it's our turn - Ndigbo, No, it's the north - Kaita by Vanguard Media Limited

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2—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

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FG to deliver East-West road soon — Jonathan •As Senate vows to fight oil spillage in Niger Delta BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR

RESIDENT G o o d l u c k Jonathan yesterday reiterated the federal g o v e r n m e n t ’ s determination to deliver the East-West road in the Niger Delta as soon as possible and ensure the infrastructural transformation of the region in the life of his administration. The President’s commitment came on a day the Senate President, David Mark, stated the resolve of the Senate to come up with a stringent law on oil spillage in the region. The President, who spoke in Lagos at the public presentation of the book, “Remaking the Niger Delta: Challenges and Opportunities,” written by his Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, said government would take advantage of the peace currently prevailing in the region to transform it. According to him, the transformation of the region will help to sustain the peace engendered through the amnesty programme of the federal government. He noted the strategic importance of the EastWest road for the South South zone of the country, as it links the region with other parts of the country, adding that government was also committed to delivering on the rail project in the region. President Jonathan, who was represented by his vice, Arc. Namadi Sambo, noted that no less than N3 trillion was lost to the restiveness against oil production in the region in 2008 alone, and stressed the need to sustain the amnesty programme to ensure enduring peace in the Niger Delta. ”Government will be committed to all phases of the Niger Delta amnesty programme and will use the opportunity of the peace in the region to diversify the nation’s economy which had been oil-dependent. ”Whatever security challenges we have in the country today will soon become a thing of the past,” the President said.

Speaking on the occasion, Senate President, David Mark, spoke of the Senate’s resolve to legislate stringent laws against oil spillage and degradation of the Niger Delta.Mark,who was represented by Chairman, Senate Committee on the Niger Delta, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, said the region would continue to witness oil spillage with no remediation or clean up as there was currently no law to enforce them. He noted that the current N1 million fine against degradation informed the impunity with which oil exploration companies degrade the environment in the Niger D e l t a . ”In Brazil, billions of Dollars was imposed as fine for a relatively small area that was degraded by two exploration companies in the country. Therefore, N1million fine cannot achieve any result in Nigeria,” Mark said. He stressed the need for enthronement of the Pollute-Pay Principle in the country to stave off spillages by oil c o m p a n i e s . He said: “ Pollute-Pay Principle is not available in Nigeria to bring those who degrade the environment in the Niger Delta to book. This is simply because the law is not there.” Mark noted that no less than 40,000 barrels of crude oil,worth billions of Naira,were spilled in the region last December. Helamented also that of the 19,000 operators in Bonny Island, over 16,000 were foreigners brought into the country to do the jobs Nigerians could do, and attributed that to the high rate of unemployment in the r e g i o n . One of the reviewers of the book, Prof. Godina .G. Darah, described the 250-paged the subject matter of the book as a manifestation of “Nigeria’s ability to make peace, even at the brink of war.” He noted that June 25, 2009, the date amnesty was proclaimed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua represented an epoch in the country ’s history.

”That programme (amnesty) compares with the end of the American civil war in 1865 and Apartheid in South Africa,which is a moral courage demonstrated by the Yar’ Adua/Jonathan government,” Prof. Darah said. He said also that the book highlighted the need to diversify the nation’s economy from oil, with a view to broadening it. He warned that unless issues relating to Niger Delta’s development were fully addressed, youths in the region might go back to arms. He said: “If there is no Niger Delta oil, there is no Nigeria and it will not be business as usual, if the problem of infrastructure is not r e s o l v e d . ”

R-L, Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwabo, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed and Minister for National Planning Dr. Shamsudeen Usman briefing State House Correspondents on the outcome of the National Economic meeting in Abuja. Author of the book and Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Matters, Mr. Kingsley Kuku,urged other stakeholders in the

region to assist government sustain the amnesty programme so the peace in the region could be sustained to make way for its

d e v e l o p m e n t . He said current peace in the region made possible increase of oil production from 700,000 to 2.5 million barrels per day.

North strategizes for 2015 •Lamido keeps mum on presidential bid BY EMEKA MAMAH & SONI DANIEL, Abuja

PPARENTLY wor ried over the inevitability of the north losing power in 2015 due to lack of peace and unity among the people in the region, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has called for political strategies that would put the area in strong position of strength to secure some favourable advantage to negotiate with other regions. It has therefore, asked politicians in the area who nurse presidential ambition to tarry- a -while, before embarking on their campaigns as such activities could compound the bad situation. The ACF’s position is coming against the backdrop of opposition against zoning by the Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido. The ACF which is the umbrella association of all socio-political groups in the north, made this known in a communique after an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council, NEC, and the Board of Trustees in Abuja yesterday, even as they expressed solidarity with Kogi State over its dispute with Anambra and Enugu States over the oil finds along the border areas of the three states.

The meeting was called to receive and consider the Road Map for Peace, Unity and Development of Northern Nigeria, which was the product of resolutions of the Arewa Conference on Peace and Unity held in December last year. The communique which was signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Anthony Sani noted that the divided Northern Nigeria needed peace and unity if it was to compete as an entity in the larger Nigerian federation, adding that the task of uniting the zone needed the support of all its stakeholders. The communique further read, “While the Forum supports any political strategies that would put the North in a position which will enable it negotiate with other sections of the country from a position of strength and secure some favourable terms, it was the considered view of the Forum that it is too early to start full-fledged political activities for 2015. ’’This is because such early start is capable of detracting from the task of governance at our collective peril. ”Concerning the controversy on the oil finds among states of Anambra, Enugu and Kogi, the meeting heard a briefing from a delegation from Kogi State. “The Forum then asked the

people of the states concerned not to be agitated unduly, precisely because both the offices of the Surveyor General and the National Boundaries Commission are there to resolve boundary disputes. “And that the Forum would stand by people of Kogi state for what is legally due and payable to them.” Meanwhile, the Jigawa State Governor, Dr Lamido, has said that he feels flattered by the story linking him with the 2015 presidential ambition, pointing out that he did not believe in the zoning of the coveted position. According to Lamido, “Neither zoning nor whatever is the answer. What we really need in this country is for people to believe in themselves and their leaders for things to work well. “By the time every Nigerian develops confidence in each other, trusts each other and supports one another then who becomes the president or governor would be immaterial. Because we have a rich culture with poor people and because the resources of this country have not been properly applied we think it is the system which is denying us what we really need as a people.’’ Lamido, who is a founding member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, however did not confirm or

deny speculations about his alleged presidential ambition. A section of the media had last month reported that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, had anointed Lamido to run with the Rivers State Governor, Chubuike Amaechi, as the PDP presidential and vice-presidential candidates in 2015; causing ripples in the political circle. However, Obasanjo promptly denied the report, saying that he had not endorsed anyone for the election. This was even as people in the 27 local government areas of the Jigawa State reportedly went into wild jubilation, over the news report, contending that their governor had done well and needed to replicate his development strides across the country. But, Lamido told newsmen that he was surprised when the speculation became a public debate in the country. The governor said, “To be honest with you, I feel flattered that in a country with over 160 million Nigerians, my humble self from a small village in Jigawa State is being talked about. Secondly, the issue of leadership in this country is something which is within the exclusive preserve of God, who gives power to whoever He wants at the time He chooses.”

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22 , 2012

Jonathan presents 2013 Budget on Oct. 4 •as FG pays marketers N394.8b BY EMEKA MAMAH & EMMA UJAH, Abuja

Gov. Obi (middle),presenting treated malaria net to the Senior Prefect of St Charles Secondary School, Onitsha (right), and the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Uju Okeke( left).

RESIDENT Good luck Jonathan is to present the 2013 federal budget to Nigerians and then submit it to the National Assembly about three months to the end of the year on October 4, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said. She also said that Federal Government has

CJN swears-in two new Supreme Court Justices Sept 26 BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

HE Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Aloma Mariam Muktar will on Wednesday next week, administer

oath of office on two newly appointed Justices of the Supreme Court, Justices K. B. Akaahs and S. S. Alagoa. A statement issued by the Deputy Director (Press &Information) at

the Supreme Court, Mr Akande Aweneri Festus, yesterday, said the ceremony will hold at the Main Court Auditorium of the apex court. It would be recalled that the two new justices were recently elevated to the Supreme Court bench by President

Goodluck Jonathan, sequel to the recommendations of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, FJSC and the National Judicial Commission, NJC. Their elevation brings the total number of Justices at the apex court to 18.

paid petroleum products marketers about N 394. 8 billion to settle subsidy claims. This is even as Jonathan has assured prospective investors in the country of his administration’s committment and total support to reposition the nation’s economy, making it one of the leading economies by 2020. Dr Okonjo- Iweala who spoke about the 2013 budget in Abuja yesterday said “We have been meeting with members of the National Assembly and having fruitful discussions and we look forward to Mr. President budget’s speech in October 4.” The minister who brought copies of the budget to the conference, which was also attended by the DirectorGeneral of Budget, Dr. Bright Okogu, explained that she was satisfied that her team in her ministry and the

FCT Minister dissatisfied with GEJ district BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU & LAIDE AKIBOADE

PPARENTLY disappointed by the level of work at Goodluck Jonathan District, in Maitama extension, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed did not hide his displeasure on the slow pace of construction work going on at that district. Bala Mohammed expressed his dissatisfaction during the 2nd-

day National Good Governance Tour of FCT. The tour which was part of the ongoing inspection of government projects across the country was led by Minister of Information, Labaran Maku. The Minister said that the project work has not increased meaningfully since the last time he visited the site. According to him, “we engage indigenous engineers for the construction of the district and they are using our local materials”.

He said that the project was estimated at N23 billion and had only recorded 20 per cent completion, stating that the project was awarded in 2011. The minister said that the district had been allocated before his administration came on board, adding that the ongoing construction was to put

infrastructure in place and make it accessible for a l l o t t e e s . He said, “We don’t want this place to be like Mabuchi and Kado that do not have infrastructure.” He said that there were over one million applications filed for lands which his administration has no offer for.

Also speaking, Labara Maku, Minister of Information commended FCT minister for awarding the project to indigenous e n g i n e e r s . “We have good and intelligent engineers in Nigeria, it is important to use them, we can’t continuing using foreign engineers always,” he said.

Budget Office worked round the clock for the budget to be ready by now, in line with the directive that the budget be completed early enough for submission to the Legislature.’’ On the implementation of the 2012 budget, she said that N710.4 billion, out of the N1.3 trillion budgeted for capital expenses had so far been released, adding that, N553. 2 billion was cash-backed, with the autilization of N320.9 billion, which is about 58 per cent of the amount cash-backed. The Minister added that implementation of the 2012 budget did not commence until April, this year because the ministries , departments and agencies implemented the 2011 budget until the end of March, 2012. According to her, “Implementation (of 2012 budget) could not begin till April because MDAs were still implementing 2011 budget up until the end of March. “This is why this is important; as long as we delay implementation, it is very difficult to talk about ratio. If you want to talk about implementation, you then have to measure it from April, May, June, July, August and September. It will be unfair to go and have a ratio over the entire thing.”

Obi explains visits to schools Ijaw Chiefs demand direct sion to share the nets in payment of 13% derivation

GOV. Obi of Anambra State contrary to criticisms trailing his constant visit to schools, said his critics should know that education remains the most potent instrument for advancing civilization. The governor made this declaration yesterday at Christ the King Secondary School, Onitsha, during the routine visit to some schools in the state. Gov. Obi distributed treated mosquito nets to the schools visited, which he said was DFID’s support to the State for the eradication of malaria in the State. He said that the deci-

schools, among other places, was part of efforts to see that the nets reached those who truly need them. Also the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Uju Okeke said the personal supervision of distribution of nets to schools is one of the examples of committment to good governance and service delivery to the people by the governor. She lauded the governor for providing boreholes, computers, equipped laboratories, Internet connectivity, generators, buses and other facilities to schools in the state.

BY CHRIS OCHAYI, Abuja

HE host communities of the core Ijaw oil producing areas of Egbema, Gbaramatu and Ogulagha kingdoms of Delta State have demanded that their share of 27 percent of the 13 per cent derivation fund accruing to the Delta state be paid directly to them. In a letter addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan and endorsed by no fewer than 28 chiefs and representatives of the affected communities, the people demanded urgent intervention in order to avoid crisis

that may lead to the closure of the flow stations in their kingdoms. The people said their request is due to the fact that they no longer have faith in the Delta State Oil Producing Development Commission, DESOPADEC, which they claim, have been hijacked by politicians. The group operating under the aegis of Ijaw Host Communities, emphasized that Section 162(2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, states that 13 per cent derivation fund is the first charge of the Federation Account.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—7

Photo NEWS

Book on Niger-Delta launched

The Public Presentation of the Book Titled: “Remaking the Niger-Delta Challenges & Oportunities” Written by Hon. Kingsley Kuku Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chiarman Presidential Amnesty Programme, took place at Eko Hotel Lagos yesterday. The event was attended by Vice President Namadi Sambo, traditional rulers and top government officials. Photo By Diran Oshe

L- R; The Author of the book, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, Arc. Mohammed Sambo, Vice President and deputy Gov. of Lagos State, Hon Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, standing for National Anthem

L- R; Oba Riliwan Akiolu , Oba of Lagos and Amb. Musliu Obanikoko

VP, Namadi Sambo (middle), former Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta, Timi Alaibe (left), Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku (third right), Amayanabo of Brass Kingdom, HRH, King Dielte Speeff (second right) and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Abatemi Nurudeen Usman

L- R Prof. Gus John and Prof G. G. Darah, Book Reviewers

Alh Abba Dasuki (right) and Donu Kogbara

L- R; Alhaji Abba Dasuki, Dr Segun Agagu, former gov of Ondo State and MrTimi Alaigbe

L- R Mrs Komonibo, Alh. Asari Dokubo and Chief Patrick Keku, Chiarman INC Lagos l

L- R Chief ( Mrs ) Aduke Maina, Dr Bimbola Ogunkelu and Charles Akiloye Photo By Diran Oshe

L- RHRM Pere Samuel Evah, Ebenanaowi of Operenor HRM. King Joseph Timiyan JP The Ebenanaowi of Ogulghale Kingdom and HRM Pere Charles A. Botu the Pere of Seimsiri

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8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22 , 2012

Flood kills six in Kogi Wreaks

...Wreaks havoc in Delta

By BOLUWAJI OBAHOTO, Lokoja & FESTUS AHON, Ugelli

IX persons have been reported dead in Koto-Karfe area of Kogi following a ravaging flood that devastated the state capital and its environs. According to the head of the Red Cross rescue team in the state, the six persons died after the boat they were traveling with capsized on the river. He said the volume of the water and the velocity at which its traveling causes the victim not to be reached quickly and it was too late before help could come. In a related development, the state government has opened two other relief camps in the face of the devastating flooding activities in the state capital. A statement from the government listed St. Luke Anglican school, Adankolo and Anglican

Primary School, Felele as temporary relief camps. However, the victims of the flooding disaster have appealed to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to ensure a p p r o p r i a t e documentation of those affected by the flood to avoid those who are trying to hijacked the gesture. According to those who spoke with Saturday Vanguard, those who were not affected by the flood have written down their names at the different relief camps. Meanwhile, the people of Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State have raised alarm over the surging flood occasioned by torrential rain fall that has caused havoc in the coastal communities of the council area. The affected communities are; Bomadi, Kpakiama, Esanma, Ogriagbene, Ogboinama and Akugbene. Speaking to newsmen, one of the

affected community leader, Mr. Anthony Okuboarere said that their crops, fishing lakes and ponds have been destroyed by the surging flood. Okuboarere, who is the chairman of Esanma community said, “ you cannot quantify what we have lost to the surging flood.” He, however, called on the Federal, State and Local Governments to come to their aid.

Suspected cultists gun down father of two in Makurdi BY PETER Makurdi

DURU,

HE rising incidents of cult related violence in parts of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, yesterday claimed the life of a 27 year old father of two who was hacked to death by suspected cultists, at

Man petitions IGP over mysterious death of mother BY EMMA AMAIZE, Warri

35-year-old man, Ovie Emeserhire, whose mother, Ms. Josephine Diemudeke, was mysteriously murdered, six months ago, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, to probe the circumstances surrounding her death. He also urged the IGP

to probe a supposed attempt by the Police in “B” Division, Warri, Delta State to shield the suspect. Emeserhire and members of his family in a petition, dated September 10, addressed to the IGP, through his lawyer, Mr. Jonathan Ekperusi, alleged that his mother was invited to the house of the suspect, January 1, only for her

body to be discovered weeks after in the morgue of the Central Hospital, Warri. He said police officers at “B” Division refused to act on the report of the murder of his mother until the family petitioned the Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police, Zone 5, Benin, following which the suspect was arrested and detained by detectives from Asaba.

Contractor gets marching order on Sapele market Market, abandoned by BY EMMA AMAIZE, Warri

ELTA State Government has issued a marching order to Primi Construction Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the Sapele Modern Market, to complete work on the project by the target date of October, 2013. It also reads the riot act to youths in the area not to harass the contractor for illegal levy, otherwise known as “deve”, warning that anybody that flouted the directive C M Y K

would be dealt with. The State Commissioner for Housing, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, who gave the directive during inspection of the Sapele

Building submerged by flood in Gadumo area of Lokoja, Kogi State.

the previous administration, said the governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and the people of Sapele want the project completed on schedule.

Ankpa quarters area of the town. Saturday Vanguard gathered that the deceased, a commercial motorcycle ‘Okada’ operator was gunned down in front of his residence by a gang of young men who stormed his home around 7pm. According to eye witnesses, the deceased who was identified as Simon John had retired home after the day ’s business when suddenly someone called him out of his house for a brief discussion only to be surrounded by cutlass and guns wielding men numbering about 30. The gang allegedly butchered the young man leaving him in the pool of his blood whilst people in the neighborhood scampered to safety for fear of being caught in the cross fire. When Saturday Vanguard visited the home of the deceased, his wife, Mrs Abigail John said, “I went to buy some

HE Delta Renaissance Movement (DRM), a group comprising of highly qualified professionals has congratulated its national coordinator, Arch Ambby Okuhor, who is also the director general of the

Ithihikpebe Campaign Organisation (ICO) on the occasion of his birthday which comes up today. The group secretary general, Barrister Elohor Edivri who made this known in a release over the weekend, extolled the philanthropic virtues

Ondo shooting: Reps member, Abena in Police net

N Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain and a member of the House of Representatives (Akure South/Akure North), Ifedayo Abegunde (a.k.a Abena), has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command over his alleged involvement in heavy shootings and maiming of Labour Party (LP) members. About 12 LP members and passersby were hit during the shootings at Irowo, Arakale, Eyinke, Eleye, Odopetu, Gbangbalogun and Oritagun quarters.They are currently receiving treatment at different

hospitals in the state capital. An impeccable source at the Command who preferred anonymity, said Abegunde, spotting a white guinea attire with a black cap, was whisked away by stern-looking detectives to the Criminal Investigations Department at the State Headquarters, Igbatoro Road, at about 1:05 p.m. yesterday. Some ACN chieftains including a former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa were seen around the CID Office making frantic calls and discussing in hushed tones on the matter.

Benue distributes free diabetes test kits

ENUE State government in collaboration with a private sector partner, DeeDoo Nigeria, weekend flagged off the

Okuhor is a year older

household items my husband sent me only to be called on phone by a neighbour that my husband has been attacked by some unidentified young men. ”I ran back to the house only to discover the

lifeless body of my husband”, she added. Also speaking, elder brother of the deceased, Chia said after his brother was called out by somebody, all they heard was sporadic gun shots which created fear among the people of the area.

of Arch Okuhor. The group hails the patriotic zeal and selfless services of Okuhor, demonstrated not only to the people of Delta State but the entire spectrum of humanity and the nation at large, however, wished him many happy returns.

free distribution of over 2,000 PalmLab blood glucose monitoring device to diabetic patients under its the newly initiated Diabetics Support Programme. Flagging of the programme, wife of the State Governor, Arc. Mrs. Yemisi Suswam said the initiative was “a clear demonstration of public private partnership that is founded on selfless commitment to the wellbeing of the people”. Mrs. Suswam said, “The dangers posed to the

productivity level of victims of diabetes is not in question, that is the more reason why we are determined to avail our people this Programme in order to help them live a productive life”. Also speaking, Governor Gabriel Suswam who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr. David Salifu assured that his administration would continue to accord top priority to all issues that directly affect the wellbeing of the people of the state.

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CYNTHIA OSOKOGU: NOA honours 7 police officers who cracked the case •As IG offers special promotion to two By KINGSLEY OMONOBI, Abuja

FTERMATH of the excellent performance in investigating and arresting the killers of Cynthia Osokogu, the only dauther of Retired Major General Osokogu who was killed at a Lagos hotel this year, seven Police officers who performed the feat, were yesterday awarded the ‘NOA Civic Recognition Award’ by the National Orientation Agency. The seven officers are ACP Damien Okoro, the Area Commander ‘Festac’, DSP Imoh Gregory, Woman ASP Mariam Ogunmolasuyi, ASP Agbaje Yakubu, Inspector Edo Joseph, Woman Sergeant Patience Biokoro and Sergeant Frank Okorobon all of Area ‘E’ Festac, Lagos. According to the DG, NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri, the National Orientation Agency decided to initiate the civic recognition award because Nigerians in various walks of life and endeavour have been making the nation proud without being recognized and encouraged. “A lot of people are

quick to say that Nigerians are bad when something goes wrong but when good things are done or patriotic feats are achieved, nobody bothers to say well done or thank you. “The whole nation was gripped with anger, fear and rage when this ugly, unfortunate incident occurred. These patriotic officers stuck out their necks to unravel the mystery. What you did restored Nigeria to the rest of the civilized world. You also restored some sort of succour to the family by arresting those that committed the dastardly act. We also thank the IGP for providing the enabling environment for you to do the job. “When people are making such efforts, you must tell them they are doing well. It is for this reason we are recognizing you”. In his speech, the IG, Mohammed Abubakar commended the NOA for the honour done his men saying it has opened a new vista of partnership between the Police and the agency. Attributing the feat of arresting the killers to the policy of transformation

sweeping across the Police Force, the IG said, “I assure you that we will continue to provide the right leadership and you will continue to see breakthroughs and successes in our efforts to rid the society of criminals”. He consequently directed the immediate elevation of Woman Sergeant Patience Biokoro and Sergeant Frank Okorobon to the rank of Inspector while Inspector Edo Joseph is to proceed on promotion course to ASP.

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (left) looks on, while the Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III (middle) engages in a warm handshake with the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State, Bishop Cletus Bassey. The occasion took place in Governor’s Lodge Uyo when the Sultan paid the Governor a courtesy call.

Fuel scarcity: Senate summons Alison-Madueke, NNPC GMD, PPPRA, others ...As Reps summon AGIP, DPR

HIEF executives of the indebted parastatals yesterday accused Arik Air of allegedly being indebted to them even as they said that the action taken by the unions were not sanctioned by the individual managements and thus advised the airline to resume operation as no one would harass it. At a joint news conference moderated by the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Dr Harold Demuren, Arik Air was also advised to desist from mud slinging since it was clear it was allegedly owing. They however said that the parastatals would bring up modalities to ensure that their debts were paid pointing out that although the unions were not aware of all these, they had been asked to to stay further action by calling off their

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strike action. The unions apologised to the travellers and stating that the management of the three agencies involved, Nigeria Airspace management Agency and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN along with the NCAA were committed to industry growth. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Aviation has reacted to Arik’s insinuations that it was demanding five percent equity from the airline describing it as not only laughable but diversionary. A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, Joseph Obi, stated that the airline was qwing about N84.5billion and accused it was of using diversionary tactics to stall payment. The statement read, “The attention of the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, has been drawn to a fabrica-

tated following his alleged hide and seek game aimed at deceiving the entire members of the committee , adding that the embattled MD had on the 18th of September written to the Committee to say he would not be available for the meeting and had designated the Operations Division Manager, Mr. Dan-Jumbo Dieneiruo to represent him. According to Ekwunife, the excuses given by the MD was the second time he would be writing to explain his inability to honour the Committee’s invitation, stressing that the Director General of the Directorate of Petroleum Resources, DPR has on several occasions rebuffed the Committee’s invitation and was also absent for the meeting without any explanation.

BY HENRY UMORU, Also to appear before the Abuja Senator Magnus Abe-led Committee on Petroleum HE senate has sum Resources (Downstream) moned the Minister of next Tuesday, is the ExecPetroleum Resources, utive Secretary of the PetroMrs. Diezani Alison-Ma- leum Products Pricing Regdueke, the Group Manag- ulatory Agency (PPPRA), ing Director of National Pe- Mr. Reginald Stanley, just troleum Corporation, as other stakeholders in the NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yaku- petroleum downstream secbu to appear before its Com- tor were summoned. In a mittee on Petroleum Down- statement signed yesterstream and explain the pe- day, Senator Abe who notrennial fuel scarcity across ed that the era of Nigerithe country. ans queuing at filling stations for indeterminate hours to procure PMS and other petroleum products ought to have gone forever, adding tion credited to the man- that it was really an embaragement of Arik Airlines, rassment that precious hours to the effect that the Min- were wasted in the quest ister demanded a five per- to fulfil a basic need. cent equity holding in the According to Senator Abe, airline. The story alleged long queues of vehicles at Ministry of Aviation hos- filling stations in Abuja and tility against Arik on ac- some cities in the country count of the so-called eq- were unacceptable, adding, ITH gratitude to was born 10 th August, uity demand that it “we thought that the era of God for a life well and died Saturday, claimed to have turned Nigerians queuing at filling spent, we announce the 1930 th September 2012. He 15 stations for indeterminate passing of Dr. Jacobson down. is survived by a wife and hours to procure PMS and “The first impulse is to Oladele Odulate, former children. Funeral arother petroleum products, totally ignore this Chief Ophthalmic Conrangements to be angroundless falsehood; was indeed gone forever. It sultant Surgeon of Genexcept that it will send the is, indeed, an embarrass- eral Hospital, Lagos. He nounced by the family. wrong signals to the general public. Therefore, the LA WMA tto o prosecut e an LAWMA prosecute anyy one caught dumping sole intent of this release refuse on railway is to put the records spreading diseases, defacstraight.The five percent BY OLASUNKANMI ed and prosecuted. ing the environment, thereequity story is without any AKONI In a statement, LAWMA by endangering lives and foundation whatsoever. It Public Relations Officer, properties of people living is absurd, malicious and Shade in the axis.Railway transAGOS Waste Man PRO,Mrs. agement Authority, Kadiri,frowned at the atti- portation in the state eases ultimately laughable. The Minister of Aviation could LAWMA, has warned resi- tude of some residents the burden of transportation not have contemplated ac- dents of the state, especial- who engage in the obnox- for a reasonable percentage quiring a stake in any air- ly those living along rail- ious act of dumping refuse of the populace and dumpline, let alone Arik Air that corridors not to treat it as a along such sensitive loca- ing garbage along those is groaning from a crip- dumping ground saying, tions. LAWMA asserted lines can hamper its effipling N85.4 billion debt henceforth anyone caught that such habit if not ciency and safety as a in the act would be arrest- stopped is capable of means of transportation. overhang.

Agencies ask Arik to resume operations

ment that precious manhours are wasted in the quest to fulfill a basic need. Meanwhile as part of its investigations into the circumstances surrounding the AGIP Oil pipeline spill which occurred in Obioma in Nembe council area of Bayelsa state in June 2012, the House of Representatives Committee on environment led by Mrs Uche Ekwunife has invited the Managing Director, the Director Generals, DG of NOSDRA and DPR to appear before it for an interactive session on the status of the spill and clean up measures so far undertaken. Addressing journalists yesterday, the House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Environment, Mrs. UcheEkwunifesaidthesummon on the Managing Director of AGIP was necessi-

FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT

10— SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

2015:

Nigeria’s biggest head-ache z Igbo must produce

President—Kalu, Ezeife, others z Don’t distract me —President Jonathan z Power must come back to North— Lawal Kaita

C M Y K

The larger background

ugly trend is polarizing as different ethnic elements who feel marginalized crave for power. But while the issue and its trappings may not be that loud among the various ethnic groups that populate various states, it is one sensitive issue that tends to set the nation’s three major ethnic circles on a war path. Thus: the Igbo, the Yoruba and the Hausa are displaying prejudices and locking up themselves in untoward, out-flanking political in-

s it a time bomb waiting to ex plode? Will it strengthen the na tion or mar it? Obviously whichever way it is viewed, 2015 is a year with so, much uncertainties just as it is very critical to the future of Nigeria. In this Special Report, Saturday Vanguard’s JOHN BULUS once again analyses the various intrigues and agitations by various persons, groups and regions to produce the next President of Nigeria, adducing that the year might be the nation’s biggest headache. Though 2015 is yet to come, it is definitely a year of utmost significance in the Nigerian political lexicon. According to the constitution and the country’s election’s calendar, the year will herald the expiration of the tenure of presently elected political office holders in Nigeria who would have served out their term of four years by then, ranging from the office of President and his Vice to the 469 seats in both red and green chambers of the national assembly down to the states where a substantial number of governors and the state assembly members will vacate office. Indeed, 2015 is the most talked about in both political and social spheres. It is yet another year for political actors, old and new, losers and winners of previous elections and even new entrants who would debut in the political game. But as it inches closer and closer, apprehension continues to gather in the air as to what would be the outcome of the period to the entity called Nigeria. Essentially, various regions and political affiliations are currently displaying some predilection to themselves, clamouring for power shift to their region and groups. Unfortunately, the

President Goodluck Jonathan...2015 Nigeria’s biggest head-ache

It was not long after Nigeria gained her independence on October 1, 1960 that a flurry of fortunate and unfortunate events began to happen

trigues and strategies to clinch the number one office in the land. More so, the partitioning of the country into political geo-political zones to accommodate other various growing interests, which was well intended ab initio may not have helped the system. Rather, it has, unfortunately, virulently enthroned fiercer aggressions and animosity among the zones. But then, analysts say the situation is a by-product of various incongruencies in the chequered political history of Nigeria.

Believe it or not, Nigeria as a political entity has had several challenges in her journey to nationhood. For instance, it was not long after Nigeria gained her independence on October 1, 1960 that a flurry of fortunate and unfortunate events began to happen. Again, while the country was still finding its bearing, the military struck on January 15, 1966, just six years after the attainment of self rule. And almost in quick succession, July 29, 1966 saw yet another coup. Reasons were given by the military that seized power and truncated democratic rule. Some eminent Nigerians and indeed, the country’s leaders at that time paid the supreme price as they were gruesomely murdered. The country boiled. Fury became inevitable.Divisions amongst regions permeated. Reconciliation became almost elusive. More regrettably, the volatile situation culminated into what has been described by both historians and political analysts as the greatest challenge in the history of this country; the Nigerian Civil War. Indeed, for 30 months between 1967 and 1970, there was inter-tribal war in Nigeria with the seceding Biafra which is now the now South-East geopolitical zone of the country. The war was fought and luckily, the country became one again. But keen political observers are quick to say that since then, things have not been the same again for the country especially as it concerns political power and presidency.

The military, regions and quest for power At the dawn of independence, a parliamentary system of government was adopted in 1963. This prompted the sharing of power between the three major regions of North, East and the West. While, late Sir Abubakar Tafa-

wa Belawa was the Prime Minister, late Dr. Nmamdi Azikiwe became the President while Dr. Obafemi Awolowo was the leader of Official Opposition in the Federal Parliament. By this arrangement, the trio became the representatives of the major ethnic groups in the country. But unfortunately, the first military coup killed and shortened the tenure of Balewa and gave power to the ranking military officer, Gen. Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi. Ironsi was just about calming frayed nerves arising from the first coup when he met his death in yet another bloody coup. With this development, General Yakubo Gowon became the nation’s new helmsman. Coming from the northern region, many people say he represented the North in the power equation. For nine years which spanned from 1966 to 1975, General Gowon was the Head of State. Upon his exit, General Murtala Mohammed, another Northerner took over. But unfortunately, just barely one year in office, General Mohammed was killed in another coup by Colonel Buka Suka Dimka. General Mohammed’s departure brought a change for the first time in years after Ironsi. His second –in –Command, General Olusegun Obasanjo, a Yoruba from the South West assumed power as the new Head of State. Obasanjo was to restore the country back to civilian path of governance in 1979 and handed over power to yet another Northerner, Alhaji Shehu Shagari. President Shagari was just about starting another four year term in 1983 when General Mohammad Buhari, another Northerner, wielded the guns and sacked the democratically elected government of Shagari. Barely, two years in office, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, popularly known as IBB, still a northerner staged what was called a palace coup and chased General Buhari out of office August 27,

Continues on page 11

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—11

Kalu

Babangida

Obasanjo

Ezeife

Igbo must produce President —Kalu, Ezeife, others 1985. Gen. IBB stayed long in power but for rash condemnation until lovers of democracy both at home and in diaspora agitated against military rule.

Continued from page 10

June 12 and South-West political involvement

Jular date and perhaps, S a parlance used to rememune 12 has become a pop

ber a presidential election which was generally believed to have been won by the late M. K. O. Abiola, a business mogul and industrialist from the South-West in 1993. The election was conducted by IBB’s government after nine years in office but the result of that election was annuled. To pacify the west, Ernest Shonekan was made the Interim National Government, ING. Nigerians were yet to see the mandate of that regime when incidentally, another General from the North, General Sani Abacha struck in yet another coup. General Abacha ruled until death knocked on his door in 1998. Swiftly, his northern brother, General Abdulsalami Abubakar took over form him.

New Era

The north is very equivocal about 2015. In fact, great number of northern elites and power mongers have repeatedly said that power must return to the North

hopping for a suitable candidate to further pacify the West, the power brokers at that time cast their lot on General Olusegun Obasanjo, the former head of State. Fresh from the prisons, Obasanjo was dusted to contest the 1998 Presidential elections which he later won. He was later sworn in as President on May 29, 1999 to start a regime that earned the Yoruba eight years in power. With that, it became apparent that the West has been duly compensated. Progressively, in 2007, power shifted back to the North with late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua clinching the number one political office in the land. Obviously, many people had expected that in the spirit of the present controversial rotational presidency which the ruling PDP adopted, President Yar’Adua would have, like his predecessor sought a second term in office to make up his eight years. But the power equation changed on the heels of his

demise in 2010, prompting another change that threw up his then Vice, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as President. The emergence of President Jonathan, an Ijaw man from the hitherto, South-South minority zone raised many questions . For instance, at the build up of the election, the northern oligarchy bled. They shouted it to the moun-

Yar’Adua

tain tops that the north needed to serve out their eight years to give room for the South East in 2015 going by the rotational equation. But then, things have since changed in the country. Most Nigerians needed a change and they got the change they needed and elected a man of humble background known to be away from known political bourgeoisies and dynasties of the country. But now, not long after the 2011 elections that brought Jonathan to power, the major regions at it again, aggressively agitating for power amidst President Jonathan’s silence on whether to play Oliver Twist in 2015 or not.

The agitations

Abiola

he north is very equivo cal about 2015. In fact, a great number of northern elites and power mongers have repeatedly said that power must return to the North at the expiration of President Jonathan’s term in 2015. Most of them who have somewhat become serial losers but ardent contestants have already declared their stand even with three years ahead of the election year. Hear General Mohammed Buhari, a three time contestant for the president’s office recently in Kano: “I am in Kano to open our party office following the intra and inter party squabbles that cost us the election. But I want to tell you we are already settling down and are ready to face you guys squarely”, he told the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Musa Kwankwasu. Also, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, close ally of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who promised Nigerians in October 2010 that the North would make the country ungovernable for President Jonathan if he won the 2011 election recently said: “We hear rumours all over that Jonathan is planning to contest in 2015. Well, the North is going to be prepared if the country remains one. That is, if the country remains one, we are going to fight for it. If not, everybody can go his way,” he was quoted as saying in Katsina. Besides, the former Vice

Continues on page 12

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

Continued from page 11

Buhari

Atiku

Amaechi

Don’t distract me—President Jonathan litical power-mongering do not need Atiku’s name to achieve all that. “Atiku stood and fought for zoning in 2011 to ensure equity and maintain the consti-

President, Alhaji Atiku Abubarkar is another Northerner who is not only bent on having power shift to the North but wants to clinch power himself. He contested the People Democratic Party, PDP, primaries with President Jonathan in 2011 and lost. Again, he has said he is contesting the 2015 presidential elections. In a statement by his media office lately, Atiku said it has become imperative considering the fact that insinuations were rife that he cannot stand for election in 2015. The statement reads: “In this post-zoning era, President Jonathan is free to contest, his younger brothers or anyone from Otuoke village are free to contest, while Atiku Abubakar is also very eminently qualified to aspire to become the president of Nigeria in 2015. President Jonathan can aspire to contest for the presidency as many times as he wants with Bamanga Tukur as the PDP Chairman. But, these must not stop Atiku from raising his hands for presidency. “Those who are engaged in political blackmail should desist and look up to Allah who is the author and finisher of the many desires of a man’s heart. He is also the Supreme Being, the only one who can determine the future with certainty, including what will happen in 2015. “It is also instructive, as Chinua Achebe advised that those whose palm-kernel has been cracked by benevolent spirits should not forget to be h u m b l e . Some of these political fortune-tellers have, in a desperate attempt to keep their man, meaning, President Goodluck Jonathan in power beyond 2015, foreclosed Atiku’s bid for the presidency. ”They think Atiku’s bid can no longer see the light of the day. They are wrong, dead wrong! ”For Atiku Abubakar, whose political qualities and skills are not hidden to Nigerians, the 2015 presidential race has not become his pre-occupation, considering the fact that President Jonathan has not even completed one year into the tenure. That is why Atiku has not even made any policy statement on this administration. There is no doubt that Atiku is the issue in Nigerian politics today! We do not know of tomorrow. “If the intentions of these ghost political jobbers are to make way for President Jonathan to violate his promise of not contesting for the presidency in 2015 and therefore remain in office beyond that year, these agents of po-

made it its own. The party inserted zoning in its constitution and this accounts for why its fortunes soared. President Jonathan and his political supporters ensured that zoning in

Undoubtedly, the greatest want of the Igbo is to produce the next President. They have their reason: Marginalization

tution of the party. He was there at the 1994-1995 Constitutional Conference where the six geo-political zones were created and zoning made part of the constitution of Nigeria to give a sense of belonging to all parts of the country, particularly the minority ethnic groups which President Jonathan is part of. ”It was unfortunate that General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s military government removed the zoning clause from the constitution. From here, the PDP picked up the battle and

Lamido

the PDP constitution was destroyed in 2011”. Atiku’s chances, analysts say, may be slim considering the fact that the current PDP national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Turkur who is expected to lift up the hands of the Party’s candidate in the election hails from his Adamawa State. They argued that it does not sound logically reasonable for one state to produce the national chairman of a ruling party and a presidential candidate simultaneously, concluding however, that the per-

Ribadu

mutations of the times may change things.

Young blood Younger elements in the north may also be interested in the plum job. It is widely believed that the young blood may be the marketable products to other parts of the country. This may have been why people like the former anticorruption czar and former EFCC Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu debuted in the last general election to test the waters. Meanwhile, speculations are rife that the current governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido is being prepped alongside his Rivers State counter-part, Rt. Hon. Chubuike Rotimi Amaechi by some forces to contest in 2015. Similarly, the servant-leader Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu is being rumoured to have his eyes on the office. But the governor recently said he is yet to make up his mind on the issue.

2015 and Ndigbo Undoubtedly, the greatest want of the Igbo is to produce the next President. They have their reason: Marginalization. The Igbo believe that the region has been completely alienated from the scheme of things in the country. They won’t hesitate to say that since the death of the first Head of State, Aguiyi Ironsi, in 1966, power has eluded it. And it is becoming apparent that the region has woken up from its slumber having stuttered over the years to contest the 2015 election. Signals from some Elders of the region are saying that it is the turn of Ndig-

bo to produce Nigeria’s next President. Hear Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife at a meeting of the SouthEast leaders in Abuja recently: “By 2015, North-East has served more than five years; North-West has served more than five years; North-Central has served more than five years; South-West has served more than five years and by the time Jonathan will leave office, the South-South will have spent five years or more, leaving only the South-East that has not served as President of Nigeria.” Former Governor of Abia State and former Presidential candidate, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu did not mince words on his position in Igbo Presidency. He said :“Almost 48 years after the civil war, you are telling people they are not entitled to rule Nigeria. Unless an Igbo man rules this country, the country would not be well. That is the truth because we are the salt of the nation. Whether you want to believe it or not, that is the truth. Anywhere you go in Nigeria and you don’t see an Igbo man living there, nobody lives there. So why don’t you give them the opportunity to rule their country? They have given Obasanjo, Yar ’Adua, and Jonathan room to rule. Now is the South-East’s turn. It’s either the South-East or nothing.” But even amidst the Igbo agitations for power in 2015, there are misfires from some of Igbo sons who prefer to allow President Goodluck Jonathan a second chance so as to pursue the project afterwards. Senator Ben Obi; former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Chinweoke Mbadinuju; former President-General of Ohanaze Ndigbo, Dr. Chido-

Continues on page 13

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 —13

Power must come back to North— Lawal Kaita zie Ikedife; are among the proponents of this idea. Ikedife however attaches a caveat to this. Hear Dr. Ikedife: “I have made my position on this matter very clear. We, Ndigbo supported Jonathan during the last election. If the constitution allows him to contest again and he decides to run, I do not see why we must withdraw our support if he performs. So, I am saying that if he fulfills the promises he made and excels, we may support him, but if he does not fulfill his promises, it will be difficult to support his re-election.” Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju said: “The president has done well for Ndigbo. Every good turn deserves another. He has done for us what we never got before. We will repeat what we did in 2011 for him in 2015 by giving him the votes, all things being equal.” He added: “Jonathan is not weak as some people say, but his handicap is that he is presiding over a divided nation. We want to avoid a break- down of the society. If not for his style at the helm of affairs, Nigeria would have gone to a different page. I would like the president to hearken to those who have called for a national conference. “It is distracting but at the same time inviting. What is important is that the president with his advisers should see it as vital especially coming from the elders of this country.” But in a swift response to the call of Ndigbo to support Jonathan for a second term, Dr. Kalu said: “Anybody who wants to run for the presidency should prepare to run. Why should they wait for anybody to tell them whether he will run or not? That is part of the things that are not right in our democracy. “South-East has not been fairly treated. That is why when I see some Igbo people say they are waiting for Jonathan to decide whether he would run or not, I look at them as very stupid. Nobody should decide for anybody.

As far as I am concerned, it is either you give Igbo the presidency or nothing”. Hear also another Igbo politician and a former Presidential candidate: “It is too early to endorse President Jonathan for re-election in 2015. One, because he has not said he would run. Two, we seem to be jumping the gun by crying more than the bereaved. We must learn from our past. As we are talking, most of the promises he made

Continued from page 12

z Kaita

is alienating itself. They have not demonstrated enough courage in pursuing this course.” He added: “Nobody can donate presidency to you because you are Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba. You have to struggle for it. You see, we must begin

President Jonathan has not said publicly he will seek reelection in 2015

to Ndigbo during the last election, when he got Igbo support, are yet to be delivered. I am talking of the second Niger Bridge, Enugu Airport, and another state for the zone, not mere appointment of some people to certain positions.” Governor of Imo State, Owella Rochas Okorocha also has a word for the Igbo elements conspiring to frustrate the zone of its Presidency slot. He said: “It is not Nigeria that is alienating the SouthEast. It is a wrong statement. Rather, it is the South-East that

z Okoroca

z Tukur

to repackage ourselves so that the entire nation can buy our stories. The South-East should be able to say to Nigerians, ‘ we have a candidate and this candidate is good.’ That’s how to look at the politics of nowadays rather than going back to lick the old wounds of marginalization.”

2015 and President Jonathan’s reaction

or one, President Jonathan has not said publicly he will seek re-elec-

tion in 2015. But even as he appears to be very tacit on the issue, most people who are in the know say his body language indicates that he might still go for another round of contest. Speaking recently against the backdrop that the exPresident Obasanjo may have abandoned Jonathan for some other person for 2015, his Adviser on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak said; “No person can abridge Jonathan’s constitutional rights to aspire to that office. Nigerians should be allowed to choose who they want to lead them. I cannot remember at any point when Nigerians have come together to give any person the power to anoint any person to become President of this country. Only God can anoint somebody to the exalted office. Whether or not Jonathan will take a shot at 2015 is not yet decided. The fate of every human being who aspires to be president is in the hands of God. The fate of President Jonathan with regard to 2015 elections is in the hands of God and in the hands of Nigerians”. Apparently disturbed by the noise about 2015, President Jonathan recently put a word across to politicians just as the national Chairman of the ruling PDP warned the President and his Vice to suspend talks about 2015 and deliver on energy and social infrastructures. Jonathan, who spoke in Lagos through his Senior Special Adviser on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas, at a media presentation of a book entitled Sure and Steady Transformation, recently said his main focus was to keep his promises to Nigerians which are already being witnessed across the country with the improvement in the power sect o r . According to Jonathan,

“there seems to be more politics in Nigeria than governance. In other democracies, politics stops at the end of an election and governance starts. But in Nigeria, it is the opposite. “Politics will not put food on the tables of the people. It is governance that will. Let us focus on governance.” Meanwhile, the national chairman of PDP, Alhaji Turkur used the occasion of his 77th birthday recently to appeal to President Jonathan and his Vice, Namadi Sambo to preoccupy themselves with social developments rather than p o l i t i c s . He said: “PDP has been in government for 13 years because the party is consistent. “We are not talking of 2015, but infrastructure development, energy, health, agriculture among others. We are talking of performance and not 2015. Give us energy. I am not after 2015 now, all I am interested in is selling the person who has done well based on his performance to the people by 2015. When we get to the bridge of 2015, we will cross it.” Indeed, to the ordinary man on the street, the noise about 2015 does not make any sense when the agricultural sector,

Power, education, health and in fact, most critical sectors of the economy are in shambles. Again, in a country where insecurity and corruption have defined the culture of the people, talks about who clinches power in 2015 tends to give one convulsions. Some analysts reason that in some other climes, leaders who fail to improve the lives of the citizenry in their first outing wouldn’t be too inquisitive to seek another term. But then, where power goes in 2015 still lies in the womb of time.

z Mbadinuju C M Y K

14—SATURDAY Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

t would appear that we now have a sort of reprieve from the pangs of our anxieties about the imposition of the 5000 naira note on our slender economy, but we can only wait and see. It would also appear that the profligacy of a “supreme sports retreat” would be visited on us just for the purpose of convincing (or deluding) ourselves that we are doing something whereas we will achieve nothing in the end. There are a number of people who know what to do and who would achieve if they are asked to work for sports —but you can rest assured that would neither be consulted nor assigned. We shall still be here in 2016 after the Samba in Rio.

I entirely disagree with those who are calling for the sack of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi. Rather they should recommend him for a place in the next national honours list. He is qualified. If the assurance that no contract award has been made for the printing of the awful 5000 naira note and the minting of new coins had not been linked with the Presidency in the double-headed announcement made about the cancellation, or suspension, of the plans to foist the desire of the Central Bank officials on the country, we would have hesitated to believe it to be true. After all, the President is said to have approved the proposal, a fact over which Okoroafor, a senior official of the Central Bank has been flexing his muscles. It is somewhat clear right now, however, that the obnoxious proposal will not be executed, which is what a very tiny minority of officialdom is fuming at the mouth to achieve. At the best, we are now left with this “Sword of Damocles” hanging over our heads, while the CBN is supposed to educate us on how to receive the money it did not instruct us how to earn.

ll the same, far removed from speculations about the consideration of “impeachment”, we are inclined to believe that President Goodluck may have one or two points of explaining sticking out on his plate right now. Although it is claimed that no contract has been awarded for the execution of the proposal, the approval of the President appears somewhat precipitate at a time like this; the economy is not enjoying the best of climate; the State Governors are taking the Executive court over fiscal matters; the staple foods of the Middle Class— or whatever remains to be so described—are C M Y K

undergoing a rising spiral in cost; so many pensioners are still clamouring for their unpaid benefits; there is talk of a diversification of the economy while there is a promotion of a “cashless’ economy in which the cash is hard to find, in any case. So Okoroafor would now thrust a jumbo-size denomination of the currency into our pockets and tell us it does not necessarily make us spend more than we intend to. Anyone who thinks that way must need a “shrinker”. What more explanation is there to give the citizens of this country about this issue, anyway? What is there to examine that has not been subjected to extensive scrutiny, under klieg lights even? The socalled suspension, in fact, seems to be no more than a mere ploy to play for time, and one feels extremely uncomfortable that the President appears to be at ease with it. This then is democracy— the government of the people, by some people, for certain people. I entirely agree with the Senate President, David Mark that, under normal circumstances, there should have been resignations, forced and voluntary, following the recent revelation of the deplorable neglect of the National Stadium in Abuja. But hardly anything is under “normal circumstances” these days. If not, what are the credentials of the man appointed as the Stadium Manager, in the first place? The man in such a position must be one of the best in Africa to match the stadium’s status and prestige on the Continent. He must be a man of outstanding professional qualification and exceptional working experience which would make him suited to the discharge of his responsibilities, and at home with the

esteem of his standing. Yes, heads should roll, but from the height of what shoulders? There is no doubt that the man was out of his depth in these circumstances that place undue premium on ethnicity and sectionalism in the consideration of suitability for purely professional positions. These are not “normal” times, sir, and that is one of the reasons why we came back from the London Olympics clutching a handful of air. But the mess at the Abuja Stadium produced a result that fully illustrates the theme of

•Alhaji Sanusi our discourse here last week. The appalling situation was exposed by the press and was swiftly followed by positive action. Contracts are being awarded for the immediate improvement of the facilities, and it is hoped that the stadium would no longer be allowed to fall into disrepair again. Even if that sounds like a vain hope, it still has some footing in the urgency with which the issue has been addressed up till now. All the same, one must admit that it does arouse some cynicism of course, because the case of the Abuja Stadium is typical of the plight of sports facilities, particularly stadiums, in Nigeria. A ready example is

press has allowed it to rest neglected and misused but, unfortunately, it has lost its pride of place to her Abuja counterpart, and important public figures like the Senate President now feel far removed from it.. We just let things go to seed—that is the way it happens. Jack Warner, the West Indian international soccer administrator, visited Calabar in 1997 and reveled in the pristine perfection that would delight a World Cup crowd. The Youth World Cup was indeed on the cards to take place in Nigeria two years later and he returned some ten months before the event merely to confirm the golden impression he had experienced earlier, only to find a rot that left him almost speechless. Speaking in a trembling voice, he uttered an unqualified disbelief, not only in the possibility of such a deterioration within a year, but at the prospect of getting the stadium ready within another year for the YWC, otherwise known as “Nigeria 99”. But we did and Warner declared the feat “The Eighth Wonder of the World”. That is what we are—”Wonder Mongers”. Of course, we will get the Abuja Stadium back to its “:spick-and-span” condition in no time at all; after all, the Calabar Stadium is now considered one of the best in the country. But why let it slide to almost total ruin, in the first place? Simple; it was no longer used for its purpose. While a stadium is pointedly used for competitions, it also serves to prepare for competitions. It houses gyms and practice tracks and pitches, and provides the upkeep of an environment for sports. Its presence is therefore an emotional stimulus, as well as a psychological motivation for sports participation. No matter how expansive or diminutive they may be, sports grounds arouse the passion to dip your oar in and prove something in yourself. In the halcyon days of Youth. Clubs in Lagos, although there were no stadiums attached to the centres, the facilities provided for the indoor-games gave impetus to the engendering of the competitive spirit which manifested in healthy rivalry in the arena.

At the best, we are now left with this “Sword of Damocles” hanging over our heads..

the Surulere Stadium— also called “National” unabashedly —which was easily the best in West Africa in the early “seventies” when it came into use. Ghanaians shed their traditional uppity stance to actually admit that it was much better than the Accra Stadium, and stooped low to openly copy some of its features. The Accra Stadium has gone on to better since then. The Surulere Stadium would disgrace a slum facility today. It is not that the

An even better example is what developed in Bendel in the seventies. That was before it was split into Benin— which became Edo State— and Delta. The Ogbe Stadium was transformed into a meeting-place for sports activities—not just for competitions. It soon attained the status of a Mecca for sports buffs around Benin City. It was crowded every day of the week to the extent that it hardly left any room for serious preparations for system-

atic preparations. That when that great visionary of a leader stepped in. Let me pause here briefly to wish Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia more years of happiness and usefulness to his fatherland as he attains the status of an octogenarian. The former Ogbe Stadium has been fittingly named for him, but he still stands out as a case for certain citizens of excellent merit who miss out in the consideration for high national honours. “Big Sam”, as we used to call him behind his back, knew the value of sports as an instrument of nation building. He succeeded in welding Bendel, a loose mix of various ethnic communities, into a firm front united by a common zeal for sports excellence. He knew that he first had to provide the interest to participate, and so moved away from overcrowded Ogbe Stadium to the fabulous Afuze facility. There he created a sports factory which produced champions in every sport. He set a wonderful example for the entire nation in achieving a common purpose through sports which, regrettably, still has not been heeded. Imagine for how long a sprinkle of medals from London - just say four or five - would have kept us looking in the same direction. Consider the boost in the morale of the national spirit that such a situation would have provided. But it would all have to start from the facilities of the stadium, just as Ogbemudia visualized it, and made it work

here

are

other

necessities—equipment, coaching, competitions and a show of appreciation and encouragement among other incentives —to put our sports in the place where it should be, and we may consider these later. But, please, save me the pain of “ retreats”. I have been through a few in the past, and they do not even hold a candle to honest-to-goodness seminars and workshops. But if you have these ineffectual time-wasters on the brain and must have them, then call in the experts and the experienced ones, Ogbemudia should be in such a group. I believe that, even at eighty, he still has unique contributions to make. There is also his successor in office, the incumbent State Gvernor, Adams Oshiomhale, who can go ahead and revive Afuze, with the cooperation of his Niger counterpart. And there is also a man like Awoture Eleyae. He is still alive and, at a time like this, worth his weight in gold—not just silver or bronze, but real gold. And there are a few others with a pedigree that will dispel your anxieties about organizing a revival of sports in this country. They will do a good job. They have been there before. They are not political animals and their whelps who cannot even keep a stadium in good shape. But, once again, please leave out the carnivals. Jamborees are joyful festivals for worthwhile celebrations and cannot be made to replace occasions for hot, sweaty palms and sackcloth .. That is what sports now demands Expect more on sports. You asked for it. . Time out

SA TURD AY Vanguard SATURD TURDA anguard,, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 — 15

couple of months ago, in the heat of the fuel subsidy brouhaha, I sent a poser to ten of my friends. My question was; what would you do now with three million dollars if some body gave you gratis? The responses were intriguing. Quite a few said it was an hypothetical question and they do not respond to virtual situations. ‘Put the money on the table and you can ask tour questions,’ they said. A couple of respondents went spiritual. They would pay their tithe on the money and ask for God’s direction on how to spend the balance. One candid respondent said his life style would not change much. He would simply stop working and

occupied leadership positions. They know about the rot in education and the encompassing poverty in the society but can’t see how five hundred million naira can help in addressing the situation. Yet for every child that is educated, for every child that is taken out of poverty, there is one less armed robber, one less kidnapper, one less terrorist. One actually said the money was too small. Three million dollars too small? Then you must be Lawan’s friend’ I texted back 20 per cent of five hundred million naira would teach several brilliant but indigent students how to fish. And should you choose to make an

impact in your village, it would help hundreds

But I guess there is a Lawan in all of us. We all want more

play golf more. He probably would still live in the same house but would do it up in such a way that I would not recognise it. Another promised to complete his children’s school fees, finish his mortgage payments and divide the rest as take-off funds for his children in their careers. Only one person, a retired Police Commissioner, said he would dispense the bulk of it on charity. May be I am being unfair to expect some profound answers, because they probably saw my poser as trivial and hypothetical. Although I ask them to think seriously before answering, they might have seen my poser as a joke to lighten up the moment. Secondly, I have the advantage of knowing why the question was being asked- the Otedola / Lawan ‘barter deal’. Still, I was slightly disappointed. These were people in their late 50s and early 60s who have had many personal issues like accommodation and school fees, settled. These were educated people who had C M Y K

of widows and rural women in providing for their families and arresting the lure of crime.

ut I guess there is a Lawan in all of us. We all want more. If not for our needs, then for our luxuries. Even if it means bleeding the system. The politician wants to move from being a councillor to being a senator and even beyond. He needs money to achieve this, so he steals and bribes and blackmails and yes, kills. The average business man is no different. Its not about setting up industries that will create employment. Its about sucking up to government for contracts and oil deals. Its about inferior goods and superior luxury. To the top elites in our society, the top politicians and businessmen, the Lawans and the Otedolas, three million dollars is nothing. It’s something they go through from time to time. It’s spending money. (If you got close to a governor – any governor in Nigeria, to see how he dispenses money, you would feel sorry for our dear country) Our elites do not appreciate that the

terrorism in the North and the kidnapping in the South, is linked by poverty. And its in their enlightened self interest to do something about it. Otherwise Some one once said that the needs for an individual wealth reduces the more developed an economy becomes. Surely, that should be the role of every right thinking elite?

omething tells me that these children that we are sending to the best schools in the world, these children that are learning the best practises all over the world would one day come back to ask us hard, uncomfortable questions. They would demand from us, the reasons we allowed their patrimony to be plundered and why we made their country barren. They would ask why a country that gave us so much is giving them so little. They might not be satisfied with our answers. P.S: About a week after I finished this piece, I ran into an article in the Nation’s newspaper titled ‘if I had a lot of money’ by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton, Professor of Psychology at the university of British Columbia and Associate Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School respectively. Its an interesting article that shows from a 10year-old research, that additional money doesn’t buy us any additional happiness once we reach a ‘comfortable standard’. And that doubling our income does not double our happiness. It goes on to show that what we do with our money is far more important than how much we have. Those who spend money on the fancy stuffs– bigger house, bigger cars, TV, etc, are not as happy as those who spend on experiences like trips and special evenings out. But the happy ones are those buy less for themselves and buy for others. Concluding, the report says ‘maximising our happiness is not the same as maximising our gold’. Rather than focusing on how much gold we have in our bowl, we should think more carefully about what to do with what we have got.

House impeachment scare; hmmmm!

he ridiculous news of an impeachment plot anchored by some clueless first time lawmakers and their shameless sponsors simply brought to the fore the barefaced fact that we are not learning from our recent history. From Salisu Buhari to Ghali Umar Naaba, from Masari to Patricia Eteh, through the corridors of Bankole and now to Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, it has been a theatre of executive interference in the activities of the House of Representatives, in trying to bring it under deliberate control and make it mere appendage of the executive. It got to a head during the monstrous reign of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, when money allegedly mobilised for impeachment was displayed right before the mace as exhibit of a well orchestrated plan and strategy to unseat the then Speaker, Ghali Umar Naaba. That singular exercise did not only bring shame to the collective sensibilities of Nigerians, it further exposed the desperation of Chief Obasanjo at ensuring that theHouse was

How would you spend three million dollars

impeachment in the event that the President refuses to comply with Acts of Parliament. Before the House of Representatives went on recess, news filtered into town that an impeachment was in the offing in the event that the executive arm continues to neglect the provisions of the law. Despite the warning signs, the executive has remained unrepentant in its spending spree, with conflicting percentages presented as the yardstick for budget compliance and expenditure. The performance ratio has been most benumbing.The nation is grinding to a state of anomie, with gruelling hunger and poverty, coupled with a growing rate of unemployment becoming the order of the d a y .

uriously, rather than address the concerns raised by the members of the House of Representatives, the executive arm seems poised to extract its own pound of flesh and the present sing song has shown a peculiar character that has the symptoms of a presidential backing. The only joy is that the House

The nation is grinding to a state of anomie, with gruelling hunger and poverty

brought before its kneels. That slavemaster relationship did not happen. And the rest is now history. The ongoing machinations of a deliberate plot to unseat the current Speaker without any reasonable faus pax or justifiable rationale brings to fore once again, the desperation on the part of the executive in trying to put the flamboyant and affable Speaker under control. The reason might just have been a fallout of the caution initially sent to the President on the need to comply with budgetary approvals by way of appropriation which set a tone for

has its feet on the ground. It is the first time that the House was enjoying a near-100 percent acceptance rating both at the House and outside it. At a time when the country is undergoing a total collapse in its infrastructural base coupled with a very frail economic system that cannot withstand any shock, mooting an impeachment of a man as popular as Tambuwwal, is courting real trouble. While President Jonathan was busy decorating some recipients of his National Award, some of our rural

communities were easily swept away by agents of denudation, erosion and outright flooding. Several people have their homes swallowed up in floods.

A typical example is Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue State, who was enjoying himself in the full merriment of the moment in Abuja, while his State Capital was ravaged by floods causing untold damages to the people. After the award ceremony and upon his return to Benue, he was seen on television soliciting for assistance to curb the menace of floods. Why the award in the first place? That is Nigeria for you.

Why is Farouk Lawan not being ? prosecuted? Curiously, Farouk Lawan appeared on the floor of the House when it resumed plenary on Tuesday, 18th September, unashamedly wearing his peculiar flowing Babariga. He has since been out of the radar as a result of the shame he has brought to himself. I understand that those who have very questionable scores to settle are those who are spear-heading this move of impeachment. Dr. Jibril, House Committee Chair on Finance, my good friend is still being investigated by the EFCC. Farouk Lawan is also in EFCC radar while Sanni Kutigi from Niger State is desperate to gain relevance in the House. Now, so it seems, the Executive finds them as useful tools to cause division in the House as a way to give them a clean bill of health. The Jonathan presidency is simply not creative. It possesses an offending aura. Its anti-corruption posturing is just on the lips.

here is no commitment at all, otherwise Farouk Lawan should have been summarily prosecuted and made to face the full wrath of the law. Instead of President Jonathan to sit down and face the daunting challenges of governance facing us as a nation, those around him are deliberately causing him Tambuwal Scare to unnecessarily cause him panic.

16—SATURDAY

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

SATURDAY Vanguard SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 —17

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18— SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

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SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 — 19

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20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

SATURDAY Vanguard,SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—21

nyone worth their salt knows that they have to advertise themselves, goods and services on the internet to reach a wider group of people. There are numerous ways : Face book, Twitter, Linked, Badoo, Blackberry Messenger, Twoo, etc. The pull is quite hard to resist with the added advantage of reaching out to long-lost friends. Sending out information about oneself is faster than you can snap your fingers. If I thought that whatever I put down on a social space was just for the eyes and ears of those I connect with, that thought was totally dispersed when I saw a tweet of mine copied

info@katehenshaw.com

Social dangers and posted in a national daily for all to see. Why? The people you are connected to on these social networking sites also have their own connections and it goes on and on. Thankfully, I was not that bothered because I try to be myself, no matter my status in life. I am a realist. I was definitely not ashamed of my post on the site. Right from my childhood,

ust by clicking a few buttons on your Com puter, Laptop, iPad, Kindle fire, mobile phone, or any of the new devices out there, you connect to the world literally. Genius don’t you think? Technology has changed the face of communication between individuals, companies and the like. You do not necessarily have to be in the same space to speak to each other. Letter writing is now done on all these available devices with new innovations trending on a monthly or even weekly basis; no longer does one need a piece of paper, envelope and stamp. Getting your daily dose of what goes on in the world around you is just a click away. Newspapers have to set up online versions of their print to attract more readerships.

you got back home. With the passage of time that advice has more or less gone out the window and as adults we believe we can take care of ourselves and are able to spot a “bad” person. Not so for Cynthia Osokogu. She was trusting to a fault and believed that the men she connected with on face book as ‘friends’, were who they claimed to be and in the

Not many young girls these days are interested in hard work. They just want the gains. They live life in the fast lane ...

my mother always warned us never to talk to strangers nor accept any gifts or food from people we did not know. It was always drummed into my ears and that of my siblings. If we visited someone as a family and we were offered food, my mum especially would give you that look that said” Don’t you dare” or else you would pay for it when

process, they took her life and desecrated her body. Will this act as a deterrent to others? Once beaten they say, twice shy. Cynthia was a Master’s Degree student, described as very intelligent, full of life and had a promising future ahead of her. At her young age, she had won many laurels and was quite industrious too as she

worked at the MTN call centre in Jos alongside running her boutique. Dress Code. Not many young girls these days are interested in hard work. They just want the gains. They live life in the fast lane and are carried away by the lure of so many trappings which undoubtedly will catch up with them as they grow older. The desire to get material things should give way for the need to feed one’s brains with knowledge that has far more reaching benefits.

o many versions of the ordeal that Cynthia went through were making the rounds before the newspapers came out with the story. These young men I believe were cannibals or why else would she be bitten all over her body? Why would they unleash such wicked and dehumanising torture on a fellow human being? It was not enough that she was drugged, bound with chains, raped for God knows how long but they also gave her fist blows all over her body, strangled and eventually killed her so that their evil

have also come to understand boundaries. That my freedom and rights end when and where they begin to encroach on another’s. I have also come to understand that while all things may be lawful, not all are expedient and that there are times, where for the greater good I would choose not to exercise my freedom to say or do as I please. Once again the Middle East has been set ablaze because someone somewhere decided to exercise their freedom of expression and shot a film that C M Y K

some other people found offensive. The offended party responded by exercising a little freedom of their own – by blowing up a few embassies and killing a handful of people including a sitting Ambassador not to mention the scores that got caught in the cross fire.

hat’s what happens when we all do as we please without any regard or consideration for other peoples sensibilities. Don’t get me wrong. I am not in any way justifying the carnage and extreme reaction of the religious fundamentalists. After all the God that I worship has been globally ridiculed and called every name under the sun, you don’t see us

setting buildings and people on fire but hey, what can I tell you? …Basic human nature. I was watching footage of the young royals’ tour. There was a shot of the Duchess as they arrived some country, not sure which now, but one with strong Islamic leanings

International diplomacy at its best. While I don’t agree that we should live our lives in fear or be cowered into silence because some people erroneously believe that they possess the sole monopoly on violence, being intentionally

I have also come to understand that while all things may be lawful, not all are expedient

and she had on her signature simple yet elegant dress, this time though with a thoughtful addition. She had her luxurious hair wrapped in a matching veil – in deference and as a sign of respect to the prevailing culture -

f you cannot call, send a text, say you have arrived safely and mention the location you are heading to. I have a dear friend who keeps me posted on his whereabouts and it is comforting to know that I am kept in the loop. When I go out with a particular friend of mine, she always calls me or I call her to say I got home ok. So much can happen within the space of a few minutes. How many times have we heard of the death of someone and a friend would say “I just spoke to him/her this morning or we were on the same flight going to.”. To be fore warned is to be fore armed. The words of our elders should not go through one ear and come out at the other; it should be our guide as we go about our daily existence in this life. The world is no more as big as we thought it was while studying geography. RIP Cynthia

everything is avenged. To think that a film, a figment of one individual’s warped mind could spark off events of such global proportions. Did the producer set out to be provocative, perhaps? He or she certainly set out to get a reaction; well maybe not just the kind they were expecting. An unfortunate turn of events you might say; sparked off by a harmless (?) and thoughtless (?) act.

Freedom and responsibility

think maturity can be said to have set in at the point where an individual realises that yes, while he has the right and freedom to say, do and carry on as they please; there are consequences and that one must bear responsibility for ones choices. One of the greatest lessons I learnt growing up was realising that though you lump human beings into broad basic stereotypes, we are all kind of different and that wisdom laid in recognising and understanding basic human nature with a bid to enhancing inter and intra personal relationships.

deeds would not be exposed. Thank God for CCTV. I cannot begin to imagine the terror she must have felt while all this was going on and wondering whether she would make it back home alive. What was such a pretty and intelligent young girl thinking, meeting up with those men alone? If in doubt, always go with a friend or family member and also let someone know where you are at the very least, especially if you are travelling to another destination.

provocative is just plain stupid. A group of people have shown that they have zero tolerance when it comes to certain issues and will go to any length to prove their point and defend their position. Nothing is forgiven and

n the other hand, reports that someone in France is about to publish cartoons making fun of the on-going uprising is just plain mischievous and outright irresponsible. Isn’t the situation precarious and volatile enough? The French Government while encouraging responsibility and restraint is careful not to cross that thin line called censorship. But isn’t there a time when one should censor one’s self for the greater good? So there it is freedom and responsibility… the freedom of speech and the inalienable right to self –expression. In this instance is it really worth the cost?

22 — VANGUARD, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

By Anozie Egole 07088551416 egole.anozie@yahoo.com

Goldie visits Prezzo in Kenya

Ini Edo launches Fashion Collections

oldie is on African tour and was in Kenya recently to see her boo good friend Prezzo and also do some press rounds. She’s currently in Uganda and from there, she will go to Tanzania, then return to Kenya where Prezzo is. Prezzo, it was rumoured has proposed to Karen Igho but this could not be confirmed immediately. Tongues are already wagging that Goldie has gone to spend time with Prezzo and reconcile the past.

ecently, it was rumoured that Nollywood sultry actress, Ini Edo was launching her fashion collections in Dallas at the fashion week. Matinee can also now report that Ini’s fashion line ‘Ini Edo Collection’ was exhibited at the Dallas International Fashion (DIF) event. Her collections included classy foot wears. Her shoe line, it was learnt is meant for the stylish and classy people in the society including red carpet wears

* Ini Edo

Shan George debunks rumours of sex with Tee Mac’s ‘Boys’; Says, ‘Enemies Are After Me

Kenny Ogungbe now MD RayPower FM TV and radio presenter, Kenny Ogungbe has reportedly been appointed the managing director of Raypower FM. A top executive of the station revealed this information to an online medium recently saying. “I can confirm to you that Kenny Ogungbe has been made the MD of Raypower FM,” the top source in the broadcast house reportedly said. Ogungbe’s career has taken him across countries in the world as a TV presenter and music producer and he has consisitently partnered with his bossom friend Dayo DOne.

* Shan George

Homecoming for The Prime Minister’s son By DENJA ABDULLAHI

t was a day full of reminiscences and power-packed emotions as soloist and mono drama exponent, Greg Mbajiorgu, took time off the annual conference of the Society of Nigerian Theater Artist(SONTA) in University of Calabar to re-visit the premises of the State Secretariat of The National Youth Service Corp(NYSC) where he conceived, wrote and premiered his enigmatic solo art play, The Prime Minister’s Son 21 years ago. Greg Mbajiorgu was accompanied on the historic re-visit by foremost theater scholar, Professor Kalu Uka, who incidentally was part of the premiere of the play in 1991 as artistic / technical adviser alongside the late pioneer Nigerian playwright, James Ene Henshaw.

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* Prezzo and Goldie

Also on the visiting entourage were Sola Balogun,Arts Editor of The Sun Newspapers, Obi Okoli, popular Nollywood actor and Denja Abdullahi, poet, playwright and National Vice President of the Asso-

ciation of Nigerian Author(ANA). The visiting team found themselves in a warm embrace as the management staff of the NYSC Cross River State secretariat and serving corp members, led by the State Director Engr.Nkereke Ibangha.

han George has debunked the rumour that she had sex with Tee Mac Boys, saying the rumour is the handiwork of the enemies. The screen diva was alleged to have penchant for dating younger lovers especially those in their 20s. Recently, after a picture of herself with John Mikel Obi found its way on the internet, it was rumoured that she was dating the Chelsea footballer. News went round recently that Shan allegedly slept with four band boys of former PMAN president, Tee Mac Omatsola Iseli. It was also alleged that she was warned by Tee Mac to stay off his (Tee Mac’s) 21-year-old

son, who the report said Shan was nursing a romantic affair for. But reacting to the allegation , Shan disclosed that some people are pained that she is making progress. She claimed that when they (her haters) could not succeed with the rumour about romantically linking her with Mikel, they now shifted attention to Tee Mac’s son. She sent out a BlackBerry broadcast to react to the story. The unedited BB broadcast reads; “they’ve finished wit d lies about Mikel Obi & I, now its Teemc’s son. Hmmmmm, I must be making progress in life and some1 is pained about it. U who’s behind these Evil, God is watching!!”

Fasua, Abdulaziz takes centrestage at Abuja writers’ gathering

wo columnists and public commentators, Tope Fasua and Abdulaziz Ahmad Abdulaziz, will be the guest writers at the September 29 edition of the Guest Writer Session, an initiative of the Abuja Writers’ Forum(AWF), which holds at Hamdala Plaza, Plot 23, Jimmy Carter Street, off Protea Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja. Tope Fasua is an economist, Chartered Accountant and Finance expert, based in Nigeria. Tope keeps a column with the Abuja-based Sunday Trust newspapers and writes occasionally for other media houses in Africa. In writing this book, he hopes to contribute his quota to the debate about Africa, using his home country, Nigeria, as case study. Fasua has published a book, Crushed, which is an acronym for the strategies that Africa (the subSaharan region in particular), must adopt if it is not to face extinction in the medium to long term.

*Fasua

*Abdulaziz

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—23

Celebrity couples with

short engagements Khloe Kar dashian and Kardashian Lamar Odom

alking about a whirlwind romance. After reality star Khloe Kardashian started dating NBA player Lamar Odom in August 2009, at age 25, her family was surprised when the new couple got engaged the following month. But their jaws really dropped when the two announced their wedding would take place just a week later, since they wanted to seal the deal before Lamar headed off for preseason training. Even by Kardashian standards, that was fast. But Khloe was sure from the start. “I fell head over heels for Lamar by our second date,” she told Shape magazine last year. “I knew he was the person I wanted to marry. I’ve never been so sure of something in my life.”

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon

efore anyone could even confirm Mari ah Carey and Nick Cannon , they were both engaged and carey was spotted wearing a giant engagement ring in late April 2008, the two announced they had gotten hitched in a secret ceremony at Carey’s Bahamas estate on April 30, 2008. Though they had met back in 2005, the couple only began dating the month before and hadn’t yet revealed the nature of their relationship prior to marrying. “I don’t think anyone realized what we already knew that we were going to get married,” Carey told People magazine in May 2008. Carey and Cannon are now parents to 16-month-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries

Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen

hough they dated for about two years, once Tom Brady popped the question to Gisele Bundchen in January 2009, the lovebirds didn’t waste any time getting to the altar. After being engaged for just one month, when the NFL quarterback and the Brazilian supermodel said “I do” at St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica, California, on February 26, 2009. “We

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planned the wedding in like 10 days, and it was perfect,” Brady told GQ of the intimate ceremony, which was attended by the couple’s immediate family members. “ In April, the duo who are expecting their second child together exchanged vows yet again during a much splashier affair, which included three days of pre-wedding festivities, held at Bundchen’s Costa Rican estate.

er sister Khloe may have had good luck with a short courtship, but Kim Kardashian didn’t. After just six months of dating, NBA player, just like her sister Kris Humphries popped the question with a whopping $2million, 20.5-carat diamond engagement ring in May of 2011. Three months later, the couple tied the knot on August 20, in a not so intimate ceremony in front of cameras, which was later aired as a TV special. For as much media attention as their nuptials got, their split was just 72 days later garnered even more. “I don’t have a lot of regrets,” Kardashian said on “The View” earlier this month, adding: “I’m such a different person today.” And that different person quickly moved on to Kanye West.

Mandy Moor e and R yan Adams Moore Ryan

aving dated on and off since March 2008, Mandy Moore and musician Ryan Adams couldn’t wait to take the plunge after they got engaged in February 2009. Just one month later, the couple decided to get hitched in an extremely low-key, last minute ceremony officiated by Pastor Steve Schulte, who revealed to People that one of their reps had arranged for him to marry the couple at the Whitefield Chapel at Bethesda Home for Boys near Savannah. Aside from Mandy and Ryan, only the pastor was in attendance, making it a very causal yet romantic wedding indeed. Three years later, it sounds like their marriage is as relaxed as their nuptials were. “We’re big homebodies. We never want to leave the house,” the actress cum singer told People. “I feel very supported and loved and at peace. My life has reached this really beautiful point where I can sort of look around and go, ‘Wow. I’m so lucky.’ I got my own little happy ending.”

No Pix

24—Vanguard, SARTURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

Nigeria’s great musical break-ups

Maintain

D”banj

Don Jazzy

Trybesmen

KC Presh

IGERIA’s entertainment industry has witnessed some break-ups recently and in the time past. Musical groups that made waves are known to have parted ways over irreconcilable differences. Some members of groups that broke up believe it will show who among them can survive alone musically. The list is endless... Don Jazzy and D”banj Michael Collins, popularly

Plantashun Boiz. Kush known as Don Jazzy and Dapo ‘D’banj’ Oyebanjo recorded tremendous success in propagating the gospel of music, especially the hip-hop music genre. In the years they worked together, they reshaped the industry with hip-hop artistes on the label such as Wande Coal, Dr SID D’Prince and KSwitch, among others, They took their recording label Mo’ Hits Recordsto the next level and then gbam!

They are no longer together. Don Jazzy tweeted on March 17 that he and D”banj are no longer together. He announced on tweeter: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the end of a long era and the beginning of a new one. Some of the rumours you have all heard recently are sad but true. The way forward now is to make sure I keep bringing you guys more of the beautiful music y’all love to dance to. And to end the old

era, I will be donating the proceeds of my production catalog from day 1 till date to 5 charity organizations.” Plantashun Boiz. The hip-hop group which included Ahmedu ‘Blackface’ Augustine, Innocent ‘2face’ Idibia and Chibuzor Orji otherwise called Faze, started off in the late 1990s and had three hits – Body And Soul, Sold Out and Plan B – to their credit. But along the line, the band broke up and went their separate ways to launch solo careers. 2Face Idibia later became the only member of the band with a striving career, winning awards such as The MTV Europe Music Award, Mobo, Kora and Hip-hop World Awards and others. Kush Kush was made up of Ty Bello, Lara George, Emem Ema and Dapo Toromino. The quartet met at Rock Solid Choir while studying at the University of Lagos. Their debut album was titled The Experience. Later on, a record label in US called DKG music signed them on. The album was produced in London, Minneapolis and Los Angeles. The group split in 2004. KC Presh In 2011, a hip-hop duo known as KC Presh broke up after several years of performing together. KC and Presh had issued a statement claiming that their break-up was a strategy to pursue solo careers after being together for 12 years. They came into the limelight as winners of the 2002 Star Quest. The Remedies This group is one that many identified with as being among the pioneers of the hip-

hop genre. The group comprised Tony Tetuila, Idris Abdulkareem and Eddy ‘Montana’ Brown. The group’s songs Judile and Sakomo launched them into stardom. X-Project The trio of the Lorile fame popularly called X-Project is another group that has separated. It had Mojeed Akinwoye, Salieu Zindi and Aziz Kamara. Report indicated that the group split when its leader decided to quit. Trybesmen This group had five members including Eldee, Kaboom and Freestyle who were the initial members and later joined by OlaDele and TKO. Their fhit singles Trybal Marks and Shake Bodi made waves in the music scene. Till date only two members of the group, eLDee and Freestyle went ahead to record solo albums after the group broke up. One will also recall the duo of Esther ‘E-Star ’ Ebigbo and Uche ‘Gucheano’ Ozoigbo, popularly pix: trybesmen Maintain This group which released hits like I Catch Cold, I am looking for a Wifey, Alo and Dormitilla, made a great impact on the music terrain while it lasted. After their exit, its members Olu, Tolu and Bamo launched individual music careers with Olu Maintain seeming to be the most successful, musically, among the trio. Infinity The gospel group, Infinity shot to stardom with Olorioko and is still trying to assert itself despite the fact that one of its pioneering members, Kore has left the group.

Sammie Okposo invades Africa with new album BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

EW weeks after the release of his fifth studio album, the management of multiple awards winning singer and Globacom ambassador, Sammie Okposo is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the singer’s album is well distributed across African countries. This is aside the international deal signed with Oklahoma based record company, TMG Records to distribute the singer ’s album across America, Europe and Asian countries. Okposo’s album which is being distributed in Nigeria by Tjoe

distributions is moving units as we scooped the singer has been smiling to the bank ever since its release. The management of Zamar Entertainment, Okposo’s record label is however partnering with a variety of distributors across different countries in Africa. Currently, the album is being distributed in Ghana by Vineyard Productions who we gathered is one of Ghanaians most respected distributors. The deals with other distributors from Kenya, SouthAfrica, Cameroon and few other African countries are also in their last stages. The album is made up of 15 tracks to kick start The Statement

Series. Other tracks on the album will be on The Statement Series 2 and 3 albums. The management of the artiste said the decision to reduce the number of tracks on the album is to enable the fans of the artiste to listen, enjoy and digest the music. The buzz created by Okposo’s album release concert especially via the new media, radio stations, TV stations and cinemas made it one of the most anticipated albums of 2012. Okposo who put pen to paper with Oklahoma based TMG (Tate Music Group) Records last year as the first black artiste on the label says the album is a must have by all music lovers.

•Sammie Okposo

SATURDAY

ne of the important aspects for maintain ing healthy relationship is keeping sex life alive after marriage. Most of the couples also expect that sexual entanglement will strengthen bond between them, and take care of their relationship. There are several ways for increasing intimacy in relationships.Here are some effective ways to keep passionate spark alive in your sexual relationship:

*Intimacyis essential

One of the requisites to enjoy happy sex life is intimacy, which is often confused with sex. Being intimate help couples to reconnect with each other and forget chaotic life outside. One also needs to understand that intimacy is not restricted to bedroom. Activities like cooking together, massaging each other, reading for each another and learning together can also include in-

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—25 show like old times. Such acts will also allow you to discuss other things going on your respective lives. Outings help in establishing reconnections, convening emotions and moreover maintaining and enjoying in a relationship. During these outings, you will have several options to get intimate.

Tips to keep your sex life alive after marriage timacy acts.

*Communicate freely

Trust your partner and communicate openly about everything you have in mind. Your partner will become more comfortable when they know your sexual preferences and choice. Don’t leave it for your partner

to read your mind. Marriage is more of a combination of a loving relationship and friendship. One must ascertain to choose words and actions wisely while communicating with each other so that relationship does not suffer. Another important aspect of communication is being a

* Being playful and unpredictable

good listener, as it helps responding in appropriate manner.

* Plan outings on a regular basis

Spare time for outings and dating activity. Tell someone to look after your kids, and go out for a dinner or a movie

Common sex problems in women

very body type is dif ferent and so are the problems. And if women do face sex related problems, then there’s nothing to panic about. In fact, it is better to be aware of the same. Listed below are a few common sex problems in women: Common sex problems in women Most women complain of pain and discomfort while having sex. This discomfort might be at the level of penetration or after she climaxes. Women often complain of lack of sufficient lubrication while having intercourse. This might be due to lack of external stimulation or foreplay or bodily stress. The vaginal region is made of delicate tissues which tend to tear or face a tissue rupture if penetration is made without sufficient lubrication . To avoid this, men should try and give more time to the

woman so she reaches a comfort level. Another option is to use, safe, water-based lubricants available in medical stores. These lubricants are easy to use, inexpensive and safe. If lubrication does not help reduce the pain while having an intercourse, then consult a gynaecologist. Another common sex problems that women face is being tensed or anxious while having an intercourse. Anxiety and stress often destabilise the hormonal level in the body of the woman leading to a premature orgasm or a failed sexual intercourse between the partners. Fear and tension in the minds of the women often ruin active sex life. Factors such as ill health, molestation cases, sex trauma or work stress are the most commonly diagnosed reasons for a problematic sex life. Irregular menstrual cycles can also cause sex problems in women. The lower abdominal

region often remains sensitive right after a periodic discharge every month and this differs from women to wom-

ASK THE SEXPERT

How do I get out of the rut? I think my husband and I have gotten so used to not having sex that it makes it difficult for both of us to initiate. How do we change and get rid of the feelings of awkwardness and hesitation? Anonymous Ans: Start small and slowly. Take your husband back to one of the places you went to when you were first dating. If you can’t do that, get out a photo album from your early days and, with no other distractions, share C M Y K

some of your hottest memories. Then ask your husband what he was first attracted to in you. Get him going by volunteering what you found attractive in him, from his smile to the way he first kissed you. Make sure there are no interruptions , cell phones off, and treat it like a real date. Couples who do this regularly have proven to reconnect successfully. Once you feel that intimate bond is being established again, ask about his fantasies. Be willing to share yours too. Turn it into a little sex game, where one night you describe your fantasy and then plan a

en. And a sexual intercourse even after the menstrual cycle may hurt the woman. But this differs from one body type

weekend to act it out. Also, make it clear to him that quality, not quantity, counts. Let him know that you’re not demanding to go back to having sex three or four times a week, as couples do early in their relationships.

I fantasize about someone else I’m happily married, but I still can’t help fantasizing about this sexy guy I had a thing with back in school. Am I a bad wife? Iphy Ans: No, you’re definitely not a bad wife! It’s a natural part of human nature to wonder about the what-ifs and subconsciously create scenarios out

Make your relationship playful. You can always try some fairy things like lighting candles, teasing each other for strawberries and celebrations with bottle of champagne. Massaging each other is another affection-filled way of being playful.Spice up your sexual relationship by being unpredictable. Always carry ideas and venture into new things. In this manner, unpredictable acts will not only add excitement but also help in cruising relationship further and further.

to the other. At times, sex problems in women can be psychological as well. A woman must always judge and carefully diagnose the symptoms of the pain, the occurrence of the pain and the exact region of the pain before jumping to conclusions. A medical practitioner’s advice in these matters often helps. Medical conditions such as heart diseases, hormonal imbalances and other chronic diseases such as kidney dysfunction, neurosis, menopause and drug abuse can also lead to problems in sex life and cause permanent damage to desire for sex. Aging can be another major contributing factor in women for their increasing sex problems. Often, ovarian cysts, vaginitis, fungal infections or endometriosis can be the common problems that are caused by sexual intercourses. This should be treated with a lot of care as these infections are stubborn in nature and may refuse to subside permanently. For long-term results, a proper medication should be followed for leading a problem-free sex life.

in your sleep. Just make sure it doesn’t snowball into an obsession, like fantasizing about him during waking hours. Or letting it make you resent your husband, thinking you didn’t play the field enough before getting married. If so, ask yourself why you have a sense that the grass might have been greener if you’d taken things further with this guy. You should also look to rekindle some of the spark with your husband. Focus all of your energies on him and your relationship so that you can keep your fantasies in perspective. Call your husband up to say something loving and sexy. It’s the little things that can correct the balance. Also get real: Remind yourself that this “dream guy” does have flaws in real life and chances are you weren’t compatible.

26— SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

because people consent to an irritating act.” Rashida argues. Bukki said “ we are Africans and we should not condone homosexuality. If the whole world is going mad, there must be a place where there is sanity. And African is that place where we should preserve this.”

ixed feelings have continued to trail last Monday ’s imprisonment of a 28-year old actor, Mr. Chukwuemeka by a Karu Senior Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, for having sexual intercourse with another man through the anus. While some Nigerians hailed the judgment of the court, very many others frowned at it, arguing that imprisonment of the up and coming actor was “barbaric and unacceptable to the people.” According to those, who went online to express their feelings, being a homosexual should not be a crime punishable by law. Reacting to the story, one Pain of separation writes; “ As far as I am concerned whether gay, bisexual or straight and as long as it is two consenting adults or individuals, love is love and a family is a family. I find it disheartening that this is what this country has come to. Who are we to judge a man for sleeping with another man? Who are you to say it is wrong or right? People tend to forget that we are mere mortals and not God so the judgment of another human beings sexual orientation doesn’t lie with us. We should learn to be tolerant of people with different sexual orientation and quit acting like homophobic people.”

Mixed feelings trail imprisonment of Nollywood actor over gay In his own reaction, one Fabulous_guy writes “if the charge is not rape then I don’t understand how sex between two consenting adults could be a crime! What a country of hypocrites! Two men who are adults have consentual sex and its vile and criminal and disgusting? Hypocrites.” “ If he raped the man in

question, then he should be locked up. If it was consensual sex between two willing adults, then, they should let him go. As usual, Nigerians will conveniently call it a disgusting sin, leaving out the part that says promiscuous girls should be stoned to death and men shouldn’t shave ever.” writes one Mark

Francis.

eanwhile, those who hailed the judgment, argued that homosexuality is a sin in all ramifications and should not be encouraged in the country. “Homosexuality is a sin in all ramifications whether religion or tradition. It should not be promoted

Uche Jombo wins Best Actress at NAFCA

ollywood sensation, Uche Jombo made another history last Sunday when she carted away two awards at this year ’s edition of the prestigious Nollywood and African Film Critic

Awards(NAFCA), held at the Carolina Theater in Durham, North Carolina, USA. Jombo won two awards for Best Film for her blockbuster “Damage” and Best Actress for her role in the film. The

hardworking producer garnered a whopping eight nominations but won two of the day’s biggest crowns. Damage’ beats other strong contenders like Gugu E. Michael’s Unge’s War, Obed Joe’s The Professor, Kathryn Fasegha’s Treacherous Heart and Lonzo Nzekwe’s Anchor Baby to clinch the award. In the Best Actress category, Uche Jombo beats Olawumi Adeniyi (Treacherous Heart), Monalisa Chinda (Timeless Passion), Jocelyn Dumas (Adams Apples) and Ngozi Ezeonu (Champions of Our Time). A movie that focuses on domestic turmoil in a marriage and its adverse effects, Damage premiered in Lagos on July 31, 2011. Early the following year, Jombo released Damage at its official website, where people could stream it for a fee. It is now available to watch at iROKOtv. Two additional movies, My Life, My Damage and My Country, Their

Damage, are slated for future release and follow the same socially conscious feel of the first entry. Another double winner that night was Unwanted Guest. It won the Best Drama award, as well as the Best Actor in Leading Role Diaspora Film award for Chet Anekwe. Olu Jacobs and Pete Edochie received Special NAFCA for Lifetime Achievement in Cinema awards for their status as veteran actors in Nollywood. Altogether, NAFCA gave out 41 awards in the second ceremony. NAFCA is an award ceremony organized by Nollywood Film Critics USA (NFCA), which deems itself as “the official review organization for Nollywood and African movies.” Speaking after the event, Jombo said “ All we did was made an advocacy movie hoping to add entertainment to the social fight of say no to family violence. The fans did the rest.”

Chukwuemeka, was imprisoned for three months for for having sexual intercourse with another man through the anus. The convict, who resides at Gidan Mangoro, had pleaded guilty to having engaged in homosexual acts. “I am guilty of the charge against me. I was under the influence of alcohol and I want the court to temper justice with mercy”, he said. The police prosecutor, Mohammed Umar, had told the court that the convict committed the offence in August when the complainant was sleeping in his bed. Homosexual acts, the prosecutor said, was contrary to Section 284 of the Penal Code. The prosecutor said since Mr. Chukwuemeka had pleaded guilty to the crime he initially denied, the court should try him summarily. The Senior Magistrate, Nafisatu Buba, sentenced him to three-month imprisonment without an option of fine. “This would serve as warning to other youths who hide under the influence of alcohol to commit crimes,” she said. When he was first arraigned in early September, Mr. Chukwuemeka pleaded not guilty, saying, “I came back drunk from the night club and thought I was sleeping on the same bed with my girl-friend and I started romancing her.” At that hearing, Mrs Buba, had ruled that alcohol should not be seen as an excuse for committing the offence, but then granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, with one of the sureties being a civil servant on Grade Level 09. However, when the case was heard Monday, the actor suddenly pleaded guilty, and Mrs Buba summarily tried him, sentencing him to three-month imprisonment. Homosexuality and lesbianism are seriously frowned at in Nigeria. In November, the Nigerian Senate passed a strict law banning same-sex marriage and public display of affection by gays in Nigeria. The bill – Same Sex Marriage (prohibition) bill 2011 – prescribes 14-year jail terms for convicted gays in Nigeria.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—27

Baba Suwe shoots movie on his NDLEA ordeal BY AYO ONIKOYI

oruba renowned actor and ace comedian, Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe has said many film-makers have approached him to make a movie of his ordeal in the hands of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, which detained him for weeks on allegation of drug trafficking The comedian who also lost his darling wife and partner barely over a year ago, in a phone chat with HVP admitted the experience was one of the most trying times in his life as he was left confused and devastated. He said he would never forget the experience and prayed that even his enemies should not have to go through what he went through.

‘’ My brother, this is not something I prayed for, even for my enemies. It is something I hate talking about but I thank God for absolving me of the alleged act” he said. In the same vein, the comedian, also confirmed the story making rounds that he is set to go on the big screen to tell the story of his incarceration by NDLEA but said he hasn’t said any real work on the movie. He said:”There is a film I am working on right now but whether I plan to do a movie on that matter, I will say yes. Maybe in the future though many people have contacted me to do a movie but I am still taking my time and God's willing, I shall visit that matter as soon as I can get myself together”

Benefits of Nigeria’s membership of FIAPF to Nollywood (2)

Baba Suwe is expected back in court on October 19, 2012 to continue hearing at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, on stay of execution of the judgement of Justice Yetunde Idowu of a Lagos High Court, which ordered the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to pay N25 million to the actor as compensation for detaining him unduly over allegation of drug trafficking.

Fidelis Duker sets for O’jez award

NE of Nollywood’s biggest directors, Fidelis Duker will be honoured with the prestigious O’jez Entertainment Award on Sunday, September 30 at the monthly O’jez Entertainment Award series event scheduled to hold at the celebrity

restaurant, O’jez, inside the National Stadium complex. Duker, according to Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chief Executive Officer of O’jez, is being honoured for his immense contributions to the nation’s film industry and his resilience in organizing the popular Abuja International Film Festival, AIFF, for almost a decade now against all odds. “Mr. Fidelis Duker is one Nigerian that deserves to be recognized for his efforts which the O’jez awards committee unanimously agreed on. I always remind all

that the monthly awards series is aimed at recognizing any Nigerian, irrespective of his tribe, religion, class or creed who has done well in his chosen field of endeavour. Duker has paid his dues with quality films and TV soaps production. Above all, his Abuja International Film Festival has risen from nothing to become a big annual industry event. Duker is one of the pioneers of Nollywood and he had not relented since he debuted more than a decade ago,” Odobeatu said. Duker in his response, said he felt “honoured” to be chosen as recipient of the O’jez award. “It is not everyday one gets this kind of recognition from his constituency, so I feel really honoured and humbled too.”

Catholic Church slams Dstv over suspension of EWTN programme in Nigeria. channel as an act of discrimination. BY SAM EYOBOKA

HE Catholic Church in Nigeria is set for a showdown with the management of DSTV over the unceremonious suspension of a religious channel, EWTN. The EWTN, which broadcast activities of the Catholic faith, was recently yanked off from the bouquet of the South African owned DStv over what its management termed the unpopularity of the C M Y K

A release by the Director, Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Msgr. Gabriel Osu, the Church described the suspension of the channel as uncalled for and regrettable and vowed to challenge the action. Similarly, in a swift reaction, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, in a letter by Most Rev. Emmanuel Ade Badejo, chairman, Directorate of Communications of the CBCN, described the suspension of the

“In the last two weeks Bishops' offices in Catholic Dioceses across Nigeria have been besieged with calls from the faithful who hitherto have been able to receive EWTN on your DStv bouquet in Nigeria. “Upon investigation, we found that DStv had decided to suspend this channel to the greatest bewilderment of thousands of your subscribers for whom EWTN had become their family and faith channel. We have received reports that EWTN which by the way was the only Catholic channel on your service, is the only religious channel that has been taken down.”

ilm producers worldwide develop ideas and stories, obtain the necessary legal clearances, secure financing, engage writers, directors and actors, organize principal photography, and employ technicians as well as many other creative contributors. Producers are engaged in all stages of the creation of the film including development, financing, pre-production activities, principal photography, post-production activities as well as sales and marketing. These are some key positions defended by film producers worldwide. Suffice it to say at this point that the film producer takes the principal financial risk. While developing, filming, editing and other postproducing, marketing and selling films for distribution are necessary steps in the life cycle of a film, these activities all require that the producer secure upfront financial investment by distributors, financiers and other equity investors. Both investors and the producer thereafter require a secure legal and commercial context. The worldwide film industry and its significant contributions are at risk. In order to ensure the future of the industry and maintain and grow its economic and cultural benefits, FIAPF has confirmed the following range of Basic Principles, which are relevant to the political and regulatory work of national governments, regional institutions and international organizations: Creativity and copyright are the pillars of film production and distribution. They are crucial elements for a vibrant worldwide film community and in creating films that the public enjoys. This basic framework must strike a balance between protecting the creator (or defining the creator’s rights) and creating conditions under which the public has access to films. Film producers consider that copyright is the establishing of legal infrastructure for any film community, generating a strong incentive to develop and create new works and distributing them to the public. Changes to the copyright system require indepth reflection on potential detrimental impact on the creation, financing, distribution and availability of films, as well as on social, cultural and economic development as a whole. ·The exercise of exclusive rights and contractual freedom is vital for creating, financing and distributing films worldwide. · Physical and online piracy is theft of the intellectual and private property of right holders, including producers. Piracy weakens the film industry’s ability to continue to create and finance films, and therefore to respond to public demand for content or to contribute to GDP growth and jobs creation. Governments and the private sector are invited to put in place appropriate measures designed jointly with Nollywood and make the enforcement of such measures a priority. As far as the online access to content is concerned, governments and the private sector are essential partners to foster cooperation with Internet Service Providers to address rampant illegal practices online as well as raising public awareness of the value of copyright-enabled creativity. · Exceptions / limitations to copyright. Exceptions and limitations are part of the balance built-in to copyright laws. Film producers believe that current practice and case law worldwide demonstrate the flexibility and pragmatism of current copyright laws. Concludes next week.

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

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SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—29

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, Beauty is of the Body, Spirit and Mind — Iwo BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

uggling between being the makeover artist of MTN Project Fame Season Two in 2009 till date and motherhood,Aruoriwo Akinyoyenu is also a lecturer at Lufudo Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA) owned by Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs and a mother. Iwo, short for Aruoiwo is passionate about beauty and wellness. Her gospel is that beauty is of the body, spirit and mind. In this interview, she talks about her eCADEMY coming out in October, her desire to mentor, inspire and train young people in the creative industry, her personal health maintenance and her family. Enjoy!

What inspires the name Erumu Erumu was given to me by my dad at birth as a consolation. I was told that I looked nothing near beautiful (laughing... ). Well, my dad saw into the future because today Erumu has a purpose. It is an Urhobo name that means beautiful (smiles). Passion converted into money I’ve finally learnt how to convert my passion into a profitable venture,thanks to Goldman Sachs scholarship programme offered by Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-African University. It was a life changing experience. Before then, all I did was a glorified hubby (laughs). My name My name is Aruoriwo

Bala. I have also been mentored for over eight years by Modupe Tanimomo of B.A.B.E Makeup, a US and UK certified makeup artist with over 15 years’ experience. I have also worked as a fitness instructor in several gyms and have been part of my parent’s journey to a healthier and happier life.

My Business/Passion Erumu Creations is a beauty and wellness consultation company dedicated to the beauty of the spirit, mind and body and creating an experience that revives, renews and rejuvenates. Our services include meal plan, fitness programmes, skin care and makeup. Our packages are dynamic, and tailored to suit each client.We are not the first, do not claim to be the best but we try to do the right thing each time.

My dream is to empower the womanmentally, emotionally, physically, socially, spiritually and financially

The challenges As a business person, you are constantly faced with challenges. It’s just that the dynamics change with time; from carving a niche for yourself; to getting brand visibility; to maintaining high standards especially for the fact that the industry is highly saturated at the moment. Plans in the nearest future We are working on launching eCADEMY in October, a program that focuses on makeup, art and enterprise to inspire, train and mentor talented creative individuals. It is beyond just makeup. The 4-weeks programme serves as the foundation entry level for makeup artists. We are committed to helping each participant embrace the ‘processes’ in becoming a professional makeup artist as well as embracing the spirit of enterprise. Beyond just the skill and creativity, each participant will also be taught the foundation in financial i n t e l l i g e n c e , entrepreneurship, communication, temperament analysis/passion/purpose, and the essence of mentoring.

•Aruoiwo

Aruoiwo and family Akinyoyenu. I am from Uvwie local government area in Delta State. My family’s support Well at first, it was tough because they couldn’t understand my kind of person. When you are creative, it is mistaken sometimes for unseriousness especially since you can do so many things at the same time. Today, my family supports me 200%. In fact, my

immediate elder brother is my brand consultant/ creative director. My elder sister is my mentor/business advisor, my parents are my greatest fans, my other siblings are proud to have me as a sister. It’s just fulfilling. How prepared l was before this venture I was opportuned to be trained by one of the best makeup artists in Budapest, Hungary. Her name is Rita

Family and work It has not been easy especially when there are projects that take me away from home. God has blessed me with an amazing husband and daughter. They have been so supportive. I am just overly blessed. My project with MTN Project Fame God has been faithful. This is the fourth season we’ve been on this project. It has been none but God. This platform has been the most rewarding so far in exposure, experience, professionalism and even financially (laughs). It has helped us to thrive for excellence and be the best in

this industry. It is very different in terms of work schedule, very demanding but so much fun. I work with a team of about 12 people. It’s been a learning curve as a leader too. I’m looking forward to more projects of such in Jesus name! Jobs done in the past I have worked with a number of magazines—Genevieve, TW, Glam , Essence, Elan of 234 Next and a host of others. I lecture at LAPA (Lufudo Academy of Performing Arts) owned by Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs. We are currently working with Kaffy on her Dance Burnout Project and other great names. A project done in the past By the grace of God, we organised a seminar tagged ‘Beauty Revealed’, a one day interactive seminar meant to empower the womanmentally, emotionally, physically, socially, spiritually and financially. We have held three successful seminars, the last was on the 14th of July with the theme ‘Walking In Heels: A Woman’s Guide to Balance’ Over a hundred women were in attendance. We are also working on our mini beauty magazine. We did a trial version and we are working to relaunch again. It’s called ‘Beauty Revealed’. By God’s grace, we would be on air too. All we want to do is preach the gospel of beauty—spirit, mind and body. My husband in all of these By nature, he is a background person but very thorough. Whatever idea we have, we make sure to run by him. He is always supportive, he has never shut down any idea I bring. He ensures that he bends back in order to see that whatever we venture into is successful. I am just too blessed. My beauty tips It’s part of who I am. I cleanse, tone and moisturize every night. Even if I dare forget, my husband and daughter will not spare me (laughing). On a serious note, makeup causes more harm to the skin than just making you look beautiful. Going to bed

with makeup is adding three days to your age amongst all the other negative benefits, for example, clogged pores and the other anomalies that would occur in the nearest future. Also, the best time the skin is nourished is at night so I must make the most of it. Workout plan

Once upon a time, I was almost a size 14. Today I am a size 8. After delivery, I had to work it out. It wasn’t easy but today, it’s yielding great benefits. I am fit and fab and there’s no stopping me. As a woman who lived a life that beautified all that came my way.

34 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

Fernando Torres needs to have more of an impact Fernando Torres mentioned after

CHELSEA VS JUVENTUS

Lessons we learned in 2-2 draw C

helsea got their Champions League defence underway with a 2-2 home draw against Juventus at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night. It was not a bad result in and of itself against the Italian champions, but perhaps Roberto di Matteo learned one or two things about his side after they surrendered a twogoal lead. A full debut was handed to the Brazilian Oscar and he responded in style with a twogoal haul inside two minutes,

first beating Gianluigi Buffon with a deflected, looping shot and then curling an absolutely glorious second goal home from outside the box. Arturo Vidal pulled one back before half time and Fabio Quagliarella scored the equaliser with just 10 minutes left, though it could have been even worse for Chelsea with the Italian forward hitting the crossbar just a few moments later. Here are things the sports world learned in the 2-2 draw.

his recent strike against QPR that it was natural for him to be playing well and scoring goals, since he was in the team more often. The £50 million striker has scored two goals in four games this season, but rarely threatened against Juventus despite playing the entire 90 minutes following his post-substitution theatrics at the weekend. Torres has wanted a starting role at Chelsea and now he has got one. He needs to start providing goals in the biggest games to show that he warrants keeping it.

Torres

Oscar announces himself to Chelsea fans

fter a few cameo appear ances off the bench, Brazilian playmaker Oscar announced himself big time to the Stamford Bridge support with two fine goals, the second of which was as good as anything you’d see from the world’s best players. Oscar flitted in and out the game for the first half hour or so before his two-minute brace, but he did show neat touches, good movement and on several occasions linked up with Ramires on the right and Eden Hazard down the

left. Overall, though, it will be the second of his two goals which lives long in the mem-

espite only taking a single point at home in their opening group game, Chelsea should have enough in their squad, particularly in the final third of the pitch, to make it through the group and into the knock-out stage. Juventus will certainly be the strongest team in the group aside from Chelsea themselves, though they will now have to get something out of at least one of their away games. Shakhtar Donetsk will be no easy fixture, home or away, and the Ukranians are top after defeating Nordsjaelland 2-0. The blues will have to win their remaining two home fixtures. C M Y K

ory. Chelsea will be hoping that’s just the start, with plenty more to come.

Defensively, problems still circulate for the Blues

Chelsea should have enough to get out of the group

oberto Di Matteo said Chelsea players only had themselves to blame after watching them blow a two-goal lead to open their defense of the Champions League with a 2-2 Group E draw against Juventus at Stamford Bridge. “We feel disappointed and a little bit deflated that we found ourselves in a fantastic position to win this game and we came away only with a draw,” he said.

Di Matteo

Jon Obi Mikel: Not good enough?

Oscar

Cole and Luiz

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo blames players for Juventus draw

uild up a two-goal lead at home in the Champions League and you would expect most good sides to see out the victory. Chelsea would certainly consider themselves a good side, what with being the reigning champions and all. But defensively, they were exposed a number of times by Juventus despite having a majority of possession in the game. In the first half, Sebastian Giovinco found himself in plenty of space on a number of occasions and used the channels well, though his end product was woefully lacking. Mirko Vucinic should have made Chelsea pay for their lax marking just a moment before Oscar opened the scoring. Claudio Marchisio made a mockery of the relatively high back line with a fine run, unmarked, from deep. The equalising goal came 10 minutes before the end of the game, and it probably says everything about Chelsea’s defensive inadequacies that at that stage of a tight game, against quality opposition, Fabio Quagliarella had time to control the ball and run around it to open himself up for a right footed shot, without any defender getting close enough to put in any kind of a challenge. Much better is required if Chelsea are to have an impact on this year’s edition of the Champions League.

et’s clear something up before we go any further: nobody should suggest Jon Obi Mikel is, in general, not a good holding midfielder. He is. He’s a good tackler, plays simple passes and has a good engine. But is he good enough for a side with an awful lot of attacking flair, needed in position to balance out that natural attack-minded half Mikel of the team? Arguably not, or at least he isn’t showing it. Mikel’s positioning is somewhat suspect at times and he lacks consistency to be considered anywhere near a great defensive midfielder. He was thoroughly left in the dark by the alternating runs of Marchisio and Vidal and has definitely got the look about him at present of a player who has been left behind by his own team’s recent upgrades in personnel.

Mourinho denies any rift with benched Ramos

Ramos and Mourinho

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho denied there is any schism between him and veteran defender Sergio Ram os, dis mis sin g speculation by the Spanish media that he dropped him because of any falling out.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 — 35

Man United watching Sofiane Feghouli, Angelo Ogbonna?

Andrey Arshavin unwanted?

anchester United are watching Va lencia playmaker Sofiane Feghouli, according to reports . Feghouli, 22, is a French-born Algerian international. He joined Valencia from Grenoble in 2010. Spartak Moscow are also thought to be interested in signing him. Meanwhile, Torino director ,Gianluca Petrachi has told United that 24-year-old central defender Angelo Ogbonna would cost up to £16 million. Arsenal, Juventus and AC Milan are also thought to be interested in Ogbonna, who has won four senior caps with Italy.

Feghouli

Ogbonna

Rafael Benitez to AC Milan?

afael Benitez could return to man agement with AC Milan, according to reports. Milan have started the season poorly, and current manager Massimiliano Allegri is thought to be under pressure to keep his job. Benitez, 52, most recently managed Inter Milan in 2010. He managed Liverpool from 2004 to 2010, leading the Reds to the Champions League title in 2005.

GOLF NEWS:

ussian midfielder/for ward Andrey Arshavin is unwanted at Arsenal, according to a media report. Arshavin, 31, has played only 13 minutes this season. He spent the latter part of last season on loan with Zenit St. Petersburg. Following his return, Arshavin’s representatives reportedly learned from the club that Arshavin was “surplus to requirements.” Arshavin joined Arsenal from Zenit in 2009.

Arshavin

Mario Balotelli left out for disciplinary reasons?

Tiger Woods Tour Championship 2012:

Benitez

a rio Balotelli was left out of Manchester City’s match against Real Madrid because of a disagreement with manager Roberto Mancini. The disagreement reportedly stemmed from Balotelli’s refusal to quit smoking and his participation in an alleged late-night outing in Stoke.

Balotelli

TENNIS:

Rafael Nadal: Injuries won’t derail

Tennis Star’s rise to greatest of all time •Rafael Nadal

fter battling tendinitis in his knee through out 2012, tennis star Rafael Nadal has tak en a few months off from action to get back to 100 percent health. At only 26 years old, Nadal still has plenty of time to continue his ascension to the title of greatest men’s tennis player of all time. While being eliminated early at Wimbledon before missing the Olympics and the U.S. Open to close 2012 is no way to spend a season, the injuries that Nadal had been suffering have now been given the proper time to heal. The rest and rehab the tennis star has been concentrating on for the last few months has not only allowed him a chance to get back to where he was physically, but it has given Nadal a new outlook on the sport and his career as a whole. Nadal looked his tennis mortality right in the face and now knows exactly what it will take to be the greatest of all time. C M Y K

Tiger Woods

In an interview concerning how long he wanted his career to continue, and his new outlook on the sport and his career as a whole, he said: “I don’t know how long I will keep playing tennis. I’ll be 31 in five years and taking into account the fact that I started at 16 , perhaps stopping now will help extend my career a little bit more. Until I had the problems with the knee again, the final at Roland Garros, had been one of the best seasons of my life. I felt able to win any competition. Complicated times came later. Success is not the victory, it’s what you’ve done to win. The knowledge that you’ve done everything in your power to achieve what you wanted. That feeling makes me very happy. This year, I lost the final in Australia and I didn’t like it, but I was happy in some ways. It was a success to have lost like that.” While there is no question that it will be difficult for Nadal to return to the courts and continue winning tournaments as he was before the injuries, the tennis veteran knows that he must win to cement his legacy.

Slow progression will lead to timely success

iger Woods has gone through some very rough times in recent years, but he is back. Maybe he isn’t, or won’t ever be, the iconic Woods we are familiar with, but he’s enjoyed a very good year on the golf course. He’s won three tournaments and finished in the top 10 of five others. Most of that can be attributed to his new swing. Finally, the kinks seemed to be ironed out. He’s not back to where he used to be, but he doesn’t necessarily need to be. It’s not even fair to expect that. Woods enters The Tour Championship behind Rory McIlroy in the FedEx Cup standings. He hasn’t won the FedEx Cup since 2009, and it’s been a long road back to this point. But he’s here, and no one would want to stand in his way. That’s not to say McIlroy isn’t playing well too. He’s been incredible in the past few months and he’s won four tournaments this year. He’s the best player on tour right now, and he’s got momentum on his side. However, Woods’ experience will play a major factor. McIlroy has never played in this event. Entering as the leader in his first try puts a ton of pressure on him, and Woods could capitalize on one misstep. Woods finished tied for fourth in the BMW Championship and grabbed third in the Deutsche Bank Championship. If he played one or two holes differently, he could’ve been in better standing. He hasn’t played “bad” golf since he got cut at Greenbrier in early July. He has the second-best scoring average on the tour, and he’s seventh in birdie average. He’s regained his driving distance, but he still must work on his accuracy. While far from perfect, Woods seems to have found his stroke at the ideal time. McIlroy won’t say it, but he has to have Woods in the back of his mind. He’s an ultra-competitive athlete, and knows that he’s ready to win big tournaments again. This is setting up to be an extremely interesting FedEx finale. If Woods wins, there is no telling how high his stock could rise. If you’ve watched Woods play lately, you’ve had this nagging feeling he’s about to do something special. The progression has been slow, but it’s been hard to miss.

36—SATURDAY, Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22 2012

High-profile parade at Pa Ladeji’s burial

he burial ceremony was t a g g e d ‘Celebration of Life’ and it was indeed so as the children and grandchildren of Late Chief John Agboola Ladeji, father of Akinwunmi Ladeji, Managing Director of Futures and Bonds Limited, spared no expense in seeing to it that the final outing for their late father was a grand affair of pomp and pageantry Eminent personalities from various spheres of life left their busy schedules behind to spend the weekend in Ogbomosho and the Ladejis made sure they would have no cause for regrets as they made absolutely certain everyone that came was adequately provided for. Some of the notable personalities who came include Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, former governor of Oyo

state, Chief Adebayo Adetunji, Prof. Ademola Oyejide, Chief (Mrs) Okoye of Krystle, Mr Abibu Ayinla, Chief Wale Taiwo, Barr. Musa Nasir and Alhaji Munir Lawal. Others are Segun Oloketuyi of Wema Bank, Tutu Buraimoh, Biola Aderounmu, Alhaji Tajudeen Aremu, Rtd. Colonel Edward Ladoy and many others.

Da or Lizzie Dayy of jo joyy ffor Ojamiruaye

t was a day of great joy and merriment for the Ebireri family of Egborode in Okpe L.G.A and Ojamiruaye of Ovu Inland in Ethiope East L.G.A. both of Delta state when their daughter (Dr Mrs) Elizabeth Ojamiruaye (Nee Ebireri) bagged a Doctorate degree in Educational Management at the thDelta State University Abraka at the institution’s 7 Convocation recently.

L-R: Mr. Akinwunmi Oadeji with Alhaji Munir Ibrahim Lawal

Dr. Ben Ojamiruaye and wife Dr (Mrs) Elizabeth Ojamiruaye

L-R: Biola Aderounmu, Otunba Alao Akala and Mr. A. Oladeji

L-R:Chief Gabby Okorare, Dr Chief (Hon) Peter Ebireri, former commissioner of Culture and Tourism Delta State, Dr. (Mrs) Elizabeth Ojamiruaye (Nee Ebireri) the graduant and Engr. (Dr) Chief John Ebireri (FNSE) L-R:Mr. Ladeji, Mr. Segun Oloketuyi and Otunba Alao-Akala

L-R: Chief Adebayo Adetunji, Mr. Oladeji and Mr Tutu Buriamo

Irri kingdom honour or th er honourss w wor orth thyy sons and daught daughter erss

rri Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government of Delta state on Saturday th 8 of September 2012 rolls out drums to celebrate their

illustrious sons and daughters who have served and distinguished themselves in various capacities in the kingdom and confer on

L-R: Chief (Mrs) Rita Ozah the Uyoyou of Irri Kingdom & the husband, Chief Edwin Ozah, the Awhotu of Irri Kingdom. C M Y K

them Honourary ( A c c r e d i t e d ) chieftaincy titles in different categories. The exercise was

supervised by His Royal Majesty Oviese Eba Ojenuwe II the Odio Ologbo of IrriKingdom.

L-R:Chief Edwin Ozah, Odio Eloho Ojacko, the Amatovo II of Irri Kingdom, Odio in Council, Bessy Eba, the Queen of Irri Kingdom and Chief (Mrs) Rita Ozah the Uyoyou of Irri Kingdom.

Royal induction

he official invitation of Acting Baale Of Addo Kekere to the council of indigenous Obas and Baales of Eti-Osa local government area of Lagos State took place recently in Lagos

Olori Ebi of Lakatan Descendants, Elder O. I .Adewale and the Acting Baale, Alhaji Kayode Yusuf

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—37

EBUN SESSOU

With waterleaf (guure) and eba, I’m good to go —Hon. Samuel Can you tell us your favourite delicacies, growing up? As an young man who grew up in Ebute-Metta area of Lagos State, it is difficult to say, I have a favourite. But, as young man, I prefer eba. And as an Ijebu man, I like eba so much to any other food. I can eat it throughout the day. ...And now? As an adult, I have learnt so much when it comes to health issues. Now, I try as much as possible to eat in moderation. It is quite unfortunate that our lifestyle has so deteriorated that our indigenous food has been considered as what poses

problem to our lives. Nigerians prefer eating food that are highly concentrated on carbohydrate which is not too good for the body system. Africans especially Nigerians should be more concerned about their health and the food we eat. Unfortunately most Nigerians depend on artificial food instead of appreciating our rich natural produce. We should engage in farming because it is our source of cultivating healthy food. Also, people eat and go to sleep without adequate exercise. This practice does not allow for digestion. It is good to live healthy all the time and I believe one

Nutritional Values of Dates

onderfully delicious, dates are one of the most popular fruits packed with an impressive list of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are required for normal growth, development and overall wellbeing. Fresh dates compose of soft, easily digestible flesh and simple sugars like fructose and dextrose. When eaten, they replenish energy and revitalize the body instantly. For these qualities, they are being used to break the fast during Ramadan month since ancient times. The fruit is rich in dietary fiber, which prevents LDL cholesterol absorption in the gut. Additionally, the fiber works as a bulk laxative. It, thus, helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time and as well as binding to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon. They contain health benefiting flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants known as tannins. Tannins are known to possess anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hemorrhagic (prevent easy bleeding tendencies) properties. They are moderate sources of vitamin-A which is known to have antioxidant properties and essential for vision. Additionally, it is also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin A is known to help to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. Dates are an excellent source of iron, contains 0.90 mg/100 g of fruits (about 11% of RDI). Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, determines the oxygencarrying capacity of the blood. They are very good in potassium which is an important component of cell and body fluids that help controlling heart rate and blood pressure. They, thus, offers protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases.

ouse of Representatives member, Agege Constituency , Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare, an Ijebu man who grew up in Ebutte Meta said eating African delicacies especially eba is like living in paradise. He is our guest on this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk. He speaks on why African foods should be the priority for every African man or woman as well as his choice of food, eba and guure soup.

should not be too busy to engage in some quality exercises regardless of tight schedule. It is nice to take a time-out for good exercise. What kind of soup do you prefer? I am satisfied with any kind of soup. But, if I must make a choice, then, it must be waterleaf (guure). My wife is a specialist when it comes to preparation of eba and waterleaf soup. She learnt that from my mother. ….And if it is not eba? I take fruits after dinner. I like fruits as paw-paw, pineapple, banana and watermelon because they have natural vitamins.

*Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare

Today’s Menu

Ugali (Kenyan Food)

Ugali is served as an accompaniment to meat, fish or vegetable stews. To eat ugali, pull off a small ball of mush with your fingers, form an indentation with your thumb and use it to scoop up tasty stews and other dishes. Recipes cups of water Ground white maize meal/ cornmeal/yam Water. Preparations Reduce heat to mediumlow and continue stirring regularly, smashing any lumps that may form with a cooking stick. As ugali continues to cook, it gets very thick. You can continue adding flour until it

is thicker than mashed potatoes. Leave it cooking for about 15 minutes, but make sure you keep turning it so that it does not get burned. Using the cooking stick, mash it into a dome shape. Tip out your ugali onto a serving bowl.

TIT-BITS

Federal Palace Hotels & Casino debuts with Alacarte offer I n-line with its plan to thrill customers, Federal Palace Hotel has come up with a special package, the Alacarte offer aimed at satisfying Nigerian families who have been patronising the firm for the years. In a media parley, the Hotel Manager, Gary Pinchen, said the introduction of Alacarte offer became necessary in order to maintain it high

quality standard. According to him, the Alacarte offer is an opportunity for customers to make choices of their own and it can accommodate 200 people at once. “Although, we haven’t been able to feed a larger community as such but it is our corporate social responsibility programme within the environment to plough 90 percent of our profit into corporate social commitment and we do that to be able to give back to society. “It is an opportunity to showcase our products and celebrate with the rich dishes that we have within African region and be able to annex with other culture. Hence, we are having varieties of dishes from different parts of the African continent. C M Y K

38—SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 Dear Aunty Julie, I am an undergraduate who has a big crush on a friend of mine. While we are pretty close, I am not interested in ruining a good relationship if he isn’t interested. The thing is that I have begun recently picturing myself married to this guy and seeing him across the breakfast table talking about our kids. I’ve never felt this way about a guy before. I keep meaning to tell him but I get really shy because of my fear of destroying our friendship. I think about him often. What should I do? Adora, Awka Dear Adora, It’s great that you have met someone that you feel that strongly about. However, before you start planning your future down the road, it might be wise

I want my friend for keeps to find out if the feelings are mutual. Although you could wait to see how things develop naturally, the most direct route would be to have a conversation about how you feel. You are already in a good po-

sition for talking to your friend about your feelings since you are close. Friendships can often weather a conversation about these feelings, even if starting the conversation is difficult or awkward.

I’m dating my first cousin Aunty Julie, I was born in the United States where I grew up and had my education. I came back to Nigeria two years ago and I met a lady that was later inroduced to me as my first cousin . What are the pros and cons of dating one’s first cousin? To make a long story short, my cousin and I became close friends, then fell in love with each other but there was an outrage over our relationship. We have that “don’t care” attitude on what others say or think about our relationship, but are curious anyway. Greg, Port-Harcourt Dear Greg, Negative reactions to cousins who pair off stem largely from the belief that children from such relationships may have physical and/or mental abnormalities. Newborns with genetic disorders such as spina bifida or cystic fibrosis are more likely to be born of blood relatives because previously unexpressed recessive genes are more likely to appear. First cousins are twotimes more likely to bear offspring with a birth defect than children born of couples who don’t share a common grandparent. If cousin couples happen to be carrying known genetic diseases, the risks faced by their offspring can jump. Experts say one out of four such children will have some sort of disorder. Legally, you cannot date and be intimate with your first cousin in many cultures, but if

you are considering marriage, laws vary by traditions. In the U.S. where you said you were born, some states legally forbid first cousins from marrying, some require genetic counseling before legal union can take place, and other states require proof that at least one potential spouse is infertile. Most cultures in Nigeria forbid that. Regarding your question of the moral consequences of dating your first cousin, it’s up to the two of you to know what your values are, what you’re thinking about for the future, and what’s best for you as individuals, a couple, and a family. As with all moral decisions, this is a complicated matter, given societal norms and the fact that many see cousin marriages as taboo. If you are considering having children together, it makes sense to seek counsel-

Aunty Julie, I have been dating my boyfriend for six months and he is rough in bed. How can I ask him to tone it down? Each time we make love, he always leaves sores in my private part and I walk with a limp for some time. I tried to discuss this with him but I feel embarrassed raising the issue. Outside that, he takes good care of me but I have been suffering in silence over the physical injuries he inflicts on

A sudden change of mind My Dearest Susan,Sweetie of my heart, I’ve been so desolate ever since I broke off our engagement. Simply devastated. Won’t you

me during love-making which he is not even aware of. How do I broach this topic? Kemi, Ibadan Dear Kemi, His roughness is probably due to poor education. I think he’s watched one too many pornos and believes that the submissive girlfriend, dominant dude, me-takey-what-melikey approach is okay and that the next level of romance is only one facial away.You

him to react abruptly without having the chance to consider your feelings. Alternatively, he might welcome the physical aspect of the relationship, but without talking, it won’t be possible to know if he’s interested in a casual physical connection or a more serious relationship. Depending on your friend’s reaction, it might be difficult for the friendship to recover. If you feel strongly that you can’t talk to him about it, some other options are 1: waiting to see how things develop aka waiting to see if your friend makes a move and hiding your feelings at least verbally or 2: ignoring your feelings for your friend and keeping yourself open to the possibility of being attracted to someone else. Although you only have eyes for your friend right now, you may meet someone else who makes you feel the same way. To some, the idea of starting this type of conversation is scary and causes lots of anxiety. Some worry about the end of the conversation , particularly the possibility of rejection. For others, the idea of holding in true feelings is scarier than the thought of being rejected. Where do you fall? If you decide to talk to him about it, be honest about your feelings and hopes. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

Am I spending too much time with him? Dear Julie, I have been dating a guy for two years and because we work close to each other, we spend a lot of time together but sometimes, he acts as if I am choking him and at other times, I

feel like being alone without him. Sometimes, the silence between us is so intense and I’m wondering: is it possible to spend too much time with a guy? Do I need a bit of space? Sandra, Lagos

need to retrain him. Challenge him to get you off the way you like it done, then work on finding a middle ground. Make it clear that you’re neither an inflatable doll nor his trusty right hand, and that the rough and ready wham bam, spankyou ma’am approach simply doesn’t work for you. Tell him you’re going to direct proceedings, then take charge. He’ll probably like the new, more dominant you. Just remember to be rough with him every now and then.

Dear Sandra, Yes. Just as you can spend too much time at work, drinking, balance is essential in your love life. Only ever hanging out with your beloved can result in monotony, predictability, co-dependency and that spooky phenomenon where you finish each other’s sentences. You need to keep feeding your own interests, cultivating your own social groups and ensuring you spend time apart. There’s an old saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder”? Even if it’s just for an evening or two each week, it’s true.

He’s ttoo oo rrough ough

Compliment A man was reading the newspaper during breakfast and said to his wife, “Look at this. Another beautiful actress is going to marry a baseball player who’s a total dope! I’ll never understand why the biggest jerks get the hottest wives.” His wife said, ‘Thank you.’

C M Y K

ing and also be aware that it could be considered a taboo and with a clearer picture of the risks your offspring might face, a counselor can help you reach a decision that makes sense for you, your partner, and if you choose to go down that path, your children as well. You say you have a “don’t care” attitude, but you are smart to ask about the risks. Additionally, while you may not care what society thinks, do you care what other members of your family think? You may want to consider discussion how your relationship affects them. All that said, it sounds as though you and your partner have found something special in each other. No one knows where your dating relationship will lead but it’s good to be aware as you explore your closeness and make choices.

Before you jump into the heart-to-heart talk, think about what you want to say and how he may react. Do you want to tell him you’d like to date? Or that you really like him and want to see where things go? What are some different possibilities of how he might respond? Once you’ve thought about the conversation, you could choose a time and place that won’t be awkward and will make you both comfortable. You may want to talk with a friend prior to the conversation to figure out what you want to say, what you are hoping to hear from him, and how you will deal with his response, whether it is good or bad. If your friend doesn’t share your feelings, how will you feel? If maintaining the friendship is your top, you can let him know you don’t want to lose him as a friend. This way, if the feelings are not mutual, you have made it easier for him to tell you that he wants to stay friends and you have salvaged the friendship. Of course, after a conversation of this nature, it may be a little while before the friendship gets back to normal. That’s okay. You also have the option of making a move, physically, and seeing how he responds. However, an unexpected and unwanted advance could really catch him off guard and force

C O C K - T A L E S please consider coming back to me? You hold a place in my heart no other woman can fill. I can never marry another woman quite like you. I need you so much. Won’t you forgive me and let us make a new beginning? I love you so.Yours always and truly,John P.S. Congratulations on you winning the state lottery. Four Catholic men and a Catholic woman Four Catholic men and a Catholic woman were having coffee when one of the Catholic men tells his

friends, “My son is a priest, when he walks into a room, everyone calls him ‘Father’.” The second Catholic man chirps, “My son is a Bishop. When he walks into a room people call him ‘Your Grace’.” The third Catholic gent says, “My son is a Cardinal. When he enters a room everyone says ‘Your Eminence’.” The fourth Catholic man then says, “My son is the Pope. When he walks into a room people call him ‘Your Holiness’.” Since the lone Catholic woman was sipping her coffee in silence, the four men give her a subtle, “Well....?” She proudly replies, “I have a daughter, slim, tall, 38D breast, 24” waist and 34" hips. When she walks into a room, people say, “Oh - My - God.”

SA TURD AY V anguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—39 SATURD TURDA Vanguard,

C M Y K

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22,2012

•Laughter protects the heart

Laughter is the best medicine T

he health benefits of humour and laughter are many. Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humour and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humour lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. Laughter is good for your health •Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. •Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter

•Laughter dissolves distressing emotions.

decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

with one another, a positive bond is created. This bond acts as a strong buffer against stress, disagreements, and disappointment.

•Laughter triggers the release of endorphins The body’s natural feelgood chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. •Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Laughing with others is more powerful than laughing alone Shared laughter is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships fresh and exciting. All emotional sharing builds strong and lasting relationship bonds, but sharing laughter and play also adds joy, vitality, and resilience. And humour is a powerful and effective way to heal resentments, disagreements, and hurts. Laughter unites people during difficult times. Incorporating more humor and play into your daily interactions can improve the quality of your love relationships— as well as your connections with co-workers, family members, and friends. Using humor and laughter in relationships allows you to: •Be more spontaneous. Humor gets you out of your head and away from your troubles. •Let go of defensiveness. Laughter helps you forget judgments, criticisms, and doubts. •Release inhibitions. Your fear of holding back and holding on are set aside. •Express your true feelings. Deeply felt emotions are allowed to rise to the surface. Most of us have experienced the joy of playing with a furry friend, and pets are a rewarding way to bring more laughter and joy into your life. But did you know that having a pet is also good for your mental and physical health?

The Benefits of Laughter Physical Health Benefits: •Boosts immunity •Lowers stress hormones •Decreases pain •Relaxes your muscles •Prevents heart disease Mental Health Benefits: •Adds joy and zest to life •Eases anxiety and fear •Relieves stress •Improves mood •Enhances resilience Social Benefits: •Strengthens relationships •Attracts others to us •Enhances teamwork •Helps defuse conflict •Promotes group bonding Laughter and humour help you stay emotionally healthy

•Laughing with others is more powerful than laughing alone Laughter makes you feel good. And the good feeling that you get when you laugh remains with you even after the laughter subsides. Humor helps you keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments, and loss. More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh–or even simply a smile–can go a long way toward making you feel better. And laughter really is contagious—just hearing laughter primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in the fun. The link between laughter and mental health

•Laughter dissolves distressing emotions. You can’t feel anxious, angry, or sad when you’re laughing. •Laughter helps you relax and recharge. It reduces stress and increases energy, enabling you to stay focused and accomplish more. •Humor shifts perspective, allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. The social benefits of humour and laughter Humour and playful communication strengthen our relationships by triggering positive feelings and fostering emotional connection. When we laugh

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

C M Y K

Vanguard SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 — 41

42—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22 22, 2012

fter dating for three years, Samson came to the conclusion that he has had it with Amina. He could no longer cope with her flirting with every man in sight. On their outings , he had stormed out of events in anger because he could no longer bear it when his dear female partner took the centre stage in the midst of the guys. She would switch off whenever they attended an event together and would only remember him when she was tired and ready to go home or when things were low and Samson did not like it. After trying severally to talk it over with her, he came to the conclusion that she would never stop and therefore they should part ways. Flirting is a fun, social and healthy human behaviour. It is a way we introduce our existence to others, express our selfconfidence and let others know that we find them attractive. Even though it is an overall harmless behaviour, flirtation seems to be a problem in most relationships. People find it offensive and disrespectful, as

Are you involved with a flirt?

well as causing them to feel jealous. There are ways you can deal with your partner’s

flirtatious ways without having to end the relationship or argue on a regular basis, by

understanding the reasons and meanings behind your partner’s flirting. Okay, so you would rather have your partner not flirt at all. This may be what you want, but not necessarily what you are going to get. We all want to feel special and like we are the only one our lover has eyes for, but the truth is, your partner ’s eyes have a right to explore whatever or whoever it is around them, as do you. Being in a relationship never means that you own your partner or can start changing things about them, which is why it is so essential that you study your partner’s personality, attitudes and habits while you are still in the dating process and before you decide to have an official relationship. What you should focus on is the reasons behind your partner’s flirting. It could very well just be that your partner carries a high and selfconfident personality, and chooses to express that confidence through flirting, as many people do. If this is the

case, then you were probably already aware of your partner’s confidence when you met him or her, but just grew less fond of it as you grew more emotionally attached. In these cases, it would be best to get in touch with your own selfconfidence to prevent insecurity, and learn to accept your partner’s personality. Maybe your partner’s flirting has a deeper meaning behind it other than just a high selfesteem. Unfortunately, sometimes our partners will flirt because they really are attracted to other people and it could damage your relationship, depending on how much it bothers you. Being attracted to other people does not necessarily mean that your partner wants to go and cheat on you with all those people. Being attracted to others could mean that your lover is simply acknowledging the good looks that another person carries and stops it at that point. Attraction does not always create a temptation to cheat and you should allow your security to grow on this fact.

We’re from different backgrounds

y boyfriend and I have been together for two years. He is perfect for me, I couldn’t ask for a better boyfriend, and we really love each other. The problem is that we have really different backgrounds socially and economically. I have the more traditional family, parents married for 26 years and we’re blessed enough to be financially very well off. However, his family has had lots of problems financially. In addition, his father isn’t financially responsible and he cheated on his mother. Besides that, we are different ethnicities. My parents tell me that I can’t be serious about him . They are afraid that his problems with his family will become my problems when we get married. Also, I can’t communicate with his parents since they don’t speak English very well. Over the past few months, I’ve become increasingly irritated at his family. I have expressed to him that I don’t know if we can really become serious because I don’t want to deal with his family in the future. Am I overreacting?? I love him so much, but I feel like I can’t marry

him because of his background. What should I do? Am I blowing his background out of proportion in regards to a possible future together? Dudu, Abuja Ans: First off, you are not overreacting! It appears that you care a lot about your partner and that your relationship holds special meaning. Unfortunately, a relationship goes beyond what two people experience inside of their love bubble. Differences in each partner ’s race or ethnicity, socioeconomic background, religious beliefs, and family beliefs can complicate a relationship and cause both partners a lot of stress. Speaking with your partner about these touchy topics can be highly beneficial to the strength and success of your relationship. It is possible to get over cultural differences by having a mutual respect for one another’s backgrounds and trying your best to understand and incorporate your differences. Though it may feel awkward or uncomfortable, now could be the right time to turn up the volume on the communication. It appears as though you have a strong relationship with your partner. If you are contemplating a marriage

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with someone of a different race or religion, keep in mind that despite language barriers, it is possible to find some middle ground. Each family differs in how they celebrate certain holidays, raise children, practice religion, spend their finances, and more. What might seem a ridiculous way to do something to you might be a sensible option for somebody else. In a loving and caring relationship, it is important to be open to compromise and to try to understand the families that you each come from as well. It is commonly believed that a relationship between two people often involves a relationship with both partners’ families as well. In some cases, this entails the union of two very different families. Family can be a great support system for many, but also cause additional strain. Even if you cannot see your in-laws in a good light, it is important to realize that your spouse might love them unconditionally. If you know that meeting the inlaws will cause clashes between you and your partner, consider whether the relationship is strong enough to take this step, and whether the

relationship is serious enough to make the potential problems worthwhile. To alleviate any sticky situations, it can be helpful to: maintain a level of tolerance for your partner’s family out of respect for his/her feelings. The trouble with parents is that they often want the best for their children, yet can sometimes manage to complicate everything. Remember that when parents act in an offensive way, they may believe that they are acting in the best interest of their child. So, communicate with your partner and agree on how you will communicate when an issue arises. Will you talk about it right away? Will you include his parents or your parents in the discussion? If there is a possibility of you and your partner splitting up as a result of differences in background, make sure to communicate this with your partner so that nobody is surprised when that time comes. In situations like these, it can be helpful for either one or both partners to seek counsel. S/he may be able to give you some constructive guidance for dealing with courtship conundrums such as these.

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Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want to share with our readers? Please e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com Do you want to be linked? Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal information of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for disappointments or embarrassments some people may encounter in the process.

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SA TURD AY VANGU ARD , SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 —43 SATURD TURDA VANGUARD

We have invested over N3 billion here (the showroom) in terms of structure and equipment. We want to be a reference point for automobile business in Nigeria

, Our huge investments in auto sector are for the future, says Coscharis boss T

HE President/Chief Executive Officer, Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka has described the N3 billion investment on its new new Jaguar Land Rover LeKki showrooms as an investment for the future. The facility also serves as the corporate headquarters of the company in Nigeria. Dr. Maduka who was speaking at the opening of the ultra modern showroom in Lekki which was attended by Jaguar Land Rover bigwigs including the Director Overseas Operations, Mr. Dmitry Kolchanov, Operation Director Jaguar Land Rover sub-Sahara Africa, Mr. Nigel Clarke and Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover, South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa, Mr. Kevin Flynn, said their aim was to be the reference point for automobile business in Nigeria.

Structure and equipment “We have invested over N3 billion here (the showroom) in terms of structure and equipment. We want to be a reference point for automobile business in Nigeria,” he said. The Cosharis boss noted that with a population of 170 million people in Nigeria, no investment in the auto sector would be too big hence his company has continued to invest heavily in the last ten years. He disclosed that the driving force behind the company is their passion to be the best in the country, adding that he has confidence in the country. “I have confidence in Nigeria. I share from Nigeria’s glory and shame and will continue to contribute my quota to the development of the country. According to him, “our country has been projected for growth. It has been identified that the next economic miracle will come from Nigeria,” Dr.

Maduka pointed out. Also speaking during the occasion, the Group Managing Director, Coscharis Group, Mr. Josiah Samuel commended the Jaguar Land Rover Group for the keen interest they have shown in Nigeria, saying he had never seen such a large and high delegation before. The excited Group Managing Director further noted that the brand has a bright future in Nigeria, as the market has continued to record consistent growth in the last ten years. I am excited by L-R: Dr. Cosmas Maduka, Presidentl/CEO Coscharis Group; Kevin Flynn, MD, Jaguar Land Rover, South the Jaguar Land Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa; Josiah Samuel, Group MD Coscharis Group; Dmitry Kolchanov Director Rover brand. It is Overseas Operations, Jaguar Land Rover and Nigel Clarke, Operations Director, Jaguar Land Rover Subeasier to buy a Land Sahara Africa, during the commissioning of Jaguar Land Rover Showroom in Lekki, Lagos. Rover today than ten years ago, he said. The Jaguar Land Rover delegation overwhelmed by the investment commended the Coscharis Group for its efforts in projecting the brand in Nigeria. “I am very happy with the faOYOTA’s relike to be quoted stated, but not- derline a powerful rebound from cility in Nigeria. I thank you for emergence as the world’s ed that TNL will come up with a period of dismal sales, and the your faith in our products and number one auto maker recentan official statement in no time. resilience of its brand as it gains we will always support you,” the ly is exciting its Nigerian repAccording to our source, the traction in new markets such as head of the delegation Dmitry resentative, Toyota Nigeria Limnew position has thrown TNL China and Southeast Asia while Kolchanou said. ited, TNL. staff into celebration.” The mood clawing back lost market share Also in his own remark, the Though Toyota Nigeria Limitis typical opposite of how we felt in the U.S. Managing Director, Jaguar Land ed is yet to make an official when the Tsunami struct last year Both companies have said in Rover South Africa and sub-Sa- statement concerning their new followed by the recall saga. You the past that they don’t care about hara Africa Kelvin Flynn deposition, a company source told can see smiles on the faces of the global sales leadership and scribed the facility as probably Vanguard Motoring that it calls our staff because it is a thing of are focusing on making profits. the largest in sub-Sahara Africa. for celebration. joy for all. I can tell you there is But the crown is a matter of cor“This is probably the largest fa“It calls for celebration despite no looking back in maintaining porate pride for both automakcility across the sub-Sahara Afthe recalls and natural disasters, this deserved position. ers. GM doesn’t plan to drop out rica. This kind of facility is im- Toyota still powered ahead of “We were not surprised with of the race, though. portant for our future,” he said. General Motors and others with the recovery in Toyota because “For us, Coscharis is the right a wide magin. This shows the the products stand out anytime Sales and team and has always met their stuff Toyota products are made but the only surprise was how market share target as a dealer of the premiof,” the source who would not fast it came,” the source stated. um brand,” he added. Toyota bounced back from safeThe company’s sales and marty recalls and natural disasters, ket share grew in China, and selling 4.97 million vehicles glo- Chevrolet, its largest brand, has bally in the first half of the year seen record growth for seven to retake its crown as the world’s straight quarters, spokesman Jim top automaker from General Cain said. GM sales should rise Motors Co. because 70 percent of its U.S. The Japanese company sold models will be refurbished or allabout 300,000 more cars and new in the next two years, said trucks than GM did in the first Cain. half of the year, a lead large ‘We are in the early days of the enough that it will be difficult for most aggressive rollout of new GM to catch Toyota in the final products in our history, which six months of 2012. will help us press our advantage GM said it sold 4.67 million in the U.S. and China and grow vehicles during the first half. profitably around the world,’ he Both companies released their said, declining to comment on numbers recently. For Toyota whether the company expects to Motor Corp., the numbers un- pass Toyota in the second half.

Toyota’s return as world’s number one excites TNL

44 — Saturday

Vanguard, September 22, 2012

How I killed my friend over N50,000 argument —suspect T

wo intimate friends, Obinna Maxwel, 21, and Elijah Ejiagha, 23, shared a robust relationship. In fact, residents of Orile, a suburb of Lagos State where Obinna lives referred to them as brothers. But two weeks ago, the relationship turned sour following an argument over Obinna’s refusal to pay Elijah N50,000 which he owed him. In the process, a fight reportedly ensued during which Elijah slumped and died. Meanwhile, back in Elijah’s home, his family became apprehensive when he did not return home. A search was conducted around , without any luck. During the search, the family members reportedly received a call where the unknown caller demanded for a ransom of 40,000 dollars for the release of Elijah, who was a sale’s boy in Victoria Island. However along the line, Obinna was arrested but later released, after informing the police that the purported kidnap of Elijah was planned by him(Elijah). He was later re-arrested following the discovery of the decomposing corpse of Elijah in a gully around Orile area. In his confessional statement yesterday at the headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command, Obinna gave a graphic account of how he tucked his friends’ corpse into a jute bag (Ghana Must Go) and dumped it in the gully apparently to avoid being linked with his death.

*Genesis of the fight

ccording to Obinna, an aspiring artist; “Elijah brought a piano to my house and begged me to help him keep it. Later , he gave me the sum of N50,000 to keep for him. He usually came to my house with his girlfriend

whom I never liked. I told him not to be bringing the girl to my house anytime he was coming. That infuriated him and he said that meant he too would not come to my house again since I did not want to see his girlfriend. Then, he asked me to return his piano and his N50,000. Meanwhile, when he brought the piano, one of the cords was bad, and he accused me of spoiling it. While we were at that, he demanded for the money and I told him I was only with N20,000 which he refused to take. I begged him to come back for the balance but he refused. In the process, we started fighting and he lifted a stove to hit me. But in defense, I took a stool and hit him with it before he could hit me with the stove and he slumped and died. I shook him severally, called out his name but he did not answer. At that point, I concluded he was dead.”

*How I threw his corpse away

ut of fear, I tucked his remains inside a jute bag (Ghana Must Go) with the intention of throwing it away since nobody knew he was coming to my house. I put the bag inside a truck and rolled it out of my compound in Aloko compound. As I was going, a man stopped me and asked what I was carrying. Out of fear, I told him and begged him not to tell anyone. He said he would only do that if I gave him N300,000. He followed me to the house where we bargained until he agreed to take N50,000. While in my apartment, he showed interest in so many things which I asked him to take. I had to sell my home theater and television and realized N35,000 and gave to the man. I also gave him my phones to make up for the amount he demanded for, before he left.

•Obinna narrating his own side of the story

By EVELYN USMAN

I received a call where the caller said I should come home that he was interested in the apartment I got there, only to discover he was a policeman . I really do not know how they got wind of the whole thing. I do not know whether anybody in the church told the police or not

*Demand for *His ghost ransom he suspect from Enugu kept hunting State further revealed me that he took his

deceased friend’s telephone and contacted his family, from where he demanded for ransom, pretending to be a kidnapper. Continuing, he said; “At that point, I became confused and looked for every possible way to cover up. I called Elijah’s brother to inform him that he had been kidnapped and demanded for 8,000 dollars for his release. Somehow, I was arrested and detained for three weeks. But I told the police Elijah and I planned to kidnap his boss. When they asked after him, I told them I did not know where he went to, that he was supposed to come to my place that day.

hile in the cell, I started seeing Elijah , with the incident of the that day, reoccurring. I then confided in a pastor who usually came to preach to us in the cell. I promised him if I was let off the hook that I would confess openly. Luckily, I was released. The first thing I did was to confide in my uncle because I was no longer at peace. My uncle’s wife took me to Lord’s Chosen Church where I confessed openly. I was told I needed to go through a deliverance section. One of my aunts who attends the church said after the deliverance that I should not return to the house. We then agreed to let it out. But

*Manko on Monday while in the church, I received a call where the caller said I should come home that he was interested in the apartment I got there, only to discover he was a policeman. I really do not know how they got wind of the whole thing. I do not know whether anybody in the church told the police or not.

*My regrets

s it is now, I regret everything. I know I am paying for what I did. But my prayer is for God to give me a second chance to amend my way and live a life devoid of sin,” Obinna stated in an emotion-laden voice.

Saturday Vanguard, September 22, 2012 — 45

End of the road for notorious burglars in Lagos …....as Police recover N35m stolen goods, arrest 4 kingpins

dangerous weapons, stormed the warehouse in a green trailer truck at the dead of the night. They reportedly tied up a security guard to a stick before looting the warehouse which was filled with brand new sharp electronic products and some home appliances.

By IFEANYI OKOLIE

hen members of a notorious robbery gang stormed Adebowale wood Industry at Oregun area of Lagos State and burgled a warehouse they carted away electronics worth N35 million; owners of the goods thought they would never recover their goods giving the sophistication of the robbery operation at their warehouse. But it was an irony that as operatives at the Special Anti-

*The Suspects Robbery Squad, SARS, in Lagos, who were on the trail of some suspected stolengoods receivers in far away

Man, 20, in court for raping two teenage sisters By ONOZURE DANIA

20-year-old man, Samuel Olamilekan has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s court for having canal knowledge of two teenagers from one family. The suspect said to be undergoing a pastoral training in one Cherubim and Serafim Church was said to have had canal knowledge of the little girls without their consent. The police prosecutor, Inspector Rachael Williams, told the court that Olamilekan had a vision for the girls that they had unfamiliar spirit (Emere) and asked them to see him so that he can cast out the spirit from them. On getting there, Olamilekan allegedly assaulted the two young girls by beating them with broom and palm tree in order to cast out the unfamiliar spirit in them. Olamilekan was also accused of obtaining the sum of N4,000 from them on the pretext of using it to buy candle to pray for them in order to cast out the unfamiliar spirit finally. Williams said that the suspect committed the said offense on August 25, 2012 at about 10:00pm in the Ikeja area of Lagos.

C M Y K

The defendant whose residential address could not be ascertained as at the time of the arraignment is facing a three-count charge of having canal knowledge, assault and obtaining money. According to Williams, the offense committed contravened section 258(2)

and 170 and punishable under section 258(2), of the criminal law, vol.44 No. 11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011. When the charges were read to him, Olamilekan pleaded not guilty and Magistrate Olagbegi Adelabu ordered the defendant to be remanded in prison custody till further hearing.

I was moved by her dressing — confession of a rapist By DONALD ARJI

30-year-old man, Taoreed Oseni, was over the week, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly sexually assaulting an 18-year old girl, Azeez Titilayo. Oseni who is dark in complexion hails from kwara State. He was alleged to have raped Titilayo in a church toilet at Oshodi, a Lagos suburb. The accused whose residential address is unknown confessed to the court that he was moved by the dressing of his victim. Prosecuting Police Inspector Rachael Williams, told the court that Oseni committed the

offence on July 20. She said the accused sexually assaulted the young girl in a toilet at the Methodist Church, Ogunlende Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi. The accused, she said, forced his way into the toilet without the girl’s consent. The offence, Williams said, is punishable under Section 260 of the Criminal Law No. 11 Vol.44 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011. When the onecount charge of rape was read to him, Oseni pleaded not guilty. Magistrate A.B. OlagbegiAdelabu ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody till September 20.

Onitsha, Anambra State, stumbled on a member of the robbery gang, identified as Chukwuma Ede, while he was trying to sell off the stolen goods, which includes plasma television sets and air conditioner units he was subsequently arrested.

ources at SARS intimated Crime Guard that the police nabbed Ede following information they got from one of the notorious receivers identified as Tony Eze, who they arrested in Onitsha through the aid of one of his drivers who led the police to his hideout. The source who pleaded anonymity said while interrogating Tony whom they suspect receives over 40 percent of stolen goods from Lagos State and other parts of the country in Onitsha, SARS operatives learnt that he was expecting some goods from Lagos as his phone rang persistently. He was asked to pick his calls and tell his caller to meet him at a particular location. The main suspect, Ede, at that time didn’t know that the police had caught up with Tony. He joyfully raced to the spot expecting to meet Tony and exchange the goods for an agreed fee. He was then arrested and the goods were recovered from him. They were swiftly transported back to Lagos for interrogation and in the process, Ede confessed to have taking part in the warehouse robbery and he provided information that assisted the police in arresting two others who took part in the robbery. Crime Guard gathered the robbers who were 10 in number and fully armed with

fter loading the trailer truck with the stolen goods, the bandits were said to have taken a receipt from a drawer and prepared an away bill that will provide easy passage for the goods to their destination. At dawn when some staff of the warehouse resumed work, they were shocked to find their colleague tied to a stick screaming... . He was hurriedly untied and taken to Alausa Police Station, Ikeja, where he reported the case. Crime Guard gathered that after they reported the case at Alausa Police Station, both the detectives and owners of the goods could not give enough information that will assist the police in tracking down the robbers. “ It was difficult at first when the case was newly transferred to us. We were left in the dark because there was little information for us to work on but fortunately, some of our men traveled to Onitsha to look for Tony Eze. He works with a notorious receiver called Obinna who has received over 40 feet 100 containers; he is also wanted by the Federal Special Anti-robbery Squad ( FedSARS). We monitored Eze’s driver until he got to Benin. Our plan was to arrest Eze in Benin. He had asked his driver to come to Onitsha to collect money to repair his vehicle because we had earlier told Eze that the vehicle broke down around the Benin Toll gate. He wasn’t ready to come to Benin. So, one of our men had to dress like a mechanic with our pointer and traveled down to Onitsha where we arrested him. About 30 minutes before his arrest, we got information that one Chukwuma took the electronic products to Onitsha to go and sell and he was still there waiting to collect money before coming back. John Paul Ndubisi and Sunday Eze were later arrested in Lagos.” the source added. While confirming the report , Lagos State Command spokeswoman, Ngozi Braide said the police is on the trail of other members of the gang. She also assured that the arrested suspects will be charged to court at the completion of investigations.

TURD AY 46— SA SATURD TURDA

Vanguard SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

efore we were married, the rows lingered on for much longer because, as we weren’t living together, we didn’t resolve anything. So in some ways, things are better now, although at least before, when we got back together again, the passion was enormous after such a long separation. The only good thing about rowing is the making up. Since marrying Ishmael, my relationship with my mother has

re you stuck on a love train to nowhere? According to psychothrapist, Jill Curtis, there are sings that shows you might be. If you tick three or more of the ones below, you’re advised to get your own train home. So, here goes—and be honest, no one’s looking! 1. You see him Friday or Saturday night. Never the whole weekend. Men in love, or even lust, don’t act like this—their hormones won’t allow it. 2. You’ve never met his family, though he often talks about them. This is just plain cruel. If he wants to keep you and his clan apart for now, fine. But why go on about them? Because he’s using this as a device to say:”This far, no further”. He’s telling you he is capable of intimacy, but he doesn’t want this with you. 3.You think his deep interest in your life-awayC M Y K

improved greatly because I used to have terrible arguments with her, but now I take it out on him instead. “When we’re in the middle of a row, there’s no such thing as rational argument and we very soon forget what we’re arguing about. Some of our fights are incredibly ferocious and we end up tearing each other apart. I wish it didn’t happen so much because it wears me out and sometimes I think I’m going to die because my hearts’s pounding so much.

he other night for instance, we had a row because I’d spent money that

I shouldn’t have. He thinks I’m a bit of a spend thrift. I really pushed him to the limit on this occasion until finally he yelled, Nit’s finishe&’ and walked out of

of the ‘one-chance’ criminal operators, or had been run over by a car and it was all my fault. Before going to work the next day, I left him a note saying how terribly sorry I was, and when

A lot of rows happen because he misinterprets my jokes

the door. I was sure he’d come back as he didn’t take the car. I lay awake an night thinking he’d been a victim

he got back, he rang me at work and said he was terribly sorry too. We’re always quick to apologise and to make up.

Is that partner right for you? from-him is touching, it is not. He’s simply relieved you won’t be hanging around him all the time. 4. It’s Thursday night and you still don’t know if you’re seeing him this weekend. He’s not planning a surprise, he’s keeping his options open. 5.You find yourself telling friends he’s busy or how great it is to have a man who likes his space. Oh, purlees! You’re making excuses.Lie to your friends.Lie to your boss. But never, lie to yourself. 6.A friend asks if he’s married. No, you stammer. Of course, he’s not married. He’s just always busy. 7. He doesn’t take you to a family wedding. He may not want to face that question. But if you’ve been together more than three months-leave. 8. He’s non-committal as

your birthday approaches. He might be planning a surprise bash but then again ... 9.He introduces you as his ‘friend’ 10. You don’t introduce him to your friends because you know they won’t approve. Why not? If he makes you happy, he’ll make them happy too. Face

Don’t allow anger to ruin your relationship

ll couples argue from time to time. As a matter of fact, the idea of this people being permanently sweettempered, never displaying any irrational behaviour smacks of unrealistic happyever-after romantic stories. Of course, the degree of dissent varies from couple to couple—some show only occasional, short-lived hostility, while others live in a world of constant bickering argument and retaliation. Sumba and Ishmael are in their late 30s, and have known each other for 12 years. They went out together briefly when they first met, separated and were then reconciled six years ago. They have been married for five years and have a son. “Ishmael and I quarrelled about very minor things and the arguments always arise out of his obstinacy and my demanding nature”, Sumbo said. She is a civil servant and her husband is an accountant. “My husband says I’m spoilt and he won’t give in because he thinks it’ll make me even worse. “When things are going badly, we argue about three or four times a week. That’s usually because I’m suffering from pre-menstrual tension. There have been a few occasions when he’s hit me but I’ve deserved it every time.

not normal. 12. He lives miles away, but doesn’t encourage you to visit often. Neither does he dissuade you. But he writes the most wonderful letters and phones you up to whisper sexy sweet nothings—when you’re safely back home. 13. He never takes you home after a date. Men worth seeing make sure you get home safety.

Can anything hurt more than being ‘just good friends’ with someone whose clothes you once ripped off

it, you’re not that sure of him. 11. He only phones at night. This can be fun for a while—like having an affair without the guilt. But it is

It’s called consideration, walk away and keep walking. 14. He still sees his exgirlfriend. Even if he’s not sleeping with her, if he can’t let his past go, then he won’t make

A lot of rows happen because he misinterprets my jokes. For instance, after an evening out with friends, I mighty say, in a sarcastic manner, ‘you were very chatty tonight”, and he, actually thinks I’m being serious. Then I have to say: Actually, you weren’t, you were pathetic. And so not surprisingly, we start fighting. I hate to see couples bickering in public, so I never say anything when we’re out—but afterwards, when we’re alone, I can’t help tearing into him. Most of our arguments happen because he thinks I’m trying to make him into someone he isn’t”. “Quarrelling couples tend to follow certain unconscious and unconstructive rules” observed Mercy, a marriage counsellor. “For instance, he or she will take any criticism personally, look for ulterior motive for the attack, agree with nothing said in reply, repeat all prior criticisms, never relent, and if hard-pressed, either cry or storm out. One consequence of such behaviour is that people can’t remember what was said in any coherent fashion because they constantly shift from point to point during a high state of tension and anger. “Even couples who are happy fight—some frequently and ferociously, love invokes passionate feelings and anger may be nothing more than love frustrated. But arguments needn’t be destructive as long as anger, hostility and even rage can be expressed in words and as long as people are willing to listen to each other. At least like this, tension is released, whereas constantly repressing feelings can result in physical and psychological damage. much of a future with you. 15. You hardly have sex now. Can anything hurt more than being ‘just good friends’ with someone whose clothes you once ripped off and want to rip off again? Do you really need another friend? 16. He makes you laugh— all the time. Great. Jokes are fine, but they aren’t conversations. He’s using humour as a barrier to closeness. 17. He hasn’t said he likes you, let alone love you. If this is going anywhere, you’re entitled to at least one. “I missed you,” after a few days apart. 18 He hasn’t introduced you to his best friend. If he really cared about you, he’d be showing you off. 19. When he’s tired, he would rather relax alone than with you. If he says he needs his space, give him plenty of space -leave him.

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 — 47

people to discover and develop their potential is a full experience with several stages that is based on a few key principles. This approach, which comes through the AIESEC Platform, helps to build young people that have the desire and capacity to have a positive impact in society - that is the AIESEC Difference

Email: youthfulvibes@gmail.com

limate Change initiative

With the help of

y motivation to join Aiesec

AIESEC offers you an opportunity to put theory into practice and gain practical international experience. I realized that Aiesec has a great

wealth of experience in developing high-potential youth into globally minded responsible leaders. Thus, it got me thinking and today, I am glad I joined. As a member, I have obtained experience on Sales and Accounts Management to be able to work locally and globally. Also, you become part of an exciting, driven global network. It helps you to be able to contribute to societal change while exploring your own vision for a positive impact on society.

mpacting Young people I have been

able to develop a change in the area of Leadership, which helps a large number of youth both in the network and outside the network to demonstrate integrity. We develop different projects and campaigns to see how we can make the youth voice

•Olumide

Olumide’s story is associated with a student network (Aiesec) that has been in existence in Nigeria for over 50 years. This 25 years old graduate of Statistics from the University of Abuja is occupying several leadership positions and he is making a difference in Nigeria and overseas. He tells Youthful Vibes in this interview about his enthusiasm for sustainable development and his interest in providing support and training for young people on several issues not limited to Environmental issues. Olumide is responsible for the Communications & Public Relations for AIESEC Nigeria.

I have been able to develop a change in the area of Leadership, which helps a large number of youth both in the network and outside the network to demonstrate integrity

heard across Africa. We have an approach which leads to development of young people.The AIESEC approach to enabling young

God and my dedication to selfless service I was able to initiate a project that has positively influenced young. I belong to a group called Nigerian Youth Climate Coalition [NYCC] which I presently serve as the Youth Engagement officer. Prior to this, I was selected to serve as the Information Manager for Africa Youth on Climate Change [AYICC. Through this platform, we have established Green clubs in both secondary and tertiary institutions so as to promote climate change impact mitigation and adaptation. These Green Clubs exist to discover, inspire, develop and connect young people who are

passionate about their environment and also they clear their path in the world by changing the culture of organizations and the direction of policies bothering on the E n v i r o n m e n t . We ’ r e creating a world in which young people have the confidence to lead and everyone understands we need them to. I had the privilege to set up Engaging Naija Youth on Climate Change Project. This is a Climate Change youth communication project that runs in Niger Delta states of Delta, Imo and Ondo states. This was funded by BNRCC/ NEXT. This project involved peer education and Media Advocacy with the establishment of Climate Change school Clubs in the project states. (April – Nov. 2010). We are working tirelessly to launch a Climate Change Book Project. N Y C C i s currently collecting and drafting a climate change book, titled ”Climate Change and Young People in Nigeria: Nigerian Youth see their Future in the Balance”. The overall goal of this book project is to acknowledge works done, inspire and inform more young people while enhancing youth Policy advocacy in Nigeria. Again we want to celebrate young people who are at the Frontier on Climate change in Nigeria. We won’t die silently.

y words for fellow youths

Let them keep the spirit of Leadership on! ‘You must make up your mind what you want out of life. That thing that you have chosen, you must never give up. Whatever your hands and your head find to do: do it with all your might!

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE Omotola Fawunmi Lagos State

t is all about valuesays Omotola

She is passionate about assisting young people to develop Successful Life skills and strategies, and also providing clean toilets in Schools. Having successfully activated youth development platforms since she was aged 16. Omotola Fawunmiâ experience belies her age. A Consultant, Facilitator, Social Advocate and Customer Service Professional, Ms. Fawunmi lives by her personal mantra, it is all about values. Highly inquisitive Omotola started her first job at 15 when she resumed as a Marketing Assistant at DPMS limited a foremost IBM partner, straight out of C M Y K

secondary school in 2000. She worked as personal assistant and successfully managed customers from various regions of Nigeria. In 2002, the increased incidence of juvenile delinquency and teenage pregnancy in her Community,Isheri Osun, Made her initiate a youth Forum KEEP Talking at her parents home where she led 30-50 young people weekly, to discuss youth Issues and use positive peer pressure to minimize the incidence of deviant behavior for over one year. An 11 month ASUU Strike and Omotola’s passion for the media saw her volunteering with the NTA Programmes department working on ONE on ONE TV Programme ,The Morning Ride Breakfast TV Show and ALL NIGHT Long Midnight Show. Motivated by the quest to add value, Omotola has gained invaluable experience, first at the

During her service year, she was actively engaged with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) where she served as a Developmental Knowledge Facilitator and MDG Schedule Officer and conducted Periodic capacity building trainings for 300 Developmental Knowledge Facilitators as well as Training sessions across LGAs in the State.

Obafemi Awolowo University where she coordinated a Human Capital Development conference, for graduating students of the University. In the same year, she also facilitated and initiated Public Speaking trainings for the students in Ife and Lagos. While on mandatory Youth Service in Kogi State, her passion for Social Entrepreneurship caused her to win the coveted NYSC State Award.

n her return from Youth Service, she joined Visible Impact, one of the country’s leading Management Consulting firms as an Associate Consultant and was soon engaged in facilitating training sessions for Entry level staff for clients such as DiamondBank, Oceanic Bank to mention a few. Her Customer Service skills caught the attention of one of our country’s telecommunication firms, Globacom, where she worked as a Customer Service Representative of the organization. Her Public

Speaking experience as well as her eloquent diction caused her to become the Voice for Glomobile Blackberry Helpline (Dial 333,444). In 2010, her love for Social Entrepreneurship caused her to relaunch, Project STRETCH, a social enterprise responsible for the development and deployment of various, youth learning interventions, including Performance Coaching, Life Skills and Leadership trainings at various levels. A consummate Toilet Advocate she desires that every School Child has Available, Decent and Accessible toilets. A 2011 Goldman Sachs Scholar with a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from the prestigious Pan African University, Lagos Nigeria. Ask Omotola what she lives for, she says, it is all about value.

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48—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 — 49

olice IG, Ehindero, doc ked Alleged N55m fraud: Ex-P Ex-Police dock …secures N10m bail BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

ORMER Inspector General of Police, Mr Sunday Ehindero, was yesterday, arraigned before an Abuja High Court over his alleged complicity in the misappropriation of about N557million belonging to the Nigerian Police Force. He pleaded not guilty to a six- count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC. The ex-IGP was docked alongside a former Commissioner of Police in charge of Budget, Mr John Obaniyi. Specifically, the antigraft agency maintained that its investigations revealed that the accused persons, diverted the sum of N300million out of N557million that was donated to the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, by the Bayelsa State Government when President Goodluck Jonathan was

its Governor, adding that the money was traced to a fixed deposit account at Wema Bank Plc where it had already yielded an interest of N9.8 million. Observing that the money was donated for the procurement of arms, ammunition and riot control equipment, ICPC, equally alleged that the accused persons placed another N200 million out of the money in a fixed deposit account at Intercontinental Bank Plc where it has generated an interest of N6.5 million. Though Ehindero piloted the affairs of the Nigerian Police between 2005 and 2007, however, the prosecuting agency said the fraud was perpetuated between May and November 2006. Meanwhile, shortly after the ex-IGP and his alleged accomplice took their plea yesterday, the trial court presided by Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi granted them bail in the sum of N10million each and a surety in like sum, stressing that they

must depose to affidavit of means. The Court ordered that the duo should be remanded in prison custody should they fail to fulfill any of their bail conditions. Besides, the court dismissed as lacking in merit, separate preliminary objections that the accused persons filed through their respective lawyers, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Mr A. S Odariko. Ehindero who yesterday begged the court to allow him to go home on selfrecognition, had insisted that the ICPC lacked the powers to try him over the alleged offence.

Fuel Subsidy: EFCC witness says he can’t confirm payment to oil company & Directors BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH & ONOZURE DANIA

RIAL of two out of those accused to have swindled the Federal Government over the petrol subsidy fund commenced yesterday with

Flood victims increase tto o 4 7 in 47 Niger Statethe 25 local government Shaba stated that all

INNA - The num ber of lives lost in the heavy flooding that has affected 14 local government areas in Niger state have increased to 47, the Director General of Niger state Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Mohammed Shaba disclosed yesterday. Briefing newsmen after the state executive council meeting in Minna yesterday, Shaba stated that the flood has also rendered over 1000 families homeless in 500 communities in all the local government councils in the state. According to him, out of

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areas, 14 were most hit by the flood while the rest were not that affected by the flood. The local government areas affected includes, Mokwa, Lavun, Edati, Katcha, Lapai Agaie, Chanchaga, Bosso Shiroro, Wushishi Munya among other local government areas.

hands are on deck to ensure that there is no more loss of lives as regards to flood in the future because the federal government rice multiplication and production programmes may fail if urgent steps are not taken to revive the rice fields flooded.

Anambra oil controversy: Ohaneze cautions against violence BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

HE Ohaneze Media Forum has called for

L-R : Chairman Fumman Mr. Emmanuel Adeyemi ; Directors Mr. Festus Ajani ; Mr. Olayiwola Adeyemi and Dr, Mrs. Oluwadamilola Matti during the company 2nd AGM in Ibadan, Oyo State.

caution in the on-going debate over the ownership of the oil well recently discovered in Anambra State, to avert any form of violence among the communities interlocked in the dispute. The Forum in a communiqué issued at the end of a one day meeting, signed by the National President, Mr. Peter Anosike, said that great care needs to be taken to forestall any violence as evil-minded politicians may capitalize on this to perpetrate their evil wishes under this guise.

the first Economic and Financial Crimes Commission witness, Mr Wale Adamolekun telling the court that he could not confirm whether the companies were paid subsidy fund or not. Led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, Mr. Adamolekun, the General Manager, Operations of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), told the court presided over by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo

that his agency was set up by the government to ensure that the nation could have a stable price regime for petroleum products. He told the court that all claims tendered by the oil marketers were subjected to thorough verification processes by the PPPRA and other agencies before payments were made by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Two oil marketers,Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Habila Theck, who are directors in Fargo

Petroleum and Gas Limited, are before the court to answer charges bordering on N976.6 million allegedly fraudulently received from the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) payment by the Federal Government. The witness said Fargo was one of the companies given permission to participate in the scheme but said he was not aware if the company had received the N976.7 million subsidy payment

Health workers strike: Minis Ministter er,, striking Union adamant BY CHIOMA OBINNA

HE end to the nation wide indefinite strike called upon by Federal health workers under the auspices of Joint Health Workers Union, JOHESU may not yet be in sight as the representatives of Federal Ministry of Health and the striking unions say “there is no going back on their positions”. While the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu argued that the ministry of health has no power to withdraw the controversial circular, the Lagos State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Ibe Stephen Nwokenta said unless the circular is withdrawn, workers will not return to work. Meanwhile, patients in the various hospitals have continued to suffer. In-

vestigations by Saturday Vanguard revealed that while there was compliance with the directive by JOHESU to embark on indefinite strike, there are still skeletal services offered in some of the Federal-owned hospitals in Lagos yesterday.

The Minister of Health, who spoke while on a working visit to the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Yaba yesterday queried why what he described as illegal skipping of CONHESS 10 must be sustained.

Senate summons Maku over ‘unguarded statement’ BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja

HOUGH the presi dency may have softpedaled by stepping down on the introduction of the N5,000 note by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the Senate is poised for yet another battle with the Executive by summoning the Minister of Information, Mr. Labran Maku to defend what it termed

his embarassing comments. The Senate, not comfortable with what it termed unguarded Statement by the Minister while reacting to the position of the lawmakers, the upper chamber has asked him to appear before the Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe-led Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs on Tuesday.

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52—SATURDAY

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—53

54—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

Fuel scarcity hits Lagos BY CHARLES ADINGUPU

Ikorodu Axis

As at last Sunday evening, virtually a handful of filling stations were sighted dispensing the product to motorists. But in Owode, Ajegunle, prospective buyers were disappointed as the filling stations in the area were closed to customers. A teenager who identified himself as Nnamdi expressed surprise at the sudden scarcity of fuel in the area and wondered if the situation was the same in the entire Lagos metropolis. “My uncle sent me to buy fifteen litres of fuel to power our generator as we cannot store the product but all the filling stations were closed, not even the NNPC filling station at Novel drugs bus stop was opened to customers,” Nnamdi said. Like the Nnamdi, other teenagers and adults alike were seen clutching different sizes of jerry cans searching for the product to power their generator as the community has been plunged into perpetual darkness for almost three

The perennial fuel scarcity which seems intractable virtually in most states of the country hit Lagos last Sunday evening. The fuel crisis which appears domiciled in Abuja, the nation’s capital, sneaked into Lagos like a thief. The situation almost paralysed social economic life of Lagosians. As at last Sunday when the scarcity began, motorists and commuters were taken unawares about the imminent scarcity of the essential product.

ROM the mainland to the highland, it was a tale of woes as most filling stations were shut to customers. Though, fuel attendants were seen standing on-guard at their duty post but not dispensing the product. Though, the major cause of the partial scarcity is still shrouded in heresies. But the acting spokesman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Fidel Pepple, blamed the situation on the damaged corporation’s pipeline by oil vandals at Arepo in Ogun State. The NNPC spokesperson stated that the corporation is yet to fix the damaged pipeline following the killing of some of their officers by suspected bunkers deployed to effect repairs. This development, Pepple said compelled the corporation to bridge products by trucks as against the pipeline. But beyond this explanation, speculations were rife that the situation may degenerate as most major oil marketers refused to import fuel following the subsidy claims controversy they were embroiled in with the federal government. However, in Lagos, none of the filling stations’ managers were willing to comment on the situation. As at Monday morning, it has become glaring to Lagosians again, that the battle for fuel has began in earnest as the usual long queues were noticed at most filling stations that agreed to dispense the product.

As at Monday morning, it has become glaring to Lagosians again, that the battle for fuel has began in earnest as the usual long queues were noticed at most filling stations that agreed to dispense the product

months. As at Monday morning, the situation assumed a different dimension as all the filling stations in Ikorodu axis were shut. Again, the fuel attendants were on guard but not on duty. By Tuesday, only few filling stations agreed to sell to customers while others maintained their hard stance ostensibly for pecuniary reasons. Ikorodu residents had to journey to Maryland and Anthony before they could get fuel to buy. Saturday Vanguard investigations showed that the few filling stations which dispensed fuel only had just one

or two of their pumping machines working while customers groaned under long queues. Beside, the attendants were requesting for pecks before fuel would be sold to anyone buyer. A motorist who refused to part with some amount of money aside the cost of the litre of fuel purchased was not attended to. The young man who later identified himself simply as Bode, wondered why the extra payment. “If they (Federal government or oil marketers) want to increase the pump price of fuel why not do it instead of this under-hand dealings,” he said.

According to investigations, the amount of money requested for as gratifications depends largely on the litres of fuel bought. For 20 to 50 litres of fuel, customers were expected to pay N200) as pecks. But for 50 litres and above, the sum of N300 is requested as pecks. The fuel attendants made more money from those buying with jerry cans. Apart from the filling station at Palm Groove in Onipan, the other filling stations along the Ikorodu axis were under lock and key as at last Thursday. However, as at yesterday, Friday, some of the filling stations have stated dispensing the product with caution as only two pumping machines were functional.

Surulere

At Ojuelegba, the filling stations were completely closed. But feelers showed that they were operational at night. Some of the fuel attendants declined comment. But a security officer to one of the filling station who refused to keep sealed lips disclosed to Saturday Vanguard that they dispensed fuel only in

the evenings at extra cost to the consumers. However, at Lawson, the filling stations were selling fuel at N130 per litre. Though, they did not adjust their machines, but the cost was calculated with biro and paper. A visibly angry fuel attendant responded this way when queried why the sudden jerk in the pump price of fuel. “Oga nobody is forcing anybody to buy at this rate. If you have a choice, then, go there and let us be,” he said. A young man who gave his names as Justin Nwafor, said the case of those buying in jerry cans are even worse as they were forced to buy at the rates of between N140 and N150 per litre. “I operate a business centre and need fuel to power my generator. I don’t know how much to charge for a page of photo-copy if I buy a litre of fuel at N140, he queried. Yet another angry buyer on the queue who gave his name as Innocent urged the government to be transparent in its dealings

Continues on page 55

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—55

Marketers hold the nation to ransom BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

ing economic pain and social hardship. “At a point, they were only selling to people with Jerry cans who then go and sell at black market at high cost, leaving those with vehicles because who refused to tip them.” The subsidy claims dispute has not been put to rest. President of Nigeria Union of

Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Comrade Igwe Achese had said in an address recently that if the government is sincere in its subsidy payment, without having any selfish agemda, why are they not fully implementing the findings of the adhoc committee on subsidy set up by the House of Representatives. He had called on the Minister of Finance to pay

all outstanding subsidy payments to the NNPC and the private depot owners, who are being asked by the same government to import fuel. “That is why we are asking the minister, on the rationale behind the selective payments of the subsidy claims, if her hands are clean,” Achese said. Recurring fuel crisis has exposed the rot and corruption in the oil sector whereby refineries are not working and no serious efforts to build new ones. NUPENG had expressed its dissatisfaction on the state of the refineries in the country and requested to know whether the Turn-Around-Maintenance of the refineries will commence as schedule. Lack of efficient working refineries is a major cause of fuel scarcity. Yet Nigerian security forces go about destroying refineries built by local ingenuity in the creeks calling them “illegal refineries.” How long will it take to build new working refineries? Modern refineries won’t take more than a year to build if there is the will to do so. An energy analyst, Mr. Galtiman Liman in a television programme during the week, said the Federal Government has put itself in a weak position in the oil sector as gas, oil are critical to the economy. Unless the issues are strategically tackled, the fuel crisis will continue to linger for a long time. “The first concern is for President Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in the oil sector. There is need for sanity. There should be a strategic plan to address, structural deficiencies like old pipelines, lack of efficient refineries.”

filling stations throughout the week sold fuel at no additional cost. A motorist who ply the Lekki, Ajah axis and would not want his name in print, said that when abnormal situation is normal, one has to watch it as there might be a foul play somewhere. “That the filling station attendants were not asking for pecks like their contemporaries at the Mainland does not mean that all is well. But how can you be so sure that the 10 litre fuel dispensed in your car is actually 10 litres. We all know these things but choose to ignore them. It could be possible that the quantity of fuel sold here may likely not correspond with the amount of money purchased. So, one needs to be careful, he said. However, as at yesterday afternoon, the long queues noticed at some of the filling stations have started disappearing. But investigations showed that most of the filling stations operate at minimum hours.

Apapa area The industrial layout,Apapa has its share of pain when the fuel scarcity began last Monday. Most filling stations were shut. But the day after, some started to resume operation but not in full capacity as only two pumping machines dispensed fuel to the long queue of motorists anxiously waiting to buy the product. From Wharf to Mile 2 only two filling stations were seen dispensing fuel to motorists and other buyers with jerry cans. Not even the filling station adjacent to Berger Yard sold fuel all through the week. Orile, Badagry The situation was not better either in these localities as filling stations in Orile down to Mile 2 indulged in the same sharp practice of dispensing the product with just two pumping machines. Saturday Vanguard investigations showed that the situation was entirely different on the first day of the scarcity.

The filling stations were closed. But on the third day, skeletal services were rendered to customers but not without parting with a token to the attendants. At Festac, Okomaiko, down to Agbara, the story was not different either as motorists and other users of the product groaned under the yoke of the partial scarcity of fuel. Ironically in Badagry, the product was readily available but at N140 per litre. The filling stations were opened to customers but dispensed fuel at outrageous price per litre. However, a general survey by SaturdayVanguardshowedthatfuel crisis situation is gradually returning to normal. But filling station owners who still harbor the fear of sudden increaseinpumppriceoftheproduct seem adamant in running their stationsinfullcapacity.Thereisevery likelihood that the situation may improve today if report reaching the press, that the federal government has put machinery in motion to check the menace.

•Deziani Madueke

•Okonjo-Iwueala Afam was furious, saying he has spent over four hours at the filing station waiting to buy fuel. “The petrol attendants just switched off the pumps and told us there is no fuel. But we know there is fuel. They are trying to see whether the crisis will persist longer so that they will sell at exhorbitant rate. Suddenly, two trucks arrived loaded with petrol. So they were compelled to start selling.” Another motorist, a woman who refused to disclose her name, wondered why an oil producing country like Nigeria should be subjecting her citizens to incessant fuel scarcity caus-

•Jonathan

NCE again, like a re curring decimal, the nation faced another bouts of fuel scarcity as Lagos and other south-west states got their douse during the week. Since Monday, the people of Lagos had been experiencing fuel scarcity with long queues of motorists, motor-cycle and Tricycle commercial operators at the filling stations waiting almost endlessly to buy petrol to no avail. This situation led to the emergence of black market petrol traders selling as much as between N200 and N250 per litre as against the official pump price of N97. NNPC mega stations were also hit by the fuel scarcity. Investigation showed that in other South-West states of Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Ekiti, petrol was sold at over N150 per litre in the major towns. The East, the story is same, as a litre of fuel is sold between N250 and N300. Virtually major streets of urban centres, and highways across the nation have become sale points for black market operators who are mainly housewives with babies strapped on their back, children, boys and girls hawking jerry cans of between 4-5 litres of fuel selling at arbitrary prices to desperate and stranded motorists. A commercial bus operator who identified himself as Funsho said he slept at the filling station in Agbara before it got fuel to buy petrol at N120 per litre as against the official rate of N97. An accountant with a private company in Ikeja, Mr. Timothy

Recurring fuel crisis has exposed the rot and corruption in the oil sector whereby refineries are not working and no serious efforts to build new ones

Fuel scarcity hits Lagos Continued from page 54 with the citizens. “It the federal government want to withdraw subsidy completely from petroleum product, let them come out and say so instead of this shoddy dealings marketers indulge in. Nigerians are already confused because marketers and federal government were busy trading blames while the masses suffer. Only God knows whose interest those behind this current scarcity are serving,” he said. Other suburbs tucked in Surulere, the story is the same as all the filling stations visited were hoarding the product. Island, Lekki, and Ajah Although the situation at Island became pronounced on Tuesday as the filling stations at Awolowo Way and environs were shut but by the next day, Wednesday, some were opened to customers, again, with just four out of the ten pumping machines dispensing fuel. A banker who gave his name as Demiji, said he left his car at his office for fear that his fuel

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tank may run dry on his way home. Demiji who blamed the partial fuel scarcity in Lagos on marketers who want to maximize profit, lamented that the regulatory agency saddled with responsibility of ensuring that fuel is dispensed and sold at appropriate price seems to abandoned their duty. Hence, all these illegalities by these filling stations. “Who will check them? They have fuel but sell whenever they are ready to do so. Often times, they engaged in this sharp practice whenever they anticipate increment in pump price of fuel by the federal government in order to make outrageous profit,” he said. As at yesterday, all but the NNPC Mega filling station at the Island was consistent in dispensing fuel to motorists without gratifications. But at the Lekki, Ajah axis, virtually all the filling stations in these vicinity were operational on full time. Available report states that

Fuel scarcity:

Vandals hold Nigeria hostage H

is voice rang heavily through the tape showing his anger not only on the way government is handling the subsidy issue with the marketers but on how some militants, ambushed and killed some oil workers who had gone to the Atlas cove to effect repairs on the damaged pipelines causing the current fuel scarcity in most part of the country. Reverend (Comrade) Folorunsho Oginni, the Lagos Zonal Chairman of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association, PENGASSAN in this interview with Ishola Balogun says vandals have taken over Arepo, Atlas cove, making it difficult to re-distribute petroleum products to other parts of the country, just as he laments government relationship with the oil marketers on subsidy payment. The Comrade who is also the Vicar of St. John’s Anglican Church, Aboru, Ipaja, Lagos State says: “It is because subsidy is convenient for some people, that is why they have refused to build refineries and frustrating all the moves. We don’t have any business talking about subsidy.” Enjoy excerpt of the interview.

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN Most Nigerians thought we have banished the issue of fuel scarcity in this country, what is the cause of the currentscarcity? The current problem we are facing on fuel scarcity is as a result of two major factors. The first one is the inability of government to come to terms with the modus operandi with the marketers on how they will continue to pay the so-called subsidy; and if they don’t want to pay, how they will continue to import without any hitch. The second factor is basically as a result of the vandalism that took place at Arepo, Ogun state where the pipelines that connect the Atlas cove to Mosinmi were vandalised last week. The NNPC deemed it necessary to commence repair on the damaged pipelines. And engineers got there to effect the repairs, unfortunately, they were ambushed by the vandals/ militants and at that point five of our members were shot. As we speak, corpses of three of them have not been retrieved. Their details are not known yet. To make it more difficult, the area is a swampy area and that makes it impenetrable. You know how mangrove areas used to be, if you are at a place, you may not see what is happening about five meters away. So, when they got there to effect repairs, these vandals opened fire on them, many of our people got burnt. We lost two managers and some of our members. It becomes practically impossible to pump fuel from Atlas cove to Mosinmi, and you know that Mosinmi feeds almost half of this country. The reason being that it is Atlas cove that can accommodate big vessels that come from abroad. Many of them cannot get to Apapa jetty because of the depth of the water there. So, when they get to Atlas cove, they discharge their products to Mosinmi for onward distribution to tank farms in Apapa, Ore, Ejigbo as well as Ibadan. These areas will begin to feed other axis of the country. From the products that get to Ilorin, Ilorin distributes to the North. That is aside from the fact that on

that can destabilise the whole nation happen. Imagine Lagos, the commercial nerve center running into this problem, if this persists for two to three weeks, it will affect our economy. But is there any attempt now to get the pipelines repaired after the last incident in which you lost some of your men, so

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56—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

As we speak, all those facilities have now been grounded. Nobody has got the gut again to go there. We are talking of people that are heavily armed, they are militants, they have taken the place as their territory. It is unfortunate that we don’t have enough security that could have confronted these people. It is unfortunate

as to bring the situation under control? Yes! Like I told you, we know that government is already making some moves, but we don’t know the details of what they are doing because it borders on security. I know government is making moves, but we don’t know what and how. But as I told you, the place is highly militarised by these vandals.

•Rev. Folorunsho Oginni

daily basis, Mosinmi too handles a lot of tankers that come from the East. As we speak, all those facilities have now been grounded. Nobody has got the gut again to go there. We are talking of people that are heavily armed, they are militants, they have taken the place as their territory. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the security that could have confronted these people. It is very unfortunate. What is government doing to combat these vandals and to protect the pipelines? As you know, government many a times would not want to come out to discuss issues of security or expose their

strategies to the public, we are not talking of burglars and pick-pockets; we are talking about strong syndicates that are ready and heavily armed. Those who managed to escape gave the description of the ammunition that these vandals paraded; I don’t think our Policemen have that kind of ammunition. So, I know government will not discuss that because the vandals also will be expecting reaction from them. But I can assure you it has been reported to appropriate quarters, both the state and the Federal governments are aware of what happened. I believe that no government will fold its arms watching this level of atrocities

known what happened to their people because they don’t want to tell them that they are dead, because if they are dead, the question is ‘where are their. corpses’? We are very concerned because as a union, they are part and parcel of us. The NNPC was reported to have pumped in some litres

This is not the first time...(cut in) About three years ago, our people went there to effect repairs of this nature, they didn’t shoot that time, but what they did was that there were petrol flowing on the water already, they allowed our people to go under to effect repairs. As soon as they went under the waters with all their equipments to make the repairs, they just put fire and everywhere was burning. By the time our men realised what was going on, and attempted to come out, they were in flames and many of them were flown abroad already dead. More than half of them lost their lives in that incident. That is why I say that they are already grounded in that area, except government act very fast and do something to stop the tide. What are the names of those who lost their lives in that incident? For security reason, we cannot release their names even the management of NNPC would not want to do that now. Some of the families have not even

of fuel to depots to assuage the pains caused by this scarcity, how far will this go? With what we see today (Wednesday) you will agree with me that it was lot better than what you saw on Sunday and Monday. A sizable number of filling stations have gotten supply and you can see that the queues are getting tinnier. If it is not 100 per cent as it used to be, we are at a point that there is no need for panic. A lot of tankers are being deployed to Lagos on daily basis to lift fuel. We know it is not only Lagos, the problem is the same in the North, East and South; it is just that we believe Lagos is very strategic. On the first issue of Marketers, until government of this country heed the call that there is a need to build refineries, there is a need for our refineries to begin to work optimally, we will continue to have this problem. As I speak to you, if the four refineries are working to capacity, they will be producing 18.2million liters per day; but today, we are consuming 32.8million litres per day. That is a very big gap. The most unfortunate thing is that none of these refineries can produce even up to 30 per cent capacity. What it means is that we are producing far less than 18.2million capacity they were installed. If we don’t solve the problem of building more refineries, or repairing the existing ones and make them function to installed capacity, this problem will be a recurrent decimal.

SA TURD A Y Vanguard SATURD TURDA anguard,,

wo of the 13 governor ship candidates regis tered by the Independent National Electoral Commission have been engaging in intensive political campaigns to cajole the electorates with trailer loads of unbroken promises. But as these aspirants lead their soldiers to the battle field against their unnumbered foes, tantrums were hurled at one another, accusations and counter accusations were made and cleared simultaneously, all apparently to out do one another. At Akure, the Ondo State capital, the atmosphere is charged as both the politicians and indigenes are waiting anxiously for October 20. Invariably, all the contending political parties aligned with their candidates chosen to fly the banner of their parties until every foe is vanquished. Thus far, only four parties and their candidates stood out in the crowd. These are the incumbent governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); and former national president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Olusola Oke, flag-bearer of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and Legal Adviser to the party and Mr. Soji Ehinlanwo of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). A casual perusal of the personalities of the parties’ flagbearers showed that while the likes of Chief Olusola Oke of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) will ride on the popularity of his party due to its national spread, the like of Soji who refused to be described as a neophytes into the troubled fishing waters of Ondo politics, ostensibly pride himself as a chip of the old block. He may garner support from his father popularity who is a Senator. Despite his 13 years sojourn in the United Kingdom, the CPC flagbearer displayed un-

ONDO GUBER POLLS:

A battle of wit and might

zMimiko

z Oke

z Akeredolu

Again the trumpet call obey as the people of Ondo are set to march to the poll to decide who to lead them. Barely a month to the governorship election, the interplay of horse trading, brickbat, gangsterism and cross carpeting the hall marks of Nigerian politics have become a common place in the political life of the people who wait anxiously for October 20, the D-day. questionable knowledge of the happenings in Ondo State. Aside these two contenders gunning for the exalted seat of Ondo, the battle line seems drawn between the erstwhile national president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Akeredolu of the ACN and the incumbent governor, Dr. Mimiko of the Labour Party. For political observers, it’s a battle of wit as ACN appears battle ready to clinch what remains in the South West states. The party has deployed all its arsenals to Ondo ostensibly to complete its assignment

BY CHARLES ADINGUPU

SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—57

But as these aspirants lead their soldiers to the battle field against their unnumbered foes, tantrums were hurled at one another

of making the South West a true ACN zone. ut as the saying goes, it is hard to defeat a man in his own house. Hence, the battle to remove Dr. Olusegun Mimiko by the opposition parties will no doubt be a herculean task. The medical Doctor who has ruled the state for three and half years has made some significant strides despite the political gimmicks against his administration. But, if however the ACN succeeded in sacking the incumbent, then it’s sure going to be a plus for the party. It will be a miscalculation if incumbency factor is jettisoned in political permutations. Though, it is wise to note that the renowned Lawyer and Senior Advocate at that, has

horned his skills in political matters after he mounted the saddle of the NBA for years. Additionally, the ACN “do or die” posture and the popularity of the party combined to make a big plus for Mr. Akeredolu. Aside this academic acrobatic political jingoism between the two outstanding governorship aspirants, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, the names of the latter sounds more like it. Let us weigh and size them both, the name Oluwarotimi Akeredolu sounds heavier and fills the mouth than that of his opponents. ut ironically, names are not deciding factors in winning political elections in Nigeria even if the incumbent governor ’s names will be called with effortless ease. Barring all hitches, the Independent National Electoral Commission ((INEC) in the state seems prepared for the task ahead. The state Residential Electoral Commission (REC), Mr. Akin Orebiyi disclosed during the week that only 55 persons requested the transfer of their voters’ cards from intra and inter states. Oreb i y i z Jega w h o

made this disclosure during a stakeholders meeting in Akure, said that 30 persons had requested the transfer of their voters’ cards to Ondo State, adding that 25 persons requested transfer of their voters’ cards within the state. He said the commission is working assiduously on how to conduct the freest and fairest election in the state. The Resident Commission stated that the Ondo election remains a test case towards the preparation of the general election billed for 2015. According to him, the out come of the October 20 poll would justify the credibility of the electoral body in its preparation for the 2015 federal elections. rebiyi, however, as sured the people of Ondo State that the commission has effected errors recorded before last year’s elections. Despite the perfectionists stance by INEC, the Accord Party, last Wednesday, dragged the commission to the Federal High Court over its refusal to accredit it for the election. The party said the names of its governorship candidate, Oluwale Ojo James and his running mate Olajenyo Atuunnoko are missing among other 13 governorship candidates that will participate in the election. Apart from this, no other accusation or allegation has been recorded against the umpire, INEC as the electorates still juggles with their decisions over who will lead them to Jerusalem come October 20, 2012. It will not be out of place to deduce that virtually all Nigerians shave stake in the Ondo guber polls. While it will be a plus plus for INEC if all go well, after the successful completion of Edo State governorship election a neighbouring state, the Labour Party has much more to cry for if the opportunity of retaining the power slipped by. For LP, Ondo State remains the only child. Also, for the ACN, victory for them, has completed their superiority against the popular PDP in the South West. And for Nigerians, a successful guber polls, free of rancours as untoward violence and litigation thereafter means attainment of political maturity.

58—SA TURD A Y Vanguard 58—SATURD TURDA anguard,,

SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

There’s no room for violence in Ondo politics

Mr Akin Adaramola, DG,Gov Mimiko’s Campaign

—Mimiko’s campaign DG

Akin Adaramola BY CHIOMA GABRIEL

The Director General Of Dr Olusegun Mimiko’s Campaign Mr Akin Adaramola, former Head of Service in Ondo State and now Commissioner for Ecoou have been appointed nomic Planning however assured that Governor Mimiko's catalogue of the DG of Governor Mimi- achievements remain the springboard that will bounce him back to power at ko’s campaign, how do you intend the end of the October 20 guber polls. to tackle this challenge.

witnessing. Because the headship of the present administration does not believe in violence, he is a man of God and he has demonstrated that always. And now we see everybody joining in our volunteer scheme where we have provided jobs for over 10,000 youths. So those people that usually foment trouble are now fully engaged. We have those directing traffic among other jobs that have been created for them. The governor has vowed to do everything within his power to ensure our people live in a peaceful atmosphere. And may be because our opposition don’t have anything to tell the people, they now make the issue of thuggery a campaign issue or may be their strategy, and it will not work for them. We are already contacting the security agencies in the state. We know what the state has gone through in the past years and we can’t allow anybody to breach the peace that we have enjoyed in the state, in the past 3½ years. So those people who are now throwing stones at Ondo State from their own states, we know them and we are not going to close our eyes and allow them to destroy our state. I know our people will not allow foreigners to destroy their own heritage. But one thing is clear, you cannot force yourself on the people. In a civilized world, when you campaign, you tell the people what you can do, what you want to do, what you have the capacity to do and on the basis of that they will now compare, they will vote for anybody with better programmes, it should be the same for the people of Ondo State and let the people now judge which is better between what they have seen and what is just being promised them.

So the issue of peace is very germane and we thank God for the peace that we have enjoyed in the last 3½ years. You said Mimiko has done so much in the last three and half years, what has he done to tackle unemployment in the state Governor Mimiko has done so much in the area of job creation and still doing more because he realized that this is one area that must be tackled headlong. He believes that we must creatively engage our youths if we want to take them off the streets. To do this, we need to generate mass employment. For him, the most cred-

No doubt, it’s a big challenge, but with God, nothing is impossible. I am happy I am working with a team of politicians who understand the terrain. They are the best you can assemble for a task like this and by the grace of God, we shall deliver on our promises. We are happy that we are working for a tested and credible candidate. We also give glory to God that there are so much work that he has done which we are going to sell his candidature with. We are showcasing the achievements that have been recorded in the last three and a half years in all sectors of the economy which will now form the basis for asking the people for a fresh mandate because we know they will want the good works to continue. A pocket of crisis erupted shortly after the primaries of the three major political parties, what is your organization doing to prevent this in the course of the campaign. Thank you very much, all the transformation the people are witnessing in the state is mainly as a result of the peaceful atmosphere in the state. Talk about either urban renewal, Mega School or other things, were as a result of the peaceful environment. If there is no peace nobody will be talking about development, all attention will be focused on achieving a peaceful atmosphere and we want to give God the glory that in the last 3½ years at least people can compare what the situation was before Governor Mimiko came on board, and also what they have enjoyed in the last 3½ years. Before he came on board, we know how people were being terrorized by thugs but we thank God for the leadership provided by Governor Mimiko, this is to show that once the head is good, the whole of the body will be good and that is what we are

tem. At the last count, we have engaged about a thousand and we are still engaging depending on the availability of funds and our perception of the areas of need. The Governor’s intention is to be able to create the top management force that will drive the economy that we are building.

The government of Dr. Mimiko provided them with modern accommodation and the machines that will drive mechanised farming

ible route is to leverage on areas where we have relative advantage. Because we have fertile land and incredible range of vegetation here, we thought agriculture was one primary area where we can engage the youth massively in, not in the routine or conventional salaried employment. We want to encourage our youths to get engaged in productive agriculture, and that is what we have done. Mimiko has put in place three Agro Business Cities which are essentially patterned, though modified

a bit, after the old farm settlement scheme in the old western region. The first of our farm cities in Ore for example, was designed to make farming attractive, acceptable and comfortable for graduates. The government of Dr Mimiko provided them with modern accommodation and the machines that will drive mechanized farming. Under a participant owner scheme they were given all the inputs; land preparation, seedlings, chemicals and all of that to them and whatever profit they make in the scheme will ultimately be their own. The government also amortized its investments over time so that they can start getting good results. Like I said, we have built three; at full capacity we expect these to employ at least three thousand youths. Number two, we also know that ICT and renewable energy are two other areas where we can get a lot of youth gainfully employed. And under Mimiko’s Tech View project, a set of young men and women have been trained in renewable energy- how to assemble inverter, do solar power audit etc. and all of them are gainfully engaged now. Of course we’ve also tried to renew our capacity in the civil service because for more than six years before Governor Mimiko’s administration, there was a sort of embargo on employment. So when you look at our structure in the civil service, it is an inverted pyramid. We have a lot of people up there and at the base of the pyramid, because we haven’t been employing for some time, we have only a few people. So we are deliberately bringing in young people especially in the areas of critical need. We have engaged new engineers, quantity surveyors, architects, doctors, lawyers and some administrators into the sys-

hat has the government done to engage the youths who could not be directly engaged in the civil service. We also started what we call the volunteer scheme. The programme is three years old now and the whole idea is to get a lot of our young men and women away from the streets, from desperation and the precipice. We get them gainfully engaged. When we got them on board, we did not just bring them in and give them hoes and cutlasses; we trained them. Those people you see directing our traffic are part of our volunteer scheme. They were trained in the Police College and then gainfully engaged. We trained some of them in ICT and community engagement and they are the people we call community change agents that we deploy under our integrated community development programme we called the three I’s initiative. We trained some of them as environmental officers and they are engaged in very many areas of our economy. Again, that is a way of mopping up the excess resource in the economy that is begging for useful engagement and Mimiko has promised to continue to look for creative ways of engaging our young men and women because it is big challenge. What has been done so far in the area of industrialization? As we grow the economy, we also deliberately craft our industrial policy to be mass employment focused. I give you an example. The tomato factory at Arigidi Akoko fits classically into our industrial development paradigm. One, it is agro-based so, the raw materials are there. Two, it also creates a lot of indirect engagement throughout-growers scheme, so apart from those working in the factory, there will be like a thousand out growers who will be feeding the factory. The administration had already brought Israeli experts who have trained the first five hundred of these out growers. Soon the second batch of 500 will be trained too. It also has a backward integration that will further engage quite a number of our people. That is the type of industrial development we are trying to engender to grow our economy and engage our young ones.

he bane of industrial development in Ondo State like every other state is power. When you go round the state, you’ll see that most of the old industries are down because they are no longer competitive due to the cost of power. So we are trying to solve the problem of power in a multi faceted way. First, we know that geography favours us in Ore because the Lagos-Escravos gasline passes through Ore.

SA TURD A Y Vanguard SATURD TURDA anguard,,

SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—59

Ondo is bereft of social amenities — Ehinlanwo MOSES NOSIKE

ount down to the governorship election in Ondo state, a chip of the old block has emerged. Soji Ehinlanwo is not a neophyte in the troubled waters of Nigeria’s politics despite his 13 years sojourn in the United Kingdom. Disturbed by what he called the dwindling fortunes of the state, he has vowed to occupy the government house via the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in order to bring transformation which the state urgently needs. Excerpts: What informed your decision to join politics? I left Nigeria for the UK in 1996 and came back in 2009. Each time I visited my home in Ondo state, I observed that no significant changes have been recorded particularly in remote areas for almost 13 years I’ve been away. When I juxtaposed the squalor, poverty and almost complete lack of social infrastructures that I saw with the standard of living and level of social infrastructures in the places where I lived in Europe, I always feel sad. I was even more depressed when I considered the resources available to our state and all the missed opportunities to deploy this for the transformation of lives of the generality of our people. It was this state of affairs that influenced my decision to join politics in 2007. I just feel that things must change and but this can’t happen if I shy away from helping to correct this anomaly. This, therefore, was my motivation for

joining politics. I have been politicking for over five years, but then, given my passion for politics since my student days, I could as well say that I have been in politics in all my life. Why did you leave Labour Party for CPC? When I decided to join the Labour Party as well as back the Governorship bid of the incumbent, I genuinely thought, along with others, that the Labour Party could be used as a strong vehicle for a rapid and remarkable transformation of our state. It was also this thought process that influenced my wanting to represent Ilaje /Ese-Odo Federal constituency on the platform of the same Labour Party at the House of Representatives in 2011. But the confidence that I and many others had was soon revealed to be misplaced as this government gradually drifted and began to lose focus. Internal party democracy was jettisoned for the supremacy of the will of one man. There was also a loss of direction and drive in terms of the totality of the action needed and urgency involved in the formulation and implementation of wide ranging and holistic programmes that could have dramatically transformed the state and make it the envy of others. Soon, it became clear that the government had lost the plot in terms of the delivery of development programmes for the state. In the light of these failures, I did not believe that the best interests of the state were being

served by the Labour government and could not in all good conscience continue to identify with the Labour Party. It was a moral and ideological issue for me. After examining all the parties, I was convinced that the CPC is the best platform for me to push, along with others, the agenda of massive, rapid and meaningful transformation of our dear state. Why should the people of Ondo cast their votes for you? With all sense of modesty, my party and I are best suited to achieve the kind of transformational change which the state urgently needs at this point in time. As an individual, I have acquired such excellent experience of delivering massive public and private sector transformational change in some of the most advanced, social and economic environments coupled with a sound knowledge of the state and its people which I believe will help me in delivering effectively. I am well placed to harness numerous contacts at home and abroad for generating and bringing in considerable investments into our state. At 47, I believe I possess the agility, schools across all the nooks and sufficient insight and have crannies of the state. So, with my pedigree and our acquired the necessary experience and exposure needed vision for Ondo state, we believe to take decisions that will help to that our people will be more ensure a dramatic change in the than happy to vote for us. How strong do you think fortunes of our people across gender, age, generational and your chances are in the contest? other social divides. Very bright! The feedback that I We have developed a Four Point agenda which represent am getting is that people see my our main thrust; aside other entry into the race as some real simultaneous plans that will help breath of fresh air. And generally, expedite the radical people see our party as the one transformation of our state within without any baggage and most our term in office if I am elected. suited to governing Ondo state This four point plan include, the and providing that change that enhancement of the education our people so earnestly desire. system through the provision of Given their recent and current highly qualitative, free, functional experience, our people are now and accessible education for clamouring for visionary and school age children up to dynamic leadership for the state Secondary school certificate level. and they are excited about my This will include equipping the entry into the race because they schools with the modern (ICT) believe I am the one of all the facilities as well as the complete aspirants best able to deliver refurbishing of old and dilapidated these leadership aspirations for our dear state.

A hole in the heart:

Ayoola Israel needs N2m to survive BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

T was difficult consoling Mr. and Mrs. Toriola Akin as they narrated the condition of their only son Ayoola Israel who is said to have a hole in his heart and require not less than N2million for a surgery in India urgently. Both parents who stormed Vanguard premises few days ago cried for help from well meaning Nigerians to save the life of their only son. According to Mr. and Mrs.

Toriola, the 15-month old baby was recently discovered to have a hole in his heart after several diagnoses following persistent illness and intermittent respiratory disorder which affected his growth. Mrs. Toriola, a tailor, otherwise known as fashion designer in Ejigbo who could not hold back tears narrated how it started. “We began to suspect that something is wrong with him when he was three months. We went to the hospital at Isolo and we began to run series of tests.” Later, I was again referred to LUTH, I saw Dr. Okoromah, he prescribed

Israel some tests like Echo, ECG and others. I eventually did the Echo at Gbagada. The tests however revealed that he had a hole in his heart and a surgery will have to be done in India. It was also discovered

he has his heart on the right side. If you touch is right chest, you will notice how it is beating,”she stated. According to her, that was not the real problem, but the hole could shortened his life and that is why they have to urgently provide the sum for the surgery. “It is strange to me to have the heart on the right side but doctors said it is possible and one of the few cases recorded in birth. But the major problem is the hole in his heart and we were told to provide N2million for the surgery in India. We want Nigerians to help us; we want government also to come to our aid. This is our first-born and our

•Soji Ehinlanwo How true is it that you are banking on your father’s support base to give you an edge during the primaries? My Father has served his people and his country well. He has his admirers. With all modesty, as a smart politician, it will be foolhardy of me if I did not attempt to exploit these links and support to promote our grand vision of making Ondo state rise again. But, in addition, having participated in politics for a while, I have also built my own support base capable of engendering a real paradigm shift in the service of our people. So, I am also going to harness this significant support base. Finally, we are also going to mobilise the large number of Ondo state indigenes who obviously see the big difference we represent via our transformational change agenda and align with us.

only child for now,” she said. The father, Mr. Toriola, an Electrician said, the family has been passing through difficult times to ensure that all the medical tests prescribed by doctors were carried out in spite of his megre income. He stated that the little he gets from his irregular job could barely make up for the tests let alone providing the huge sum for the surgery. “Nobody or family member has come to our aid. We have spent the much we get from our work for various tests to enure we solve this problem. Things have been very difficult for us. We really don’t know how to raise the money, we cannot afford the bill, I have never seen such money in my life and we don’t want him to die. I know Nigerians are good people, that is why we are appealing to them to come to our aid.” Toriola which bank account detail is given as Toriola Ayoola Israel, 0063147567, ECOBANK said he considered this as a trial and was hopeful that the family will overcome the trial.

60—SATURDAY

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

Chukwuemeka’s dope fate hangs in balance Q

UEST by Vivian Chukwuemeka to prove that her latest dope travails was manipulated to deny her an appearance at the London 2012 Olympics may have run into a permanent stall. The shot putter had declared her innocence and called for her B sample to be opened as she expressed confidence that the process that produced a positive dope result for her for the second time was flawed. The athlete was sent home from the London 2012 Olympics camp along side sprinter Lauretta Ozoh after they allegedly failed a dope test conducted by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, from the All Nigeria/Cross River Athletics Championships last June. Ozoh, it was gathered, gave up her right to have

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her B sample analysed. The other athlete involved in the dope clearance in London was Regina George. She was however, cleared because she had proof that the medication she took was actually recommended. According to AFN medical and doping committee chairman, Dr. Ken Anugueje, Chukwuemeka’s case is being delayed because the national doping officer, Dr. Femi Ayorinde and the Laboratories in South Africa are yet to set a date for the opening of the athlete’s B sample. “The matter is between the national doping officer and the laboratories. They are yet to come up with a date convenient for all concerned. It is not a matter for the AFN, but for the Laboratory and the Doping officer and

Vivian Chukwuemeka the athlete,” said Dr. Anugueje. However, Dr. Ayorinde painted a totally different picture. He stated that it was the AFN and the athlete that are responsible for the delay.

HE on-going MTN Katsina 2012 International Polo tournament which enters its final stage this weekend is bracing up for one of its major highlights with the finals of the Nigerian Cup and the General Hassan Cup making all the headlines ahead of the grand finale. The Nigerian Cup which remains one of the oldest polo prizes and the General Hassan Cup have been the major prizes in the prestigious MTN Katsina Polo extravaganza and this year, three

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—61

MTN Polo: Rubicon, Max Air jostle for Nigerian Cup teams are vying for the high stake crown which would be decided at the foremost Sir Usman Nagogo Polo theatre. The two finals promise to be thrilling as the players have vowed to match their opponents move for move and skill for skill in the battles for the coveted trophiesb which would be presented to the eventual winners today.

General Hassan Katsina whose name is being honoured with the tournament was until his death, the Life Chairman of the Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) and many first class Emirs across the northern region are expected to grace the grand fiesta that has been attracting top corporate chieftains and polo enthusiasts in their thousands since it galloped off with fanfare last weekend.

62 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

Ex 3SC pla s, of playyer ers, offficials beg for justice over govt pr omise promise BY PATRICK OMORODION

OURTEEN years ago the Oyo State Government under Mr Amen Edore Oyakhire, then military administrator and Commissioner of Police rewarded the Shooting Stars Football Club of Ibadan for winning the 1998 Premier League. Players and officials of the club were promised a plot of land each at the Dairy Milk now Kolapo Ishola GRA of Ibadan and financial reward in addition.Each player was to get N1million, Board members N2 million while the Executive Chairman was to get N3million. According to an insider, the Certific ate of occupancy for the plots of land was issued to the players and officials while the monetary aspect was being processed but a

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new twist was added to the issue a few months later after Dr. Lam Adesina took over as civilian. “The government recalled the C of O from the players and officials while the money was also never released and nobody gave us any explanation for the action till today”, the source added. The Oyo State commissioner of sports when Comm Pol Oyakhire approved the reward for the team, Dr Bolaji Ojo-Oba was contacted on phone to throw more light on the issue but he too was at a loss as to why the decision was canceled. “You know we served under the military but I can tell what happened after we left,” was all he could volunteer. One of the key players in the team then, Leye Akinde, a goal keeper who spoke from London said the players tried to

pressurise the government to give them their dues having brought honour to the state but the management then, headed by Chief Bode Oyewole kept persuading them to hold their peace that the government was going to do something about it. “The management told us to hold on that something would be done but nothing was done. We felt bad because we did the state proud and government decided to honour us but another person came and stopped it. Most of the players are scattered all over, Andrew Aikhomogbe is in Egypt, Peter Obanor is in Holland. Baldwin Bazuaye was part of us too. We are appealing to the government to do something

Chairman Lagos State Football Association.(LSFA) Seyi Akinwunmi(right), Head Corporate Affairs, Standard Chartered Bank, Mr. Diran Olojo and Consultant LSFA, Opeyemi Okunren at the briefing on EKO Football Festival 2012. in Lagos. Photo by Sylva Eleanya. about it, it will help to motivate upcoming players to put in their best,” Akinde stressed. Efforts to reach either Obanor or Aikhomogbe proved abortive while the Board Chairman then, Elder Oyewole confirmed

the C of O issued were actually recalled and “nobody gave us any reason for the decision.” Ironically, Dr Adesina who reversed the decision of Oyakhire to reward the team has his son, Dapo Adesina as the current

commissioner for sports in the state. Calls were put across to him to find out if the present government is aware of that development and what it could do about the players appeal but he would not pick the calls.

Akpabio for Akpabio Cup final BY JOHN EGBOKHAN THE Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio will today lead members of the State Executive Council to the final of the 6th edition of the Akpabio Cup for Under18 boys at the Uyo

township stadium. According to organizers of the competition, Governor Akpabio will be joined by Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, Daniel Amokachi, former Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu, Ikpe Ekong, Charles Bassey amongst other dignitaries

who are expected to grace the event. According to Uko Akpabio, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, the state executive council members would play against awardees before the final kickoff.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012—63 GROUP A Azerbaijan Colombia Nigeria Canada

GROUP B France USA N/Korea Gambia

GROUP C Mexico New Zealand Brazil Japan

GROUP D Uruguay China Ghana Germany

Flamingoes coach, Dedevbo confident of a strong squad

Flamingoes

rom today through to October 13, it’s going to be a threeweek party – a party on a scale possibly never seen before at a U-17 World Cup!” Judging by the sheer enthusiasm of the host nation’s German coach Sissy Raith, the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 is shaping up to be an unmissable event. It certainly has a lot to live up to after the success of the two most recent editions, but the sparkling line-up for this year ’s tournament suggests that it could indeed be set to reach new heights. With Germany, USA, Japan, Korea DPR, Brazil and Nigeria among the sides in contention, the most formidable powers in women’s football will be taking part – and competing for the ultimate prize. The tournament will hardly be short of burgeoning talents either, and fans can look forward to witnessing the likes of exciting Japanese midfielder Yui Narumiya, German forward Sara Dabritz and Brazilian schemer Andressa up close. Fearsome goal machines such as Summer Green of the United States, Uruguay’s Yamila Badell C M Y K

and Korea DPR’s Ri UnSim will likewise be aiming to set the competition alight. As it happens, the only major absentee in Azerbaijan will be Korea Republic, the reigning champions having only managed to finish fourth in their Asian qualifying campaign. The Taeguk Ladies will therefore be unable to defend their title, increasing the chances of a new name on the trophy. Their North Korean neighbours are the only previous winners in the field, in fact, having claimed victory at the inaugural edition in New Zealand four years ago.

s those previous tournaments suggest, Asian sides have held a stranglehold on the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup so far. That was amply demonstrated at Trinidad & Tobago 2010, when all three contenders from the Far East won their way through to the semifinals, prompting FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter to hail the strength of women’s football in the region. “It’s good news for Asia, but frankly it’s not a surprise,” he said at the time. “When FIFA began taking an interest

in women’s football in the 1980s, the countries in Eastern Asia were already pioneers in the discipline. Women’s football has deep roots in the region.”

his time around, it will be Japan, Korea DPR and China PR looking to continue the tradition, and all three figure among the favourites. As Asian champions, the Young Nadeshiko can be particularly ambitious as they tackle their third finals campaign, but the team’s coach Hiroshi Yoshida is urging caution all the same. “We’re just hoping for six matches and to reach the final,” he said. “Our goal is to win, but in this

type of competition – especially the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup – you can’t predict anything.” The United States and Germany are likely to mount serious challenges as well, with both nations having reached the final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Japan 2012 just over a week ago, the Stars and Stripes ultimately emerging victorious. They will go into the tournament desperate to make an impression after failing to qualify two years ago, while Anouschka Bernhard’s Germany team have a disappointment of their own to put behind them. The European

heavyweights rattled in no fewer than 22 goals during the group stage two years ago, only to suffer a 1-0 loss to Korea DPR in the quarterfinals.

mong the other hopefuls on show, Brazil will be serious contenders with their alluring Jogo Bonito, as will a France side spurred on by gifted playmaker Sandie Toletti. Nigeria will also be keen to have their say and boast a squad featuring five players (Sarah Nnodim, Victoria Aidelomon, Oluchi Ofoegbu, Halimatu Ayinde and Ebere Okoye) who were also involved two years ago.

Chiejine tips Flamingoes to shine BY EDDIE AKALONU

OACH Ann Chiejine has expressed high hopes that the national female U-17 team will prove their mettle at the FIFA World Cup in Azerbaijan by not only doing as well as their seniors, the national U-20 did in the recently concluded championship in Japan but also surpassing the quarter final berth they achieved in the last edition in

Trinidad and Tobago in 2010. The former Super Falcons goalkeeper, who spoke in Lagos, said the cadets have what it takes to set the country into celebration mood again, adding however, that the players must put in more efforts and work as a team. “Well they must realise that the country now appreciates excellence in sports,” she said adding, “I think they have the capacity to make history for themselves

and the country by going all the way because Nigeria is still one of the best in the game. It will be tough at each stage and I regard our team as having the experience to go all the way to the final and achieve the best. A team with their type of experience have the capacity to get good result. But they must believe in themselves and put their mind to it from the onset,” she emphasised.

he Flamingoes have been everpresent at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup and two years ago in Trinidad & Tobago became the first African country to escape the group phase. After winning their three group matches they advanced to a quarterfinal clash with eventual champions Korea Republic, and in a game that must rank as one of the all-time greats at any FIFA competition, the Asians beat the Flamingoes 65 in extra time. It was not the only time that The Flamingoes had created some waves at the competition, as in 2008 in New Zealand, where they were eliminated in the first round despite managing a 2-2 draw with Brazil and a defeat of the Korea Republic. Coach Peter Dedevbo, who was also in charge of the team at the last finals, has indicated that he will look very carefully at the squad he used during qualifying. “I will test some new players and there is a good chance that some of them will make the new team,” the 42-year-old had said, adding, “There are a lot of good young players in our country, and I am confident that I will have a strong squad at the finals.” Dedevbo, who also coaches the Delta Queens, is confident that the women’s game in Nigeria will continue to grow. “We started developing women’s football two, three decades ago and we have been able to reap the rewards. I believe the game is catching up in Africa and we will soon be on par with Europe and the US. Qualifying for tournaments such as the Under-17s obviously helps, as it keeps women’s football in the focus.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

FIXTURES TODAY N. Korea v France v Nigeria v Azerbaijanv

9am 11am 1pm 4pm

FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP:

By JOHN EGBOKHAN he attention of women football followers will again shift to Azerbaijan today as the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup kicks off , with Nigeria’s Flamingoes facing Canada in one of the four Group matches set to hold in the Eastern European nation. The dominant religion is Islam and Azerbaijani people are famous for their hospitality. In other matches holding today, North Korea tackle Gambia, France play United States of America while hosts Azerbaijan confront Colombia in front of their passionate home supporters. For the Flamingos, today’s game against Canada at the Baku Stadium, offers them the chance to show their goalsscoring form against their north American opponents, who have had previous experience of the tournament and will be aiming to reach the semi-finals for the first time The Flamingoes have been a constant feature at the tournament. At the last edition held in Trinidad & Tobago, they became the first African nation to qualify from the group phase, bowing out in the quarterfinals. Coach Peter Dedevbo, who was also in charge of the team, two years ago, knows that the challenge this time around is to at least reach the semifinal stage. The 42-year-old would be relying on the likes of Sarah

Gambia USA Canada Colombia

TOMORROW Ghana v Germany 11am Mexico v N. Zealand 11am Brazil v Japan 2pm Uruguay v China 2pm

Flamingoes set to feast on Canada Nnodim, Victoria Aidelomon, Oluchi Ofoegbu, Halimatu Ayinde and Ebere Okoye, five players who featured at the last edition in Trinidad and Tobago. Nigeria’s opponents, Canada are the only CONCACAF team who have played in every edition of the tournament. At New Zealand 2008, the Canadians bowed out of the competition after a quarterfinal, losing to Germany, who finished in third-place. For Africa’s third representative, Ghana, they will be boosted by the presence of defender Ellen Coleman, a reliable and potent veteran at this level, who remarkably will be making her third trip to a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. By any stretch of the imagination, it is going to be a three-week party, a party on a scale possibly never seen before at a U-17 World Cup!, given the strong field at this year’s event. Azerbaijan 2012 is shaping up to be an unmissable event. It definitely has a lot to live up to after the success stories of the past edition. And the alluring lineup of team, waiting to strut their stuff from today to October 13, suggests that it could indeed be set to reach new heights.

2013 AYC QUALIFIER S.Africa

Nigeria

CHALLENGE …. Flamingoes striker, Ebere Okoye (right) being challenged by an opponent in a previous match. She’s one of the players coach Peter Dedevbo is relying on to checkmate the Canadians today.

Don’t impose players on Keshi, Toro warns Chelsea demand police action By SOLOMON NWOKE

over Mikel abuse

HELSEA have asked the police to take “the strongest possible action” against those who racially abused Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi on Twitter. Mikel removed his Twitter profile from the social networking site less than 24 hours after his mistake cost Chelsea victory in the opening match of their Champions League defence against Juventus. The 25-year-old Nigerian international, who apologised for the error, immediately after the game deleted the ‘Mikel12Official’ account he had set up during the team’s pre-season tour of the US. In a statement published on their website, the London club stated, “We’ve been made aware of racist tweets targeted at Mikel which are totally unacceptable, disgusting and abhorrent. “We’ve informed the police

and support taking the strongest possible action.” Mikel is expected to be in the thick of action again when Chelsea take on Stock City Saturday in an English Premier League game.

ormer Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Alhaji Sani Ahmed Toro has cautioned the nation’s football authority against the imposition of players on the Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi in the

execution of the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The former member of the House of Representatives while speaking against the backdrop of the pressures from some quarters on Keshi to invite players like Chelsea’s midfielder, John Mikel Obi

and West Brom’s forward, Osaze Odemwingie in the second leg of the AFCON qualifier against Lone Star of Liberia next month in Calabar, canvassed that the federation must change its orientation and allow the Eagles handler a free hand to to do his job.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas – (8) 8 Spanish “La Liga” Premiership Side – (6) 9 Nigerian Currency – (5) 10 Precipitation – (4) 11 This Country won the Last Edition of The Africa Nations Cup – (6) 13 Vietnamese Currency – (3) 14 Wales Skipper and Arsenal Midfielder, Aaron – (6) 17 L.G.A in Gombe State – (6) 19 United States Currency – (6) 21 L.G.A in Katsina State – (6) 24 Traditional Ruler of Benin – (3) 25 Bahamas Capital City – (6) 27 Hebrew Alphabet – (4) 28 L.G.A in FCT, Abuja – 5) 29 Stationery – (6) 30 Country in Africa – (8) DOWN

2 Japan Striker and Borussia Dortmund Forward, Shinji – (6) 3 France “Ligue 1” Premiership Club – (6) 4 Manchester City Defender, Gael – (6) 5 World’s Largest River – (6) 6 Shelffish – (4) 7 State in Nigeria Known as “Home of Solid Minerals”? – (8) 12 Portuguese Premiership ClubSide – (5) 14 Tottenham Hotspurs Manager, Harry – (8) 15 Rodents – (5) 16 Common Name for “Garri”? – (3) 18 Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Alloy – (3) 20 Russian Currency – (6) 21 Wolfsburg Coach, Felix – (6) 22 Former Minister of Transport, Abiye – (6) 23 Large Deer – (6) 26 Container – (4)

SOLUTION ON PAGE 61

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