Militants write Kachikwu, mobilise against Avengers, MEND

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016 — PAGE 3

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ADVERTISING EXCELLENCE AWARDS & ANNUAL SUMMIT 2016 Faces at the Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards & Annual Summit 2016, held under the theme: Brand Building in a Digital Age: Challenges in a Development Market, at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday. PHOTOS BY AKEEM SALAU

•L-R: Chude Jideonwo, Co-Founder and Marketing Partner of Red Media Africa;Mr George Thorpe, Managing Partner, Market Space/Keynote Speaker; Mr Seni Adetu, Guest Speaker; Mr John Ajayi,Publisher/CEO, Marketing Edge; Mrs Bukola Akingbade,Founder/CEO Of Neukleos, and Sir Steve Omojafor,Chairman, McCann Group of Companies.

•L-R: Ray Echebiri,CEO,Centre for Financial Journalism; Mrs Chizor Malize,Managing Partner/CEO Brandzone, and Ted Iwere,Managing Director, Daily Independent Newspapers.

•L-R: Mr Adebola Williams, Founding Partner, Red Media Africa; Mr Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager/Editor-in-Chief , Vanguard Newspapers, and Bolaji Abimbola, Managing Director, Integrated Indigo Limited, receiving the award of Young PR Agency of the Year.

•L-R: Mr Godwin Coker, Group Head, Client Service, Brooks & Blake; Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi, APCON Registrar; and Taiwo Ogunwumi, Executive Director, Brooks & Blake, receiving Outstanding PR Agency of the Year.

•Ekene Leo Onuchukwu, Group HR Manager, GDM Direct Limited (left), and Mr Sola Olugbemiro, Publisher , Access Weekly.

MANAGEMENT RETREAT

L-R: President, Advertisers Association of Nigeria, Mr. David Okenie, Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Funmi Ajayi, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Modupe Bosede at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 3rd Annual Management Retreat held in Abeokuta.

YOGA DAY

From left:Vice President, Indian Cultural Association, Chief Sanjay Jain, First Secretary, Indian High Commission, Mr. V.D. Choudhary and the General Secretary, Indian Cultural Association, Mr. Sanjeev Tandon. briefing journalists on the 2nd INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY, at the Indian High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016 — PAGE 5

NIGER DELTA: PROPOSED DIALOGUE SPARKS POWER STRUGGLE

Militants write Kachikwu, mobilise against Avengers, MEND

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, SouthSouth, Egufe Yafugborhi & Perez Brisibe

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OWER struggle among militant groups in Niger Delta is posing a threat to the Federal Government’s plan to have an allembracing dialogue with stakeholders in the oil-rich region, including the rampaging Niger Delta Avengers, NDA. Three militant groups, Reformed Egbesu Boys, Egbesu Water Lions and Egbesu Mythier Fraternity, yesterday, said neither the Avengers nor the Movement for the Emancipation of the NigerDelta, MEND, which had raised a negotiation team, tagged Aaron Team 2, has their mandate to represent them in any dialogue with government.

Meanwhile, traditional rulers in Delta State, who appealed to the militants to stop bombing oil installations and embrace dialogue, urged government to adopt a carrot-and-stick approach in dealing with the militant groups.

The so-called General Officer Commanding, GOC, Intelligence, Tony Alagbakeriowei, and GOC, Logistics and Admin, General Ebi Abakoromor, in a statement on behalf of the three militant groups, condemning the NDA and MEND, said the preliminary discussions so far by government officials slanted towards Avengers and a particular former militant leader, vowing to cause mayhem if they were ignored.

The statement, addressed to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, who is driving the dialogue process, read: “We write on behalf of the Reformed Egbesu Boys of the Niger Delta, Egbesu Water Lions and Egbesu Mythier Fraternity to bring to the urgent attention of the Federal Government that the negotiation with the Avengers is lopsided.

“It will be recalled that var-

ious militant groups make up the Niger Delta Avengers and we were taken aback that the Federal Government team is negotiating with Gbaramatu kingdom representatives only.

“Be reminded that this current crisis is not a particular ex-militant leader affair and, therefore, Gbaramatu representatives cannot negotiate with the Federal Government to the exclusion of other active participants in the crisis.”

The groups went on: “Consequently, we warn that the negotiation team be expanded to include various active group reps that participated in this current crisis. Failure to heed this wise counsel, aggrieved stakeholders will resort to doing what we know best.

“When the need for the cessation of hostilities arose as a result of pleas arising from national and international sources, the Reformed Egbesu Boys of the Niger Delta were the first to unilaterally declare ceasefire.”

They said that at the commencement of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, some militant leaders cornered the proceeds of the struggle to the exclusion of other participants, warning: “This is the scenario now unfolding, we object to this with all our might.”

Reacting to MEND Aaron Team 2, the three Egbesu militants groups said MEND exists only on the pages of newspaper and hotels rooms in Abuja and, therefore, could not speak for militant groups in the region.

“We condemn in strong terms the emerging trend where those in MEND, who took to kidnapping and hostage-taking to criminalise the legitimate agitation and had since been disbanded and accepted the poorly coordinated Amnesty Programme, are now seeking relevance and purporting to have raised a negotiation team to dialogue with the federal government,”the groups said.

“This is most ridiculous, embarrassing and nonsensical to say the least. MEND exists only on newspaper pages and hotel rooms in Abuja. We are taken aback that those who collectively destroyed the struggle want to recruit very respected elders for sinister motives.

“If the Federal Government negotiates with the purported MEND team as published, the consequences would be fatal and devastating to the multinationals as usual. We ceased hostilities in the larger collective interest of the Niger Delta environment, security of the people of the Niger Delta and the economic stability of the Nigerian state and the world at large.

“We wish to warn that the Ijaw nation is and shall not be taken as cannon fodder to the other ethnic nationalities as we are seen to be.

We are branded criminals and all sorts of name-calling, but when the Federal Government calls for dialogue, our traditional antagonists and agent provocateurs would be the first to present them for dialogue.”

NDA spits fire The NDA claimed, yesterday, that some political thugs, agents and militant leaders were foisting their selfish agenda on Kachikwu, warning that it would not be part of a charade involving the characters.

Its spokesperson, Mudoch Agbinibo, said in a statement, “We have never missed (sic) words in telling the whole listening world that the Niger Delta Avengers will not be part of any dialogue deal that will not bring about the peace of our time; but we want a peace with honour.”

The militant group said it was watching “with keen interest the unwholesome activities of the political thugs and agents of APC to undermine the Niger Delta struggle”.

It said that few days ago, a militant leader and his group were “parading, regrouping, re branding and re-arming defunct exMEND and settled militants leaders discussing pipelines, oil and gas facilities contract in Edo State Government House.”

Carrot-and-stick approach In a related development, Acting Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Emmanuel Efiezomor, who addressed reporters at the end of a meeting in Asaba, urged NDA to lay down arms and embrace the peace overtures of the Federal Government.

The royal fathers acknowl-

•Hon. Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola , SAN(Left), Coordinating Director of Highways in the Ministry, Engr.

Bala Dan Shehu (middle), Chief Engineer of Reynolds Construction Company Limited (RCC), Nabeel Esawi (right) during the inspection of the construction work on Loko – Oweto Bridge over River Benue in Nasarawa/Benue States resumed after remobilization by the current administration,yesterday. edged the efforts of governors in the region to end the crisis and emphasized the need for a more collaborative effort by all stakeholders towards ensuring an enduring solution to the Niger Delta question.

In a related development, a militant group, which described itself as Niger Delta Sea Commandos, yesterday, said it would commence attacks on military personnel, oil workers and companies for breaching the two-week ceasefire ordered by the Federal Government and failure to obey its demand not to repair damaged oil facilities.

The group, in a statement by one of its leaders, Osama Blatter, said: “Our attention has been drawn to the continued arrest of innocent villagers and incessant invasion of their communities in Gbaramatu kingdom by the navy and military personnel after government announced a two week ceasefire, as well as frequent appeals for peace talks.”

Meanwhile, the Conference for the Actualization of Human Rights, CAHR, has raised the alarm over the arrest of ex-militant leader, ‘General Aboy Francis Muturu’, by soldiers, who stormed his house on June 7, and kept him incommu-

nicado with his family since then.

Sea Commandos, which had earlier announced its intention to dialogue with government, said: “Except they (military) stop their barbaric attacks, we will bomb military personnel taking our simplicity for granted.”

“We will commence attack on oil companies and their workers disobeying our order to quit operation and repair of destroyed facilities”.

Urhobo warn FG Also, yesterday, the Urhobo nation in Delta State, amid government moves to negotiate with militants, warned that concentrated interest in volatile Ijaw areas to the exclusion of peaceful oil producing areas would provoke extended destruction of oil assets in the Niger Delta.

Morris Idiovwa, Chairman, Oil Mining Lease, OML 30 Community Development Board, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard, in Warri, said the warning became necessary as the body language of government suggested that it was pushing for another amnesty to glorify criminality in one section of the region and deride several peaceful ethnic

Is transformation taking place?

I

n Islam, the practice of good deeds extends beyond the realm of such Ibadah as prayer and fasting. Unfortunately, for many devout Muslims, the broader definition of good deeds is often lost. They think of good deed in terms of humility and respect. Yes! Many Muslims are quite steadfast in their prayers, very diligent and painstaking in fasting, but they tend to disregard other moral etiquette as explained in both Quran and hadith of making people smile and laugh. We rarely put into practice what we learn from the Quran and Hadiths. This is of course another opportunity to remind us of our moral duties to others. So, we need to broaden our horizons on the issue of moral duty.

Re-assess yourself and see what habit you need

nationalities hosting as much strategic oil and gas assets in the producing space.

Idiovwa, who also chairs Host Communities (HOSTCOM), Delta Central, stated: “What we have been witnessing in Delta State is terrifying in the way a single ethnic nationality is assuming the identity of the entire Niger Delta, taking up arms and disrupting the existing peace in the region purely on selfish interest.

“What is happening is outright criminality and Urhobo, as the largest ethnic group in Delta State, are not in support of this. We believe the best way to approach issues is dialogue.

Irrespective of our peaceful nature, no region has the monopoly of violence. Urhobo have what it takes to be violent or take laws into our hands”. On Urhobos doubt over the proposed dialogue, he said, “We love dialogue but the underground negotiations we are hearing about in the name of Niger Delta is totally unacceptable.

Urhobo have never sat with anyone to discuss the sufferings in our communities.

What we saw is just a group of people who came destroying national assets because the region has been neglected”.

to change. What you were not able to do in the first stanza of the Ramadan and how you can achieve them in the remaining part of the month. Re-dedicate yourself to change and improve in all aspect of Ibadah and relationship to Allah and humanity. Endeavour to break through old habits and mental barriers and with all its blessings and opportunities.

Ramadan should be able to shift us into high gear for increasing our obedience to Allah and seeking His pleasure. We can do this by abstaining from what Allah dislikes and engaging ourselves more on what He likes. The prophet says: “… if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.”

Let us use this golden opportunity to change from bad habit, shed away what is impure and strengthen the good and get transformed into a new being. This way, we can be able to say as human beings that we have observed the month of Ramadan according to the rules.

Abstinence from food and drink for one month alone may not guarantee us the whole blessings and reward except with total transformation of our whole self.

May Allah (swt) accept our ibadah.

PAGE 6 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016

Badagry Eye Centre

NEW FOREX POLICY AND NAIRA WAR

Banks amass N1.1trillion war chest for new forex bidding •CBN restrains them, squeezes off N435 billion

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

A

HEAD of the take off of the new foreign exchange market regime tomorrow, the banking industry has entered a battle of wits and strategy, with some banks amassing cash for foreign exchange bids , while the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has stepped-in to forestall the impact of such move on the exchange rate.

CBN had announced a flexible and market driven exchange system last Wednesday, indicating that dealers and buyers of foreign exchange can now access as much forex resources as they can afford but at whatever price is determined by the market forces.

To cover their positions and meet their customers’ forex requirements, banks needed a lot more of Naira back-up as the exchange rate is expected to rise significantly.

Consequently, banking industry liquidity surged to about N1.06 trillion - over 382.5 per cent higher than the week’s opening figure of N219.7 billion - indicating that N840.3 billion excess cash has been added to the outstanding liquidity in the system.

Out of this N840.3 billion, only the N152 billion maturing treasury bills fund credited the banks by CBN on Wednesday could easily be connected to funds for other services.

Money market dealers told Sunday Vanguard that the bulk of the balance of N688.3 billion were made up of new funds raised for the new forex regime as well as the excess forex bid lodged with CBN the previous week, under the now phased-out weekly forex intervention.

The apex bank refunded the excess last week which has now been lined up for the forex bid in the new regime tomorrow.

Also, the dealers said there was significant rise in banks’ borrowings from the CBN Standing Lending Facility, apparently to shore-up their Naira back-up for forex requirements.

With the huge amount as at Friday morning, the CBN, Sunday Vanguard learnt, was uncomfortable with the likely impact on the exchange rate, when too much money would be chasing the limited foreign exchange resources in a new regime of full, free market forces.

Consequently, the apex bank mopped up about N205.9 billion from the system later in the day on Friday, bringing to N434.9 billion the total cash squeezed out from the system, having rolled over N229 billion worth of matured treasury bills the previous day.

Money market dealers said the mop ups are expected to have a moderating impact on the exchange rate spike at the opening of the new forex market tomorrow.

CBN had estimated the exchange rate under the new forex market at between N260 – N270/ USD1.00, as

against N199 under its controlled regime phased out last weekend.

Analysts said though the N270/USD1.00 shows a massive N71 or 35.7 per cent depreciation of the local currency, the apex bank would have it as tolerable limit against a possible spike to N300/USD1.00, about 50 per cent depreciation, due to too much Naira cash chasing the limited foreign currency in a free market.

In fact, some analysts’ opinion monitored since the new forex regime was announced on Tuesday, suggested that the exchange rate could open at any price within N250 and N370 indicative of the type of uncertainty currently existing in the minds of most people, including bankers.

Earlier last week, Naira

traded as low as N370.00/ USD1.00 at the parallel market but appreciated to N355.00/USD1.00 on Friday.

Market rate for the local unit is expected to be determined in the week ahead as the new forex policy framework becomes operational on Monday.

According to analysts at Afrinvest West Africa, a Lagos based investment house, “interbank market rate is expected to spike whilst parallel market rate is likely to converge towards the interbank rate on increased supply” .

But they also noted the concluding remark of the CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, that market participants should “be calm, no need to worry, everything is fine.”

N450 m cash: Ex-Gov Ngilari falls sick in EFCC custody, hospitalised •FormerCustomsbossIndekeepsmumonallegeddivertedN40bn

By Soni Daniel But Sunday Vanguard gathered that barely after FORMER governor being detained, the former of Adamawa State, governorbecamesickandwas JamesNgilari,hasfallensick, rushed to the Federal barely two days after being TeachingHospital,Gombefor taken into the custody of the medicalattention.

Economic and Financial An EFCC top official said CrimesCommission (EFCC) that the hospital was working for interrogation. hard to stabilise Ngilari.

The former governor was The source said: “Governor named in the collection and Ngilari was taken in our sharing of the state’s share of ambulance to the hospital on theN450campaignfundssent Saturday and he is receiving tothestate aheadof the 2015 attention. elections.

“He took ill a few days after A former ambassador, being detained.”

Hassan Adamu, had told Meanwhile, a former interrogatorsthatalthoughhe Comptroller General of the was a co-signatory to the Nigeria Customs Service, collection of the cash from DikkoInde,whowasdetained Fidelity Bank, it was Ngilari on Thursday in connection who authorised his aide on with the diversion of N40 how to share the cash. billion, is said to have Adamu was quizzed and remained mute since being released on Thursday while taken into EFCC custody.

Ngilari was detained based A competent source said: on his inability to convince “The man is with us but he interrogators on how the has not said anything yet.” money was spent.

A

Fresh forgery suit, plot to ground Senate- Pro-democracy group •Says Ekweremadu persecuted over stance on the killing of Biafra protesters

By Henry Umoru

A

GROUP under the aegis, Centre for the Advancement of Literacy and Leadership, CALL, has raised the alarm, saying the forgery suit filed by the Federal Government against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, was designed to ground the Senate.

Describing the twist to the alleged forgery case as a witch-hunt, the group said the letter by the police inviting Ekweremadu and some leaders of the 7th Senate for interrogation over the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Orders 2011 was mischie-

vous.

In a statement by the Executive Director of the Centre, Mazi Bismarck Oji, the group stressed that the Assistant Force Public Relations Officer (AFPRO), Mr. Abayomi Shogunle, had, in July last year, told newsmen at the Force Headquarters that though the police team met with the exClerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Salisu Maikasuwa, they neither invited nor interrogated Ekweremadu.

The group wondered when the police interacted with Ekweremadu to warrant the deposition to an affidavit, attached to the fresh suit, where it claimed that investigation had been completed.

•L- R: Lion Yeye Stella Agbogun , Multiple Council Chairperson (MD 404.

Nig); Dr.(Mrs)Olufunmilayo Shokunbi, the Director, Blindness Prevention Programme, Lagos State Ministry of Health, representing the Commisioner for Health, Dr Olawale Idris; Chief Host , Lion Idowu Omolola Anobili; District Governor (District 404B1 Nigeria), High Chief Mobee of Badagry Kingdom, representing Oba Akran of Badagry, Alhaji Abdganiu Adediji;, Past DG 404B1 Lion Club, Chief (Dr) Olusola Dada, and Dr. (Mrs) Funke Adebajo, District Governor; 404B2 , during the commissioning of Eye Care Centre, Badagry General Hospital, and Awards/Account of Stewardship 2015- 2016 Lion Year by Loin Clubs International District 404B1. Photo by Diran Oshe

Edo APC primaries: Gov Oshiomhole holds sway with Obaseki in landslide lead

By Simon Ebegbulem and Gabriel Ebegbulem

Breaking News: OBASEKI COASTING HOME TO VICTORY - In what appeared to be an emerging landslide victory for Godwin Obaseki, as at the time of going to press, he had scored over 750 votes while his closest rival had less than 200.

Barring any last minute upset, he is set to emerge as APC governorship candidate.

T

he Edo APC primary commenced peaceful ly with accreditations of delegates in three centers: Imaguero College, Agbadu Primary School and George Idah Primary Schools, Benin City.

There were 12 aspirants viz: the deputy governor, Dr Pius Odubu (Okakuo); a former Minister of State, Works, Dr Chris Ogienwonyi; the Chairman, Edo State Economic and Strategic Team, Godwin Obaseki; a former governor of the state, Prof. Osarhiemien Osunbor; a former Commander, Army Finance Corps, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere; Blessing Agbomhere; Prof. Federick Amadasun; Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula; Arch.Austin Ilenre Emuan; Comrade Peter Esele; Kenneth Imasuagbon and Mrs Agbarha Justina.

Don Pedro Obaseki and Omo Irabor, who were earlier in the race, pulled out last week.

During the accreditation, all the aspirants particularly the key ones, including Odubu, Osunbor, Ogienwonyi, Obaseki Airhiavbere, Imasuagbon shuttled between the three centers to make lastminute contact with the 2,771 delegates for the primary.

The delegates, Sunday Vanguard observed, made money as the aspirants made frantic efforts to outwit each other. After accreditation of delegates from each of the local governments, they were transported to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the venue of voting.

The Obaseki Campaign Organisation arranged a mobile eatery where some of the delegates were fed.

The accreditation, which

commenced at about 9am, did not finish until 4:30pm.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole got to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium at about 12:30 pm.

He described the exercise as peaceful. His words: “Those who have been peddling rumour about purchase of PVCs have been shamed today because you can see that every body who came here to vote came with his PVC. But I am happy with the arrangement today that whoever wins will fly the flag of our party.

“I had told the aspirants that this must be a brotherly affair and not war because, at the end of the day, we will all work for the party and support whoever wins the primary. That is why I have been calm all this while when people made frivolous allegations against me and maligned my person.

“But I thank God things are moving smoothly and all those who predicted doom for APC today in Edo should hide their heads in shame.”

The Chairman of the governorship primary committee and governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Masari, and other members of the committee arrived the stadium at 5:15 and commenced arrangement for the voting.

In his opening remarks, Masari reminded the delegates that they were there to conduct a free and fair primary.

Oshiomhole voted at about 5:30 leading the statutory voters. He was followed Odubu and current and former members of the National Assembly. However, the National chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, was conspicuously absent at the venue.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that Oyegun’s preference for Ogienwonyi pitted him against Oshiomhole who gave tacit support to Obaseki.

It was gathered that Oyegun insisted that the names of some delegates who voted in the last National Assembly election primary should be expunged from the list, a situation those in the governor’s camp frowned at.

Those delegates, replaced after a former member of the party, Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, and Chief Solomon Edebiri left the party, and substituted in the various local governments, voted in the primaries of the party ahead of the last general elections and, therefore, Oshiomhole and his supporters wondered why they should be excluded now.

They lamented that the National Chairman of the party was using his position to intimidate supporters ahead of yesterday’s primary election. Though no reason was given for Oyegun’s absence at the stadium, it was gathered that he decided to stay away sensing that Oshiomhole’s supporters may harass him.

Ekpo launches centre for public policy

E

conomic experts and academia have concluded plans to launch Prof. Akpan Ekpo’s Centre for Public Policy, on June 24, at the Tetfund Theatre, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in recognition of his contributions to national development, the education system and the economy at large.

The launching lecture will be delivered by a

former Minister of National Planning Commission (NPC), Prof. Osita Ogbu, on the topic; ‘Morphology of growth and development; empirics from Nigeria’.

The Chairman, Planning Committee of the launching, Dr. Effiong Inyang, described Ekpo as a globally renowned Economist, whose legacy is worthy of emulation.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016 — PAGE 7

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RENEWED MILITANCY: Okowa's criticism is ill-motivated – Hon Agas, Delta SSG •Says those accusing gov of inactivity are unreasonable

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South and Festus Ahon

H

ONOURABLE Festus Agas, a former Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and Director General of the Okowa Campaign Organization in the last governorship election in the state, is the Secretary to the State Government, SSG. In this interview, the lawyer and journalist speaks on how he met Okowa, current wave of militancy in the state and the vision of his principal.

The governor disclosed in an interview that you were one of those with him in the trenches and you people fought very difficult battles; can you tell us some of these battles you people fought?

From 1999 till date, Delta State has been under the rule of the PDP. Naturally, many persons were interested in contesting the office of the governor under the auspices of the PDP. Of course, in politics, people have interests and choices.

Without trying to be arrogant, maybe he was not the choice of the establishment, and because he was not, they mobilised forces against him but he triumphed because, first, he came into the race with a rich pedigree. He has what I call relevant qualifications. If you know him very well, he started politics from the very beginning.

He was the Secretary of Ika Local Government; later he became the pioneer Chairman of Ika North East; he was Commissioner in several ministries, Secretary to Government and, later, senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Of the array of aspirants, none had what he had. He has higher qualifications. Therefore, to me, he stood shoulder higher than all other aspirants in the race and, from what I said earlier, he has a clear vision, a clear programme of where Deltans should go; so it was not difficult for me to join him. If you know me very well, I am a man of very deep judgement; once I make up my mind on an issue or a cause, I journey through it with tenacity and, since I was sure that my brand was the winning one, I did not have any fear.

As the Director General of the Campaign of Senator Okowa and there were a lot of subtle threats and blackmails, they called me unkind names. I recall that one of the aspirants jokingly told me that by the time they finished with me, I would be feeding with feeding bottle, but today, to God be the glory. One of the things that helped us was that Okowa’s programme and ambition were built on God. Therefore, with God on our side; we knew victory would be ours and thank God, we went into the primary; it was free, it was transparent and, as you rightly pointed out, he won.

You have not explained where this government is taking Deltans?

•Agas ...We will contain militants excesses You recall that when he was contesting, he promised Deltans prosperity and he encapsulated it in his five-point programme called the SMART agenda. The thread running through the programme is about wealth creation and jobs for Deltans.

Therefore, if you say where we are taking Deltans, I see a situation where, in the next five years, Delta will be a peaceful and secure state that can stand its own in the comity of states. A state that provides gainful employment for its young and able men, qualitative education and good healthcare for the people, which is where I see we are going.

The Okowa you know before and the Okowa that is now governor, what has changed in his style and approach to issues?

The Okowa I know has not changed; the only thing that has changed about him is that he is now the governor of Delta.

Moreover, as a governor, the whole state is his constituency; so the problem now is that everybody wants to see him, but unfortunately, he cannot see everybody. However, the Okowa I know, as I pointed out earlier, is a grassroots politician, which is he has always had an open door policy. Even as a governor, he tries as much as possible to see the many people that he can see, so he still try to be open. The Okowa I know is a man of focus; the Okowa I know is firm. He remains focused and very firm, he has a direction and he is determined to take Delta state to a greater height.

If I remember correctly, the last time you (Vanguard) interviewed him and I read it, he said that in his bid to be governor, he became closer to his God. Today you find out that his Christian beliefs shape

Okowa as a governor lives by example; Okowa does not preach something and do another thing.

Therefore, as a very strong follower, I cannot but learn from him

his attitude towards life. He believes in God, he believes that with God everything is possible.

So he is still the same strong Okowa, still the people’s Okowa, still runs an open door policy, he is still focused, he is still humane, he is still simple.

From the way you speak, you look like somebody who has learned from Okowa in the last few years. Can you tell us what being with Okowa has taught you?

Okowa as a governor lives by example; Okowa does not preach something and do another thing.

Therefore, as a very strong follower, I cannot but learn from him. If you have a boss that has respect for time, you are likely to have respect for time. Okowa does not force anything on you, he lives a Christian life, but if you see the Christianity in him, the God in him, the way it affects his attitude to life, the way it affects his marriage, and everything around him, you, as a very strong follower,

you cannot, but emulate his good example. So he has impacted on me positively; he has impacted and affected my family life and I am eternally grateful to him.

The state government has been consistent in paying workers in the face of dwindling revenue, and it still embarks on projects, what is the magic wand?

Well, I keep telling my friends and those that have interviewed me that we are lucky and blessed to have Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as the governor of Delta State. I recall that when the campaign started, somebody donated a billboard to us and in that billboard, he wrote, ‘With Okowa, Delta is in safe hands.’ Truly, Delta is in safe hands. Senator Okowa is a firstclass administrator, a very prudent manager of men and resources.

When he came on board, we realized that there were unpaid salaries; there were contributory insurance bills and they were in bunks. So what we did immediately he came in, his honeymoon was short- lived, we did not really have time for long honeymoon, he quickly set out to achieve what he wants to achieve.

He decided that, first; we cannot go the old ways. He identified loopholes and blocked them. Of course, you are aware of the biometric efforts we are making to checkmate ghost workers. Then of course, we cut down our recurrent expenditure and we try as much as possible to be prudent in the management of resources, but in all, what we did in the face of those debts, I told you about loans, what we did was to reschedule those loans. Instead of maybe a 12 month loan, we rescheduled them to 24 months so we were able to get additional monies. In addition to that, we did some guided borrowing to enable us execute some capital projects without destabilizing the micro economy of the state.

Okowa is a lover of workers, he knows that the human resource available to Delta is high and the only way to go forward is to motivate them. Therefore, despite the limited resources available to us, he has been able to pay salaries as at when due while we still continue to invest in infrastructure.

Can you clear the air on the allegation that the governor is unilaterally awarding projects?

With due respect to modesty, I am the Secretary to the Government of Delta State and I want to state without fear or favour that Senator Okowa does not act unilaterally. I do not know of any project awarded without passing through the State Executive Council As I told you, he has a limit of N250 million so for example, if I want to buy furniture in my office, he does not need to come to the Executive Council.

However, every other project that is above his limit, he has the approval of the Council. You know before his election as governor, he was a senator and he believes that law should guide

man and society, so he does everything in accordance with the law.

How has the current wave of militancy in the state affected its economy?

If your recall, early this year, as a state, we organized a summit on oil and gas and the need to protect oil facilities. We did that to sensitize our people; we did that to promote harmony and partnership between host communities and the companies on one hand and between the companies and Delta State Government on the other hand.

Unfortunately, after this, there have been one or two incidences of sabotage of oil facilities. As a government, we condemn it in very strong words and we have appealed to those involved to desist from it, otherwise they will face the full weight of the law.

Having said that, whenever a pipeline is bombed, it destroys the environment, it affects the economy of Nigeria and, by implication, the economy of Delta State; it pollutes our lands and it brings more hardship to our people. Apart from that, it causes us disrepute in the comity of states. Delta is seen as a state where people take to act of impunity. To us, it is not a very good reputation. It has adversely affected our economy. Because it is from what you contribute to the national purse that you get your 13 per cent. Therefore, it has adversely affected us as a state.

Recently, the Delta State Government set up an Advocacy Committee headed by the deputy governor. He is working in partnership with the Federal Government and I know the governor has directed them to go back to the riverine areas to sensitize our people on the need to work in harmony with the oil companies so that we, as a people, can get the greatest benefits from the resources with which God blessed us.

So how do you tell those who have accused the state government of lethargy in handling insurgency of militants?

It is very unfortunate and they are unfair to the governor. Security matters are not matters that you discuss on the pages of newspapers, so I myself will not want to join issues with them.

Both the Federal Government and the security agents are aware that Okowa is doing everything humanly possible to ensure that we have a safer environment; that oil facilities are protected; and that our state and people benefit from the rich resources of which it is endowed. Some of those things are politically motivated. I do not want to name the persons that are involved but I know they are politically motivated.

He is working very hard and I know that the Federal Government of Nigeria knows and appreciates his hard work in containing the excesses of the militants.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 9

PDP: Embattled Sheriff and his traducers

*An opposition par ty in disarr party disarraay

By Ben Agande, Abuja

S

enator Ali Modu Sheriff pulled a masterstroke on Monday. He arrived the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) early in the morning, accompanied by loyalists, including a former National Secretary of the party, Professor Wale Oladipo; and a former Vice Chairman, Dr Cairo Ojuogboh. After several hours of delay and long minutes of telephone conversation between him and the authorities in the security services, Sheriff and his group gained entrance into the National Secretariat. This action came barely two weeks after the Caretaker Committee of the PDP, set up at its National Convention in Port-Harcourt, and headed by a former governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, in an elaborate ceremony, had taken over the affairs of the opposition party. It marked a remarkable escalation of the leadership crisis that had engulfed the PDP since it lost power last year.

Though there was a seeming lull in the crisis with the coming of Sheriff, the PDP can be rightly described as a party that has known little peace since it lost power to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015. It would be recalled that, in the aftermath of its defeat and the subsequent resignation of Adamu Muazu as the Chairman of the party, the leadership that has emerged can, at best, be described as tenuous.

Though Uche Secondus, the Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, took over the reins of leadership following the resignation of Muazu, his stay was temporary as the position of Chairman was, in the tradition of the party, supposed to be held by a member of the party from the North East. So, when it appeared that Secondus was not in a hurry to leave office or organize the election that would usher in Muazu’s successor from the North East, Ahmed Gulak, a former political adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, citing a court order, announced himself as the Chairman of the party. Though not many people, both within and outside the party, took Gulak serious as his emergence was neither a product of an election nor appointment by any of the organs of the party, his attempt at interloping into the leadership that he never publicly declared for, marked the beginning of the leadership crisis that has continued to dog the party.

Menwhile, the action of the former political adviser woke some concerned members of the PDP from their slumber. Whereas the National Working Committee (NWC), under the leadership of Secondus, initiated the process for the election of a Chairman of the party that would complete the tenure of Muazu, critical stakeholders launched moves to install a candidate that is well heeled to manage the affairs of the PDP and reposition it for the arduous task of reclaiming the presidency of the country in 2019.

Protestation Two governors of the party, Ayodele Fayose and Nyesom Wike of Ekiti and Rivers states respectively, known for their fearless-

• Sheriff

ness, settled for Sheriff; a man better known for his controversies.

Sheriff ’s emergence as Chairman sparked protestation from a broad section of the party. Femi Fani-Kayode, a former spokesman of the campaign of former President Goodluck Jonathan led the pack. While describing what he called the imposition of Sheriff on the party as an “abominable monstrosity”, his allegation that “Sheriff was a man who encouraged the establishment of Boko Haram and supported a group that wished to suspend the Nigerian Constitution, wipe out the Christian faith”, found sync with not only members of the party but also a cross section of Nigerians and further helped in galvanizing the huge opposition against Sheriff as Chairman of the party.

The opposition against Sheriff made those who thought his choice was going to inspire confidence and ginger the morale of the already morose supporters of the party to have a rethink. Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy President of the Senate and the highest political office holder in the PDP, moved in to check the almost certain implosion that a Sheriff leadership was going to cause in the party by convening a meeting with aggrieved parties who were united by their opposition to Sheriff.

At a meeting that had in attendance representatives of the groups opposed to Sheriff, PDP governors, members of the party in the National Assembly, members of the Board of Trustees and other stakeholders, a compromise was reached which entailed that Sheriff would serve in office for three months after which he would organize a National Convention to usher in a substantive Chairman of the party. A truce appeared to have been reached and the PDP again appeared poised to remain united once again.

But for a man who does not take no for an answer and has set the record as one of the only two politicians in the country to snatch a ticket from a sitting governor, Sheriff had other plans up his sleeve. While setting up some committees preparatory to the convention, he sidelined stakeholders in the party and peopled the committees with alleged cronies, a move that raised the red flag among PDP leaders including Professor Jerry Gana and former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu.

Zoning to oneself As if to prove his critics right, when the committee on zoning of offices of the party submitted its report, it curiously recommended that the position of the Chairman be zoned to the North-East. But the recommendation runs contrary to the party convention. Apart from the fact that the zoning of the chairmanship to the North contravenes the earlier decision of the party that it had zoned the presidency ahead of the 2019 elections to the North, zoning in the PDP had always been

• Makarfi

The opposition against Sheriff made those who thought his choice was going to inspire confidence and ginger the morale of the already morose supporters of the party to have a rethink between the North and the South and not the subsets of the zones as the Sheriff ’s zoning committee curiously did. It was alleged that Sheriff had zoned the chairmanship position to himself.

Even with this alleged anomaly, some party chieftains, including the governors elected on the platform of the PDP, were ready to give Sheriff a chance. A National Convention was fixed for PortHarcourt which was recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), thereby taking the wind off the sail of the rival group, headed by Gana, which had also fixed its convention for same day in Abuja.

But as thousands of party faithful converged on Port-Harcourt for the convention, the governors, who have ascribed to themselves the role of custodians of the party, began an honest soul searching to unravel why the opposition against Sheriff had continued unabated despite the assurances he had given that he meant well for the party.

According to Fayose, one of the earliest fans and promoters of Sheriff, the soul searching by the governors unearthed a Sheriff that was, while publicly pretending to be working for the greater interest of the greater majority of the party members, was secretly working to feather his nest in his alleged ambition to be the presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 elections. And to use the loyalty of the governors, he promised quite a few of them that he would offer them the vice presidential ticket when he gets the ticket for the election. It was at this point that the governors moved against him.

When the party went for its convention in Port Harcourt and a faction organised a parallel convention in Abuja, the latent threat that had lurked in the background became more potent. Critical stakeholders in the party, therefore, had to be pragmatic in advancing solutions that would halt the slide of the PDP into oblivion. It was this position that informed the dissolution of the Sheriff-led National Working Committee by the National Convention of the party and the setting up of the Makarfi-led seven member Caretaker Committee.

But for a man who does not take no for an answer and has set the enviable record as one of the only two politicians in the country to snatch a ticket from a sitting governor, Sheriff did not take the moves to oust him from office lightly. He dragged the PDP to court. Ironically, weeks before the party moved against him in Port Harcourt, Sheriff had vaunted that he would lead the party to taking over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. It was the fear of possible breach of peace from the supporters of the contending forces that forced the police to take a proactive measure to deny all the parties as well as workers of the party access into the party secretariat last Monday when he and his supporters stormed the place.

In a related development, the contending forces, which had hitherto tugged at the soul of the PDP, coalesced to save the party. At a meeting convened by the Board of Trustees, all the caucuses of the party endorsed the Makarfi-led committee. With that move, Sheriff, who had declined to attend the meeting, was left in isolation, even though he remained resolute at laying claim to the leadership of the party.

So the importance of the assumption of office of Makarfi and members of his team is not just in its symbolism but, in the potentials, this represents especially as the party struggles to navigate the various political and legal land mines that lay ahead of it.

But with what happened on Monday, what many considered as Sheriff’s calm acceptance of his fate was really an incubation period for the stunt he pulled. He forcibly took possession of the office when no member of the PDP NWC would possibly be around.

While it remains to be seen how he will remain in charge with all the organs of the party against him, Sheriff has, to many party chieftains, demonstrated that he is well versed in the principle: What the chicken cannot readily get, it spreads away using its talons.

While the Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee resorts to the judiciary to claim back its mandate from Sheriff, the secretariat of the party in the last one week has witnessed daily protests by both supporters of Sheriff and Makarfi. As Nigerians watch with keen interest to see how this crisis will be resolved, the danger in the prolongation of the leadership tussle will not only have dire consequences on the PDP but also on the country’s nascent democracy as the nation would be deprived of a robust opposition that a strong PDP would have provided.

PAGE 10—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016

OKOGIE AT 80

What I told Tinubu about Buhari •Explodes on El-Rufai: He is stoking religious tensions •`Prelate Mbang reversed CAN’s gains under Obasanjo regime’ •On Father Mbaka: His claim to priesthood questionable if he feared death

BY SAM EYOBOKA

L

AST Thursday, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, celebrated his 80th birthday with a Holy Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos and reception at the St. Gregory’s College, Obalende, Lagos. In an interview later, the retired Catholic Archbishop of Lagos reflected on his four years in retirement after attaining the mandatory age of 75. This year also marks his 50th priestly ordination anniversary. He recalled that a large chunk of his years as the Archbishop of Lagos was devoted to speaking out against injustice and oppression of the downtrodden by those in positions of authority.

"Though a clergy, I have always believed that it is the right of every citizen to aspire to actualize his Godordained destiny within the framework of the larger society. It is also my firm conviction that one should never be silent or docile when his or her fundamental rights are being trampled upon by those who have sworn by the Constitution to safeguard the welfare of the citizens. These, to a large extent, have for years defined my guiding principles, actions and utterances as a clergy and a citizen of Nigeria”, he said.

"For instance, during my years as President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and also as two-term President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, during the Babangida era, I did not shy away from saying the gospel truth whenever it was obvious that the country was being led astray by the leadership. A couple of times, I and other like-minds succeeded in pricking the conscience of those in authority as to make them re-think their anti-people policies. But for a larger period of time, it is on record that we were able to help galvanize the civil societies into standing up for their rights and hold their leaders accountable for their stewardship. How well these agitations have been sustained to achieve set goals over time is a topic for another day.

"Today, since I retired as Archbishop of Lagos, and by extension from active public service, you may still wonder why I still speak on the state of the nation when I should be enjoying my retirement. Well, it may interest you to note that though I may not be as visible as I used to be, I have however not relented in my commitment and desire to see to the entrenchment of a truly egalitarian society where justice, equity and fear of God would reign supreme. These have always been my desire. You may say that at my age, since I am near the departure wing to heaven, I should by now be indifferent to the numerous challenges confronting the country. I beg to disagree. How can I remain quiet when 17 years into our democratic dispensation, the ship of our nation is being tossed about by self-inflicted storms that are tossing the people up and down? How can I keep mute when Nigerians have continuously been taken for a ride over the years by our politicians, who rather than serve the masses, chose to play them like the game of chess? I want to affirm here that as long as the good Lord gives me strength and the breath of life, I will never remain silent while this country is in turmoil. I believe it is the responsibility of every one of us to continue to contribute our quota to a better society for us and the generations yet unborn.

May 29, 2016, we marked Democracy Day under the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. But is there much to really celebrate about? 17 years into our democratic dispensation; have we really mature as a nation? What lessons have we learnt from the errors of the past and what efforts are we making to avoid a repeat?”

On the state of the nation It is the responsibility of government everywhere in the world to provide the enabling environment for the citizens to eke a living. In the case of my country Nigeria, it appears the reverse is the case. The poor masses are left to roam about without proper guidance; and so majority continue to wallop in penury in the midst of plenty. So much have been said and written about the 16 years misrule of the People's Democratic Party. Many more policy analysts will readily tell you that the problem with Nigeria originated right from independence in 1960. Be that as it may, the swearing-in of President Muhammadu

•Okogie

Buhari may mean well for the country, but so far, his actions and utterances have failed to help put food on the table of the average Nigerian. So, my advice to Mr. President and his associates is this: do not take the goodwill that you enjoy from Nigerians for granted Buhari last year was perceived as a milestone in the people's quest for positive change and improvement in their quality of life.

But a year later, the people are still grumbling. Indeed, the hardship has doubled. Thousands of workers are being laid off every day; the value of the naira is falling while states are owing workers months of unpaid salaries.

Buhari may mean well for the country, but so far, his actions and utterances have failed to help put food on the table of the average Nigerian. So, my advice to Mr. President and his associates is this: do not take the goodwill that you enjoy from Nigerians for granted. Do all that is necessary to revamp the economy before things get out of hand.

On renewed N-Delta militancy

For the years that the late Musa Yar'Adua and his successor, Goodluck Jonathan, held sway, we saw drastic reduction in the activities of militants in the Niger Delta.

Unfortunately, the militants are now back to the trenches under different pseudonyms. Their recent attacks on oil facilities in the region are daily crippling the country's capacity to produce oil. The oil and gas pipelines bombed in Warri West Local Government Area have also worsened electricity generation plan of government. How long would this continue? One thing is certain. Ours is a mono-economy that relies solely on oil for our foreign exchange earnings. With the sorry state of our economy, we cannot at this crucial time afford the stalling of oil production in the Niger Delta.

That would further put the country's finances in a precarious situation. I am aware that the Niger Delta Avengers have reeled out a number of conditions to be met before they can agree on a ceasefire.

I am equally aware that President Buhari has vowed to deal decisively with the militants. Only few days ago, the dailies reported that the military invaded Gbaramatu Kingdom believed to be the hometown of a wanted exmilitant, Tompolo. While condemning the disruption of our oil facilities under any guise, I equally want to stress that the use of military force is not the best solution. It would only aggravate the situation. I therefore want to plead with President Buhari to consider dialogue as a major option to end the crisis. Considering the high casualty rate and huge losses so far expended in our ongoing fight against Boko Haram, it would not be out of place to settle the Niger-Delta issue without wasting human lives.

Equally, I want to plead with the aggrieved militants to please sheathe their swords and allow for mediation.

On herdsmen's excesses One of the most contentious issues facing the present administration is the carnage linked to herdsmen in some parts of the country. We are all too familiar with the Agatu killings and the massacre in Nimbo, Enugu State. Firstly, I want to use this medium to express my condolences to families of the deceased and pray that the good Lord will comfort them in their period of grief. The loss of lives in any form is very sad, particularly if such lives are cut short in tragic circumstances as the attacks by the herdsmen.

Such barbaric acts only dehumanize us. Some have opined that the failure of the President to make a public pronouncement immediately the issue came to national discourse is borne out of his affinity to those concerned.

That aside, I want to reiterate that it is the responsibility of government to safeguard the lives of its citizens. No life is more important than the other. The questions many are asking are: who provides the herdsmen with AK 47 weapons? Are the herdsmen truly Nigerians or extension of the Boko Haram sect members particularly as global terrorist watch have listed them as a number on terrorist list?

However, I am glad at the outcome of the recent courtesy visit of the Catholic Bishops to the President during which he gave an express order to the law enforcement agents to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly acts and bring them to book. Such a move, if well executed, will go a long way to restore the people's confidence in government.

Meanwhile, a lasting solution must be found to placate the herdsmen and restrain them from invading farmlands. I gathered that the National Assembly is seriously considering creating designated areas for them in the North for grazing purposes. This, I believe, is a right step in the right direction.

On fight against corruption One of the slogans of the APC last year during the electioneering campaigns was the fight against corruption. Coming in the wake of alleged endemic looting credited to past administrations, cleansing the land of supposed corrupt elements was perceived as a sure way of stabilizing the country and entrenching speedy growth and development. The past one year has seen the

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 11

‘El-Rufai is stoking religious tensions’

• Tinubu

•Okogie • Buhari

Continued from page 10 present administration making spirited efforts to recover looted funds and prosecuting the offenders. Despite these, Nigeria's perceived reputation as one of the most corrupt nations was re-iterated by Prime Minister David Cameron of Great Britain on the eve of an international parley when he branded Nigeria as fantastically corrupt. The psychological impact of that statement made before Queen Elizabeth II is still fresh in the minds of many of us. While it is true that corruption has become endemic in this country, I also want to stress unequivocally that there are still men and women of high integrity who have not sold their birthrights to the monster called corruption.

We must therefore not shy from telling the rest of the world, when the occasion arises, that there are still honest Nigerians among us. How can we best do this? By joining government to expose the corrupt and unrepentant elements amongst us, no matter their identity, tribe or religious inclinations.

I want to commend the President for his commitment to clean the polity. There is also need for him to be systematic in the fight so that even after he leaves office, the structure in place would make it difficult for corruption to thrive as has always been the case. There have been complaints by members of the opposing party that the fight has been selective and only targeted at the PDP. The President must respond to this proactively by allowing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to truly work independently, based on facts and figures at their disposal. It does not matter the party the accused belongs to; anyone found wanting should be made to face the music. That is the only way the President can prove to all that "he belongs to all and to no one," On Biafra agitation Many of us who witnessed the pogrom that is the Nigerian civil war between 1967 and 1970 are yet to come to terms with the devastating effect that war could have in a society like ours. That is why it is imperative that we do not have a repeat of a civil war. God forbid. Mr President should therefore do the needful by releasing Mr. Nnamdi Kanu as a sign that he is ready to dialogue with his pro-Biafra group.

He must remember that it is the right of any group to peacefully seek for secession if they feel marginalized in their present abode. The use of force is never the right approach to quell such agitation. As the father of all, let him do the needful by addressing the issues that led to the agitation in the first place.

On Chibok girls It is good news that some of them are trickling in but among those found, some people are still doubting if these girls are among the over 200 girls we are talking about because not until there is proof that they really belong to this group of girls. Right now, I have not seen any parent or guardian that came out to claim that yes, the girl is his or her daughter.

On the cannonisation of Iwene Tansi The Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church which I and some of you belong to do not just wake up overnight and say they are canonizing people, I remember during the funeral of Saint John Paul, everyone in the arena was shouting that he should be made a saint but it is not possible to push Rome in that way. There are certain things which they will look out for and certain stages which must be followed. Beatification is just one of these stages, there are other first class three or four miracles that must be

After that, Sunday Mbang came in who was a Methodist and also a member of CCN. He made a bad decision by warming up to President Olusegun Obasanjo and since that time OBJ did not have respect for us (CAN) because we sold our birthright

performed and if these miracles are not seen, then it will be where it is. Beatification cannot happen. For example, Mother Teresa will be officially canonized by September 4 because all these stages have been fulfilled.

There are faithful who are looking at all these things, not that somebody will just wake up and say because it is Tansi due process should not be followed. All these stages should be followed and fulfilled. It is the first class miracle that is delaying it.

On the Holy Father's visit to Nigeria His Holiness do not just go out of the Vatican and start moving around as he likes. There was a time he visited Africa but there was information from the Pope’s advisers that Nigeria was not safe for him to visit and that is why he did not visit again. I think if the atmosphere is clear, the Pope will come.

On pro-Islam bill which has passed the second reading in the National Assembly The issue of OIC has been on ground since former military President Babangida enrolled Nigeria into that organisation and both Christian and Muslims gathered and met in Abuja.

I was the one in charge of the Christian group and the meeting was very stormy. It was not a new thing but what has been on ground for a long time and I think they only forced this regime to go for it and I do not think they are going to succeed.

They told us during that discussion that Nigeria is just there as an observer and we asked what it will take to be a permanent member and one of them got up and said our Minister of Petroleum, Education and Foreign Affairs must be Muslims and once these three Ministers are Muslims, what is left? When we shouted against the combination of Christian, Muslim and traditional religion in the school curriculum that there will be a special teacher that will teach the students these three religions, how can a Muslim teacher teach Christian religion or traditional religion? They denied which is the second check.

Now, they believe that the only way they can be successful about it is to come through the National Assembly. But if our own Christian Ministers will not speak against it, then the blame will be on their heads.

On most memorable years As you can see I am still alive and not dead yet. Well, my journey in life was not that smooth but so far so good. The beginning was fair. I was brought up in a Christian way which I am still keeping to by God’s grace and gradually we

believe in the fear of the Lord which my parents instilled in us firmly that once you believe in the fear of the Lord, everything will work out well and probably that is what keeps me going.

My memorable days, I think in my second year as a priest, I was shocked when I was asked to go to the war front. I ran to my bishop, the late Archbishop Aggrey, thinking he would ask me not to go and take someone else there but he replied that there are souls there and that is what I was trained for.

Another one that I still remember was the death of my mother. I knew how she had been to us and the family especially in keeping us in the right path.

Also when one of my juniors, Bishop Alaba Job, became bishop and I was his senior, I was shocked and I said will I be saying `My Lord' to him? You know, human nature is always there. Two weeks later, he came to meet me in the cathedral where I was assigned to work and I asked him 'how do I address you?' He said I should not worry about that and that in two weeks my own will come and, a few weeks later, I was nominated as the auxiliary bishop of Oyo where I was rejected by my own brother priests not to talk of the lay people but thank God it did not drag all long like the Ariara incident.

Later I was transferred back to Lagos and then ordained as Archbishop. The final one was when I was made a Cardinal.

I was in Okokomaiko when this gentleman said he had been looking for me for weeks that I had to report to Rome and I was surprised; `Rome for what?' He brought out two scrolls, one in Latin and the other in English language; after reading them he referred to me as `Your Eminence'.

On his successor, Archbishop Adewale Martins Lagos is a very difficult place to handle. I know what I went through in my 39 years in Lagos and I nurtured most of the priests. Archbishop Martins was born and bred in this diocese and when he was made a bishop, he left here for Abeokuta Diocese where he worked for 14 years. To me, I give him kudos because considering his age, I did not expect him to do most of the things he is doing now. He is the right man in the right place.

On Rev. Father Mbaka's claim that those who transferred him wanted him dead As a priest I was shocked when I heard that from his mouth. Nobody will take your life if God did not sanction it.

That he was wanted dead, who told him that? Were assassins sent after him or he was only imagining it or he saw it in a vision as he always says he always sees visions? These are highly contestable and as a priest what will he say about death? Why must he fear about death?

And that he was not happy about the transfer, why is he a priest? A priest should be ready to go anywhere. I was in the war front two years after my ordination as a priest. If he was not happy about his transfer, then there is something wrong about his priesthood. His priesthood should come to question.

On the present administration applauding former President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat in last year's elections.

The truth cannot be hidden. That President Buhari commended former President Goodluck Jonathan is an open confession. President Buhari has to be very careful because people are watching him and people are saying why can’t he take his inaugural speech, meditate on it and start afresh.

I think why the government is not getting it right is because of the ministerial list, various candidates from different quarters and he was trying to satisfy them and that is why we are in this mess today.

Reflections on CAN...

When we started this association, the CCN, CSN realized that there were other Christian groups who were not members and decided to bring them in. Gradually, other people that came in tried to disorganize us. I was there for eight years as CAN President and the others were not satisfied, they wanted to lead because they had hidden agenda, After that, Sunday Mbang came in who was a Methodist and also a member of CCN. He made a bad decision by warming up to President Olusegun Obasanjo and since that time OBJ did not have respect for us (CAN) because we sold our birthright.

During my tenure as CAN leader, any time we wanted to meet, we did not source for fund from government. We did it on our own. During the Kaduna riot, I and my Secretary had to sort out ourselves financially. But unfortunately when these gentlemen started coming in, they wanted to see the governor, President and money started rolling in. In this situation, what effect could they make?.

I know how Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor came in, they were all saying it was time for the Pentecostals to be the President of CAN and I replied that the leadership is not about turn by turn and that is why we are where we are today. In the last election, some people came to me and asked me to vote for them and I asked why should I vote for them. I am sorry to say this, what is happening there is a disgrace to Christianity.

On the Kaduna State religion regulation bill We are watching, these people are attempting to islamise this country but they are failing. They have been on it for a long time and God did not allow it to happen. El-Rufai has caused a lot of problems since he assumed office as Kaduna governor. He will just get up and take a decision without thinking about the repercussion. He said he did it in Federal

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‘Father Mbaka’s claim to priesthood questionable if ...’

Continued from page 11 Capital Territory and people only shouted but he had his way. He is always at loggerheads with Christians. There was a time he made a statement that Jesus Christ is just an ordinary human being like every other person, no divinity about him. He admitted that Jesus Christ is a prophet but not a great prophet while Prophet Muhammed is the greatest prophet. How can he be uttering these statements? Is it because of his position. He has to be checked.

The second person we have to check is Governor Amosun.

He and El-Rufai are very close to President Buhari. Anytime Mr. President is travelling, it is either Amosun or El-Rufai is there already or meet Buhari in such place. Why will El-Rufai destroy this country with religious statements. Does he know what is called war? El-Rufai must be watched, he does things without passing through the House of Assembly and the funny thing is that Buhari will never talk and that is wrong.

What kind of father is that? He's supposed to be the father of the nation.

In one of my comments, I said they want to destroy our youths so that they will not come up. Look at their own youths, majority of them are Almajiris begging left, right and centre.

On what the Christian community can do in the face of all challenges They should hold fast to their faith; even when they try to make them deny their God, deny their beliefs, they should hold fast to their faith. When I was the President of CAN, the Federal Government gave us N100 million to build a cathedral and also asked the Muslim to build such a thing in Abuja but I told my colleagues that we were not collecting the money but to show you the kind of people we have in Christendom, some of my colleagues said even if we did not want it, we could put it in the bank and when

they need their money back we give it to them and we keep the interest.

Christians should not be afraid but bold to confront challenges. There is a pastor that abused El-Rufai and he said he will die and they said he is not dead yet. I think that man should be checked and at least warned, he should remember that Nigeria is not his whole constituency and he should not be talking carelessly because he is in office, they are there today, tomorrow it will be somebody else.

As I said earlier, the real problem with the Buhari administration is that this one will bring his candidate notwithstanding if such person can perform or not, and another will bring his.

He should change three quarters of the ministers. They did not know where they are going, that is the problem.

Lai Muhammed challenged me on a write up that I wrote tagged ‘Enough is enough’. He came to my house one Sunday night with Chief Jim Nwobodo and said I should have asked for audience with the Head of State and he would have granted me such instead of writing such article. I asked him to tell me what was wrong with the article that I wrote and that if not for Alhaji Bola Tinubu, he will not be where he is now. He replied that he has been together with Tinubu right from his youthful days.

I know how Buhari came in. I warned Tinubu seriously when they were debating about Muslim, Muslim ticket. I told him, `Bola, I do not care if you produce two devils or Muslims provided the two Muslims are patriotic and fear God'. He said his main concern which was giving him sleepless night was to drive the PDP away and that he had got the solution. Tinubu asked me if I knew Buhari and I replied that was he not that man that did examination three times and failed? I said `Bola, he will fail again' but he replied that he will not fail because he had gone round

and that politics is a game of numbers. He said if Buhari was dying tomorrow and he went to the North to present him as candidate, he was sure to get over two million votes.

He was even boasting that Buhari had changed or that they will change him.

On how he feels at 80.

I am still strong though not as strong as before. I forget things easily probably because I overuse my head but this leg is causing me a lot of trouble.

On what he wants to be remembered for That the man called Okogie passed through this world and nothing less. I just want to fulfil the purpose God created me .

On President Buhari's failure to mention the names of treasury looters.

Buhari thinks he is diplomatic but he is not. Nigeria of 1916 is not Nigeria of 2016. They are dragging the people gradually to the wall and once they get there, there will be revolution. What kind of revolution? I cannot say but it will be bad if the revolution is from the youths. He should call a spade a spade, he passed the issue to Lai Muhammed and everybody is now calling them liars.

On some Catholic priests joining pro-Biafra agitation?

Why should I not be happy? They are free. The problem with our government is that they fear unnecessarily. What has that boy (Kanu) done? Why can't they sit back and think of how they can resolve the issue amicably and without involving soldiers here and there. Government should live up to their responsibilities to the masses. This present administration should revisit their inaugural speech and start afresh because they have not done anything at all.

SUNDAY NEWS EXTRA

Ambode, on 53rd birthday, mobilises against cancer A

ccording to reports, 30 Nigerian women die every day of breast cancer while one Nigerian woman dies every hour of cervical cancer. 14 Nigerian men die daily of prostrates cancer, while 1 Nigerian dies every hour of liver cancer and 1 Nigerian dies every two hours of colon cancer.

It has also been established that only one out of every five Nigerians with cancer survives, while in the case of blood cancer, only 1 out of 30 blood cancer patients survive.

As threatening and humongous the statistics on cancer in Nigeria are, early detection and treatment can drastically reduce the number of deaths provided there are adequate treatment centres in the country.

For instance, in 2014, available records showed that Nigerians spent about $200 million (USD) to treat cancer abroad and this was as a result of non-availability of a Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Centre in the country, and the amount spent on medical tourism with respect to treatment of cancer yearly can conveniently be deplored to provide three comprehensive centres at the cost of $63 million per one.

There are also no Mobile Cancer Centres in the country, which experts say can be provided at the cost of $600,000 per one.

It was against this backdrop that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, teamed up with the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) to dedicate his 53rd birthday, not only to raise awareness about the scourge, but to also raise funds for the provision of Mobile Cancer Centres to be deployed to states in the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The gesture, which was described as exemplary by dignitaries from all walks of life who thronged the Banquet Hall of the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, venue of the luncheon, also witnessed the instant commitment of eminent personalities to the big war against cancer.

More interesting and symbolic was the fact that the birthday of the Governor fell on a Tuesday and it was rightly tagged #GivingTuesdayLagos, a day introduced by the United Nations in 2012 to engender and celebrate philanthropy worldwide.

Speaking at the event, Ambode said he was a fulfilled man using his birthday to raise funds for humanity, and called on Nigerians to join hands together to wage war against the scourge.

The governor said though the target of CECP was to raise funds for provision of one Mobile Cancer Centre in each of the State of the federation, but that he would raise it to three for Lagos, which would be distributed to each of

•Gov. Ambode

The government cannot tackle it alone, hence the need for Nigerians to extend their philanthropy towards the scourge the three senatorial districts in the State, adding that the Centres would go a long way to save millions of Nigerians from preventable suffering and death.

Lamenting the rate at which the terminal disease has claimed thousands of lives in recent times, the Governor said it was unacceptable and therefore calls for concerted efforts from all and sundry. He said the war against cancer was one that the government cannot tackle it alone, hence the need for Nigerians to extend their philanthropy towards the scourge.

Ambode, who commended the CECP and philanthropists who donated towards the purchase of the first set of Mobile Cancer Centres, said that though the initial target was for one Centre in Lagos, having three centres in each of the senatorial districts in the State was a priority for him.

“The purpose of this Luncheon is to raise funds for One Mobile Cancer Centre for Lagos but I would like to challenge us all to not

only give towards the provision of one Mobile Cancer Center but towards the provision of three Mobile Cancer Centers, servicing each of the senatorial districts of Lagos; as the Centre of Excellence and Africa’s model City-State.

“This would help to save millions of Nigerians from preventable suffering and death. We can only achieve this goal with the generous support of all people of goodwill. Without these donations, the goal would not be reached and the opportunity to save lives would be lost,” he said.

He also expressed the readiness of his administration to mobilise philanthropists and Corporate Organisations towards establishing a comprehensive Cancer Centre in Lagos within the next three years, starting with making available a piece of land in any part of the State as well as facilitating speedy paper work.

The governor jokingly told the guests that that was the first time he would be celebrating his birthday and that he was ambushed by members of the CECP. On his part, Dr. Christopher Kolade, anchor of CECP-Nigeria, commended the governor for accepting the request that his birthday be dedicated towards raising funds to fight cancer as well as accepting to be the first Governor to be inducted as the State Patron of CECP. Earlier, in her opening remarks, a member of CECP and Publisher of Guardian Newspaper, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru commended Ambode for dedicating his first two birthdays in office as governor of the most economically viable state in Nigeria to the fight against cancer.

Lady Maiden, who lost her husband to cancer few years back, said the gesture by the governor was indeed commendable and urged all Nigerians to key into the quest to tackle the scourge headlong.

Also, Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, said he was happy to partner with Ambode to fight the scourge, adding that it was time for all to unite and address the issue once and for all. Ovia, who was at the forefront of the donation for the first ten units of Mobile Cancer Centres already ordered at the cost of N1 billion, said the development was a good day not just for Lagos, but for Nigeria.

After the speeches, the Lagos governor moved round the hall shaking all those in attendance and collecting their donations. At the end, on undisclosed amount was realized towards the purchase of Mobile Cancer Centres, which sources said may not be less than four.

Ambode was later decorated as the State Patron of CECP by the organisation’s Convener, Mrs. Adetutu Adeleke, making him the first State Governor to be so inducted in Nigeria

after President Muhammadu Buhari, who was inducted as Grand Patron, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was inducted as the National Patron.

Those who also participated in the fund raising luncheon include Group Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc., Mr. Peter Amangbo; and the Chairman of the Chagoury Group, the firm undertaking the Eko Atlantic Project, Mr. Gilbert Chagoury.

Others are a former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; President, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Dr. Michael Omolayole; Chief Adebutu Kessington; Chairman of Eleganza Group, Chief Rasaq Okoya; Justice George Oguntade; Mr. Gbenga Oyebode; Chairman, Editorial Board of the Nation Newspapers, Mr. Sam Omatseye; General Manager and Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, captains of industry, and members of Diplomatic Corps.

***Gov, pupils joyful as Ford Foundation rebuilds school in poor community

P

oor Odogunyan community erupted in excitement yesterday as locals and dignitaries watch the opening of six classrooms and toilets at the Farm Settlement Primary Schoollocated in rural suburb of Lagos. The world standard classrooms, equipped with modern furniture, borehole and toilets were conceived and built by the Ford Foundation under the group’s Good Neighborliness project.

The project also included the building of an extensive fence on the two acre vast land on which the school was built. The school has a population of 1000 pupils, from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds and by far the largest public primary school in the area. The pupils are from poor and vulnerable homes.

The primary was first built in 1978 specifically for wards of poor and rural parents who could hardly afford the benefit of modern primary schools. Even then, the learning conditions dwindled under the weight of years of authority neglect compounded later by dwindling fortunes of state resources. The Ford Foundation had asked the Journalists for Democratic Rights, (JODER) to supervise the project.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 13

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PAGE 14—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016

people

WIFE, MISTRESS, FEMALE FANS:

Darey Art Alade opens up

•Also speaks on his ties with Sowe oject Sowetto Gospel Choir Choir,, next big pr project

M

ulti-talented artiste, Darey Art Alade, is an interviewer’s delight; there is a connection when you meet him, which produces a sudden spark of affinity. In this interview, a collaboration between Sunday Vanguard and www.africainterviews.com, he speaks on a number of issues including his celebrity marriage, his collaboration with the Soweto Gospel Choir, Ciara, and his next big project. (You can visit africainterviews.com for more) What inspired the song Pray For Me? he inspiration for Pray For Me actually came from some personal experiences that P-Square had. While we were recording in the studio, producer, Oscar Heman–Ackah, told me the story of how P-Square wanted to leave home (Jos at the time), they had started dancing and doing covers but they wanted to leave home. They already saw their names in shining light, but their parents would have none of it . Their parents didn’t believe they would amount to anything, you know a parent’s worst fear – they look at entertainers as ne’er-do-wells. They had that struggle. They had to even break the sim cards of their phones, and they said to their dad, “Dad, we are leaving, this is where our heart is, and we can’t keep fooling ourselves.” That was the long and short of the story. I found their story very inspiring. Although the song is not as detailed as their story, it was their story that inspired the song and brought it to life.

Why the choice of the Soweto Gospel Choir and how was it like working with them?

Working with the Soweto Gospel Choir was in a bid to embrace Africa.

Working with a Nigerian Choir would not have given it a pan-African feel. I wanted a group that had personality, character and a name, so that we could join forces to create a symbolic sound.

The Soweto Gospel Choir came to mind and I got in touch with them through someone who had worked with them in the past. They wanted to hear the song, so I sent it and they loved it. Let’s not forget that they have won the Grammys and performed with the likes of Pharrell, Celine Dion, toured the world; working with them was brilliant, they have an ear for sound. Presently the song is on YouTube; it is almost like a documentary. We chronicled some of the studio sessions, it was a mixture of cultures; teaching them how to sing in Yoruba was interesting. They are really cool guys. It was a nice experience.

You talked about the Soweto Gospel Choir being cool guys, however, some entertainers in this part of the world, with a little success, usually develop ego as big as the World Wide Web. In your opinion, does this come with the terrain?

I don’t know really, I can only use myself as an example. I think it is important to have people who can

T

C M Y K

help you stay grounded. That is one key thing – when you don’t have yes men all around you, boosting your ego and telling you, you are God. For me, I never had any of those downsides. I have always had a strong family support, starting from as far back as my late mum to now, my wife and children being there and other members of the family; just always reminding you of who you are and where you come from. It is easy for the fame, the money, success to reinvent you and turn you into something else, someone that you are not. So, when you see those things happen, more often than not, they don’t have a strong background. Even if you have nothing, doesn’t mean you cannot come from good stock, it doesn’t mean that you cannot come from a place where you cannot be put in your place no matter how much money you have made.

Once you don’t have people who can tell you the truth about what you are doing, the situation you are in, it is easy to lose yourself. We can see that with many Nigerian stars today.

Why the choice of Ciara for this year’s Love Like A Movie?

She did fit the theme perfectly. It was a futuristic dance party. Ciara is a great dancer and performer. She was also available. All those elements helped with making Love Like A Movie 3 what it was.

Who should we expect for the next show?

Your guess is as good as mine. Time will tell…

But who do you want?

It depends on the theme, the vibe, what we want to create; those elements will determine who we want to bring.

What is the next big project you are working on?

I am already working on another album. Livespot has evolved into a company; we are doing production, digital media, entertainment, so it is one-stop shop that is expanding. I am doing more work for brands now, almost playing an ambassadorial role without being an ambassador. Also focusing on marriage, celebrating 10 years of marriage and the list goes on…

Do you have brothers who look like you and are single?

I have brothers, older brothers and they are single. We look alike but they are far away in the US. You have been married for about 10 years now, in your opinion, why do many celebrity marriages break up?

I have no idea why people are not able to get along or solve their

•Alade

They (female fans) are always there, you keep practicing that fine line that you don’t see. You keep them as friends and make sure they stay as friends problems privately. Marriage is a personal thing, you don’t get married for the world. You get married for the sake of each other. Getting married is one thing, staying married is another.

It takes work, perseverance, you have to be selfless, and you have to be tolerant. These are things they tell you from the beginning – you don’t realize how profound they are until you are in midstream and looking left and right for a lifebuoy to keep you afloat . But it is between both of you. Once you start to involve other people in your matter, then you might as well not be married anymore. It is just the grace of God, you just take things easy, and nobody is perfect. You being able to hide each other ’s imperfections is also what marriage is. You just have to be there for each other, so it is up to you really.

Being good looking, multi-talented and famous, have you been tempted to keep a mistress or stray like some men would do in your position?

Not at all.

How is that possible? Surely you get a lot of attention from female fans?

They (female fans) are always there, you keep practicing that fine line that you don’t see. You keep them as friends and make sure they stay as friends. When you start to give people a different role, then things can happen. Again, it is just the grace of God, just being able to stay focused and true to myself.

What advice would you give any celebrity contemplating marriage?

Your marriage is your marriage.

You are not getting married because of what the society thinks, or what your best friends think, you are not getting married because of what your girlfriends or your boyfriends think, or for your group or social clubs, or for your team of turn up guys. You are not getting married because of anybody. It is for you. It is between you and God, try to keep it that way.

Don’t put your family situation out there, don’t put too many personal experiences out there. Even away from marriage, it is not everywhere you go to that you take a selfie to show what you just bought or are doing, you need to understand the repercussions of many things. It is just like when you speak, you think about what you say before you say it, because it can be taken out of context. It could still be taken out of context regardless of how careful you are, or how well thought out your speech is. So it is very important to keep your private life private and pray for the grace to be able to share the right things. Ultimately, you have to realize that marriage is work in progress. There is no perfect marriage; no perfect solution or formula that gives you all the answers.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 15

Our gold mine can fetch Nigeria money — Olowolafe, 85

people

’What Buhari must hear about Change’

M

ama Taiye Olowolafe, 85, lives in Akure, Ondo State.

She makes suggestions to President Muhammadu Buhari which she says will be pleasing to her if implemented in her lifetime.

When Nigeria was crying for change, people were too apathetic to listen, but now, ‘Change’ is crying for Nigeria and Nigeria must wake to embrace it!

I read with mixed feelings the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhamadu Sanusi’s article on Why Nigeria is underdeveloped.

I feel very happy that at least there are some highly placed individuals like the Emir who have time for and feel concerned about the Nigerian situation; people who know where our shoes pinch and who also know what we can do to redress the situation.

As much as I am happy about the Emir’s piece, I feel worried that our Lawmakers may not even see the article due to the exigency of their duty talk less of passing the message to the President.

I want to agree with the Emir that we have all it takes to develop Nigeria and make her self-reliant.

China did not get to her present position in a day. She must have started by trials and errors. Let Nigeria too start this way for change.

I do not believe in failure. There is nothing like failure but there is something like mistake and we can always learn by our mistakes. It is when one does not try at all that one fails but if at the first attempt one fails, one must try again.

As I have pointed out earlier, we have all the resources needed to turn Nigeria around. We have land in abundance – fertile arable land suitable for Agriculture, we have manpower in quantum and we have money. Yes, we have money! I am tempted to say almost in excess. That may be an exaggerated view but we have money. Is all the billions stolen by just a few individual who found their ways in to public office not enough to create a city if well applied?

What we lack is the will, the ability and the courage to take a plunge. If we do not wake up and hold the bull by the horn to liberate Nigeria, Nigeria will remain as it is now – underdeveloped.

Following therefore are my humble suggestions to effect change for the better for Nigeria: i. Nigeria must reactivate her refineries and build some more by the Government building or by collaborating with private investors or by creating enabling environment for

private investment in the sector. We must stop relying on China and other foreign countries for refined products.

It must be noted that for the size and population of Nigeria there cannot be too many refineries. ii. We must reactivate or resuscitate our industries, particularly the Textile industries. Closely connected to rejuvenation of our industries is the need to do something about our power supply. This is because industries can hardly thrive where there is no power supply. iii. Importation of foreign goods that could otherwise be produced in Nigeria should be stopped or discouraged. This could be done by imposition of heavy tariffs and duties on importation of non-essential goods and goods that are being produced locally. iv. Exportation of raw materials that could be used to develop Nigerian industries is to be stopped. This should include the exportation of crude oil. v. Agriculture should be given its former place of pride. Farm settlements should be resuscitated to address unemployment and reduce crimes. If our boys who now resort to kidnapping are settled and gainfully engaged they may notthink of kidnapping people for money. vi. The President should use the Prisoners Exchange Program between Nigeria and China to recall Nigerians who are reported to be languishing in Chinese jails but whom China is exploiting to drive her economy by using them as human machines to produce what Nigerians and other nationals rush to China to get (See THIS DAY Publication of 17th March, 2016).

Nigerian government is to investigate the cases of these Nigerian prisoners in China to see those were not tried or given fair trial before they were lurked into jail and take necessary action on them. The real offenders who are in Chinese jail should be made to come back home to continue their jail terms and be made to work for Nigeria as they were doing for China while in Chinese jails. vii. Government to sponsor Nigerians to foreign countries notable for assembling of vehicles to learn how to assembly cars, trucks, motor cycles, etc so that we may start assembling them ourselves. viii. Nigerian educational system should be technical oriented so that our young graduates and school leavers may learn and know how to make and repair simple household gadgets. ix. After reactivation of our industries, the government should create an enabling environment for

Nigeria should please wake up and tap these resources which are wasting away underground when she needs them overland for her development the industries by creating market for them. For example, government must encourage the use of locally made cloths by the Police, the Army, NYSC and all such organizations to have their uniforms made of made in Nigeria cloths. x. From the mass of land that we have in Nigeria the government is advised to create a New Town – a city of hope for Nigerians abroad who want to come back home after their sojourn overseas and probably for

those who are repatriated.

The New Town to be made conducive to good living by having amenities such as electricity, water supply, schools, hospitals, shopping centres and markets.

Who says this cannot be possible or that we do not enough resources for such? Nigeria was not as buoyant as it is now when Abuja was conceived and built!

Let all the stolen monies that are being retrieved now be plunged into the project and I am sure there will be a great change for the better for Nigerians. We have solid minerals in abundance in the northern part of the country and also in commercial quantities in some southern states. I remember that as young girl my father used to be involved in gold mining activities in and around Ilesha, Osun State. I am sure the gold is still there! This can fetch Nigeria money. The government should establish or encourage the establishment of gold mining and stone polishing industries as necessary.

Nigeria should please wake up and tap these resources which are wasting away underground when she needs them overland for her development.

Nothing will please me more than seeing some of my suggestions being implemented in my lifetime as I am now in my 80s.

PAGE16—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016

people

I worked as bus conductor in Aba just to buy a pair of shoes

– Achigbu, Commonwealth Economic Commission chief

By Bilesanmi Olalekan

C

hibuike Achigbu, a Harvard Business School graduate, is the chief executive of Chimons Group of Companies. But the story behind his success story is what many budding entrepreneurs would not want to experience. He tells his story.“ You were recently appointed a member of the advisory board of the Commonwealth Economic and Investment Commission (CWEIC). What is it about and how did it come to you?

How did the appointment come about? I didn’t lobby for it. In fact, it would be an understatement to say it came to me as a surprise. “Sometime last year, I went for a programme in Malta. President Buhari and the Queen of England were there. I don’t know the parameter they used in selecting members for the board. I just got an email that I was needed by the management of the Commonwealth.

CWEIC has been in existence for quite a long time, but was reformed in 2014.“I was shocked, because that was my first time at the conference. I was quite concerned. I went all the same.

Then they started talking to me. They said they were impressed by what we do, my qualifications and all that. They said I had been selected to join the board. That was it. “What is CWEIC about? It was established in July 2014 with the support of the Commonwealth Secretariat and member-governments. It is a not-forprofit organisation with a mandate from Commonwealth Heads of Government to promote trade, investment across the 53-member countries. The CWEIC has a small secretariat based within the Commonwealth Secretariat office in London.“The purpose of the council is to promote trade and investment by facilitating engagement between government and the private sector within the Commonwealth. It is the apex organisation representing private sector businesses within the Commonwealth and it is the only institution with a remit to promote intra-Commonwealth trade and investment. The CWEIC is also responsible for organising the Commonwealth Business Forum alongside the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.“The same CWEIC appointed Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode as Vice President. How can Nigeria leverage the opportunities offered by CWEIC? What programmes are you likely to pursue especially in the area of advocacy to admit a large number of investors (potential C M Y K

and actual)?

If you watch. America, you see their President talking about market all the time. That is how countries develop. But in Nigeria, what you hear is crude oil, crude oil, crude oil. The minister of trade should be the most important minister because trade is what gives you favourable balance of payment.“The goal is to ensure that more Nigerians and organizations become key players in the Commonwealth region. We have to work hard to help them connect with the opportunities out there.“Eventually, we are going to set up an office in Nigeria so that we can begin to create awareness with a view to adding awareness to businesses in Nigeria; how they can access the market within the Commonwealth, whether you export goods/services.

What was growing up like ?

I was born into a poor background. Survival was no mean task. I had to do all manner of odd jobs to survive. In fact, I had to do bus conductor job in Aba to buy a pair of slippers. It was that tough.“But I had an uncle who was a principal. So, he was a role model to me. I saw his children eating good food and wearing nice clothes, so I wanted to be like them.

That served as my motivation. Not that you were envious or didn’t like them. I just wanted to be like them. When I finished school cert, and my father told me he didn’t have money to send me to a tertiary institution, that I should go and learn a trade, I told him no. I disobeyed him. Instead, I carried my certification and I was going from one big man to another soliciting for sponsorship. It was that bad, an 18-year-old boy. Then my cousin who was in the Customs heard about it and invited me over. That was how I went to a university.

String of bests in school....

I wasn’t that good in primary school. But in secondary (Ngwa High School Aba, Abia State 19771982) I scored 100 per cent in the first test we wrote.

The principal thought I cheated. He brought me before the assembly and said he suspected I cheated.

So, he decided to give me another test in the open field, before the entire students. In the assembly ground, he sat me down and said I must write another test. He got the teacher to set fresh questions. After an hour, the paper was marked and I got 100 per cent. The school erupted. So, from that day, everybody started coming to me to help them solve problems. Therefore, I knew I had to be ahead of the pack at every point in time, because once they come with any problem, you must be able to solve it.

I gave my studies full time, especially maths. During holidays, I would solve the whole maths in the textbook. So, in class, anytime my teacher ran into trouble, I would correct him. And you won’t believe it, there was a particular question I couldn’t solve in one week, but an angel solved it in my dream. Then a voice told me in my sleep, ‘you’d forget it in the morning, get up and write it down.’ I did. The next morning, I said yes, something happened in the night. I went to check and behold, I saw where I wrote it. I screamed. Trust me, I carried it to the class the next day and moved from Class 5A to E. I set the question and said whoever solved the question would get a present from me. But nobody was able to get it. That actually helped me in secondary school. I passed out as the best student in science. By the time the time I got into the university, the confidence was there.

Tertiary“I was a pioneer student at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) where I read petroleum/petrochemical engineering

*Chibuike Achigbu

I wasn’t that good in primary school. But in secondary (Ngwa High School Aba, Abia State 1977-1982) I scored 100 per cent in the first test we wrote.

The principal thought I cheated technology. I graduated in 1988 winning the best department award and as the best overall student in petroleum engineering. Although I made first class, the school management said the school was too young and so nobody should be given.

I have never read like that in my life.

FUTO was tough. I did my masters in public administration (political economy) at UNILAG. In 2009, I went Harvard Business School, Boston, USA for a three-year program in entrepreneurship and leadership. In 2011, I was awarded a postgraduate certificate in business strategy and leadership development.

Career “I did my NYSC in Mobil.

As a young graduate, I went to work everyday in helicopter. They would pick us from where we lived in the bush, drop us at the off platform.

Imagine a 24-year-old in a place with dolphin and fishes as companions.

And if it was raining, I would hold one of the pipes to keep warm. I would remain there till the helicopter came for me at 5pm.

Foray into business “I always wanted to go back to my profession, hence I set up my first company, Chimons Limited, a gas refilling plant in 1994. I managed the bid team that won the first ever contract for the successful lifting of LPG from NLNG into the domestic market. The NLNG picked my organization as one of the first six off-takers. Since 2006 when we came on board, market has stabilized.

In collaboration with other stakeholders, we have moved from 40,000 metric tonnes LPG

consumption in 2007 to 400,000 metric tonnes. By the end of this year, we would be doing 500,000 tonnes. Above all, we are doing our terminal in Delta State, which would be ready next year.

How did you raise you take off capital?

I raised fund selling football boots..

I had a brother in Russia in the era of Perestroika who used to send football boots to me every week. Every Monday I would go to the airport, picked them and race to the National Stadium, Surulere to sell. Because I was honest and remitting his money, he was encouraged to the extent that he got other friends to patronize me.

There was a man at the stadium that was always around to clear the consignment.“From boots, I went on to selling wristwatches, chandeliers, earrings, etc.“Within two-three years, I was able to save some money. So, I started thinking of what kind of business to go into. I know what I wasn’t going into. I wasn’t prepared to be like the regular Idumota trader. I decided to go into something along the line of my training.“I decided to go into LPG business. My first tank was a fairly used one. I went to Germany to buy it. In my search, I met a man who advised me to go for it, instead of the more expensive brand-new. That was in 1992. He gave me the tank for next to nothing. It was like a dash. We started business in 1994. The only money spent was for shipment and transportation. I am still using that tank today.“I knew the business wouldn’t last forever, so I started thinking of the next move. From one refilling plant, I moved on to become a key stakeholder in the oil and gas industry. By 2007, we expanded, and that gave us the voice to become a key stakeholder in the oil and gas industry. So when NLNG began domestic sale of LPG, my company was one of the six that won the right.“We have also moved into construction now. Our sister company is doing road construction in the Niger Delta. As a businessman, when you see an opportunity, you move in. It is very important to diversify and consolidate.“

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016 — PAGE 17

BEYOND POLITICS

people

Toyin Saraki, Zahra Buhari collaborate to save lives

To many it came as a surprise. But to those who have followed their histories, Toyin, wife of Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and Zahra, fifth daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari, have both been true to the virtues of good upbringing that continues to shape lives and sharpen their focus on the need to help the underprivileged. Therefore, when penultimate week Nigeianhive.com broke the news of the collaborative engagement of Toyin and Zahra, it needed further •Medical doctors battling to patch-up little Musa while Zahra looks on. interrogation and exposition. This report will show why, even in the midst of the potentially combustible highwire politics of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Musa whose mutilation was conAPC, especially the chasm between President Buhari and Senator Saraki - created sidered near first degree. as a result of the latter’s defiant emergence as President of the Senate - there is a Sunday Vanguard has been beacon of hope for Nigeria as the two ladies break the barriers of politics to continmade to understand that the 18 ue their work in charity. month-old little Musa is responding not too badly to treatment.

In the midst of the politicking beBy Jide Ajani tween the husband of the one and the father of the other, wife and ERHAPS, the relationship, daughter are moving on with selfwhich predated the emergence less service to humanity. of the All Progressives Congress, More, following the acclaimed APC, as the ruling party, was never launch of the ‘Every Breath expected to run into any storm as Counts’ pneumonia advocacy camZahra, President Muhammadu Bupaign during the African Union hari’s fifth daughter, always referred Summit in Addis Ababa in Januto Toyin, Senate President Bukola ary 2016, the Wellbeing FoundaSaraki’s wife, as aunty. tion Africa, led by Toyin Saraki, and For those close to the two families, the Bill and Melinda Gates Founit may not be out of place to assume, dation (Nigeria Office), have met at first contact, that a soon-to-be •Zahra (r) with Musa’s mother. to explore potential areas of col52year-old Toyin Saraki, has filial laboration and synergy, especially relationship with Zahra Buhari. around the involvement of H.E. Though, for security reasons, the Mrs Aisha Buhari – Wife of the location of the boy is being kept sePresident of the Federal Republic cret, it was Toyin and Zahra, accordof Nigeria - and Toyin Saraki, in ing to the Nigerianhive, the online the areas of reproductive, mater•Toyin in a compassionate hug with publication that broke the story, who nal, newborn, child and adolescent Musa’s mum It was also never received Musa. health (RMNCAH).

Little Musa had been flown into intended to go beyond Meeting with the Gates FoundaChild campaign. Toyin is on the Abuja from Kano. tion Nigeria team, led by Dr Mairo the operating theater board of the Global Foundation for Because of their mutual concern Mandara; as well as the Special where doctors battled the Elimination of Domestic Violence for the less privileged, Toyin and Adviser to the Wife of the Presiand the board of the Africa Justice to patch-up little Musa Zahra, who had heard about the dent, Dr. Mohammed Kamal, the Foundation. She is also the Newborn very disturbing and pathetic story whose mutilation was leadership of the Wellbeing FounChampion for Save The Children of the mutilation of little Musa could dation Africa provided an overview considered near first Nigeria and was the inaugural Glonot but choose to offer help. of the Foundation’s work and exbal Goodwill Ambassador to the In- degree.... Coming from This would not be the first time pressed that effective solutions to ternational Confederation of Mid- Toyin Saraki and Zahra both ladies are lending a helping maternal and child health challengwives in 2014. hand to the less privileged. es are needed to strengthen acBuhari, this multiZahra, on her part, easily disenToyin Saraki, a lawyer and as countability and save lives in Nitangles herself from the accoutre- pronged need to save Founder-President of Wellbeing geria. At that meeting Toyin Saraments of presidential comfort to min- lives and serve Foundation Africa (WBFA), is a phiki further stated, “From statistical gle with the less privileged. lanthropist with two decades of adhumanity is beyond analysis, it is clear that in healthThe 22-year old Zahra has demonvocacy covering maternal, newborn care, data facilitates accountabilipolitics strated to many of the children of the and child health, gender-based disty. Without data, accountability is rich that the essence of richness is to crimination and violence, improving hindered. Without accountability, spread joy and help humanity. education, socio-economic empowprogress in maternal and child In what many still consider a claserment and community livelihoods health is stalled.” Through collabsical act of humaneness, sometime gone beyond the walls of the camp in Africa. She is an advocate of Milorative efforts, both parties aim to last year, Zahra commissioned a new but for social media. lenium Development Goals 4 and expand the coverage of high-imlibrary for the ACE Charity camp 5 in Nigeria, reducing the rate of The photograph of Zahra in the pact interventions; further devel– an abode for the less privileged maternal and infant mortality. She midst of the less privileged children op innovative tools and technoloThe children, overwhelmed by joy on Tweeter quickly dominated the also launched a successful social megies; and improve the quality of to have a high profile Nigerian in social media sphere. dia campaign through Wellbeing reproductive, maternal, newborn, their midst, responded in kind by Foundation Africa in 2012 called Today, the bonds of friendship, child and adolescent health care making her cute cards to wish her a humility and a shared value to help #MaternalMonday, to raise awareservices provided in Nigeria – happy day. ness on key issues in maternal, newis what is driving Toyin and Zahra. from the grassroots to the urban Because of her humility - despite born and child health in Africa.

But the story of little Musa was centers. her stunning beauty - many Nigeri- never meant to become a media cirShe contributed largely to the esComing from Toyin Saraki and ans did not get to know about her cus – and it is still not. tablishment of the Lifestream CharZahra Buhari, this multi-pronged many charity engagements. ity in 1993 and is a global advocate It was also never intended to go need to save lives and serve huIn fact, what she did at the Ace beyond the operating theater where of the UN’s Every Woman Every manity is beyond politics.

Charity Camp may never have doctors battled to patch-up little •To be continued

P

C M Y K

PAGE 18—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016

By Benjamin Njoku

njokujamin@yahoo.com

Girlfriend nearly stopped me from marrying my wife

—Ugezu, Nollywood actor N

ollywood director cum actor, Ugezu Jideofor Ugezu, aka Mr Surplus, is more known as a grandmaster in the occult world as portrayed in his movies. But besides his make-believe roles in movies, he's the best thing that ever happened to his wife, Peace. In their 10 years of marriage, the couple have come to understand that they cannot live without each other. In this encounter, Ugezu reveals how he would have married his ex-girlfriend if she didn't travel outside the country, just as the wife explains why she fell in love with him.

How we met I met her in my village, Aguleri, Anambra State. She's a sister to my elder brother's wife. She was always visiting our village whenever she was on holidays. She was a student at University of Nigeria, Nsukka then. I saw her and developed interest in her.

Love at first sight I don't want to identify myself with this thing they call love, because 'love ' is a word that has a lot of complexities. But you will know when you see a woman that you can spend the rest of your life with. Love is a thing that evolves with time.

What convinced me I had been observing her for some time before I finally made up my mind to marry her. She was surprised when I proposed to her because she wasn't expecting it. Each time I came home from Lagos, she would come around and I was always observing her behaviour.

Dating I didn't date her. We exchanged telephone numbers and began to talk on phone. But there was nothing like intimate relationship between us. That was why she was surprised when I told her I was going to marry her. I didn't give her the impression that I was going to spend the rest of my life with her.

Don't believe in relationship Before I met her, I was into a lot of relationships. I had a girlfriend in Zaria. I was planning to marry her before she won visa lottery and relocated to America. I lost contact with her and that was what prevented me from marrying her. I was in a relationship and I was thinking of settling down with her before she travelled out of the country.

Finding a wife in Nollywood If I was not married before now, I would have definitely married an actress. But the issue is that I was already thinking of settling down before I was invited by one of the foremost directors, Mac Collins Chidubem, aka China, to come and write a screenplay for him. After writing that script, I never went back to my car dealing business in Lagos. I didn't plan to be part of Nollywood from the outset.

Sex before marriage If I had the opportunity, why not? Am I not a man? I am not a monk. However, the opportunity didn't present itself, but eventually, it happened.

Fear of losing him to Nollywood

•Ugezu

actresses Definitely, she will entertain fear of losing her husband to other women. But you will always tell that there is a great different between appearance and reality.

In the course of our job, most of these actresses see us as being part of them.

Sometimes, an A-list actress would call me on the telephone when I am with her, and she would engage me in all kinds of discussions. My wife would be listening to our discussion. But it doesn't change the fact that she is still the wife. And she knows that no matter what happens, I belong to her.

I don’t watch my husband’s movies because I am jealous — Peace How I met him met him in their house. One of my sisters is married to his brother. So, I used to visit their house most. In the process, we started talking and the rest is history. “I was not surprised when he approached me because I had known him for a long time. We were friends until he disclosed his intention to me.

His financial status At the time he met me, he was comfortable. And I wasn't complaining.

Dating We dated for a year before he proposed to me. He met me in 2005 and we married in 2006.

How he proposed to me He didn't really propose to me. He came to our house one day and told my parents that he wanted to marry me. We didn't

I

discuss it, even though I knew that our relationship wasn't ordinary. However, if he didn't propose to me after dating me, I would still be happy for him. Though it would have hurt, I would have moved on with my life.

Would I have married him as a poor man?

Of course, I would have married him.

Right from time, I like huge men. So, I just like him the way he is, and it's not about anything. ““What has changed about him?“We are improving now, but nothing has really changed. It's just that before we got married, he was always staying on his own. He didn't like talking too much, and, most times, he would be busy with his cell-phone or typing on his computer. But these days, he has really changed. He would come back from a

movie set and start recounting his experience to me. It wasn't so at the early stage of our marriage. Then I was always feeling bored staying in the house.

What keeps my marriage going?

The grace of God is what has kept my marriage going.

My husband cheating on me Every woman would feel that her partner who is in the business of meeting different women on a daily basis would cheat on her. But since that's his profession, there is nothing I can do about it.

How often he takes me out He's not that kind of man. He prefers to hangout alone, while he gives me money to go out and catch fun with my kids. I don't have a problem with that. Once he gives me money, I'm off with my kids. But once in a blue moon, he'd take me out.

Avoiding divorce Everything depends on the woman.

There are things you can overlook just to make your marriage succeed. But if you don't want to overlook certain things, that is when problem begins.

Precious gift from him

He bought me a car. Honestly, I don't need anything more than being happy with my man. If I'm happy, I don't need anything from anybody.

What can come between us Absolutely, nothing can come between us. I don't get close to his phones. I'm just okay with him. There is nothing I cannot do for him. I can donate one of my kidneys to save his life if there is need for me to do so. That's the extent I can go for him in marriage.

How I describe my husband He's the best gift that God has ever given to me. Besides being a good husband, he's also a good father to his kids.

Watching my husband's films don't watch Nigerian films. I prefer watching Telemundo to our local films.

This is because I don't want anything that will make me jealous or give me sleepless nights. Sometimes, my husband would come home and start showing me some things on his laptop, and I would not show interest in watching those things because I don't want anything to come between my husband and I.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 19

Another entertainer living with kidney disease reveals effect of OJB’s death V

ETERAN broadcaster and host of music talk show ‘The Gist’ on HipTV, Emma Ugolee, who has been living with kidney disease for the past four years has revealed how the death of late music maker, OJB Jezreel affected him and narrated how his friends and associates were concerned over his health status.

According to him, on hearing that OJB has passed on, his friends concern for his health grew and it gave rise to many of them putting calls through to make sure he was okay.

“Too many phone calls yesterday with everyone just checking to see how I was doing”, he wrote on his Facebook page, day after news of OJB’s death broke.

“It all made sense when news filtered in that OJB had just died from a disease I have battled with for over four years. The general concern being the psychologic impact of being reminded of the likelihood of one’s demise, thanks to the unpredictable and deadly nature of living without a functional kidney” he wrote solemnly The acclaimed ‘king of talk shows’ assured his friends he is well aware of his condition and went into an almost poetic repertoire that he is not fazed by the condition, citing examples of great people who have risen above their conditions and environments. “ The fact that a pattern surrounds you does not mean your future has been moulded by it.

Now it was time to return the calls and assure every single one that the unfortunate event is no reason to lose faith. It’s no proof that I must toe a similar line. That I am not holier than any whose journeys have ended and thus wise enough to understand that logic does not explain the sustaining power of grace”, he advised.

P

OP singer Seun Oni and ‘Boogie Down’ crooner, known simply as Saeon has thrown another shade at Wizkid after the collabo charges saga. Saeon on a red carpet at an event which was posted on Instagram was asked what she would choose between Wizkid and five million naira. The singer brusquely said Wizkid cannot handle her and wished the money could be raised a little.

“Wizkid cannot handle me, but up the price a little. I like my men to be tall. I like to climb, I like to run and climb” she says.

Of course it is a known fact that Wizkid and Saeon aren’t exactly chummy chummy.

Recall the singer once made public that Wizkid charged her N1.5M for a collaboration which did little to help her career.

•Saeon

•Emma Ugolee

Most actors live beyond their means — Folorunsho Adeola

By KEHINDE AJOSE

B

DATING: Wizkid cannot handle me, says Saeon

eing an actress isn’t just about the glamour and the fame, sometimes actresses pay huge price to make it to the big screen. Folorunsho Adeola Arikegold is a beautiful budding actress who has been able to make a mark in the Yoruba arm of Nollywood. In a chat with Potpourri, the stunning screen diva reveals the challenges of being an actress.

“The challenges most actors face is that sometimes we tend to live beyond our means to keep our image. I take all the challenges as a lesson .When you are undergoing training as an actress you face challenges, but it depends on your level of desire and how far you want to go. Sometimes, if you going for a job and the production manager tells you that you have 10 or 15 scenes to shoot, as a lady you have to invest in new clothes because you can’t •Folorunsho Adeola be repeating clothes on set.”

D’banj spotted at MTN office again

By TOFARATI IGE

F

amed popstar, Dapo ‘D’banj’ Oyebanji has been spotted again at telecommunications company, MTN’s office.

It should be recalled that Vanguard had exclusively reported in May that the ‘Suddenly’ singer was spotted at MTN’s Ikoyi, Lagos office, and he also had a meeting with the telco’s executives.

His second visit to the office has of course generated a flurry of rumours, with many saying that a big question mark hangs over his endorsement deal with Glo.Or could D’banj, like Saka, be about to port?

PAGE 20— SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016 O 6 ko 8 nyi@ cg om .lai

Evia Simon

Native Media unveils Zone 222

turns seductress in new movie with her sexy butt

By KEHINDE AJOSE

N

E

VIA Simon has made a name for herself in the movie industry, as much for talent as her legendary humongous butt which has won her popular acclaim from many quarters. She is exactly in the butt category what Cossy Orjiakor is in the boobs department. In most of her films she flaunts her butt to good effect the way Cossy takes her boobs to town.

In the new film titled “Shandy’s Diary’ Evia as Shandy is a hotel housekeeper who goes around seducing men to have sex with her at a price. Her usual trick in the movie is to walk into a room while the lodger is

•Evia Simon

in the room as well and pretends to be going around her job of housekeeping. In this regard, she uses her sexy, curvy butt to good effect by climbing on the bed while cleaning, giving the lodger a lavish view of her backside which threatens and fights the fabric from which her

I don’t think I can ever be satisfied...

— Chinonso Young

By KEHINDE AJOSE

skirt was made.

Evia indeed got many entries in her diary using sex as a weapon and her big, sexy butt as the bait. The film is a short film which lasts less than thirty minutes. She is a perfect fit for the role, and her butt succinctly comes to the rescue. “ I find their reaction annoying sometimes and embarrassing. Some even go as far as screaming and they let me know I am the reason they are screaming. Some go out of their ways to do the craziest things”she once said of her butt.

ative Media has unveiled the latest project from its stable, titled Zone 222, a comedy series that chronicles the adventures and youthful exuberance of five male university students and their two female friends all with different personalities and interests. The story focuses on the path of each student to success and how their unique approaches to life and school issues produce similar results. This carefully and creatively produced series was shot on the campus of one of Africa’s most prestigious universities, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and has the potential of capturing audience attention.

The comedy series is packed with rib-cracking humour, educating the youth on the culture of diligence. The The major actors are Kunle Bamtefa, Anthony Igwe, Patrick Diabuah, Papa Sam, Tomiwa Kukoyi and others Native Media is known to be the initiators of highly successful movie productions like The Johnsons, Hotel Majestic and the recently Hush.

T

he beautiful Chinonso Young may not yet be a household name in the movie industry, but she is already gaining wide acclaim for her stellar role interpretations. The Lekki Wives star whose first shot in acting was a stage play called A Voice for Ella reveals to Potpourri, the impact Lekki Wives has made in her career.

“Starring in Lekki Wives was interesting. Lekki Wives hasn’t just given me attention but sometime unnecessary attention which is inevitable in this industry.

I pay attention to the good part of the attention; the positive comment makes me know that I am doing something right. I don’t think I can ever be satisfied with how far I have come in the industry.I feel like I am just scratching the surface I haven’t even broken through. I am merely just scratching the surface. I am content but I am not satisfied .The most important thing is that I am growing and evolving.”

Chinonso Young

•Zone 222

MC Galaxy, Oritsefemi have become too proud - The Young Pioneers

BY ROTIMI AGBANA

T

EENAGE singing trio, Young Chizzy, Wendy and K-dawg, a.k.a The Young Pioneers (TYP) have accused Sekem crooner, MC Galaxy and double wahala hit-maker, Oritsefemi of biting the fingers that once fed them. The teenage music group which is set to drop its new single proud Nigerian alleged that MC Galaxy has become a proud and arrogant person because he is now a celebrity.

In a recent chat with Potpourri, the music group condemned artistes who neglect people who have once helped them, when they become celebrities. “MC Galaxy has become proud now that he is a celebrity. This is someone that we

used to hang out together a lot before. When we won a flat screen TV at a music competition in 2013, we decided to give it to him because we saw him as a senior colleague and we had no need for it at that time. Immediately our manager called him to come and pick the TV, he quickly jumped on a taxi and rushed down to pick it up, expressing so much happiness that the gift was timely”. Oritsefemi was not left out of the accusation, “when Oritse Femi’s father died, we donated N30,000, a carton of Black label and two bottles of Hennessey. On our way to the venue of the burial he was even the one calling intermittently to give us directions on how to get there. But now, he has abandoned us”.

The Young Pioneers

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 21

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COMMON SEXU AL PR OBLEMS AND THEIR NO VEL T Y BASED SOL UTIONS (AD VER TORIAL) SEXUAL PROBLEMS NOVEL VELT SOLUTIONS (ADVER VERT For a long time now, whenever I ejaculate, the semen that comes out is small. I don’t know if this is the reason my wife and I are unable to get pregnant – Shehu Shehu only a fertility test can reveal the specific cause of infertility. Semen volume can be increased of course with supplements like Max Load or Volume Pills but the quantity of semen a man ejaculates has nothing to do with its quality.

So put your mind at ease by getting tested with your wife.

Supplements like Fertil Aid and Motility Boost also help increase one’s chances of pregnancy – Uche My erection is not strong. I am 39 and I can’t have longer sex and I suffer from early ejaculation. Is there a relationship between longer sex and early ejaculation? I need help - Ademola Ademola I take it that you meant to ask whether there is a connection between weak erection and premature ejaculation and the answer is no. Weak erection occurs as a result of limited supply of blood to the erectile tissues of the penis. Its causes include ailments like heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, multiple sclerosis, alcohol intake, tobacco and prostrate problems amongst many others. Aging is also a main cause of erectile dysfunction.

But don’t be too worried just yet.

Experiencing weak erection once in a while at your age is no cause for alarm.

Natural aphrodisiacs or herbal

supplements Like Libimax Plus and Libigrow can help you regain full sexual function which includes firmer erections, prolonged action, stamina, quick recovery time and even penis enlargement.

One capsule of any of these supplements works for days.

The causes of premature ejaculation are totally different ranging from anxiety, guilt and depression to hereditary, masturbation and sex with new partners. Penis Sleevesand delay ointments like Stay Hard combine very well with the above supplements to give solid sexual ability and performance– Uche Do you have Sex Accelerator Gel for women? I bought it from you last year and it remains my favourite Orgasm Gel. Also, can I get a good rabbit vibrator from you? Thanks – Ifeyinwa Yes we have Sex Accelerator Gel. For the rabbit vibrators, ask for Elegante Vibrator by Elan or the Ovo K5 Rabbit.

They are both very good – Uche Do you have movies on sex positions; I mean serious stuff and not the ones showing missionary position? Solomon Yes we do. Call and ask for Kamasutra Sex Positions or Adam & Eve’s Legendary Sex Positions – Uche I experience vaginal dryness and because of this I don’t enjoy sex. It is usually painful. I hear you can help.

Please what do I do? Thanks – Modupe Vaginal dryness has many causes, some of which are inadequate sexual stimulation

before intercourse, certain medications that contain antihistamines and menopause in older women. In any case, a common cure for it is the use of Lubricants. Look for theColt Slick Lubricant.

Apply it on the vagina before intercourse and it will get rid of the dryness and pain – Uche I am interested in penis enlargement and I hear that the slow working ones are the best. Please which brand will you recommend?

Thanks – Chijoke VigRx Plusand Vimax are tops so any one you use is fine.

Be sure to combine them with a Penis Pump as well for maximum growth. You can get up to 4 inches when you combine them– Uche I will like to know if you have any oral sex gel for men. My wife likes oneDickalicious Gel like that and only gives me oral sex if she uses it – Frank Yes I know it. It is a mild arousal gel. Call the numbers below to get it – Uche That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for privacy.

Adults in need of the above novelties and treatments can call us on 07086754515 or 08171912551 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com.

We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media .

P AGE 22— SUND AY Vanguard , JUNE 19 , 2016 SUNDA

Your friend needs not find out what you did with her man!

C

OPING with the break up of a relationship you thought would last for ever, especially if you’re the one dumped, could be a living nightmare.

Linda, a marketing executive in her early 30s suddenly found herself at a loose end after Linus, her boyfriend of 18 months walked out on her. Two months after, what she termed nothing short of a miracle happened. “It started at a musical concert of all places”, she told me, a lot of sparkle in her eyes. “I’d gone to drown my sorrow instead of watching TV and feeling sorry for myself. I went to the concert with Babs, my best friend’s boyfriend. I’d planned to go with Buky, my friend, but she was busy and had urged Babs to go without her, and take me instead.

“It was a lively but private concert and different types of booze and canape flowed. Babs, wasn’t feeling on top of the world either, and I let it slip how being dumped made me feel inadequate and unsexy. I mean, if I’d repulsed my own boyfriend enough for him to dump me that unceremoniously, would any man desire me again? `Well, that’s exactly how Buky made me feel,’ agreed Babs. I felt a bit sorry for him. Buky had told me a bit about their sex life. She was bored with him. He didn’t excite her in bed any more, she said, and she was getting ready to dump him.

She hated how soppy and devoted he was, but could I tell him all that? We continued drinking as we talked about our hurt feelings, our rubbish sex

lives. Then a lively number came up and Babs asked me to dance.

“As he held me in his arms, I felt a light jolt. It was like all that sexual frustration had sparked and become something else. Lust! Without speaking, he ran his hands all over my back and was grabbing my bum at one stage. My hand accidentally brushed against his groin and his response was instant! How could Buky be such a fool? She had what I didn’t, a sexy man who wanted her. Well, if she didn’t want him, I did!

“We kissed on the dance floor because the music was very romantic - all around us, lovers were doing the same thing. As the tension built up inside us, Babs asked if we could go to my place. I instantly agreed. For the first time in weeks, I didn’t feel lonely or worthless. My sex life with my ex had become so boring before we’d split. And afterwards, that fact had haunted me. Had he found me unattractive? Had he made love to me out of pity?

“Suddenly, I had to prove I was still sexy, still able to excite a man. And here was Babs, already aroused and rearing to go. It was a miracle he got us home safety as his hand was all over me while he manoeuvred the car with only one hand! We were like love-starved animals.

As soon as the door to my flat was shut, we hurriedly undressed each other and hit the bed. If we were being bad, I thought wickedly, we might as well be really bad! The sex was what I expected - and more. We later went into the shower and

romped some more. Much later, now a bit sober, Babs looked really contrite. ‘We shouldn’t have done that, Linda’, he said seriously, ‘it was a terrible mistake.’ I felt awful. It was bad enough for me to betray my friend out of spite. But Babs still loved her and they still lived together; it wasn’t like I wanted a relationship with him. I’d simply used him to boost my self-confidence, ‘I won’t tell her’ I assured him and he looked relieved. Did he think I would be panting after him and demanding sex after a onenight shag?

“After he left, I felt elated - the

delicious glow of satisfaction and elation tingle through my whole body. The sex had been wonderful and once again; I’d felt like a desirable woman.

What I had done to my best friend barely mattered. I wasn’t worthless or unlovable after all - and I knew Babs would be feeling the same reassurance as me. That night’s passion had simply proved just how sexy we both really are ... “ I didn’t know what to make of Linda’s ‘triumph’. What’s with these young women anyway?

They take their pleasure wherever and with whoever takes their fancy. Marriage? If

it comes up, fine, if it doesn’t they could always find the perfect ‘father of my child’.

Would she bed Babs again if the opportunity rears its head?”

‘No way,’ she assured. `That fling had served its purpose and now I’m once again able to find my own man - all 1 needed was that “little leg- up from Babs”.

Not long after Linda’s outburst, three young ladies came to a friend’s house for a natter and one of them confessed to being broody.

“Then get married and start having the kids you want,” I urged her, “Aunty look at you!

Do I have to get married to have kids? My problem is to decide who of the two men in my life fathers my child. One is very cerebral and kind while the other one is a live- wire, more of a cad really. His dad is rich and he spends the money. Should I get pregnant for him or for the cerebral one who could give me a child that could be a genius?

“It’s not as if the other chap is not smart, but he hasn’t tested his brain after his first degree, which he barely scaled through.

He could give me a brilliant child too - and his dad’s wealth would mean my child would be properly looked after. But what if he turns out to be irresponsible? Means I have to raise the kid all by myself ... “ I didn’t say a word because she didn’t ask for my advice. She was merely bragging, letting us know she’s had her life mapped out with or without marriage.

It’s a bit scary but there are loads of her type around these days ....

08052201867(Text Only)

The Chair THE CHAIR ECHNIQUE: Standing with the feet about a foot and half apart. Keep the hands stretched out at shoulder level. Gradually lower the body as you bend the knees, first, in a flat-footed manner. As you descend some more it will be impossible to remain flat-footed. At this juncture get onto the balls of your feet and get the buttocks in contact with the heels. Stay down on the heels for a slow count to ten and then start getting up rather slowly and on tip-toe till the knees are straight.

Remain standing up on your toes with the hands still at shoulder level for another slow count to ten.

Then drop the heels down.

And start again on the way down and then up slowly again on your toes till you are upright for ten counts.

T

Drop the heels and relax.

BENEFITS: The chair tones up the muscles of the legs. It knocks off stiffness in the knees and ankles. It also aids in maintaining a more upright posture.

•The Chair

Yoga Classes STARTED Physical Therapy Centre

•The Chair

@ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

10.00am — 11.00am on Saturdays

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 23

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk 08056180152, SMS only

When the only reason you stay with a drunk is the money

O

la, Dupe's husband, no w rich - beyond their wildest dreams, has alcohol as his albatross.

She doesn't always know what type of rabbit he'll pull out of his full magic hat of embarrassments when he's drunk. The last I witnessed was early this year when the family had a belated New Year party. As the guests left, well fed and merrily t i p s y, O l a a s k e d h i s house guests and a couple of us to finish things off at a night club near the house. I would rather have preferred to go home and sleep off a throbbing headache, but Dupe's pleading eyes made me shrug and I left with the group. Ola was a bit tanked up by now.

His speech was slurred but the problem with him is that he doesn't know when he's had enough booze.

At the night club, he wasn't drinking his beer, he just tilted his head and drained the stuff.

What was the enjoyment in that except to really get drunk? By the time we left the night club, we were all legless and I decided to sleep in one of the children's rooms.

I'd hardly put my head on the welcoming pillows when there were angry raps on my door. It was Ola. What the heck was going on? “Someone has pinched my wallet," he bellowed, his eyes blood-shot. Here we go again, I groaned as I meekly followed him to the living room. Martin and Fadeke, his other house guests, looked really fed up in their nighties. They regarded Ola as if they could throttle him, but, over the years, we've all learnt to wait out his storms instead of challenging him. “I paid for our drinks from my wallet," he yelled, “and n o w, i t ' s g o n e . I ' v e checked everywhere and I distinctly remember

giving the night guard money for tomorrow's papers from it. One of you lot must have pinched it and no one is going anywhere until I've found the blasted wallet. That wallet is packed with a lot of one thousand naira notes.

He then marched to their rooms and turned the place upside down.

When he got to my room, he caught my eyes and the look of pure hatred I gave him made him quickly abandon the search.

"I will continue tomorrow morning", he warned, staggering to his bedroom. It was almost impossible to have any semblance of a well deserved snooze as I was already fuming.

The next “morning, Dupe came to my room as I got ready to leave. I was also prepared to do battle if I was as much as stopped to be searched again for a miserable wallet - no matter the amount of money he claimed he stuffed in it. 'I found the wallet', Dupe told me resignedly. She looked

Y

OUR column to express your loving thoughts in words to your sweetheart. Don’t be shy. Let it flow and let him or her know how dearly you feel.

Write now in not more than 75 words to: The Editor, Sunday Vanguard, P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos. E.mail: sunlovenotes@yahoo.com Please mark your envelope: “LOVE NOTES"

A VIRUS CALLED LOVE

Love is a rapid and high spreading virus, it

so sad and embarrassed I didn't know what to s a y. " I t w a s w e d g e d between a chair in our bedroom. I knew he paid for the drinks we had with his credit~ card but didn't want to argue with him. He was spoiling for a fight as he accused me of not believing him and siding with our guests.

He even accused me of flirting with Martin. He was already in bed, fully clothed, when he made to take his native “trousers off, so he could use the toilet. The more he struggled, the more his trouser got tangled.

"In the end, he just rolled on the bed, wet his trousers and was snoring in seconds! He's done that before and what I usually do is to dump all soiled materials including the beddings in the “outside bin.

Asking the soiled stuffs to be laundered would surely give the domestics more juicy gossipy bones to gnaw at. It was when he was fast asleep that I painstakingly searched the room “for the wallet and was hugely relieved to flnd it. I then placed

it on the freshly made bed. I'd already rolled him off it and took his trousers off to get the stench of urine out of the bedroom. He's still fast asleep and I've apologised to our guests.

They looked relieved in spite of their being hurt

by Ola's allegations.

They couldn't get out of the house fast enough. " The sad fact is that an alcoholic is the worst kind of person to live with - be it male or female.

Gbemi is a silver spoon woman who'd learnt to steal alcohol from her unsuspecting wellheeled father's cellar any "time she felt like entertaining her wild friends. In no time at all, she'd become an alcoholic. As a manager in a blue chip company, she always had drinks concealed in her desk's drawers for her 'guests'.

When she met her third h u s b a n d , H e n r y, s h e couldn't function without alcohol. She'd long lost her job but, had inherited fortunes from her dead father. "The old man was worth more to me dead than he was alive," she'd

takes just a few seconds for the virus to beat the anti-bodies of the heart and the mind. It takes a very bad repercussion when it's been treated in a wrong way. It might lead a guy to be an alcholist and a lady to be of doubtful mind about love.

Love is a virus that posses the heart and mind, makes you feel as if you are stupid, when you are not. The spear of love makes you do what you can't even do with your clear eyes or when you are not affected with the virus of love.

Charles Chidubem Ogbonna charlesprince850@yahoo.com 08169186581.

quipped as she told us details of his will. Henry was alarmed at how clever she was at hiding her stash of alcohol. He didn't know she drank as early as eight o'clock in the morning. She needed help and she n e e d e d i t b a d l y, h e thought.

He belonged to an evangelical church and sought the help of his p a s t o r. H e a d v i s e d Henry to bring Gbemi to the church to stay a week, at least, for constant vigil and prayers so she could be weaned off alcohol.

After arguing vehemently she wasn't an alcoholic, Gbemi agreed to give the treatment a go to save her marriage "After the one week," Henry recalled, "she didn't seem to be making much progress - she looked disoriented and I put it down to withdrawal symptoms. It was later that one of the church workers confessed she always gave them money to buy alcohol for her.

"When she was in the bathroom, I rummaged through the huge suitcase she brought with her and found a big bottle of vodka at the bottom of it.

I felt really deflated.

When she came out and “saw me with the drink, she was defiant, accusing me of abandoning her in the middle of nowhere with some weirdos. She had had enough and she wanted to leave. I felt really deflated - you couldn't make a grown woman do what she didn't fancy doing, could you?

So, I took her home.

"She went downhill from there. We lived in the house she inherited from her dad and whenever I criticized her drinking, she always advised I could leave if I couldn't take her for who she was.

In spite of everything, and what most people thought that I married her for her

money, I really loved her.

I had a well paid job and I still look after the family I left for her. She was a very elegant woman and booze was now destroying all that. In the end, she got tired of my nagging and threw me out. The last I heard of her, she'd sold the house she inherited on Victoria Island to buy a middle income flat so she could have ready cash from the difference.

"Your guess is as good as mine where the difference would go. You seldom win when your partner is an alcoholic. They often set themselves on a dangerous path and it's virtually impossible “to steer them off it - until they're completely destroyed" .

Vintage Booze?

(Humour)

A guy walks into a bar and says to the bartender, "I want you to give me 12year scotch, and don't try to fool me because I can tell the difference." The bartender is sceptical and decides to trick the man with a 5-year scotch. The man takes a sip, sowls and says, "Bartender, this crap is 5-year scotch. I told you I want 12-year scotch."

The bartender tries once more with 8-year scotch.

The man takes a sip, grimaces and says, "Bartender, I don't want 8year scotch like this filth.

Give me “12-year scotch!"

Impressed, the bartender gets the 12-year scotch.

The man takes a sip and sighs, 'Ah, now that's the real thing:' A disgusting, grimy, stinking drunk has been watching all this with great interest.

He stumbles over and sets a glass down in front of the man and says, "Hah, I think that's really far out what you can do. Try this one." The man takes a sip and immediately spits out the liquid and cries: "Yechhh! This stuff tastes like piss!" says the drunk.

"Now how old am I"

Love knows no barrier

I now realise that Love has no language, no religion, no sex,no race, no continent, no tribe no dialect, it's actually a feeling that can never be controlled by the greatest cardiologist nor can it be captured by the best army......... Yes army..... It's pure, unblinded and uncontrolled

by HUMAN nature. I have loved and will always love. May you always be the beauty of my eyes, my Ummita I call her. Allahu akbar Iam so loved.

Abdullahi Military adekadatti@gmail.com

PAGE 24—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016

life

08116759757

5-year-old girl dies on her terms J

ulianna Snow, the 5year-old girl who sparked an international conversation about wrenchingly difficult decisions for terminally ill children, died Tuesday.

“Our sweet Julianna went to heaven today,” her mother, Dr. Michelle Moon, wrote on a blog devoted to her daughter.

“I am stunned and heartbroken, but also thankful. I feel like the luckiest mom in the world, for God somehow entrusted me with this glorious child, and we got almost six years together.”

Julianna was born with an incurable neuromuscular disease. CNN’s story about her last year documented how Moon and her husband, Steve Snow, consulted with their daughter about whether she would want to go to the hospital if she were to have a potentially fatal complication.

The other choice was to forgo care and go to heaven.

Julianna chose heaven, and her parents, in consultation with Julianna’s doctors, abided by her decision.

That decision — heaven over hospital — started a conversation about what kind of care a child with a potentially deadly disease should receive, and

whether the child herself should be consulted in the decision making.

“She was a remarkable little girl,” said Art Caplan, director of the division of medical ethics at New York University School of Medicine.

“She taught me and others that even a child can become very knowledgeable about a challenging illness and can convey thoughtful and remarkable feelings about her illness and her ideas.”

Julianna’s story When she was 2 years old, Julianna was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurodegenerative illness.

By the time she was 4, she’d lost the use of her arms and legs. Her swallowing muscles were so weak, she had to be fed through a tube in her stomach. Her breathing muscles suffered too, and she was in and out of Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon.

But her mind worked perfectly.

That’s why her parents consulted Julianna, then only 4 years old, when doctors at Doernbecher told them they would have to make some very difficult medical decisions.

The doctors explained to Moon, a neurologist, and Snow, an Air Force fighter pilot, that they should consider what they wanted to do the next time an infection made it difficult for their daughter to breathe.

Did they want to bring her back to the hospital? The doctors said there was a reason-

When she was 2 years old, Julianna was diagnosed with Charcot-MarieTooth disease, a neurodegenerative illness

able chance Julianna would die there after being subjected to painful procedures. Even if she lived, they said, it would probably be for a short time, and she’d probably be sedated, unable to think and talk.

There was no right answer, the doctors told them.

Early last year, Moon asked Julianna what she wanted to do and wrote about the conversation on her blog.

Michelle: Julianna, if you get sick again, do you want to go to the hospital again or stay home?

Julianna: Not the hospital.

Michelle: Even if that means that you will go to heaven if you stay home?

Julianna: Yes. Michelle: And you know that mommy and daddy won’t come with you right away? You’ll go by yourself first.

Julianna: Don’t worry. God will take care of me.

Michelle: And if you go to the hospital, it may help you get better and let you come home again and spend more time with us. I need to make sure that you understand that. Hospital may let you have more time with mommy and daddy.

Julianna: I understand.

Michelle: (crying) — I’m sorry, Julianna. I know you don’t like it when I cry. It’s just that I will miss you so much.

Julianna: That’s OK. God will take care of me. He’s in my heart.

Julianna was in hospice for the last 18 months of her life.

During that time, she loved to wear princess dresses, make up elaborate stories and games, do arts and crafts projects with hospice volunteers, and have her toenails painted.

In a text to CNN, Moon said the end was very quick.

“She got sick very suddenly and it was back to the same battle of helping her breathe,”

she wrote. “This time, she didn’t bounce back — she got worse and worse and worse and was gone in just over 24 [hours].

“We had the full support of hospice and we had the things we needed to keep her comfortable. She died at home, in her princess room and in my arms. I don’t know that she would have wanted it any other way.”

Julianna’s legacy Julianna’s story touched millions of people. After CNN’s story, People magazinewrote a multipart series about her, and the Korean Broadcasting System — Moon is Korean — traveled to her home in Washington state to do a Christmas Day documentary about her and her family.

Most readers and viewers voiced support for the family’s decision, although some people with neuromuscular disabilities disapproved and started a Facebook campaign called “Dear Julianna.”

In her blog, Moon wrote that she wants the world to remember Julianna as the “bright light” who “loved love and ‘everyone except the bad guys.’ “ “Please do not forget her,” Moon wrote. “She lived, she was real, and she mattered.”

“Her mind was always going.

She took us to a beautiful place without limits,” she added.

“She encouraged us to be our most colorful and fabulous self.”

In the end, Julianna got her wish to die without medical interventions.

“She fought hard to be here, harder than I’ve seen anyone fight, with a body that was too frail for this world. She was so brave — and I hated that she had to be so brave,” Moon wrote.

“Today she is free. Our sweet Julianna is finally free.” *Source: CNN

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 25

What will be Buhari’s legacy? (1) “But far more numerous was(is) the herd of such, who think too little and who talk too much.” John Dryden, 16311700. (VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, VBQ, p 245).

“Fed Govt to cut 2016 Budget; increase Debt ration”—Minister of Finance.

Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor, VANGUARD, June 10, 2016. n the report, Nigerians learnt that about N900bn will be reduced from the capital budget for 2016. There was no mention of how much reduction will be made in the recurrent expenditure. A few days earlier, the Vice-President, flanked by Governors Ajimobi of Oyo, Aregbesola of Osun, and El-Rufai of Kaduna States had launched the School Meal Project from which 5.5 million primary school kids are to benefit in the first phase. It was among a lot of ill-conceived and badly conceptualized promises made by the President as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the last election. It was not the only one.

On the same June 9, 2016 when the Minister for Finance, bowing to the dictates of economic reality, was announcing the fifteen(15%) reduction, the VP was again launching another project – the recruitment of 500,000 teachers by the Federal government. In a statement

I

released by Mr Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the VP, “besides their monthly take home pay estimated at about N23,000 per month, the selected 500,000 graduates will also get computer devices…”.

Given the situation in the oil producing areas of the country, as well as the shortfall in taxes collected for 2016 so far, it is likely that the N900bn reduction in capital appropriation will not be the last cut this year. Furthermore, the revenue from crude oil exports for the next two months, July and August, are already well-known to government, as well as those who make it their business.

With exports less than 1.2 million per day, even at US$50 per barrel, another drastic revenue decline is easily predictable. If ever there is a government which had been following the Biblical injunction of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing, this is it.

The VP and the Finance Minister apparently work for different governments.

The issue of 500.000 proposed teachers will be the major focus of attention in this series because it demonstrates the risks President Buhari is running with the people who surround him and, who having encouraged him to make ill-considered campaign promises, are now desperate to go ahead in the attempt to fulfill promises

Meeting revenge with revenge will heal nothing "Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them"— Albert Einstein hey say, an eye for an eye, makes the whole world blind and this sort of bile spells trouble across the globe when common sense and dignity is thrown out for selfish reasons and dominance, there can only be trouble and more trouble.

As everyone knows that Trump, the presumptive presidential Republican nominee stood on the platform supposedly to" make America great again". What he has done instead, is to whip up xenophobic, religious and racial tensions, dividing a nation and scapegoating minorities in his wake as well as making enemies of their neighbours.

If only the thin skin, selfproclaimed billionaire could heed the advice that those who live in glass houses should refrain from throwing stones.

But no, not the Donald. He is way too proud, racist, misogynistic, and demagogic and trouble rousing to see or

T

C M Y K

care. He had help and support from people who were hell bent on revenge and are gullible to see that Trump has only one person's interest: that is, his own.

He is a consummate opportunist who will twist and finger point at every disaster and use it to his advantage.

The Orlando shooting tragedy was just too good for him to leave well alone, he gets on his twitter first to congratulate himself, and then true to form, let his sheepish followers know that he has been right all along and the tragedy was what he had warned them about: one by a radical Islamist.

He chided Obama for not calling it out as he saw it: that it was an act by radical Islamists and by a foreigner.

He laid the blame at the foot of the president and he accuses him of complicity.

Does this remind you of some people close to home?

Trump made the wrong move. And Obama got on the rostrum to denounce his comments as" inciting and peddling “dangerous” mind-

which should never have been made in the first place. Meal project first.

Launched on Thursday, with only three APC Governors present, the project, as conceived, was supposed to be financed sixty per cent by the Abuja with forty per cent counterpart funding by the states – including PDP states whose party never made the promise. To begin with, it is certain that nobody in the APC political organization or government can produce a written statement or a taped recording of Buhari telling Nigerians that the burden of financing the promise would be shared between Abuja and the states. The electorate had every right to assume that Buhari and his advisers (if he had any) should have done their home work before making the promise. At the very least, the voters should have been told how much the project would cost. No estimates were provided even at the launching. Buhari is now embarking on a project whose cost estimates are either unknown or shrouded in secrecy by the Federal Government. Obviously, nobody in that government has a calculator or knows when to use one. Permit me to help them out.

At a very modest one hundred (N100) per child, the project will cost N550 million per day. In a month of twenty days, the bill will total up to N11 billion and in a year of nine months, at least N100 billion will be required to fund it. One looks in vain for the provision in this year’s budget for funding the remaining seven months of this year.

Not surprisingly, virtually all the states have disclaimed the project. Even those who attended the launching, like Ajimobi, have promised to implement the project partially – inevitably setting in motion a groundswell of opposition from parents and kids who are left out of the project. Most PDP states have

simply thrown the hot potato back to the President. Nobody will, or should ask them any questions if by December all the kids nationwide are not being fed free food. The promise was made by Buhari and he is the one obligated to redeem it.

Unfortunately, any “so-called economist” (to use Buhari’s dismissive term), knows that the project as designed was seriously defective. It will create more problems than it would solve.

For a start they have not even published the list of the 18 states which would be the first beneficiaries of this give-away programme. Litigation would halt the project on its tracks once the list is published. I will certainly go to court to stop it if Lagos State is left out. I expect others whose states are excluded to do the same. What sort of a father is that who has thirty-six starving children would bring food to the table and tell eighteen to eat and the rest to watch and wait? For what reason?

With over 24 million primary school kids nationwide, it beats the imagination how the President and the APC could imagine that they could select 5.5 million from only 18 states as beneficiaries of the scheme.

It is simply unfair to the rest and there is absolutely no way that the selection will not be politicized and corrupted.

Whatever happened to the principle of equal treatment under the law in a democracy?

If the Federal government cannot feed all the kids, then the project should be shelved or cancelled outright.

Meanwhile, is it the same Federal government which cannot pay salaries and entitlements amounting to N167 billion which now wants to add N11 billion per month to its burden by offering free food? We have heard people in this government talking. But, have they thought before talking? Each passing day, the history of Buhari’s legacy is being written. With projects such as this, I fear for the President.

Lastly, one of the Governors flanking the VP claims to be feeding 250,000 children, at an estimated N500 million a month from a monthly allocation of less then N20 million from Abuja.

Osinbajo should ask the Governor how he is performing the magic; especially since his public

set that recalled the darkest and most shameful periods in American history. He has stepped on the president's toes once too many and it was indeed time to give an intellectual lesson to this over indulgent, misogynist, blownup bully.

Obama said:" We hear language that singles out immigrants and suggests entire religious communities are complicit in violence” And he went on: “Where does this stop? Are we going to start treating all MuslimAmericans differently? Are we going to start subjecting them to special surveillance? Are we going to start discriminating against them because of their faith?”

The opposition has systematically hindered Mr Obama at every legislative junction and they have breed division and fan the embers of racism, hatred and warped nationalistic sentiments that favour some Americans and structurally excluded others.

So they are waking up not to the American dream but a living nightmare they refuse to moderate the use of guns and instead, they hide behind an obscure and archaic second amendment; their right to bear arms and their obstinate dogma has caused this tragedy and countless others. So they do what they do best: blame the minorities and the President, who is a minority too.

The Republicans created Trump mania and he played them like a fiddle. The Republicans have shown their

true colours and it is not pretty.

They say, be careful what you wish for because you might get it. They have truly got the underbelly of the most undesirable showman, who thinks that he is the voice of the people! They have truly cut their noses to spite their faces.

What Trump does is to manipulate the people who are very gullible enough to believe his lies, that a section of the population is responsible for the

a wall to keep the Mexican out!

Trump is a tyrant and a bully who picks on women, blacks, Mexicans, Muslims and all his political opponents and Obama, is top of his list.

What America should know that anyone that picks on a section of their citizens will pick on others whenever it pleases or displeases him?

Hitler started this way not that I am saying that Trump has the capacity to go the whole hog. So it is about time that Americans wake up to what the rest of the world knows; that this emperor has no clothes!

Of course, Trump remains impervious to the warnings and cautions. He continues to accuse as he accuses President Obama of mollycoddling the terrorists: “President Obama claims to know our enemy, and yet he continues to prioritise our enemy over our allies and, for that matter, the American people” And Trump said: "When I am president, it will always be America first.” The very thought of it is worrying and Americans and the world would be in for a shock.

This is a man who only thinks of himself and his over inflated ego. Of course, it is up to the good people of America, if they want to be represented by this man.

There is an effective way of dealing with the likes of Trump, and it is not to give them an ounce of oxygen of attention. The more you

There is an effective way of dealing with the likes of Trump, and it is not to give them an ounce of oxygen of attention.

The more you ignore them, the better for everyone problems in America. He failed to acknowledge that the shooter was an American, albeit of Afghanistan descent but that would not have fanned the hatred. He vowed to temporarily ban Muslims and any other enemies of America, should he be president and of course he is also going to build

Lastly, one of the Governors flanking the VP claims to be feeding 250,000 children, at an estimated N500 million a month from a monthly allocation of less then N20 million from Abuja.

Osinbajo should ask the Governor how he is performing the magic; especially since his public servants are on half salary and still owed four months arrears… servants are on half salary and still owed four months arrears…

That is bad enough. The 500,000 teacher misadventure is worse. To engage 500.000 teachers and pay them N23,000 basic salary per month alone calls for additional N11.5 billion per month or N138 billion per annum. In April, the Federal government’s share of revenue came to approximately N140 billion, against an existing monthly wage bill of N167 billion. To that deficit the

dreamers in Aso Rock want to add N22 billion per month on two projects alone. A house built on sand is on firmer ground than these projects – which will not work. Mark my words. By December, Lai Mohammed and Femi Adesina will be called upon to explain why they failed.

They should start writing their excuses now – or warn the President that he courts disaster with these projects.

STANDING ON THE GRAVES OF AGATU: BEFORE CRISIS BECOMES DISASTER – 5 “A nation can be judged by the way it treats its animals.”

Ghandi I don’t totally agree with the greatest leader India had known. I strongly believe that the best test for any nation consists of how it treats its children and aged. And, on both counts Nigeria is failing woefully. Governments in Nigeria at all levels treat pensioners worse than dirt.

Even with an old man as President, there has been no change in the way pensioners are made to suffer. APC change has completely overlooked them. As for the kids, Agatu children tell the entire story. More than a week after publishing the picture of Agatu kids on this page, nobody had called to find out what they can do to help.

Recently, I watched as churches and other organizations piled urban kids with more gifts than they could carry. Few of the children attending a Celestial Church in Lagos Island could lift their “burdens”; the same with other churches. Nobody had called to offer assistance.

Nobody, not even the Federal or State government gave a thought to Agatu kids.

Agatu is only good for mention by erudite commentators having axes to grind against somebody. But, help? Nothing!

That shows who we are as a nation and as individuals….

ignore them, the better for everyone.

Happy Father's day

My father never talked to me about how tho treat people, every act of kindness I have ever shown another person was because I was trying to imitate him- Pamela McGrew Father's day is this Sunday and I would like to wish my father and others like him a wonderful father's day! I am lucky to have a father who truly cares, he continues to teach and guide me through life's twists and turns. A long time ago, I once went shopping with my dad and he refused to get some clothing for my brothers. He refused to get the trousers because they did not have enough for the other young boys living at our home. When I told him that he should get for my brothers alone and I reasoned that when these young people go home to their family, they don't think about getting things for my brothers. He smiled and he said:"it is not what other people do that counts, it is whether you are doing the right thing that matters. That is my dad and I never forget that life lesson. He also told me, be friends with people who will add to your life and not subtract. He is a staunch Muslim and he instilled that in us all. My father has always been my hero and if I can be half as good as he is, then I am on to something good.

Kolawole Muslim Adio Animasaun, thank you for being my father, from me, my siblings and friends.

PAGE 26—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016

Ekiti: Whither stomach infrastructure?

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igeria’s political dictionary grows by the day. At every election junction, a new term is added to the list.

However, one of its recent additions, ‘stomach infrastructure’ is so soon already having problems with a palpable fear that it is on its way to extinction.

Stomach infrastructure, a term which refers to the sharing of food and gift items to ordinary people by government became popularized during the events leading to the rather shocking victory of Ayo Fayose the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the then governor, Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State. PDP was to formally adopt it as a party policy. Speaking at a Presidential rally in Benin City, Edo State on September 27, 2014, former President Goodluck Jonathan explained that the policy was premised on the philosophy of what he

called “ you cannot lead hungry people”. It is a philosophy that many, especially the downtrodden of Nigeria cannot fault.

Unfortunately, the Fayose government of Ekiti known for stomach infrastructure has been unable to pay workers salaries in the last 5 months let alone to engage in distributing food and gifts.

Expectedly, governor Fayose has not had it easy with his workers. The latter after issuing several warnings on the subject resorted to full scale strike.

Those involved are workers under the auspices of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNI).

The strike has since paralyzed governance in the state with all entreaties to the workers by different stakeholders rebuffed. The threat of ‘no work no pay’ issued by the governor was similarly ignored just as the allegation by the state government that opposition politicians were behind the

PhD,Depar tment of Philosophy, University of Lagos 08116759758

Sense, nonsense, and commonsense (5)

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f course, the Hobbesian state of nature is a hypothetical scenario invented by Hobbes to anchor his theory concerning the origin of civil society. But it might become real in Nigeria if the federal government does not take immediate steps to expand opportunities for productive work and engage the growing number of discontented, disillusioned and frustrated unemployed youths nationwide. The argument by top government officials who are not experiencing the hardships Nigerians are facing at this time that things must get worse before they get better is pure nonsense. First, it is an unequivocal admission of incompetence and unpreparedness to lead by the APC. A compassionate, committed and creative leadership would not allow things to worsen before they get better: rather, it would build on available resources to improve people’s wellbeing. Second, it is an insult to millions of ordinary Nigerians who voted for President Buhari based on his reputation and campaign promises for APC chieftains to turn around afterwards and tell them that they would suffer more before experiencing the change the party promised them. All the sermonising about

“sacrificing now for a better tomorrow” ignores the fact that the masses, not the leaders, have been sacrificing for a long time and, yet, their existential condition has been deteriorating from one dispensation to the next.

Besides, many Nigerians have died waiting for a better tomorrow, which implies that it is unreasonable, in our uncertain environment, to ask people to continue enduring avoidable suffering in the hope that tomorrow would be better.

Third, the easy resort to blaming Jonathan’s government for virtually all our problems indicates that President Buhari and his cohorts did not do their homework well before taking power from the PDP. Indeed, it is becoming increasingly clear, judging from the repudiation of some of its campaign promises, that the APC underestimated the enormity of the challenges it has to tackle and does not have a strategic action plan for solving our problems.

Thus, there is no guarantee that the kind of change Nigerians expect from the APC federal government would materialise after all the hardships they are going through now. Finally, why is it that our leaders always demand and expect Nigerians to make sacrifices for the good of the country without also making sacrifices to set a good

strike was discountenanced by the workers as ‘cheap blackmail. The workers could also not be bothered by what they perceived as the recruitment of some National Union of Road Transport Workers to carryout solidarity demonstrations in support of Fayose. A comic dimension to the strike saw the governor declaring that

The tight economic situation has greatly reduced pleasure travels to Abuja from the states by those in the corridors of power to Abuja which usually congested our otherwise beautiful city

he had gone on sympathy strike with the workers because as a ‘caring’ governor he shared their pains. While appreciating the governor for sharing their pains and anguish, the workers made it clear that they would appreciate and example for the masses? Why must ordinary Nigerians continuously bear the pains of mediocre leadership whereas those responsible for our problems live in obscene opulence? There is no iota of doubt that former President Goodluck Jonathan made mistakes. But his successor, Muhammadu Buhari, has no business compounding our problems, telling us that we must experience more suffering first before we start enjoying the dividends of democracy under his leadership. An imaginative President that loves his people would not allow things to degenerate so quickly to the extent that workers across the states have not been paid for several months, companies are retrenching staff, and the masses are becoming disenchanted with government. Buhari must ignore what sycophants are saying to him and start thinking seriously about the fact that Nigerians are losing faith in his ability to govern well, because there is a noticeable gradual evaporation of the tremendous goodwill and trust Nigerians had for him when he was elected President last year.

It is interesting to note that ardent Buharimaniacs like Dr. Dele Sobowale, Chief Emmanuel Ofodile and Chief Raphael Obiduba are beginning to doubt whether Buhari can deliver on his campaign promises. A week ago, Dr. Sobowale lamented the fact that Mr. President is steadily losing his reputation as a disciplinarian who keeps his word, whereas Chiefs Ofodile and Obiduba now accept that their hope for positive change based on Buhari’s reputation as a man of integrity might be mistaken. Those who still believe that President Buhari has “performed excellently well” despite the escalating

commend him the more if he pays at least two or three months salaries out of five months owed.

The position of the workers makes some sense because as Goodluck Jonathan said earlier, ‘ you cannot lead hungry people’. The point was probably best put by one public analyst, Kitan Badmus who imagined that “the main thrust of stomach infrastructure is that life starts and ends in the stomach. The stomach must always be pacified otherwise it will complain.” Fayose, the exponent of stomach infrastructure had himself made the same point now and again. Indeed, as soon as he was sworn in for the second time as the elected governor of Ekiti State, he appointed a Special Adviser on stomach infrastructure. He also publicly explained how the scheme would work to a team of journalists in Abuja in October 2014.

According to the governor “I’m grooming chicken, buying rice, yams, plantain, and the rest of them. I am sure if I give it to families during the festive period, they will be happy. So, my style without apology is that stomach infrastructure is a way of life for me, I will relate well with my people to alleviate poverty and hunger.” 3 months later, cash gifts and other materials especially food items which the media reported to be no less than

100,000 bags of rice and 80,000 birds were distributed to a cross section of the people of Ekiti State.

The scheme no doubt worked when all was well.

With the fall in oil price and disruption to oil production, the nation’s economy has substantially dropped to the discomfort of all. As usual, politicians have begun their blame game.

Dapo Kolawole a former Commissioner for Finance in Ekiti state slammed the governor, over his inability to pay civil servants’ salaries. Kolawole is convinced that Fayose would have had money to offset at least 3 months salaries if the governor had been prudent with the state’s resources. On the other hand, there is the argument that the state was plunged into debt by the former ruling party in the state-the APC. Unfortunately none of the arguments can resolve the problem. Even the decision of a lawyer Kabir Akingbolu to sue the governor at a Federal High Court in Lagos on charges of abdication of responsibility and desertion of duty post will also not help more so as our bogus constitution does allow a governor to be sued.

However we call on governor Fayose to accept responsibility as the current chief executive because if the opposite was the case, he would have taken the glory of the past considering that government is a continuum. We also urge

him to learn from the present crisis that it is better to teach a man how to fish than to give him fish just as our people must learn to stop applauding those who can only give fish. It is also hoped that other governors would do likewise as the failure to pay workers salaries is today, a common feature in a number of states. On this score, we commend Governor Samuel Orton of Benue State for working out an amicable strategy of preventing workers strike in his state which we commend to Fayose and others to emulate.

As our people often say everything has its plus. It is thus noteworthy that the current strike in Ekiti has occupied Fayose thereby reducing the political heat he often generates for the nation in his self appointed position as opposition leader to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Second, the tight economic situation has greatly reduced pleasure travels to Abuja from the states by those in the corridors of power to Abuja which usually congested our otherwise beautiful city.

Sirens are no longer as loud as before just as the airports have also become less chaotic with fewer chartered flights. If we are lucky to get back a robust economy in future perhaps social infrastructure will replace stomach infrastructure in Nigeria.

suffering in the country are either deceiving themselves or are living in cloud cuckoo land. As I stated earlier, like most Nigerians my economic situation presently is worse than what it was before the new government came into office. Therefore, for those of us really struggling to survive,

his government would pay serious attention to those things that would really enhance the welfare of the “common man.”

That said, because Nigeria belongs to all of us despite the irrational master-servant inequalities deliberately created and nurtured by the ruling elite, it is necessary for everyone to do whatever they can for the improvement of our country. Certainly, we cannot make progress without good ideas that must be implemented by government.

Now, the fundamental problem with Nigeria is the grotesque and inappropriate federal structure we are operating now. Since 1970, scholars, politicians, activists and other interested Nigerians have argued correctly that the unitarist federalism introduced by the then Col. Yakubu Gowon in 1967 to emasculate the secessionist Eastern region is one of the biggest obstacles to the emergence of a truly virile, viable and prosperous Nigerian nation. Overall, Nigeria recorded the most impressive development in her chequered history during the First Republic when she was divided into self-governing regions. Unfortunately, since the creation of states degenerated into a malignant cancer, the quality of governance has declined steadily.

Clearly, the current political architectonic enshrined in the 1999 constitution is unsuitable for the country. Yet, because of parochial ethnic calculus and selfishness, key members of the ruling class especially from Northern Nigeria have rejected calls for restructuring the country in a manner that is most appropriate for a multiply plural country like our own.

President Buhari and APC leaders in general are wasting time if they think that sustainable development can

be achieved without devolution of powers to the six geopolitical zones in the country. In this regard, the President displayed an appalling lack of imagination and historical vision by disregarding completely the report of the 2014 National Conference organised by his predecessor.

Commonsense dictates that he should at least consider the billions of naira spent on the conference and try to see how its recommendations can be applied to resolve some of the challenges facing us as a people. Surely, I am not under the illusion that return to a modified version of regionalism would automatically solve our problems. However, I believe strongly that in order for us to develop Nigeria must be restructured along the lines of a functional federalism in which the geopolitical zones exercise much greater political and fiscal autonomy as was the case in the First Republic.

President Buhari should realise that no serious development can take place unless the six geopolitical zones are empowered to exploit the natural resources domiciled in each zone and pursue their developmental agenda without the overbearing influence of an oppressive and meddlesome federal government. The way I see it, restructuring Nigeria and reducing drastically the amount of money spent in running the government is the greatest legacy Buhari can bequeath to our people.

President Muhammadu Buhari has a rendezvous with history. But I am afraid his obdurate refusal to consider calls for what is misleadingly referred to as “true federalism” will ultimately count against him in future, years after he would have left office.

Concluded.

Blaming Jonathan’s government for virtually all our problems indicates that President Buhari and his cohorts did not do their homework well before taking power from the PDP

there is change in power but we are yet to experience the power of positive change promised by the APC. From the foregoing, it can be inferred that after one year in office the APC leadership has failed to provide good reasons for Nigerians to continue believing that the party can actualise its populist campaign promises.

Only high ranking government officials, APC chieftains and top businesspersons benefiting from the current situation are comfortable with the way things are going; the vast majority of our people are worse off now than they were before Goodluck Jonathan left office. In my opinion, President Buhari has not lived up to the expectations of Nigerians who thought that

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 27

rexmarinus@hotmail.com

The “Efulefu Igbo” and the Manchurian complex

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ichard Condon’s novel, The Manchurian Candidate (1959), now a classic of the cold-war, is a political thriller about a young American soldier, from a very prominent political family, who is recruited, brainwashed, and unleashed unto the American political landscape by the Communists to effect subterranean changes that would have ground-shifting impact on American politics and society. The basic unsubtle trigger of the story is that the main character, Raymond Shaw is programmed as a “sleeper agent” to undermine his own society. It is from this scenario, the characters – individuals primed, either by self-interest, greed, unhealed trauma, or even conditioned psychosis that produces among other things, self-hatred, and instigated by external forces to undermine their own societies, communities, or even families by pretending to work within it, that I call the “Manchurian complex.”

That drive to step away from a common cloth, or thread, or interest; to presume to be so aware of history that you sometimes believe that you speak, or know better than your society. But as we have always known, even with the deepest capacity for introspection, no individual is worthier or better than his/her society. Change – the change that does common good comes to every society by

consilience not by individuation. But I was speaking of the “Manchurian complex.” It seems to me that, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, the IgboLagosian, prominent these days for his harangues of the larger community of the Igbo with whom he now frequently disagrees, is clearly demonstrating the symptoms of the “Manchurian complex.” There is evidence that his political affiliations has made him the ultimate “Manchurian candidate” – as a “sleeper agent” among the Igbo, inserted by his political masters to undermine and tear down every contemporary Igbo position within the discourse of nation, and there is evidence that he is paid quite handsomely for it in Lagos. Let me tell a little story of Joe Igbokwe, the Nnewiborn, University of Nigeria Nsukka-trained Engineer, who became a trader in Lagos in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Good old Joe earned his laurels as part of the NADECO chattering-classes after June 12, and spoke out quite openly against that travesty of election cancellations.

He campaigned for the restructuring of the federation, for political justice, and for the restoration of Moshood Abiola’s mandate. It was all dandy then. He even wrote a book, The Igbo: 25 years after Biafra.

Frankly, it was of mediocre quality, and the analysis was a wash, but it did the job, and put across the issue he wanted

‘The Charm of a Father’

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ishing all our wonderful fathers, Uncles, Brothers, Grandfathers and other fine gentlemen a happy Father’s Day today. This is for those I have never met, those I aspire to meet, those of you who have made me laugh, cry and reel with excitement. Not forgetting those who have inspired, encouraged, adviced, and prayed for or with me over the years.

What a joy it is to be a Father, a day to remember in the life of every man.

Fatherhood a major role for every man who desires it. The moment you step into it it is moments of mixed feelings, overwhelming joy, bouts fears and fantasies.

It is indeed a journey that a man takes without really knowing what lies ahead. I’m sure it must be both a scary expectation as well as thrilling too. Getting married as a man is inevitable once you meet that right person, your soul mate. Yes of course this takes so much from a man from being a life partner to being responsible for bringing life into the world.

Nobody is perfect, no amount of lessons can be sufficient to teach men what to do and how to do it when the time comes or when situations arise. Experience they say is the best teacher, so you can only take a leaf from your own fathers and the fathers, young and old that surround you.

As I let you in on a few Fathering Etiquette Tips that I personally put together, remember they are only guidelines that will enhance, build and propel you to being a better person. Knowledge is power, we should seek to keep ourselves empowered at all times; seek new information, desire to develop our person our polish and our presence. “ Anyone can be a father, it takes someone special to be dad” F A T H E R I N G ETIQUETTE TIPS a) Approachable Vs Authoritartin: Some fathers choose either to be approachable and available for their children,

to put across, and that is, that the Igbo remained marginalized in Nigeria’s political life. No sane person could disagree with Joe Igbokwe’s position then, and we in the Lagos press, gave him some free rein because his sentiments melded with the leading sentiment of the day. It all allied with what we called the “pro-democracy” movement which later turned out to be all fiction. He joined the defunct AD in Lagos, and soon joined the Bola Tinubu train, and Ogbeni Tinubu, the new Are Ona Kakanfo of South-West politics, has since become his god, and does no wrong. Tinubu’s party, the APC, of which Joe Igbokwe is publicity Secretary for Lagos, is his newest obsession. Joe Igbokwe, most certainly because he has since discerned what side his own bread is buttered, has accorded Mr. Tinubu far more regard than he ever accorded the late Ikemba Odumegwu-Ojukwu, whom Mr. Igbokwe took to the dogs in 2001, after the socalled Igbo summit in Enugu.

Joe had sworn to undercut everything about Igbo agitation for justice, including the new Biafra movement, because it does not agree with his own political choices and personal interest as a paid servant of anti-Igbo campaigners. I should at this stage make this point clear: Joe Igbokwe has every right as a citizen of Nigeria to speak his mind, take any position, and be paid for it, or act probono. What he must not be allowed to do, or get away with is to resort to the calumniation of an entire Igbo people, to press home his own political frustrations. Joe is a Lagosian who cannot win an election in Nnewi, his former home in Igbo land. He must learn to be calm on Igbo questions beyond his pay grade. I say this in response to Joe Igbokwe’s most recent troll titled, “Efulefu Biafrans and their Ethnic Card show” circulating in many chat rooms. In this profoundly which is very much a necessity in today’s world. Let your children love have you around, being approachable means being accessible.

Others choose to be very authoritative almost absent but disciplined and strict.

Some feel the role of a father is to show that they make all the rules. You will need to strike a positive balance between be authoritave and laying down the rules as well being approachable. b) Take On board Responsibility: It is not always going to be a smooth ride, the journey of a father starts wit one step.

Once you have made that decision be responsible about it learn tolove your family. You may participate in helping out in and around the home, learn to listen to others and be a provider. If you must help with the the new born baby why not, he/she will not bite, it does not make you any less of a man instead it helps you bond better with the family God gave you. c)Lead by Example: Remember you are always being watched, It is better to be admired than to be watched. You are not perfect so are allowed to let your guard down once in a while after all you are only human.

However your children and many others that surround you will always watch closely. d)Watch Your Character Traits:

asinine piece, Igbokwe again, with disregard to form, basically called the Igbo, their leaders, and those who support the Biafra agitation – a very large number of the Igbo, the “Efulefu.” But in truth, Joe Igbokwe and his circle of piedpipers are the real “Akalogoli.”

A man like Joe Igbokwe who writes that kind of hogwash, and who calls Ndi Igbo

Joe Igbokwe has every right as a citizen of Nigeria to speak his mind, take any position, and be paid for it, or act pro-bono.

What he must not be allowed to do, or get away with is to resort to the calumniation of an entire Igbo people, to press home his own political frustrations “Efulefu” because they are engaged in civil disobedience is not only ignorant of the true meaning of the kind of democracy that permits him his own voice, but of the very meaning of political conscience. Here is what Joe wrote for starters: “Twenty-one years ago, I wrote my first Book, Igbos: 25 YEARS AFTER BIAFRA. In that book I wrote that it is true that Igbo have been marginalized in every sector in Nigeria be it at the Federal level, State, Local Government, Army, Navy, Airforce, Police, House of Reps, Senate, and even in Revenue allocations, Appointments, Infrastructure distribution, National institutions etc. I acknowledged the fact that even as painful as it is our people marginalize themselves even further without knowing it. I had thought that 46years after the Nigeria-Biafra Another quote I like: “You lose your property you have lost nothing “You lose your health you have lost something “You lose character, you have lost everything” Show the right attitude at all times as a father even in circumstances where the other person was wrong. Be the more mature person that has an aura of peace, patience, joy and happiness. Have an optimistic view of life even when you are challenged these are the things that build your character. e) Quintessential Image: Your image is everything, the beginning of you creating a good or bad first impression.

Whether you are meeting your child’s teacher for the first time, your new boss, a potential client or a distant inlaw how others view you should be your concern. As a father you not only mentor your own children, but the people you work with, your clients, acquaintances, colleagues, staff and subordinates. Your image as a man is everything, avoid being seen as standoffish, proud and unapproachable. Dress the way you want to be addressed at all times for all occassions. f)Get involved with Education: Education today has changed as we can see, a lot is being taught and learnt outside the house right in the palm of the hand through technology. It is no more hearsay the internet says it all.

How well do you know your

Civil War, Igbo would have been matured enough to throw persecution complex, leadership complex and defeatism attitude into the dustbin of history knowing fully well that the victors of that Civil War are really not better than Igbo today in Nigeria, everything considered.” I quote this at length to ask the following questions: (a) have the conditions that the Igbo cried out against 25 years after the civil war improved?

Are the Igbo still marginalized or not? (b) If the Igbo young men and women, many of them university-trained graduates, who are the real victims of this marginalization that Ojukwu described as “living in a glass ceiling” are on the streets protesting daily, fearlessly defying the death visited on them by soldiers and policemen ordered to shoot them to death, how does that amount to defeatism?

I think “defeatism” is the selfindulgent prescription for “soft-power ” recently advocated by my friend C.Don Adinuba. The use of “soft power” is possible as strategy only if there is the counter-balancing presence of “hard power,” and the application of “soft power” as a diplomatic strategy exists as an option for those who already have the power in a condition of imbalance, not those who are seeking to create a balance of power from the position of vulnerability. C-Don should read Joseph Nye more closely. In the context in which he suggests it for the Igbo, it means, bend, take it from behind, and thankyour-rapist. That is what Joe Igbokwe and his cohorts of the “Akaliogoli” are also advocating for the Igbo: to stay silent; to be part of some hush-hush- kumbayamovement, so that people like Joe Igbokwe can sleep easily, and do their business of collecting minor rent on

behalf of the Igbo in Lagos. It is foolish, blind, selfish elitism.

Joe Igbokwe wants the “IgboBiafran” to keep their gobs taped because “the victors of that Civil War are really not better than Igbo today in Nigeria, everything considered.” But that is hardly the question: the issue for these agitators is that the material condition in which they live is generally oppressive, and they insist on changing it. I for one do not think that secession is the solution, nor should it be the end-game. But it is a terrible kind of self-regard that may warrant Mr. Igbokwe to dismiss a popular movement because he picks the crumbs from under the table of its opposition, like some house nigger in the old story of black slavery in the Americas. The truth is that the Biafrans are not the “Efulefu,” they are courageous agitators for justice. They are within their rights to use non-violent means to press home a choice which is the choice for which we all fought for democratic rights to be restored in 1999.

Igbokwe, now in the habit of cussing out Ndi Igbo who express different political opinion in the crudest of language, has never raised a voice to speak out against the massacres that happened in Ukpor and Asaba, and in other parts of the East, of young men and women expressing their constitutionally given rights to assemble, speak out, protest, and yes, if it comes to it, seek self-determination.

That is what it all boils down to: the right to selfdetermination to be mediated through a proper referendum. That is all these Biafrans ask! I feel very sorry for Joe Igbokwe, because he’d soon come to learn the meaning of loneliness when decent Igbo will rise, dust their feet and walk out of the room whenever Joe Igbokwe enters into a gathering of Ndi Igbo – because they see him as the ultimate “Manchurian candidate.”

child? Try not be a statistic by guessingthat you know your child when infact you do not. Choose chools early on in life, encourage your childto focus, and talk about career goalls. Be on top of the education journey, be present, be prominent and be prepared. f) Evolve with the Times Our children today are so high-tech we can hardly keep up with them.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the Likes.

What next?

This Z generation are fast taking over the world. I say keep up with the times and don’t be left behind. Let yur children know you are a breast with what is going n around you.

Follow the rule experience is the best teacher. At times you can do your best in giving advice and guidelines just hope for the best and pray they will choose the right way.

g) Yes is Yes, No is No As much as you need to be flexible you also need to stand fim on your word. This is how your child will understand a predict you.

Avoid grey areas where you can, scold where you need to praise and reward where necessary. Sometimes say Yes when least expected the impact is great. h) Experience is the Best Teacher We all want the best for our kids , there will be timeskids need to experience some things themselves. So when you advise and they decide otherwise let them be.

i) Humour Them We know you are busy and work takes most of your time, infact you may even be married to your job as the saying goes, watch out for that corporate attitude to life both home and away. You will need to leave room for letting your hair and your guard down. Let your children laugh around you, a great therapy for success. Live and let loose another favourite saying of mine. Crack jokes where you can , or dance a little where you cannot.cut the seriousness once in a while and be a dadnot a man with a chip on his shoulder.

Finally you should have it at the back of your mind to want to leave a good legacy behind for your children both boys and girls. We all have dreams and aspirations that form our daily, weekly and yearly goals. Be a huge inspiration to your children, whether you train, teach, consult, whatever you do let your children have cause to be interested in what you do.

Have a Blessed and Great Fathers Day. Happy Reading!!!

PAGE 28—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016,

healthy living

How chaotic drug distribution fuels treatment failures, deaths

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

D

rug is one of the major aspects of medical treatment irrespective of the patient’s condition. When this is mishandled, it becomes a source of treatment failures and, in some cases, leads to death.

This explains why drug experts describe the current drug distribution in Nigeria as an embarrassment.

According to Dr. Adesoji Adegbite, a senior pharmacist, the chaotic drug distribution in Nigeria has continued to fuel treatment failures, drug resistance, mortality and morbidity.

To him, chaotic drug distribution is a monster.

“Drug is not sweet. It is a poison. You cannot play with it. It has to be regulated. A tiny drug can kill or maim if not used properly,” he said.

Speaking at a summit organised by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Lagos State Branch, in collaboration with Philips Pharmaceuticals, Nigeria Limited, he maintained that the system has made every player in the chain including the patient a loser whereas they all supposed to gain.

“In every layer of distribution in Nigeria, the rules have not been followed. A manufacturer is ready to under play other players within the channel and, at the end of the day, everybody becomes a loser. There is the need for all hands to be on deck to save the country from the embarrassment.

There is need for us to have a change of mindset and play according to the rule,”Adegbite, the chief executive officer of Hesstee Pharmacy, said..

Encouraging pharmacists to embrace the National Drug Distribution

Drug is not sweet. It is a poison. You cannot play with it. It has to be regulated. A tiny drug can kill or maim if not used properly

Guidelines, NDDG, he said: “A new concept has come up in which manufacturers are to sell to wholesalers and not to retailers. When professionals play by the rule, the country will have reduced treatment failures and fake drugs will be eradicated.

“Chaotic distribution system has allowed fake drugs. It is because we do not have good records in Nigeria and no good medical system. Many people that are dying now may have died of fake drugs.”

The Chairman, ACPN, Lagos, Pharm.

Biola Paul – Ozieh, echoed the same sentiment when she said the drug distribution system is a great

embarrassment not only to Nigeria but to individuals, consumers and patients.

“Treatment failure rates are so high.

Drug abuse and misuse in the society has led to resistance. Everything is traceable to the distribution and uncoordinated system.”

The major factors facilitating the preponderance of fake drugs in Nigeria have been reported to include the ineffective enforcement of existing laws, unqualified vendors, loose control systems, high cost of genuine drugs, greed, ignorance, corruption, illegal drug importation, chaotic drug distribution network, and demand exceeding supply.

The loose control system and chaotic drug distribution system have also contributed to the circulation of counterfeit drugs in the country.

According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, counterfeit drugs are those “that have been deliberately or fraudulently mislabelled with respect to identity and/or source”. The products can include incorrect ingredients, may mis-state the amount of active ingredients, or can be manufactured under circumstances that lack quality control. Counterfeit drugs in Nigeria include preparations without active ingredients, toxic preparations, expired drugs that are relabelled, drugs issued without complete manufacturing information.

In 2008, 34 Nigerian children aged between four months and three years died and more than 50 were hospitalised with severe kidney damage after taking a teething mixture containing paracetamol. The injuries were due to the use of diethylene glycol (DEG) as a solvent for the paracetamol.

DEG was present because of

inadvertent or deliberate substitution of propylene glycol, a less toxic compound than DEG which is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry.

Paul – Ozieh explained that the summit was to create awareness on the NDDG among wholesalers as well as update them on the impending changes in the system.

She recalled that the implementation of the guidelines was planned to take effect from the day of launching but was shifted following an outcry by a section of the supply chain.

The summit is an attempt to align with the vision of the proponents of the NDDG that government would have overcome a major challenge of uncoordinated drug distribution in Nigeria if the NDGG is systematically implemented.

Dr. Lolu Ojo explained that the NDDG was not part not a perfect document but if implemented could take Nigeria far.

Ojo, who was among stakeholders who worked on the guidelines, maintained that the 2012 edition of the NDDG as gazetted is good enough for operations because it has accommodated every player.

On his part, Senior Business Development Manager, Philips Pharmaceuticals, Kaushik Banerjee, advocated a proper channel of drug distribution, adding that the company was collaborating with ACPN because its their members are important in the sector.

“We want to ensure that as professionals they are updated with the latest evidence-based medicine. We want to ensure that they are continuously updated on what is happening in the global forum,” he added.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016, 29

relationships

Randy wedding

ring

wearers Explaining his reasons for wearing his wedding ring occasionally, Gabriel, 46, said he lives alone because his wife and children live in the United Kingdom.

“Women are drawn to me a lot and when they don’t see my wife, they think I’m single. Women perch around me and wearing my ring is the only way to keep them off even though some of them don’t really care whether I’m wearing a wedding ring or not.

Besides, I like jewelry and have a piece of gold necklace which I stopped wearing because women misconstrue it to mean I womanize. So, the only jewelry I wear now is my wedding ring.”

By Chioma Gabriel,

Editor, Special Features Have you often taken time to look at married men and women around you? Check. How many are wearing their wedding rings?

You would notice that in about 20 married men, only about two or three are wearing wedding rings.

If you are a single lady often being ‘toasted’ by guys, you might have noticed that the ones who wear their wedding rings appear to womanise the more. Or could it be that women prefer men who are wearing wedding rings?

In a ladies’ gathering, Linda, a single mum of two, said her latest squeeze is a married man and she deliberately went for him because she too doesn’t want any commitment either.

“People see us and think we are a couple. I met his wife a couple of times. Nice woman and she thinks I’m her husband’s account officer.

The man I dated before him was equally married and brandished his wedding ring like a rare award but the truth, from my experience, is that men who wear wedding rings are the worst kind of womanisers.”

So, where is your wedding ring?

You don’t have to feel guilty about not putting on yours even though you could be misconstrued as deliberately not wearing yours to deceive innocent young women.

Of course, married people who don’t wear wedding rings are often frowned at. Some wives would not tolerate their husbands moving around without theirs and that has been an issue in many marriages.

“Yes,” agreed Alex, an engineer.”My wife ranted about it when I removed my ring the next day after our marriage. I don’t wear rings and I don’t need to advertise the fact that I’m married.

It’s my personal life and I don’t have to be a slave to it.”

Emeka, a communications expert, doesn’t wear his wedding ring even though he got married not long ago.

“I don’t wear ornaments. And wedding ring? I don’t like wearing ‘twin-twin’ things. I cannot wear uniform with my wife to depict we are a couple. I’m proud of my wife

and she knows it but I don’t like wearing anything ‘aso-ebi’ or anything ‘twin-twin’. There’s no big deal about a man not wearing his wedding ring. It only raises an eyebrow when a woman is not putting on hers because culture demands that a woman establishes her status. What if a man has two or three wives, is he going to wear how many wedding rings?”

“What is even the essence of a wedding ring,” asked Hugo?

Though he is wearing his own wedding ring to fulfill all righteousness or please his wife, he said wedding ring is not African and not our culture.

“It is in one of Shakespearean plays, Merchant of Venice, that the character, Portia, used a ring to ensnare Bassanio. Portia slips a ring on his finger and makes a big speech about how she and everything she owns is now his property. The ring is a symbol of Portia’s love and commitment, and if Bassanio doesn’t keep it on his finger, he’s in big trouble.

Bassanio says he’s fine with this and promises that ‘when this ring parts from this finger, then parts life from hence’. No surprise here.

Couples have been exchanging rings for centuries.”

Tales about the wedding ring Wearing a ring in the fourth left finger is an indication that the wearer is married. The ring is used to seal the ‘till death do you part’ vow. The practice of wedding ring is predominant in civil and church marriages. But, nowadays, it is often used in traditional marriages to add colour to the

If you are a single lady often being ‘toasted’ by guys, you might have noticed that the ones who wear their wedding rings appear to womanise the more ceremony. The type of ring to use always depends on the fortune of the couple. Wedding rings are often made of gold and the affluent sometimes use diamonds.

The custom of wearing such a ring has spread widely beyond its origin in Europe. In the United States, wedding rings were originally worn only by wives, but during the 20th century, they became customary for both husbands and wives.

Wedding rings are a tradition that goes back many centuries, having been manifested in the wedding customs of many nations and religious groups. They come in many forms. Many people wear their wedding rings day and night, causing an indentation in the skin that remains visible even when the ring is taken off.

History of wedding rings The first examples of wedding rings were found in ancient Egypt.

Relics dating back as far as 6,000 years ago, including papyrus scrolls, showed evidence of braided rings of hemp or reeds being exchanged among a wedded couple. Egypt viewed the circle as a symbol of eternity, and the ring served to signify the neverending love between the couple.

This was also the origin of the practice of wearing the wedding ring on the ring finger of the left hand, which the Egyptians believe to house a special vein that was connected directly to the heart.

Wedding rings in Islam A wedding ring is not permissible under any circumstances in Islamic marriage because the Prophet Muhammad forbade it especially gold for the males . He saw a man wearing a ring of gold and took if from his hand and said, “Would any one of you take a coal from the fire and hold it in his hand?” (Narrated by Muslim, alLibaas wa’l-Zeenah, 3897). So it is not permissible for the Muslim male to wear a gold ring. But with regard to rings of silver or any other kind of metal, it is permissible for men to wear them even if they are precious metals.

Rings worn on the occasion of marriage is not one of the customs of Muslims. If it is believed that it generates love between the spouses and that taking it off and not wearing it will have an effect on marital relationship, then this is regarded as a form of shirk or a kind of jaahili belief. Based on this, it is not permissible to wear a wedding ring under any circumstances.

It is perceived to be an imitation of those who are non-muslims.

Wedding rings in Christianity The Bible gives no indication that finger rings were used as betrothal or nuptial rings. The signet ring is the earliest type of ring mentioned in the Bible. In

fact, when Abraham’s servant found Rebekah, he gave her a nose ring to claim her as Isaac’s bride (Genesis 24:22)! When Tamar disguised herself as a harlot to entice her father-in-law, Judah, she asked him for his signet, cord, and staff as a pledge of his promise to send her “a kid from the flock” (Genesis 38:17-19). Jeremiah informs us that the Israelites wore the signet ring on the right hand (Jeremiah 22:24). The signet ring was used to seal various contracts.

It was a symbol of authority, dignity, and social status (James 2:2). Pharaoh gave his signet ring to Joseph as a symbol of authority (Genesis 41:42). Likewise, Ahasuerus gave his signet to Haman to seal a royal decree (Esther 3:10,12). Upon his return, the prodigal son received a ring from his father as a symbol of dignity and restored position (Luke 15:22).

The finger rings mentioned in the Bible are signet rings used as symbols of authority and dignity.

The Romans are credited for pioneering the use of the signet ring as a betrothal ring. The Jews and the Christians borrowed the practice from the Romans. Since the betrothal ceremony usually involved the groom giving a sum of money or a valuable object to the bride, it was a natural transition to make this object a ring.

The wedding or marriage ring came into use in Christian ceremonies in the 9th century AD. The custom of wearing the wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand is based upon a romantic, although unscientific, Greek fable that the artery from that finger flows directly to the heart. However and whenever the custom of the wedding band developed, it is seen today as a symbol of an unending commitment to the marriage relationship.

As such, it certainly has a biblical basis in that marriage is to be a lifetime commitment (Romans 7:2). This is not to say that wearing a wedding ring is a requirement for married Christians. But wedding rings are a beautiful reminder of the marriage covenant and, by extension, the covenant of Christ with His bride—the redeemed for whom He died.

Wedding rings perceived as pagan A school of thought however believes that wearing of wedding ring comes from paganism since it cannot be found in the Old or New Testaments.

Pastor Richie of Glory Christian Centre, said there was no practice among early Christians to wear

Continues on page 30

Continues on page 30

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relationships

Randy wedding ring wearers Continued from page 29 finger rings as a sign of marriage or an engagement.

“Going back to Christian history, Pope Gregory 1, in 860AD decreed that as a required statement of nuptial intent, the groom to-be had to give his intended an engagement ring. He further decreed the ring be of gold to signify financial sacrifice.

“Wedding rings can be traced to idols and heathen religions. It is not just the image of the idol we are commanded not to possess, but rather any part of the idol itself.

Thus, to make ones self after the image of the idol is to practice idolatry.

“The wedding ring is first a circle which is said to mean eternal or unending. Marriages were never eternal in the Scriptures but rather until death. Afterward, a spouse could be married again.

“We don’t wed couples in my Church using rings as a symbol of eternal love because marriage is not eternal but ‘till death do you part’. The Pentecostal movement abhors the use of wedding rings.

There is not much evidence in the Bible that suggests wedding rings have any religious significance.

The Bible is also silent about them. “ If you ask me, I’d say the use of

a ring in a wedding most likely came from an old Roman custom that predates Christianity. At a time when arranged marriages were quite common, this token was likely a pledge to fulfill the marriage contract.”

Nowadays, people don’t wear wedding rings for many reasons.

Prince, an IT journalist said he didn’t wed with a ring.

“I’m a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, and we don’t use wedding rings in RCCG. We use the Bible in exchanging our marital vows.”

Sola, a father of three said he lost his wedding ring a long time ago.

“Now, my wife and I don’t wear jewelries because our Church, Mountain of Fire and Miracles, MFM, does not permit it. Really, there is nothing to it because it doesn’t really stops a man who wants to philander from doing so.

Maybe you must have noticed that even men and women who are not married are wearing rings in their wedding finger” Churches that don’t use wedding rings Apart from the RCCG and MFM in Nigeria which don’t use wedding rings, the Methodist followed the teachings of John Wesley that wedding rings were

pagan and should not be worn. All early Baptist rejected use of the wedding ring. The original Seventh Day Adventist abstained from use of the wedding ring because of its pagan origin. All the holiness movements, including the more devout Apostolic Pentecostals rejected wedding rings as pagan.

There was a time when the majority of Christians did not wear jewelry of any kind including earrings and wedding rings. But this was to change when pastors wanted their Churches to be more world friendly. The theory behind this relaxation was that Christianity was more than holiness and wearing of jewelry. The emphasis on personal holiness made wedding rings become more and more acceptable.

The Bible reveals that use of jewelry results in spiritual decline

and apostasy.

So, what happened to yours?

That’s a million Naira question as most respondents, especially the men don’t know where they kept theirs while others see no big deal in not wearing a ring. To others, a wedding ring is a woman’s thing.

Tony, a journalist, said he stopped wearing his for medical reasons. “ I don’t wear rings. I have had two wedding rings but my skin reacts to it. It’s not about being gold or not but I don’t wear metals.

The only ornament I wear is wristwatch and it has to be leather. My wife knows”.

In his contribution, Theodore, married for over ten years, said he finds it hard to wear jewelries.

“I don’t like bling-bling. I wear wrist-watch once in a while but it has to be leather. My wife knew before we got married that I don’t

like jewelries. I feel uncomfortable wearing them.”

In his own contribution, Charles, in his late 30s, said his wedding ring is now tight around his finger and so, he stopped wearing it.

“It got so tight that it had to be cut off my finger. It was my wife who did the cutting but she wanted me to get another one but I didn’t have time for that. She complained initially but later stopped. I feel free without wearing it. I’m not a womanizer and let me also tell you that women are more attracted to men who wear wedding rings than those that don’t.”

Kingsley in his early 40s said he lost his own six months after wedding and didn’t wear a ring ever since.

“I was bathing when the ring dropped from my finger and I didn’t see it. I never wore any ever since. I think jewelry is a woman’s thing because they have time for it.

I don’t see any big deal about wearing the wedding ring. Some men wear it and still womanize.”

Asked whether her husband wears his wedding ring, Evelyn, a mother of three said no.

“He doesn’t but anybody who sees him will know he is a married man. I don’t think there’s a big deal about wearing it and I don’t know whether he womanizes or not. He’s my husband and so, I trust him.”

Esther, also happily married said her husband wears his own. “My husband wears his own but do you really think a wedding ring will stop him from chasing after other women if he wants to? He is a man and I know a lot of ladies prefer married men.”

‘Digitisation will open doors for businesses to recreate growth models’

BY CHERRY EROMOSELE

T

he magnitude of change Andrew Grove, former Chairman of Intel Corporation, in his classic, Only the Paranoid Survive, provides a fresh perspective to Michael Porter’s ‘5 Forces’ analytical model.He articulates the possibility of a ‘10X’ magnitude force of change to Porter’s ‘5 Forces’ variables, such that the changes the variables provide to a business are not incremental.

They are landslide. Essentially, the force of change is about ten times what an industry or a business is typically accustomed to.

The wave of technology change the world has seen in the last couple of decades, perhaps more than anything else, best typifies this. It has provided this ‘10X’ change for most businesses, creating new industries and businesses and making some hitherto existing ones obsolete.

As with most changes like this, the first reaction from most businesses is denial and then frightened acceptance. However, change in ‘10X’ magnitude is as much an opportunity as it is a threat. The difference in outcomes, are in how quickly businesses are able to adapt their models to take advantage of the direction(s) of change.

Change is real: The magnitude force of business digitisation Digitisation is essentially the transformation of all or some of the processes of production and delivery of products and services from analogue to digital. With digitisation, production, delivery and customer management are facilitated through a technology interface. In this process, some industries give way for others, akin to Joseph Schumpeter’s theory of creative destruction.

In the music industry for example, business models have been completely altered, as record stores, once the seller-buyer interface for records have been almost replaced

by online channels, which stock a lot more records than any record shop would have. iTunes, Amazon and Spotify are examples of digital companies that have emerged from the relics of what is a fast fading analogue business model.

Are there reasons for business to be worried about the magnitude of digital change? Absolutely! Digital channels lower barriers that industries have held as anchors for relevance. This increases the level of competitive activity in an industry, leading to commoditisation of industries and in some case, complete redundancy. Digitisation puts a lot of power in the demandside of the economic equation, as the information asymmetry which titled in the favour of supply is moving towards demand. Amazingly, a good number of companies still view digitisation as either a fad, or something that will pass with time.

They still see their traditional business models as sacrosanct and will at worst, only concede a little to digitisation.

Forces driving the digital change Business digitisation has moved from just being a supply-side need for production efficiency. These days, social factors like changing consumer behaviour, digital competitiveness, information management efficiency, innovations in outsourcing and cloud services, demand for technology security, crowd-related innovation and technology disruption. Whilst the strength and magnitude of these forces differ from one industry to another, we can, with some level of certainty, posit that their impact on the interface between businesses and consumers will remain strong.

Consequently, organisations are expected to anticipate and respond to future directions of these forces.

This may not come easily, as it requires organisations to build a set of skills and competences that have to be integrated into the

organisations’ value chain.

Digital capital The last half century has seen businesses scale their operations globally through smart deployment of financial and human capital.

Going forward, a critical success factor for businesses will be how well they are able to develop and implement a compelling digital capital strategy. Digital capital covers the, “resources behind the processes key to developing new products and services for the digital economy.” These resources are both tangible (internet software, servers, routers, to mention a few) and intangible (competencies and skills in design, data, analytics, social profiling of consumers, among others.

Businesses need to develop these resources, emphasising those that are more critical in their industries and then deploying them in ways that can innovate their business models and achieve competitive advantage.

Aligning digital capital to business model redevelopment These resources then have to be creatively deployed on a business model to build the competitive advantage required to scale a

business. Below, we present some ways digital capital can be deployed and the value businesses can get from them.

Option 1: Improve Traditional Business Models The efficiency of service and product delivery can be improved through a smart deployment of a digitisation strategy. In Nigeria, banks are beginning to open accounts on social media platforms.

The service objective is the same (acquire new customers), but rather than do it on a physical interface, it is being done on a website or application. Businesses can deploy this strategy, not just in dealing with customers, but also in managing relationships with vendors and staff.

Improve business efficiency by optimising every unit of investment in the business.

Option 2: Alter Existing Business Models Digital capital can be deployed to alter a business’ current business model. One of the easiest ways to get this done is to incorporate an ecommerce channel to a traditional brick and mortar billing and payment system. Traditional brick and mortar travel booking services

develop online presence. With this, consumers can book and pay for their travel from remote locations.

Option 3: Create Entirely New Businesses On the back of very strong digital capital, businesses can actually develop completely new value propositions. Interswitch, a switching and payments service provider, with its competence in digital payments, has created the Interswitch Financial Inclusion Services (IFIS), to provide financial coverage for the around 40 million Nigerians without coverage.

Increase in revenue. The value of this to a business includes the diversification of business portfolio and possible reduction in portfolio risk Digitisation has largely been seen from the point of view of the power it is taking away from organisations to their stakeholders. This is true, but is only one side of the story. By deploying soft and hard digital infrastructure, businesses can still make their value propositions not only relevant, but compelling building blocks for growth.

•Cherry Eromosele is the Chief Marketing Officer of Interswitch

Etisalat restates commitment to environment protection

E

tisalat Nigeria, weekend, reiterated its commitment to environmental conservation in Nigeria by continually doing its business responsibly and in conformity with international best practices on environmental standards.

Head, Environmental Compliance & Public Relations, Etisalat Nigeria, Oluseyi Osunsedo, revealed this at an event organised by the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) in partnership with the United Nations Information Centre and Etisalat Nigeria to

commemorate the 2016 World Environment Day, in Lagos.

While underlining the importance of a healthy ecosystem to environmental sustainability and socio-economic growth, Osunsedo said Etisalat would continue to promote responsible environmental conservation in and around all its operations across Nigeria.

“At Etisalat Nigeria, we are passionate about the environment.

This is why we have environment as part of our three core CSR platforms, the other two being education and health. We take environmental protection seriously because we are

aware of the negative impacts that can occur from improper management of natural resources and its effect on the environment”, she said.

He further assured that Etisalat would continue to take significant and positive steps in ensuring protection of the environment in which it operates, whilst pledging its support for initiatives such as the NES awareness program to ensure that majority of Nigerians understand the messages and call to action because everyone regardless of who they are, have a role to play in sustainable development.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 31

royalty

SIX MONTHS ON THE THRONE:

His Majesty Ikenwoli

re-brands Warri Kingdom •We respect the stool even more now —Gbenekama •First Olu to visit Ijaw, Urhobo kingdoms •Unites Itsekiri people

Knock on sit-tight leaders Back home, his critics agree that he has come out with good policies. In a moment, he dealt a big blow on sit-tight leaders.

Previously, leaders of the management committees of different Itsekiri communities and other strata of leadership never want to quit office when their constitutionally approved tenure is over. They prefer to remain in power; he placed a ban on elongation of tenure, instantly sanitizing the system.

However, there are pockets of opposition to the well-intended order. A case in point is the rumbling over the Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL- facilitated Itsekiri Regional Development Council, IRDC, which he is still managing the fall-out.

He also moved against “old men” parading themselves as youth leaders, decreeing that even though a youth under normal circumstance is between 13 to 19 years, henceforth, anyone from 40 years and above should not parade himself as a youth leader in any Itsekiri community.

Hitherto, adults between 50-60 years old claimed to be youths.

The monarch also said youth leaders should not aspire to run for a second term in office after their first tenure. They should give room to others and not create a monopoly.

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South

O

NE conspicuous item since His Majesty Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri, Delta State, Godfrey Emiko, ascended the throne, December 12, last year, is that the relationship between the Itsekiri ethnic nationality and its neighbors, especially Ijaw, has turned for the better.

Before now, an average Ijaw man sees his Itsekiri fellow citizen as a persecutor, but the perception is gradually changing in the last six months. As it is with the Ijaw, relationship with other ethnic groups has also advanced from good to better.

The revolution is not external only; it is also sweeping inside the Itsekiri communities, both on land and in the remotest creeks, where the monarch is reforming the old ways of doing things in the sovereignty.

We respect the stool even more now-Ijaw leader Ibibenimowe (Chief Mobilizer) of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, told Sunday Vanguard: We respect the stool of the Olu of Warri, we respect it even more now because of the persona, who currently occupies that stool. We see him as somebody who has a profile and who believes in live and let us live.”

Gbenekama’s blunt view of the monarch represents the opinion of many other Ijaw and ethnic nationalities, within and outside the state.

Bridge builder across ethnic boundaries The bridge-builder king started cutting across ethnic boundaries soon after his coronation with a visit to the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Uvwie local government area, His Majesty, Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, at his palace in Effurun. He followed up with a stopover at the palace of an Ijaw monarch, Pere S.P Luke Kalanama VIII, Akugbene Mein Kingdom in Bomadi local government area.

The visit to the Ijaw monarch is the first since the Ijaw and Itsekiri conflict, which claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent citizens with property worth millions of naira destroyed on both sides.

Appealing for peace among all ethnic groups in the state, the Olu C M Y K

Kingdom likened the Olu’s visit to the 1982 visit of the Oba of Benin to the kingdom. He said: “Some people did not believe you would come, considering our past, but today you are here.”

Also in Ughelli, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Wilson Ojakovo, said: “Ughelli has made history today because this is the first time the Olu of Warri is visiting us. I believe that this show of love will continue unabated in order to keep both kingdoms closer than ever.”

The Olu of Warri also took time off to take a trip to Ife with some of his palace chiefs to fraternize with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II).

Olara-Ajas relocate home His Majesty also ruled that heads of the different Itsekiri communities, the most elderly man known as Olara Aja, some of who reside in Warri, Sapele and other cities, should relocate home and live with their people. The idea is for them to be on ground and manage issues in their areas, rather than being absentee leaders.

•Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli I, Godfrey Emiko urged monarchs to continue to sustain the current peace in the state with a charge on youths to be patient and tolerant of their neighbours.

He said: “During my coronation, I promised to build bridges of love, peace and harmony between the Itsekiri nation and its neighbours. This is a display of such show of love.”

“My visit to Akugbene was an epoch event as no Itsekiri king had ever been there

before. I am personally happy that I am making history.

“We may have differences but we must understand our difference. Anything that concerns you should concern me. By the time our subjects see us display such brotherly love, they will emulate us,” he asserted.

First Olu of Warri to visit Ijaw Kingdom Describing the visit as historic, the Pere of Akugbene

Think-tank For a more effective leadership, the royal father, barely two months in the saddle, unfolded a 10-year master plan towards building a strong, united and peaceful atmosphere for the development of the Itsekiri nation.

He inaugurated a 26-man Oluin-Council Committee shepherded by head of the 7-man Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption and constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay with Rights activist and Igba of Warri, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, Charles Continues on page 32

PAGE 32—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016

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‘In Itsekiri land, the Olu of Warri is second to none’ These same people who have been at the helm of affairs and have failed colossally are the ones saying that the king does not have power to effect authority or take decisions for the IRDC. But they forget to remember that the acronym IRDC means Itsekiri Regional Development Council and who is the head of the Itsekiri? It is Ogiame the king, that is where they are making the mistake.

By Dapo Akinrefon & Godwin Oritse

I

n this interview, Mr. Hosannah Jalogho Williams, an environmentalist and close friend of the palace of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli I, Godfrey Emiko. speaks on how the monarch is bringing peace and development to Itsekiri land.

I am aware that some Itsekiri have taken the Ogiame to court over community issues. How do you view this development?

This is a complete diversion from the Itsekiri spirituality. Once they tried it but it did not hold waters.

The Itsekiri nation is like a building that is covered by one single roof and the apex or the lordship is the Ogiame.

So anything that pertains to the Itsekiri as a people, his decisions on any matter is final.

When the issue of the Itsekiri Regional Development Council, IRDC, came up, the Olu saw that there was rancor here and there.

In his wisdom, he decided to invite three people from each community and they chose the people they wanted as their leaders.

The Olu asked all those that had been in power to step down because the people had not seen any meaningful development in Itsekiri communities.

If you go through the water line, most of the Itsekiri communities

•Hosannah Jalogho Williams have no jetties yet Chevron is doing heaven on earth.

The impression that people have about the riverine area is that the whole of Itsekiri land and communities is like that of Lekki in Lagos, but, to our utmost dismay, it is not like that.

Instead of them to build structures, they will rather rent houseboats to Chevron and collect $3,000 every day.

So the new dispensation said no and asked them to step down as the Itsekiri have not seen any remarkable development, let a new set of people take over the leadership of these communities.

There seems to be disunity amongst the Itsekiri as a people. Do you see the new monarch bringing about the much needed unity?

It is the move by the Ogiame to bring about the needed unity that led to the current belly-aching situation.

Some people believe his coming to bring about unification amongst the Itsekiri is not to their own benefit; that is the reason they are becoming obnoxious to whatever the Ogiame says.

Before now, the typical Itsekiri person would always stays away from trouble or anything that will bring any form of embarrassment to him. Do you think the situation is still the same?

There is what we call nature nurture controversy; the day a child is born there is nothing on the mind of that child, it is called Tabular Rasa.

Sometime ago I was made the Secretary to the Education

His Majesty Ikenwoli re-brands Warri Kingdom Uwvie,our immediate neighbour.”

“At home, Itsekiri today are more united than ever. He is open to all, which is why the palace is now a beehive of activities. Many cases in court have been amicably resolved on his intervention.

These are great virtues and the difference between him and his predecessor.

“A monarch who is at peace with his subjects and neighbors can only be described as God-sent. He could not have come at a better time,” Ekpoko ventilated.

Continued from page 31

Ajuyah, SAN, and Chief Ayiri Emami as members to formulate policies to enhance development in Itsekiri land.

Ijaw/Itsekiri ‘ve no reason to fight The monarch, who spoke in Itsekiri language at the inauguration, noted that his reign would witness strong and peaceful coexistence with her Urhobo and Ijaw neighbours as well as other tribes in the state.

He told Sunday Vanguard that Ijaw and Itsekiri were brothers and it was foolishness for them to be fighting each other.

He appealed to the council members to identify strategic ways of placing qualified sons and daughters of Itsekiri nation in position of power, in both govern- ment and private institutions. “My vision for the Itsekiri nation is to harness human resources in Iwere land for sustainable development; a 10-year development master plan for Iwere land.

Initiating a template for partnering oil companies and other entities for sustainable development”, he stated, “he said.

•Olu of Warri Itsekiri more united under himEkpoko Chair of the Warri Study Group, WSG and Secretary, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILoT, Mr. Edward Ekpoko, said: “The Olu has made a great difference in building friendship with our neighbors, especially the Urhobo and Ijaw. He is the first Warri monarch to visit the Ovie of

Ikenwoli hit the ground running- Eyengho National Coordinator of Warri Interest Group, WIG, Comrade Alex Eyengho, who appraised the monarch’s strides, told Sunday Vanguard: “His Majesty Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri, has been able to make a difference in Itsekiri land since his coronation six months ago.”

He has been able to bring sanity to virtually all Itsekiri communities, which before now have been under the stranglehold of sit- tight leaders,” Eyengho said with a measure of satisfaction in his voice.

His words: “The monarch’s

Committee of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), and N250million was budgeted as scholarship for Itsekiri students.

This was N250million each year for four years. As I speak to you, nobody knows what has happened to the money.

If that N1billion had been put into the education of the Itsekiri children, the issue of giving them guns to unleash attacks on communities will not be seen in our environment.

It also because the youths have been removed from the scheme of education that they do not see education as important anymore.

What they want to see is to have a leader who will give them peanuts once a while.

Have those in leadership accounted for the money?

Nobody has done that because they are scared to ask, but, taking this upon myself, I have alerted the authorities and, ever since, I have been receiving threat calls with hidden numbers you cannot call back.

What about the management of DESOPADEC ?

DESOPADEC is not run to the satisfaction of many oil communities in Delta. I am even thinking of getting a court order compelling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the body.

Some of the contracts that have awarded to people have not been done, yet payments for the contracts have been made.

open and participatory leadership style has also opened up the space for capable Itsekiris home and abroad to add value to the kingdom. The proper institution of the Olu-inCouncil and the Olu Advisory Committee are clear indication of his resolve to do things differently as the number one citizen of Itsekiri nation.”

He asserted: “I think his greatest achievement and virtue so far has been his capacity to hit the ground running and first building bridges internally in Delta state and across the country.

He has reached out to virtually all the major kings in Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Anioma areas of Delta state.”

“This is good for Warri Kingdom and a testament that he is a peaceful monarch, who believes in the principle of live and let us live. Largely, he has rebranded the Itsekiri nation and changed the perception of our immediate neighbours towards us,” Eyengho added.

He stated: “He is certainly different from the other Warri monarchs. In fact, no two Warri monarchs are the same. As the 20th Warri monarch, His Majesty Ikenwoli in just six months into his reign has stood out as a bridge- builder across ethnic lines within and outside the state, a peace lover and a monarch with an exceptional open door policy. Indeed, he is an exemplary monarch.”

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 33

royalty

The 31st Jegun Olu Ekun of Ile-Oluji

•Oba Adetimehin (4th left), with Gov Mimiko of Ondo State (3rd left), among others during his installation

By Sesan Samson Akinsarabi

I

t was Gianni Versace (1946-1997), the critically acclaimed Italian fashion designer and founder of Versace, who said in one of his perceptive moments that “in the past, people were born royal; nowadays, royalty comes from what you do”. King Sunny Ade also weighed in on this when he sang, “bibi ire o see fowo ra, o ti daju; ki a bi eni, ko to ka tun ara eni bi”. Simply put, it is not just enough to have the royal blood flowing in your vein; you must also develop yourself and “validate” your royal birth through your acts and deeds.

His Royal Majesty (HRM), Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Julius Oluwole Olufaderin Adetimehin, Jimoko II, the 31st Jegun Olu Ekun of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, combines the two: he was born into royalty, and he has undergone a process of rebirth and personal development, culminating in him deservingly earning royalty through his professional achievements and community development

accomplishments.

From his humble background as the child of disciplinarian but doting parents, Pa Josiah Adetimehin ( Baba Chairman) and Mrs. Julianah Adetimehin, Oba Adetimehin has over the years developed himself and has now emerged as a primus inter pares (first among equals); he is today an acclaimed insurance and risk management expert who rose to the pinnacle of the insurance profession to become not only the CEO of reputable insurance companies, but also the President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria.

Most importantly, his success story gets even better as he is today being honoured and celebrated as the paramount ruler of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, an exalted throne that confers on him the status of a first class Oba in Ondo State and Nigeria.

Education With core competencies in insurance brokerage and risk management advisory services, Oba Adetimehin belongs to the elite class of Nigerian traditional rulers who are well educated, highly cerebral, and

widely travelled. He attended the University of Lagos, Ashbridge Management College, United Kingdom, and Lagos Business School. He distinguished himself, bagging several academic and professional laurels including. B.Sc. (Hons) Insurance (1978), M.Sc. Management Science (1990/1991), Advance Management Certificate (1982), and the Chief Executives Programme (CEP-10), Lagos Business School (LBS).

Professional Qualifications Following his academic exploits and career success, Oba Adetimehin became a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (FCIIN), Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, (FCIB) and the Professional Excellence Foundation of Nigeria (PEFON). He is also an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London and a member of both the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Institute of Directors.

Career History Kabiyesi has over 30 years of management experience, including stints as Chief Executive Officer and Director of leading insurance companies & risk management consulting firms. He led and contributed to the development and promotion of continuous improvement in the insurance sector. He is a bridge builder and a relationship-focused

‘The Oba of Benin, Ogiamien ties’ Chief Monday Wehemen JP

T

he Director of Information and External Affairs of Ogiamien royal family, Utantan, Bini, Chief Monday Wehemen, JP, has said that the Ogiamien family is not an enemy of the Oba Benin.“He made the clarification while reacting to an interview credited to Prince Ebuwa. “The great Ogiso/ Ogiamien royal family wishes to refer to the interview credited to one Prince Ebuwa on page 52, Sunday Vanguard of May 29, 2016, and wishes to react as follows: Ogiamien is not an enemy of the Oba of Benin, rather Ogiamien is the landlord of the Oba of Benin. Oba of Benin is a tenant of the Ogiamien from IleIfe,”the Director said in a statement.“He went on: “On the burial of the remains of the Oba of Benin on demise: All the remains of the past Obas of Benin were

buried in Ife in a sacred place called Orun-Oba-Ado except that of Oba Ovonramwen that was taken to Calabar, by the British.

Oba Eweka II and Oba Akenzua II were buried in Benin Kingdom as against the directives of Oba Eweka I, which clearly confirm that they are Yorubas from Ile-Ife. “The Ogiso/Ogiamien royal dynasty has been in existence for about 300 years before the forceful introduction of the Obaship in Igodomigodo at about 1200AD via the memorable Ekiokpagha Treaty. Ogiso/Ogiamien dynasty has no relationship whatsoever with the Oba Eweka dynasty, the son of Oramiyan, the 6th Ooni of Ife, who was also the son of Okanbi. It is therefore wrong for Prince Ebuwa to say that it is the same Ogiso era that transformed to Obaship era. “The Memorable Ekiokpagha Treaty, according to High Chief Wehere was first enacted between Ogiamien Erebo and Oba Eweka I in 1200AD, formally adopted between Ogiamien Ode and Oba Ewedo

in 1255AD defined the relationship between the Ogiso/Ogiamien Royal dynasty and the Oba Eweka dynasty which all the past Obas have complied with, which was also reenacted between Ogiamien Osarobo Okuonghae and the late Oba Erediauwa in 1979.

“The Ekiokpagha Treaty clearly defined the distinction between the Ogiso/Ogiamiens as the Bini aborigines and Oba Eweka dynasty as tenants to the Ogiamiens. Therefore, there can never be an Oba of Benin Kingdom without the Ogiamien but there can always be Ogiamien without the Oba of Benin Kingdom.“Wehere supported his position with Proverbs Chapter 22 Verse 28 which says: Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. “In other words, no body can destroy or circumvent the memorable Ekiokpagha Treaty which our forefathers agreed upon. This is sacrosanct and irreversible. A sanction of death penalty was

professional.

Prior to his installation as Jegun, Oba Adetimehin was the Vice-Chairman and CEO of Jully & Partners Insurance Brokers Limited, a Risk Management Advisory Service Consultancy, from 2007. He was the lead broker and consultant for the provision of specialized insurance packages for reputable individuals and blue chip organisations in the private and public sectors.

He also served as the MD/ CEO of NFI Insurance Limited from 1998 to 2007. He achieved an increase in the company’s revenue and shareholder earnings, while also successfully growing the company’s capital base. He presided over the listing of the company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Between 1990 and 1998, Oba Adetimehin was the MD/ CEO of AFN (Assureurs-

Conseils) Insurance Brokers Limited.

He pioneered the establishment of AFN Insurance Broking & Consultancy Company from licensing to commencement of operations. His professional engagements also include a stint as Controller (Oil & Energy) at Hogg Robinson Nigeria from 1979 to 1990.

Professional Affiliations Oba Adetimehin has meritoriously served the financial services industry.

He was: President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria. His achievements included being one of the leading promoters in the establishment of the College of Insurance & Financial Management (CIFM); Founder of the Insurance Industry Consultative Council (IICC); initiation of strategic alliances with the Insurance Institute of South Africa, Insurance Institute of India, and Malaysia Insurance Institute, among others.

He has also served as: Treasurer, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (2000 - 2009); Governing Board member, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (19951998); Governing Council member, Nigeria Insurers Association (2000 2007), and Chairman, Board of Nigeria Liability Insurance Pool (2004 – 2006). imposed on any violator by our ancestors. So beware!.

“Ekiokpagha Treaty, therefore according to him is the new rent an Oba-elect MUST pay to the Ogiso/Ogiamien royal family, the landlord, before he is pronounced an Oba of Benin and before he is also allowed occupation of the Benin Kingdom leased to Oba Eweka I by Ogiamien Erebo in 1200AD. “We wish to use this medium once again to call on His Royal Highness, the Edaiken NUselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa to get ready to reenact the memorable Ekiokpagha Treaty with our own king, His Imperial Majesty, Rich Arisco Osemwengie JP, the Ogiamien of Utantan, Bini, the current custodian of the 32 previous Ogisos and the 23 previous Ogiamiens.“While thanking Prince Solomon Ebuwa for the proper description of the processes of emergence of a new Oba of Benin that is well known to the Binis and the position of the Bini aborigines, we wish to reiterate that the Bini aborigines do not include the Oba Eweka dynasty that came from Ile-Ife.”

PAGE 34—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016

periscope

TROUBLE IN OSUN

Our case against the ‘hijabists’, Aregbesola — Christians •They should abide by court verdict – Muslim community

•Students dump school uniform for church robes

By Gbenga Olarinoye, OSOGBO

S

ince the judgment of Justice Saka Oyejide Falola that permitted Muslim female students to wear hijab as part of school uniform, law and order could be said to have taken flight from public schools across Osun State.

The case instituted against the Osun government by the Muslim community

in the state had dragged for almost three years before Falola gave his verdict.

At the centre of the controversy has been Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Osun State chapter, under the headship of Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, accused of attempting to Islamise Osun, saying he planned to get that done by erasing the legacies of the schools founded by Christian missions.

Members of the Muslim community, on their part, have been urging CAN to respect the decision

•Spot the difference: Orthodox Nuns’ dressing; Osun Muslim students in hijab C M Y K

of the court since it only guarantees the right of Muslims to propagate their faith.

Going back memory lane, what is presently a full blown crisis was first noticed in 2013, when a male teacher in Baptist High School, Adeeke, Iwo, was nearly killed by some angry Muslim youths because he punished a female student that disobeyed his instruction to remove her hijab.

Then the Muslim community took the matter to the state High Court for adjudication.

M e a n w h i l e , Aregbesola, on assumption of office in 2011, constituted the Professor Wole Soyinkaled education summit to reverse the state of education in Osun which was at the lowest ebb.

The summit gave birth to the re-classification of schools in the state including merger, school feeding programme, and provision of same school uniform for students in the state.

It is the merging of schools which became mega schools that gave birth to the current disharmony between Christians and Muslims in Osun as each of them wants to protect its faith.

Certainly, this is not the best of time for the A r e g b e s o l a administration which has done a lot to develop education by building modern schools with infrastructures and teaching equipment to ensure students learn in conducive environments.

While the rage was on between the two major religious, Muslims, in their support for the enforcement of the use of hijab, at a press conference addressed by the Vice President of Osun

State Muslim community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, asked CAN not to take any action that may lead to religious crisis in the state but to abide by the judgement of the court.

Olawuyi said there should be no argument concerning the implementation of the court judgment that granted the fundamental right of female Muslim students in public schools in the state to wear hijab during school hours.

The Muslim community said: “Muslims in Osun State are not concerned with what anybody wears to schools, we can only advise the Christian body to do things within the limits of the law. If the Christian body feels that the right of Christians has been violated, the body should approach the court and seek redress.

“We are not oblivious of the decision of CAN to appeal the verdict of Justice Falola but we have not received any notice of appeal. Therefore, we shall urge them to file their appeal timeously and purse same diligently instead of engaging in lawlessness and propaganda”.

While commending Falola for upholding his judicial oath to deliver justice without fear or favour, the Muslim community appealed to the state government and law enforcement agents to call CAN to order so as not to trigger avoidable religious clash in the state.

“We call on all the respondents in the case including the state government, education administrators, principals, head teachers, teachers in public schools in the state to respect the rule of law by obeying the judgement of the court”.

But the Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria, Osun State , YOWICAN -OS, in a reaction, explained that it was not against the wearing of hijab in Osun public but Christian mission established schools as being insinuated but insisted Christians will not go back on the wearing of church garments to school.

The group said the judgment of Falola that legitimised the wearing of hijab in public schools was a direct opposite of the agreement leaders of National Interreligious Council, NIREC, Osun State chapter, reached on the issue.

YOWICAN President, Nicholas Owoofe, recalled that on November 30, 2011, the issue of hijab came up for discussion and leaders of the two religions agreed that only conventional uniforms would be allowed in public schools.

“We were however disturbed that a group later went to court and now they are saying the judgment must be implemented. Why would hijab become an issue at the moment when Christians and Muslims have been living happily together for years without crisis?,” Owoofe stated.

“In Justice Falola’s judgment, he ruled that the wearing of hijab is a right and a means to propagate Islam. We need to remind those behind this move that at the point of take over of Christian-mission founded schools in 1975, agreement reached with them was that only administration of the schools would be taken over.

“Original owners of the schools were also assured that their philosophy, traditions and culture would not be tampered with. Why would all these be thrown away? We are not against using of hijab, but let whoever is interested in wearing hijab do so in Muslim-mission founded public schools”.

The matter however snowballed into crisis on Tuesday when the Christian group made good its threat as some students of Baptist High School, Adeeke, Iwo, stormed the school in Christian robes while some Muslim female students also appeared in hijab and both allowed to attend class together. They continued in that manner for the second day despite Aregbesola’s threat to discipline any erring student until the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi, security operatives in the state, the ruling APC leaders and other stakeholders in the state intervened.

The state administration has weathered so many storms in the past including unpaid workers salaries which led to strike by the civil servants in the state. Will Aregbesola who many described as a cat with nine lives survive this one also? Only the future can tell.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 35

metro

•All suspects

By Emmanuel Unah

C

alabar, Cross River State capital, is famously referred to as “Paradise City” occasioned by the idyllic and tranquil atmosphere prevalent in the city. People from far and wide regularly flock to the city, especially during weekends and holidays, to savour the convivial environment and spectacular cuisine which the city offers.

However, in recent time, the spate of criminal activities like kidnappings, armed robbery and cultism have spiraled in Calabar which put a question mark on the status of the city as peaceful. These criminal activities reached a climax in the second week of June when cult groups “murdered’ the peace in Calabar with mindless killings which, not only sent fears in to the heart of residents but also questioned the capacity of security agencies to combat crime in the city.

Since the beginning of the year, there have been occasional clashes among cult groups in the city leading to loss of lives and destruction of property, but the scale of the violence that took place during the second of June was the first of its kind in a long while.

Like a bolt from th the blue, th Wednesday, 8 ; Thursday, 9 ; Friday; 10th and Saturday, 11th June, the peace in the city was shattered as many lives were lost and others maimed in the battle among cult groups operating around the Watt Market and adjoining areas in the central business area of Calabar. The battle involved cult

FOUR DAYS OF CULT WAR IN CALABAR

15 feared hacked to death, 36 ‘ cultists’ captured groups, including Marvians, Ekpatt, Skyloo and Vikings which engaged in a supremacy battle with guns, axes, machetes, and kitchen knives and by the time the dust settled on Sunday morning, about 15 persons had lost their lives.

The fight started over the payment of levies by tricycle operators. Since the banning of motorcycle in the city, tricycles have become a major means of short distance transportation ferrying people from one street or zone to another. They have become lords unto themselves, brazenly disobeying government regulation barring them from operating in certain areas.

Meanwhile, various groups have constituted themselves into a notorious force in certain sections of the town by turning major streets into “parks” , particularly around the Watt market to carry and discharge commuters. These groups extort money from other tricycle operators and grant “immunity’ to their members from such extortion which is often the source of fracas among the groups as some tricyclists resist such extortion which then leads to conflict.

That killing opened the floodgates of attacks as over the next three days, members of the various groups began hunting members of each other and killings were reported in parts of the city The blood bath of the four days started in one of those spots along Egerton Street when two opposing group members were engaged in a fight over a ‘levy” of N50 which a member of one group refused to pay to the other group and, in the ensuring fracas, some people were critically injured. The next day, one of the major characters in the fight, whose name was

given as Emmanuel Abuchi, was chased by the other group through several streets until they caught up with him at Palm Street/Mayne Avenue where he was hacked to death.

That killing opened the floodgates of attacks as over the next three days, members of the various groups began hunting members of each other and killings were reported in parts of the city. Edibedibe/Fenton Street, Edibedibe/ Richard Henshaw Street, Mayne Avenue/ Nyong Edem Street, Target/ Academy Street, Mbukpa Junction and Nyahasang village were littered with corpses of combatants in the battle.

Since the fight and killings were perpetrated in broad daylight, many people witnessed the scenes live and had to flee for dear lives with many sustaining injuries in the process. One shop operator along Goldie Street was hit and killed by stray bullets. The mayhem coincided with the assumption of duties by a new Police Commissioner in Cross River State, Jimoh Ozi Obe, who, jolted by the tide of events went after the hoodlums.

He told Sunday Vanguard that

36 of the hoodlums have been apprehended along with ten armed robbery and kidnap suspects.

“We have carried out raids in several cultists hideout and this has paid handsomely as we have arrested about 36 of them along with armed robbery suspects and all of them will soon appear in court”.

He said only two deaths were recorded in the fight and the corpses were in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital mortuary. “But if you say the number of deaths is more, tell us where the other corpses are so that we can go and get them but I know that the ones we saw are just two”, Obe said.

The police boss said peace is gradually returning to Calabar and warned miscreants and criminals to stay away from the city because every one of them would soon be arrested and brought to justice.

Whether peace is returning to Calabar or not, for now, there is a self-imposed curfew as people close shops at 6.00pm and night clubs and drinking joints are now deserted because people would rather stay in their homes than venture outside to meet the unknown.

TUC award for PenCom boss

T

he Director-General of the National Pension Commission, PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, has bagged the Trade Union Congress, TUC, “Excellent, Visionary, and Emphatic Leader ” Award.

She bagged the award at the Triennial National Delegates Conference/Excellent Service Award organised by the TUC in Abuja.

The National President of the TUC, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, who said the award

was conceptualised to “recognise men and women of distinction in their respective areas as well as who have positively impacted our society in very remarkable ways and those who have supported the aims and objectives of the Congress”, said Mrs. Anohu-Amazu had touched the lives of Nigerian workers through her visionary leadership as the head of pension regulatory agency.

Reacting to the honour, Anohu-Amazu reiterated the commitment of PenCom to the wel-

fare of the Nigerian worker and ensuring that the pension industry contributed to national development.

She said the Commission was set to roll out the Micro Pension Scheme to cater for millions of self-employed Nigerians.

Anohu-Amazu served on the Fola Adeola-led Pension Reform Committee set up by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which work resulted in the Pension Reform Act 2004 and has helped to nurture pension assets to the tune of N5.4 trillion.

•Chinelo Anohu-Amazu (middle) flanked by Commissioners/ management of PENCOM at the conferment of the award on her.

PAGE 36—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016

By PRISCA SAM-DURU VISUAL

T

he ongoing group exhibition at the Art21 gallery, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, has raised a lot of question as to how Nigeria got to the pitiable state it has found itself especially regarding

By PRISCA SAM-DURU politics and mechanism of the mass media as well as challenges of insecurity.

Tagged Breaking News, the exhibition, which runs till June 22, showcases stunning art pieces

by Jakob S, Boeskov, Teco Benson, Obinna Makata, Native Maqari, Abraham Oghobase, Bob-Nosa Uwagboe, Chibuike Uzoma and Uzorka. It explores the politics and mechanisms of the mass media through their operations. Works on display ranging from paintings to drawings, photography, video and installation, interrogates how information is disseminated, fact is constructed and how social and political life of the people are filtered through the lens of the culture industry.

The works speak eloquently of how the artists are critical about divergent social and political issues in the country.

Very topical and mindboggling is the body of work titled The Illicit Proliferation of Large and Small Arms, by Bob-Nosa Uwagboe which probes poor leadership and the state of insecurity in the country.

Featuring brightly coloured figures in neon and fluorescent hues, Uwagboe creates element forms with heavy emotional charge, typical of his characteristics.

Vividly, the artist’s characters are in the midst of a struggle, from militants with guns creating a state of panic, to trigger-happy policemen drinking local liquors

Breaking News: Uwagboe explores root cause of insecurity in Africa and attacking innocent civilians- two ugly tales that have hunted Nigeria for too long.

As an artist from the Niger-Delta region, Uwagboe’s burning desire to make his thoughts on the plight of Nigerians with regard to the destructive effect of insecurity, public, led to his exhibiting the first five works in the project; The unregistered gun, The unchained dog, The abuse of power, The elite and his gun man and The unregistered gun2, at the ongoing exhibition “Breaking News” at Art21 gallery, Eko hotel, Lagos.

In explicit terms, BobNosa explained that “The unregistered arms poses a

By ELIZABETH UWANDU LITERATURE

The works probe poor leadership and level of insecurity in the country

serious problem to both international and national security especially in some part of Africa which has witnessed the most monumental destruction and violent conflicts over the years.

From the genocide in Rwanda, long conflicts in Liberia(1989-97), the sierra Leonian crisis, the war in Democratic Republic of Congo, the prevailing unrest in Niger Delta, the Boko Haram insurgence in the northern part of Nigeria and the Biafra agitation in the eastern part of Nigeria, Africa has so far, experienced very tumultuous periods due to illicit proliferation of arms.”

“Proliferation of small arms is one of the root causes of insecurity challenges in Nigeria and Africa at large. I am using this current body of works to document and create more awareness of the root

T

•One of the works by Bob-Nosa showing at Art21, Lagos cause of the prevailing insecurity challenges in our time and using this to call on the federal government to wage serious war against proliferation of small arms in the country, which will be a step in reducing the challenge of insecurity in our nation.

Both the rich and poor are at risk.” He said.

Employing divers media, “the artists explore how Nigeria is defined in the local and global news media, and how cultural myths are articulated and perpetuated.

In an act subversion, they cut, crop, and shred the vernacular news archive, a literal and symbolic act of destruction.

Rather than succumb to commercial pressures of the media industry, they created a visual language to portray new perspectives and alternative narrative. But whether critiquing current events or its distribution in newspapers, television, and the Internet, the artists form a selfreflexive view of the media, identifying how it forms our personal and collective worldview.”

Igwe Achebe @ 75: Dissecting evolving traditional institution as catalyst for devt

knowledge having studied at the prestigious Columbia University etc, he is cerebral to have had decades of experience with Shell Nigeria and Royal Dutch Shell Group and after retirement, was called back to assist.

He concurred with Utomi that there’s decline in quality leadership but there’s also sharp rise in quality of traditional rulers. He however posited that traditional rulers should be encouraged to be as apolitical as possible and at the same time, hold on to their views. While raising some gender related issues, Ekpu stressed that it has become very important for learned traditional rulers to ensure women’s integrity is upheld.

He also called on the Igwe to revive Onitsha market literature adding that the city was renowned as centre for commerce & trade, and genre of Onitsha market literature.

Executive Vice Chairman, Ibadan School of Government & Policy, Dr Tunji Olaopa on is own part, emphasised the need for traditional leaders to front the return of history in school curriculum adding that a nation that does not respect the essence of history cannot develop.

By PRISCA SAM-DURU CELEBRATION

T

he 33rd Centre for Values In Leadership’s Leader Without Title (LWT) Leadership Colloquium held in honour of His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, Agbogidi of Onitsha at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, was one of those unique occasions that reflect the beauty of cultures of the people of Nigerians.

Although the celebrator’s mien was exceptionally dazzling at the colourful celebration, others who came in his company as well as colleagues, friends also glowed in their regalia. They poured encomiums on the Agbogidi who they unanimously described as best well read and erudite traditional ruler. They also advised Anambra people to insist that their traditional rulers must be in the pedigree and character of Igwe Achebe.

While praising the celebrator for his wealth of knowledge and role he has played in the lives of his people, former Ambassador to the United States of America, George Obiozo lamented the dearth of intellectuals to run the affairs of the country. “...In the country today all we have is mediocre, meandering and philandering. I commend people like Professor Pat Utomi for his efforts to raising people to move our country forward. He left what other people are doing- pursuit of money, to develop ideas, knowing that among the most important index of the 6 indices of power, idea is number one.”

Authors brainstorm on way forward

•Igwe Achebe in celebration mood Themed ‘ Modern Traditional Leaders as Development Catalysts’, the event held as part of activities organised to mark the Igwe’s 75th birthday. It witnessed the gathering of eminent Nigerians who dissected issues revolving around the evolving traditional institution as catalyst for development.

As it is the tradition of CVL, the colloquium featured panelists who dissected the theme of the celebration, ‘Modern Traditional Leaders as Development Catalysts’.

Founder, Centre for Values in Leadership,CVL, Professor Pat Utomi who anchored the panel raised some nagging questions such as; How can traditional leaders become development catalysts in the face of modernisation, what role does traditional institutions play in reviving our values? Is there legitimacy crisis that affects the function of traditional rulers in their ability to influence the followers?

Responding to the question of

whether there is legitimacy crisis that affect the function of traditional ruler in their ability to influence the followers, Chris Asoluka posited that the real traditional leaders always stand as symbol of unity, development of his people and serves as their rallying point.

He described Agbogidi’s style of traditional rule as a true development catalyst as it reflects the sensibility of his people. On the challenges of traditional institutions, he said that governors who come to power will always choose their own cronies from those who supported them during election.

Former Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch Magazine, Ray Ekpu said, considering Igwe Achebe’s profile especially as regards his wealth of

‘Osa 7, A2 Creative represent undiluted form of art’

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he Head of Innovation, A2Creative, Adaora Mbelu, has said that the brand 7th Element represents an undiluted form of art.

The much-anticipated Graffiti exhibition of the 7th Element by the collaborative team of Osa 7 and A2 Creative in Lagos The event which was held at the KIA showroom, was flooded with HNI clients, art enthusiasts, volunteers, students and supporters of the 7th Element, which was sponsored by Guinness, KIA among others.

According to Adaora: “7th Element is a platform to showcase Graffiti and Non Traditional Artists across Nigeria.

This exhibition was the first of a multiseries that we are working on. We have introduced Nigeria to Art as a lifestyle, and will be launching some exciting products this year.”

The guests were served with the New Guinness Africa Special, which attracted commendations from the guests.

The exhibition was not limited to walls or canvas, Osa also created artwork on a Skate Board, Newspapers, and a KIA Vehicle.

he book industry has suffered a lot due to mirage of issues like decline in readership, censorship, royalty, and remuneration coupled with the piracy that seek to kill the effort of the authors.

It was as a result of the above reasons and more,that Nigeria authors under the umbrella of Association of Nigeria ANA on Friday, 14th May, 2016 gathered at Hall C, Multi-purpose hall, of University of Lagos for what it termed Authors’ Grove that seek ways of ameliorating the plights of authors at home and abroad.

In his opening remarks, Abdullahi Denja , chairman of the event raised some pertinent issues for discussion, like Authors’ and publishers relationship; issue of piracy, improvement of reading culture, recognition of authors internationally , the need for a functioning national book policy and the issue of marketing the works of authors which correlates with the theme of Authors’ Grove- “ Everyone feeds on the author but who feeds the author? A stakeholder summit on the creative industry.”

The event which is part of activities for 2016 Nigeria International Book Fair, had the presence of Prof. Kole Omotosho as special guest, ANA national president Denja Abdullahi as chairman, While Mr Sam Omotseye, Mrs Ruth Bature of National Library of Nigeria and Mrs Illusanmi Awele of Paddy Launch, and Dayo Alabi of The Book Company Limited; served as panels of the discussion.

Giving his speech, Prof. Omotosho appealed to Nigerian authors to focus more on their creative aspect of writing and leave the other activities to professionals. Adding that writers have become jack of all trade by writing, engaging in self publishing and even marketing their own works, a situation he said attributed to lack of quality works from Nigeria.

“A practical aspect of writing should be given to people who can do it. Not all authors can be like Ken- Saro Wiwa who painstakingly write, edit, and self publish to bring a good work. As writers, recognise your limitations and hand the rest to publishers,”he added.

Another key point the erudite Prof. touched was that of piracy that has bedivled the industry, an issue he urged writers to do something, else it will be a recurring event. “ Unless, we bring a new dimension to the business of communication, we can not stop communicating.”

On author and publisher relationship, Mr Alabi, a publisher, told the audience that distrust between an author and the publisher can be traced to the lost of reading culture occasioned by high cost of books and high cost of publishing in Nigeria that has resulted to self p u b l i s h i n g .

Reacting to Alabi’s answer, Mr Omatseye said writers should move beyond mourning, rather they should seek ways of improvement.

“I believe that authors should be a bit more proactive, as the relationship between authors and publishers has been over stated.”

On ways to improve reading culture in the country, the media practitioner advocated for a readers’ commune, a platform where people gather to read and review books of indigenous authors.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016 — PAGE 37

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PAGE 38 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016

Peter Okoye of P-Square is Kia Ambassador

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•Peugeot 4008

HIGH COST OF FUEL: Peugeot 4008 SUV to the rescue R

ENOWNED French car maker, Peugeot, is not known for making sport utility vehicles SUVs. It is a master, when it comes to the production of sedans and estates.

Remember the 404, 504 and 505 sedans and estates. They were in a class of their own during their time. They were preferred models for car buyers in the 70’s and 80’s, and early 1990’s.

But times have changed and Peugeot changed with time.

Peugeot has dropped the old workhorse and replaced them with trendy and modern ones with a lot of innovations and hitechs.

Peugeot has taken advantage of the current trend in the automobile industry whereby SUVs have become the way forward to launch itself into the category. The high cost of petrol in Nigeria makes a car like 4008 the car to beat.

The launch of the 4008, however, marks yet another beginning for Peugeot in the automobile world, especially at a time when even luxury automakers are veering into SUV production. Bentley, Jaguar, Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz had all launched themselves into this segment to tell you how important the SUV has become.

Only an unserious car maker would ignore this car segment and Peugeot has cashed into this segment with the 4008, an SUV that combines performance with comfort like typical luxury sedans.

Having established itself as one of the leading automobile makers in the world, Peugeot has brought its many years of experience to bear on the new 4008 sport utility vehicle.

The 4008 adopts a clearly

distinctive style. It asserts a personality with audacious lines and a genuine all-terrain attitude that is both expressive and dynamic.

Compact and solid, the Peugeot 4008 is an off-road vehicle with a strong personality. It combines outstanding handling with comfort, beside many of modern features.

The versatility, according to Peugeot, was achieved through a high quality suspension system and a range of transmission mode.

Peugeot did not build the 4008 like a new comer in this segment. It masterfully crafted it to take any tough task. The 4×4 mode of the 4008 overcomes every terrain when the need arises, while the twowheel drive is at home with dry tarmac road.

In poor road like sandy or muddy road, the 4WD lock mode tackles the road with ease. The 4008 is available with a 2.0 litre engine, which delivers 150 brake-horse power. This engine is marched with a continuously variable automatic transmission, CVT, combined

with steering wheel paddle-shift controls for driving pleasure.

The adventurous personality The adventurous personality of the 4008 comes hand-in-hand with an interior that is enhanced by the quality of the trim and the materials used, such as chrome.

Other details like the LED lighting on the side of the glass panoramic roof contribute to the perceive quality of the interior.

The 4008 is fitted with efficient and practical equipment, devised for occupants pleasures, safety and driving comfort.

For instance, with the 4008, the traditional key has been replaced by an electronic recognition system that simplifies using the 4008. With the identifier still in your pocket or hand-bag, you can access your 4008, start it, and stop it simply by pressing the button.

The vehicle can be locked again simply by pressing the button on the front door handle or boot as you leave. There is generous legroom and headroom for all occupants.

The 4008 also offers occupants comforts worthy of the finest saloon cars: numerous storage comportments, automatic air conditioning, a refrigerated glove box, electric windows, quality sound system among other features.

ETER Okoye, the multi talented award winning R&B music duo of P-Square has joined the Kia family as its new ambassador.

Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr. P is revered for his dancing steps and admired by fans axross the globe.

Although the contract sum was not disclosed, a Kia source said that it was an irressitable package Kia says, "we are happy to inform you that Peter Okoye (MrP) of the multi award winning R&B music duo of PSquare has joined the Kia family as our new ambassador.

As one of the foremost music artists in Nigeria with unrivalled accentuated dance moves, his array of nerve wrecking dance performances and musical ingenuity are wrapped-up into his choice as the new face of Kia which reflects the true expression and style of the Kia brand’s aesthetic design.

At Kia, we are committed to creating synergy through a sense of “togetherness” that is fostered by mutual communication and cooperation to promote customer-driven corporate culture with all values centered on our customers as we continuously bring new waves to the brand in Nigeria.

•Peter Okoye

Brent leads Ford in Middle East, Africa

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ORD Motor Company has announced leadership changes in the Middle East and Africa as it continues to deliver the company’s One Ford plan for profitable growth.

Jacques Brent, 46, currently vice president Marketing, Asia Pacific, is appointed president, Middle East and Africa, effective July 1, 2016. He will be based in Dubai.

He replaces Jim Benintende, who will be taking over the role of director, US Sales Support reporting to Mark LaNeve, vice president U.S. Marketing Sales and Service at Ford’s World Headquarters in Dearborn, effective Aug. 1, 2016.

“This is a great opportunity in

Ford’s newest region and I look forward to continuing the growth and momentum we have established in these diverse markets,” Brent said. “Jim and the team have done great job establishing the region and it is an honour for me to be able to lead this region as we embark on the next exciting phase of our development,” added Brent.

“I am also very excited to once again be working with South Africa, and to get to know the employees and dealers in the other regions.”

“We welcome one of our favourite sons back to the region,” said Jeff Nemeth, CEO and President Sub Saharan African

Region.

“Jacques has distinguished himself in his assignments in North America and Asia Pacific and understands the workings of South Africa and Africa. He has key relationships with our team and dealer body, which will greatly benefit the company going into the future.”

Brent has worked at Ford for 19 years beginning his career at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. His career has spanned three continents and multiple brands over the years. He has worked in leadership roles within markets and the various brands with cross functional experience in finance, marketing, sales and general management.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 39

AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215

Alpha Ma es 3 1 Mayy Club celebrat celebrates 31

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lpha May Club of Lagos, an elite association of Itsekiri professionals based in Lagos, has celebrated its 31 st anniversary. The grand occasion which held at the Event Centre, Rita lori Hotels, Surulere Lagos had in attendance high-profile Itsekiri sons and daughters. Photos by Sola Oyelese

L-R: Tony Jacdomi, Dr Michael Ugbeye, Prince Rowland Okpiabhele , Brig Gen Emico Eruwa, Chief ( Mrs) Rita Lori Ogbebor, Mrs Roli Okpiabhele and Mr Alex Kofi Eruwa.

L-R: Mrs Adesokan Rashida, Prof Egerton Uvieghara, Engr Ben Atseyinku and Mrs Patricia Oritseweyimi Atseyinku.

L-R: Engr. Alex Eruwa, Dr Micheal Ugbeye, Brig.

Gen. Emico Eruwa, Mrs Roli Okpiabhele with Prince Rowland Okpiabhele .

Oba TTejuoso ejuoso mar ks 2 7 marks 27 years on the throne

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he Osile Oke-Ona, Egba, Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, marked his 27th coronation anniversary at his Ago-Oko Palace, Sapon, Abeokuta, Ogun State. As part of the activities to commemorate the day, the monarch had both Christian and Muslim prayers held in his palace.

Photos by WUNMI AKINOLA

L-R: Arc. Fred Dudu , Chief Augustus Ikomi and Mr Eddy Okoturo.

L-R:Oba Dapo Tejuoso and his Oloris: Omolara, Yetunde and Olabisi.

Mr Tsola Aragho (l) with Chief Godfrey Etikerentse

L-R: Mrs Rita Amuka, Mrs Juliet Aghante and Mrs. Misan Atseatosan (members of Oghooritse Itsekiri Progressive Sisters Club).

Former A ccess Bank Access boss at 82

E L-R: His Eminence, Dr Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche JP, congratulating Oni (right). With them are Prof Wale Omole (2nd right) and wife, Sade

Rt. Revd (Dr) Isaac Ayobami Olawuyi (Ph.D) (left) and Rt. Revd Omotayo Babalola.

LDER Michael Ayodeji Oni, a former Chairman, Access Bank Plc and immediate past lay president, Archdiocese of Lagos, Methodist Church, Nigeria, presented a book titled “Thanksliving� at his 82nd birthday held at the multipurpose hall, City Mission, Methodist Church, Surulere, Lagos.

Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr .Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche JP, blessing Oni. With them are Prof Wale Omole, wife, Sade, and Book Reviewer, Dr Christopher Okeke.

A cross section of Oke-Ona Imams.

L-R: Prince Femi Tejuoso, Oba G. Sodiya, Olu of Ogunmakin, Oluwo Yomi Jiboku and Oba Ruben Oluwole

PAGE 40—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016

N6BN IGR TARGET:

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

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t was obvious that the administration in Kwara State under Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed needed to take serious action in view of the free fall of its federal monthly allocations since about two years ago, particularly, if it must continue to meet its obligations to the people of the state.

According to the state Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Ademola Banu, the allocation to the state, last month, suffered yet another blow as Kwara, which used to get over N3 billion got N1.418b.

N1,519, 879, 557.87 was received in April, representing a decline of about N101,578,565.48.

Banu lamented that the current allocation is more than 50 per cent lower than what it was about a year ago.

The commissioner said although government’s monthly wage bill currently stands at N2.4 billion, the government will continue to strive towards ensuring that workers’ wages and pensioners’ entitlements

•Gov Ahmed are paid.

Meanwhile, the former revenue agency in the state, Board of Internal Revenue (BIR), was raking in N600m against its target of N1 billion despite getting all the necessary assistance from government. Thus it became apparent that Ahmed must take farreaching decisions, if he must

Gov. Ahmed mobilises the Kwara tax man remain on that seat.

It was this very tight financial situation that the administration found itself that led to the establishment of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) to take over from the defunct Board of Internal Revenue (BIR).

This effort, aimed at making the state financially viable and economically sustainable, was already yielding positive results.

Since his assumption of office as the Executive Chairman, Dr Muritala Awodun has not left any stone unturned to meet its monthly N5 billion target, thereby putting the state on a very sound financial footing to pay the monthly wage bills and execute other developmental projects in the state.

Awodun, at a recent press conference, said the KWIRS generated N3.2billion in the first three months of 2016.

According to him, N951m was generated in January, N1.04 billion in February and N1.2 billion in March.

Awodun said the service is expected to generate N6.6 billion in the second quarter of 2016.

He explained that the Service had engaged over 1,000 people including 528 direct staff since it began operations in January, stressing that a labour intensive technology driven approach was adopted by engaging younger people across the state.

The Chairman of the Service disclosed that consultants were also engaged to enable the service meet its set target.

On Local government revenue in Kwara, Awodun said that the 16 local government councils in the state generated N75million as revenue for the first quarter of 2016.

Awodun also said that the service only worked with four items out of the 21 revenue generating items available.

On blocking leakages, the executive chairman said from May 1, citizenship applications and all other payments would be made online.

Inside Samsung Galaxy J series

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ince the launch of the Galaxy S series into the Nigerian market, Samsung has definitely been turning heads for over a while now. These flagship smartphones are distinctively designed, have amazing cameras, brilliant displays and of course, come with a pricey price tag. Even though there is currently a proliferation of smartphones in the Nigerian market, there are very few devices that not only seek to push the boundaries of mobile innovation, but are also affordable.

The Samsung Galaxy J series is one such smartphones.

The J series, which plays in the mid-range segment of the mobile phone market, also offers impressive spec and features. Many big smartphones tend to be highly priced and beyond the reach of majority of people. This is where the Galaxy J7 stands out: offering users a big device at a price that won’t dig a hole in their pockets. With the introduction of the Galaxy J7, and Galaxy J5, Samsung is set to continue its dominance of the midrange smartphone segment, thus with specifications raising the bar.

This unique smartphone, according to Samsung, lets users get the most out of their mobile experience with functions and features that take mobility to an entirely new level. From the brilliant screen, with advanced resolution, contrast, and color reproduction, viewing text, images and video, user experience has never been better.

The J series captures impressive images with manual aperture settings and even a flash on the frontfacing camera. Selfies are immediately improved with Beauty Face Mode, and Palm Recognition makes it easier to snap the photo without ruining your posture. Inside, the mobile boasts the most advanced Central Processing Unit for fast and effortless processing and performance.

Ultimate Viewing Experience Samsung Galaxy J series is truly a sight to behold, with large display, which showcases stunning imagery, thanks to the HD resolution, trueto-life colour reproduction, and excellent contrast ratio. Text appears crystal clear and easy to read no matter the font size. Images also appear to be colorful and sharp, while video comes to life on Galaxy J series!

The large 5 inch and 5.5 inch super AMOLED display on both the J5 and J7, allows the user view everything and anything on the device comfortably. With the High Definition resolution of the Samsung Galaxy J series, users can now enjoy crystal clear images.

Excellent contrast ratio produces stunningly sharp images with deeper blacks and brighter whites, giving true to life colours exactly the way nature intends them to be.

Samsung leveraged on its many years of experience to perfect the one-handed user experience on the J7 - the device is easy to hold and sits very well in the palm of one hand.

Long lasting battery life A major complaint by users of smart mobile devices is that their device’s battery doesn’t charge fast enough, even after extended charging periods. With the Galaxy J’s Adaptive Fast Charging feature, users can finally enjoy everything the Galaxy J7 has to offer, without the fear of the battery needing a recharge so often. Its ultra power saving mode also lets users make the most of their last battery power, helping them stay connected for longer periods. In emergency situations, the use of Ultra Power Saving Mode squeezes additional juice from the battery to extend phone use.

Camera Samsung’s Galaxy J features has advanced technology on both the front and rear cameras. Users can now enjoy taking amazing shots with friends and of their surroundings. The 13MP rear camera, with greater F-stop variability, allows users to adjust how much light is being taken in.

Using the lowest F-Stop value of 1.9 allows you to take incredibly balanced and striking photos even at night or in low light conditions.

The device also features an advanced 5MP front Camera with LED Flash, palm recognition feature, which lets you take selfies easily and maintain a natural posture and a beauty face mode, which magically edits your photos as you take them by retouching the face for flawless skin for a brighter, more youthful look.

The J series Palm Recognition feature allows users to take photographs by showing their palms to the camera lens – ideal for taking selfies!

Beauty Face Mode is another innovative feature of Galaxy J7, this feature instantly improves user’s features by retouching their skins, enlarging their eyes, and slimming their faces. With Samsung Galaxy J7, you get the best selfies.

Well-Balanced Performance Powering content creation, sharing and multitasking capabilities, the Galaxy J series comes with the latest hardware technologies. An Octa core Processor paired with 1.5 GB of RAM delivers easy multitasking, lightning-fast screen transitions, powerful browser performance, and minimal application loading time.

The Galaxy J7 is powered by the latest Android 5.1 “Lollipop” operating system that provides users with stunning graphical capabilities.

Faster performance, smartphone aficionados say, leads to a heightened mobile experience – and

one that will last longer than before.

Powered by a robust and fast CPU,

He said charges at the judiciary in the state would also be reviewed to reflect the current realities and also advised residents in the state to make sure that they get the receipt of the exact amount they paid for services.

On properties enumeration, he said, the state is divided into three regions to facilitate the operation of the service.

He called on residents to cooperate with the service in achieving its set objective and boost the revenue profile of the state.

As part of the efforts of KWIS to bring all the tax due to the state into its coffers, an Ilorin High Court recently ordered the University of Ilorin to settle its outstanding tax liability of N970m to the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIIRS).

Justice Bayo Yusuf, who gave this ruling, noted that the application for stay of execution by the applicant (University of Ilorin) on the judgment earlier given in favor of the claimant (KWIRS) was not valid and was subsequently dismissed by the court.

users will enjoy instant multi-tasking and faster loading of pages and games. Users can also freely use the mobile for web searches, app enjoyment, game playing and more, and still have battery left over for days of standby!

Competition N o rmally, this is where information about the alternatives on offer surface, but the Samsung Galaxy J series has no rival in the mid-range smartphone niche. The Samsung J series has created its own category, in that there are no devices to be compared to the J7 device in the smartphone market before its advent. In fact, the only real rival to the Galaxy J7 is the Galaxy J5.

Bottom-line The Samsung Galaxy J series is a trustworthy and dependable device.

It is very affordable and you can’t go wrong with it. It has some of the best battery life you can get in a smartphone today.

Non-oil commodity export under threat over terminal charges, says Olumekun, a big enough display for •Seeks Buhari’s intervetion, as over 40% firms close shop

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BY UDEME CLEMENT

he effort by Federal Government to revamp the economy through development of non-oil export sector is under serious threat, as the Association of Exports Commodity and Manufacturing Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, an umbrella body of exporters in Nigeria has threatened to shut down operations, if the terminal operators do not reverse the newly introduced N40.000 terminal handling charge for 20foot container and N60.000 for 40foot container taking effect from June, 2016.

The President of the association, Mr. Bunmi Olumekun, disclosed this in Lagos, explaining that over 40 percent exporters have closed shop due mainly to excessive charges and harsh operational conditions, while the remaining 60percent may be pushed into smuggling, since they can not meet up with multiple charges being imposed on them by terminal operators in the ports.

“We are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and call the terminal operators to

•Mr. Bunmi Olumekun order. If not, we will have no other option than to shut operations. The charges are so numerous and killing. At present, we are paying N4,300 for 20foot container and N6.000 for 40foot container as delivery charges. We also pay $30 per tonne of goods as export dollar levy, we pay 0.5per cent of Free on Board (FOB) charge, for cost of goods, transportation and logistics.

Aside from the charges mentioned above, we equally pay storage fees, among other charges imposed unduly on exporters by terminal operators. These charges do not even include what our drivers also pay from getting the goods to the

terminal where they are discharged, because the drivers begin paying money from the gate”, he said.

He went on, “Concessionaires are killing local export industries in Nigeria to the detriment of our economy. Government knowing that non-oil export is the only area of our economic drive ought to put regulations in place and monitor concessionaires to align with such policies, in order to make the ports business friendly area, so that exporters will not be driven away from government’s eye into smuggling. If they go into smuggling, government will lose revenue accruing from that sector.

It will also draw us back again, especially now that crude oil price is declining, and government needs export sector for the economy to thrive. In other countries, they do not go outside the laws to introduce charges capable of killing local export firms. It is only in Nigeria that concessionaires impose all kinds of illegal charges on local industries, in order to enrich themselves, to the disadvantage of the nation’s economy.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 41

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How we kidnapped bride 24 hours to her wedding — Gang •Abducts also 2 Catholic sisters Dayo Johnson, Akure

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T was well planned, executed and the aftermath halted the joy of an intending couple, albeit temporarily.

Ayebameru and Olanike were billed to tie the nuptial knot the next day but the bride ended up in the kidnappers den where she cooled her feet for six days.

The wedding had to be put on hold.

Despite the fact that the news of the abduction of the bride traveled far and near like harmattan fire, some relations and well wishers not in the know of the ugly incident were rattled on arrival for the wedding on Saturday.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that a couple, identified as Ayodeji and Adebimpe Muyijimi, acted as informants to three abductors who took the bride a day before her wedding.

Interestingly, the gang, besides kidnapping the bride in Okitipupa/ Ikoya Road area of Ondo State, carried their nefarious activities too far by abducting two Catholic reverend sisters and their driver in Onipetesi, along Ore/ Shagamu express way.

The rescued reverend sisters are Apo Perpetual and Roseline Familade while their driver is Zwugwa Zibai. They were heading to Ogun State when the kidnapping happened.

The job of Ayodeji, physically handicapped and stays indoor, in the gang, it was alleged, was to nose around for victims whose families had the wherewithal to pay ransom to be kidnapped while the wife, Adebimpe, was alleged armorer.

Police report had it that the bride was abducted in front of her parents house located at Mama Nigeria Street, Ayeka via Okitipupa on a Friday, together with her son and taken to an unknown destination until she was rescued a week after.

The bride was said to have gone for shopping with her son in her car ahead of the wedding when she was taken by the kidnappers.

The groom (Ayebameru Agbeye ), who was informed of the incident by the parents of the bride, reported the incident to the Okitipupa police divisional station and was referred to the anti- cult squad of the state command.

The son and vehicle were later abandoned by the kidnappers to

avoid being traced by security operatives.

The anti-cult squad, after six days, burst the syndicate and effected the release of the bride.

The wedding has since been held.

One of the suspected kidnappers, Phillip Ezekiel, while speaking with Sunday Vanguard when they were paraded, confessed that their leader, Ufoma Godwin, hospitalized following injuries he sustained during a gun battle with detectives,

•Couple: Suspected kidnappers informant. coordinated the activities of the gang.

Phillip alleged that the couple’s

Ndokwa in darkness despite hosting major power plant—Opone •’Diplomacy will resolve issues’

By Bilesanmi Olalekan THE new President-General of Ndokwa National Union (Ndokwa Neku), Chief Johnson Ossai Opone, has appealed to Niger Delta communities to apply diplomacy in tackling issues affecting the region.

Opone spoke in an interview with Sunday Vanguard.

With your emergence as a leader in the Niger Delta, what are the critical areas that will attract your immediate attention?

Elections have come and gone, the next stage is to hit the ground running as our people needs have to be urgently attended to. The first and most important thing is that of reaching out to all contestants, because the election was a win-win situation; especially as we have to move the Ndokwa nation forward.

We are commencing with a peace move, so as to bring everybody back on board. We are also going to work with the immediate past executives, to make our job of moving Ndokwa nation forward easier. We won’t be talking about a blueprint without, first and foremost bringing everybody together.

While on that, our first is to light up the entire Ndokwa nation. Because despite hosting a major power plant that supplies over 600 megawatts, servicing about six states in the country, with several oil companies flaring gas here, the entire Ndokwa nation remains in darkness!

Ironically, the step-down of the Okpai power plant is located at far away Obosi in Anambra State. We

intend to work with the three tiers of government towards having a 33kva transmission line, and a stepdown in any part of Ndokwa land, for a start.

That will serve as main hub of supply, and transmission of light to homes and factories, as we intend to industrialize the entire Ndola land through our worthy sons and daughters, and Friends of Ndokwa as well.

One of the things you were accused of, by some opinion molders was that you are too independent minded for their liking? How do you hope to change this their mindset about you?

I am not the type that brags about my personality. I am very accessible, and remain humble as ever. In fact, our second item on priority is engaging all stakeholders, including the oil companies and the three tiers of government on the issue of motorable roads across the three local governments that make up the Ndokwa nation. Mark my my words, we will ensure that all our dilapidated roads are fixed so that our people can enjoy good road network. Our people are predominantly fishermen and farmers, so we will pursue vigorously, three main agro revolutions in production, processing and marketing. This will ensure that our people will not only participate in cultivation, but also involved in processing, and we will take them through the dynamics of export trade where applicable.

For example, the federal government has listed cassava as a major foreign exchange earner. And our people are predominantly

Accidents at Ekpoma varsity:

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HE House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Works to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing to construct a pedestrian bridge at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma gate.

The House stated that the construction of the bridge along the Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin express road would avert further C M Y K

loss of lives of students and pedestrians.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Rep Joseph Edionwele (PDP) representing Esan Central/Esan West/ Igueben Federal Constituency of Edo State on the platform which was unanimously adopted by members through a voice vote.

Edionwele had, in the motion, explained that the school was located along Benin-EkpomaAuchi highway which was also the link route between the South-

cassava farmers. Furthermore, we will ask the federal and state governments to look into the injustice done to the old Aboh Division, part of which makes up the present three local government areas in Delta state, on the issue of at least a higher institution in Ndokwa land. On that score, one of the things I must have to work on is the revalidation of Act of parliament on Kwale Industrial College of Technology, passed by the late Professor Ambrose Alli regime in the old Bendel State.

Kwale, being one of the oldest local government headquarters in Nigeria deserves an urgent attention in that aspect, as the approved institution has remained on the drawing board decades after. We will ensure that school becomes functional during my tenure. Also there is a state polytechnic at Aboh that is not fully operational due to lack of basic amenities. We will be working with our eminent sons and daughters, as well as the oil companies operating in Ndokwa land, the federal and state governments through their agencies, such as Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Delta State Oil Production Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC, and Petroleum Trust Development Fund, PTDF, among others. We will be working with them to come to one of the institution in terms of facilities needed to enable the place to properly take off and equitably distributed within the three local

He expressed concern that because of the heavy human and vehicular traffic on the road, a lot of accidents leading to student and pedestrian deaths had been recorded at the gate of AAU. According to him, universities world over attract a great number of youths who are the most active segment of any population.

He said, “The current state of that road and its ever busy nature put students, workers and visitors at great risk while trying to cross the road.”

•Opone government areas.

Unemployment has been fingered as a major reason behind the consistent restive situation in the Niger Delta. What difference are you bringing to the table?

We have designed a robust program for our youth that will keep them better equipped in any profession of their choice to tackle unemployment. For those who may want to pursue their careers outside the academia, we are going to empower them after seminars and workshops.

For our women, we will ensure a sustainable micro credit scheme that will properly help and encourage in improving and sustaining their entrepreneurial skills. Though we won’t be building centers, but there will be seminars and skill acquisition programs where we will bring in experts from Nigeria and across the globe. Thereafter, we will donate tools needed by the participants relevant to their acquired skills.

Pregnant woman, two others die in auto crash

BY UGOCHUKWU ALARIBE

Reps ask FG to construct pedestrian bridge South/South-East States and the on Auchi-Benin Road Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

job was to give information on victims while the wife (Adebimpe) was the keeper of weapons used for

operations.

According to him, the gang preferred abducting women and that they had since March abducted five women including the two Catholic reverend sisters.

Others kidnapped, it was learnt, were one Seun Fanegan, who was picked in front of her Mama Nigeria Street, Ayeka via Okitipupa, and Ayewalehinmi Blessing, abducted at her residence at No 2 Ifedayo Street, Okitipupa.

Phillips said N50,000 was given to him as his share from the N200,000 ransom collected from the family of one of those kidnapped.

The state Police Commissioner, Hilda Harrison, said the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation, adding that they confessed to the crime.

Efforts, according to her, were on to arrest fleeing members of the gang.

A

BA-A pregnant woman and two other male passengers suspected to be her relatives, on Saturday evening, lost their lives in an auto crash which occurred along the Aba-EnuguPort Harcourt expressway.

The accident, which occurred when a 911 truck with registration number, Delta State SLK 273 XA, and a car with registration number, Abuja BP 61 KUJ, few kilometers from Ubakala junction, collided.

Eyewitnesses told Sunday Vanguard that the driver of the truck fled after the accident happened. “If the truck driver had exercised patience, this accident would have been averted.

The car was coming from Aba to

Umuahia, while the truck driver was heading in the opposite direction.”

Items found in the car included but we’re not limited to hand gloves, cotton wool, amongst other delivery and maternity materials, raising the suspicion that the woman could have been in labour and may have been rushing to the hospital before the incident occurred.

As at the time of filing this report, men of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, assisted by Police personnel from the Ubakala Police Station, had evacuated the bodies of the victims to an undisclosed morgue in the area.

The identities of the victims were yet to be ascertained.

An official of FRSC said over speeding can’t be ruled out as the cause of the accident.

PAGE 42—SUNDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016 08116759757

the gallery

Combating ‘Tomato Ebola’ without unleashing cancer on Nigerians,

by Animashaun, horticulturist

UFUTAU Animasaun, a M doctorate degree holder in horticulture with emphasis on

post-harvest pathology from Writtle College, University of Essex, England, and a former Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Cooperatives and Rural Development, speaks on the soil-borne pest currently afflicting the production of tomato across the country.

Presently, fruits and vegetable farms in Nigeria are afflicted by tuta-absoluta, locally known as Tomato Ebola. Can you explain what tuta absoluta is, how it attacks vegetables and what is needed to stop its spread?

Tuta-absoluta is an intelligent insect that has a distinctive survival instinct, it’s a pest that destroys tomato crops and it has been prevalent in this country for 50 years , but just discovered few years back. The attention is just coming up now because of the intensity of the attack. It is a soilborne pest that feeds on tomato, garden egg, aubergine, potato and tobacco plants. The pest spreads very quickly, it has a high reproductive potential and a life cycle of between 24 to 76 days, depending on environmental conditions. Adults

are silvery gray with black spots on the forewings . Their activity is concentrated in the early morning and dusk; during the rest of the day they remain hidden among the leaves. Adult lifespan ranges between 10 and 15 days for females and 6–7 days for males. The female lays the eggs mainly on the leaves, although they can also be found on stems and sepals. Eggs are laid isolated, thus facilitating their distribution on the crop. The number of eggs per female is usually between 40 and 50 and may reach 260. I think we need to deploy different approaches to solving the problem. First is the approach of attacking the insect itself at the reproduction stages.

It’s not only about attacking at the point of attack, but also killing the egg before hatching, that is completely wiping it off from our farm land nationwide. We need an entomologist report to identify the specie of the pest, because it’s possible that the specie that can survive in Kano and Kaduna might not survive in Jos and Yola because of the varied temperature. That means we have to develop many approaches. The second approach is to identify which

•Dr. Animashaun

stage of the lifecycle that attacks the fruits because I know that it’s a moth that reproduces twelve times a year and it can be terminated before it matures to the age that attacks the fruit. The third is the pesticide method: though some experts have suggested the use of pesticides, we have to be very careful; some pesticides are systemic, you intend to control the insects but the tomatoes can take it up and when eaten fresh can be carcinogenic and cause harm to the human body.

What is the meaning of carcinogenic?

It means it causes cancer; so we have to be very careful. An expert suggested that we use the protocol of insecticide which means once you use one insecticide today, tomorrow you use another one, it’s dangerous because it means the insect can

even develop resistance to that protocol. Another approach is the biological approach, that is, finding parasites that feed on the insects.

If you are getting the parasites to feed on them, how then do you bring a contact?

You have to study the lifecycle of that insect and know the stage it uses to attack the fruits, and send the parasite during this stage to kill it out rightly and study the parasite so that it would not be injurious to the plant, so you know it’s a two-way approach so as not to bring about another problem to the plant itself.

What should the government do to have an all encompassing proactive approach to protecting

our food and crops?

The most lacking thing in crop harvest in this country is postharvest technology, management and packaging.

These are very essential and important in any nations agricultural growth. This is what gives the developed economies an edge over us. They believe in technology and spend money on research.You can’t import a technology that was made for a country with different climate to a country that has a very strong climate. I am an ardent preacher of environmental reality.Any problem in this country has its own solution here and not a borrowed solution that might solve the problem temporarily.

What do mean?

I am saying that I can solve this ‘Tomato Ebola’ outbreak locally in synergy with other indigenous plant protection experts. I did my doctorate degree thesis on postharvest pathology. I spent every day of my life for six years researching on different fruits and vegetables pathology. We do not need dollars or pounds to solve this problem. We are blessed in this country with world class brains.As a Nigerian I won the best oral presentation at the 2nd All African Horticulture Congress (AAHC) held in SouthAfrica. We had participants in that event from all over the world.So why should a foreigner import his country’s technology that has zero percent of my environmental component? It can’t work.

Inside ‘Another Chance Women’s Home’, by Rev. Adejumo

From right: Wife of Ondo State governor, Mrs Oluwakemi Mimiko; President of ‘Another Chance Women’s Home’, Rev (Mrs) Funke Adejumo; Presiding Bishop of Agape Christian Ministries Inc, Bishop Felix Remi Adejumo; Ondo Women Affairs Commissioner, Mrs Simi Odunmbaku; and the state Police Commissioner, Hilda Harrison, at the commissioning of the home.

By Dayo Johnson, Akure UCCOUR came the way of S women who have been exposed to physical, emotional

and mental violence across the country after a home known as “ Another Chance Women’s Home” was opened in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The President of the home, Rev (Mrs) Funke Adejumo, said the home will reach out to women affected by domestic violence with a helping hand, to support them in taking initial and courageous steps, give them a voice. She expressed concern that women

had been subjected to various forms of violence ranging from rape, battery, trafficking and murder which had destructive consequences. Wife of the Ondo State governor, Mrs Olukemi Mimiko, commissioned the home while the state Police Commissioner, Mrs Hilda Harrison, and the state Commissioner for Women Affair, Mrs Olasimbo Odumbaku , were in attendance.

Adejumo, on international speaker and Vice President of Agape Christian Ministries, said an average of 300-500 women are killed every year by their husbands, former partners,

boyfriends or male relations. “ The incidences are considered family feud which should be treated within the family”.

She said there is no specific or direct national law that protects the right of women against violence in the country except the Violence Against Persons Persons ( Prohibition) Act. According to her, domestic violence is a problem in Nigeria encouraged by the loopholes in the law and strengthened by the cultural family structure.

The Agape VP said: “ We want to contribute to the understanding of victims of abuse : giving them a voice and showing them that there is a way to a life without violence. “ We plan to educate and empower victims financially ; finding show that money is often used as a means of power and control. “ If you are financially chained to your partner, you are likely to endure his beating and this makes leaving him harder. “ We plan to offer financial, legal and social counseling to women who have been exposed to physical, emotional and mental violence. We aim to help women regain the power and strength to get back on their feet’’.

The President and founder of Agape Christian Ministries, Apostle Felix Adejumo, apologized on behalf of men to all women who have been violently abused by men across the world.

From left: Chief Imam Mustapha Dande, Chief Yahaya Daniya (Ohinoyi Anebira Agege), AIG Meejid Bello (retd), Oba Rilwan Akiolu I (Oba of Lagos), Chief Siaka Awe (Ohinoyi Aniebira Lagos), and other members during a visit to Akiolu to present the st 1 Ohinoyi Anebira of Lagos State.

The European Union and United Kingdom Department for International Development Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme sponsored a one-day Dialogue on the Niger Delta held at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Friday 10th June 2016. The dialogue was organized by the Academic Associates PeaceWorks.

From left to right: Mr Richard Young(EU), Chief Anabs Sara Igbe, Mr Tony Uranta, Mr Bashiru Olasupo(NSRP), Bishop P Jumbo, Chief Dr Judith Burdin Asuni (Convener ), Mr Michel Arrion(EU Ambassador to Nigeria), Chief Iduh Amadhe, King Dandeson Jaja, Chief Onoge and Pastor Power Aginighan

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 43

T.B. Joshua @ 53: Celebrating an uncommon passion for humanity TRIBUTE

By Peter Ekanem TRIBUTE IN BRIEF Celebrating the friend of the poor and the needy

O

n Sunday June 12, 2016, Prophet T.B. Joshua turned 53. The cleric deserves to be celebrated from different perspectives, especially at a time like this when the nation is passing through some kind of recession. He has put smiles on faces and has become the greatest friend of the poor and downtrodden in society.

Apart from his healing and deliverance gifts, Prophet T.B. Joshua walks tall in several aspects of human endeavours. The story of his life is an excellent demonstration of God’s ability to use the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.

With just primary school education, the General Overseer of The Synagogue Church of All Nations has established himself as a force to reckon with in God’s vineyard. His ministry is arguably the most visited Christian ministry in the whole of Africa and has continued to attract scintillating reviews from the international media. Tens of thousands of visitors from across the world have continued to throng the Ikotun-Egbe based ministry in

VIEWPOINT

By Frederick Funebi Ogu VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF VIEWPOINT Stemming a continent's biggest threat to development

‘Control of the seas means security. Control of the seas means peace. Control of the seas can mean victory. The United States must control the sea if it is to protect our security.—John F. Kennedy

A

LFRED Thayer Mahan, a naval strategist and the author of ‘The Influence of Sea Power upon History’, argued that national prosperity and power depended on control of the world’s sea-lanes.

“Whoever rules the waves rules the world,” Mahan wrote.

According to him “Control of the sea, by maritime commerce and naval supremacy, means predominant influence in the world; because, however great the wealth product of the land, nothing facilitates the necessary exchanges as does the sea.”

Mahan trumpeted a global

VIEWPOINT

By Grace Udofia VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF Getting petroleum products to all parts of Nigeria

P

ETROLEUM Equalisation Fund, PEF, is one well misunderstood agency of government that many don’t even know it really exists. But like the womb of a woman, which prepares the baby for safe deliveryandregulatestheenvironment for the foetus, the PEF has been silently working round the clock to ensure that petroleum products are seamlessly delivered at reasonable costs to all parts of Nigeria.

As a silent but indispensable player in the fuel distribution chain, PEF, has benservicinghouseholds,factoriesand individuals without raising its voice to the rooftop. It remains a hardworking agency under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

When the new pump price of petrol

search of spiritual succour.

But it does not end there. The man of God understands the challenges of the troubled world and has maintained a rare reputation for helping individuals, institutions and nations overcome their spiritual as well as socio-economic challenges through crusades and humanitarian efforts.

Though enemies of the church would always ascribe negative things to the man of God, he has consistently maintained that it is unnecessary joining issues with the world; instead he has channeled most of his time into catering to the needs of the less-privileged in society.

Uncountable number of people both Nigerians and foreigners have continued to benefit from his ministry’s milk of human kindness.

Through his ministry’s Emmanuel TV Partners, millions of lives, nations and destinies have been changed across the world. According to the man of God, true love always searches for whom to help whenever and wherever it is in a position to do so. How he has been able to maturely manage the bad press emanating from the collapsed building incident remains very phenomenal. He has maintained a calm and unperturbed disposition - a quality that can only be God-given especially in situations of crisis. T.B. Joshua is the only Nigerian pastor that is hardly seen

•T.B. Joshua around the corridors of power. You will never find him in any government house because he believes that a true servant of God should be for all and not frolic around with politicians.

In the last two years, the man of God has received both national and international recognitions for his exemplary service to mankind. He was recently ranked amongst the most famous prophets in the history of mankind. The ranking was contained in a publication by an America-based research organization – www.Ranker.com.

The publication describes Prophet T.B. Joshua thus, “Temitope Balogun Joshua (born June 12, 1963), commonly referred to as T.B. Joshua, is a Nigerian preacher. He is the

leader of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), a religious organization that runs the Emmanuel TV television station from Lagos, Nigeria. He has been awarded various accolades, notably receiving the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by the Nigerian government in 2008 and being voted the Yoruba man of the decade by Pan-Yoruba media outlet, Irohin Odua. He was recognized as one of Africa’s 50 most influential people by Pan-African magazines, The Africa Report and New African Magazine and also listed him among world’s most famous prophets”.

Born on June 12, 1963, in a rustic village of Arigidi in Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, Joshua is said to have spent 15 months in his mother’s womb. His birth and early development is also said to be shrouded in mysteries after narrowly escaping a boulder from a nearby quarry which came crashing inches near him in his parents’ house. The name ‘Temitope’, meaning “what you (God) have done for me is worthy of thanks”. He attended St. Stephens’ Anglican Primary School but failed to complete secondary school due to poverty.

While in primary school, he was referred to as the small pastor and led evangelical activities. His ambition to join the Nigerian Army

went crashing after the train that was to convey him developed fault along the way and left him stranded for six days. Prophet T.B. Joshua also washed people’s feet on the muddy corners of Lagos and worked as a poultry attendant to earn a living.

His ministry, The Synagogue, Church of All Nations, alongside the Emmanuel TV Partners, has become synonymous with acts of charity, healing and humanitarian efforts across the globe. Last year he was listed among the world’s famous people The avalanche of evidence that the man of God is truly of God notwithstanding, some persons, for reasons best known to them, have decided to continue their campaign of calumny against him. In the face of all the hatred and condemnation, Prophet T.B. Joshua has remained rather calm and focused on his divine mandate to liberate the oppressed from the shackles of the devil. What other truth is greater than showing love to others? For even Jesus attested to the biblical truth that, whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren that you do unto me. Like John the Baptist like Jesus and like T.B. Joshua, a prophet is without honour in his own home. No amount of falsehood can truncate the noble and glorious trajectory of truth. It is only a matter of time. Truth, like an immortal seed, will always prevail.

Africa losing $1 trillion yearly to sea blindness (1) manifest destiny; for unlike continents, oceans are indivisible, without frontiers; they are a vacuum that power abhors and will fill.

Today, sea power of both the hard, naval kind and the softer kind that involves trade and exploitation of the ocean’s resources is as vital as ever.

Bits and bytes move digitally or electromagnetically, and majority of people by air and land, however, physical goods still overwhelmingly go by sea, a whopping 90% of global trade by weight and volume not to speak of the abundant marine resources that could be derived there from.

Therefore, governments especially in Africa must make policies to make its people look seaward and not turn their backs against it.

Unfortunately, Africa especially Sub Saharan Africa never heeded this global clarion call because of its sea blindness which could possibly be Africa’s biggest threat to its developmental objectives. Sea

blindness, or the neglect of maritime opportunities or risks, is costing Africa dearly in terms of lost revenue and security.

Of Africa’s 54 states, 38 are either coastal or island nations. However, Africa’s colonial legacy forced countries on the continent to look inward and neglect their coastlines.

Sea blindness has resulted in many missed opportunities for a continent with a combined coastline of more than 26, 000 nautical miles (47 000km).

Africa continues to remain the continent that suffers most from illegal and unregulated fishing, maritime terrorism, piracy and armed robbery at sea. Others are poor legal and regulatory maritime regimes, illegal drugs, arms and human trafficking; a lack of effective communication and other technological maritime requirements, and last but not least, unsuitable ships and ports.

The lack of a broader maritime culture has, too often, concealed from

African leaders, the oceans’ importance to development. Africa’s seas should contribute to economic and environmental security, but are too often a story of stolen resources, drowning refugees and missed opportunities.

Piracy remains a threat, while drug smuggling and illegal fishing are increasing. Additional threats come from boundary disputes and conflict over resources.

The consequences of Africa’s inability to control its seas are mind boggling as illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing is estimated to cost sub-Saharan Africa approximately US$1 billion a year in lost revenue and Somalia-based piracy cost an estimated US$7 billion in 2011.

It is estimated that 50-60 tons of cocaine move through West Africa to Europe annually while thousands of tons of hazardous waste are dumped in African waters. Africa has more than 100 ports, many operating below capacity and African-owned ships

account for barely less than 1.2% of the world‘s shipping.

Like the rest of the world, more than 90 percent of Africa’s imports and exports are carried by sea. According to a policy brief, it is estimated that with the inclusion of the illegal market in military arms and logged forest products, Africa has a maritime economy estimated at US$1 trillion a year, representing 90 percent of its overall commerce.

Some 70 percent of the continent’s rapidly growing population - which currently stands at over one billion people - depend on fish, both inland and coastal, for protein, highlighting the importance of policing and managing the continent’s territorial waters. There is no gainsaying that much of Africa lacks a maritime culture andisblindtotheocean‘simportanceto itsdevelopment.

Moreoftenthannotitleavesothersto profit from its rich marine resources.

To be continued •Ogu is a public affairs commentator.

PEF: Quietly, steadily shaping fuel distribution equilibrium waspeggedbytheFederalGovernment at N145 a few weeks ago, thereby, triggering the much touted deregulation in Nigeria, PEF remains the main engine of bringing into reality whatever goal the government intends to achieve in the timely, equitable and affordable distribution of petrol to consumers in Nigeria. If not for the work of the agency, Nigerians living in far-flung locations would have been paying through their nose.

Aquietbutvitalplayerintheindustry, PEF was deliberately put in place by thegovernmenttobridgethehugeprice gap between where petrol is lifted to where it is finally sold to consumers so that the price difference is not passed down to the consumer, thereby forcing them to pay more than those living closer to the sources of the products.

PEF ensures that uniform pricing mechanismworkseffectivelyacrossthe nation as well as equalising the transportation differentials in the

product marketing. It also ensures that marketing companies comply with the laws covering the transportation equalisation process. The reality of deregulation stares Nigeria in the face of low oil prices in the international market. The budget of the Federal Government is based on projections on oil prices and quantity of oil sold.

Crude oil prices started dropping in the international market from as high as 110 dollars per barrel in January last year to the current level of $40.03.

Nigeria ranks among the countries hardest hit by the decline. These are countries whose economies depend largely on oil for a significant percentage of their foreign exchange earnings.

But despite is critical dole in the downstream sector of the oil industry, many, apparently based on ignorance, have advocated that PEF should be abolished since the Federal Government has also done away with

subsidy on kerosene and petrol, which were the two main products it was paying differentials to marketers in the country. As sound as the advocacy may soundonthesurface,thecrucialdutyof PEF cannot be taken away by the current regulation. Indeed, the recent price adjustment merely increases the indispensability of the agency to Nigerians.

The General Manager, GM, Cooperate Services of PEF, Mr. Goddy Nnadi, explains that as long the depots are not located in all the states of the federation, there will always be that transportation difference for petroleum products to get to different outlets.

He said, “The amount paid to marketers for equalisation of the product depends on the kilometres covered in transporting the product fromthedepottotheoutlets,thismeans that the amount paid for products moved by 100km differed from the amountpaidformovingsameproducts

to a distance of 450km.

Nnadi faults the argument that PEF shouldgoasaresultofthederegulation of the downstream sector adding that a huge gap in the price of the product in different location will bring about negativeconsequencesonoureconomy.

Nnadi is of the opinion that if the supply chain does not provide for differential for marketers, there would be increase in the cost of product delivery, forcing some areas to be deserted by marketers. If that should happen,accordingtohim,theeconomy would be affected negatively.

Nigeria has been smart in taking proactivestepstodealwiththesituation thereby making fuel available to most parts of the country at reasonable price.

This why PEF, which coordinates the process,remainsaveritableinstrument that should be well oiled.

•Udofia is resident in Abuja.

PAGE 44—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016

By Sam Eyoboka and Olayinka Latona

T

HE election of the 7th Na tional President of the Chris tian Association of Nigeria, CAN, to succeed Pentecostal Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor may have come and gone but the nation may not have seen the end of the exercise as there were attempts to stop the electoral process when the campaign director of the TEKAN/ECWA bloc aspirant, Dr. Jeremiah Gado, raised a motion that the election could not proceed, arguing that there was a court injunction stopping the process.

The motion was immediately put to vote and only four persons supported it. Even at that monumental defeat, the campaign director insisted that there was a court injunction stopping the electoral process. After rowdy debates and a briefing by CAN’s legal advisers that there was no court injunction, it was alleged that the motion was an attempt to mislead the gathering.

Supporters of Gado later staged a walk-out, arguing that the President of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) was duly nominated and should have contested the election.

Confusion started within the TEKAN/ECWA bloc when it conducted a primary election to select its candidate for the CAN election on March 29, 2016 while the bloc’s Chairman, Rev. Emmanuel Dzaggau, and two other clergymen were in the den of kidnappers.

CAN, founded in 1976 with His Eminence Dominic Cardinal Ekandem (late) as first President (19761986), is an association of Christian churches with distinct identities, recognizable Church structures and system of worship of one God in the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

It is made up of five blocs: the Christian Council of Nigeria, CCN, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, CSN, the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria/Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, CPFN/PFN, the Organization of African Instituted Churches, OAIC, and the TEKAN/ ECWA, which is a grouping of all those churches that trace their genealogy to either the Canadianbased Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) or the largely British-based Sudan United Mission (SUM).

Since the time of Ekandem, CAN has been led by Anthony Cardinal Okogie of the Catholic Church (1988-1995), Prelate Sunday Mbang of Methodist Church (19942003), Primate Jasper Peter Akinola of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) (2003-2007), Archbishop John Onaiyekan of Catholic Church (2007-2010) and Oritsejafor of the CPFN/PFN (July 2010July 2016).

After two extensions (first one week and later, two weeks) to enable a resolution of the crisis and there was no breakthrough from the TEKAN/ECWA bloc, the CAN NEC decided to proceed with the election.

At the end of the electoral process, last Tuesday, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) and candidate of the Christian Council of Nigeria, CCN, Rev. Samson Olasupo Adeniyi Ayokunle, emerged the new President of CAN. Ayokunle defeated Elder Joseph Otubu of the Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Movement (MCCSW) who represented OAIC with 57 votes to 28.

In his acceptance speech titled, “My Vision for CAN”, Ayokunle identified seven cardinal objectives to cement the bond that wedged Christianity in the country, stressing that without unity in CAN, there cannot be progress. They included an atmosphere where the member churches of CAN can have a more effective fellowship and dialogue on Christian Faith, its defense in Nigeria and all over the world. He desires an association that will be an advocate of freedom of religion in

CAN: Intrigues that produced Ayokunle, Oritsejafor’s successor

*Rev. Samson Ayokunle

He desires an association that will be an advocate of freedom of religion in terms of the right of each individual to associate and worship without any coercion, fear of molestation and persecution from any quarter terms of the right of each individual to associate and worship without any coercion, fear of molestation and persecution from any quarter and

*Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor will resist any attempt by the government or her agencies to favour one religion more than the other or turn this nation into a mono-religious state.

Ayokunle also envisions a CAN that will challenge the ills in our society and ensure that the attention of those in government is always called to serving the nation creditably just as all efforts would be geared towards eradication of corruption in our society in collaboration with other credible bodies in the nation who are committed to the same goal.

He will also ensure that Christianity is given its rightful position in this nation and that Christians are never treated as second-class citi-

zens with regards to any other religious adherent. In this direction, all anti-Christ moves in the nation will be totally condemned with a view to making sure that they are dropped.

CAN, according to him, needs a relief agency with a separate purse from that of the mother body (CAN) which can immediately respond to disasters within and outside the body. Care for the hurting, the lessprivileged and the poor is one of the cardinal ministries of the Church.

He therefore appealed to all Christians in the country to join hands with him to do valiantly all the set objectives.

A communiqué issued at the end of the post election CAN NEC meeting commended the National Pres-

A word by Avwomakpa to Buhari

By God-Dowell Avwomakpa

N

IGERIA is a blessed country and the citizenry are equally well endowed in diverse ways. Nevertheless, there are still sufferings in the land. Indeed, the lamentations in our fatherland especially since Boko Haram insurgents seized our girls and the recent bombings in the creeks targeted at oil wells and oil installations raise a lot of questions and concern.

The country, with over 250 ethnic groups, has co-existed since the 1914 amalgamation. The era of the empires and kingdoms may have come and gone but certainly, many of our ancient cultures, traditions, beliefs, tribes and early civilisation have their origins in our old empires and kingdoms.

No doubt, we have come far as a nation and we have shocked the entire world by living together as one indivisible nation no matter our tribes, cultural differences and religious beliefs. The civil war was the greatest test to our survival as a nation but for us who fought the war, and like General Yakubu Gowon would say “there was no victor, no vanquish.”

Then came the June 12 annulled election in which M.K.O. Abiola, the winner died in unexplainable circumstance. Just when the nation was at peace with itself, the Niger Delta Youths who have been crying of marginalisation and neglect of the oilrich region took to militancy. The mangrove savannah and the rest of the nation hardly knew peace then.

Worried by the militancy in the Niger Delta, the Christian Associat-ion of Nigeria, CAN, held a meeting in

Port Harcourt and in attendance, as providence would have it, was His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto. It was at that meeting that it was agreed that the Sultan would take a message to late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Interestingly, the late former president listened to good counsel and that was how the amnesty programme was initiated.

Somehow, getting the young adults who were in the creeks to accept amnesty was a herculean task. At a point, the late President asked his vice who is from the Niger Delta region to go and talk to his people.

That was how, President Goodluck Jonathan who was the Vice to President Yar’Adua met with few leaders in the Niger Delta. The leaders which include this writer agreed to go to the creeks to meet with Tompolo after which he (Tompolo) surrendered along with his boys and they accepted amnesty. The rest is now History.

One had expected that the community elders and religious leaders in the North will adopt the same approach to reach out to the Boko Haram insurgents but that was not the case. Unfortunately, the Niger Delta militants have again returned to militancy in the region. This time, the bombings are so vociferous and the tune of the militants is lined with venom.

As at the last count, the militant groups have carried out 16 attacks on pipelines and oil installations between February 10 and June 10, 2016, a period of four months.

As a preacher of the gospel and a prayer warrior who has interceded for people as well as stood in the gap for the nation in the last five decades that I left the Nigerian Army for the Lord’s Vineyard, I must

confess that it is the prayer of men that has kept this country as one otherwise, the doom predicted by other countries concerning our unity would have been achieved but God said “if my people shall humble themselves and pray, I will hear them.”

I am not in any way writing to talk about how some religious people merely worship tradition rather than worship God. We know that for anybody that worships God, there must be an observed change in the life of that individual. And there is no situation that God cannot conquer. We must therefore, not take God for granted. If not for anything else, for the younger generations who did not witness the civil war or June 12.

The 2015 elections proved to the world that God is at work in Nigeria.

We are getting to a time where money will fail us. And no man should behave as though he is indispensable.

Nigeria is fast becoming a battle field but with prayers and a listening leader, the battle can be won – Victory is sure. But we need spiritual maturity, and those who are entrust-ed with leadership must not hide from themselves, after all they are serving the same master.

I have seen blame placed on the doorsteps of past leaders and yet not much is done to address issues such as Fulani herdsmen, destruction of farmlands and killing of innocent people. Not much has been done to address the back door introduction of Sharia in some parts of the country when Nigeria is indeed a secular state. The constitution of Nigeria mentioned Islamic marriage but nothing is said of Christian wedding.

Our IDPs are filled with innocent people, some of whom are the fu-

ident, Oritsejafor, for providing the enabling environment for the Church blocs to present candidates of their choice and participate in the election, acknowledging that the meeting was well attended by national officers of the association, all the five heads of blocs, the zonal chairmen, the states chairmen and delegates representing the five blocs of the Association.

The communiqué, signed by the General Secretary, Rev. Musa Asake, said the meeting conducted a successful election that produced officers who will be inaugurated after the General Assembly Meeting of the Association to be held at a later date.

But the Coalition of Nigerian Christian Elders and Nigerian Christian Youths dissociated itself from the CAN election, saying “the election was worthless.”

The group, which made this known in a press statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Peter Jacob, in Jos, described the election as a flagrant abuse of office by Orisajefor, calling on church leaders and Christians in general to discard the election.

The reasons for disregarding the election, according to the group, are: “There were contending issues concerning the election especially regarding TEKAN/ECWA bloc artificially and mischievously created by the CAN leadership. There were clear evidences of plan to deny or disenfranchise some contestants the right of participation in a free and fair CAN election.

“Contrary to CAN regulations and or precedence of rotation of leadership among the blocs as well as freedom and right of participation, Oritsejafor and his collaborators outrightly denied the process leading to a free and fair election and that the election date was quickly re-adjusted from the initial date of Wednesday, June 15, 2016 back to Tuesday, June 14, 2016 without prior notice”. ture leaders of Nigeria.

Similarly, in the coastal region, life has become so brutish that you wonder if this is our once beloved fatherland. Even the rich are now crying. Of course, I hear that the poor are leaving their children in the market place after they have collected foodstuffs on the pretense that they are coming soon, just to have food to eat. The Church; and I think the other religious groups, are worried for Mr. President who was elected by the people based on public goodwill and trust. Indeed, his change mantra must not take Nigeria 10 steps backward, rather Nigeria must be seen making progress economically, socially and politically.

Thus in re-constructing the nation and reintegrating the people, rather than turn one ethnic group against the other or one region against the other, which is the semblance of the ongoing militancy in the Niger Delta and the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East have been turned into. In fact, if for anything else, President Buhari needs to re-unite Nigerians by ensuring that every Nigerian gets fair treatment. And we must know that a country dies slowly and painfully too when it evokes only indifference and indignation amongst a section of the citizenry. This is not the time to further alienate any region, rather the national development ship should be seen everywhere across Nigeria.

Anything other than this will make even those of us who have been praying for the peace and good of Nigeria to wonder if the President has a listening ear.

*Archbishop Avwomakpa is the chairman, Niger Delta Bishops’ Forum and president, Christ Missionaries Crusaders.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2016, PAGE 45

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VERY Christian must decide whether he is a follower of Jesus or a follower of Paul. Don’t make the mistake of many in assuming the two are the same. For starters, take a closer look at the following.

Discrepancies Jesus says children of God are born of God: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3). But Paul says children of God are adopted by God: “We ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons.” (Romans 8:23).

Jesus says God must be the only father of believers: “Call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.”

(Matthew 23:9). But Paul calls himself the father of some believers: “I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprison-ment.” (Philemon 1:10).

Jesus says he is the only pastor and the only teacher: “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one pastor.” (John 10:16). “Nor be called teachers, for One is your Teacher, even Christ.” (Matthew 23:8).

But Paul says there are many pastors and teachers: “Truly he gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for

WHOSE REPORT DO YOU BELIEVE? the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. (Ephesians. 4:1112). “I am ordained a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie), a teacher of the nations, in faith and truth.”

(I Timothy 2:7).

Anomalies Jesus says we should pray in private: “When you pray, you shall not be like the hypo-crites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, so that they may be seen by men.

Truly I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:5-6). But Paul says we should pray everywhere: “I desire that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (I Timothy 2:8).

Jesus himself was circumcised: “When eight days were fulfilled to circumcise the child, his name was called JESUS, the name called by the angel before he was conceived in the

Adeboye tasks Nigerians on total obedience

By Olayinka Latona

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ENERAL Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has described total obedience to God’s injunction and commandment as the only way man can escape life’s delay and challenges.

Advising Nigerians to obey God and surrender to His will in all totality, Adeboye said in a sermon at a special prayer and thanksgiving service held at the Throne of Grace, National Headquarters of the church at Ebute Metta, Lagos with a theme: “No More Delay.”

According to him, God is not looking for obedience but total obedience, a condition he described as important to receiving from God, adding that most people suffer delay because they failed to hearken to God’s instructions.

In his words: “There is a way you can ask God to fast forward His plan or timetable and nobody can query Him for that. If you do whatever He asks you to do, then He will fast forward His miracle in your life. All you need to do from now on is to be totally obedient to God. "Some of us think we are obedient but what God is looking for is total obedience. Jesus will never delay anything that pertained to those who are His friends. You are God’s friend when you do whatsoever He ask you to do," he stated.

"The reason why many of us are suffering delay

As for me, I only believe the report of the Lord Jesus womb.” (Luke 2:21). But Paul says if we are circumcised we would be estranged from Christ: “I, Paul, say to you that if you are circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do all the Law, you who are justified by Law are deprived of all effect from Christ; you fell from grace.” (Galatians 5:2-4).

Jesus says we should not receive payment for preaching the gospel: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons.

You have received freely, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8). But Paul says we should receive payment for preaching the gospel: “If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” (I Corinthians 9:11).

Contradictions

is that we do not totally surrender to God’s will. Whatever He wants is what we should want. Some of us want something and we ask God to bless it, reverse from such act and make God’s choice your choice because at the end of the day whatever he wants for you will be the best,” Adeboye stressed.

He explained that God has a timetable for everything under the sun and that He works according to such timetable, stressing however, that there are situations that God fast forward such timetable for those who are obedient to Him. He said: “God has a timetable for everything under the sun and He works according to such timetable but many a times what we call delay is for God’s purpose to be fulfilled and for the greater glory of God to be revealed. You might think that God has delayed but He is preparing a greater future for you. God works according to His timetable.

"There is a secret; there is a way that you can ask him to fast forward the timetable. If you are willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land. He did not forget you but He has a bigger plan for you because at long last you will have your testimony”.

The cleric also assured participants that if they would be obedient unto God and be ready to do His perfect will, there would be changes in every area where Nigerians have been finding things difficult.

Jesus says we should love one another: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:3435). But Paul wished some people would be castrated: “I wish that those causing you to doubt will cut themselves off.” (Galatians 5:12).

Jesus says we should love our enemy in order to be like God: “I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:4445). But Paul says we should love our enemy for malicious reasons: “If your enemy hungers, feed him. If

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BUJA – PATRIOTIC Christians across the country, have, strongly condemned the flying rumours that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is divided over the just concluded election into its pre-

sidency. Christians, under the auspices of the Patriotic Christian Youth of Nigeria (PCYN) also insisted that CAN election was not conducted against any court order as being peddled by some quarters. President of PCYN, Evang. Simon Timothy Nasso, who stated this in a

press confer-ence in Abuja, said a lot of rumours were being peddled around by some disgruntled elements, who wanted power by all means to discredit the association. “It is not true that CAN is divided. We are not divided, every bloc that made up CAN participated in the

Inconsistencies Jesus told God he completed his God-given assignment: “I have glorified you upon the earth. I have finished the work which you have given me to do.” (John 17:4). “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, It is finished! And he bowed his head and gave up

RCCG Lagos 37 goes sporty

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AGOS Province 37 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has inaugurated some sporting activities aimed at discovering talents among youths within and outside the church, reports OLAYINKA LATONA. Pastor-in-charge of the province, Pastor Adewole Ajayeoba who flagged off the sporting activities which included football, table tennis and volleyball, said the gesture was part of the church's strategies at catching talented individuals at their youthful age so as to channel their God-given talents positively to the development of the church and the society at large.

He explained that the need for the sporting activities, the brainchild of the church's General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, was also meant to keep members physically fit.

Pastor Ajayeoba stressed that the church also intended to use the sport programme to evangelise Christ to some youths who preferred to be on the streets playing away

CAN election: We are not divided–Christians

By CALEB AYANSINA

he thirsts, give him drink.

For in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.” (Romans 12:20).

Jesus says he who is accepta-ble to God will be hated by men: “If the people of this world hate you, just remember that they hated me first. If you belonged to the world, its people would love you. But you don't belong to the world. I have chosen you to leave the world behind, and that is why its people hate you.”

(John 15:18-19). But Paul says he who is accepta-ble to God will be approved by men: “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is well-pleasing to God, and app-roved by men.”

(Romans 14:17-18).

the spirit.” (John 19:30). But Paul says he completed what Jesus failed to complete: “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.” (Colossians 1:24).

Jesus says God is not the God of the dead: “He is not God of the dead, but of the living.

For all live to Him.” (Luke 20:38). But Paul says God is the God of the dead: “Christ both died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and living.”

(Romans 14:9).

Jesus says all the commandments are summed up in two commandments: “Jesus said to him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

(Matthew 22:37-40). But Paul says they are summed up in one commandment: “All the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:14).

Jesus says we should be like God: “Therefore be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48).

But Paul says we should be like him: “My friends, I beg you to be like me.” (Galatians 4:12). “Brothers, be imitators together of me, and mark those who walk this way, for you have us for a pattern.”

(Philippians 3:17).

Whose report do you believe: that of Jesus or that of Paul?

As for me, I only believe the report of the Lord Jesus.

election,” he stated. On the rumour that Catholic bloc had pulled out of CAN, Nasso said; “CAN leadership, appreciating the importance of the Catholic bloc’s participation, agreed that the CAN NEC would sit and resolve all grievances before the commencement of the election."

*L-R: Wife of Assistant Pastor-in-charge of RCCG LP 37, Pastor Francisca Obadimeji, her husband, Pastor Yomi Obadimeji, Pastor-in-charge of LP 37, Pastor Adewole Ajayeoba, his wife, Pastor Victoria Ajayeoba, the APICP-CSR Olajide Oluwayemi and the RCCG National Sports Co-ordinator, Pastor Paul Bankole being flanked by the RCCG LP 37 football team inaugurated recently. when they were supposed to be in church particularly on Sunday mornings.

The Sport coordinator, RCCG Lagos Province 37, Pastor Emeka Asogwa thanked the pastorate for providing the necessary support for the sporting programme and urged individuals and corporate organi-zations to support the sport project so that more games could be incorporated into the programme.

In his contribution, RCCG's National Coordinator of Sports, Pastor Paul Bankole said the church was passionate about sports because of its benefits to human health.

He said that apart from the church's intention to ensure that its members were encouraged to engage in sporting activities to keep fit and maintain healthy living,

the church is discovering talents who could represent the church at national and international sports competitions.

Pastor Bankole also announced that there was an existing partnership between the Directorate of Sports of RCCG and the International Olym-pic Committee for some sports teams of the church to parti-cipate in the 2016 Olympic Games.

In the same vein, Pastor Bankole said plans were underway for the church's sport teams to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Highlights of the event included football matches between the Men's group versus the youth department of the church as well as the women department otherwise known as Sisters of Grace.

46—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016

Dream Team: Siasia plans massive clear-out C

OACH Samson Siasia plans a massive overhaul of Nigeria U-23s less than two months to the Rio Olympics going by the several new faces who attended the US visa interview ahead of a training camp in Atlanta.

Nigeria internationals Kingsley Madu, Moses Simon, Daniel Akpeyi and Wilfred Ndidi are set to force their way to the Dream Team VI after they did not feature for them in the qualifiers.

All these players were at the US embassy in connection with visas for the training camp, which begins on June 29 in Atlanta.

Shehu Abdullahi, Stanley Amuzie, Musa Mohammed and Godwin Saviour are also slated for the training camp after they played in the qualifiers for the U23 AFCON. Add these to two designated over-aged stars, Chelsea star Mikel Obi and Watford striker Odion Ighalo makes it quite a different team to the one Siasia lined up to win the U23 AFCON in Senegal in December.

Enyimba Continued from B/P full three points.

In their previous match in the qualifying stages, they beat Tunisian side, Etoile Sportive du Sahel on penalties via aggregate score following a 3-0 win and a 3-0 loss in the second leg.

Paul Aigbogun’s side have been boosted by the fact that skipper Chinedu Udoji has recovered from an eye infection and will be available for the clash.

On the part of Zamalek, they are also gunning for glory and are aware that an away match against a tough Enyimba will be a challenge for them.

The match will be staged at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt at 4pm

Erico Continued from B/P Coaches Amodu and Stephen Keshi”, was his response when reminded that he was not looking good.

“My two best friends and brothers and trusted colleagues are gone. I’m empty without them”, Erico, who together with the departed duo qualified Nigeria for the 2002 World Cup, said.

“I spoke with Keshi a day before he died. There was a big hole in our hearts when he died. Amodu and I were

Mr Segun Agbaje, MD/CEO, GTBank; Elvis Onyeze, Captain, Greensprings Schools Lagos; Mr Amaju Pinnick, President, Nigerian Football Federation and Alhaja Riskat Yussuf, Chairman, Lagos First Generation Heritage Colleges Association during the presentation of trophy to the winners (Male) in the 2016 GTBank Masters Cup final at Onikan Stadium in Lagos on Friday. Photo Lamidi Bamidele

Greensprings, Queen’s College win GTBank Masters Cup

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REENSPRINGS School emerged winners of the GTBank Masters Cup Season Five after defeating St. Gregory’s College 3-1 in the final on Friday.

A first half brace from Bassey Charles and Ali Wale’s strike were all the Lekki-based school needed to subdue the defending champions. Shede Victor got the consolation.

Bassey ’s second minute strike gave coach Anjorin Olayemi’s boys the lead after a defensive mishap from St. Gregory’s College.

St. Gregory’s first chance came in the sixth minute when Offegbu Victor found himself in the penalty area of the opponents but his header was saved by goalkeeper Okeniyi Ibrahim.

Ali got his side’s second goal

Durban 2016: Hope rises for Nigerian to move their wards to the last year for athletics are yet to athletes African Athletics be refunded by the ministry.

By Ben Efe

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THLETICS Federation of Nigeria officials are still desperately searching for funds and club boss, Felix AnyansiAgwu has called for total support from football fans in Port Harcourt.

Anyansi in an interview said the players are fully prepared for the battle.

He further revealed that 10 buses will be available at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba, this morning to convey fans of the club to the Adokiye Amesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt to cheer them to victory.

Lukaku

Continued from B/P their best in Bordeaux on Saturday as Lukaku’s brace and Axel Witsel’s header left the world’s second-ranked team needing just a point from their final game against Sweden to reach the last 16.

There had been talk of unrest heartbroke n .

You could imagine the pain, the agony of losing the only Amodu.” He paused and sighed.

The Trinity, as they were called, has been broken and leaves Erico dispirited.

“One cannot give up. Death is a call that must be answered. But, my advice is that people must embrace exercise for life. We must continue to workout every time”, he stressed.

As he spoke, many who knew his closeness with Amodu had circled him, offering their condolences.

Championships happening in Durban, South Africa June 2226. However, AFN president Solomon Ogba was hopeful yesterday the athletes will arrive just in time for the opening day of the championships.

“We secured visas for 12 homebased athletes and those in the US are already waiting in New York to fly. They couldn’t leave on Friday because the plane was fully booked.

“I have been able to raise money from my friends and political associates. Right now things are tight and if we don’t have any money from the Sports ministry, I am afraid we may not be able to run our trials for the Olympics. “The money we spent

among the squad heading into the Ireland game – something Lukaku suggested was at least partly true – but the Everton striker believes clear-the-air talks on Thursday improved the situation.

“I’m very calm; the team as well,” he said in quotes reported by UEFA.com.

“We had a team meeting two days ago, where everyone could express their opinion and yes, we played well.

“The team responded very well. We did what we had to do, we had to play good football and keep a clean sheet. That’s what we did; now on to the next game.

“We’re dealing with a lot of personalities and everybody wants to win and players give their all,” he told ITV Sport.

“Sometimes there are discussions, but it is normal.

Everyone needs to be on the same page. I don’t think we were against Italy, but we are now.”

Even nobody is asking how we took our athletes to the ECOWAS Games in Gambia,” Ogba stated.

in the 12th minute with a cool finish. He dashed into the danger zone of the opponents, made a mincemeat of the defenders before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Chidiebere Obiegbu.

Onyeze Elias, captain of Greensprings College, was awesome as he mounted pressure on opponent’s backline and almost got on the scorers’ sheet but his effort kissed the crossbar.

Bassey completed his brace in the 23rd minute when he poked in the third after goalkeeper Obiegbu spilled Muritala Toheeb’s shot to his path.

In the girls category, Queen’s College Yaba whitewashed Federal Science and Technology College Yaba 4-0 to emerge champions. The final was attended by Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Adebule, GTBank’s managing director Segun Agbaje as well as the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation.

How we escaped death —Ikorodu Utd official

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HE team bus of Nigerian Premier League side Ikorodu United was involved in an accident with a trailer on Friday, en route Makurdi for a weekend fixture against Lobi Stars. The accident happened along AMA Brewery Road 9th mile in Enugu.

A team official and seven players were treated in hospital for minor injuries, with 11 players and six officials of the Lagos-based side escaping unhurt after jumping out of the bus windows.

A trailer was speeding in the

direction of the Ikorodu bus, but the driver quickly swerved before the trailer crashed into another passenger bus, leaving it completely flattened, a team official said.

“It was a scary moment but we all managed to get out of the bus through the windows,” team media officer Babatunde Ayoola told BBC Sport.

“We are lucky to be alive because the crash impact killed all the passengers inside an 18-seater bus on the spot.

•The accident involving Ikorodu United’s team bus happened en route to Makurdi

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016 — 47

Rio 2016: Russia rejects IAAF’s ban T HE International Olympic Committee has backed athletics’ world governing body over its unanimous vote to extend Russia’s suspension from global competition for doping offences.

Russia’s athletics team remains banned ahead of this summer’s Rio Olympics after the IAAF’s 27-strong council decided at a meeting in Vienna on Friday that the criteria for reinstatement had not been met.

AFN rates Warri peace marathon high

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THLETICS Federation of Nigeria officials have expressed their satisfaction with the successful run of the Warri Peace Marathon, which was decided in May. AFN secretary-general Olumide Bamidurostatedthatthe10kmrace was well organised. He added that a report will be made to the world athletics ruling body, to note the race as it was geared towards promotingcommunalrelationships.

“It was a good outing and the effort of the organisers is

commendable. We look forward to another outing next year,” said Mr. Bamiduro.

Chief Executive of Tamatare Gym, Mrs. Joyce Bozimo disclosed that the race will be upgraded to a 21km run next year adding that lessons learnt from the maiden edition, which was mainly experimental will be put to use to organise a better and bigger race in 2017.

Over 400 athletes and keep fit enthusiasts participated in the race and prizes were won in the men and women categories.

On Saturday the IOC, which is to meet in Lausanne on Tuesday, said in a statement: “The International Olympic Committee (IOC) welcomes and supports the IAAF’s strong stance against doping.

“The IOC has taken note of the decision of the IAAF Council and of the report and recommendations of the IAAF task force.

“The IOC executive board, in a telephone conference today (Saturday), emphasised that it fully respects the IAAF position.”

Russian president Vladimir Putin has labelled the ban “unjust and unfair”.

The Russian athletics federation (ARAF) was suspended in November following an 11-month investigation by an independent commissionchairedbyformerWorld Anti-DopingAgencypresidentDick Pound.

DStv Basketball: Final 8 dunks off in Lagos

Barr. (Mrs.) Joyce Bozimo (2nd from right)with winners of the female category of the maiden edition of the War ri /Effur un Peace Marathon, Chidinma rd Afuama, Odifri Victoria and Ohwovoriole (1st -3 winners of female categories).

LIS donates equipment to budding t/ tennis talents

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HE maiden edition of the Ladies in Sports conference ( LIS 2016 ) held at the weekend at Fuse sports Bar in Victoria Island, Lagos with female professionals from every area in sports attending.

The highlight of the conference was the grants given to young domestic athletes to help in their development. Kehinde and Zainab, 12 and 13 years of age respectively, received grants in the form of equipment for their budding table tennis careers while Ruth Usoro

received a cash award to aid her in her sprinting and long jump.

One of the speakers, Bukky Karibi Whyte educated attendees on making themselves marketable while Supersport female presenter, Chisom Mbonu Ezeoke also shared some of her experiences with the athletes.

FINAL 8 GROUPINGS GROUP B GROUP A Kwara Falcons Kano Pillars Plateau Rocks River Hopers NIG. Customs Gombe Bulls Niger Potters Oluyole Warriors

YSFON mourns Amodu, Keshi

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OUTHS Sports Federation of Nigeria has joined millions of Nigerians in mourning former Super Eagles coaches, Shuaibu Amodu and Stephen Keshi, describing their demise as not only shocking but devastating.

In a statement issued by the body and signed by its National President, Yusuf Gawuna, the Federation noted that with their death, Nigerian football

has lost two great men whose contributions to the development of the national team cannot be quantified.

“We are very sad with the news of the demise of the two coaches who at one time or the other handled the national team and contributed to its growth.

‘It was equally saddening that the two deaths came within three days from each other and we at YSFON are yet to overcome the shock.

THE 2016 season for the DStv Premier Basketball League will be rounded off with the Final 8 Championship holding at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos from Monday June 20 to June 25.

According to the Secretary General of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, Patrick Okeke the eight teams which qualified from both the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences are expected to arrive Lagos today, early enough for the technical meeting which precedes the games holding later in the day.

The eight teams, four each from the two conferences have been drawn into two groups.

Group A has Kwara Falcons, Plateau Rocks, Nigeria Customs and Niger Potters while Kano Pillars, Royal Hoopers, Gombe Bulls and Oluyole Warriors make up Group B Plateau Rocks and the Nigeria Customs take to the courts first at mid day, with Royal Hoopers taking on Gombe Bulls, Niger Potters v Kwara Falcons and Oluyole Warriors battling Kano Pillars in that order for Day 1.

The top two teams from each group qualify for the semi finals holding on Thursday while the third place and final games on Saturday, signalling the close of the 2016 season.

•Keshi

Kudos Toriola for speaking out

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ECENTLY Youth and Sports minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung, tookafullpagenewspaperadverttocalltheSportsDeskofVanguard Medianamesfordaringtopointouthisfailuresofarasthemanappointed bytheAPCadministrationofPresidentMuhammadBuharitooverseethe youth and sports sector.

Awisemanwouldhaverecoiledintohisshellandbrainstormedwithhis aidesaswellastheeggheadsofhisministrytofindouttheareastheyhave floundered or floundering and seek ways to make amends so as to have a better score card at the end of his tenure.

Some administrators and athletes alike, are sulking secretly over the sloworoutrightlackofpreparationforNigerianathletesscheduledtocarry the country’s flag at the Rio Olympic Games which begin in 47 days from now.

ButnotsoforDrDanielIgali,presidentoftheNigeriaWrestlingFederation whohasbeenspeakingloudlyoverthenonreleaseofmoneybythesports ministry to attend some qualifying competitions as well as prepare those who have already qualified.

Hear him: “We had two weeks of camping in Bayelsa and on Sunday (last Sunday) we will be moving to Abuja. From what I am hearing now, it is like they are saying there is no money in the sports ministry.”

Continuing he said: “Not being able to follow our initial plans is what I am sensing, and if they do that the country can as well say goodbye to winning medals.

That is the fear that I have, it is only two months (at the time he granted this interview) to the Olympics now. And this is the only time the athletes can actually warm up in preparation for the Olympics.”

His counterpart of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, Tijjani Umar has continually said the basketball federation was not going to wait for the sports ministry otherwise it will never prepare the male national team, the D’Tigers who were the first team outside host Brazil to qualify for the Olympics.

“The team will be very prepared before the Games. We have a match against China, two friendly matches against Lithuania, and we are also expected to attend a four-nation invitational in Lithuania. After the fournationtournamentinLithuania,D’TigersareexpectedtoplayTeamUSA on August 1, from where they will fly straight to Rio.” All these will be done with borrowed funds which will hopefully be refunded when the sports ministry’smoneyeventuallycomes.

However one athlete that has been forced to speak out on his pains over the poor preparation of our athletes, is a legend himself, Segun Toriola, who will be making history as the first African to be at 7 Olympic Games.

Now42,Toriolatoldtheworldrecentlythathehasneverseenthekindof preparationTeamNigeriaishavingforanOlympicGamessincehestarted competingandrepresentingNigeriaintheOlympicsin1992inBarcelona, Spain.

Hear him: “I don’t think we ever had it so bad like this because even the last Olympics in London, by this time we have started preparation and I don’t think any athlete can do much in Brazil. It is disheartening that nobody is even telling us (athletes) what is the next thing we need to do. I think nobody should expect much from the athletes because most of our opponentsareroundingofftheirpreparationnowwhilewehavenoteven started.”

A former sports minister under whose tenure Team Nigeria recorded a woeful outing at the London Games in 2012 which necessitated the organisation of a presidential retreat to fashion out ways for a better outing in Rio, Bolaji Abdullahi is also perturbed the way things are going now, few days to the commencement of the Games.

Abdullahi stressed that “I don’t see anything that suggests that we are embracingadifferentattitudetowardspreparingourselvestowardsamajor tournament like the Olympics. I don’t see anything that shows that we have done anything intensive for Rio better than we did for London.

Therefore,Idon’tseeanythingthatputmeinthepositiontosaythatweare going to do better in Rio than we did in London.”

These were part of what the sports desk of Vanguard Media pointed out to the sports minister for which he took a full page of tax payers money to abusethesportswritersonthesportsdeskthroughhisSA(Political)Maiwada Dammalam, who no doubt is ignorant of how sports work. Ironically the same Dammalam is not telling his boss that our teams are yet to secure funds for preparations and should do what those before him did.

That is source funds from other avenues because money will surely come,albeitlate,sothattheathletescanbeginpreparationwhichincludes participating in competitions where they can meet some of the athletes they could face at the Olympic Games proper.

Dalung should stop playing to the gallery and put his staff, mostly the directorswhoarewaitingforhisdirectiontoworkimmediately.Unfortunately, unlike in the past when there were Directors General who knew their onions and planned strategies with the heads of the various departments, thecurrentPermanentSecretaryoftheministrywhoshouldbeguidingthe minister, is himself at a loss about the dynamism of sports. So for our Olympic Ambassadors, it is head or tail, they are losers. Kudos however, to Toriola for speaking out because it is Professor Wole Soyinka who wrote “Themandiesinallthosethatkeepsilentinthefaceoftyranny(inthiscase in the face of lack or poor preparation).”

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2016

•SOLIDITY: Enyimba defender, Ugwu Uwadiegwu shows resilience and guts during the preliminaries of the Champions League.

•TRINITY: Coach Joe Erico (r); Late Shuaibu Amodu (m) and Late Keshi at Mali 2002 Nations Cup.

I’m empty without Amodu, Keshi—Erico H

E sat forlorn as the Chief Imam offered prayers for late coach Shuaibu

Amodu’s 8th Day Fidau at his 41A Adegoke Street, off Masha in Surulere, Lagos yesterday.

Coach Joe Erico was

CAF Champions League:

Amaju Pinnick, NOC President, Engr Habu Gumel, Ike Shorunmu, Mutiu Adepoju, Franklin Howard and a retinue of Sports Editors and residents within Surulere.

“I’m empty without Continues on page 46

8th day Fidau prayer for Shuaibu Amodu

Kic k-o ff

Enyimba target Zamalek’s scalp

4p m

By Tony Ubani

crestfallen and not even his immaculate native dress could lift his mood.

Familiar faces exchanged pleasantries, but he was lonely in the crowd that included Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung, NFF President

N

IGERIAN giants, Enyimba are out to ensure they earn the maximum three points when they welcome Zamalek of Egypt in the CAF Champions League today.

The Nigerian champions will be hoping to do well as they enter the group stages, starting with this Group B tie at home.

They will also use their home (now Port Harcourt) advantage to stun the Egyptian Premier League giants and ensure they travel to their next game with the

•Aigbogun

Continues on page 46

See solution on page 5

EURO 2016: Lukaku grabs brace as Belgium beat Ireland

R

OMELU Lukaku conceded Belgium’s Euro 2016 camp had not been an altogether happy one, but felt things would improve after the 3-0 victory over Republic of Ireland.

Marc Wilmots’ side attracted criticism for the lacklustre showing in their 2-0 defeat to Italy which opened their Group E campaign.

But they looked back to

L-R: Col Gary Usman (rtd), Ike Shorunmu and Mutiu Adepoju. Photos: Tony Ubani

Continues on page 46

41. Damages (8) ACROSS 1. Governor of Sokoto DOWN 1. Sample (5) State (8) 2. Niger state town (4) 5. Assistant (4) 3. Observe (5) 7. Praise (5) 4. Lecture (6) 8. Upright (4) 5. Everyone (3) 9. Lantern (4) 6. Use (6) 11. Tradition (6) 10. Inquires (4) 13. Lagos 12. Carpet (3) masquerade (3) 14. Colour (6) 15. Exclamation (2) 15. Resistance unit (3) 16. Pig’s nose (5) 17. Coax (4) 18. Agent (3) 19. Rollicked (6) 20. Glitters (6) 21. Hatchet (3) 24. Forward (5) 25. Nigerian state (6) 22. Satisfied (4) 23. Nigerian state (3) 27. Boring tool (3) 26. Cry of derision (3) 29. Ghanaian fabric 27 . African country (6) (5) 28. Endure (4) 31. Perform (2) 29. Child (3) 32. Oshiomhole’s 30. Spoke (6) state (3) 34. U.S. currency (6) 31. Adorn (5) 33. Baking chambers 36. Vow (4) 38. Musical quality (4) (5) 35. Asterisk (4) 39. Inclination (5) 37. Possessed (3) 40. Eager (4)

L-R: NFF President, Amoju Pinnick and Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung at late Amodu's residence yesterday.

RESULTS EURO 2016

Belgium Iceland Portugal

3 1 0

Ireland Hungary Austria

0 1 0

TODAY'S MATCHES NPFL

Abia Warriors Akwa Enyimba Ifeanyi Ubah Lobi MFM FC N/Tornadoes Warri Wikki

EURO 2016 •Lukaku

Romania Switzerland

v v v v v v v v v

Heartland El Kanemi Sunshine Stars Rivers Utd Ikorodu Utd Shooting Rangers Plateau Kano

4pm 4pm pp 4pm pp 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

v v

Albania France

8pm 8pm

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