Fuel scarcity looms... As importers threaten strike on Monday by Vanguard Media Limited

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SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 21, 2012

SATURDAY Vanguard, July 21, 2012— 3

4 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012

RAMADAN: Jonathan urges Muslims to promote peace, unity ...As Mark, Govs call for prayers BY HENRY UMORU, ISHOLA BALOGUN, ANAYO OKOLI, NDAHI MARAMA & BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

S Muslims in the country join the global Islamic community to begin this year ’s Ramadan fasting, President Goodluck Jonathan has urged them to promote peace and unity, offer special prayers for stability and progress of the nation. Noting that the Ramadan fast teaches Muslims to practice piety, selfdiscipline, self-control, sacrifice, tolerance, justice, fairness and empathy for the less fortunate in society, the President called on all Nigerian adherents of the Islamic faith to reflect on these edifying lessons as they fast and make them a greater part of their daily lives to promote peaceful co-existence and greater unity amongst the diverse groups in Nigeria. Against the background of recent security challenges in parts of the country, President Jonathan assures the Islamic faithful in the affected areas that every possible effort will be made to ensure that they observe the Ramadan rites of spiritual reflection, supplication, good deeds, charity and worship without hindrance. In the same vein,

the Senate President, David Mark pleaded with Muslims across the country to pray for the country, in the spirit of Ramadan fast over the present security challenges. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, the Senate President felicitated with Muslim faithful across the country at Ramadan. Senator Mark who also called for peaceful coexistence between and among religious or ethnic leanings, said, “our diversity should be seen as our strength. ”We have more to gain by living together. All hands must be on deck to move the nation forward. ”The challenges we are facing presently are temporary, it is not in our culture or tradition. I believe that through our consistent prayers to God, Nigeria will overcome. So, I implore our Muslim brethren to use the Ramadan period to appease the Almighty God and ask for grace over our land.” He however charged Muslim faithful to diligently follow the tenets of Ramadan which are sharing, love, passion and prayers for the betterment of the nation. Among those who also enjoined Muslims to use the period to pray for the country are Governors Kashim Shettima, Capt. Idris Wada, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, and Ogbe-

ni Rauf Aregbesola of Borno, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and Osun states respectively. The governors in separate messages to the fasting Muslims urged them to use the period to pray for the sustenance of democracy, peace and unity in the country. Gov Wada who spoke through his deputy, Arch. Yomi Awoniyi congratulated Muslims in the state for witnessing another Holy month of Ramadan. He urged Muslims to embrace the fasting period with utmost dedication, abstinence and supplication to the will of Allah.

FG pleads with SEC to accept Oteh’s reinstatement BY MICHAEL EBOH with Agency Report

HE Federal Govern ment, yesterday, pleaded with staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, to accept the reinstatement of the Director-General of the Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh in good faith. Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who visited SEC’s headquarters in Abuja, made efforts at pacifying and appealing to the staff to see reasons with the government, let peace reign and allow Oteh to return.

Dana crash: Large casualty figure due to suffocation — Relations over 60 bodies were found BY ONOZURE DANIA

RELATION of two of the victims of the ill fated plane that crashed in June at Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos State, Mr. Dafe Sama, said that the large casualty recorded in the accident was due to suffocation. Sama, an ex-staff of Nigerian Airways, who said he missed the ill-fated flight by an hour, said what saved him was that when he asked his uncle, whom they both missed the flight, for N30, 000, he said he didn’t have up to that amount, but that he had only 3,000 . Sama, who was at the premises of the Magistrate Court, AbuleEgba, where the corona in-

quest took place, said he went to the General Hospital after the incident and discovered that over 60 bodies that were recovered from the crash site were found intact. “When I went to General Hospital after the incident,

Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State handing over his condolence message to Rt Hon. Dr Esio Okwong Udoh, former member of the House of Representatives, who lost his wife, Maria, in a ghastly motor accident. She was buried yesterday in Oron.

intact and that just proved one thing; that they all died of suffocation, inhaling carbon monoxide. That means when the crash happened, if there was immediate attention to evacuate them, we probably would have saved few. ‘’

At the meeting which sources say lasted within an hour, Okonjo-Iweala, however, insisted that government will not back down on its decision to recall Oteh. It was gathered that Spokesperson for the workers said the concern of the staff is that due process be followed by all parties in the issue so as to prevent industrial dis-

ELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has been commended by Bomadi community for approving contracts for the construction of infrastructure at the newly approved Polytechnics sited in Bomadi and Abigborodo communities in the

state. Former Registrar of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) and traditional ruler of Bomadi community, HRH Maxwell B. Mieyebo, made the commendation shortly after a meeting he convened to discuss community issues. Chief Bare Etolor, ex-

ahead of her resumption. Trouble started at about 10 am when information filtered to the staff that the External Auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, which examined the books of the commission after her suspension by the board did not find her guilty of any financial malpractice and that the federal government therefore decided to recall her.

Tension as Ogun people go tto o poll BY DAUD OLATUNJI,Abeokuta

S the people of Ogun state elect their administrators across the 20 local government areas of the state, tension has gripped residents of the state following the allegation levelled against the incumbent governor Ibikunle Amosun of planning to rig the election. The police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence in the state are however blowing hot against trouble makers during the election.

Uduaghan hailed over infrastructure at Bomadi, Abigborodo Polytechnics BY SIMON ADEWALE

pute. The workers also called on the government to ensure that workers who demonstrated against Oteh’s return would not be victimized. Some staff of the Commission, had on Wednesday, protested against the reinstatement of Oteh, while heavily armed security agents were deployed to forestall breakdown of law and order,

chairman of Delta, Ijaw Elders Council who attended the meeting, said Governor Uduaghan’s commendable gesture may have closed a long unfortunate era where the riverside and oil producing communities bore the burden of funding tertiary education in the hinterland while its territories were deprived of it.

•CJ inaugurates tribunal panels No fewer than three thousands security operatives have been deployed to all the polling units in all the local government areas of the state. To worsen the situation,the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abeokuta South local government raised the alarm that Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his party, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), have perfected plan to rig Saturday’s council elections.

The party alleged that the sitting government in conjuction with State Independent Electoral Commission has planned to manipulate the Saturday council poll in favour of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria(A C N). The allegation was contained in a statement signed by the party election committe secretary Farouk Akintunde made available to newsmen in Abeokuta.

Obi proscribes Mpiawa Azu task force BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

NAMBRA State gov ernment yesterday proscribed the infamous Mpiawa-azu, the notorious group that have been making life unbearable for residents and visitors to the commercial city of Onitsha for the past six years. The group, made up of fierce –looking youths

and controlled by the former special adviser to Governor Peter Obi on parks and markets, Chief Sylvester Nwobu Alor, was noted for extorting money from traders and motorists and inflicting heavy injuries on those who refused to play ball. The office of parks and markets was abolished by the state government .

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012 — 5

Edo election: Painful loss — Bamanga Tukur BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja

HE National Chair man of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tuku r yesterday described the defeat of his party by Governor Adams Oshiomhole at last Saturday’s gubernatorial election as a painful loss. Tukur in two separate letters to the candidate of PDP in the election, General Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere, rtd and the State Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih noted that it was a painful loss against the backdrop of the level of preparation and mobilization on the part of the party. The PDP National Chairman who commended the efforts of Airhiavbere and Orbih put into the July 14 governorship election, however pleaded with them to keep the party and the family to-

Homeless Ijora/ Badia residents send SOS to Fashola BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

T least 6,500 residents of Ijora Badia, who have been rendered homeless, following last Monday inferno, have sent a Save Our Soul, SOS, plea to the Lagos State government, led by Governor Babatunde Fashola, to assist them by providing some relief materials. The residents, who lamented that they lost all their lives’ savings in the fire disaster, blamed the cause of the fire on electric power surge, as a result of high voltage power supplied by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, which sparked off and burnt the entire community. When Saturday Vanguard got to the scene of the incident, the entire area had been reduced to ashes, while residents were seen in mournful mood counting their loses as all their properties perished in the inferno. Chairman, Community Development Association, Mr. SakaYusuf, explained that the fire started around 2pm on Monday when most of the residents had gone to work.

gether. According to Tukur in the two letters bearing the same message, dated July 19, 2012 and entitled “letter of appreciation, “I would like to put on record your efforts in the just concluded Edo State gubernatorial elections in which we lost. ”Though a painful loss, considering the quantum of preparation and mobilization which the party mustered towards the election, I identify with the spirited effort and discipline demonstrated by

the party under your good leadership. ”Reconciling all members of the party as a precursor to rebuilding the PDP is a task in which I solicit your usual cooperation and support. ”I encourage you to keep the PDP family intact. We shall re-strategise and build on your present commitment to reclaim Edo State for PDP, God willing. ”Kudos to all those who laboured with you while the campaign and election lasted.”

*Gov Uduaghan, Gov Amaechi and Senator David Mark at the retreat of Senate Committee on Constitution Review in Asaba.

Constitution Review: State creation, state police and devolution of powers top agenda BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor

HE size and responsibilities of the Federal government came under attack yesterday just as the Senate at the commencement of a strategic retreat on the review of the Constitution put devolution of powers from the federal level at the top of its agenda. The move came as the Senate put a July 2013 deadline for the conclusion of the ongoing efforts to review the constitution. Among other issues of concern in the ongoing review exercise as listed by the Senate yesterday are the creation of more states, recognition of the six geo-political zones, role for traditional rulers in the constitution, the place of local governments in the federal arrangement and the establishment of State Police. Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and governor of Rivers State, Mr. Chibuke Amaechi presented the views of the governors at the retreat of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, SCCR in Asaba, Delta State yesterday, just as Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan charged advocates of a Sovereign National Conference to use the opportunity of the constitution review to channel their desired changes through the National Assembly. The President of the Senate, Senator David Mark who declared the retreat open on his part ex-

pressed strong reservations at the lack of democratic franchise in local government administration describing the present situation as wholly unacceptable. The three day retreat is facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP through its Democratic Governance for Development Project, DGDP. The chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, SCRC, Senator Ike Ekweremadu while welcoming stakeholders to the retreat had given a July, 2013 deadline for the conclusion of the review. He, however, was not clear on whether that would be the deadline for the end of the exercise as concerning the Senate or for the conclusion of the constitution alteration exercise which also involves the House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly. Listing the sixteen areas he said would be of interest to the SCRC, Senator Ekweremadu, who is also the Deputy President of the Senate said: “SCCR has critically revisited the Report of the last Committee to sift matters requiring immediate attention. We have in addition articulated other critical national issues based on unfolding realities.” He listed the sixteen areas to include: Devolution of Powers, Creation of more States, Recognition of the Six Geo-political Zones in the Constitution, Role for Traditional Rulers, The place

of Local Government in our Federal arrangement, Extracting of the Land Use Act, NYSC Act and Code of Conduct from the constitution. Other concerns listed include Fiscal Federalism, Immunity Clause, Nigerian Police, residency provisions, mayoral status for Abuja, term and tenure of executive office holders, rotation of offices among others. Governor Amaechi in his own verbal address said: “There are very germane issues that we want to raise. Why are the states suffering from financial crisis? Why are we having less money than others? Why can’t we have the money that we want to develop, people are calling us all sorts of bad names because they know that we have responsibilities to provide schools, education, we have responsibility for health and virtually everything? “We want to have the money to provide all these things and if we don’t have the money, the country cannot hold us responsible for our inability to provide all that. Why should the federal government be handling education? Why? Who are they training? Why should they be building primary schools, secondary schools, then you don’t have any reason asking the states to build those ones. We want the federal government to reduce the responsibilities that they have as well as the resources that they have because I am first of all a Rivers citizen before I be-

came a Nigerian,” he said. Under the prevailing revenue formula, the Federal Government gets 52 per cent, States 26.72per cent while the 770 Local Government Areas get 20.60 per cent. The governor also expressed concern on the arbitrariness in the operation of the constitution, asking why there are no stipulations against infringement. “What are the consequences for those who refuse to implement the constitution? What do we do? Should we put it in the constitution that anybody who refuses to implement the law or the constitution should go for ten years imprisonment whether he has immunity or not? “We want to know because a lot of laws have been put in place by the National Assembly, those laws are not being implemented. A lot of laws have been put in place by the State Assemblies, those laws are not being implemented” Governor Uduaghan in his own address expressed concern that the present structre of the federation had stripped the states of the funds needed to govern them. While calling for an abrogation of the Petroleum Act among others, he said: “When we clamour for higher revenue allocation, it is targeted at the legitimate aspiration of the people. In this regard, the government and people of Delta State wish to urge that all obnoxious

laws such as the Petroleum Act, Interpretation Act and of course the Land Use Act which among other enactments vest the resources of the Niger Delta on the federal government be declared unconstitutional and expunged. “We believe that the alternative is to raise the percentage of revenue derivation from 13% to not less than 50%.” Senator Mark in his own address declaring the retreat open flayed the situation where caretakers without democratic franchise have been imposed on the local governments by governors. While noting that he shared some of the concerns raised by the governors through Governor Amaechi, Senator Mark said that constitution review alone would not lead the country out of the woods as he said that attitudinal changes would be the underling factor in the progress of the nation. He said:

“I wish however to remind Nigerians that Constitution amendment alone, without attitudinal change on the part of every citizen, cannot guarantee democracy. Nor will constitutional amendment alone banish terrorism and insurgency, corruption, kidnapping, or the orgy of violence presently ravaging the sinews of our corporate existence. “Constitution review should therefore not be seen as an end in itself. To run a democratic system successfully, the leaders and the led must show democratic impulses. It is the cultural basis of the democratic project.”

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21 , 2012

Ghosts haunt NBA election: How dead lawyers •We never knew they were dead, says NBA voted against me — Ngige •says election was credible, free and fair BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

The burial service for late Amb. Olusegun Olusola, held at Westley Methodist Catheral Church Iperu-Remo yesterday . Pix shows a cross section of the children of the deceased at the service .Photo By WUMI AKINOLA

Jonathan, Amosun, friends, family, bid Olusola farewell BY DAUD OLATUNJI , Abeokuta

RESIDENT Good luck Jonathan was among the hundreds of prominent people that showered encomiums on the former Ambassador of Nigeria to Ethiopia, Chief Segun Olusola, who was laid to rest yesterday, in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State. Apart from President Jonathan who was represented by Secretary General, National Summit Group, Tony Uranta, others in attendance at the farewell service held at the Wesley Methodist Cathedral church included, the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Minister of Sports, Chief Alex Akinyele, former World Court Judge, Prince Bola Ajibola and Chief Raymond Dokpesi. Others included the Yeye Oge of Lagos, Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson, Sir Kessington Adebutu, Chief Tola Adeniyi, Ambassador Brownson Dede, Professor Johnson Ekpere, Chief Kayode Onafowokan and o t h e r s . Shortly before he was committed to mother earth, the Bishop of Remo Central, Methodist Church of Nigeria, The. Rt. Revd. Gboyega Ohu in his sermon de-

scribed the late Olusola as a trusted Nigerian, who used his resources to benefit the less privileged. Bishop Ohu told the gathering that”many of us occupy exalted positions in our communities, but today our time has expired. ”Are you blessed with riches and wealth of this world? You must always remember that somebody gave you that ability which you shall return one day. ”A day of accountability is imminent. Never think everything starts and ends with you. Death is a divine a p p o i n t m e n t . ”Olusola died at a time the unity of this country is being threatened. He was an African man that promotes African culture in its true sense. Refugees will never forget his noble contribution,” he added. The Bishop berated the Nigerian political class for not considering the plights of the masses, urging the leaders to learn from the life of former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. He said that Mandela had millions of oppurtunities to enrich himself while in office but did not do so in the interest of the masses, saying that Nigerian leaders only have interest in what they could scoop from the “ Nigerian goldmine.”

The President urged Nigerians to emulate his virtue , integrity and commitment to service.

HE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, is enmeshed in a fresh scandal following an allegation that two dead lawyers were among those that voted in the election the body conducted last Tuesday. The said election which was held in Abuja, afforded the umbrella body of legal practitioners in the country, the opportunity to select those that will pilot the affairs of the association in the next two years. The tenure of the incumbent national officers of the NBA led by Chief J.B Daudu, SAN, is due to expire in August. However, barely three days after the election, one of those that contested for NBA presidency, Chief Emeka Ngige, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has alleged that names of dead lawyers were used in rigging him out. Ngige who came sec-

ond after polling 449 votes, as against 688 votes that was garnered by the winner, Chief Okechukwu Wali, SAN, said he was shocked upon discovering that “names of deceased persons from Port Harcourt branch were added to the voters’ register.” He gave names of the two deceased lawyers he identified from the voters register as, Chief Nwobidike Nwanodi, SAN and Chief C. A. B. Akparanta, SAN. He further alleged that notwithstanding his application that the voters’ list be displayed 48 hours before the election as required by the rules, the list was only made public 24 hours before the election. He said: “True to our fears, the displayed list was riddled with serious anomalies, irregularities and contradictions. The National Executive Committee (NEC) list was manipulated to include non-NEC members and even those who are con-

Dead Italian: EFCC, Police not protecting my interest — Fraud victim alleges •Debunks EFCC’s suicide claim BY OSCARLINE ONWUEMENYI , Abuja

HE victim of a $120,000 fraud, Dr. Mma Nwokocha, has questioned the motives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Italian embassy officials to remove the corpse of an Italian fraud suspect, Mauro Zanin, who reportedly committed suicide while in detention at the EFCC, from the National Hospital mortuary, even as the result of the autopsy is yet to be determined. She has equally sought an injunction in Abuja High Court to prevent the Commission and the Italian Embassy from removing the corpse, even as she lambasted the Nigerian Police for its reluctance to take up the case after several complaints had been made. Dr. Nwokocha, who spoke in an interview with Saturday Vanguard in Abu-

ja, noted that actions by the law enforcement officers and the embassy suggest an attempt to leave her in the lurch. “I see a clear move by the EFCC and the embassy to forsake the aggrieved body in this case, whom they have a responsibility to protect. Why is the Commission desperate to remove the corpse to Italy when my money has not been paid and while the toxicology report from South Africa is yet to arrive, what is their motive? “Also, the Maitama division of the Nigeria police had been mandated to investigate the matter, but to this day nothing has been done,” she said. According to her, the deceased had promised to pay back her money on the day he was announced to have died in a suicide while being held by the anti-graft agency. “Zanin had told us that some people were on the

way to bring him the money. Now, the postmortem actions of the EFCC and the Italian embassy have led us to believe that he may not have committed suicide. If anything, we believe he was killed, or how do you explain the claim by the Commission that they were checking on him every other hour before the incident, and he was not ill? “We think some people are trying to hide something from us, hence the desperation to remove his body back to Italy. “I am disappointed in the Commission and the Nigerian police for their lack of responsibility in this matter. They have twice attempted to remove the man’s corpse from the mortuary, and only yesterday (Thursday) they were back at the hospital but were stopped by officials who insist that we have to be contacted before the corpse is released,” she stated.

stitutionally disqualified from being NEC members. For example, Mrs. Ranti Bosede Daudu and Mr. Paul “Tunde” Daudu, wife and son respectively of the incumbent NBA President, J. B. Daudu (NBA), were smuggled in as ‘NEC members’ without the mandatory approval by NEC as required by the NBA Constitution. In fact, Mr. Tunde Daudu is less than 10 years at the Bar and is therefore disqualified from becoming a NEC member.” Nevertheless, the NBA, yesterday, dismissed his allegation as balderdash, saying it was convinced that Ngige must be suffering from either “post election stress, depression or failure of expectation.” Addressing a press conference yesterday, NBA, through its outgoing General Secretary, Mr Olumuyiwa Akinboro, said it never knew that the two lawyers were dead, adding that their names were obtained from a register of living lawyers it said was published by the Supreme Court two months ago. Insisting that the electoral process was free, fair and credible, NBA, maintained that contrary to the impression Ngige has created with the allegation, strict measures were taken with a view to ensuring that no delegate voted twice during the election, noting that tags ssued to the voters had accompanying picture for easy identification. Akinboro told newsmen that the NBA electoral committee would forward the election result to the National Executive Committee, NEC, of the organization, adding, “that is where the issues that has been raised by Ngige who is also a member of the NEC, will be tackled, not on the pages of the newspaper.” He said though the NEC is billed to meet in 3 months time, however, the legal body decided to address the press on the issue so as to put the records straight.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012 — 7

$3m Subsidy Scandal: Why Farouk Lawan will go down alone ••• Otedola’s letter to SSS exonerates him BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, Abuja

ONTRARY to the widely held belief by some Nigerians including prominent legal luminaries, that following Police investigation of the $620, 000 subsidy bribe money collected by Hon. Farouk Lawan, from oil magnate, Mr. Femi Otedola, that both the giver and the taker, would face the music and bag jail sentences as stipulated by the law, Saturday Vanguard can report authoritatively that contrary would be the case. Going by our reporter’s investigation, only Hon. Farouk Lawan is destined for prosecution and possible jail term if the rule of law is allowed to take its course. This is because it has emerged that before the bribe money was given to Hon. Farouk Lawan, Chairman, House Probe Committee and Hon. Emenalo, his secretary in a sting-like operation with marked money from the SSS, Mr. Femi Otedola had written a petition to the State Security Services (SSS) on the 18th of May 2012, detailing the intimidation, harassment and demands of bribes in huge foreign currencies from the House Probe Committee on oil subsidy”. Unknown to the Chairman and members of the Subsidy Probe Committee, they kept on witch-hunting and pressuring Mr. Otedola that he must present the bribe money before final action is taken on the

report but by then, security agencies had began monitoring their actions. It was against this backdrop that the plan to rope the Chairman and Secretary of the Probe Committee was hatched by the SSS, who briefed Otedola on what to do and how to go about giving Farouk the money so that both the video and audio recordings can be properly captured. Having established that the money was marked and belonged to the SSS even though the money can no longer be recalled from those who ‘shared’ it, sources told Saturday Vanguard that the Police investigating team are therefore at a loss as to why some segments of the society would suggest that both Chief Otedola and Hon. Farouk should face the music. “It is like when we go out to arrest dare-devil armed robbers and other criminals. Security agencies sometimes set traps for these criminals by planting people in their midst or get informants among their members. At the end of a successful operation and the objective is met, the person planted is let off the hook, and if he is a member who played along with the detective, he is given

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko addressing some PDP and ACN members who defected to Labour Party at the Akoko rally to declare support for Mimiko’s second term, in Ikare-Akoko, yesterday soft landing. “In the case of Otedola, he reported to security

ROJECT Director, Sev en Wonders of Nigeria,

believed he did not commit, he would be roped in.. In the character of investiga-

Cour ences ffarmer armer tto o death b Courtt sent sentences byy hanging BY AUSTIN OGWUDA, Asaba

FARMER, Mr. Chukwutem Eke has been sentenced to death by hanging by an Ogwashi-Uku high court in Delta State , having been found guilty of beheading a 15-year old boy for ritual purposes. He was said to have been contracted by a pastor of a certain white garment church to commit

the act for ritual purposes. Also, the Department of State Services, DSS in Delta state said they have secured convictions of eight persons at different courts in the State involving kidnapping. A statement signed by Mr. A.P. Disi on behalf of the State Director said, “pursuant to efforts of the Delta State command of the Service in addressing the problem of kidnapping and threat of life of

members of the public, so far in 2012, eight persons have been convicted in court out of the numerous cases being investigated by the command”. Sentencing the farmer to death, Justice Theresa Diai stated that “having found Chukwutem Eke guilty for the murder of Chukwudi Ossai, I hereby sentence you to death that you be hung by the neck until you be dead. May God have mercy on

your soul”. Prosecution led by Mr. O.F. Enenmo had told the court that the convict, Eke, a native of Ogume in Ndokwa West local government area of the State attacked the deceased and his sister Ossai Onuwa with a cutlass while they were weeding their father ’s farm at Olor-Ogwashi within Ogwashi-Uku judicial division, on 30th of November 2008.

Fuel scarcity looms as importers threaten to go on strike

IGERIAN fuel im porters’ union said yesterday it would shut

Nigerians spend N240bn for international tickets abroad BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Calabar

agencies that he was being threatened that unless he gave bribe, for an offence he

tion, the people he reported against were investigated. When it was discovered it was true, Otedola was used as a bait to trap these persons and they fell for it. How is it possible that Otedola will now become a guilty party? The money in question is not his own and we have records and evidence to show it was collected”. Meanwhile, Saturday Vanguard can report that Police detectives investigating the scam have commenced putting finishing touches to their report with a view to taking the matter to court as Farouk Lawan’s continued insistence that he gave the money to Hon. Adams Jagaba can no longer be relied on since Jagaba himself has dismissed the allegation.

Ikechi Uko has said that Nigerians spend $1.5 billion to buy international tickets to travel outside the country. Uko who disclosed this in a media chat in Calabar, Cross River State said that he had helped about 80 million Nigerians to travel abroad and that Nigerians spend more money to shop outside the country than any other people. He said Cross River State has all it takes in the hospitality industry to be the best tourism destination in the West African sub-region and that the newly established Experience Cross River by the private sector in the state would promote the tourism development of the government in the state.

down jetties and depots from July 23 if the government did not pay outstanding gasoline subsidy payments, which are a massive drain on Africa’s second biggest economy. President Goodluck Jonathan tried to end fuel subsidies on Jan. 1, prompting more than a week of strikes and protests after the petrol price more than doubled. Jonathan ended the strikes by partially reinstating the subsidy. The Finance Ministry said on June 20 it had cleared all outstanding subsidy payments following a pause to carry out a probe into the fuel marketers. The ministry was not available for comment yesterday. The minister of state for finance said in June Nigeria only had 370 billion naira ($2.29 billion) left to pay subsidies, out of the 888 billion in the 2012 budget. The central bank has said the subsidy budget will run out well before the end of the year, which means they

will need to raid savings to pay for it. Powerful state governors have said they will take the federal government to court for what they call “illegal” over-budget subsidy payments. The Jetty and Petroleum Tank Farm Owners of Nigeria (JEPTFON), representing fuel marketers, said

government non-payment of fuel subsidies was a breach of contract. “Until the above demands are met, the association has no option than to shut down its operations nationwide and suspend workers with effect from July 23,” a JEPTFON statement said.

PHCN sale: Labour leaders direct staff in Ilorin to go home BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI, Ilorin

NION leaders yes terday directed workers of PHCN in ilorin to vacate their offices, go home and await further directive following the sale of the company to private investors in the country. The directive according to Weekend Vanguard was to avoid embarrassment of the staff from the new buyers. Staff of the company

were seen at Baboko and Challenge district stations milling around the office aimlessly and unsure of future development. Some of the staff who spoke on condition of anonymity said they had not received any letter to any effect, saying they heard the media report and decided to close the offices. Consequently,district offices of the company have been put under lock and key in Kwara state.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21 , 2012

9 feared dead in multiple explosions in P/Harcourt •JTF destroys five petrol tankers •Fire razes seven offices in the Tide newspaper BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME, Port Harcourt

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa and Dame Patience Jonathan with colleagues sworn-in along with her as Permanent secretaries in Bayelsa yesterday.

XPLOSIONS yester day rocked a section of Port Harcourt killing no fewer than nine persons. The incident which happened at about 915am at the former PW jetty, Abuloma area of the State occurred in a vessel. Eye witnesses who

spoke to Saturday Vanguard at the scene of the incident said a welding work was going on in the ocean liner which was carrying a large quantity of crude when suddenly it exploded three times. Nobody could confirm the death toll from the bang but sources said several persons were still trapped in the smouldering fire from the vessel at the time Saturday Vanguard visited. “Several

Man alleges being battered by officials of NPC BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASEE, Benin

Benin based busi nessman, Mr. Ikponmwosa Odigie yesterday in Benin narrated how he was beaten up by some officials of the National Population Commission, Edo state office allegedly said to be thugs for demanding for the N6, 000 receipts he paid for the “Attestation of Birth Certificate”. Odigie who narrated his ordeal to Saturday Vanguard, said, “I went to the National Population Commission, Ikpoba Slope Benin to collect my At-

testation Birth Certificate and on getting to there, I was directed to an office where I met some people who behaved like thugs. “After issuing the certif-

icate to me, I now demanded for the receipt of the N6000.00 I paid as levy for the issuance of the certificate. That was when my ordeal started as they

All eyes on Dame Jonathan as Bayelsa swears in Perm Secs ment House Banquet Hall in BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI, Yenagoa

IGERIA’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan stole the show yesterday as Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa swore in 19 newly appointment Per-

manent Secretaries in the State Civil Service. The First Lady walked into the Government House Banquet Hall, venue of the event at exactly 12.39pm in company of the governor after other appointees had taken their seats an hour earlier. The colourful ceremony which held at the Govern-

12,000 women develop VVF every year by continuous the villages with the latin Nigeria terized and uncontrollable leakSUZAN EDEH, Buchi

O fewer than 12,000 women develop Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) every year in Nigeria, the National Demographic Health Survey has discovered. A VVF Surgeon, Dr. Ahmed Yola disclosed this this weekend in Bauchi while presenting a paper at a stakeholders meeting to review and develop Fistula jingles for Bauchi, Kano and Kastina states. According to Dr. Yola, VVF is an occurrence of abnormal hole between the bladder or Rectum and the Vagina, charac-

asked what mouth I have to demand for a receipt. An argument ensued between us and in the process, they pounced on me and started to beat me”.

age of urine. He said that most of the women affected by the condition comes from the remote villages which lack motorable roads, healthcare facilities and numerous barriers to seeking healthcare. According to the VVF Surgeon, it is common where ignorance and poverty are prevalent and affects young, short teenage girls of poor social economic background and women who are delivering babies for the first time. He said the condition is also common among older and even elderly women as well as uneducated women living in

ter mostly affected. Dr. Yola disclosed that 90% of VVF is caused by prolonged unattended obstructed labour while other causes include harmful traditional practices such as Female Genital Mutilation among others. He said that VVF is prevalent both in the northern and southern parts of Nigeria, but is more conspicuous in the north, adding that VVF occurs wherever maternal mortality rates are high. Sadly, he said, VVF accounts for 75% of loss of baby and is responsible for 55 – 60% of divorce rates in the country.

Yenagoa was witnessed by prominent Bayelsans inc luding the first civilian governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and his wife; Special Adviser to the President on Inter Party Affairs, Mrs. Mariam Ahmadu-Ali amongst others. Dame Patience was granted the privilege of being the first to take both oath of office and allegiance administered by the state chief registrar, Ineikadi Uzakah as the ceremony commenced at 12.50pm while others were taken in batches.

He disclosed that in spite of his explanation that a receipt was earlier issued to him by a Benin High Court for the cost of the affidavit he swore to, the beating continued until a man who I was told was the Director in charge of the state office came out and pleaded with him to forget about the issue. He added that in spite of the intervention, he was thrown out of the office without the receipt issue d to him. He therefore appealed to the Edo State Commissioner of police to intervene by ordering an investigation into the issue. When Saturday Vanguard went to the National Population Commission to see the State Director Mr. Nwaogazi, to confirm the story, the correspondent could not see him as he was said not to be on seat but a source denied the allegation, dismissing it as unfounded.

Fidson celebrates brilliant kids

S part of its Corpo rate Social Responsibility Initiative and in its resolve to encourage brilliant and outstanding performances among pupils, Fidson Healthcare Plc has kicked off its annual Astymin Brilliance Reward (ABR) for kids. The competition which made its debut last year and targets best graduating students from scores of schools across the country holds today at Grange Schools GRA Ikeja. Best graduating pupils will be selected from Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states. Labelled a time of ex-

treme fun and celebration of geniuses, it is likened softly but deeplywith the Nigerian national honours such as GCFR, GCON, OFR, and the likes.These exceptionally brilliant pupils are also conferred with honours entitled ABR; Astymin Brilliance Reward which they too can freely use after their names. The maiden edition of the Astymin Brilliant Kids Hall of Fame which held in July last year created a platform for school administrators, teachers, parents and pupils across the nation.

persons are still trapped in the burning vessel. Some said they are ten, others put the figure at thirty. But all we know is that some persons have burnt to death in the vessel”, a marine worker said at the scene. Saturday Vanguard gathered that the captain of the vessel and one of his deck hands were among five persons that were rushed to the hospital. Confirming the incident, Spokesman of Sector II of the Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield in the state, Captain Samuel Sunday said the vessel exploded in the morning hours, adding that he had little details on the incident. Meantime, neighbourhood sources said those that were trapped in the fire included some commercial workers that had stormed the vessel to “dish out service” to those in the cabin. They said the vessel had three cabins and was conveying crude out of the state. Effort by fire fighters to extinguish the raging fire on the vessel was helpless as their hoses could not extend to the vessel which was at the shore end of the jetty. “The fire fighters from the government only came here on sight scene. They could not do anything because their hoses could not get to the spot where the vessel is burning”. Also the Sector II of the Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield said it set fire on five petrol tankers conveying illegal crude at Eneka area of the state. Spokesman of the security body, Captain Sunday said no life was lost in the operation, adding that six persons were arrested over the issue. In a related development, seven offices in the administration area of the Rivers state owned newspaper, The Tide were razed down in an early morning inferno. The state government was yet to issue a release on the incident at press time but workers were seen milling around the office premises discussing the development in groups.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012 — 9

Plateau lifts curfew BY TAYE OBATERU, Jos

HE Plateau State Gov ernment has lifted the curfew imposed in four local government areas of the state in the wake of the recent killings in which a senator and a member of the state House of Assembly died. A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Yiljap Abraham yesterday said the action became necessary following an assessment of the security situation in the affected local government areas. The statement reads: “Following a careful re-

view of the security situation in Plateau state and after due consultation with the State Security Council, the Governor of the state, Dr. Jonah Jang has approved the complete lifting of the curfew earlier imposed on Jos North, Jos South, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas with immediate effect. “By this action, government expects that citizens will use this period to work harder towards a safer and more peaceful Plateau. They should reciprocate this gesture by avoiding any action that will lead to a breakdown of law and order and cooperate fully with the security agencies.

CAN raises alarm over bomb factories in Kabba BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO,Lokoja

OLLOWING the recent spate of bombs discovery in Kogi State, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kabba chapter has raised fresh alarm to security agencies to help comb the city on the likely presence of more bomb factories in the town. The Christian body in a letter to the state government signed by Pastor S.S. Ayodele called for the deployment of anti - bomb squad to the town to sniff out more likely points where bombs are manufactured. Pastor Ayodele who is the Secretary of the Association said the call become imperative in order to check what he termed as influx of aliens into the town especially the Odolu Market which according to him is not a business hub centre nor a residential area. The Secretary who argued that the market is gradually becoming “a den for all sorts of people” stressed that “if not checked, something worst may happen in the town” CAN who also questioned the mass migration of certain people referred to as Bororo to the town called for the closure of business activities as from 6.00pm daily. Kabba, which is the headquarter of Kabba/ Bunu LG; and the political and social cultural cen-

ters of Okun people have been under numerous bank robbery attacks where dynamites were used in recent times while a bomb house was also discovered in the town by the SSS in March this year.

“All citizens are enjoined to use this opportunity to pray fervently for the general wellbeing of the state. A return to no curfew therefore calls for extra vigilance by every citizen. Government also wishes the Muslim Umma a happy Ramadan month” President Goodluck Jonathan had earlier in the week lifted the state of emergency declared in 15 local government areas in the country including the four in Plateau State.

Gov. Peter Obi (right), receiving the three ambulances and two trailer load of hospital equipment donated to the State by Emma Bishop Okonkwo Foundation from Emma Bishop Okonkwo (middle), while the Foundation’s Chairman, Prof. Okechukwu Mbonu looks on.

PHCN workers down tools over soldiers take over of corporate hqtrs BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

ORKERS of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, yesterday downed tools to protest soldiers seizure of the corporate headquarters of the company in Abuja, as the logjam between the Federal Government and workers over severance and gratuity benefits ahead

of the privatization of PHCN deepened. It will be recalled that while labour said last month meeting with government ended in deadlock without agreement, the government on the other hand, said it had finished discussions with labour. It was gathered that the withdrawal of service was a spontaneous reaction to government deci-

sion to draft armed soldiers to take over the corporate headquarters of PHCN when labour issues concerning the planned privatization of PHCN were yet to be resolved. Though officials of the two unions; the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, and Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSAEAC,

Boko Haram: F Food ood crisis looms — AAEUN President warns BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

HE President of Agricultural and Allied Employees’ Union of Nigeria, AAEUN, Comrade Simon Anchaver has warned that Nigeria was at the verge of experiencing a major food cri-

sis if something urgent was not done to stem the lingering security challenges in parts of the northern states. He lamented that aside the drop in the quantum of food production in the north, the situation has been made worst by the failure of transporters to move available food

crops from the affected states to other parts of the country for fear of being attacked. The AAEUN President who made this assertion yesterday while playing host to selected members of the organised labour in Benue State and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalist,

1.5 million nursing mothers benefit from UNICEF BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

O fewer than one and half million (1.5million) women and nursing mothers in Benue state are expected to benefit from the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, renewed strategy and onslaught against childhood killer diseases, malnutrition and infant mortality in parts of the state. The UNICEF strategy

which is anchored on the cascaded training of community health workers who in the coming two months would undertake the enlightenment of rural women and mothers on the strategies for improved infant and young child feeding and their comprehensive immunization against killer diseases. Benue State Coordinator of Baby Friendly Initiative, BFI, Mrs. Catherine Anger told Saturday Vanguard yesterday in

Makurdi that the training would also dwell on the need for exclusive breast feeding and timely and appropriate compulsory feeding for infants and young children. Anger lamented that before now in many communities, infant and young child feeding practices remain far from optimal owing to lack of practical support, one-toone counselling and correct information by care givers.

NUJ, Radio Benue Chapter, said something has to be done urgently to address the unfortunate development. Comrade Anchaver also implored government to show more commitment to addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector “because we are tired of this too much talk”. He urged the Federal Government to “come out with a well laid out road map that would engender total transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector in order to boost agricultural production in the country and also meet the food needs of Nigeria’s fast growing population”. He lamented that Nigeria has no business importing food items from Europe and America in the face of the arable land and immense natural and agricultural endowments that have remained untapped by successive governments in the country.

said members were not on strike, but reports across PHCN stations showed that the workers were on strike. In many parts of Lagos where reports of faults were made to PHCN stations, consumers were politely told that they were protesting soldiers take over of their head office. Meanwhile, it was gathered that the House Committee on Power was making frantic efforts to bring the government and Labour back to the negotiating table to save the country the looming crisis in the power sector.

DAME extends closing date

HE Diamond Awards for Media Excellence has extended the closing date for entries for its 21st edition from July 21 to August 7. In a statement, the DAME Secretariat said the decision was in response to strong requests for such an extension, citing the current insecurity in the north as one reason for the shift. ”Since a part is an integral component of the whole, we feel we should accommodate our colleagues from the region”, the statement added. The Secretariat restated that entries are invited in 30 categories, details of which can be obtained from the DAME website: www.dameawards.com

10—SATURDAY Vanguard,JULY 21, 2012

Edo Guber:

Families of deceased Police officers cry for help By Simon Ebegbulem

Government of Edo state will support the families to ensure that their families will not lack”. It was a pitiable sight when Saturday Vanguard visited the deceased families. Vera, the wife of Constable Odudukudu was a wreck when Saturday Vanguard visited. The situation was even more pitiable because the body of her husband was yet to be recovered. Vera is also a Police Constable working in Port Harcourt . She lamented her story to Saturday Vanguard; “He spoke to me on the phone that he is going to the waterside area for the election and when they entered the boat he called me to say they were in the boat and heading to the village.

zLate

Inspector Johnson Aghedo

Government Council of Edo state while Constable Odudukudu is from Igueben Local Government Council of Edo state. DIG Akpoyibo visited the families in company of the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Kassim Gaidam. Inspector Johnson Aghedo is survived by four children, two

zConstable Odudukudu Greg (Deceased Po

lice officer)

marine officers therefore they had no choice than to detail ordinary officers to the area since it was a national assignment.He stated that the policemen died while on active national service adding that they paid the ultimate sacrifice as part of their contribution and success recorded in the last Saturday

The police force does not have enough marine officers therefore they had no choice than to detail ordinary officers to the area since it was a national assignment

he much awaited July 14 governorship elec tion in Edo state may have come and gone but some families have been thrown into mourning following the untimely death of four persons including three police officers and an INEC adhoc staff who lost their lives while on election duty. They met their untimely death when the boat conveying them with election materials to a riverine community in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okhai Local Government Council of Edo state capsized. The deceased were identified as Inspector Johnson Aghedo, Constable Odudukudu Greg. The names of the other two casualties were yet to be disclosed to Saturday Vanguard. As at the time of filling this report, only two lifeless bodies have been found while the marine policemen deployed in the area to search for the remaining bodies are still battling it out. The incident occurred at the early hours of last Saturday and all the policemen involved were attached to Ologbo police station. That was the only tragic incident that occurred on the day of the election. It was learnt that election materials meant for that area were all destroyed but the Public Relation Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, Mr Priscilla Imoudu-Sule denied that claim, saying that the boat was only conveying the officers but that the other boat conveying election materials to the area was safe. Following the sad incident, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operation, Force Headquarters Abuja, Marvel Akpoyibo paid a condolence visit to the deceased families, Inspector Johnson Aghedo and police Constable Odudukudu Greg in Benin City . Inspector Aghedo is a 50-year-old man from Igbanke, in Orhiomnwon Local

boys, two girls and wife while Constable Odudukudu Greg left four years old daughter and wife behind. In his condolence speech , DIG Akpoyibo who described their death as sad and shocking, prayed God to give the families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss adding that the force will stand by them during and after the burial. He regretted that the police force does not have enough

on active duty. He equally contributed to the success we recorded in the election. He died a hero and we will stand by you during and after the burial”. He explained to Saturday Vanguard that “ the INEC has an insurance policy for all our staff including ad-hoc staff. So these people who died on duty are going to benefit from the insurance policy”.

n his part, Governor

gubernatorial election. On his part, the state resident INEC commissioner, Kassim Gaidam said the victims died as heroes while on national duty saying that the Commission is already preparing a life assurance policy package for the families in addition to a cash gift. “We felt very bad, we share your grief with you. We are here to let you know that your husband died while

Oshiomhole who mourned the deceased officers shortly after he was announced as winner of the election said the state government will provide assistance to families of the deceased. Oshiomhole won the election after he polled 477,478 as against the 144,235 votes scored by his closest rival, Gen.Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His words: “I want to express my condolence to the families of the policemen and INEC ad-hoc staff who died when their boat capsized around Ologbo area. My heart goes tothe family. The

he last time he called m e was 12:07pm and after that time I called his line but his phone was switched off. I went to the see the politic authority and told me they are still searching for the body of my husband. But I have been begging them to find his body if he is dead let me know, but I need to see. After I called him severally and he did not pick, I called one of his friends and asked him about my husband, he said he is not yet back. I called another of his friends about him that one said my husband is not yet back. Then I called Anita my husband’s sister to go and check where he stays at Ologbo whether he is back, she went to Ologbo but she could not find him. But some body now told her that he may be back around 12pm that Sunday. But I was not comfortable so I decided to leave Port Harcourt to come back to Benin to find out for myself what the problem was. So I want to see my husband alive or dead that is what I am begging them now”. When Saturday Vanguard visited the family of InspecContinues on Page 11

SATURDAY Vanguard,JULY 21, 2012—11

Continues from Page 10

tor Aghedo, the wife of the deceased was found sleeping after taking sleep inducing drug. However, younger brother of the deceased Mr Omete Samuel and his son Kingsley, a Student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), faulted the police for sending out their officers to rivrine areas without a life jacket. They appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, and Governor Adams Oshiomhole to assist the family since the deceased left four z OMAETE(brother of the deceased) z Vera, wife of deceased Odudukudu children who are currently in school. Omete said: “ The late Inspector Joseph Aghedo is my immediate elder brother. He was 50 years. We are indigenes of Igbanke, in Orhiomnwon Local Government Council of Edo state. He was an Inspector, he has served here in Edo state for many years before he was transferred to Ologbo where he died now. It has been very devastating really. He left four children behind, two boys and two girls. hey are all in school. We cant even know where to start from. He was building a house before he died. Even when he was alive it was not easy taking care of the four children. And the problem z A large crowd at Aruosa Primary School at Ehor. now is that we don’t even know where to go to and people. And in a situation like this they Íf my brother was heard that the people the police are very difficult will hardly tell you the truth. But more given a life jacket he who rescued the othimportantly, we are would have survived. er people were arnot happy the way We learnt that four of rested and detained and manner my them drowned and he by the policemen brother died. was the first to be res- who came. And they He was not a ma- cued and we learnt told us that if they rine police officer, so that after he was res- had not arrested how will they send cued they left him those rescuers they him on such a mission without any first aid would have gone without a life jacket. for hours. We even back to the river to assist my brother who was left in the river with the other policeman. They left them in the water for about three hours. The first person they rescued is alive today and receiving treatment so if those people were allowed to go back immediately, my brother would have been alive today. But it has happened, people will say that it is the wish of God but I don’t believe this one is the wish of God. It is even difficult to feed the family now,

‘Governor Oshiomhole, come and help us’

I am a mere civil servant and I cannot carry the load. Government and the police should come to our rescue. My brother is supposed to be insured so if he was insured let them help us process it. We are appealing to our Comrade Governor Oshiomhole to come and help us. My brother has an aged mother who is still alive and this why his death came as shock to us. The Federal Government owns INEC so they should come and help us. That morning he called the wife that they were going for patrol at Ologbo but they later called to tell her that her husband died after the boat capsized”.

ingsley who also worked as an ad-hoc staff in Uhumwonde Local Government Council during the last Saturday governorship election, narrated that he spoke to his father Friday before the election and the deceased pleaded with him to be careful on election day. “On Friday he called me because I went for election duty as INEC adhoc staff. He called me and asked me where I was posted to so I told him Uhumwonde Local Government and he advised me to be careful. But after the election on Saturday, we could not come back to Benin so we slept at Uhumwonde. On Sunday morning I was in the bus coming back to Benin when I received a call that my father had in accident. I was shocked that the Nigerian police will be sending people on election duties in the riverine area without a life jacket. That is shocking and we are devastated here. Who is now going to pay my school fees and that of my sisters and brother. I am still in shock”.

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012

Challenge of producing unemployable graduates U

niversities everywhere, and Nigeria not different, are es tablished to carry out tripartite roles of teaching, research and community services, thereby contributing meaningfully to the social, economic, cultural, political, scientific and technological development of the nation. Universities are supposed to impart high level skills to a reasonable proportion of the workforce, developing intellectual capability of individuals, engaging in training of competent, honest, patriotic and responsible professionals needed virtually in all spheres of human endeavours. University education in Nigeria has experienced relative decline in quality over he last 25 years as graduates produced from the system lacked the necessary skills required not only in the local (national) industries but also in the 21st century global knowledge market. Saturday Vanguard checks showed that a confluence of factors acting in unison are deemed to be responsible for the deteriorating state of the country’s university system, eventually culminating in production of poor quality, sub-standard graduates. For avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian University System (NUS) is a term which defines the entire universities in the country which grew from five universities in 1960 to over 120 in Nigeria today as one whole system irrespective of ownership – federal, state or private. According to Professor Timothy Oyebode Olagbemiro, the NUS is expected to function to contribute to national development through “high level relevant manpower training, developing

and inculcating proper values for the survival of individuals and society as well as ensuring that the intellectual capability of individuals are developed to understand and appreciate their internal and external environments.” Recently, the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, while delivering an address at the second Prof. Barth Nnaji Biennial Lecture series at the Enugu State University of

Nigeria is churning out thousands of science and technology graduates each year but several of them are under-employed, going into the banking and non-scientific sectors

By Emmanuel Edukugho

Science and Technology, said that graduates from the country’s higher institutions of learning were not employable. She was reported to have lamented that Nigeria’s higher institutions were plagued with inadequate science and technological facilities and materials for practical skills development. She noted thus: “Nigeria is churning out thousands of science and technology graduates each year but sever-

al of them are under-employed, going into the banking and non-scientific sectors.” The measures and mechanisms suggested by the Minister of Finance are not new as these had been proffered in the past by other renowned scholars, academics, teachers and administrators who are managing the university system. One of the critical functions of universities has to do with Research and Development (R&D), an area in which Nigeria has fallen short. A Professorial Fellow, Dr. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinkaa, United Nation University, Director, Global Monitoring and Research Division, UN-Habitat, said declining investment in teaching and research facilities resulted in poor human products, evident employment opportunities and diminishing value of earned income. He named new science areas such as biotechnology as an example of an industry whose locus of knowledge creation lies entirely within universities and thus underscores the importance of university – industry collaboration, and also that the 21st century university could influence the direction of the economy in significant ways. Except all the problems confronting the university system are examined, it would be difficult to sustain its relevance, considering the high expectations inherent in the globalised 21st century, argued Olagbemiro. “In its bid for relevance, the Nigeri-

an University System must be re-engineered or re-invented to realise that the quest for change is an adventure which requires active involvement of all stakeholders.” In teaching and in practice, universities have been urged to show relevance in research, innovation and evaluation. Although the Federal Government has promised to invest in technical and vocational education to create about one million jobs, nothing concrete can be seen in this direction so far. Any university seeking relevance today in our country must produce graduates who would employ people rather than searching for employment. To that effect, many universities are now introducing entrepreneurship curriculum in their degree programmes, and be compulsory, from 100 level to final year, while the institutions can award certificate for entrepreneurship. With entrepreneurial skills in furniture making, fashion design, clothes, bakery, confectioneries, block making, soaps and detergents, juice drinks using oranges, mangoes, pineapples, food packa g i n g , drinking water, leather works, laundry, dry cleaning, software for computers, internet trade and many other small scale enterprises, our graduates no longer be job seekers, but job producers. It should not be the question of graduates that are not employable, but the issue of government and investors local and foreign exploring the vast employment opportunities available abundantly in agriculture, construction, mining, fabrication, sanitation and infrastructure development. Through their curriculum, higher institutions should re-engineer their products so as to be able to react to changing situations, identify new skills for the world of work. As the national and global economies get more competitive, complex and demanding, the need for interactions and partnerships become inevitable. Adequate funding of tertiary institutions in critical bearing in mind the UNESCO benchmark of 26% of state/ national budge for education, especially in technology and research. Experts and findings have shown that the “education system is weak in Nigeria, and dissatisfaction with the quality of education is the highest in the world. According to most accounts, the Nigerian government is inefficient, corrupt and undemocratic, inspiring low confidence in its institutions. Most graduates of higher institutions still look for jobs, whether competent or not, employable or not, lacking requisite skills or not. It is speculated that only about one-tenth of graduates of tertiary institutions secure employment. The ideal is to create a critical mass of graduates better prepared for employment as well as creators of enter-

Continues on pages 13

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012—13

‘Our Graduates are not half baked’

Nigerians especially, the teeming graduates who are roaming the streets in search of good jobs have reacted to the recent statement by the minister for finance, Dr Okonjo Iweala that our graduates are not employable. Some of them who spoke angrily to Saturday Vanguard said that it is very wrong for her to make such a pronouncement. Saying that they are not disputing the fact that there are some graduates who cannot make a simple correct sentence, but it is not everybody so she should stop generalizing such a thing. Some said that they do not believe that God created an empty brain, but there are some intelligent ones who have not been opportuned to showcase their talents. These are some of their views as sampled by ANOZIE EGOLE

You cannot totally condemn the minister —Kunle Akano

Yusuf

ernment has its roles in improving the schools to ensure a standard learning environment. Especially, the government should work more on our science department that needs more of practical by providing the basic equipment for the practical. On the side of schools, they should recruit qualified lecturers who are experts in the field they are handling and not being sentimental. If you study computer science, you should be employed to lecture computer science and not the other way round. Because, I have not seen were a graduate of physics was employed to handle electricity even though they look alike. As you need to develop yourself having in mind that the school cannot offer you everything. School can only offer you 20 or 30% of what you

Prinwill

They are the cause of the problem —Yusuf Abiola Actually, our government is the cause of the problem that our graduates are unemployable and I strongly believe that not all of them are like that. Maybe 30 or 40% are unemployable but they are the cause of all these problems. Imagine a situation where the schools are closed down for more than f o u r months because of strike, what do you want the students to do in that type of situation? And the lecturers in some schools, have not been able to do research for a long time now and by this, they are lacking behind. The government or the other hand, are contributing to the. According to UNESCO’s recommendation,26% of a country’s budget should be

The government has its roles in improving the schools to ensure a standard learning environment

To me, it depends on the angle you want to take it. You cannot completely condemn the woman’s pronouncement because, you do not know what she has seen or experience before she can make such pronouncement. I believe that something must have prompted her statement. Maybe something has happened somewhere that made her to say such a thying. Because, of recent, I heard from a human resource personnel that they were conducting interviews for some graduates, to their surprise, a graduate of English with a Second Class Upper (2.1) could not make a single correct sentence. This particular problem goes beyond the graduates; schools too contribute to the problem. Some schools employ lecturers who are not qualified in the field for the job. For instance, in my school where I graduated from, if you come to our computer science department, most of the lecturers are not graduates of computer science. Majority of them graduated from mathematics department. Just because they did computer science in their masters, they will be employed to lecture computer science in a higher institution. So you will be asking yourself, what has this person to offer to the students? In that case, what do you expect the students to know when the lecturer is not qualified enough for the course? The students will only produce what they were taught. If really the government wants to solve this problem, both the government, schools and the students all have roles to play on the issue. The gov-

need to know especially for the science students. Everybody knows that science is dynamic. What was in vogue in 2000 is gradually phasing out, unlike arts courses which are not like that. So you as a science student need to update yourself by going to research and other professional courses. Some schools are not good in practical likewise some lecturers. Computer science graduates have a lot of work to do as far as upgrading themselves is concerned. Because, new technologies are being discovered every day.

same youths that she said are unemployable were the youth that voted her administration into power. I will also advise the minister of education to resign alongside with her. It is their own incompetency that made the finance minister to make such a pronouncement. The two ministries should resign. The finance minister is not allocating and supervising the budget allocated to the education ministry and the education ministry is not making good use of the allocated budget, so they should both resign.

No brain is empty —-Prinwill Agbo given to education, but that is not the case here in Nigeria. Nigerian government gives preferential treatment to where it is not necessary thereby leaving the most important thing aside. Why they do not care about the state of our schools here is that their children are not going to school here in the country. So, they do not care if the schools are collapsing or not. Some of their children that schooled abroad are not more intelligent than those who schooled here it is just that they are opportuned to get employed because of their parents. For me personally, I feel so bad with that particular viewpoint. I feel it is a slap on the face of every youth in this country. That means that there is no hope of getting employed for any youth that graduates from any University in this country. It is not all of us that had the privilege to go abroad for our education. I will advise her to resign the appointment. Because, these

I believe that there is nothing created by God that is empty, it is just that they have not been giving proper opportunity to perform. If you want to get very intelligent students, go to the public schools and the poor masses that is where you will get what you want. She should not just conclude because she tried few people, she now concluded that a country we have well over 40million graduates are unemployable. To me, it is ridiculous. If they want to reduce that in the country, they should stop putting conditions that somebody must have First Class or Second Class upper before he/ she can be employed. Because of this, students go extra mile in getting such certificates and at the end of the day, they cannot prove it. Some even buy their results to be able to get (2.1) and you find out that the person cannot make a simple correct sentence. They should stop that and give everybody equal opportunity irrespective of what you came out with.

Unemployable graduates Prof Julius Okojie

Continued from page 12 prises capable of employing people to earn a living and contribute to nation building. Our university curriculum seemed to be more content-based than outcome-driven which should be reviewed. Professor Johnson Aladekomo, Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan, told graduands in a convocation ceremony they’ve been encouraged and supported to acquire professional skills and certification in areas outside their degree syllabuses – providing knowledge for self-reliance. “This is to make you enterprise graduates who can either be self-employed or employed by others,” he said.

Nigeria, like others, is moving towards a knowledge-based economy in which the place of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become significant so that graduates will perform better. But the worry in this, for which Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed concern is that: how can a computer science graduate not understand the basics of writing software codes? The answer lies with government which must ensure ICT units in tertiary institutions are well staffed highly organized and equipped adequately to provide sound teaching and practicals for the students.

14 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012

he recall of Ms. Aruma Oteh, the formerly suspended Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Federal Government, seems to have caused a widespread commotion within the Capital Market enclave, and within the membership of the House of Representatives. She had been indicted of activities that were said to be contributory to bringing the Market to a state of near-collapse. Listed were offences like regulatory failure in some of the recent mergers; acquisitions and approvals of transactions by the SEC and general inability to carry her staff; board and management in decision-making in the SEC; and questionable recruitment policies; and incompetence in the management of human and material resources at her disposal etc, etc, etc. The indictments, though many, were not so varied. A few were so close that probably only the luxury of verbiage distinguished one from the other. In fact, some of them would appear to have been properly dealt with already during a session of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Near-Collapse of the Capital Market before which she appeared . However, one indictment which seemed serious enough for further scrutiny was in regard of “Project 50*, which has implications of misappropriation of funds. This was what we concentrated upon on this page. Beyond all the vague accusations and u n s u b s t a n t i a t e d indictments, that was what provided something to sink one’s teeth in. That also what was the Federal Government based its general assessment of Oteh’s culpability on. The external auditors who had • Oteh probed the “Project 50” while the SEC D-G was on compulsory leave reported their old ready whippingthat there was no instance of boy, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. a criminal breach or fraud But they forget names like found against her. Based Lawan Farouk ... or is it the upon that, the FG found it other way around? only fair and just to ask her However, I have news for to return to her post. But all them. We all criticize of that is on the surface. Goodluck Jonathan, but only Deep, deep down is the as our President. Naturally, underlying murky waters of he resents it when it seems filthy intrigues directed at harsh. But when we think of the career of this hardhim as a weakling, then we working lady by the cabal need to change our thinking that simply wants her out of caps. He is not without any the Commission. It is support in his constituency, generated by sheer envy, which is the entire nation, not fuelled by personal just a strip of legislative animosity and engineered terrain. He will not prostrate by an obsession with “PhD” before any cheap blackmail. - “pull him/her down”. If he has made up his mind Several projects that had that Diezani shall stay; or has

*sheer blackmail *from lagos to edo *brf on brt

With current developments, can’t he see that the notion of a “sixty-year” reign by the PDP has suddenly become archaic?

gone astray, and which contributed in no small measure to the sorry state of the Capital Market, were ignored, glossed over or mischievously put at her doorstep. She was even virtually accused of being guilty of having been employed with less than fifteen years’ experience in Capital Market operations— as though she employed herself. We know from where this odious stench originates. They have launched a campaign of intimidation. They say the President shields corruption, and that, they suppose, would frighten him to give in to their blackmail. They have found a way of bringing Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke into the matter; they have also

decided that Arunma shall not go, he should look at all those blackmailers in the face even if they shout “impeachment” to the heavens—and not give a damn.

Many people from all sections of the country have expressed deep satisfaction at the success of Adams Oshiomhole at the recent governorship polls in Edo State. Many political figures, individually and severally, sent him heartwarming congratulatory messages, including President Goodluck Jonathan among other personalities of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. But not so the party itself which declared it was

•Oshiomkhole “disappointed”. The message of congratulations it sent to “the winner” was boorish and out of step with the spirit of the time, which the party may not have noticed to be brand new. The mood, the inclination, these days, is towards not just success, but good success. That is what Oshiomhole’s victory in Edo State typifies, following closely the pattern of Babatunde Fashola, SAN, in the Lagos State last elections. Commenting on the Edo “broom” operation in Edo after the election, the Lagos State governor declared that what he was waiting for was not whether Oshiomhole would win, but with how wide a margin. In the same vein, that was precisely what most people were similarly engaged in with regard to the last Lagos polls, just over a year ago. It was not where victory would swing to, because it was obvious, but how well the PDP candidate would be trounced.

could not actually contain the magnitude of the contest the man would launch. It was even more evident when he broke out of the constraints, in size and scope, of the Labour Party. With Fashola and now Oshiomhole after him, the colour of electioneering in Nigeria may have changed irreversibly, fueled by the yearning for regionalization, from the insecurity that is now capable of turning indigenes to refugees in their home base, That is why the assertion of President Goodluck Jonathan, that democracy in Nigeria would collapse without the PDP appears or sounds, with all due respect, absolutely unrealistic and unreasonable to some extent. “Democracy in Nigeria is older than the PDP; democracy in Nigeria is more firmly entrenched than the PDP; democracy in Nigeria is bigger than the PDP. Statements such as that makes one wonder where our highly respected President is coming from .. With current developments, can’t he see that the notion of a “sixty-year” reign by the PDP has suddenly become archaic? The idea of a divinely ordained, or fortuitously framed, lengthy supremacy in favour of any political party, will naturally dwindle and fizzle out with time The decisions, too, from Aso Rock be uplifting. All these should come fairly easily with the hirde of senior advisers that are around him and are supposed to rub minds with him. Transformation implies an element of innovation. They should bring out fresh ideas. For instance, the changing of the name of Lagos State University to MKO Abiola University is trite, to say the least. If we could have June 12 as Abiola Day, a holiday celebrated with distinctive national activities every

he Lagos example, you

might say, blazed the trail for Oshiomhole’s footsteps. It was not as though he were a neophyte himself in the jungle of politics. He had been primed and had honed his skills of harangue too in the wild and woolly field of trade unionism. He had absorbed the psychology of appearances. He had overcome the fear of failing which makes people fall, even from the start. He was therefore equipped to tackle the toughest and battle with the roughest. His “Tai Solarin” outfit proclaims that fact, and his action marks every conception of it. The PDP knew that they

• Fashola year, even Jonathan himself would be remembered for it. That is the kind of longlasting honour that has been conferred on Mandella. And, as we all know, he richly deserves it. The example of forthright leadership which was emulated by Adams

Oshiomhole, and now replicated across the West and beyond came openly on stage earlier in the week in its birthplace, when Governor Babatunde Fashola arrested—okay, apprehended—a senior army officer who was invading the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on Lagos Island. They do it all the time.

he dedicated route came into its own as never before since the beginning of the repairs on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. He was a passage free of the massive gridlock that held the Commercial Capital of the nation in thrall for hours on end. Everyone, even people who owned their own vehicles, rushed for the safe, easy ‘means of conveyance provided by the BTR. When the problems on the bridge are over, several would’ have ,found the convenience of the system difficult to put behind them, especially those who have to commute over a fair distance to the city. However, the effectiveness of the system is ruined when road-users infiltrate the route, leading to a replication of the log-jam that it was created to solve— and is solving. The perpetrators are usually those “big men” who foolishly consider themselves to be above the law. Unfortunately, they are being acknowledged as “rogue” models by an increasing number of mindless Nigerians who stray into that way of antisocial behaviour. Their number will now sharply decrease with that confrontation that “BRF” had with the errant military officer this week.

s a matter of fact, it was not the first time on record that the Lagos State Governor would have such an encounter with traffic lawbreakers who, as military officers, abuse their uniforms in public. It also happened a while back on Victoria Island when the governor accosted a senior air force officer driving against the traffic on a oneway road. But the point here is that it should not happen ever, not with all those highly-valued LASTMA officials who demean their positions and disgrace their calling by demanding and extorting money from motorists who run foul of traffic rules. They are so preoccupied with their nefarious pastime that they hardly have time for their legitimate business. But is it fair that they should make a State Governor do their work for them? Time out

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012–15

The rhythms of politics

Politics has a way of humbling individuals and the mantra of one man, one vote has its own way of exposing the weakness of political players who were hitherto overrated. The Edo election has proven so many permutations wrong and re-scripted the canard of political prediction.

Beware of Oshiomhole’s Horse Whip

Gov Adams Oshiomhole

There were a number of questionable opinion polls which gave the nod to the opposition PDP as favourite to winning the election. There were scenarios that were repeatedly played out in the State to give an impression that the Comrade Governor would not make it at the election. Divisive politics anchored on ethnicity and the mentality of “this is our own” flourished in the labyrinth of political situation rooms. The campaign was intense as it was fierce. It was a battle of wits against wits, propaganda against propaganda, with a clear intention to woo the electorates. The Comrade Governor had so many things that worked in his favour. One, is his superlative performance in office. The election presented an opportunity for him to showcase those achievements to the electorates. Second, was his power of oratory which is unarguably his major strength when confronted with catch 99 situations. Three, was his unquenchable energy, working from the dawn of day to the setting of the sun, till late night all in a bid to put the godfathers in check. Four, was the political mileage that he gained as a result of the support he got from Oba of Benin

and many other traditional rulers. It was such royal support that neutralized the ethnic card which the PDP trumped up at the last minutes of the campaign.

PDP deserves commendation

The PDP Chieftains even though they all lost their

he calm that has re turned to Edo State af ter the July 14 election has been so palpable that one can easily feel it. One can easily touch it. One can easily inhale it, one can easily perceive it; from that dizzying height of political tension to a subliminal quietude of political defeat and loud exhilaration of political victory. It is what the wordsmith, Honourable Patrick Obahiagbon described as the “oshiofixation of Mr. Fix it”. The music has since changed both in terms of lyrical contents and the rhythmic candour. While there are wild jubilations at the Action Congress of Nigeria,s camp, there is solitary quietness at the PDP end which is unwittingly supplanted by the embarrassing results of the election of Saturday, July 14. What you have in any election is a winner and a loser but the tedium of this victory on the part of the diminutive but stubbornly structured comrade oshiomhole, is one that presents a thought for food. Easily seen as a very outspoken political player, Oshiomhole,s energy is one that has placed him at a particular pedestal above his other contestants for the plum job in Edo State. Not a lot of people would appreciate the enormity of what transpired in the Edo election. I had stated that even though elections presented a platform for contestation of ideas, which will help the voters to make an informed choice, that of Edo, speaking metaphorically, was a contest between Chief Tony Anenih and Adams Oshiomhole. It was a contest of new ideas in the liturgy of political undertakings and old ideas for perpetuation of power. I had stated unequivocally in my piece of Thisday June 11, 2012 that the Edo election was Chief Anenih,s final political adventure that would signal the end of long years of political domination both at the state level and the National. That prediction has now become a statement of fact. At the State level, the purblind effect of the defeat carries a malignant impact that will forever haunt the Uromi Chief. At the Federal level, Chief Anenih will not easily display any moral courage to take on anyone who is aversed to his political ideas because he would easily be reminded of his embarrassing outing at the Edo election. That is not a good way to end a political career that has spanned decades upon decades. Like one of the ecstatic jubilants said, “the godfather has been laid to political rest”

directive when real politicians are talking. Second, it presents the Chieftains as inconsequential in their domains when real politicking is put on the front burner. If they had lost the election but won their wards or Local Governments, the pride would still have been manageable and perhaps their relevance would still have been intact. Now that the reverse is the case, for them it is simply nun dimitris to politics, but I am told that politicians don’t give up easily. Like cats with nine lives, they know how to stay the cause. The implication of losing a political unit is like being rejected by members of your family; the polling unit is the smallest unit of electoral contest. Well such is the elixir of power. It hurts. It heals. I heard from the grapevine that the PDP candidate intends to try his luck at the tribunal. I think speaking more seriously, there is no need to take the State on another round-tripping exercise of legal contestation that would put precious economic time under careless wastage. But if that is what he desires to manage the hopeless situation, and at least give his supporters a safe landing, that would be understandable. The luxury of going to the tribunal to complain about an election that is seen to be free and fair would be too over-bearing on the State. General Charles Airhiavbere

I think Edo Voters deserve special mention here. They displayed very uncommon courage and resilience before, during and after the election

wards, must be commended for putting up a good fight and raising the stakes of the election. Rather than being a mere walk-over exercise, the PDP kept Comrade Oshiomhole on his toes, forcing him to embark on spirited campaigns across the State. The product of that elaborate campaign has been tellingly benumbing. When the humiliation of political party chieftains losing their wards finally dawn on them, the pains will carry a double sting. First, it is a “shut up”

can safe his money and start planning for another day. It is the honourable thing to do, because the margin of defeat is too oceanic.

Kudos to Edo Voters

I think Edo Voters deserve special mention here. They displayed very uncommon courage and resilience before, during and after the election. The wild jubilation that followed the announcement also suggests that the right candidate won the election. The

beauty of any democratic engagement is to see that people who are the repository of power, being given the opportunity to perform their function. This is where I also commend the leadership and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission for being able to rise up to the occasion and ensuring that the right things were done. We must also commend the security agencies for their show of professional expertise. The military personnel discharged their responsibility with dispatch and encouraged the voters to have confidence in the system. From the Edo election, Nigeria is gradually moving on the pathway to greater electoral engagements that would ensure free, fair and credible elections. The opposition Parties will have opportunity to fight another day in 2016 when Comrade Oshiomhole will be completing his statutory two terms of office. The major opposition Party should also start putting its acts together as a way of sustaining their presence in the State.

he PDP Chieftains should learn how to talk less because the orgy of defeat could be very painful and humbling. I would have loved to sit near Chief Dan Orbih, Matthew Orhogide, Chief Anenih and Chief Gabriel Igbinedion to see their countenance when the results were announced. The PDP was unusually quiet when the results were announced and I was wondering what could have happened to warrant such tongue-tied situation against the backdrop that here were individuals who were very outspoken before the elections. I am told that almost all the PDP chieftains have relocated to London and America to cool off. They deserve it. Oshiomhole,s horse whip could be very didactic. As diminutive as Oshiomhole could be, his punches are not as frail as they appear to be. The Edo election has just proven that. Comrade Oshiomhole is magnanimous in victory. At least he has extended his hands of fellowship to other candidates in the rebuilding process. He has said that the victory is not for him as an individual, but for every Edo person home and abroad. That is the way to go. Democracy is a process to achieving greatness and glory. Governance is the implementation of campaign promises. Creating synergy and carrying every component into the leadership process will only help to simplify the process and make the gains of democracy more manifest in the lives of the people. This is why those in opposition should give the Governor every bit of support he deserves to make Edo realise her full potentials. And in the final analysis, we all would join the chorus of those who made it happen. Congratulations to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the entire Edo people.

16 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012

By Ishola Balogun, Moses Nosike & Ebun Sessou

t is unimaginable to have the corpse of a beloved one cremated. It is anthithetical to our culture, it is retrogressive and unacceptable.” these were the words of religious leaders, and residents in Lagos state reacting to the plan by state to legalise voluntary cremation of the dead and unclaimed corpses in the state. Despite various face-lifts in virtually all mortuaries in the state hospitals, as well as concessioning of some of them to private companies for effectiveness and decency, the government of Lagos state appears hell bent on taking the cremation option to decongest mortuaries in the state. Recently, the bill sponsored by the chairman of the Assembly’s Committee on Health Care Services, Suru Avoseh scaled the second reading on the floor of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Hon. Avoseh argued that the bill is aimed at tackling congestion in public mortuaries. “The intent of the law is on unclaimed corpses and voluntary cremation. We are not praying for our dead to suffer but this has been happening somewhere. It is not peculiar to Lagos State alone,” he stated. Already, religious leaders have rejected the move saying it runs contrary to the norms and culture of the society apart from being at variance with the laws of God. While the Catholic Church has asked the Lagos State House of Assembly to allow the dead rest in peace by throwing out the proposal on legalising voluntary cremation of unclaimed dead bodies in the state-owned mortuaries, the Administrator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, in a statement, said he would not accept any move to legalize cremation or the desecration of human corpse in any guise. The CEO, Hope Worldwide, Nigeria, Ola Clement said it is conflicting with our culture. “I think the best way to go about it is for government to engage the people in discussion on those areas that affect our culture. Personally, I don’t have problem with that if our mortuaries are filled up. But if the people that elected government into positions said they don’t like it, government should look into it. Most important thing, let government engage the people in finding lasting solution to the problem.” He continued: “In this part of the world, people like to know where their deceased family members are buried for future references especially for the family members who were not around during burial of the deceased. So if you burn their dead ones such families would not be happy.” he rationalised that some of the deceased died as a result of poverty, and that their families might not afford the hospital bills. Burning corpses is Asian culture, he said. Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Felix A.O. Onomeregbor, the presiding Bishop, Felix Onomeregbor Prophetic Voice World Outreach, Lagos in his own view stated that it’s a taboo to the society and culture. “If mortuaries are filled up, government should provide places for burial.” He asked government to take the responsibility to bury abandoned corpses in cemeteries rather than bringing the idea of cremation. “The people will not accept it here. This is one way government can help the dead and their families who don’t have the

Cremation: Religious leaders, residents, govt heading for a showdown Our mortuaries are overfilled — Lawmaker resources to claim their deceased family member. If you look at it critically, are they happy to abandon them in mortuaries? He added that the spirit of the dead will not forgive anybody that takes part in it. Nicholas Ojinnaka, the Executive Vice Chairman, Resort Insurance Brokers said: “It’s a situational decision. In this case, government and the people have to decide which one is better done. I support the idea of government because the people that died in Dana Air crash for example what would their families do. The tanker that exploded in Uyo where many Nigerians were roasted.” The government is therefore urged to build more modern and affordable cemeteries in various parts of the state and rehabilitate the old ones that are already in very bad shapes or condition. One of the reasons advanced forward by the government is unavailability of land to build more cemeteries. Those who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on the issue insisted that government rather is using lands to build expensive estates in order to make money. “It is only in Africa that we have no respect for the

dead. Go to Atan and Ikoyi cemeteries, for instance, they have been overtaken by weeds. Security is another issue entirely. The dead deserves to rest in peace,” said another religious leader who preferred anonymity. They also blamed the poor state of mortuaries on the insensitivity of government. They said if a body is cremated, it is regarded as disrespect for the dead, blaming the government for shying away from its responsibility of providing an enabling environment. Dele Asaju, a christian and member of CAN opined that, once a person dies, his spirit goes to God. “What we are seeing, on the floor is just the body. Even, the Bible says that we should give dust to dust and ashes for ashes,” he stated. For Reverend Peter Diji, Life Fountain Bible Church, cremation is not biblical and should not be acceptable. He said, “Embalment and burial are biblical and in a situation where there are unclaimed corpses in the mortuaries, then it is good for the government to embark on mass burial.” And if the government is saying that the communities are afraid of corpses being buried in their communities, then, the government should look for alternative by providing an empty space that is far from the commu-

nity”. Nigeria Reggae Gospel Artiste, Buchi Atuonwu, has a different view on this issue. To him, the issue is more of cultural than spiritual. He maintained that it didn’t matter whether or not the body is cremated or buried, what matters is where the soul of the man in question is going. The attention should be focused on where the spirit of the man goes, and not where the body belongRev Fidel Candy also shared the view that there is no portion of the bible that states the dead should or not be burnt. He said, “What is important is where the spirit of the man goes and not what happen to the body on earth. To him, there is nothing wrong in the bill but, it depends on the individual and the choices of the people must be respected, he said. Rt. Reverend Isaac Ayo Olawuyi, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West. In his opinion, it is expected that the culture of the people is respected. His words: “Cremation is an imported culture into the country. Nobody would be comfortable to see his beloved being burnt to ashes, because cremation to an ordinary man is sending the person to hell. He said, “Globalisation is gradually taking its toll on us and we are dancing to its tunes. And with the rapid development in the country, it might be difficult to secure a land in the environment. This act could be acceptable to some people but it is anti-cultural. AbdulRasaq Olatunji, who spoke on behalf of Association of Muslim lawyers, said: “This idea apart from being against our religion, it is also against our culture. If you say there is a crematorium in Ogun State, we know that there is no such law in Ogun State. So, we are not in support of this particular bill.” He continued: “If it is true that land in Lagos State has been exhausted, why can’t the state government liaise with other neighbouring states and ask them to give it land in order to be used for mass burial.” In the same vein, speaking on behalf of a Muslim group, AbdulMojeed AddulKareem, said the proposed bill is against Islamic faith and will not only be criticised by all Muslims in the state but that it will not see the light of the day. The lawmakers visit to mortuaries Deputy Speaker, Lagos House of

Continues on page 41

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 21, 2012—17

18 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 21, 2012 Dear Aunty Julie, I was having an affair with an ex-colleague who is also married within our business. This affair had lasted for over three-and-a-half years and my husband found us out recently. I had daily contact with this person and we saw each other when we could although it was less and less this past year. I truly loved him, and know that I do love my husband too, but now that this is all out in the open, I have not been able to have any contact whatsoevI feel that I cannot be totally er with my ex-lover. However, there are so many honest with my husband and unanswered questions in my convince him that my relationhead that I feel that I will go ship is over, and I have got crazy if they are not answered, him out of my head, which I to help me finally move on and haven’t. Our sexual relationship was concentrate only on rebuilding fantastic; the best I have ever my marriage. One thing in particular is known, and I miss not having that I was told that my lover those feelings with my huswas having another relation- band, and don’t believe I will ship with someone else at the ever experience that again. I believe that the one last same time as me. I just need to know what, when, why and contact will be all I need just to understand and for him to to hear it only from him.

about it, but it is making me incredibly isolated, depressed and irrational and I feel I may do something stupid and lose everything. Lulu, Calabar

My husband discovered that I was having an affair understand. We have both made our choices to stay in our marriages, at least I am sure that is the choice he has made as well, as he has made no attempt to contact me, in particular for sake of the children. My son is six and my ex-lover has three children aged 9, 12 and 16. I am fed up with hearing everyone saying just pretend he is dead, as it is all over and there is no point in thinking

Dear Lulu, This is a terrible muddle, and I’m very sorry to hear about your pain. However, the line you’re taking at the moment is totally wrong. You seem to be torturing yourself mentally, rather than realising that you need rest, peace and therapy. Please forget the idea of ‘one last contact’ with this man. People often get this idea that ‘one last meeting’ will put everything right. Why should it? It seems to me that you ought to do certain things like : concentrate on the fact that your mental health is now at serious risk, so you must protect it ; get some face-to-face help from an experienced counsellor who specialises in marital problems ; try and spend the

next year in restoring your emotional health , by resting, treating your body and mind well, and avoiding all kinds of mental stress. You are the one who really needs looking after now. What seems to be getting to you most is the idea that your lover might have had someone else. You want to believe that your relationship with him was perfect, unique, special and so on , to justify in your mind why you had an affair.

But you may never find out. And even if he did have other affairs which, I’m afraid is possible , does it alter the fact that you chose to have an affair and now you’re trying to rebuild your marriage? Not really. These are the sorts of things that you need to get out of your system by talking and talking with a counsellor and the sooner you do that, the sooner you’ll begin to get better.

I suspect he’s cheating Dear Julie, I am a woman of 28 years and I think my boyfriend is having an affair. We have been together for three years and I moved from Enugu to PortHarcourt to live with him. I started to suspect he was seeing someone else, as we haven’t had sex for two months. More recently, he has been going out a lot more in the evenings and telling me it’s a work function. He’s recently had his haircut, he’s started to make me breakfast on a Sunday which he hasn’t done since we first went out. He even hoovered and I’ve never seen him do that the whole time we’ve been together! There are just little things he’s starting to do which he hasn’t done for so long or ever before. The main reason why I think he is seeing someone else is

because I looked at his messages on his mobile phone. He had saved a text message that he had written to this person. The message said: “Dear Sweetie, it was nice talking to you last night, but I would rather see you naked. I will be dreaming about that yoghurt, love you.” If he’s having an affair, then I will end the relationship. But how do I go about asking him? I don’t want him to know that I’ve been snooping? Do I need to get more solid evidence before I accuse him? I also have to consider that if he is being unfaithful, I’ll be homeless, as I’ve just given up my job and flat to be with him. I’m currently looking for another job, so do I wait until I’m more established before I end up homeless and on the streets with no money? Aisha, Benin City

Dating Etiquette White Woman zFirst date: You get to kiss her goodnight. zSecond date: You get to grope all over and make out. zThird date: You get to have sex in the missionary position. Nigerian Women zYoruba zFirst date: You take her to an owambe party, naturally she does not put on an under wear. You have sex with her standing behind a car in the dark end of the street. zSecond date: You meet her in a restaurant just ordering a plate of amala and two kpomo, she sees you and orders for salad, chicken, goat meat, turkey, etc. You go to her house and have sex. zThird date: She is pregnant, but not too sure who is responsible. Ibo zFirst date: She tells you about her being the first

Dear Aisha, I certainly don’t think you should end up on the streets with no money. Whatever happens between you and your boyfriend, you moved to be with him, and I feel he should honour that arrangement until you can change jobs and find somewhere else to live. However, if you feel you don’t want to stay, please find somewhere sensible to stay – with friends or relatives , don’t just storm out. Now, is your boyfriend having an affair? I wish I could say that he isn’t. But I’m afraid that from everything you’ve written, it is possible that he is. How do you tell if someone is cheating? You will notice a number of changes in him. These changes will centre on sex ; there will either be more of it, or none at all. Other changes will include:

consideration , there will be more or less of it. Appearance will also change as you will notice new hairstyles, dieting, going to gym, new clothes and so on. There will also be a difference in routine like longer hours at office. Obviously, there are quite a number of changes that you have noticed. There is also the text message. Now, it is just possible that the changes are about something else. Is it likely that your boyfriend is afraid of commitment and is feeling trapped now you are together? It doesn’t sound much like it - but it would explain him staying out more, and also then trying to make up for it by serving you break-fast in bed. So, what should you do? I feel that you are getting to the stage where you have to know what’s going on, so you’ll probably have to ask him. Please note that I’ve

C O C K - T A L E S born of the family, and has twelve others to take care of. She eats and drinks, no sex. zSecond date: Her father is very sick and needs some money for urgent treatment. She shows you enough just to entice you. zThird date: She has never tried it before, you are going to be the first person; however, she has two kids at home, so promise you will marry me. zHausa zFirst date: Get drunk, eat a lot of suya meat, have sex. zSecond date: get drunk, eat meat, and have sex. zThird date: Get drunk, have sex; lets get married. zRivers State First date: Where do you work, oil or gas company? Good, go to club, get drunk, have sex. zSecond date: Pay for house rent, assist in setting up business. Play along, then off to her house, good sea food, and more sex. zThird date: Informs you of one or two previous kids she has for two different men, and then the big one;

used the word ‘ask’ not ‘accuse’. If you are to save the relationship, or even to save the friendship for a while, it would be much better to sit him down and say that you’ve noticed changes in him and then ask if he’d like to tell you what’s really going on. If I were you , I would avoid talking about the text and I would definitely not accuse him of having an affair. Let him speak and then decide whether you believe what he has to say. The chances are that whatever is going on, he is really upset and desperate not to hurt you. Otherwise why would he be bringing you breakfast in bed? I hope that you can sort this. But if you can’t, then I sincerely hope that you can break away without too much acrimony and pain, and that you can sort your job and housing problems without too much trouble.

she is pregnant for you, consider marriage or my Ijaw brothers will be after you. zCross River First date: Rather you eat at home, makes good delicious edikainkon soup with lots of fishes and meat. Cleans up the house, everywhere sparkling even before you are out from the gents. Serves you the food nicely, with a lot of sweet soothing words. Goes to the room, makes the bed and bingo, have sex. zSecond date: All your clothes washed, the house swept, moped, and dusted. Water to wash up after a hard days job. Food is ready before you can change from your work clothes. Sweet words of praises, and swap; have an exhausting marathon sex. zThird date: Clothes washed, house clean as never before, food is ready and served as if in a restaurant, then another exhausting rounds of sex. zYou are the one to now ask, “ will you marry me”.

SATURDAY

Vanguard JULY 21, 2012—19

was furious to say the least and was determined to prove him wrong. You read about women conceiving late all the time. Much older women are constantly celebrating their “miracle” babies, so why should I be dif-

prayed the doctors wouldn’t tell me I’d reached the end of the road but of course, one day they did and I had to cope with a childless future. At first I was devastated, but over time, the realisation sunk in. I played with Paul’s children and grandchildren. Thank God we had a good rapport. All the time my heart ached, knowing I’d never do it with my own children. Then came the regrets. Why had I put off having children? If only we’d started trying when we first met, when I was 28 and not past my ‘sell-by date’— would 1 have been more fertile then? Would there have been more time to sort out my fertility or more options open to me? A couple of years ago, I went through the menopause. That was truly the end of the line, and a very bleak time. I don’t cry as much now but I still have black days. Luckily, Paul and I are still very close and we’ve built our lives round his children. But it still hurts when I see others being joyful around their babies... “

Don’t make motherhood last on your priority list!

ferent? Bent on becoming a mum, I began a series of tests to investigate the cause of our infertility which proved inconclusive. Poor Paul, he was once married and had four children already, but he painstakingly went through all the tests for my benefit. In all, we had over eight heartbreaking years of treatment; everything from drugs to artificial insemination. They all failed. After each treatment, I

RE you currently a couple who hope to start a family in the not-so-distant future? If you’re currently on the pill and believe all you have to do is stop taking the stuff when you want to start a family, then think again! Toun had always dreamt of being a wonderful mother someday. But when she got married over 20 years ago, circumstances in her life and “other things which seemed more important at the time” meant she didn’t try for a baby until she was just over 30. Now over 50, she said she would always regret having waited, “I had a long-term relationship that ended on a very sour note,” she said;as a result, I didn’t get married until I was 29. At that time, I suddenly landed an industrial nurse job, and had to wait for over six months until my appointment was confirmed. It was an anxious moment indeed, and I was elated when my appointment was confirmed. “I immediately threw away my pill but Paul, my husband’s erratic working hours meant for a few months, he had to work away from home. I was almost 33 when I started becoming anxious. Foolishly, I had thought that just throwing away the pill 1’d been taking for more than a decade would guarantee instant pregnancy. By the time I turned 35, I decided to seek medical help and the consultant at the hospital told me my fertility levels would have dropped considerably because I was over 35, he told me I would be lucky to become pregnant right away. Pregnancy would have been easier at that age if it wasn’t my first.

I had a long-term relationship that ended on a very sour note

ccording to Joe Thompson, an expert on infertility, women assume it’s all right to put off having children until later in life because they trust their fertility. “Society and the media drum into women from a young age to take precautions to prevent unwanted pregnancy to the point that they start to believe they’re so fertile that if they have one ‘accident’, they’ll get pregnant”, he said. “In fact, humans are one of the least fertile species in the animal world. It takes an average of four to six months to conceive and fertility is reduced dramatically as you get older. One in six couples has infertility problems. Faced with those statistics, it’s inadvisable to leave starting a family until it’s nearly physically too late.”

You can eat your way to better sex

ing by your letters, it seems it isn’t enough for some of you readers to achieve the pleasure you crave, and sometimes it feels as if you’re destined to go through your whole life without really having an orgasm. Quite a number of you would want to try some aphrodisiacs, but according to Marrena Lindbery from Boston, USA, you don’t need them. She believes you can eat your way to a climax and has written a book revealing the secret of the orgasm diet. “I happen to have stumbled on a diet that makes women orgasmic”, she wrote. “Really, really orgasmic—often giving women the ability to have vaginal orgasms and sometimes even spontaneous ones. The orgasm diet, involves taking fish oil supplements, cuffing out carbohy-

drates and eating more protein”. Best of all is her recommendation to consume half an ounce of dark chocolate every day. he also advises that women do pelvic floor S exercise. Mareena claimed that she discovered the effects

n spite of all the enlightenment going on I about meaningful sex, judg-

second child. I started doing pelvic floor exercise and using vaginal cones to tighten up my muscles. One night when I was driving home, I decided to practise a few of my exercise. I flexed my pelvic floor muscles and suddenly began to orgasm.

He claims that a strict no-fat regime can cause hormonal imbalances leading to a drop in libido

of diet on woman’s sex life by accident. She was rarely able to reach orgasm when she had sex with her husband and this put a huge strain on their relationship. “He would roll over each time we made love,” she said, and I can’t say I blame him. After I gave birth to our

Over the next few days, I tried to figure out what was behind my new found ability. When I first became pregnant, I took fish oil as a natural remedy for depression. I noticed that my desire had increased since I had started taking the tab-

lets. But when I took a break from them I wasn’t able to reach orgasm spontaneously. I also found the more I exercised my vaginal muscles, the better my orgasms. By stepping up the work-outs, I was able to repeat the experience in the car whenever I wanted”. o can diet really make a difference in a better enjoyS ment of sex? Research suggests

that eating good-quality dark chocolate might spice up your sex life because certain chemicals found in chocolate can stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses and increase sensation. Honey may also help because it’s a rich source of the mineral boron. Studies have shown that this mineral may boost the body’s testosterone level. And having enough testosterone is one of the factors crucial to female sexual functioning. But fish oil is probably the

most important element of Mareena’s orgasm diet. According to nutritionist Patrick Holford, fish oil is rich Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to balance hormone levels. He claims that a strict no-fat regime can cause hormonal imbalances leading to a drop in libido. He explains: “We need essential fat for the body to make its cholesterol; from which it can make hormones. ish oil is also rich in pro tein—another essential F part of the orgasm diet. Does that explain why the ‘Obokun’ fish remains one of the best local aphrodisiacs? Tindberge advised women to boost their intake by eating lean meat, fish and leafy green vegetables.

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012 fe met Thilda during his national service in an oil firm. Thilda was a rich spoilt brat and earned a huge salary at 24. She was a staff of the oil firm. To add to that, she was drop-dead beautiful and men always ogled at her. Efe, though looked very cute and handsome was poor but had great potentials. They met and clicked. But like Thilda, Efe had a lot of rich women on his trail, seeking his attention. But his relationship with Thilda gave a signal to many that he was not available. That, however didn’t stop the women from coming. As for Thilda, the situation was worse. Efe would not go out with Thilda without strangers straining their necks or stopping her to introduce themselves or give out their complimentary cards. Thilda enjoyed the attention she got from other men but she never cheated on Efe. But he had issues with the other men in Thilda’s life though she wasn’t having any affair. Along the line, he too began to respond to the women who admired him but he didn’t have any affairs either. But the trust issues began to crop up in their relationship. Thilda feared Efe was dating other women and other? I’m not referring to Efe feared Thilda would soon small arguments that resolve meet another man and dump reasonably quickly with a him. They both lived in the compromise. I am talking fears of losing each other and about fights that blow like a that began to affect their hurricane into a peaceful day relationship. Efe began to look and leave couples broken, for evidence that Thilda could exhausted, and confused as be seeing other men and Thilda they wonder, what just on the other hand confronted happened? Efe over his affairs and actually These consuming and engaged in fistcuffs with crazy fights are generally women she suspected Efe was fueled by unspoken and seeing. unnamed fears. Because Why do people in most of us do not like feeling relationships fight with each scared, we have spent years

How well are you dealing with your fears ?

developing strategies to try to control our fear by squashing it or avoiding it. The problem is, fear does not like being forced out of town. It may ride away for a while, but it will come back, armed and ready to force us to hear it and take it seriously. It is often in a marriage or committed intimate relationship that our fear comes riding back into town, ready to avenge us for casting it out. We have treated fear as the enemy, so it has gone into

fighting mode. In fighting mode, fear is ruthless. Fear attacks by pulling us into a dark and catastrophic drama where we become so panicked and terrified that we can’t ignore the fear any longer. For example, perhaps a woman has a deep fear about being isolated and lonely. When this fear hits her periodically, she keeps it inside, trying to push it away. Eventually, the fear fights back, spinning a tragic story that features her husband as the ‘losing interest’ spouse who will eventually leave. Her mind, now controlled by fear, gathers bits and pieces of information that confirm and support this story. Now, perhaps the relationship does need some work. Perhaps her husband has been distracted and has not been attending to the relationship. Perhaps her husband’s energy is unavailable because he is being attacked by his own fears. As in any relationship, these thorny issues of ‘give and take’ must continually be addressed and worked out. Once fear has gone into attack mode, however, and the tragic story has been spun, there is no way to deal with these issues in a productive manner. Instead of a respectful and solutionfocused conversation, the husband is now locked into the bad guy role. As a result, he may feel so trapped, frustrated and misunderstood that he is likely to lash out or run away from any discussion. This just confirms that he is the

villain. To further intensify the drama, perhaps the woman is now the villain in the partner’s fear-driven storyline. He is now seeing the woman as the demanding and ‘ never satisfied’ demon in the story that was created by his underlying fear of ‘not being good enough.’ Now stuck in the demon role, the woman feels so trapped, misunderstood, and frustrated that her own story reaches a fevered pitch of terror. The relationship hangs on the edge of a cliff, with imminent doom and total destruction. Some examples are: Fear of falling apart, fear of rejection, fear of not being understood, fear of being judged, fear of being alone, fear of loss, fear of change, fear of aging, fear of being overwhelmed, fear of your needs being ignored, fear of boredom, fear of lack of control, fear of failure, and fear of helplessness. It can be tough to manage your fears and anxieties while in a relationship. Maintaining a relationship is tough enough let alone having to deal with your anxieties. Couples should always learn how to manage their anxiety and depression. Also, be understanding and patient with the person struggling with their fears. Dealing with depression and anxiety can be difficult for the person so do not add more problems than what is already there. Communication is the key in a relationship. Do not assume anything. When encountering stressful situations, always remember to get all of the facts of the given situation.

I may be pregnant with my lover’s child

y husband and I have been married for some years but I have no children by him. Now I suspect I’m pregnant by my lover. My husband would like to start a family but we have sex very rarely, and I do not feel that I truly love him. However, we have a very good lifestyle and could give a good home and upbringing to a child. Due to the lack of a physical relationship, I recently took a lover. Also, I had sex with my husband for the first time in ages at the beginning of my menstrual cycle (day 6) and afterwards, I had a feeling that I might be pregnant. However, a week later I had sex with my lover without protection and I do not know whether or not to take the morningafter pill.

I already had one miscarriage and an abortion with a previous lover and I really do not want to have another abortion especially at my age. On both occasions,I got pregnant early on in my cycle. I would actually quite like to start a family but I am terrified of my husband’s reaction if I have a baby that he knows is not his. Ibukun, Oshogbo Ans: As it is now more than 72 hours since you had sex with your lover, it would be too late for you to take the morning-after pill. And if more than five days have elapsed, then it’s also too late for the ‘after-sex coil’. So, you’re probably going to have to wait and see whether your period arrives. If it

doesn’t, do a pregnancy test. Personally, I would strongly advise you against trying to ‘palm off ‘ a lover’s baby on your husband. This could be a terrible start to any child’s life. You’re not sure you love your husband. And I note you’ve been with him several years, but have no children. Meanwhile you’ve had at least one other lover , with whom you’ve got pregnant, though you didn’t proceed with the pregnancy. And now, you’ve had unprotected sex with your current lover. What does this tell you? You seem to be flirting with ‘danger’ with various lovers. Why, I wonder? And what is the real state of your marriage when

you are reluctant to get pregnant with your husband? The best advice to you would be to book an appointment with your pastor or priest and discuss your feelings about your marriage. You say you have a good lifestyle , but where is the love? And if you don’t want a baby with your husband, is it fair to him , or to yourself , to carry on with the marriage? Apart from everything else, maybe either or both of you would like to be a parent with a new partner. I feel this crisis happened because of your unease about your marriage, and I do hope you’ll take this opportunity to sort it. Good luck.

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SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012 —21

s I drove out of my estate, I wondered where to begin. I had no idea where the licensing office was. I remembered someone I knew who worked with LASTMA and gave him a call. He told me to go to their office on Adeola Odeku to pick up a form, fill it and then go to the FRSC office at Ogudu to capture my image and get my information on their database. This was turning out to be a whole day’s event; with the closure of the 3rd Mainland Bridge, I did not see myself making it back on time to do other things I had planned for the day. So I drove to Adeola Odeku and located the office, right after Idejo Street. Seized cars, trucks and tow

Journey to renewal (1)

was going through the contents of my purse, checking to throw away all unnecessary paper and junk that had accumulated there. Women have a way of storing all sorts in their handbags, and sometimes we forget where we put stuff when we change bags. I found that my driver’s license was going to expire soon and so I set out to find out about the renewal. My driver said to me, “Madam, I get person wey fit do am for you”. I was doubtful as the information I heard a while back was that, one had to do a test, fill forms, your image captured and sent off to a central database and then you would go and pick it up from the Federal Road Safety Commission after a few weeks, so I told him not to worry that I did not want to be caught with a license that was fake. He insisted that it was kosher but I decided not to go with his suggestion. With the tussle between the National Assembly and the FRSC raging on the ‘new license plates’; the ongoing battle between Lagos State and the FRSC on who would produce driver’s license, I did think that renewal would be a problem. Little did I know that I would embark on a journey that would leave me angry, depressed and totally confused.

Parking was a nightmare but with the ‘help’ of the area boys, I managed to squeeze my car somewhere

trucks littered the entrance to the office. There was a barricade manned by some guy not in a uniform. I pulled over and told him my mission and also that I needed to park. He bellowed back “Oya Madam, put your yansh here”. He had somehow found me a space. I walked into a place that had two containers, one on each side, few people milling around and a few in uniform too. I was then told that “no be here you go do am o, you go go Sura”. I told the guy that I did not have an idea where that was, then the guy who had given me a parking space “volunteered” to take me there. We proceeded from there through to Ahmadu Bello way and across the bridge. Along the way, a LASTMA official jumped bikes and joined my escort to also lead the

way. We continued through Tafawa Balewa Sq, St Nicholas, down the side of City Hall on Hospital road then into Oshodi street. At the junction of Oshodi Street, Freeman Street into Tap Street and then finally arrived at Saviour Street, and there was a gate to a decrepit and run down junk yard that housed the offices of the VIO, LASTMA and some other office. Parking was a nightmare but with the ‘help’ of the area boys, I managed to squeeze my car somewhere. I walked to the gate and enquired where to go, “jus dey waka go straight to the back back “was the response. Let me describe where I walked through; vehicles in their numbers that had been impounded, tow trucks and abandoned vehicles were all over the place. The officials

You would think that a plane literally falling on our collective heads would serve as a wake-up call for all and sundry. For where? It seems to be business as usual. That was what was so dramatic about the last Dana crash, the fact that it touched us ALL. But alas! beyond those that had bodies to bury it seems like that touch wasn’t deep enough.

sitting Senator, member of a State House of Assembly get shot in cold blood at burial site no less, and there’s another collective shudder. I wonder why though. After all,scores of people die in this country every single day as a direct or indirect result of the years of neglect and mismanagement. Perhaps why this one sears the consciousness is that it underscores the fact that “safe” is a relative word. I guess what is most frightening

Per sonalising the issue ersonalising

have very often wondered what it would to take to wake us up from this deep slumber, you, me, the political leaders, everybody. What is the price of all this ineptitude? I have often wondered in my quiet moments what we the majority of Nigerians can do to change this utterly absurd situation that we find ourselves in.

After all,scores of people die in this country every single day as a direct or indirect result of the years of neglect and mismanagement

though is that as things continue to spiral further out of control,and the powers that be seem to be more and more clueless as to how to control the situation. We can’t seem to even agree on the identity of our nation’s assailants — boko haram? Fulani herdsmen? Somali mercenaries? talkless of coming up with an action plan. You would think that such a brazen and public attack on one of

their own would jolt the Nation Assembly out of their complacency but alas, their response as always is to set up more committees.

gainst the back drop of all of this the President’s wife, Dame Jonathan Goodluck is made a Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State… (If you have to pick a liaison why not one who resides in in the President’s bedroom) Mr Governor

sat around in their numbers chatting away and paid me no attention. The place was filthy, it stank and there was muddy, foul water all over. It seemed I had walked a bit so I asked again and I was told to continue past a shed which looked like it would fall on you and there I found at the back a block with three offices with dirty and haphazard sign posts. I walked into one of the offices and saw few people seated in front of a television and around. I spoke to another LASTMA officer who said “go to sura “(I thought I was in Sura). “Go to the market side and fill form, capture your picture and then come back here, you will do test”. I asked him if my car could make it there and he answered “ehn you can park and take okada there”! That sealed it for me. I was done! I said a weak thank you and proceeded to walk back out, by then foot slipped into the slimy muddy pool that filled the compound. I felt like crying. I bought a sachet of pure water, rinsed my foot and got into my car. I paid N3000 for my parking to the boys, my “escort” received N1500 and I was led back to the main road for N500. N5000 naira out of pocket expenses and I had still not started the process of renewing my driver’s license. It is so hard to do the right thing. The whole process is frustrating to say the least. Why does the renewal of a common driver’s license have to be a herculean task and a jungle expedition? Take an eye test, for a renewal? My eye sight is just fine thank you very much.

no doubt thinks he’s too smart by half. The fact that he had to expend so much time and energy justifying and defending the appointment is proof that the arrangement is wonky. And even if all things are lawful is this really expedient? Mr and Mrs Goodluck could not advise themselves giving the prevailing situation in the country at the moment, and decide that now is not the time for spurious and questionable ‘promotions? I know he said he didn’t give a damn but really? And pray tell how is this arrangement going to work? Doesn’t a Permanent Secretary have to go to the office? Or are they going to transfer her ‘service’ to the Presidency? But all of that pales into insignificance at the thought that the Dame was once a teacher and responsible for ‘shaping’ young minds… what subject did she teach, English? Enough said.

he way things are going? The matter cannot end well. And who exactly is in charge? That is the big question. It has always been difficult in these parts to impeach a sitting President. The power of incumbency and all of that. Let’s see if Mr Goodluck will also make history in this regard. He is a man of many firsts no?

22— SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012

Sexy PLUS-size Actresses Do they go dieting?

very day, we are inundated with images of slender actresses and models in the media. Yet, with the average dress size of women growing larger every year, HVP showcases some incredibly gorgeous actresses with more “real-life” figures. Each of these actresses is curvy, voluptuous, and wears a size 12 or larger, and each one is guaranteed to get your heart racing just as much (or more!) as their slim counterparts. They inspire us to look and feel “sexy at any size.”

Adaora Ukoh

Ifeoma Okeke

exy and daring, actress Ifeoma Okeke is giving fastness a new meaning. Despite her huge size, Ifeoma believes she’s trendy and hot. Hitting stardom few years ago, the ‘Ëvil Genius’ star has continued to grow bigger and bigger in size and she’s not troubled. In fact, in one of her interviews, she stated that she never felt inferior and will never do so, given her size. Interestingly, she carries herself like a mother elephant. Friends, say the actress is likely to weigh up to 213 pounds(15st 31b), and need to start watching her weight. It is not clear however whether she ‘s on diet or not, but the fact remains that the Anambra State born actress is comfortable with her big size, and more so, her boy friend is not complaining.

Adaora Ukoh Foluke Daramola

Chioma Toplis

or sexy actress, Adaora Ukoh, ‘size is a plus.’She is always a huge sight to behold each time she’s seen in the company of her friends. At her size, people will have cause to notice her but she believes she is okay with her size. She’s famous for her “curvy” body and coining the term “bootylicious.” Following her believe in her size, Adaora recent launched a clothing line called ‘ÄDAORA’, which according to sources, is meant to celebrate the plussize babes; those she refers to as the “true curves of African woman.” She also believes that every woman is beautiful. To her, beauty comes from within. And size is not a barrier to her a t t e n d i n g greatness in life. Adaora sometimes Eniola embark Badmus on exercises as well as visit gyms at h e r leisure time, all in the bid t o down h e r size.

Foluka Daramola

Ifeoma Okeke

Nevertheless, caution is the word, if she must remain attractive and beautiful ever.

hioma Toplis is one of Nollywood’s blunt personalities who has been well endowed in all things. The 5 foot 4 actress agreed recently that she has gained some “weight and her tummy is getting bigger.” An unconfirmed source says she weighs 255 pounds(18st 31b) and at that weight she should definitely be thinking about a healthier diet. Though Toplis once confirmed that she engages in a lot of exercises to keep fit, such exercises however have not impacted on her large size. The screen diva who loves flaunting her cleavages is still adding some weight and looking plump at all times. One wonders if she’s on diet, and if she’s not, then, the actress is playing safe to avoid suffering any complication, as it has been proven medically that dieting increases risk of colorectal cancer in women. May be, Toplis is not ready to put her life on the line.

sees weight as merely a cosmetic issue. Of course, we all want to look and feel better about our bodies. But actually the health implications of being too heavy are staggering. A medical study discovered that being obese can take up to eight years off your life. But in all of these, Badmus may not want to lose the weight that made her so famous in the industry.

Each of these actresses is curvy, voluptuous, and wears a size 12 or larger, and each one is guaranteed to get your heart racing just as much (or more!) as their slim counterparts

Eniola Badmus

lus size actress,Eniola Badmus may weighsta staggering 350 pounds(17 121b), but she’s

not complaining. The Yoruba actress, who is popularly known as Gbogbo Big Girlz in Ömo Ghetto” has always been on the heavy side. Friends say her weight is getting out of hand in recent times and she needs to check it. Like many people, Badmus

o l u k e Daramola is no doubt one of the most outstanding Yoruba actresses when it comes to role interpretation, but one thing she needs to work on is her weight, which many of her fans have been complaining about. Of recent, the producer of ‘Wakati Eda’ is looking overweight, suggesting that she is paying minimal attention to her size. Perhaps, she is yet to see the lifestyle benefits of controlling her weight, rather than just focusing solely on body shape. Despite her size, Foluke is sexy and represents an image of a woman with a strong, fit and toned body. She believers that “you can be beautiful and sexy outside the narrow interpretations that normally define us as human beings.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012—23

igeria’s last representative at the Big Brother Africa StarGame, Goldie has been under heavy criticism for the past few weeks, following her activities, while she lasted in the reality show. The singer who was evicted on Sunday, July 15, 2012 arrived Nigeria Wednesday night and was at a press briefing on Thursday where she addresses all issues concerning her quest in South Africa, comparing herself to other entertainers most especially Beyonce who according to her, is an opposite of what she represent on stage. She also tendered an unreserved apology to Nigerians, saying that the speculation about her character and activity in the house were far from the truth. “I didn’t go to BBA house as Goldie,she actually went there as Susan. ‘Personally, I didn’t go there with any strategy, I went in there to be myself. I went into the house as Susan…I have two facets to myself, on the TV, I am the entertainer and in the BBA house, I was Susan that’s me.’ Hear her story... BENJAMIN NJOKU Everything that happened between you and Prezzo, would you say it was a strategy you used or your real self because it did not go down well with a lot of your fans.? First of all, going into a place like Big Brother house, where you come in contact with people you don’t know, people you have never met before in your life. Personally, I didn’t go into the house to perform, I went there as Susan. I went into the house to be myself , I went there as an individual, and I didn’t go there to perform on stage as Goldie. I went there as Susan. Secondly, I’m a true Lagosian, and as an artiste and songwriter who should be able to convey emotions through her music to her fans.

Goldie

Prezzo betrayed me – Goldie Says she’s a human being too Apologises to Nigerians

And if you are not an emotional person, you cannot write a good song that people can relate with at the emotional level. So, being emotional is an integral part of who I am. Fortunately, my fans get to know that I’m a human being as well, and not only Goldie, they used to watch on screen. They just saw the human side of me and this is very positive thing because when I write my song people can relate with my emotion. Talking about strategy, I went into the house without any strategy. And as for my relationship with Prezzo, I am an extra emotional person and as for Prezzo, I came to care for him very much. What I saw was that he was a calm person and what I saw was a calm person and he appeared intelligent. You had the option of 50 cameras, I had only two eyes and two ears and I believed in what I saw What did you miss most, while you were in the BBA house? I missed a lot of things, I missed my music because I’m a performer, I perform to make people happy. Also, communication with my family and my beloved ones. Your brand name as Goldie is at stake after your outing at this year’s BBA, how do you intend to manage your music career. Do you want to come back as Susan that people have seen, or your brand name -Goldie? I’m a human being. I have two faces to myself. What you see at home is the entertainer, and what you saw at home in the BBA is Susan. Every artiste has two faces. Beyonce, for example when you see her on stage doing all those things, she is in control of the situation, she’s confidence and remain herself. You can imagine what is like at home in her quiet time. Granting interviews, her voice is so soft, and sometimes, she doesn’t like to speak. You never get to see that side of her life because she would not be in the BBA house. Imagine late Michael Jackson dancing on stage and doing all those stuff. In his quiet time , he was a softspoken human being. All artistes that I know are people who are opposite of what they are while on stage. I’m sorry if people expected the Goldie they see on television everyday to be in that house. I tend my unreserved apology to Nigerians. But honestly, one couldn’t go on everyday

Goldie

without breaking down because that is not how I am at home. Personally I went there to be my myself When you realised that the man you gave(Prezzo) your heart was the one that stabbed you at the back, did you feel disappointed, betrayed or disillusioned? Prior to my participating in this year’s BBA, I have been a very big fan of the reality

relationship with Prezzo, especially now that you have been evicted? No one knows tomorrow, when I was entering BBA house I never knew that I was not going to stay till the end of the show. But one thing I know is that I’m someone who does not hold grouses. Nobody knows why you fall in love with someone. You see something in someone you feel you can

I went into the house to be myself , I went there as an individual, and I didn’t go there to perform on stage as Goldie. I went there as Susan.

show. BBA is a strong platform to fame, and unfortunately, due to the nature of my work, I have never get glued to my television set to watch the reality show. So, I went into the house as a novice because I have never seen a single episode of the show. When I heard everything he said, I was sad but I realise he went into the house to play a game which I didn’t. I have learnt my lesson and I am stronger for it. What will happen to your

connect with. Where you surprise when you were evicted from the house? Was I surprise? Yes, because when IK showed me the nomination, everybody had six, eight nominations, but I had only two. At that point, I started wondering that how can I with the least nomination survive eviction. I was very surprise because I did not see it coming at all. Though I had the highest votes, the problem was that didn’t cut across the continent.

My country voted for me. I had 15,000 votes, while the second person, Tieta had 13,000 votes. But his votes were spread across six countries of Africa, while mine was only my country and Liberian. Assuming you won the show, what would have used the money for? Invest in property as well in education. I love to establish a school as a way of giving back to the society. While you were in the house, you found difficult to open up yourself properly. Why was it so? My moral upbringing or background didn’t allow me to express certain things in the house. Those things doesn’t appeal to me as a person. That’s is not how I am brought up. Everybody saw when I asked Prezzo why he was separated from his wife for over two years. And I even asked him if was sure that he wouldn’t want to reconcile with his wife because of his child. I remember it the early stage of our stay in the house. And he replied, saying that he had wanted to reconcile with her, he would have done that two years ago. But now, he would never go back to her. Are sure Prezzo will not miss you? Why will he miss? Prezzo was playing a game, and I wasn’t. So, why do you think he will miss me? What are the qualities that you saw in Prezzo that made you to fall in love with him? (screamed!) fall in love? If I was in love with him, I would have been all over him, kissing and hugging him. Also, I would have been doing all the things that lovers do with him. I wasn’t all over him, and more over, I only cared for him. Could you share some of the experiences you had while in the house? Exciting and memorable. I enjoyed being part of the housemates because I met people from other African countries. I learnt their culture and music, even their national anthems. I leant how to be tolerant and courageous. I’m the only housemates that won the head of the house for three consecutive times. Now that you are back, what’s the next level for you? I want to continue with my music. Obviously, I left a lot of things to go into the BBA house. So, I’m going to continue on my tour, put up a studio and hopefully record about my experience in the house. I want to do collaboration with African artistes. That is uppermost in my mind. I have met a lot of artistes now, and mindset is broaden when it comes to African music. I want to record and do collaborations with African artistes.

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 21, 2012—25

•Alhaja Oumuyiwa

How I escaped from Clifford Orji's den in search of my daughter —Ara’s mother

F you want to know to what length a mother could go for a child on the verge of seeming self-destruct, ask Alhaja Monsurat Olumuyiwa, the mother of acclaimed talking drummer, Aralola, the story of how she almost fell victim to convicted, infamous man-eater, Clifford Orji, because of Ara. Some days before the lid was blown off his nefarious activities, Olumuyiwa had typically gone in search of Ara who had made the studios around their neighbourhood her second home. Recalling her stories of sacrifices and sufferings and narrow escape on this week’s edition of the Supermom Celebrity show, she says, “All her brothers are graduates; she was the only one who

said she was dropping out of school to concentrate on music. I and her father could not reconcile with that because she could have acquired whatever degree she wanted but Ara chose music.” On one of those heady days, Ara didnt return home and there was no GSM in the country then. Out of sheer maternal instinct, Olumuyiwa hopped into the car with one of Ara’s brothers behind the wheel. She was desperate to find her only daughter. She was however less concerned and oblivious to the danger that lurked in the eerie darkness of mid-90s Oshodi, Lagos. As they inched towards the Charity bus stop where Orji reigned supreme, two flashlights emerged, flagging down the Olumuyiwas’ car. Time was around 1am.

The hosts of heaven had retired for the night. And the hounds of hell had taken over. But fate had decreed that the hapless

Ara

matriarch would not make up the numbers on Orji’s list of victims. As the car slowed to a roll, two men on either side of

the road maniacally ran towards it. Instinctively, Olumuyiwa knew these were no policemen and just as the assailants made to open the car, she screamed and her son stepped off the brake as the car gathered frenzied speed in seconds. Still, she went in search of Ara that night. Thankfully, today, Ara, with her signature mermaid-like hair is the most decorated and recognized talking drummer from Africa. She has toured the world extensively, performed for the Queen of England and President Bill Clinton at different banquets; and performed alongside global music icons like Stevie Wonder and Wyclef Jean. She is a holder of the Freedom Key to Miami-Dade County, USA. With the benefit of hindsight, it was not by accident that Ara (meaning mystery or wonder) was so named. Her mother recalls that she knew from when Ara was a baby that she was an unusual child. “She started walking by the time she was seven months, which is a rarity till this day and yet, had no tooth. So, when people are visiting, I would strap her to my back so that people won’t see her walking and start asking questions. But I thank God for what and who she is today.”

9ice signs on a new record deal

NE of Nigeria’s hottest male artiste and CEO of Alapomeji record, 9ice, has been signed on to a new record label, Diesel Music. Showtime gathered that the owner of Diesel Music, Nino concluded the mega deal with 9ice not long ago. The record label which already has artistes like Shyne and Smoothy signed on it, we learnt, has

already recorded some songs with 9ice. 9ice’s new recorded songs with Diesel features some collaborations with label mates, Shyne and Smoothy, is billed to hit the airwaves in a matter of weeks from now. Again, Shyne’s first hit single, Spartacus, we gathered, was remixed to feature 9ice and was released last week. .

•9ice

24—Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 21, 2012

D’banj out with Oyato ...signs on J Sleek

J Sleek is an award winning producer who has produced hits with the likes of Sound Sultan (2010), Solid Star (Omotena), Cartiair (Owo ati swagger) and most especially 2face Idibia’s (Only me, Implication, Outside, Take it back, Jungle don mature, I sing and others.

NE of Nigeria’s hottest artistes who recently got separated from a long-term friend and colleague, D’banj, is out with a time-sizzling single, Oyato. The singer who never seems to forget his root, released his first independent single, Oyato, on Saturday, July 14. Speaking concerning his new single, D’banj said Oyato is a track he recorded in appreciation to his fan. He said the song is to say thank you to fans who have stood by him through thick and thin. In the same vein, he officially signed on Nigerian music producer Jeremiah Shelika better known as J Sleek on his new record label. J Sleek made this known on social network, Twitter, when he tweeted about the new deal between Kokomaster and himself. “Officially signed to @iamdbanj DB Records… Its World Wide Music History In the Making … Ooshee!!.”J Sleek tweeted. The signing which was done

•Don Jazzy

Don Jazzy, Davido, Linda Ikeji, others up for TF Awards A •D’banj on Friday, July 13, 2012, sees J Sleek join Kay Switch on the label. Jay becomes the first producer and second act to get signed by D’banj. For a start, J Sleek, we found out, is the hand behind the production of D’banj’s new single, Oyato.

Rick Ross storms Lagos •Rick Ross

OME Friday, August 17, 2012, American born international rapper, William Leonard Roberts II popularly known as Rick Ross, will storm the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, Lagos for the Summer Jam Fest 2012 concert at the exquisite Eko Hotel and Suites. The Florida native who made headlines with his debut album in 2006 titled ‘’Port of Miami” will headline the music concert alongside other Nigerian acts. The music concert is powered by St. Eve Concepts Limited, the owner of popular magazine, St. Eve.

•Linda

Summer Jam Fest 2012 is geared to set the tone for an annual concert to promote health and proper lifestyle, and this year, some of the hottest Nigerian artists of the year will be performing alongside the aforementioned big acts. St Eve Concepts aims to promote healthy living through music and entertainment. St. Eve Concepts is an inter nal Wellness and Enzymatic Weight Management Company which was founded in 2006 and remains the first and only Enzymatic Health care service provider in West Africa. In 2010, St. Eve Concepts launched a quarterly magazine about health, beauty, fashion and lifestyle called St. Eve Magazine. It would be recalled that Rick Ross released his fifth studio album “God Forgives, I Don’t” earlier this year and also collaborated with hit Nigerian duet P-Square on the remix of the well-known song “Beautiful Oyinye, a song that has dominated the airwaves since it debuted.

S always, it’s the most anticipated list this year. The Future Awards, described by the World Bank as “The Nobel Prize for Young Africans”, after unveiling its spectacular Young Person of the Year nominees earlier this week, has now released the full nominees list for all 21 categories Atop the list are big names like Don Jazzy, Davido, Linda Ikeji amongst many others.. According to the organisers, voting takes only 50% of the second stage of judging, so winners are not selected by voting popularity - there is a 4-stage judging process involving a Board of Judges

and an Independent Audit Committee. There is also a one-week period for members of the public to make complaints about any of the nominees to the awards Central Working Committee (CWC). All the nominees will be celebrated at a nominees reception party on Saturday, 4 August 2012 - where they will also be inducted into the elite The Future Alumni Network. The Reception is also a yearly charity fund raiser - and this year, the event will be raising money for the Down Syndrome Association of Nigeria, a pioneering advocacy platform for children with Down’s Syndrome. “Though there were

remarkable difficulties in getting young leaders and entrepreneurs closer to 20 than 30, but we are excited to have yet arrived at an inspiring rundown of young Nigerians,” said Chude Jideonwo, who is executive Director of The Future Project.

Funke Akindele hosts Glo Big Friday Show

•Papa Ajasco & Pa James •Funke & Humility OLLOWERS of rave-ofthe-moment television programme, The Big Friday Show, were treated to a huge surprise on last Friday when actress Funke Akindele hosted Episode 5 of the show instead of the regular anchor and ace comedian, Basketmouth. Basketmouth, has been the host of the show since its debut last year. The talented actress popularly known as Jennifer acquitted her role well, adding a generous dose of humour to the show. It was as usual a fun-filled package as the edition also had as studio guest international disc jockey, DJ Humility, while Shun Don was the up-coming artiste for the week. Akindele thus becomes the third Nollywood act to star as the celebrity guest on the show this season after Uche Jombo in the second edition and Desmond Elliot in the fourth edition.

Papa Ajasco shines in new adventure A

WARD-winning comedy group, Papa Ajasco & company shone like the stars they are in a new episodes of the TV comedy drama set to hit the screens soon. . Wale Adenuga Productions, producers of the popular comedy series have just concluded production of several sizzling episodes

among which are The Great Escape, The Breakthrough, Phone Palava, Fear of the Uniform, Fuel Matter, Hair Madness, Valentine’s Day Wahala and Two Crimes, One Day. Papa Ajasco & company remains the choice TV comedy according to Media Monitoring Reports (MMS), having ruled the airwaves for 15 years. The group will also be performing live on stage at the Nnena & Friends Independence day show coming up on September 30, 2012 at Blue Roof Hall, LTV 8 Agidingbi, Lagos and the National Theatre, Iganmu on October.

26— VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012

Charlie Sheen wants to be next ‘American Idol’ judge W

ITH Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler both leaving the judges’ table on American Idol, the search is on for their replacements — and now, add Charlie Sheen to the list of interested candidates. Calling into on Air with Ryan Seacrest Tuesday, Sheen chatted with the Idol host about the judge job, noting that producer Nigel Lythgoe had said something about offering Sheen the opportunity. “It kind of came out of nowhere and I responded with a quote, just to sort of check the temperature of it or test the waters. Haven’t heard anything back,” Sheen explained. “I guess it got some people curious.” Sheen added that he would be interested if the producers would match 20 percent of his salary to two foundations of his choosing, if the numbers and scheduling made sense for him and if FX (the network that airs Sheen’s new sitcom Anger Management) allowed him to do it. “It seems so out of the blue that it almost made perfect sense,” he said. “I thought this could be a lot of fun.”

CCORDING to Janet Jackson, who said she’s “furious” that her late brother Michael Jackson’s daughter, 14, has finally accepted a role in the 2014 film Lundon’s Bridge and the Three Keys. But “She feels it goes

O coincide with the 50th anniversary of his first album, Bob Dylan have decided to release a new album titled “Tempest”. His label Columbia Records announced on Tuesday, July 17 that “Tempest” will be released on September 11 featuring 10 new songs. The album, which would be the 35th studio set from Dylan, is reportedly “something you’ve never heard before from Bob,” a source told Wall Street Journal. A song is called “Roll on John”, said to be a tribute to late Beatle, John Lennon . There will also be a song about Titanic on the album, but title is not revealed. ”Tempest” was recorded in Los Angeles in the first quarter of this year with the help of his

against Micheal’s wishes to keep his kids out of the the limelight until age 18,” an insider said . “Janet thinks Paris should enjoy being a kid and possibly go to college.” But Paris is “hoping for more roles,” says the source. “It’s a huge dispute “

•Charlie Sheen When Seacrest asked Sheen if he saw himself giving feedback to contestants, the actor responded, “Oh yeah, absolutely! And being very honest but not, like, creating any suicidal moments, you know?” Seacrest promised to pass the news onto Lythgoe and Sheen added an emphatic, “Seriously, tell him I’m genu-

Bob Dylan to release 35th studio album ‘T em pest’ ‘Tem empest’

Janet Jackson in “Huge Dispute”

inely interested. It’s so different, it could be radical.” In expressing interest in the Idol gig, Sheen joins a club that currently also includes former show runner -up Adam Lambert and the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin the latter of whom sweetened the deal when she promised to bring Patti LaBelle on as her sidekick.

•Janet and Paris Jackson

Madonna to finish show before curfew

•BOB

HE Pop diva who is sched uled for a show in Hyde Park, the same venue where Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney were silenced on the stage for exceeding the noise curfew. But Madonna has decided to finish her show in London before the curfew commence in other to makes sure such thing won’t happen during her gig. John Probyn, COO of live event promoter Live Nation

Entertainment’s Live Nation Music U.K. unit, says “It won’t happen again. We’ve had lengthy conversations with Madonna’s people,” adding that the pop diva will wrap her show before the curfew. “We’ve worked out with them what time she needs to go on stage to finish on time. That’s all in hand,” he continues. Still, there won’t be exception should Madge and her entourage exceed the 10:30 PM cur-

•Madonna touring band and Los Lobos’ David Hidalgo. Dylan, according to someone who knows him well, felt no urgency to release the album. Dylan’s very first album, a selftitled, was released on March 19, 1962. His last album 2009’s “Together through life “ sold more than a million copies and debuted at No. 1 in the U.S. as well as in the UK.

few. They will have no choice but to end the show, regardless of who is performing. “We are effectively breaking the law if we carry on,” he says. “She will finish on time,” he repeats. The Westminster council has said that they received one noise complaint on Saturday, July 14 and another on Sunday caused by the Springsteen-McCartney performance. London’s mayor Boris Johnson said on Monday that he would have let the men go on “if they ’d have called me, my answer would have been for them to jam in the name of the Lord!” The queen of pop just finished a controversial show in Paris where she performed on Saturday, July 14. The singer projected a photo of Front National party leader Marine Le Pen despite being threatened with a lawsuit when she showed the same image in a previous show in Tel Aviv. She is due to perform at Hyde Park on Tuesday, July 17 as part of her “MDNA” tour.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012—27 way to make sure the mechanisms are in good working order. Husbands keep this type of physical intimacy a secret because wives are offended by it. But, it’s a natural, normal part of life and it’s good for men’s health. It lowers their risk of prostate cancer.

Are you afraid of intimacy? Compliment them in front of others. Spend time with them. Ask for hugs and kisses. Take vacations together. Practice self-acceptance. Hunt for treasure together. Be interested in their interests. Accept their weaknesses and flaws. Ditch work or responsibilities to play with them. Be yourself. Share chocolates, ice cream sundaes, milkshakes. To say “I love you”, ignore slights. Pray or meditate together. Practice forgiveness. Watch classic movies together. Don’t gossip or judge. Give the benefit of the doubt. Give space when they’re in a bad or sad mood. Learn something new together. Make them laugh. Consider their feelings. Let them make their own decisions. Say what you mean when you say I love you. Say why.

Secrets husbands hide from their wives

Signs of possible fear of intimacy for people in love:

•Deliberate withholding of personal information is probably fear of intimacy. •Withdrawing when others talk about their thoughts and feelings. Protecting yourself often reveals fear of intimacy. •Critical of yourself or others is fear of intimacy. •Feelings of anger or discomfort when others voice their thoughts and opinions show a fear of intimacy. •Lack of affection with loved ones can indicate fear of intimacy. Don’t forget that some people are simply less demonstrative about their feelings; this doesn’t necessarily indicate a fear of intimacy. Remember that you can work to be yourself and develop trust and vulnerability in your love relationships, but you can’t change your loved ones.

Ways to say ‘I love you’

Saying I love you takes work. It’s hard to be honest, and it’s hard to accept the consequences of your honesty and authenticity. It takes time, energy, and commitment to stay connected through all the problems that life and people bring. It can be painful, aggravating, and scary to stick it out through all the ups and downs but the alternative is worse. If you love someone, be very honest and

smart about it. Don’t compare the one you love to anyone.Be courteous with him/her at all times. Embrace the present moments without fear or guilt and live by the golden rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you). Say “I love you” by giving your full attention when talking. Toast each other over breakfast or dinner to say I love you.Tell them how they bring love to your life. Laugh about kids quotes on love or events. Talk about your day during mealtimes. Read books aloud together. Say you’re sorry. Recall good and

*Husbands think about other women during sex It’s their coping mechanism for being in a monogamous relationship, says Dr Berman. Men are programmed to spread their seed and be with different partners. Monogamy for life doesn’t come naturally to men, and variety is the spice of life and of a healthy love relationship. The fantasizing is a coping mechanism for being monogamous, and wives shouldn’t be offended by or worried about it. If it’s about an abstract person, it’s not a secret that wives should worry about. But if husbands are secretly thinking about their wives’ sister or best friend, it

ntimacy in love relation ships involves sharing what you really think, believe, and feel. It’s about opening up your heart and mind, and letting others do the same. Intimacy is risky, which is why fear of intimacy often develops. Fear of intimacy is the exact opposite of the close relationship you had with your best friend when you were a kid. You may be lucky enough to have a best friend now, but the depth and scope of those childhood friendships may seem unbeatable because you shared all your secrets. Fear of intimacy , hiding behind emotional walls and barriers , wasn’t usually an issue. Overcoming fear of intimacy and anxiety wasn’t even on the radar screen. Fear of intimacy involves hiding behind emotional walls. For people in love to overcome fear of intimacy, they must develop trust and vulnerability. Overcoming fear of intimacy in love is about learning to be yourself in your relationship which involves developing trust and vulnerability in love relationships. This is simple in theory, difficult in practice! In relationship psychology, fear of intimacy involves the reluctance to open up and reveal your true self, perhaps because you’ve been hurt in the past. Or, if you grew up in an emotionally and socially closed environment and never learned how to be vulnerable to either friends or lovers, you may have a hard time opening up now. This is fear of intimacy. We’ve all been betrayed and hurt by loved ones in big and small ways – a thousand tiny betrayals. Regardless that the pain was accidentally or deliberately caused, we’re naturally reluctant to open ourselves up again. Not wanting to get hurt can lead to an extreme fear of intimacy. Personality characteristics such as introversion and extroversion can also contribute to fear of intimacy issues, and so can depression and anxiety. In love psychology, fear of intimacy is different than fear of commitment. You can be married and not know your partner emotionally, intellectually, or spiritually. In fact, loneliness in marriage is more difficult than being lonely as a single person or widow. Marital loneliness springs from fear of intimacy in one or both partners. Developing trust and vulnerability in your love relationships can be scary - but doing it and overcoming fear of intimacy can improve your relationships and deepen your life! Intimacy is similar to authenticity, in that both involve revealing your true self. Fear of intimacy is common, and can be related to fear of commitment – but they ’re not the same thing. You can be married or committed to your partner, but not emotionally intimate. You can be in love, but not connected.

Developing trust and vulnerability in your love relationships can be scary - but doing it and overcoming fear of intimacy can improve your relationships and deepen your life

bad memories.Let go of the past to say “I love you.” Do nothing together. Encourage health in all its forms. Trust your partner enough to cry together. Act silly together. Be lavish in praise. Ask questions about opinions, feelings, thoughts. To say I love you, forget about labels. Show your joy when they come home. Show your gratitude for them.

Almost half of all husbands are curious about their wives’ lives, and check their wives’ computers and phones. Why? Because they feel unsure about where the relationship is going sometimes, and they’re uncertain about asking. Both husbands and wives snoop, and it’s not necessary. Instead, married couples should have no secrets , they should have complete, total access to each others’ bank accounts, telephones, emails.

*Men think they are smarter than their wives

More than half of husbands think they’re smarter than their wives and this is a secret husbands don’t want their wives to know! But, there are different types of intelligence and brain matter, which men and women have different amounts of. Men have more gray brain matter, which allows them to focus on one thing. Women have more white brain matter, which allows them to communicate better and process information faster. This makes women better at relationships. *Men wish their wives brought home more money Some husbands wish their wives were spending less money and contributing more money to the household. Women who stay home and take care of the kids are sorely underpaid. But, financial stress hits husbands right in the core of their manhood and can damage their sense of self. Money can tear your marriage apart, so you have to sit down together on a regular basis to talk about how money affects your relationships. Husbands keep secrets from their wives for several reasons. They ’re embarrassed, they don’t want to show weakness, and they don’t want to upset or anger their wives.

Tips for a better marriage

could become a problem in the marriage.

* Men have solo sex in secret

*Husbands snoop through their wives’ emails and phones

Almost half of all husbands keep this secret from their wives: they are intimate with themselves regularly. Men don’t want to show weakness, and it’s natural to perform the solo act because men have more testosterone. It’s nature’s

•Couples who are affectionate (hugging, holding hands, calling each other by pet names) are happier and healthier. •Wives, take responsibility for communicating regularly. Men don’t do this naturally, so women need to initiate conversations. •Arguing is good for marriages. Open fights keep couples together and happy. So let your anger out! •Couples should engage in foreplay for at least ten minutes before sex, to increase sexual intimacy.

28—Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

than life. In less than two years of his entry into the music industry, David Adedeji Adeleke a.k.a. Davido has become one of the most celebrated musicians in the country. He shares his story with our Entertainment Editor, OGBONNA AMADI.

The last time I saw you on stage was at the finals of the Nigerian Idol. Between then and now, so many things have changed, can you explain why? Jesus. If I could explain, then I’d be lying because everything happened fast. But one thing I’d always tell myself is that; I remember exactly a year ago at Eko Hotel. I was at Ice Prince’s album launch and I told myself that I too must do same thing. So I had to work hard. I’ve been working hard and prayed for God to bless me with hit songs because I know that when you have God and support like good structures, then, everything will fall in place. To me, whoever God wants to blow will blow.

his whole thing; did you expect it to be this big?

I didn’t expect it to be this big at all. When I first started in the industry, I used to tell myself that I don’t want to be too big. I just want to be in the industry and don’t want to be known too much. But after some time, I started getting bigger and people could recognize me anywhere I go. It’s just crazy. It comes with a lot of benefits though. Like at first, my father didn’t want me to go into music. But now, anywhere both of us go, people call him Baba Omo Olowo.

So, he didn’t want you to go into music?

No he didn’t. He was 100% against me. He just wanted me to focus on education. But after my music became big, he goes to parties and hears my songs. With this music I have been traveling everywhere; I traveled to like seven countries in just six months.

With just one song? Yes.

What has changed? (laughs). My house...

You just bought a new car... Yes. What has also changed is that people take me more serious now. At first, my

C M Y K

feels really good that I’m doing something where I make money from.

How did it all start?

It started about two years ago at Atlanta Georgia, I was schooling in America for about two years

Studying what?

I was studying Business Administration and I remember when I came home for Christmas one December, I saw how crazy the industry was getting and I was amazed. I saw the likes of D’banj, Wande Coal, P-Square getting shows for millions. I knew I’m also talented too so I decided to give it a try. So I came back to the country. But when I came back, it was very rough for me. My dad was against my music

You left school?

Yes. I left school in America

To follow your dream

Yes. But I’m back in school running a part- time programme. One thing I told my dad was that even if I’m not in school, he should allow me do part-time. So that’s what I’m doing now. So when I moved back, it was hard for me. I survived by chilling with Shank, Wande Coal, D’banj and even Don Jazzy who supported me until I dropped my first single. I couldn’t go back home then.

You couldn’t go back home?

It’s not as if I couldn’t go back home. I wasn’t at home. If I was at home, I’d have to be in school. So that’s why my dad and I were not on speaking

e is just 19 family didn’t take me serious years, yet he but now, they do. I feel I now looms larger have a job, a profession. So it

When I first started in the industry, I used to tell myself that I don’t want to be too big. I just want to be in the industry and don’t want to be known too much

My rise to fame unexpected —Davido — Davido

challenged me to make it big. And I can say he’s one of my biggest fans now.

ou wrote the song?

that song?

terms for like a month. But one day, he just called me and told me he wouldn’t want to take my dreams away from me. He said he dreamt that music is my dream and told me that if I have to do it, then I have to do it right. He

Yes.

What inspired

I was trying to tell folks like my dad not to stop me from doing my music because everybody was trying to stop me.

Are you sure you are not into this for the

money?

No it’s not for the money. I don’t know what happened, I remember when we recorded that song, my house was quiet for like two days because the song touched everyone in my family. Everyone, including our cook all said the song was going to blow. I played it for my dad and he told me it’s a hit. So we dropped it around late November. And from then, I can’t even remember what happened, because so much has happened so fast.

But it was a slow start initially... Yes. It was a slow start. But like I said, I don’t know what happened. If I have to start explaining, I’d be lying. It’s all God’s doing.

So how do people see you on the street?

It’s crazy. At every show I go to, I have like sixty to seventy Area Boys following me and my car. Every where I go people want to have handshakes with me, some would say “Davido I love

you,” some would just want to touch me.

How do you control the girls?

I’ve always been getting girls even before music. But it’s always about self control and knowing what you want to do. You can have fun everyday if you choose to. But at the end of the day, you know what you have to do.

o what’s been the m o s t embarrassing moment for you with girls and the fans? It was my picture that went viral. The one that showed up in Ghana.

Was it really your picture? Yes.

So why did you let down your guard?

I was sleeping, when the photographs were taken and that’s it.

And what did you do to the girl after that? Nothing.

Is she still with you?

I don’t know where she is.

Thought you are signed on to D’banj’s label, now you’re talking about HKN. Is that also D’banj’s label? D’banj and I work together but HKN is my label. We recorded the album on HKN label

What’s HKN?

Hakkan in Arabics meaning King Of Kings. It’s mine and my brother’s label. D’banj and I are business partners and he’s my big brother.

So you’re not signed unto his label? Wait and see.

Surprises?

Just wait and see.

ut you’re doing it with Flytime. Why did you choose Flytime?

Because Cecil promised he’s going to do my album launch if I could get him a hit record. I promised him I was going to come back to him with deal; a hit record. Today it’s a deal come true.

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 21, 2012 — 29

I’ve always been getting girls even before music. But it’s always about self control and knowing what you want to do

• Davido with friends

So what do we expect we’ll find a way across. I’m an American citizen on Sunday? It’s going to be crazy. Expect it to be one of the greatest shows in Lagos ever. We’ve planned for it from acting to everything. It’ll feature acts like Tuface, P-Square, D’banj and everyone that counts in the game.

What’s growing up like? I wouldn’t say growing up was sweet but thank God I have wonderful parents who brought me up. My mum passed away when I was ten. So from then, it was just my father and I

He never re-married? Yes, he re-married.

You schooled in Lagos?

Yes for some time and then went to America for two years for my University until I decided to come back.

your being slapped by a policeman?

Nothing really happened. I was just on my bed going through the internet and I saw the story. I was amazed. I didn’t get slapped.

You weren’t anywhere around there?

No. I wasn’t. I was in Lagos but the story said I was in Abuja.

So how did that make you feel? I don’t care because it didn’t happen but people would always talk.

remember

Why did you choose Sudan? Because there are deserts there.

What message are you trying to pass across with such video? You’ll see it.

Now, how many tracks do you have in your new album? I have about seventeen tracks

...And you worked with how many producers?

I worked with five of them, big names like Chizee, J Sleek, Dr. Frabz, myself and one other person.

ow many collabos?

So why did you decide About four- with to shoot your new video May D, Tuface, Naeto C and Ekuro in America and myself Yes. not in Lagos? Has anything changed Beautiful song I went to America because I in the music industry God bless you want my music to be But it’s not particularly international. Right now I’m since you came on new. It’s like a folk song planning to shoot my next board? I’ve only been here for a from somewhere... video in Sudan year. The technology is Yes. I was in the car one day Why Sudan? And you have a new one, Ekuro?

with my consultant and he was playing some old school songs. When I heard it, I thought about doing something in that direction. So I just put it in my own way.

You’ll know when the video comes out.

Do you have a visa to Sudan? When we get to the bridge

growing. We have things like Twitter, Facebook and different things, that were not there in the past

I need to know what happened that led to

• Davido C M Y K

30— Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012

London 2012 Soccer stars to watch out for at the Olympics

ootball at the Summer Olympics doesn’t hold the prestige that other international or even club competitions hold, but it does bring together some of the best young footballers in the game. Brazil, Spain, Uruguay and hosts Great Britain are the top teams to watch in London in the coming weeks, and all of them are bringing their best young talent to the show. Neymar has been the hottest young footballer the last couple years, and Brazil fans are hoping he can bring home gold before leading the country to another World Cup trophy in two years. We know David Beckham won’t be there, but the footballing talent is not exactly lacking without him

Neymar E

very football fan is either waiting for Neymar to explode and do something truly spectacular on the big stage, or they’re waiting for him to disappear. The 2012 Olympics are really the first big stage of the 20-year-old’s career, and if Brazil are to win gold, they’ll need their forward firing on all cylinders. Up till now, Santos has rejected numerous advances from Europe’s top clubs, but if Neymar plays like most are expecting him to this summer, Santos’ time is up. Pele has talked up Neymar any chance he’s gotten, and finally, the rest of the world will get to see what all the fuss is about.

Daniel Sturridge D

aniel Sturridge’s involvement in the Olympics is still up in the air as the striker is recovering from viral meningitis, but Team GB and everyone behind them better be hoping he makes it. Sturridge is young but he’s the most capable scorer Great Britain has to offer this summer. Sturridge has been playing Premier League football since he was 17, but he’s mostly been relegated to the bench. Despite an impressive scoring record from inconsistent playing time, Sturridge wasn’t selected for England’s Euro 2012 squad, and he’ll have something the prove this summer. With Didier Drogba gone from Chelsea and Fernando Torres’ true form still unknown, the London Olympics could be huge for the 22-year-old. If he wants to be a regular starter in the Premier League, he’ll have to earn it.

Luis Suarez

*Suarez

Luis Suarez Luis Suarez lit up the Premier League last season, with both his football and his words, and he’s been central to Uruguay’s excellent play over the last two years. The striker is dangerous whenever he’s in possession as he can create goals just as easily as he can score them. If he can keep his temper, Uruguay will be the team to beat in London.

Alexandre Pato

C Milan’s Alexandre Pato was one of the notable names left off of Brazil’s squad for the 2010 World Cup, but he’s been a regular since last summer ’s Copa America and will surely be one of Brazil’s best come 2014. But first comes London. Pato has been overshadowed by his strike partner Neymar in recent years, but Pato has the experience with a top European club that could serve him well this summer.

Marco Fabian

t the tender age of 22, Mexico’s Marco Fabian doesn’t have too much experience under his belt. He can play as either a striker or attacking midfielder, but wherever he is and whatever he’s doing, watch out. In his short international career with Mexico’s Under-

*Sturridge

*Pato 23 side, a career consisting of only 12 appearances, Fabian has 12 goals. Manchester United sensation Javier Hernandez won’t be at the Games this summer, so a bulk of the scoring may be left up to Fabian. The striker has told fans the team is looking to medal, and if Fabian is on, Mexico could very well be surprise gold medalists.

*Neymar

Edinson Cavani

ven though we’re two years out, Uruguay are already one of the favourites to lift the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. Edinson Cavani is a big reason why. Napoli’s star forward will be a constant goal threat in London. Pair him with Luis Suarez, and Uruguay will be pretty tough to defend against. Cavani scored 33 goals for Napoli in all competitions last season, and you can bet he won’t slow down at all at the Games.

*Marco Fabian

*Cavani

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012 — 31

Brazilian footballers who made impact in Europe

Breno

The mere possibility of a transfer from this country sends fans into frenzied excitement, drooling at the possibility of their team finally playing football with swagger, style, skill and panache. Dribbling ability, exquisite technique, set piece brilliance and fantastic goal celebrations—the Brazilians have it all, right? Right, some of the time. The Ronaldinho’s, Ronaldo’s, Kaka’s and Romario’s, sure. But not everybody can sign, or find, one of those. Sometimes, a team might think they’ve found one but what they’ve really got is a more exotic-sounding Robbie Savage. Hey, any name ending in an -inho has to be worth an extra £5 million, right? Here are eight Brazilian players who flopped epically after arriving in Europe.

Rafael Sobis

oor old Real Betis, they’re at it again. Youth-level Brazilian hot shot Rafael Sobis attracted attention from all over Europe for his goalscoring exploits, though he played less than a hundred league games for his side Internacional. Injuries however, were already a problem for the striker at this early stage of his career. Betis made the move for him ahead of other sides, signing Sobis for an estimated €9 million on an eight-year deal. Needless to say, he did not last the entirety of his contract. Two seasons in Spain were enough, as he scored just eight goals in La Liga before moving to Al-Jazeera in the UAE. The only surprise was the fee that Betis received for him— the Emirates side paid €10 million for Sobis’ services.

Adriano

*Adriano

fter a goal-laden start to life in Italy with a spell at Parma in 2003-04 and a fine 2004-05 campaign with Inter

Tennis W

imbledon will start a week later from 2015 to allow players a three-week rest period following the French Open. Currently, the All England Club opens its Championships two weeks after the play finishes at Roland Garros. But as of 2015 - when Wimbledon will run from 29 June to 12 July, competitors will have 22 days to make the transition from clay to grass. “There is widespread support within the game for extending the gap,” said All England Club chairman Philip Brook. “The best interests of tennis

Denilson

*Sobis Milan, Adriano’s problems began. Battles with weight and fitness, alcohol and attitude saw him loaned back to Brazil with Sao Paolo, where he started well initially but soon went off the rails. The death of his father was said to have caused the striker considerable personal problems. 2010 saw the return of Adriano to Italy with AS Roma, but as indicated in the photograph, he was far from peak physical condition.

nce a world record hold er for the most expensive transfer, Denilson’s time in Spain with Real Betis can be best summed up as “OK.” After transferring from Sao Paolo for £21.5 million in 1998 (becoming the world’s biggest fee as he left), Denilson found himself relegated within two seasons as his own performances mirrored that of the team: particularly poor. A year back in Brazil on loan got him some first-team football, but that was about it for the left winger, blessed with lightning pace and sublime skills in his younger years. He became a backup player at Betis upon his return before moving around the globe, taking up positions in Bordeaux, France; Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia; and FC Dallas USA before going back to Brazil (twice), Vietnam and Greece, where he failed to play a single game before retiring.

*Sigurdsson

Breno B

reno Vinicius Ro drigues Borges, more commonly known as Bayern Munich defender Breno, was one of the most in-demand teenagers around when he left Brazil at age 18. Having played over 20 league games for Sao Paolo at the time and being a member of the national team’s under23 squad, he had a big reputation to go with his big potential. However, injuries and competition for places meant first-team football was scarce indeed. A loan spell at Nuremberg did not prove much help as he suffered a cruciate ligament injury only

ne of Brazil’s most cel ebrated and most notorious forwards of all time, Edmundo scored almost 200 career goals and played for the national team on almost 40 occasions. However, almost all of his success came in his home country, playing for the likes of Santos, Palmeiras and above all else Vasco da Gama, who he played for in six separate spells. In Europe, though, it was a different story. Edmundo played two seasons with Fiorentina and less than a year with Napoli, managing a paltry 16 league goals. No other European side was

nine weeks after arriving which saw him return to Bayern in the summer still recuperating. Now, four-and-a-half years after joining Bayern Munich, he has still made less than two dozen Bundesliga appearances for the German giants—and is currently serving a three-year, ninemonth prison sentence for arson, after which he will be deported back to his home country.

Edmundo

Edmundo willing or able to take a punt on Edmundo, who mixed brilliance and ego with inconsistency and, on occasion, disciplinary problems.

Wimbledon Championships moved back a week from 2015 will be served by allowing the players more time to recuperate and to adjust from the clay of Roland Garros to the grass at Wimbledon. “We think most players will welcome the prospect of a longer grass-court season and spending more time on the softer surface of grass.” The Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club usually begins a day after the French Open men’s final and concludes on the following Sunday. That is also true of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany, and the Aegon Classic

in Birmingham. In the week before Wimbledon, the Aegon International in Eastbourne and Unicef Open in the Netherlands are

the most high-profile events. Wimbledon being put back a week may influence the North American hard-court schedule building up to the

US Open, which traditionally starts on the final Monday in August. “In making this change from 2015, we recognise that there will be some important consequences for the overall tennis calendar and enough time needs to be given to allow us all to plan accordingly,” Brook continued. “In anticipation of the work required, I would like to thank our colleagues throughout the game for their enthusiasm and support for the vision of a tennis calendar that will better suit the needs of the modern day sport.”

32—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JULY 21 , 2012

By Prisca Sam-Duru

iletan Gboyega Jer ome is a professional artiste and highly talented dramatist. With trainings from several institutions in Nigeria, the Ondo state born graduate of International Moorish America University of Culture and Technology, Cleaveland Ohio, United States of America, is a Nollywood actor and perhaps, one of the very few Nigerians who are bold to declare their unflinching passion for the teaching profession. Gboyega who is currently teaching Drama in secondary schools in Lagos narrates the story of his humble beginning. Excerpts

s ’ r e h t a f fa y m n i d I worrkke s e e f fe l o o h c ch s y m farm ffoor to be paid ctor

A d o o w y l l o N , a g e – Gboy

I got my first artistic training from the National Council for Arts and Culture between 1984 and 1986 before proceeding to Ohio, USA for more knowledge in the field. I established my own troupe called Okin Performers International in 1989 with 15 female and 12 male artistes. Between 1990 and 1992, I took the troupe on a world tour of USA, Brazil, Mexico, Cuba and Argentina. The trips were sponsored by Abbey Travels and Tours, and during those days that the activities of the troupe blossomed, I had the rare privilege of working with many renowned professional artistes in the country such as Albert Ogunde, Bayo Oduneye, Jide Ogungbade, Ben Tomoloju and Tade Ogidan. I am the first Nigerian to have traveled with twenty artistes out of Nigeria and brought them back. I was not fortunate to fall into the category of people who were born with silver spoons. I am the eight child in a family of 15, and my father was a local musician and farmer. Things were not in any way rosy for me and my siblings. In fact, I had to work in my father’s cocoa farm every holiday to boost sales before my school fees were paid. I can not say this is how much, but my mother did a lot for me during my early days. She was supportive of my father and I thank God that after all one went through, I am active in the profession I find fulfillment. Like I said earlier, my father was a local musician in the late 50s and we were 15 in the family, and out of all my siblings, I am the only one that took after my father. He was a very talented drummer who played the talking drum very well. Having been part of the shows where he entertained people, I grew up with passion for the drum. In short, I started playing as early as during my primary school days. As the years rolled by, I got more motivated into building a career in the performing arts especially as I was lucky to

such as Help our tomorrow, The Forbidden Pot, Things Fall Apart, Swift Stabs, King Emene, The Wedlock of the gods, Red is the Freedom and The gods are not to blame, etc. Stage play is second to nothing and I love it more because it has the capability of translating even a fictitious narrative into reality. Aside stage plays, I have acted in some Nollywood movies such as Diamond Ring and I played the role of custom officer, (Mr.Beeko)who arrested the character played by Richard Mofe Damijo when he was coming back from London with the ring. And I also acted as inspector Yusuf in Law Enforcement.

Stage play is second to nothing and I love it more because it has the capability of translating even a fictitious narrative into reality

teacher/instructor with many schools which include Abbey Junior School from 1993-2007, The Childville Schools, Lagos, 1996 till date; Atlantic Hall School; Poka Epe P T, till date and directed several stage productions

I would not say that I am happy for disbanding my troupe but all the same, it was necessary at that time because there was lack of finance to continue with its operation. Also, the artistes were becoming too wild and

have watched people like late Isola Ogunsola and late Ogungbe each time they came to stage a play in my town at Ile-Oluji in Ondo state. I have worked as a drama

* Gboyega on stage

difficult to handle. I must mention here that though I regret the fact that the troupe no longer exists, I enjoy a rest of mind now. I don’t need to worry about artistes’ salary and it is easier for me to work on children than adult. Both jobs are okay because one can make money in running a troupe if there are supporters who can sponsor trips out of Nigeria. But with the jobs I do for schools now, I give thanks to God. At the moment, I don’t have or do any other job other than performance and teaching and this will continue for a long time. This is part of my own contribution to the promotion of the theartre in Nigeria and upbringing of the young ones in a manner that they do not forget their root. The need to revamp the theatre- going culture in the country can receive the necessary boost if producers will package good shows for the stage. Since I started working with school children as artistic director and of course, producer, our shows have attracted overwhelming crowd each time and the reason for this is not far fetched. And that is, commitment, hard work in addition to prayer. Also of priority importance, a producer needs a lot of publicity and professionalism, two qualities which have continued bringing out the best in the little ones who end up, discovering their talents. You will agree with me that if we stage a bad show, when we invite people next time, they will not come. The most frustrating aspect of the entertainment industry be it the stage, Nollywood, etc is piracy and I will like to use this opportunity to implore all stakeholders to put in more efforts to fight the trend. Well as regards the future, the next level is to stage shows in foreign countries which will involve school children in Nigeria. I believe that this will

serve as a great opportunity for positive exposure as well as for building on their creativity. Also, it will be a big plus to the battered image of the country.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012—33

•Lizzy Gold

izzy Gold Onuwaje emerged second runnerup in Miss Delsu Beauty Pageant in 2004. She went for Miss Delta Beauty Pageant and became the queen in 2006. She represented Delta state in the most beautiful girl in Nigeria (MBGN) in 2007. She was among the last five standing. In this interview, she talks about Miss Delta State Beauty Pageantry franchise, her NGO and her venture into Nollywood. Enjoy! The genesis he journey started when I was in 100 level in 2004. I was advised by a friend to get the form for Miss Delsu and I went for the contest. I emerged second runner up according to the judges, but if the truth should be told, I was robbed of the crown that year. That episode in my life opened other doors like going for Miss Delta state beauty pageant and as for Miss Delta, I thought l would take second position because all the ladies in the competition were very pretty, but I was surprised because l took the first. Why Miss DELSU Actually, I looked into the mirror and I saw that I had the vital statistics and requirements the pageant needed because it was categorically stated on the

form. Miss Delta Beauty Pageant is a beauty pageant that showcases the beauty and brains of young girls in Delta state. It has been on for years now and this edition is going to be the 14th edition. The pageant has an affiliation with The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant. It is planned in such a way that the most beautiful girl in Delta state after the competition goes to represent Delta state in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageantry. My experience The first time I contested for Miss Delta, I was a shy naïve girl! I never expected to win the crown; I was hoping to emerge a second position because the girls were so pretty. I had a beautiful experience at the camp. We were kept together in a camp, we had people who taught us how to cat walk, speak like ladies and every other thing l knew then as a lady and more. It was a fun experience. Exposure after the contest First as Miss Delta state, I paid curtsey visit to the governor of Delta state and other prominent individuals in the state. I had an NGO and the state government supported the NGO. I travelled to London and Dubai for seminars on my NGO and when I returned, I distributed free notebooks to

lots of government secondary school students from different schools and campaigned against HIV/AIDS, I was always tutored by my chaperon. It was fun and also challenging. I thank the Gold Image production for this golden opportunity. The challenges There were so many negative

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos state. We were woken up very early in the morning for exercise, we learnt choreography from professionals and toured important places in Lagos. We went for photo shoots and runway modeling. The knowledge that was impacted on us was extreme and the fun that we had was massive and unforgettable. I had a wonderful time at the camp and I do not regret any time spent there. Although l didn’t emerge the winner of that year MBGN, l was amongst the last five standing. My prayers as a child I have always wanted to touch lives, but I didn’t know it would take this angle to get to my destination. But the bottom line is that l am doing what l have always wanted to do. My childhood My childhood was a little boring because we were left under the care of our house helps. My parents were always out to work and we were always indoors. I guess they were trying to protect us. I mean my siblings and I never really socialized with people. It was a triangle kind of life style: school, home and church. I became reserved and secretive. My siblings were my only friends. I did not enjoy my childhood because of these reasons. An ugly episode My mates and I went for a showtime event back in school and it was so late that there were no vehicles to take us back to the hostel. We were walking back when we were attacked by some guys and God saved me that from being raped. My parent’s reaction to beauty pageants My mum never supported me because she believes modeling is not meant for Christian girls. After I became Miss Delta state, I was always on TV. Her friends used to call her about it from different places to tell her that they used to see her daughter and that was when she became so proud of me. Miss Delta state franchise I don’t think I want to add anything because it is perfect the

It is a beauty pageant that showcases the beauty and brain of young girls in Delta state

stories around me without evidence. Then, it used to break my heart and break me down. Some men used to carry the rumour of being my boyfriends and all that. I was so naïve and unprepared for the fame then that l nearly couldn’t handle it. But l understand it better today and wish it is happening today because l can handle that and more. The Most Beautiful Girl Pageant (MBGN), 2006 MBGN, 2006 was also an awesome experience for me. In fact, it was the highest I ever had. We were camped at the

with a Dell laptop and God helping, we shall do another one before the year runs out. Alongside the NGO, I took up my childhood hobby and recently joined Nollywood but before that, I did a short course in acting at Royal Art Academy by popular Emem Isong. After graduation, I acted my first lead role. I have also featured in lots of movies like Drop of Blood; Shotgun; Double Barrel; Hotel Crises; Ladies on the Move. I also have movies that are not yet out: The hawkers; Crippled Kingdom; Best of Enemies; Waves of Glory and others too numerous to mention. I have been working with a female producer by name, Uche Nancy. She has been so supportive and I must say I appreciate her. As I speak to you, I am presently on set for another movie. Sponsorship I would sure love to be sponsored by well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies. In fact, it would be a relief to get help. Men and their advances I was brought up in a responsible, Christian home and I apply God’s wisdom when dealing with men and their advances. Most times when I present my NGO proposals to them, I make them see positive reasons why they should support NGOs and also stay faithful to their wives. My relationship Do you expect a pretty lady like me not to have a man! Of course I do and I am madly in love with him. He is my world; he has always supported my dreams and aspirations. My dream in 10 years By the grace of God, in the next ten years I see my NGO expanding and reaching out to all government secondary schools in Nigeria.

way it is. I would rather improve on the activities showcased in the previous. My other involvements Like l said before now, I established an NGO when I became Miss Delta and it is centred on empowering government secondary school students. Every year, I organise debate competitions for the students and the winners go home with prices. The last competition was won by a student in Urhobo College. Urhobo college is a government boys college in Warri, Delta state. The winner of the last year’s competition went home

•Lizzy Gold

34— SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUL Y 21, 2012 JULY

Put the body to use Trunk Raise

omething I was reading the other day said inaclivity is starting to shorten our lives. Becoming all too common are heart attacks, high blood pressure and ulcers on account we no longer use our bodies the way they were designed. We hardly move from place to place except to go by vehicles. We are actually ruining our bodies through lack of use, the write-up explained. An interesting analogy was drawn between a body and a car. Leaving your ear in the garage for months, you shouldn’t be surprised if it won’t start. Just as the car works better when it runs regularly, so fit people’s heart are better able to (tolerale stress, beat more slowly and are more protected against heart attack and most diseases. Fitness concerns the state of your heart and lungs and being,sure they get enough exercise. Regular exercise

accompanied with deep breathing is the surest way to keep your heart and lungs in good order. Although some real discipline must be summoned up, it is frowned upon to be violent in exercising. That does more harm than good. The tragic fact

be competitive either. Fitness is not about victory over anybody but overcoming your own particular health problems. Of equal importance as the actual exercise is the relaxing that follows. Learning proper relaxation will help you lessen your tension which can bring on stress pains at the shoulders, neck and back. Practising deep breathing will help you to relax. Exercise can be undertaken by everyone-from housebound mothers, to teenagers aspiring to make me school team and businessmen who must get a break to ease

Press-up Breathing is that every year, some people hurt themselves from too much, too soon, when they lake up a sport or begin a fitness programme after years of inactivity. The advice is to check with your doctor if you have a history of heart problem, back trouble or high blood pressure. When you begin to exercise, what you need to have is alacrity, enthusiasm and don’t

office tensions, so they can enjoy the evening at home. You can practise exercise individually or in a group. If you’re at your best, when There’s someone there to encourage you, then a class is for you where you’ll be made to keep at it, Remember when you exercise, you’re putting extra life into your years, not just adding years to your life. Try the following Yoga

postures. The Shoulder Stand Technique: Lie on your back with the legs extended. Then sending the knees, place the hands at the hips and quickly raise back off tne floor and straighten both egs up. Remain very erect and still and do deep breathing. Remain in the posture for 2 to 5 minutes. To come out of the position, bend the knees and gently let the back roil out. Put the feet down and relax. Benefits: In the Shoulderstand, the thyroid gland is massaged at brought to its proper level of activity. It stretches the spine, that way helping it become strong and elastic. Because most of the body is inverted, it slops various blood from stagnating in Ihe lower limbs and promotes circulation, helping to ameliorate varicose veins. It relieves sluggishness and mental lethargy. It helps to cure insomnia. Trunk Raise Technique: Lie flat on your belly with hands along the sides, now, breathe in deeply and raise feet, hands, head and chesl off the floor. Hold the position for 3 to 7 seconds, rest awhile and repeat. Benefits: The Trunk Raise strengthens the muscles of the back, buttock and shoulders. It helps improve a double chin. Press-up Breathing: Technique: Lie on your tummy with the legs e\tended fully. Now place

both hands next to the shoulders and with the toes on the ground ,breathe in deeply and raise the entire body off the ground. Head, bmtocks and heels must be at the same level. Retain the breath with the raised trunk for a slow count to five. Lower the body as you exhale. And inhaling and retaining the breath again raise the body up for a another count. Lower the body down again and rest with your head on your folded arms. Benefits: The Press-up Breathing helps the lungs and strengthens the entire body.

postural support based on sound biomechanical principles; is safe and durable; is available and can be accessed, maintained and sustained in the country at the most economical and affordable price. “Mobility aid is about the user, not just about the mobility aid” Mobility aid users should be involved in all aspects of mobility aid provision. This informed the establishment of Mobility Aids and appliances Research and Development Centre (MAARDEC) in 1991. The centre was established to research and develop mobility aids and appliances for persons with disabilities and the elderly and also to provide complementary services to ensure that they are socially, economically and politically relevant to the society. MAARDEC has maintained a work force of at least 50% of persons with disabilities at all times since inception. The organization has empowered over 2.4 million persons with disabilities through appropriate provision of mobility aids and appliances and complementary services such counseling and guidance, motivational summits, employment and

job creation, mentoring, sports etc. MAARDEC is now poised to take her services to the persons with disabilities in Nigeria through the establishment of empowerment centres in all the states of the federation. Each empowerment centre will have mobile technical units that can provide services to persons with disabilities at home, office and anywhere the need may arise. This project is one of the objectives of Hope and Possibilities Ride from Lagos to Abuja by three persons with disabilities, using handpropelled tricycles, slated to take place from November to December 2012. This project is intended to create a massive awareness necessary to put the issues of disabilities in the front burner of national discuss. Issues such as legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and making our society accessible to persons with disabilities will be canvassed. Hope and Possibilities Ride from Lagos to Abuja is also an attempt to set a world record on handpropelled tricycle ride by persons with disabilities. The Ride will also be used to promote polio eradication from Nigeria through campaign for adequate immunization of children against polio and other childhood preventable diseases. Road safety campaign will also be carried out during the ride.

The imperative of suitable mobility aids provision

obility aids and appliances are devices designed to assist persons with disabilities and the aged to move around or do things more conveniently. It is the first and most important step in rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. There are many types of mobility aids and appliances designed to support persons with disabilities to move around and do things ease,they otherwise would not have been able to do,or do them with difficulties. Mobility aids and appliances are therefore designed to give a better quality of life to disabled people and others who might find it physically difficult to get around or do

things. Examples of mobility aids are: Wheelchairs, Crutches, Tricycles, Leg braces, Artificial Legs, Walking frames, Guide Canes, Hand Controls for driving etc, while examples of appliances are: Hearing Aids, Braille Machines, Braille Watches. To ensure maximum benefit from the use of mobility aids and appliances, the devices must be suitable and used appropriately. Therefore there is need for professionals who prescribe mobility aids and appliances to be knowledgeable about disabilities and mobility aids and appliances, and should be skilled in their use and applications. A mobility aid is appropriate when it meets

R-L:Singer & motivational speaker Mrs. Ib Osuamkpe congratulates a pupil of RECDOT, Ozubulu at MAARDEC’s Reach-Out Programme in Owerri, Imo State in 2007 as CEO MAARDEC & representative of the Imo State Government look on

the individual’s needs and environmental conditions; provides proper fit and

The Shoulder Stand

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUL Y 21, 2012—35 JULY

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

OGUN EBENEZER SEMASA

Email: youthfulvibes@gmail.com

AJEGUNLE

It is better to try than not trying at all — Ifeanyi Obinali

gun, Ebenezer Semasa, popularly called OGUNS, is a dynamic Public Speaker, Compere, a Social Worker and a Child Rights Activist. He is a

feanyi, a Nigerian born residing in New York is flying the Nigerian flag against all odds. At 26, he leads a viable network of young leaders that is causing a wave of change both in Nigeria and in the city of New York USA. He had a chat with Saturday Vanguard over the weekend. Excerpt

Ifeanyi

What was your childhood like?

•Ebenezer Semasa

Ifeanyi and Victor Gotevbe at the United Nations, New York. Economics.

What inspired you to move to the US?

In the summer of 2008, I moved to the United States where I am a resident of New York City. Educational opportunities fueled my move to the US, but quickly I came to understand not just the disparity of where I am coming from and where I am at the time, but also the best of both worlds and how their differences and similarities are inter-twined to sharpen my understanding and everyday struggles of life. Today, I presently work for Accinblock, a finance and business Management Company based in New York, and I also serve as the special adviser on African affairs and Executive board member of the International youth Council, a civil society think tank to the United Nations on the Millennium development goals and I am the founder of LEAD Nigeria.

was born and raised in Sapele Local Government, Delta State, Nigeria. I have five elder sisters and one younger brother. My nursery and primary education was at Tender Kiddies Foundation School, Sapele. As a child I was fond of crying a lot and would prefer to go to my neighbour’s school. My parents decided to enroll me in a private school to stop me from always crying. The intention was to withdraw me at Primary one after the pre K classes when the tuition fees would have gone up. But as God would have it, their plans were overturned for my good. At the conclusion of the term and during the graduation ceremony, I was awarded the best student in Arithmetic, English language, Social studies, sciences and I was the neatest student. Thanks to my sisters who ensured I had after school classes at home, with all of them taking turns to teach me. The awards propelled the Chairperson of the graduation ceremony - the Magistrate of the Sapele local court- Justice Mrs. Loremeke of blessed memory to award me the biggest prize of the day; a scholarship from primary 1-6. The scholarship was the best thing that happened to me and my family because not only was my school fees paid for 6 years but also I had free ride to and from school as well as a well packaged lunch for my lunch breaks, all courtesy of Justice Loremeke who interestingly lived on the same street with me at that time. After graduation from primary school, I went on to attend Merit mixed Secondary School. Secondary school was tough for me but was worth it, I learnt multi-tasking at this time because there were times when I spent over a week away from school, just because I had to be in the farm some 30 miles away working with my family to grow our own food, like cassava, maize, melons, vegetables and yams to feed our large family since we couldn’t afford to buy them all. I successfully graduated and went on to attend the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, majoring in

Innovative and creative opportunities, ideas and knowledge to help inspire young people to re-invent themselves and take charge of their talents in defining who they are

of 13-35 through innovative projects, programmes and commitments that will help in implementing real growth and sustainable development within the context of their local environment

What do you do at LEAD Nigeria?

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

n the next five years, I want to be in a comfortable and much better position from where I am now, a position that allows me the opportunity to provide better innovative and creative opportunities, ideas and knowledge to help inspire young people to re-invent themselves and take charge of their talents in defining who they are. Also, I see myself doing what I love doing best, traveling and working with young people in different cultural contexts, providing them information on issues threatening their survival and development and most importantly building LEAD Nigeria with a direct focus on ideas, actions and results to impact lives meaningfully with a result oriented approach. Also, I want to continue to widen out, reach out to more people, build my networks and always be open to learning new things.

What advice do you have for other young people?

ead Nigeria is a nongovernmental and non profit organization which I founded in 2005. The word LEAD, is an acronym for Leadership, Empowerment, Attitude, and Development. LEAD Nigeria’s mission is to mobilize the collective talents of young people between the ages

and communities. At LEAD Nigeria, we provide a comprehensive leadership programme that challenges the understanding of basic issues involving youths and young people as well as their leadership competencies with much training and emphasis on real life scenarios and world cases.

Ifeanyi and former US President Bill Clinton

My advice to young people is always be yourself. It takes you to know what you want, so you have to model yourself towards the future you want and not the things you see around you. My life has been all about opportunities, and opportunity they say comes but once, so you just have to make good use of every moment that

Certified First Aider and a Youth Leader with the Nigerian Red Cross Society with an Occupational Safety & Health Certificate from OSH Academy, USA. He was born on the 26th day of October, 1984, to a family of 7. Due to financial issues, that he had to drop out of school at a time, but he remained determined, resilient, focused and positive about his future. However, presently, he is a 400level Economics Education student at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, where he serves as the President of his Department (Language, Arts and Social Science Students’ Association) and the General Secretary of his Faculty (Nigerian Universities Education Students’ Association). Ogun’s major challenge while growing up in Ajegunle was on issues relating to child abuse, this resulted in the birth of the Child Rights Foundation, a Child Advocacy Outfit, enthusiastic about making children realize and discover their rights as well as the discovery of their purpose, so as to help them be better citizens in the future He goes with the quote that “there is no saint without a past and no sinner without a future”. This connotes that everyone could be better-of. comes your way. Life is all about persistence, it’s better to try than not to try at all because there is no harm in trying, giving every situation your best shot and seeing every challenge as a solution to the first piece of the puzzle is a worthy approach towards desired results. What are you currently working on? Presently, for the third consecutive year, LEAD rd Nigeria will be hosting the 3 Annual Nigerian Leadership Summit 2012 at the LaGuardia Plaza Airport hotel, New York, NY from August 10-11, 2012. The Nigerian Leadership Summit is an annual event designed to bring together Nigerian Professionals, Academicians and Entrepreneurs from all across the Diaspora, especially youths and young people to discuss about Nigeria’s present leadership issues, and familiarize participants with the leadership styles and strategies needed in the partnership required to deliver results that will trickle down to Nigerians at home and how Diaspora Nigerians can add their own quota at this moment, partnering with Nigerians at home and the government for the economic growth of the country. Also, LEAD Nigeria and some partners are working together in developing and organizing one of the biggest youth conferences Nigeria will ever know. This conference will focus on empowering the Nigerian youth on the critical need for innovation and st entrepreneurship in 21 century Nigeria, bringing over 1000 Nigerian youths from across Nigeria and the Diaspora to Abuja in January of 2013.

36—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012

Common cancer symptoms women ignore

•Cancer is treatable,often curable •Good health is the ultimate aphrodisiac “

lthough almost half of all women over 40 have had at least a mammogram in the last two years, according to the CDC, cancer isn’t always caught by screening tests. Moreover, when women do suspect something, it is either that fear sometimes prevents them from seeing a doctor right away, or they minimize or misinterpret symptoms that could indicate cancer. Often, what is perceived as “nothing” turns out to be “something”. Experts say warning signs do not always mean cancer, even if you have

•Exercise is wonderful

all of them. There are many other benign diagnoses or physiological changes that can also cause warning signs. For instance, you can have bloating, low back pain, and pelvic pressure and just have fibroids. But if your symptoms are “persistent and progressive,” and you wake up every morning and feel something and it has you worried — even for two weeks in a row —it really is worth calling your physician and having it checked. Regular checkups and screenings such as Pap smears and mammograms, as well as knowing your own body, are all crucial for good health. Experts say •If you feel any lump... you better see your doctor every woman should be aware of the essential Bleeding that is changes that are worth challenge even when uncharacteristic for you— bringing to their doctor’s treatment—a mastectomy, spotting outside of your attention. chemotherapy, and normal menstrual cycle or radiation— isn’t usually that heavier periods — should be t is important to watch difficult. Below are the most looked into. Around for all of these important cancer warning menopause, abnormal symptoms, but while it’s signs to look out for, as a bleeding is often attributed to important to be on the alert woman. hormonal shifts, though for physical changes, the Breast changes more serious problems could aim is not to cause too If you feel a lump, you be the cause, which is why all much alarm. The idea is that shouldn’t ignore it, even if abnormal vaginal bleeding if you notice something your mammogram is normal. should be evaluated. Expect different about your body, A breast cancer survivor to receive a trans-vaginal get it checked out. stresses that if your nipple sonogram and perhaps a It may not be cancer, but develops scaliness or flaking, if it is, cancer is treatable, that could indicate Paget’s often it’s curable, and disease of the nipple, which clearly having a diagnosis is associated with an earlier will allow you to underlying cancer in about have the most benefit 95 percent of cases. Any possible from current milky or bloody nipple health care advances, and discharge should also be to live as full a life as prior checked out. to a diagnosis. It’s all about early diagnosis. Getting impling of the skin over confirmation on breast the breast, particularly cancer is often the if it looks like the skin on an orange, is usually something biopsy. to be worried about. Such Rectal bleeding dimpling is most often Colon cancer is the third associated with most common cancer in inflammatory breast cancer, women. One of the hallmarks a rare, usually aggressive is rectal bleeding, which cancer characterized also by many people attribute to swollen, hot, red breasts. hemorrhoids, the most Irregular bleeding common cause, even though Once you hit menopause it is not always that. Red or (defined as 12 months dark blood in the stool without a period), any warrants a visit to the doctor postmenopausal bleeding is who will likely do a rectal a warning sign. Any examination and order a bleeding, staining, little colonoscopy if you’re 50 or drops on your underwear, or older and perhaps even if big clots are abnormal and you’re younger. should be immediately Discharge investigated, especially as A foul or smelly vaginal such bleeding could indicate discharge could be a sign of something as benign as an cervical cancer. The endometrial polyp or discharge may contain blood something more serious like and may occur between endometrial or cervical periods or after menopause. health therapy cancer. It’s best not to self-treat a

f you want better sex, a k e care of your health,” advises Dr. Judith Reichman, author of I’m Not in the Mood: What Every Woman Should Know about Improving Her Libido. In the long run, peak physical and emotional well-being is key to a satisfying sex life. You don’t need to be model-thin to suspect something has gone wrong.LOLA found a lump in her right breast, and immediately knew something was wrong. It was a sizable lump and just didn’t feel right. She was 36 and in excellent state of health. Just two months earlier, she had a full medical check up including a normal mammogram and a comprehensive breast examination and had got a clean bill of health. But this time around, she knew the right thing to do was to call her doctor immediately. Lola’s decision was a wise one as her suspicions turned out to be correct when a biopsy revealed she had stage two breast cancer. t

discharge with over-thecounter medications. An examination is necessary to determine if the discharge is due to an infection or something more serious. Bloating Ovarian cancer is the No. 1 killer of all the reproductive-organ cancers. Errorneously known as the silent killer, ovarian cancer clearly has symptoms. The four most frequent are bloating; feeling full earlier than normal when eating; changing bowel or bladder habits, such as urinating more frequently; and low back or pelvic pain. It’s not unusual to have one or two of these symptoms occasionally, particularly after a big meal. But pay attention if you have two or more symptoms occurring daily for more than two weeks. Screening includes a pelvic e x a m i n a t i o n , transvaginal sonogram, and special blood test to check for cancerous cells. Unexplained weight gain or loss Sudden weight gain month to month — especially if you usually maintain a normal weight — can be due to an accumulation of fluid in the belly related to ovarian cancer and warrants seeing your doctor. Similarly, unexplained weight loss of five or more kilos may be the

A foul or smelly vaginal discharge could be a sign of cervical cancer

first sign of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, and is most often associated with pancreatic, stomach, esophagus, or lung cancer. Weight loss in women is often caused by a hyperactive thyroid. A thyroid test may be necessary. Persistent cough Any persistent cough — one that lasts more than two or three weeks and is not due to an allergy or upper respiratory infection or one that produces blood in the sputum—needs to be checked. If your cough may be caused by smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke, get it checked out. Smoking is the number one cancer killer of women.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012 —37

53rd United Nations World Tourism Organisantion (UNWTO):

Commission for Africa Conference Holds in Calabar U

nder the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Nigeria was showcased to the world at the just concluded United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO): Commission for Africa Conference. The event which was hosted by the Cross River State government, took place between 25th - 27th June, 2012 at Tinapa, Calabar. The UNWTO plays a vital role in the promotion of the development of accessible and sustainable tourism, with a view to ensuring a positive growth on the economic and cultural effects of tourism while paying particular attention to developing countries such as Nigeria. Ministers and delegates from African countries gathered in order to deliberate the promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism. The organisation is fully committed to enhancing the positive impact of tourism development in people’s lives as well as the economy. Focus for this year is towards ensuring the

efinitely not! Every woman can not have long hair because not all women are blessed with the genes and even among those who may have inherited genes for great hair, not all

active participation of women and youth hence the theme “Responsible Tourism: Opportunities for Women & Youth”. The conference commenced with an opening ceremony presided by the Honorable Minister for Tourism, Culture and National orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, followed by the plenary sessions and other series of activities which treated the delegates to the best of Nigeria’s culture. The offerings included, banquets, tours and an evening of cultural fusion

Can every woman have long hair? will have the type of information they need or the time/effort/money to acquire healthy hair. Let’s examine all possible scenarios. Some women say they once had beautiful hair but it’s not the same anymore. Many factors may have contributed to this. If the quality of hair you have has deteriorated over the years, is it as a result of your mishandling of your hair? Or is it hereditary thinning inherited from either parent? Always put hings in perspective before you conclude. The trick is to have HEALTHY hair; if your hair is healthy, then you can concentrate efforts at lengthening it. Healthy means hair is not dry or brittle; hair is not breaking or damaged through chemical over-use; scalp is clean and clear; hair has no split ends; hair is not limp and lifeless; scalp has no flakes, bruises, abrasions or bald patches; and hair is not over-processed.

So you start with healthy hair; now plan a regime of hair treatments in which you will alternate the types of treatments you administer. A week after your touch-up, have a pre-shampoo angels studio protein treatment to restore strength to hair that has been weakened and dried-out by relaxer. This treatment should stay in your hair for 20 minutes with heat applied. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and then proceed to shampoo. Use only a shampoo that is suitable for your hair and scalp; if you have no idea, you need to have a consultation to determine your hair type and determine your hair’s characteristics. Rinse shampoo out with cold water, and apply a liberal dose of angels studio moisturizing conditioner, [or preferably a product that contains natural oils] and cover with a steam cap. Deep-condition hair by sitting under a hot dryer for 10 minutes; rinse

out using cold water. Do not use towels after rinsing; let water run out of the hair for a few minutes. Squeeze excess water out, before applying leave-in conditioner to the hair while damp. Apply a thin film of angels studio scalp crème to the whole scalp area. Now you can add any other products and setting aids to set the hair. Now, if you want longer hair, you must learn to love rollers and dryers. Most treatments work best when heat is incorporated. Heat helps to open the hair cuticles so that product can be trapped in. Love dryers because you need to sit under one to ‘steam’ and dry your rolled hair; love rollers because hot hand-dryers and hot irons [TONGS]

will finish your hair eventually. Long hair will remain elusive if you are doing a lot of direct heat! Reply to: Reply to angela ajetunmobi

38—SA TURD A Y Vanguard 38—SATURD TURDA anguard,,

JUL Y 21, 2012 JULY

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012—39

40 — SATURDAY, Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012

Roll of honours at CIAN’s dinner

Funeral service for Lt. Col. Dickson Ovie Itete

From Right; Evang [Mrs] Paulyn Ewoma, Mr Itete Matthew Ovie, Miss Ene Ode Obaike, Mr Ejire Itete and Mr Anthony Itete

t was a parade of top military person nel, both retired and serving, when the family of late Lieutenant Colonel Dickson Ovie Itete of Nigerian Defence Academy held a funeral service for the peaceful repose of the soul of the gentleman and officer. The event took place at St. Luke Military Church Protestant, Yaba, Lagos penultimate Friday and several notable personalities including the Senate President, who was also : a military officer and a friend of the deceased graced the service. Photos by Kehinde Gbadamosi

embers of Chartered Institute of Arbi trators of Nigeria, CIAN, came together on Friday the 13th of June for their annual presidential dinner at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos. This year ’s edition came with presentation of awards and certificates to some deserving members, particularly those with immaculate credentials to be deemed Fellows of the institute. Some of such people include Ighodalo Imadegbelo, SAN, Mr. Omoruyi Omonuwa, SAN, Mr. Jude Nnodum, SAN, and others. Photos by Sylva Eleanya

L-R: King Alfred Diette-Spiff in a hand shake with Mr. Ighodalo Imadegbelo, SAN, both awarded Fellow of the Institute

L-R: General Niyi Sangotade [ Rtd], General Anthony Ukpo [Rtd], former governor of Rivers State and General Raji Rasaki, [Rtd]

R-L: Senator David Mark, Senate President, Senator Tunde Ogbeha and Mrs Esther Ogbeha

L-R: Aare Afe Babalola, President & Chairman of Council, Mr. Ighodalo Imadegbelo, SAN, awarded Fellow of the Institute and Mr. Ade Ipaye, Attorney General/Commissioner of Justice, Lagos State

L-R: Brig General Charles Mbaba [RTD] and Colonel Moses Fasanya, [RTD]

L-R: Commodore Moshood Babatunde [RTD], and Col Samuel Osho, [RTD]

Vanguard’s Cooperative bags award Lagos state Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative in collaboration with Lagos state Cooperative Federation, LASCOFED held International Cooperative Day on Tuesday 17th of July at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. One of the highlights of the day was presentation of award to Vanguard Cooperative for its progress and excellent record of administration

L-R:Mr Bosun Oladejo, President, Vanguard Cooperative Society, recieving award given to Vanguard Cooperative from Mrs. Ayotunde Awokulehin, Director of co-operative services, Lagos State

L-R: Mr Gbolahan Lawal, Hon. commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos state, Alhaja Olayinka Oladunjoye, H.C. Education, representing the Dep. Gov. of Lagos and Dr Olajide Basorun, P.S. Agric, Lagos state

L-R: Mr. Omoruyi Omonuwa, SAN, Mr. Jude Nnodum, SAN, Mr. Ighodalo Imadegbelo, SAN, all awarded Fellow of the Institute and Hon. Justice (Mrs) Geraldine Imadegbelo of Edo State High Court

L-R: Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Justice Ibrahim Mohammed of the Supreme Court and Mr. Ighodalo Imadegbelo, SAN all awarded Fellow of the Institute

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012—41

The law targets unclaimed corpses, voluntary cremation — Hon Avoseh Hodewu By Ebun Sessou

on. Avoseh Hodewu Suru, member Lagos State House of Assembly and Chairman House committee on Health representing Badagry constituency is the sponsor of the bill seeking to legalise voluntary cremation and unclaimed corpse in the state. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard, he explains among other issues why such law in important while also emphasizing that unclaimed corpses filled mortuaries in the state. He states: “The intent of the law is on unclaimed corpses and voluntary cremation. We are not praying for our dead to suffer but this has been happening somewhere.” Excerpts sioner for health, Dr. Jide Idris to order the officials in the mortuaries to embark on mass burial. Approval was given for all the corpses in the mortuaries to be moved for mass burial. After a week, we went back to the mortuaries and what we saw was devastating. Secondly, the problem encountered by the health officers was also a thing of worry. There was also the level of resistance and humiliation from the community. Most often, they are humiliated and chased out of the environment. The community didn’t also allow mass burial during the day. They prefer it to be done at night. So, it is always war between the community and the health officers. The threat to life is a thing of concern because what was oozing out of the mortuaries was horrible. This is not a negligence on the side of the attendant but the number of corpses deposited either through accident scenes or extra judicial killings. It is on this note that the House was briefed and we discovered that the state government is already putting up a crematorium. It brought to our minds the type of cremation

we have been hearing about either in China, India. So, it is a modernised one but we are not satisfied with the feeling. So, we sought an alternative and we came up with a bill. What is the situation of mortuaries and cemeteries in the state presently? There are lots of unclaimed corpses that cannot be identified. It is an eyesore. This is Lagos where land is our oil. Nobody is ready to release lands to build mortuaries. In Atan cemetery, the situation of things is beyond imagination. And there is limitation to the period to which a particular corpse can be allowed to be in the ground. Sources told us that the peak period for a corpse in Atan cemetery is one year. After which the corpse would be dug out. We are not insisting on the bill but this is a problem that must be addressed. We have been to all the cemeteries outside the country and we discovered there are different kinds of cemeteries. They include underground, above the soil, and they are always clean. What we have decided to do is to ensure that the cremation bill is adequately handled. And we also deemed it fit

Any corpse that is unclaimed after six weeks after which autopsy has been carried out and there is no one to claim them, then they should be taken for mass burial

What informed this bill on cremation? The cremation bill that we are working on in the House of Assembly is a bill that emanate from our visit to the various mortuaries in the state. In the sixth Assembly, the house through the observation of a member who was on a visit to the state mortuaries reported what he saw at the mortuaries; that eventually made the House to ask the committee on health to do the same in order to see the state of all mortuaries in the state. Their evaluation prompted the House to take action but unfortunately, they couldn’t do much before the election. But, when the seventh Assembly resumed, the leadership of the house set up an adhoc committee headed by the leader of the House, Hon Ajibayo Adeyeye and other members. We went to all the mortuaries and our visit revealed the states of mortuaries in the State is in a devastating condition. In fact, the decomposition of the unclaimed corpses degenerated to a point of emergency. Our findings shows that the mortuary worker were not informed that the health reform law allows for mass burial every six week. Any corpse that is unclaimed after six weeks after which autopsy has been carried out and there is no one to claim them, then they should be taken for mass burial. When we saw that, we informed the commis-

Hon. Avoseh Hodewu Suru

that before any law is passed, it must be discussed in the public place so as to allow for public opinions. The cremation bill we are talking about is not to cremate all the dead in Lagos State. It is not a bill intended that any dead body should be cremated. It is a bill seeking a law for voluntary cremation of unclaimed corpses at various hospitals. For Lagos State government, the cremation is a systemic burning and that is to be carried out on all the unclaimed corpses in Lagos State. We have had the views of the religious leaders and by the time, the bill reaches its final stage at the floor of the house, then it will be presented to the public. Was there any consultation to hear out the views of the people? From the inception, we know that it is a controversial bill, but our responsibility is to make law and that is what we are doing. There is no bill that does not generate controversy. We know that this particular bill would generate lots of criticism and controversy. Nobody would see the way cremation is done that wouldn’t revolt, a situation where corpses are thrown to naked fire which takes place in other parts of the world. But, in Lagos, the cremation is a systemic burning, we have done our work. Although, the religious leaders are already raising their voices against it but what we are talking about is the cremation of unclaimed corpses that are in the mortuaries. And it is the same process that led to mass burial that leads to cremation. The intent of the law is on unclaimed corpses and voluntary cremation. We are not praying for our dead to suffer but this has been happening somewhere. It is not peculiar to Lagos State alone. Why can’t the state provide lands for new cemeteries? Nobody is ready to part his or her land. The state government would be happy to receive volunteers for mass burial. Are you saying the State does not have lands? There is no dispute that lands belong to state government but the fact remains that Lagosians have encroached on the lands in Lagos state. No village is ready to accept mass burial in their community, perhaps, because of the spiritual attachment to corpses.

Religious leaders, residents, govt heading for a showdown Continues from page 16 Assembly, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo explained that during investigation by the House on the state of mortuaries, it was found that they were overfilled and that urgent measures needed to be taken to dispose unclaimed bodies causing health hazards to residents of such areas. “We went abroad with Nigerian experts to study the issue of cremation in USA. We saw the way they cremate, they respect their dea. They said it is 100 percent free from health hazards, even families were allowed to perform their rites before the cremation”. Hon. Kolawole hinted that the bill suggests that once the corpse is unclaimed for a week and becomes unrecognizable, it should be passed on to the crematorium. The Leader of the House, Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye who did the overview of the bill emphasized that the bill if passed into Law would not be made compulsory for every Lagosian.

•New face of Lagos Island Mortuary

Hon. Dr. Adeyeye explained to stake holders that the bill consists of establishment of crematorium, approval for cremation (and for voluntary persons), in approval of cremation corona cases, disposal of ashes, procedure for crema-

tion for still birth or exhumed corpses amongst other details. An audio-visual presentation displayed at the Public hearing showed a corpse already packed in flammable box been passed into a computerized machine that will incinerate the body at a certain high temperature for an hour after which the ash residue will be given to the family of the deceased.

Lagos Island Mortuary face-lift one were the days when the stench oozing out of the popu lar morgue harassed residents and passers-by in the area as a result of

poor facility in the state owned mortuary. Right now, it is a different story as it wears a decent look, free from bad odour. Although, entry was difficult as the security guards subjected visitors to a rigorous search with interrogation. We gathered that recently a mass burial was carried out to decongest mortuaries in the state and that gave a big ultimately changed the situation. According to our investigation, the mortuary that was known for congestion in the past is now operating at optimum capacity. Source told Saturday Vanguard that once people failed to claim the bodies of their deceased family member after one-week-period, it becomes a burden on the society, adding that government would have to moved all unclaimed bodies for mass burial. Our source said: “allowing corpses to stay longer than necessary poses more danger to the environment.”

42— SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012

By Anozie Egole

igerians from differ ent walks of life have reacted to the plan by Lagos State Government to legalize voluntary cremation of abandoned corpses in the state. This particular bill has raised uproar in the state as people are arguing that it is a sin against God and humanity. Lagosians have tried to assess it from the religion perspective and found out that there is no place in the two major religion where such a thing was legalized.

It is against our culture—Nigerians

I’m strictly not in support of cremating corpses. It is a wish people do make when they want to die that they should be cremated and not government trying to pass it into law. This type of thing is normally found in foreign countries and not in this part of the world. For somebody who did not make this wish when he/she was alive for you to do it to the body when the person is dead is not good. Talking from the Biblical perspective, as a Christian, this act has no support in the Bible. I have not seen where it is written in the Bible told us the dead bodies should be burnt and not buried. So, following this angle, you will see with me that it is ungodly and it is not good. What the Bible tells us is that when a man dies, we dig a hole and bury the person and not burning the body. I have only heard about this as a wish from the famous American pop musician 2Pac. He said that when he dies, his remains should not be buried but should be burnt and the ashes be given to his fans for them to smoke it. That is the only justification to that act. Aside that, I don’t think it is good and I’m not in support of it. Even at that, it is against the Bible but that was his wish and supposed to be upheld. If the Lagos State Government wants to introduce that system as a way of burial, that means they want to introduce foreign culture into the land. Government should intensify campaign and enlightement programme to members of the public of the dangers of abandoning corpes in hospital after one week period. I think that will be better than burning the remains of the deceased.

It is not a good idea —Obafemi Tosin I think it is not a good idea. Let us consider our culture in this part of the world, it is strictly against our culture to burn corpses. So, it is not good. They should not even think of legalizing the bill. I would suggest that government should be organizing mass burial for corpses if the owners fail to claim them instead of burning the bodies. This is not India where they cremate corpses and we cannot bring Indian culture here. We are different people. Another alternative should be sought for instead of burning the bodies.

Ogunbayo

Tosin

I am strongly against it —ChidiebereEze

It is alien to our culture—Ade Ogunbayo Enwerem

I am strongly against that. I believe that as far as living things deserves respect, dead bodies also deserve to be treated with respect. So the government should stop the bill for it will not be of any good to the country. It is not in our culture and is also against our tradition to burn dead bodies. Even if there is no other space to bury them, at least, they should be given a mass burial maybe by the Local or State government and not burning them. They should be treated with respect. Government should reconsider their decision, it is against nature itself we should not emulate the Indians in that aspect. I suggest a mass burial for them because, it shows more respect.

Ezenwata

If the owners of the dead body fail to come and claim their loved ones, I will advise the government to go for a mass burial instead of burning the dead bodies

They should go for a mass burial—-Emmanuel Ezenwata If the families of the deceaced fail to claim their the bodies, government should go for a mass burial instead of burning the dead bodies. It is not in our own tradition to burn dead bodies and as a Christian, I don’t think there is a place in the

holy Bible where it supports cremation. So, I don’t like it and I do not support that.

They should do something else and not cremation—Prince Okere

There are several laws to make for the good of the people aside cremating dead bod-

ies. The government should find other good things that will be of good to the state not talking about cremation. It is not the right thing at this time when there are cases of insecurity everywhere. They should know that it is a living body that will one day turn to a dead body. I am not saying that they are the same thing

but I believe that in as much as the body is dead, it still demand some respect and it should be accorded to it. They should please for the sake of God and humanity, forget about that bill. Let them legislate on how to mend our roads to prevent accidents.

I am not in support of it—Ejike enwerem

As far as I’m concerned, cremation is foreign to the culture of our people. It means we are borrowing another people’s culture into our own. That will not lead us to any where better. I pray that they do not introduce it. Because if this bill is passed into law, it will get to a situation where the two major religious bodies will start reacting in different ways. So as a Yoruba man, from the South-western part of the country though will have differences in tradition and culture. Even as a Christian, it is wrong to do that. As it is said in our culture, that the dead should be honored. So we should give them that honour to rest in peace by giving them a befitting burial.

SA TURD A Y Vanguard SATURD TURDA anguard,,

By Opeoluwani Ogunjimi

he much anticipated 2012 Edo gubernatori al election has come and gone, and the choice of the Edo people, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has been given another chance to lead the people of the State. Although other political parties like PDP, bragged to kick ACN out of Edo Government House, however, after all said and done, Edoites proved that Oshiomole is really a man of the people. Oshiomole won hands down, defeating MajorGen. Charles Airhiavbere (retd) candidate of PDP in all the 18 local government areas of the state. He polled 477,478 votes or 73 per cent of the 647,698 votes cast. His closest rival, General Airhiavbere polled 144, 235 votes. INEC had declared 630,099 votes valid and invalidated 17,599 votes. Other contestants polled a total of 8,386 votes. A total of 1,651,099 voters registered for the election. Of course, Edo being what it was in terms of its people not being the ‘too patient’ types, everyone had expected that no matter the number of uniformed and armed men deployed, the probability of outbreaks of violence during the election could not be overruled. So, the whole nation stood still and expectant, thinking it would be violence here and there. But perhaps, many were disappointed to hear that the whole election process was peaceful- there were no thuggery, hooliganism and violence, no killings, no fighting, no bombing or bomb scare, all went well. However, after Oshiomhole’s outstanding victory, the state and the country at large, is left to mourn the losses, especially those lives lost during the course of the election. It appears everyone’s focus is more on the victory than those so-called martyrs and finding a lasting solution to a recurrence. Maybe the general reasoning would be that nothing is special and new about those lost lives, after all in recent times, the nation has recorded more deaths. Victory should not overshadow the feelings of the families of those policemen and INEC officer who died during the course of that duty. They were said to have drowned in a boat mishap which happened in the riverine community of Ologbo, in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state. It is indeed another national tragedy which has hit the nation after many occurrences of death tolls in recent times. According to reports, bodies of two out of three of those

Post-Edo Election:

The losses Voters on queue at Garrick School, Benin to cast their votes

policemen, identified as Inspector Aghedo and Constable Odudukudu Greg, were finally recovered. Until their death, both officers were attached to Ologbo Division. While Aghedo is survived by four children: two boys and two girls, Greg left behind a four year old daughter and a wife. But what about the bodies of the third policeman and the INEC officer and of course, that of the canoe driver?

any wonder why the government has not sat to ponder about what caused the canoe accident? Could it be as a result of the weight of the people including that of election materials being conveyed by the boat? Or could it be that there was a strong wind which blew against the said boat? And like a typical traditionalist would

reason, could it be as a result of some juju meant to disrupt the peaceful flow of the election process? These and many more questions linger in the hearts of Nigerians. And like medicine after death, the Edo State government promised to take care of families of the deceased. Also, in the boat mishap, some election materials were also reported to have drowned alongside the officials. But until now, accurate estimation of those materials have not been made known to the public and also how those lost materials which would have included the voters' register, ballot papers and other materials, were replaced to cater for the election. Some hiccups which led to the election starting behind schedule at some polling centers were also witnessed. Time

was lost. Although voters turnout was very impressive, with lengthy queues stretching for hundreds of meters, some still angrily went home without eventually casting their votes. At some voting centers, some voters were said to have waited for hours. Perhaps unable to stand the stress, some went home frustrated, while others endured until their votes were eventually cast. For this reason, Governor Oshiomole quickly raised what some called a false alarm. He questioned the reason why the election started behind schedule at some polling centers. Along the line, the governor also discovered that unnamed political party had printed its own ballot papers, prepared to use them for election rigging. With the occurrence of these, Oshiomhole was prompted to say that he would have won the election with a wide margin even though he still won. This means he also mourned the loss of voters who would have voted for him and increase his winning margin. After the voting on Saturday and the winner was declared, worshipers were said to have deserted churches because of the celebration which rented the air. Thousands of Oshiomhole’s faithfuls flooded the streets in jubilation of his victory. Many were overwhelmed by Oshimhole’s win-all that they preferred to join in the celebration than be in church. It must have been a very low Sunday for clerics in Benin.

JUL Y 21, 2012—43 JULY

Clerics would have probably counted their loses in terms of tithes and numerous offerings which would have ran into thousands and millions. And of course, the sermon of the day would, may be, have been a waste as there were no worshipers to eat the food of the spirit. Even church faithfuls who didn’t catch wind of the enormous celebration in time and had gone to church, were said to have left to join the jubilation when they noticed the church was almost empty. Voters at some polling centers also raised alarm over sudden disappearance of their names on the voting lists. This was the case at Garrick Memorial Nursery and Primary School on Ekewan Road, which witnessed loud protests after voters were told to go home on account of their names not being on the voter register. Many at the center complained that they voted at the same spot during the 2011 general election, only to be told their names were not on the register. The problem was eventually resolved by INEC and the party agents.

here was a similar standoff at Ward 12, Unit 17 located at the precincts of the Ministry of Transport, when voters suspected foul play as they talked of a mysterious list of over 400 voters materializing from INEC. The standoff, which lasted for almost two hours, resulted in voters shouting slogans, insisting that any voter register to be used must contain the names and pictures of those coming forward to cast their ballots. It took the intervention of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, and other top shots of INEC, before the vigilant voters agreed to use what an INEC official later described as an addendum register, which was compiled from the manual register simultaneously compiled with the electronic one. It took the intervention of party agents at the polling unit to sign an agreement to use the controversial “addendum register." According to the Nigerian Civil Society Election Situation Room, it was observed that security agents were absent in a number of polling units, and election officials were not deployed in sufficient numbers in some polling units. This prompted party agents to step in and assist the election officials in the accreditation of voters at PU 010 EBEN/NB III, Oguola primary school II, Benin City. Lastly, the Situation Room also noted that there was an unlawful arrest and intimidation of two accredited election observers by military officers in Eghor Local Government Area.

44—SA TURD AY Vanguard 44—SATURD TURDA anguard,,

JUL Y 21, 2012 JULY

Edo guber polls :

Why the PDP lost in Edo central senatorial zone By Gabriel Enogholase

EFORE the July 14, 2012 governorship election in Edo state, Edo Central Senatorial District, the home of the Esan speaking people of the state was unarguably regarded as the political stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In all previous elections since the advent of democracy in 1999, the party has remained dominant in all elections conducted in the Senatorial zone. In the April 2011 general election, the PDP won the two House of Representatives seats, the Senatorial seat and five of the six State House of Assembly seats allocated to the area. However, like a pack of cards, the PDP crumbled in the last governorship election as it was humbled by the Action Congress of Nigeria (A C N) who won in all the five local government areas that make the district. With the results of the governorship election, political pundits were of the opinion that the politics, landscape, philosophy, ideologies including alignments and realignments of Edo Central Senatorial districts have by no means been redefined. Edo Central has no doubt paraded some of the political juggernauts in the politics of the country; people who have helped to shape the political direction of the country at any given period of its history. From the PDP are Chief Anthony Anenih, former Board of Trustees (BoT); Architect Mike Onolemenmen, Minister of Works; Chief Francis Ulinfun, Secretary to Immigration, Prisons and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Chief Vincent Ogu; Senator Odion Ugbesia;Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi; Prof. Oseriemen Osunbor and Chief Ewie Aimienwanuu. And from the Action Congress of Nigeria (A C N) are Chief Tom Ikimi, former Foreign Affairs Minister under the late General Sani Abacha and former National Chairman of the National Republican Party (NRC); late elder statesmen, Anthony Enahoro; late Admiral

zone, chief among is the performance of Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole in the zone. According to a practicing journalist in Edo state who does not want his name in print, “Oshiomhole’s performance in terms of massive rehabilitation of roads and schools in Esan land during his first tenure in office is an eye opener to the people. For the very first time, they saw caterpillars working and live being breathed into dilapidated schools. Esan land which is on a top of a plateau now has water. The last time Edo state had pipe-borne water was during the regime of Dr.Samuel Ogbemudia, then a military governor of the former Mid-West ” Saturday Vanguard investigation also revealed that most of the projects embarked upon by the Oshiomholeled administration were located in remote parts of Esan land outside the traditional local government headquarters of Ubiaja, Uromi, Ekpoma, Irrua and Igueben when compared with the ten years of the PDP led administration in the state.

Augustus Aikhomu and Prof. Ambrose Alli of blessed memory. It also boasts of successful national and international business men, academicians, industrialists and a host of others.

ut a cursory analysis of the results of the just concluded governorship election indicated that inspite of the heavy weights paraded by the PDP in the Senatorial zone; when viewed against their previous performances during elections indicated that impact was not felt during the election. Majority of the leaders of the party lost their polling booths, wards and even their various local government areas to the underdogs in the ACN. According to the results for Edo Central Senatorial zone released by INEC, in Esan Central local government, the

A C N scored 11,792 as against 9,281 by the PDP. In Esan North—East local government where Chief Anenih and the Minister of Works, Arc Onolemenmen come from, A C N scored 13,086 while the PDP had 12,478 just as A C N scored 14,904 in Esan South-East as against 9,643 scored by the PDP. The A C N also outscored the PDP in Esan West with 13,499 to 13,282 and in Igueben local government where Chief Tom Ikimi hails from, the A C N won with 9,751 as against 6,758 recorded by the PDP. Saturday Vanguard would recall that prior to the governorship election, there was so much apprehension and anxiety as expressed by key stakeholders involved that the senatorial district would be a battle ground and that although it has just 16 percent of the voting

electorate, it would be a key factor as to who would win the governorship polls. The excitement no doubt was occasioned by previous experience of the two main contending political parties in the state, the PDP and ACN, and ofcourse the personality clash of the incumbent state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Chief Tony Anenih and Chief Tom Ikimi of the Action Congress of Nigeria who in previous elections bowed to Chief Anenih. The former chairman of the ruling party ’s Board of Trustees (BoT) though won his Ward in Esan North East Local Government Area, hitherto considered a PDP bastion, he however lost the local government to the A C N. However, several reasons have been adduced for the electoral misfortune of the PDP in Edo Central Senatorial

PDP source also blamed the overconfidence that the presidency would intervene in the Edo election, hoping that the PDP would over-run the state and win the governorship election convincingly. Again, the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the concept of one man, one vote, and the deployment of security men, were other factors that may have influenced the outcome of the election in the senatorial zone. According to the source, Anenih has, by the humiliating result of Saturday ’s election,may have lost his leadership position of the PDP in Edo state. “I think we have seen the last of Anenih, he has been defeated yet again in his ward. What this means is that he has lost his leadership position with the PDP in Edo and even at the national level.” He lamented PDP’s heavy reliance on Anenih to wrestle the state from the grip of ACN, which eventually backfired, adding that although Anenih played front-line roles in reconciliations at the party’s national stage, Saturday’s

unexpectedly resounding loss marked the end of his Edo PDP reign. That Comrade Oshiomhole won overwhelmingly in Edo Central local Government, once considered as the PDP strong hold is an indication that the grip of former BoT chairman of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih on the Senatorial district is over.

SA TURD AY Vanguard SATURD TURDA anguard,,

JUL Y 21, 2012—45 JULY

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Functions of trees

The importance of trees cannot be over emphasized. Trees are on biological record as the largest and longest living organisms on earth. We need trees for sustenance. They act as nutrient and chemical factory. They absorb water and salt minerals from the soil; transport them to the leaves where they combine with carbon dioxide from the air and, by means of photosynthesis, produce the nutrients which feed the tree. The vegetal matter is in turn eaten by man and animals. By the same process, trees produce chemicals, seeds and fruits that are of great utility to man. Over and above that, trees absorb carbon, which is the main green house gas (GHG) from the air. They thus serve as carbon sink. Without the critical role played by trees, the earth surface temperature would be higher than normal. Trees also protect the soil and promote microbial activity within the forest complex, thereby enriching the soil with mineral nutrients. Therefore, Fashola administration has, since its inception over five years ago, been involved in aggressive tree planting campaign in different parts of Lagos metropolis. Apart from the usefulness, the action has

Climate change: How Fashola stopped federal agents from felling trees in Lagos zAs Lagos surpasses 3m targeted tree planting in five years added aesthetics to parts of the city. But more action is needed in that direction. Flagging off the Year 2012 state-wide Tree Planting campaign day, with the theme; “Plant a Tree for a better Climate” in Lagos, at the weekend, Governor Babatunde Fashola, disclosed how his administration stopped Federal Government agents from cutting down hundreds of trees at Igbogbo area of Ikorodu area, in order to pave the way

t is unlawful and punishable under Lagos state laws for anybody to cut down any tree without permission from the state Ministry of Environment. The warning by the state government to sanction individuals who cut trees indiscriminately is meant to stem the negative impacts imminent from persistent abuse of the environment. In particular, it is aimed to stem growing concern on climate change, and destructive human action on the environment. And when the advocacy for tree planting and greening started, many who did not understand the great challenges that nature had in store for this part of the world, questioned the value of spending money on tree planting and preservation. The law also tasked everyone that it is not enough to plant a tree, but to preserve existing ones and protect them from those who might wish to cut them down for any reason. Trees play a critical role in maintaining environmental equilibrium and human comfort. They constitute an essential component of the physical environment, such that their unbridled exploitation has far reaching negative consequences on both the environment and man. A healthy environment makes for a healthy living.

Ministry of Environment. Also, Chairman of the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan also led council staff to launch tree-planting campaign, tagged: “Me and my tree” by planting hundreds of threes across the council area..

hough, Fashola’s government had in the last five years of tree regeneration and reforestation

Trees are on biological record as the largest and longest living organisms on earth. We need trees for sustenance

for the installation of National Integrated Power Project, NIPP, infrastructure. At Ojota, Olusosun Landfill site, one of the sites where trees were planted, the management of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, led by its Managing Director, Mr. Ola Oresanya, led other staff of the agency to plant over 50 trees of different species around the area. Governor Fashola, explained that in Lagos, it is unlawful and punishable under state laws for anybody to cut down any tree without permission from the

planted over three million trees across the state, the governor, urged everyone to go out and plant a tree, stressing that cutting of trees threatens not only the economy and health, but also the planet. “All patriotic Lagosians should support the government’s move, in the interest of public health and order.” On that strength, the governor explained to the gathering that recently attempt by PHCN authorities in Lagos to cut down about hundreds of different kinds of

trees at Igbogbo in Ikorodu was averted when it was learnt that they were going to cut down the trees in order to allow for infrastructure to be installed in its ongoing implementation of NIPP. “When we got wind of this, I directed the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Tunji Bello to stop the move which we were able to achieve through their cooperation. It was later agreed that the trees should be pruned back and not cut down." Respectively, Fashola’s renewed campaign on timely reforestation, stressed that the essence of planting trees in the environment can no-longer be over-emphasized, hence, the urgent need by residents to complement government’s drive in its determination to green the environment thereby making it a better, safer place to live in. He said: “You can see extreme rainfall in the last 48 hours and not more than 50,000 people have been displaced in Japan. You can see the rain in Mississippi and in Newcastle, and there is still more to come. “ We can see now that the solutions we put in place last year has reduced the flood we experienced last year in some areas including Agege, Lekki and Arigbanla and Idi Araba. There is no flood there again despite the heavy rains. It means that the solutions we are implementing are working.

“We have not gotten to some areas, but we would get there. I understand that there is a problem in Alpha Beach but we would get there, let me say however that before we come, there is a lot that you can do to help yourself. Plant a tree today, nurture a tree, protect a tree, do not allow any citizen to cut trees”

Tractor to transplant trees

ashola, added that the state government has procured modern tractors to transplant tree,” it could move one tree from one location to the other without killing the tree.” The governor spoke at the event graced by Environment Ambassadors like Dr. Wilson Badejo , Nollywood star Mr. Jide Kosoko and Mrs. Faderera Williams. A landscape architect said, "whether it is a citizen or a visitor, we have made it unlawful to cut down a tree without obtaining a permit." Fashola reminded the residents that the trees would be the people's first line of defense against flood, erosion and heavy wind that could wreak havoc in the environment. The state Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, in his address said, tree would help reduce the effects of greenhouse by shading houses and office buildings, while creating vital habitat and promoting diversity. He added that this year, the types of trees to be planted are Ashoka(Police type), Ashoka (Hands up), Ficus (yellow) and Melaina adding that the trees have been chosen for site specifications.

46 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012

Armed men storm ex-Attorney General’s house in Makurdi

•The box of AK47 live ammunition recovered by the Benue Police

•Some of the recovered items

minimal force. By PETER DURU, Makurdi

ORMER Attorney Gener al of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mike Kaase Aondoakaa must count himself lucky for escaping a physical attack when, few days ago, armed men invaded his Makurdi residence carting away valuables while he was away on a business trip. Members of his family were, however, not spared the torture of the armed men who took away his Mercedes Benz CLK Class with registration number Abuja BP 525 KUJ, laptops, cellphones and other possessions. The gang was said to have also stormed various homes at the Judges quarters and Terwase Agbado area of Makurdi town where they robbed several of their victims of their valuables. Narrating the incident yesterday, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Daniel Ezeala told Crime Alert that the gang of four who were students of the Benue State University and Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko stormed homes of their victims at about 3am robbing them of their belongings at gun point. He said the gang ran out of luck when the son of the former AGF alerted the Police patrol team attached to the ‘E’ Division of the Command in-

forming them also that the bandits were heading towards Gboko road with their loot. “Without delay, the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, Frank Eleigwu mobilized his men on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Christopher Katso and gave the armed men a hot chase towards Abinsi town. The gang on sighting the Police, opened fire and engaged our men in a shoot out; they were however overpowered. One of them was gunned down while another was arrested,” DSP Ezeala said.

e said one of the arrested robbers who confessed to be a student of Sociology at the Benue State University, Makurdi gave his name as Jacob Akume-Atongo while he also confessed that the dead robber was William Ternenge-Tor alias Taliban, a student of Fidei Polytechnic Gboko. DSP Ezeala said the arrested robber also mentioned the names of other members of the gang who are currently on the run. According to him, those on the run include, one Aver, alias Fresh and Shagari both of whom have gone into hiding but were being trailed by the Police. He listed items recovered from the bandits to include; one locally made Baretta pistol with four rounds of live ammunition, six different

•Aondoakaa’s recovered car types of laptops, 16 cellphones, ATM cards, perfumes, bags and the Mercedes Benz CLK Class belonging to the former AGF. Recounting his experience, one of the victims of the attack, Mr. Ajiga Isaac, told Crime Alert that the gang stormed his house at gunpoint along Gyado Villa area of Makurdi town, at about 3am robbing him of his belongings and laptop. “After robbing us, they moved to Judges’ Quarters to rob others, but thank God for the Police who acted very fast by ensuring their prompt arrest”, he said. This feat of the Command is also coming on the heels of another arrest and recovery of a box full of AK47 live ammu-

nition from four suspects who were hauling the arms to crisis-torn Eggon and Alaago communities of Nasarawa State. Speaking on the recovered cache of arms, the Police spokesman said the four suspects and the arms were apprehended on the MakurdiLafia road by men of the joint operation task force christened “Operation Zenda”. According to him, the suspects who were riding in a Peugeot wagon with registration number Lagos, BE 222 KRD were flagged down for routine check by the security operatives but declined. “Our men chased after them, they opted to run into the bush, our men caught up with them and arrested them with

hen a thorough search was conducted on the car and the suspects, the box of live ammunition, charms, knives, N96,500 cash, and three hand sets were recovered from them”, the PPRO said. He added that the Police in the state was digging dip into the source of the ammunition, but declined further comments on the issue pending full investigations into the matter. The PPRO further assured that the renewed onslaught against all forms of criminality in the state has been galvanized by the new Commissioner of Police in the state with the “Operation Track Them Down” of the Command adding that “the onslaught is total because we are determined to track down all those who are bent on disturbing the peace of our dear state”.

•Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Christopher Katso

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 21, 2012—47

•Chevrolet's fastest selling model, the Cruze.

HEVROLET, a member of the General Motors Group, has continued with its recordsetting sales, selling almost 1.3 million vehicles worldlwide in the second quarter of the year, a 2.3 increase over last year’s record setting second quarter. This marks the best quarter ever for the revered American auto brand, and the seventh consecutive quarter of the record-breaking sales. Chris Perry, Chevrolet Vice President, Global Marketing, said “Seven consecutive quarters of record sales is solid proof that Chevrolet is delivering the high quality products, with easy-touse technologies and expressive designs that people around the world are demanding,” adding that. “With even more great new products on the way, we look forward to a strong second half of 2012.” According to the company, the Cruze continues to be the best-selling Chevrolet nameplate around the world with more than 350,000 sold so far this year and more than 1.65 million sold since the car was launched. Sales of the recently launched 2012 Aveo/Sonic small car and 2013 Malibu mid-size sedan are rising as more vehicles become available in dealer showrooms around the world. It should be recalled

Chevrolet records best quarter ever, sells 1.3m vehicles in 4 months that Chevrolet posted significant sales increases over the second quarter of last year in four of its top five markets including the United States, China, Brazil, Russia and Mexico In the United States where it sold 513,538 vehicles in the quarter, an increase of 5.2 percent. Passenger and performance car sales remain strong in China, it sold 141,758 units in the quarter, an increase of 2.3 percent while in Brazil, its

sales went down by 4.2 percent for the quarter but outperformed the sluggish Brazilian industry which is down 4.8 percent. The brand has however seen some improvement in the region this year with sales up 7.5 percent in June. Chevrolet remains competitive, though sales were down 4.2 percent for the second quarter to 153,759 units. Russia is now Chevrolet’s fourthlargest market thanks a

13.4 percent increase in second-quarter sales to 57,286 vehicles. The brand will introduce several new models in the region in the coming months. In Mexico, Chevrolet sold 41,435 vehicles in the quarter, an increase of 11.7 percent. Chevrolet Europe sold 61,865 vehicles for the second quarter in Western and Central Europe, a 13.6 percent increase in an industry that continues to

struggle and is down 6.9 percent. The brand achieved its best-ever volume in Western and Central Europe in the first half of 2012 with more than 117,500 vehicles sold – led by Aveo sales of more than 34,000, a 10.9 percent increase over same period last year. Chevrolet is in the midst of launching the Spark mini-car and Malibu in the United States; the Trailblazer mid-size SUV and

Colorado mid-size truck in Thailand and other markets; the Spin multipurpose vehicle in Brazil and the Cruze station wagon in Europe. The brand will also begin launching the all-new Trax small sportutility vehicle around the world in the fourth quarter. Chevrolet, traditionally an American brand, today records more than 60 percent of its sales outside the U.S. Market.

Toyota'll set up plant in Nigeria — TNL T

OYOTA Nigeria Limited, TNL, has denied recent media report that the parent company, Toyota Corporation Japan will not build plants in Nigeria. The Company’s image maker, Mrs. Bukola Ogunnusi, in a statement, on Tuesday, said the information was misleading as Toyota Nigeria Limited plans to set up an assembly plant in Nigeria and was studying the possibilities with Toyota Japan. She said: “This is to clarify that the content of the said report is

misleading. Toyota (Nigeria) Limited has aspirations of setting up a Toyota assembly plant in Nigeria and was studying the possibility for same in conjunction with Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan. No decision had been arrived at as studies are still on going.” Toyota has remained the fastest selling brand in Nigeria in the last ten years with class-leading models like the Corolla, Avensis, Camry, in the sedans segment while its Sports Utility Vehicles like the RAV4, Prado, Land Cruise estate have

continued to dominate the market. In the commercial vehicle segment, Toyota’s models like the

Hilux Pickup, Haice, Coaster, Avenza have remained the vehicles to beat, and the most sought after vehicles in

•Camry, Toyota flagship sedan in Nigeria

their different categories. This is evident in the numerous awards garnered by Toyota Nigeria Limited.

48—SA TURD AY Vanguard 48—SATURD TURDA anguard,,

JUL Y 21, 2012 JULY

Anambra: the worth of El-Rufai’s statistics By OKECHUKWU ANARADO

oth in number, volume and content, the underlying lesson in Ndigbo’s saying: ‘Onye akpatuna agu aka n’odu, ma o di ndu ma o nwuru anwu’ (never touch the tail of a lion, be it alive or dead) echoes with every turn in the effort to re-invent Mallam el-Rufai by divesting him of the junk statistics which he eagerly but so piteously posited on the health of the economy of Anambra. Leading the educators on the rudiments of practical economics was Uche Ezechukwu who spared nothing to rub in El-Rufai’s motive and failures in the said piece. In his Capital Matters column in the Daily Sun of Monday

June, 11, 2012, and Monday June, 18, 2012, Uche, in “el’Rufai’s misplaced gaffe’ (1) & (2) respectively while knocking out the assumptions in ElRufai’s paper, made a resounding expose on the Mallam’s hate for Ndigbo which was evident in his acts of subversion of their legitimate sources of livelihood in Abuja while he (El-Rufai) reigned as the demolishing Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Uche’s position on this subject can hardly be controverted. His piece turned ElRufai’s claims to a huge subterfuge, and, as Okey Ikechukwu would dismiss the same piece: an ‘Impressive Misrepresentation’ of the sociopolitical realities of Anambra State economy. Nothing can be further from the truth in El-Rufai’s postulation that

t is customary to recognize the freedom of expression as sacrosanct, particularly in professed democracies. However, in the reactions of the people of Anambra State to Mallam Nasir elRufai’s recent delineation of their State as poor and encumbered by planless governance, greater expression has been laid on the expediency of self-preservation in the face of malicious acts capable of diminishing the dignity and values of a people. The Mallam’s attempt to use Anambra as a fodder for a noxious academic exercise on the economy of states, continues to extract reactions from Ndi-Anambra. And it seems as if these spirited reactions aimed at straightening El-Rufai’s objectionable statistics would not cease. They continue to appear in the colourations of disinterested, albeit informed, discourses among the elite; and the impassioned expressions of anger among the greater population of Anambra citizens. Having seen through the overt presumptions and the inverted conclusions in ‘Anambra’s Budget of Misplaced Priorities’ published in ThisDay Newspapers of Friday, June 8, 2012, Ndi-Anambra appear to have dedicated themselves to corrective education on the true socio-cultural and economic milieu that exemplify the state, particularly in the context of Governor Obi’s thrust in positioning the state for sustainable growth.

was gross insecurity and chaos. These ensured that no significant private investor considered the state for their businesses, and not even a single donor agency (foreign or local) desired to do business with the state government. Not when the Governor who had shaky hold on power even suffered bizarre abduction in the hands of his henchmen. Anambra citizens remember the wanton burning and destruction of government properties under the unconcerned gaze of state security agencies. All these oddities El-Rufai celebrates as ‘stellar’ while demonizing the wholesome stability in the polity which Obi’s administration has entrenched in the state. But El-Rufai’s is merely a ‘Mission to Kala’ as it brings its patron to ridicule.

Not a few of his readers hold these positions as fallacious and therefore condemnable

‘The incident of poverty in the state is very high—actually disappointing,’ and his further claim that Governor Obi’s achievements in government pale to insignificance in comparison with Dr. Chris Ngige’s ‘stellar performance’ in government. Not a few of his readers hold these positions as fallacious and therefore condemnable. But in the deliberateness of the foregoing, Mallam Nasir unwittingly summarized his mission of propagating nonsensical lies about a State just to denigrate the leadership of it and more its citizens; and in doing so, he needed a rabble-rouser as a willing beneficiary from the people’s ruin; and so Ngige’s choice fitted the design. In reality Ngige cannot be denied recognition for few impressive road projects he accomplished while he lasted, but other than that the most significant feature in Ngige’s Anambra

It is however good to observe the presence of a handful of lethargic apologists of Mallam El-Rufai, whose (the apologists’) manifest shallowness in the discourse leaves them as vulnerable as their principal. Indeed, while El-Rufai could be pardoned should he simply plead sabotage from his information sources (human or material), this select few of NdiAnambra who share and exhibit Chudi Offodile’s lopsided and callous condemnation of their State (merely using El-Rufai as a ploy) would need to be subjected to some rites of purgation, even if they plead the sanctity of Ikemba’s cause, before regaining freedom to participate in ‘Ime Obu’ activities of Anambra State. Their hurried identification with the Mallam’s contortionist’s economics is suggestive of in-house saboteurs undermining the cause of good governance which Governor Peter

Obi of Anambra State represents. The people of Anambra hold this group’s demeanor anathema most deserving of resistance else the lies stick and the society pains.

ust the other day, at the turbanning of the Central Bank Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as Dan Majen of Kano, El-Rufai confirmed his littleness in loudly professing his co-Mallam as infallible in decisions affecting all of us. For all Nasiru cares, let Sanusi, the Central Bank Governor, empty our treasury in assisting victims of Boko Haram attack in Kano, even if he withholds mere expression of sympathy to victims of the same infliction elsewhere; but Peter, the Governor of Anambra State, should not simultaneously attend to all the sectors of the State economy (registering unprecedented geographical spread of projects) without suffering vituperative assaults from fake monitors. How can such acts of indiscretion miss the note of discerning minds? For the wise, ElRufai’s consistency is worthy of note.

n ‘The Roundtable with Tiko Emmanuel Okoye’ in the Daily Independent of Wednesday, June 13, 2012, the writer aptly declared his position by quoting the Russian acclaimed novelist, Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, thus: ‘There is no idea, no fact, which could not be vulgarized and presented in a ludicrous light’. Nasiru’s work in question attests to this. Indeed, the worth of El-Rufai’s ’Anambra’s budget of misplaced priorities,’ in positive terms, is the sum of the reactions of the concerned lot who have risen to dislocate Mallam el-Rufai’s misinformation about Anambra and its people. A state whose prime position as a cynosure of good governance amongst the states of Nigeria, and a people so

Okechukwu from Awka.

Anarado

writes

When NANS honoured Mimiko, others @ award nite By

DELE AWOGBEMI

he National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has made history with the award ceremony it staged penultimate week. The unprecedented step in the history of the body saw the students honouring notable Nigerians for their immense contributions to national development. The award, in the submission of the honourable minister of information, Mr Labaran Maku, represents the conscience of the people. Held on Thursday, July 12,2012, at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel Abuja, Ondo State Governor , Dr Olusegun Mimiko was also presented with the Governor of the year award with the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communication Satellite, Mr Timansaniya Ahmed-Rufai and the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Prof. Hilary Odoedega getting different awards for

their contributions to the development of education in the country respectuively. Other award recipients included the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Mr Muttaqha Rabe Darma, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Dr Mufutau Olatinwo and the Provost of the Federal College of Education Okene, Dr Iyela Ajayi. The ceremony was graced by eminent Nigerians including a former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, former Deputy Governor of Plateau State , Mrs Paulen Tallen and a former President of NANS, Chief Segun Okeowo. The arrival of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State , who received the Governor of the Year of NANS at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel Abuja, venue of the ceremony, in the company of the honourable minister of education, Prof. Ruqayat Ahmed Rufai added glamour to the event as

the shout of “Iroko”, the appellation of the Governor enveloped the entire arena. This encomium gave the compere who could no longer control the excited crowd a herculean task with the student leaders who could not but continue to extol the virtue the Governor with their intermittent shout of Iroko. The NANS award to Governor Mimiko did not come as a surprise though. For record purpose. Dr Olusegun Mimiko, a medical doctor turned successful politician is a democrat par excellence. Within three and a half years of his assumption of office as the chief executive of the Sunshine State , various awards from within and outside the country have been rolling in. Dr Mimiko is a recipient of the best Governor award in Nigeria for the year 2011 from both the Nigerian Tribune Title and the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ). His Abiye safe motherhood programme has been

adjudged as the template for the continent of Africa by the World Bank. Also, the advisory board of the Public Policy Research and Analysis, early in the year honoured Dr Mimiko and his counterparts from Anambra and Katsina States , Mr Peter Obi and Alhaji Ibrahim Shema respectively with the Zik awards for good governance in Nigeria at an elaborate ceremony in Lagos . The national president of NANS, Comrade Dauda Muhammed noted that the Students union’s ceremony was first of its kind in the annals of the association since it came into being in 1956. According to him, “The award therefore is designed to honour outstanding performance, exemplary leadership, purposeful and peopleoriented policies and programmes at the grassroots, state and federal levels.

Awogbemi wrote from Ondo

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 21, 2012 — 49

Export potentials in grasscutter farming — Expert

igerian animal farm expert and Manag ing Consultant/CEO, Jovana Farms, Prince Arinze Onebunne, has said that Nigerian non-oil exports are still significantly below potential. The gradual decline over the last 49 years is saddening when we look at past data for example in 1961. We supplied 43 per cent of the global shelled groundnuts; today it is almost zero percent. US, Asia and Argentina now have universal dominance of the groundnut market. Also, in 1961, we exported 19 per cent of the world’s cocoa but have been rapidly overtaken by Ivory Coast and Palm oil and shea-butter is another great example, Nigeria produces one of the purest forms in the world, and yet we are an ir-

relevant, almost non-existent, exporter in the global market. This is sad given the fact that any nation that imports virtually everything will not survive in the long run”. According to him, the business of producing, processing, exporting, transporting, financing and servicing grasscutter products should give employment to many people. Rearing of grasscutter for local consumption will decrease importation of frozen meat, chicken, fish and turkey into the country and producing grasscutter for export will greatly enhance the economic potential. It will firm up the Naira, improve the GDP, reduce both inflation and create more jobs for Nigerians. In addition to these facts, he said, grasscutter is free from cultural

and religious taboos. This makes it to be a universal favourite, breaking all barriers, religion, creed, culture, ethnicity, age grouping, colour etc. Onebunne said further that, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in a recent study observed that over 950 million people are starving everyday and this situation affords the investor the opportunity of raising grasscutter for international trade. “The demand for grasscutter meat is very high within the international market like Italy, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, the USA, especially where you have large concentration of Africans, black people. Many people now prefer grasscutter meat because it is white meat instead of beef that

KSM Lekki empowers youths for greater achievement I

n order to empower its youths spiritually, physically and to return morals among Catholic Church youths, the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba, Lekki Sub - Ordinate Council of Catholic church has concluded its First Lekki Deanery Bible and Catholic doctrine quiz competition with participants being revived unto God. The quiz competition which made it possible for the participants to drew closer to their Bible and church catechism attracted cash prizes. Speaking on the success and purpose of the competition, Grand Knight, Lekki Sub Council, Obafemi Giwa-Amu said: From the beginning, we put two legs out, one is choir competition, the other one is quiz competition for all the youths in Lekki Deanery. The essence is to build leaders of tomorrow and encourage them develop a deeper understanding of our religion, the Catholic Bible of the Bible and the Catholic doctrine. So we decided to conduct a quiz competition among the youths of the 12 parishes. We had the first contest and the second contest before we narrowed it to parishes that contested, and one parish has won it. "Another reason is that we are going to spread the word of God, knowledge of our religion. Again the entire essence is to get closer to God through studying the Bible and by so doing we love God better and return to Him.

According to the chairman of the competition, J.B. Omotoso KSM, the whole essence of this exercise is to encourage our youths to be well groomed in the doctrine of the church and equally be good at referencing the Holy Bible. However, the competition which attracted the presence of the first executive governor of Ekiti state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, erstwhile broadcaster, Mr Soni Irabor and the Lekki Deanery of the Catholic churches, Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Anthony Fadairo, Rev.Fr. Francis Anyanwu, Most Rev. Monsignor F. Ogunmodede rewarded participants in cash and kind. Caps and other thingsthat will be subsequently needed in the service. First winners won N20,000 each; second N15,000; third N10,000 and N5,000 for consolation. Even at the preliminary level they were given N2,000 for transport fare. And a cup was presented to winners of the competition. It’s going to be a yearly event that would keep encouraging the youths so that those who didn’t participate this year will begin to see the need to participate in the future. In addition, Arc Johnny O. Ngonadi, one of the organisers of the competition said, as an order of the Knight of St. Mulumba, our main objective as we were used to be called soldiers of Christ, but this time around it is no more soldiers of Christ in terms of war. Rather, soldiers of Christ in terms of spreading the gospel. We found out gen-

erally in recent time that Catholic Church members are not initially versed in Bible indoctrination to our youths, in order words forcing you to cram the Bible. Catholic Church initially by principle believe that you assimilate the Bible as you go on because the Bible we know very well is not civilly comprehensive and interpreted. Any line in the Bible you can interpret in four to five different meanings. In order not to allow the youths acquire force spiritual knowledge, we begin to intervene gradually. Recently, we found out thatthe Catholic Church is losing members to Pentecostal churches for the simple reason that they want to know the Bible, that made us to say let us introduce Bible knowledge to the quiz and since there is no way the Knights can directly move about or lecture the Bible, every parish has Bible class in the Catholic Church or Catechism and Bible knowledge. What we now decided to do in order to encourage the parishes to spread this scriptural reading and christian knowledge otherwise catechism, we now introduce competition among the parishes starting with Lekki Deanary and now introduce prizes so that people would see the need. This is the first one. I believe by next year it will be intensively contested. These youths I know when the results were published, they were given some prizes to make them more interested.

is red. The reason is that the later is not good for health”. He said that the thought that Nigeria cannot export grasscutters had been debunked. Even though such ventures currently enjoyed special export licence, but now that homestead grasscutter farming is gathering momentum, it is a matter of time, production will reach a level whereby cross border markets and transnational grasscutter export from Nigeria will by precision start to happen in a large scale. To that extent he said, entrepreneurs have the ability to explore this initiative

and I am very much convinced that the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) will show real interest in such venture. Exportable grasscutters could be live, smoked, canned, salted, frozen or dried etc. In order to reduce mass unemployment ravaging the country, Jovana farms organizes nationwide sensitization training seminars on the practical ways of making it through small scale farming. Attend our nationwide seminars nearest to you to know more opportunities in grasscutter farming.

50—SATURDAY Vanguard,JULY 21, 2012

Fashola takes over Makoko •Displaced persons cry for help

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN AND EBUN SESSOU

•Trading with death

•Miana Seghai

ear, anger and despair, all lumped in one, may not aptly describe the present condition of the residents of Makoko in Lagos state as the 72hour quit notice served by the state government to the residents lapsed few days ago. This order led to the forced eviction of an estimated 250,000 people who are Ijaws, Ilajes, and Eguns from their homes of several decades built around the waterfront and power lines. When Saturday Vanguard visited the area, residents whose pitiable condition was visible intermittently shouted, cried and wailed, asking the reporters “where do we go to? “Fashola has no human face’ this is wicked and inhumane”, they said. Others were seen removing their personal effects to God-knows-where, just as others were carefully removing the roofs of their homes, woods, zinks, and other usable materials to possibly construct a home somewhere else. Speaking with Saturday Vanguard, Ewajane Osoro, Secretary, Ilaje Crayfish, Fishermen Association of Nigeria, explained that: “There are two Makoko, one is on the waterfront while the other is on the mainland. Makoko waterfront constitutes more than half of the population of the entire Makoko itself and that is where the quit notice was served. It is among the nine communities targeted by the World Bank and that is why they inaugurated Lagos state Metropolitan Developmental Project with so much money committed into it and the area is one of the beneficiaries.” Reacting to the quit order, Apostle Paul Uwuretan Omolere, leader of the Makoko Youth Movement said: “it is a bad action and it shows that this government has no human face. The first question to ask is where do they want these displaced people to go to? They have no other place to stay than to stay on the waterfront,” he stated. He said that government in the letter written to them had deceptively expressed concern but could not fix the displaced people. “They said they are very much concerned about the security and well-being of the

•Ewajane Osoro

•Apostle Paul Uwuretan Omolere

Makoko Waterfront constitutes more than half of the population of the entire Makoko itself. It is among the nine communities targeted by the World bank people living on the lagoon and that some have built houses close to the power-line and they would clear the houses that are close and beyond the power-line. So, we suddenly heared about the 72hour quit notice,” he explained. The quite notice according to him states in part that the people do not give them the benefits to make use of the waterways for developmental, economic or recreation project and that in order to meet up

with the mega-city status of Lagos, they had to get rid of houses of that nature. In 1990, when the then military government announced its intention to demolish Maroko, it gave a seven-day notice, one therefore expects that a government elected by the people should have shown more human face if it becomes expedient to carry out the demolition and at least relocate them to a better area. In his argument, Apostle Omolere

said: “They received the information with a rude shock. It is unethical to give an individual 72 hours to take all his personal effects, without alternative provision and no remedial measures for anyone who is affected. As we speak, there are so many people who are sleeping under the bridges and there are so many people who are yet to see their relatives.” He disclosed that many people have been forcefully evicted from their thatched homes and are now hanging out under bridges in various parts of the state. “You see, the people in the Lagoon area are about two hundred and fifty thousand, 250,000.00. And as I speak to you, about 12,000 people have been displaced while thousands of people wander in the streets, some sleep on the Lagoon shore as they don’t seem to know what next to do or where to go.” Another resident angrily cut in saying: “Half of the fish eaten in Lagos State were smoked here. Besides, the displaced people do not have anywhere to go and most of them might go wretched. Most of them might die as a result of the effect of the eviction and I can tell you that it might be more than 20 percent of them that would survive it. No one is comfortable with the living standard here but the truth is that these people have no money to live on the mainland.” Apostle Omolere added that

Continues on Page 51

SATURDAY Vanguard,JULY 21, 2012—51

Continues from Page 50 most of the houses built on the waterfront have been in existence since the inception of Lagos State. “It is over 103 years that the people have been living here according to history. It is true that people should not build houses against the law of the land. The houses should not exceed the stipulated line. It is dangerous. “But I can see that the people are ready to obey the law of the land. And that is why they are moving their belongings as requested by the government. We are only praying that their operation does not exceed the stipulated point which is the 100 metres.” He stated that it might be difficult for them to stay away from the Lagoon because they needed to work on the water to make a living. David Shemeden, CDA chairman Makoko House on Lagos in his own comment begged the government not to extend the demolition beyond 100 metres. “The truth is that most of the people involved have been passing through series of agony. They don’t have anywhere to go. We are all fishermen living on the Lagoon and that is why it is impossible for us to live on land. We are used to this place and

•Deadly Shelter

•Where will they go?

•See them Packing...

72-hr quit notice is wicked— Residents we are the ones providing all the fish (both frozen and fresh) consumed in Lagos State, serving the state. We are appealing to the State government not to exceed the expected 100 metres. He added that the 72-hour quit notice was the first warn-

ing received from the government and that they should show human face on the issue. He explained that the community had discussed the issue and were ready to relocate. “We have relayed the information to the people and they are ready but it is not polite to give people 72 hours to quit when there is no provision for them elsewhere,” he stated. Miana Seghai, whose house was demolished fought back tears as she spoke to our reporters. She said: “We don’t have anywhere to go. Our children cannot go to school anymore. We are only sleeping in our canoes on the Lagoon. We are human beings and that is why we are pleading with the state government. All the children have been deprived of their right to go to school now. Nobody is helping us out. We are displaced,” she lamented.

•dismantling

Mr. John Maotin, General Secretary to Egun Community, Makoko, said homeowners in the area on July 12, received their first eviction order which stated that the community would be used for social amenities. According to Maotin, the notice stated that “every owner, occupier, resident of Makoko, Iwaya, Sokoro waterfront and water bodies should quit within 72 hours.

•When life is rude

“We live and work on the water, we contribute largely to the economic development of Lagos and the nation, so we plead with the government to allow us to stay here,’’ one of them pleaded. Executive Director, Social and Economic Rights Action Centre (SERAC), Mr. Felix Morka who was in Makoko, Lagos, said the eviction notice was “ wrong and in total violation of the rule of law.” Morka said although SERAC had previously enlightened Makoko residents on the danger of building houses in unauthorised areas, giving homeowners such a short notice was unkind. He said: “We condemn the action taken by the Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, it was done without proper notice. “Giving people 72 hours to vacate their homes is difficult and shows lack of understanding.” He, however, called for total restructuring of the community with a view to generating revenue and turning the community into a tourist centre. “Half of the fish that is eaten in Lagos is produced in this community, so we can make Makoko a revenue-generating place by investing here and making it a place where tourists can always visit,’’ he said.

52— SATURDAY Vanguard, July 21, 2012

Sunshine in survival battle in Sahel S

UNSHINE Stars face a battle of survival tonight when they confront Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel in a day two fixture of the Champions League at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse. The Nigerian representatives trained for the first time in Tunisia o under floodlights before tonight’s cracker. Champions League tie at Sunshine are bottom of Group A without a point, no thanks to a 2-0 at home defeat to defending champions Esperance a fortnight back. Tunisia’s Etoile are second behind local rivals Esperance after they won 1-0 at Aso Chlef of Algeria. Sunshine arrived Tunisia on Wednesday and will face Etoile du Sahel on Saturday by 10 pm Nigerian time so they had to

train in the night to adapt to the situation they will face in the game, which they must avoid losing if they are to retain their slim of hopes of progressing to the semifinal stage of the lucrative competition Speaking from their Houria Palace Hotel abode in Sousse, Sunshine midfielder, Sunday Emmanuel said they had to train under floodlight so as not be affected by the condition when they confront their hosts. ”This is our first training since we arrived on Wednesday and we trained in the night so as to get used to playing under floodlights because our match will be played by 10 pm on Saturday. We are getting set for the game. We will put in our best and pray to God to crown our efforts.”

African Rugby Cup: Nigeria play Ivory Coast tomorrow

IGERIA’S rugby team will tomorrow start their campaign at the African Cup holding in Botswana with an opening fixture against Ivory Coast. The squad made up of a blend of Foreign-based, spiced with some homebased players will also face Botswana and Mauritius in the other group games. The tournament in Botswana is Nigeria’s first step in the qualification process leading to the IRB 2015 World Cup in England. Nigeria play in CAR’s Africa Group C1. The winners of the tournament in Botswana move up to Group B next year and if they win that go to Group A 2014. The winners of group A in 2014 go to the World Cup in London the next year. Chairman of Nigeria Rugby Federation (NRF), Mr. Jide Afolabi described it as one dream for every rugby player and the one that motivates united team of young Nigerians. Speaking in Ikoyi, Mr.

Afolabi, said that while there are significant challenges to overcome the NRFF were confident the Nigerians would equip themselves well on the field. Nigeria play Mauritius, Cote d’Ivoire and the host nation Botswana in the tournament. “We are sending a team of very talented players to Botswana, with guys playing their rugby here at home, in the UK and also in South Africa. We also have the best coaching staff and team management going as well.”

CELEBRATION: D’Tigers celebrating their qualification for the basketball event at the London Olympics.

Ibra is world’s highest paid footballer NOC inaugurates Wazobia Lounge in London the bad orientation the world has about Nigeria,” he said. Ukah said that the relaxation facility would also

*Ndanusa

HE Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has said that the Wazobia Lounge at the Africa Village in London would serve as a relaxation centre for Nigerians. Mr Patrick Ukah, the Chairman, Marketing Committee of the NOC said that the lounge would be inaugurated on July 27 in Kensington Garden, London. “The lounge is going to be in the African Village in London, but it would serve as the main fun centre and official Games Park for Nigerians in London. “It would be used as a meeting point and a relaxation centre for Nigerians during the London Olympics. “We are going to use that platform to showcase our culture, and also change

TREM holds service for Olympics BY SAM EYOBOKA

REEDING Leaders for Empowerment & National Transformation (BLENT), a brand of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) will hold a special service for the Olympics tomorrow at its headdquarters in Gbagada. The expected guests for the special service with the theme; “Repositioning Nigerian Sports” include ex-internationals and other stakeholders from various sports sectors. Speakers include Churchill Oliseh, chairman, FC Ebedei, Shagamu, Ogun State, Olympic Medalist, CSP Chioma Ajunwa and Col. Sam Ahmedu, an investor in basketball. Activities lined up for the day include donation of gifts to the National In-

Fergie confirms van Persie bid

Persie

ANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed they have made a bid for Arsenal

captain Robin van Persie. United, Manchester City and Juventus are all understood to have all declared their interest in buying want-away striker van Persie but have so far failed to meet the Gunners’ valuation of the 28year-old. Ferguson told MUTV: “Obviously Arsenal have given out the fact that

serve as a press centre to give Nigerians timely information about athletes’ performance at the Games.

we’ve made a bid for him. “We try to keep business as close as possible to us until the moment we conclude a deal. There’s no point talking about something that might not happen. “There are other clubs interested in the player. We’ve shown an interest and that’s where we’re at at the moment.”

stitute for Sports (NIS) and Paralympics Committee Nigeria, song ministrations, prayer for the Sports Sector and Word ministration by the presiding bishop of TREM who is also the chief host of the occasion, Dr. Mike Okonkwo.

LATAN IBRAHI MOVIC is now the world’s highest-paid footballer after Paris St Germain agreed to pay him £220,000-a-week, AFTER tax! The Sweden striker, 30, sealed an £18million move to France from AC Milan. PSG are funded by oilrich Qataris and are desperate to do a Manchester City and buy their way to a first title since 1994. Ibrahimovic said: “It’s true I don’t know that much about Ligue 1 — but Ligue 1 knows who I am!”

Odumosu *Continues from BP medal at the Games. She said that she was going to be facing familiar foes, who on her very good day, can be beaten. “I am ready for the London Olympics. Those that I am going to compete with in London are not new to me. I have competed with them before now, in some Diamond Leagues meets, as well as Grand Prix races in Europe, Asia, South America and some African countries. “As I am preparing they too are getting ready for the event in London. I have been training for a long time and I also know that they are also doing their best in training. It is going to be the mother of all battles in London and we are going to be there to give it our best shot but my target is to reach the final and once there, anything can happen”.

Odumosu reckons that the women’s 4x100m relay team presents Nigeria’s best chance to pick a medal at the Games but warns that the athletes must step up their performance if they must make the dream to become a reality “Relay is a joint effort. All the athletes have to make their impact in the race. A tree cannot make a forest. The girls are really doing well and it showed in Port Novo, when they broke the African record which is a good thing but at the Olympics, it is a different kettle of fish. They must be at their very best and above all, perfect their baton exchange “Our girls are getting stronger and by the time they collaborate on the other legs, that are faster than the ones around, I think we should be able to come out with a medal”.

SATURDAY Vanguard, July 21, 2012— 53

BY BEN EFE t is now a matter of days before the bells of the London 2012 Olympic Games begin to chime. Athletes from every participating nation have their eyes on the prized medals and the associated glory, and it is time for everyone to answer their own father’s name and proved that they are worthy champions. Nigerian athletes are not an exemption from this anticipated gold rush in London. But deep in the hearts of athletics enthusiasts, there are shreds of doubts. Perhaps it is only for the sake of patriotism that they are sticking out their necks to hope for a good performance. It is common knowledge that Nigerian athletes apart from a lucky few, have not had the best of preparations and beside there is a huge gulf between the athletes and their counterparts from other climes like Jamaica, USA and Great Britain. However, like at the last Olympics in Beijing, Nigerians are banking on slip up by other well equipped athletes for their own, to grab a medal. Below is a resume of some of the Nigerian athletes with realistic chances of getting to the final of their event and probably aim for a medal. Women 100m Blessing Okagbare: Since 2007 when she first made her international debut for Nigeria at the All Africa Games in Algiers, Algeria, Okagabre rose astronomically from being a long jump silver medalist to world recognition at the Beijing 2008 Olympics when she won bronze in the long jump. In 2010, she achieved elite athlete status when she completed a 100m and long jump double at the NCCA Championships and then repeated the feat at the Africa Championships in Nairobi Kenya. She also established an 11.00 seconds personal best. Okagbare has kept her high class profile ahead of the 2012 Olympics. Though at the Africa Championships, she showed signs of weakness by surrendering the 100m gold to Gabonese Zang Ruddy Milama in a race

that she was expected to win. However, she reassured Nigerians that she is a candidate for a medal when she ran her best time ever at the Crystal Palace meet in London last saturday. She did 10.99 seconds it was the first time she was breaking the 11.00 seconds barrier in her career. However, at London 2012, how she copes with the volume of women running faster times will be a puzzle only she can solve. The top women include defending champion Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce of Jamaica (10.70), Camelita Jeter of the USA (10.81), Veronica Campbell

(53.98) who are favourites for the medals at stake. Women 4x400m The Nigerian team is currently ranked ninth in the top 16 list of qualifiers. But this is not ruling out the team from checking in for a medal. With a season best of 3.28.77 achieved by Abinuwa Endurance, Omolara Omotosho, Bukky Abogunloko and Margaret Etim at the last African Championships in Port Novo, the athletes are expected to reach the final and fight for a medal. Only if they can make up the differences in their individual returns. Omolara is the strongest leg in the team with a season’s best of 51.28 seconds. Also, the likely inclusion of Regina Geroge in the team will be an added boost. George ran for Nigeria at the African championships, but it is unclear if she will make the Nigerian team. Her season best is 51.11

•Metu

OL YMPICS: OLYMPICS:

Nigerian athletes wish for lucky rides Brown (10. 82), Kelly Ann Baptiste (10.86) and Allyson Felix (10.92). It will a bonus if Okagbare gets to the final judging by the form books. Women Long Jump Okagbare’s other event, the long jump, is also crowded. With a personal best of 6.97m, Okagbare can only push for a medal if she increases her work rate to a 7m effort. There are about five women who are doing constant 7m, comprising Brittney Reese (7.15m), Anna Nazarova (7.11m), Chelsea Hayes (7.10m), Nastassia Mironchyk – Ivanova (7.08m) and Elena Sokolova (7.06m)

•Oke

Women 4x100m At the Beijing 2008 Olympics, Nigerian benefited from a blunder by the US women and also the bravado of Damola Osayomi to win bronze. However, in 2012, the women seem capable of pulling their weight with Okagbare, Gloria Asumnu and Christy Udoh showing good form. No doubt three weeks of drilling must have made Osayomi shake off rustiness that she displayed at the Nigerian trials in Calabar. If these women can work like a team, they can push their way into the medal zone. It is left for the coaches to

•Blessing

bring out the best in the athletes and put their potentials into proper use. They are currently 6th in the top 16 list of qualifiers for the Olympics. They only have to work harder and be focused to stand a chance. Women 400m Hurdles Ajoke Odumosu: Odumosu has good credentials to make it to the final of the women 400m hurdles and by all standard that will be an improvement by her. But much is being expected from this athlete who has showed character over the years in her appearances for Nigerian. She was at the 2008 Olympics but her journey was terminated in the semi-final. In 2010 she won the Commonwealth Games gold and recently at the Africa Championships, she won the gold. With a personal best of 54.59 seconds, Ajoke is expected to improve on her timing and compete favourable for a medal. A tall dream it seems as she does not belong to the class of 53. seconds runners like Natalya Antyuukh with 53.40, Irina Davydova (53. 77) and Perri Shakes-Drayton (53.77) Lashinda Demus

seconds. 400m Hurdles men Ameachi Morton: Morton born of a Nigerian mother and a Caribbean father made dramatic improvement to his career when he ran a personal best of 48.79 seconds, met the A Olympic qualifying standard. Morton has potentials to reach the final of his event and it is only left for him to make a good finish in his debut at the Olympics. Men 100m Obinna Metu: When at the beginning of 2011, Obinna Metu had a training stint with Usain

Bolt in Jamaica, everyone expected him to take his carrier to new heights. But the reverse has been the case. However, Metu gave Nigerian athletics officials hope when he did 10.11 at the Nigerian trials, they were joyfully waiting to see him go under 10 seconds and join the world elite. Metu however, responded with a 10.49 seconds run at the African Championships. The Olympics offer him a new chance to redeem himself and perhaps he can reignite his bones and come up with another good effort that will get him into the 100m final. Long Jump Men.. Stanley Gbagbeke had a rush of blood to his head and made his best ever performance at the All Nigerria/ Cross River Championships. He did 8. 20m and Gbagbeke was seen as the athlete who will break the long standing 8.27m national record set by Yusuf Alli since 1987. But at the Africa Championships, Gbagbeke wobbled back to a 7.88m and was out of reckoning for medal. Perhaps another motivational whisper into his ears will pump him up to a good performance. Triple Jump men Tosin Oke.. Oke turned to Nigerian after he was squeezed out of the Great Britain team by Idowu Philips, Larry Achike and others who are in the class of 17m jumpers. Oke wanted badly to participate in the Olympics in London, but from all reckoning he is not expected to be on the medal podium. Oke a former British junior champion, who has won back to back Africa championships gold, pushed himself to a season’s best performance of 17.23m. He might find himself in the final, if he pushes a bit harder.

54 —

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 21, 2012

SATURDAY Vanguard, July 21, 2012—55

OL YMPICS: OLYMPICS:

Unmasking the men D’Tigers must stop By JOHN EGBOKHAN with Agency reports

’Tigers, Nigeria’s m e n basketball team, made history recently when it qualified for the London Olympics. The team has been grouped alongside 2008 Beijing gold medalist, USA, France, Argentina, Lithuania and Tunisia, who they open their campaign against on July 29. Although Team USA is routinely expected to field the most complete Olympic basketball roster, the game continues to blossom overseas. We will witness some of the world’s most gifted players during competition in London, as NBA stars from near and far trade in their pro jerseys for the uniforms of their homeland. Because we all know Kobe Bryant, LeBron

James and the all-star USA Dream Team, we want to focus on the standout players of the teams, apart from USA, that Nigeria will face in Group A. These players present mighty obstacles to D’Tigers’ quest to post a decent outing at the Games. These are the top players, who could propel their countries to a giant upset by securing the gold.

Luis Scola, Argentina

cola has averaged double-digit scoring totals in each of his five NBA seasons, including a career-high 18.3 points per game during the 2010’11 campaign. The 6’9" power forward has garnered increased respect in the league lately, although that wasn’t enough to convince the Houston Rockets to retain his services. Scola, 32, is an underrated rebounder,

particularly on the offensive glass. He consistently steps back and buries mid-range jumpers, which should draw opposing defenders away from the rim throughout the Olympics. A strong performance from Scola is paramount for Argentina if the team hopes to duplicate its 2004 gold-medal run. If D’Tigers can clip him, Nigeria might claim a surprise win.

Manu Ginobili, Argentina

he three-time NBA champion became a national hero when he led Argentina to an unexpected gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Although he is now 34 years old and doesn’t possess the same athleticism, expect Ginobili to once again lead his national team toward medal contention. Argentina secured a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and is still viewed by some as the prohibitive “dark horse” team in a sport historically dominated by the Americans. Ginobili’s production with the San Antonio Spurs has dipped in recent years, but he is still Argentina’s alpha dog. His 34-point outburst against Oklahoma City in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals serves as a reminder that Ginobili can still carry a team when necessary. This is likely the last Olympic appearance for one of the game’s truly

•Ginobili

Nicolas France

We are here to prove that qualifying for the Premier League was not by accident.

he 23-year-old swingman has the

•Scola great international players.

Tony Parker, France

arker ’s summer began with a scary eye injury suffered during a skirmish between hiphop artists Chris Brown and Drake. Initially, some thought the strange misfortune would cost him a chance to suit up for France in the Olympics,

h a v e militated against the team’s progress. To be a g o o d headmaster, one must have been a good school boy. He will know what is needed for a school t o function. As a coach, I am well

Batum,

HE London Olym pics will be a “great Games” and will not be affected by poor weather or last-minute disruptions, International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said yesterday after arriving a week before the opening ceremony. London will be hosting its third Olympics after 1908 and 1948 from July 27-Aug 12 with organisers dealing with security issues, strike threats and rainy weather. “I believe these will be great Games,” a smiling Rogge told Reuters at the official IOC hotel in central London. The Belgian surgeon, who will preside over his

last Olympics before stepping down next year, said organisers had set the foundations for a successful Games. “I expect the maximum because we organise the Games for the welfare of the athletes. I am confident,” Rogge said. “Preparation in spite of some difficulties has been very sound. All the bases have been covered so I am very optimistic. This is the country that invented modern sport...they love sport and it is a good promotion of sport overseas.” Rogge also played down the effect that wet weather can have on competition, saying it was not a major issue.

club, then as Spartans Football Club. I became the captain of the club and progressed to become player/coach and finally became a full coach. My first attempt as coach in 1980 was not a failure. Rangers won the league that year and we finished just one point behind them. We went on to represent Nigeria in the WAFU Cup competition, which I can say we lost in Lagos to Hassacas of Ghana. We lost the first leg in Lagos 0-1 and went on to hold them to 0-0 in Accra, Ghana.

you see, nowhere is safe in Nigeria. Only God that is saving us all. How is the atmosphere like during your home matches. Are football fans scared of coming to cheer your team because of Boko Haram? The atmosphere during our home matches is always electrifying. Even the Boko Haram people love football. Throughout the season, there has never been a single incident. The visiting teams can testify to this.

I went to Maiduguri to prove a point – Emeteole

First, I will look at the way the management is functioning. I will ask questions. For instance, is the management supplying the coach all he requires to succeed? How are the players fairing? Their welfare and all that. When I got to El Kanemi, I realized the Borno State Governor armed, in terms of trusted the management. experience and The governor has been knowledge of the game. wonderful. He is like a

size and athleticism to match up with the world’s best shooting guards. Batum averaged nearly 15 points per game with the Portland Trail Blazers last season and is a very versatile offensive threat. He uses his 6’8" frame to rise above defenders on the perimeter, where he is highly effective. Batum shot nearly 40 percent from beyond the threepoint arc during the 2011’12 NBA season. Defensively, France needs him to match up against the likes of Kevin Durant, Luol Deng and Andre Iguodala during the Olympics. NBA teams have become believers in Batum’s skills and he can continue to improve his stock at the 2012 Games.

IOC promises “great” London Games

e is one of Nigeria’s foremost football coaches and prides himself as a goal-getter. Coach Kelechi Emeteole was one of the pioneer players of the defunct Spartans Football Club of Owerri, the club that transformed to Iwanyanwu Nationale and, now Heartland FC , Nigeria’s current Federation Cup champions. Emeteole, popularly called The Caterpillar has been part of this transmogrification. In this journey, which he recalls with relish, the veteran coach is left with a sour taste in his mouth. After parting ways with the club in the 2010/2011 season under acrimonious circumstances, Emeteole moved to the far north and teamed up with El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, competing in Nigeria’s second tier league. Today, he has returned the club to Nigeria’s top flight. In this chat with Jacob Ajom, Coach Emeteole reveals why he accepted the El Kanemi challenge and the secret behind his success. Excerpts

You went to El Kanemi which had struggled in the lower league for a long time and brought them back to the elite division in a relatively short time. What was the magic? The magic was my experience. Given my experience in this trade of coaching, when I go to a team, I will look at the problems that

but Parker has since been cleared to participate. The 6’2" speedster finished fifth in voting for the 2012 NBA Most Valuable Player award. A tremendous season indicates the 32-year-old isn’t ready to slow down just yet. Parker averaged 20 points and seven assists for the San Antonio Spurs, a team he’s helped win three league titles since 2003. He may have lesstalented teammates than some of his international contemporaries, but you can be sure Parker will get the most out of France’s roster with exceptional play at the point.

father, friend and the number one supporter of the club. He has put in place a wonderful management and I am blessed with a quality technical team behind me. That is the magic. Why did you choose to go to Maiduguri of all places? I left Owerri because I was badly treated at Heartland. I was among the pioneer players of the

I went to Maiduguri to prove a point. Even when people were trying to discourage me, talking about all the insecurity, I was able to achieve it. Today, El Kanemi have gained promotion to the Nigeria Premier League. Nowhere is safe in Nigeria. You hear of kidnappings in the South East, militants in the South-South and Boko Haram in the North. So

Some teams gain promotion and after only one season they are back to the lower division. How are you going to guide against this? I will guide against going back to the lower division. That is one of the conditions that will keep me there. With my experience, will ensure it doesn’t happen. One expects there would be changes as you head for the next season? Of course yes. A lot of things will be looked at. Some of the players who cannot shape in will be shipped out. Those who cannot cope with the new challenge will definitely go.

SATURDAY Vanguard, July 21, 2012

MOSES TRANSFER SAGA:

Wigan want N2.5bn from Chelsea W

IGAN have reject ed a fresh Chelsea bid for Victor Moses and are determined to hold out for a fee of £10m. Chelsea have made two cash bids for the 21-yearold winger, who has a year left on his contract, but both have fallen some way short of Wigan’s valuation. Attempts to bridge the gap by offering a player in part-exchange have also been rejected out of hand by Wigan. “If Chelsea offer the right amount of money, we will sell Victor,” Latics chairman Dave Whelan told BBC Sport. “We do not stand in the

way of young players. But I must stress we do not want to sell Victor, Roberto doesn’t want to sell Victor - we would like to keep him for another 12 months. He is a tremendously exciting player and the fans love him. “£10m is the figure Roberto has always had in mind for Victor and that has not changed. We have had two cash bids and Chelsea then asked if they could offer a player in part-exchange or on loan. But we are only interested in a straight cash offer.” Wigan made their first signing of the summer

last week, when Aberdeen midfielder Fraser Fyvie agreed a three-year contract. However, both Mohamed Diame and Hugo Rodallega have left the club on free transfers and Wigan could also lose Moses for nothing next summer if he is unable to agree a new deal at the club.

Fergie confirms van Persie bid — Pg 52

Sunshine in survival battle in Sahel — Pg 52

*Moses... roaring to go

Olympics: Odumosu braces up for acid test BY PHILIPS ADEFIOYE

FRICA’s 400m h u r d l e s champion, Ajoke Odumosu is bracing up for the mother of all battles at the London Olympic Games, starting July 27. The Nigerian women champion said that she expects a very different and competitive race in London, noting that she

was doing all to be in the best form for the epic clash against the world’s finest hurdlers Having coasted to victory at the Africa Athletics Championship, Odumosu, who clocked 55.08secs in Port Novo, must now show her stuff on the world’s stage and speaking in an interview with Saturday Sports Vanguard, she said her target was to win a

Continues on Pg 52

Ibra is world’s highest paid footballer — Pg 52

Federation Cup Latest: El-kanemi out, Pillars, Crown progress

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Across 1 Ogun State governor, Ibikunle – (6) 4 Country in Africa – (6) 7 Telecommunications Outfit in Nigeria – (3) 8 L.G.A in Oyo State – (6) 10 L.G.A in Kano State – (6) 11 Major Ethnic Language in Nigeria – (4) 13 Former United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi – (5) 15 Former PDP National Chairman, Mr. Okwesilieze – (5) 18 Flying Eagles Striker, Ezekiel – (4) 20 Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka – (7) 22 L.G.A in Benue State – (4) 24 Real Madrid Defender, Manuel Sergio – (5) 27 Musical Instrument – (5) 29 Ghana “Black Stars” Striker, Asamoah – (4) 31 The Philippines National President, Mr. Benigno – (6) 32 L.G.A in Kano State – (6) 33 Uncooked – (3) 34 L.G.A in Rivers State – (6) 35 Delta State Deputy Gover-

nor, Amos – (6)

Down 1 The World’s Largest River – (6) 2 L.G.A in Rivers State – (6) 3 France “Les Bleus” Striker, David – (4) 4 Former Head of State of Nigeria, Rtd. Gen. Yakubu – (5) 5 Enugu Rangers Striker, Emeka – (6) 6 Minister of Trade & Investment, Olusegun – (6) 9 Wild Ox – (6) 12 L.G.A in Lagos State – (7) 14 L.G.A in Rivers State – (4) 16 Hebrew Alphabet – (3) 19 Zodiac Sign – (3) 21 Denmark Currency – (5) 22 Former Benue State Governor, Chief Barnabas – (6) 23 Cape Verde Currency – (6) 25 Ghana Vice President, Mr. John – (6) 26 Africa’s Largest Desert – (6) 28 Israeli Currency Unit – (5) 30 Enyimba International FC *Odumosu Chairman, Mr. Felix Anyansi – (4) Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Editor: 08062315286 (TEXT ONLY). Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: weekend @vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) EDITOR: CHIOMA GABRIEL. All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

SOLUTION ON PAGE 53