Unbeatable Golden Eaglets rule the world by Vanguard Media Limited

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2014 budget: Why Reps are angry with Jonathan •How Tambuwal grudgingly saved President from humiliation current budget are yet BY SONI DANIEL, Regiional Editor, North

AJOR reasons why majority of lawmakers in the National of Assembly rejected the request by President Goodluck Jonathan to appear before them and present the 2014 budget, emerged last night. A ranking official of the NASS told Saturday Vanguard that the lawmakers were upset with the President for allowing ministers to get away with the poor implementation of the 2013 budget, thereby exposing Nigerians to more suffering and hardship. The officer pointed out that most of the lawmakers wanted to prevent the President from presenting the 2014 budget until he gives account of the current estimate, which they claimed had been poorly implemented by the Executive. The lawmaker, who is from the same People’s Democratic Party as President Jonathan, pointed out that majority of the federal legislators were disappointed that despite the intense pressure from them, only 40 percent of the 2013 budget was implemented. The source said that the lawmakers did not feel it was necessary for the president to present the 2014 budget when the one of 2013 has not been satisfactorily implemented to give some hope and succour to Nigerians. ”I can tell you that what you saw on the floor of the House on Thursday was a true reflection of the feelings of the majority of lawmakers who feel that the President had allowed his core ministers to get away with the poor implementation of the current budget, thereby adding to the hardship being experienced by majority of the citizens. ”That is why majority of us voted against the appearance of the

president to present another budget when there are unresolved issues with the current budget, which has not significantly addressed the socio-economic plight of Nigerians. ”Our members wanted to prove a point to the Executive that budgets should no longer be seen as a mere ritual but as a serious law of the land that must be implemented to the full for the advancement of the welfare of the majority of the citizens of Nigeria and not for buying luxury for a few privileged persons working with the president”. Asked why the lawmakers changed their minds and accepted the appearance of the presentation of the budget next week, the lawmaker said that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, had to shut down those who opposed the move to stop the president and allow the minority to have their way. He said, “Mr. Speaker saw the mood of the majority lawmakers and had to veto the action of the majority just to save the President from being humiliated. ”What the Speaker did in the circumstance was to veto the majority who opposed the President’s coming and approve the views of the minority, who approved of his coming. In other words, the Speaker vetoed the majority with his gavel just to save the president from humiliation. The source stated that the budget might not be deliberated upon after the presentation by the president until a substantial progress had been made on the current budget by the Executive. He said it was unbecoming of the Finance Minister to select which project to fund or not after the NASS had passed the budget into law and assented by Mr. President. Saturday Vanguard learnt that most of the projects approved for implementation in the

to be cash-backed by the Finance Ministry. For instance, only the sum of N76.3 billion out of the N141 billion approved for road construction by the Federal Ministry of Works, has so far been released. As a result, contractors, working for the Ministry are being owed over N30 billion. A top source in the Works Ministr y told S a t u r d a y Va n g u a r d that there was nothing they could do to pay the contractors without getting regular release of its funds from the Finance Ministry.

L-R: Mr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, GM, Business Intelligence, MTN; Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, GM, Consumer Marketing, MTN; Mr. Adebisi Shonubi, Managing Director/CEO, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, PLC and Usoro Anthony Usoro, General manager, Mobile Money, MTN at the launch of MTN Auto Top-Up which allows customers automatically load airtime from their bank deposits, at MTN’s HQ, Lagos

Commercial buses accreditation: Lagos gives December 31st deadline for enforcement

•Hosts 13th, National Council on Transportation BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

AGOS State gov ernment yesterday said that from January 1 st 2014, it would commence enforcement on all commercial bus owners, drivers and conductors who are yet to comply with the reaccreditation exercise in the state. Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, handed down the warning while announcing the hosting of the 13 th National Council on Transportation, which will be the highest advisory body on all transport related matters across the federation,slated for 11 th to 15th of November 2013. The summit’s theme is: “Transformation of Transport Infrastructure, Catalyst for Socio-Economic growth.” Speaking on the second phase of Lagos Traffic L aw, Opeifa, said, focus would be on improving the availability of, safety, security and the quality of service delivery of public transportation in the state. He said: “This new system includes: the

re-introduction of commuter bus routing scheme, commercial passenger vehicle licensing, corporate outlook for transport operators -use of uniform and badges and the implementation of passengers insurance for commercial passenger v e h i c l e s in L a g o s state”. According to him, from January 1 st 2014 which is the commencement date, all commercial bus owners, drivers and conductors are to visit any of the 21 zonal offices of the Vehicles Inspection Services, VIS, nearest to them for accreditation and docum e n t a tion f r e e o f charge. The process, he explained, involves the physical examination of vehicles and particulars to ascertain its road worthiness status. Opeifa, however, solicited the support and co-operation of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the programme designed to further restore and reposition the sector for better productivity, service delivery and improved quality of life in the state.

Also commenting on the 13 th National Council on Transportation, Opeifa said Lagos agreed to host the event in order to ensure adequate transport system in the state, identify opportunities within transport sector of the economy and promote various modes of transportation. According to him, the NCT would be in two sessions, comprising of the technical session and the national council meeting. Opeifa said the technical session would be led by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transport, Engr. Nebolisa Emordi which will focus on briefs from the states and federal agencies on the state of implementation of decisions taken at the 12th National Council Meeting held in Markurdi. The Council, which comprises of all the commissioners for Transportion from all the states in Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, will be chaired by the Minister for Transportation, Senator Idris Audu Umar and Gover-

nor Babatunde Fashola is expected to be the chief host at the event to be held at the City Hall and Civic Centre respectively. “The second fold of the National Council on Transportation is the meeting which will be declared open by Governor Fashola on Thursday, 14th November 2013 at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island. The Council meeting which will be chaired by the Minister for Transportation, Senator Idris Audu Umar, will focus on various issues such as: presentation of the report of the Technical session that will be delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Tr a n s p o r t , E n g r. Nebolisa Emordi. Responding on why social miscreants, known as ‘Area boys and Agberoes’ are still chasing commercial buses on the streets of Lagos in spite of the new traffic law prohibiting them from doing so, Opeifa, said, many hoodlums have been arrested as a result; stressing that efforts were still on-going to ensure full implementation.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Alleged House Arrest: NHRC hires psychiatrist to examine Gov Chime’s wife •Says she is not a lunatic, but have hallucinations BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

LEARER details e m e r g e d yesterday on why the ‘First-Lady ’ of Enugu State, Mrs Clara Chime, petitioned the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, alleging that her husband, Governor Sullivan Chime had for the past two weeks, subjected her to horrific and intolerable conditions, including house-arrest. Clara who has been married to the Governor for five years, in her Save-My-Soul, SOS, letter to the Commission, described her relationship with her husband as “abusive”, saying it had led her into depression. She told the commission that their union had broken down irretrievably in the past couple of years, “We do not have a relationship

anymore and the situation inevitably led to my nervous breakdown. I have been diagnosed with severe depression and at some point was quite suicidal. “In effect, I am locked up in my bedroom, without access to anybody. “ I am only allowed food but no access to fresh air; I have been locked up because I demanded to leave, even without my son. Governor Chime recently revoked my land allocation; the governor is doing everything possible to break my will.” Alleging that she was subjected “to the most horrific and intolerable of conditions to cause my demise,” Clara, enumerated the major issues to include: lack of sexual relationship with her husband for four years; being deprived of responsibilities as a wife; being prevented from bonding with her fouryear-old son; and being

barred from receiving visitors, whether family or friends. She further alleged that three weeks ago, a lady friend who visited her was stopped from seeing her; saying she had been confined to a complete incarceration from the outside world. Besides, she told the NHRC that her desire was simply to be allowed to leave, “If I have committed any crime, I request that due process should be followed,” just as she accused her husband of paying a doctor to forcefully inject her with all sorts of drugs. “I would also wish the Nigerian Medical Council be informed of the activity of this doctor who is only interested in my husband’s wishes and does not care about my suffering. Medical confidentiality is not part of this doctor ’s tool. “The possibility of the doctor injecting me with a lethal substance must

never be underestimated. I have a friend who is a good friend of the family and would collaborate a lot in the event of any mishap to me and wish not to mention the name but he would contact you ultimately” she added in her petition. Nevertheless, Governor Chime had since refuted the allegation, stressing that his wife was only confined indoors on the advice of her doctor. “Why would I want my wife locked up? If it had been that I had issues with her, there are many ways to resolve them. But that’s not the case. She is not well and I’m willing to do anything to support and protect her ”, Chime added. Meantime, following a letter it wrote to the Governor requesting access to his wife, the NHRC, yesterday, said it sent a team of investigators to Enugu State, saying in the course of the interactions, “Clara told us of her own case and also had opportunity to respond to issues that were raised by her husband.” Briefing newsmen at its headquarters in Abuja yesterday, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Professor Bem Angwe, revealed that having assessed the situation, the commission, concluded to assemble a team of independent medical experts comprising of Psychiatrists, to review the medical condition of the Governor’s wife and advise on further steps to be taken in respect of her treatment. Angwe maintained that during the interactions, both the Governor and his wife “had the confidence to tell us things they would have felt uncomfortable to divulge,” noting that the meetings were held in camera. The NHRC boss however denounced allegation that Clara is a lunatic, saying, “When we interacted with Her Excellency, Mrs Chime, she spoke to us fluently and coherently. She answered all the questions that we asked her in very clear terms. She equally responded to questions that were raised in her presence as a person who is aware of the circumstances of

her environment and the consequence of her action. “She told us herself that she has a medical condition that results to hallucinations. And that she sometimes doesn’t understand certain things that happen to her.” Angwe said: “It has become quite necessary for us to brief you this morning following our visit to Enugu state. The NHRC Commission received a complaint from the wife of the Governor of Enugu State, her Excellency, Mrs Clara Chime, in which she alleged to have been incarcerated and subjected to horrific and intolerable conditions that curtailed her fundamental freedoms and threatened the enjoyment of her human rights. ”The Commission wrote to the Governor and demanded for access to the complainant in order to obtain more details and to carry out a thorough investigation of the issues raised in the complaint. ”Yesterday (Thursday), I led a team of investigators to the Government House Enugu and we were granted unhindered access to both Mrs Chime and her apartment in the Government House. ”The investigating team held a five-hour meeting with Governor Chime, Mrs Clara Chime, Dr Jide Chime (the Governor ’s sibling) Dr Aham Agumoh (Who has been treating Mrs. Chime) and Tony Igwe, the complainant’s elder brother, during which the complainant had an opportunity to state her case and also respond to the issues raised by her husband. ”Dr Uzegu A., a London based consultant psychiatrist and forensic examiner who is the doctor the complainant prefers, also joined the meeting through teleconference. ”The team further held private sessions with Her Excellency Mrs. Clara Chime in her apartment, her husband, His Excellency Sullivan Chime, Mrs Patience Igwe (Complainant’s mother), and Edwin Igwe, her brother. All the parties spoke freely and expressed their positions clearly. ”We have confirmed that for the last two weeks, Mrs Chime had been confined to her apartment

on medical advice for purposes of medical maintenance and security. But she confirmed having possession and control of keys to her apartment, which the team also inspected. We found that she has possession and control of access to her own apartment and can allow anybody of her choice into the apartment. ”We further confirmed that access to her son is not denied after his school and lesson hours. ”Both parties have agreed that Mrs Clara has medical challenge but have disagreement over how to handle her medical condition. The complainant told the Commission that she has lost confidence in the Physician presently handling her condition and no longer wants him to treat her. ”She further requested to have medical opinion of other medical doctors acceptable to her. ”Both parties have agreed that the Commission assemble a team of independent medical experts to review her medical condition and advise on further steps to be taken in respect of her treatment. ”We want to thank His Excellency Governor Chime, and Her Excellency, Mrs Clara Chime his wife and all the persons that we interacted with during our visit for their cooperation with the Commission’s team of investigators. ”We also want to assure all the parties and Nigerians that this Commission is determined to be the instrument that will represent their dreams and aspirations. ”We wish to make it very clear that in the realm of human rights protection, there is no immunity against impunity”. On the petition, Angwe said the commission has not taken any decision at the moment, “We want to carry out preliminary investigation first and will in due time make the information available. “At the appropriate time, if need arises, the Commission will invoke its further mandate into the family matter for the purpose of reconciling the parties,” he added.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 — 7

Fake EFCC operative bags 15 years imprisonment BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

HE long arm of the law has finally caught up with a fake Economic and Financial Crimes commission agent, Mohammed Umar, who was slammed with a 15-year jail sentence for impersonation, conspiracy and obtaining money through false pretence. Umar, popularly known as Terror, was sentenced by Justice Yakubu Gyang Dakwak of the Plateau State High Court, Jos, having found him liable to the charges pressed against him by the anti-

graft agency. The suspect was arrested in October 2008 following intelligence report that he had been posing as an operative of the EFCC and extorting top government functionaries in Bauchi, Gombe and Sokoto States under the pretext that he had damning petitions against them. Umar cajoled several of them into wiring funds into his account with a promise to help stop any investigations into the petitions. He is reported to have connived with one Mustspha Abdullahi, now at large, in 2008 and

swindled the Special Assistant to the Bauchi State Governor by falsely pretending to hold the office of an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. According to the prosecution, the offence is punishable under Sections 8(a) and 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006”. In his ruling, Justice Dakwak affirmed that the prosecution had proved the case against the accused beyond doubt and accordingly pronounced him guilty on all three counts.

Anambra 2013: MASSOB is not supporting any candidate yet — Uwazuruike BY OKONKWO EZE

HE leader of the the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike yesterday dismissed speculations making the round that the organization is urging Ndigbo to declare their support for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as a result of the involvement of the Late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim C h u k w u e m e k a Odumegwu-Ojukwu in the party formation. Uwazuruike who spoke yesterday in a telephone chat, said MASSOB does not belong to any Nigerian political party, neither does it have any soft spot for any governorship candidate in the Nov. 16 Governor-

ship election in the state, yet. Apparently reacting to a press statement credited to one Chief Nnaemeka Okeke, MASSOB/ BLF Director of Communication, on behalf of MASSOB, which was published in some national dailies, that MASSOB is urging Ndigbo to declare their support to APGA because of Ojukwu, Uwazuruike noted that in the first place, Okeke has no mandate to speak for MASSOB. The MASSOB leader stated that if at any point in time MASSOB decides to support any candidate or political party, it would be made public through the appropriate channel, but certainly not now, nor through Okeke. He therefore urged Ndigbo to disregard such a statement for now,

until further notice. Okeke had in a press statement issued to newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra State, said the need for Ndigbo to root for APGA cannot be overemphasized because Ojukwu is the founder/ national leader of APGA, adding that besides, APGA is one of Ojukwu’s legacies that must be jealously protected.

PGA campaign train led by Gov. Peter Obi and the National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh yesterday toured Ekwusigo, Ihiala and Nnewi South Local Government areas. In each of the Local Governments, they were accorded tumultuous welcome. The local governments visited pledged to cast their votes for the All Progressives Grand Alliance as the party that has the welfare and interest of Igbos at heart. They also commended

APGA for bringing out men of integrity, honour and laced with experience in monetary matters and management of resources. Speaking at rally grounds, the Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh called on the people of the State to come out en masse on the 16th of November and vote for APGA. He said that APGA government under Gov. Peter Obi had done so well that its work was sufficient for the party to retain Anam-

5-yr old girl burnt to death in Bayelsa BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA, Yenagoa

HE sleepy riverside settlement of Ogbogoro in the outskirts of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital was Thursday night thrown into mourning following the burning to death of a five

year old girl in an inferno. The deceased child, simply identified as Princess, eyewitnesses told Saturday Vanguard, was a daughter of a policeman attached to the Osiama Division of the State Police Command in Southern Ijaw local government area of the state.

You can’t return as National Secretary, S’West PDP tells Oyinlola National Secretary of our BY DAPO AKINREFON

GAINST the back ground of the threat by members of the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) to ensure the resumption of former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oy-

Willie Obiano’s campaign team tours three local governments

L-R: Member, Ogun State Muslims Pilgrims Board, Iskeel Lawal; Amirul Hajj & Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Ishola Adekumbi; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Chairman, Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Board, Dr. Isiaq Adebayo Yusuf; and Imam Noah Sodeinde; during the presentation of the 2013 Hajj report, at the Governor’s Office, Abeokuta…yesterday.

bra State. The Chairman said that besides the development of all sectors: roads, hospitals, schools and the attraction of industries, that Gov. Peter Obi recorded more achievement in intangible areas such as the clearance of arrears of pensions and gratuities owed workers since 1996 and the restoration of the pride of Anambra State which, according to him, was at its lowest ebb before 2003 when Obi took over.

inlola as National Secretary of the PDP, the leadership of the party in the South West has advised Oyinlola to perish the thought. The leadership of the party, in a statement signed yesterday by the Acting Chairman, Caretaker Committee, South West PDP, Engr. Adedeji Doherty,said, “It is the height of self-delusion for Oyinlola and his cotravellers to imagine that he would return as the

great party, the PDP when a Motion for Stay of Execution has been filed at the Court of Appeal and there is a pending appeal against him at the Supreme court.” The party argued that Oyinlola has left the party for the new PDP. “It was on the basis of these and other antiparty acts that some of his loyalists were recently suspended by the Osun State chapter of the party.”

It was gathered that the inferno which occurred at about 7.30pm was caused by a burning candle. Saturday Vanguard learnt that at the time of the incident, the mother of the deceased was in the market selling crayfish while the father was away at his duty post in the creek of the state. It was learnt that the sister to the deceased, who is a Junior Secondary School (JSS) student, had made use of the candle light in solving her school homework. She was said to have left the candle burning and went out to get some foodstuff for her siblings. ”While she was away, the candle fell and set ablaze the fabrics on the floor of the room. The deceased and her 7-year old brother, Henry, were in the room but attempt by the latter to wake the sister proved abortive,” the source said.

Lagos pays N21.375Bn to 3,884 retirees BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

AGOS State Govern ment has disbursed N21, 375,333,764.77 so far, into the Retirement Savings Accounts, RSAs, of 3,884 state retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mr. Rotimi Adekunle Hussain, disclosed

yesterday, at the presentation of Retirement Bond Certificates to the second tranche of the 9th batch of 580 employees who recently retired from the state public service. Hussain, who said that the state government had been steadfast in its commitment at sustaining full implementation of Contributory Pension Scheme even beyond the present administration, noted that

solid and well defined structures had been put in place to ensure that the statutory 5 percent contribution that goes into the Redemption Fund Account created for the purpose of redeeming the Retirement Bonds which showed the accrued pension rights for years spent in service prior to the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme is sustained.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Sagay, Agbaje , Ubani hail extension of emergency rule in 3 Northern states S

OME prominent lawyers yesterday in Lagos expressed support for the six-month emergency rule extension in three states in the North — Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the lawyers said the prevailing situation in the North-East zone of the country had justified the extension. The Senate had on November 7 approved the extension of the emergency rule following a letter to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan. Jonathan had sought the approval of the lawmakers to extend the emergency rule imposed on the three states experiencing insurgency. The expiration of the initial six months declared on May 14 had necessitated the request. A constitutional lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN, told NAN that the declaration of emergency rule in the states had positively affected the fight against the insurgents. Sagay said:“It has resulted not only in decimating their numbers; it has resulted in reducing their attacks and the danger to which the innocent civilian population has been exposed to. “The extension of emergency is justified, it has been effective, the work is not done and so they need more time to complete the job.” Mr Onyekachi Ubani, the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Ikeja Branch, said the President acted constitutionally by sending the request to the National Assembly. “They have realised

that they have not achieved the optimal result and that is why the state of emergency is being extended.” He, however, urged security agencies to redouble their efforts toward bringing the insurgency to a quick end. Speaking in the same vein, a human rights lawyer, Mr Fred Agbaje, noted that the federal government had the constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of its citizens. “If the extension is for another five years and it will bring sanity to these areas, so be it.

“ I would have been disappointed if the National Assembly had not granted the request. “It would have meant that they are in support of the wanton killings being perpetrated in these states by these insurgents,” Agbaje said. Mr Bamidele Aturu said no other option was open to the government than to extend the emergency rule in the affected states. “When you look at the killings going on in those places, I believe that we have no choice but to continue with the state of emergency,” he told NAN.

APGA women for Willie Obiano. L-R: Uche Ekwunife, Bianca Ojukwu, Gov.Obi’s wife, Margaret Peter-Obi and Prisca Umeh on the campaign train for Willie Obiano

First Lady, Oyakhire condole late Mike Akhigbe’s family

HE First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and the former Military Administrator of

Taraba and Oyo States, Prince Edore Oyakhire have condoled the family of late former Chief of

General Staff, Vice-Admiral Michael Akhigbe. Akhigbe died on October 29, in New York.

In their separate letters of condolence, they said that the legacies bequeathed by Vice-Admi-

FG urged to provide for elderly citizens BY DAYO JOHNSON, Akure

N appeal has gone to Federal and state governments across the country to as a matter of urgency, introduce and implement a social security benefit scheme to cater for the elderly or senior citizens. A former World Bank Consultant, Prof. Ladipo Adamolekun made the call at a press briefing in his Iju country home, Ondo state yesterday. The briefing was to herald the 10th year anniversary of a non governmental organisation funded by his late wife Dr (Mrs)Olukemi Adamolekun to cater for the

elderly citizens called “Kaleyewa House” which was registered in 2001. Over 350 elderly and another 30 vulnerable citizens have benefited from the gesture which include provision of free medical services, food distribution and payment of rent for accommodation. Prof. Ladipo regretted that a bill for an act to establish a National Social Agency, charged with the responsibility to provide financial assistance to elderly persons has passed the second reading in the Senate in March last year but is yet to be passed. He said that governments at all levels should be alive to their

responsibilities in the area of service delivery to the elderly persons. According to him, aside Ekiti state, four other states across three geopolitical zones have implemented variations on social security benefit scheme. Ekiti, he said introduced it in 2011 and backed it by law and over 20,000 persons have benefitted while in Osun, over 1,600 vulnerable persons have benefitted. Other states that have implemented the scheme include: Oyo, Anambra and Bayelsa. Prof. Adamolekun appealed to the Ondo state government to increase its grant which is less than 3 percent of expenditure in the

last ten years and to introduce and implement the scheme in the s t a t e . Prof Ladipo said the vision of his wife was a society in which senior citizens lived a dignified and respectable life in their old age. He noted that food distribution has been consistent three times a year while free medical services are conducted six sessions in the two communities of Iju and Itaogbolu in a year and payment of rents to those who cannot afford it. Prof. Ladipo said insufficient funds is a major challenge facing the NGO noting that the family, friends and associates have been its financiers.

Lagos targets billions of investments from 2013 countdown BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

HE Lagos State Government is targeting various investments worth billions of naira into its economy from the 2013 Lagos Countdown, a world-class celebration to mark the end of the year and the beginning of another. Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency,

LASAA, the organising agency, said plans had been concluded for the hosting of 2013 event. The event was conceived by Governor Babatunde Fashola in order to put Lagos on the global map in the league of cities such as New York, Dubai, London, Sydney, and other major destinations that commemorate the cross over into the New Year. Just like last year, this

year’s countdown festival is scheduled to hold at the Bar Beach stretch, Victoria Island and will commence on 7th of December 2013 and culminate on the 1st of January 2014. Speaking on the event, Managing Director of LASAA, Mr George Noah, stressed that the Lagos countdown is about instituting an enduring crossover tradition, commerce, employment generation,

leisure, entertainment and tourism. The Bar Beach venue of the event during the month of December usually becomes a beehive of major commercial and leisure activities, thronged by thousands of domestic and foreign visitors who are entertained every evening by different artists being sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc. Over top 40 Nigerian art-

ists are expected to perform at the event which include: TuFace Idibia, Davido, Omawunmi, Bracket, J Martins, Morell, Duncan Mighty, Timaya, Wizkid, Banky W, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, D’Prince, MI, Ice Prince, Burma Boy and Iyanya. “This event is arguably the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in Africa.” Noah boasted.

ral Akhigbe, cannot be forgotten. Dame Jonathan in her statement signed in Abuja yesterday, by Mrs Ayo Adesugba, a Director of Information in the Presidency, said that Akhigbe’s legacies will be written prominently “in gold in the sands of time.” According to Mrs Jonathan, “He served Nigeria with immense patriotism and uncommon dedication throughout his distinguished career as an officer and gentleman in the Nigerian Navy. “As the Military Governor of Lagos and Ondo states, he exhibited exemplary vision and leadership.” In his own condolence, Dr Oyakhire said, the sad news of the sudden demise of Admiral Akhigbe, ”reached us with great sorrow and deep sense of national loss. His death is the greatest calamity that ever befell Fugar Community in Edo State. He was young, brilliant, diligent, sagacious, vibrant, visionary, incredibly intelligent and immutably patriotic. He radiated modesty and represented the best among ex-military governors, former Chiefs of Naval Staff, CNS and Chiefs of General Staff, CGS. ‘’Akhigbe was extremely amiable, committed and loyal. He was a fine officer, a gentle man, a senior citizen and a diligent public servant. He rendered selfless service to mankind. His demise is a colossal national loss at this moment in Nigeria’s history.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 — 9

Seven persons killed, over 6,000 displaced •As Fulani mercenaries invade Benue communities BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

EVEN persons have been reportedly killed while over six thousand others have also been displaced in Ikpele and Okpopolo communities following the invasion of parts of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue state by suspected Fulani mercenaries. Saturday Vanguard gathered from sources that “the marauders who invaded the communities two days ago from Omola Local Government Area of Kogi state also burnt down several houses, huts and economic trees after killing seven persons in the affected communities.” Confirming the development, renown leader of Agatu and Benue state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. John Ngbede said, that his people in Ikpele and Okpopolo were attacked again on Tuesday, morning by the Fulanis when most of the people had gone to their farms. ”They stormed the communities in a guerrilla

fashion, burnt down houses and economic trees and while on their way out they killed two persons and injured two others who are currently in critical condition in a public hospital. ”As I talk to you, there are rumours that the mercenaries are marching towards Iwarri village for further attacks. Our findings revealed that they stormed our communities from Loco in Nasarawa state from where they boarded speed boats to Omola Local Government Area of Kogi state, and from that point they launched attacks on our communities. ”It is saddening that these incessant attacks have forced over 6,000 inhabitants of the affected communities and Agatu west to flee their homes for fear of being killed; most of them are now taking refuge at neighboring Apa Local Government Area and at Obagaji. ”We are tired of these unending bloodbath, the Fulanis should come out and tell us their problem with Agatu people, and if they have a different

agenda they should also let us know. ”Moreover we would also want the Federal government to step into the matter by beefing up security and extending assistance to the victims of these attacks in the affected communities.” Meantime, Mr. Ngbede has also pleaded with the Omola local government council chairman in Kogi state to beef up security around he communities bordering Agatu Local Government Area in order to stem the unrestrained incursion of the marauders. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, for Benue state, Deputy Superintendent, Daniel Ezeala said “the suspected Fulanis

HE Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, DBIR, has sealed up three companies in Udu and Uvwie Local Government Areas of Delta State for alleged non-remittance of N42 million tax deductions to the State Government. The companies are Shore Gas Limited, Lateejay Oil and Gas Limited and a three-star hotel, Mega Hilton Hotel in Effurun, which was shut down for the same offence in 2011. Shore Gas Limited is reportedly indebted to the tune of N2.4 million, Lateejay Oil and Gas Limited, N27,510,000 and Mega Hilton Hotel, N11.4million. Apart from sealing up the premises of the affected companies and hotel, DBIR officials who went for the assignment with a team of fully armed mobile policemen and representatives from High Court, Warri,

confiscated some movable properties and taken to court. Speaking with newsmen at the end of the exercise, Legal Officer to the Chairman of DBIR, Mr. Clark Ekpebe, said, “Sometime in September 2013, the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, under the Executive Chairman, Hon. JoelOnowakpo Thomas, held a stakeholders’ meeting with tax payers in the state, where he appealed to them to settle their liabilities with

invaded the communities on Tuesday, burning down houses and also

OKOJA - A petrol tanker in the early hour of yesterday lost control and ran off -road, into many houses in Iffe, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, de-

the Board on or before 25th of September 2013, as the Board will take all legal steps to recover the monies owed the State Government.” He said a situation where the state government is owed several billions of naira was worrisome and incompatible with the present administration’s vision of Delta Beyond Oil, anchored mostly on internally generated revenue, which the Board has a duty to enforce.

stroying nothing less than ten houses at a go. The accident also resulted in the death of two persons, one Segun Bello who is a primary school teacher, and a yet to be identified person. A source from the community said the petrol tanker’s driver who was driving at high speed overtook a small passenger vehicle and in the process diverted away from the main road, collapsed into some residential buildings along the road and burst into flame. The split fuel from the petrol tanker was said to have aided in spreading the raging fire that also consumed many of the buildings aside those brought down by the tanker itself. The teacher, Segun Bello, who died in the raging inferno in an attempt to run out of the destroyed

Lagos PDP Women Vanguard launches co-operative society

OMEN have been challenged to empower themselves with entrepreneurship skills and as much education as they can get to be relevant in nation building, as only independent and responsible individuals can make impact.

killed one person while two others were seriously injured but security has

been beefed up in the affected communities.

Tanker accident kills 2, destroys over 10 houses in Kogi

Revenue Board seals up 3 companies over N42m tax deductions BY EMMA AMAIZE

From left, an official of Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture & Co-operatives, Mrs Doyin Quadri, President, Lagos PDP Women Vanguard, Mrs Abiola Folami Ada, and Alhaja Mulikat Kazeem at the launch of Lagos PDP Women Vanguard’s Co-operative Society, last week in Lagos.

Mrs Abiola Folami Ada, President of Lagos PDP Women Vanguard said this at the launching of a multi-purpose co-operative society and adult education programme for members of PDP Women Vanguard in Lagos, penultimate

Thursday. Mrs Folami Ada said that the group organises seminars, workshops, and holds training programmes among others to empower women. She said that the launch of the adult education programme would further empower beneficiaries.

building unfortunately jumped into the raging fire already spreading outside house, the source said. Many other persons were said to have also been injured from the collapsed building and the fire from the petrol tanker. For hours, the Iffe - Kabba road, which is a link

between the south - west and Lokoja the Kogi State capital was sealed off as a result of heavy gridlocked caused by the accident.It took spirited efforts from the communities to subdue the fire and a lot of efforts from the officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, to ensure the road become passable again.

10 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Eaglets again conquer the world •Whip Mexico 3-0 BY JOHN EGBOKHAN, Abu Dhabi

OR the fourth time of asking on Asian soil, the Golden Eaglets yesterday sealed their place in FIFA U-17 World Cup histor y when they trashed Mexico 3-0 in the final of UAE 2013, to bring their title haul at this level of youth football to four. They emerged the top scoring team of the tournament with 26 goals, a record that speaks volume of the attacking instincts of this great team, tipped to rule the world in the future. In an explosive and interesting match decided at the beautiful Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Eaglets, who had scored 23 goals in six previous matches before last night’s encounter, came into the match on a cautious note, allowing the Mexicans to dictate the initiative but later started to dictate the pace with their fluid attacking football that has entrapped fans here. Powered in the midfield by five-goal hero Kelechi Iheanacho, who distinguished himself as a classy player at this tournament, with his inch-perfect crosses, the Eaglets’ first real chance of troubling Mexican goalkeeper Raul Gudino came in the 4th minute when Musa Yayaha, another five-goal star, failed to connect properly with his head. The pass was provided by Iheanacho, whose control of the ball has made people to start comparing him to the likes of Sunday Oliseh and Austin Okocha, both former captains of the Super Eagles. Eaglets finally found the breakthrough in the 9th minute when Musa Yayaha’s shot was deflected in by Mexico’s Erick Aguirre. The pass was once again provided by Iheanacho, a thorn in the flesh of the El Tri, who released a through pass to Yayaha from a counter-attack move launched by the Nigerians, who had moment earlier denied

Mexico’s star striker Ivan Ochoa from netting the opener. Ochoa, who had scored a brace in the 3-0 semifinal defeat of Argentina had found space in the air, beating off the central defensive pair of Zaharadeen Bello and Abubakar Aliyu but goalkeeper Dele Alampasu came good with a great save as he tipped the ball over for a corner, which the Mexicans wasted and Nigeria went ahead to launch a counter-attack that produced the first goal. But the goal awakened Mexico, winners of the last edition hosted by them in 2011 as they searched for the equalizer. Prodded on by Coach Raul Gutierez from the torch-line, Mexico committed more men in the attack as they laid ambush for the Eaglets, who were just too good in the defence as in attack. Captain Ulises Rivas was running the strings for the Mexicans in the midfield but the Nigerian setup was in no mood to allow their foes to get level. Forward Taiwo Awoniyi should have edged Eaglets two goals up but hit the side of the net after beating goalkeeper Gudino on 38 m i n u t e s . Yayaha, few seconds later hit the upright as the Eaglets went on rampage. It was turning out to be a night of near-misses and closeshaves as the El Tri went into pannick mode. They had been thrashed 6-1 the last time both teams met in Al Ain on October 19, in a Group F opener and here again, were being pushed to the brink by a turbo-charged Eaglets, as promised by Coach Manu Garba, who continued prancing on the touchline, dishing out useful instructions to his marauding Eaglets. The fans, comprised mostly of Nigerians living in Dubai and other cities in the United Arab Emirates, were having a good time as centre referee from Scotland, Craig Thomson blew the final whistle to end the first entertaining first half.

While Coach Gutierez made a change, taking off the ineffective Luis Hernandez for Erich Hernandez, Nigerian came into the second half with same players bustling with greater hunger for goals, launching attack after attack, containing the Mexicans to their half, in search of the second goal. The West Africans, winners of the Cup thrice in China 1985, Japan 1993 and South Korea 2007 did not have to wait too long for the second of the night as maverick right-full back and inspirational captain Musa Mohamed unleashed a thunderous shot which goalkeeper Gudino parried into the lurking foot of Iheanacho, who was scoring his sixth goal of the tournament. His first four goals came in the first meeting with Mexico on October 19. In what will easily go down as the best Eaglets side in some years to come, the Coach Garba-tinkered side did not rest on their oars as they continued weaving their charm-offensive brand of modern-day football on the spellbound crowd. It was like a dream. But no, it was not. It must have been scripted from the start, that this team were destined for greatness as Coach Garba had always stated at every conference he had with the media. This class of 2013, comprising striker cum midfielder Kelechi Iheanacho, forward Taiwo Awoniyi, right-back and captain Musa Mohamed, goalkeeper DeleAlampasu, left-back Samuel Okon, central defender Aliyu Abubakar, midfileder Abdulkadir Alfa, midfielder Musa Yahaya, central defender and midfielder Akinjide Idowu and defender Zaharadden Bello reel of sheer quality. They never took their feet off the pedal, showing the Mexicans that they were the best team of the tournament. And they soon compounded the woes of El Tri nine minutes from regulation time when captain Mohamed unleashed a powerful shot to net Nigeria’s third goal of the night. It was also the

Nigerian players celebrate after Musa Yahaya scored a goal during the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2013 football match, against Mexico at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, on November 8, 2013 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. AFP PHOTO goal third of the defender in this tournament, a fact that further accentuated the fact that every player on the Nigerian team can score. His jubilation was reechoed by ecstatic Nigerians fans, who were now in seventh heaven, singing and dancing in wild acclamation of this great victory in the UAE. Mexico had nothing to offer in terms of finding the net as the Eaglets rant out with a 3-0 win here to seal their place in FIFA U17 World Cup folklore. Anyone in UAE who had the pleasure to see the Golden Eaglets will tell you that this Nigerian team were the best on offer. Even a few of the Mexican fans were mumbling “ yes, yes, yes” when the final whistle went on Nigeria’s glorious campaign here in UAE.

It’s a centenary gift—FCT Minister

INISTER of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed yesterday hailed the Golden Eaglets for winning the FIFA-Under 17 world cup for a record fourth time. In a statements signed by his Special Assistant, Media, Nosike Ogbuenyi, he said that the Minister who is the Organising Committee for the Nigerian Centenary Grand Finale described the

victory as a worthy centenary gift for President Goodluck Jonathan and all Nigerians indeed. The FCT minister who noted that the Eaglets’ victory has once more demonstrated that with unity and common resolve, Nigeria can rule the world not only in sports, but in economic and industrial advancement. He however called for increased patriotism and brotherly love among all Nigerians, adding that the country’s geographical and ethno-religious diversity should be a source of strength and not weakness.

Tambuwal, Oshiomhole congratulate Eaglets SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State yesterday congratulated Nigerians over the victory of the Golden Eaglets. In a separate statements by their Media aides, the Hon Tambuwal and Governor Oshiomhole described the victory as triumph of tenacity and hard work. The Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to the Speaker, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal described the victory as triumph of tenacity and hard work. He said the young boys have now taught the

world the real essence of team work, adding that with all hands working together, all challenges would be surmounted. While congratulating the players and their handlers, led by coach Garba Manu, for a job well done, Tambuwal said the House of Representatives will continue to play a leading role in efforts to take sports to greater heights in the country. According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Comrade Governor, Mr Peter Okhiria, “I heartily congratulate the Eaglets for doing Nigerians proud in faraway United Arab Emirates. The Eaglets displayed the can-do spirit of the Nigerian; the will to excel even in the face of excruciating challenges. “The Boys represent a new generation of Nigerians whose faith in the country remain unwavering as they forged a formidable team to win the coveted trophy despite coming from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. “I urge the authorities of the Nigerian Football Federation to keep this talented team together as the boys have the potential of even bringing greater honour to the country. “The government and good people of Edo State give kudos to the Golden Eaglets for this great feat.”

SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013—11

Under 17 World Champions

How Golden Eaglets conquered the world A

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

sia has been a good hunting ground for the Golden Eaglets, since the maiden edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup was held in China in 1985. At the inaugural edition, a relatively unknown Nigerian side captained by Nduka Ugbade, who is now an assistant coach of the current team, won the cup after beating Germany 2-0 in the final of what was then called Kodak Cup. Jonathan Akpoborie and Victor Igbinoba scored the goals for the Eaglets in 4th and 79th minutes respectively. Strength, skill and a willingness to attack were the three main ingredients in Nigeria’s first world title at this level. The west Africans proved themselves superior in just about all facets of the game. The Golden Eaglets coasted through the first round with a 1-0 victory over Italy, a 3-0 win against Costa Rica and a draw with Saudi Arabia, then stepped up a gear to brush aside Hungary (3-1) in the quarter-finals. They came back down to earth against Guinea, but scraped through on penalties (4-2), before triumphing over West Germany in the Final. With Lucky Agbonsevafe imperial in goal, Sani Adamu equally commanding in the middle of the park and Joseph Babatunde on hand to put away half chances up front, Nigeria were unstoppable. Their superior physique and natural attacking enterprise made the Golden Eaglets an irresistible

In an all-African showdown in Asia, Nigeria overcame Ghana in the Final to take the laurels at Japan ’93. The Golden Eaglets stood out from start to finish, their outstanding physique, impeccable sense of organisation and progressive tactics combining to make them the most feared team in the tournament

powerhouse. Over the days that the tournament lasted, Chinese fans showed their love for the beautiful game with massive turnout. On the whole, 735,000 fans watched the matches at the stadia. It was a great moment watching Ugbade lift the title aloft as the Eaglets found their first FIFA glory on Asian success. Buoyed by their success, Eaglets attempted to win the title again in the next editions but failed. It was until the 1993 edition in Japan, another Asian country that the Nigerians would have a taste of the cherry again. Captained by midfielder Wilson Oruma, the Nigerians were the shining star of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan. In an all-African showdown in Asia, Nigeria overcame Ghana in the Final to take the laurels at Japan ’93. The Golden Eaglets stood out from start to finish, their outstanding physique, impeccable sense of organisation and progressive tactics combining to make them the most feared team in the tournament. Having future stars of the calibre of Wilson Oruma (top scorer in the competition), Nwankwo Kanu, Peter

Anosike, Ibrahim Babangida and Celestine Babayaro at their disposal certainly helped too. Nigeria’s 8-0 thrashing of poor Canada at the start of the proceedings set the tone; South American giants Argentina hardly fared much better, going down 40, and then it was the turn of Australia (2-0), Japan (2-1) and Poland (2-1) to suffer at the hands of the all-conquering Nigerians. Ghana were the last hurdle, and a 2-1 win in the Final was enough to send the Golden Eaglets flying home with the coveted trophy safely in their grasp. Yet again in Asia. The 1993 tournament really belonged to the Eaglets. Wilson Oruma scored six goals while Nwankwo Kanu netted five times. After that success, Nigeria will face an agonising 12 years title-drought before winning their third FIFA U-17 Cup at the South Korea edition in 2007. At that time, it was the third time that the tournament was holding on Asian soil and, having scaled the heights at China 1985 and Japan 1993, the Golden Eaglets left the continent with their third global crown. They defeated Spain in the final. The Late Yemi Tella’s Nigerians appeared potential candidates for the main prize right from the off, and were certainly not lacking in confidence. “We’ll take the trophy back to Nigeria,” announced the African champions’ coach, and those words seem more than a little prophetic now. France, Japan, Haiti, Colombia, Argentina and Germany all fell by the wayside, unable to cope with tireless captain Lukman Haruna in midfield, technically-superb duo Rabiu Ibrahim and King Osanga and goal-scorer extraordinaire Macauley Chrisantus. Fearsome going forward, Nigeria proved against Spain in the final that they are also rock solid at the back. And while it was their forwards who took most of the kudos in the earlier rounds, it was goalkeeper Oladele Ajiboye who emerged as the hero when it mattered, following 120 minutes of

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12—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

2013 Golden Eaglets, Nigeria's best team ever BY BEN EFE

igerians by now are used to seeing their youth teams do well at the FIFA under age competitions, most especially the Under-17 World Cup, which the Golden Eaglets have won a record four times and finished as runners up at four different occasions. However, after these glorious showings most Nigerians have never been convinced that teams paraded by the coaches in charge, truly deserved the trophy or the medals. This is because some of these players faded away so quickly and were never seen at top flight club and international football like their counterparts from other European or South American countries who also featured in the Under-17 tournaments. But the 2013 class of Golden Eaglets seem to have wiped away all such doubts. The Eaglets after three weeks of hard work in the United Arab Emirate proved that with a little bit of honesty Nigeria could do so well in youth football and then maybe win the most senior and prestigious world cup in no distant feature. Coached by Manu Garba a former Nigerian international whose coaching life has revolved around the national youth teams, the Eaglets proved that they were champions stuff right from when the first shot of the FIFA Under17 World Cup was fired on October 17. Of course with the wise counsel from Emmanuel Amunike the 1994 Nations Cup hero, a former Barcelona FC of Spain attacker and former scout for Manchester United the Eaglets were progrmmed to performed. Don’t forget Nduaka Ugbagbe who saw it all at the maiden edition 1987 in China, he was also an inspiration to the young lads in the UAE. When the coaches were appointed by the Nigerian football federation in 2011 they were under strict instructions not to cut corners, after controversy ripped through the selection of the 2009 team. The coaches narrowed their searches to grassroots academies and schools and were able to select a team that practically scaled through the eye of the needle to make the team to the tournament. During the course of their preparations and camping the players were made to under-go Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) testing at two different occasions and those who were not eligible were dropped. The team during the African qualifiers left no one in doubt about their potentials as they scored a total of 21 goals. They beat Niger Republic 10-1 goal-aggregate and followed up in the second round with a 7-0 aggregate win over Guinea. Their last qualifying game for the Afrcian Championship was against Mali who they beat 2-0 home and away. At the African championship in Morocco, the Eaglets were favourites, but for the first time since they started playing competitive football, they lost two matches and those were to Cote’d Ivoire in the group B preliminaries and in the final of the championship. Cote’d Ivoire showed that it wasn’t a mistake when the pipped the Eaglets 1-0 in the group tie. However, the Eaglets battled hard to redeem their championship, paign at the UAE with a 6-1 thrashbut in the end they lost top Cote’d ing of Mexico with Kelchi Iheanacho Ivoire 5-4 on penalties after it ended whom Nigerians fans have dubbed 1-1 in full time. Iniesta after the famous Barcelona At the FIFA Under-17 World Cup FC midfield maestro scoring four in UAE, Nigeria started their camgoals in that match. The Eaglets

“This is one of the best Eaglets teams that we have ever produced. On many occasions I met with them and I can say that the coaches have done an excellent job putting the team together

went on to play a draw with Sweden, it was their hardest game of the tournament. Striker, Success Isaac was lost to the tournament after he suffered a muscle tear. The Eaglets beat Iraq silly in their last group game and then went on to dismissed Iran in the round of 16. Uruguay were pipped in the quarter final, while in the semi-final Sweden paid the price for their audacity during the group stage. Yesterday they finished in style beating Mexico 3-0. They also set a tournament record of scoring 26 goals. Speaking on team performances in the tournament Cross River State commissioner for sport, Patrick Ugbe stated that the Eaglets have made the people of the state proud adding that the State governor had always believed in the team hence his benevolence while the team prepared for this tournament. “From very beginning we saw

potential in the team. Most Nigerians did not believe in them, but we did that was why we supported the Eaglets and we are very excited with their performance. “The boys trained together for a very long time. And even when they lost Success, they still carried on; they were hungry for success. “From what we have seen of them they have a long way to go,” said Ugbe. According to Julius Ogunro who is special assistant to the Sports Minister Bolaji Abullahi, the Eaglets have offered a hope that the country through hard work can always raked in achievements in all category of competitions. “This is one of the best Eaglets teams that we have ever produced. On many occasions I met with them and I can say that the coaches have

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SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013—13

We hope to keep these boys together —Coach Garba BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

oach Manu Garba is a devout Moslem. Humble and unassuming, Garba has steered the Eaglets to great heights at the 2013 FIFA u-17 World Cup, which ended yesterday at the Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with the Nigeria-Mexico final, which was a great show of football artistry by youngsters. Both sides had met before in a Group F opener on October 19 at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain. In that encounter, the Eaglets brushed aside Mexico 6-1 in a one-sided match. The Nigerians would go on to score 23 goals on their way to yesterday’s finale. The Eaglets have been so good in this tournament holding in the United Arab Emirates, a country in Asia, the same continent that has hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup thrice and which Nigeria have won also thrice but remarkably on Asian soil. From the maiden edition in 1985 in China to the Japan 1993 spectacle to the South Korea 2007 show-stopper, Nigeria have found joy in Asia, a point that was not lost on Coach Garba, who at all media conferences he attended, always stressed that Asia has been good to Nigeria. Speaking after the Eaglet smashed three goals past Sweden in the semifinal on Tuesday in Dubai, a poignant Garba said that “Asia has always been good to us in this tournament. All the titles we won in this competition were done on Asian soil and by the grace of Allah, we would win the Cup again in UAE, another Asian country”. So firm in his belief, Garba has turned out to be a clairvoyant here. All his words have come to pass and it is the uncommon optimism that has infested his players, who are always buzzing

for goals. A strong attacking team with highly talented players, the Eaglets represent another golden generation that truly have found another horizon of achievement in Asia. Garba added that he hopes that this generation of players will go on to do the nation proud in the senior national teams. “We hope to keep the boys

together and make them a force to reckon with in the future. They are good and need more work on to make them better. It is the beginning of the journey for us and it is good that is starting from an Asian soil, where it began in 1985, when the first set of Eaglets won the cup in China”, said Garba.

Asia’s been so good for Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets Continues from page 11 goalless football and a penalty shoot-out. Asier Illarramendi missed the target altogether, but Ajiboye denied both Fran Merida and Iago, which meant successful attempts from Matthew Edile, Daniel Joshua and Ganiyu Oseni earned the Golden Eaglets their third title to equal Brazil’s record. Remarkably, the late Tella was assisted to win the cup in 2007 by Coach Manu Garba, who now oversees the crop that campaigned at this year’s edition in the United Arab Emirates, another Asian country, where they have found fame and fortune on the pitches of Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjar and Abu Dhabi. At the 2013 edition in the UAE, the Eaglets have been the team of the tournament. They have scored 23 goals, the most by any team and have even defeated defending champions Mexico 61. They have played the best attacking football and every team about them reel of quality. They are a sheer beauty to behold on the pitch and it is predicted that these boys will go on to shine for the Super Eagles in the future. They are young,

mobile and talented. Parading the likes of captain Musa Mohamed, Success Isaac, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Musa Mohamed, goalkeeper DeleAlampasu, Samuel Okon, Aliyu Abubakar, Abdulkadir

Alfa, Musa Yahaya, Chidebere Nwakali, Chidera Ezeh and Zaharadden Bello, this team are an exciting breed. The future is indeed bright for Nigerian football, who have found joy once again in Asia.

2013 Golden Eaglets, Nigeria's best team ever Continues from page 12 done an excellent job putting the team together. “The Sports Minister insisted on the MRI testing. This is to ensure that we don’t have cases of over aged players and he is very pleased with what they have achieved. We hope to see these boys moving up to the Flying Eagles, The U-23 and ultimately the senior team,” Ogunro added. Former Super Eagles coach Joe Erico stated that the team showed good character adding that the coaches did well to take the team to the such a high standard. “I am exceedingly happy that our boys did so well. The goalkeeper Alampasu and the assistant goalkeeper were my discoveries and that makes me proud. I also want to congratulate the coaches for a job well done, it is not an easy task to put together a team like that. “The boys are good, they have been able to form a good and strong character for themselves. We can only hope that they will

graduate to the senior team that will be good for the country. Former Heartland of Owerri coach Kelechi Emetole said that Nigeria paraded the most youngest set of players in the tournament. “This is the best team Nigeria has ever produced at the Under-17 level. They were very good and it will be nice to see them moving into the Flying Eagles. Unless players who are better than them is discovered, they should should be allowed to move on naturally to the senior teams because they are now like a family. “For the first time we are seeing a team that has players who we can say are truly under-17. “The coaches have done well. Did you see the opponents we have been playing even during the African qualifiers and championship in Morocco? In UAE did you see the boys from Sweden? Mere looking at our opponents you will see that our boys are young, we should continue in this tradition.”

14 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, NOVEMBER 9, 2013—15

missed the many ‘interesting photographs and comments’ on our President’s trip to Israel. The reason is simple. I am a dinosaur when it comes to the latest developments in IT and the social media. Perhaps I reflect my generation when I say I find most of them to be very intrusive and wonder why any sane person would want face book, instagram, U tube, blog and twitter at the same time. Perhaps not. But why would you want your life and thoughts to be an open book to complete strangers? The down side of course, if you are the type, is that you miss out on the light and trivial side of life. The many creative adaptations of ‘Oga at the top’ for example, were inaccessible to me and it took a daughter in far-away Europe to show me what inventive things Nigerian youths had done with that seemingly innocuous episode. So it’s no wonder that I missed those ‘interesting photographs and comments’ on our President’s pilgrimage to Israel. But like most writers, I have a very fertile imagination. I can therefore imagine our President in the midst of Pentecostal pastors in their designer suits and flowing agbada. I can imagine them doing what they know how to do best; speaking in tongues or impeccable English as they rain curses on the enemies of the President. I can imagine their agitated gesticulations as they command the Lord to come down immediately to put the enemies to shame. The prayers must be well couched and must be authoritative. The tone must also be urgent as if God is too slow and must be hurried up or asleep and must be woken up; very much like King Ahab’s prophets in the Old Testament. They forget that effective prayers are simple prayers that come from the heart. They also forget how perilous it can be to pray for Kings whose hearts have been turned away by other gods. I can cite at least three prophets in the Old Testament who

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their moral voices and they used them. As we are seeing all too clearly in our dear country, *there can be no moral direction in a society if nobody is holding a moral compass aloft. Men of God who pray for leaders randomly for perks without first ascertaining the will of God must be careful lest they receive double punishment because they are mocking God and calling His name in vain. What God wants is not a Christian leader or a Muslim leader because he sees the heart of every man. What He wants is a humble leader who fears the Lord and does His will by rooting out injustice and immorality wherever they lurk while promoting the interests of the poor and defenceless in the society. A man who seeks to reduce the gap between the very rich and very poor, not widen it. One thing is certain; the cries of the unemployed and disadvantaged will always drown the prayers of these ‘men of God’ who ignore the will of God. God can never be mocked or commanded to do what He does not want to do. He definitely can not be bribed.

Praying for political rulers suffered as a result of such intercessory prayers. But this is just my imagination running away with me. I was not lucky enough to be in Israel. Neither do I have access to the social media where these photographs are said to be. So I really do not know what was prayed for and what was prayed against. The only picture I saw was on Channels Television, and it was a chaste and decent one—if you can call a public display of a private worship chaste and decent. What happened by the way,to God’s injunction that we should pray in private so that our God will reward us in public? Or the Psalmist’s injunction that we should pray silently on our beds and be still? I did not see the picture long enough to identify those men of God who surrounded the kneeling President. But the face I saw which made me uncomfortable was that of the current President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). How did Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor get into that mix? Was it merely coincidental that he was in Israel at the same time? Or was he in fact, part of the President’s unwieldy entourage? How can he acquiesce to the way the presidency is spending tax payer ’s money when, by its own admission, the country is cash strapped? You see, you can not speak the truth to government if you fraternise with it. One thing you learn as a self

respecting Editor or Media Owner is how to keep your distance from the powers that be if you really have a passion for your work. To do other wise is to risk being compromised. It is nice, intoxicating even, to have direct contacts with governors and presidents. But your job as a moral watch dog will suffer. The first casualty is your credibility with your principal constituency and back bone— the public. I believe, very strongly, that those who wield moral authority must not fraternise with those who wield political authority because the worst thing that can happen to a country is to have its moral guidelines compromised by political expediencies. How do you preach against profligacy, corruption and injustice when you have lost your moral voice by participating in the largesse of government? We know the stories of Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, John the Baptist and even Jesus in the Bible. These were prophets who spoke the truth to the rulers of their day. They were conscious of

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16—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

he All Progressives Con gress seems to be having an owambe party all over Nigeria; from the North to the South and is getting all the media attention required. The party also appears to be mocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and celebrating the implosion of the ruling party. But somehow, there is always this nagging feeling that just like the PDP, the APC is also an accident waiting to happen. The opposition party seems to be disappointing in many fronts and some nagging questions are beginning to come to mind. If PDP is such a bad party and APC has the right answer, why won’t it leave PDP alone and do it’s own thing? Why is APC looking for the living in the land of the dead? What is responsible for this frantic efforts to lure aggrieved PDP members into APC? Is APC hoping the best people to run for elections still belong to the corrupt and ‘dead’ PDP? Would champions of corruption rebuild Nigeria? A dog should not go back to it’s own vomit. So why would opposition be looking for ‘corrupt and incredible’ PDP members to fill up their numbers?! The last time I checked, APC leaders were begging Gov Rotimi Amaechi to join their party. This is not a surprise though as Amaechi inadvertently became a leader of opposition from the South-South against his will. Well, that leadership was bestowed on him by circumstances even though he still needs to consult with his people and ‘brother’ Jonathan before deciding to join APC. But what is really baffling is the fact that opposition is contradicting itself. How can it be courting the friendship of members of a party it considered so bad? The way I see things, APC will implode in the nearest future considering the way things are going. Come to think of it, will the G-7 governors, majority of whom are former President Obasanjo’s men, go contrary to the way of their master? Or is OBJ using them to let certain things sink in the psyche of the powers that be? Before the APC leaders visited Port-Harcourt, there was the burial of Dame Patience Jonathan’s foster mother and Amaechi was there! Before the burial, Gov Amaechi reportedly flew in the same helicopter with President Jonathan and Bayelsa governor and I imagined, would the three of them just have sat in the same helicopter without talking or discussing their political differences? What transpired between them? Is it not possible that a form of reconciliation was initiated during the flight? Could it be the beginning of the end of the lingering crisis in the PDP? Obviously, the ongoing feud between the PDP and the seven ‘rebel’ governors loyal to Baraje must have been part of their discussion. Or why else would Amaechi tell APC leaders that he would

Waiting for implosion of APC

consult widely, including with Mr President if a kind of reconciliation was not discussed ab initio? Wouldn’t the secret meeting have been an avenue for Jonathan and Amaechi to talk over their differences and find a possible solution to the crisis that has divided the political class in Rivers State and Nigeria in general? Did APC imagine that Amaechi would just have accepted to join the opposition just like that? Before the visit to Amaechi, the APC leaders visited Gov Nyako of Adamawa. General Buhari told Nigerians after the visit that G-7 governors have unofficially joined APC! Buhari said the G-7 governors had accepted the party’s invitation to join it. “We now have the G-

7 governors in our fold, our tour is yielding positive result for the party,” Buhari said. What is really baffling is why the leaders of a party formed to save the masses from PDP bondage would be junketing all over the federation trying to win over members of the same party that has held Nigeria in bondage? And to imagine Nyako saying afterward that he is still in PDP is another thing.

Will he ever dump PDP?

oing back to history, Ni gerians were once upon a time swayed by the politicking going on in Adamawa between Murtala Nyako and Muhammed Buba Marwa, a top notcher of Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, and

now merged into APC. Governor Murtala Nyako has had brushes with some top politicians within the Adamawa political landscape. Would Nyako who was into rivalry with General Buba Marwa want to belong in the same party with Marwa? How will the APC leaders reconcile the interests of this former governorship candidate of the defunct CPC, Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) with Nyako’s? General Buba Marwa is allegedly leading the campaign against Governor Nyako’s bid to join APC. Yet, he was at the airport to welcome APC leaders! In Sokoto State, one is not sure how APC would fare as the former Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, rejected any possibility of the party structure being handed over to Governor Aliyu Wamakko? One doesn’t need to dig deeper to realise that the succession game in Adamawa in the forthcoming elections is the root of the face-off between Nyako and the PDP. How far will APC leaders go? Do they really think these aggrieved PDP Governors would eventually join APC or are they just on a merry-go-round across the federation?

Everywhere they went, the pattern of the response of the G-7 governors was ultimately the same. ‘We will consult!’ And nobody ever hears anything from them! Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State spoke his mind. He would remain in PDP despite the party’s internal crisis. But would it be possible for G7 governors to convince their supporters to embrace APC? There have been reports that some members of the faction in the Senate and the House of Representatives are prepared to let by-gone be by-gone and reintegrate themselves into the mainstream PDP because their 2015 can only be achieved if they remain with the PDP rather than joining a new political platform. Would Shekarau of APC be able to work in tandem with his political rival, Kwankwaso, in Kano State? Governor Ibrahim Shekarau had reportedly rejected Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso’s bid to join the APC and described them as rebels and trouble makers. If APC succeeds in Kwara,where will that leave the governor’s godfather, former Gov Saraki? Will he still have the control of the party in Kwara? It is not hidden that apart from the G-7 governors, the APC is also targeting to have the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal into their fold and even aspiring to have him as their presidential candidate in the forthcoming election! If this is true, my question is, will the APC, which before now had painted PDP and its members in black, not be painting itself black by allowing leading members of the same “dirty PDP” to join them? The way things are going, these desperate moves by APC to lure the aggrieved PDP top notchers into its fold may spell doom for the opposition party. In the same vein, I don’t see any of these governors joining the APC.

The clock ticks for Anambra

xactly a week from today, glad

iators from various political parties in Anambra state will be voted for and against to decide who will take over after Peter Obi’s exit in March 2014. I have never seen a state with so much political mudslinging like Anambra. Shouldn’t electioneering campaigns be about convincing the electorate why they should vote for a particular candidate? But the case of Anambra is something else. Every candidate wants to out mudsling the other and it’s really scary! Everything at a candidate’s disposal is used as a weapon of blackmail and newspapers are aghast with the manner of materials being sent for publication. The one nagging allegation is the perceived shoddy manner of the election body in registering voters, compiling, maintaining, revising and updating voters register on continuous

basis.

A group had claimed that some vot-

ers didn’t know when, how, and where INEC conducted its continuous voters registration and revalidation exercise as ordered by Section 9(1) and 10(1) of the Nigeria’s Electoral act of 2010. The number of polling centers and registered voters which are given as 4, 608 and 1,711,061 respectively could not allegedly be verified . It was also alleged that a total of 300,685 names were altered from the list of voters while the 93,000 double registrants alleged to be in the state’s voters’ register could not be ascertained. As if that wasn’t enough, further allegations claimed that stringent conditions were imposed on those that lost their voters cards and those that relocated from their previous residences. These had to fill certain forms, get police extracts, or court affidavits before re-registration. Was their re-registration process successful? INEC at one time allegedly announced that 53 polling centers were missing in

the voters register which included 34 in Awka South LGA; one in Ayamelum LGA; two in Anambra East LGA; two in Ihiala LGA; one in Idemmili North LGA; four in Nnewi South LGA and five in Nnewi North LGA. Have these missing centres been replaced? It would be shocking for these allegations to crop up without getting due attention. Why should the electoral body not be able to secure its data with effective anti-virus or back-up devices which are available and affordable at the open market? Were the causes of these lapses investigated? Did the exercise really capture as many eligible voters as ordered by the Constitution and the Electoral Act at the end of the day? November 16 is only a week away and the people are praying and waiting for a miracle of fair and free election. Will this miracle happen?

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

C M Y K

Vanguard,NO VEMBER 9 anguard,NOVEMBER 9,, 2013—17

18—SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

My dad’s cheating on my mum Dear Julie, found out a few years ago that my dad has been having little affairs with other women. He has been meeting them on the internet, and there are at least two that I know of that he has actually met and been with in person. I have read some of their online conversations, and my dad says that he does not love my mum anymore, but I know that my mum still loves him. I can’t understand how he could do this, or how the other women can go along with this knowing that he is married, has kids, a grandchild, and another grandchild on the way. I love my dad, and we have always gotten along great. I want to confront him about this, but I cannot get up enough nerve to do it. I am the only one that knows about this; I have no one to talk to about this and I don’t know what I should do. I want my dad to

know that I know what has been going on, but I don’t want to confront him in person, and an e-mail seems too cowardish. Do you have any advice on what I should do? I would greatly appreciate it. Tony, Abuja Dear Tony, It’s pretty clear you’re upset to know your dad has been “having little affairs” outside of his marriage with your mum. You also seem committed to letting your dad know that you’re on to him. Before you jump in, it’s always good to go into a

confrontation after thinking hard about three things: the goals you hope to achieve by confronting; how you will confront, face-to-face, phone, email and how the person might react. First, what are your goals? In other words, what do you hope this confrontation will lead to? For starters, you’re especially concerned with how your dad’s affairs don’t fit his role as a dad, husband, or grandfather. So, one of your goals might be to show him how his actions don’t fit with the roles you value.

Once you’ve decided on your goals, you can choose how you will confront your dad. It’ll also be helpful for you to imagine how your dad might react to this very personal and, potentially, embarrassing confrontation. Do you know your dad’s typical reactions to being surprised or embarrassed? If so, you could try to figure out how he would react to your first confrontation. If he seems too nervous, angry, or down-right speechless at first, consider ending the talk to let him have some private time. It’s important for you to break the conversation into several different episodes if you get the feeling that your dad’s or your own reaction to the confrontation gets in the way of moving toward your goals. Importantly, you might be worried about how this confrontation might affect your relationship with your dad. Because you want to keep your good relationship, consider focusing your conversation on how his behaviours are caus-

ing you discomfort, while letting him know you still love him. It’s the behaviours that you’ll want to zoom in on, not your dad as a person. What would it be like for you to tell him how hurt and confused you are about his secretive behaviours? How can you let him know that you still cherish your relationship with him, despite your feelings about what he’s doing? The hard reality of this situation is that no amount of preparedness and strategy will take away all of the stress you’re feeling. This is emotionally challenging, and you find yourself hard-pressed to understand how your dad could act in such ways. To boot, you don’t seem too fond of the idea of sharing these feelings and thoughts with others. While that’s understandable, it’s really tough to do something this awkward on your own. It’s a good thing that you sought some outside advice and it might help to enlist the support of some non-family members as you get through this tough time.

I’m physically attracted to someone who abused me Dear Julie, I have a huge crush on one of my colleagues. I am single but he is not, so I have never made any passes or encouraged myself to flirt with him. Five months ago, as I was the last one to leave from work , I ran into him. I was surprised that he was still there. To make a long story short, he tried to assault me. I got away. I’m experiencing terrible confusion. I am still attracted to him! I can’t stop thinking about him and whenever he ignores me , I feel like I’m going crazy! I can’t tell anyone; no one will believe me. They would say that I provoked him and that I wanted it to happen. I can’t give up the job. I need the income to get through the University! Why do I feel this way? What happened to me? Why would he do something like this if he is married? Mercy, Benin Dear Mercy , That sounds like a terrifying experience. How difficult it must be to continue seeing him and to feel like you

wouldn’t be believed if you told anyone. Whatever you did in response to the assault was exactly right on: you got away, it sounds like, with minimal or no physical injuries. Nonetheless, this experience must have been traumatic. There are two primary parts to your question: why would I feel this way towards someone who tried to hurt me and why would he do this, especially if he is married? Let’s address the latter question first. Myths about rape abound. One such myth is that people who rape are sexually frustrated or never have access to sex. Studies actually show that this is not the case. Whether or not someone is in a relationship is not a predictor of whether or not they will rape. This is probably because rape is not an act for fulfilling sexual gratification. It’s an act of violence and at the core of the motive is a desire for power and control. Incidentally, in case you were worried that your sexual attraction “provoked” the rape in any way, this is another myth: the myth that wom-

You have lost something

A wife called her husband as she was driving to an appointment. She arrived, and the husband could tell from her voice that she was getting frustrated. Finally she said, “I know I had my cell phone with me. And now I can’t find it!” The husband replied, “Aren’t you talking on it!?” There was a solid period of stunned silence as the reality of the situation sank in , followed by, “you are NOT going to tell anybody about this!”

He tried to assault me. I got away. I’m experiencing terrible confusion. I am still attracted to him! I can’t stop thinking about him and whenever he ignores me and he does...constantly, I feel like I’m going crazy! en really want to be raped. This is a statement often used by people who rape in order to justify or excuse their violence. Notice how people rarely make this claim about other types of crime: robbery , for example. Rape is no different. Of course you didn’t want it. Your fear of not being believed makes sense given the presence of these myths. Is there anyone whom you can trust that would believe you? Your attraction to him, while it may be distressing for you, is actually not all that uncommon. Most people who rape choose to rape someone they know. It is likely, then, that a large number of women share your experience of having feelings for

someone who attacked them. Even if someone severs a relationship after being assaulted, feelings of love and attraction may remain for a time. Feelings don’t necessarily dissolve after one negative experience even after a very difficult and/or traumatic experience such as yours and crushes, which can be very intense, are no different. It sounds like despite that attraction, you know he is bad news and you are avoiding him because of this, even though it still hurts that he ignores you. You are trying to keep yourself safe and that’s very important. All of these feelings are likely very unpleasant to be experiencing, but you are not crazy for feeling them. What’s important is that you feel supported in mak-

C O C K - T A L E S Girl of his dreams

A young man in the University called his mother and announced excitedly that he had just met the girl of his dreams. Now what should he do? His mother had an idea: “Why don’t you send her flowers, and on the card invite her to your house for a home-cooked meal?” He thought this was a great strategy, and a week later, the girl came to dinner. His mother called the next day to see how things had gone.

ing whatever decisions feel right for you in this situation. If staying at your job feels absolutely necessary, have a safety plan in place. What will you do if you are working late again? Is there a way to ensure you will never be alone in the building with him? Do you think there is a chance he would try to assault you again if you were? When the assault happened, it sounds as though you were able to maintain your physical safety. What do you need to cope with all the feelings that come up when you see him at work? Are there ways to minimize your contact with him? Have you thought of discussing this with another elderly person at home or at church? Lastly, it may be good to keep in mind that you are possibly not the only person in his life who he has tried to assault. There is a culture of silence and taboo around rape. At some point, you may find it useful to confide in a trusted co-worker who also knows him and may have had a similar experience. In any case, trust your gut to know how to navigate this situation. Your survival strength is admirable.

”I was totally humiliated,” he moaned. “She insisted on washing the dishes.” ”What’s wrong with that?” asked his mother. ”We hadn’t started eating yet.”

Ending an argument

Frank was telling his friend that he and his wife had a serious argument the night before. “But it ended,” Frank said, “ when she came crawling to me on her hands and knees.” ”What did she say?” asked the friend. Frank replied, “She said, ‘Come out from under that bed, you coward!”

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9 9, 2013—19

08052201257

Although women won’t say it aloud, there’s often a huge sigh of relief once they get their ring. Getting engaged can be a triumph, and if he’s the wrong guy, the high from the attention of the engagement can minimize that fact

Did you marry the wrong guy? A

s Eva, then 32, walked down the aisle toward her fiancé, wearing a N200,000 wedding gown and a 7-carat ring, she felt nothing but dread. I don’t want to go through with this, she thought, with each step toward the altar. Eva, an Engineer spends most of her time running her father’s multi-million naira business empire. She dated a few men in the past and there was pressure on her from family to settle down in marital bliss. Then she met Austin, a lawyer who started out helping her to do 'stuff' in the business empire. Then, one thing led to another. There was a roll in the hay and then Austin proposed. Just some hours before the ceremony, Eva was engaged in a discussion with her two sisters over the family business. When it was time to get ready for the wedding, she felt strange. Eva had dated her handsome lawyer/businessman beau for four years before they got engaged, and although he didn’t make her heart race, she still loved him. “We were best friends, and I thought he’d make a great husband and father, even though I wasn’t ‘in love," she says. “I walked down the aisle thinking, What the hell? During my vows, I wasn’t making eye contact with my fiancé.” Five years and two kids later, their sex life was nonexistent, Eva wanted out. “I’d often wished he would cheat,” she says. Finally, her husband, sensing her unhappiness, ended it. Eva is hardly the first woman to say “I do” when her heart wasn’t in it. Thirty percent of now-divorced women say they knew it was wrong

from the start. According to recent research conducted by experts, 30 percent of now-divorced women say they knew in their gut they were making a mistake as they walked down the aisle. Only a handful backed out. The obvious question is: If you know you’re marrying the wrong guy, why do it?Some of the divorced women say they knew it was wrong from the start. And what takes the blame? For starters, blame Cinderella. “Women are raised with an unrealistic impression of what love is supposed to look like,” says an expert. “Girls read fairy tales where the woman gets saved by the prince, and when they’re older, the same message is enforced through romantic comedies where love always prevails, despite impossible scenarios. So women learn that love can always work, even when it’s unhealthy.” Then,there’s the usual suspect: the biological clock. Eva’s was ticking and she was ready to start a family. The number 30 reads like an expiration

date for unmarried women. Not only are the baby-making years racing by, but they're leaving behind the 20s , a decade of experimentation, one-night stands, and making mistakes professionally and personally. In the next decade, they’re seen as adult and can’t do those things. And the unspoken rush to the altar makes things worse. Although women won’t say it aloud, there’s often a huge sigh of relief once they get their ring. Getting engaged can be a triumph, and if he’s the wrong guy, the high from the attention of the engagement can minimize that fact. Being so busy planning an over-thetop fete can overshadow a couple’s incompatibility. Another career lady, Josephine shared that midway through her engagement, she started grappling with trust issues. Her fiancé was strangely private about his job, and her friends and family had been warning her not to marry him. She had

a gut feeling that something wasn’t right, but she had no interest in listening to her gut. She had more important matters to tend to. “I was busy planning my dream wedding,” she says. Yet on the big day, she felt strangely hollow inside. “My mind was blank and during my vows, I realized that I didn’t mean them,” she says. “I wasn’t thinking what married life would be like.” Five months after the ceremony, she filed for divorce. Women often forget that marriage isn’t just about a big wedding. It’s also about evolving from being single to married. That’s a big thing to deal with. But how do you distinguish between jitters and genuine cold feet? Nerves are about anxiety over the event. Cold feet are about doubting the relationship. So if you think things like: Am I settling?Things will improve after the wedding. Marriage makes sense , we’ve been dating forever!, you may be rightfully doubting the union. Yemisi, 33, a banker had a five-year rocky relationship with her nowhusband before he proposed. Despite feeling neglected by him , hurt that he rarely made time for the two of them , she squashed her doubts and said yes. But one hour before the ceremony, she started scrambling for reasons to back out. “I was in tears,” she says. "My husband Tunde marched down the aisle anyway, and now, nine years later, is in the process of dissolving that marriage. “Listen to your instincts,” she says, “I should have paid attention to the signs it wasn’t right.”

I have a terrible relationship with my mother-in-law

have a t e r r i b l e relationship with my mother-in-law and I don’t have a clue how to make it better. The woman hates me. I think she’s angry because my husband married me instead of a family friend she adored. She is constantly finding ways to pull us apart, and she’s made it clear that I’m not welcome in her house. We have a four-year-old daughter, and when my husband takes her to visit his family, I stay home.

As you’ve discovered, secret feelings are So far, my daughter is too young to put all the pieces together. What do I say when she starts asking why I’m almost impossible to keep secret. An undercurrent of whispers, facial gestures, body not going with them to visit? language, overheard bits of conversation, or Ebeano, Lagos hesitant and evasive answers to questions You’re right to be concerned. Children are very combine to drive children to come up with their perceptive and do pick up on tension within families, even own explanation, which in many cases can be if it is not directly expressed. However, they don’t know more disturbing than the reality. To ensure that the causes of the tension, and because of their inherent your daughter has a happy, healthy relationship egocentrism, they tend to blame themselves. Often, they with members of her family, you should try to think: “My bad behaviour has caused all these problems settle your disputes if possible. among the grown ups.”

•Prestine, 26, plumpy and busty, Christian, lives in Anambra state, needs a God•Kings, male, employed, needs a girl for a fearing guy 0f 30 for a sound relationship relationship that would lead to marriage on on 08066855176 07057373593 •Josh, 25,based in Lagos, needs a lady of a Muslim lady of 20-30 for who is educated in •Jibola, 32, lives in Lagos, wants a lady who is 18-23 for a romantic relationship that could western and Islamic knowledge for marriage on between 24-29 years, also living in Lagos for a lead to mariage on 07014332822 08053428864 serious relationship on 0816967677 •John, 47, male, from •Gift, female, from Edo State, student, 23 Edo State, Christian, Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want based in Lagos, needs a years, tall, slim, chocolate, needs a guy of 28-30 for a marriage-based God-fearing lady of 2335 on 0706112055 relationship on 08037161661 Do you want to be linked? •KC, 32,single and •Rex, male, based in Lagos, wants a Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal informa- handsome, wants to wealthy woman for a relationship on tion of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for hook up with a wealthy 07014332822 lady of 28-37 on • Muktar, 29, male, from Sokoto , wants 08160998926

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Settling down with fellow celebrity!

igerians in recent times have witnessed cases of showbiz unions crumbling under the pressure of fame after a predictable whirlwind romance and front-page pictures of a "fairytale" wedding. This, explains why most celebrities today prefer to find life partners outside the industry. But despite this shortcomings, is it a taboo to marry a fellow celebrity? Our team sought the opinions of entertainers on the issue and this is what they have to say...

Love determines —-Benson Okonkwo, Actor

Love is all that matters — Amaka Anioji

f we are in love and connect to each other, why not? More over, when the very important and necessary qualities are considered which has nothing to do with being a celebrity. If we belong to each other, then I will marry him.

hy won’t I marry an Actress? As long as I like her and we understand each other coupled with the fact that she’s ready to return my love and live happily with me. Even though she has featured in a couple of obscene movies, I will gladly marry her. You know that love is blind.

It depends on both parties—Biola Ige I

cannot marry a celebrity. But I think it depends on both parties, they have to agree on how to keep their jobs while going into marriage. In Nigeria, the workability is not certain, but in Hollywood, it is.

It’s doesn’t matter where you meet your partner —Benita Akpofe, Actress

can marry my colleague or any entertainer, as far as we love and compliment each other. It is not where you meet your mate that matters but the outcome of the meeting.

I will marry him if... —-Chidiebere Aneke, Actress

will marry an enter tainer if I’m lucky to meet someone who loves and cares for me. If we can work it out, then it is a perfect deal. I believe in the saying that ‘ when there’s a will, there’s a way.’

Only when I don’t have a choice — Chinwe Hilda

f I have a choice, I will not. But, love is a free spirit. It happens and when it happens like that, I will just go with it.

SATURDAY

Vanguard,NOVEMBER 9 9,, 2013—21

Anxious to get married? look out for love rat!

eople do not have a problem with the concept of marriage, they simply have a problem with finding someone they want to marry and stay with. “What is needed in schools these days is not lesson on the sanctity of marriage which moves you no nearer to an altar, but lessons on how to pull a partner you might actually marry. These lessons would incorporate information and individual qualities that would be suited to your own personality and needs. The source of my own relationship problem could have been ironed out at an early age if such advice had been available...” Jare told me that she should

have been prepared to smell a rat a mile off and make a run for it. By the time she realised the love of her life was married, she was literally holding the baby! “I met him with a couple of guys he shared a three-bedroom flat with. What he didn’t tell me was the fact that he paid his share of the rent but only keep his room as a guest house — he was already married and living at the other end of the city with his wife and two kids. Unfortunately, there were no tell-tale signs of this in his rented, well-furnished room. “I grew up in a society that celebrated marriage. I had a mother and father who stayed together and it never occurred to me until now, that there was any alternative to the family state we were in. In spite of our Catholicstyle upbringing, neither my sister nor I are married. We’ve never even come close. Neither of us had ever really lived with a man either. She is 36, I am over 30 and responsible for a child whose father was a trickster.” Did I detect a tinge of ‘bitterness’? “Not necessarily,” she assured me. “But lessons on successful relationship could have taught me, for instance that

thought I would marry, and was out of the ‘arrangee’ marriages. But a lot of our mates fell for it and quite a number of the marriages we match-made were celebrated ones. “I ran into an old friend recently who was ‘lucky’ to get introduced to her husband and she said it was the costliest mistake she ever made. But her husband is a good provider and they actually live in their own house. She has a thriving fabrics shop but she’s not happy. She said she’s never been in love with the man nor in love with the idea of getting married.

I am over 30 and responsible for a child whose father was a trickster

self-centred can you get? I mean how many frogs is a girl expected to kiss before she finds her prince. A few years back, Jare said people in her age group got together for a self-help project. The idea than was that since they were mostly marriageable materials, they should be able to match make. “Afterall, we all came from identical family backgrounds,’ she explained. I was already involved with the father of my child, whom I

It got to a point where she couldn’t bear to be touched by the man she slept on the same bed with. “Now she’s met a man she’s hopeless in love with but is unfortunately trapped in a loveless marriage with two kids. She says she’s seriously thinking of her own happiness - not her duty to her family.” Uche, a thirty-two-year old banker said she stayed

What type of parent are you?

VERYONE has a different parenting style. There is no right or wrong way to be a mum or dad. But, parenting expert, Bill Lucas, believes that it could pay to switch approaches once in a while. He says: “It’s very easy for parents to get stuck on one way of doing things.” But before you can make changes, here are things you need to identify to know what kind of parent you are: The ‘it will all end in tears’ parent: The advantage of being a pessimist is that you are always well prepared if things go wrong. But Lucas says a permanently C M Y K

the frog who has one date with you and vamooses is a bad emotional investment. I could have learnt that a man who criticizes everything about you, from your hair to the job you do, to the position of the watch on your wrist, leaves you alone on Christmas eve and Easter celebrations, is a man with problems of his own. They could have told me to heed the alarm bells when a man who wants to leave his girlfriend for you, says, that he wants to stay with her long enough for her to lose enough weight so that, she could attract someone else and not have a broken heart when she is eventually ditched. How

OST people want to meet Mr. or Miss Right,” said Jare, a 30-year-old single mother of one. “Most people in their youth dream of one day making a commitment to one person. When they do, they don’t then leave the marriage because they do not respect it, can’t stand living with an unfaithful partner or because their partner is drinking or spending the house-keeping money on current fashion. And people who don’t get married do not reject marriage because of their lack of respect for it either, they just can’t find anyone half-way decent who is free. Unfortunately, a lot of young people are not prepared for the ups and downs of marriage”. Jare continued, “it is not marriage per se that young people should hear about in the school curriculum — that is the institution of marriage — but the ingredients of what makes a good marriage. Respect, trust, u n d e r s t a n d i n g , unconditional love and fun!

negative attitude can affect your children’s happiness. If your child tends to be lazy, you might be tempted to say: “Make yourself useful for once in your life and go down to the supermarket.” This is a hurtful comment - and you are unlikely to get a positive response. It is much better to say: “You are always good at helping with the shopping. Do you think you could go to the supermarket and choose something for breakfast?” Lucas says: “Parents need to surround their children with words like this so they

feel good and want to do things. The ‘let’s try something new’ parent: Your interest in trying new things will help to develop your children’s sense of curiosity. But youngsters also need some structure in their lives. Lucas suggests making a list of routines such as getting up, meal times and tidying up. Decide whether these are working well, could be improved or need to be established. There may be a few

single by pushing the selfdestruct button at just the right time. She used to be so scared of commitment because of what she’d seen of her mates’ marriages. But now, with most of her friends settled and having babies, she would love to settle down, especially when she hopes to have children. Not with just any man, she assured me. “It won’t just be physical attraction, but there will be a click, something that just happens chemically. His qualities will include allowing me to be in the context of the relationship and enabling me to have my own space.

have stayed this long to think of getting hitched, so I must settle for a reasonable man. “And he must be comfortably well off as I have certain standards I want to maintain. I can’t stand the idea of worrying about bills! “Friendship is of course the most important feature of the relationship. If you meet someone with whom you get on so well that you become best friends, you have a real chance for longterm relationship to survive. It also means there is no playacting on living up to someone’s idea of what you should be like. “In my mid-twenties, I wanted all the glamour and excitement and jet setting that life as a banker could offer me. I wanted a handsome man who would dress in a sophisticated way. Now I see how superficial that was. These days, I prefer to go out with men who are an intellectual challenge so I could take the time to know them first before declaring any underlying love...”

tears along the way as you try to enforce a new way of doing things. But after a few practice runs, it’ll become second nature. So much time that would otherwise be spent arguing is saved. The ‘my way is best’ parent: You are certain there’s one right way to do things and you make sure your children know about it.

But Lucas warns: “If you get into the habit of telling your children to do things all the time, this is likely to degenerate into nagging.”

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

ecently, after a battle through morning rush hour traffic and meandering in search of a seemingly elusive address, I finally arrived at the destination for my appointment. I was not in the most accommodating of moods; I was about 15 minutes late for my meeting with a Group CEO who I had never met, and whose goodwill I was seeking for an unsolicited proposal. But this is Lagos, after all, so naturally there was nowhere to park. I barged into the company’s alreadycrowded car park more out of desperation than logical hope, which immediately attracted the attention of a security guard who sauntered over to dolefully declare the obvious — that the car park was full. After a brief and pessimistic scan of our surroundings, he finally proposed a spot along the road just outside the car park which I hurriedly manoeuvred into. But again, this is Lagos, so —my lateness notwithstanding — after emerging from my car, I cast an apprehensive eye at its position as there were no other vehicles parked in that particular fashion. I sought and extracted a few mutters of reassurance from the guard that all would be well. Not entirely convinced but in no mood to delve further, I hustled across to the entrance of the premises and was about to engage the sentries on duty when I heard an urgent summons from behind. I turned to find the suddenly helpful security guard earnestly indicating a vacant spot inside the car park. Torn between effecting damage limitation of my prospects in the meeting I was now 20 minutes late for and proceeding straight

Your friendly Nigerian neighbour ahead, or assuring the protection of my vehicle from overzealous road officials, I opted for the latter (given my lateness already) and turned to follow my kindly benefactor. But just as I negotiated the vehicle into the select spot under his watchful eye and prepared to make a swift exit, his head swooped suddenly into the front window: ‘Oga ... actually I have this problem. It just happened this morning. I —‘Bad move. Honestly. I mean, I’ve lived long enough in this country to know that some sort of ‘appreciation’

e had come into town late that night and smack in the middle of one of Britain’s worst storms. The plan was to spend the first night in a hotel, calibrate and then move over to my girlfriend’s house the following day. The kids and I had picked a fine time to visit London. It was a rare time together, the children’s first in London and seeing as many of the sights was top on our list.

C M Y K

circumstances of our daily existence. For example, the following day, I was out with a friend at an eatery, awaiting an order which seemed to take an eternity to come. Suddenly a customer at a nearby table exploded angrily at a waitress, reprimanding her for her rudeness. I raised knowing eyebrows at my companion, unconvinced that whatever the waitress may have said or done justified such an extravagant reaction. However, when my patience was exhausted, I went to inquire after the unfulfilled order, and after receiving an apology, the food arrived one minute later. Okay, so perhaps customer service wasn’t exactly this outlet’s strongest point. We concluded the meal (an ingenious deception of style over substance, with a river of sauce

It’s not only God who loves a cheerful giver; the givers themselves would also love to give cheerfully

for his helpfulness would be an expectation upon returning from my hopefully successful appointment. But seeking to extract this upfront without even the courtesy of allowing me to first transact the business I came for (which I was impatient to get to) was a level of opportunism I had not previously encountered, quite apart from shattering any fragile hopes that perhaps, just for once, such a helpful gesture in my country might just be devoid of self-interest. ‘Small potatoes!’ some might say. ‘What’s the big deal in that?’ As an isolated incident ... I agree. No big deal. But not when the same predatory mindset continues to manifest in the most casual

dropped I off at the tube station, they made a very revealing comment… ‘Mommy’ … they said, ‘we completely forgot we were in London’. Apparently, until we drove out that morning, they could have been in our house or any relative’s house back home in Nigeria. Not surprising. Location aside, the traditions, the norms, the rules and regulations, the chores, the demand on the kids to be respectful and obedient — all applied. It was an awakening.

As it turned out, we ended up going nowhere that day. That’s what happens when kids connect —one minute introductions were being made, the next they were getting on like a house on fire— literally. Six kids between the ages of 4-15 all under one roof can get very ‘interesting’.

or some reason, perhaps as a result of all the shows they watch on TV, they seemed to think it was a different ball game entirely. I was grateful for another opportunity to point out to the kids and reemphasize what it meant to be Nigerians, and therefore did certain things in a particular way regardless of where we were in the world.

As we were being

Getting to Ireland brought it

and vegetables camouflaging a paucity of actual meat), beckoned for the bill, paid, and collected the change. Which, upon inspection, was about 500 naira short of what it should have been. A genuine mistake, I thought. Obviously not a fortune, but still ... the principle of it, right? So I beckoned to the waiter who strolled across. Pointed out the error. ‘Are you serious?’ was the young man’s lethargic muttered response as he retrieved the invoice dish, returned with the correct change and slouched away. My companion marvelled at his audacity. I marvelled at whether his casual response referred to the frivolity of his error, or to my strange insistence on receiving the actual change due. The impression created was that he had chosen to deduct his expected tip at source, rather than relying on my discretion to offer it. Unfortunately, since he had not previously troubled to offer even the facade of friendliness or helpfulness in exchange, there was no basis to do business, so we rose

and exited without a backward look. It’s not only God who loves a cheerful giver; the givers themselves would also love to give cheerfully, without a feeling of compulsion. But it increasingly seems as if the spirits that once reigned primarily at the nation’s erstwhile highway checkpoints have quietly launched a successful incursion into hearts and minds across the land without discrimination. Call me old-fashioned or naive, but when the taxi driver in the motor-park who of his own volition greets me enthusiastically every time I huff and puff past him early in the morning, I opt to believe that he is simply extending an innocuous gesture of unconditional cordiality from one human being to another, and I accordingly always respond in kind. Until the illusion was shattered recently when, for the first time, we encountered each other outside the context of my occasional walkathon and his first ever words to me outside the customary ‘Good Morning’ was a swift outline of the three most pressing financial issues he was facing (an ageing taxi that needed overhauling, a daughter reportedly in hospital, as well as imminent school fees). After which he paused expectantly, waiting for me to select my preferred option for intervention. No inquiry as to who I was, what I did, or even just my welfare in general. It felt like I had been conned; that the several months over which we had interacted remotely but pleasantly were merely a surveillance period to gauge the ideal moment for a decisive strike. The appearance of friendliness was just that — an appearance. Nothing deeper. A handy tool to use and discard once the end objective (material acquisition) had been attained. Which is why a social commentator once remarked on the oft-held (usually foreign) perception that Nigerians are a friendly people by retorting that there was often a hefty dose of selfinterest behind our flamboyant show of camaraderie and hospitality. Harsh or no? Well, the next time you offer your gate pass (for those fortunate enough to own cars) to the grinning security guard who has just greeted you extravagantly but deliberately delays to either collect the tag or lift the barrier (so that you won’t escape before ‘paying your tax’), you judge for yourself. Poverty is a convenient excuse for this prevailing syndrome in our culture, but honestly there are poorer countries than ours who do not submit to such corruptive values. And there was a time in Nigeria when we didn’t either. Can we ever return to the way we once were? We won’t know until we try.

Home is where you are

22—SATURDAY

In that warm beautiful house in Dundalk Ireland I was reminded that ‘home’ is not a place, but a feeling

even closer to home because this time we were staying with relatives, so all that initial protocol saved for ‘guests’ flew straight out the window from the word go. It was heartwarming and provided a certain sense of security and continuity to know that regardless of where we go and who we become and what we accomplish; at the centre of it all, there are certain core values that will never

change.As we sat there, in that warm beautiful house in Dundalk Ireland I was reminded that ‘home’ is not a place, but a feeling. As long as there was community, transparency, trust… It didn’t matter that our conversations were being conducted in four different languages: Yoruba, English, German and broken; and everyone in that room spoke an average of only three; there was no break in

communication, all you had to do was wait a while and whatever was being said would invariably get round to you in a language you understand. And that first plate of white rice and stew in that far flung place felt like the warmth of a security blanket… those are of some of the good things that define us as Africans, Nigerians… family, hospitality, generosity, discipline, respect, family values…. And to think I had to travel all the way to Ireland to be reminded. It just re- emphasized for me just how much has been eroded here… and all at the altar of what? Socio-political and economic growth? Development is supposed to be a good thing, heralding progress and prosperity… but; enough of the belly aching. Let each man do what needs to be done. In our homes, where we work, where we teach, what we preach... . Simplistic… most answers are.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 — 23

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24—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

ove is a beautiful thing that we all would like to experience but not all of the time is the person we’re with the right one for us. This leads to the dreaded “break up” that we all hope not to go through but it is inevitable and necessary for progress. We must move on and leave unfulfilling relationships if we want to reach our goal of finding “the one”. Now I’m no love expert and have no degrees in studying love which to some extent is good because I am speaking from real experiences of people to help others in this situation. I’m only speaking from a woman’s point of view because I can’t speak for what goes on in a man’s mind. Sometimes we go into denial and blow off obvious signals that he is about to give you the boot. I will give examples of each sign to help give you an idea. This isn’t the typical top ten signs that your guy is going to leave you. I might have missed some as this isn’t the complete list. So if you have more, please share with us your experiences. What are the signs that your guy is ready to let you go and move on? He doesn’t do what he says he will/ then does it immediately after you’re gone Naturally we have to bug guys nonstop to get him to take the trash out or mow the lawn, that’s normal actually but when it comes to more important things that’s when it becomes a bad sign. If he goes on about getting a better job so he can care for his family and never does and then five years go by, that’s a bad sign. It’s even worse if directly after he lets you go, he does it and then hooks up with another. He tells you that he will do things with you but then mysteriously bails every time it comes up. Withdrawal, avoiding and ignoring you Remember the days he used to call or text you when he was on break at his job? These fly out the window as he starts to ignore you. You end up going long periods of time without seeing or hearing from him. When you finally get in touch with him, he won’t sound too excited and might want to rush your interactions to keep them short. To put it short, he wants to keep it short which means he is over you. The relationship is not number one on his list He will start pushing the relationship aside and leaving it on the back burner. He will make decisions that obviously will strain the relationship and not care. Everything he does goes against keeping the relationship strong. Even if you try to reason with him, it won’t change his mind. When he makes large decisions that can affect the outcome of the relationship and he just tosses it out with no thought, he’s done with you. Lack of communication or poor communication You used to be able to tell him about how you felt or if you didn’t like something he did and he would explain in depth his reasoning and defense which in the end led to a nice compromise but now he doesn’t say anything. All of his answers are yes and no and that’s it. He might even just stay quiet and not respond. Instead of talking about the situation in depth to come to an agreement, he just nods his head and acts like he didn’t even hear you. Even worse he may respond but not with

You used to be able to tell him about how you felt or if you didn’t like something he did and he would explain in depth his reasoning and defense which in the end led to a nice compromise but now he doesn’t say anything

Signs that he’s done with you the answers that you want. You might ask him to stop doing something that irritates you and he’ll just be blunt and say no and that he doesn’t care if it bothers you. Ouch. You might ask for talking time and he’ll find ways to avoid it and not want to talk about the serious matters. He might even verbally attack your feelings when you try to explain yourself. He doesn’t want to understand, he doesn’t want to hear what you have to say, he doesn’t care, he’s just done. Loss of affection Some guys aren’t very affectionate to begin with but they at least will kiss and hug you in the privacy of their home. If you went from being lovey dovey to not even smiling at each other, the love is fading and you’re about to be faded out too. Men and women have different ways of showing their affection so that you know they’re interested. When you start not even wanting to look at each other, the emotion is gone. No more signs that he cares Just in general when you care for someone, you pay a lot of attention to them. You may send texts or call when it’s a slow day at work or on break. You might leave messages on their profiles on social networking sites. You might call each other pet names. He plans surprises and cute little events. If he gets off work early, he might randomly stop by your place to see you just because he missed you. These are all just general signs that he cares about you. When these stop, there’s usually a reason behind it and it could be that he’s done caring for you. Secretive behaviour When you’re in a relationship, you shouldn’t have secrets between each other. You should be able to openly

PERT X E S E H T ASK try to mas-

speak about yourself and your life and if he’s a good guy, he should understand your situations and not flee. (As long as they’re not psycho situations like murdering people. I would flee too.) If you can’t swap passwords for your computer or swap wallets, then something is going on that shouldn’t be. You should be able to go on his computer freely without him acting like he’s hiding something. Sneaking out at night, not telling you everything, hiding his wallet, hiding his paperwork, anything that deals with hiding anything is suspicious. Just have that feeling Sometimes we just have that gut feeling that something is wrong and a break up is on the way. The emotions that you have can alert you before you even start seeing these signs and stacking up physical evidence. You may become depressed, feel unsatisfied, empty, hurt, sad, and lonely while you’re with the one that is supposed to make you feel like you’re bouncing on clouds. Your relationship is supposed to make you feel special and great, not alone and down. If you feel miserable because he’s acting weird, chances are your gut feeling is telling you the truth. Not wanting or working things out In every relationship, you will hit bumps of all sizes and go through slow periods but a strong relationship will survive with little damage sustained and continue onward in a sturdy manner. If you start hitting obstacles that is leaving you clinging to a thread to pull through, then you need to re-evaluate how strong the relationship is. If you try to talk to him about a serious matter and he just shrugs it off, he doesn’t care if the relationship crashes.

the guts to say no, do

so.

th m d. I go t ph ys ic al wi Whenever I ol n. s ma ar d ye -ol ar 18 -ye 20 iv at e am a I pr I am r’s ng. dream, I end up urinati e to uc he d ea ch ot hed th en fin W . nd rie rlf gi turbate or have a wet rce d m y pr ec um , an r getting slow. In fact, I have sca d pa rt s. I to uc he My hair growth is very ha I t. es ce of he ch d an it mp s, ar r. What is the chan he d re ge s hair near the genital ar ye e fiv s ision when I wa undergone a circumc repeat touchand I pr eg na nt ? sand. However, do not ay sperm is about my sexual life d ou ne th ten in e On old. I am concer my ecum in case a str eaking about it with ing the vagina with pr am not comfortable sp parents. de is lurking in it. n after a sexual episo tio ina ur th try wi g din En see a ’s and I find that if Isoon rried about your hair, I am a guy in his 40 as t bu common. If you are wo tend to go soft, to enter a woman, Imovie on internet, I immedoctor. rn ve as I watch a po rd. Is this natural ? Is it exut any bad habits. I ha ha tho ck wi ro old s go ar y ye el 58 at di this? I am ntrol for five co r de un ing porn that does volves an en tch be s wa ha of t en em cit rin diabetes, which g porn, it often 30 years of a happy ma When you’re watchinit’s very easy to get aroused. years. I have enjoyed o is wh , ter sis er eld s d fe’ an wi w element of fantasy l reasons why you’re not stayried life. However, my to my wife and a wido er old lf ha ay be severa a d an ar uld be anxa ye iting us, fre- There m vis d rte sta s u’re with a woman. It co ha yo s, ar en wh rd ha g in know the e to for the last 10 ye t sh e, to ge am alone in the hous uld be that you need ort. Or it could be co it or y, iet s quently. Whenever I ha e sh th her. She says build some rapp lem you asks me to have sex wi t after seeing my wife person better and continues to be a probial counit bu If gs e. lin els fee g r in he d eth lle m ro so cont ctor for confident ls she should too. ght consider seeing a do mi ur and I have sex, she fee yo of lp he the e ot tak selling session. In this case, you cann to slip away from the Try . ion cis de a e tak ve wife to is also away. If you ha house when your wife

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013—25

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SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013—27

26 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013—27

— Nkem Ike

By SAM ANOKAM

What has been happening to you in recent times? I thank God for my career. The only thing that has been happening to me is that I have been working and I thank God for that. How many movies have you done since the beginning of this year? So far, I have done more than 10 movies. From January to March, I featured in six movies. I don’t want to exaggerate but I think I have done well over 10 movies.

I think we are growing. People are comparing us to Hollywood which is well over 100 years and Nollywood is just 20, that means we are still babies. People need to give us some time because we are improving on a daily basis. My prayer is that government should begin to invest in the industry.Sometimes, you could see an actor jumping bike and living in penury. That is not good but if government should come to the rescue of the industry, definitely, we will

What else do you do aside acting? I have an NGO with my friend, it is called, Sound Mind. It is aimed at taking care of the less privileged kids. We visit orphanages and home of the elderly. Sometimes, we go to the handicapped children. We are trying to give back to the society.

Are you dating him? I can’t answer you but I have someone in my life. Which part of your body do you cherish most? I cherish every part of my body. I believe God took his time to create me

What will make you not accept a script? I will not accept a script if it is not challenging. Then, if it is not really teaching any moral because I believe people should watch and learn one or two things from a movie. The script should have a strong storyline but if it is shallow and meaningless, I don’t think I will accept the script.

Sometimes, the fact that you are a star or actress doesn’t mean that you don’t get angry. When you do, people will say you are over reacting. Well, it’s well and good. It’s the price of stardom

So far, which has been the most challenging of all of them? It was the one I played the role of a lawyer. I was brought into the job at the eleventh hour, and interpreting law terms was not an easy task for me. Maybe in future, I would study law. Another movie that challenged me most was Jungle Mission. We shot the movie in the bush in Igalla. We stayed in the bush close to 16 days, it was not funny at all because we saw snakes and dangerous animals. You want to sit on a stone, they will tell you it is forbidden, a woman cannot enter into a particular bush, you don’t have to walk with slippers.

What turns you off in a man? I detest dishonesty. Anybody that is not trustworthy can lie, cheat and do all sorts of things .

*Nkem Ike

live a comfortable life. What is missing today is funding. How did it happen? A member of my church asked me to accompany him to where he was scheduled to do a reading. It was Ebere Okaro’s job. Andy Amenechi was the director and when he saw me, he told me to act for him that I have the qualities of an actor. I was shy but I agreed. I was asked to seduce a guy, unfortunately, it was difficult for me because I have not done it before. I naturally do not believe a girl should seduce a guy. When I looked at the guy, I didn’t know what to say, I just said, ‘I love you’ and everybody started laughing. After the drama, I joined the cast to travel to Akwa Ibom State from Lagos to shoot the film. My first job was done in Akwa Ibom. It was fantastic. When I was leaving the set, I cried like a baby because I felt I was leaving a part of me behind. What can you say you have learnt in the industry over the years? I have learnt to be patient and being tolerant. It is not easy because youcome in contact with people from different backgrounds, beliefs working together. I have learnt to adapt. I have to learn to live with people even when you are not happy. Nothing comes your way if you are not hard working and wne you are far from your maker. Thank God I came from a Christian background. I know God before I came into

the industry. You have to be hardworking, focused and determined to record a breakthrough in the industry. Do you need to struggle to get to your desired destination? It was not easy. I won’t say you will get to that level all of a sudden. I got my first job like that but I had to attend an audition before I got the second one. I went through a lot of stress, especially when I was attending auditions. Sometimes, you would hit the audition arena without any hope of being selected. If you eventually scale through that hurdle, you find yourself doing casting, you don’t even know if you will fit into the role or not. You also don’t know what you are going to face. It was a lot of stress but I thank God that He saw me through. What has stardom robbed you of? Without mincing words, stardom has robbed me of my private life. More so, some people have tried to misjudge me. People who refused to undrstand that you are also a human being. Somtimes, the fact that you are a star doesn’t mean that you don’t get angry. When you do, people will say you are over reacting. It’s part of the price of stardom. What have you gained from fame? Sometimes, you get unmerited favour from people because they know you. Most times, I go to the bank a bit late and they recognise me as actress and allow me into the banking

How many times have you been heartbroken? I can’t really say if I have been heartbroken before but I think I have had terrible experiences in the past. But I thank God for healing me because if I still believe I was heartbroken. It means I won’t forgive the person. What I will say is that the experience was hurtful and nasty. I cannot remember how many times I have gone through emotional ordeal. There is nothing really wrong about it but being able to suppress whatever you feel especially depression and believe that life must go on. If somebody does any nasty thing to me, I don’t dwell on it. I look for a way to move on because I like being happy. I have a free spirit. I don’t like it when I feel hurt. I don’t really remember hurtful things. What kind of man would you want for a husband? I want a God fearing person. If the person is God fearing, he will be able to take care of you and he will not hurt you. It takes the person that has the fear of God to desist from doing evil things. He must know God to do the right thing and realise that the woman he is going out with is somebody’s sister or daughter. Physical attribute should come later. The inner person should be the priority. I want an open minded man. When he is open, communication will be easy, you will know him well. I want somebody with the right spirit. Sometimes physical appearance can be deceitful. You can see a handsome tall man and the person is evil.Why settle for such things? How do you relax? I read novels. I watch movies. Sometimes, I hang out with my friends. I love being happy. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke. I try as much as I can to be positive.

SARTURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 — 29

How many of the movies are released into the market at the moment? I think about five of them. Some of the movies are, The Rich Houseboy, My Selling Point and My Treasure, I am currently on the set of Church Affair. I am playing the role of Bianca, a village girl who believes she knows everything and can get anything she wants. There is this fake pastor that came to their village and she went ahead to seduce him because she believes she should be among the best in the village not knowing that the pastor is fake. Bianca got involved and later discovered that the pastor raped her kid sister and got her pregnant. The story is basically about some people in the village who feel they know it all and must always have their way. Why did you choose to play the role? They called me to play that role. I studied the script and because it was village setting, I decided to do something differently. It’s more like a comedy. I thought I could also try my hands in comedy. What comes to your mind when you were given a script? First and foremost, I considered the challenge that comes with the script. For instance, some time ago, I was asked to

play the role of a Jamaican girl. I don’t know how to speak patois but I have to learn it. There is another job I did which will soon be released into the market. I played the role of a lawyer. The script was written by a lawyer who used a lot of legal terminologies in it. You have to be intelligent enough to understand what the script is all about. But I love challenging scripts.

Have you had any cause to reject a script before now? I have done that a number of times especially when it has to do with the storyline. What is your impression about Nollywood?

How many movies have you featured in since 2009? It should be more than 40 movies. Some of the movies include; Orlando the Terror, Beauties of the Night, Sexy Cult Ladies, World Richest Families, My Selling Point, The Rich House Boy, Onye ga-anum, Aso-Ebi Girls, My Treasue, Azonto Godess, The Sharp Guys, Jungle Mission, Campus Clash, The Bride Prize, Anger of a Prince, among many others.

How is your love life? It is something I want to keep secret because some journalists are not doing justice to us . There are some things they write without considering how it affects other people’s relationship. I think sometimes, for you to have a lasting relationship, you keep it away from the world. I am just trying to have a private life. You were recently rumoured to be dating a super Eagles striker, Nnamdi Odu-Amadi. Is it true? Please, I don’t want to talk about it. It’s my private life. The person I’m dating knows I love him very much and I care much about him. It is not something I want to discuss. It’s not that I am hiding my relationship. It’s just that I want it to last. I just want to be happy. When I saw it on the blog, I said, God, let your will be done. I saw comments and people were accusing me of hiding it and all that. No. I am not hiding it. I am entitled to my private life. That I decided to keep my private life secret is not forbidden. It is not something that I should be crucified for. I think I want to keep it secret.

*Nkem Ike

he may not be an A-list Actress but N k e m Ike definitely is not a push over when it comes to the world of make-believe. Since she delved into acting by chance in 2009, the Oji River,Enugu State-born Actress has been endearing herself to many people because of her acting prowress. In this interview, she speaks on a number of issues bothering on her career, private life and experiences

What do you think of Ghana movie industry? I think they are doing well. I have acted alongside Jackie Appiah, Yvonne Nelson, Frank Artus, among others. They are nice people. I won my first award in Ghana in 2010, when I was six month old in the industry. I have not really worked in Ghana but I know they are also good.

28 — SARTURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Experience has taught me to keep my relationship secret

hall. There was a day, I got to the airport very late. They had boarded but I was given a preferential treatment. Nigerians are loving people. They give their best to you. They want to reach out to you. Some people who don’t know you send you gifts.

— Nkem Ike

By SAM ANOKAM

Are you dating him? I can’t answer you but I have someone in my life. Which part of your body do you cherish most? I cherish every part of my body. I believe God took his time to create me

What turns you off in a man? I detest dishonesty. Anybody that is not trustworthy can lie, cheat and do all sorts of things .

*Nkem Ike

SARTURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 — 29

Have you had any cause to reject a script before now? I have done that a number of times especially when it has to do with the storyline. What is your impression about Nollywood?

*Nkem Ike

28 — SARTURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Experience has taught me to keep my relationship secret

30— SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

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Why Mourinho dropped Hazard from Schalke game

azard pays price for passport blunder following trip to former club Lille Eden Hazard's failure to report for training was a result of him losing his passport. Jose Mourinho dropped the Chelsea forward for the Champions League win over Schalke as punishment for his no-show. The Belgian was given permission to travel to France for a

reunion with former team-mates at Lille and to watch the club play Monaco. The 22-year-old was due to board a train back to London, in time to report for training at Chelsea’s Cobham HQ. According to reports, Hazard was turned away after discovering he did not have his passport. Hazard is understood to have been apologetic for failing to report back on time, but Mourinho still took a hardline stance. Team-mate Gary Cahill said: ‘They had their chat one to one and the situation is dealt with. Mourinho confirmed after the Schalke game that Hazard, who watched the win at Stamford Bridge from behind the dug-out, was being punished for his tardy behaviour. The Portuguese said: ‘He missed training on Monday. He forgot the time. ‘That’s the end of the story. He’s a kid. Kids make mistakes and fathers have to be clever in the way they educate their sons. He didn’t play. He wanted to play. He was sad because he didn’t play. ‘We won without him. Today, against West Bromwich, he is back. So, end of story.’

Zouma given 10match ban following horror tackle

Scolari hands Kaka World Cup lifeline

aint-Etienne defender Kurt Zouma has received a 10-match ban after breaking the leg of Sochaux's Thomas Guerbert. The 24-year-old was left with a fractured tibia and fibula in his right leg, together with a dislocated ankle, following a rash challenge from Zouma . Zouma was sent off following the incident and now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after the Professional Football League (LFP) opted to dole out an extended suspension as part of their 'zerotolerance' approach to tackles that cause players to sustain serious injuries.

razil head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has revealed he plans to watch Kaka closely over the coming months with a view to including him in the squad for the World Cup. The 31-year-old has not played for his country since a friendly with Japan in October 2012, though he admitted he was eager to do his utmost to force his way into contention for the 2014 finals.

Napoli hope to tempt Chelsea into par ting with £7m Azpilicuet a parting Azpilicueta

helsea won't rule out selling fullback Cesar Azpilicueta. Report says Spain international Azpilicueta has vowed to fight for

Sterling to go on loan

iverpool are ready to send Raheem Sterling away on-loan. Sterling will be allowed to join a Premier League or Championship club able to give him regular firstteam football. Brendan Rodgers made it clear that 18-year-old has work to do to become a first-team regular at the Anfield giants.

his place but the chance to play regularly again under Napoli coach Rafa Benitez will no doubt appeal. Chelsea would be re-

luctant to sell mid-season but may be persuaded if offers come close to the £7million they paid Marseille for the 24year-old in August 2012.

Man City eyeing Lazio keeper Marchetti

remier League clubs are tracking Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti. Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City are all watching the Italy international. Reports in Italy suggest that Barcelona have identified Marchetti as one of three candidates.

Barcelona confirm new Zubizarreta deal

arcelona sports director Andoni Zubizarreta has agreed terms over a new contract. The 52-yearold former Barca goalkeeper took up his present position in July 2010, replacing Txiki Begiristain, and will put pen to paper on his fresh deal in the next few days. "Andoni

Zubizarreta will continue as sporting director until the end of the 2015/16 season.

Arsenal tracking Brazilian wonderkids Boschilia & Nathan

rsenal are keen to sign Brazil's young stars Boschilia and Nathan. The two forwards have been the standout stars of the Fifa

under-17 World Cup currently being hosted in the United Arab Emirates. Although Brazil exited at the quarterfinal stage to Mexico, the pair scored an impressive 11 goals between them with Boschilia still topping the charts with six despite the early exit.

Monaco target, Berahino earns £850 a week

ig-spending French club Monaco are keen on West Brom starlet Saido Berahino. The young

striker, heavily tipped to make it into Roy Hodgson’s next England squad yet currently on just £850 a week at the Baggies. There have been claims from the club that Berahino is close to signing a lucrative new deal, but that is not the case after they offered him £7,000-a-week.

Moyes set for double Madrid capture avid Moyes will D return to Real Madrid, this time hoping to successfully sign German international Sami Khedira as well as Argentine Angel Di Maria. Khedira was the subject of a late bid from United during the summer but having

agreed to sell Mesut Ozil to Arsenal and with an injury to Xabi Alonso, it would have been suicide to let Khedira go.

Beating Man Utd will be "massive" —Ramsey

rsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey believes victory at Manchester United tomorrow will be decisive in the title race. Ramsey and the Gunners go to Old Trafford in red hot form. “It would be massive to beat United". We are feeling really confident at the moment and we’re in good form in

the league, so why not go there and win? “They have had a bit of a rough start but they have overcome that now I think.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013—31

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

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Chelsea to lure Diego Costa in January

Ozil

The bo ook his boyy who ttook ball to bed

helsea will step up their attempts to sign in-form and indemand Atletico de Madrid front man, Diego Costa as soon as the winter transfer window reopens in January after the west London club decided interest in prolific AS against following up Monaco striker their long-standing Radamel Falcao.

or a player so alert to his next move on and off the football field, it should come as no surprise that Mesut Ozil was rather adept at chess as a child. The schoolboy Ozil was obsessed with football, but the game of rooks, bishops and knights also appealed to that quick-thinking brain. Ozil’s radar passing skills were first honed in the Affenkafig —aka ‘monkey cage’ — a mesh-fenced five-a-side space a short walk from his home in the Bismarck district of Gelsenkirchen. He would be there ‘every day whether it be sun, snow or rain’, according to his older brother, Mutlu. Joachen Herrmann, deputy head at Ozil’s secondary school, describes the young boy’s fascination in football as ‘a little bit autistic’, adding: ‘I always had the feeling he even took the ball to bed.’ From his classroom window, Ozil could see the Veltins-Arena, Schalke’s home stadium. The dreaming teenager had every reason to let his mind drift. As well as his precocious talent, the school has close links with the Bundesliga side and some impressive alumni. Manuel Neuer, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper, was a few years above Ozil, while Julian Draxler, tracked by a clutch of Premier League clubs, and his Schalke team-mates Benedikt Howedes and Joel Matip are also graduates of the school. The school is forward thinking in football terms. Three mornings a week are set aside for training. Ozil was known as a reserved student but in training and on match days his personality changed. ‘When I saw Mesut for the first time, I had to check his age,’ says Krabbe. ‘I thought he must be two years older than the others, he was that intelligent. On the pitch he was another person. He exploded.’

Benitez to raid former club for Leiva midfield player Lucas

afa Benitez is planning on returning to his former club Liverpool in order to sign defensive

Leiva when the winter transfer window opens again finally for business in the new year, according to reports. The highly rated Brazil international was actually bought for the Merseyside giants by Benitez.

Heurelho Gomes eyes Brazil return T ottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has admitted that he's tempted to head back to Brazil after conceding that his time at the north London club is up, Sky Sports reports. The 32-year-old has not had a look in at

Spurs since the arrivals of Brad Friedel and Hugo Lloris, both of whom are ahead of him in the pecking order.

Real step up Gundogan chase

eal Madrid have become favourites to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, according to Marca. Los Blancos

Patience has paid off with Lamela, says Villas-Boas

ottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas paid tribute to Erik Lamela following the Argentine's match-winning display in Spurs' 2-1 win over FC Sheriff. Lamela dazzled throughout, sweeping home the opening goal before showing a touch of class, weaving past two defenders before drawing Djibril Paye into conceding a penalty. And Villas-Boas hailed the •30 million summer signing before shedding some light on the 21-year-old's problems settling in at Spurs. Speaking to reporters Villas-Boas said:"We were waiting for a good performance for him and we got it today.'

have reportedly agreed a first option on the player in case the Millionaires decide to cash in on their prized asset next summer. And this could suggest that star midfielder Xabi Alonso will not be signing a new contract at Santiago Bernabeu.

Chelsea aler or alertted as P Por ortto admit the theyy could sell Mangala in Januar Januaryy

helsea have been alerted to the availability of Eliaquim Mangala after Porto admitted they were ready to consider offers for the defender. Mangala, who has also been linked with Manchester United and Barce-

Liverpool, United hoping for cut-price deal for Matic

Celtic keeper Forster offered to Barcelona

enfica midfielder Nemanja Matic is subject to interest from Liverpool and Manchester United. The Serbian enforcer impressed last season as Benfica progressed to the Europa League final, eventually losing to the 25 year

eltic goalkeeper Fraser Forster has been offered to Barcelona. Marca says the England hopeful has been offered to Barca as they seek a replacement for Victor Valdes. However, Barça is not interested, given that it is currently on the trail of two different keepers to fill the spot — one of them being the German Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

Hodgson won't question Pellegrini over Hart axing

of Borussia Monchengladbach.

lona, is known to be a key transfer target for Blues boss Jose Mourinho. Chelsea had an offer rejected for the 22-year-old in the summer, but they are now set to go in with a fresh bid, after Porto admitted they are open to doing business.

ngland coach Roy Hodgson refused to criticise Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini for axing Joe Hart. Hodgson refused to criticise Pellegrini's decision to keep Hart on the sidelines for City's last three matches.

old's former club Chelsea through Branislav Ivanovic's late goal. Matic's side were also runners up in Primeira Liga after losing their penultimate game of the season to eventual champions FC Porto.

Branca facing axe at Inter ew Inter Milan powerbroker Milan NRoslan Roeslani Perkasa has hinted football chief Marco Branca is under the gun.Perkasa, one of Erick Thohir ’s business partners, admits Branca's position is under review. “Branca? He will be evaluated for having sold some potentially excellent young players. We want a mix of youth and experience.

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

BY IYABO AINA

Bob marley N

esta Robert Marley OM was a Jamaican singersongwriter who achieved international fame through a series of crossover reggae albums. The iconic reggae star wasn’t known for his capitalist tendencies while alive, but in death he’ became quite the diversified businessman. Recent ventures include the Marley Beverage company, home to “relaxation drink” known as Marley’s Mellow Mood . Also is House of Marley, producer of eco friendly audio and lifestyle products . We further learnt that Marley has sold more than 75 million albums in the past two decades.

Top-Earning

•Tupac Shakur

•Bob Marley

Dead Celebrities For some dearly departed celebrities, it seems death is no obstacle to continuing to get rich. Saturday vanguard recent research reveals reports on late stars who are still cashing in hefty paychecks.

Michael Jackson

Tupac Shakur

orn in jail to a former member of the Black Panther gang, rapper Tupac Shakur forged a prolific career in both music and cinema releasing five albums and starring in five films before he was murdered in 1996. Tupac Shakur was a member of the hip-hop group Digital Underground, whose 1990 album featured the hits “Humpty Dance” . Shakur has sold over 75 million albums worldwide as of 2010, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world.

Albert Einstein

ho knew a scientist would take a place on this list among the world’s top entertainers, but Einstein raked in $10 million in the last year from a Montblanc limitededition pen under his name which costs $3,000 and his name also grace scientific tools, tablet computers, and a line of healthy food.

he King of Pop reclaims his postmortem cash crown after ceding it last year to pal Elizabeth Taylor. He earned the bulk of his bucks from two Cirque du Soleil shows, his Mijac Music catalog, recorded music sales and his half of the Sony/ATV publishing empire which includes the copyright to hits by the Beatles, Lady Gaga, Eminem and Taylor Swift, among others.

Elizabeth Taylor

ame Elizabeth Rosemond “Liz” Taylor, DBE was a British-American actress. From her early years as a child star with MGM, she became one of the great screen actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age Taylor ’s earnings were $185 million higher last year because of a series of extremely successful auctions at Christie’s of the star’s jewelry and art. Taylor, who embodies old-school Hollywood glamour, still earns from her fragrance, White Diamonds, which brought in $35 million in the U.S. alone in 2012, and smart investments in stock and real estate. Also expect to see more licensing deals soon on things like high-end fashion and cosmetics. C M Y K

•Mickeal Jackson

•Albert Einstein

Bruce Lee

•Elizabeth Taylor

ad it not been for Bruce Lee and his movies in the early 1970s, it’s arguable whether or not the martial arts film genre would have ever penetrated and influenced mainstream North American and European cinema and audiences the way it has over the past four decades. For years people have been talking about a dead celebrity starring in a new movie or TV show using cutting-edge technology. It now looks like we’re one step closer to that becoming a reality .

•Bruce Lee

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 — 33

We can reduce the scourge of childhood cancer F

Dr. Nneka Nwobi

—Dr. Nneka Nwobi

or most people, it is not only strange to hear, but pathetic to know that children, even as young as a monthold, could be afflicted with cancer – the world’s most dreaded disease. Unfortunately, this is a sad reality of what some children have to contend with at a very young age. Children Living with Cancer Foundation (CLWCF), is one of the few non-governmental organisations in Nigeria pioneering the fight against childhood cancer. Dr. Nneka Nwobi , the President of the Foundation talks about her long walk with children living with cancer, her experience in the battle against cancer, her frustrations and pains when a child dies of cancer, the future plans of the Foundation and other sundry issues with Esther Onyegbula .

cancers. Is it just about creating more awareness, can’t NGOs go beyond just creating awareness? We do things that are tangible to assist children living with cancer. But the truth remains that knowledge is power, the awareness is to help Nigerians become aware of childhood cancer as they are about breast and cervical cancer. When you talk about cancer, even the layman on the street thinks about breast cancer. We want people to become child -cancer aware. So by the time they see signs and symptoms, they should investigate that child. Let mothers touch their children and know who their children are, get the child to the hospital on time. What we are doing is giving information. And knowledge is power.

What actually led to the establishment of this Foundation? One of the people that actually got me interested in children living with cancer; was a patient’s father. We had a clash simply because I dared to suggest to him that his child should be investigated for cancer. The man had no idea that children could suffer from cancer and to him, I must be out of my mind to suggest that his child had cancer. But before then as a medical student here in LUTH, I had met several children with cancer, so I was like how can this man not know that this child has childhood cancer? So at the end of the day, the child was discharged and the parents didn’t bring him back because of N25,000 for the chemotherapy. Instead, they took him to church. And because the treatment of cancer is not a one -off thing, you have to keep coming until the child goes into remission and all that, coming for check ups and all that. So it was at that point that I realized that most of these parents had no idea of childhood cancer. That was what gave birth to the Foundation; to create awareness on childhood cancers and assist children living with cancer medically. To make people realize that children do have

What are the likely symptoms of childhood cancer? Some of them are as common as fever, bone pain; it is just like what we have in leukemia. It is important that we alert everyone on childhood cancer. It is a house hold thing so most people need to be aware that childhood cancer is close, and that we can’t find a solution by wishing it away or rejecting it. It doesn’t end that way. The religious issue is really a problem for medical practitioners. For instance when you give them a leaflet containing childhood cancer, most parents throw it away Why does the Foundation focus most of its activities in LUTH? I studied here as a medical student and did some residency here and then decided to float the Foundation. Afterwards, I resigned to enable me face the Foundation properly. Although, I am no longer with LUTH, as they say charity begins at home, there is no other place that I know than LUTH. This was where I was nurtured; this was where I had my mummies and daddies in the profession. This was where I met the people who made me look into child health are. So this is where I belong. It is not as if we don’t

The man had no idea that children could suffer from cancer, to him I must be out of my mind to suggest that his child had cancer. But before then as a medical student here in LUTH, I had met several children with cancer

work with other organisations like National Orthopaedic Hospital or LASUTH but mainly our activities centers around here. When they gave us the oncology ward and we refurbished it, it gave me that joy knowing that I am able to come back to where I studied and make a difference, it was like coming back to my roots.

How affordable is the treatment for childhood cancer? Childhood cancer treatment is very expensive. For example, a complete treatment for kidney cancer (nephroblastoma), which lasts for less than six months and is not as costly as cancer of the blood, will cost parents of an affected child nothing less than N1 million. And we will have to monitor the child up to five years before we can say he is okay. It takes between N7 million and N10 million to cure blood cancer, which lasts two to three years. So, it’s not feasible for an average Nigerian family to afford the cure for cancer. That is one of the reasons why our cure rate is very low because there’s a lot of treatment abandonment. The parents come and when

they see the enormous cost, they just go away. And the next time you see them, they tell you the child died at home.

What has been the limitation to the battle against childhood cancer? One of the limitations we realize over time is that people are not keen to know about childhood cancer because it is not as glamourous as women who will organize parties, shows and all that. And for many people, once you start talking about childhood cancer, they say it is not my portion in Jesus name, they simply don’t want to know. And even in the health sector, childhood cancer is not given the attention that it requires. Now that most people are coming on board, maybe the perception will change What do you think can be done to make people more aware? Let the government get involved, if the government becomes more involved, definitely things will change, because at the moment ,this is more like personal effort. What has been your experience with children living with cancer? My experience in collaborating with individuals, organizations and institutions on cancer disease has revealed that most cancer cases that eventually lead to death are those detected at late stages. This is why all should support groups and individuals involved in the fight against cancer in order to successfully tackle the challenges of cancer

disease, which threatens the entire human race. Cancer has become a societal problem and it can only be addressed by our collective efforts, commitment and strong determination to save ourselves ; our mothers, our sisters and now, our children from avoidable pains, agonies and loss of useful and vibrant lives. Childhood cancers certainly are not known to very many of us. As most cancer cases that we are aware of are all associated with adults, the sad truth as we now know is that even children are not spared and are indeed dying of the cancer disease.

What is your advice to Nigerians on childhood cancer? Checking the scourge of childhood cancer required collective effort because of the huge amount of money involved in treating each case. Childhood cancer is not a death sentence, it is curable though expensive to manage; but there should be enough money to make the treatment free for children in this country. If about 10,000 people contribute N1, 000 monthly and with N10 million, it would go a long way to bringing relief to parents because access to drugs is not the problem, but affordability. What is the future of this Foundation? We are collaborating not just with cancer organisations, and non communicable diseases, we are also part of an international organisation. We are trying to see how we can get 25% cure rate by the year 2025. We are starting gradually and we are hoping that as time goes on, we would get more children cured.

34—SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

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Road to conception may be rough, but it is passable T

HERE has always been this misconception that getting lining, or endometrium, of unprotected sex for at least 12 pregnant is a simple task. On the contrary, trying to your womb. It could be that months (but even then, it conceive can be a long and difficult road for some there’s a non-cancerous doesn’t mean you’ll never be couples. When you and your partner decide it’s time to expand growth in your womb, such able to have a baby – it may just your family, how long should you realistically expect to try as a polyp or fibroid, or be a fluke that you’ve not had before you get pregnant? And at what point is it worthwhile tissue may be growing in any luck in one year). This can seeing a fertility expert? Some couples are content to stop their other places — a condition be frustrating if you’re keen to contraception and just see what happens; others find have a baby, but it’s themselves in a monthly cycle the approved of expectation and medical approach. disappointment. There’s no reason Most specialists won’t start why you can’t see fertility investigations or refer your doctor and you to a specialist until after 12 express concerns months of trying. The reason about your fertility for this can be understood before you’ve been when we look at how efficient in this situation for normal fertility actually is. one year, and it may Even for a healthy, fertile help put your mind couple, the ‘per month’ success at rest to discuss any rate is around 15-20 percent, queries. so it is not at all uncommon for When you’ve had it to take some months to your heart set on conceive. Overall, around 70 getting pregnant, percent of couples will have have been through conceived by 6 months, 85 endless fertility percent by 12 months and 95 treatments and it still percent will be pregnant after hasn’t worked out two years of trying. Although successfully, it can for a normally fertile couple, be very hard to the ‘per month’ rate is around handle. It may not be 20 percent, as you might much consolation expect for couples where there when you’re in the actually is a problem, the depths fertility pregnancy rate is lower. It is problems are useful to know the overall difficult to handle at background rate of pregnancy •It is useful to know the overall background rate of the best of times, but after any given duration of p r e g n a n c y . . . when you’re first trying, particularly to make u n d e r g o i n g sense of success claims of any problems until they actually investigations and have the known as endometriosis. treatment. ‘Infertility’ is really start trying for a baby and it hope of treatment lingering Either way, these issues can a poor term to use, because this doesn’t happen as easily as ahead of you, there’s affect your fertility. implies that there is no chance they’d expected. So how do something positive to focus Endometriosis in particular of getting pregnant. you know that you’re is one of the most common on. Although treatments For most couples who are infertile? have advanced considerably reasons a woman could referred for further Although the causes of over the years and there are have difficulties getting investigations, it would be best infertility are often unknown good chances of success, but pregnant, so if you know it helps to know there are you have the condition, you others in the same situation can at least be prepared to too. Sometimes couples aren’t face potential fertility issues. able to get pregnant at all, For a man, certain problems despite numerous treatment with ejaculation, especially cycles. Sometimes they do get a condition called pregnant, but then tragically retrograde ejaculation suffer from ectopic pregnancy described as ‘sub fertility’, and varied, there are some where the semen goes into or miscarriage or some other the bladder instead of the meaning reduced fertility, as signs and symptoms that condition and lose their much penis, can also cause fertility there is usually a background could indicate potential longed for baby. All situations issues. Again, you’ll often pregnancy rate— it’s just taking fertility issues, for both men can be very difficult to handle longer than they would wish. Of and women. As a woman, have prior knowledge of – perhaps more so if you such problems, so it could course couples will want to typical warning symptoms temporarily have a successful give forewarning that you exclude an insurmountable like irregular periods (not pregnancy, only for it to be may have problems with problem, or one which will having a period about every lost. When this happens, it definitely require some form of four weeks) or no periods at your fertility. could be a Herculean task to If you think you could treatment to succeed. Now, all could indicate a problem break out of the inevitable have a fertility problem, unless you’ve got a previously with your hormones not doom and gloom that seeing your doctor who diagnosed medical condition working properly. Due to this, descends. or been told earlier in life that you may not be ovulating would refer you to a fertility But, difficult as it is, it won’t specialist has always been you may have difficulty regularly, which could cause do you any good in the long the obvious solution. conceiving, it can come as a fertility problems. run to be overrun by gloom Infertility can’t, however, shock to discover you may Also, an experience of that you can’t break free of. It have fertility issues. Many painful or very heavy periods be officially declared until can put enormous pressure people are oblivious to the fact could indicate that there’s after you’ve been trying to on your relationship, both as conceive through that they could have fertility something wrong with the a couple and with friends and

Many people are oblivious to the fact that they could have fertility problems

family, and it’s especially hard if one person is depressed and the other is trying to make the best of the situation. It’s not easy to admit defeat when you’ve wanted something so badly, but in some circumstances it may be necessary to do so. Or perhaps you need to come to terms with your pregnancy being unsuccessful, recover and then get yourself back into a state where you can try again. Even if you’ve been advised that it’s unlikely that fertility treatment will ever be successful for you, it’s not necessarily the end of the road as options such as adoption are still viable. No-one is doubting that it’s hard to move on from such difficult circumstances, but staying in doom and gloom forever won’t do you, your relationship or your health any good. If you’ve been completely immersed with thoughts about pregnancy, fertility and babies, and are low about your lack of pregnancy, then trying to move your attention onto other short term projects can help. It’s hard to stop thinking about the one thing that’s massively important to you, but having other things to think about can ease the burden a bit and bring you out of the ‘bubble’ you’ve created around you. Once you’ve been trying for a baby for 12 months and have seen a doctor, you can then progress onto taking fertility tests, for you and your partner, to try and determine where any problems lie. This process, sadly, isn’t simple and there’s no quick and easy solution (although you may be lucky and hit on the cause quite quickly), but once you’re being tested, there is hope that something positive will come out of it in the end. Even though people may not be proclaiming loudly that they’ve got infertility issues, it’s actually a very common scenario. But with such a huge range of treatments available today, there’s a good chance that you’ll be successfully helped in the end. So don’t give up trying. The help you seek so much may be just around the corner.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013—35

Weekend Treat

Delicious Amala and Okro Soup

mala is a locally made food of the Yoruba tribe in south western Nigeria. It is a popular delicacy in the city of Ibadan, Oyo state. It is made from cassava, yam or plantain flour. Amala is highly rich in carbohydrate.

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Legislation aside, I’m a good cook

Recipe: Water Yam flour Preparation

— Hon. FFafunmi afunmi L

agos Lawmaker, Saka Fafunmi is the chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts. He is our guest in this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk. He says, apart from his legislative work in Lagos State House of Assembly, he is a genius when it comes to cooking. He also speaks on his healthy lifestyle. To what will you attribute your good looks? I stopped eating in-between meals and do not overfeed myself. I take time to look healthy and attractive. My breakfast is important to me and is usually light. What's your opinion on intake of carbohydrate? The secret to healthy living is eating balanced diet. Unfortunately, Nigerians dwell on carbohydrate which means that, there is need for more orientation. Nigerians should also be mindful of the

*Saka Fafunmi vegetable oil they consume as some vegetable oil have a large percentage of cholesterol. What's your favourite native food? As a Lagosian, rice is the staple food and it is one of the commonest food in Nigeria. Can you cook rice? Very well and I also go for an indigenous food “amala”.

Dinning Out with Fruit wine

t is possible to make wine at home from the natural produce of the country. Brewing your own fruit wine can be a stimulating and rewarding hobby and is currently enjoyed by many.

Health tips for

diabetic patients A

healthy diet is a way of eating that food that reduces risk for complications such as heart disease and stroke. Healthy eating includes eating a wide variety of foods including: Vegetables Whole grains Fruits Non-fat dairy products Beans Lean meats Poultry Fish. There is no one perfect food so including a variety of different foods and watching portion sizes is key to a healthy

C M Y K

diet. Also, make sure your choices from each food group provide the highest quality nutrients you can find. In other words, pick foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber over those that are processed. People with diabetes can eat the same foods the family enjoys. Everyone benefits from healthy eating so the whole family can take part in healthy eating. It takes some planning but you can fit your favorite foods into your meal plan and still manage your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol.

Put water in a pot and put on fire. When the water is boiling, pour some of the flour in it. Do not stir immediately. Leave for like five seconds, then stir with the wooden spatula. If the amala is soft, add a little more flour and continue stirring. After stirring, then remove the amala from the fire and continue stirring until it is smooth. Then, pour some hot water and put back on the fire so as to make it cook properly. When the little water in the pot is boiling, take the pot off the fire and start to stir. Stir well until it is very smooth. Then, it is ready to be served. It is best eaten with egusi (melon soup),gbegiri (beans soup) and efo (vegetable soup)

Can you prepare amala? Of course, I was taught how to cook by my mother. I know how to prepare amala. How do you exercise? I usually take a lot of water and spend 10 to 15minutes every morning to stretch my body. Your advice to Nigerians on healthy living? Nigerians should insist on balanced diet no matter the cost.

TummyZone 4 Kid & Teen

Helping children overcome cholera

holera is a killer disease, especially of children in developing countries. When people drink water contaminated by Vibrio Cholera, they suffer drastic fluid loss (dehydration) through diarrhea. Your child can be affected by eating or drinking something contaminated with a parasite, virus, bacteria or other infectious microbe. Cholera works by attacking cell membranes, changing the balance of water and dissolved particles inside and outside the cell. But, you can help your child overcome by doing the following: Drink and use safe water Bottled water with unbroken seals and canned/bottled carbonated beverages are safe to drink and use. Use safe water to brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, and to make ice. Clean food preparation areas and kitchenware with soap and safe water and let dry completely before reuse. To be sure water is safe to drink and use: Boil it or treat it with a chlorine product or household bleach. If boiling, bring your water

to a complete boil for at least 1 minute. To treat your water with chlorine, use one of the locally available treatment products and follow the instructions. If a chlorine treatment product is not available, you can treat your water with household bleach. Add 8 drops of household bleach for every 1 gallon of water (or 2 drops of household bleach for every 1 liter of water) and wait 30 minutes before drinking. Always store your treated water in a clean, covered container. Piped water sources, drinks sold in cups or bags, or ice may not be safe and should be boiled or treated with chlorine.

36 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

s e m i t e e r h t S U G d e t te p em son 10 a I have atktte e s S U G f o r e O ike, winn — Dennis

By SAM ANOKAM

t was a colourful ceremony last weekend at the Le’ Meridien Hotel, Uyo, AkwaIbom State, when the winner of the popular television reality show, Gulder Ultimate Search Season 10, Dennis Okike was unveiled. Anchored by the task master himself, Chidi Mokeme, the event which has the governor of the host state, Godswill Akpabio in attendance with members of his cabinet also witnessed the unveiling of winner of the one day ultimate fans edition in the person of Comrade Kalu Kalu. He smiled home with an SUV and a mouth watering cash prize. Number one African rapper, MI spiced up the event as he thrilled the audience with his electrifying performance. However, elated Okike shares his experience while in the jungle, as well as what he intends to do with the N10 million prize money. How do you feel as the winner of the 10th edition of Gulder Ultimate Search? I have longed for this for three years. I worked very hard and I prayed to become the winner.. It was not my own personal efforts, God has hand in it, and without God I would not get to where I am today. While the search lasted, you suddenly became daring which was not part of you from the beginning? My parents will always say when you are in a different environment, observe the people, and the environment very well. When I was in the jungle I had to learn from people, and their mistakes, and

not to make the same mistake. I learned from my own mistakes too. I kept pushing forward; I never allowed anything to distract me. What was your most challenging task in the jungle? It was the first individual task that we had. I had to go under the log. I don’t want to remember it again. It was very humiliating, but as God would have it, I was second to the last person in the task. It is just that whatever situation you find yourself in, if you think you are actually the last, you nee to remain focus and be prayerful. It’s not how far, but how wel! How would you describe this year’s GUS? Gulder Ultimate Search is a television reality show that takes place yearly. I have tried it for three years. Last year, I got to the final stage, but I was not picked. I kept on trying until I entered the jungle this year. GUS is different from other reality shows, you could see it on TV how it is like. It is glaring for everyone to see. It is not artificial,

Nothing will change about me, it is just that I am a new personality, money can change your personality, but I am still going to be the same me it is original. Now that you have won teh show, what’s the next level for you?

Miss Okija gets under way underw By NKIRUKA NNOROM

*Dennis Okike It is God first. He will lead me to my next level. I have lots of ideas, just like every other young man out there. I have to allow God direct my path. Whatever He says I will take it up from there. N10 million is a lot of money, but it does not change anything. If one doesn’t plan well, one will just blow it up, but if you plan ahead of time and you let God take control, you will achieve great success. When you found the Golden Scepter, what came to your mind? The experience was out of this world. It was something every other contestant wanted to experience; God actually helped me to discover the Golden Scepter. There were instances I would have been evicted, but God made me to come out a winner. Finding the Golden Scepter was the climax of it all, and I realised God’s faithfulness in my life. God was actually with me all through. He actually proved that all my fasting and prayers are not in vain. Every effort I put in to get to the last stage actually came to pass. I give God the glory. It was not easy. Who do you consider the most challenging person among the last four contestants? The truth is, finding the Golden Scepter could be anybody; I know Ifunanya has great ability and instinct just as I do, it could have been her. But the point is that it could be anybody. The person I actually believe

was going to find it is myself. I know myself to the extent that if I really want to something I don’t care what happen, I go ahead and do it. I told myself that if I didn’t find it, I will not forgive myself; each time I was searching I kept on praying. What is going to change about you now that you have N10 million and a new car? Nothing will change about me, it is just that I am a new personality, money can change your personality. But I am still going to be the same me. Anybody can actually have the same opportunity, but it depends on what you make of it. You can get N10million and in the next six months you are nowhere, but the truth is that I already have plans for myself. But by now you would have thought of what you want to do with the money? The truth is that you don’t make choice in a hurry. I might decide to further my education as an engineer. But along the line, something might just come up, we have too much potential in this country. I will work and pray about it and let God decide for me. What He wants me to do that is what I will do. What were the responses in your family when you won? The joy in my family was out of this world. Tears of joy ran down my mom’s cheeks as well as my siblings. I am the only son and I know what will be going through their minds right now.

kija In-Home Club in collaboration with Obijackson Foundation has concluded plans to host an event that will crown the Most Beautiful Girl in Okija. The pageant, which is the first of its kind, is open to girls from Okija between the ages of 18-25, who are either undergraduates or graduates of recognised tertiary institutions. It is going to be a healthy competition as the overall winner will take home a brand new car and will be placed on a salary for a year during her reign. The first and second runners up will get a cash prize of N300,000 and N200,000 respectively, while consolation prizes of N50,000 each will be awarded to seven contestants. The screening, which will be held between November 12 and December 31, will be done in three stages, all at Okija.

Daniel Omorogbe steps out with Oyoyo

EING an up and coming rapper, Daniel Hollaw Omorogbe, a.k.a Dan Hollaw epitomizes how to build a career from the bottom up. With the release of his hit single,”Oyoyo” Daniel is definitely treading the path of taking the nation’s music scene by storm. “Oyoyo”which was pro duced by Gwillz is already enjoying air play. It’s a testament to his work ethic that he’s improved with each subsequent release. He’s also on the verge of releasing his mix tape after he dropped some singles under Goof Inc records few years back. “ My lyrical flow is something that sets me apart from other rappers,” he said.

• Dan

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Baby face saga: Don Jazzy dumps Wande Coal BY KEHINDE AJOSE

*Don Jazzy

*Wande Coal

HE business relationship between Wande Coal and his estranged record label, Mavin Records may have finally crumbled as the label has officially announced his exit from Mavin, owned by Don Jazzy. The two have been engaged in a social media war in the past days. The statement released Thursday night by Don Jazzy’s outfit claimed that it is splitting with the artiste due to “irreconcilable differences,” a term normally used by labels. The full statement reads; “It is with deep regret that we officially announce the departure of recording artiste, Wande Ojosipe, popularly known as Wande Coal, from Mavin Records due to irreconcilable differences. “Over the past few months, Mavin Records has made a concerted move to consolidate its position in the Nigerian

— 37

music industry. Mavin has pursued a renewed ethos to raise its standards of quality and professionalism to a world-class level. Wande’s vision has not aligned with ours and a few months ago all parties mutually agreed that a separation would be the best course of action. “Legal parties on both sides have spent the past six months trying to reach an amicable solution in terms of musical property rights. “However, the decision by Wande Coal to release ‘Baby Face’ purportedly as his own material is a direct breach of intellectual property law and compelled an immediate clarification on our part. “Both Mavin Records and Wande Coal have enjoyed a remarkable run in the course of their working relationship. It is unfortunate that conflicting priorities contributed to the premature curtailment of a hitherto fruitful accord. “Mavin Records reaffirms its goal to constantly provide high quality music to our fans and introduce new and exciting talent into the industry. We wish Wande Coal the best of luck in all his future endeavours”

HOTFLASHES!

Omawunmi reunit es reunites with her bab y’s baby’s father

Nollywood stars shine in Kcee’s Pull over video BY KEHINDE AJOSE

cee’s new video Pullover which has been generating social media buzz had the likes of Aki and Pawpaw, and Saka, the popular MTN brand ambassador who played the role of a policeman in the video. The video directed by the industrious and creatively minded Clarence Peters saw Osita(Pawpaw), watching Kcee on the screen, as Chinedu(Aki) walks in, blaming him for playing with the remote control while their madam was not at home. Amazingly, Aki suddenly became interested in the video and asked Kcee to “Chop knuckle”

BY KEHINDE AJOSE

*Aki and Pawpaw

Olivia Chuma is Miss 2Side

Olivia Sandra and Juliet Geoffrey C M Y K

nambra State born model, Olivia Sandra Chuma has emerged winner of the prestigious model search, 2Side Model Look Africa 2013. Chume standing at 53 9 was closely followed by Olivia Onyeka and Faith Omoroh who emerged I st runner-up and 2 nd runner-up respectively. The models had earlier been auditioned at Capital City Hotel and Suites, Ikeja, Lagos, two months back, and followed by days of dress rehearsals for runway sessions. According to Project Director, Juliet Geoffrey, the show was designed to redefine the modeling industry by adding professionalism and creating career paths for young aspiring model. The show took place recently at the Mozida Lounge, Ikeja, Lagos.

*Omawunmi

‘Bottom Belle’ star, Omawunmi has reunited with the father of her daughter years after their split. A f t e r intentionally keeping the identity of her baby ’s dad away from the public glare, the single mother recently revealed that she is ready to let the world know who the father of her daughter -Kamillah is.

According to her, “Baba Kamillah, Kami and Mummy, I wish I could share more. Thank you so much for your patience. Clearer photos and good news sooner than you know. God is always good.” The award winning songstress commented alongside a distorted photo of herself, Kamillah, and Kamillah’s daddy which she posted on instargram.

38 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Segun Arinze

Fred Amata

Desmond Elliot

Empress Njamah

RMD

Lancelot Imasuen

Oge

Lilian Bach

Genevieve

Mary Uranta

Beverly Naya

Jonathan’s directive to NEXIM bank, BoI epresented at the event by the Minister of Tourism, R Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke, President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged the exceptional role

Nollywood has been playing in the documentation and preservation of the country’s cultural heritage. He therefore, restated his directive to NEXIM Bank and the Bank of Industry, BoI to embark on a less stringent accessibility framework so that more practitioners in the creative industry can access the fund set aside for the entertainment industry. Recall that in 2011, President Jonathan announced a $200 million soft loan to the filmmakers, which they have not been able to access. He said: “I therefore wish to restate my directive to NEXIM and the Bank of Industry, to as a matter of urgency, embark on a less stringent accessibility framework to enable more participants in Nollywood and the larger creative industry to access the revolving fund that has been so provided by the Federal Government”.

Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, High Chief, Edem Duke unveiling Nollywood at 20 cake

Night out with Nollywood stars at 20

t was a night of fun, celebration and clinking of glasses as Nollywood stars and people from all walks of life gathered last Saturday to flag off activities marking the celebration of Nollywood at 20, tagged, “ Nollywood Celebrity Glam Night.” The event, held amid gaiety provided opportunities for the stars to dress up in their best finery. From Rita Dominic, to Genevieve Nnaji, Desmond Elliot, Stephanie Linus-Okereke, Uru Eke, Oge Okoye, and many other stars who graced the event which held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, it was a sheer display of curves, shapes, style and fashion. The celebrities brought their A-game to the dressing table, looking all dapper and magnificent. Genevieve Nnaji who led other actresses to the glamorous event was exceptional in her overflowing evening outfit, just as Stephanie Linus-Okereke and Rukkky Sanda decked in simple outfits radiated like the fragrance from a flower. Also, in attendance was Ngozie Nwosu, who recently bounced back to life after surviving surgical operation for a kidneyrelated illness in the United Kingdom. The actress was in her best spirit while the event lasted as she was spotted exchanging pleasantries with her colleagues. Youthful Jeta Amata, whose marriage to his actress wife, recently crashed was the cynosure of attraction at the

Ibinabo Fiberesima

Stephanie LinusOkereke

Clarion Chukwura

Joke Silva

event. Surprisingly, he sneaked into town to be part of the big bash. For Nollywood at 20, it was a celebration of the best of Nigerian movies, stars and the making of the industry. It was also a night when the movie stars came out to play, dine and wine. The event was a prelude to three weeks of celebration of 20 years of the Nigerian movie industry tagged “Nollywood @ 20”.

* Pixs by Kehinde Gbadamosi

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 — 39

Cossy hits gold mine, insures boobs for N256m N By Ishola balogun

ollywood actress, Cossy Orjiakor who has gained a sensational sex identity is currently a happy woman as she is set to hit another gold mine with her endowment. The actress was reported to have agreed to a deal to insure her bloated mammary glands for a whooping $1.6million amounting to N256million. The deal according to source, was introduced to her by an American friend who also dragged Enhanced Silicon Inc. responsible for insuring breasts of famous foreign celebrities into the deal. The company, which insured the bosóms of Pamela Anderson and Dolly Parton agreed to the deal just before Cossy's recent birthday bash, where she displayed her endowments for the world to see. The booby actress will be travelling to Los Angeles in

two weeks to sign on the dotted lines. “I specifically asked for $1.6 million,” Cossy was quoted as saying. As part of the deal awaiting her signature, there will be limits on how many men and women who would touch her bósoms each month. Also, the bósoms have all been given names and must now be treated as people in future movie roles. That means that Enhanced Silicon Inc. will determine how much a movie producer will pay each bosóm for an appearance in a movie. “The downside of the deal is that I may get dressed', Cossy added. Cossy seems pretty excited about the deal as sources maintained that each of the endowment will be named and anyone who prefers to touch will have to pay for it just as Enhanced Silicon Inc. will henceforth, decide the amount producers will pay per breast, for appearance in a movie.

•Cossy Orjiakor

Dickson Iroegbu dreams big for Nollywood A

Liz Anjorin steps out in grand style

•Liz Anjorin C M Y K

iz Anjorin stepped out for the first time since converting to Islam last Saturday when she graced the Celebrity Glam night, held at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Dressed in a multicoloured evening outfit, Liz was the cynosure of attraction at the event. The moment she stormed the colourful venue, all eyes turned and fixed permanently on her as she gracefully moved one corner of the expansive hall to another, exchanging pleasantries with her colleagues. Indeed, the popular Yoruba Actress presented a picture of a changed Actress. One of her colleagues who was fascinated by her ‘new lifestyle’ muttered in “ I’m happy for Liz, she’s more quiet and easy-going now than ever before.” The Actress recently opened up on why she converted from Christianity to Islam, saying, “Islam is a religion I love so much. My father was a Christian while my mum was a Muslim. Growing up, I went to church because of my father. I didn’t have a choice at that time but I have always had interest in Islam. So, immediately my father died, I switched over to my mum’s religion."

•Dickson Iroegbu

ward winning film director and newly appointed Executive Assistant, Creative Entertainment and Tourism, under the Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Youth and Students Affairs, Dickson Iroegbu has commenced the process of integrating Nollywood into the transformation agenda of the federal government. In doing this, he has rolled out programmes of action for the industry. Iroegbu, who is currently reaping the fruits of his labour as one of the prolific film makers in government, said, through his office, he has put plans in motion to launch a programme called “Nollywood after 20 years.” According to him, the programme which commences immediately after the celebration of Nollywood at 20, will,however, involve all stakeholders irrespective of

tribe or the division that has polarised the industry in recent times. He, however, lamented the protracted crisis trailing the industry over the years, saying “it has not allowed the industry to receive the accolade it deserves despite the patronage it’s getting across the globe.” For him, the industry is bigger than the kind of patronage it’s getting currently from the corporate entities. “This is a programme that will help to boost the interest of government in the creative industry. "Nollywood after 20, is a project my office is kick starting immediately after the celebration,” he stated. Speaking further, Iroegbu said, since assuming office, he has written to all the guilds heads introducing his new office to them. He has also expressed his willingness to work with everybody in the industry. “

Tont o Dik e and D’banj dating? onto Dike

onto Dikeh’s name is synonymous with controversy. And the latest buzz that she’s gotten quite close to the hit maker, D’banj in recent times may not make any difference to her. The internet went viral during the week, dropping the bombshell that the controversial actress-turned-singer has been spotted hanging around the Koko master’s Lekki residence at odd hours. Those in the know said, Tonto is currently recording her new songs at the studio in D’banj’s house. The hit maker is said to be planning to sign her to his Records label as he once stated that if he signs her, she will definitely blow. The new song she’s recording at D’banj’s studio is described as a banger. But guess what! Mouths are wagging that there are more to Tonto's closeness to D'banj than meets the eyes.

•D’banj •Tonto

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

08116759764 anozieegole@yahoo.com

Singer,Adokiye opens up on her new appointment By ANOZIE EGOLE

ENSATIONAL singer, Adokiye Kyrian who was recently appointed by Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State as the state’s ambassador for youths has expressed gratitude to the governor for her new appointment. The sexy singer flew into Owerri, the state capital last week to assume her new office . Confirming her new appointment to Matinee, Adokiye said, “ I have been appointed as UN Ambassador for Youths in Imo State. I will be coordinating a National youth group tagged, “ Youth Decide. My work is to ascertain the feelings of the youths and communicate the same to the government. I am so happy for my new appointment,”the singer echoed.

•Adokiye

Day Guinness unveiled new label @ colourful world of more concert

T was an exciting experience for thousands of music lovers that attended ‘The Colourful World of More Concert’ put together by Guinness Nigeria Plc last Sunday night as top Nigerian artistes including Flavour, Kcee and P-square dazzled the crowd with their brilliant performances. Other acts on the night included soul and R& B singer Tiwa Savage, Chidinma and Waje. Held at the prestigious Expo Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites Victoria Island, guests at the concert agreed that the gig was the biggest and most entertaining event to be witnessed this year. It was indeed a night of high class grooving for celebrities, industry top shots and consumers of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. The exclusive concert was to mark the rebirth of foremost premium stout – Guinness Foreign Extra Stout as the iconic brand now steps out in a new, stylish and confident label that depicts a brand truly Made of More. Guests were left asking for more as the artistes churn out interesting lyrics that got them grooving. At an earlier meeting with members of the media to announce the launch of the new label, Mr. Seni Adetu, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said the rebirth of the new label for Guinness Foreign Extra Stout was in line with the company’s tradition of continuously delivering quality.

Wizkid on stage

Lolo 1 of Wazobia FM takes centre stage at Muson

Midnight Crew celebrates @ 12 By GRACE EKPENBOR

ll is set for the big celebration as Midnight Crew concludes plans to mark its 12 year anniversary as a gospel music

group. This group which started with eleven talented singers before the number was later reduced to four have been making waves and hitting major shows with their hit track, Igwe especially, in

•Midnight Crew

C M Y K

recent times. Meanwhile, contrary to fans’ expectations, the group said, they are not planning to stage a big show to mark their 12th year anniversary. This is because their hands are full at the moment. But they promised to do everything possible to give back to the society that made them what they are today. According to the group, they are not basically after the financial rewards,instead, they are concerned about the number of souls they are winning for the kingdom of God through their songs.

ENULTIMATE Sunday, was a day that would not be forgotten in a hurry by fun seekers as all roads led to the Muson Center, Onikan, for the award winning comedy/ musical show put together by our own, OAP, Motunde Adebowale David, a.k.a, Lolo1 of Wazobia Fm. Though her

Lolo1 of Wazobia

first outing was great, this year’s edition from all indications recorded an impressive turn-out of dignitaries as it was indeed, a star studded event. Among the comedians that set the stage agog with their rib-cracking jokes were, Bovi, Seyi Law, Mc Abbey, Koffi, Lepacious Bose, Yaw, Elenu, Akpororo , Igos, Funnybone and many others. Also, on hands to thrill the guests with their electrifying performances were artistessuch as Darey , Waje , Vector , Emenic , Sean Tizzle, Olamide , Solid Star , Wizboy. among others.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9 9, 2013—41

42— SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Aderinsola A deshina hooks Eyituo a Adeshina Eyituoyyo Amuk Amuka

he blissful journey of lovebirds, Eyituoyo Amuka, son of Sam Amuka, publisher, Vanguard newspaper and his sweetheart, Aderinsola Adeshina, into matrimony began on Thursday on ecstatic note with the traditional marriage rites at the Havilah Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Despite the slight difference in cultural orientation of the bride and the groom’s families, the day was an harmonious spectacle of colours, splendour and panache. Every facet of the society was duly represented in sound and sight. The union continues today with the ‘White’ wedding at the Yaba Baptist Church, Yaba, followed by a reception at the Haven Event Centre, Ikeja, G.R.A, Lagos. Photos by Joe Akintola, Photo Editor and Bunmi Azeez.

L-R: Mr Sam Amuka, groom's father; Mrs Aderinsola Amuka, bride and Mrs Oyindamola Amuka, groom's mother.

L-R: Mr Dayo Adeshina, representing bride's father; Mr Eyituoyo Amuka, groom and Mrs Jumoke Adeshina,bride's mum.

L-R:Erelu Abiola Dosumu; Mrs Wunmi Ogunbiyi and High Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

L-R:Chief Benjamin Osaragbaje [Appolo], Chief Torch O. Taire, Chief[Mrs] Derin Osoba and Aremo Olusegun Osoba .

L-R:Senator Daisy Danjuma, Cheif [Mrs] Remi Agbowu, Chief [Mrs] Patricia Arawore and Mrs. Rita Amuka

L-R: Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard, Mr Peter Arigbe and Mr Richard Okotie.

L-R: Prof. J.P. Clark, Chief[Mrs] Rita LoriOgbebor and Chief E.F. Esisi

L-R:Mrs. Alero Orimoloye and Ms. Titi Jolaoso, Financial Controller, Vanguard

The couple; Mr Eyituoyo Amuka, with bride, Aderinsola

L-R: Mr Mideno Bayagbon , Vanguard and Chief Andrew Oru

Editor,

L-R:Mr Victor Hammond and Mrs Julie Coker

SATURDAY, Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 — 43

Fir st Baptist Chur 13 har First Churcch’s 20 201 harvvest

t was a glorious day of praise to God in song, dance, recitation and thanksgiving last Sunday at the First Baptist Church, Lagos, when the members came together to hold the annual harvest ceremony. Many important dignitaries graced the occasion. Notable amongst them were Senator Smart Adeyemi, Prince Bolu Akin- Olugbade, Chief Kola Jamodu and many others. Photos by Bunmi Azeez

L- R: Prince Bolu Akin- Olugbade, Chairman of the Occasion, Revd. Sunday Aramide Fagbemi, Church Pastor Mrs Florence Awoniyi.

L- R: Mr Dapo Adekoje, Commodre Olu Osho (Rtd), Mrs Florence Awoniyi, Chief Koawole Jamodu, Mrs Abolaji Awolade, Mrs F. Omotehinwa an dMrs Modupe Adeyemi.

L-R:Chief ( Mrs) Morayo Fadipe, Mrs Adolaji Awolade and Mrs Modupe S. Adeyemi.

Mrs Florence Awoniyi, Chairman 2013 Harvest , Dancing at the Thanksgiving Service.

L- R:Sen. Smart Adeyemi , Special Guest of Honour addressing, while Mrs Florence. E. Awoniyi,and Mrs Modupe Senapon Adeyemi look on.

Ojude Oba festival in pictures

he annual Ojude Oba festival held in Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Ode local government area of Ogun State third day after the Muslim Eid-elKabir celebration. The Globacom-sponsored festival is an annual occasion where the ancestral lineage of the first converted Muslims of the Ijebu people pay homage to their King, the Awujale, for allowing their ancestors practice Islam. .

Gov.Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State flanked by the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona (right) and Globacom’s Div. Dir. West Territory, Mr Yomi Ogunbamowo (left).

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal (right) exchanging pleasantries with Glo’s Div. DirectorMr. Yomi Ogunbamowo

Speaker, House of Reps, Rt Hon. Aminu Tambuwal with Glo’s Div. Dir. Mr Yomi Ogunbamowo (right), presenting Globacom’s cheque of N750,000 to the Best Women Age Grade (Regberegbe)

Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State supported by Globacom’s Div. Dir. , Mr Yomi Ogunbamowo(right) presenting the Winners’ trophy and a cheque of N750,000 to members of the Bobagunte Okunrin age group

First Lady, Ogun State, Mrs Funsho Amosun and Globacom’s Divisional Director, West Territory, Mr Yomi Ogunbamowo (right) presenting a cheque of N500,000 to members of the Mafowoku Okunrin Age Group

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

08 116759 759 081 6759759

The tribe where big is beautiful S

lim might be in elsewhere but for Ethiopia’s Bodi or Me’en people, bigger is always better. The tribe, which lives in a remote corner of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, is home to an unusual ritual which sees young men gorge on cow’s blood and milk in a bid to be crowned the fattest man. Six months after

starting the regime, the men emerge to show off their newly engorged physiques and for a winner to be chosen. The champion fat man is then feted as a hero for the rest of his life. Now the little known rite is the subject of incredible photos taken by French shutterbug Eric Lafforgue - who spent time with

the Bodi while travelling through southwestern Ethiopia during the run up to the Bodi New Year or Ka’el ceremony. Sadly, the Ka’el ritual and the Bodi’s traditional way of life is under threat from the Ethiopian government who plan to resettle 300,000 people from all over the country on their lands. For now, the tribe continue as they always have, and still celebrate Ka’el in traditional style each June.

Moment adorable boy refused to leave the stage as Pope Francis gave Family day address in St Peter’s I

t was a day to celebrate families but one little boy took it a bit further and managed to steal the show when he got on stage with the Pope. The Pontiff was addressing a crowd of families at the Vatican when the youngster wandered on stage. Identified

only as the ‘boy in yellow’ the lad stared at Pope Francis as he spoke to the crowds in St Peter ’s Square, CBS News reports. Despite efforts from aides to tempt the boy off the stage with promises of sweets, he refused to budge. Apparently unper-

Never get stuck in a traffic jam again!

lying car switches between land and sky - and can reach a top speed of 124mph. The AeroMobil 2.5 has a maximum speed of 99mph when driven as a car but in airplane mode can soar through the skies at 124mph. The hybrid vehicle is the brainchild of designers Stefan Klein and Jurak Vaculik based in Bratislava, in the Slovak Republic. The vehicle can be driven on normal roads and fit into a standard parking space when its wings are tucked in, according to the designers

That really is a nose job! C

hinese man has new nose grown on his FOREHEAD to replace the original which was damaged in a car crash. Xiaolian, 22,

C M Y K

damaged his nose in a traffic accident in August 2012. Failed to get treatment so it became infected and cartilage was damaged. Surgeons

turbed by the huge audience, the boy happily stood next to Pope Francis and then hugged his leg. The Pontiff responded by patting him on the head and carrying on with his speech. Then the bold youngster waved at the crowd and even led one girl up to receive a gift before sitting himself in the Pope’s chair to the amusement of onlookers. In his speech, the 76-year-old Pope said people should say ‘thank you’ more often and spoke about how people can look after their families. Buenos Aires-born Pope Francis began his papacy in March this year. He follows Pope Benedict XVI who resigned in February.

Ten-year-old Chinese pupil jumps to his death from 30th floor window ‘on teacher’s orders’ because he had not written an apology for talking in class

he fifth-grade primary school student had been told to write a 1,000-character apology by his teacher, Miss Chen, for talking in class. His devastated parents have now launched a campaign against the extreme pressure put on Chinese students. Neighbours say the 30-year-old teacher told him to jump out of a building after he didn’t do the task. ‘Teacher, I can’t do it,’ was found written in one of his textbooks, along with ‘I

were unable to repair it so created a new nose on his forehead. It was made using cartilage from his ribs and a skin tissue expander. Surgeons are hoping to carry out transplant surgery to put it in place of his old nose soon

flinched several times when I tried to jump from the building.’ The child smashed into a parked car beneath the flat where his family live in Jinjiang district. Due to China’s strict one-child policy, it is likely Jun Jun was the couple’s only child. His family have posted a banner outside the school in the southwestern city of Chengdu saying ‘The teacher forced our kid to jump off the building’.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 — 45

46— Saturday

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Saturday Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 —47

B-A-D-A-G-R-Y M-A-S-S-A-C-R-E

Fish out killers of my husband — widow of slain police officer By ANGELA OKPE

wo years ago, the trio of Divisional Police Officer, DPO; Divisional Crime Officer, DCO and the Operational Officer of Badagry police division, Lagos were murdered in cold blood by people suspected to be soldiers at the Recce Battalion Barrack, Bereko, Badagry, Lagos while on their way to honour alleged official invitation by the Commanding officer. In spite of the dust raised by the killing which many considered uncalled for, nothing has been heard again about the ugly incident. Worse still, widows of the slain officers have been left to bear their agonizing pains all alone while those that perpetrated the heinous crime are yet to be tried. Wife of one of the dead officers, DCO, Sampson Okeduisi who was still in mourning mood spoke with Crime Guard at Magbon, near Badagry. The widow, Omotayo Okeduisi decried government’s alleged insincerity and failure to investigate and prosecute killers of the superior cops. Excerpts: “My name is Omotayo Okeduisi, widow of the late Divisional Crime Officer of Badagry Police Division who was killed while on active duty. How he was killed. My husband was among the three police officers that were murdered by soldiers at the Recce Battalion, Barrack, Bereko, two years ago, precisely on May 24, 2011 while on official duty. He went along side with his late DPO, Mr. Samuel Salusi and Officer in charge of Operation, Mr. Taofeek Afolabi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, to the Barrack to negotiate for peace as well as lasting mutual co-existence between the police and their Army counterparts. I was told that there was an earlier misunderstanding between the soldiers and the Police over alleged killing of a soldier by Lagos State Rapid Response Squad, RRS, for a yet–to-be disclosed issue. The RRS men were taken hostage to the barrack and purportedly detained. The soldiers, apparently, in what appeared to be a revenge mission, decided to attack any policeman on sight, thereby causing commotion and panic in the state. My husband and the two others went to the barrack on the invitation of the General Officer, Commanding, GOC, but they never returned. Life without bread winner.

to bury him. We borrowed money to add to the amount to give him a befitting burial. But we have been writing several letters to the police, Army and government but there has not been any reply. It is unfortunate that despite our letters and appeals to the authorities over the brutal killing of my husband and Federal Government’s assurance to look into the matter when it happened, two years now, nothing has been done to fish out the killers. Content of the letters? want justice for my late husband. The soldiers that killed him are not above the law and therefore, they should be investigated and brought to face the law. Also, I want government to come to our aid by compensating us adequately. I have four graduates but there is no job for them. It is not too much for the police or government to employ his children to help the family. Again, I want the government to establish a hall of fame to honour my husband and others as a mark of respect for them as done by their Army counterparts. Relationship with late husband I am his only wife, married legally in court. He has other women that had children for him, but I am the real wife. He

*ASP Afolabi Taofek battling to survive at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos, few minutes before he died. Since my husband died, the family has been subjected to untold hardship as a result of the killing of the bread winner. We have been living from hand to mouth because we do not

receive any assistance from any body, including the police, where he spent his active years, the Army that killed him or the government. Gratuity and other

benefits My husband had only six months to retire before he met his untimely death. We have gone to all places for his gratuity and filled several

forms with witnesses but nothing has happened. I even learnt from his colleagues that some have been paid but nothing has been paid to us .It was as a result of these hardships that my

How midnight marauders attacked

*The late Mr Saliu Samson, Divisional Police Officer, DPO. husband’s aged mother died recently. We have been surviving on charity. I don’t know whether it is a crime to be a police man or marry one because the police are suffering. If our husbands die, no one cares about the widow, children and families. This kind of treatment do not happen in sister agencies such as the Navy, Army or Air force. Why?I think police hate themselves. Could you believe

Late Okeduisi that even those that worked with my husband in same office before the incident have not come to see us, talk of his colleagues from other stations. Even the D.P.O that took over the station, same day, my husband was buried, has never find time to come and ask us how far. Police are outdated in all things. They don’t have plans for themselves. My husband did not die a natural death or killed by armed robbery suspects but died in active ser-

widow, children in Abuja

*sack them from abode *Police search for attackers By ALICE FESTUS, Abuja

olice detectives in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,are working round the clock to fish out a group of men that attacked and brutalized a widow, Ufoma Ofondu, 49, at her residence, recently. The mother of four narrowly escaped death on Thursday, September 26, 2013, after four armed men jumped into their compound in the midnight to steal their generator. They fled after alarm was raised only to invade the compound the next day and inflicted severe injuries on the widow with matchet. She was saved by quick intervention of the police who were alerted by her neighbours when the invaders attacked her with dangerous weapons.

The badly battered woman who became a widow in the year 2000 went through harrowing experience trying to make ends meet, and ensure that her children went to school by baking cakes and distributing to retailers within Kubwa environs. She managed to put a small structure by the foot of a mountain in Kubwa where she, her children and a kid sister laid their heads every night. Little did Mrs Ofondu who hails from Idemili in Anambra State know that danger was locking around her small abode when four men whose identities are yet to be known jumped over the fence of her small abode, broke in without invitation and unleashed terror on her and her household. Her story My 19 year-old first son who lives with my aunt, came to

spend some days with me on September 24, 2013. He saw that the whole house was dark, he persuaded me to connect it and he helped with wiring the house because he was not pleased that we had no light. We normally put on the generator till around 10pm before we put it off and retire for the night. The attack Around 4 a.m on that day, I overheard my son asking someone ‘what are you doing there?’ And before we knew what was happening, some men jumped over our fence trying to steal the small generator while they kept flashing torchlight on my face. I quickly bent my face to the ground until I saw them carrying the generator. That was when I raised alarm. At that point, the men quickly

•The widow —when the going was good

•The battered widow dropped the generator. They didn’t stop at that, they then rushed towards me and hit me with one of the knives they had on and left. I shivered with fear throughout that night. I asked my son how he managed to see those people? He explained that he was sleeping and heard the noise of things falling on the

*Widow Omotayo Okeduisi vice while negotiating for peace for the unity and corporate existence of this country and yet, he was abandoned and neglected by his immediate constituency. Contact with the authorities? No. I have not met any of them because when the incident occurred, both the Commissioner of Police in charge of Lagos and the Army Commander came here to console us. The State government gave N1million each to the deceased families but you and I know that one million naira was not enough

floor in the compound. He opened his eyes, opened the door to check what was happening and behold he saw four men in the compound trying to steal. The butchering Few days after the incident, I and my kid sister living with me were playing ludo game in the

compound that fateful night. Although I was scared and worried about the previous experience and hoping that those guys would not come back again hence we were playing the ludo to keep vigil and buy time till 12 mid night. Just when we decided to relax a while at about 11pm, we saw someone flashing torchlight on us and instantly, my sister told me that those people had come again. We became confused and didn’t

know what next to do. Before we knew it, the four men pulled down the entrance door as there is no burglary. They entered the house and pounced on me. They didn’t ask me for anything. They just started matchetting me. They just started cutting me, even when l used my left hand to protect my face, they still did not stop. They matchetted my hand and my face. My children were in the other room sleeping. The men opened their room, pushed my sister into the room and came back for me as they continued to cut me all over. When it dawned on me that the men were out to kill me even with blood gushing out from every part of my body, they still did not stop. At a point, I had to pretend to be dead by falling on the floor lifeless. They thought l was dead, they then rushed out. I quickly managed to stand up and rushed to the room where my children and my sister were as they had been calling on me all the period the men were cutting me. I locked the door

and burglary. My children’s room has burglary. We were all in that room when l heard foot-steps again. The men came back but this time, they made away with all the money l had and some property including my cloths and my children’s school bags that were in the other room, they made away with everything. The arrival of Police After a while that same night, we saw another flash. We thought they had come again but this time it was the Police. When we realised they were police because of the blaring of siren, we came out of the house but we didn’t know who called the police. It was much later that we got to know that people who heard our voices called the police. The people said they had to call the police because of the unusual noise coming out from our house. The Police quickly rushed me to Kubwa General Hospital where they stitched the various cuts on my face and body before they admitted me.

even wrote it in his police form. In the morning of the day he died, I bathed with him. I prepared tea for him in the morning of that fateful day but he did not drink the tea because he was in a hurry. I had to pour the tea inside his office flask but he didn’t take the tea before he died. In fact, he died on empty stomach because after the incident, I discovered that he did not drink it before his demise and I poured the tea away. I served him amala and ewedu the night before he died. He was my daddy, husband, friend and child. We never carried over any quarrel to the next day. We were role models to many couples and many brought their marital problems for us to settle. We courted for five years before we got married for 18 years, which, if added together, make a total of 23 years. No man can be like Sam. No man can replace him in my life. Other wives/concubines, children and relations I have not been seeing any of them. No body has been asking after us or how I do cope with my children. Even his children, from other women, have not been showing concern. They argued that the man lived and died with me and willed all his properties to me so I should be the one to bear his loss. But they are waiting to grab his compensation and gratuity and that was why I‘ve stopped processing the gratuity. Let them go for it so that my children and I would live in peace. Police neglect Police has never done anything good before. They neglected and abandoned us. They don’t care for themselves. Even the friends of my husband have not cared for us. They are supposed to show love to us. I think, police should change their method of administration to enable them give their best in the discharge of their duties. If a police man knows that, even in death, he would be honoured, he/her must put his/her best. Perhaps, that is why most of them misbehave. Could you imagine that after two years, we are yet to get any of his rights? Advise to police /wives Police men should first and foremost, establish their wives in any business, trade or craft of choice so that they would have something to rely on, in the case of eventualities. This is necessary, because, if not for the business I am managing, my children would have dropped out of schools and my family would have been a laughing stock. It is difficult for dead policemen to be treated with respect as one that had served the country faithfully. I advise their wives not to totally rely on their husband’s income but lay their hands on something.

46— Saturday

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Saturday Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 —47

B-A-D-A-G-R-Y M-A-S-S-A-C-R-E

Fish out killers of my husband — widow of slain police officer By ANGELA OKPE

receive any assistance from any body, including the police, where he spent his active years, the Army that killed him or the government. Gratuity and other

benefits My husband had only six months to retire before he met his untimely death. We have gone to all places for his gratuity and filled several

forms with witnesses but nothing has happened. I even learnt from his colleagues that some have been paid but nothing has been paid to us .It was as a result of these hardships that my

How midnight marauders attacked

widow, children in Abuja

*sack them from abode *Police search for attackers By ALICE FESTUS, Abuja

•The widow —when the going was good

48 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

By ISHOLA BALOGUN

lthough there is relative peace in Itele-Aiyetoro village, Ado-Odo/Ota local government area of Ogun State, residents are living in palpable fear, apprehensive of what may become of their lives and property following the high court judgment giving Statutory Right of Occupancy to exiled Adogun-Itele family. Before now, there have been reported cases of arson, rape, forceful ejection of people from their homes, among other vices, which were said to have been pepetrated by some land grabbers and miscreants. Much of these unrest have been underpinned by land and Obaship tussle between the Adogun family and those they called land speculators. The crisis which has maimed several people in the land however forced the Adogun royal family into exile about a decade ago. The Itele land comprises of 17 villages which include, Aiyetoro, Apandija, Adeleye, Itele, Owu, Onifade, Itura, Olubode, Ajasa Odootun, Oguntedo among others. Narrating the family’s ordeal to Saturday Vanguard, the head of the family, AdogunItele-land, Chief Sunday Olowokere, said the battle has been won with several court judgements in their favour and the royal family was ready to return to its land, adding that government and security agents should provide adequate security to forstal break down of law and order since the impostors appeared to be resistant to the new development. Recently, the High Court in Ijebu-ode, Ogun state had ruled that the Adogun Atele family entitled to a Customary/Statutory right of Occupancy in respect of the vast area of land in Itele village, Ogun State. The court also declared null and void all sales, leases or purported sales or any other forms of alienation made by people other than Adogun Atele family. “For me, I left the village by 1:00am about ten years ago, without anything. I left my car, a Mecedez Benz which was vandalised, my house was ransacked, with properties and documents carted away by these hoodlums. At that point, we told all our family members to leave the village and they left one after the other at odd hours because their plan was to kill us. “All our buildings and properties were destroyed, some sold to people, my brother Idowu Olowokere’s house was sold by these impostors and land speculators who are only

ITELE LAND/CHIEFTANCY TUSSLE: to the village, adding that government should provide adequate security especially with the possible resistance of the impostors who have no regard for law and order. “The commission of inquiry set-up by the government in 2005 recommended that government should provide security to force out these impostors from the village. We are law abiding people and we don’t want any form of casualty in the process of claiming what belongs to us,” he stated.

The dispute in Itele village

How our royal family was forced into exile — Itele chief ...begs govt to provide security

customary tenants in IteleAiyetoro. They sold all our lands from Itele to Aiyetoro. We petitioned the Ogun State government under the then Governor Gbenga Daniel including the presidency. The government set up a reconciliation committee and gave a white-paper ordering them to stop the atrocities.” After being forced into exile about a decade ago, the Adogun royal family, are ready to stage a comeback. Chief Olowokere maintained that going by the judgment, all the landed property sold by the the land speculators are null and void, adding: “This is because those who sold lands to them are mere customary tenants.” He said: “much as we are not saying they should quit, we want law and order, the tenants should know themselves as tenants and give due respect to land owners especially when it comes to land matters and obaship tussle. We are law abiding people and that is why we explored all the available legal means to re-claim our property. What those impostors wanted was to ignite a tribal war between the Egba and Aworis and in the like of Ife and Modakeke, but we left Itele through the advise of Olota of Ota. But today, we are victorious and ready to take back all our property.” He lamented various kinds of atrocities going on in the land: “they sell and re-sell property without due regard to the law and decency. If you are de-

veloping a property in that area, they can re-sell it at any stage of construction and the new buyer will be given all the security support to complete the structure while they harass and intimidate the original owners. “We are now urging the government of Ogun state to intervene in the implementation of the court judge-

•Chief Sunday Olowookere What we don’t want is loss of lives and property or any form of break down of law and order. That is why we are calling on the government and the law enforcement agent to warn all those who are interested in fomenting trouble to desist and surrender to the court judgment ment. What we don’t want is loss of lives and property or any form of break down of law and order. That is why we are calling on the government and the law enforcement agents to warn all those who are inter-

ested in fomenting trouble to desist and surrender to the court judgment.” On the Obaship tussle, he stated that plans are underway to install a new traditional ruler in the area. He disclosed that after the judgment of the supreme court which ruled that under the hereditary custom and traditions of Itele town, only the AdogunAtele family comprising of four ruling houses namely: Imidawo,(the first son); Osa, (second child); Ogunronbi, and Alagbeji who are third and fourth sons respectively are entitled to hold the chieftancy title of Oba of Itele. He added that the family are currently making consultations on who among them will become the next Oba of Itele. Chief Olowokere disclosed that the state government have been communicated on the intention of the family to reclaim their land and return

he crisis that forced the Adogun family into exile was that of land disputes and Obaship tussle. The Adogun Atele/Itele family who has gotten several court judgment in its favour claimed the village, Itele comprising of 17 other villages belong to their family. They alleged that the land was originally settled upon by their progenitor, Adogun Atele a professional blacksmith and hunter who migrated from Benin to settle at ltele many years ago. According to them, Adogun Atele had four children namely lmidawo, Osa (Orisa), Ogunrombi and Alagbeji from whom they descended. They alleged that the names ltele and Atele were derived from Adogun’s trade. According to them, in Awori dialect “Ele” mean cutlass; Atele means someone who sells cutlass while Itele means the place where the seller of cutlass lives. They alleged that they and their predecessors have from time immemorial been in long and undisturbed possession of the land and exercised varied acts or ownership thereon: They claimed that Odutala, the ancestor of Odutala family was their customary tenant through Bale Ajose and descendant of Adogun Atele. They alleged further that the Odutala family acknowledged their lordship until sometime i n 1988 when they started laying adverse claim to Ayetoro land. Hence suit no. HCT/7/B9 was instituted against them. They alleged that none of those laying claim to the lordship of the land is a member of any of the branches of ltele family or ever owned or being in possession of any portion of the two lands in dispute. The maintained that they are only customary tenants who at one time or the other paid royalties to the Adogun family but are now turning back to lay claim on the land.

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Rufai: A former minister’s flight from controversy Immediate past Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai returned home to a rapturous reception in Dutse, Jigawa State, penultimate Friday. Rufai, a heroine to many who welcomed her, said she was returning to teaching in the university. But she had one plea for inquisitive journalists that day BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN

ith her husband, Dr.Ahmed Rufai proudly seated beside her in the VIP enclosure of the Aminu Kano Triangle in Dutse, Jigawa State, and the crowd roaring her name, it was not surprising that the immediate past Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai was asked if she would consider entering politics. “I am a professional, but since I joined (government) in 2007, I have practiced politics, so there is nothing wrong with me as a technocrat being a politician,” Professor Rufai said at the reception organized for her by the state government on Friday, September 13. The crowd that poured out to receive the former minister was overwhelming. Well wishers of the former minister who came from all parts of the state stretched out from the covered stands to the field. Outside the triangle, hundreds lined

the adjoining streets leading to the arena. Her chief cheer leader was Governor Sule Lamido who nominated her to the federal cabinet in 2011 after her successful stint in the state cabinet between 2007 and 2011. Governor Lamido was to express his satisfaction at her service in Abuja, telling the crowd that day that he was comforted by the fact that Rufai was not sacked for incompetence. Lamido who claimed to have been told by President Goodluck Jonathan few weeks beforere the cabinet shake up that Hajiya Rufai was doing a good job told the cheering crowd:“He told me he was very proud of what you did.” So if Rufai did a good job as minister of education, it was easy for many that day to assume that she was sacked for political expediency given the ongoing war between Lamido and the presidency. “Ruqayyatu has discharged her responsibilities as minis-

zRuqayyatu ...Lamido has done well

ter responsibly and I repeat there is no anger or ill feeling because what the president did is within his constitutional powers. We have no pain, no ill feeling,” the governor said. When she was called upon to address the crowd, the arena literally went into a frenzy as the crowd, almost all men, roared in excitement. Rufai spoke in Hausa and thanked Governor Lamido and President Jonathan for the opportunity to serve. She in her own way sought to console the crowd saying, “I am not the first and I will not be the last.” Her legacy was not lost on many. She is the first female minister of education from the North.

Following her, Lamido stepped up to the podium to address the cheering crowd. Despite the thick suspicion of political undertones alleged in her removal from office, the governor was reassuring, telling his listeners not to tie politics to the development. “There is need for people to know why we are gathered here. Anything that has a beginning has an end,” the governor said. “We have no grudge against her removal, we love anybody that loves us. It was the president’s wisdom to appoint her,” he said. “Let me remind us that as Muslims we were very happy when our sister, daughter, mother and grandmother was picked

by our brother President Jonathan,” he added. “Jigawa State is the only state in the North that has two ministers and this is because of the attachment the president has for Jigawa,” Lamido added. Concluding, the governor said: “This is not the time for politics, the time will come, the purpose here is to honour our daughter, that time will come.” Following the governor’s speech, the reception came to an end and newsmen sought some words from the guest of honour. Professor Rufai was quick to assert her readiness to return to the university. “I plan to go back to my university, I am a professor in education in curriculum studies and I will report on Monday and then take a brief leave to have a kind of rest, but I am going back to the university.” Asked if she had any regrets, she said: “This is the fourth time that I am handing over in my life. I have been a commissioner twice and I have been a minister twice and it is really not a surprise and depending on what the circumstances may be,” just as she poured commendations on President Jonathan and Governor Lamido for the opportunity to serve. Now that she is returning to the university as a lecturer, this reporter was tempted to ask her if she would be joining the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, she begged not to be dragged into controversy. “Don’t make me controversial, don’t make me controversial,” she pleaded.

Honesty is one vir tue I ccherish herish and pr otect virtue pro —Dr. Jeff Godwin Doki

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU Dr. Jeff Godwin Doki, is a senior lecturer at the Department of English University of Jos, Plateau State. He possesses one striking virtue; honesty which is fast disappearing from today’s society. In this chat, he shares his thoughts on the ASUU strike, emphasising that honesty is needed in every sector to redeem the nation’s image. Excerpt. How would you rate education in the North? If we are to compare education in the North with what is obtainable in the South, I would say that the North is generally backward and this is chiefly because the North has refused to embrace certain Western trends for fear of adulterating their religious beliefs. What is wrong with education in Nigeria? The major problem with our educational system is a total neglect by government. Also, one of the major reasons why our country Nigeria is on re-

Doki verse gear is because we are dishonest human beings. Honesty is a virtue that I have cherished and protected more than any of my earthly possessions. Honesty means more than money. It can only be equated with values like love, courage and sacrifice. What’s your take on ASUU strike? The federal government is merely paying lip service with the ASUU strike which has lingered for a long time now.

It is important to identify some of the reasons why ASUU has consistently employed strikes as the most potent method to press home its demands. For one thing, the conflict between ASUU and the federal government has taken on the character of a class struggle. In this kind of conflict we usually have instances of continual agitation. Any careful observer will notice that the one thing which has characterized Nigerian leadership for many years now is a strong habit of saying untruths. Experts appointed as Ministers are adept at telling official lies labeled as a new philosophy of propaganda packaged as religious truths. In such a situation, only a strike action has the capacity to draw attention to the innumerable problems of the working people. Look at the ease with which military rulers and their civilian counterparts stash away trillions of Naira in foreign bank accounts. Is it not the height of folly that oil-rich Nigeria cannot fund public Universities when in the same country a senator gets eleven million Naira monthly as ward robe allowance? The sad truth is that education does not occupy even a small corner in Nigeria’s scheme of things. Among the several factors that have

united to destroy and facilitate the rot in the education sector the first, and by far the most important, is the criminal role of Nigerian leaders past and present. The Nigerian nation is called to notice that the ASUU strike would have been averted if our leaders had lived up to their responsibilities. It is rather lamentable that those who are charged with the duty of guarding public patrimony have deliberately abrogated their duties. Instead of funding Public Universities, the Nigerian government is interested in the commercialization of the education sector. Again, this is the point where the ASUU strike becomes imperative.

One of the cardinal aims of the ASUU strike is to tell the Nigerian government that it is the social responsibility of every responsible government to provide education for the citizens. I therefore, call on the federal government to act responsibly and honorably by fully implementing the agreement it signed with the union of University teachers in 2009. Nothing less than that will be adequate.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 9, 2013—51

n order to boost the opera tions of courier/logistics com panies, create employment and grow ECOWAS economies, seasoned and tested experts have advised on the need for a robust transportation system, postal commission to harness business opportunities/innovation in movement of goods and materials in the region. And if this must be achieved, governments, private sectors as well individuals have their roles to play. At the 5th Bowill Errand annual public lecture organised in partnership with NIPOST and Lagos state Ministry of Transportation, Managing Director/CEO, Siyanbola A. Oladapo, said, the benefits derivable from the existence of a large market in the West African sub-region remain a strong reason for the optimal utilization of the potentials of cross border trading within the sub-region. “The market in the sub-region is estimated at a population of 308.66million out of Africa’s 1.04billion, with a Gross Domestic Product of $359.5million as at 2011. Proximity, cohabitation, similar cultures, democratic governance and the existence of regional organizations like Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) are expected to drive trade within the West African States and this is what my focus which is the postal sub sector of the economy should latch on”. “We have gone international this year so that our courier operators can look beyond Nigeria and see vast business opportunities in this sector, so that there could be better understanding and im-

Robust transpor em will transportt syst system boost ECO WAS economies ECOW — Opeifa, others

L-R: CEO, Fair Life Africa Foundation, Mrs Ufuoma Ashogbon and friends, during the official fund raising of the foundation at Lekki, recently in Lagos proved relationships among West African operators”. According to Oladapo, harnessing the potentials of trade within the West African coast has become necessary in the face of globalization and a major indication of existing investment potentials can be seen in the GDP

growth rates recorded and estimated for the West Coast. The latest figures of the world GDP growth rates (as at February 2012) show that Africa and indeed West Africa has one of the highest rates, with Ghana for instance coming second with 13.5% only after Qatar in the world ranking,

though the estimate could be explained by the recent discovery of oil in commercial quantity. In addition, he said, there is need to establish postal commission in Nigeria where operators could go outside of NIPOST which has become the regulator and a player. I look forward to a day when the Postal sector in Nigeria will be

revolutionized like the telecommunication sector; where we will be playing a leading role in Africa, where we shall rival the best postal sector in the world, generate massive employment for this nation, when we shall be independently regulated, when pro-

‘R educe unemplo yment with Grasscutt er FFarming’ arming’ ‘Reduce unemployment Grasscutter N owadays a lot of Nigerians go to higher institutions for the sole aim of getting paper qualifications that make them eligible for white-collar jobs after gradu-

ation. This kind of dream is like one learning to become a well-paid slave forever. It’s certain that the few jobs in town can not go round since there is limit to which government can provide for its citizens. So the few jobs in town is creating room for unemployment which government is yet to find solution for. According to animal farm consultant and Managing Director/ CEO, Jovana Farms, Prince Arinze Onebunne, a credible alternative is to start your own animal farming business, produce vital food and be your own boss. We need to produce students that would develop the mentality of creating jobs after leaving school because that is another way the country can reduce the rate of unemployment. Therefore, the mentality of most people learning to become employees, not business owners should be

BUSINESS GUIDE

revised. Parents also tell their children to “get a good education so that you can get a good job but they don’t know that they are hindering their children from realising their God-given potentials. Onebunne asked, why can’t parents advise their children, get a good education so that you can own a business or become an employer? Teach a man how to fish and he would be able to catch enough fish than depending on charity or tokenism in the guise of white-collar jobs, he said. “I have nothing against education, but sometimes, it gives people false confidence. It makes them trust in certificates instead of working hard”. He advised that grasscutter rearing can make you to be gainfully employed. Not only that, it is money-spinning business that can provide job opportunities for the young and old, educated or uneducated members of the society. “In addition to these facts he said, it is free from cultural and religious taboos. This makes it to be a universal favourite, breaking all ethnic barriers, colour, creed, etc. The situation affords the prospective investor the opportunity of raising grasscutter for local and international markets. “If Nigerians can yield to this counselling, he said, grasscutter farming can create over a million jobs in the country. But Nigerians preference for white collar jobs had led to the neglect of this lucrative agricultural enterprise. It’s a business that does not require millions of naira to execute. You can start with just one family of grasscutters normally called a colony which is sold for N45,000 to N50,000 depending on the specie and age. A colony comprises of one male and four females. They are reared in cages which can be constructed at a cost of N10,000 by any roadside carpenter. Therefore, with N60,000, you are already in a good business. It is advisable to buy them when they are four months old, which is the breeding stock stage. Grasscutter is odourless unlike fowls, rabbits, pig etc. You do not require an expanse of space to start; the cage can be placed anywhere in the compound or even in the kitchen. In terms of feeding, it is not like fish farming, pig farming or poultry farming, because grasscutters feed on grass”. “In terms of yield, one female grasscutter can give birth to as many as six to ten babies at a go. The major challenge in grasscutter rearing is the technicalities involved and that is why we organise nationwide seminars. Jovana farms organizes nationwide sensitization training seminars on the practical ways of making it through small scale farming. Visit www.jovanafarms.com for more details. Choose also the nearest venue from the advert box in this page.

fessionalism shall take the centre stage, when financial institutions shall fall over each other to fund postal sector. Be yhat as it may, the postal service is not without challenges of multiple taxation, inability of government agencies to differentiate between okada riders and courier riders. And the issue of unregistered operators that spoil business for licensed operators. In addition, Lagos state transportation commissioner, Hon. Kayode Opeifa, said, to help provide easy flow of business activities, movement of goods and materials, Lagos builds 200 roads every year. He said, Lagos has opened many sea ways for movement of people and goods; railway transportation is no more a thing of the past and Lagos state is perfecting plans to link to other states and neighbouring West African countries through rail transportation system. He provided landcape charts on the achievement of the state under the present administration of Lagos state. Managing Director/CEO, Marflex Logistics, Ranti Shobande disclosed that this annual public lecture has been a market place of ideas for courier operators and other stakeholders where we generate ideas to move the courier industry forward, generate employment and also contribute our quota to nation building, so that at the end it will add to the economy. Shobande agreed that the annual lecture is a value adding lecture because both the practitioners and stakeholders have something to benefit in terms of ideas and policies can be formed from it. In the same vein, Executive Secretary, Ghana Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission, Isaac Annan Riverson, said, the inventions of railroads and automobiles took this industry to the next level, saying once interstate highways were built, couriers could travel across a nation via smooth blacktop with packages in tow. He further said that in Africa the courier industry consists of entirely small, locally owned and operated businesses which are striving to ensure that revenue is retained within their respective countries rather than having same siphoned off by multi-national corporations. Riverson identified manual systems as one of the challenges among others that adversely affect the operations of indigenous African courier operators and this has resulted in the existence of a general uncertainty about whether items are delivered or collected on time. He further said that solution to this challenges lies best in technology – adopting and customizing the appropriate technology, saying that globalization and advancement in technology have indeed brought changes to the industry including the use of sophisticated technology in operations and management. He advised that there is the need to break, as it were, the boundaries that segregate countries within our sub-region, saying it makes it difficult for courier operators within our respective countries to deliver consignments outside their geographical borders. He insists that if postal services must achieve results in their operation like what is obtainable in Ghana, government and other regulatory authorities should establish Postal and Courier Services regulatory Commission Act in Nigeria.

52—SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Golf:There is so much work to be done —Deshi N EWLY elected Niger ia Golf Federation president, Peter Deshi has stated that that he was banking on the support of Nigerian golf enthusiasts to surmount the enormous work that is waiting to be done to uplift the country’s golf. The former IBB golf club captain was elected NGF president during the week and he is looking forward to seeing the sport take an upward swing. “We came here with an open mind and we will be glad to work with all those who are genuinely interested in the development of the game here in Nigeria,” said Dr. Deshi. Other members of the board include Kunle Dada, who is the first vice president, Ema Ekong, Peter Nelson, Ishola Isaac, Lan-

re Onilu, Emenike John, Sam Iredia and Jubril Mohammed. However, despite Deshi’s experience at the IBB club and his role as the special adviser on sports to the senate president David Mark a keen golfer, there are still reservations on his capability to chart a new course for the beleaguered golf federation. A golfer who pleaded anonymity sad; “I presume he was not really ready for the position, it was government that placed him there. I think the only thing that may work for them is government support” But former PGA Nigeria Tour chief executive, Olushola Lawson says he foresees a bright future ahead. “The fact that some of the new board members have not really been in-

volved in any top golf office may work for them. It means they are unaware of any baggage from the past and I see a lot of them as young and ambitious which is a plus. I am very optimistic” Meanwhile former president of the NGF Olagunsoye Oyinlola decried his omission from the list of board members. He alleged that it had to do with the politics of the ruling party in the country. He said “I do not think we should drag our national politics into sports. It is not in the interest of anyone to do that. I love golf that is why I have been committing my time and resources to its development. This latest political action is very unfortunate but I bear no grudge against anyone,” Oyinlola said.

Coaches give AFN kudos for early camping R EPORTS from Abuja, where the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN has camped about 74 athletes in preparations for the 2014 campaigns, indicated that progress is being made and athletics coaches have commended the federation for breaking a long standing practice of fire-brigade planning. This is the first time in decades that the AFN will be camping athletes in readiness for a new season and it was gathered that the athletes and coaches, so far so good, have no worries with regards to their upkeep even as it was not all smooth sailing. This notwithstanding, some Nigerian coaches were of the view that the AFN has done the right

thing and they should be encouraged to continue with their revival efforts. Former head coach of the AFN, Armelia Edet who stated that she was surprised to hear that Nigerian athletes were being called to camp this early, added that with the right programming, there was bound to be some improvements in the new season. “It is a good thing they are starting early. When I heard that they are camping, I was like wow, things are looking up for athletics. But I will advise that they should not keep the athletes for too long in camp. They should be given a break just like we used to do in the days of Samuel Ogbemudia. We went on break and came back to continue, they

should also have time trials for the athletes to see what they have been able to do in training,” said the veteran coach. Former triple jumper, Olu Sule, who is one of the coaches in camp, stated that it was serious business in Abuja and the participants are expecting a rewarding experience. “It is a full house here. The athletes have undergone medical examinations to ascertain their level of fitness and they are going through conditioning training. Hopefully if everything goes on well, we will have good performances from the athletes next season. “This is what we have been clamouring for. Early preparations and we are glad that the AFN has start-

World Golfers Tourney: Nigeria finishes 8th D ESPITE the tough weather conditions that characterised the early stage of the MTN World Golfers Championship in Durban, South Africa, the Nigerian Team gave a good account itself by finishing an all-time high 8th position. The biggest amateur golf tournament in the world, ended in South Africa, last weekend. Golfers numbering over 300 from 26 countries, including Nigeria, attended the eight-day tournament, staged over four Golf cours-

es in Durban. Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Swaziland were the only countries that represented Africa at the event. The early part of the tournament was characterised by a disturbing weather concern as occasional rains, gusty wind and cold held the KwaZulu- Natal hostage without restraint. The effect of bad weather was so pronounced that the first practice day at Prince’s Grant Golf Estate, was cancelled while many players were still on the course.

This doggedness was highlighted by the steady progress of the team, on the leaderboard, since it was placed 14th, at the end of day one, of the tournament. In the subsequent days, Nigeria, progressively made its presence count by rising to the 11th, 10th and finally 8th positions on the overall table.Samuel U. Amadi, 0-5; Okechukwu Ananaba, 6-10; Susan Cole-Kotas, 11-15; Udeme Esset,16-20 and Diana Osmond, 21-25, represented Nigeria in the championship category.

St. Francis holds InterHouse meet

Tiger Woods in Turkey

T. Francis Catholic Sec ondary School holds its 21st Annual Inter-House sports competition today at the school’s premises in the Idimu area of Lagos, the Sports Director, Mrs. C. Ihedioha has said. The ceremony which has Mr. Harold Okwuosa as Chairman and Dr. Joseph Tijani as Father of the Day will see students contesting for laurels in events like 100m, 200m as well as the relays for junior, intermediate and senior categories. Meanwhile the Administrator of the school, Rev. Fr. Kelechi Magnus SJ said the competition is not only aimed at producing healthy students but to also discover future stars for the various national teams.

Glamour girls...( from right) Gloria Asumnu, Blessing Okagbare and Lorretta Ozoh at the Cross River/ All Nigeria Championships.

Asumnu gone for good?

“I

T must have been love, but it’s over now”. Perhaps this is the song sprinter, Gloria Asumnu is humming under her breath after she was served a six-month suspension notice by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. The quick to nettle athlete, according to the AFN, was fed the disciplinary soup for refusing to run the 4x100m relay at the last World Championships in Moscow, Russia. The athlete in a chat stated that she is preparing her response to the latest twist in her short career with the Nigerian team. She indicated that her romance with Team Nigeria might as well be over. “The suspension is only for 6 months. Starting in August it ends at the end of January. “I will be sending in my letter of response. No worries though; You’ll see me on the track again in other competitions maybe not in Nigeria,” said the athlete.

Asumnu’s athletics career received a boost when she joined the Nigerian team, after failing to grab a spot in the over crowded and star-studded United States set up. She was born and bred in the USA. She appeared in her first ever World Championships with the Nigerian team at Dae-

gu in 2011 and also made her debut at the London 2012 Olympics. However, according to a former athlete based in the USA, Asumnu’s disciplinary issues were as a result of those in authority at the AFN not being able to draw a line between familiarity and professional conduct.

Cross River athletes set to conquer youth games

ROSS River State grassroots athletics discoveries are angling to participate at the maiden National Youth Games starting December 5, 2013 in Abuja. For three consecutive years the youngsters from the State have dominated the athletics events of the school sports festival and according to the coordinator of the Cross River grassroots sports development programme, Bruce Ijirigho this domination will be extended to the National

Youth Games. He added that they were also looking forward to this year ’s school sports festival billed for Ilorin from November 20-30. “Hopefully, Cross River will dominate the Youth Games and the National School Sports Festival. There are new faces who will surprise many athletics watchers. Our coaches have been working really hard on these youngsters and we are looking forward to the these games to expose them.”

SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 — 53

Bellstech turns out 208 graduates at 5th convocation BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

ELLS University of Technology Ota, at the 5th convocation ceremony held on Saturday 2nd November, 2013, turned out a total number of 208 graduands with 14 in first class, 64 second class upper, 83 obtained second class lower, 43 in third class and 4 pass. They were all drawn from the College of natural and Applied Sciences, College of Food Sciences, College of Information and Communications Technology,

*Prof Isaac Adebayo Adeyemi College of Management Sciences and College of Environmental Sciences.

In the convocation address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Adebayo Adeyemi, chronicled major activities of the university between the last convocation and ;the fifth ceremony which happened to be the eight academic year of the institution’s existence. He acknowledged that the year has been highly eventful, especially from the academic perspectives. Saying that the survival of any university is the accreditation of its programmes, Bells University of Technology,

in full cognizance of this, in 2013, presented all its programmes in the Colleges of Engineering and Environmental Sciences for both the NUC and Professional Accreditations, while programmes in the College of Management Sciences and Nutrition and Dietetics in the College of Food Sciences were presented for only the NUC Accreditation. “I am extremely delighted to inform convocation that all our programmes presented scaled through both at the NUC and the

professional levels of accreditation,” Professor Adeyemi said. On post-graduate programmes, he reported that the NUC has approved commencement of Post-graduate Studies at Diploma (PGD) and Masters levels in the Colleges of Natural and Applied Sciences, Food Sciences and Information and Communications Technology for listed programmes. Approval has also been given to commence Masters Degree Programme in Architecture “The import of this is the

continuation, by our first set of graduating students in Architecture in the programme, to enable them earn the Masters degree which would qualify them for registration by the professional bodies; the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) and the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON),” adding that “it is hoped that the university, in no distant future, will be able to commence PhD studies in the above programmes.” On linkages, he said the university has consummated collaboration and working relationship with some institutions and organisations both within and outside the country for cross-fertilisation of knowledge, exchange programme for staff and students, and an allround advancement of science and technology. The Vice-Chancellor also touched on conferences, workshops and college lectures which for robust and qualitative education are an integral part of the academic activities in every ivory tower, staff development and achievements, students’ activities, infrastructural facilities and activities of the Bells University Parents Forum. He recalled that to date, the university has turned out a total of 759 graduates who have been establishing themselves in both the academic, private and public sectors. The graduating students were told to follow in t he footsteps of their predecessors and believe they also can make it, to the end of leaving indelible footprints in the sands of time in the year ahead. “The time to prove your mettle as true leaders of tomorrow, is during this critical period in our nation’s history. Our youths have important roles to play... Let the wind of positive change begin to blow now across the terrain of our embattled fatherland.” He charged the graduands to be totally committed dedicated and patriotic to the cause of nation building, and that as youths, they can not afford to fold their arms or sit on the fence. Present at the event were former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and other eminent persons from across the country including Emeritus Professor Olujimi Akinkugbe, Professor Akin Mabogunje, Professor Emmanuel Edozien, Chief Kolawole Jamodu, Dr. Emmanuel Egbojah, Eng. Habu Gumel, etc.

54 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Enugu PDP blames NASS for orchestrating allegation by Chime’s wife BY EMEKA MAMAH

OP officials of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State are now blaming some members of the National Assembly, NASS, from the state for orchestrating the alleged claims that Governor Sullivan Chime had illegally detained his wife, Mrs Clara Chime at Government House. Some of the PDP leaders who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on the condition of anonymity said that some NASS members had been fighting Governor Chime since he made a public announcement that most of them would not go back to their positions, having served for over three tenures because of the internal zoning policy of the party. Chime was quoted as having said at a PDP rally that there was an agreement with NASS members that those who had represented their people for two or three tenures (between eight and 12 years) should give way for fresh blood just as

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he ceded the forthcoming 2015 governorship seat in the state to the Nsukka zone. Chime who hails from Enugu West Senatorial zone where the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu also

hails from, would be completing his two terms of four years each in 2015 after his predecessor, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani who is from Enugu East Senatorial District also spent eight years in office, bringing the total to 16 years.

s part of its efforts to A make the year-end very rewarding for all categories of its customers, Mantrac Nigeria Limited, the sole Caterpillar dealer, is offering a wide range of CAT generator sets for residential, commercial and industrial use this festive season. The promotion comes with an instant gift of a Samsung Galaxy tab with

Ekiti State House passes Equal Opportunities Bill into Law

HE bill,Saturday Vanguard gathered is aimed at protecting the economic and social rights of the physicallychallenged, mentallyretarded and other vulnerable groups in the state. Among its many provisions, the Bill prescribes two-year jail term for any person convicted of sexually abusing a mentallyretarded or physicallychallenged person, without an option of fine. Speaker of the House, Dr. Adewale Omirin, presided over the plenary session when the Bill was passed into Law by overwhelming voice vote

of ‘a yes’, on Thursday. The passage of the bill followed a public hearing conducted by the Assembly on Wednesday, when the input of stakeholders and members of the public were collated.

The bill is an executive bill initiated by the wife of the Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, to provide equal opportunities for all persons and to prohibit all forms of gender-based discriminations and inequalities in public and private institutions.

Mantrac runs festive season CAT power promo every generator set bought by customers at this period. The diesel fuelled CAT generator range, widely acclaimed worldwide for its reliability, durability and ruggedness, is in use across thousands of applications globally. In the words of Edmond Martin – Lawson, Managing Director of Mantrac Nigeria, ‘the global brand promise of the CAT power

Group pledges to support Ochei’s guber bid coordinators, tasking them BY GAB EJUWA POLITICAL pressure A group, Delta Focus Group, DFG, will tomorrow inaugurate state, local government area and ward

I‘ll solve security problem in Anambra in 100 days in office — Ngige

HE governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Senator Chris Ngige yesterday said he would tackle headlong the vexed issue of security in the state within the first 100 days in office if voted as the next governor of the state come November 16.

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard, Ngige regretted that in the past eight years of the present administration, there had been unprecedented cases of various crimes ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, among others in the state that were not witnessed during his tenure as

systems are in its lifetime of low cost through exceptional fuel economy.’ Caterpillar generators reduce operational costs, he further said. Besides the superior functional value of the Caterpillar brand and the free gift of Samsung galaxy tab for every Cat generator purchase, Mantrac also offers technical support to customers to match individual customer power requirements with the best range of Cat power.

governor of the state. He said the first step which he described as preventive would be to make the educational curriculum have vocational training orientation so that after secondary education, school leavers could create jobs for themselves.

to work for the actualization of Hon. Victor Ochei as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, come 2015. Speaking during the inauguration held at the Ika National hall, Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta state, Comrade Joshua Okoh, national chairman of DFG told the executives that the group was pro-Ochei . He said, “I want to urge all of you to visit prominent politicians that may become delegates that will select the PDP candidate come 2015. Let us tell them that Hon. Victor Ochei is the most qualified person amongst those jostling for the exalted seat.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 — 55

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SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 9, 2013

President Jonathan hosts victorious Eaglets •Charges NFF to nurture team

RESIDENT Good luck Jonathan has congratulated the Gold-

World Cup qualifier:

Ethiopia prepare for ‘war’ with Iraqi friendly E

THIOPIAN coach Sewnet Bishaw has restated his belief that his wards can cause a world famous upset on November 16 when they take on the Super Eagles in the second leg of the 2014 World Cup qualifier in Calabar. The Ethiopians have arranged a warm-up match against Iraqi in Amman, Jordan after they were refused by Burkina Faso and Cameroon. Ethiopia lost the first leg 2-1 played in Addis Ababa last month and now need to win by a two goal margin away in Calabar if they hope to make history and qualify for the World’s biggest football showpiece to be held in Brazil next June. “We are going to try out a number of things against Iraq before we head to Nigeria for total war. We can also win in Nigeria,” said Bishaw. He added that he was disappointed by cancellation of the match against Burkina Faso. “The mood in the camp is very positive. It was disappointing for the Burkina Faso friendly to be canceled but sometimes this things happen. Our focus is on ahead of the Nigeria game as I always believe anything is possible and we will work on our mistakes “ “It will be a tough match in Nigeria but the truth is that we will fight for the entire 90 minutes as we intend to cause an upset “ he added.

Test of Will... Golden Eaglets’ Taiwo Awoniyi (R) vies with Solomon Wbias of Mexico during the FIFA U-17 World Cup final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE yesterday.

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ty of purpose they displayed through-out the tournament to make Nigeria the World’s Under17 Football Champion once again. ”In fulfilment of his promise of a heroes’ welcome for the triumphant Golden Eaglets on their return home, President Jonathan will host a grand reception for the team at the Banquet Hall of the State House at 1900 hours on Sunday, November 10, 2013 in appreciation of the great honour and glory they have brought to their fatherland. ”The President also urges the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation to strive to ensure that the worldconquering Eaglets, who have shown such immense potentials as youngsters, are properly nurtured, trained and developed to represent the nation at higher levels in future international football competitions. ”He wishes the Golden Eaglets and their handlers a safe journey home and looks forward to receiving them in Abuja on Sunday”.

Dead referee presented fake medical certificate, says committee N IGERIA Football Federation’s Referees’ Committee has disclosed that the referee, Osita Nwadioshi who slumped and died during a fitness test in Abuja on Tuesday presented a fake medical certificate that gave him a clean bill of health. The head of the committee’s medical unit, Mr. Ephraim Chukwuemeka said in Abuja that the deceased referee from Lagos who died on Wednesday covered up his poor medical records to participate in the test at the National Stadium Abuja. The pro-

Today’s matches Southampton Aston Villa Liverpool Crystal Palace Chelsea Norwich City

en Eaglets for their victory over Mexico at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the UAE, reports Ben Agande. A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati said President Jonathan will host the Eaglets tomorrow at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa. The statement reads, ‘’On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Jonathan congratulates the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria on their 3-0 triumph over Mexico in the final match of the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Soccer Championship played yesterday evening in Abu Dhabi. ”President Jonathan joins other very proud and happy Nigerians in saluting the glorious achievement of the Eaglets in winning the Under-17 Soccer Championship for an unprecedented fourth time. ”The President commends the young Eaglets for the exemplary commitment, dedication, resilience, determination, patriotism and uni-

Hull City Cardiff City Fulham Everton West Brom West Ham

4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 6.30pm

grammed for the referee from all six geo-politcal zones ended yesterday with refeeres still mourning. “When he slumped on Wednesday, we found an inhaler on him. But his medical report did not state that he was asthmat-

ic. If not, we would not have allowed him to run. “We gave directives that all referees should do their medical tests in their various states and include the report in their forms. “The tests they are expected to carry out include electro-cardiogram (ECG), to know the state

of their heart. “And, normally, the doctor who certifies the referee will put his/her registration number and practice number, with the stamp of the hospital where he/she operates and personal telephone number(s). “When they come for the

fitness test here, our medical doctors here will test them for blood pressure, before we allow them to run. “And, I personally checked the medical report in his form where he was proven to be fit to run,” Chukwuemeka said.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Across 1 L.G.A in Oyo State – (9) 6 Traditional Ruler of Benin – (3) 8 Nothing – (3) 9 Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph – (7) 11 Japan Prime Minister, Shinzo – (3) 12 Yoruba God – (3) 13 L.G.A in Lagos State – (7) 16 Adamawa State Governor, Murtala – (5) 17 Comfort – (4) 19 L.G.A in Plateau State – (6) 22 Kenya “Harambee Stars” Striker, Dennis – (6) 24 Constellation – (4) 26 Cardinal Direction – (5) 27 Inter Milan President, Massimo – (7) 30 Number – (3) 31 Annoy – (3) 32 Former Niger Republic President, Mahamane – (7) 35 Sphere – (3) 36 Former Benue State Governor, Aper – (3) 37 L.G.A in Ondo State – (9)

Down 1 State in Nigeria Known as “The Eastern Heartland” – (3)

2 L.G.A in Kwara State – (3) 3 Akwa-United Chairman, Isong – (5) 4 Super Eagles Media Officer, Ben – (6) 5 Kwara United Coach, Samuel – (7) 6 Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Vice President, Mr. Lere – (7) 7 Kano Pillars FC Goalkeeper, Theophilus – (9) 10 Beverage – (3) 13 Former Nigerian President, Rtd. General Ibrahim – (9) 14 Enquire – (3) 15 Repose – (4) 18 Former Ivory Coast Prime Minister, Guillaume – (4) 20 Former Benin Republic President, Mathieu – (7) 21 Osun State Capital – (7) 23 L.G.A in Osun State – (3) 25 Super Eagles Striker, Shola – (6) 28 Former Italy “Azzuris” Striker, Giusseppe – (5) 29 Weight Measure Unite – (3) 33 Super Flamingoes (U-17)Goalkeeper, Amina – (3) 34 Common Name for “Garri” – (3)

SOLUTION on page 15

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