on that day, showering him and his wife with love, money, support, goodwill and prayers the way they knew best, unfortunately, not as pastors. Rather, he turned to a pastor and familiar stranger, probably believing that he had a spiritual problem and not a simple case of over excitement and anxiety. Even timidity cannot be totally ruled out giving the scenario here. I am always baffled at the way man seems to have perfected the art of using religion to alienate, segregate and discriminate, contrary to the teachings of love and brotherliness. When my older brother became a pastor, he decided to leave all behind, including the family name, Fashina, which he changed to the most obvious because it had become too paganish for his level of spiritualism at the time. We were only recently reunited after 20+ years and I need no pastor to tell me how happy he was to be back among his own. For me, the story of worried guy, or as many readers prefer to call it, vibrator wife, will remain a vibrant point of reference for many issues, especially relating to religion, sex, sex and sexuality education, and even parenting. I am still very open to comments, opinions and contributions on this and any other issue we’ve raised on this page. You may reach me via email address: yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk. Do have a wonderful

The man cannot give what he does not have but can improve on what he has to satisfy the wife. But for now, he has to compromise and use the vibrator for the wife after normal action

Yetunde, I sympathise with the couple but it is very glaring that both of them are ready to work at their marriage and up till now no infidelity is involved. Let me note and caution the man first: he is very ripe and waiting for a Delilah and when that happens, the marriage is gone. If a Delilah handles him, he will forget his wife and his Christianity, born again or not. The wife is not promiscuous, yet, but given time and circumstances, she too may fall. He is lucky it is a vibrator he found his wife with on the bed if it was a man what will he do? Mark it, I am approaching 60 years in age and I have heard a senior colleague remarked that a vibrator is the answer! Why? The vibrator is never tired!!!! You switch on and it does it’s work. Solution: The man cannot give what he does not have but can improve on what he has to satisfy the wife. But for now, he has to compromise and use the vibrator for the wife after normal action. This is between husband and wife. No man will tell you this but they do it or some use their fingers to do the rest of the job to make sure their wife reaches the climax! When the novelty of being caught in the act is taken out of it, she will grow tired of it like any toy and concentrate on the real thing, because candidly speaking, if you crave for real sex there is nothing that can compare with having a man taking you to the heavens or Jerusalem, and in no time your wife will be singing songs and dancing to imaginable music in the mornings and throughout the day, you will be seeing those looks in her eyes and I bet, she will be glowing and calling you sweet names! The man should undertake doing some exercises with the wife maybe once a week during the weekend to enhance his prowess and boost his activity in bed. Please note, there is no room for blaming the devil or pointing accusing fingers for sinful acts in this, we are made differently and if your body is craving for something like good sex, the bible is the last thing on your mind. Pray about it and find a lasting solution between both of you. Every couple has a secret or more between them that they will never share with an outsider no matter how close. The man is lucky that the woman is still begging him, if she stops begging him, he should know that the lady has found a real man doing the proper work on her instead of the vibrator. The lady in this situation should focus more on how to have a baby to nurse instead of self satisfying. She should pray fervently about her wants and needs to God Almighty so that she can control herself when they arise. She is still lucky that some Delilah out there has not found her husband out, else they will handle him the way he has never been handled before and he will not only forget his home, his name also, because these men have a kind of lost look that

are easily discovered by the Delilah’s of this world. Both of them have to work it out between them and find themselves out. If the man is still having nightmares about the vibrator let him handle it and use it on the wife as an instrument of joy. If you report this to your pastor, he will condemn your wife’s action and take it up to satisfy your wife himself. Any of your friends hearing this from you, will be going to your house to do the needful while you sweat it out at work. Your pastor can condemn you and your wife till kingdom come but you cannot imagine what they do after service either with their wives or other people’s wives. Take all troubles to God and He will guide you to the appropriate solution. The marriage is still young and fresh, please work at it and as you work at it God will strengthen you both but you have to be down to earth about issues. Jesus died for us all and if we are not sinners, we don’t need Jesus. In Jesus there is no holier than thou situation like the Pharisees and the Saduccees. Live your life and trust God every step of the way. Anonymous. Lagos

Worried guy, My brother you should count yourself lucky your wife is not sleeping around with some guys on your street or with one of her students. Be civilised, grow-up and accept the world that you live in because it happens everywhere. Technology has made it easy for a weak husband/man to help his spouse by allowing or even presenting a vibrator to her as birthday present, and for our women to keep faithful to their man by using a vibrator instead of going to sleep with other men for sexual satisfaction. Or would you have preferred she cheated on you with another man? Instead of worrying over an inanimate object why not work on your childlessness. You and your wife should meet a doctor and find out why you two can’t or haven’t been able to make children for three years since you got married. Did she ever get pregnant for you during the days you guys dated? If not and up till now she has never, it’s an indication that something is wrong somewhere. So, my guy think, think... And be mature, I beg...You are my age mate, though I’m not married, but at least, I know I’m a man because I have done some abortions before even though I’m not proud of it. Every person should know his/her childbearing status. Guy wise up I beg... You don’t give your wife time, you don’t give her sex the way she wants it. Even weekends, you are not around. What do you want her to do? Abi you think say body na firewood? The same way you are married to you job and career is the same way she is married to her sex toy. So na 50-50, accept and live on abeg... And if you’re thinking of divorce, my brother you will never get a faithful woman like her o. I don talk too much abeg... A word they say is enough for the wise. Forix

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014—37

08 116759 759 081 6759759

When DIY goes horribly wr ong wrong M

etal bar goes right through man’s head as he dismantles his old house in China… but he survives. This is the shocking moment paramedics were called to treat a Chinese man after a thick metal bar impaled his head while he was carrying out DIY work at his former home. The man, identified only as Mr Ho, was dismantling the property in Leye County, Guangxi Province, when a large metal bar fell from above —impaling the right side of his forehead and exiting through the left side of his jaw. Miraculously Mr Ho, 50, survived his dramatic injury and, following successful emergency surgery at a nearby hospital, is now expected to make a full recovery. Paramedics called to treat Mr Ho

were shocked to discover the nature of his gruesome injury —but were more amazed by the fact he was not only alive, but also fully conscious and relatively lucid. Mr Ho was rushed to the nearby Leye County Hospital, where doctors were forced to called in firefighters with specialist cutting equipment to remove the bulk of the metal bar. They were then able to transfer him to a larger hospital where complex emergency surgery was carried out to

Protestors strip to promote the Anti Ice Bucket campaign in China

he Ice Bucket Challenge craze has swept the globe – but in China it’s seen as a colossal of water, with some people taking part in a stripoff challenge in protest. To make the point a group of people in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, wore swimming trunks and bikinis to promote saving water. They posed in front of upturned red buckets. The Ice Bucket Challenge involves dumping iced water on someone’s head before the

That's one way to get a job! A

graduate has been inundated with offers of interviews after taking a radical approach to job hunting. Alfred Ajani, 22, has applied for over 300 positions since getting a degree in marketing earlier this summer - but says he has struggled in the crowded graduate labour market. Determined to land his dream job, he decided to hand out CVs to company bosses commuting into the City of London through Waterloo Station this morning. Alfred stood at the entrance to the busy station holding a sign stating: ‘Marketing graduate (BA Hons 2:1 Coventry Uni) Ask for CV.’ His direct approach received a warm response from commuters, with many stopping to discuss potential positions. Alfred, who lives not far from the station, said: ‘I graduated in May and have been applying for jobs ever since, but it’s very difficult at the moment. ‘The only ones that have come up have not really been what I wanted, I’m interested in marketing and advertising.

C M Y K

‘I realised that there are thousands of students out there using the same old methods of applying for jobs online and through recruitment agencies and so I thought I’d try something different. ‘I got up early and went to the station. At first people just looked at me but after about 10 minutes people starting stopping and talking. They said they’d never seen anything like it before and were really impressed. ‘One woman worked in advertising and took a CV and another guy ran back from his train and said he’d walked past but had started thinking and might have something for me.’ Alfred added: ‘I’ve already had some phone calls and have got an interview booked for later today. The support was great, one man even bought me a cup of tea and told me “good luck”.’

remove the section of metal still embedded deep inside his head. Hospital staff say Mr Ho is now recovering well and is considered to be out of danger. X-rays taken before surgery showed how the solid metal bar, which was at least an inch thick, passed through the right side of his forehead and behind his left eye socket, before eventually exiting through the lower section of his left cheek, close to his jawline. Had the bar entered at a fractionally different angle, it would have almost certainly penetrated Mr Ho’s brain or eyeball, causing serious injury or death.

participant nominates another person to have a go. In Britain, people take part in the challenge to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The craze has gone viral on social media websites in the past two months. The residents of Colonsay island in Scotland might well agree that the Chinese are being entirely sensible, as so many people took part in the Ice Bucket Challenge that they were left without water. Demand for water escalated on Colonsay when the charity craze took off on the Inner Hebridean island, which has a population of around 135. The water system stops automatically as part of moves to cut wastage on the eight mile-long isle and needs to be turned back on

Size DOES matter says judge, who orders man’s penis to be measured af aftt er he claimed it was too small for him to be guilty of exhibitionism n alleged flasher Germany. A has come up with a However, Herbert has novel defence – his claimed that he is too undermanhood is too small for anyone to notice it. The 54year-old man identified only as Herbert O was accused of showing a teenage girl rather more than the package he was delivering in August 2013. That night the girl and her mother went to the police to file a complaint against man, from Leer, Lower Saxony,

endowed to have flashed the girl and has even asked his wife to stand up in court and testify to his lack of inches. ‘I’m sorry, darling, but your penis is too short to hang out of your trousers,’ she told the local court in the town of Leer in East Frisia. Defence lawyer Lutz Winkler then requested the judge Ulrike

afterwards. David Johnston, from the Colonsay Brewery told The Sun that water engineers had to come out five times over the weekend. The 60-year-old told the newspaper: ‘The challenge spread round the island like wildfire. It hit a peak on Sunday evening. ‘The water system must have thought there was a burst main.’ In Spain, meanwhile, a middle-aged man was taken to hospital after his friend used a firefighting plane to drop 400 gallons of water on him as part of the Ice Bucket Challenge. The 51-year-old, from Belgium, was taken to hospital over fears he may have suffered internal injuries during the stunt at Empuriabrava aerodrome in Catalonia. But doctors have now confirmed he only received minor wounds.

Andrees to measure the organ herself to verify the claims. Judge Andrees has asked the coroners’ office in Oldenburg to measure Mr O’s organ. ‘If the wife has spoken out so frankly about this, I have to follow it up,’ she said. Herr Winkler is determined to see his client cleared and has refused to settle for a fine in exchange for settling the case. They may yet have months to wait to see if the expert medical opinion stands up in court. ‘We’ve never seen anything like this before,’ said court manager Norbert Bruns.

38 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

cience subjects were not my strongest points in secondary school, but when a credit in at least one science subject became a stumbling block to entering the university, I fought and got it in Biology. It was a pyrrhic victory, but the knowledge I got from that “ordeal” became very pivotal 14 years later when I was to start a family. Also, during our prewedding preparations, we did a course on natural family planning, which included naturally preselecting the sex of chromosomes while the your baby. I added the female eggs carry only knowledge from there to the X chromosomes. The what I learnt about female X and male Y reproduction in combination produces a secondary school. Luckily male child while the my wife was a science female X and the male X student and knew quite a produce the female child. lot on reproduction. So a man determines the Together we started the sex of a baby. The sperm the Y journey of naturally carrying chromosome is smaller planning our family. and lighter and swims t is always good for faster but has a shorter intending couples to lifespan while the sperm the X have a prenuptial carrying chromosome is heavier understanding on the number of children they and much slower but has want to avoid a longer lifespan. If you disagreements later. My want a male child, for wife wanted three instance, intercourse children, all boys (she should take place just or during wanted to avoid the before hassles of making girls’ ovulation. Ovulation occurs when hair), but I wanted four children which we settled an egg or ovum is for, three boys (which she released from the ovary wanted) and a girl. I also for fertilisation and it wanted our first child to usually lasts for about 12 be a girl because I have to 24 hours, sometimes a no sister. Below is the little longer. Ovulation occurs between body of knowledge that normally thto 14thday of a 28the 12 guided us in achieving day cycle, but like most our goal. The male sperms carry human and reproductive either X or Y phenomena, there are no

Bab y's se or Baby's sexx preselection: My st stor oryy (1)

or most people over 30 the abdominal region gets to be the least toned set of muscles of the body. We work with our hands and walk with our feet, therefore, somehow, those parts are almost always in better shape than the abdominal wall. A trim waistline doesn’t only look impressive aesthetically, it also speaks volumes of the state of health of the

*The Abdominal Lift C M Y K

leading American professor of medicine, Harry Fisch, disputes some of the above assertions. He says the chances of X or Y chromosome sperms “making it do not differ. The idea that one type is more resilient or swims faster than the other is just a myth.” Fisch’s assertion is new to me. I

am not a medical expert, but based on my personal experience, I stick with the old paradigm. The other critical element is for the woman to thoroughly understand her ovulatory or menstrual cycle so that she can know when ovulation occurs. There are various natural methods to achieve this.

absolute certainties and it varies from one woman to another. Even within one woman, there are variations. However, if intercourse takes three or more days before ovulation, there is a high probability of giving birth to a girl. Why? All the faster sperms carrying the Y chromosomes with short lifespan would probably have died before the egg is released, leaving the egg for the slower X chromosomes-carrying sperms with longer lifespan to fertilise. And only one sperm can fertilise an egg.

Armed with this information and with discipline, which we shall come to later, you can naturally pre-select the sex of your baby with stunning accuracy because it is a gift from God in the form of pure science. As agreed with my wife, my first child is a girl and we relied on the above information. When conception was confirmed three weeks later, I told my cousin, Mrs. Joyce

But there are some less familiar practices that deal with flabby stomach a lot more

thoroughly. Besides strengthening the muscles of the abdomen, some of these practices can be used for purification purposes along

*The Rocking

and son and he told me I was not only lying but playing God. I got home and told my wife. We then decided to use our third child to convince Mba that God has empowered us to naturally the sex of our babies if we so desire. It was three years anyway since we had our first son and almost time for another child, according to our plan.

an age difference of not more than two years; then we go on break for four years to allow them mature a little and have the last two children within two years so that each set can grow up together. Based on our plan, we went on break. Then sometime in December 2003, I was discussing with a friend, Kalu Mba; I told him how we naturally preselected the genders of our daughter

n January 2004 during another ovulation, our third child was conceived. About three weeks later, when my wife started exhibiting signs of pregnancy, I did two notes and put in tamper-proof envelopes, one to Mba and another to Gabriel Uche, my friend, now living in Dubai, to act as a witness. In the notes I stated among other things that in a little over eight months, my wife was going to have a baby boy, named Oghenemega Ferdinand Ewherido (I always gave my children names even before they were conceived because of my 100 per cent belief in natural pre-selection). The purpose of the note was to convince Mba that God has indeed given us powers to naturally determine the genders of our babies. On Sunday, October 17, 2004, my wife gave birth to Oghenemega.

with drinking large quantities of salt water. The following exercise will help trim the waist and keep it so, forever. I have had the same waistline since the past thirty years and I am fifty two now. If yours truly can do it, so can you! All it takes is diligence. Lets consider the Rocking. Technique: Sit with the knees drawn and the hands placed at the back of the knees. Now, lunge both legs forwards and quickly draw them back and thrust them forth again. Keep this to and fro movement of the feet going continually. If you break the rhythm by hesitating you rill immediately fail to keep going. You may do as few as 5 thrusts and withdrawals of the feet initially and then increase the number of times as you improve. Benefits: The Rocking toughens the upper thigh and abdominal muscles.

The exercise is reputed to also improve the soundness of sleep. The Abdominal Lift Technique: Standing with the feet about a foot apart, breathe in deeply and exhale forcefully. Now, with the breath out, draw in the muscles of the abdomen until you have a hollow forming beneath the ribs. The hands should be placed on the thighs and the knees bent a little. Keep the trunk a bit tipped forward but don’t lower it. Maintain the retraction of the diaphragm by keeping both hands firmly pressed against the thighs as you lean on them. Keep the position for as long as can be without breathing. Then, ease up, stand erect and begin to breathe normally. Repeat only once more if you’re just stating this exercise. As regards this very exercise, Indra Devi advises gradually bringing it up to seven times adding one time each week. Warning: People with a weak heart or serious abdominal or circulatory problems should refrain from this exercise.

So a man determines the sex of a baby

Tightening the abdominals individual. Reduce the girth and presto! You instantly look youthful. You will begin to digest your food and absorb it more efficiently. Once the belly is shrunk appreciably, we can then learn to perform certain exercises which c a n help t h e system achieve better bowel action - a veritable way f eliminating toxins. A s regards exercise, there are countless ways to deal with the bulge of the belly. Some get results from practising dit-ups, others from legraises and so on.

Kesiena Tuedor, that I was expecting a daughter in about eight months. She was surprised because no scan can reveal the sex of a threeweek-old foetus; it takes about 20 weeks (much earlier now with improved technology but certainly not three weeks) into the pregnancy. About eight months and 17 days after conception, my wife gave birth to my daughter. Subsequently, in March 2000, during ovulation, my first son was conceived. Millennium babies were in vogue then. More important, we had planned that our first two children will have

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014—39

EBOLA SCARE: BABCOCK Varsity conducts compulsory test for visitors BY LAJU ARENYEKA

Nigerian students abroad

Why Nigerians prefer foreign education Kidnappings in Ukraine, destitution in Russia, killings in Cyprus tell a different story

IGERIAN students are the seventh most satisfied international students in the world according to a recent i-graduate analysis of student satisfaction surveys from 50 universities in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. The surveys, conducted for igraduate’s International Student Barometer, were filled in by 60,000 international students studying in the US, UK and Australia. For the survey, students were asked to rate their satisfaction on a scale of one to four – one meaning “very dissatisfied” and four meaning “very satisfied”. The average score of Nigerian students’ satisfaction was 3.11, a meagre 0.19 points lower than Spain with the most satisfied students at 3.30. Nigeria was also the only African country represented in the top 50. Nigerians’ craze for higher education abroad is common knowledge. In 2012, a nongovernmental organization, Exam ethics international said that Nigeria loses over N1.5 trillion to foreign education annually with neighbouring Ghana alone getting about N160 bn as tuition fees for the over 71,000 students studying there. On one end, the declining standard of education is reason enough for Nigerian students search for greener pastures abroad. Mr. Remi Ademiju, currently doing a Masters programme at Leeds Beckett University in the United Kingdom, most likely falls under the ‘satisfied category.’ ‘This has been a good experience for me,’ he said, ‘it is an intercultural environment which makes learning seem global because I have been able to relate with other students from different parts of the world through series of discussions

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

Nigerian students’ mass exodus in search of foreign education is not always as rosy as the i-graduate survey reports

and group work. The standard is also quite good; at least three of my lecturers have been to Nigeria and done some training for board members in top Nigerian companies.’ Another student at Vancouver Island University in Canada, who did not want her name in print, also says she has no reason to complain. ‘Studying abroad has really helped me appreciate diversity,’ she told Saturday School Life, ‘the constant interactions with a vast number of people outside my culture, religion and ethnicity has helped me shape the mentality that we all ought to see ourselves as global citizens. The first hand

experience in a foreign country, and seeing how things are done at the academic level and beyond, ignites the burning desire to see things work for my own country too.’ Ironically, Nigerian students’ mass exodus in search of foreign education is not always as rosy as the i-graduate survey reports. Barely two weeks ago, the Federal Government for the first time in eight months paid allowances it owed the over 322 Nigerian students on the Bilateral Educational Agreement scholarship in Russia. This was only after widespread campaign by the media over the fact that Federal Government’s failure to pay the allowances of the students had forced them into begging and resorting to illegal jobs, which put them at risk of deportation in Russia. In a recent report, nine Nigerian students were kidnapped in the Ukrainian city of Lugansk, according to a statement by the representative of the National Security and Defence Council Information Centre, Andrey Lysenko. After two students were killed recently in different unsolved incidents at Cyprus International University, CIU, Nicosa, in North Cyprus recently, the Chairman House Committee on Diaspora, Abike DabiriErewa warned parents against sending their wards to study at the university. “The House Committee on Diaspora has drawn the attention of Nigerians to a suspicious move by the authorities of Cyprus International University, Nicosa, North Cyprus to lure Nigerian students to their university,” Dabiri – Erewa had said. Good news on one end, and bad news on the other; the double edged sword that is foreign education will continue to be a growing phenomenon considering the unending crisis that bedevils Nigeria’s own education sector.

As a result of the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, the Federal Government has instructed all primary and secondary schools across the country not to resume until October 13. However, even tertiary institutions are leaving no stones unturned in protecting their communities from the disease as Babcock University, IleshanRemo now conducts compulsory tests for every visitor coming into the campus. A source who revealed this to Saturday School Life told our reporters: ‘‘I went with a friend to visit her daughter on the campus. One kilometer away from the school, there were testing stations as well as security. Our first encounter was with the security personnel who asked for certificates that we were Ebola free. When we couldn’t provide such, we were directed to fill some forms as to our whereabouts and state of health. The officials wanted to know whether we had been to the Congo, Lagos, Liberia or any area known to have infected people. After that, the medical personnel check us thoroughly before we were then given a certificate, ordered to sanitize our hands and given permission to enter the school compound.

Great Solid Rock bids graduants farewell The management of Great Solid Rock School, Alagbado, recently sent forth the class of 2013-2014 amid fun and excitement. Speaking at the 8th graduation and prize giving ceremony of the school, the proprietor, Mr. Oladipo Simeon, advised the graduants to shun bad groups and influences. He urged the graduating students to strive towards academic excellence, adding that they can be the best they dream to through hard work. While wishing the graduate the best in their future endeavours, he ceased the opportunity to commend their parents for the support they had shown in the development of their wards and the school. “Appreciation goes to our parents for their support throughout the year. This year has been full of brillant events. We had excursion which took us to Abeokuta, we visited Olumo rock, took the children to tie and dye centre where they learnt firsthand tie and dye. Today they can make their own tie and dye. This was possible through your support.” Speaking about the school’s strides within the academic session, he said that the school came top in the Mitv Mathematics competition.

40—SA TURD AY 40—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

Ebola: Dennis Akagha battles social stigma Foreign media, agencies run after him BY ISHOLA BALOGUN & FLORENCE AMAGIYA

ollowing our exclusive interview last week with Dennis Akagha who survived the Ebola virus after losing his would-be wife, Justina Ejelonu, to the deadly disease, the young man is still in the news. What is it this time, you may ask? Even as Dennis has been declared free of EDV, he is still a victim of social stigmatisation. This has isolated him from the society since the last couple of weeks as people still refuse to socialise with him, making it difficult to get some of his daily needs. But the young man is attracting positive international attention. His survival and humaneness displayed while nursing his Ebola stricken spouse impressed many. Now, the international media and some agencies are after him for interviews and social events after he exclusively recounted his moving story to us last Saturday. Denis was the fiance of Justina Ejelonu, the nurse at First Consultant Hospital in Lagos who contracted the Ebola disease after attending to Patrick Sawyer, the American-Liberian who wickedly brought the disease to Nigeria. Justina was a graduate nurse and was just employed by First Consultant. She was two months pregnant and her first patient on her first day on duty was Patrick Sawyer. She contracted the disease, suffered miscarriage and died at the quarantine centre in Yaba, Lagos. Denis attending to her while she was sick and even at the centre where she suffered neglect. He too caught the virus days later but was one of those who survived and he told us his best-selling story last Saturday. In another chat with Saturday Vanguard this week, Dennis lamented how he is being stigmatised by friends, neighbours and customers adding that living with the social stigma was frustrating. “I am lonely and bored now, people don’t come to me any more. Even my usual friends before the incidence, are keeping me at arm’s length. They don’t believe I am free of the virus. I have never been so lonely in life. Living with the social stigma is one terrible thing,” Dennis cried. But he has become a much sought-after man by both international and local media. According to a close source, CNN, Al-Jazeera, e-News among others

As at press time, two international donors have indicated their readiness to support Dennis both financially and morally. According to a close source, the donors will assist him in making the dream of immortalising late Justina come through

•Dennis Akagha. (INSET) Late Justina Ejelonu as well as local journalists desirous of getting headlines are after him. Agencies and donors have also established contacts with Dennis with some of them offering one assistance or the other. Right now, Dennis may be on a journey to a redefined person with some consolation. As at press time, two international donors have indicated their readiness to support Dennis both financially and morally. According to a close source, the donors will assist him in making the dream of immortalising late Justina come through. Dennis had recently said that he would set up a non-forprofit organisation to immortalise his late fiancee and also to champion the campaign on preventive measures against Ebola virus. While Dennis battles the emotional plague left by Ebola, Nigerians particularly those who have been following the story rationalised that lack of adequate care by medical personnel on Ebola patients could be one of the reasons why patients run away from the isolation centers. Joseph Adebambo, a Lagos-based dentist called on medical personnel to rise up to the challenge to save lives. “After reading the story in your paper (Saturday Vanguard) I was close to tears. I want to believe Justina could have survived the crisis if there was adequate care. To me, it seemed medical personal did not have enough protective measures in going any extramile to do what they are supposed to do,” Adebambo said. Kennie said: This brave and compassionate young man’s account of what goes on inside the Yaba Ebola treatment facility seems

to be the only independent assessment of the condition inside there. Before now, all the stories about the “great efforts” towards containing EVD are all coming from Federal and LASG officials. The story gave an insight to what is going on in the treatment center.” Grace Notibe reacted thus: “She passed through this mess in spite of millions of naira (FG announced N1.9b) claimed to have been earmarked and praises are being heaped on GEJ, FG, Onyebuchi, Fashola and LASG for taking care of Ebola victims. There is God ooo” “A touching story. Thank God for His mercies, your life was spared and I believe God has a purpose for that. I praise God for you,” another reader said. Joris Bronen in his comment posted online said: ”May God be praised, nothing can change our faith. God comes first in our life. The death of his wife-to-be shows how careless Nigeria doctors always act. They don’t attend to patients promptly. The American survived because they gave proper care to the Ebola patient. Our leaders can travel to Germany, France, UK, USA for medical attention with the Citizen’s tax’s but can not provide good healthcare system for Nigerians.” Kola Ayegbayo said: ”Oh! my brother, I can’t even finish reading the story. I was shocked. May her gentle soul rest in peace.” Chinwendu Grace God of Grace is at work. May the soul of Justina rest in peace, Amen. I wonder why Nigerians and West Africans are not calling for those deceitful men of God to lay their hands on Ebola patients.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

agos residents are accusing the Private Sector Participant, PSP of inefficiency. PSP is charged with the responsibility of clearing refuse in Lagos State. Many parts of Lagos remain filthy. Evacuation of refuse is poorly done. It is not regular and residents are battling filth. PSP, an initiative by the state government to further complement the effort of the state government to clear refuse from the streets, is under the supervision of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA. Some of the allegations border on increase in levy of operation despite inefficiency, threat of sealing building of alleged defaulters in payment of levies etc. Some of the residents who said they have resorted to patronizing cart pushers lamented that the inaction of the PSP could lead to outbreak of avoidable epidemic if not checkmated immediately. According to Mr. Uche Okoro, a resident on Dele Orisabiyi Street, Okota, in Isolo Local Government Area, “the PSP operators have refused to come and pick our garbage for about three months. We have decided to patronize cart pushers to clear our garbage only for the PSP operator to come with a spurious notice to seal up our building for defaulting in the payment of levy. “We used to pay N500 per flat, but now they have added N500 making it N1,000 per flat. . This is crazy and a form of extortion on the part of Lagos residents. It is more so as they rarely come to clear the resfuse.” Also, residents in Alimosho area, precisely, Isheri, in Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area, also complained of astronomical increase in the levies charged by the PSP. Alhaji Ahmed Bello, a landlord at Hassan street Isherim was seriously opposed to the increase in service charge, saying, “there is no service to warrant any increase. “Often than not, the PSP will not show up to collect our refuse which is often left for days with the attendant stench and health risk. This are the days of Ebola. Please, help us tell the authorities to do something fast to bring the PSP to order or else we will resort to patronizing cart pushers.” It is same in Okota and Amuwo Odofin areas of Lagos.

Lagos residents raise alarm over filth, blame LAWMA We will act -LAWMA boss

Many parts of Lagos remain filthy

Managing Director, LAWMA, Ola Oresanya, while responding to the allegation against the PSP, said that given the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos State it is expected that large volumes of waste would be generated by the

“Okada” resurgence: Fashola re-strategises enforcement G

overnor Babatunde Fashola, of Lagos State met with leaders of commercial motorcycle riders associations popularly called “Okoda” and Community Development Committees, CDC, police hierarchy in the state over the implementation of the state traffic law as it affect operators of motorbikes. Fashola at the meeting, maintained that the law is a good policy which the state would not reverse. The emphasis became necessary following resurgence of Okoda riders in most of the restricted roads as stipulated in the 2012 Lagos Traffic Law. Fashola, who spoke at the Banquet Hall of the Lagos House, Ikeja at a meeting attended by the police high command in the state, stated the issue of the implementation of the state traffic law is not a

Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 6 6, 2014—41

political issue but that of safety. He added that like every good policy it can indeed be improved upon but that the motorcycle operators must obey the law and reduce the excesses associated with some of them. He charged the senior law enforcement officers to ensure that younger officers who engage in illegalities are dealt with. The governor reiterated that even in the approved routes, the motorcycle operators cannot carry more than one passenger and cannot drive against traffic or ride the motor bikes without wearing a crash helmet because it is all about being alive. “Even in the approved places, the traffic law is still there, you cannot carry more than one passenger, you can’t drive against traffic and you can’t ride without a helmet because I want you all to be alive. Those of you who cannot afford

people regularly even as he identified indiscriminate dumping of refuse as a major challenge to the agency. He stated that another constraint that could hinder the operation of PSP is the lack of access road as the trucks find it difficult to access some areas. But areas

that have good roads also suffer their neglect or inefficiency. “Rapid population growth, coupled with unbridled urban pollution, is among the many health and sanitation challenges facing the city.” He said

helmets, I would provide helmets for you but I want you to be safe”. “You should know that in those places where you are allowed to operate, you must operate safely. Have you ever travelled before by air and you tell the cabin crew of an aircraft that you will not use the seat belt in the plane because you have travelled severally? Even people who ride power bikes still have accidents but are saved sometimes are by the usage of crash helmets”, he stressed. According to Fashola, the people can also monitor and participate in the enforcement process by ensuring that in the various Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas where there are problems, the people can work together with the Divisional Police Officers (DPO) and Area Commanders through the Police Community Relations Committees (PCRC) to address such issues. Fashola also called for the setting up of Contact Committees across the various Police Area Commands, which should be decentralized by the Local Government Chairmen down the line so

that the faces of those monitoring and supervising are well known to the people. “All of you representing the various constituencies will pick who would be your Local Government Chairmen and Local Governments would pick Area Commanders and when you come back, you tie it back to the Divisional Police Officers. At least the DPO support the Local Governments here so there should be that interface at the grassroots where there is a reporting and a solution”. “If it cannot be resolved at the DPO level, then we escalate it to the Area Commander, if we can’t solve it there, we will bring it to the Commissioner of Police level and it will get to us at the monthly Security Council meeting and we if we can’t solve it there it will get to the AIG”, he added. He expressed the hope that the operators of commercial motorcycles would organise themselves better and utilize the open door policy of the present administration to reach it, adding: “Let us know what the problems are and if people are impersonating you, use the open door policy to reach us.

42—SA TURD AY 42—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 6 6, 2014

purchase bullets from him. The gun I am holding is for my grandfather, he is the eldest man in my community so, he uses the gun for protection. I got involved in the operation because Emmanuel promised to give me large amount of money after the operation. I never knew he went to prison. We came to Lagos in the month of July and we carried out the operation on July 18, 2014. These local guns were found in his house when we took SARS operatives to the place.”

Victor Ezenwa, 22

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

myy ought three of m Whhyy I brrou b o r rob o t to e t a te t s st a lt e lta D m o fr fro s d n frie t c e p s u s — s o g a L in le c n u my

ix suspected armed robbers said to be members of a gang that has been terrorizing Lagos, Delta and Imo states for long have been arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja, Lagos. The suspects identified as: Emmanuel Erherhie, Joseph Ovologbarho, Innocent Ibe, Victor Ezenwa, Oyoma Akbojiyouwi and James Ukerume, were arrested after they carried out an unsuccessful robbery operation in Lagos. Their arrest, according to Police sources, followed an intelligence report received by the Lagos State Police Command on a robbery operation in Festac, which led to arrest of one of the suspects, Innocent Ibe at the robbery scene while others fled. It was gathered that after a long manhunt, other members of the gang were arrested in different areas in Delta State. Recovered from the suspects were four locally made guns and cartridges used for the operation. Crime Guard gathered that the leader of the gang, Emmanuel Erherhie contracted his gang members in Delta State to rob his Uncle in Lagos after his uncle allegedly chased him out of his house after he was released from prison.

Suspects account

During interrogation, 24-year-old Emmanuel Erherhie, said he got arrested because he organised robbers to rob his uncle who lives in Festac. According to him, “I brought three of my friends from Delta State to rob my uncle in Lagos. But the robbery operation failed as we were arrested. I lived with him for about four months. He drove me out of his house after I had an accident with his car and the vehicle got damaged beyond repair. I hit another car which was also badly damaged so, the owner of the car I hit arrested me that night. When I called my uncle, he said he had no hand in that. Nobody came to bail me. The case was charged to court and eventually I was sent to prison for six months. “But for the help of my elder brother, Godwin Erherhie who assisted to secure my release, I would still be in prison. When I eventually got released from Kirikiri prison, I came back to my brother ’s house; he chased me out, saying that I was no longer welcomed in his

The Suspect (Oyoma)

“ I am from Imo state, I am a professional painter, and my friend brought us to Lagos to rob his uncle. He paid our transport from Delta State and when we came, he lodged us in a hotel in Volks along Badagry express way. We spent a day in the hotel before we went for the operation. He told me that his uncle is very wealthy and that he keeps a lot of cash, including foreign notes in the house. He promised to give me a lot of cash to start up my business. That was why I agreed to participate in the operation. I regret participating in this operation. I will never rob in my life again. “

He drove me out of his house after I had an accident with his car and the vehicle got damaged beyond repair

house,and he didn’t even allow me to pick my belongings. I was wasting away, jobless and roaming the streets and my brother refused to help. I left Lagos out of frustration to Delta State. While I was in Delta State, I met my childhood friend Joseph, and told him to help me organise people for the robbery operation. I stayed two months there strategising and perfecting plans to rob my uncle. We were four who robbed the house. “If we had succeeded in the operation, I would have used the money to process travel documents to travel to Austria. A friend of mine who I met when I was an apprentice had promised to help me process documents if I had the money. When I was living with my uncle, I worked as a sales boy in his furniture company. He wasn’t paying me; he only gave me pocket money.

Joseph Ovologbarho, 22

“I am a plumber from Delta State. Some months ago, Emmanuel came to my house in Delta and said I should assist him with people to rob his uncle in Lagos. So I arranged with two of my friends, Innocent Ibe and Victor Ezenwa who also participated in the operation. We got the guns from Oyoma Akbojiyouwi, when I went to

Innocent Ibe I am from Imo State, but I reside in Delta State. My friend Joseph brought me into this operation; they informed me that his uncle had a lot of foreign currency kept in his house. He told me that we are not using gun, that all we needed to do was to follow him to the house. Emmanuel promised to reward us handsomely after the operation but unfortunately we were arrested.”

Oyoma Akbojiyouwi 3

“ I am the youth leader in my community in Delta State and we use these locally made guns for security purposes. When we arrest suspects, we hand them over to the vigilante group and they will then hand them over to the police. Some months back, Joseph, a member of the vigilante came to me with their vehicle to get bullets to go on patrol. So, I gave him and he went away. Last week, SARS operatives came to my father ’s house in Delta State and arrested me for selling bullets to Joseph. According to police sources, they brought a pump action for the robbery operation in Lagos. We got to my uncle’s house at about 7pm for the operation. Unfortunately, innocent was caught while we were attempting to break into the building, the rest of us fled but were later arrested. Emmanuel and the other members escaped back to Delta State but were traced and arrested.

•The suspects: Emmanuel, Joseph, Victor, Innocent.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 6 6, 2014—43

Married man ends up in jail after acid attack on lover

• Victim

wants help to restore her sight

BY AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE WARRI million to restore her dignity. ‘How I met my ex-lover’ I divorced my husband with whom I had three kids after irreconcilable differences and incompatibility . I relocated to Ujevwu in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. There, I began selling meat at the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company, WRPC, area, a business which sustained and provided for my needs as the kids were with their father. “After about six months, my church members alerted me that Ogba whom I was dating was married with wife and four kids. I trailed him and got the truth and I told him to leave me alone, but he refused. His wife got wind of our relationship and started coming to abuse me at home. I told Ogba to leave me alone, but he refused. He went to disturb my pastor. The pastor asked him to leave me alone, but he would not listen. They beat me up and took my money (N30,000). I reported to the leadership of Egini community. They reprimanded him but he would not change his mind. This started as the motorcycle rider(okada) conveyed me home. He identified himself

•Paulina after the acid attack

before but the acid that soaked on my head burnt it. I saw death but God did not allow me to die. I cursed the day I met Ogba. I regret meeting him and I am still baffled that he did this to me. He neither drinks nor smokes. I am not aware that he had or has mental problem. So, it is like a bad dream. How I wish it is a dream. I can’t see. I’m almost blind, I need help, I want to see again. Please, I need help.”

HE incident of August 28, 2010 will remain with Ms. Paulina Imuere (41) forever. It was a day her vision was cut short and dreams shattered. it was a day she hoped never happened. That was the day she her supposed lover poured her acid and disfigured her. Paulina, an indigene of Kokori in Ethiope –East Local Government Area of Delta State, had fasted and prayed on August 27, 2010 during a church programme but next morning she was bathed with acid by Mr. Difference Ogba, her lover who knocked on her door at 5 a.m. The attack left Paulina blind with one eye completely chopped off by the acid and the other blind but with chance to be restored. Her two nostrils are also damaged with her skull grafted in efforts to save her. Ogba is now serving a ten- year jail term in Okere prison in Warri after he was convicted by the High Court at Otu-Jeremi. However, pleas to well meaning Nigerians to come to Paulina’s aide have not yielded results four years down the line. When Saturday Vanguard visited Paulina at her Okuokoko residence where she is staying with her elder sister, the story was that of agony and pains. But she remains hopeful that help could come her way to enable her to undergo a corrective plastic surgery to restore her severely damaged face and body. According to her, “ my elder sister, Mrs. Kate Agbavwre and members of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry and Church of God mission have been helping me and I have great hope that help will come one day. I can still see again. Doctor confirmed that I can still see again but at a very high cost. My faith is stronger now as I have taken God as my father. “If Ogba repents and God forgives him, it is good for him. I have forgiven him. God is the true judge. I leave him to his God. The incident has changed my perception about life and my faith in God has grown.” Back in 2011, after the attack, the once beautiful woman who men found irresistible was a shadow of her former self after she was discharged from University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, Benin City. Paulina, a divorcee and mother of three needs a lifeline of N10

After about six months, my church members alerted me that Ogba whom I was dating was married with wife and four kids. I trailed him and got the truth and I told him to leave me alone, but he refused. His wife got wind of our relationship and started coming to abuse me at home

as Mr. Difference Ogba, and told me he was resident in Egini, a neighbouring community to Ujevwu. He said he was not married. He showed interest in me and I told him I was a divorcee. He said he did not mind. Escape to Ekrokpe I had to leave where I was staying just to escape from him. He found out where I was and continued making trouble. He said that I must marry him. He would not leave me alone. I had packed out to Ekrokpe Community in Ughelli-South Council area.

fter about three months, he found out where I moved to and he came again. I chased him away but he continued disturbing me until my landlady got tired and threatened to give me a quit notice. I continued to chase him away any moment he came around and my landlady later joined me in chasing him

•Paulina before the attack

away, till he stopped. On August 27, 2010, I didn’t go to the market. I fasted and went for our Wednesday prayers in my church (Church of God Mission). I prayed to God to chase away Ogba completely from my life. I went to sleep early that evening as I had my plans for the next day. I wanted to go to the market to sell and, on return, cook and eat my choice soup (banga). But very early in the morning, August 28 , at 5 a.m, I heard a sharp knock on my door and the voice of a woman I knew. I was shocked because she resides in Egini. I was wondering how she came to Ekrokpe that early. Immediately I opened the door, I was poured something (acid) on my head and face. I shouted for help and fainted. I woke up two days later at UBTH to discover that Ogba was the one who knocked on the door and poured me acid.” Ogba fled after the incident. “I have gone through excruciating pains as I had to undergo three different surgeries. Flesh was cut off from my lap to patch my head and lip. My skull was operated on. I weaved my head a night

aulina’s elder sister and member of Deeper Life Bible Church, Mrs. Kate Agbavwre, who resides at Okuokoko community, said, “I was at home on August 28 , 2010, when, in the early morning, our mother came to tell me that my sister was bathed with acid by her lover and she was brought to Kokori. We rushed back there and took her to hospital in Okpara Inland. The next day, she was referred to UBTH. “At UBTH, life was terrible for my sister as many never believed she will survive, even some relatives’ advised that she be left to die. But I stood by her. I had to borrow money to save her life. I borrowed about N500,000 to buy drugs and blood. Things got hard and I had to liaise with my family to sell our land at Kokori. We were billed N665,000 for the bed, treatment and feeding for the one year.” How Ogba was trapped and arrested According to Mrs. Agbavwre, “When the incident occurred, the landlady promptly reported the incident at the Ekakpamre Police Station and the case was transferred to the Otu-Jeremi Divisional Headquarters. The police swung into action and arrested two members of Ogba family, who were eventually released on bail with a condition to look for the suspect in two weeks. ‘’After a month, I came back from UBTH and a lady from Ogba family came as a spy to inquire if Paulina was dead or alive. I sensed her mission and I told her that Paulina was alive and had been discharged from hospital. The lady then said she was going to meet their family to see how they could come for settlement.The following day, the family came to my house and I told them the truth that Paulina was in critical condition at UBTH. On hearing my report, the family said they would come back again, but they never did.

44—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

BRIEF

Nigeria Power Generation Hits 22-YYear High By EDIRI EJOH & MAUREEN UMEH

NNPC quickens action on Gas Pipeline to Kano, Kaduna

•As Dawha Chairs Project Steering Committee

major step aimed at fast-tracking the Federal Government’s Gas Revolution Agenda was taken on Friday by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, with the establishment of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project Steering Committee with the mandate of ensuring efficient and accelerated actualization of the task. The project which was approved under the National Gas Master Plan by the Federal Executive Council is designed to transport gas for power and manufacturing industry usage to the key northern axis from Ajaokuta –Kaduna – Kano. Speaking at the inauguration of the Committee, Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Joseph Dawha described the AKK assignment as a National Priority Project which is one of the cardinal programmes of the transformation agenda of the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration. He noted that while progress is being made in the execution of the adjoining OB3 gas pipeline project as well as the looping of the Escravos Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS), implementation of the AKK Project is slow and out of sync with Government’s desire for accelerated implementation. “In order to strengthen this critical Government National Priority Project and have it refocused for accelerated implementation, there is the compelling need for the establishment of a dedicated AKK Project Steering Team with clear governance structure,” the GMD said. The Project Steering Committee comprises of the GMD NNPC as Chairman with the Group Executive Directors of Gas and Power, Exploration and Production as well as Commercial and Investment as members. Also listed as a member of the PSC is the Coordinator, Corporate Planning and Strategy. The PSC will be responsible for providing

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Joseph T. Dawha exchanging pleasantries with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.

general guidance and direction for the project, grant approval for business models, equity participation, budgets, contracting strategy and appropriate reporting to the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources as well as endorse strategic investors and recommend as appropriate to Government for approval. The AKK Project Support Team on the other hand consists of a group of 10 personnel drawn across various divisions of the Corporation with Mallam Rabiu Bello, General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy, as the Team Lead. Mallam Bello is to coordinate the activities of the Project Engineering Procurement &Construction (EPC) Team and the Project Support Team. In its terms of reference, the team is mandated to review all existing contractual, technical, commercial, financial issues relating to the project among other items .

NNPC, Navy strengthen ties to curb crude oil theft As part of efforts to stamp out illegal oil bunkering , the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and the Nigerian Navy have pledged to work together to curtail the crude oil theft and other social crimes in the Nigerian maritime waters. At a courtesy call on the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin in Abuja, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Joseph T. Dawha emphasized the need for the Corporation and the Nigerian Navy to strengthen ties for the socio-economic growth and stability of the nation. Dr. Dawha applauded the Navy for its tremen-

dous support to the NNPC and its partners in fostering and ensuring a secure environment for its personnel, facilities and operations. According to the GMD, the Navy has supported the Corporation in securing its assets and facilities in the upstream, midstream and downstream of the Oil and Gas industry adding that the aggressive patrols and surveillance have led to the arrest of pirates and illegal bunkerers over the years. He maintained that the gallant security presence of the Navy has gone a long way in stabilizing NNPC operations in Escravos, Warri, Port Harcourt, Bonny, Atlas Cove in Lagos and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC operations in Benin city and environs. Dr. Dawha expressed the readiness of the NNPC to sustain the engagement with the Navy and other security personnel especially in the areas of pipeline security, vandalism, crude and product theft and the associated crimes of kidnapping and abduction of oil workers on the near shore, offshore and deep water. In his response, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin reassured the GMD and the top management of the NNPC of Navy’s continuous support in reducing oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy and poaching to its barest minimum. He said the activities of oil bunkers and illegal refiners have given the country a negative image and the Navy is determined to chase the perpetrators of these nefarious acts out of business for the common good of the country.

igeria’s electric ity generation is getting a steady climb reaching a twoyear high of 4,044 megawatts (MW), though it is still below the peak generation level achieved two years ago. The country’s power generation capacity currently stands at 6,000 MWs and is to the expected to grow to 40,000 MW by 2020. Speaking on the attainment of the current feat, the special assistant to Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Mr. Frank Edozien said it was due to the combined efforts of the government and the private sector, while promising that the parties involved in the power business would sustain the tempo and improve on it. “The government has put in place short-term measures that would ensure steady power supply to the power plants for the generation of electricity,” he said, adding that there are also efforts to bring about sustainable gas supply so as to ensure steady power supply in the country. However, Nigeria’s electricity generation is still below its peak generation level of about 4,517.6 MWs recorded in December, 2012, which industry analysts say, could be met and surpassed in no distant time if the upward trend continues. Inefficient power supply has been Nigeria’s greatest economic bane, but the tide seems to be turning for the better with massive investments in the sector through public private partnerships

SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201D;45

Apapa tank farm complex: A disaster in the making

BY IKENNA IFEDOBI

Seeing the prevailing situation in Apapa today, the question is not IF, but WHEN the disaster happens. Nigeria would be the worst industrial disaster in recorded history

igeria as a country today faces a barrage of significant issues that if not addressed in the very near future may stall or even halt the economy and national GDP completely. Porous security, weakened bridges and metropolitan infrastructure, parochial power generation, political corruption, etc. But all of these issues pale in comparison to the overwhelming potential disaster posed today by the Apapa Tank Farm Complex. This is an environment responsible for over eighty percent of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national revenue; an area which basically shoulders the well being and economic security of the country. Yes, Nigeria is one of the foremost countries in crude oil supply, but it is also one of the biggest importers of the products extracted from crude oil: petrol, kerosene, diesel, etc. These are the life blood of her industries, households and government institutions. Nigeria depends on the continued and consistent availability of these petroleum products which are mainly imported from foreign refineries. These products, when imported, are stored in facilities popularly called Tank Farms. These facilities which are normally located around marine environments to aid transfer and storage are highly sensitive to accidents and mishaps because of the volatile nature of the products stored therein and the constant human traffic in the loading and unloading process. The Nigerian economy today is essentially the Apapa Tank Farm Complex because no other stratum of the economy shoulders so much socio-economic responsibility. Tank Farms located in most industrialized countries, like that of Cushing,

*Dizeani

*Dawha

Oklahoma, and Houston Texas, USA are usually far from civilian habitation and in strictly industrial areas. They undergo the most stringent inspection and audit systems and are constantly watched over by regulatory agencies and 3rd party inspection companies. They must be tested for corrosion, leaks and metal loss almost on a monthly basis and undergo in-service Inspections and out of service/Turn Around maintenance at periods determined by domestic jurisdictional needs. The owners of such facilities are required to retain and maintain up to date records of not only Inspections and maintenance activities, but also construction and fabrication records and documentation. These extra measures are necessary because Tank Farms are pseudo time bombs. They are constantly laden with highly explosive substances and are subject to a high probability and consequence of failure. Because they are usually linked by connecting pipelines and/or distribution channels, and are located within the same vicinity, they suffer a domino effect when

*Fashola

accidents occur, i.e. when one tank leaks and explodes; other tanks around it usually suffer the same fate. These so called developed countries still suffer mishaps and extensive damage including loss of lives from Tank Farm explosions and fires. For example, the Buncefield accident in England on 11th December 2005 started from one tank and destroyed about 30 tanks in a two day inferno. The explosions were heard 200 kilometers away and the blast destroyed buildings within an 8 kilometer radius. The post accident investigation cited a leak which created a vapor cloud that travelled until it found an ignition point, according to news sources. It took 25 top notch Fire Engines, 20 support vehicles and over 180 Firefighters over 3 days to extinguish the blaze. And what about the San Juanico disaster on 19th of November 1984, rated as one of the deadliest industrial disasters in world history?

Continues on pg 46

46—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

Continues from pg 45

The multiple tankers within the traffic jam and the petrol driven cars would spread the blaze further than expected

This unholy blaze destroyed the entire facility and devastated the entire town, killing over 600 people, with an excess of 7000 people suffering severe burns. This fire which was caused by an undetected leak from one of the tanks, destroyed the entire 60 tanks, and was said to have been caused by an ineffective gas detection system. These are just a few cases, but it can be clearly observed that having these huge storage facilities filled with tons of explosive material is ‘no joke’ indeed. One wrong move and the entire City or State may be lost. These issues and many others concerning Tank Farms could have been avoided if the

A tank farm in Apapa. Inset. Gridlock in Apapa

Apapa tank farm complex: A disaster in the making

proper inspection processes where followed and leak detection equipment functional. Early detection, inspection and maintenance regardless of the nominal cost are key to accident prevention. Even if the cost to maintain a tank per three years is a hundred thousand dollars, it is nothing compared to one faulty tank blowing up half the city and destroying marine life and the entire ecosystem for hundreds of years. The cost of Inspections and maintenance no matter how high is nothing compared to the price of losing the entire facility, including lives and property; and in the case of Nigeria, the entire economy. Seeing the prevailing situation in Apapa today, the question is not IF, but WHEN the disaster happens. Nigeria would be the worst industrial disaster in recorded history. It would wipe out the entire area in a matter of hours. Like the Buncefield case described above, a blast circumference of about 8 kilometers would be a conservative estimate for Apapa Tank Farm. Furthermore, Apapa is a heavily populated area, with a significant mix of business and residential districts. This part of Lagos which also has bridges is always suffering from traffic jams and bumper to bumper gridlock traffic. Heavy tankers used for fuel distribution make up a major portion of the vehicles plying the road, adding to the inferno risk. In the case of a blast on any given day, all traffic would be instantly wiped out from the heat wave alone. The multiple tankers within the traffic jam and the petrol driven cars would spread the blaze further than expected. The poor fire fighting system would virtually be impotent in combating the blaze and most likely the inferno would be left to die out on its own. Given the nature of the petroleum products involved, the entire State stands the risk of going up in flames due to ‘daisy-chain’ reignition and the sheer demographic density of Lagos state. Apart from the explosive destruction alone and the grand loss of lives and property, the economic impact and negative multiplier effect would be unimaginable. The sudden regression of national revenue, business activities and GDP

would render the country instantly crippled and helpless for years if not decades. All commerce, power generation and provision (given that PHCN is a joke today), health care and life generally would become a nightmare if the Apapa Complex goes up in flames. The country may not be able to contain such a disaster. All the factors are present today to initiate such an unexpected inferno: The Complex is packed with multiple Tank Farms owned by various private sector stakeholders that undergo minimal regulation. Inspections and leak detection systems are almost nonexistent, as there is no 3rd party supervision. The peripheral Inspections actually done are determined by the companies that own the facilities, which is akin to two opposing teams refereeing their own game. The regulatory agency in this case the Department of Petroleum resources (DPR) and the Lagos State government have not gone far enough in enforcing the type of inspection and maintenance services that would ensure zero leaks and a safe working environment and the location is so densely populated that a single tank explosion would take the life of hundreds of thousands, if not millions. In short, the entire Complex is a sitting duck due to the ‘Nigerian effect’ of poor maintenance and moral bankruptcy. The time has come for the DPR, the Lagos state government and the entire citizenry of the country to take the Apapa Tank Farm Complex seriously. Previous suggestions and attempts have been made by the government to relocate the entire Complex to the Lekki free trade zone and similar areas. This is not a feasible short term option and even if it were possible, the same culture would prevail in the new environment: tantamount to shifting the problem rather than solving it. It is time the government took the regulations ‘bull by the horn’. Given the recent mishaps in Apapa, luck may be running out on the country. The solution from my experience and perspective is simple. The government must subject the entire Complex to a stringent third party Inspections entity. This new dispensation must stipulate in

clear terms a code of conduct akin to the API 653 program, and commence extensive Inspections with conventional and automated non destructive techniques immediately. These jurisdictional directives should mandate the Tank Farm owner to compulsory In-Service and Out of Service (Turn Around) Inspections in order to analyze every aspect of the tank and detect potential defects before they result in system flaws and eventual catastrophe. The in-service non destructive techniques must employ an ‘InHouse’ Inspections crew, resident in a safe area within the Complex to monitor the various Leak Detection and Security Sensors and provide on the ground repair recommendations and supervision, according to jurisdictional code. All activities including product loading and unloading, regardless of how simple or complex must be governed by 3rd party supervision and documented. Regarding the problem of congestion, the defective tanks could be shut down for repair, and loaner tanks constructed by the DPR within the Lekki free trade zone to re-route the product, while the repair process is carried out. This will sustain the flow of revenue for the private sector; maintain supply levels, while making money for the DPR that owns these loaner tanks. These loaner tanks will eventually constitute the new Tank Farm Complex, but will be done in such a way that the process is gradual, avoiding the economic shock that sudden relocation may entail. This is the blue print in a nutshell. If the government can adopt these programs and suggestions in a timely and effective manner, maybe the impending doom and disaster looming over the Apapa Tank Farm Complex can be avoided. It should be noted that the government and the country in general may get away with cutting corners in other aspects of the economy with little consequence, but if this Tank Farm philosophy is not addressed and reformed, the Nigerian economy will suffer a blow that it may not recover form in a quarter of a century. Prevention is always better than cure.

Ikenna Ifedobi is a Consultant of the American Petroleum Institute (API) and an Economist based in Houston Texas.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014—47

No future without empowering youths —— Chilak a Chilaka rancis Chilaka is the Programme F Director, Keep Up The Hope (KUTH) Foundation, an organization that is poised

to affecting lives positively. Because of his up-bring, he is an advocate for youths empowerment in Nigeria as well as the physically challenged. He is a career counselor, mentor and a motivational speaker. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard Business, he stresses the need for parents, the church, government and the society at large to empower the less privileged ones and the youths without which the Nigerian society is a failure. Excerpts: Youth development, KUTH Foundation for the less privileged, what prompted this? It’s something that started as far back as 2009. I have always been in the system, educating the young people especially the youths. I had a background that allowed me to mentor youths and I believe if our youths are not mentored properly, we will have a country without a future. So in my little way, I have been doing youth evangelization and all of that. I have also delivered a lot of papers on drug addiction, prostitution and the need to start one’s life as a young person, etc. I have equally had opportunities of talking to fresh secondary school leavers, university graduates as well as those who are undergoing their NYSC programmes. I do a lot of counseling. KUTH Foundation formally came into being in November 2011. However, it was around August 2011 that I met a man who in my own language I would describe him as a chronic giver, a man with a very large heart when it comes to charity, Mr. Gerald Agbonoarue Azonobo, the Principal Promoter of KUTH Foundation. As at the time we met, he was preparing for a football tournament in Festac town and its environs and wanted to lace it with motivational talks. After our very first meeting, it was obvious that we both shared something in common, motivating the youths and impacting on the lives of the less privileged. Ironically, he too has been involved in charity work as far back as 2009. So during our second meeting, I merely

Children with down syndrome need your love and Chilaka standing. suggested to him of the need to have a corporate platform for carrying out all the laudable charity works he had in mind and as God would have it, he bought into it and before I knew it, he had on his own started the process of registering the foundation, all I did was to get the name which we both agreed upon. That is how KUTH Foundation came into being. The vision and mission statement of two people who shared the same dreams. However, talking about the youths, I always believe that the Nigerian adults particularly have not been fair to the youths, because we seem not to know who the youths are. There is no delineation in terms of age. People will say I’m 60 or 70 and still young at heart. That is not the kind of youths we are talking about. The youths we are looking at are those who fall within the age bracket of 13 to 45. For this set of young ones, there is a lot of transformation going on physically, emotionally and psychologically in their minds and trust me, a lot of them need someone to help them in focusing their energies and strength to something productive, so as to be better ambassadors of themselves and their families. It is this category of young people that I like to talk to

and help them in taking wise decisions with respect to their careers and future. For instance, in my church I have always talked to these young ones to stop wasting their time every year writing JAMB and failing, when they could easily get enrolled into Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, rather than roaming round the streets and becoming bed-fellows to social vices. The issue of social vices is one area the foundation has not rested for one minute; frankly speaking, this is one cancer that is gradually consuming our nation’s youths. In our desire to stem the tide, we have gone as far as developing a programme that stands the chance of mitigating the continued proclivity to these vices by our youths. The Stay Alive Project initiative. The foundation sees it as her duty to always talk to these youths and encourage them in taking wise decisions for a better future, because no matter what anybody is saying with reference to change and transformation, if we don’t carry the youths along and collectively fight the scourge of social vices, we will not get there as a nation. If you look at the youths of today compared to the youths of 60s, you would see a big disparity. The youths of the 60s had vision, passion, goals. They took risk, they wanted to be educated. The embraced hard work. But what do we have of the youths of today, the so called youths of the 21stcentury, drug addicts, prostitutes, ritualists, cultists, examination cheats, thugs, etc. Youths who hardly have

I saw children who despite their conditions wanted to be successful; all they wanted is someone to encourage and mentor them time for education, but want to get rich over night. This is simply a pointer to the fact that we have a lot of work to do to re-orientate and change the mind set of these youths. Did you see future in these less privileged ones or passion that led you to them? Passion yes, but nothing is as good as passion shared by two people. My upbringing had a lot to do with my passion for the less privileged so also does that of my Principal Promoter, Mr. Azonobo. For my part, am a Catholic and I ventured into the priesthood because I wanted to be a priest or should I say a Monk and I attended the school for years. One of the trainings I received then was how to visit prisons, hospitals, homes of abandoned children, displaced children, and orphanages and during that period I saw a lot of future in these children. I saw children who despite their conditions wanted to be successful. All they wanted is someone to encourage and mentor them. On the other hand, Mr. Azonobo is someone whose growing up in Festac equally saw a lot of youths who were going astray and needed someone to lead them back to the light. I guess when we both saw an opportunity in life to give back to them out of love we did not hesitate because we believe there is a future for them just like any other child. So, frankly speaking, it’s a matter of love, understanding and affection that is lacking in this part of the world. For instance, we have come across a family who has a child with Down syndrome and the only thing they could do is to dump the child in one of the rooms and treat the child less than a dog. And I tell you a lot of these children are wonderful. There is a girl in one of the homes we visit regularly she writes with her feet. I saw her drawing and I said God is wonderful. This takes us abroad where you see a lot of people who don’t have arms but some of them have become motivational speakers because the society created enabling environment for them to thrive. It’s that same enabling environment that we are seeking for the Nigerian youths and children with disabilities. Any challenges? Running a foundation is very challenging especially one like ours. We have developed very serious innovative programs from our annual football tournament to reaching out to widows, prison inmates, physically challenged children and paying of medical bills, all of these require funds. So the challenge has really been with funds. We want to use this medium to appeal for support from corporate and high net worth individuals to come and share in our dreams of making the world a better place.

Glo recruits agents ffor or mobile mone moneyy

L-R, Zonal Business Manager, South Central Zone, Airtel Nigeria, with Ada Ruben, Rep. Sector Commander, FRSC Benue during Airtel’s ICT tour in Benue State recently.

ational telecoms carrier, Globacom will on Saturday September 6th hold town hall meetings with prospective agents of Glo Xchange, the Mobile Money Agent Network in partnership with Ecobank, First Bank, StanbicIBTC, and Zenith Bank in some major markets across the country. The meetings will afford the prospective agents the opportunity to discover the huge business in the mobile money industry, learn the rudiments of the mobile money distribution process and the technicalities of the transaction. It will also give the prospects the opportunity to ask questions and finalize their

application. According to the Head of Mobile Money Financial Business Department in Globacom, Mr. Esaie Diei, the event will hold in five different locations simultaneously. The locations are Ibadan at Genesis hotel, Challenge; Constantial Hotel, Airport Road, Benin; Immaculate Hotel Annexe, Wuse 2, Abuja; Landmark Hotel, Port Harcourt; Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos Mainland, and Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Ajah Road, on Lagos Island. Diei said that Globacom will recruit and train agents for Glo Xchange nationwide and provide its massive network of outlets pan Nigeria for the platform while the partner banks will provide their mobile money platform to mobile phone subscribers in compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s policy on mobile payment.

NLI inaugurates DDS to boost Nigeria’s bilateral relationship with nations

onsidering the benefits derived from bilateral relationships with nations, the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) will be inaugurating its Diplomatic Dialogue Series (DDS) in the country to boost Nigeria’s bilateral relationships with other countries. This maiden edition of Diplomatic Dialogue Series (DDS) that takes place in September 10 in Lagos, will henceforth be a monthly breakfast

event aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with countries and increase investment portfolios. Chief Executive Officer, NLI, Yinka Oyinlola said, it is a platform for interaction with the Ambassadors of foreign representation in Nigeria and a forum for networking for the purpose of business relationships and catalytic investments. “The DDS creates a sustainable forum for the leaders of corporate Nigeria, public

service leaders, NLI Senior Fellows, Fellows and Associates, senior government officials, the academia, policy makers and the media to engage, interact and share ideas with Diplomatic Envoys”. Ready to grace the occasion is Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, A.R Ghanashyan, with other invited dignitaries comprising critical stakeholders in the corporate, government, civil society, academic,

media and diplomatic communities in Nigeria. According to Yinka Oyinlola, “whatever brings people closer will inherently bridge divides, foster peace and better understanding and ultimately strengthen human interaction, growth and productivity” In addition, Oyinlola remonstrated that the NLI’s DDS has the capacity to facilitate new vistas of opportunities for trade and commerce; foster better bilateral cooperation and understanding.

48—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

he significance of good governance cannot be over emphasised in any country. It is not unbecoming to say that reducing, with a view to eradicating poverty, is one of the key effects of good governance. This view was expressed by the CEO of Brandsmiths Consulting, a public finance consulting firm, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, in his lecture titled Public Finance: Probity and Accountability, at a 2-day workshop organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with the Lagos Business School at the Pan African University, Lagos. M r. Ambode, a former Accountant General of Lagos State, explored the theme of the workshop, The Nigerian Youth-The Quality Imperative, stressing on the indisputable importance of accountability, equity and probity in both the private and public sectors. The gathering of over 300 youths of different backgrounds from all the tertiary institutions in Lagos State was an engaging forum to discuss the unpredictable nature of the bulging youth population in our nation. And according to Mr. Ambode, the Nigerian Youth is a socio-economic and human capital gold mine that can catapult Lagos and Nigeria from an emerging economy to a major world economy, provided that sound financial understanding and adequate investment of resources are allocated to this critical demographic segment for sustainable productivity. In his words, “innovation is about finding new solutions to old problems and it is the youth who will bring these solutions.” He tasked them to channel their energies by improving themselves, challenge the status quo and work to achieve their full potential. According to him, the process of getting it done is often seen as gargantuan; however, people forget that the youths who make up a massive bulk of the population of the country at present, with a large percentage still unemployed, can be at the fore front of the country’s economic survival and subsequent prosperity, if adequately enabled. He stressed that “poverty has no tribal marks. It is not partial to any religion or race. Poverty dehumanizes all in its stream irrespective of their religion, gender or ethnic call. Across the country today,

The Nigerian youth, a human capital goldmine — Akinwunmi Ambode

Akinwunmi Ambode from North to South, from East to West, we can see the humiliating mass of poverty in our landscape.” He insisted that deliberate actions must be taken by the government to plan for the growing youth bulge, stating that the prerequisite for good governance is in the identification of the basic needs of the people through accountability and management of resources. In his words, “if we take the concept of

resource generation, allocation and distribution into cognisance and apply the principles of good governance, we will achieve economic growth and development.” After his presentation, Akinwunmi Ambode engaged the students in a question and answer session where he shared his thoughts on many other issues. He told them that every youth must know that the road towards leadership is paved by the

ability to follow effectively. He then set up a quiz session with the young people present where the winners received autographed copies of his biography: The Art of Selfless Service, and his accounting text: Public Sector Accounting. Other speakers at the 2-day workshop were Mr. Kola Oyeneyin, Mr Fola Arthur-Worry, Olatunde Shofowora, Professor A. M. Ninalowo, Mrs. Oyonkan badejo-Okusanya, and Mrs.

Damilola Ogunbiyi. The workshop is the second in the series of workshops organised by Lagos State Government to engage and nurture the youth, particularly students of tertiary institutions in the state. The workshops are also platforms to discuss with the students to get their thoughts on issues that concern them to enable the government plan appropriately.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 6, 2014—49

DELTA 2015: Fresh intrigues as aspirants focus on Uduaghan, Clark EMMA AMAIZE, Regional Editor, South-South

Ibori, Clark face-off AST your mind back to 2006/2007, the feud between former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark and former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, was that the latter, from the Urhobo ethnic stock, did not consult him on his successor, who later turned out to be Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, an Itsekiri from the same South Senatorial district with Chief Clark, an Ijaw by tribe. As far as close observers could recall, things were rosy between Ibori and Clark until that moment. In fact, Clark was fighting the Ibori exconvict case as if it was his personal battle and that has been his style. You can be friend today and enemy if he no longer believes in you.

Aspirants’ modest games A close watch at the political turf today will reveal the governorship race in the state has entered the phase of mind-reading of perceived political brokers. All the governorship aspirants in the state, particularly those on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP platform are involved in the game. First part of the game is courting Uduaghan and Chief Clark by all means, the second is doing everything to be in their separate good books and remain in them until the primaries; and the third is monitoring the body language of the duo at every point in time. Okowa, Ochei, Okubor, Obuh The game of politics is really unpredictable. At inception, many thought there was an unrecorded covenant between Governor Uduaghan and his friend, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who emerged second in the party’s governorship primaries at Ogwashi-Uku in 2006. The governorship ticket was believed to be Okowa’s for pick at any time and politicians, across the state, were working for his 2015 ambition on that score. It, however, filtered that the anointing has passed him by to the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Victor Ochei. The former Speaker, who still enjoys remarkable support in the state, did not chicken out after he lost the exalted office, and even when the story changed in favour of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Felix Okubor. At present, a politician in Delta Central senatorial district, Chief Olori Magege, who declared his support for Okubor ’s

Uduaghan

Clark

Okowa

Ochei

Uduaghan, Clark amity Return to 2014, the same scenario of who takes over as governor of the state in 2015 with Dr. Uduaghan as incumbent governor. The game is on, just as some aspirants claimed to be Ibori’s anointed then and groups purported that their principals were only waiting for coronation, so it is today with those claiming they just left the Uduaghan’s bedroom. However, the camaraderie between Clark and Uduaghan today and the passion with which “living deity” of Delta politics speaks about him (governor) did not just happen. Uduaghan built bridges and made many concessions before the Ijaw national leader simmered down.

A close watch at the political turf today will reveal the governorship race in the state has entered the phase of mind-reading of perceived political brokers

Omo-Agege

gubernatorial ambition, is under fire by his Urhobo kinsmen, who want him to recant his position. The constantly flowing “anointing” had allegedly departed from Okubor and is now said to have settled on the head of the Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol, Asaba, Mr. Tony Obuh. In Delta politics, it is difficult to know the swing of the pendulum until the eleventh hour. But, it is apparent that the Majority leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Monday Igbuya, once trumpeting the gubernatorial ambition of Hon Ochei and Akulagba of Warri, Chief Ayiri Emami, are among those zealous to crown Obuh in 2015. Obuh's humility appears infectious. Other mind readers Prof Sylvester Monye, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, Mr. Godswill Obielum, Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme and Mr. Clement Ofuani are other governorship aspirants from the North senatorial district (Anioma), who are also reading the Uduaghan and Clark’s minds. One or two governorship hopefuls in Uduaghan’s cabinet are also reading his

Gbagi

Ibori

body language to know when to take the next step. The game keeps changing. It's part of the game. Gbagi, Omo-Agege deep in the game In the Central senatorial district, business mogul and criminologist, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, will tell you confidently that both Clark and Uduaghan know who is most capable among the pack of aspirants to rule the state in 2015. He speaks of both men in good light and does not mince words that he is the one the cap fits. On his part, Obaisi Ovie Omo-Agege says those who peddle the rumor that he and Uduaghan have irreconcilable differences should think of another yarn. They both visited Clark in the last few days in continuation of the unfolding plot. The Deputy Governor of the state, Prof Amos Utuama, was learned to be making consultation and as at Wednesday, he visited Kiagbodo, Chief Clark's country home to donate 1,126 law books to the proposed Edwin Clark University, apparently to soften the ground for his gubernatorial quest. He is from the same area with Gbagi.

50—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014—51

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

am impressed by the recommendation of the subcommittee of the National Delegates Conference on Securities for the creation of Ministry or Department of Homeland Securities. This is good emulation; I do not want to say, imitation because the American essayist RW Emerson advised that “imitation is suicide.” Once more we are in the process of following the footsteps of those we have always pretended to follow. The difference, this time, is that we want to emulate rather than imitate. America is the country we want to follow after. She has a very impressive Homeland Securities System, including Customs and Border Operations (CBO) and Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). I will be surprised if there was any one in the National Conference who has not been to America. So it made sense to all of them when Homeland Securities was mentioned. For many of us, we are used to “Internal Affairs,” which not too long ago metamorphosed into “Interior.” We need to know their perspectives of Homeland Security so that we can be rest assured it will work. Nigeria is our home, no doubt about this and by security; we mean safe-keeping or protection (of our homeland). I propose that we look at this from a double perspective. The first view should be protecting our home from external aggression; and the second, more like, safeguarding our home from ourselves. What I understand will then entail an omnibus organization of precautions; protective as well as defense measures. I then wonder: who will be responsible for the tasks associated with the proposed organization. Right now, my imagination has gone wild, traversing existing units and departments of government like the

Point about homeland security armed forces (sorry, this is a specialized arm of government that is solely charged with defense against external aggression), the police; the prisons, customs and immigration services; land, air and water transportation; civil defense and other organized security units, which represent government interests; emergency management agencies; drugs law enforcement, agriculture and food administration and several others like them. Believe me; my thoughts are greatly influenced by the establishment in 2002, by President George Bush, of the Department of Homeland Securities in USA. That was an immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001 (9/11) bombing of the twin towers, World Trade Center in New York. The government of USA merged about 22 hitherto different departments, units and sub units into the present Department of Homeland Securities. We waited to have our own bitter pill before thinking of a reorganization of our security system. The surge of Boko Haram has thrown a challenge to the existing system. The same evil of

terrorism that prompted the US to do what have heard spotlights on this department nor deliberate policy statements by both government and nongovernmental organization. Prisons have continued to be areas where convicted persons are punished. In other words, the convicted persons are written off and disowned by the society. In prison, they are forgotten. I have an idea that modern criminal justice system has a benevolent side and is capable of reforming, sometimes. This means

52—SA TURD AY 52—SATURD TURDA

not reported and drive fears deeply into the populace; they could, through some sinister acts obtain wealth and prominence, become party members, contest or sponsor elections and get into high offices and endanger the polity; and my reaction is: can’t something be done? Will the new idea of homeland securities be able to take care of them? Well let me not go into deep analyses and exemplifications because I am convinced that many people know what I am saying. I will go straight into my suggestions. If we have a police system that has a strong relationship with “grassroots” then securities will be more approachable. We should be able to creatively deduce means of dealing with security issues at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Maybe we could adopt the American system of “Localism.” In simple terms, allow locales to manage their primary securities. Permission or approval should be given for the establishment of local and community policing. Formal police departments ought to exist, first, at the local government level

Nigeria is our home, no doubt about this and by security; we mean safe-keeping or protection (of our homeland)

that while jail houses could be punitive, there is also a possibility that the same houses could reform and transform formal criminals to productive citizens. I am very passionate about this possibility. When I walk the streets of our major cities, like many other citizens, I am taken over by fear because I see many unclassified criminals walking freely. This suggests to me that we are all sitting on a volcano. They commit crimes that are

(primary), then the state (secondary) and also at the federal levels (tertiary). The security of the generality of our citizens is more important than the selfish argument on victimization and intimidation of individuals perceived as opponents of those in power both at the state and local government levels. By the way, it appears I am proposing the local government police, which people

have not talked much about hitherto. This will then be a precursor to the establishment of modern jails at the local government, state and federal levels. It will also mean establishment of more courts and appointment of more judges. If this becomes the case, then implementation of the rule of law and dispensation of justice would have been taken care of. No one will ridicule our country any more. We would have become, as they would say, civilized. I understand this will require huge investments on the part of government. But let me again remind all that there is hardly any citizen of this country today, who lives in the city or any growing community who does not spend “reasonably” on security; either on street or other forms of community security arrangement. For this reason, it will not be strange to all of us if a little more is demanded of us as part of our contribution to a better security arrangement. Once the grassroots are secured, then the rest will be in place. The state, which should handle the secondary matters, could be entrusted with more complicated issues like those involving road transportation, robberies of higher magnitude etc, while the technical cases, especially felony and other crimes against the country at the local and international levels should be handled by the federal authorities at the tertiary level. If this framework is activated and properly expatiated, there is likely going to be a measure of success in the management of our dear nation’s homeland security. CHIMDI MADUAGWU (Ph. D) chimdimaduagwu@gmail.com

Imo: Ihedioha’s projects speak for him BY A.I.C. AKWARANDU

t is noteworthy that since after the recent Iriji Mbaise festival, Governor Rochas Okorocha and his band of apologists have not recovered from the shock of the reality of Hon. Emeka Ihedioha’s increasing popularity across Imo State. The fact that Okorocha was booed while Ihedioha was hailed and glorified at the festival is a rude reality check for the governor. One wonders why a group of people have been misinforming the public about how the governor enjoyed the Iri ji festival and have been issuing and re-issuing press statements since then just in a desperate bid to hoodwink the public. They have gone to the extent of hiring some Mbaise young men whom the governor failed to empower, to organise what they called an ‘apology rally’ for him. The question therefore is, how many times will Governor Okorocha be apologised to by communities across Imo State? He was ‘apologised’ to by the people of Uguta, the people of Owerri ‘apologised’ to him, the people of Mbaitolu who revolted against their own son Prince Eze Madumere, also ‘apologised’ to the “unapologetic government” of rescue mission. And now, Mbaise people are ‘apologising’. This festival of apologies reminds me of the saying that “Ihe agba na aka, ana eji oku ele ya”. This means that a ring on your hand does not need light to be seen. If at all Governor Okorocha has been doing well, I do not think that there will be need for the serial embarrassments he suffers across the state. The governor should do serious introspection and find out where he has failed the people of Imo state and possibly make amends by apologising to them. But I fear that even such a step is now too late as Imo people appear fed up. I feel Gov. Okorocha should go and look for the root of his misfortunes and leave a man blessed by God to continue rendering service to humanity. Rt. Hon. Ihedioha is not the only aspirant in Imo state. He is not the only PDP man in Imo. He is not the only Mbaise man. Rt. Hon. Ihedioha has made his mark in his journey as a legislator. I am not here to emphasis on the much talked about Owerri/Elele road of which he facilitated the ongoing dualisation, neither am I here to talk about the Onitcha Uboma road which links to Okigwe, under

Hon. Emeka Ihedioha construction through the instrumentality of the Deputy speaker. The issue under discussion is not the massive Mbaise ring road which has encouraged economic activities for the good people of Mbaise or the fully completed Jetty at Imo river, Ngor Okpala, both federal projects he facilitated. This write up is not to talk about Ihedioha’s various empowerment programmes and even the latest distribution of scientific equipment to secondary schools in Imo state. If that happens to be the reason, I would have taken much time to talk about the various water projects, health centres, solar electric lights situated both in Ngor Okpala and Aboh Mbaise and Indeed other parts of the state. I would have taken time to lay emphasis on the waste

recycling plant located in Ilile Ohaji Egbema which the deputy speaker facilitated. I would have needed no body to remind me that the deputy speaker facilitated the rehabilitation of Owerri/ Umuahia road and Owerri/Okigwe road. Even the road linking from Mbutu, Chokoneze, Logora and Umuohiagu are all projects linked to the tireless efforts of the deputy speaker which I don’t wish to talk about. But, the reason for this write-up is to advise Governor Okorocha’s aides to focus on mending the image of their boss which has gone into oblivion. For a man who had goodwill before becoming governor, to at this point be hiring youths to chant his praise shows that he has lost it. His aides should therefore concentrate on explaining to Imo people the reason why the roads shown on television are without potholes, while in Imo, potholes are inseparable from Gov. Okorocha’s road projects. They should explain to the people why there is no job creation and why local government elections are still not conducted since he got to office till today. They should explain the financial status of Imo state and tell us why a huge debt of over 130 billion Naira hangs over the state. They should tell us why the once cleanest city of Owerri is now filthy. Let them inform that where pensioners are only paid on television and even NYSC members posted to Imo state only receive their salary from the state on television. Let them not forget to tell us why the purported ‘Youth Must Work’ members were given “engagement letters” instead of appointment letters. They can go further to tell us why a man who takes pride in talking about rule of law has been disobeying rule of law since inception into office. Finally, it is necessary to state that Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha is like a golden fish which has no hiding place. He is a man whose time has come and no human being can pull him down. He is a man with a large heart; a man full of wisdom and administrative decorum. He is a man loved by the youth, the old, women and even children. Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha cannot be stopped no matter the amount of pull- him- down strategies which the antagonists adopt. Ihedioha thinks; Ihedioha listens; and above all, Ihedioha delivers without telling stories.

Imo Ga Adi Mma Ozo. Akwarandu writes from Owerri

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

done within the ambit of the law and regulations establishing both NTI and UBEC.

BY JULIUS TOBA

Dr Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Modibbo

Adamawa:

Modibbo coming to the rescue

ince its inception in the 90’s, precisely on August 27th, 1991 when then military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida took a bold step of carving out the present Adamawa State out of Old Gongola, splitting it into Taraba and Adamawa States; Adamawa has not been lucky with efficient political leadership. This stands it out negatively in the comity of nine states among which were created same day. At the last count, Adamawa’s affairs had been piloted by ten different administrations headed either by military administrators or elected governors. Yet, there’s is little or nothing to show for it. Within this period, the plights of Adamawa citizenry have been left to degenerate from wants to total lack. This happens albeit in the midst of plenty untapped resources. From history, two things have always been trademarks of these regimes. It was either they were truncated abruptly or the occupant of the seat of power at a particular time was not prepared for the onerous task of a governor. Therefore throwing up mere political opportunists and winnertake-all kind of politicians to be in charge has been the case. In some cases, it has also been noticed that visions to take the state out of its current economic woods is evidently lacking while in other instances; the governor becomes answerable not to the people but to a few godfathers and political demi-gods. As a result, despite being one of the oldest in the offspring states that emerged from the defunct North/Eastern region of 1967, Adamawa, due to deficiency in the crop of its past and present leaders could hardly compete with smaller states like Gombe, Taraba and Bauchi even within same region. This is in the areas of infrastructures, business opportunities and human capital developments to mention a few. Is it not an irony that such a fate is befalling a state that has produced virtually all big political office holders in the country? Most recent of these positions were held on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, an advantage position for such leaders if they were to annex such for the interest Adamawa and its people. But it has always been a case of a barber ’s son carrying a bushy hair. Such has befallen a state that also has produced notable sons daughters who are doing well in their various professions and callings. Some of these individuals have decided to take up the challenge of liberating their people. A people who they are compassionate about, having suffered untold neglect under successive governments since 1991. In this category of these concerned citizens of Adamawa is Dr Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Modibbo. Due to his political consciousness and constant touch with his roots in Yola; Modibbo is always at home with their yearning. Giving listening ears and helping where necessary. Not even his busy schedule as a young lecturer in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in those days could deter him. At ABU, it is on records how Modibbo used his position as Dean Faculty of Arts/Social Sciences to encourage youngsters in his

Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 6, 2014—53

Adamawa, due to deficiency in the crop of its past and present leaders could hardly compete with smaller states like Gombe, Taraba and Bauchi even within same region

rural Adamawa communities to embrace education. At the time, he personally embarked on scouting for admission opportunities for them not only in ABU but in other universities around the world where he has network of friends and contemporaries. A few years later, his eventual journey to head federal government institutions like Nigeria Teachers Institute, (NTI) and Universal Basic Education Commission, (UBEC) further opened his eyes to peculiar challenges setting back education in some states of the federation. Since Adamawa his home state is not left out, Modibbo paved the way for its education sector to benefit from the gains of these offices. He designed a special monitoring mechanism to see full implementation of these policies in Adamawa. All these were

Unlike those who had overseen affairs of Adamawa by accident of events, it will not be out of place to say that Modibbo had laid the foundation for his current governorship ambition years back. He was part of the generation of Nigerians who midwifed the birth of PDP in 1998. For two nights devoid of sleep, Modibbo joined notable Nigerians to brainstorm over formation of what has metamorphosed into the largest political party in Africa today. Though the race towards Oct. 11, 2014 governorship by-election in Adamawa has shown jokers and true contenders, yet Modibbo still holds his place as a politician of repute. His moral and financial support to PDP in the last seventeen years are endless, another indication of his commitment as a thorough party man. I still doubt if any of the fourteen aspirants jostling for this job on the same party can match him on this stride. Not from a family of political novices in Adamawa, since Hajia Aishatu Dahiru Binani Ahmed, Modibbo’s wife is currently an elected member of the 7th House of Representatives on the platform from PDP. She represents people of Yola North/Yola South federal constituency. This constituency which is domiciled in the heart of Yola metropolis has been adjudged as the best represented in terms of constituency projects and empowerment programs. In a state where professional politicians, retired top military brass, accomplished businessmen and others have failed; will it be too much to give a chance to a technocrat educationist and the reformer in Modibbo? A tested and trusted hand in public services spanning thirty five years will surely bring his wealth of experiences to rescue Adamawa. This is more important as lack of qualitative education has been identified as bane of human productivity in Nigeria. No doubt, affordable and qualitative education under Modibbo’s governorship will mark a departure from what it used to be in the past. For him, becoming next governor of Adamawa is like coming to the rescue of his people now that is most needed. He does not see it as an avenue to amass wealth or make a name. But a mere privilege to leave a legacy of better life and social promotion for the people, through judicious use of state’s commonwealth. The clarion call here is to all well meaning sons and daughters of Adamawa state, both Christians, Muslims, Fulani, Kilba, Hausa, Margi, Chamba, Mbula, Bata, Vere, Higgi, Bachama and other residents who will all form the voting population in Adamawa on October 11, 2014 to see reasons why a round peg must be put in the round hole. Modibbo can be the answer to all teething problems facing Adamawa today going by his antecedents. In order that our yet unborn children will be proud of us long after our departure here on earth.

Julius Toba, is Media Assistant to Dr Ahmed Mohammed Modibbo, writes from Abuja

54—SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

Ghana v Uganda:

Stars start revival against Cranes G

HANA’S post World Cup era begin today against Uganda at the Baba Yara Stadium in their opening 2015 Africa Cup of Nationsqualifier. TheBlackStarsareyettoput the pieces together since suffering a first round exit in Brazil amidst reports of indisciplinewhichrockedtheir boat. Head coach Kwesi Appiah has named a familiar squad withmajorityoftheplayerswho were part of the qualification process and also at the tournament. But he will be missing the servicesofduoSulleyMuntari andKevin-PrinceBoatengwho have been suspended indefinitely for various acts of indiscipline during the World Cup. GhanacoachKwesiAppiah

is backing his charges to dust themselvesofftheirnegativity and pick maximum points at home. “We drew their attention to someofthethingswhichwere negative during the World Cup,” Appiah said. “We made them aware of how important this @two

games[UgandaandTogo]are for them and also for the nation.’’ “Theyexpressedtheirviews and also spoke about how prepared they are to sacrifice for the nation. For me, it’s a really good starting point.” Uganda coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic will miss the services of prolific striker

Geoffrey Massa. The UniversityofPretoriastrikerhas beenleftoutofthesquadafter hisclubcouldnotreleasehim early. Theteam’sotherprofessional players Tonny Mawejje, William Luwagga Kizito and skipper Andrew Mwesigwa will be available.

Ivory Coast v Sierra Leone:

•Ayew

Mali v Malawi:

Toure banks on youngsters I

VOIRIAN star Yaya Touré believes the young generation can help the Elephants go all the way on the continental stage and win their second Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2015. Ivory Coast play host to Sierra Leone today in Abidjan.

“The objective is at last to win silverware. Some young players have joined us, and we need to make sure they have the perfect conditions to blossom and help the team to move forward. The youngsters are the future, and we need to help them. Through God’s grace we will win the Africa Cup of Nations.”.

Speaking on the appointment of Hervé Renard as new head coach of Côte d’Ivoire, Toure said “we have welcomed it. He is a great coach who has a proven track record. He begins a new journey with Côte d’Ivoire, and it is up to us to help him succeed with the Elephants”, said Toure.

Kasperczak wary of Flames N AFCO CON AF . . . h s a l Sp

Cameroon battle DR Congo T

•Toure

HE Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon will both be looking to get their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers off to a winning start when they meet in their Group D opener at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi today This match will see AS Vita coach Florent Ibenge leading the national team for the first time in an official match following his recent appointment as the interim coach. Ibenge called up a balanced squad with local and European-based players and his charges defeated local club side TP Mazembe 2-1 in a training match on Tuesday. Cameroon have kept coach Volker Finke despite a disappointing 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign which saw them losing all three group matches to exit the group stage. Long-serving captain Samuel Eto’o has recently retired from international football and Finke has moved swiftly to appoint Sevilla midfielder Stephane M’Bia as the new skipper.

•Kasperczak ALI coach Henri Kasperczak says his side will not be complacent when they kick off their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this weekend. The Eagles host Malawi in Bamako today, before visiting Algeria in Blida four days later. Group B also includes an unpredictable Ethiopia side and Kasperczak says they have to respect all of their opponents. “We are considered one of the favourites of the group, but I am 100% sure that there is no weak team in our group,” he told reporters. The playing field is level now and there are no longer weak teams at all levels.” Assistant coach Cheick Oumar Kone went to Malawi to observe the Flames in action and Kasperczak has also watched some tapes.

•Mbia

•Andrew

SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

— 55

FIFA completes probe into 2018, 2022 World Cup F

NFF polls:

Why Amaju stands out

...Oganwu tells delegates BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

•Amaju

S the waiting game continues over when elections into the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will hold, a major stakeholder in grassroots soccer and the first university graduate to play for the then Green Eagles, Dr. John Oganwu has counseled delegates to the General Assembly to vote for the chairman of Delta State Football Association Chairman, Pinnick Amaju, as their next President. Oganwu, reputed to be one of the pivotal sponsor of grassroots soccer in Delta State, said that Amaju has the competence, capacity and character to steer Nigerian football to great heights. Amaju’s last-minute entrance into the NFF race has thrown up a lit of possibilities at the Glass House, with many football stakeholders backing his candidacy. Speaking on the phone with Saturday Vanguard Sports , Oganwu said Amaju was the best man to fill the position as NFF President because of his integrity, resourcefulness, drive and passion for the game. “Since Amaju became the chairman of Delta Football Association, the state has witnessed a great turn around in sponsorship for football. By

C M Y K

far, Amaju is a man of integrity. His passion for excellence cannot be rivaled by the other aspirants and he is somebody who I trust knows how to get the sponsorship deals that will help our football to develop beyond the present level. “I can assure the delegates that if they vote for Amaju, our football will rank at per with the standard in Europe and America.” Continuing, the historic ex-Green Eagles player star said “I am so sure that if Amaju is elected, he will involve so many Nigerian ex-footballers in the running of the game. Most exinternationals have been clamouring for them to be involved in the running of the game and with Amaju on board the saddle, I am confident that our wish will be granted”, said Oganwu, who cited the case of the Delta State Football Association as clear example of Amaju\s involvement of exstars in the running of the game. “As chairman of Delta State FA, Amaju has four exinternationals on his board. They are Austin Okocha, Victor Ikpeba, Kenneth Nwomocha and Alex Amudo. He also brought in another exinternational, Davidson Owumi to run the affairs of Warri Wolves. Another exinternational, Edema Fuludu runs the State league. “We need his experience and visionary leadership in the NFF because he will make the NFF self-sufficient financially. He has a vast business network, that has been built with trust, integrity and visionary leadership,” Oganwu said. Delta State FA also has a comprehensive youth development programme and is the first State or Regional FA in Africa to build a World Class edifice - Secretariat called Patrick Okpomo Football House, which is due for commissioning later this month in Asaba.

IFA ethics committee inves tigator Michael Garcia has completed his probe into the controversial bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively, and handed in a 350-page report. The report, which has not been made public, will be submitted to the ethics committee’s adjudicatory chamber, headed by German judge HansJoachim Eckert, to decide on whether any wrongdoing was committed, soccer ’s governing body said on Friday. FIFA said they could not comment on when Eckert might reach his decision. During the course of the yearlong investigation, Garcia and his deputy Cornel Borbely interviewed “more than 75 witnesses and compiled a record that, in addition to audio recordings from interviews, includes more than 200,000 pages of relevant material,” FIFA said. “The report sets forth detailed factual findings; reaches conclusions concerning further action with respect to certain individuals; identifies issues to be referred to other FIFA committees; and makes recommendations for future bidding processes.”

The hosting rights for the two tournaments were awarded simultaneously by FIFA’s executive committee in Zurich in 2010 after a turbulent campaign.

•Blatter Spain/Portugal, Belgium/Netherlands and England had also been bidding for 2018 while United States, Australia, South Korea and Japan had bid for 2022. The executive committee which took the decision was reduced to 22 members instead of the usual 24 after two of them were suspended by the ethics committee one month before the vote. Nigerian Amos Adamu was banned for breaches of five articles of FIFA’s ethics code including one on bribery and Reynald Temarii of Tahiti for breaching articles on general conduct and loyalty. The case followed allegations by The Sunday Times that the pair offered to sell their votes to undercover reporters posing as lobbyists for an American consortium. FIFA said that all bidding nations were interviewed during the investigation. Borbely took responsibility obtaining information from the U.S and Russia as Garcia is a national of the former and was barred from visiting the latter.

FOOTBALL LEGACY .... Newly built and yet to be commissioned Delta FA Secretariat in Asaba.

Ghana open free gates for Ugandan clash

MASSIVE crowd is ex pected at the Kumasi Sports Stadium on Saturday when Ghana play Uganda in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as gates will be open for free for fans to attend the game, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal. This is the latest charm offensive being undertaken by the authorities to woo supporters back to support the Black Stars in the wake of their disappointing performance at the

2014 World Cup. Tagged as the bid to thank Kumasi fans for their massive support for the Black Stars during the World Cup qualifiers, supporters of the national team will be allowed to watch the high-profile international game for free. The king of the Ashantis, the Otumfuo, also joined in the bid on Thursday when he urged fans to come out in their number to support the team despite the failure at the World Cup.

The regional minister and the country’s sports minister met GFA officials on Thursday over fans for the match and have agreed to open the gates for free to ensure massive support against the Cranes. “We have decided with together with the sports minister and the Ghana Football Association to open the gates for the match for free,” Ashanti Regional minister Dr, Sarpong said.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

Bafana pile pressure on Eagles ...beat Sudan 3-0

Kickoff — 5 p.m.

OUTH Africa yesterday piled pressure on Super Eagles yesterday when they defeated Sudan 3-0, in a 2015 AFCON Group A qualifying

Eagles: No hiding place for Congo S

UPER Eagles have said that Congo cannot escape defeat in today’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group A qualifier at the U.J Esuene Stadium, Calabar. The African champions begin their quest to qualify for the tournament slated to hold Morocco, against a a rejuvenated Congolese side, coached by experienced French tactician Claude Le Roy. Speaking during their last training session at the U.J Esuene Stadium, Ahmed Musa said “this is one match that we must win because it is the first in the qualifying series and the only way to show that we mean business is to win well”. Also speaking, 2013 AFCON top striker, Emmanuel Emenike said that “we know the importance of the match and we are not ready to toy with it. We are confident of picking the three points and assure our fans that we will surely emerge victorious. There is no hiding place for Congo”. In his own view, Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi said that “we won’t let our country down as we know the huge expectations that fans have anytime we are playing a match. Congo have a good coach but that won’t save them from being defeated”.

•Mikel

match at the Al Merreikh Stadium in Khatoun. Bafana Bafana are in the same group with Eagles, who will need to score more than three goals in today’s clash with Congo in Calabar. After a goalless first half, the coach Shakes Mashaba Bafana-tinkered side came back rejuvenated and scored three goals to now top the group. Substitute Sibusiso Vilakazi bagged a brace, while Bongani Ndulula scored the third.

NUJ Games:

Va n g u a r d wins soccer gold Y OUR soar-away Vanguard Newspaper, yesterday added another glittering feather to its glittering cap, when it defeated Sports Day in the soccer final of the NUJMed View Media Game In a thrilling final held at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Vanguard won 2-1 on penalties With no side able to score in regulation time, the match was decided on penalties, with Vanguard converting two spot kicks while Sports Day scored only one goal. Captain and goalkeeper Joseph Sunday was the hero of the day, stopping two penalties of Sports Day to send jubilant Vanguard fans, into ecstasy as they chanted songs to celebrate the milestone victory at the Media Games.

•Musa Across 1 Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka – (10) 8 Yoruba Girl’s Name – (4) 9 L.G.A in Sokoto State – (5) 10 Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran – (4) 11 Enugu Rangers Striker, Chikeluba – (6 13 Colour – (3) 14 Sate in Nigeria – (6) 17 Executive Director, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Chief Okechukwu – (6) 19 Former Adamawa State Governor, Mr. Boni – (6) 21 Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Razak – (6) 23 Beverage – (3) 24 Saudi Arabian Capital City – (6) 26 Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Ibrahim – (4) 28 Warri Wolves Striker, Oghenekaro – (5) 29 Africas Longest River – (4) 30 Former United States President, George – (10)

Down 2 Peruvian Capital City – (4) 3 Belgium Prime Minister, Mr. Elio – (6) 4 Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),.Mr. Ima – (6) 5 L.G.A in Lagos State – (6) 6 Cameroun “Indomitable Lions” Striker, Samuel – (4) 7 Former Angola “Palancas Negras” Midfielder, Paulo – (10) 10 Argentina and Barcelona Midfielder, Javier – (10) 12 Boredom – (5) 15 United States Secretary of State, Mr. John – (5) 16 Number – (3) 18 Beverage – (3) 20 Greek Capital City – (6) 21 Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Kayode – (6) 22 Netherlands “Oranges” Midfielder, Nigel – (6) 25 Ghana “Black Stars” Striker, Jordan – (4) 27 L.G.A in Benue State – (4)

•Sibusiso

EFCC quizzes Giwa

HRIS Giwa, who claims to have been elected NFF president, has been quizzed by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency EFCC. Giwa was whisked away from his Abuja home yesterday by EFCC operatives to answer to the banking transactions of one of his associates. 5

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SOLUTION on page 17

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