Catholic Church Bombing: Sokoto jailed for life by Vanguard Media Limited

2 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

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C M Y K

4 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

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Catholic Church Bombing:

Court sentences ‘Kabiru Sokoto’ to life imprisonment •Says he is a pathological liar

•As his lawyers vow to appeal judgment BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

ASTERMIND of the Christmas day bomb blast that killed about 44 persons and wounded 75 others at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, in 2011, Kabiru Umar, alias Kabiru Sokoto, was yesterday, sentenced to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. Delivering his judgement, the presiding judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, said he was satisfied that the Federal Government, successfully established the culpability of the convict beyond every reasonable doubt, noting that Umar had in two earlier separate confessional statements, admitted that he had prior knowledge of the attack. Besides, the court stressed that the accused person, throughout the trial, never showed any remorse for his actions, describing him as “a pathological liar with no regards for the truth.” The court observed that the convict had in a statement he voluntarily made on January 14, 2012, shortly after he was arrested, confessed that he was a key member of the Boko Haram terrorist group. Justice Adeniyi read a portion of the said statement where the convict stated thus, “here in Abaji, nobody knows that I am a Boko Haram member, much so, I have about 500 children that I teach Quran”, adding that ‘Sokoto’, on page four of his statement, confessed that under his supervision, “the Madalla church bombing was carried out by one Bashir Mohammed, Muhktar Kafanchan and others who I cannot remember their names now.” The court further noted that one of the eight Boko Haram members the accused gave AK-47 rifles and directed to bomb police stations and other government agencies in Sokoto State, exposed the operations of the sect and fingered ‘Kabiru Sokoto’ as the person in charge of the coordination of bomb

attacks after he was caught by a team of policemen during a shoot out. Likewise, the Judge, observed that Umar, had in his evidence before the court, admitted that he not only obtained four credits in the West African School Certificate Examination, WASCE, but was also a laboratory technician by profession, but feigned that he did not understand the English Language during trial. “This court finds that the accused person was economical with the truth right from the beginning of this trial when he claimed that he does not understand English. The accused person was not a credible witness. “The prosecution has proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt. Accordingly, the accused person is guilty as charged under count one of the amended charge. This court states categorically that going by the confessional statements of the accused person, his testimony before the court and that of the witnesses, he was the mastermind of the terrorist attack at St Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger state. “The evidence against him was unequivocal, positive and direct. This attack was carried out on a Christmas day, a day both Christians, Muslims and even Jews celebrate all over the world. For a person to have a sinister motive on that kind of day is highly condemnable. The accused person showed no remorse throughout the trial. I also take cognizance of the fact that his character did not depict a person who is sincere to the truth. “In the final analysis, I find you Kabiru Umar alias Kabiru Sokoto, guilty and I hereby sentence you to life imprisonment in count one and 10 years in count two. Both sentences are to run consecutively, one after the other,” the judge held. Meanwhile, the court, yesterday, directed the police to forthwith, conduct an in-depth investigation with a view to ascertaining who the convict went to see at the Borno State Governor’s lodge on the day he was eventually

•Kabiru Umar, alias Kabiru Sokoto, yesterday arrested by undercover The convict was on May police men. 20, 2013, arraigned before “Judicial notice should be the court on an amended taken that members of the two-count terrorism organization have charge. infiltrated various organs of Aside allegations that he government. The police trained over 500 men on should investigate how to manufacture and circumstances that detonate Improvised surrounded his visit to that Explosive Devices, IEDs, lodge. Police owe a duty to the Federal Government, Nigerians to investigate alleged that he had prior and arrest whoever was knowledge that the sect involved in sponsorship of planned to bomb the acts of terrorism regardless church on Christmas day of who such person is or his but failed to disclose it to status in the society,” the any law enforcement judge added. officer as soon as Earlier in his allocutus, reasonably practicable. ‘Sokoto’ had through his He was said to have lawyer, Mr. Hassan between 2007 and 2012, at Lukman, asked the court to Mabira Sokoto, Sokoto temper justice with mercy, State, facilitated the as he had aged parents, a commission of terrorist acts wife and two children that including planting bombs depended on him for their at the police headquarters living. and some government Lukman told the court that organizations in the state. prior to the trial, his client, He was charged under was never arrested or Section 15(2) of the EFCC charged before any court in Nigeria, adding that he had been under detention for over two years and “never BY EMEKA MAMAH had the opportunity of seeing his aged parents, HE Christian siblings and most Association of importantly his wife and Nigeria, CAN, yesterday children.” His plea was however ignored by the criticised the life sentence given to the mastermind court. Meantime, Sokoto, who of the 2011 Christmas had earlier filed a day bombing of the St. Catholic N300million suit against the Theresa’s Church, Madalla, Niger government over alleged State, Kabiru Umar, torture, through his team of lawyers, has vowed to saying that he should appeal against the have been sentenced to death. judgement.

Act, 2011, and Section 17 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011. The government told the court that the accused person instituted his terrorist training camp at Abaji, a suburb town in Abuja. Though he was previously arrested by the police in Abuja on January 14, 2012, Sokoto was declared missing two days later. His mysterious escape from custody culminated to the sack of the erstwhile Inspector General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim and former Commissioner of Police in-charge of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mallam Zakari Biu who was out rightly dismissed from the force. However, he was subsequently re-arrested on February 10, 2012. The last prosecution witness, told the court that ‘Sokoto’, confessed that one of the recognized leaders of the sect, Shekau, told him that only members of the sect initiated into the “Shurah” cadre, were allowed to know the ideology behind the current insurgency in the northern part of the country. The masked witness told the court that Sokoto disclosed that whereas members of the “Shurah” which he belong to, plan and mastermind attacks, other lay members were recruited to execute terrorist agenda of the sect. However, Sokoto, through his lawyer, faulted the testimony of the masked witness, maintaining that in his confessional statement, he repeatedly used the Hausa word “Anche,” a word he said means “they said.” He told the court that he was only referring to what he was told by those affiliated to the sect.

One of the six witnesses that testified in the matter also narrated how a donation of N40million divided the sect. According to the witness, Sokoto had in a statement he made on January 14, 2012, confessed that out of the said N40million which he said was received from another terrorist group in Algeria, he got N500, 000, as the recognized governor of Sokoto State in the hierarchy of the group. He told the court that the convict also admitted that he used his share of the money and bought Quran and other Islamic religious books, even as he allegedly volunteered the names of two members of the sect that bombed the St Theresa’s Catholic Church,Madalla, on Christmas day. The witness who was simply identified as “Mr. ABC” testified that the accused person confessed that it was not suicide bombers that attacked the church, but that the bombs were detonated from a car that was parked near the church. Furthermore, another witness, “Mr. DEF”, narrated how Sokoto hid behind a wardrobe on February 10, 2012, a day he was re-arrested at Sabongida in Taraba State, few days after he escaped from police custody in Abuja. The witness who is an operative of the Department of State Services, DSS, told the court that upon his arrest, Sokoto was found with a Nokia phone and six different SIM cards. The court had on May 2, 2013, declined to either discharge and acquit the accused person, or quash the charge against him, maintaining that a primafacie terrorism charge was successfully established against him.

He deserves to die — CAN

CAN spoke through its General Secretary, Rev Musa Asake. Asake told Saturday Vanguard in a telephone interview shortly after the life sentence was delivered that ‘’Kabiru Umar, alias Kabiru Sokoto is supposed to die for causing the death of 44 innocent Christians,’’ pointing out that the court was lenient to him. According to him,

‘’Sokoto has no reason to be alive. He is evil. I hope they will not just put him there to deceive us and later free him to walk the streets. ‘’He wants to suffer. He started killing innocent people. I hope they should give him death sentence instead of life jail. Why should such a hardened murderer be fed again in prison with tax payers money. C M Y K

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

2015: INEC begins issuing of permanent voters cards in 2014 BY OKEY NDIRIBE

S part of its preparations for the 2015 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, would begin issuing permanent voters cards next year. This was disclosed in Abuja yesterday by Chairman of INEC Prof. Attahiru Jega who was represented by a commissioner in the electoral commision Engr. Nuhu Yakub at a workshop organised for the INEC press corps and information personnel with the theme “Information Management and the Role of the Media in the Electoral Process”. Jega further explained that permanent voters cards would be distributed to those who registered since 2011. The INEC boss also declared that conducting credible elections in the country could not be the responsibility of INEC alone but “a multistakeholder endeavour that

requires the collaboration and diligent commitment of other role players. In his own speech at the occasion,entitled “ Media and Democracy - A practitioner’s perspective”, Mr Steve Ayorinde, the Deputy President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, said the group had volunteered to work with INEC to ensure that the 2015 general elections are free and fair. He further stated that this was part of NGE’s social responsibility towards ensuring that the nation’s democracy is deepened. .He also hailed the contribution of NGE and the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria NPAN towards defending the nation’s democracy. Ayorinde also urged journalists to adopt selfcensorship in the practice of their profession in order to avoid publishing anything outside the truth. He identified several problems plaguing the media to include poor and irregular payment of

salaries which renders journalists susceptible to unethical practices and erodes the integrity of the profession. Ayorinde identified other problems the industry is facing to include heavy investments by politicians; media awards that honour politicians and seek lifelines; and businessmen publishers with political ambition which results in editorial interference. In a paper he delivered at the occasion, Prof. Okey Ibeanu of the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka observed that the media had lost its social commitment as was exhibited during the military rule. He further said there was need for negative entropy adding that this would ensure that information disorder would be checked. He identified what he called “ The continued domination of state media” as leading to disorder in dissemination of information. According to him,

UNICEF Enugu office Chief Field Officer, Mr. Charles (right), making a presentation to Gov. Peter Obi(left), who visited their Enugu Office. another factor is the political interest of media owners adding that an example of this occurred in Italy where the former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi tried to

depoliticize the media by focusing its attention on entertainment. Said he: “Commercialization in the media exerts a negative

influence on the industry” He advocated that the media needs to continue to play its oversight role over the government and its various institutions.

Trouble over John Togo’s secret burial BY AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE, Warri

ROUBLE is brewing over the secret burial of late John Togo, founder of the defunct, Niger Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, at the Warri Cemetery last Thursday, after being killed in a battle with the security outfit in May 2011. The secret burial was immediately condemned by the Ijaw People Development Initiative , IPDI, through their leader, Comrade Austin Ozobo and Ayakoromo youths led by Comrade Ebi Wayas who termed the secret burial sacrilegious and unacceptable. In a four paragraph text to Saturday Vanguard, the group also vowed to pursue a legal means to ensuring that his remains be released to his community for proper burial. Yesterday, NDLF former spokesman, Capt. Mark Anthony condemned the secret burial and stated that the JTF would on their own

come and beg the Ijaw people to exhume the remains of John Togo for proper burial with a cost of N2billion. He said,” a major Ijaw person’s corpse like John Togo’s cannot be buried outside Ijaw land. The public cemetery in Agbasa, where he was secretly buried is in Urhobo land. Those who have buried him secretly should ask those who buried Adaka

Boro in a foreign land what happened. Didn’t the government later exhume his body for his burial in Bayelsa? ”We do not want to confront them (JTF) but we want to warn that they cannot bury John Togo in a foreign land. We could have forcefully removed the corpse from the central hospital, but we didn’t want innocent people to be killed in the crossfire.’’

Egyptian dance troupe debuts at Calabar festival

HE ongoing annual Calabar Festival was given an added flavour Thursday with the staging of a dance drama by the Alexandria Folk dance Troupe of Egypt. The first of its kind ever to be staged anywhere in Nigeria, had the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ashraf Salama, in attendance as well as crowd and tourists, who had grabbed their seats as early as 7pm at the

expansive Calabar Cultural Centre, venue of the performance. The performance which lasted for one and a half hours with a brief interlude in-between, offered the crowd an opportunity to experience a whirlwind of pageantry and celebration, the kind that could only have been seen in temples, weddings, street fairs and festivals wherever the Egyptians celebrate life.

Mimiko bags Good Governance Award, charges Nigerians

NDO State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has charged Nigerians to always appreciate the progress recorded by successive administrations at all levels in the country instead of condemning government’s programmes and policies aimed at improving the society. Governor Mimiko gave the charge in Lagos during the conferment of

good governance awards on him and his Ekiti, Ogun and Bauchi State counterparts, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Malam Isa Yuguda respectively by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce. The Governor maintained that there were lots of improvements in the socio-economic landscape of the country

with successive administrations contributing their quota to the economy. He cited the current privatization agenda of the President Jonathan administration in which foreign investors injected 3billion dollars into the power sector, saying that such huge investment justified their confidence in the nation’s economy.

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8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

Defection of 37 Reps to APC: Jonathan’s loyalists regroup •Akande to be dropped in New Year •Tambuwal, Ihedioha’s positions not threatened Chinda had stoutly BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

ORE loyalists of President Goodluck Jonathan in the House of Representatives have panicked over the defection of no fewer than 37 former Peoples Democratic Party to the opposition All Progressive Congress, APC. The fear of the President’s men stemmed from unconfirmed allegation among members that the APC had concluded plans to take over the leadership of the House of Representatives and move against Jonathan and his interest groups in the House. The allegation became so strong that some of the supporters of the President started sending out mails to their members, pleading with them to urgently turn out and block any move by the opposition to move against their interests. One of the pro-Jonathan’s lawmakers from Enugu

State, sent out a quick message to others in Jonathan’s camp, pleading with them not to stay away from any meeting called by the leadership to avoid being supplanted by the opposition. The PDP lawmaker said in a mail to others: “Dear colleagues, it is time up for Nigeria, its people, our democracy, our democratically elected President and our cherished House and especially, our laws. “Please attend plenary today, tomorrow and always! Vigilance is the word… Our unity must be protected. And, our party, the PDP, is as in all democracies, supreme,” the lawmaker pleaded. Vanguard learnt that it was the fear of the proJonathan group that made one of them from Rivers State, Kingsley Chinda, to fiercely oppose the move by the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, to formally announce the defection of the 37 lawmakers to APC.

opposed the attempt to announce the defection of the lawmakers, citing the pending case over the factionalisation of PDP in court and asked the leadership not to go ahead with the announcement of their defection. The defection of the lawmakers caused a major stir in the House and raised the fear that there could be a leadership change as soon as the lawmakers resume from their Christmas break. But a member of the leadership, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard in confidence, said that the defection of the PDP lawmakers to APC would not lead to a major leadership change. The legislator made it clear that neither the Speaker nor his Deputy, Ihedioha would be changed despite the apparent majority being held by the APC with the defection. “We want to use the Deputy Speak to protect the Speaker and none of them

Airtel End of Year Tie Award Night. will be removed. “But what will happen is that the House Leader, Mullikat Akande-Adeola, may be removed in the New Year,” the lawmaker said. With the latest defection

N discharging their social responsibility to the community, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna State Council yesterday secured the release of 10 inmates from the Kaduna Prison to mark its Press Week. Among the ten released was a teenager, Adamu Ibrahim (18) who was jailed two years with an option of N5000 (five thousand Naira) fine for failing to pay for N300 meal at a restaurant last month. The Chairman of NUJ, Kaduna State Council, Comrade Yusuf Idris said the decision to secure the release of these prisoners is to practicalize what NUJ is preaching for wealthy Nigerians to do, so as to decongest prisons in the country. Comrade Idris said:” As journalists we know that most at times when we talk about prison and prisoners, the main

thing we call on the government, wealthy individuals or philanthropists to do is to find a way of assisting the government to decongest the prisons, because wherever you go around, Nigerian prisons are congested. There is no expansion; there are a lot of criminal activities on a daily basis which means that lots of prisoners are being taken to these prisons and as such we want to say that every

effort must be made by individuals to find a way of decongesting the prisons. “We want to see prisons as reformative centres, such that there should be some kind of skills that inmates could learn so that at the end of their jail terms, they can come out and be useful to themselves, families and the nation at large”, he said. The inmates were further assisted

BY LUKA BINNIYAT/ MAY ETIM, Kaduna

OVERNOR Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna state yesterday flagged off the distribution of 69,000 bags of rice

financially by Comrade Yusuf Idris who handed them some token for transportation back to their various destinations after their freedom was secured. In his own remark, the Deputy Comptroller of Prison, Kaduna, Williams Ahmadu Bossan applauded the kind gesture of NUJ as according to him; “ it is a welcome development as the prison is congested.”

SGF unveils centenary flag BY EMEKA MAMAH, Abuja

HE Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, yesterday, unveiled the centenary flag in preparation for the 2014 celebration of 100 years of Nigeria’s amalgamation. Anyim, while unveiling the flag in Abuja, said that the centenary was based on the unity and progress

the country had recorded. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the unveiling of the flag was the formal presentation of the centenary flag by the National Orientation Agency, NOA, to the SGF. The flag was designed by the NOA in partnership with a private organisation. He said that the centenary flag, which he described as the symbol of unity, provided

With this, the APC needs ten more members to become the majority in the House while the PDP requires 14 members to retain its majority in the House.

Yero spends N108m on special rice for Christmas

Kaduna NUJ secures release of 10 inmates from Prison . . . including teenager serving 2yrs for failing to pay N300 meal BY LUKA BINNIYAT/ MAYEN ETIM, Kaduna

of PDP lawmakers to the APC, the standing of the parties in the House of Representatives is as follows: APC: 171, PDP: 167, LP: 10, APGA: 5, Accord: 4 and DPP: 1.

Nigerians the opportunity to reaffirm their faith in the country. The SGF said the symbol and signs that represented the country had a lot to tell about what the country stood for, noting that the national flag had become the unifying factor in the country. “This flag should not only serve the purpose of centenary, but it should remain as a symbol of our unity even for years to come,” the SGF said.

packed in special bags which cost was N108 million This was made known at the official flag-off of distribution of rice made for the less privileged from the 23 local government areas of the state for the Christmas celebrations to be shared in a ratio 70:30 for Christians and Muslims respectfully. Speaking at the occasion, Yero said: “As we approach another festive period, it is expected that all well meaning individuals and organizations will render some kind of assistance to the less privilege in our communities. Such kind gesture behoves on all of us as provided by both our value system and divine culture. “It is imperative in discharging our responsibilities to ensure that every family at least

has sufficient food items to also make merriment and rejoice especially during the coming Xmas and New Year celebrations. “My administration has already initiated various programmes and policies which are deliberately targeted at poverty reduction and job creation to our teaming unemployed youth and women. “You are all aware of the ongoing skill acquisition training programme which has provided hope for 7,600 youths and women to regain liberation from shackles of unemployment and poverty under the SURE-P programme. The beneficiaries are receiving training in various trades including fashion design, hair making, vulcanizing, welding, plumbing, fishery, farming etc.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013 — 9

Mass wedding: Kano spends N278m to marry off 1,111 women BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD, Kano

ANO State govern ment has said that it spent a whooping N278. 270 million to facilitate the wedding of 1,111 couples under the fourth phase of its divorcees, widows and spinsters mass marriage programme. This translates to an average of N250, 468. 046 per couple. Addressing the couples at a civic reception organized by the state government, Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso stated that the money was used to procure furniture, textile materials, foodstuff as well as provide grants for the brides and other essential items. Kwankwaaso who described the event as unprecedented in the history of the West African sub-region, further stressed that the marriage programme was initiated to help people strengthen the family institution and halt social crimes in the society, most of which were as a result of erosion of family values. He maintained that his administration also initiated a special family orientation programme aimed at preventing and minimizing the rising cases of divorce in the state in addition to evolving capacity building programmes especially for women to enable them support their families. Also during the occasion, the governor signed into law the Street Begging Bill 2013, which prohibited children and adults from begging on the streets and

other public places. The Governor said that violation of the law and other laws against human trafficking would attract stiff penalties. He, however, pointed out that a special empowerment programme for the physically challenged

would be introduced, in order to cushion the effect of the law. According to him, 2, 205 people with disabilities in the state had been been selected for training that would suit their individual capacities. Meanwhile, Governor

N what looked like a pro-active measure, ahead of the fast approaching Christmas and New year season, officers and men of the Nigerian Army, the Police and Navy may have teamed up to fight crime to a standstill and ensure crime-free yuletide. Already, authorities of the military cantonment in Onitsha and their Naval Base counterpart have as-

state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Binta Jibril, said the government’s empowerment programmes for women had not only helped to promote stable family units, but also helped to provide multiplier effects on the gross domestic product of the state.

“Indeed, experts have already forecast that if these and similar efforts at capacity building and empowerment are sustained, the disposable income of Kano State will surely catch up with that of Lagos in a short time,” she added.

Dilly Seun Dokubo to support carers of physically challenged people BY ANOZIE EGOLE

A The Alexandria Folklore Troupe performing at the Calabar Festival yesterday

SSANU threatens strike, warns FG against full implementation of Needs Report BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, B/City

HE Senior Staff As sociation of the Nigerian Universities (SSANU),Western Zone, yesterday threatened to down tools if the Federal Government decides to fully implement the Needs Assessment Report which it described as poisonous to Non-Academic Staff in universities.

Addressing newsmen on the issues raised by the Prof. Yakubu led Needs Assessment Committee at a lecture held at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), the National Vice President and chairman Western Zone, of the SSANU, Comrade Alfred Jimoh, said the association had earlier faulted the composition of the Needs committee set up by the Federal Government to identify the gaps in the university system.

Yuletide: Army, Police, Navy team up to fight criminals in Onitsha BY OKONKWO EZE Onitsha

Kwankwaso has handed over 20 cottage industries refurbished by the government to women cooperative groups as well as distributed empowerment packages to the beneficiaries. In a speech during the hand over ceremony, the

signed a patrol team each to assist the police in patrolling all nooks and crannies of the commercial city to foil criminal activities. Sources from Onitsha Police Area Command confirmed that based on the existing synergy among the security agencies, and based on the increasing rate of crime, the three organizations decided to team up and tackle the trend headlong. The source further hinted that the last-minute struggle by some hoodlums to

terrorize the inhabitants of Onitsha in particular and Anambra state in general in a bid to rake in some money for the celebration of the Xmas may have drawn the attention of the security personnel. It was gathered that hoodlums are now operating indiscriminately in various parts of Onitsha with arms, particularly at nights, dispossessing their would-be victims of all their cash and valuables under gun point, a situation which the security agencies are not comfortable with.

He said the committee was not only “lopsided but one sided because it excluded both students and the non-teaching staff in the system and compromise only members of the Academic Staff and the then incum-

bent President of ASUU. “The report of the committee is laced with some poisonous and odious recommendations against the Non teaching staff, which we call satanic verses of Needs Assessment Report”.

Police release rape suspect following medical report BY DAYO JOHNSON, Akure

OLICE in Ondo state has released a top official of the Akure Zonal Office of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Boma Benibo, 59 who was alleged to have defiled a seven-year old girl. Image Maker of the Command Wole Ogodo said this was sequel to the medical report which exonerated him of the allegation. Ogodo told newsmen in Akure that the suspect had to be released from police detention following the medical report from the Police Medical services. According to him the police cannot continue to

detain the suspect when the medical report has laid to rest that the allegation against him was false. A copy of the report signed by Dr E O Adewale made available said that the victim in questiom Tomide Babadipe was not defiled as alleged by her parents. The medical report says “ the above named child was brought into this faculty on 16th December 2013 with complaints of sexual assualt meted on her by a neighbour on Dec 10th 2013. ” Examination revealed a young girl with normal female external genitalia, intact hymen at the introitus. There was no signs of defilement in the recent time.”

non-governmental organisation, under the aegis of Christiana Olalonpe Foundation has set up a campaign for the need to encourage and equip those who look after physically challenged people with the necessary facilities. Speaking at the unveiling event recently in lagos state, the founder of the NGO, Mrs. Dilly Seun Dokubo, said that her experience of looking after her husband who has been confined in the wheelchair for some time now, prompted her to set up such a foundation after seeing the stress and negligence carers are subjected to. “Carers go through a lot in looking after their physically challenged loved ones. It’s a life sentence that you cannot escape from. They are greatly unappreciated and abused mentally and emotionally. Having spent 30 years in the UK and seen how carers are being equipped with everything to help them live a healthy life, I decided to open a resource center for carers in Nigeria. We intend to empower carers with tools to enable them take care of their loved ones. I know that, it will go a long ways if these people are empowered and cared for ”, she said. According to her, the foundation hopes to provide an avenue for carers to relax and get a life outside the people they look after. “

10 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

BY EBUN SESSOU & ADERONKE ADEYERI

ith just a few days to Christ mas, traders in major markets in the country especially in Lagos are lamenting low patronage even as prices of foodstuffs and other household goods take the usual dimension of increment. When Saturday Vanguard visited some

markets in the metropolis, it was discovered that the usual crowd witnessed in markets was not there. Even those who came to buy things in the markets could not buy as much as they can because of the economic situation of the country. A trader at Balogun market, Alhaja Bilikisu Ayinla, expressed dissatisfaction with the level of sales this yuletide season, attributed the low patronage to the economy of the nation which has taken a negative turn on the people. She observed that despite the increase in the prices of foodstuffs which is like a tradition every yuletide, people still buy what they need for the festive period if the money is available. “As usual, prices of things have skyrocketed but the truth is that there is no money in the country. Many people are thinking of how to take care of themselves and their families because if they spend the only money they have on christmas and new year celebrations, how are they going to survive after the celebrations in a country where you cannot predict anything? As you can students will be going back to school and most parents will be saving for their wards school fees. Alhaji Abubakar, at Sura market, who sells livestocks including chicken, turkey among others also lamented low rate of patronage as the celebrations draw closer, saying that the goods he bought for three weeks are yet to be sold. According to him, a giant agric turkeys which used to be N10,000, now goes for N13, 000, while a giant local turkey which was sold for N6000 before the festive period now goes for N9,000, which he attributed to increase in the price of turkey feeds from N1700 to N2000. “By this time last year, despite the complaint over inadequate money, people were seen buying things for Christmas especially when it was just a few weeks to the celebration. But, this year, things are different. Everything is dull and the market looks as if nothing special is going on. ”Surprisingly, the price of rice and beans have gone up more than expected. The

Yuletide: Nigerians decry hike in prices of goods reason for this has not known as our government seems to have turned deaf ear to our plight”. This is the submission of Mrs Bisi Bankole, who deals on wholesale goods at Daleko market. She sells rice and beans of all kinds. Unlike the past years, Madam Bisi says, the increase in prices of rice have affected her sales negatively. ”For instance, 50kg bag of caprice which was sold at the rate of N10,500 last year now goes for N14,500. Mama Gold is next on the list as 50kg is sold for N14,400. She also said a 50kg bag of Royal Stallion rice which was N9, 500 now goes for N11, 900. While the prices of other types have also increased by five percent. A tomatoes seller, Mohammed Bala who said the price of tomatoes has been fluctuating, attributed it to high transportation cost, just as he said the price for a basket of onions was N20,000. At the popular Ojuwoye market in Mushin, a wine and beverage seller, who identified himself as Chairman as he is popularly called said, “the prices for most of our goods have changed while some have not. For instance, the prices of goods

like malt, juice and other beverages have remained the same.” He however said with the introduction of new products in the market there has been a boom in the sales of beverages, adding that, “the christmas season has ushered in a good time for the business.” Similarly, while some shoes, bags and clothes dealers said they had been enjoying increased patronage as a result of the season, others say market has been dull. There was also a noticeable boom in hair dressing business as well as sales of clothing materials. Christmas decorations were also on display for those who want to beautify their homes for the celebrations. In spite of the notable activities going on, traders in the market complained of low patronage as they said those who would have bought from them have travelled down to their various states to celebrate the christmas there. “We are not experiencing much sales because by now, people have started travelling to their villages for the christmas celebration,” Chinedu, one of the

traders said. Already, prices of edibles and other cooking ingredients are shooting up. Various food items prices that have skyrocketed during this season are rice, groundnut oil,tomatoes, pepper,chicken, beef,onion and many others. This clearly revealed that the closer to yuletide, the higher the prices of food items. At Ile-Epo market in Abule Egba, a trader miss Aminat at Ile-Epo market, said a 5litre of Gino groundnut oil that sold for N1,200 in October is now N1,800; a sachet of knorr that cost 300 now costs N380. “Festive period is a time where traders like me have a high expectation of making increased sales. But what we experience now is just worrisome. Despite the crowdiness of the market, we have low sales and we can not get our goods at the usual price. The prices have been inflated.” She further said the reason for the hike is as a result of hoading of food items from the part of the manufacturers and their companies. “The major reason for the hike in prices of food items is that most of the manufacturers hoad their goods and sell little quantity to us the traders. ”Usually,most companies would seize the high demands during festive period to make excessive gains. Buyers always throng this market in large numbers to make purchases and do last-minute shopping but the stress of selling in a crowded market where there is uneasy moment and all sorts of haste also causes fatigue with little to show for it”. She also chided that another reason for low sales is the creation of new markets and different shopping malls. “Another problem that is affecting our sales is all these new shopping malls scattered round the country and some people even go for on line shopping leaving our pocket almost without profit”. Another trader, mallam Ibrahim is of the opinion that sales during this period last year is far better than what they are experiening now in Ile-Epo market. Mallam Ibrahim said he is of the opinion that the poor economy is the reason for their low sales. “The Nigerian economy is very hard on an average Nigerian and many Nigerians find the items too expensive. After parading the market, most of them go home without buying anything. It is not our fault that prices of food ingredients go up, it is from the manufacturers because it is what they sell to us that we will buy and resell. I think it is just natural for items to be expensive during this season.” But Adeife Salami differs on this trader’s line of thought. She said “It has become common for Nigerians, be it manufacturers or the traders, to always increase prices of foodstuff at festive period. Whenever there is any festivity, they see it as an opportunity to make extra gain, and that is greed.” Apart from the hike in prices of food items so also is the increase in the demand of second hand clothes popularly known as Okirika. Many Nigerians now prefer okirika to new clothes due to different reasons especially at this period. However, a dealer of Okirika in Super market, Abule Egba, Mr Awodi expressed how this festive period turned sour for his business instead of the other way round. “this season is supposed to be our smiling time but the federal government has been on our neck and hindering trucks with our goods easy flow into the market. The few truks that scale through their net,will increase the price of clothes. ”A pair of cloth that is supposed to be around N200 will get to us at N300 leaving us with no choice than to increase our prices. I plead with the government to see to it.” . Chioma, a buyer at the market said the traders are only been exploitative. “somethings happen in this country that the government can not be blame for it. These traders just like to take advantage of the season to exploit us.”

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013—11

EDUC ATION SECT OR S TINKS!

Poor infrastructure, personnel wreak havoc BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

or about six months now, public universities, the most vital segment of the country’s tertiary education system had been closed down due to strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over sundry issues including infrastructure which seemed a major one. The academic personnel of polytechnics and colleges of education were at varying period, at war with government over matters also relating to infrastructural development, welfare, salaries and conditions of service. The relative peace in Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) could be likened to the “peace in the grave yard” because they also disgruntled and dissatisfied over aborted agreement reached with government. But the most devastating is the industrial action embarked upon by university teachers which brought the pubic university system to its knees over alleged non-implementation of the

2009 ASUU/Federal Government Agreement. The nation was not taken by surprise by ASUU strike which had become a recurring decimal in the academic calendar in the struggle to restore lost glory of the system and match up in quality and excellent academic performance with other universities of the world. It is absolutely clear that the rot in tertiary education infrastructure cutting across polytechnics, colleges of education and public universities had become monumental, threatening the very existence of those institutions. Poor infrastructure is one of the major problems facing tertiary education in Nigeria. There are about 130 universities owned by federal and state governments, and over 300 polytechnics and colleges of education spread across the nation belonging to governments of the federation. That education is the bedrock of development cannot be doubted even to the most cynical. A renowned scholar once said, “it is the ignorant who despises education” whether formal or informal.

The nation was not taken by surprise by ASUU strike which had become a recurring decimal in the academic calendar in the struggle to restore lost glory of the system and match up in quality and excellent academic performance with other universities of the world According top William Shakespeare, one of the greatest writers of all time, “the common curse of mankind is folly and ignorance.” The bane of our national development is due mainly to the low priority accorded to education and the failure of our schools, colleges, polytechnics and universities lacking conducive environment to teach and transmit applied knowledge which is fundamental to success, development and progress in life.

Components of the controversial 2009 pact between ASUU and Federal Government include that a minimum of 26 per cent of the annual budget be allocated to education in accordance with UNESCO recommendations, that government will spend N1.5 trillion for federal universities between 2009 and 2011, that education will be on first line charge, agreed that in 2009, N500 billion will be paid, in 2010 N500 billion will be paid and in 2011, an amount slightly above N500 billion will b e paid. Conditions of service that are non-salary will include clinical load, car refurbishing, research leave, housing loan, sabbatical leave, injury pension, office accommodation and facilities. Others are review of university laws, membership of governing councils and so on. Up till now, the Federal Government has not denied reaching such agreement nor signing it with ASUU. Then why foot-dragging all these years despite several letters and even some warning strikes by the union to remind government on the need to implement the deal. All to no avail, hence the long strike or struggle which has now taken the life of Professor Festus Iyayi, a former President of ASUU killed by the convoy of Kogi State Governor on the way to a meeting to resolve the lingering dispute. However, the bone of contention remains the issue of infrastructure which the Federal Government said it has deposited N200 billion with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which can

Continues on page 12

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013—13

Poor infrastructure, personnel wreak havoc

PLA TEA U: PLATEA TEAU: Declaration of emergency yet to transform education By Taye Obateru and Marie-Therese

Nanlong

he state of education in Plateau State remains a far cry from the ideal despite the efforts of the state government to revamp the sector. Although the Jang Administration in appreciation of the dire situation declared a state of emergency in the sector when it came into office years ago, many in the state feel that not much is on ground to show for the declaration. A concerned citizen Lucas Dashe captured the situation thus: “Some tertiary institutions like the College of Agriculture, Garkawa, College of Health Technology, Pankshin are just glorified secondary schools without basic infrastructure and adequate manpower. Nothing is really on ground despite the state of emergency on the education sector and the huge amount allocated yearly. Either the funds are not fully accessed or some people are pilfering the money thereby leaving the schools, infrastructure and all to suffer ” . But the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Nanle Dashen dismissed such insinuations as he chronicled the various steps of the state government to revamp the sector. He told Saturday Vanguard that the sector had in the

past suffered a lot of neglect which would take time to turn around. He said the state of emergency declared on the sector is still on course and has yielded the desired results as the administration of Governor Jonah Jang has mustered the political will to put things right in the sector. According to him, “ the education sector in the past has suffered so much and performance was dismal, to say the least. This government met many issues on ground but as it stands, the backlog of 2005 which we met on ground has been cleared. Saturday Vanguard’s check reveals that many primary schools in the 17 local government areas are benefiting from the renovation of structures though many more still beg for attention. Secondary schools like Science School, Kuru, Bukuru Technical School (BuTech), Government Girls School, Bokkos, Government Girls Science School, Shendam among others have been overhauled. Also, tertiary institutions like the Plateau State Polytechnic, College of Health Technology, Zawan, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Vom, the Plateau State University, Bokkos among others have also received a face-lift with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Kurgwi being upgraded and merged with the State University to serve people from the Southern part of the State. However, in terms of human development, the government in 2007 gave especially the primary school teachers

The education sector in the past has suffered so much and performance was dismal, to say the least. This government met many issues on ground but as it stands, the backlog of 2005 which we met on ground has been cleared who were mostly Senior Secondary School Certificate holders teaching in the hinterlands opportunity to upgrade themselves or be flushed out of the system. Those who did not heed the warning were laid off and replaced with qualified teachers early this year. However, despite the seeming improvement in infrastructure, there are still some grumblings within the sector as the State owned Polytechnic lecturers who were on strike for several months last year appear to still have unresolved issues When Saturday Vanguard sought to clarify some issues with the Chairman of the state chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Mr. Victor Dawurung, he declined comments, but his body language indicated that all is not well..

Stakeholders spoken to were divided on their assessment of the state of education in the state, with some giving kudos while others gave knocks to the government. A source from College of Education, Gindiri observed that there is a change in terms of infrastructure but lamented that human development is not being considered in terms of training and staff welfare. ”We may talk of billions in terms of budgetary allocation but this is grossly inadequate because it is always shared among all tertiary institutions and sometimes, it is only on paper without full implementation. ”The money always allocated to us has not been able to address the needs of schools”. Another resident, Agwom Itse said, “The government has tried but many primary and secondary schools in the villages are still eyesore because working materials and facilities that would lift the standard of education are lacking and their absence are affecting the productivity of teachers”. The education commissioner reeled out the achievements of government to Vanguard: “Government has expended about N5billion on counterpart funding and other issues of basic education. Actual expenditure so far expended on the secondary schools exceeds N3billion. N1billion has been expended on long-lasting furniture for public schools in the State. ”The State University has equally benefited because government did not just make political statement nor launched a project and disappeared but N2billion has been sunk in projects in the institution and 17 people, one from each local government has been sponsored for PhD studies abroad. ”Other tertiary institutions in the State are not left out because, we are going to employ qualified staff in the next academic year. We have made good efforts to ensure conducive atmosphere for work as welfare issues have been addressed. ”Governing Councils for tertiary institutions have been constituted and will soon be announced and convocation which have not been held in years will take place on the 17 and 20 of this month for College of Education, Gindiri and State Polytechnic respectively”. Dashen acknowledged the discontent among some unions in the sector explaining that, “government-union issues are continuum. Some are prominent and some are not but once you solve the bigger demands, the smaller ones come up too but we are trying to ensure that everyone is comfortable”. Many residents say they look forward to seeing more concrete benefits from the declaration of an emergency in the education sector more than they have seen in the past six years.

12—SA TURD AY 12—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

Continues from page 11 be accessed for this purpose. An educationist, Dr. Cecelia Paul, in hr reaction, said with this deposit, it is no longer mere pronouncement as government can not be trusted. “ASUU wants concrete evidence because once bitten, twice shy. The lecturers know where the shoe pains and so won’t want to take chances again. They don’t want to go in vain and can therefore build on this foundation.” Although the Federal Government said it has met all the conditions by ASUU, they should now call off the strike with President Goodluck Jonathan expressing dismay after discussing for 13 hours with ASUU and the strike not suspended. She hoped by Monday December 9, 2013 when the deadline by government for lecturers to go back to work expires, ASUU should have called off the strike and universities re-opened for academic activities. A glossary of the infrastructural decay is alarming as Saturday Vanguard investigation showed. A 10-man Needs Assessment Committee headed by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and which include former ASUU President, Prof. Awuzie discovered some disgusting state of infrastructure in the Nigerian public university system. The committee found that physical facilities for teaching and learning were grossly inadequate, over-stretched, improvised and dilapidated due to pressure on existing facilities and unplanned expansion of academic programmes. Many of the laboratories and workshops were old, obsolete, with inappropriate furnishing. They suffered from overcrowding, scanty and broken furniture, lacking equipment and vital consumables. Kerosene stoves were being used as Bunsen burners especially in the universities of Jos and Uyo. Power and water supply problems are the order of the day. Several engineering workshops were under zinc sheds and trees, while many faculties of science discipline were running what can be termed as dry lab as they don’t have reagents and tools for carrying out proper experiments. More than 50 per cent of the universities do not use public address systems in their lecture rooms or theatres, none had fully automated libraries, less than 35 per cent partially automated, many with outdated books, while less than 20 per cent use interactive boards and less than 10 per cent of the universities have video conferencing facility. There were a total of 701 physical development projects across all the public universities according to the Needs report, out of which 163 or 23.3 per cent are abandoned.

Poor infrastructure, personnel wreak havoc

While about 538 or 76.7 per cent are on-going, some of them are fifteen years old, 60 per cent of them funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN) has the highest number of abandoned projects which are 22. About 84 per cent of students’ hostels which made up the bulk of projects across universities in Niger Delta sates handled by the Niger Delta Develop-

ment Commission (NDCC) have been abandoned. On hostel accommodation, the report noted: The provision of decent hostel accommodation to at least 50 per cent of the student population in any residential university is proving to be an uphill task for Nigerian universities. University managers have been over the years, unable to diversify their means of providing hostel accommodation and associated facilities to students.

There has been over the last two decades an upsurge of students’ population in almost all Nigerian universities, but there was no commensurate improvement of accommodation and other student services.” It added: As a result, there is rapid deteriorating of hostel facilities, overcrowding and undue congestion in rooms, over-stretched lavatory, laundry facilities and poor sanita-

tion. These conditions, coupled with general condition of the universities, produce graduates that lack confidence and sometimes even selfworth.” It was found that there are about 109,509 (about 10.3 per cent of total population) oncampus hostels’ bed spaces across all public universities in Nigeria. No university in the country can accommodate more than 35 per cent of its students. Less than 1 per cent of the hostels are provided via public Public Private Partnership (PPP). All federal universities charge N90 per bed space per session, plus hostel maintenance fee that varies between N5,000 and N20,000. Many universities charge higher than this. In respect of toilets or lavatories, these are inadequate and unfit for human use in most of hostels of Nigerian universities. The average ratio of toilet to users is 1:20, forcing some students to use the bush or surrounding compounds of the hostels as open toilets. Invariably this poses serious health hazard. At Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, female students take their bath in the open, because the bathrooms are in bad condition. Hostel are infested with rodents. Basic municipal facilities like water, electricity, transportation, market are either lacking or inadequate. Most of the universities depend on water tankers and boreholes. Healthcare facilities are grossly inadequate. There is no university that has functional integrated water supply and distribution system. Laundries and common rooms have been converted into rooms where students are living, and so no limit to the number of occupants.

14—SA TURD AY Vanguard , DECEMBER 21, 2013 14—SATURD TURDA

t is so easy for anyone to criticize Olusegun Obasanjo — General, war hero, military head of state, civilian president, et cetera, et cetera, — because he finds it so easy to criticise anyone himself.He does it in season and out of season, and so, hardly anyone winces when he too is made to have it good and hard. The usual feeling is that he asked for it. Even when he makes a welcome point that proves to be acceptable at the end, he fails to get any worthwhile credit because he would maybe have chosen to overstate the point, or spoken out of turn, or from a position devoid of any moral right. His recent recourse to his favourite pastime of bashing his successors in office, and even others of less attainments in public life, has met once again with the usual reception of disdain, as one would expect. The value of any actual mess she left behind as a his own child now steps out to upbraid him publicly. message he might have wanted member of the National And yet we all know he will do it again. to put across is almost lost Assembly. She has been left But one thing he should be discouraged from entirely in the overlay of public off so far, it would appear. A doing is to make flagrant indictments that are not disdain his open letter to presidential disfavour could supported by facts. He has adduced no evidence to President Goodluck Jonathan indeed bring the whole issue his claim that President Jonathan is nursing a “nest attracted. up again, thanks to her of killers” to deal with his opponents of which he All in all, the epistle was filled father’s unguarded has some one thousand in mind. That is a mouthful. with a plethora of the ills of the Jonathan administration, for some of which he is held accountable in that he virtually foisted the presidency of Jonathan on the nation. There was nothing fresh along that way. The frustrations which the Jonathan presidency has caused Nigerians are innumerable, we all agree. The misdeeds stare us all in the face and give rise to untold agony in almost every direction of our daily lives. He is not personally culpable on every count, that is true, but the buck stops right there on his desk no matter how far it has traversed. * t is the misery or glory of leadership which,it is common opinion,that he has very little of in good quality. Unfortunately for his position, it is not helped by the calibre of his most prominent arsenal •Obasanjo and Iyabo...not all that lyabo has tendered is entirely new of support which is demeaned by a narrow base of ethnic mores, seemingly unaware of statements. But why bother? If it cannot be proved to be true, that utterance its weaknesses. This is not the time for must not be allowed to pass muster. The least action Not in 18 pages full of spite distractions. that can be slapped against it is libel. In this land of can anyone adequately Let the President, apart a thousand SAN’s, considerations of “treason” may exhaust the various aspects of from the presidency, deal sound like hot air already. But libel, soft and the disappointment that the with this issue of a gang of simple— a maliciously, irresponsibly published Jonathan era has brought to assassins-in-training with statement that attempts to bring the character of Nigerians. Not even when his the urgency it demands. own daughter joins the refrain That is what is important could the chorus sound more right now. out of tune. Not all that lyabo has tendered is entirely new, thanks to her own mother who had earlier even written a book agos is now described about it. It is so sad. as the “Commercial Capital” of the nation. It is adder yet, however, is the not quite an uplifting title fact that this otherwise from its former position of distinguished Nigerian, who being the Nation’s Capital, its victim into disrepute — that is the treatment that appeared to have played such but no matter. After all, would fit the bill. a distinctive role in the Civil Calabar was stripped of the That seems not to be so attractive to the President War, which we have been told ultimate title of a up till now. Although he adopts an admirable stance was fought in order that we municipality without the of calmness, many people are quite excited and might be one, and* a military saving grace of a vestige of alarmed about that allegation. The National ruler who recorded the rare act the old glory. Lagos, in fact, Assembly has called for investigations about it. The of willingly handing over the needs no title. It is still the people wish to believe that it is not true, but they reins of government into city where people flood in to need to be actually convinced. civilian hands, has acquired a look for opportunities of a reputation for a skin thicker better life, Abuja or no here is a feeling already that, say what you than that of a rhinoceros in Abuja. will, “there is no smoke without fire”. But then response to widespread The city still sets the pace, there is no limit to the wiles and wickedness of censure. He has been scolded though not as distinctly as people who can build pillars out sheer smoke. Like in the past by people who before, when it had the best lyabo Obasanjo’s publicly expressed disaffection should line up to worship him; football teams, the best for her father, being interpreted as a gambit to he has suffered contemptuous athletes and the best table curry favour from the presidency in order to comment from those should tennis players. It had many restrain the EFCC from calling her to book on the hold him in high regard; even “firsts” — in fact, you might

*a nursery of killers *eko o ni baje o!

A military ruler who recorded the rare act of willingly handing over the reins of government into civilian hands, has acquired a reputation for a skin thicker than that of a rhinoceros

C M Y K

say all the “firsts”. It was the earliest scene of the establishment of the oneway traffic, as well as the first traffic lights. Songs were made about these innovations by the best musicians of the day, who were mostly based in Lagos. And, of c o u r s e , commercial motor-cycles, the Okada , came to Lagos first, as had the first municipal buses, some five decades earlier. P u b l i c transportation in the city has always been of a high premium in its administration. But, no more. The officials appointed for its administration are still there— in fact, much, much more than before.

owever, the traffic is

usually more clogged up than ever. One major contributor to this disheartening fact is the condition of the roads. There are unending repairs except in areas left to utter neglect. One of the major roads—in fact, one of the two roads that were first made one-way roads, not only in Lagos but in West Africa, Bamgbose Road, is now in a sorry state. The lower part, where it changes into Lewis Street, is almost impassable. It gets even worse where, further on, one of the principal markets, the Sand Grouse, is situated has become like a village disused road. This is a city with which I totally identify. I feel personally involved with its unedifying plight at the moment and feel that the situation could be better managed. I shall hereafter endeavour to spare a little space here every Saturday to engage the attention of the officials responsible for the upkeep of the city’s welfare. Eho o ni baje o! Time out.

SATURDAY

It’s the system, stupid

eneral Olusegun Obasanjo took one of his protégées, Dr Goodluck Jonathan to the cleaners in an 18- page missive last week. The last time he did such a comprehensive white wash was 20 years ago when he attacked the person of General Babangida, another protégée. On both occasions, he took a moral high ground as he attacked not only the competence, but the integrity of two Nigeria number one citizens. On both occasions, it was relatively easy to savour the message and ignore the messenger because the missives came at times of public –read elite – disaffection with the antics of the two people concerned. The first was when Maradona was fiddling with the goal post and needed someone to tell him that Nigeria was not his soccer pitch. This recent one has come because the shoe-less one has started playing hide and seek with his political team mates. That the two missives resonated well with the public –again, read eliteshows that General Obasanjo knows the values that make for good leadership. He knows the importance of probity, accountability, rule of law and the sanctity of the ballot box in a democracy. So if he knows these things, why was he so deficit in many of the things he pontificated upon? That was why the message seemed tainted because the messenger is tainted. That was why many, and they are right, have questioned the credentials of Obasanjo in talking about corruption, rule of law, and keeping of

take an undue advantage of his opponent by staying offside so as to score. Ah the referee; although his word is law, he is also bound by rules that are known to all the participants. In other words, the rules of the game do not take cognisance of whether you are an inherently nice guy or bad guy. It recognises talent and flair, but within its rules. That is why the soccer game has become a game we love so much and not some do or die contest in the jungle. This is what is lacking in Nigeria. The rules of engagement are so lax and elastic that they are often stretched, sometimes beyond limits. The lines are blurred, and the boundaries porous. So we are left with how far a leader wants to go; how far his principals and fellow co-travellers allow him. That is why we have had different personalities like Shagari, Babangida, Abacha and Obasanjo as leaders who have run the country along different sets of boundaries according to their personality traits. This is the crux of my issue with General Obasanjo, an intelligent man who knows what is right from what is wrong but did very little to strengthen the institutions that lead to good governance and stem the abuses of people in power. He had the rare chance of a second coming to correct the ills of his first outing. And yet….. Two of the major institutions that were destroyed under his watch in his first coming were the press when his government took over the Daily Times and New Nigerian. These were strong moral forces against the excesses of government that were emasculated. The second was the civil service which has never regained its pride of place since the government interference destroyed its values. Obasanjo’s second coming took on the judiciary, and with his do or die politics, the ballot box. So the problem is not really with Jonathan or who ever might succeed him. The problem is with our weak system, and the unwillingness of our leaders— and we the people— to strengthen the institutions that will make for good governance. Today, there is no institution that can control the excesses of governance— not the press, not the legislature and certainly not the judiciary or the rule of law. Yet the excesses in governance must be checked if we do not want a descent into chaos. Will these periodic missives do it? And how many will have to be written — to the presidency and all the way down to the local governments? The answer is to strengthen the system and put in controls that will sieve our emerging leaders. Mean while, one solution might be what Mr Rotimi Amaechi of River State proffered which is stoning the leaders who have misgoverned or stolen the country blind. And they are many.

we do need people who can stand on a moral high ground and speak the truth to government

faith. His moral capital has fallen so low since his Babangida missive that his recent weighty remarks on Jonathan are not as devastating as they should have been. Which is a pity because we do need people who can stand on a moral high ground and speak the truth to government. People who would have the courage to voice their conviction without fear. It is also a pity because those allegations are very weighty and need to be addressed. A sweeping denial will not suffice; neither will a sweeping character assassination of the messenger. The country deserves a factual, point by point rebuttal, or confirmation, of the allegations. The country deserves the assurance that the Oga at the top, is not leading us down the garden path. But beyond all these are some fundamentals which must be addressed. Let me illustrate. When a footballer enters the soccer field, he knows there are rules to be obeyed. He knows for example, that he can not deliberately touch the ball or his opponent’s face off the ball. One attracts a yellow card, and the other, a red card. He knows that a momentary loss of concentration that results in a rash challenge can lead to a red card if the referee deems it vicious enough. He knows he can not

Vanguard ,DECEMBER 21, 2013—15 Vanguard,DECEMBER

Caring for the poor G od wants us to care and show compassion to the poor. Know that every human being is made in the image and likeness of God. Therefore everyone is special, their present position notwithstanding. The truth is that you cannot afford to ignore them because if you do, you will be missing a glorious goldmine. The one you refer to as the poor is a glorious opportunity given to you by God for prosperity. The way we help those in need ought to reflect and mirror God’s love and concerns. Make it a practice to help those in need around you. Today we shall look at various scriptures from the word of life and be able to find out the mind of God concerning the poor and how to relate with them, as well as the benefits to you. In Ps. 28:27, the bible says “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” Thus, God wants us to identify with the needy not ignore them. Those who open their eyes to human needs shall be blessed. To avoid lack in your life, care for the poor. If we help others when they are in trouble, they will do whatever they can to return the favour. Prov. 11:24-25, says, “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself ”. We become richer by being generous. When we give, God supplies us with more so that we can give the more. With God, when you give to the poor, your finances get better. You will know why I said so later. What can you do to help God supply someone’s need? Prov. 14:31, says, “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor ”. When you honour God, you shall be honoured. One way of honouring God is by showing mercy to the poor because God is the one who created them. You are not permitted to look down on them. God has a special concern for the poor. He insists that those who have material T

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goods, should be generous with those who are needy. In fact providing for the poor is not just a suggestion but a biblical command that may require a change of attitude on your part. Jesus said the poor you have with you always (Matt. 26:11). This does not justify ignoring the needs of the poor. Let’s read Deut. 15:11, where Jesus quoted from. It says “For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in the land”. Don’t invent reasons for not caring for the poor. We are to respond to their needs no matter whom or what is responsible for their condition. Remember that I said earlier that caring for the poor is a goldmine. it is an investment that is guaranteed a return. There is no threat or fear of you not getting your money back with interest. The reason I say so is simple. Let’s read Prov. 19:17. “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again”. So you see, when you give to the poor, you are actually lending to God who will pay you back. Stop thinking of what benefit you can get from the poor. Rather know that it is an opportunity given you by God to turn your situation around. Know that the bible says that the borrower is a slave to the lender. If my giving to the poor means that I lend to God, it therefore means that God is indebted to me. The question now will be, do you think that God can be your slave? The answer is NO. if God becomes your slave then He is not qualified to be God. The poor may not be able to pay you back but God said He, the owner of the silver and gold, the possessor of heaven and earth, will pay you back so that His position as God will remain. When we help the poor, we show honour both to the Creator and to His creation. God accepts our help to the poor as if we had offered it to Him directly. In Matt. 25:31-46, Jesus identified with the poor and rewarded those that helped the poor while those that neglected the poor were punished. Start now to care D A for the poor. You will end well and so shall our great D nation Nigeria. Have you given your life N O to Jesus? If not, please pray E this prayer. Father, I come to you as I am. I invite Jesus K into my life to be my personal Lord and Saviour. Wash T I me cleanse with the blood of T Jesus and empower me with the power of your Holy SpirJ I it. Thank you Father for saving my soul and making me your child. U S Your prayer request and praise reports will be welU come. Our contact details M are below. You can also partner with us by supporting us D O financially.

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635 08168955932; 08033378769. Email: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org. Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C 1011711622.

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

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

fter reading the letters of both Obasanjo and his beloved daughter Iyabo, I fell in love with Obasanjo family all over again. I love them for many things: OBJ is a hard man and his daughter was made in his image and likeness. And somehow, in choosing a wife, Remi, he found someone like him or he also made his wife in his own likeness. She became a hard ‘babe’ just like her man. But what I love most about them is that they are very prolific writers of books and letters. When she was alive, my maternal grandmother used to call her grandchildren Cambridge or London Matriculation whenever we spoke a big grammar. I used to help her write letters to her seven children spread across Nigeria and overseas. With the kind of writings coming from the Obasanjo family, I wonder what my grandmother would have called them . The Obasanjos are versatile writers and my grandmother, an illiterate wife of a head-master would have loved them. She liked English language but she could neither read nor write. She could only pick some big grammar spoken by her head-master husband or grandchildren.

Spellbinders

The gallant writer

irst I read This Animal Called Man, written by General Olusegun Obasanjo which clearly portrayed that all animals are equal but some are more equal than others. When Obasanjo came back from prison, he clutched this book he authored in detention. Nigerians didn’t know then that the book was very prophetic. It was a warning to those who would later draft him to the Presidency that they were dealing with a man who would never suffer fools gladly. In this book, Obasanjo delved deep into self-adoration and worship. He almost portrayed himself as superhuman , the father of modern Nigeria and the conqueror of Lord Lugard’s Nigeria. Truly, Obasanjo has paid his dues and has the knowledge of the sages. He is one of the greatest and Nigeria is perhaps, lucky to have a man like him since Lord Lugard. He was the only Yoruba man who had the opportunity of serving as president both as a soldier and a civilian. No other Yoruba man has ever performed that feat! Others ended up becoming the best Nigeria never had or victims of our porous democracy. At the risk of sounding sarcastic, he brought Nigeria to greatness both as a military and civilian President. His $16billion power sector reform during his tenure as civilian president was one big evidence of his greatness. Nigerians are still enjoying un-interrupted power supply! Under his regime, Nigeria had the best home grown democracy in the world. Individuals had territories to hold and to rule. Indeed, This Animal Called Man is one of the greatest books ever written until I read another book written by another Obasanjo.

Oluremi Obasanjo

itter Sweet: My Life with Obasanjo written by Oluremi Obasanjo, his first wife is another masterpiece. You wouldn’t know the secret of books until you develop the

Former President Obasanjo and his daughter Iyabo culture of reading and then you’d discover that the book Bitter Sweet is one of the greatest from the Obasanjo dynasty. Indeed one never knows what darkness lurks between the covers of a book. Bitter Sweet evokes emotions. It is one book that can reduce you to tears and depress you. It is one book that can draw your ire especially if one is a graduate of the school of hard knocks like Oluremi Obasanjo. It’s ‘un-put-downable’ and brings real fears that bemoan the fate of women and children of Nigeria. Mrs Obasanjo in this book portrays her husband as an acrimonious and violent partner, a man who is horrible and abusive, mean spirited, and nasty to boot. She paints her husband as a serial manipulator and wife abuser who loves charming all manners of women into his perverse space. In its spell-binding narrative, Bitter Sweet projects a terrifying romantic relationship with a narcissist partner . Oluremi Obasanjo portrays her husband as a ruthless man, one who is fond of offering unsolicited slaps and merciless beatings to subordinates, house helps and wives. The author also alleges witchcraft, sorcery and diabolical behaviour on the part of her husband. I cried through the pages wondering why any woman would hang around a relationship long enough to endure such horrors and my tears dried when I began to read through some interesting anecdotes. There was actually a period when OBJ took care of his family. During the civil war years, he showered her with the kind of attention normally reserved for lovers. He was such a gentle man. But that was temporary because more narratives portray she was treated worse than the wretched chickens of Otta Farms. But

in spite of all these, she still remains an Obasanjo and still parades the name with pride. Even till date. Then came Obasanjo’s critical letter to President Goodluck Jonathan which is still generating heat in the country. Politicians are still having a field day debating this letter, tearing each other apart over its contents when another writer from the Obasanjo dynasty entered the scene.

Enter Iyabo Obasanjo

This first daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Iyabo, went too far; ruling out further communication with her father till death, describing him

where her father and his ilk have helped to create a situation where smart, capable people bend down to imbeciles to survive. She particularly noted her experience as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health when she led the committee on a retreat appropriated for in the budget only for her to be prosecuted for it. Iyabo’s letter titled Open Letter to my Father started with a 4th century Chinese proverb by Mencius which states: “The great man is he who does not lose his child’s heart.” “It brings me no joy to have to write this but since you start-

It’s good to have a daughter like Iyabo Obasanjo. She is the true child of her father and one hopes the father-daughter relationship grows from strength to strength. ed this trend of open letters, I as a liar, manipulator, two-faced hypocrite determined to foist on President Goodluck Jonathan what no one would contemplate with him as president. I’m still trying to recover from this shock. Which child would dare call her father such names? Senator Iyabo Obasanjo reportedly accused her father of having an egoistic craving for power and living a life where only men of low esteem and intellect thrive. Iyabo accused her father of orchestrating a third term for himself as president, cruelty to family members, abandonment of children and grandchildren, and also, a legendary reputation of maltreatment of women. Iyabo denied any political motive for her letter, and described Nigeria as a country

thought I would follow suit since you don’t listen to anyone anyway. The only way to reach you may be to make the public aware of some things. As a child well brought up by my long-suffering mother in Yoruba tradition, I have been reluctant to tell the truth about you but as it seems, you still continue to delude yourself about the kind of person you are and I think for posterity’s sake it is time to set the records straight...” Iyabo’s letter was a catalogue of events that plagued her childhood. Children are highly impressionable and childhood events tend to play like movies in their brains long after they have grown up. Iyabo definitely had a battered childhood, suffered a battered ego and damaged psyche. She has been depressed all these while due to lack of paternal love and

was waiting for an opportunity to avenge her father. What I want to contend with in Iyabo’s letter is the place of African tradition in the letter to her father. It is un-African for a child to talk back to her father in the manner that Iyabo did. I understand a love relationship that went sour between her parents. I also understand her pain in being abandoned as a child, leaving her and her siblings in the hands of their mother. I understand equally that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. But I always believe that the best revenge is to live a good life and the fact that she and her siblings became good professionals with little or no contribution from their father is the sweetest revenge ever. If a man would truly pay for his sins, I believe that OBJ had sober moments when he regretted his action and tried to make up. But there was always cause to return to old ways. But should a child carry up his father? His loin clothes would blindfold the child. What does Iyabo intend to achieve by throwing sour grapes at her father openly? Nobody is giving Obasanjo accolades as the best father in the world. Fatherhood goes beyond impregnating a woman. Fatherhood is responsibility. But irrespective of this, the good book enjoins children to honour their father and their mother and their days will be long. It is the only commandment that has a promise. And the good book also enjoins parents not to provoke their children. Both father and daughter are guilty of breaking this commandment. And African tradition abhors this.

ut this is a pointer to the fact that things are changing in the society. Children are standing up to their parents. Things they observe as kids affect their ego and psyche later in adult life. A child reared in America or United Kingdom would later call his parents idiots if they behave as one. Politics is a dangerous field that knows no friends and foes. It is politics that made Iyabo stand up to her father and dared to call him names. One would have said that Obasanjo’s political enemies are using his own family against him and that seems likely. But should one feel for a man like Obasanjo? No. Real men don’t cry. So, one should not shed tears for Obasanjo that his own daughter poked fingers into his eyes . He might have been instrumental in making her senator in 2007. But she just spat that back on his face by insulting him through an open letter and saying her father has narcissistic megalomaniac personality. But it’s good to have a daughter like Iyabo Obasanjo. Parents pray to have children that resemble them both in looks and attitude. Iyabo is the true

child of her father. She is Obasanjo all over again in looks and attributes and one hopes the father-daughter relationship grows

from strength to strength. I’m sure President Jonathan is having the last laugh. There

is no better response than to have

Obasanjo’s own flesh and blood respond to her father’s letter to Jonathan. What an irony.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013—17

18 —SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21 21, 2013

C M Y K

My guy has wandering eyes

Aunty Julie, I have been with this guy for 15 years and now I’m 30 and not once has he asked me to marry him. Now we have two kids, one nine the other fiveand I am still confused if I should stay with him or not. Over the years, we have had some rough times but many good times as well. I just don’t feel like he sees me the way he used to and the truth is I am beginning to feel quite insecure with myself especially since I gained some weight. I am scared that I might be stuck with him for the next 30 years living the same old way. I love him and he loves me I believe but I am beginning to feel the eyes wandering on his part. I don’t want my kids to be without a father and besides, he is a very good father to them. I am just confused and don’t know what to do. What would you advise?

Ebun, Ibadan Dear Ebun, Fifteen years is a long time to be together without being married. Why hasn’t he asked you to marry him all this while? Well, it’s convenient for him. He can walk out of the love relationship anytime because he has no serious obligations. Marriage is a sign of commitment. Each time the man thinks of going wayward, he remembers his obligation and the implications. My first advice? Get married to him if you really love him. Marriage cements a love rela-

I want a divorce

Dear Julie, I am 47 and have been married for 16 years. We have two sons, aged 11 and 13. Approximately five years ago, I found out my husband was having an affair. He broke off the affair and lived with his mother. He moved back in after four months. I’ve had a difficult time trusting him ever since. His position is that he doesn’t have to account for what he does or with whom. He is an only child. His mother (who was divorced when he was three) was recently diagnosed with cancer. The same day she was given her prognosis, he went out with the ‘guys’ to a club. I was ready to file for divorce, but his mother begged me not to and to give him another chance. I have nothing

left to give. I want to file for divorce and end this charade, but I’m uncertain as to how it will affect our children. Especially if their grandmother dies within the next few months. Ethel, Lagos

Dear Ethel, If you are not yet completely certain that you are ready to divorce right now or if you are not certain that you have tried everything possible to rebuild your relationship, i.e. to get your husband to join in that effort in some meaningful way, then I would encourage you to give your husband the choice: to either commit to a year of weekly counseling to bring your dead relationship back to life or to go ahead and figure out the best way to

tionship. It doesn’t matter that he hasn’t asked you. This is not a fresh relationship. You’re in it already. He’s already a huge part of your life. Right now, you shouldn’t wait for him to ask you. You ask him if he’s reluctant to ask. You said, “I just don’t feel like he sees me the way he used to”. Is that just a feeling or is that reality? Is it true that he does not see you the way he used to or you just feel he does not? If it’s true that he does not, has he changed for better or for worse? Is he less respectful of you? Does he listen to you less? Is he less empathetic ; less loving; less caring; less open to conversation and less husbandly or less understanding? You have to be able to distinguish between what you feel and what’s the case about your feeling of insecurity. Is it because he does not see you the way he used to or because you’ve gained weight? It’s well known that women are a bit more concerned about their weight than men are and are quick to attribute any change in behaviour of their partners to their increase in weight. If

you’re concerned about what he thinks of your weight, ask him directly or indirectly. If you discover your weight is the cause of his worries, do something about it without being hysterical. get an amicable divorce at this time, in a way that will least adversely affect the children. Sometimes,giving a husband that clear and certain choice will wake them up from their otherwise defensive or evasive patterns. If you are absolutely clear that you want a divorce,you have to become educated as to how to do it in a way that has the least negative adverse affect on the children. You then would need to figure out how to do the divorce in the least confrontational and adversarial way, so as to maximize whatever assets y ou and your husband have to split up. You would also want to figure a way to at least enroll your husband in the idea that the two of you should make some kind of peace and figure a way to co-parent your sons in a way that will have the least negative impact on their psyche.

C O C K - T A L E S Bride and Broom Two brooms are getting married. Before the ceremony, the bride broom says to the groom broom, “I think I’m going to have a whisk.” The groom broom says, “How can that be possible? We haven’t even swept together!” Clearly Cheating A man cheats on his girlfriend named Lorraine with a girl named Clearly. Suddenly, Lorraine died. At the funeral, the man stands up and sings, “I can see Clearly now, Lorraine is gone.” Dead Again A funeral service is held for a woman who just passed away. As the pallbearers carry the casket out, they accidentally bump into a wall. They hear a faint moan. They open the casket and find that the woman is actually alive. She lives for 10 more years and then dies. They have another funeral for her. At the end of the service, the pallbearers carry out the casket. As they are walking, the husband cries out, “Watch out for the wall!” Devil in the Church One Sunday morning, Satan appeared be-

fore a small town congregation. Everyone started screaming and running for the front church door, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away. Soon, everyone was gone, except for an elderly gentleman who sat calmly. Satan walked up to the man and said, “Don’t you know who I am?” The man replied, “Yep, sure do.” Satan asked, “Aren’t you going to run?” “Nope, sure ain’t,” said the man. Perturbed, Satan asked, “Why aren’t you afraid of me?” The man calmly replied, “Been married to your sister for over 48 years.” Disease A newlywed couple on their honeymoon prepares to see each other naked for the first time. The husband exposes his knotted and twisted feet. He explains, “I had tolio as a child.” The wife asks if he means polio. He says, “No, it only affects the toes.” He removes his pants and reveals deformed knees. He admits, “I had kneesles, too.” Finally, he pulls off his boxers. In shock, the woman gasps, “Oh no — smallcox, too!”

SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 21, 2013—19

Is this relationship over?

Aunty Julie, I am 27 years old and my boyfriend is 29. We have been together for three and a half years. In the past, I have suffered from depression and feel like I am not coping well with the rat race, therefore my enthusiasm for life in this country has become very low and all I think about is having an easy life for one year in UK where I was born. This is affecting my present relationship. A few friends are travelling to Uk this Xmas, and I feel like I need to travel for myself and to improve my confidence. However, my boyfriend will not join me to travel as he is happy with his life, security and home comforts. He wants me to make a decision between him and travelling, because he thinks it is unfair to ask him to wait for me, just in case I don’t return. I feel like this travelling bug is splitting me and my boyfriend apart. I do not want to end our relationship because I love him, but we have had many problems. Sex has gone off. I feel annoyed about living in Nigeria. I feel like I don’t know what I want anymore, about my feelings of attraction to my boyfriend. How do you know when it has come to the end? Onome, Warri Dear Onome, I guess in your case you would know if it came to an end if you found yourself getting on the airplane and the last thing you heard from him is “It’s over!” He sounds more definite about ending it than you do, if you were to go on that extended trip. He is coming from a place of being threatened by the prospect of losing you. So he is trying to be the one to threaten the end of things. Kind of ironic, but understandable. Perhaps from your point of view, getting away for awhile might pick up your spirits and change your life and that may well be more important to you right now than whether the relationship lasts especially given the challenges you are facing in it. And you may even be thinking that a change in your spirits could make coming back to this relationship a possibility once you feel better about yourself. And that could well be true. Somethings like that really do work out. Of course, there is his position on that, which seems pretty clear right now but, in fact, who knows? Maybe he would still be available when you came back and maybe things could resume, if that were the case. That’s all pretty indefinite, and maybe it would not be the case. To answer your final question, ultimately there are no outward signs other than drastic things like physical abuse, that tell you that a relationship should come to an end. I would not recommend that you let this kind of decision made for you by something or someone on the outside. You are the one in charge of your own destiny. Own it. Live it. Be the star in this movie called “Your Life.” Be the one who chooses what you want for you. People’s sex lives do encounter challenges in most relationships. There are phases in almost all relationships that include unhappy feelings, upset emotions, and challenges. Furthermore, the sexual and emotional worlds are linked for most people. An unsolvable sexual problem is probably an unfaced emotional challenge being acted out in the bedroom. Since sex is about feeling good, if you are not feeling good about yourself or your partner, sex is going to be blocked in some way. How could it be otherwise? The thing is, most people don’t have many good ideas about how to deal with unhappy emotions, other than to run from them. So in our current times, most relationships will fail. Half of marriages end. And most relationships that start out great never even get close to marriage. Today, most people are asking the question “how do I feel about this relationship?” That is the ruler by which we believe we should measure our love. And when we discover unhappy or stuck feelings inside of us, we conclude these feelings are about the relationship, rather than feelings we need to deal with inside of ourselves. So most people, facing your choice, will look inside at their unhappy feelings, will look outside at the lack of great sex (or any sex at all) and conclude that it’s time to take off and find a better prospect. My guess is that you will be on that airplane, and that he will disown you, and that you are right now looking for someone to tell you that this is the best choice to make.

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21 21, 2013 08052201257

When love attacks

ucy and Emeka always have issues in their marriage. Sometimes, the issues go on for a long time, making them strangers that live together in the same house. Sometimes, the issues degenerate to Lucy being beaten up by her husband, leaving her depressed and sometimes, she ends up complaining to colleagues and friends. Lucy wants to work out things with her husband but she doesn't understand him on many occasions. She doesn't understand why he attacks her and he never likes to talk about it. The silence is often more deadly than the attacks and that makes her more depressed. The truth is that the attack comes from the depths of inner pain. When we are hurting so much, we have tunnel vision. The only thing we can focus on is the searing pain that wells up within. And, given the opportunity, we could unleash that pain on the one we love. In the heat of an argument, we may launch into a tirade. It could be innocently triggered by a comment like, "glad to see you're working on your attitude". Suddenly, you have time-warped back to your childhood, when you heard something similar from a strict parent or teacher. And

the attack begins. People often confide in each other, "I just can't believe the anger he unleashed on me". The hard part is to assure that it was not their fault. They were merely a conduit for someone else to release their demons. If this behaviour is consistent and ongoing, it's verbal abuse and you should make plans to leave the relationship before it escalates into a life-threatening situation. If you are dealing with occasional outbursts, ask yourself if you're willing to love your partner through the pain and sometimes be the person who takes the brunt of it, with no end in sight. If you can remove yourself from the equation and understand that you aren't the cause of the anger, then good for you! Most people cannot absorb the intensity of a verbal attack without taking it personally. The natural human reaction is to launch a counter-attack, leading to screaming volleys until one of you collapses in tears. After some time apart, the two of you reconcile. Time has cleared the fog and cobwebs, and you both can see that you love each other. And thus begins another cycle in your relationship.

Most people cannot absorb the intensity of a verbal attack without taking it personally. The natural human reaction is to launch a counterattack, leading to screaming volleys until one of you collapses in tears Do the cycles ever stop? How long does it take to purge that inner pain? It really depends on the cause and how long it's been festering. Many times our pain lies dormant until it is aroused. A good example of this is when we lose a loved one. We may grieve for awhile but never fully heal and, without realizing it, we transfer our remnant pain to other, more

Our fight is tearing this marriage apart

y husband and I have been married for two years now. I truly believe he is my best friend and soulmate. But lately, we've been arguing a lot. Even on the phone we tend to argue about small, petty things. I feel like he takes a lot of anger out on me and I always seem to get my feelings hurt. He has a real tendency to shut down, as do I, but then we end up fighting all over again. How do we bring up issues without getting defensive? Isabel, Lagos Ans: Arguments can erode any relationship, no matter how much love is there. Love is not enough. It is destructive to keep arguing or reacting

when trying to communicate. Sooner or later, things get said or done that cannot be taken back. You are digging yourselves into a deep hole. People inside that hole are blaming, being critical, condemning each other, getting defensive, shutting down, or stonewalling. Nothing ever gets resolved in that hole. But most couples act as if they truly believe there is a pile of precious gold at the bottom. They are incorrect. You can only resolve your issues when you are outside that hole, when you are being resourceful and constructive. So it's important for you to know rule one for what to do when you find you're in a deep, dark hole: Stop digging! Whenever you start to get upset, and things are headed towards that hole, it will better serve you and your marriage

to take a time out. Use your time out wisely. Physical activity can be used to burn off the excess energy. Go for a walk. Meditate. Breathe. Center yourself. Visualize a positive outcome for your future discussion. Scientists have measured that it takes at least an hour to calm down and become more resourceful. Do not attempt to discuss a topic again until you know you are ready. Otherwise, things will only escalate f urther.

The strategy of taking time outs should not be used to sweep things under the rug or avoid difficult topics. Things will not just work themselves out without your active participation. You can learn to work though charged topics with greater ease and skill. This takes practice and perhaps courage, at first. The intent

present issues. Your partner, or even a casual acquaintance, can innocently say something to you that strikes at your core and you will go ballistic. The bottom line is to understand how and why you are triggered. The same goes for your partner. It is a practice of awareness and noticing the things we need to release. A sense of humour helps too. The more that you are able to anticipate a hot button being pressed, the more you are able to stay centered when attacked. Unfortunately, most humans react without pausing to think it through. And, we certainly don't stop long enough to ask, "What do you mean by all this?" I challenge you to stop and ask yourself, "Why have I reacted this way to an innocent question or action?" Explore your emotions and find the source of your pain. If you are able to locate it, then you will understand yourself better. In doing so, you are already on a path to healing that pain. Yes, sometimes the innocent comment that inflames you is the thing that sets you on a healing journey.

of taking time out is to come back with the best of who you are and find a mutually workable resolution. Research shows the importance for all of us to learn, to skillfully handle conflicts so we can truly resolve each issue rather than recycling it and building up resentments. All couples have occasional issues to handle. Couples who make it longterm have been willing to learn and master effective strategies for resolving their issues. So use these difficult times as an opportunity to master some important new skills. Beyond taking time out, you may want to develop new verbal communication skills, emotional intelligence, self-soothing, or anger self-management strategies.

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SATURDAY Vanguard,DECEMBER 21 21,, 2013—21

Mum who takes delight in spanking...! L

smacking was not only part of being a loving parent, but was also good for children as it made them feel safe. Haba! She has never— as far as I can recall— hit us in calm, measured way. So you can immediately discount that side of her argument.

to stop, but she didn’t listen and did it again. At that point, mum became enraged, removed one of her slippers and whacked her several times on the thigh, leaving angry looking welts on her thigh. She shrieked and some of the

understand why she couldn’t have just grounded me or punished me instead. Why hit a 16year-old?! I was almost an adult and she could, if she chose to, reason with me as an alternative option. “The really hypocritical

Mum tells me all the time that spanking is an age-old form of discipline that does us good

Whenever mum has physically chastised me, it had purely been as a result of her snapping. Ok, maybe I’d pushed her to that point, but she turned and became this crazy psycho person chasing me around the house with a menacing looking cane! When I was younger, I vividly remembered being smacked in the car on the way to school. The car always seemed to be a slapping hot-spot because we were all in a confined space. Whoever was sitting in the front passenger seat

damage. But my experience with all that smacking has made me resolve never to hit my own children. 1 will make sure that \ stay calm and don’t lose control. Thank goodness few parents smack their kids that viciously these days - or do they? I think deep down, my mum probably feels guilty after smacking one of us. I remember once, when we were much younger, being at one of these Christmas fun fairs and my seven-year-old younger sister kept running around the swimming area. To be fair, mum had told her a couple of times

attendants came running. Mum quickly put her in the water and made her stay there until the marks had faded. I think she was worried she might be lynched! “The last time my mum smacked me was when we were having a row about my 16th birthday party. She had snooped on my text messages, seen a message, then got the wrong end of the stick about the fact I’d told everybody to bring a boy. I hadn’t. What I had actually said was ‘plus one’. Which could mean a boy or a girl. Anyhow, things escalated — as they often do — and I shut the living room door to get away from her because she was yelling like a mad woman. The next thing I knew, she had opened the door, nearly taking it off its hinges, and whacked me several times on the bottom! I was really mad — I really hated her. I felt more dislike for her and far less respect because, quite honestly, I didn’t

Health Watch: Train your brain

emory lapses are completely normal, says Dr. Joanna Iddon, neuropsychologist and co-author of Memory Booster Workout. “In a recent study of healthy adult, the average number of memory slips, like putting the coffee jar in the fridge, was about six per week, irrespective of age and gender. In fact, it was younger, busier people who were the most absentminded”. However, if you are concerned, try these exercises: Self-help: Studies published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that saying what you want to remember out loud to yourself — where you left your keys, important starts for a meeting, a short shopping list, etc — will help you to recall it. Try using imagery to

C M Y K

would be in the firing line for a slap on the thighs from her — and because I’m the biggest, it was usually me. “I don’t recall being smacked a lot when I was little — although she tells me I was. So, it probably hasn’t done a great deal of lasting psychological

eila, a 26-year-old pharmacist is on the verge of getting married and swears she will never lay a finger on any of her children no matter how hard she’s provoked. According to her, “out of the five children in our family, I was often on the receiving end of our mum’s hand. I think it’s probably because I’m the eldest and she has become more tolerant and softer towards her subsequent children as time has gone on. She often defended herself by alleging I was the one that had pushed her the most. But was that any excuse for her slapping me whenever she thought 1 stepped out of line? And has her so called punishment done the good she thought it would? “It’s no thanks to my mum’s constant spanking that I’ve turned out the way I am today—it’s in spite of it! *Mum tells me all the time that spanking is an age-old form of discipline that does us good, but it’s rubbish. She smacked me when she had lost control and there was nowhere else to go in the argument. 1 could always see it on her face. It was never a considered, pre-meditated approach. It’s a swipe out of anger and frustration. I’m not saying she is a bad mother to me or my four siblings, but 1 think the way she rationalised her argument in defence of smacking makes me shake my head any time I think of it. “She always claims she smacked us all of the time to ‘send a message’ when we behaved badly. That

remember names — and the more bizarre and vivid the image the better, say psychologists. So if you meet John Bridge, imagine him stretching across a river. Eye health: According to a survey by the College of Optometrists, 84 per

Try using imagery remember names

cent of adults value their sights more than any other senses. Yet millions of people admit that it’s been 10 years or more since their last eye test. The result? One in 12 will be partially sighted — or even blind — by the age of 60. Self help: You should have an eye test every two years, unless advised otherwise. As well as vision problems,

this can also uncover other health problems such as diabetes, MS and tumours. Quit smoking: Smokers are twice as likely to lose their sight in later life. Wear sunglasses or photochromic lenses. The damaging effect of unprotected exposure to UV rays significantly increases your risk of age-related conditions. Maintain a healthy body mass index. This helps to preserve macular pigment density which, in turn, helps prevent the onset of agerelated macular degeneration. A diet rich in antioxidant and vitamins C, E and A — found in citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, almonds and fortified cereals — helps fight free radicals that cause cell damage and age the lens and retina. Fish oils, such as co-liver oil, are also good for eye health. For more information, go to look after your eyes. org.

thing is that both mum and dad constantly tell us that it’s not acceptable behaviour to physical abuse each other. Yet they reserved the right to whack us whenever they wanted, which didn’t seem fair at all. When I talked to my friends at school about mothers and we compared notes, I knew my mum was actually not that much different from most of my friends’ mothers. Some of them would admit they’d been slapped by their mothers and others would say: ‘My mum would never lay a finger on me. But then I’d go to their house and their mum would yell more, or be less friendly or make them do the washing up all the time. Everybody is different, but at the end of the day, I do know my parents only have my best interest at heart. ‘It’s stupid when people suggest that smacking children sends them the message that violence is acceptable. I don’t agree with smacking, but even I can see there’s a world of difference between my parents trying to discipline me and people whacking each other in real life. I know my parents love me. They tell me all the time. But the older I get, the more I can see that they’re human. They haven’t got some super-power to remain calm and respond in the best possible way at every turn. They both work, they’re both exhausted and stressed a lot of the time. There are five children to think about. Quite frankly, it’s a madhouse in our home. And who knows? Maybe one day, I will lose control and smack my own child. But I know one thing for sure. It will never become a habit.”

22—SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

he year was 1990. I had just emerged from the cavernous bunkers that serve as Unilag’s Engineering Faculty, still dazed from the mauling I had received from the vengeful Thermodynamics exam I had just written. As I blinked in the mid-afternoon sunshine,I suddenly observed what I had desperately hoped not to see. Crowds lining the narrow strip of road that snaked from the University Auditorium toward the campus exit,straining to a man to catch a glimpse of the legendary freedom fighter’s convoy as it cruised away from the venue of the lecture he had just delivered. An event I had hoped to attend on the presumption of a timely escape from the Houdiniproof knots prepared for his historic presidency during hapless students by our which he had redefined the national identity of a ‘sadistic’ professor. Alas. It was all over. The continental powerhouse and great man was leaving. And inspired it to feats of all I could do was jostle my achievement in unchartered way to the edge of the road territories such as conquests and stare in bemusement as in the African Cup of Nations he waved regally from the as well as the Rugby World backseat of his vehicle. Cup. The other figure? Dead. Suddenly But notwithstanding the actually, there was no drastically divergent paths ‘suddenly’. No Hollywood twist. Apologies for any their lives took following that raised expectations. But I never got any closer than that. He actually left. But notwithstanding what was obviously a fleeting moment, an abiding image was created and has stuck with me since then. It was the striking fateful day in 1990 (although impression of not one, but two MKO’s journey was soon iconic figures of our time. about to take the same Because as dazzling as detour to incarceration as Mandela’s world-renowned had the older statesman’s smile was, it was outshone by before him), there remains the sheer wattage radiating a single quality that both from his beaming and equally men had in common which charismatic companion was the key to the powerful alongside in the vehicle – legacies they left behind. Because if I was pressed to Chief MKO Abiola. Two titans of the continent, basking in affix a single attribute to each other’s reflected glory, Mandela, it would be their respective political transcended. He was a careers indisputably on a member of one of several steep upward trajectory. Men tribes in his native country; on the move, destined to be a black man in a so-called agents of change in their ‘rainbow’ community; a stalwart in one of multiple divinely-appointed realms. Fast-forward to eight years political organizations. But later. One of those figures was his decisions and actions embarking on the last lap of a always appeared to be

My encount er with Madiba encounter influenced by the greater good rather than the narrow interests and prejudices of his home base; his sights were constantly set on what would ultimately benefit the majority rather than what would score a transient victory for a selfserving faction of the society. His life stood for an ideal, a purpose beyond mundane desire; in his uncompromising quest for justice and equal opportunity he represented

He transcended, so he triumphed

virtues that towered above the crippling influences of personal sentiment and facilitated gamechanging breakthroughs in the most intractable of scenarios. He transcended, so he triumphed. And it was this same quality that engineered the decisive victory of MKO at what is still regarded to be the freest and fairest election accomplished in the history of the entity called Nigeria. Like Madiba, Abiola was not necessarily a saint (and in fairness, neither man ever claimed to be one); his faults and weaknesses were widely publicized and well known to all. But somehow he established a connection with a critical mass of his

countrymen that transcended his tribe (Yoruba) or religion (Moslem); he represented a virtue (remember ‘Hope 93’?) that resonated powerfully with an oppressed majority who desperately craved for positive and lasting change in their circumstances. And his personal status (multibillionaire) notwithstanding, there was something about the passionate rendering of his convictions and ideals that elicited a very cooperative response at the polling booths. Unfortunately we have been forever deprived of the privilege of knowing exactly to what extent his presidency may or may not ultimately have met the lofty aspirations that were vociferously promised and highly anticipated. What we do know is that the quality of transcending the various forms of chauvinism (be it ethnic, religious, political, ideological or personal) to achieve a greater good is sorely lacking in the country’s political landscape today. Some may argue that it in fact has always been lacking. Because the passing of the South African statesman elicited a bout of soul-searching to identify if any of our own leaders past or present

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My most memorable Christmas

with my late (how my heart aches to use that word for him) brother, Senator Akporokena Pius Ewherido. The photograph has become a treasure and real souvenir. Christmas 1986 is next, and it fell on a Friday. About four years before then, we had stopped eating meat on Fridays at home in deference to Christ who died on a Friday. It was also a form of penance and mortification of

he Christmas season is special though it means different things to different people. My interests as a growing little boy were to eat rice and chicken, wear new clothes and move around town. Now my interests are in the importance of the commemoration and lessons I can draw from it: One, God the Father’s unparalleled and unassailable selfless and unconditional love. Two, God’s unfailing faithfulness and commitment, even in the face of man’s continued unfaithfulness. Three, Jesus’ obedience to His Father’s will,in spite of the pains of the cross,and of course leaving His heavenly comfort zone to the word. My first memorable Christmas was in 1970, but it was memorable for the wrong reasons. Our Christmas clothes were given to a tailor who turned out to be unreliable, so that on Christmas day, while other children were already parading the streets of Ughelli, Delta State, we were still with the tailor waiting for our clothes to be ready. We did not get them until about 2pm and that was because my no nonsense elder brother, Tony piled unbearable pressure on him. The next memorable Christmas was in 1976; not that I can still remember anything in particular that happened on that day beyond going to church, coming back and eating Christmas rice and chicken. It has become memorable because it was on that day that I took the surviving oldest photograph

supersedes his death. With this we descended on the Christmas chicken to the displeasure of my mother. Christmas of 2010 was my most memorable. For the third time I spent my Christmas in my village, EwuUrhobo, Delta State. I was not alone, for the first time all my seven siblings were around, also our spouses, our children;some of our cousins and a few other relatives stayed under one

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace

the flesh. On this Christmas, my mother cooked chicken stew,but told us to wait till Saturday before eating it. (In fact, she would not have prepared it but did because of visitors. She did not want to impose her personal observances on others outside the family). We disagreed with her. Our argument was that if Christ had not been born he would not have died on a Friday; that Christ’s birth

roof for Christmas. It was a full house; and an unbelievable scene, about 40 adults and children. Even my mother who hardly left her abode could not resist the momentous occasion; she joined us. It was like when we were growing up. We spent time reliving the past, comparing notes and looking into the future. I spent a lot of the time sleeping. It was a welcome break from

approximated the stature of the great man’s legacy —or even came close. Such an exercise was always doomed to be inconclusive at best because compelling evidence to support any legitimate claim was inevitably in short supply. Tribal, religious or political sentiments have all too frequently plagued the decisions and actions of those entrusted with (or who have forcibly appropriated) the power to determine the fate of the greater society. And increasingly, those debilitating vices have forged an unholy alliance with rapacious greed cronyism to engender a toxic atmosphere of distrust and despair; the antithesis of what those two iconic figures I gazed at several years ago stood for. The result is that with another crucial round of elections looming less than 18 months away, the political climate is depressingly void of any manifestos of genuine hope or personalities or genuine inspiration (especially at national level) that could rekindle the same scale of expectations aroused (and subsequently doused) 20 years ago. In their place instead are intrigues, manipulations, accusations and counter-accusations, political cleavings and leavings, all tied together with an endless string of rhetoric and bombast. Perhaps God will still send a deliverer before 2015. I certainly hope so. Two decades (or five, as some may justifiably argue) is a respectable jail sentence for any nation. In the meantime, I just wish I had been able to answer those Thermodynamic questions a whole lot quicker.

the hassles of Lagos,and nobody felt like leaving. We agreed to make it an annual gathering, but that was not possible in subsequent Christmas. But this year we thought it was inevitable because of my mother’s 80 th birthday and another family event. That was before June 30 when Bros P (He was Senator Ewherido to the world, but simply Bros P to us) died. I do not know when we will be able to have this wonderful family reunion again, but we have to because Bros P will stir in his grave if we do not. But if and when we eventually do, it will never be the same. Christmas comes with a message of peace, love, forgiveness, reconciliation and other co-travellers. It might be too much advising us to go and make peace with all mankind, so since a journey of a million miles starts with a step and charity begins at home, why don’t we use the opportunity of this Christmas to make peace with our spouses, children, siblings and other relatives we have issues with? Tough task? I know, but that is what this season is all about, not rice and chicken (only). “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy…(St. Francis of Assisi). Finally, my heart goes out to all families who have lost loved ones or suffered one form of tragedy or the other especially this year.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013—23

(Text Only) Dear Sir , y aim for writing you is to solicit for your immediate help in solving my immediate problem. The problem is: I am becoming fairer and having tummy (belly). I have been doing different types of exercises, instead of reducing, I am increasing. So I am confused, I don’t know what to do. What exercise, food and if possible tablets to be taken that will drastically reduce my big tummy and fatness? I need your advice to overcome this problem. I will be very grateful, if this letter is given a quick response. Attached is a self address evelope for your reply. Thanks and God bless you for maximum co-operation. Yours sincerely, K.O. Benin City.

N/B: I have never taken beer or anything alcoholic. I occasionally drink Crest i.e

Bitter lemon crest) and NESCAFE always. This is for your information! This is very likely the case of an endomorphic (natural fat) . But regardless of what cards nature has dealt out to you, no case is entirely hopeless. If you tend to put on weight rather easily, one of the things you can do is to cat smaller quantities of food albeit more often. With smaller portions of food your digestion will be a lot more through and elimination more efficient. Of course, you might have to overhaul the eating habits, eat less fatty and susary stuff. Shore-up on fibre to add bulk for satiety while achieving an overall lower calorific intake. You should eat lots of whatever seasonal fruits,but without overeating them. Fruits digest very quickly leaving you with more energy for more enthusiastic living. To overcome the burden of overweight you’re going to have to be committed. Want of seal will be your undoing; While tenacity of purpose will bring you results. On the exercise front there

The case of a big tummy a various postures to help give you a slimmer waist line. Below are a few.

1. The Leg and Arm

Raise

Technique: Sit on the floor and raising both legs high up stretch out the arms in the direction of

the toes with the back slightly arched. Stay in the posture between 5 to 10 seconds and drop the feet gently to the floor again, rest a while and repeat.

The Leg and Arm Raise

2. Vertical Leg Raise

Technique: Sit and place the hands about a foot behind you. Breathe in deeply and out similarly and then raise both legs high up with the knees straight. Breathe normally and maintain the position for 10 or 15 seconds. Rest and repeat.

The Vertical Leg Raise

Benefits: The Vertical Legs Raise strengthens the muscles of the arms, legs and back. It gives a massage to the abdominal organs and helps to burn fat about the region.

3. Raised Body Pose Technique: Lie face down with the hands straight ahead of you. Keep the legs also straight behind you. Inhale deeply and raise the hands, chest, and legs off the floor. Breathe normally in this position for 5 to 7 seconds. Rest and repeat. Benefits: The Raised Body Pose strengthens the entire musculature. Practiced regularly, it enhances vitality.

Yoga Classes STARTED

Raised Body Pose

@ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos. 9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

aturally, women are perceived to complex in mental nature while men remain easy to understand and simple. Whatever be the reasons that backup this comment, in relationships, both men and women follow slightly diverted paths. What men look for in a relationship is not what motivates women to fall in relationships. The differences in desires, mentalities, passion, expression levels, etc., are resulted from some unknown causes; might be hormonal differences, mindset changes or social concepts. Women take time to be settled in a relationship, but if settled down, they remain so dedicated and sacrificing for it; while men jump into relationships so easily and get out of it with same easiness. However, experts say that if provided with the requirements and if matched with his desires, even men ardently remain in the relationships. Demands and conditions are a big turn off for men of all nature. Men prefer unconditional love, especially in a relationship. Many women adhere often to the mistake of demanding or putting forward certain conditions in return to the love offered. It is a common nature of men that mechanical way of life makes them bored and frustrated soon. They want life like a free flowing leaf in the water. Conditions are often understood as barriers in the free flow of love and men may look for someone else to share the life. Instead of being authoritarian in life, men look for real friendship and a partner for open communication in relationships. Many men accept that they look for a better friend when they get into relationships, rather a sex partner or female companion. The friendship aspect helps them to open mind and share the life through active communication. Though women are labeled as born with rarelysilent tongue, even men like to talk and be listened. The couples who nurture better friendship in the relationship are more likely to enjoy lifelong romance and happiness. Times are gone when the husband had to take over the role of all-controlling and all-deciding authority while wife remains the silent and all accepting partner.

How to keep boundaries with your ‘work husband’ We’ve all had a ‘work husband’ from time to time. He’s the guy at the office that you click with like a best friend. Only he’s a guy. And he’s hot. Always make sure that your work husband doesn’t accidentally drift into something more serious. As though we needed one more source of interpersonal confusion, the term “ work husband” is used to describe a special kind of relationship with a member of the oppo-

What men want Many men accept that they look for a better friend when they get into relationships, rather a sex partner or female companion Today better families are that which constitute a union of partners based on deeper friendship and never irritating communication strategies. Lovemaking has prominent role in helping people to progress in relationships. Many couple fails pathetically to understand the right role

XPERT E S E H T K AS I’m a 24-year-old man. My problem is that my foreskin is swollen. I don’t know the reason for this, but it hurts a lot, please advise. March to your nearest doctor to diagnose the cause. Would you not do that if you had a toothache? My partner and I have protected sex threefour times a month. She gets a burning sensation during and after sex. Could you please recommend any good lubricating gel? Also, will having sex during her period cause prob-

of sexuality in relationships, especially in marriage. Sexuality is not a forbidden fruit which is often misconceived as a necessary evil; but an essential harmonizer in relationships. It unites men and women so deeply in love. Many people consider sex as just a process of procreating and begetting kids. In fact, procreation is just one of the aspects of lovemaking. The name lovemaking says it all as it is making or establishing love and affection between two people. Every relationship has to understand the sexual elements involved in it and denying it to any of the couples, is a big mistake which may lead to a breakup. Men are very much bound to sexuality as the male sexuality is very much dynamic. Sexual desires and mode of sexual appetite differs in men and women, Men are fast beginners while women slow-starters. Understanding the differences in

sexual nature may help the partners to deal with it most successfully. Men want more sex; of course, while women may not feel the necessity often. Each partner in a relationship has to support each other and encourage themselves. Men are very much addicted to incessant support and perpetual encouragement. Female partners need to tune up men consistently by encouraging them and offering support in all the matters related to his personal life as well the matters related the relationship. All men strive for the support of the partner in relationships and when he doesn't get adequate support, he may think about another relationship in which he expects more encouragement and support. Needless to say, men look for utmost commitment and uncompromised fidelity in relationships. They want their partners to solely dedicate themselves in the relationships and many men feel it heartbreaking to even think that the partner is less committed. Women with 'roamingeye' are always considered unaccepted by men.

lems in the future? Use your saliva or buy a lubic gel and take adequate hygienic precautions. Sex during menstruation is common and harmless. I am a 27-year-old woman. I got married in June, and for the last two months, while having sex, I feel the need to urinate. This desire is so strong that we have to stop in the middle of the act. Also, I have a frequent urge to urinate, which persists even after sitting for a long period. I also often get a white discharge from my vagina. We have been to a gynaec and a urologist but that has been of no help.

site sex. A work husband is an office friend with whom you can banter, develop professionally, share ideas and pass the work week. An astounding 32 percent of workers admit to having a ‘work spouse’ relationship with a coworker of the opposite sex. The relationship is respectful and engaging, without any sex or commitment to one another. Sounds pretty good, right? The dilemma is that friendships with work husbands have been known to veer into romantic relationships. This, of course, poses a problem if the work spouse is married. There’s no reason to say

that all work husband relationships are a bad idea. But you don’t want to go down the path of a budding romance when there will be collateral damage from an affair. So how can you ensure that your relationship stays respectful and platonic, rather than escalating into an inappropriate fling? •Never create a secret life. If you’re married, your spouse should know about your work husband. Discuss aspects of your friendship with other co-workers so that you build a relationship that is out in the open. Make sure you mention your spouse, and also ask about your work husband’s spouse. If you feel the need to hide anything about your work husband from your spouse, you’ve already gone too far. •Stay away from oversharing. Don’t complain about your home life to your work husband. Try to keep things warm, but impersonal. The door will open for more emotional exchanges if you disclose that you’re unhappy with your spouse.

Try not to take fluids after sunset. You could be suffering from a mild infection. Insert a Candid V6 deep into your vagina for six days and try a different sexual position such as doggystyle or side-by-side position. I am going to get married next month and my penis is just four inches long even at erection. Can I satisfy my partner sexually? Or do I need a bigger penis? No. You need a better insight into the art of lovemaking. I suggest you seek a sexpert’s help to teach you the same.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013—25

anozieegole@yahoo.com

08116759764

Between Chidimma and O.C Ukeje? Ukeje

efore now, the rumour was between the talented singer, Phyno and the Kedike crooner, Chidimma Ekile. Later, Lynxxx came into the picture, professing his undying love for the petite singer. Now, the whole gist has taken a new twist as Nollywood super star, O.C Ukeje is said to have fallen head over heels in love with Chidimma, and has indeed, vowed to contend with anybody in order to secure the key to her heart.

The award winning actor confessed that, he has a very big crush on Chidinma and if he has his way, he would love to spend the rest of his life with her. But come to think of it, now that the suitors are lining up, who do you think would be the right man for Chidinma? Your guess is as good as mine.

Fans blast Tonto Dikeh

ultry actress, Tonto Dikeh is definitely not finding things easy with her fans. She kept receiving blast from them. Since she uploaded online a picture of a gift she said, she got from her housemaid, she has never known any peace from aggrieved fans who would stop at nothing to give it back to her. They were of the opinion that even if the lady in question helps in cleaning up her house, Tonto still needs to show her a little

respect by calling her a house manager and not “maid.” A visit to her tweeter handle confirmed the obvious. “@Stephylucious wrote, “ You have all got too much time on your hands, maid or helper, do you pay her salary.? Also, @iamslimkhalifa called her, “ lazy woman.” For @destinyere, @totolet, Tonto should not refer anybody as “maid.” “Pls, don’t refer anyone as maid, not kool, instead, use the word helper.”

Oke’s Mending Hearts debuts H

aving observed the dangerous decadence in families, Philomena Oka, a motivational speakercounselor has launched her pet programme tagged Mending Hearts Foundation. The renowned cosmetologist, popularly called Phil, dragged other socialites to Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, venue of the launch to formaly unveil the foundation which according to her, is aimed at mending broken hearts as well as ensure that the institution of marriage which is replete with poor parenting, domestic violence, divorce, teenage pregnancy, child abuse, prostitution among others are tackled headlong through skills acquisition, liberation initiative, talk shows seminars and workshops.

•Tonto Dikeh

Toni Tones shows off hot legs

Seun and Yetunde, welcome baby girl

he Kuti family are presently in a joyous mood as Prince of Afro beat, Seun Anikulapo-Kuti and his partner, Yetunde Ademuluyi, welcomed their baby girl last weekend. The son of Afro Beat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has scored his first goal with Yetunde. Seun and Yetunde were very excited about the arrival of their new bundle of

joy as they posted pictures of mother and child on Instagram, expressing their joy. If you are wondering when Senu got married, then ask him when you see him.

•Toni Tones

hether she is trying to make a fas hio n sta tem ent , or she is seeking for attention, we probab ly do not know. But all we know is that this sexy actress and singer, Toni Tones, knows her onions when it comes to showin g off what she got and dressing hot. At rec ent eve nt in Lag os, spotted dressed in a hot ankra she wa s a gown which showed off her shot and legs and and her nice boobs. She straight like a morning rose, and those radiated her confirmed that she was suc who saw h an angel to behold.

26—Saturday Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

C M Y K

Saturday Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013—27

C M Y K

STAR CONFESSION:

I was bullied for most part of my formative years

rmed with an undeniable sex appeal and sheer brilliance on screen, Beverly Naya is o n e gorgeous actress who has had a blossoming acting career. She clinched the ‘Most Promising Talent’ award at the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2010, and‘ Fast Rising Actress’ award at City People’s Awards in 2011 . In this interview, she talks about how she landed her role in M-net produced TV series, Tinsel, her favourite qualities in a man, and few things she thinks that time, I didn’t have plans to relocate to people hardly know about? people hardly know about her.

people and very professional.

How did acting begin for you? I started acting while I was 17 years. Then, I was still in London with my parents. I studied Philosophy, Psychology and Sociology. But a part of me didn’t feel fulfilled .So, I decided to embrace the arts which involves dance and drama . I felt like I was doing something I really wanted to do. By the time I was 19 years, I have already started making waves as an actress.

What’s your selling point? My confidence, my zeal for life my ambitious nature. The fact that I don’t give up, which is what I love about Nigerians in general. They are very resilient people. I think I am inspired by that and that pushes me forward. These are the things I would consider as my selling points. I don’t go anywhere without thinking I am going to win. I think that is my selling point.

– Beverly Naya

Was it all that easy breaking into Nollywood? I shot my first film in 2008, while I was still in the university in London. I got a lot of praise for it. Each time, I was on holiday, I would return home to be part of one or two movie productions before going back to London. That was my original plan. I really didn’t have plans to relocate to Nigeria permanently. But after the production of my first film, I resolved that I was going to relocate to Nigeria to pursue a career in acting upon my graduation from the university.

Nigeria, so she convinced me that the movie industry in Nigeria is thriving. She said: “Just come and check it out.” .After that experience, I knew I wanted to relocated to Nigeria. What are your favorite qualities in a man? I will be lying to myself if I say I don’t want him to be handsome. I want my man to be handsome. Any woman that says otherwise is lying to herself. You have to find him attractive because that is important .He has to be ambitious, he has to be selfdriven, God-fearing , a gentleman, just someone who knows how to treat a woman and make her feel she is a queen. A lot of people have the perception that you are dating Uti?

One thing people hardly know about me is that I was bullied for most part of my formative years. A lot of people don’t know that. As a result of the ugly experience, it inspired me to want to help young children who might be

experiencing any form of bullying; to encourage children to stay strong no matter what situation they find themselves. They need to understand the impact bullying can have on their future.

How did you land the tinsel role? I was working in Atlanta and then I was contacted for the role of Yaya, but at that time I wasn’t able to audition because I was working on a TV series. The producers were willing to wait. As soon as I got back, I rushed to the studio for the audition.

How do you handle negative social media comments? I just ignore it. It’s none of my business. How you feel about me is really none of my business. If I am bored one day , I will address it. I have to be bored though. I don’t read comments on blog about me either .I don’t see how that helps or enhances my life in anyway .So that’s how I handle it. What is your definition of a sexy woman? A sexy woman is a woman who is confident in in her achievements, one who would love to be in love; who has that aura and doesn’t

28 — SARTURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

By KEHINDE AJOSE

What do you look out for in a script? A script that will challenge me is the first thing I look out for. If I don’t feel like it challenges me in any way, I am most likely not going to accept the script. There is no point in doing something that you don’t derive fulfillment. It’s always good to do things you haven’t done before . That’s how you can grow as a human being. What if the pay is encouraging? If I am in love with the script, it’s not about the pay for me. If the producer has a low budget, and I am totally in love with the script, my passion will detect the pace. Passion motivates me because on my own, I am comfortable. If I were to rely on the wealth of my parents, I would lack nothing today. But I am willing to create my own wealth. With this, at the back of my mind, passion leads me. I hope to make money from what I am doing, so, I don’t have to rely on my parents.

That s old news. I am not going to revisit that r u m o u r. I t ’ s been cleared on its own .I a m n o t going t o discuss it into 2014. What is the one thing

Fortunately, few days after, I w a s called t o come a n d p i c k up the role. That‘s how I got it. They a r e s u c h fantastic

new style of acting. It was difficult for me. There was a lot of high expectations placed upon myself, I think that was definitely a challenge on its own.

What role did your mom play in your first movie production? She actually produced my first film as an incentive for me to relocate to Nigeria. At

What are the things you do to stay relevant? For me, it’s just work. Working hard and letting my work speak for itself instead of just tooting my horn. That’ s not really how I want my brand to be perceived. For me, it’s just working hard and allowing my work to speak for itself.It’s about getting opportunities and utilising it well.

Beverly Naya

One thing people hardly know about me is that I was bullied for most part of my formative years

You recently took to twitter to address some issues affecting the entertainment industry? What inspired you to do so? I am human and if I feel like expressing myself I will do just that. I know fair enough I am a celebrity as they say in this country. Whenever I choose to vent my anger is not necessarily about something that has happened at that moment in time. I can just decide to pick on an issue and tweet about it. That’s one of the reasons I don’t tweet as I used to. I am very blunt and outspoken by nature and for that reason, I choose not to tweet as much as I would have wanted to, simply because I don’t want my tweets going viral. It’s nothing personal. It’s just me allowing myself to express my mind.

SARTURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013—29

Have you ever been heartbroken? I don’t think I have ever been heartbroken, but I have been hurt. Being hurt is when you meet a guy that you really love, and things don’t just work out. I won’t say that is heart break, instead it’s something that hurts. When a woman is heartbroken, it means you have been completely betrayed and deceived by a certain situation and that has led you to feel heartbroken. I don’t think I have experienced that, but I have experienced being hurt in love.

hat has been your most challenging W role in movies and why? There was a character I played last year called Solidad, it’s a Spanish word for solitude. It was in a movie called “Stripped.” It stars myself, Joseph Benjamin, and Ramsey Noauh and it’s about a young girl who is an orphan and she has to take care of her older brother who lives in a wheelchair. They struggled with their finances and everything she made has to be used for the upkeep of her older brother. He depends on her physically, emotionally and financially. It’s filled with all the emotions that she goes through to take care of her brother. What were the challenges you encountered as an emerging face in Nollywood? It was probably having to adapt to the new culture, new territory, new environment,

How do you handle stardom? I don’t know, I just stay humble. I never get used to compliments. This is because when you get used to compliments, you start to become arrogant and pompous. I try to be friendly with everybody that I meet, because you never know who the person is. What influences your sense of style? For me, my style is sexy but classy .If you spot me on the red-carpet, do know that the intention is to look sexy and at the same time, extremely classy. I don’t like to identify myself with any particular style. I am influenced by my mood in terms of style. Style is influenced by the individual and not necessarily by the style of other people. That’s fashion.

easily give up.

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013—31

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

07032769933

Deal for Bergkamp of the north signed

Chelsea D to sign Guarin or Nemanja Matic

espite their numerous midfielders, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho obviously feels they lack quality in the centre of the park. For that reason, he is looking to strength in January. Inter’s Freddy Guarin heads the shortlist but former Chelsea youngster Nemanja Matic has been lined up too, in case Guarin is unattainable.Benfica’s Matic is expected to cost upward of £30m, with the central midfielder also heavily linked to Manchester City and PSG.

e was famously described by Craig Brown as being able to play like Dennis Bergkamp but with the build of Joe Harper. Much, then, is expected of Cammy Smith, one of Aberdeen's rising stars, who extended his contract with the club

yesterday until the summer of 2015.The move mirrors those of Dundee United, who have shown a desire in recent times to retain

Valbuena wants Marseille exit

Yeboah deal confirmed

wame Yeboah has signed a four-year deal at Borussia Monchengladbach, the Bundesliga club confirmed. The 19 year-

old striker had shown glimpses of world class talent for Brisbane Roar this season, most notably his spectacular finishes in Round 5 and Round 7. Those performances caught the eye of the German top division club, which has signed the Australian until the end of the 2017 season.

Suarez signs new longterm Liverpool contract

uis Suarez has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool, the club have confirmed. The 26-year-old told the club's official w e b s i t e , liverpoolfc.tv: "I am delighted to have agreed a new deal have my future secured with Liverpool and for the long term.

Desperate Mourinho chasing Higuain an audacious bid for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain in the January window. The Stamford Bridge outfit’s recent goalshyness was again evident as the London helsea lack of club failed to overcome attacking intent is Sunderland in the forcing the club to make Capital One Cup.

De Boer turns down chance to Manage Spurs

remier League g i a n t s Tottenham Hotspur have received a huge blow after highly rated Ajax head coach Frank de Boer turned down the chance to take over from the recently departed Andre Villas-Boas as the north London club’s next head coac. The top-flight outfit parted company with the Portuguese trainer on Monday, 24

United close in on deal to sign £10m Sneijder

transfer window.According report, the talented midfield fulcrum is keen to head to another of Europe’s elite in January and Marseille are willing to sell the 29-year-old. The Ligue 1 giants are thought to be looking for a fee of around the $12m mark to part with Valbuena, who should have no shortage of admirers. Already Spanish side Atletico Madrid are thought to have made contact over signing the Frenchman, while Barcelona were linked with the midfielder over the summer. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is another firm fan of Valbuena.

an United appear to be closing in on a deal to sign long term target Wesley Sneijder. The experienced playmaker is willing to take a massive paycut to encourage the Old Trafford side to make an offer to his current club Galatasaray. The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan man is willing to see his salary cut from £4m down to £3m a year in a bid to persuade Man United to acquire his services. Sneijder is apparently fearful that playing at the Turkish giants could lead to a downgrading of his position within the Dutch national team setup and is therefore keen to make a high-profile move in January. Man United boss David Moyes could well do with freshening up his midfield as currently he lacks any semblance of a goal-scoring option from the middle of the park.

Liverpool eye move for Porto midfielder Fernando hours after the club had been thrashed 50 by Uefa Champions League-chasing rivals Liverpool in the Premier League at White Hart Lane.

number of major European clubs are sure to be on alert with the news that midfielder Mathieu Valbuena wants to quit Marseille in the upcoming January

iverpool are keen on signing Porto star Fernando in January, Brendan Rodgers is keen on adding midfield recruits during the winter, as he wants to bolster the club's overall setup to help the Reds in earning a vital Champions League qualification spot this season.

Arsenal sent scouts to watch Costa

remier League leaders Arsenal will send scouts out to Spain to watch in-form Atletico de Madrid front man Diego Costa in action. The prolific Brazil-born striker is currently enjoying a sensational campaign in front of goal for Diego Simeone’s high-flying Liga outfit, so much so that many of the Continent’s biggest clubs have been keeping close tabs on Costa of late with a view to making a bid for the player when the winter transfer window opens again in the new year. And that also includes a number of Premier Manchester United and Liverpool.

Chelsea draw up stunning six man striker target wish-list helsea boss Jose Mourinho appears keen to bring in a prolific marksman C to lead his Blues attack and has named a

six man shortlist of players the Stamford Bridge manager wants to approach. Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao, Edinson Cavani, Hulk, Jackson Martinez, Christian Benteke.

30— SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

07032769933

Chelsea and United battle for Cavani P

'I'm so lucky I said no to Tott enottenham' Brendan Rodgers has admitted he had a 'lucky escape' when he rejected Tottenham to become Liverpool manager. When Rodgers was Swansea manager, he was firmly in the frame to succeed Harry Redknapp and had a number of admirers at White Hart Lane. But instead he went with his gut feeling to accept an offer from Fenway Sports Group to take over from Kenny Dalglish at Anfield in June 2012, leaving Tottenham to land Andre VillasBoas.

remier League duo Chelsea and Manchester United will both go head to head to sign prolific Napoli front man Edinson Cavani when the winter transfer window opens again for business in the new year. Each side has been keeping close tabs on the in-form Uruguay international of late after hearing rumours that the player was unhappy with life acting as captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s support act at the big-spending Ligue 1 giants. And now the north-west giants and the west London club will battle it out next month to lure Cavani to the Premier League, although neither side will be able to land the striker for a sum less than the whopping £54.3 million that the Parisians splashed out on the 26-year-old when signing the player from Serie A outfit Napoli last summer. However, with the South American having managed to register an eye-catching 22 goals and four assists in total in just 29 matches for club and country so far since moving to the Parc des Princes, including an equally impressive 12 strikes and two assists in his 17 league outings for the Ligue 1 giants, both English teams know that they would be getting as close to a guarantee of goals as there is by signing Cavani in January.

FERGIE'S TACTICAL GAMBLE BACKFIRES

Walks a way from Who Wants To aw Be A Millionaire with £50,000 S

ir Alex Ferguson beat his previous mark on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? bagging the Manchester United Foundation £50,000 - but it could have been more had his knowledge of bricks been up to scratch. The former Manchester United manager appeared on the special live show, the last ever of the longrunning series, with Eamonn Holmes, an avid Manchester United fan. Holmes and Ferguson

Chelsea and Man City set to battle Barcelona for Musacchio

CHELSEA and Manchester City are to lock horns with Barcelona over Villarreal's centre back sensation, Mateo Musacchio. The 23-year-old has started to come of age this year, helping his side to

Arsenal plan move to capture Fernando Llorente

had previously appeared on the show together in 2004, where they won £32,000. And Fergie, who has a long habit of winning, was determined to beat his previous mark. Ferguson and Holmes took a guess that Norway reduce their tax in December so their citizens have more to spend at Christmas, which was right, taking their total to £75,000. But they came unstuck on the next one with their big gamble. The question was worth £150,000 if answered correctly but would put them down to £50,000 if answered wrong. Despite a long conference they believed a newt, rather than a frog, was on one side of a common brick. Despite their gamble the pair were pleased with their earnings, knowing that they had beaten their total from 2004 and raised a huge amount for charity.

rsenal are planning an ambitious move to sign Juventus forward Fernando Llorente on a loan. Arsene Wenger had hoped to land the powerful forward prior to his move from Athletic Bilbao to Juventus on a free transfer in the summer but will hope to be more successful in his advances for the 28 year old in January.

keep five clean sheets so far.Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has indicated he might have to start shutting up shop as he can't rely on his forwards to win them games. One way to do that is to bolster his defensive options.

QPR set sights on Stoke City forward Peter Crouch

PR boss Harry Redknapp is keen to link-up with his former charge Peter Crouch. The Loftus Road boss may well feel that the addition of the hugely experienced England international would further aid his push for an instant return to the top flight.

Premier League Top Scorers Luis Suárez Sergio Agüero Daniel Sturridge Romelu Lukaku Aaron Ramsey Loïc Remy Wayne Rooney Yaya Touré Olivier Giroud Álvaro Negredo Robin van Persie Eden Hazard Jay Rodriguez Yoan Gouffran Oscar

Liverpool Manchester City Liverpool Everton Arsenal Newcastle United Manchester United Manchester City Arsenal Manchester City Manchester United Chelsea Southampton Newcastle United Chelsea

Spanish La Liga Top Goal Scorers Cristiano Ronaldo Diego Costa Javi Guerra Antoine Griezmann David Villa Lionel Messi Karim Benzema Alexis Sánchez Jonas Gareth Bale Ivan Rakitic Pedro Carlos Bacca Oriol Riera Magem Rodri Sergio García Ikechukwu Uche Raúl García Carlos Vela Giovani Dos Santos Jorge Molina Youssef El Arabi Neymar Isco

R. Madrid A. Madrid Valladolid Sociedad A. Madrid Barcelona Real Madrid Barcelona Valencia Real Madrid Sevilla FC Barcelona Sevilla FC Osasuna Almeria Espanyol Villarreal A. Madrid Sociedad Villarreal Real Betis Granada Barcelona Real Madrid

17 13 9 8 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 6 6 5 5

17 17 10 10 8 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

German Bundesliga top Goal Scorers Robert Lewandowski Adrián Ramos Mario Mandzukic Stefan Kießling Vedad Ibisevic Pierre Aubameyang Pierre Lasogga Max Kruse Raffael Araújo Roberto Firmino

Borussia Dortmund Hertha Berlin Bayern Munich Bayer Leverkusen VfB Stuttgart Borussia Dortmund Hamburg SV Monchengladbach Monchengladbach TSG Hoffenheim

11 10 10 9 9 9 9 8 8 8

Guardiola is the highest paid manager in the game

Bayern Munich have made coach Pep Guardiola the highest paid manager in the game. And only four of the top ten most paid come from the Premier League. TOP TEN HIGHEST PAID COACHES: 1. Pep Guardiola (Bayern Munich), with a salary of •17M 2. José Mourinho (Chelsea), •10.03M 3. Marcello Lippi (Guangzhou), •10M 4. Arsene Wenger (Arsenal), •8.2M 5. Fabio Capello (Russia), •7.8M 6. Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid), •7.5M 7. David Moyes (Manchester United), •5.9M 8. Gerardo Martino (FC Barcelona), •5.4M 9. Jurgen Klopp (Borussia Dortmund), •4.3M 10. Manuel Pellegrini (Manchester City), •4.1M

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

BY IYABO AINA

Celebrities whose marriages are still waxing strong Many famous couples do have happy marriages, despite media reports to the contrary. Moreover, anyone who reads celebrity gossip magazines knows how precarious relationships can be for most celebrities , as from one week to another , stories of splitted or divorced celebrities are seen on cover page of newspapers and magazines . However, not all celebrity couples are destined to break up , but wish to have a happy marriage with their longtime partner. In no particular order, we present to you, some of Hollywood’s successful relationships and marriages of all time.

Jay-Z & Beyonce T

hey might be music superstars worth almost a billion dollars when put together, but Jay-Z and Beyonce remain notoriously tight-lipped about their decade-long relationship, not to mention their 12-year age difference. Jay and Beyonce met in 2002, when she was just 20 years . Seven years later , they got married in a top-secret New York City ceremony, and a baby girl named, Blue Ivy arrived in early 2012. They are still together till date.

Jay-Z and Beyonce

Catherine Zeta-Jones & Michael Douglas T

he Oscar winners ,Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas tied the knot in 2000, when she was 31years and he was 56, and have remained solid despite a few tough years. In 2011, Douglas was diagnosed with throat cancer , and Zeta-Jones still stayed with Douglas despite her struggle with bipolar disorder of the ordeals . Catherine Zeta-Jones & Michael Douglas

Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack

hile his facial hair has grayed a bit, Tom Selleck, 63, remains essentially the same , as TV personality is still married to actress Jillie Mack for 20 years. Best known for his portrayal of private investigator Thomas Magnum on the television series Magnum P.I., the sexiest man alive in my book will celebrate 25 years of marriage with his actress wife in August. Selleck spilled the beans to Good Housekeeping about why his marriage is so successful “Hopefully you marry someone who you not only love, but who you like as well. I just still enjoy my wife’s company enormously. She’s hilariously funny, and we make a point, no matter how busy we are, to stop and spend time together ‘’he said. Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack

•Celine Dion & Rene Angelil

Celine Dion & Rene Angelil

welve-year-old Celine Dion couldn’t have known that when she met Rene Angelil, then 38, in 1980, he would someday be her manager, husband, and father of her three children. The couple got married since 1994, and has weathered more than a few storms together, including Dion’s fertility challenges, Angelil’s throat cancer diagnosis, and thousands of performances of “My Heart Will Go On.” In a statement Celine said “It’s really all about family, love, and the children for me” .

Justin Bieber to retire from music?

een pop sensation singer Justin Bieber says he wants to give himself a break from music after the release of his new album ‘Journals’. The 19-year-old singer feels that it is imperative for an artiste to let his music mature and he is apparently taking a break to achieve that . “After the new album, I’m actually retiring man. I’m retiring. I want to grow as •Justin Beiber an artist and I’m taking a step out, I want my music to mature,” Bieber said during a radio show. “People think I’m arrogant, I’m not, I’ve always been a caring and giving person. I’m 19 I’m gonna make mistakes it’s inevitable,” he said.

Miss International life under threat

iss International 2012, Ikumi Yoshimatsu is being harassed and stalked by a powerful executive in Japan’s showbiz world. According to informations , Ikumi has filed criminal and civil charges against a highly influential man in the showbiz world of Japan who is stalking her and attempting to ruin her career. The reigning Miss International finally broke her silence on her facebook page recently and revealed as why she is missing from the activities of the Miss International 2013 pageant, which is being held currently in her native country, Japan. Ikumi is now under 24-hour security protection as the man who has been stalking and harassing her for the past one year has apparently called her family, informing them that Ikumi is going to die. 2008 winner, Alejandra Andreu, is now taking over her responsibilities as she is unable to fulfill her job due to s e c u r i t y reasons. Ikumi added that she highly regrets the fact that she will not be able to turn over her crown during the finals of M i s s International 2013 to be held •Ikumi in Tokyo on Yoshimatsu December .

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2013—33

My background

I am Chukwudi David Michael Samuel, the first in a family of five. I am from a noble family in Imo state and a graduate of Political Science. I am also, an entrepreneur and a business man. Because of the passion I have for entertainment, my company with the support of a few friends and family members , composed a song for the president, during his 2011 electioneering campaign. Journey into the entertainment world Well, I came from a very big family that has done so well not only in the entertainment industry but also in sports and IT. We have actresses like Rita Dominic, Agnes Ezeji among others who have contributed in one way or the other to the development of the entertainment industry and they are all related to me. Presently, I have over 15 home videos to my credit as a producer. I am also a part time actor. All my movies are on Africa Magic and other international channels. The music which I dedicated to President Goodluck Jonathan came out of inspiration considering the president’s humble beginning and the music was voiced by my cousin Ezinne and I. The song was produced in Kurbicol Studio in Owerri by myself and the studio Engineer/Artist. Harida, Bizzy Onyemmeri and Phamous were also part of the studio production,the video was in collaboration with an American production company in the United Arab Emirates. It was a good assembling of talents and to God be the glory, we made something good for the president. Investing in the project Ordinarily, I don’t like mentioning figures to the press, but I believe in this saying that, what is worth doing is worth doing well. Generally, we invested over $180,000 in making that video and promoting it because it involved professionals both from Nigeria and overseas. Like I said, we worked with Mirror Image Pictures in Dubai. It’s a very big production company, they win most of the MTV Arab Music Video Awards every year and the American owner, David Zennie is my good friend. I won’t tell you that I sponsored the production alone because few of my relations and friends invested in the project as well. It needed more capital than my other projects. Challenges encountered God was behind the success. There was an interesting scene when we were gathering the shots we did in Nigeria. We went to the president’s hometown in Otuoke Ogbia to get some shots but were chased away by security men. Then, the house was under construction. Making waves internationally C M Y K

By ANOZIE EGOLE I lack words to answer this question but it’s worth giving some attention. Talents are not encouraged in Nigeria. This is applicable to every sector. We don’t embrace our own,it’s shameful. After the Project was completed in Dubai, I sent it to some channels here in Nigeria. They collected a huge amount of money from me and they did not play the video till date. Later, I got response that the song was politically motivated and they received instruction not to play the song. It was only Heartland Television in Owerri,Imo State that played the song without collecting a penny for it everyday for seven months. I tried sending the song across to President Jonathan through many of his aides, friends and officers but to no avail. So I decided to promote it abroad and that was when we got all the recognitions that have opened some doors of opportunities for me. International channels in the United Arab Emirates, Shanghai and Beijing China, London, Cardiff, Dublin in United Kingdom among

Talents are not encouraged in Nigeria — Chukwudi David Chukwudi David is indeed one of the forces to reckon with in Nigeria’s entertainment industy especially, when it comes to production. The actor cum producer, who produced a video on the story of President Jonathan, in this interview, talks about his upbringing, challenges while producing the video and some other personal issues. others, played the song and we received invitations for music honours in these countries and others. The song is still on air in some of the mentioned countries. The promo involved a lot of money but it was worth it. We presented a beautiful song, following the story of the president’s rise to power, it is more interesting than that of President Barak Obama.

company and I manage a session of it in Nigeria. We do both state and federal government projects,our work speaks for itself. Entertainment has more to do with creativity and passion; so you can always make out time for both and since I am the CEO of Masterpiece Entertainment, I’m not answerable to anyone but God.

I believe Nollywood will be better than Bollywood and will compete with Hollywood if given the required attention Combining career as a construction contractor and entertainment There is no pressure at all, the construction company, Team Force Nigeria Limited is my friend Mr. Peter Akor’s company. I’m a part of the

Advice for Nigerian Entertainment practitioners

First, we must stick to upgrading our equipment/ facilities and production qualities to be better than what they have abroad;

our music is good because people have taken it upon themselves to be successful. It is unfair that Nigerian movies don’t win international awards even after all the money invested by the government,companies and individuals. We need a Stephen Keshi-like figure in Nollywood. I believe Nollywood will be better than Bollywood and will compete with Hollywood if given the required attention. I am currently working on a movie project with locations in Japan,Romania and Scotland that must win our first international award. It involves a lot of finance and efforts but I am sure we will deliver with God on our side.We have talents far better than some artistes who live abroad; they must be encouraged and not ruined. Some may not be as lucky as myself as I have been living before the entertainment industry became a relevant force. So I’m getting myself where I want to be because I have the capacity to get there while most of them don’t. That’s all I have to say.

e g a t s n o s r rs a e y 0 1 e t te a r b le e c o t D’banj set to s out with Genevieve p ..Ste

BENJAMIN NJOKU

APO Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj is gearing up to th celebrate his 10 year in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry come 2014. The world has watched D’banj grow in his career and it is no doubt that in 2014, the biggest celebration as well as the biggest project is expected to stem out of DMK Media. Details of the celebration are yet to be disclosed, but insiders say, it is going to be one of the biggest things that will happen to the nation’s entertainment industry in 2014. This development is coming just a week after the Kokomaster stepped out with Nollywood actress, Genevieve in grand style. They were spotted at the Gulder Club Ultimate party, which held last Saturday, at Oceanview, in Victoria Island, Lagos. Looking dapper in a white shirt, straight cut black jeans and a black waist coat, D’banj drove into the event in a Black Bentley, seconds after Genevieve came in her G-Wagon. The second season of GCU, which hosted some of the biggest names in the Nigerian entertainment and media industry had the two celebrities partying and enjoying each others’ company throughout their stay at the event. Meanwhile, in the past 9 years, as a musician, songwriter, actor and businessman, D’banj has written his name in gold, receiving a lot of accolades for his accomplishments. His name has opened doors for the entertainment industry in the country.

*D'banj and genny

, e r u qa s P Like Izon like * Izon

NLIKE Peter and Paul of Psquare fame, James and Michael Useghan, are not twins by birth. They are blood brothers who are binded by their soul to make music and brotherhood is one thing that will definitely describe their relationship with each other. Last week, they released their musical video entitled: Iworiwo, which has received massive airplay on broadcast stations and has had so many views on Youtube . They are popularly called Izon by their fans. The duo hails from Ondo State. Their music is a fusion of traditional and contemporary music (trado-contemporary music.) They sing in English, Yoruba and Ijaw languages. “We want to revive the Nigerian music and that was why we did a remix of the late Rex Lawson’s song, Iworiwo. We don’t want to forget our roots because our culture projects our rich culture and heritage to the international community. When we were growing up as kids,

our dad would wake us up by playing the music everyday. So, we decided to do the remix so as to bring back the fond memories of when men were boys and boys were in their mothers’ wombs “ Our first album, Edise (most cherished), was produced in 1999. It is about women, who are most cherished because they have contributed positively to the growth of the country and that was why we dedicated that song to them.”

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

34 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

Ras Kimono, Mike Okri, others set Calabar on fire

HE UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, literally came on fire Sunday,Tuesday and Wednesday, as ‘Oruka’ crooner, Sunny Neji, ‘Arumba Style’ Master, Ras Kimono, ‘Omoge’ sensation, Mike Okri and a host of other artistes serenaded the crowd to their hit songs. The show which was originally billed for Millennium Park had to be moved to UJ Esuene Stadium to accommodate thousands of fans and tourists who have since relocated to Calabar for the yearly carnival. First to mount the stage was Sunny Neji who rendered some of his chart bursting hits and got the crowd gyrating non-stop, while begging for more. The highlight of his performance was the presentation of gifts to some of the dancers he personally picked from the crowd. This was in keeping to the promise he made last year to reward the best dancers who would share the stage with him. Neji also used the opportunity to offer his fans a snippet of his new songs yet to be released. In what was like a reinvention of his old artistry, Mike Okri demonstrated that though he might not be making news, his art has not deserted him for now. And like the saying, ‘the older the wine, the sweater it gets, he got the crowd into a revelry with his ‘Time Na Money’ and ‘Omoge’. Okri added spice to his performance by teaching the crowd a new dance step he called

Crack Ya Ribs holds in PH Xmas day

SAM ANOKAM

CE comedian, Julius Agwu will be staging the final Crack Ya Ribs show of the year 2013 in Port-Harcourt on December 25. He had initially held the show in Abuja and London . The headlining music performers for the event are Kcee, Burna Boy and the Ijaw Boys. Comedians pencilled down to knot and unknot guests intestines are I Go Dye, Seyi Law, Osama, Acapella, MC Longs, MC Jay, Funky 4, Romeo and Rugged Pastor.

Concerning the vent, Julius said: “This year ’s theme is Peace in Rivers State . We want to use entertainment to preach the gospel of unity. PortHarcourt has always been a peaceful city and we do not want anything to ruin that unity and peace.” Crack Ya Ribs has always been an exciting mix of comedy and music.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

Jim Iyke arrested in Ghana,released ! BY JULIET EBIRIM

OLLYWOOD actor, Jim Iyke, may have returned to his old ways of being in the news for the wrong reasons. He was reportedly arrested in Ghana after being involved in a public fight. According to Ghanaian media reports, the brawl took place at the Crave Café at Adjiringanor, East Legon, Accra. Going by account given by an eyewitness, Jim who relocated to Ghana after his alleged ‘deliverance’ by Prophet TB Joshua, arrived at the café in a Sports Chevy car to meet with another Nigerian who had earlier arrived in a Range Rover, apparently to wait for the

*Jim Iyke

Don TTopman opman dr ops ne w drops new single, features Sandaz Black

LTHOUGH he shares physical attributes with

Flavour, model-turned-high life

singer, Don Topman who strums a guitar and softly sings his heart out, is not the whimsical thing you’d imagine. Rather, he’s a singer with an unequal vibes and depth of artistry. Known for his vocal dexterity, Topman as he is fondly called by his fans is not relatively a stranger in the nation’s music

industry. He has been in the industry for over 12 years,carving a niche for himself as a songwriter, producer, hairstylist and model. The dreadlocks carrying act who featured in Duncan Mighty’s hit single, “Dance for me” determined to do things his own way especially now that he’s long awaited album entitled, “I No Go Leave U” is already ruling the airwaves. Whilst other notable artistes are identifying with the trend, Topman says, he’s sticking to his guns and making hip-life music the good, old-fashioned way, because no matter how much trends change, now matter where pop music takes us, there will always be a market for a decent bit of music. Featuring Ghanaian rave act, Sandaz Black in his single, Topman disclosed that the collaboration was aimed at giving his kind of music an international appeal. He started as a runaway model before he went solo few years ago. The ex model from Anambra State, who started singing from a very tender age further disclosed that plans are

How 2face, Wizkid, others excited fans at Rhythm Unplugged!

HE 2013 Harp Rhythm Un plugged will definitely go down as one of the biggest musical concert of the year. For about nine hours guests who graced the event were held spell bound with

scintillating display from Nigeria best musical and comedy artistes led by Bovi and Wyclef. To the delight of the crowd, Harp larger also launched its new bottle label in what would go down in history as one of the biggest and best way of unveiling a new brand in Nigeria. The impressive line up of artistes at this year ’s Rhythm Unplugged was the talk of the town as guests in the capacity filled Eko Convention Centre screamed and danced to music by the “A” list artistes led by Tuface Idibia, Banky W, Iyanya, Wizkid, Olamide, and Waje. Others include Niyola, Seyi Shay, Ice Prince, Sound Sultan, Burna Boy, May D, Tonye amongst others. To ensure there was no dull moment, guests were also treated to stupendous jokes from notable comedians led by Bovi. Others included Buchi, I Go die, Seyi law and Gordons.

* Wizkid

already on for the music video of the new single. On collaborations, Topman reveals that he’s working on something special with Flavour and other leading acts in the nation’s music industry. He hopes to make it public by early 2014.He’s signed to Dvista and Chista Records .

‘born again’ actor. Reports have it that the meeting became heated as Jim and the friend argued back and forth over an alleged $10, 000, and the argument later turned nasty which resulted in a fight that spilled out into the street. It was also gathered that as the fight raged on, Jim entered his car and was about pulling out something suspected to be a gun, when he was prevented by the gathering crowd, while the other guy dashed off in his car only to surface with some policemen who arrested Jim and took him away. Jim Iyke returned to the cafe barely twenty minutes later, giving the impression that the case had been ‘settled’ by the policemen.

* May D

The cool new look of the Harp premium lager reflects the trendy appeal of the brand, attractive to a younger generation of beer consumers while also appealing to its existing admirers.

— 35

Tiwa Savage, Dr o Dr.. Sid tto host The Headies 20 13 201

* Tiwa and Dr Sid

JULIET EBIRIM

IWA Savage and Sidney Esiri a.k.a Dr Sid, both from Mavin records have been announced as hosts for the year ’s edition of The Headies, Nigeria’s biggest and most prestigious music awards. According to the organizers of the awards, the pair have been selected in line with the awards’ tradition of picking talented and inspiring entertainers, to front an awards ceremony that parades some of the continent’s biggest entertainers. Tiwa Savage has earned a place for herself as one of Nigeria’s favourite artistes since the release of her 2010 debut single Kele Kele Love. The song which was released while Tiwa was still in the US, topped charts instantly but it was the follow up single ‘Love me, Love me, Love me’ that won the hearts of many. Speaking on The Headies 2013, Tiwa said, “Being the 8th year, it’s not easy to be consistent in a country like Nigeria. So Kudos to the organizers to have an award by Nigerians for Nigerians…it’s always sketchy when the nomination list comes up, like this year. We are not going to touch on that, we’ll just wait for the night and address those issues and we’ll go ‘all Kanye West’ on the awards…’ newly married singer at The Headies 2013 is her label mate Dr Sid. Now in its 8th year, The Headies (also known as the HipHopWorld Awards) is Nigeria’s premiere honours event for urbane music and hip hop culture.

36—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

ecently stakeholders in the Nigerian motion picture industry converged in Lagos, to discuss strategies on how to reposition the industry and make it more attractive for the international market come 2014. The event was the 2nd edition of the International film forum yearly organised by Association of Nollywood Core Producers,ANCOP, in collaboration with the Federation of Film Producers’ Associations,FIAPF, which held recently at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Many of the papers delivered during the one-day conference centred on the need for re-strategising and taking the industry to the next level in 2014, following the global recognition accorded to the industry. Setting the ball rolling was Mr. Bertrand Moullier, Senior Advisor, International Affairs,FIAPF who spoke on the topic, “The Pros and Cons of Co-production Treaties.” In the course of his paper, he stressed the need for Nollywood producers to begin to embrace the idea of going into co-production with their counterparts in Hollywood, Bollywood and other parts of the world. According to him, Nigeria has huge reservoir of untapped stories that need to be told at the international level. He said, while the market for international co-productions keeps growing, many world leaders believe in the economic and social value of subsidy for local film production. Stressing further, he insisted that “We need to co-produce for economic reasons.” The FIAPF representative at the event, also posited that “ for the co-production to become a reality, there is an imperative need for nationality rules to be set up in addition to having a functioning certification unit in the country. Also, speaking from the legal perspective, Barrister Sandra Oyewole in her paper, “Chain of Title and The Practical uses of Rights”, urged Nollywood producers to develop a good understanding of the copyright laws in the country, which will enable them to secure chain of title contacts for their films, noting that the chain of title contracts would prove ownership of the film, help to limit and avoid litigation in addition to encouraging investment in the industry. The chain of contracts, according to her, are essentially agreements reached with the film makers on the one hand and on the other, the owners of the works that will make up the film elements. While enumerating some of the drawbacks associated with not having a written contract transferring your rights of ownership of a particular work, Barr. Oyewole said, failure to secure chain of title can affect

*ANCOP President, Mr. Alex Eyengho making a point at the forum *A cross-section of participants at the one-day ANCOP-FIAPF confab.

Preparing Nollywood for Intl’ market in 2014 the ability to raise funds for production and distribution of a film. “No distributor will enter into an arrangement for distribution of a film if the chain of title is not in order. It is the chain of title that will enable the distributor obtain the relevant insurance. This insurance is what helps to defray any expenses that could be incurred if a claim is brought against the

film maker and distributor,” she emphasized. According to her, “The Nigerian film industry is quite informal and films are financed and distributed everyday with almost no documentation.” This, she said, has affected overseas distribution and potential investment. “Lack of contracts of ownership also affects valuation in the long term.”

But a representative of a collecting society better known as REPRONIG and AVRS, in his paper titled, “The Imperatives of a CMO for Nollywood” called for the establishment of a Collecting Management Organization (CMO) for the industry. Highlighting some of the duties expected of a CMO which includes documentation

Lydia For son b A M AA b ra n d a ecomes mbassador

W A R D - w i n n i n g an niv Ghanaian actress , brand ers ary be ca us e he r represents what the Ly dia Fo rso n ha s Af ric a M ov ie Ac ad em been announced as a Bra Awards is all about; quali y nd ty Am ba ssa do r for and pro pr es tig iou s Af ric a M th e World. jecting Africa to the Sh ov Academy Awards (AMAA ie activitie e will among other s represent AMAA ). This is the first in the his ma jor tory on pla tfo rm of th e aw ar ds ce re mo including international films ny , wh ich rec og niz es un festivals. tal en ts on th e Af iqu e AMAAs is a platform tha ric an t co nti ne nt an d pu sh es pro jec ts the Af ric an film the fro nt ier s of Af ric an industry to Afr industry to the World. fil m rest of the wo ica and the rld. It is als Th e an no un ce me nt described as a glamorouo wa s s made in Lagos, durin ce leb ra tio n we ek by the org an iseg the ho no rin g ex of ar tis try ce lle nc e in AM AA , wh ile un ve rs of Af ric an Fil mm ili ak ing an d ng activities lined up to ma Cinema. rk the 10th anniversary of the Lydia Forson, which commences next body, one occasion who has on year. won AM CE O an d fou nd er of Best Actress Award, is AA the AM AA s, Pe ac e An yia first to be named an AMthe mAA Osigwe said, Lydia Fo Brand Ambassa was endorsed as AMAA rson inception aboudor, since its t ten years am ba ssa do r for its brand ag o. 10 th

•Lydia

or building database, negotiation and licensing, distribution and monitoring of the usage of the work, REPRONIG rep recommended the immediate setting up of such body in Nollywood, decrying how much the producers of these works are denied of the deserving economic benefits from their works, following the lack of establishment of the body.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013—37

Juliet Ibrahim turns singer!

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

exy Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim recently added music to her glowing career. In a chat with HVP, the screen goddess disclosed that she has already done two singles that will make up her first album. She also, disclosed plans to go into full time movie production in no distant time. It would be recalled that Juliet Ibrahim is one of Ghollywood A- list actresses whose profile is

steadily on the rise. She came to the limelight after starring in the movie, ‘Crime to Christ’ few years back. Recently, she delved into movie production with her much awaited movie, ‘The Number One Fan’ which she premiered two months ago. On her new project, Juliet said, she has a new movie in the pipeline titled, “Hidden.”

AfroCandy banned by facebook, resurrects

S-based Nigerian soft-porn star, Judith Opara Mazagwu, a.k.a AfroCandy has bounced back weeks after she was restricted from posting nude pictures on her facebook page by the administrators of the social network. The mother of two announced her comeback on her facebook page during the week, saying “I was gone for a minute now I am back again...I won’t be posting anymore sexy stuffs here because of the cen-

Juliet

sorship imposed on me by facebook. Even though I am not as explicit as the Hollywood stars are..on the social network.” She also announced launching her own social network site.”For that reason I have created my own s o c i a l n e t w o r k ; www.afrocandysnetwork.com where I can post whatever I want and feel like,”she said. Meanwhile, Afrocandy posted some x-rated pictures to show what the website is all about.

Banky ,Tiw a Sa Banky,Tiw ,Tiwa Savvage

Regina Askia

debut on EbonyLife TV

turns 46

BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

By IYABO AINA

n what practically seems the first time ever, Nigeria and Africa at large would be journeying deep into the minds of A-list celebrities, through a no-holds-barred platform, The Banky & Tiwa Show. Expected to tackle topical and social issues ranging from addictions, homosexuality, broken marriages, light skin versus dark skin, infidelity, pastors and private jets and transactional sex and many more which have for so long been swept under the carpet and notoriously treated with secrecy across Africa, each edition of the weekly show, according to its co-hosts, Africa’s R&B king and first

ow time flies!Former beauty queen and Nollywood actress, Regina Askia who is curr entl y an Ame rica n-ba sed registered nurse, healthcare and education al activist turned 46 last Tuesday. For those who don’t know, the hazel-eye beauty was one of the foremost actresses d models who ruled the screen in the early and She took over the crown as the Most Beau 90s. Girl in Nigeria 1989, after Bianca Ojuk tiful resign expired and she was also Miss UNIwu’s in 1988. She is happily married to an Ame LAG rican Rud y Will iam s and is bles sed with thre e children. Regina is known for her role in ‘’Suicide Mission’’which featured Richard Mofe Dam (RM D). She ann oun ced her birt hdaijo y anniversary on her facebook page. “All of 46 old today.”

lady of pop, Banky W and Tiwa Savage, would feature a variety of guests. The guests would range from A-list artistes to actors, on-airpersonalities to bloggers, comedians, activists to other professionals of interesting world-view that would bare their minds on controversial issues in a mature, nonjudgmental and non-preachy manner. The show whose premier aired last Tuesday on EbonyLife TV which currently airs in 44 African countries is a brainchild of Mo Abudu, Chairman and CEO of Africa’s first global black entertainment network, EbonyLife TV DSTV Channel 165.

Ebube Nwagbo stirs Rhythm Unplugged By ANOZIE EGOLE

ollywood screen diva, Ebube Nwagbo got the attention she needed at the Harp sponsored Rhythm Unplugged as she stirred the crowd with her sexy wear which showed off her curves. Clad in a black and a midriff baring top,she got the attention of the cameramen at the event as all tried to get a snap of what the actress was spotting. Though,it was recently rumoured that the sexy actress is still dating her ex-lover, Limpopo crooner, Kcee.

•Banky & Tiwa

38— SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

By ANOZIE EGOLE

How celebrities plan to spend Xmas holiday

here is always a plan for Christmas. Almost everyone has one plan or the other to wrap up the year in grand style. But oftentimes, the anxiety of the Yuletide catches us below the belt and abandons us in the creek without paddle as to what to do, where to be, who to be with, and other one million naira questions. Some of our celebrities share how they plan to spend Christmas holiday with your darling Entertainers Talkback.

I will be on location — Ejiro Okurame I am no longer taking jobs for this year —Aremu Afolayan I am seriously going to spend my Christmas with my family, I am no longer taking any job this year. I want to be be with my family for the Christmas. So, I am going to celebrate the Christmas here in Lagos with my family.

No work for me during Xmas — Funke Akindele

Christmas is supposed to be celebrated at home with one’s family and friends. There is going to be no work for me on that day.

On the Xmas day, I will be working. There’s no holiday for me during this Yuletide season. I have been on location in Port-Harcourt for the past two months and I will still be there till after Christmas. I wish I could return back to Lagos, before the Xmas day to celebrate the season with my family.

Going to rest on that day

— Kehinde Bankole I am going to rest on that day. I will like to hang out with my family, friends. Also, I will go to the cinema to see movies on that day but I am not going to work

I will be traveling

— Princess Chineke I will be traveli8ng to New York for the Christmas. I need a place to chill out with friends and I believe that is the best place to do that. For now, I have stopped taking works for this year as I need to give myself enough rest. I hope to bounce back fully to work when I come back.

Celebrating Xmas at water spring

I will be on set —Eniola Badmus

I will be working on that day, in fact, I will be on set that very day.

C M Y K

— Foluke Daramola

I will be spending my Christmas holiday in Ikogosi, a water spring in Ekiti State. I choose that place because, it is very close to nature. I have also, decided to wage a war against domestic violence with my friends and colleagues in the industry. That is our own way of giving back to the society.

I will celebrate with God Almighty — Funnybone I have decided to celebrate teh Xmas with God Almighty. After the church service, I will be heading to Cool Fm station for the Praise Jamz programme. Thereafter I will spend the rest of the day with my family and friends. I just want to celebrate that with my creator.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013—39

08111813025

Eating right, the only way to stay healthy this season - Yetunde Aderonke Adeyeri Arinola Rihannat Yetunde is a seasoned nutritionist. She is our guest in this special Christmas edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk. For her, eating right is the only way to stay out of unwanted sickness especially at this season. She advises Nigerians to indulge in right eating culture. Enjoy When it comes to healthy lifestyle, how would you advise Nigerians especially at this Christmas? Nigerians should add lots of fruits and vegetables to their Christmas menu. Their food intake should be more of protein which is rich in lipids and steroid. They should avoid eating the regular chicken with the skin because of its cholesterol. Also, natural fruit

Christmas Treat

Tasteful wheat with vegetable soup Vegetable soup is a traditional soup made with assorted meats, seafood and vegetables and served with any of Nigeria “swallow”. It can be taken at anytime of the day.

Recipe

Assorted meats Onion Blended pepper Snails Smoked, dried fish Stock fish Periwinkles Dry prawns Grounded crayfish Fresh ugu leaves Fresh water leaves Palm oil Salt Wheat

Preparation

Wash the assorted meats well under running water, and place the meat in a large pot. Add your medium onion and blended pepper to the pot. Cook the mixture over a medium heat for 20 minutes. Rinse the snails and periwinkles well in cool, running water. Clean the other seafood ingredients by washing them under C M Y K

juice should be taken instead of carbonated drinks. What is your favorite meal? My favorite meal is wheat and vegetable soup and I prefer to cook my meals. I was trained as a kitchen girl from my childhood. That means there was no pranks played to get your favorite meal? I did play pranks on my parents but it was a way to correct their eating habit. My parents were fans of Amala(white) but I cajoled them into wheat which is healthier. Your kind of exercise? I skip and jog every morning before sunrise at least for 30

Dining out with delicious cake A christmas cake is a tradition for most families. You can make a healthy and crunchy cake for your family members for this season.

Health Tips Feed well Christmas

running water. Add the seafood ingredients to the pot, and cook on the stove over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add more water to the pot if necessary. Rinse the ugu and water leaf well, and use a knife to cut the leaves into thin strips. Add the ugu leaves and the water leaf to the pot, stir to mix thoroughly, and allow the ingredients to simmer for 15 minutes. Add the crayfish, stir to mix the ingredients, and simmer

for 10 minutes. Add salt to taste and tablespoons of palm oil to the pot and leave to boil for some minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, and serve. Add your ground wheat to a pot of boiling water and continue to stir until it thickens. Leave to cook for some minutes and your wheat is ready.

minutes. After which I take a glass of water before breakfast. It boosts my self esteem and confidence all day long. ….Your best fruit? My best fruit is papaya popularly known as pawpaw which is very medicinal. What would be your advice for Nigerians in order to stay healthy on daily basis? Nigerians should feed their cells with nutrients rather than feeding their stomach with shaft by following the food pyramid postulated by the United States department of Agriculture indicating five percent of carbohydrate, 15 percent of protein , 30percent of fruits and vegetables and 50 percent of whole grain.

for

With all the parties and family gatherings, it’s inevitable that temptations to over feed will arise this time of year. The only way to overcome this is to prepare yourself for this. Here are some tips to help you avoid the holiday pitfalls: Eat a protein-packed snack on a daily basis. Don’t think of the holiday as an excuse to gorge on unhealthy food. Plan in advance to make sure there are options available that you can enjoy. Start your meal with a soup, fresh vegetables, or a salad,

and avoid any refined flour pastries or sweet appetizers to prevent the cycle of craving. Drink two glasses of water with lemon before the meal. Plan an activity to look forward to after the meal — a group walk, visiting other friends or family, a group game, or playing with younger family members. Eat mindfully.

40—SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEM BER 21, 2013

08056180112

This yuletide, beware of ‘holiday diarrhoea’ C

HRISTMAS is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the season of goodwill, good wishes, good food, good drinks and good health. Being the holiday season, it could turn out to be an ideal time for ingesting all kinds of diseasepromoting foods (if care is not taken). It is also a time when one is quite likely to be reminded of the expression “traveler’s diarrhoea”— characterised by a marked increase in the frequency of unformed bowel movements commonly accompanied by abdominal cramps, urgency, nausea, bloating, vomiting, fever, and malaise. Beware of the following food classes. Fried foods Eating fried foods, which are high in fat, can result in diarrhoea. Rich sauces, fatty cuts of meat, and buttery or creamy desserts can cause stomach distress, too. This yuletide, choose roasted or baked chicken or turkey over fried. Opt for light sauces that feature vegetables instead of butter or cream. Take this tip: Choose roasted or baked foods and light sauces that feature vegetables instead of butter or cream. Citrus fruit Because citrus fruit is high in fibre, it can cause intestinal distress for some people. Go easy on oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits if your digestion is not too good. Sugar Chewing too much sugar-free gum made with sorbitol, an artificial sweetener, has been found to cause diarrhoea and cramping. Fibre Foods high in fibre like whole grains and vegetables are good for digestion. But if you eat too much, your digestive system may have trouble adjusting, resulting in gas and bloating. Increase the amount of high-fibre foods gradually. Beans Beans are a common source of trouble, they contain indigestible sugars that can cause gas and cramping. The human body lacks enzymes to break down these sugars and bacteria in the guts do the work, giving off gas in the process. Soak dried beans for at least four hours and pour off the water to eliminate the indigestible sugars prior to cooking. Cabbage Cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables contain the same indigestible sugars that make beans gassy. Their high fibre content can also make them hard to digest if eaten in excess. Cooking can help reduce the problem.

C M Y K

•Drink plenty of fluids...water is the best your body requires Spicy foods Some people experience indigestion or heartburn after eating spicy foods, especially after a large meal. Research suggests that the hot ingredient in chili peppers, called capsaicin, may trigger heartburn. Dairy products If you’re lactose intolerant, milk and other dairy products can trigger diarrhoea, bloating, gas, and other intestinal distress. The condition stems from the lack of an enzyme required to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Avoid or limit dairy products. Peppermint Peppermint may sound cooling. Yet it can relax the muscle at the top of the stomach, allowing food to reflux up into the esophagus and cause heartburn. Other culprits may include chocolate or coffee. Dealing with diarrhoea Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Eat bland — not high fat or spicy — foods at first. Return to a normal diet as soon as symptoms ease — 24 to 48 hours — to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need to recover.

•Beware of toxins,what not to eat...

artificially coloured Christmas goodies. If it’s artificially coloured, it’s bad for you. Anything made with vegetable shortening is also bad. Make your own pastries. Avoid all store-bought cookies, pies, cakes, bread, biscuits, etc., and other holiday treats made with vegetable Protect your health shortening. Check food labels for How do you protect your health anything made with “partiallythis holiday season? Stay away from hydrogenated oil” or “vegetable foods that contain toxins. Avoid shortening.”

Beware of holiday processed meats — especially the ones that require no refrigeration. They last so long in their plastic packaging without rotting because they’re blended with sodium nitrite, a cancer-causing chemical. Read labels to make sure you don’t buy or consume stuffing made with MSG. Protect your health this holiday season. Play it smart, so you can enjoy the holiday in good health to see another year.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013 — 41

an whose hand was severed has it attached to his ankle for a month to keep it alive before being reattached. Doctors have s u c c e s s f u l l y reattached a man’s severed hand after it was attached to his ankle for a month. On November 10, Xiao Wei’s right hand was severed due to an accident at work. He said: ‘I was just shocked and frozen at the spot, until co-workers unplugged the machine and retrieved my hand and took me to the hospital.’ At his local hospital in Changde, in China’s Hunan province, doctors said they were unable to save his hand. But they suggested that doctors at the larger regional hospital may be able to help. Mr Wei said: ‘I am still young, and I couldn’t imagine life without a right hand.’ Seven hours after the incident, he arrived at the other hospital in Changsha. Doctors here were hopeful they could re-attach the hand, but not right away. So, in order to stop the severed hand from dying, they attached it to his ankle. One of them explained: ‘His injury was severe. Besides ripping injuries, his arm was also flattened. ‘We had to clear and treat his injuries before taking on the hand reattachment surgery.’ Nearly a month after his hand was severed, Xiao had recovered enough to undergo re-attachment surgery. While he will need to undergo several other operations, doctors are confident he will regain full use of his hand again.

08 116759 759 081 6759759

Man whose hand was severed has it attached to his ankle

Disf igured woman receives a full Disfigured face tr ansplant transplant A

26-year-old Polish woman disfig ured by a huge tumour has received a new face. The woman, identified only as Joanna, was given the new face during the country’s second face transplant. Prior to the operation, she struggled to chew, swallow or talk. Dr Adam Maciejewski, who led the 23hour surgery last week, said he hopes the transplant of 80 per cent of the skin on her face will give her back those functions. Joanna was severely deformed by neurofibromatosis – a genetic condition that causes benign tumours to grow along the nerves. The condition can also

cause bone problems, pressure on the spinal nerves, severe pain, learning disabilities and vision and hearing problems. There is no cure for it. Although many people who have the condition inherit it from one of their parents, up to 50 per cent develop it randomly from a gene mutation before they are born. Despite their alarming appearance, the growths and swellings — called neurofibromas and caused by a growth of cells—are not cancerous or contagious. ife’s incredi Joanna is currently in serious but stable ble offer becondition after the operation at the cause sex was so Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology painful after the in Gliwice, Poland. menopause. Elaine Feeley and her husband Keef had always had an active sex life. But after the menopause sex became unbearably painful. She has vaginal atrophy, which affects many postmenopausal women. After four years, she says they had become more like ‘brother and sister ’. Feeling guilty about not having sex, Elaine told Keef to find another woman. But after relationship counselling, they have a good sex life again. Elaine is found to be suffering from vaginal atrophy, or dryness, which is very common after the menopause. Here, the vagina shrinks and dries out, the cervix lowers and some women experience a chafing, carpet-burn feeling during sex.

‘I told my husband to sleep with another woman’

Chelsea Clinton sits front row at Mandela's memorial

helsea Clinton sits front row at Mandela's memorial service while former president Jimmy Carter is relegated to the back. The former first daughter attended the memorial service in Johannesburg with her parents Bill and Hillary on Tuesday. Carter is part of a global initiative for peace started by Mandela in 2007 called The Elders. The Obamas, the Bushs and Hilary Clinton all traveled to

Johannesburg together on Air Force One - the Carters made their own way. Bill Clinton traveled separately from Brazil following a charity event. C M Y K

42 — SATURDAY, Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

High society on call as RMD’s son weds IT was a parade of who’s who in the society on Saturday, December 14, 2014 when ace actor and Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo’s son, Oghenekome took a wife, Eniola Olufunmilola, daughter of Mr. Oladipo Abiodun. The wedding took place in Lagos. Photos by Bunmi Azeez

L-R:Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo, groom’s father , his wife, Jumobi, Dame Abimbola Fashola, First Lady, Lagos state, Mr. Oghenekome Rena Mofe-Damijo and his wife, Eniola Oluwafunmilayo.

The couple flanked by Delta State Gov, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and wife, Roli.

L-R:Chief Raymond Dokpesi, chairman, DAAR communications Plc, Chief Edem Duke, minister of Culture & Tourism with Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo, groom's father.

The couple,Mr. and Mrs Oghenekome Rena Mofe-Damijo.

Mr. Fred Udueme, AGM, Brands, Vanguard and Mr. Ufuoma Kekewi.

Celebration galore as Mylod School marks 10 Week-long celebration th to mark the 10 anniversary of Mylod Private School reached the climax on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at Ayo Nio Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Sanya, Lagos followed by a reception which was well attended by dignitaries from various walks of life. Highlights of the day include gifts presentation to long serving staff of the school, various dances by the students and launching of the school magazine among

others. Special Guest of Honour was Deputy Governor of Lagos State, who joined her counterpart from Ogun State, who also is the husband of the proprietress of the school, Pastor (Mrs) Funmi Adesegun.

L-R:Mrs. Esther Etinagbedia, groom’s mum, Mr. Richard Mofe- Damijo, groom’s father, Mr. Oghenekome Rena Mofe-Damijo and his wife, Eniola Oluwafunmilayo, (couple), Mrs. Elizabeth Abimbola Abiodun, bride’s mother and Mr. Oladipo Babatunde Abiodun, bride's father

AGM

L-R:Commander Oluseyi Sosan (Rtd), Mrs Nike Ogunbekun, Temilade Adesegun, Prince Segun Adesegun, Dep. Gov, Ogun State and husband of proprietress, Mylod, Pastor (Mrs) Funmi Adesun, proprietress and Mr. Jerry Obaseki.

L-R: Head Teacher, Mylod Private School, Mrs V.O. Adeniyi, the proprietress, Pastor (Mrs) Funmi Adesegun and Dep. Gov, Lagos State, Princess Adejoke Orelopr-Adefulire, presenting gifts to teachers who have served the sechool from five years and above.

L-R: General Bode Oginni with Mrs Nike Ogunbekun

R-L: Engr. Chief Christabel Oke Obiuwevbi(MNSE), Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor on Project Monitoring, Engr. Victor Obanor(FNSE) Chairman, NSE, Benin Chapter and another participant during the International Engineers Conference,Exhibition and Annual General meeting held at International Conference Centre Abuja Recently. C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013 — 43

44—SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 21, 2013 By Gab Ejuwa

ew weeks after the Minister of Agricul ture and Rural Development, Mr. Akinwunmi Adesina, was honoured by Forbes magazine, more Nigerians have taken a swipe at his decision to place a ban on the importation of fish into the country. They are of the opinion that the directive by the Federal Government through the minister is another ploy to deny the poor masses their only cheap source of protein. Investigation had it that Nigerians cutting across all strata of the society remain unhappy over the imminent price hike of fish when the ban eventually takes full effect by end of December 2013. It will be recalled that Adesina made the pronouncement a few weeks ago during the launch of the Special Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme, which is intended to boost local aquaculture production through the Aquaculture Value Chain initiative. To ensure strict adherence to the directive, the Federal Government, in a letter dated October 29, 2013, to fish importers directed them to ensure that all Bills of Lading carried dates not later than October 2013 and the fish cargoes (consignments) arrived the Nigerian waters not later than December 31, 2013. Findings across various markets in Lagos that forms the bulk of the market in the country revealed that the price of the item has truly escalated beyond what poor Nigerians can afford. As at last week, a carton of Titus now sells for N13, 500, up from N10, 500 while Kote now goes for N10, 200 from N7,500. To justify the GES/AVC initiatives, the minister claimed the aquaculture value chain would produce 400,000 tonnes of fish, generate extra 250,000 of table fish and 100,000 tonnes of value

Hunger ahead as FG bans ffish ish impor tation importation *Prices already soaring

added fish. According to the FAO’s, the state of world fisheries and aquaculture report 2012, Nigeria produced 200535 tonnes of aquaculture fish, representing 15.57 per cent of global production in 2010, and had an annual consump-tion requirement of 1.2 million metric tonnes based on a population figure of 100 million and per capita consumption of 12 kg per annum regarded as adequate for a normal healthy growth. These figures reveal that even if the ambitious objectives put forward by the minister are indeed achieved, there will still be a significant shortfall in fish availability for consumption, if importa-tion were banned outright as is currently the case. Reacting, a fish expert and lecturer at the Lagos State University, Dr. Tosin Olarinmoye, said that government should not be in a hurry to ban fish imports into the country since it has not made provision for any alternative source of cheap protein for the poor. “It

doesn’t make sense to ban fish when you are not producing enough locally. In Nigeria, fish is the cheapest form of protein people use to supplement their protein requirements in food. Locally, we are not producing enough for the following reasons that our waters have been devastated by oil pollution. Fish farmers are supposed to use a particular kind of net that should pick the specific type of fish they are looking for. But because they are not regulated, they catch every kind of fish, both mature and immature, even the ones they are supposed to thrown back into the water, they sell them to the market women. “So, as a result of over fishing when our local fishermen go on water they can’t even see fish of big and bigger size to catch.” He pointed out that instead of total ban government should work with the local fish suppliers through the ministry of agriculture’s extension service and designate some areas not to be fished for some time so that fishes in that area would produce. He added that even after that period, they should continue to monitor the conservation areas to ensure strict compliance over

Peninsula Capital, intel capital, Adlevo capital boost Rancard’s investment in Africa ancard, a leader in social recommen R dations technology for mobile content and services, has concluded its second institutional investment led by Peninsula Capital, a private investment management company, based in Menlo Park, California. Also participating in the round were existing investors, Intel Capital, Intel’s global investment and M&A organization and Adlevo VAS Holdings, an investment holding company managed by Adlevo Capital Managers (“Adlevo Capital”), the technology-focused African private equity firm. CEO Rancard, Kofi Dadzie, said that this investment will boost our efforts in growing a world class team, building critical partnerships and deepen our technology base as we continue to deliver well to do technology services for mobile network operators in Africa. We’re delighted to have Mr. King, an experienced Silicon Valleybased venture investor join Adlevo and Intel Capital, and since 2012 African operators have been reaping the dividends of this partnership, he said. In addition, Founder, Peninsula Capital LLC, Robert King, said, he believes Rancard

has the potential to be a global software enterprise, its focus on mobile communications positions them to be on the leading edge of this space”. Managing Director, Intel Capital Eastern Europe, Marcin Hejka, Middle East, Africa and Russia/CIS, stated that Intel Capital believes in the tremendous growth opportunity in the technology ecosystem across the continent. Companies like Rancard play a big role in the region’s economic growth, and it is our mission to foster technology innovation on the continent.” Investment Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Tobi Oke, added that “Rancard’s focus on cloud-based mobile software puts it in a unique position to take advantage of the rapid growth of mobile phone usage in the region, and will help accelerate the uptake of technology and online services.” Managing Partner of Adlevo Capital Yemi Lalude, said, this follow-on investment is a recognition of the exciting progress made by Rancard since our initial investment in July 2012. As the mobile value-added services industry transitions from SMS to voice and data-based offerings.

a particular time. For instance, the Arugungu fishing festival. Because fishing is restricted in that water every year, they must catch fishes of big sizes. This is because they have ensured that in the intervening year be-

fore the festival, nobody fishes in that river. Can’t that be done? Now we are not producing enough and we want to ban fish that people buy for N150 to N250 per one to eat. I think it is a bad policy and Nigerians will kick against it,” he added. Also speaking on the issue,said though the policy in itself had merit, the shotgun approach being applied by the government in this case, as in many other such developmental agenda and policies, was inappropriate. He said that since local production was inadequate due to a number of reasons, which the government itself acknowledged at the inauguration of its GES project, a situation which and will persist for a long time to come, government should

have applied a phased approach to the implementation of this policy, as was attempted through the largely failed FADAMA project in the case of rice. He said, “Phased increment agenda to maximize local production, artisanal and aquacultural, while reducing imports gradually would be a more workable option in the midium to long term. This is to be done in tandem with fish stock enumerations, designation of protected fishing areas, and species, strict monitoring and enforcement of fishing quotas by trawlers in local waters to reduce, and possibly eradicate the menace of overfishing, a factor militating against artisanal fisher folk and their livelihoods.”

Centre, Godwin Ehigiamusoe (CEO), flanked left, Osarenren Emokpae (Chairman), and other members of the Board of Directors of LAPO, during its AGM, Lagos.

LIRS empowers families through essay competition

ome families who cannot afford much for their children’s education now smile through LIRS essay school competition where many students are being empowered academically. Not only that, investigation has it that the competition has improved the level of performance of students in WAEC examination since six years the competition was initiated. However, forty students participated in the final stage of the exercise which was held at the LIRS office Alausa, Ikeja, as part of efforts to enlighten the younger ones on the need for tax compliance among adults. The organisers said the defence of the essay was part of the measures taken to enhance the credibility of the exercise by ascertaining the authenticity of the various entries submitted by students. Chairman, LIRS, Mr. Tunde Fowler, commended the participants for their doggedness and brilliant entries that won them the invitation to the last stage. He said, the annual competition, presently in its sixth edition, would help to improve the writing skills, as well as educate the young ones on the necessity for taxation. Seven judges were present to judge the students on their grammar, discussion, co-

herence and confident. Students from junior secondary schools discussed the topic: ‘Impacts of tax payments on the Lagos of our dreams’ and ‘How Tax payment empowers government to achieve its objectives: Also, students from senior secondary schools discussed the topic: ‘How tax payment drives sustainable economic and social developments.’ They argued that taxes would enable the government to provide scholarships, free textbooks for students, furniture, medical equipment, construction of roads and other essential services that would benefit the citizens. The winners of the competition in the various categories, according to organisers, would bag scholarship and become tax ambassadors of the state.

La Casera ‘Apple S y’ winner emerges Sttor ory’

fter months of intense public anticipa tion, The La Casera Company Plc. Wednesday unveiled the winner of the popular ‘Share Your Apple Story, Be A Star’ campaign for its flagship Apple drink. The event, held at the company’s corporate head office in Lagos, also saw 26-year-old Dagu Shangevlumun Michael getting a free VIP tour of the La Casera factory for handson acquaintance with the production process of the trendy soft drink. For the UniJos final-year student of Biochemistry, the experience was second-tonone since he never anticipated his entry would clinch the top spot among many. “I still find it hard to believe that my Apple Story will be shown to the whole world as the new La Casera advert. I have received first-class

VIP treatment from La Casera and an opportunity that would motivate me to aim for the stars in whatever I do, which I deeply appreciate. I must say, with no iota of doubt on my mind, that I truly love the drink like the slogan says,” he enthused. Speaking, Chief Operating Officer, La Casera Plc, Mr. Dileeban Ponniah, noted that it was a pleasure deepening the existing bond with customers. He emphasised that La Casera had successfully run the Apple Story campaign for the second year so far, and it was only getting better.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Many NGOs are moneymaking ventures E

ngineer Favour Chika Okafor is the Group Executive Director, CHIKASON GROUP and Executive Coordinator, Rock Foundation for widows, orphans and less privileged (ROFWOL), a foundation she started 12 years ago to help the underprivileged within the country and across the globe. With over seven years experience in business development, management and control, Engineer Favour has received several recognitions in her service to humanity from Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, as well as American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Aside the corporate world, Favour is an inspirational guest speaker; a prolific writer with nine books to her credit; an ardent Christian and a philanthropist. She prefers to be identified with the poor and down trodden. She is a happy mother of six and is married to Dr. Alexander C. Okafor. In this interview with Esther Onyegbula she talks about her Foundation and other sundry issues.

What has been the impact? For ten years, I did the charity works privately, ensuring that I visited the orphanage home every three months. When I go there, I stay with them, I carry the children, play and cuddle them because they need to be loved and cared for. And then I present to them whatever I have for them. That was how I started. Later, the widows became another segment that I decided to reach out to. And then, the less privilege who can’t afford to go to school due to lack of finance. This makes their future bleak.

Presently ,there are so many Foundations for orphanages, widows and less privilege. What

makes yours different from others? This has been the reason I refused to formalize this Foundation for the past decade. For ten years, I ran it strictly on personal funds. Even after registering it, I ran it for two years still with personal funds, because of the erroneous notion that people running Foundations or NGOs are in charity to make profit. However, God is faithful. All the NGOs or Foundations are not the same and it is not fair to view them from the perspective of the few ones who are out there to make money. This foundation is a non- profit making organisation. I set aside my finance, opened

orphanage home for hours and then we take our leave. And when my child began school, we started going there every three months. At a point, I decided to reach out to the widows, realizing that if not for God, those of us who are married know that there are situations that would have taken the lives of our husbands but God didn’t allow it. Also, I had an intriguing experience two years into my marriage. For that reason, I am careful, because if not for the grace God, I might have been a widow.

Do you think that most people use the under privilege as an excuse to make money? Many people, not all of them. Although most people who fall under the less privilege strata suffer from laziness and poverty of the mind. Take the case of my husband, he had every reason to remain poor by all standard in his environment but he preferred to work.

—Chika Okafor

What inspired you to start this Foundation? I am inspired by the fact that I am a human being with a human heart; I don’t like seeing people suffer because of poverty, penury and lack. A lot of people are unable to make leeways because of financial inability to do what they need to do. Therefore, I decided to seek ways to help alleviate the plight of the less privilege in the society. When I started, I realized that it is so massive. I started with a group thirteen years ago.

Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013—45

a different account for this project and every month, I made sure that a certain amount is put in that account for charity works. Having done this for 12 years from personal funds, I am not in this for the gains or what I stand to benefit, because God has already blessed me. I will try my best to be one of those Foundations that when it comes to trust, accountability, dependability, honesty, you can really rely on us day or night. We have put things on ground to help me accomplish what I have proposed. I have two staff on ground to help with the accounting functions. If people are throwing up NGOs and

How have you been able to balance work and family life without sacrificing the other? There is a book I am writing presently titled Today’s Woman. In that book, I am looking at the women who have made it. Many of them are wives, mothers and career women, three things in one. I know how to strike the balance between being a career woman, a wife and a mother. At the office, my husband is my boss but at home, he is my husband and the father of my children. •Favour Chika Okafor At times, he carries office into the house and I remind him gently that this is not the office, this is the house. I thank God that the business I met him with, using the money for hands of poverty when his has grown immeasurably something else, they are father died when he was as we have built together accountable to God. We about 12 and in those and my dream for the should not because of the days, widows can’t come company has become a activities of a few despi- out for about six months reality. And now, I am cable NGOs shy away or more. So, at that age, running this foundation from engaging in chari- he began to fend for him- with my friends, the poor. ties. self, his siblings and his How would you demother. He had to sacriIs there any childhood fice his education and this scribe yourself? I can be described from experience that influ- affected his career. enced you into establishBut today, I am grateful two perspectives. From ing this organisation? he did not allow his cir- afar, most people would Really, I don’t have a cumstance then to define say that Favour is a proud personal experience but his life as he has practi- girl, nasty, full of herself, there are other circum- cally employed a lot of his thinks she knows it all, and never cares about stances and experiences peers presently. that pushed me into this. Why focus on orphans anyone. From another perspective, I will say I Although my father, and widows? wasn’t that rich, life My journey into chari- am nice, an extrovert. wasn’t that cozy but he ty, started when I almost Simply put, I am like a practically brought my lost a child of mine and coconut. If you can have siblings and I up the best when the child finally got patient to get inside, you way he could. No doubt, well, I decided to thank will find out that it has the I knew little difficulty. My God for preserving the life shell, the nut and the wafather missed the oppor- of my child, by visiting the ter. Those in a hurry don’t tunity of going to Denis motherless babies home. know what to do with me, Memorial Grammar Each time we went there, and those that are patient School at Onitsha for the we gave them what we are able to enjoy my persake of four kobo. My had and my child would son. husband was another play with the kids at the person who felt the cold

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

UNN Alumni fingers Wike in varsity crisis •Accuses V-C of N3bn fraud •Calls for reinstatement of Pro-Chancellor BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & LAIDE AKINBOADE , Abuja

HE University of Nigeria, UNN, Nsukka Alumni Association has accused the Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike of being behind the alleged illegal removal of the ProChancellor of the university that has thrown the university community into crisis. The Alumni Association in a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, said having illegally removed the ProChancellor of the University, Emeka Enejere, the Minister went ahead to replace him, (Enejere) with his legal adviser even without following the due process the government

of President Goodluck Jonathan preaches. But the Special Adviser to the Minister, Simeon Nwakaudu described the allegation as baseless, saying that the removal of the Pro-Chancellor was approved by the presidency. National President of the Alumni, Chief Andrew Oru who described the action of the Minister as an act of illegality and an act of violence and utter disrespect for the office of the President, called for immediate re-instatement of the Pro-Chancellor to avoid the crisis going out of hand. The Alumni said, ‘’Curiously, our initial investigations have revealed that this announcement (removal of Enejere) came a day after the Pro-Chancellor delivered Council’s report of its activities till date to

the said Minister, and just a day before Council was to meet to deliberate and possibly adopt the said report. ‘’A copy of the said report now in our possession reveals monumental fraud and mismanagement on the part of the ViceChancellor, Prof. Bartho Okolo. Same investigation has revealed to us that the President of Nigeria, who is the visitor, was not aware of the said pronouncement and did not, and could not have authorized it”. Besides, the Alumni accused the ViceChancellor of the University Prof. Bartho Okolo of running the university with impunity and called on anti-graft agency to investigate him over allegation of contract scam to the tune of about N3 billion.

Afenifere leaders visited President Goodluck Jonathan in Aso Villa yesterday. Pix shows the leadership of the group led by Rueben Fasoranti at the Villa yesterday.

Missing oil revenue: FG beams searchlight on oil and gas sector BY OKEY NDIRIBE

ITH the searchlight still beaming on the nation’s oil and gas sector over allegations of missing revenue, the

Crawford produces 288 graduates at 5th convocation BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

BOUT 288 graduates cutting across College of Natural and Applied Sciences and College of Business and Social Sciences which involved 15 academic disciplines were produced by Crawford University, Faith City, Igbesa, Ogun State, at the 5th convocation ceremony for the conferment of First Degrees and award of prizes held on Wednesday 18th December, 2013. Out of the 288 graduates, 17 obtained 1st Class, 62 with 2nd Class Upper, 116 had 2nd Class Lower, 82 got Third Class and 11 had pass. In an address by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samson A. Ayanlaja, he said that the motivation for setting up this university has been the desire to produce a new generation of Nigeria workforce and leaders that are skillful, knowledgeable, and above all, honest. When these new breed of forthright workers hold the helms of affairs in the country, it is only then that economic downturn occasioned by unabated corruption can be resolved. Concomitantly, social vices, hunger, poverty, insecurity, environmental pollution, tension and disharmony would be mitigated. He affirmed that, “the university consequently therefore, has continued to emphasise the component of

•Prof. Samson Ayanlaja Godliness of our motto; to infuse the Word of God which is capable of purging the mind and soul of the vices into our students thereby developing another generation of graduates in whose psyche and mindset all elements of corruption and misleading principles have been replaced with words of wisdom from the Holy Scriptures. Ayanlaja said Crawford University has continued to excel in the teaching and learning and acquisition of knowledge which, “as we know is the present global intangible currency that translate to skill, competence, knowhow and consequently economic development and national technical advancement.” He stated that unemployment amongst Nigerian youths now stands at a startling rate of 48.5 per cent which is partly due to the fact that in the mainstream education curriculum, there is lack of domain knowledge of specific industry skills. Comparing the country with South Africa, he said Nigeria produces 6,000 megawatts of electricity to service 162 million

people, while South Africa generates 50,000 megawatts to service 45 million people. “Consequently, there is limited access to electric energy to power factories and industries. The manufacturing sector adds only 4 per cent to the Nigeria GDP compared to the automobile manufacturing sector alone contributing 25 per cent to the South African economy”

He acknowledged that Crawford is addressing the scourge of unemployment headlong by attempting to bridge the skill gap by exposing students to ‘hands on’ entrepreneurial skills that can incubate in them and translate into multinational factories in the future, leading to creation of jobs as our students become job creators and employers of labour instead of being job seekers.

Federal Government yesterday inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial task team to ensure the implementation of reports from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). The team was directed to recover all unremitted revenues discovered from audit findings. This was disclosed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim who said Nigeria consciously signed up to the Initiative based on a clear conviction”that once transparency was implanted in the management of the nation’s abundant extractive resources, it will boost the

government’s efforts towards poverty reduction, sustainable development, social harmony as well as better investment climate”. Anyim further said that in addition to the responsibility to reconcile and publish revenue receipts from the extractive sector, and ensuring that the enabling law for Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) which stresses working closely with the relevant agencies to undertake corrective measures where necessary be put to use, “the law provides for identification of lapses in the management of Oil, gas and mining industries”.

B’Haram terrorists’s from Cameroon attack Bama Barracks will be released when dispatched to enhance •Air force aircraft, Ground Troops repel terrorists BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, Abuja

HE Defence Headquarters yesterday confirmed that the Army barracks in Bama, Borno State was in the early hours of yesterday, attacked by terrorists who came from cells located across Nigerian Border with Cameroun through Banki town. It said High calibre weapons such as antiaircraft and rocket propelled guns were freely used in the attack that lasted several hours. A statement signed by Major General Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information, noted that “Ground troops backed by the Air Force have repelled the attack and are in pursuit

of the insurgents. “Details of casualties recorded in the incident

the ongoing cordon and search operations in the general area is concluded” Olukolade said. Meanwhile, reinforcement has been

the operation in pursuit of the terrorists” the statement said adding “Normalcy is being restored in the barracks and the surrounding communities properly secured”.

AMCON set to repay N1 trillion Bonds to own stakes in the said of bonds over a period of creditors series will be paid either 10 years.Furthermore, BY PETER EGWUATU through cash or Treasury he disclosed that by & NKIRUKA NNOROM Bills. October 2014, AMCON Mr. Sanusi made the would write off another HE Gover nor, declaration in Abuja N1 trillion worth of Central Bank of yesterday during the bonds, thus making the Nigeria (CBN), Mr. signing of an agreement CBN the only creditor of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi , between the apex bank AMCON. This, he yesterday said the Asset and AMCON on the noted, is a credit positive Management Company financing of N3.8 trillion for Nigeria. of Nigeria (AMCON) is Brief now set to pay-off N1 trillion of the entire HE Grand Finale of the Coronation/ Fund Raising series 1,2,3, and 4 of for the palace renovation of the Oloru of Ijebu bonds held outside of the (Ogun State) Oba Dr Abdul Rasaq Olufemi Adebanjo CBN on December 30, (Yangunsen 1) will take place on Saturday 21st December 2013. ,2013 at Sagun United Primary School, Oru-Ijebu at According to him, the 12 noon prompt .Expected at the occasion are Oba (Dr) CBN is already in Sikiru Kayode Adetone (Awujale and Paramount Ruler custody of the said N1 of Ijebuland), Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Exec. Gov, trillion and all those who Ogun - State) among other dignitaries.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013 — 47

Boko Haram: Jonathan assures military of better firepower •Expresses worry over Bama terrorist attack •Decorates 46 new 2-star Generals BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI Abuja

FTER Thurs day ’s attack on Bama town in Borno State, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday vowed to ensure provision of more sophisticated firepower for the military to deal with the security challenges posed by terrorists. Describing continued Boko Haram attacks as a very worrisome challenge that ‘ we never expected’, the President said, “We are being overwhelmed in some incidents. We will sure-

ly get over it. We will work with you to see what we can provide to make sure that you are in position to defend our nation. “We will work with you to ensure you are in position to protect lives and properties of Nigerians, you are in position to make sure that the environment is peaceful and that Nigerians can move freely from one part of the country to the other without being afraid that somebody would point the trigger at them”. Emphasising on the

Bama attack, he said, he summoned the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police for an emergency meeting on the issue. To the new Generals, he said, “On behalf of your

country and men and women, I congratulate all of you. It is not easy to wear two stars. That is almost the terminal position in the armed forces. Any other one is by the grace of God.

“And to be elevated as two star generals; we know that you must have passed through storms, you must have endured several winters, both rainy season, dry season to get there.

HE emir of Damatu ru Alhaji Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Umar ElKanemi has marked his tenth anniverary on the throne as sons and daughters of the emirate converged on the ancient city to pay homage to the royal father. The occasion which would have been a beehive of activities and celebration was low-keyed as several prayers were offered for the restoration of peace in the state and the nation as a

whole. Also as part of activities marking the celebration, the Emir visited the Damaturu specialist’s hospital to sympathise with patients and to pray for their speedy recovery and gave them his widows mite. Damaturu Emirate Students Association also organised a public lecture to mark the occasion where the Emir thanked the people of the emirate for all the support accorded him and called for continued support for lasting peace in the state and the nation as a whole.

The Minister for Communication Technology, Ms. Omobola Johnson (r) discussing with the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Communication Technology, Dr. Tunji Olaopa and the CEO Phase 3 Telecoms, Mr. Stanley Jegede during the gala nite to mark the 10th Anniverssary of Phase 3 Telecom at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

IPMAN crises: Ojugo urges Delta IPMAN to adhere to Delta govt, NASS position BY GAB EJUWA

HE NATIONAL Auditor of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Chief Benjamin Ojugo has commended the Delta state government for wading into the crises of the Delta state chapter of IPMAN, saying that the position of the National Assembly and the Delta state government

on the issue must be adhered to by the warring factions. Chief Ojugo who made this known yesterday in a chat with newsmen warned that the mid-west zone and national body of IPMAN will not tolerate any action that will be inimical to peace from any of the warring factions, saying that such faction would be dealt with accordingly.

He said “I am strongly behind the stand of the state government that anyone found disrupting the prevailing peace and security of the state would be dealt with decisively according to the law. I want to charge the warring factions of the IPMAN to be law abiding, embrace peace and adhere to the NASS and the Delta state government position while carrying out their daily activities”.

UNICEF commends Gov. Obi’s focus and purposeful leadership He also

UNICEF

says Govern o r Peter Obi’s focused and committed leadership has facilitated success of its various programmes in the State. Speaking when Governor Obi visited the UNICEF Enugu office, the Chief Field Officer, Mr. Charles Nzuki commended the Governor ’s exemplary commitment in scaling up pilot progrmames and timely release of government counterpart contribution. Mr Nzuki said UNICEF was proud of the remarkable results achieved in promoting

welfare of children through the State Integrated programme that gave more children access to good health, education, protection, safe drinking water and

immunisation while more women were accessing PMTCT services through increased commitment of the Governor ’s on the prevention of HIV.

extolled Governor Obi for the face lift and transformation of the State Education status and general improvement in the quality of education.

Airtel Nigeria rewards outstanding employees •Honours long serving staff

N recognition and cel ebration of excellence, innovation, dedicated service and loyalty, leading telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria, recently rolled out drums in honour of outstanding employees and long serving staff who have contributed immensely to the growth of

Christmas rush: Customers rue failure of ATM services

Emir of Damaturu celebrates 10 years on the throne BY BALA AJIYA Damaturu

But we thank God that today you are being so decorated”.

the business. The colourful award ceremony, which took place recently at different locations across the company’s four regions in Nigeria, provided an opportunity for management of the company to recognise excellent performance and also celebrate staff for their con-

tributions to the organisation. Awards were given to the outstanding employees in different categories including: ‘CEO’s Excellence Award, ‘CEO’s Innovation Award,’ Long Service Award (10 years)’, ‘Long Service (5 years) and ‘Service with a Smile.’

UTOMATED Teller Machines (ATMs) are quick cash dispensing services offered by banks to ease the process of their services. But the experience may not be true for bank customers in Nigeria who are now facing harrowing experiences in using ATMs for the fast cash transaction in an era where the use of micro-chip based cards for internet and cashless banking transactions are gradually gaining acceptance. But most banks in Nigeria are turning the use of ATM into a night mare as most of them cannot cope with the volume of customers that want to use the services. Other banks are perennially afflicted by failure of the network and sometimes the failure arise from the card service Verve or Master card, the two leading card services provider. The situation can be excruciating at weekends when customers would move from one bank to another looking for a functional ATM machine. In most cases the machines run out of cash and there are no bank officials to load it. At other times it could be a failure of the system arising from the pressure of the volume of transactions.

BRIEFS Book launch

HE Delta State Gov ernor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan is expected to be special guest of honor at a book launch titled “Chess, a national legacy” written by a renown dentist, Chief Dr. Sylvan Ebigwei, lyase Obodogba (Traditional Prime Minister)of Okpanam. The event to be chaired

by the former Deputy Governor, Chief Benjamin Elue, will be supported by other eminent personalities across the state and country. Major Nzeogwu Square, Okpanam is the venue of the ceremony slated to begin at 11.00 am on Friday December 27, 2013

Agbarho old students meet

AINT Enda’s Col lege, (formerly Agbarho Grammar School,) Agbarho in Delta State Old Students Association, Lagos branch, holds its end of the year general meeting today at

the 12B, Abuja Close, Agbara Estate, Ogun State at 3.00 p.m. A statement by the general secretary, Deacon Sunday Orode urges members to be punctual because crucial issues have been lined up for discussion.

48— Saturday

Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

More facts are now emerging on the circumstances leading to the arrest of the leader of the gang of kidnappers who killed 84-year- old wife of the traditional ruler of Abba-Igogoro in Enugu-Ezike, Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State on September 14, 2013. Late Adiza Omale Nwogo, was abducted from the palace and taken to the house of one Pascal Onah, alias Achisa in Obollo Afor, Udenu Local Government area of the state where she died a week later and was buried in a shallow grave in the compound. Nine suspects were arrested in connection with the old woman’s death. The State Police spokesman, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of Mrs. Ogbo’s corpse had likened the incident to the popular saying that “every day is for a thief but one day is for the owner of the h o u s e . ” According to him, “Following the kidnap of the woman who is believed to be about 84 years, Commissioner of Police Enugu state command, Adamu Abubakar Mohammed directed a full scale investigation which has hitherto led to the arrest of nine suspects namely: Paschal Onah (alias Achisa), Uche Ugwu,Chinwendu Adonu, Chikodi Idoko, Martin Okpe, a native doctor;Mamman Okechukwu, Ofobuike Okpe, Christain Onah and Friday Eze. “They were arrested after a gun duel with the operatives recently when they were tracked to their hideouts with some of them sustaining injuries.” However, police detectives were said to be investigating another case of armed robbery when they stumbled on information which linked Onah’s gang with abduction of the old woman. It was gathered that some armed robbers who were known to Onah had robbed a Volkswagen Gulf car belonging to the brother of Onah’s wife, unknown to them that the victim of the robbery had any relation with their leader. The robbery incident was said to have caused a lot of misunderstanding within the gang, leading to leakage of the information to police detectives who stumbled on the information linking Pascal with Adiza’s kidnap. ’’From what transpired we fully established that some members of the robbry gang who forcefully robbed the Golf car were also involved in the kidnap of the old woman.During investigation, we also discovered that the said Pascal had been on our wanted list, having arranged the killing of one Ifeanyi Onah from Ishiofu, Uda, in Enugu Ezike few years earlier. ’’According to our information, Ifeanyi Onah’s first wife connived with Pascal who arC M Y K

•Late Adiza Omale Nwogo

• one of the suspects, Paschal Onah, carrying Mrs Nwogo’s skull

Murder of kidnapped octogenarian in Enugu

•How leader of kidnap gang connived with housewife to kill husband in 2005 ...Angry mob demolish house By EMEKA MAMAH ranged his killing following the woman’s discovery that her husband had married a second wife then,’’ police sources told Crime Guard. The source could not, however, say how the case end-

ed with the Police but stated that Paschal must have escaped justice by using the enormous ill-gotten resources at his disposal. Meanwhile, angry mob in Obollo Afor was said to have demolished detained Pascal’s

house in the community, following the discovery of his alleged illicit activities. The mob who were incensed by the startling discovery and savagery exhibited by Paschal and his gang in the kill-

ing of the 84-year-old woman described as ‘very amiable’ from a neighbouring village, vowed that if he escapes justice this time around, they will not hesitate to take laws into their hands by eliminating him.

Yuletide: New Anambra CP reads riot acts to criminals’ By OKONKWO EZE, Onitsha The new Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, Mr. Akila Usman Gwary has warned criminals to steer clear from the state, since there is no hiding place for them, or be prepared to face the consequences if caught. He assured returnees for this year ’s Christmas and New Year of their safety throughout the yuletide period and beyond now that hoodlums and mischief makers are no longer accommodated in the state. Gwary who spoke through the state Deputy commissioner of police, Mr D. P. Yakadi, sounded this note of warning at the command’s Police Officers Mess, Enugu-Ukwu, near Awka when members of the mess marked their end of the year party. According to Gwary,“In this yuletide season, we are battleready to ensure a hitch-free celebrations. We are equal to the task,and will leave no stone unturned. All we need from the general public is information that will enable us carry out our operations. But on our own, we have

Cautions vigilaance groups over arbitrary arrests set every machinery in motion to police the entire state properly.” The state police helmsman disclosed that the command needed the support of the members of the Police Officers Mess in its fight against crime in the state, adding that the command was so far impressed with the activities of members of the mess. Earlier in his brief remarks, the Chairman of the Police Officers’ Mess at Enugwu-Ukwu, Dr Jeff Okeke used the opportunity to reasure the CP and his Deputy that their efforts in crime control were being appreciated and assured the continued support of the mess members. According to Okeke, “Because of the way the former CP, Ballah Nasarawa worked in bringing relative peace and calmness in Anambra, we prayed for him and he was promoted to AIG, we are saying the same prayer for the present CP, his Deputy and others for their promotion while in Anambra state.”

Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Nnewi Central Police Station, CSP Ikechukwu Egbuchukwu, has given a merit award to the commander of Umudim and Uruagu Nnewi vigilance groups for being exceptional in community vigilante policing. The DPO said the gesture was to encourage competition in community policing. In another development, CP Gwary has charged members of the vigilante groups in the state to desist from arbitrary arrests and detentions, adding that henceforth, all vigilante squads must be accompanied by trained policemen on duty.. Speaking yesterday during a general meeting involving the Anambra State Vigilante Group, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the state held in Awka, the CP noted that effective security cannot be achieved without a proper synergy between all security agencies. He said that criminals are not

invisible but rather community based and assured Anambra residents of not only sustaining the tempo of low crime rate in the state but consolidating on the security gains achieved already in the state to reduce crime to the barest minimum. “The position of vigilante in our security system today cannot be overemphasized. This is because the police that have the mandate to maintain security have lots of challenges. But the vigilante must play their part well while we also do our best. If you make any arrest, you must carry the suspect to the police while all you do must be anchored within the ambit of the law,” he said. Earlier in an address, the Coordinator/Police Consultant on Vigilante Matters in the state, Chief Kenneth Agunecheigbo Okonkwo enjoined those who played politics with security matters to desist from such act as it brings adverse effect to the system. Okonkwo said the reformation exercise in the vigilante groups in Anambra is ongoing, and charged all to adhere strictly to the ethics and norms of the exercise.

•IGP

Saturday Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013 — 49

By IFEANYI OKOLIE These are not the best of time for members of World Evangelical Mission, located at Orile Igamu, Lagos State, as a section of the church was allegedly attacked by thugs that reportedly invaded an annex of the church premises and pulled off its roof. The thugs who were led by some unidentified policemen stormed the church on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, while programmes were

M-A-Y-H-E-M:

Thugs invade church in Lagos; destroy building Bishop cries out for justice

going on and demolished some shops located in front of the church before pulling off the roof of the church. A bewildered female church member, told Crime Guard that the thugs claimed that they were enforcing a Supreme Court ruling which gave the ownership of the entire Orile-igamu to Ojora family. “ We couldn’t do anything as these thugs went on rampage and some of us who tried to video tape what was happening with their phones were beaten up and our phones were seized. We contacted our Bishop, Dr ly taken over by the project . Bishop Nzube alleged that the loss of the fillings station didn’t go down well with the Tejuosho Family and they are on the move to collect the land from him and erect a new one. “The land was fallow when I leased it and it was covered with a large flood that was over five feet deep. I leased it because

P, MD Abubakar John Nzube and informed him about what was happening. He was surprised and said he has paid all the royalty demanded by the Ojora family, through his own landlord and he said there was no reason they would attack our church premises. After a while, our Bishop returned to the church with the seized phones and told us that there was more to the attack than we thought,” she explained. Meanwhile, Crime Guard reliably gathered that the church which is located in a piece of land belonging to the Tejuosho family, is situated opposite School bus stop, along Lagos-Badagry Expressway and it was said to have been leased to Bishop Nzube for a period of 10 years, in 2010 for the sum of N7million, from one Mr. Nwaeze Osandunbi, who was an agent for the Tejuosho family. A large section of the land was, however, lost to the expansion of the expressway, while a filling station belonging to the Tejuosho family which was by the expressway, was complete-

it was close to my main church then, which I leased from, Madam Bisoye Tejuosho for 25 years. Robbers were terrorizing us through that land, people were also defaecating on it, while drug addicts and other criminals were using it as their hideout . In bid to secure the place and prevent robbers from further invading my church , I contacted one Mr. Nwaeze who was the agent for Teju Investment and told him about my plan and he was surprised because the church that was formerly using the place was forced to leave because they could not control the flood. We had an agreement for a 10- year lease

•CP Lagos Umar Mako

• A view of the church after it was attacked. and I was allowed to make half payment for the first five years and would pay the balance at the end of five years. ”The agreement also allowed me the chance to continue the lease after the

end of 10 years if I so wish. I paid N3.5 million as agreed but two weeks after making that payment, Julius Berger, came with their cranes for road expansion. They were supposed to take some meters from our side while the remaining would come from the other side but because of the school at the opposite side, they decided to take a larger portion from our side of the road. I ran back to Tejuosho family and their agent for a refund of my money because I have lost almost all the land I paid for the road expansion and they refused. The only remaining part was heavily flooded. The road project took some time and I couldn’t take possession until 2010. ”First, I had to sand fill the place and I bought over 50 trips of Julius Berger filling sand. In fact, people laughed at me when they saw me doing it and I prayed for God’s assistance and he answered me. Now, the place is habitable and we run a lot of our church programs at this place. Not long ago, news came that the Ojora Family had won possession of the entire area and people have to pay new titles to them. The agent, Mr. Nwaeze came to me and said our landlord would not pay such money but we can assist them and have the money deducted from our rent age. I gave him N200,000 to pay on behalf of all the Tejuosho family. Few days later, some thugs who claimed to have been acting for the Ojora family came here and we explained to them that we have paid and they left us. But last Tuesday, I was shocked when I heard that the thugs came back

•Bishop John Nzube and we’re escorted by some policemen. They demolished all the shops around our church and also pulled off the roof of our church. People around asked why they did it and they couldn’t explain because everybody knew that I had paid the new royalty and some members of my church who tried to video-tape what was happening, were beaten up and their phones seized. On hearing that, I called my landlord, one Prince Teju, who is representing the family to inform him about it and he refused to pick my call. I went to his house and I was told that he wasn’t at home. All my efforts to see him proved abortive and I also contacted the family’s new estate agent and informed him. “I went to Ojoro to inquire what happened and to also secure the release of the cell phones that were seized. I was informed that the attack was not a directive from Ojora Family rather, my landlord paid the thugs to evict me. I was shocked when I heard this, I couldn’t believe it. If they are desperate to have me out of here so that they can erect their filling station, then they should pay me for all the loses incured.” he pleaded. Meanwhile, when Crime Guard, contacted the said Prince Tejuosho for comments, he refused to confirm his identity but queried why Bishop Nzube ran to Ojora family when his church was attacked. In his words “. I am not aware that the place was attacked. C M Y K

50 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

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52 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013 — 53

54 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 21, 2013—55

Suarez signs new deal with Liverpool

N G L I S H Premiership hotshot, Luis Suarez has signed a new four-and-ahalf-year contract with Liverpool. The striker, 26, joined

Flamingoes coach, Agumanu-Chiejina happy with World Cup draw N

IGERIA’S Flamin goes assistant coach, Ann AgumanuChiejine has described as comfortable her side’s Group D opponents at the 2014 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica. The draw for the biennial global football fiesta on Tuesday in Pueblo Antiguo pitched Nigeria with Mexico, China and Colombia. Quarterfinalists in the immediate past edition in Azerbaijan, the Flamingoes will kick off their title chase against Colombia on March 16 at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto, Alajuela. Nigeria played in same group with Colombia in the last World Cup in Azerbaijan with the West Africans recording a comfortable 3-0 win over the South Americans. Agumanu-Chiejine said early and adequate preparation are crucial to success as her wards are ready to confront any opponents at the global football event. “There is no problem with the group opponents, I think the paring is fair and something we can comfortably handle. “I know all the teams are good to have qualified for the final, of course, we know that no team will be a push-over. “Early preparations are

•Flamingoes very important to success at the World Cup, I think we’re ready for any opponent no matter the side pedigree. “We hope to resume camp early January to commence immediate preparations for the World Cup. “We’ll surely qualify from the group and take it up from there, we won’t merely make up the numbers we’ll certainly challenge for the title,” said the former Nigerian goal-

keeper to supersport.com. The Flamingoes qualified for the World Cup ahead of other African representatives following

KRAINE’S Wladimir Klitschko wants to become undisputed world heavyweight champion by

•Klitschko

claiming the WBC crown vacated by his older brother Vitali. Briton Lennox Lewis was the last boxer to hold all the major belts in 2000, as the Klitschko brothers chose not to fight each other. Klitschko told German newspaper Bild: “It’s obviously my aim to bring the WBC title back into the Klitschko family.” T h i s month, the older Kl-

the withdrawal of South Sudan in the last qualifying match. Nigeria’s second match will be against China on March 19 while

they will round off their group campaign against Mexico on March 23 at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, San Jose.

Favour lifts Bayelsa in wrestling •Continued from BP 55kg weight class by emerging the new champion after beating Esther Ayodele of Lagos State in the final and pushing the reigning champion of the class, Bisola Makanju of Ondo

Boxing: Klitschko targets vacant WBC title

the Reds in January 2011 and has scored 17 goals in 11 Premier League starts this season. Suarez, whose original deal was set to expire in 2016, will earn around £160,000 until the end of this season and then £200,000 per week over the final four years of the contract. “I am delighted to have agreed a new deal with Liverpool and have my future secured for the

itschko swapped boxing for politics. The 42-yearold is a Ukrainian opposition leader and plans to run for president in 2015. However, he was named “champion emeritus”, which would allow him to directly challenge a new champion if he wants to resume boxing. The younger Klitschko beat Alexander Povetkin in October to retain his WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles. The 37-year-old has made 15 defences in his second spell as champion and has won 61 of his 64 professional fights, 51 by knockout. In comparison, his older brother has won 45 of his 47 professional fights, 41 by knockout.

state to the third place. Also in the 67kg weight category, Delta state’s Christiana Chuks emerged the new champion due to the absence of the major contenders like Ifeoma Iheanacho, a three time World medalist and others. In the same vein, in the 72kg weight class, Plateau state’s Esther Pam held forth for a ‘no nonsense’ hard fighter, Philomena Nlemofor of the Nigerian Army who was not available for the championship. Tola Akinsunmoye of Bayelsa displaced her compatriot,

Kemasaode Dressman in the second place in the same weight class. However, Delta state was trailing in the second position on the log with four gold, three silver and two bronze medals, while Plateau placed third with three gold and two bronze medals just as Ondo occupied the fourth place with two gold, a silver and three bronze medals. Cross Rivers placed fifth with two gold medals, a silver and a bronze. Speaking on the performance of the wrestlers so far in the

long term,” he said. “I believe I can achieve the ambitions of winning trophies and playing at the very highest level with Liverpool. My aim is to help get us there as quickly as possible.” Suarez’s relationship with leading figures at Anfield has improved significantly since he attempted to force a move to Arsenal in the summer.

The Suarez saga 2011: January Liverpool agree a deal worth up to £22.8m with Ajax for Suarez February - Scores on his Liverpool debut as the Reds beat Stoke 2-0 December - The Football Association bans Suarez for eight matches and fine him £40,000 after he was charged for racially abusing Manchester United Patrice Evra 2012: February - Suarez appears to refuse to shake Evra’s hand on his return to Liverpool’s first XI. He goes on to score in the Reds’ 2-1 loss to Manchester United. August - Agrees a news long-term deal at Liverpool 2013: April - Receives a 10-game ban by an independent regulatory commission for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in a match on 21 April September: Returns from his 10-match ban in a League Cup tie at Manchester United December: Score twice against Tottenham to take his tally to 17 goals in 12 games for the season. championship, the president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Dr Daniel Igali commended the wrestlers for their spirit of competitiveness in the championship. He said, “so far it has been good especially in the Greco Roman style of wrestling, there’s a close tie now among all the wrestling states. In the past it used to be Bayelsa, Delta and Ondo. I want to see a bigger spread of the medals among the states and my greatest happiness is the new faces coming into the sport. That signifies interest and I love to see that continuing in the future”.

SoccerFone debuts for World Cup in Brazil BY EDDIE AKALONU

OCCERFONE, a new and innovative mobile application game which debuted in Lagos recently is provided to make football crazy Nigerian fans enjoy football and the FIFA World Cup in Brazil next yearis the perfect platform to put it to use. The CEO of e-Scape Technologies Limited, Chris Abhulimen, who re-

vealed this in Lagos, said that with the birth of StarFone, football fans in Nigeria will be in for an exciting treat when the full mobile app is launched before the end of the first quarter of 2014. According to him, ‘’exciting times are here for lovers of sports games. SoccerFone is a totally new football experience providing entertainment,

enlightenment and fun for the avid football lover on his mobile phone. This mobile service is the first of its kind in Nigeria. Most Nigerians love football but are unable to lay their hands on authentic football merchandise. We shall be rewarding fans with their various clubs’ official merchandise and MTN is partnering us with a view to delivering this very exciting game.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2013

Onazi, Ogu tip CHAN Eagles for trophy …Keshi cagey about final list A

S preparations for the CHAN 2014 African Nations Championship reaches the crucial bend, some members of the national team based abroad have been sending positives across to

Adebiyi urges NFF to plan for a better outing in Brazil BY EDDIE AKALONU

ORMER Nigeria Football Association Vice Chairman, Brigadier General Gregory Adebiyi has advised the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF egg-heads to stop dabbling into technical matters of the national team as it will conflict with Stephen Keshi’s job as head coach of the Super Eagles. He advised them to rather focus their energy on administrative matters that would ensure that Nigeria makes an appreciable campaign in the World Cup in Brazil next summer. “We have picked a ticket to the World Cup and that is only one leg of the campaign. I think that the NFF should work out measures to guide and complement Keshi’s effort and they can begin by starting early to plan how to execute the rest of the campaign. And I want to remind them that it includes paying the backlog of salaries, bonuses and allowances of the coaches they owe, pay attention to the players welfare such that we don’t allow the tournament to start before discussing or fixing what allowances they can earn in the competition. More than that, the NFF should leave Keshi and his assistants to handle technical matters. I have observed that some of their actions and utterances are diversionary. So they can maintain advisory and supervisory roles

Favour lifts Bayelsa, records an upset in wrestling BY SOLOMON NWOKE, Yenagoa

•Onazi... tips CHAN Eagles for glory. over him and the team,” he said. Adebiyi, who was also technical committee chairman of the FA, stressed the need for the NFF to arrange for the Eagles to play friendly matches between now and June next year. “Experience tells me that the Eagles should be made to play matches involving both tough teams and weak teams. It will make no sense if they play against tough teams during this preparation time and in the World

Today’s matches Liverpool Crystal Fulham Man Utd Stoke City Sunderland West Brom

v v v v v v v

encourage the team ahead of the tourney which starts January 11, in South Africa. The latest to speak on the team’s chances are Lazio of Italy playmaker, Ogenyi Onazi and Academica Du Combra of Portugal combative midfielder, John Ogu. Eagles Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, quotes the two players as saying that with the quality they have seen of the players each time they were in camp together there is no team in Africa that will be good enough for the CHAN trophy in South Africa than the Super Eagles. Here Onazi: We are the African champions and we are sure that by the close of the competition, our brothers at home will not let us down because they will win the CHAN trophy to sustain what we have jointly achieved. Luckily for us we have the same coach for us and our brothers at home, I see no obstacle ahead”. On his part, Ogu praised the impact, Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has had in his career and said he believes that the same was being extended to players in the CHAN Eagles. “Just help me tell my teammates that I’m here rooting for them and very sure that by the end of the day they will be celebrating with the Cup back home in Nigeria. Greet Coach for me too..oooo”.

Cardiff Newcastle Man City West Ham Aston Villa Norwich Hull City

1.45 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm

Cup proper be beaten by so-called weak teams. By this, I mean since we are meeting a team like Iran that is believed to be

weak in the group stage, it will be good to have another game against Jordan or any country in that class to avoid getting a surprise during the competition,” he stressed.

AYELSA is leaving nothing to chance in their bid to maintain the lead in the freestyle wrestling and to top the list of wrestlers to be invited to camp after the Christmas break for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games next year in Glasgow , Scotland. The state on Thursday night increased their medals haul when they won four gold , one silver and three bronze medals in the women ‘s wrestling bringing it to a total of seven gold, two silver and six bronze to top the overall medals table in the week long Governor Henry Dickson Seriake Wrestling Championship which ends today in Yanegoa. Favour Opuene of Bayelsa state recorded a major upset in the women’s

•Continues on Page 55

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Across 1 Kano Pillars Midfielder, Joseph Atang – (8) 5 Kogi State Governor, Jaris – (4) 7 L.G.A in Imo State – (11) 9 Traditional Ruler of Ilesha – (3) 10 Former British Prime minister, Mr. John – (5) 13 Greece National – (5) 14 Special Adviser to the Presidency on Media & Publicity, Mr. Reuben – (5) 15 Farm Pest – (5) 126 Former chief of Air Staff, Joseph – (5) 18 Former Minister of Education, Prof. Fabian – (5) 20 Former UN Secretary General, Kofi – (5) 23 Vehicle – (3) 25 Chelsea Right-back, Cesar – (11) 27 Sunshine Stars Striker, Philip – (4) 28 L.G.A in Edo State – (8) Down

1 Country in Africa – (4) 2 L.G.A in Osun State – (6) 3 Legendary King of The Zulus – (5) 4 Adamawa State Governor, Murtala – (5) 5 Connection – (3) 6 Ekiti State Capital – (8) 8 Anambra State Capital – (4) 10 Former Tanzania National President, Benjamin – (5) 11 L.G.A in Jigawa State – (5) 12 Radioactive Element – (5) 13 L.G.A in Sokoto State – (8) 17 Cry of a Dog – (4) 19 Golden Eaglets (U-17) Assistant Coach, Nduka – (6) 21 Nigerian Currency – (5) 22 Hull City FC Striker, Sone – (5) 24 Japanese Wrestler – (4) 26 Yoruba god – (3)

SOLUTION on page 15

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