Restructure Nigeria now - Delegates charged by Vanguard Media Limited

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Jonathan commissions N100bn new investment in North East •Moves to reduce cement price P

RESIDENT Good luck Jonathan, yesterday, performed the ground-breaking of the N100bn expansion project for Ashaka Cement’s new 2.5million metric-tonne capacity cement production line in Gombe, North East Nigeria. The project, which will be completed within three years, will increase the company’s current production capacity of over one million metric tonnes to about four million metric tonnes while creating a lot of jobs. Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said the new investment was a testimony of global investors’ growing confidence in the Nigerian economy as well as the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the Nigerian economy, leaving out no region. He said this just as he disclosed that Government had commenced plans to bring down the price of cement. The President reiterated that the current adminis-

tration would continue to provide a conducive environment for industry, trade and investments to thrive in line with his Transformation Agenda. He said, “The cement industry is a perfect example of the transformation that can happen in an industry based on the focused implementation of a well-thought out policy and a continuous partnership that harnesses the expertise of the private sector and the capacity of the public sector. “The commencement of the capacity expansion of AshakaCem Plc’s cement production project further buttresses the confidence that global investors have in the Nigerian economy, which is now the largest economy in Africa.” The President added, “As at 2002, the local cement industry had the capacity to barely produce two million metric tonnes per annum. By the year 2013, this had grown to 28.5 million metric tonnes and we expect the installed capacity to be about 39 million metric tonnes by the end of this year. Jonathan noted that Ni-

Gunmen kill two children in Zamfara, injure mother BY SALISU MARADUN, Gusau

NKNOWN gunmen numbering over 40 yesterday, killed two children of a Health Officer, in Maru area of Faru town, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Mallam Nasiru Maccido Maradun. The mother of the deceased children also sustained serious injuries in an attempt to save their lives. Sources told Saturday Vanguard that before the killing of the two children, the gunmen had gone into the nearby police station in the area to search for policemen who they claimed had been disturbing them each time they came out to operate in the area without success. Armed with dangerous weapons, they started making loud noise to wake everybody from sleep before

chasing their owners out of their buildings and setting them ablaze. However, the two children were said to have been killed when their father whose house was adjacent to the police station tried to escape from the area following the commotion that erupted when the gunmen entrered the station. When the hoodlums sighted them, they opened fire on the kids. However, their mother was said to have escaped death narrowly, and was now receiving treatment in hospital.An eye witness told Saturday Vanguard that the gunmen were on a reprisal attack, following the killing of five of their members by the police recently. However, another source said that they invaded the police station with the aim of rescuing their members not knowing that they were not being detained in the station.

geria had become a net exporter of cement, saying that “this is something that we all should be proud of.” He pointed out that the Federal Government had commenced a plan of action that would promote the consumption and export of cement, enhance skills development and innovation in the industry and bring down the price of cement. He stressed that his administration would continue to provide both the incentives and the conducive environment to make the cement industry globally competitive in line with the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan.

From left: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, his wife Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, the General Overseer, Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Williams Kumuyi and his wife Pastor (Mrs.) Esther Kumuyi when the Pastor visited the governor in Asaba yesterday as part of his crusade holding in Ubeji near Warri in Delta State. Photo: Henry Unini

Ex-Ghanaian President warns FG on Boko Haram •says insurgency may persist unless…… •As IBB,Abdulsalami, Atiku, Oshiomhole grace Ikimi’s 70th birthday, BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin-City

WO former Heads of State, Gen.Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar led other Nigerian and Africa leaders to the 70th birthday celebration of the former Foreign Affairs Minister and National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Tom Ikimi in Igueben, Edo State, as the former Ghanaian President, Jerry Rawlings warned the Federal Government that military alone cannot stop the insurgency being perpetrated by Boko Haram. He pleaded that as the most populous African nation,Nigeria must not allow the International community to come into its affairs due to the prevailing insecurity, asserting that the war on terror would be won if all Nigerians work in unity. This comes as Governor Adams Oshiomhole who poured encomium on Chief Ikimi, urged Nigerian leaders to make sacrifices that will help the growth of the nation, saying that without sacrifices by leaders, there may be no hope for the youths of the nation. Other dignitaries at the

occasion include the former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Senator Ben Obi; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Chief Bisi Akande; Chief Audu Ogbe;Chief John O y e g u n ; Prof.Osariemen Osunbor; Chief Gabriel Igbinedion; Chief Lucky Igbinedion; Chief Johnson Arumenmen; Senator Chris Ngige; Senator Domingo Obende; Chief Raymond Dokpesi; Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; Dr Okwesili Eze Nwodo; Chief Niyi Adebayo; Dr Rufus Ada-George; DR Doyin Okupe and host of others. Former President Rawlings who expressed regrets at the security situation in Nigeria, warned that the nation must resist the temptation of seeking the assistance of foreign powers in solving its problems. According to him, “Nigeria’s political might is about 35 per cent in Africa and that is why Nigeria must show the way in leading Africa. The way the world is going, Nigeria must not suffer vulnerability or others will take advantage of the problem. “In my country in 1979, there was no food in the market, things were very terrible. But today there is food in the mar-

ket but people cannot afford it. Don’t do something that people outside will take advantage of. The situation on ground is not what the military can curb alone, it has eaten into the fabric of the society and that is why it is in a way gaining strength. “The thing should not be left for government alone but the society must begin to examine itself, come together, strategize together, otherwise ladies and gentlemen may not be able to handle this problem today or tomorrow,” he asserted. On his part, Governor Oshiomhole who was given a standing ovation for his developmental strides in Edo state, described Chief Ikimi as a leader who has contributed immensely to the naiton’s democracy. “Chief made a promise in the house of God today when he said he will try to live the rest of his life as a good Catholic. And one of the things I learnt as a Catholic is that Jesus laid down his life so that the rest of us can live forever in what we believe in. “At this point in Nigeria’s history, we need leaders who are ready to stand for the country, pay the supreme sacri-

fice so that our younger ones will inherit a country that is free, that offers every citizen a place for loyalty to our nation. May God use you as one of the pillars in this struggle to reposition our great nation”. On his part, IBB described the celebrant as a “seasoned technocrat, a hard-core politician and an eloquent speaker whose carriage invokes authority in the truest sense. To attain the age of three scores plus ten in a country where life expectancy stands at a ridiculous 47 years is a huge milestone. ”The man celebrating the milestone is not just as remarkable as the age he symbolizes. What makes that age instructively unique is uncommon wisdom, elegance, ageing gracefully, a show of quintessence, a display of finesse, with uncommon outlook,” he stated.

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INEC registers Unity Party of Nigeria By HUGO ODIOGOR, BENJAMIN NJOKU with Agency Reports

HE Independent Na tional Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday in Abuja said it had approved the registration of the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN. This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, the Commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity. It said that the registration of the party was approved at the last meeting of the commission. “The commission at its meeting held on Thursday April 17, approved the registration of the UPN, the applicant having met the legal requirements for registration. “The registration of UPN brings to 26 the total number of political parties in Nigeria,” the statement said. Commenting on the de-

velopment, Mr Adedeji Salau, the UPN National Publicity Secretary, said in a statement posted on the party’s website that the journey was a long and tedious one. Salau thanked all “Nigerian patriots” who had kept faith with the party. “There has never been any occasion before now when an unregistered party has generated so much interest as that of the UPN,” he said. The party also promised to make the needed difference, saying “ with the UPN, it shall not be business as usual. “We will always remember the sons and daughters with whom we are in the philosophy of serving the generality of Nigerian people. “Ours is the pursuit of an egalitarian society, serving the greatest good of the greatest number. “We owe it to the Nigerian people in all the states and the geographical zones to be fair to all in dis-

pensation of justice. “We shall keep faith with the four cardinal programmes of the Awolowo UPN in deed because of their comprehensiveness in addressing the core issues of this nation. With free education at all levels; Free Health services; Integrated Rural and Community development and Full Employment, the dividend of democracy shall be placed at the door step of our people who have been materially and mentally deprived by the neg-

ligence of governance at all levels.” According to the statement, the UPN shall hold the freedom of the press and individual sacrosanct. “To us, the independence of the judiciary is the cornerstone of the rule of law which is indispensable in a democratic society, we shall guide it jealously,” it said. “We shall keep faith with the four cardinal programmes of the old UPN because of its comprehensiveness in addressing the

core issues of the problems of this nation”. The party, in the statement, also extended its hands of fellowship to all the political parties to elevate the country’s democratic practices. It also commended the officials of INEC for their painstaking efforts in registering the party. Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters Alhaji Ahmed Ali Gulak has described the registration of

the new party as a welcome development as it will liberalise the political space. Said Gulak: “I think the emergence of the new party would give the electorate preferred alternatives and wider options to choose from. That is the beauty of democracy. We as a party would look forward to see what they have to offer to Nigerians, especially when we look at the ideals that the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second republic stood for.”

Lagos may shut 2,650 hotels, restaurants, others over non-registration By MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

AGOS State Govern ment yesterday said it may shut 2, 650 hotels, restaurants and others in the state, over inability to fulfill their registration obligation. The state government however said no fewer

than 36 persons had been arrested by the state’s Anti-Piracy Enforcement Team for piracy and other copyrights violations, saying “the government was spreading its tentacles to all the flash points in the state to get more violators.” Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Disun Holloway disclosed this at a ministerial press briefing held in Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja to mark the seventh year in office of Governor Babatunde Fashola. Holloway lamented that the situation is unacceptable; officials of the ministry would soon be deployed to sanction defaulting hotels and restaurants operating illegally in the state. It will be recalled that the Supreme Court on July 19th, 2013 granted respective States the right to pass legislation in respect of the licensing and grading of hotels and to implement same. The commissioner said that out of the no fewer than 3,000 hotels operating in the state ,only 350 had fulfilled their registration requirement. According to him, “The law is very clear on this issue. It says hotels, restaurants and others must register. It has security implication to it. We need to know where the hotels are located, their number, the facilities available in each of the hotels and other important things. ”So far, only 350 hotels out of the 3000 we have identified have registered. We will soon begin to shut defaulting establishments. The law must

be complied with. “he said. Holloway stated that the state government had commenced the grading and classification of hotels to reposition the hospitality sector and promote standards. “50 hotels had so far been fully classified,” adding that some more were still undergoing the process of classification. Holloway said the state government was working with private sector to establish beach resorts and improve the parks in the state.The commissioner said that the government had concessioned the Apapa Amusement Park to a private operator as a step to revive the park, adding “The Concessionaire has com-

menced work and we expect that the first phase of the project will be open to the public by December this year.” While speaking on the resorts, he noted that the state government has concluded plans to establish Ilase Beach Resort and would be located between Takwa Bay and Badagry to enhance the state’s tourism appeal. According to Holloway, “The beach resort will be on a parcel of land measuring 13.4hectres and located in the Ilashe Peninsular near Badagry. It is believed that the resort will, upon completion become an international conferencing centre, a location for domestic workshops and retreats.”

Ondo Speaker buried •Mimiko extols virtues

NDO State Gover nor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has described the late speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Samuel Ajayi Adesina as a man with uncommon passion for development, adding that the vacuum he left will be difficult to fill. Dr Mimiko stated this yesterday at Oniparaga in Odigbo local government area of the State and country home of the late Speaker during a funeral service held for him. The service, which attracted personalities from within and outside the State provided avenue for his colleagues in the House of Assembly, his eldest son, family members and the chairman of the council area to shower encomium on the late

speaker. The governor, who appreciated the immediate family of the deceased for accepting the verdict of God with faith, stressed that God had given the deceased the unusual grace to excel in life. He noted that it was customary to give positive tributes during funeral services but affirmed that all the tributes given at the service were true reflection of the life and time of the deceased. He said, “ I’m short of words because no amount of words can describe the late Speaker of our House of Assembly. What can we say, is it his passion, is it his ruggedness, his passion for development or his humility, I’ll say that we have lost a man of unequal passion.”

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I’m not planning a return to PDP — Amaechi BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME, Port Harcourt

OVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi has dismissed allegation by his erstwhile Chief of Staff Government House, Port Harcourt and now Supervising Minister of Education, Mr Nyesom Wike that he was planning a return back to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The governor who spoke Thursday night in Government House, Port Harcourt said there was no iota of truth in the allegation. According to him, there were too many points of departure between his ideology and that of the PDP. While acknowledging that there were still some good men in the PDP, Governor Amaechi said he had been approached by some chieftains of the party to return to the party, adding that he declined on grounds of ideological convictions. “I am not returning to PDP. I have finished with PDP”, he said. Reminded that he promised to return to the party if the oil wells allegedly ceded to Bayelsa state from Soku were returned to the state, Governor Amaechi said he would want to wait and see if the federal government would return the oil wells before his next line of action. “Well, I had made a promise that if they returned the Kalabari oil wells I will return to the party, well that is a different thing. Let’s see that happen. The real thing is that there are issues that are fundamentally different between my-

self, the APC and the PDP. If I am progressive, I must be progressive and I must see it in the type of life I live, what I do and what I say and how I relate with the people, the type of governance. You can’t carry out a socialist programme like this free education, properly free education where children are given laptops, free uniforms, fed and sent home. There are so many of these things we run that are contrary to the ideology of PDP. But there are wonderful men and women there“, he said. Continuing, the governor said it was not true as being alleged by opposition politicians in the state that his government was heavily indebted. Assuring that he would clear every kobo his government was owing before his administration terminates in May next year, Governor Amaechi said the government had already cleared most of its debt, adding that it had also put measures in place to ensure he handed over a debt free state to his successor. “Why have you not seen the name of Rivers state among the states owing the country? We have paid down to eighty billion and we will finish paying that by June so we will be free from debt. The reason we are not on the list of indebted states is because we pay what we owe and put the rest on project. Just check, if we are so indebted why are banks chasing us around, wanting to give us money in spite of all the noise by the opposition? It is because they see the way we pay. “, Amaechi said. On the new status of Port

Harcourt as UNESCO world book capital 2014 Amaechi said the whole idea was to rebrand the state as a centre of intellectual hub and technology development, adding that the state government had earmarked four billion to effectively sustain Port Harcourt as world book capital for the year. He said standard libraries and a world class centre for writers would be constructed in the state. On Boko Haram insurgency in some states in the north, the governor said he had suggested that one percent of allocation to all states be used to set up a Trust fund to be managed by honest and responsible northern leaders to effectively fund education and agriculture, stressing that this would help resolve the security challenge to a large extent. The governor recalled that when he came on board in 2007 there was thriving economy code militancy in the state and the region, noting that it took his empowerment programmes to put an end to

HERE was height ened tension yesterday at Abinse town, in Guma local government area of Benue state, when a middle aged man, Benjamin Fakande allegedly hacked his neighbour, one Jacob Unumbe, to death after he caught the deceased in bed with his wife. Saturday Vanguard gathered from an eyewitness that Benjamin had been suspecting and accusing his wife of infidelity but when he confronted her on the issue, she

denied and threatened to quit the marriage. ”The man had been accusing his wife of infidelity, but when the rumour became rife for several weeks, the man decided to spy on the wife until he got proof that she was actually having an affair outside her matrimonial home with the deceased. ”He was forced to confront the deceased whom he cautioned to stay away from his wife because he was destroying his marriage, or be prepared to face the consequence of his inglorious acts. ”But from all indications, the duo continued in the immoral act because the

it in Rivers state. “I have said it at the National Economic Council meeting. I have suggested that they should take one percent of our revenue, i.e. all the governors in the country to set up a commission, a Trust to be manned by honest, truthful northerners. Not federal Ministry of Education, not state government but honest, in-

corruptible leaders in the north to invest in education and agriculture. It was approved but abandoned. The suggestion was made because I felt if you educate me, I won’t let you interpret the Bible for me . I have a Priest if he says Jesus says kill two persons to come to heaven, I will ask where in the Bible. You must tell me. Count your

losses. You see a large army of unskilled labour. The best you can do for them is agriculture. It means if you establish thirty to forty thousand hectares of land, you can employ thirty thousand workers who would have been potential Boko Haram recruits, you have taken them off the route “, he said.

Court stays judgment on collection of toll on Lekki/Ikoyi bridge BY INNOCENT ANABA

FEDERAL High

Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, stayed its judgment, which declared unlawful, the collection of toll on the newly constructed Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge in Lagos. Trial judge, Justice Saliu Saidu, granted the stay, following an application by the

Middle-aged man hacks neighbour to death for sleeping with his wife BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

President Goodluck Jonathan welcoming the Crown Prince of Benin, Amb. Eheneden Erediauwa on his arrival with a special message from the Oba of Benin to the President at the State House Abuja. With them is the Chairman Ocean Marine Tankers, Capt Hosa Okunbo in Abuja yesterday.

rumours were all over the place and this further enraged Benjamin who also pleaded with family members to prevail on his wife, but that did not also yield anything positive. ”Unfortunately Benjamin caught them in one of their escapades in a neighbour ’s house. At that point, the man became confused and grabbed a big stick and chased after the two of them. ”He eventually caught up with Jacob and hacked him down, inflicting severe injuries on his head after which he left him in his pool of blood.”

Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr Ade Ipaye, who had prayed the court to stay the judgment, pending the determination of its appeal at the Court of Appeal, Lagos, challenging the judgment. It will be recalled that Lagos lawyer and activist, Mr EbunOlu Adegboruwa, had dragged the Lagos State Government before the court, challenging its collection of toll on the bridge.Other respondents in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA. The trial court had on March

27, in its judgment, declared that the imposition of such toll on the bridge was unlawful, on the grounds that there was no law in existence, authorising its collection. The court had held that there was nothing before the court to show that the construction of the bridge was as a result of a Public Private Partnership Law, since it was constructed with funds of the Lagos government.The lower court consequently held that the Lagos government can only validly collect toll on the bridge, if a law was enacted to give validity to such tolling. But Ipaye had on March 28, prayed the court to stay the judgment, pending the hear-

ing of an appeal before the appellate court. Ruling on the application, Justice Saidu considered “whether the court is inclined to grant a stay of execution in view of the facts placed before it.”According to the judge,

”A stay of execution of a judgment can only be granted, if the court is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances which warrants stay.The court must also take into account the competing rights of parties. In an application for stay, the affidavit in support must state grounds of appeal, and must show that special circumstances exist for the court to grant stay.”

2015:Group urges GEJ to contest BY SIMON ADEWALE

PRESSURE group in Delta State, Niger Delta Professionals for GEJ, NDP, has lent its weight to the public clamour calling on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to declare his interest to contest the 2015 presidential election, adding that it would mobilize the youths in the Niger Delta region to ensure that the president wins in the race. Leadership of the group,

Sir Jackson Karry (National President) and Comrade Adidi Ese, national Secretary, who yesterday said it was postponing a seminar/ award- giving ceremony for certain distinguished Nigerians which it earlier slated for yesterday till further notice owing to unforeseen circumstances, also noted that its position in seeking the re-election of the president in 2015 was as a result of the giant stride which the president has achieved in the area of health, education, airport renovation

across the country and improvement in the area of foreign investment. Other areas where the president has fared well according to the group, are in road construction and rehabilitation; railway system across the country; transport system and being the first democratically elected president to constitute a national conference where solutions are expected to be proffered to some of the challenges affecting the growth and unity of the country.

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National Confab: Restructuring, power devolution top list of demands *Confab gets 319 memos *Political restructuring, form of government- 70 memos * Devolution of power- 42 memos committee on Devolution of Parties and Election MatBY SONI DANIEL Regional Editor, North

NDICATIONS have emerged that most Nigerians want a major restructuring of the Nigerian polity to make it more functional and responsive to their yearnings and aspirations. The position is predicated on the number of memoranda sent in by Nigerians to the National Conference Secretariat on the issues they would want tackled by the conferees, who broke into 20 committees early this week and are expected to turn in their reports next month. The memoranda followed a request by the National Conference Secretariat to Nigerians to send in their requests on various areas of national life for deliberation by the delegates so as to give Nigerians the opportunity to contribute their quota to the debate. At the end of the period set aside for the collection of memoranda from Nigerians, the conference secretariat received a total of 319 memos from Nigerians. The summary of the

memoranda submitted by Nigerians, which was exclusively obtained by Saturday Vanguard, indicated that most Nigerians were keen on seeing a radical restructuring of the Nigerian polity, as a total of 70 Nigerians sent in memoranda on that particular issue. Next in the order of im-

portance to Nigerians, is the need to devolve power from the Federal Government to the other tiers of government so that the centre would become less attractive to people and encourage more development at the state and local government. A total of 42 Nigerians sent in requests to the

Power. The committee on Politics and Governance got a total of 34 memoranda followed by that of Citizenship, Immigration and Related Matters with 23 requests from Nigerians. The breakdown of the other memoranda and their committees were as follows: Social Sector, 22, Political

Chief Willie Obiano, Anambra State Governor being welcomed by Ita Ekpenyong, Director General, State Security Services to the Headquarters of the agency in Abuja, yesterday.

EN Armed robbery sus pects including three blood brothers and secondary school dropouts have been arrested by police detectives in Ondo State. The suspects who were arrested and paraded by the state Police Command following a tip off by some personalities in the area. Eight of the suspects were living together in a single room situated in Odo Alafia street Ondo town before they were picked up. The three brothers include Sherif Olamoyegun 18 years old, Olamoyegun Jelili 20 years and and Wasiu Olamoyegun 24 years. Others are Bunmi Adewale, 39 years; Sunday Tosin, 19 years;

Kabiru Lateef ,20 years; Elusakin Samuel, 20 years and Niyi Adesiyan, 20 years. Items recovered from the eight suspects include one cut-to-size single barrel gun, one expended cartridge, one UTC axe, one cutlass, hammer, one sword, knife, Army belt and a complete pair of Vigilante Group of Nigeria uniform. Police Commissioner Isaac Eke said all accused have confessed to be a gang of armed robbers terrorising the people of Ondo town and its environs. Eke added that some of the victims they had earlier robbed have identified them. The Commissioner said two other men from a five man-robbery-gang who raided a house in Ibitayo Estate, Ondo have been

from the state in Delta state. He explained that two suspects, uche Eze and Nnamdi Emeka were arrested by detectives who trailed them from the state to Delta state. The Police Chief said the gang robbed the entire

Olubanke of no 1 Olabomowo street Ibitayo estate Ondo at gunpoint. Eke said that the suspects made away with a Toyota Hiace bus marked KTU 477AH belonging to St. Stephen Cathedral Church.

motor boy was shot dead by uniformed men suspected to be naval officers along ApapaOworonsoki expressway for allegedly refusing to part with N500.00 bribe. The motor boy whose name could not be ascertained at the time of this report was said to have been shot around 1:00am at Coconut bus stop. When Saturday Vanguard visited the scene of the incident by 9:00 am, the remains of the victim was still sprawled on the expressway with a crowd of sympathizers surrounding it. A union comprising the tanker drivers and others barricaded the expressway causing gridlock. When some police officers came and tried to evacuate the corpse, the irate crowd surged at them threatening to attack them while some threw rocks at them. The police men had to fire gun shots in the air to ward them off before pulling back. The crowd demanded that

291 underage children rehabilitated in Ogun BY DAUD OLATUNJI Abeokuta

O fewer than 291 children in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital have been rehabilitated by the International Labour Organisation . The National Programme officer for the ILO ECOWAS 2, project in Abeokuta, Agatha Kolawole stated this yesterday during the walk against Child Labour

procession held in Abeokuta. Agatha who also disclosed that 150 parents have been empowered with a view to supporting their children said, the 291 children rehabilitated by the organisation have been enrolled in schools. According to her, “through the project, we have been able to rehabilitate and rescue 291 children. All of them have been enrolled in

Public Service and Public Finance and Revenue have five each. The Committees on Civil Society, Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters had four memoranda each while the committee on Energy received only a memorandum from Nigerians.

Suspected naval officers kill motor boy over N500 in Lagos BY JONAH NWOKPOKU, WILLIAM JIMOH & EDIRI EJOH

Three brothers, seven others arrested for robbery in Ondo apprehended by detectives household of one Adeyemi BY DAYO JOHNSON Akure

ters, 20, Religion and Law, Judiciary, Human Rights/ Legal Reforms got 15 each while National Security had 14. Environment, Agriculture, and Trade and Investments have 10 memoranda each while Transportation,

schools and assisted through vocational training and empowerment.

the perpetrators be identified and brought to book before any attempt to evacuate the remains of the victim.An eye witness, a tanker driver, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on a condition of anonymity, gave an account of what led to the shooting. He said that the gunmen, whom he alleged were naval officers, came in a Hillux Van and demanded money from the motor boy and when they could not provide the money, an ensuing scuffle led to the shooting. “What we saw was that three naval officers came to this area around 1:00 am in a Hillux van. They came to collect N500.00 from tanker drivers. This is not their first time of doing so. They call it settlement money. So when they got to one of the tankers, they requested that the motor boy gives them money but he explained to them that he had been on the queue for about two weeks and that he had no money to give. There were two other boys including the conductor. They were sleeping under the tanker before it began to rain and they moved into the truck”. But the naval authorities dismissed the allegation as a rumour when contacted.

TURDA 10—SATURD AY 10—SA TURD

Vanguard , APRIL 26 26, 2014

INSURGENCY:

The Security Questions

zLies, conspiracies & the military’s handicap ...Abducted girls to be used as human shields to stop military bombardment of Sambisa forest By KINGSLEY OMONOBI-ABUJA

s the debate regarding whether or not to extend the ‘state of emergency’ imposed on the three terror infested states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States goes on following its scheduled end in May, two, dastardly acts of devilish intents recently threw the nation into a quagmire. These were the Nyanya Motor Park bombing on April 14, 2014 by the Boko Haram terrorists group which claimed over 100 lives with over 200 others wounded, though the Police gave an official figure of 72 dead, and the mindless abduction of young school girls of Government Girls Secondary school, Chibok whose number has now been put at 234. Before these incidents, there had been waves of attacks either by suicide bombers on military checkpoints or attacks on sports viewing centers, banks, currency operators and markets among others which claimed many lives. Prominent Islamic scholars who dared to speak out against the

ungodly act of the Islamic sect and even traditional rulers have also been sent to the world beyond. But the Military and other security agencies have not been resting on their oars in a determined bid to bring the scourge of the murderous sect to an end. This attempt by the military working in synergy with other security agencies have however suffered some setbacks due to several factors which Saturday Vanguard investigation has found out to include sabotage, outright lies, deceit and connivance on the part of vested interest who for reasons best known to them, would not like the carnage of the group to go away just yet. For instance, Saturday Vanguard was told that the terrorists have been found to be getting support from politicians of all grades especially those from the North East and the larger Northern environment. Governors of these areas were also fingered in the situation accusing them of playing conspiracy including coming out with statements in the day and doing the opposite at night. A source disclosed that security

operatives are suspicious about the manner the terrorists acquire their logistics equipment including vehicles and the fueling which enable them to move at nights to perpetrate havoc and mayhem. “Yes, there is possibility that most of the vehicles are being smuggled through the many porous border points which we cannot police in one fell swoop but how are they getting the resources to acquire these vehicles? The more we capture many of them and destroy them, the more the terrorists are seen with more vehicles”. Noting that there was a greater ploy to ensure Boko Haram continues to thrive for some selfish political agenda, the source said, “What we are actually witnessing in the polity whereby politicians especially from that area are calling on and attacking the government at the center for not doing enough, is a game plan of lies, and deceit. “It is to give the impression that the terrorists are having it easy and holding sway whereas, they are the ones sponsoring and instigating their murderous acts. These people don’t give a damn about the lives

that are lost. They never did even in the past, which is why they have continued to do everything to ensure the misguided youths remain almajiris, so that they will continue to be manipulated. “The military on their part have sometimes given hint of a slip in their operations thereby creating room for a section of Nigerians to believe they have deceived the public in the outcome of some of their operations; as have been disclosed by rights groups and amnesty international”. But starting with the abducted secondary school girls out of which 44 are said to have regained their freedom, the military high command ordered retraction of an earlier statement claiming that majority of the girls were rescued following a pursuit of some of the abductors, resulting in the arrest of one of them. While many described the action of the military as unprofessional considering the level of confidence most Nigerians have developed on their troops following acknowledged successes in the battle to flush the terrorists out of the North East, the military insist its operations are not for political purposes hence when the same people who said, most of the girls have regained the freedom, recanted, the reasonable thing to do was to retract it. Officers and soldiers on ground insisted that the Principal of the school confirmed to the troops that only eight of the students were yet to be found as at Wednesday before the Defence headquarters issued the statement. A source noted that it was therefore a big surprise that on Thursday morning, the same Principal made a u-turn after she had been sum-

Continues on page 11

SA TURD SATURD TURDA AY

Continued from page 10 moned by the Borno State government. According to the source, “If the Borno state government insists that only 14 of the students were freed that Wednesday, who were the other persons mostly girls that were freed? Why was nothing said about them? “In the first place, how come that when the school authorities and the Borno state government decided that the girls were going to be invited to write the exams, they did not inform the security agencies to enable adequate security protection for the school” Security sources are however said to be working on a new intelligence indicating that the abducted young girls are part of a buffer or human shield to be used by the terrorists to stop the air bombardments of their hideouts in the Sambisa forests, a large expanse of forest and jungle that has borders with Cameroon, Niger and Chad. Following its very difficult terrain, the Nigerian Airforce recently declared that since it commenced air bombardments in support of ground offensive to eradicate Boko Haram insurgency in the country, it has conducted 1, 024 missions of various description. Some of the aircraft used in the missions according to investigations included the Alpha jets, the Mi 35 helicopter gunships, the G222 medium airlift aircraft, the Super Puma helicopters, the Augusta 107, and the C-130 aircraft. It is against this background that firstly, the group targeted the Airforce base, Maiduguri and attacked broken down aircraft and helicopters thinking that it will help demobilize the NAF operations. Since May 2013, the military onslaught to dislodge the terrorists has greatly been helped by the air assault launched from time to time by the Mi35 Helicopter gunships. ‘”he helicopters are a nightmare to the insurgents and they dread the Nigerian Air force for that. When they are to be used, it is either the fighter helicopters take off from the Maiduguri Air force base or fighter jets take off to launch raids from the Yola Air force Special Squadron’”a source said. Saturday Vanguard learnt that there have been instances when soldiers have stalled in their land assault with a view to avoiding mines, booby traps and ambush until the air force helicopter pilots carried out air assaults to soften the ground raids. In the course of prosecuting the offensive, there have been talk of fifth columnists among the security agencies and unconfirmed stories have it that during some raids, soldiers have fallen victims of terrorists ambush and other sell outs, during which several troops have been killed or injured in gun battles. On the political front, the activities of politicians especially from the three states in supporting the sect through what is referred to as protection fees is no longer a hidden fact. While some are said to pay as much as N4million to the sect, a state government is said to have paid the sum of N25million for the release of a prominent citizen of

Vanguard , APRIL 26 26, 2014—11

Lies, conspiracies & the military’s handicap

The large and uncontrollable porous borders that cut across countries like Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Mali, where mercenaries are easily recruited by politicians to come in, perpetrate havoc, maim innocent citizens and go back is another source of worry Borno state that was recently abducted. The elderly man of over 70years, was dumped in the boot of a car, driven for about 70kilometres and thrown into the bush. He almost suffocated to death before he was revived. The large and uncontrollable porous borders that cut across countries like Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Mali, where mercenaries are easily recruited by politicians to come in, perpetrate havoc, maim innocent citizens is another source of worry.

uestions have also been asked as to where the terrorists get there weaponry and logistics support from. Stories of terrorists driving in convoy of 10 or 15 cars to perpetrate their murderous activities and driving through the desert have made Nigerians wonder how the terrorist who though, have resorted to night attacks to avoid military tracking by day get finances. A top security source told Saturday Vanguard that “When the sect wants to carry out sinister acts, it goes to communities far off from the communities where troops and other security agencies were deployed. Another thing is that because of the remoteness of some of the communities, it is not possible to deploy our men to all the communities”. Explaining that the way out was for government to acquire more equipment for the Air force and the army because of the terrain involved“, the source said if the air

force had enough aircraft for instance and they can be carrying out air patrols at night, they would be able to inform the ground troops to move in and checkmate the attacks. “But even when the air patrols are carried out, sometimes, the movement of troops to the scene of attack have been hampered by obsolete equipment that is available to the army. There have been instances where tyres of military vehicles, Armoured Tanks and other equipment have failed in time of urgent need because most of the equipment bought 30 years ago are worn out and the parts have not been replaced”. The source noted that but for the determination and dexterity of officers of the armed services who out of necessity carried out local rehabilitation and refitting of some of the equipment in use presently in combating terrorism and other crimes like cross border banditry, the story would have been unpalatable. Recalling that the last time the military were properly equipped was in the 1980s during civil administrations, the top shot said. “It is now that it’s dawning on the country what the military administrations of the past did to the military. They virtually demobilized the armed forces. If not for the rebuilding under this democracy, these hoodlums would have thoroughly embarrassed the armed forces and the country”. Reacting to the equipment shortcoming which some have pointed to, the Defence Headquarters recently described as untrue, allegations that the military is not succeeding due to operational blunders and poor logistics supplies on the part of its Commanders. Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade said the allegations are a ploy by certain persons or group to rubbish the sacrifices and commitment of the armed forces to restore sanity to the area. The statement reads, “The Defence headquarters wishes to refute in its entirety the allegations in a publication entitled “War on Insurgency: Operational Blunders, Poor Supplies Causing Military Losses. “In the report, the publication

alluded to operational blunder, obsolete weapons and understocked armouries as some of the major reasons behind what it termed “military’s apparent inability to end the Boko Haram insurgency. “The Defence Headquarters wishes to emphatically state that the information contained in these reports did not emanate from any credible or authentic source within the Defence Headquarters or the military establishment as claimed by the writers of that story. “Accordingly, the public is enjoined to discountenance this and similar reports attributed to these spurious and unknown defence sources as they do not represent the fact about the situation in the military or the ongoing operations”. And considering the blame game that the insurgency battle has elicited in the past week by prominent Nigerians, it was therefore seen as a welcome development, the recent submissions of a former head of state and someone who knows the carnage and disservice that terrorism does to a people and a nation.

uhari’s words, “These acts have no place in Nigeria. Those who commit them (killings, destruction, abductions) have no place in our country. The perpetrators may look like human beings. They may have limbs and faces like the rest of us but they are not like us. In killing innocent people, they have become inhuman. They live outside the scope of humanity. “Their mother is carnage and their father is cruelty. They have declared war against the people of Nigeria. They have shown that they do not want to liberate the people. They want to kill them. Yet, with all the energy of their evil and ignorant hatred, they shall fail. The good people of Nigeria shall triumph. “Not only have these agents of death killed innocent people, they also abducted young girls from their school. Why abduct school girls? Whatever they plan, they should be ready to face the wrath of Nigerian people. They should release these young girls unharmed. Anything else would be an abominable crime”.

12—SA TURD AY 12—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

FG must question Northern governors — Ogbemudia

Says Kwankwaso would have been removed from office if Jonathan is not a true democrat Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia is one Nigerian leader who is worried about the spate of killings and bombings in the Northern part of the country. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard, he bared his mind on the security situation in the country and proffered solutions to some of them. He also flayed the attack on President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency by some Northern Governors, insisting that the President must investigate the governors so as to find an end to terrorism. The retired General who further urged the Presidency to recruit the services of security experts to fight terrorism also stressed the need to go after local manufacturers of bombs and explosives and also importers of bombs, warning that bombings by the Boko Haram sect may remain unabated unless the activities of the importers are checked. Excerpts: BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN CITY About 100 Nigerians were killed in the recent bombing in Nyanya park Abuja while several others were wounded. As a military officer what do you think is the problem? From the little I know, there

materials for manufacturing them are also in the country. When I was in training in America, they sent us to a Chemist to buy the powder. We would bring them, mix them together and ignite them either with water or something else. That was in 1962. Now, the technology has improved and so, the security agencies must do

The fact that Boko Haram is flourishing shows that the people around are supporting them and government must pay attention to that ,find out why they are supporting them are three important methods of having a bomb in Nigeria. The first is through importation by those granted licence by the Federal Government to bring in explosives to do their civil engineering work. The second is by smuggling it into the country and that the Custom can take care of. The third is by manufacturing it locally because the

something. But we must also bear in mind that the Boko Haram people carrying guns may not be the manufacturers of the explosives because the type of explosives you have are mostly in plastic forms and the PNT. They cannot manufacture that, they are imported. So, we must go for these importers and monitor them. The one we can put together are the

local ones. I think again, the appeal should go to our local people in whose homes they keep these equipments and the local people in whose presence they make these because if you are going to make a bomb, you need accesilin, you need gas, you need shipmeto, and you need cutting touch and all these materials are bought from people. The people know who buys accesilin, who buys gas, who buys cutting touch and all the materials they use locally. They can follow them, supervise them and monitor their movements. Government has done everything humanly possible but the people are more in number than the people government put there to work. Government set up a road block. If some funny people are working, they can calm down when they get to the road block and walk through the road block and pick up another vehicle in front. Security men will not know but you need the people themselves to report that that vehicle coming contains dangerous materi-

Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia

als. In the late 50s when Nigeria was helping the Cameroon to overcome the rebellion against it, some of us were sent to the Cameroon border and we found that people were transporting ammunition using spare tires and so when the vehicles came for inspection, we will leave them to pass. But one day, we caught a woman who confessed to us that all the empty vehicles passing are the ones carrying the ammunition. That was how we learnt our lessons. So, there is need for equipment to identify ammunition in any vehicle. Abduction of students First of all, it is an unfortunate incident. Two, we must sympathise with the families of the students. On this issue of kidnapping, I hold the view that many people in the locality might have seen these children being marched away. They are the people who ought to give information to the security agencies as security men cannot be everywhere. Nigeria is over 900,000 square kilometres and if you

multiply by square votes, it will be in trillions and we cannot have enough soldiers to do that or police or Air Force or Navy. Therefore, those who are on ground should help the police with information so that they can catch up with these people. Those children they took away have parents, the parents might not have been present but there are people in the village who saw them being marched away. They could easily have traced them. So, I think that the appeal mostly go to the local people to open their eyes and ears and also use their communication gadgets to inform the security people. Everyday, the police publish list of phone numbers and they should take note of those numbers and use them to the maximum. Terrorism does not flourish in a hostile territory. The fact that Boko Haram is flourishing shows that the people around are supporting them and government must pay attention to that and find out why they are supporting them. The governors need to be questioned Continues on page 13

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Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014—13

Continues from page 12 more about what they need to do to get rid of Boko Haram. Public statements are not enough. Political statements are not enough. They should be able to explain what they can do to stop it because if the people were not receptive to them, they would have ran away. Boko Haram cannot come to a place like Ibadan and stay there for long. People will round them up and kill them. The intelligence can get at the man who is recruiting them because no terrorist can survive in a hostile territory. Again, they should educate the people and get the local people to cooperate, otherwise it will be a long drawn out insurgence. Again the Federal Government should look for security experts to help them and not these consultants. All the soldiers they are sending to that place should be screened too because if you send a boy to go and kill his brother, the way he will do it may be different. The best Nigerian soldiers come from Bachama in Benue. But people are criticizing the President for holding visits in some states while Nigerians are being killed what is your take on that? People who are criticizing the President may probably be feeling like the parents of the victims that the President did not declare state of mourning or cancellation of his appointments, but that is exactly what the bombers want. If you do that, then you have already conceded victory to them. We all know that the President in his quiet moment feel so bad and he came out to ensure that the community people are not showing any sign of defeat by leading them with a bold face. If he does not do that, people will say this is a weak man, only one bombing and he has given up. So he is right with what he is doing. Every country has a challenge and this type of challenge. If you look around Africa, Europe, latin America, you will find that there is always problem in every country and many end up stronger than they were when they started. Nigeria in my view will be a united country because this very challenge is designed to strengthen our resolve to live together, designed by an unknown force to ensure that we live together and to also accept and make sacrifice for the betterment of the country and the people. Jonathan is more intelligent than many

Ogbemudia

‘Kwankwaso would have been remo ved fr om of removed from offfice if Jonathan is not a true democr at’ democrat’ of us put together. He does not need any advice. He is pushing to transform Nigeria and those who don’t want change are opposed to him. In the process of transforming the country, he is stepping on peoples toes and they are fighting him. When we talk about roads, look at the Benin Lagos road now. I

but he is laying a foundation that will endure. So, lets give him a chance. Problem in fighting Boko Haram The problem we are having is that most of our military officers are not trained in intelligence or terrorism. So, they should meet occasional-

PDP is a very responsible party and every statement of it is based on information from a reliable source and I believe that when they say it, they have good reasons for saying it and Nigerians should take them serious think Jonathan should be allowed to complete his job. He is spending sleepless nights doing his mathematics on how he can get things done, so, we should not distract him. And those people who are pursing selfish interests should leave him alone. I think Jonathan is good and he should be given another four years to add to his transformation programme. He may not be able to finish it because transforming Nigeria will require ten generations after Jonathan. His children will come, they will not finish it

ly to exchange ideas with the Minister of Defence who should be a core military man. They should constantly get briefing from the military high command and the President. Our intelligence network if strengthened can get at the man who is recruiting Boko Haram members because no terrorist can survive in a hostile territory. Generals Yakubu Gowon and Muhammadu Buhari recently declared that the sect members action is a declaration of war on the country, do you believe that?

I am not surprised with what they said. I think that if they have declared war, the Federal Government cannot go to war with them because many of the people in these communities are still pro Nigeria. So, you cannot pound everywhere, otherwise you will be committing genocide. But they should continue to hunt for them and block their source of funds and weapons so that they will be strangulated. We must close our borders, close it so that unknown visitors cannot come in. But unfortunately, they can trek through the bush to enter the country. If we were an Island surrounded by water, it would have been easier but we are on land. However, the onus is on the people themselves to say no to Boko Haram. Are you comfortable with the allegations and counter allegaitons between the PDP and the APC as regards to the sponsorship of the Boko Haram and the recent attack by Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State on President Jonathan PDP is a very responsible party and every statement of it is based on information from a reliable source and I believe that when they said it, they have good reasons for saying it and Nigerians should take them serious.

Other parties are trying to copy the PDP. PDP is manned by responsible people, not cow boys. In our history, Jonathan is the most competent President. He listens to public opinion and when he opens his mouth to say something, he says it with great confident and credibility. I must say that Kwankwaso is a good governor but over and above all, he is the luckiest governor that has confronted a President and got away with it. The President before Jonathan would have thrown him out of office. Jonathan is an embodiment of democracy and that is why people are taking him for granted. I think other governors should refrain from using abusive languages on the President. State of Benin-Lagos road Arch.Mike Onolemenmen is the best Minister of Works since 1960. I drove through llesha-Ife-Ibadan-AbeokutaLagos Road and the Minister is a blessing to Nigeria and Edo state in particular. And if he is given another five years, potholes and bad roads will be a thing of the past in Nigeria. When you see the Benin-Lagos-Shagamu road, you will no doubt come to the conclusion that a great percentage of the transformation is on the way. Before now, from Benin to Lagos, none was tarred except small plantation, about four miles, all others are red earth and when you get to Lagos, you are red unless you tie some napkins over your head. So I think that Jonathan should be allowed to complete his job, we should give him the maximum support we can so that when it is our turn, his supporters will also support us. He is spending sleepless nights doing his mathematics on how he can get things done and we should not distract his attention. And they should keep away from him those people who are pursuing their personal interest. Will you support Onolemenmen to succeed Governor Adams Oshiomhole in 2016 in Edo State? He has not told me he is running for governorship. You don’t back people who don’t tell you about their ambition. Apart from that, because he has done well in one sector does not mean that he will do well in other sector. He has not told me he wants to be governor.

14—SA TURD AY 14—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

Bomb prevention initiative is long overdue —Ekhomu BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

he President of Association of Industrial and Safety Security Operators of Nigeria, (AISSON), Dr. Ona Ekhomu has called on the Federal Government to urgently design and implement the National Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Prevention Initiative in order to save lives and property from incessant Boko Haram bombings. Reacting to the incessant killings of innocent Nigerians, the latest being the bomb blast at the Nyanya Bus Terminus in Abuja, Ekhomu said the national bomb prevention initiative was long overdue as citizens who are enrolled in the security programme would form a bulwark of defense against criminal bombings. Ekhomu, who is also the Chairman of Trans-World Security said the security awareness program on IEDs would enable citizens identify suspicious objects which may be bombs and also identify suspicious vehicles bearing improvised explosive devices. Ekhomu said that

bombers (throwers or planters) also exhibit suspicious behaviours which citizens could detect if they were educated through the national citizens awareness program. The security expert said that another core component of the program is reporting channels or how to alert the authorities about suspicious objects or persons. “Citizens must be given short code telephone numbers to call and report suspicious objects and movements” he said. The call centers should be staffed with professional, highly- trained personnel who can skillfully interact with callers and get all relevant information about suspicious objects and persons. The call center would then dispatch the police to secure the sites. Ekhomu said that the office of the National Security Adviser should create a unit known as office of IED Prevention Programs to coordinate

Dr. Ona Ekhomu

the operation of the program nationally. The world renowned security expert advised elected and appointed political officials to stay away from bomb scenes. He said that at a blast scene, there were several items of evidence that could tell bomb detectives the type of device used, the chemical composition of the device, the size of the device, the probable blast load, even the signature of the bomb-maker.

He stressed that rushing to the blast site with their retinue of aides would result in massive contamination of the blast scene. Ekhomu said that Boko Haram fighters could take out political office holders though the use of secondary devices. He advised public officials against contaminating the crime scenes and also putting themselves at grave risk from “double tap” bomb attacks which Boko Haram has carried out in the past. He advised that bomb scenes should be left to the bomb experts to sift evidence from in order to detect, prosecute and punish criminal bombers. Ekhomu said that while “good samaritans’ could help evacuate the injured and the dying from blast sites ahead of the arrival of government emergency personnel, deceased individuals should be left on the blast scene to enable accurate census of fatalities. The Chartered Security professional in West Africa, said that the 36 states should adopt the National IED Prevention Initiative and set up State IED Prevention Initiative, adding that safety of the lives of citizens was the primary mission of government. He condoled with families of victims of the bomb blast.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014—15

I left $86bn in govt coffers —Peter Obi Occasionally I received some. However, at the end of my tenure, all the Traditional Rulers in Anambra came together and said they would honour me with the title of “Okwute” for my service to the State. I accepted it. I also accepted the honour from Champion, because, coming after my tenure, it was evidently not informed by any consideration. This is my stand.

ormer Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State in this encounter with Saturday Vanguard speaks on his legacy, life after governance, APGA and other issues not connected with government. Excerpts. You’ve just had a successful handover of the reins of government to your successor. Well, I must thank all those that collaborated and assisted us in all that we did, especially the press. Without your guys, it would have been difficult for us. I cherish the good relationship I enjoyed with you and I am inclined to say I was very fortunate as governor. How has life been outside government? I am one person who had never missed any post I occupied in the past. Life itself is transient and so is everything else. It is those that see only permanence in appointment that are disturbed once they are relinquished of that either through efflusion of time or any other means. All I have tried to do is to live my normal life wherever I found myself such that on leaving, I will not miss anything.

Pardon our disagreeing with you. It is not about the publishers of the advert, but about clarifying issues to Nigerians. On the 8th of March, I called Nigerians from all walks of life and presented what I called my “End of Tenure Report”. I explained where I How would you rate yourself as met Anambra State and where we governor? I have never rated myself because I are leaving her. I made it clear that we did not borrow a dime neither believe it will be self-indulgence. did we issue bond. I mentioned our Nobody marks his papers after investments and savings in banks. examination. Even in Universities, For example, I mentioned that we they invite external examiners now saved $156 Million Dollars through and then. For the sake of objectivity, it is better for others to do the rating. buying local and foreign denominated bonds. The Managing I recall when some people came Directors of the banks where these from the Nigerian Institute of Policy money are- Fidelity, Access and and Strategic studies on study tour Diamond Banks- were present. It to Anambra State. They asked me to baffles me that some people would convey people from the State to a come up to cast doubts on people’s particular place for interactive mind just to pull Peter Obi down. session with them as to know All I can say is that what we said firsthand the peoples’ feeling about we did, the money we said we left our government. I insisted they and all that were properly Peter Obi should rather go to the markets with me and we did so, without security. I documented and certified. With the Freedom of Information Law, one think they marvelled at what the can actually apply to those saw. The responses from people institutions to know if the money are about activities in the State were there. When I was the governor, I did not most cheering. This is how people Let me take this opportunity to use sirens, I carried my bags, are assessed. If I had conveyed clear one misconception, I did not checked into hotels myself, bought people to them, the chances were say I left all cash in the banks. I that it would be party supporters my tickets and did my bookings. I made it clear that some were by way queued like other Nigerians and without respect for objectivity. of investment. For example, flew business and economy classes. Anambra State invested money in Some people published in the Now that I am no longer the some of the companies we attracted governor, basically the same life newspapers that you did not leave to the State. style goes on. There is nothing to the money and investment of about It is important to let you know that $86 Billion as you claimed. How miss. I am one person who does not we were able to save money in the eat as if I would die tomorrow or would you react to this? State because we made a law that build edifices as if I would live I often say that there must be the Anambra must save a minimum of lunatic fringe in all reform forever. N100 Million Naira monthly and I movements. People told me about obeyed it religiously. Recently, against your principle, the publication, but the only thing is As a governor, I supported savings that I refused to read it because they you took the title of Okwute and by the country. Look, no matter received award from situation, one must save Champion newspaper. All I have tried to do is the even if a kobo every month for Was this a change of to live my normal life the rainy day. Unfortunately, principle or what? one says so, one is First of all, let me say that wherever I found when reminded by some people that no principle is cast in iron. myself such that on it is already raining here. The Events dictate principles at all times. Having said this, leaving, I will not miss irony is that the same people this have private let me set the records anything. When I was saying savings? When one witnesses straight, I have never been against granting honours the governor, I did not use sirens, the mindset of some of us, one Many of us are only and dignities to people. All I carried my bags, checked into shudders. interested in the next post and I said was that I would not hotels myself, bought my tickets not what the future holds for suffer the epidemic of receiving awards whilst I and did my bookings. I queued us as a country. was the governor as I like other Nigerians and flew You were noted for financial believe that genuine honours come when one is business and economy classes prudence, “stinginess” some say, but towards the last days out of office. Thus, I had to reject hundreds of awards Continues on page 47 that came by my way.

By CHIOMA GABRIEL

are minor distractions intended to snare the lowly minded. As far as I am concerned, I should not comment on such inanities.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014 — 17

18—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

doise Odiboh Oscar simply known by fans as Oscar is a 300 level Theatre Arts undergraduate of University of Benin from Opoji, Edo State. He started music professionally in 2013 and has since released a couple of singles which are enjoying splendid airplay. He is a man with a mission. “I take my God seriously,I take my music seriously. I’m focused. I’m not here to joke around. I’m here to mean something important to my generation and generations to come” he enthused. Here is more from Oscar: I started music professionally last year. Well I have always loved music. I have always been drawn to creating sounds that are unique and sweet to the ear. When I was little, I used to play drums and gongs. I even tried learning the piano too. I mean “professionally” in the sense that, this is what I wanted to do as an occupation. I act too. My kind of music cannot be classified into any particular genre. If you look at the songs I have in my archive, I mean those I have released or planning to release, you will see genres ranging from highlife to afrobeats to gospel music to dance music. What they all have in common is that they are saying something. I don’t do songs just for doing songs or just for the fun of it. I do songs because I have something to offer my society. I got tired of doing party songs. I released two party songs last year, one gospel,a dancehall and I got featured in up to four dance songs. So, that is why in 2014, my songs like, “Jeje”,”Kilimanjaro”,Agbani Darego” have messages they are passing across. I am not just an entertainer, I am also a conscious

artist. If you’ve heard my new songs, you will see that I am not anyone else. I am me .I am unique. I don’t like using beats that go with what is in vogue. I like being different. I thank God for producers like MRK and Esbee. MRK produced “Jeje” and “Agbani Darego”.I also do not like speaking on things everyone else is speaking on, which is usually jewellery, chain ,women and money . I speak on low rate of job availability, foolishness of artistes in a way that the Nigerian audience and market will love it. Oscar does not only entertain, he educates. So, that is my selling point, all glory to God. To me, every challenge is but a blessing in disguise. I am not alone. My God is with me. What I am praying for now is for more airplay. I am already enjoying airplay on beatFM and radio continental with my new single and first single for 2014,”Jeje”. My biggest moments are yet to happen. The big moments that have occurred in my career are my interviews on beat FM,my interview on Radio Continental,my

performance at the launch of Genesis at Mega plaza and this interview, among others. I don’t know if I can regard myself as a ladies man. The ladies are in the best position to judge but I don’t have problem attracting any woman I want. The craziest thing a woman ever did to me was to pin me to my bed and almost forced me to make love to her. That was the first time I knew that some women are stronger than men. She held me so tight I was unable to free myself. She

I also do not like speaking on things everyone else is speaking on, which is usually jewellery, chain ,women and money nowadays

STAYING IN DE-STRESS WITH MEDITATION Have you been stressed up in the course of the week? The weekend is the time to de-stress by engaging in meditation. Meditation has two important benefits. Meditation prevents stress from getting into the system and it also releases accumulated stress that is in the system. It helps to lower high blood pressure, lower the levels of blood lactate, reducing anxiety attacks

blocked the door and told me I would not leave until we have made love. Luckily for me, after shouting for help, I escaped. I didn’t sleep with her because I didn’t trust my body with hers. It is not every girl that opens her door that we, guys should enter. My role models are Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Tuface. Both of them have added value to the society by the content of their songs. They have something for all to learn in their music. Last year,I released two singles.”Church Party” and” Tenkele”.This year I have released “Jeje”. It came out February and it is proving to be the song that may launch me into the next level. It was produced by MRK, my producer,my brother and my friend. Later this year, I’ll be releasing two singles at a go “Kilimanjaro” produced by Esbee and “Agbani Darego” produced by M.R.K. So musically, I’m active- all thanks to God.

GOING OUT GET INVOLVED IN VOLUNTEERING

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer and be part of a worthy cause. The right volunteering match can help you find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. One of the better known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Unpaid volunteers are often the glue that holds a community together. This weekend be part of a cause that adds value to your community by volunteering.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014 — 19

C M Y K

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

08111813050

Meet influential head-turners

Florence Ita Giwa T

ake it or leave it, Mama Bakassi as Senator Florence Ita-Giwa is called, is one of the most influential women in Nigeria. With her wealth of political experience, the jewelry freak is not just a social person, but also, a woman who is always seen amongst the young ones. Known for hosting and attending parties as well as hanging out with celebrities. Last Christmas, she organized a Christmas party for 3000 displaced Bakassi children in addition to distributing relief materials to displaced Bakassi persons on a regular basis over the years. The sassy and sleek, ‘Mother of the Efik Kingdom’ finds time in her busy schedule to attend Alist events in and out of the country and she is never far from where the action is.

n every society, there are people who make things happen in different ways. In the social scene in Nigeria, there are women who turn heads with their dress sense, style and glamorous style. They strut into A-List functions with sassy, classy and at times outlandish attires and accessories. Parties are incomplete without these ‘glamazons’. Here are some of the head-turners in the country.

Dame Patience Jonathan

n and out of political circles, Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan wields enormous influence. She's doing everything to make life better for women in the country and totally restore the dignity of womanhood with her pet project, “Women for Change Initiative”. It is almost impossible not to feel the presence of DamePatience-Jonathan with other women of substance in any major function. By virtue of her position and power, the matriarch of the first family announces her presence with style and panache in any function she attends.

DAIS Y AISY DANJUMA

enator Daisy Danjuma is another strong socialite who cannot be noticed in any important event. Aside her drop-dead dress sense, what stands her out most of the time at social functions is her uncommon designer jewelries. The lawyer cum senator who was former chairman of SAPETRO holds her own even in the league of head turners in the society.

NKIRU ANUMUDU

t is a well known fact that Nkiru Anumudu belongs to the class of ladies who dominate the society scene in Nigeria. Most people do not know that the fashionable Executive Director at her husband’s Globe Motors Limited over the last decade has become a formidable personality on account of her intimidating fashion style and consistent attendance at A-list parties. In Lagos, it is considered almost unpardonable to host a party without having Nkiru in attendance. She always dazzles people with her style, which has the signature of Limited Edition designer outfits, shoes, bags and jewelry, not to mention her legendary made-up face and her major style.

BIOLA OKOYA B

iola Okoya known as a woman of class and style has been one of the prime anchors behind some of the biggest parties in town. These days, the second daughter of billionaire industrialist Alhaji Razak Okoya, chairman, Eleganza Industries Limited is now an onand-off celebrity but she recently waltzed into the venue of the last held Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) awards looking older but elegant. Each time Biola steps out, she must create a lasting effect at the occasion making her a complete ‘glamazon.’

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014 — 21

Grace Egbagbe T

here are few ladies who can match the class and style of Barrister Grace Egbagbe in the Nigerian social space. The former director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) who is more into foreign engagements is a force to reckon with in any Alist function within and outside Lagos and Abuja. The Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State indigene is one woman who is associated with class, colour and style.

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu

Folorunso Alakija N

aturally, the presence of the richest woman in Africa at any event should be felt. And that is how it has always been whenever Folorunso Alakija who is also a well known fashion icon appears at any function. The oil baroness whose foundation, ‘Rose of Sharon Foundation’ helps widows and orphans by empowering them through scholarships and business grants always leaves people’s mouth agape with her style, class and sleek dress sense.

Bola Shagaya I

t doesn’t matter if you love or hate her, the fact remains that popular Lagos Princess and socialite, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu lives a glamorous lifestyle. The white loving delectable business woman and oil mogul brings royalty whenever she attends any function. It is not for nothing that the likes of King Sunny Ade have sung her praise in their recordings. The respected Lagos white cap chief and notable society woman who adorns expensive accessories to complement her dressing stands out at any top function she attends.

Chief Rita LoriOgbebor T

hough she is more of an activist and a social critic, the Igba of Warri, Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor is a popular socialite not only in Delta State but also,in the country as a whole.The first female Director of Programme of the Nigerian Television Service (NTS) and owner of wave-making Rita Lori Hotels is a proud Itsekiri woman who flaunts her people's tradition in her dressing.

Always in her white Itsekiri traditional dressing and red beads, she is not only a power broker in her home state but also, a socialite who distinguishes

herself even in her gait. She carries the aura of a social matriarch wherever she goes.

t is not a secret that Hajiya Bola Shagaya is one of the richest Nigerian business women today in Nigeria. With undying interests in oil, banking, communication, photography and the real estate business, she commands respect and attention at functions not only with her outfit which is usually worth millions of naira but also, because of her enviable status as a close friend of First Ladies, past and present. She also maintains a collection of jewelry worth millions of dollars.

Fifi Ejindu I

n Africa, Fifi Ejindu is well known for her outstanding fashion style and elaborate parties. Ejindu who is CEO, Starcrest Group which is involved in the sectors of building construction, project management, real estate, oil and gas is one of the most celebrated architects in the country today. She is well detailed in anything she does. She shocked the social firmament when not too long ago, she threw a lavish shindig at the only seven-star hotel in the world, Burj Al Arab, Dubai. Distance is no barrier for whatever she aims at. She had also taught the English people a thing or two in partying when she also blew their minds with an earth shaking party in London sometime ago. In Nigeria, Ejindu who always awe people with her peculiar but outstanding fashion statement is a very big head turner anytime, anyday. Besides being a well-recognised architect, Ejindu is also a philanthropist who has spread her love far and near. The proud holder of a traditional title of Her Highness, Obonganwan, is also a member of the National Heritage Council and Endowment For The Arts, which aims to ensure the protection and conservation of places and objects of heritage significance.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014 — 23

Ayo Onikoyi 08052201215

Top music videos and the big ideas behind them By Abel Oshevire The Nigerian music scene has come to life in such a short period of time. These days, it seems Nigerian music videos are being produced at the same rate Nollywood movies are being produced —— every day. From club bangers to love songs, from afro-beat to gospel, you name it; the list of music videos being produced is endless. However, of the thousands of music videos being produced, check out the best of the lot and what make them hot!

2F ace ffeat. eat. TT-P -P ain – Rainbo w: 2Face -Pain Rainbow:

D’Prince feat. Davido

– Gentleman: t is the belief that every lady Iwithwants a gentleman, well this track, D’Prince and

Davido are out to give the ladies more reasons to find that perfect gentleman. The colourful and eye-catching video directed by Nigeria’s most sought after music video director, Clarence Peters, portrays D’Prince and Davido as the perfect gentlemen with their stylish suit-and-tie outfits trying to woo the ladies with their verses.

Phyno – Parcel: ost of Phyno’s releases have M been club bangers, and he delivers yet another one with

ainbow is yet another soulful track from 2Face, with T-Pain adding flavour to what is an already distinct track. The video might be a sad one, but yet emphasizes the message that ‘ you don’t know what you have until it is gone.’ 2Face cannot see rainbows anymore, but it is obvious the rainbows are still over this music video with it finding comfort in a top 10 spot.

Eva – Deaf: W

ith rap flows very similar to American rapper, Nicki Minaj, it is perhaps no surprise that Eva is the only female whose video made the top 10. The video, which at some point resembles an American West Coast video with Eva rapping from the roof of a Mercedes Benz Convertible, is very simple but still captures the viewer ’s attention thanks to Eva’s distinct rap flows. However, it also has to be mentioned that the ladies in the video were quite attention grabbing too.

Da vido – A Davido Ayye:

Wizkid – On Top Your Matter:

n top your matter is perhaps one of Wizkid’s track that appeals to both the old and young. The video is brilliantly shot and colourful. The video really brings across the message of Wizkid’s track as it shows Wizkid and his friend courting their respective girlfriends, up until his friend’s wedding. This music video is sure to put a smile on the faces of many and re-ignite some lost passion.

What can you say about Aye? A lot! Of all the things that can be said about this track, one word sums it all up, masterpiece. Aye is not just a love song, but it can also second as a club hit thanks to the track’s flamboyant beats. This is the track that is getting many occasions rocking at the moment. The video is outstanding. The throwback concept to the early Nigerian Yoruba environment was a great idea. You cannot listen to ‘aye’ and watch the video and not move your body. Hands down, ‘aye’ deservedly grabs the top spot on the top 10 music videos.

Dr eat. Don Jazzy Dr.. Sid ffeat. – Surulere: With D’Banj and Wande Coal off the menu of Mavin Records, Dr. Sid has been pushed to the forefront. Surulere is hands down Sid’s best output to date. The track, along with the music video starring Funke Akindele and Helen Paul emphasizes on the importance of patience and perseverance, and with many Nigerians having to persevere through the difficult situations in the country, it is no wonder Surulere is a top 10 track due to the track’s message as well as its catchy tunes.

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Parcel. What is in that parcel? That’s right, you guessed it — money. The track’s message: if you have got it, spend it! In the video, parcels pop up everywhere now and then as Phyno raps his verses showing the dough, with some girls also dropping it low to the track. What makes this song a top 10 hit? It is a club banger, and also it might serve as a motivation for some to hustle and get that parcel like the boy Phyno.

Oritse FFemi emi

– Double Wahala:

emi took double wahala and made it modern by fusing afro-beat and hip-hop to produce one of the most amazing tracks of the year. It is quite difficult to do what Femi has done by sampling a legend’s masterpiece and making it something worth listening to. With dancers dressed like late Fela’s dancers and Femi emulating the legend’s dance moves, the video cements its place on the top 10.

Pat oranking – Girlie O: atoranking

n the music video Girl O, Pantoranking plays a guy whose next door neighbour’s boyfriend has the knack of turning her into a punching bag at the slightest provocation. Despite professing his love to his neighbour, the music video passes on the message, as Pantoranking discovers that love is truly blind.

Emm Emmyy Gee – Rands and Naira:

t has to be said that the beats on this track go so hard. Emmy Gee features several South African artistes on the track, and it is all about spending that rands and naira. This track is sure to get many clubs and parties rocking. The video features pretty ladies, flashy cars, exotic mansions, as well as a lavish meal set on a dining table. There’s no better way to spend all that rand and naira.

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

BY ADERONKE ADEYERI

Freeze, D’Banj & John Obayuwana showing off their Rolex watches at “An Evening With Rolex” cocktail party in Lagos.

Your wristwatch says a lot about you O

nce upon a time, men wore watches to keep track of the hours. But not anymore. If you’re like most guys, you have a smart phone that tells the time just fine. So, time pieces have become even more of a fashion statement: You wear one as an accessory to match your outfit or communicate something about your style. The first thing you notice in a man are his watch and shoes. Those two speak volumes, the watch especially. It tells almost everything you need to know about his personalty. If you’re a man who cares about style, you probably own (or want to own) a C M Y K

few wristwatches: an everyday watch, a weekend watch, even a luxury watch that’s bespoke unto itself. From old school to ultramodern and everything in between, there is a watch for every occasion. While functional and utilitarian, men’s watches are also fashionable. A finely made watch is perhaps the only jewelry accessory a man will ever truly need and owning a small collection of men’s watches allows you to match your timepiece to your mode of dress, lifestyle and personality — all the while, still keeping your appointments.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014 — 25

Bambo cocktail is good before dinner By ANOZIE EGOLE

urprisingly, not many know the value of taking some wine before going to bed. Many see that as a pattern of lifestyle that is not worth living while others who are enlightened in terms of health know the advantage of taking wine before going to bed. A taste of Bambo cocktail before going to bed will convince you that for a sound and comfortable sleep , you need a glass of Bambo. Though it is not strictly meant for sleeping alone.

Bishop cocktail Iwine drink and it’s popularity led me f you do a search online for a Bishop Cocktail, you will find many links to a

to include it below. However, my true intention was to share a variation of a classic cocktail also known as the Bishop. There are two versions of it. One (the main recipe here) has a rum base and wine as an accent. The other “pitcher” version cuts the rum to a much smaller ratio, leaving the drink more along the lines of a rum Sangria. All are great drinks . Just pour 3oz rum, 1 oz red wine, juice of ½ a line into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, then shake well and strain into a chilled red wine glass and you get a perfect Bishop cocktail.

Bambo cocktail T

he Bamboo Cocktail is another classic cocktail that is a variation of the Martini and an excellent before dinner drink. It was created sometime around the 1890’s by Louis Eppinger at the Grand Hotel in Yokohama. Eppinger was famous in his time for turning around the Grand and mixing many great drinks as well as overseeing culinary menus that the elite would flock to when visiting Japan. The drink mysteriously made its way to the U.S and was sometime known as a “Boston Bamboo.” It’s is simply prepared when you pour the vermouth and sherry into a mixing glass filled with ice, add the bitters, stir well and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. You then twist a lemon peel over the drink to release its essence.

*Amoretti

*Smoking-Bishop *Inkerman

*Imbibing

26 — SARTURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

If you bu I’ll bully

ow has your music journey been so far? It’s been great and challenging. As a woman in a male dominated industry in Nigeria, I will say it’s been pretty challenging. But in the long run it’s great. It’s working out and fruitful, so, it’s been great so far. It’s something daring but I’m happy about the fact that I gave it a try and I’m proud of myself. Professionally, I started when I was seventeen. I did my first collaboration with General Pype when I was seventeen years. I also featured alongside Jhybo when I was nineteen in 2009/2010.I am 22 now.

— Cynth

With the influx of female artistes in the Nigerian music scene , what will you be doing differently?

BY KEHINDE AJOSE

For me, the kind of music I do is something distinct. Personally, I am an artiste with distinction right from when I started.I have never been compared to anybody in Africa or in Nigeria. It’s one thing to be a female, and it’s another thing hustling and doing your music like a female. The sky is wide enough for everybody to fly .It’s all about hard work, knowing what you want, knowing your kind of sound , knowing that you have to be different and not follow new trends .You have to be a pacesetter , not following people. It’s not about being put in a box because I am a female, it’s just about being good at what you do as an artiste and being able to compete with the male folks in the industry. It’s not a gender thing.

ynthia Ikponmwenosa M isn’t afraid to flaunt her Okoye’s North Side E hit song:’Don’t Break M opens up to Showtime Celebrity she took raunchy pictures, whet and a whole lot of other issues.

What inspired your song ‘Don’t break my heart’?

Writing a song can sometimes be personal, just as it can be about the environment .The angle I wrote the song from is that of an African woman in love, but giving a warning, saying you are everything to me, but don’t break my heart. It’s a song that people do love because it connects with everybody. If you are in a relationship, the first thing that comes to your head is that I don’t want this person to mess up. I don’t want to put my heart into it. I don’t want to do this, I don’t want to do that. It’s a common thing . But the depth in the song brought the whole message out. It’s about an African woman who is happily in love and who doesn’t want to be heartbroken.

So have you never been heartbroken?

Yes I have, the song is also inspired by my tale of heartbreak and other people’s C M Y K

tale of heartbreaks as well.I have experienced it and others have experienced it too, so it was just amazing creating a song around it.

Can you quit music for your relationship?

For me, it’s a no! This is because , definitely I am going to get married to someone who understands my passion for music. I am not ready to get married yet. I can’t even think about that right now .Marriage is out of it .I think it’s about getting married to someone that understands your craft , supports you generally in your music career .I hope for a husband

If a director comes and say : “You know what? You are going to go nude and shoot a video like this”, you know that’s what makes you an artiste.

that will understand and support my craft, not one that would want me to stop music. So that’s what I hope for.

What inspired your recent raunchy photo shoots ?

Personally for an artiste, besides music,you have to be creative when it comes to your branding, your pictures, your performances and stage craft. Pictures are part of the things that brand an artiste. A lot of people say different kind of stuffs, but when you start something in Nigeria or in Africa, people start talking. We are in 21st century and Nigeria is not like America. We still have this mentality of ‘Oh my God, she is

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Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014 — 27

N addition to the legendary James Bond (007) series, cigarette or tobacco smoking is perhaps one other entity to which the expression: “Licensed to Kill” is universally applicable. Smoking kills. A cigarette or tobacco product is the only consumer product guaranteed to kill the user when used exactly as prescribed. The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly six million people a year. More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600, 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. The World Health Organization calls tobacco a “gradual killer.” Because there is a lag of several years between when people start using tobacco and when their health suffers, the epidemic of tobacco-related disease and death has just begun. Statistics by the World Health Organisation show that tobacco caused 100 million deaths in the 20th century. Estimates say it may cause one billion deaths in the 21st century. Life expectancy for a smoker is at least 10 years shorter than for a non-smoker. Unchecked, tobacco-related deaths will increase to more than eight million per year by 2030. All over the world, smoking is routinely linked with bad health and declining wellness. Smoking is the No.1 cause of preventable death, killing more people than many known noncommunicable disorders. The chemicals in cigarette smoke harm nearly every organ of the body and also overall health. Tobacco smoke contains a deadly mix of more than 7,000 chemicals. Hundreds are toxic. About 70 are known to cause cancer. None of these chemicals in tobacco has an overall health benefit. While smoking harms the smokers’ health, it also puts lives of people around in danger because they inhale the smoke exhaled (secondhand smoking). Approximately one person dies every six seconds due to tobacco, accounting for one in 10 adult deaths. Up to half of current users will eventually die of a tobaccorelated disease such as

In recent times the Federal government had reason to be urged by pressure groups to act decisively in presenting to the Federal Executive Council the new draft National Tobacco Control Bill, NTCB 2014

Licensed to kill

cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and other respiratory diseases When the late former Minister of Health, Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti began his relentless pursuit of the anti-smoking campaign in 1989, many remarked that it was a fluke. But they were proved wrong. It was during Olikoye’s tenure as Health Minister that a law against smoking was enacted and cigarette manufacturers were compelled to carry warnings such as “Cigarette smokers are liable to die young,” and “The Federal Ministry of Health warns that tobacco smoking is dangerous to health. Warnings on cigarette packs have since become increasingly restrictive. Warnings such as “Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, and emphysema and may complicate pregnancy”, “Smokers are

liable to die young” and “Quitting smoking now greatly reduces serious risks to your health” are widespread. Smoking is no longer fashionable. Many countries have pushed out some of the toughest anti-tobacco laws and restrictions in history. In many countries smoking openly in public places such as restaurants, airports or bus stops is forbidden. Smoking is restricted in designated places and even when you smoke in privacy, people who see you smoking consider you a nuisance and threat to public health. Family and friends repeatedly tell you smoking will kill you. And they are right. In recent times the Federal Government had reason to be urged by pressure groups to act decisively in

presenting to the Federal Executive Council the new draft National Tobacco Control Bill, NTCB 2014. The Bill stipulates a minimum of six months imprisonment or N50,000 or both for individuals that smoke outside public places designated as smoking areas. The mission was clear: To keep the commitment to lead Nigeria toward a healthier future

with stronger policies protecting the citizens from the dangers of tobacco. Ban on public smoking is making a difference –saving lives and reducing health costs. The new smoke-free laws are to ensure that all indoor settings which are open to the public, and especially wherever children and pregnant women are present.

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Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

By Sola Ogundipe, 08056180112, solazed@live.com

Lifeline

No mosquito, no malaria

s Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark this year’s World Malaria Day, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria admonishes Nigerians to key into the vision of No Mosquito, No Malaria. Prevention is the most effective strategy to fight malaria which is believed to account for over 65 percent of clinical visitations in Nigeria. PREVENTION Vector control (control of mosquito) is the main way to reduce malaria transmission at the community level from very high levels to close to zero. Long-lasting insecticidal nets, LLINs, are the preferred form of Insecticide-treated mosquito nets, ITNs, for public health distribution programmes. Persons vulnerable to

malaria should sleep under ITNs. Indoor spraying with residual insecticides, IRS, is a powerful way to rapidly reduce malaria transmission. Indoor spraying is effective for 3 – 6 months, depending on the insecticide used and the type of surface on which it is sprayed. Antimalarial medicines may also be used to prevent malaria. The officially recommended drugs for intermittent Preventive Therapy, IPTs in Nigeria are Sulphadoxine/ Pyrimenthamin, SP. DO’S Do all you can to protect yourself and others from mosquito bite. If you suspect malaria, get help fast, do a quick malaria test and if positive, get the right antimalarial drug (talk with

your pharmacist or other healthcare provider). If you do not have access to a test, start malaria treatment (especially in vulnerable group) and seek medical help from your healthcare provider. Always take your malaria drug as directed and make sure you complete your dose. Pay extra attention to those most vulnerable to malaria. If you notice any sign of severe malaria, please seek advice on referrals from your pharmacist. DON’TS Don’t expose yourself or loved ones to mosquito bite. It is also not advisable to begin taking malaria drug before you have done a test to confirm malaria. Avoid use of “monotherapy” to treat malaria and don’t take your antimalarial drug haphazardly as this may lead to resistant Role of the pharmacist

Your pharmacist can help you to do a rapid test for malaria and to make the best choice of antimalarial drug. They know when and how best to take your

antimalarial drug and also to avoid other drugs, supplements or herbs that may interact with your antimalarial medicine.

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Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014—29

Mother & Child

Malaria: A pregnant woman’s worst enemy

have a negative impact on her own health and that of her fetus. Every pregnant woman is at high risk of malaria infection. Her baby is also at high risk. There could be complications in the form of anemia, fetal loss, premature delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, and delivery of low birth-weight infants - a risk factor for death. It is a particular problem for women in their first and second pregnancies and for women who are HIV-positive.

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

pril 23, 2012 is a day I will live to remember. On that day, I experienced what we usually regard as ordinary malaria. I was away from work for two weeks. The same malaria cost me my unborn baby. How? She asked. Mummy Bisi, I find it difficult to believe that malaria is that dangerous until it happened to me. It was 12 weeks into my pregnancy when I started feeling weak and pains all over my body. In two days, I was hospitalised. Before I knew it, I had lost the pregnancy I waited eight years for that pregnancy. Pregnancy loss What was the verdict of the doctors? After, various blood tests, I was told I had malaria and already the red blood cells had been infected with the malaria parasite. My baby was also infected. Despite efforts by the doctors, I had a miscarriage. That is my story till date. Malaria causes severe, even fatal disease during pregnancy and that is why appropriate strategy to prevent and treat it is vital during pregnancy.

Parasites Regardless of symptoms, the presence of malaria parasites in a pregnant woman’s body will

Why pregnant women are more at risk However, because of the changes in women’s immune systems during pregnancy and the presence of a new organ

(the placenta) with new places for parasites to bind, pregnant women lose some of their immunity to malaria infection. Preventing and treating malaria in pregnancy can be a key intervention to improving maternal, fetal and child health globally. Management A pregnant woman during a prenatal consultation receives Fansidar (SulfadoxinePyrimethamine) use of insecticide-treated bed nets intermittent preventive treatment, IPTp, (for women in high malaria transmission areas. Women should also receive iron/ folate supplementation to protect them against anemia, a common occurrence among all

pregnant women. IPTp entails administration of a curative dose of an effective antimalarial drug (currently sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine) to all pregnant women whether or not they are infected with malaria parasite. IPTp should be given at each routine antenatal care visit, starting in the second trimester. Prevention Pregnant women should sleep under Insecticide-treated nets, ITNs. Intermittent preventive treatment – to pregnant women should be part of the routine antenatal care, using and strengthening the existing antenatal care infrastructure.

Nature’s Health

Carrots are good for you! O

ften thought of as the ultimate health food, carrots are good for you. Carrots are a popular vegetable to juice because of their sweet mild flavour. Eating carrots raw or steamed provides the most nutritional value. Carrots can be bought fresh, frozen, canned or even pickled and should be peeled and washed before consuming. They are best stored in the refrigerator in a sealed plastic bag. If the greens are still attached to the top of the carrot, remove them before storing to prevent the greens from drawing out moisture and nutrients from the roots. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, providing 210 percent of the average adult’s needs for the day. They also provide 6 percent of vitamin C needs, 2 percent of calcuim needs and 2 percent of iron needs per serving. It is the antioxidant beta carotene that gives carrots their bright orange colour. Carrots also contain fibre, vitamin K, potassium, folate, manganese, phosphorous, magnesium, vitamin E and zinc. Sweet, crunchy and aromatic, carrots

have such a good reputation for several reasons. Cancer: A variety of dietary carotenoids have been shown to have anticancer effects due to their antioxidant power in reducing free radicals in the body. Lung Cancer: Current smokers who do not consume carrots had three times the risk of developing lung cancer compared with those who ate carrots more than once a week. Colorectal Cancer: Beta-carotene consumption has been shown to have an inverse association with the development of colon cancer in the Japanese population.3 Leukemia - Carrot juice extract was shown to kill leukaemia cells and inhibit their progression in a 2011 study. Prostate Cancer - Among younger men, diets rich in beta-carotene may play a

protective role against prostate cancer. Vision - Studies have shown that it is unlikely that most people will experience any significant positive changes in their vision from eating carrots unless they have an existing vitamin A deficiency. Other possible benefits: The antioxidants and phytochemicals in carrots may also help with blood sugar regulation, delay the effects of aging, and improve immune function.

30—SATURDAY

Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

en are always looking to add a little more muscle mass to their frames. Think about libido, ego boost of biceps and a huge chest – it’s what testosterone is all about. Testosterone is to a man, what Oestrogen is to a woman. It is that male hormone that typifies masculinity and maleness. Testosterone is produced in the testes and in the adrenal glands. It has an effect on almost every aspect of a man’s body. It helps the body to build the various proteins that play key roles in virtually every bodily function. Oysters Along with increasing your physical endurance, oysters pack more zinc than almost any other food source just six gives you almost seven times the RDA and zinc plays a key role in muscle growth and testosterone levels. Protein, magnesium, lots of zinc. Eat a serving of oysters once a week, raw, cooked or canned but never fried. They produce protein, magnesium and lots of zinc Lean beef Few things have as positive an impact on testosterone levels as lean meats. Beef specifically offers the added benefit of high protein and zinc two nutrients key to optimizing testosterone and musclebuilding potential in one source. And while you don’t want too much saturated fat in your diet, you require some to produce testosterone. Grill or broil a lean cut of steak a few times a week. You get all the protein, iron, magnesium, zinc and saturated fat you need. Beans Thinking protein, fibre or zinc? Beans are your best bet. Beans pack a bigger shot of zinc than any other member of the vegetable family and even rival the zinc content of red meat. Add that to a food that’s high in protein and fibre and low in fat, and you have a winning combo. Baked beans, lima beans, navy beans and kidney beans are all good choices. Chicken and turkey High-protein diets have a positive impact on muscle mass and thus testosterone levels and high fat seems to have the opposite effect. So while chicken and turkey lack high zinc levels, their protein-to-fat ratios make

Typically male

Boost testosterone levels with these foods

Save 120 lives, donate blood voluntarily them important to your diet. Roast or grill skinless, boneless portions of turkey or chicken several times a week. Eggs Testosterone is made from cholesterol, and as such, food containing cholesterol is a good source of building blocks. Eggs are a source of pure, unadulterated cholesterol. This excess cholesterol isn’t as harmful as previously thought. Start your day with 3-4 whole eggs cooked in olive oil or fat-free cooking spray. The amount of eggs you eat also depends on your goals, body weight etc. Broccoli Elevated Oestrogen levels lead to fat accumulation and can interfere with muscle

growth. Broccoli contains high levels of indoles - food compounds that help reduce bad estrogen. Eat as many servings of broccoli as you can stomach. Cabbage In addition to exhibiting the same estradiol-restricting properties as other cruciferous vegetables, cabbage is high in fibre which is great for controlling weight, as it prevents the consumption of fattier foods. Keeping weight down has an anti-estrogen impact. Brussels sprouts Brussels sprouts do help you grow up big and strong. Like the other vegetables on our list, these specifically target bad oestrogen and pack just as much fibre. Garlic In clinical studies, garlic’s active ingredient enhances testosterone levels and inhibits cortisol, a hormone that competes with testosterone, limiting its actions and breaking down muscle tissue. Season other foods with garlic when you can, but eating whole cloves provides the most direct benefit.

N line with its corporate social responsibility and contribution to local community and Corporate Citizenship, Novartis Pharma Services English Speaking West Africa started a blood donation drive to raise 120 pints of blood through voluntary donation. The event, took off at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi Araba, Lagos officially marking Novartis Community Partnership Day. It is aimed at saving lives through education and encouragement of the general public on the importance of saving lives through voluntary nonremunerated blood donation. The “120 Lives Saved Project” is aimed at giving blood free to the community as part of its commitment to saving lives and addressing the paucity of blood by encouraging voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation among Novartis English West Africa Associates with the expectation that this will bridge the gap in blood availability in Nigeria. Safe blood saves lives - but, for too many patients around the world and in Nigeria in particular whose survival depends on blood transfusion, blood is neither available nor safe. Many issues contribute to its paucity, including various myths and religious beliefs preventing its acceptability. By motivating potential donors to donate blood voluntarily on a regular basis there will be achievement of a safe and sustainable supply of blood and blood products, while encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

SARTURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014 — 31

ully me, y back

hia Morgan

know what? You are going to go nude and shoot a video like this”, you know that’s what makes you an artiste. That is what makes you an exceptional artiste. So it’s fine.

Does that mean you will do it?

It’s not true .It’s one of the craziest things I have heard about myself. No, I am not using Whitenicious.

For me, he has to be rich. There just has to be a connection between the both of us .He has to be fond of me, we have to be compartible. He has to have a good sense of humour and must be presentable.

That will be my height,my boobs and my nose. There is an allegation that you are using Dencia Whitenicious . It’s not true .It’s one of the craziest things I have heard about myself. No, I am not using Whitenicious.

A picture surfaced online where your pictures were blended together. In one of the pictures, you were darker and now you are lighter, what do you have to say about that?

exposing a whole lot of stuffs’ but when American artistes do it, we get to embrace them. I think it’s all about you starting your own trend, people will definitely talk, some people will love it while some will hate it .It’s all about you knowing what you see as an artiste. When I create a song , I can actually create the video in my head. So, it’s all about the craft and the branding .I wasn’t actually nude, I was wearing a tattoo and a pair of snickers. It’s just about being different and people are definitely going to talk. It’s part of the whole business. If they don’t talk, you don’t make money. So they just have to keep talking.

What I will love to say about that is that in life people grow and change with time .For example, I was born with a talent and over the years, I improved on the talent. For me, I grew up, then I was very young and I was even a tomboy and don’t even think I used cream . I grew up and I am lighter .People don’t look the way they looked five-six years ago. If you still look like that, then you have a problem and that could mean you are not growing. It’s either you are fatter, slimmer , lighter or darker or have a pot belly. People grow.

So, how do you react to negative comments about you on the social media?

If a fan bullies me, I bully back if I am in the mood. If you go through my Twitter page and you tell me what I do is crap , I will be like:’ Is that why we are here?’. If you bully me, I bully back. That’s how it is. There are some people who go online trying to just make you feel bad about yourself and about your music but as an artiste, you just have to be very prepared .It happens all over the world even in America. I am a bully too. You bully me, if I am in the mood, I bully you back. That’s how it works.

Who is your celebrity crush? That will be Davido, because for me he is hardworking. Over the years he has been able to prove himself that he is talented and not all about being just a rich kid and I think he is cute too.

Can you go nude in a music video if the concept warrants it?

C M Y K

What are your favourite qualities in a man?

Can you tell us about your physical assets:what you consider as the sexiest part of your body?

Morgan is a fast-rising dancehall artiste who r sensuality. The svelte diva signed to Jude Entertainment has been getting buzz from her My Heart’ .In this engaging interview, she y on the inspiration behind her hit song, why ther she can go nude in a music video or not,

It’s a craft and it’s all about your performance. It’s just a performance if I have to go nude. Yes, definitely .It’s all about the performance. It’s about acting . It’s my job to actually do whatever fits into whatever I’m doing. If a director comes and say :”You

Yes! It’s a performance shoot, but I don’t see myself doing any nude video though. I am just saying if the situation demands that I do it, yes, I will. Rihanna goes nude too. That’s why you are called a performing artiste.

•Cynthia Morgan

What if he asks you out and says he loves you? Cool, but because I have a crush on him doesn’t mean I want to have a relationship with him .But if he says :’Oh my God! I love you.’ We can work something out.

32— SATURDAY Vanguard,, APRIL 26, 2014

Why I

unfollowed my friends

Burna Boy on

stage

on Instagram —Adokiye

hile some celebrities are busy adding more friends to their instgram page, sexy singer cum

Fun as Orijin

actress, Adokiye Kyrian seems not to care about the number of friends she has on Instagram as she recently removed many, a decision she said was borne out of some personal reasons. This is coming barely few weeks after she dropped her hit single, Pay as u go. When Matinee, contacted the singer on her reasons for removing some of her fans on Instagram, she said, “ I didn’t intend to offend anyone. It has to do with some personal reasons and to avoid distractions. A lot of people might find it rude or offensive but sometimes, some decisions need to be taken at some point,” she said.

ber ths in Lagos berths

t was an electrifying atmosphere at Elegushi Beach last weekend, when Guinness Nigeria Plc unveiled Orijin to its Lagos consumers. Orijin, earlier launched in Ibadan and Port-Harcourt, became the toast of consumers at the Elegushi beach as they had a nice time with lots of music and entertainment. Guinness Nigeria launched Orijin in its quest to continuously satisfy its numerous consumers across the Nigerian market. Orijin is an alcoholic blend with the flavours of African herbs and fruits, combined to give a refreshing bittersweet taste. Speaking at the launch, Mr. Seni Adetu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said Orijin is a drink that appeals to the modern African who wants to enjoy the best while still holding on to their African roots. Also, Mr. Austin Ufomba, Marketing and Innovation Director of the company said, Orijin has come with a difference.Among the musicians that treated guests to some really good music were Burna Boy, Seyi Shay, Oritsefemi and Bovi. It was fun all the way as there was a dancing and singing competition that had members of the excited crowd battle it out on stage for amazing Orijin sponsored gifts.

Idy Enang, Obi Asika, to stun MINC

ith excitement building up to the maiden edition of the Makeup In Nigeria Conference (MINC), organizers of the conference have unveiled speakers for the event billed to hold in Lagos soon. Speaking on the conference, Teniolami Adejuwon, Project Manager of MINC said, “This conference will afford makeup artistes the opportunity to tap into the vast wealth of knowledge and experience of the speakers.” Other speakers for the conference include: Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye, Obi Asika, Bimpe Oyeniyi, among others. According to Tara FelaDurotoye; CEO of House of Tara, “The makeup industry in Nigeria and Africa as a whole is growing at a phenomenal pace and gaining international *Bimpe Oyeniyi recognition”. C M Y K

Adokiye

Another Nollywood actor dies

ew weeks after it lost two of its members, Ijeoma Perpetual Okorie and Chrisphina Adinusor to the cold hands of death, Nollywood is mourning again. The industry on Tuesday received the sad news of the death of actor, Chris Nkulor. Nkulor is said to have died after suffering from a kidneyrelated disease. Matinee gathered that a fund-raising campaign was recently launched on his behalf to raise

N3 million for his treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, where he eventually gave up the ghost on Tuesday. While he lived, the Abia State born actor starred in many movies, including Hidden Treasure 1 and Hidden Treasure 2 as well as Battle of Indemnity. However, no official statement has been released by the leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Genevieve, OC Ukeje at screening of ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’

•OC Ukeje

•Genevieve

ollowing the official premiere of the film adaptation of Chimamanda’s Adichie’s novel, ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’, telecom partner of the film, Etisalat Nigeria, recently, organized a private screening of the movie in Lagos for its high value customers. The event which was graced by the Chairman, Etisalat Nigeria, Hakeem Bello-Osagie, also had in attendance, Nollywood screen diva and Etisalat Easyflex ambassador, Genevieve Nnaji, and OC Ukeje who also starred in the movie. According to Matthew Willsher, acting Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, “Etisalat is pleased to be identified with this unique work of art that places Nigeria proudly on the world map and promotes the country’s movie industry. At Etisalat, we believe in pushing boundaries and expanding the frontiers in our product and service delivery to our customers,” he said.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014—33

t is a universal fact of life that every human being wants to be loved. On a deeper level, we all want someone to call our own, to be that one special person who will forsake all others, stand by us through thick and thin and with whom we have an unbreakable bond filled with trust and respect. This blissful accomplishment would surely make the heavens part and champagne flow. This parting of the heavens seems to come easy for some. You may even know some of these fortunate souls and wonder how they do it, why they are so lucky, and why men are always tripping over themselves to get to her. A bit of the green-eyed monster may come out and you might openly ask in your frustrated state about one of these women, “What is so special about her?” Honestly, probably nothing at all. She is probably your equal in every way except in her methods or attitudes about dating. A woman was overheard at a gathering announcing to everyone that she is still single. Everyone soon found out that this was a point of contention for her. After a couple glasses of wine, she rather loudly proclaimed that men are a bunch of scoundrels, that she is tired of dating and tired of putting herself out there only to fall flat on her face. It seems that her foray into the dating world always turns out one of two ways – she is either viciously dumped with no reasonable explanation or she fails to capture the eye of the object of her affection. Her boisterous proclamation was a great bait to draw out the men in the room who were at all relationship stages. Single, married and divorced men were all too willing to help, or rather set her straight. As one man said, “If I smell desperation – a big turn off, I run as fast as I can in the opposite direction.” In this edition, you will find a list of the types of women that these men described as desperate and their advice to them. If you find yourself in the same situation and want to see where you fall on the “desperation meter,” read on. Be honest with yourself and remember to laugh when you can say, “Oh no, that’s me” or “I’ve done that.” The huntress The huntress has one thing on her mind and that is securing a husband. She treats ev-

l l e m s n e m n Ca ? n o i t a r ra e p s de ery potential relationship as The One. She wastes no time in inquiring if her prey is open to matrimony. Time is of the essence with the huntress. Securing verbal declarations of love and commitment within a very short period is very important to her, as this reveals if she is “ wasting her time.” Men should show some reasonable patience with women, relax and go with the flow and enjoy getting to know them. Three to six weeks or even three months may not be quite long enough to have “like” turn into “love” and to know if a woman is a marriage material. Pushing or ultimatums will produce the opposite of the desired outcome. The stalker The stalker uses all available methods and technology that are at her disposal to let the

XPERT E S E H T K AS

I am a 20-year-old girl. My boyfriend likes to have anal sex but it’s very painful for me. I often deny it to him since the pain is unbearable but this upsets and irritates him. I do not wish to upset him since I love him a lot. Kindly suggest some ways to reduce the pain while having anal sex. You should not have a partner who is so insensitive to your feelings and pain. If you do not like anal sex then you should put your foot down even if it upsets him. You may oblige if you wish, but in such case be careful since he could get an infection and you could injure yourself. I am an 18-year-old girl. I have oral sex with my boyfriend but don’t enjoy it since the stink makes me uncomfortable. What should I do? C M Y K

object of her affection know she is there for him 24/7. Cell phone calls, texting and online social networks are all wonderful for tracking and making sure he does not forget her. The social pages are also an excellent way to alert her to another female’s presence. There are even some stalkers that believe they are not doing a thorough job without the old fashioned drive-by multiple times a week. It is really scary that women have so much time on their hands to devote to men who have to work, eat, sleep and maintain friends and family . Constant attention towards men gives them no time to miss you and makes them wonder if you are completely needy, simply do not trust them or even a danger to them or yourself. The emoticon The emoticon is wonderful at

The huntress has one thing on her mind and that is securing a husband. She treats every potential relationship as The One

always sharing heartfelt emotions. She strives to assure the guy she is seeing of how very wonderful he and their relationship are to her. This is more than just the nice ego strokes we all deserve. There are constant calls, letters, messages and gifts assuring him of her undying sweetness. She recounts in detail about how absolutely great every waking second you spend together is. There is no love stronger than the one they share and certainly no one could

Discuss this with him and ask him to slide back his foreskin to clean the wax-like substance under it. The smell should disappear. You could ask him to use a deodorant also.

I am a 25-year-old woman and my husband is 30. We had an arranged marriage and have been married for almost two years now, but have not yet had sex. The problem is that the foreskin on my husband’s penis did not retract and we initially refrained from sex in case it created complications. The problem however has been fixed as my husband had an operation. My dilemma is that every time we try to have sex, it does not happen in one go. My parents are forcing me to see a gynaecologist. I have avoided seeing one for a while now, but will have to some time soon. Will the gynaecologist be able to tell if I am a virgin or not?

adore him more than her.The men think such women are wonderful also, and appreciate how ladies recognize their good qualities, but men want a girlfriend – not a smothering mother. If a guy is not sure about breaking up, these behaviours plus trying to get him to repeatedly express his feelings about the relationship will make him shut the door completely. The princess The princess is entitled and therefore obligations and protocol must be followed if one is to date within the royal court. A suitor must acknowledge the princess comes first and all outside activities must be pre-approved. If it is deemed he is a friend with someone she finds unsavory, he must relinquish the said person. Calls must be made on an hourly basis and the suitor must be available 24/7. Any plans must be made days, if not weeks, in advance. Trinkets of affection are highly encouraged. If there is failure to comply it will be noted that he is obviously flawed, lacking in judgment and simply does not care about her needs. He will be

warned that he is in serious danger of being cast aside and turned into a toad.

I suggest you both see a sexologist together and he or she can explain to both of you how sex can be had easily. You could consult a sexologist for an appointment. I am a 37-year-old married woman. I’ve had a kidney stone for the past four years and a urinary tract infection for two years. Two and a half years ago, I got a hernia operation done. Last year, because of frequency of urination, a urologist performed a cystcopy and said everything is normal. But I suffer from frequent urination, especially at night. My period has become very irregular since the last two months and there is barely any bleeding. I want to know if this will affect my fertility. I cannot say yes and I cannot say no. You need to see a gynaecologist to detect the cause and treat it. If you still have a kidney stone, why has it not been attended to? I suggest you get a second opinion.

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014 Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

oseji16@yahoo.com 07032769933

Juventus of fer s Ramires £150,000 a week to quit Chelsea

Juventus have launched a bid for Chelsea midfielder Ramires. Report says the Italian giants have offered £20m transfer fee and £150,000 a week for Ramires, who is also wanted by Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho is a fan of the 26 year-old Brazilian and former Benfica man, but knows he has to sell to balance out any signings this summer. And with Ramires serving his third suspension of the season, his poor disciplinary record also counts against him.

Liverpool

plot summer move for Spanish wonderkid L

iverpool are in pursuit of Spanish wonderkid Kuki Zalazar. The 15-year-old, who is the son of former Uruguay international Jose Zalazar, is currently attached to the youth set-up of La Liga club Malaga. The Spain Under-16 striker will be able to sign professional when he turns 16 in June and Malaga will try to persuade him to stay at the club with the promise of reserve-team football and a contact with the first team the following season.

Bar ca Barca

Wenger ready to sell Lukas Podolski this summer A

in ambitious swoop Mar tinez Martinez

arcelona are considering a summer bid for Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez. The Catalans have just had their transfer ban suspended, meaning they will be able to sign new players in the summer. Sport has learned that sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has plans to lure Bayern’s Javi Martinez to Camp Nou. The Catalans missed out on the Spain international last summer as he joined the Bavarians in a •40m deal

Chelsea chasing Lavezzi

helsea are keen to speak to Lavezzi. The 28-year-old Argentine's representatives were in London early this month as they gauged interest for their client and Chelsea want two forwards for their summer rebuilding. Diego Costa of Atletico Madrid is their prime objective while players such as Karim Benzema and Angel di Maria at Real Madrid have been discussed.

Spur hairman Le vy Spurss cchairman Levy consider considerss Mo Moyy es

ottenham are keen on former Manchester United boss David Moyes. Chairman Daniel Levy remains a keen admirer of the 50year-old Scot, having considered him to replace Harry Redknapp in 2012 before opting for Andre Villas-Boas. Moyes was sacked by United on Tuesday after 10 months in charge at Old Trafford but is thought to be open to a quick return to management in a bid to restore his damaged reputation. C M Y K

rsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to sell striker Lukas Podolski in order to fund a rebuilding process this summer. Despite the fact that Wenger has yet to sign a new contract he has reportedly agreed to extend his stay in north London for at least another two years and is preparing for a big summer of spending.Reports suggest that the Arsenal board could give as much as £70m to spend in the summer and Wenger is looking to overhaul his squad. However, Wenger could need more than that and may look to generate cash through the sale of Podolski. Podolski, who has scored four goals in his last two league games and earns around £100,000-a-week, may be happy to go.

United bid £55m for Shaw and Lallana Nigeria international

anchester United are pushing through with a massive bid for Southampton pair Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana. Report says United are going ahead with plans to table a £55million bid for Southampton stars Lallana and Shaw. United have identified their primary transfer targets and the strategy will not be affected by David Moyes’s departure or the search for his replacement.

Moreno to replace Cole, Azpilicueta rewarded

evilla fullback Alberto Moreno is emerging as a top target for Chelsea.The blues have turned their attentions to Sevilla's Spanish international left-back Moreno as a possible replacement for the outgoing Ashley Cole. Cesar Azpilicueta will be rewarded with a new £70,000 per week deal for his excellent form at the left back position.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014—35

Ferguson

will block attempts for Keane return

ir Alex Ferguson is determined not to see Roy Keane return to Manchester United. Ferguson, now an influential director of the club he managed for 27 years, won’t countenance any role for the former midfielder. Keane, the Republic of Ireland assistant coach, is being linked with a return to United in a similar role. Ferguson will have a direct involvement in sourcing Moyes' successor and believes either Gary Neville or Ryan Giggs best represent the ‘old boy’ representation in the next backroom team, with a view to becoming managerial material.

Man City M

upse tr upsett with por portr traayal in FFP failure

anchester City are angry with the way they're being portrayed by UEFA over their failure to comply with Financial Fair Play laws. City will talk to UEFA over breaches of financial fair play regulations before the clubs that have not negotiated financial settlements are rubber-stamped for sanctions at a meeting in Nyon on May 1. But the big beef at City is being bracketed with serial offenders Paris Saint-Germain, who have massively failed to meet FFP requirements.

Zidane urges Man Utd

to give Giggs manager chance

inedine Zidane feels Manchester United should give Ryan Giggs every chance of taking the manager's job fulltime. The Real Madrid legend, who is now assistant coach and sporting director at the Bernabeu, is convinced Giggs would do as good a job as anyone, regardless of managerial experience. "The fantastic thing about Ryan Giggs is he already knows that, he will know Manchester United better than anybody," said

Pogba

urges Juventus to move for Keane

anchester United are struggling to agree new terms with striker Will Keane. United risk losing another of their promising young stars after failing to agree terms on a new deal for Keane. The 21-year-old, who has been on loan at Wigan and QPR this season, is out of contract in the summer and is attracting interest from home and abroad. Paul Pogba, who quit United two years ago, has recommended Keane to Juventus.

Berlusconi dismisses AC Milan sale ‘joke’

Courtois to be Chelsea number one after Cech injury

ilvio Berlusconi has denied that AC Milan is up for sale after reports claimed S i n g a p o r e a n businessman Peter Lim was ready to fork out 500 million euros for a majority stake in the club. “Milan is not for sale, not for 500 million euros and not for 510 million, it’s worth a lot more than that,” said.

helsea have instructed on-loan keeper Thibaut Courtois to return to Stamford Bridge for next season following the injury suffered by Petr Cech. Reports say Chelsea are ready to make Courtois their number one heading into next season as Cech faces up to three months out. The Czech Republic international suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Champions League firstleg match against Atletico Madrid. Courtois, who watched on from the opposite goalmouth as Cech was helped off the field, has made it clear that he will not return to Chelsea if it means he has to sit on the bench behind Cech. But that problem may have been solved by Cech's injury, with Mourinho keen to bring Courtois back and test him out over the first few weeks of the new season. Courtois will face his parent club against next week, when Atletico Madrid travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in the second-leg of their semi-final tie. It is currently 0-0 after the first 90 minutes.

FANS ZONE Are you a Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona fan and would like to meet fans, male or female from other parts of the country. Then send your name, age, where you live and the club you support to 0802354-2350. sms only.

zEniola, 17, Lagos, Manchester United.08175800707 zEmeka Emmanuel, 36, Lagos, Manchester United, want female United fans as friend. 08035701218 zAbdulgafar Aremu Babayemi, 40, Ifo, Liverpool.08059341922 zTimsey 19, Warri, Manchester United needs female friends.09034182737 zMicheal, 24, Lagos, Chelsea, needs a female friend as fan.08060491604 zJoseph, 15, Akwa Ibom, Chelsea, needs male and female friends as fan. 08085417986 zThelma Elect, 25, Chelsea.08181924746 zEric, 21, Edo, Manchester United, needs female united fans as friends.08109667587

H ug o Ll or is r ej ec ts M on ac o sw it ch

ottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is not interested in a move to Monaco. The Principality club are said to have identified the France international as the number one target in the summer transfer window. However, it appears that Monaco will have to turn their attention elsewhere as Lloris has reportedly rejected a chance to return to French Ligue 1.

Gonalons set for Napoli move

yon midfielder Maxi me Gonalons will be joining Napoli in the summer transfer window, according to the player’s official representative. The France international narrowly missed out on a January switch to Stadio San Paolo, but it appears the Azzurri are set to make things right in the summer.

QUIZ

of the week

Inter should sign Dz ek o, sa ys Ko va cic

Which two teams will qualify for the finals he Croatian midfielder has of the Champions encouraged Walter Mazzarri to League ? Send your try to sign the Manchester City striker answers to 0802354- and has insisted he is not thinking of 2350 sms only. leaving the club Mateo Kovacic has backed the Inter Note. hierarchy to make a move for The first correct pre- Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko diction will receive in the summer transfer window. N1,000 recharge card.

36 — SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, APRIL 26, 2014

08111813022 By KEHINDE AJOSE TONTO DIKE VS MERCY JOHNSON onto Dike threw a swipe at Mercy Johnson when she returned to the country after her childbirth in the United States. Tonto indirectly attacked Mercy Johnson in her heated tweet. She puts it this way: “When and if I give birth, God please provide me with a husband that can provide for us, not one that would send me back to acting, two months after I born to hustle.”Tonto’s tweets generated a lot of heat as M e r c y

The unforgettable brawls in Nollywood! In a time when wise celebs use the social media to build an irresistible online presence, strong brand and connect with their fans, others swim in the muddy waters of controversy engaging in avoidable Tweet-fights which stain their reputation and diminishes their brand value. In no particular order, here are the unforgettable celebrity brawls that rocked Nigeria’s showbiz landscape. •Iyabo Ojo

location.

man sustaining injuries.

JIM IYKE AND OLISA ADIBUA he dark N o l l y w o o d

FATHIA BALOGUN AND IYABO OJO v e n though Iyabo Ojo has denied that she had a brawl with the fair Fathia Balogun, the drama was said to have taken place during Toyin Aimakhu’s wedding. The bone of contention was that Fathia was said to have been angry following the fact that Iyabo did not address her as ‘’Aunty’’(A sign of respect amongst the Yoruba) when she exchanged greetings with her. The two actresses had to be pulled aside in order not to disrupt the wedding. “Aunty Fathia and I are very cool and good. There is no fight at all, there is no iota of truth in it” Iyabo declared later. Fathia Balogun is yet to refute Iyabo Ojo’s claims.

hunk who is also be

•Tonto Dike

Johnson’s fans who felt her tweets were directed at Mercy fired back at her. Consequently, Tonto didn’t spare anything in getting back at Mercy Johnson and her fans, calling them unprintable names. MJ as she is fondly called by her fans, replied our dear Tonto in a subtle way saying, “Good morning sweets , hope you are all good? Off to work .Mama Purity loves you’all loads, have a blessed day •Funke Akindele filled with love”.Here, Mercy Johnson’s “Off to work” was an indirect way angry, leading to a showdown of ignoring Tonto as well as between the parties. Accordtelling her that she doesn’t ing to reports, Funke learnt give a damn about what she that Sugar was given a lead thinks about her. role by the movie producer in a movie Funke was given a FUNKE AKINDELE VS sub lead role which didn’t go SUGAR ASOEGWU down well with her. t played out like a scene According to eyewitness in a movie. At a movie accounts, Funke accused location in Abuja when Funke Sugar of dating the movie proand Sugar Asoegwu were ducer. The allegation got billed to star in a movie, the Sugar angry and almost Jenifa star reportedly dis- resulted into a physical complayed the diva’s attitude to- bat if not for the intervention wards Sugar , which got her of other crew members at the

•Jim iyke

lieved to be a Black belt holder in Taekwando once had a brawl with the baritone voiced onair personality Olisa Adibua. The quarrel was caused by a ravishing lady at a club in Ikoyi. Jim Iyke and Olisa are not alien to brawls. Jim Iyke once had a disagreement with Emeka Ike. On the other hand, Olisa had a brawl with an employee at Beat FM which resulted in the

ThisLife goes live on AIT W

ale Adenuga Productions has taken yet another giant stride in consenting to the yearnings of millions of viewers

across Nigeria by securing a prime timebelt for its popular family-oriented TV drama, ThisLife, on the prestigious AIT Network (also available on DSTV Channel 253).The current season of ThisLife, which will air on Tuesdays, is titled ‘Two Gone...Still Counting’ and it tells the captivating story of Amani, a young lady in search of an answer to a mysterious problem which seems to have followed her from birth and appears to be affecting her future. ‘Two Gone...Still Counting’ is a beautifully written, suspense-filled story which stars Livinus Nnochiri, Funsho Adeolu, Moji Olaiya, Kelvin Ikeduba, Yeni Ejide, Kunle Coker, Roseline Okudute, Feyikemi Olayinka, Kola Olaiya and many favourite stars; as well as some fresh up-coming talents from PEFTI Film Institute. The family drama has been a top TV Drama since its debut in 2003 and it will continue to air across Nigeria on NTA Network and DSTV Channel 251.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, APRIL 26, 2014 — 37

08111813022

QUEENETH AGBOR:

I can’t compromise acting for my relationship F

Queeneth

ast rising actress, Queeneth Agbor has got everything going for her: beauty, brain and talent. But the Akwa-Ibom Stateborn damsel whose passion for acting started from childhood has one peculiar issue bothering her. And it’s her inability to compromise acting for her relationship. In a recent interview, the actress said, “Acting is my passion. I can’t compromise acting for my relationship. If you love me, you should be able to understand what I am going through. For now, acting is my priority, any man that loves me should support me in everything I’m doing. It’s not something you have to struggle with.” Queeneth studied Microbiology at the University of Calabar, but had to dump her certificate for acting.

STAR SPOT

Ini Edo marks her birthday in bikini!

ctress Ini Edo was a year older on Wednesday, April 23. But rather than going to church to thank her Maker for taking her this far in life, she decided to share this bikini picture. She posted the picture on her Instagram, with these words; “In all... Am most grateful to the one God I serve. Jesus Christ in whom am most pleased. He’s

kept me alive and my career soaring. I might not get it right all the time but he never fails. He’s been my light in times of darkness and his promises are yea and amen.He’s the one true God and he has kept me.... His name is Jesus Christ and I dedicate this day to you.”

Yemi Blaq, Jide Kosoko, others in a tale of ‘Eko: The Blessing of Olofin’ By IYABO AINA AND JULIET EBIRIM

opular Yoruba producer, Fola Onifade has embarked on the production of a historical movie that is bound to rewrite the story of Lagos, when it is finally released into the market. The movie titled Eko: The Blessing of Olofin, is a 500 cast epic which is scheduled to be shot for 25 days and is meant to set the record straight on the true story of Lagos State. Directed by Femi Bright, one of the lead stars is Yemi Blaq. Other actors in the epoch making movie include Bukky Wright , Jide Kosoko, Lanre Hassan popularly known as Iya

Awero, Leye Adèshile, Orisha Bunmi and Kanran amongst others. The stars recently hit the locations at Ifo and Badagry for the shooting of the movie . Speaking with HVP during the week , Yemi Blaq said, he decided to feature in the movie because of its storyline. “ The storyline is good and I believe it’s an award winning movie,”he said. According to the director, Femi Bright, the movie is bound to raise the bar in the Yoruba movie industry when it finally hit the cinemas in a few weeks time. On his part, the producer, Fola Onifade disclosed that he decided to produce this big-budget movie “as a way of recapturing the story of Lagos. “

Danny Glover charts new path for African cinemas, joins AFA Board D

anny Glover, an award-winning Hollywood actor has said that collaborating with other professionals in other big markets in the North and South America is the only way motion picture professionals in Africa can maximize their talents for social and economic relevance. The Hollywood actor said this in Lagos last weekend, at the public presentation of a 10th anniversary commemorative book which captures the first decade of the pan-African award body titled From Dream to Reality: The AMAA Legacy which took place at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. At the event attended by billionaire businessman Chief Sunny Odogwu, the Ide Ahaba of Asaba and other business leaders and Nollywood practitioners, Glover said, after 10 years of AMAA, it is now time for film makers and professionals in the industry to collaborate with their counterparts in America, North America and South America to create a huge creative economy that will bring good monetary returns for them. He said, he is working with Africa Film Academy on a number of initiatives that will bring global focus and right partnership to the business of film making in Africa. ‘’To start with, I am leading a global effort to raise funding for film projects with AFA. We want to start with two major films that will tell the real story of Africans and those of us in Diaspora. The films will have actors,actresses and other professionals from Nigeria and other parts of Africa with our colleagues in Hollywood, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Trinidad and Tobaggo”. Announcing Glover ’s new status as the Chairman of AFA governing Board, the AMAA Chief Executive, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe said, the board is pleased to have the global film icon as its Chairman.

38—SATURDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 26, 2014

Aunty Julie, I have been going through emotional problems lately. I have been crying a lot and thinking about my mom and dad’s divorce and how I want them together. I don’t understand why now, after all these years, it is bothering me. It has never bothered me till this past school year and nothing has happened in school either. I keep thinking about how I will never know how it was to live with both my parents. On Easter, I kept thinking about how I really only had one true Christmas with both of them together and I don’t even remember it. People always say the younger the child is when parents get a divorce, the easier it is on a child, but for some reason, that’s not true for me because I missed out on it all! All my friends have at least ex-

I can’t accept my parents’ divor ce divorce perienced their parents together, and I haven’t and never will. They get along fine so it’s not like they fight. I haven’t told anyone about this and it is getting to the point I can’t keep it to myself and can’t stop crying. I don’t know what to do anymore. I just don’t know why it is bothering me twelve years after they got a divorce and how I can get it to go away. Please help. Favour, Lagos Dear Favour, Divorce is one of the most difficult transitions a family may go through. There’s no “right time” to stop or in your case start thinking about how your parents’ divorce has affected

Be proud of yourself for taking the first steps to better understand your feelings about your parents’ divorce you. You may know other people whose parents have separated more recently, but it’s completely normal that you still feel sad and alone sometimes. Many people struggle to understand their parents’ break-up — whether it happened last month, last year, or last decade. It’s actually also very common to fantasize about “the perfect family ” around the holidays. After all, many people — young and old alike — may feel letdown and lonely during the holidays, due to a variety of family circumstances. The fact that you have begun to recognize your feelings shows that you’re willing to do what it takes to start feeling better. Since you were very young when your parents got divorced, it may have been dif-

ficult for you to understand exactly what was going on. Even so, it may have been scary and difficult to go through the changes that followed your parents’ split. Do you worry that you won’t spend as much time with your parents anymore? Have your friends made comments or asked questions about your parents, their relationship, or your family in general? You mentioned that your parents don’t fight. Are you confused about why they broke up in the first place? It’s possible that your parents don’t argue when they’re around you, or that they express their disagreement without “fighting.” Also, couples break up for lots of different reasons; the reasons for your parent’s divorce may not be obvious to you, and may not be to them, either. Has your parents’ divorce affected your family financially? Are you worried about money for special events, things you need, or school? Many children of divorced parents divide their time between each parent’s home, so it may seem as though you don’t have enough time with either of them. Do your parents set aside time to talk and hang out with you?

I found out I was adopted Aunty Julie, I just found out I was adopted when I was two and a half years old, and I’m having a lot of issues from it. I don’t like myself anymore and I don’t know who I am. I’m finding it difficult coping with this and it’s affecting my relationship with my adoptive family, and I’m now feeling uncomfortable and out of place around them. I don’t have many friends. I isolate a lot and don’t really trust people. I am always scared to make friends for fear that I won’t be accepted or liked. Growing up, I often turned to partying to escape these feelings and to feel comfortable with myself. The problem now is that I am 27 and I have a two year old daughter. I feel like I need to get over this so I can be a good mother to her, and raise her to know and love herself. I feel lost, what can I do? Veno, Sapele Dear Veno,

One must love oneself before you can love others. You say you feel the need to “get over it,” but please keep in mind that the feelings you express are very common among adoptees. You may work through your issues and still be able to provide love to others. Be gentle with yourself. While many people experience feelings of isolation and fears of rejection at various times in their lives, these feelings may be pronounced in people who have been adopted. Why might this be? Many adoptees may be very curious about their unclear origin. They may wonder why they were adopted, and often times, this wondering is accompanied by feelings of worry, sadness, and self-doubt. Some may ask the question: “Was I put up for adoption because something was wrong with me?” Even people who feel very positively about their adoptive families may have issues that stem from being

Fence of Love A couple celebrates their 30th anniversary by re-walking their first walk together. They come to the fence against which they first made love. The husband says, “Come on, for old time’s sake.” The wife agrees and they both undress. After wards, the husband says, “You’re even better than you were 30 years ago.” His wife replies, “That fence wasn’t electrified 30 years ago!” Code for Love There was a couple who did not want their chil-

adopted. In particular, feelings of sadness may come up during major life milestones, during life achievements: birthdays, or other significant events. Feelings of loss are common, even for those who were adopted as babies. People who differ in physical appearance from their adoptive families sometimes feel like outsiders. Even when families who adopt embrace their child whole-heartedly, others may still inadvertently treat the adopted individual as an outsider. I live in the United Kingdom and I know that overseas, when white parents adopt black children, they often long for more access to the culture of their birth parents, may feel less accepted by members of their adopted parents’ culture, and may feel more alone in confronting racism in their lives. Some people may feel that most of their struggles are related to having been adopted while others feel being adopt-

Some adopted people ponder about searching for their birth parents. The process may potentially give a sense of resolution, open up further issues, or do both ed has not presented any life challenges for them. No matter where you may be on that spectrum, know that those feelings of mistrust and isolation are understandable and may be common among adoptees. There are many things you may do to work through such feelings, not only for your children or other people close to you, but for your own comfort, as well. Creating your own family may help you discover new ways to love. In your instance, having a child seems to have provided an

C O C K - T A L E S dren to know when they were going to have sex, so they decided on a code of ‘’writing a letter.’’ One day, Daddy said to his daughter, ‘’Tell your mommy that Daddy wants to write a letter.’’ The girl went and told her mommy and the mom said, ‘’The red ribbon is coming out, not now.’’ The girl went back to the daddy and told him. One day, Mommy told her daughter to tell her daddy that she wanted to write a letter. Daddy replied, ‘’Not now. Daddy already wrote the letter by hand.’’

Has there been a change in your, or their, daily routines? Now that you’re older, you may be wondering about how to make your own romantic relationships work and/or how to trust people. Maybe you worry that you’ll make the same “mistakes” as your parents. Lots of people worry about the very same things — even into their adulthood. Being conscious of your feelings, and expressing them, as you seem to be now, helps to make relationships successful. Have you considered talking to your parents about how you’ve been feeling? After all, even though your parents don’t live together anymore, it doesn’t mean that you can’t turn to them when you need help. It may be difficult for parents to talk with their kids about their divorce, but by talking with your mom and dad about the way you’ve been feeling, you’ll have the chance to share something about yourself with them, and maybe even learn a thing or two about them, as well. Be proud of yourself for taking the first steps to better understand your feelings about your parents’ divorce!

opportunity for you to love and be loved. You may further develop loving relationships with partners or close friends as your ‘family,’ including the father of your daughter. Loving others may in turn help you also love yourself. Seeing a counsellor may be helpful to work through many of the deeply rooted fears and feelings you expressed. S/he may also help connect you with appropriate services, such as professional support surrounding ‘partying’ and living recklessly. Some adopted people ponder about searching for their birth parents. The process may potentially give a sense of resolution, open up further issues, or do both. Keep in mind that many adoption agreements have strong restrictions and protocols when it comes to contacting birth parents. And also be conscious that sometimes a search may lead to a dead end or provide no closure even if the parents are found.

Let’s live on love A couple decides to get married, despite the fact that the woman doesn’t know how to cook at all. After all, he says, they can live on love. After the honeymoon is over, the man goes back to work. One day, he calls from work and asks if his new wife could make some dinner. Knowing full well that she doesn’t cook, she asks if they can make love instead. The man agrees, and soon arrives home to find his wife sliding repeatedly down the bannister. “What are you doing?” he asks, concerned. “Oh, silly,” she says. “I’m warming up your dinner!”

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, APRIL 26 26,, 2014—39

Viagra may not solve your relationship problems Viagra works well in physical terms—by improving the blood flow to the penis — it can have a disastrous effect on the emotional side of the relationship. He believes the same problems will affect the three other impotence drugs available— Cialis, Levitra and Uprima.

ccording to him, “If a man is in a happy, stable relationship and the only problem is erectile dysfunction, then Viagra can work very well. However, many of my patients have realized that achieving a great erection will not solve their relationship problems and frequently makes them worst. Men and women can see sex in very different ways. For a man, it

IAGRA is no longer new on the market, and a lot of new brands of pills performing exactly the same ‘miracle’ have since flooded the chemist’s shelves. But is Viagra the magic pill men thought it would be? Dubbed ‘the little blue pill’, it was designed to turn every man into a stud and put a smile on every woman’s face. The aging playboy publishers, Hugh Hefner, once admitted taking it as soon as it became available and his example has been followed by millions, but is Viagra all it’s cracked up to be? According to one of American’s leading impotence experts, the answer is no. Dr. Abraham Morgentaler says that when it comes to relationships—as opposed to just sex —Viagra is a bit of a flop. It is prescribed for men who find it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection—a problem known as erectile dysfunction (ED). But less than 50 per cent of those who use it once ask for a repeat prescription,says Dr.. Morgentaler, a specialist in men’s sexual health problems at Havard Medical School. He explains that although

The problem is that people are expecting a drug to fix their emotional problems as well as the man’s physical problem

can be about the firmness of the penis, while for a woman, it also involves emotions, kindness and attention. “Some couples stop all physical touching when they stop having sex—they don’t kiss and cuddle any more and in turn they become a lot less close. Taking a tablet which produces an erection will

not restore that closeness. That is something which the couple will need to work on themselves. And this is not the only problem. Some couples feel that sex loses its spontaneity if they have to take a pill first. Sometimes, women think the tablet will turn their

partner into a great lover, even if he wasn’t a great lover before. They become too demanding. Other women may be relieved that love making has stopped, and find it an imposition when the man gets frisky again. “A woman may feel she’s so unattractive that her partner needs to take a pill before he can make love to her. A man might suspect that it is the effect of the pill which the woman loves, rather than him. It is all much more complicated than we expected”. Dr. Cynthia McVey, a

psychologist agrees that Viagra has caused problems, but believes these could be solved if couples were willing to take things more slowly. “If a man stops holding hands and cuddling his partner, she may feel unattractive, unloved and unwanted. Unless there is more time for courtship, sex will seem very mechanical and the woman may be resentful. This is likely to be worse if it is several years since the couple have had sex. “The effects of Viagra wear off a few hours after it has been taken, which gives an added urgency to the situation. If you are interrupted by someone calling at your house at the wrong time, or if you have a row, then the opportunity is lost. Some of the new drugs on the market are longer acting, which can take some of the time pressure off. The problem is that people are expecting a drug to fix their emotional problems as well as the man’s physical problem. It is not enough to go back to having sex; many people will need to work on their relationships as well.

How to handle an erratic partner attacks usually last less than half an hour. And having your say about his temper will be most effective if you wait until his anger subsides. Be clear with your complain: Two things you need to know

about the male species. One, they get mad and then they ’re over it, and two, they don’t personalise anger that’s not directed at them and don’t understand why you would. That’s why you need to make sure that

he understands how his eruptions are affecting you. When he’s regained his cool, say something like “I want you to stop screaming when things go wrong.” Says Stosny. This language works because it challenges him to

stay calm in the face of frustration and triggers his desire to please you. Of course, he may deny his hottempered behaviour. If he feigns ignorance, mentally catalogue the last few times he lost ,t, so you can cite examples.

Forget power cuts, burning candles is good for your heart!

CANDLELIT dinner works wonders for a romance. Now scientists say it could also be good for your heart. Breathing in candle smoke causes beneficial changes in cardiac rhythm, they claim. It is thought that tiny salt particles released when the candle burns are behind the effect. The researchers monitored the hearts of 13 men and women as they breathed in air pumped into a small chamber. In some cases the air included smoke from candles in a second room. The volunteers didn’t know which type of air they were breathing, but when it included candle smoke, their heart rate variability improved. Everyone’s heart rate

varies naturally all the time, beating a little bit faster when we breathe in than when we breathe out. This is perfectly healthy and a sign that the brain is alert and able to regulate the heart. But this variation falls as we get older and if we develop heart problems. In

oes your man behave like a bull in the China shop from time to time? Don’t let his temper faze you more than necessary. “Men are conditioned to express anger,” explains American psychologist, Steven Stosny, “hence your man’s proclivity to punch the computer when it crashes or fling the clicker when it won’t work (before checking the batteries)”. So how do you deal with your man’s incredible hulk habits? Steven Stosny advises you should wait for the storm to pass: Fight the temptation to try to make your man chill when he’s in the midst of a flare up. Yelling at, or even chastising him in the moment will only make him turn on you instead of the frustration source. And don’t bother trying to reason with him either. When your man is in a state of rage, he loses perspective and the ability to listen to logic. Your best bet? Leave the room and let him rage. These

was similar to that created by a candlelit dinner. As the volunteers could not see the candles and weren’t told what they were breathing, the effect could not be explained away by the calming effect of candlelight. Dr. Isaxon said she thought tiny particles of sodium and

Breathing in candle smoke causes beneficial changes in cardiac rhythm the study, it was increased by inhaling candle smoke. Researcher Christina Isaxon from Lund University in Sweden said the concentration of smoke generated during the study

potassium, which along with soot, make up candle smoke, could be responsible for the beneficial effects. The two elements are involved in regulating the

heart’s rhythm and in sending messages between cells in the body. More salts are produced when a flame is still so she recommends that candles are burned away from drafts. The study, carried out for her PhD, did not find any negative health effects of the smoke — although Dr. Isaxon admitted she did not ‘make a huge effort’ to find any. Soot, which increases when the flame flickers, has been blamed for health problems in the past. The American Chemical Society has warned that paraffin wax candles, the most common type, release potentially harmful chemicals linked to cancer, asthma and eczema. It recommends using beeswax and soy candles.

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

n many relationships, the physical passion dominates all else. There is little that can top knowing the guarantee of physical pleasure that a familiar intimate lover delivers. But a relationship needs many dimensions to survive and they need to be dynamic and enjoyable in order for your partnership to thrive. If you are in a relationship that is centered around sex, no matter how pleasurable it is, you are in a one-dimensional relationship with little room for growth. You might be hoping that there will be more – if so, there are ways to transform your booty call into your complete love relationship. But be warned: the success rate of making this shift is very low, and some obstacles in your way are classic stall tactics designed simply to extract the physical pleasure you provide with no true affection or intention to be intimate and loving beyond the physical sphere. You are in a booty call if he is married. If you are the booty call of a married man, you are never going to be anything more than the booty call of a married man. You will be lucky to get a birthday present and you will likely spend your birthday alone. You are also in it if he wants an open relationship. A man who says he wants an open relationship is not a man with an open mind. A man who is intelligent and creative would understand that building a life together with you would be more fulfilling than playing around with a few women who either have lower standards or are dumb enough to believe he will open his mind one day. Do you resemble either of these types? Or does he keep time-table? This booty call is downright insidious. While he is getting your absolute best in physical passion, he is promising that you are going to get all of him once a certain timetable is reached. Once he graduates, once he gets the promotion at work, once the divorce is final, once his teenage kids turn 18. You are asked to

just wait and are even given a relatively specific date. All the while, he is getting the best of you and giving little beyond the physical in return. As the date approaches, don’t be surprised to see a convenient new timetable established. Once you two are done with yet another wild sexual encounter, take a

Are you his booty call? minute to look at what there is about him beyond the physical. Does he have anything going on? Does he have a future? Does he still live with his mother? You might enjoy the sex, but a good look around could terrify you at the possibility that he would want more out of the relationship. So those are the obstacles. But enough is enough? When do you end this booty call relationship? Instead of spending months or years fighting through these obstacles, you can use a few confrontational techniques that could transform your booty call into a serious, total relationship that embraces your whole life and not just your body. Also try and do some things about yourself. Withhold sex to get a reaction. If all he is interested in is the sex, hold out to see what other possibilities lurk. Explain to him that you two can sit and talk, but cannot touch. It will likely be difficult for you to be alone in the same room with him and not start tossing off your clothes, so move on to confrontation technique. Break your ritual to get a reaction. One thing that keeps a booty-callonly relationship together is the consistency. There is a ritual to how your get-togethers are arranged and what occurs when they happen. You need to break the ritual at various points as a wake up call to him that “booty as usual” is over. Perhaps, you ignore a text from him that he intended as a signal to

It will likely be difficult for you to be alone in the same room with him and not start tossing off your clothes, so move on to confrontation technique. Break your ritual to get a reaction let your ritual begin. When he calls you to confirm that you two will be getting together, talk about the weather, ask him how old his mother is, bring up your desire to travel . When he calls with the idea of setting off the normal chain of events, you can break the ritual and see what he is made of and how well he interacts with you when you are behaving outside the box. Try and arrange a meeting with him in public. He might have an aura of confidence and a mystique of sensuality when you two meet up in his bedroom or at a hotel. But try to get him to sit at a restuarant near his office for lunch and see if perhaps he is a shrinking violet in the outside world. By

How do I get over this? Ques: What is wrong with me? I am a guy of 28 years. I AM A LIAR. I lie to my friends, I lie to my family, I lie to people I don’t even know, but most of all, I lie to myself. Sometimes, I catch myself telling a story to someone and actually believing myself when I made the whole ordeal up. Do I have a problem? Am I a pathological liar? How can I reverse my lies and come clean without hurting the people I love? Ferdinand, Benin Ans: Truth be told, little research has been done on pathological lying. Though there’s no exact medical definition, pathological lying is

characterized by the following: Lies are unplanned and impulsive; behaviour is repeated over a long period of time, lies don’t seem to exist for any external reason; behaviour may not always be a conscious act; lies are admitted, changed, and/or adapted if a false story is challenged. Pathological lying is not recognized as an official psychological disorder. Some doctors who have done research on pathological lying think that it should be included but the medical world hasn’t reached a conclusion on the matter. In some cases, repeated lying is a symptom of a more serious psychological problem, but it can also be

independent of other conditions. Whether or not you “have a problem”, it sounds as though you’re worried about how your behaviour affects you and the people you care about, and it’s commendable that you’re asking for assistance. A good first step might be to ask yourself some questions about your behaviour. What do your lies do for you? What do you think might happen if you tell the truth? Have there been any times when telling or hearing the truth has been particularly painful to you? Try to take notice of your feelings and the situation the next time you catch yourself bending the truth. Perhaps if you watch yourself closely, you

arranging a meeting in public, you force him to show a different side of himself that is not just flesh and touch. Is he willing to show you any side of him that allows you to gain a more complete and intimate knowledge of just who he is? In the absence of that, give him an ultimatum. In working to overcome the obstacles he has placed in your way, you need to be direct about your intentions. You must toss aside your fear of being dumped and lay your cards on the table. You must tell him that you are looking for more with him and give him an ultimatum to commit to that. Your ultimatum should include your desire to meet and mingle with his friends and family and date in public on a regular basis. If you have not gotten the response you want from him, start dating other men. Do not date them as booty calls. Date them as dates! Go to the movies, let them buy you dinner, share your passion for a favourite band, sports team or other activity. When you dump your booty call, you may feel pangs of longing for that physical satisfaction he brought you. You can fill this pain by pursuing selfimprovement in engaging in other activities. Envision your life complete with the things and people you most enjoy. A hobby and a pursuit of your own interests will take you away from the emptiness of waiting around to be one man’s pleasure princess. Make the move to be the queen of your own world and a real man will emerge to be your king.

can find some clues to help you get at the roots of your lying. If you want to come clean to people you care about, be aware that the truth might indeed hurt them. Also know that damage done need not be permanent. Solid relationships are solid because they can survive bumps in the road. It’s up to you to decide which lies can be laid to rest and which need to be corrected, but whatever you choose, try to be honest and respectful when you break the news. It’s hard to know how someone will react to what you say, so be ready to deal with the consequences. The truth is, a heart-felt apology and patience can go a long way towards reconciliation.You’ve already made a big step by trying to learn the truth about yourself and counselling can help you.

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SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, APRIL 26, 2014 — 41

yemisisuleiman670@yahoo.com

Style Inspirat o i n — Electric blu e

Maybeline launches Clear Smooth All in One Powder F

lectric blue d that fashion resses have been so in designe deman and on aga in at the ru rs brought this colour d only a huge nways. Ele on ctr tr suits any sk end for 2014, but it is ic blue is not a in tone. It is easy to c lso a color that match, so ombine, m it allows y ix and ou to crea different oc te various casions. outfits for If you are selecting a can try a fr ock or tunic dress for regular day out, you in electric b event will re lu q You can als uire a gown to make it e. But a nighttime o try your e more sophis lec any events ti at night. E tric blue formal dress to cated. lectric blue skin tones attend an is b e ig e a n d d can compliment ne sure to flatter all utr a fuchsia pin ls o fl a m b o y a n t c o lo al colors such as k or even p rs li k e b u rg ine green. So get crea u n d y, ti v e with the ele with classy c tr ic b looks as sh own by the lue trend and go se celebriti es.

•Blue suit by Aqua, Equipment silk shirt, and lace up Jimmy Choo Sandals

•Grace Egbagbe

•Lanre Da-Silva Ajayi

•Tomi Odunsi

ulfilling its commitment to introducing innovative and accessible make up products into the market, Maybelline New York ,recently launched a new productThe Clear Smooth All in One powder —which will excite beauty lovers and make-up artists alike. The new Clear Smooth All in One powder was introduced into the Nigerian market in March and has been labeled as the powder of the new generation. The powder which is created specifically for African skin, controls shine, conceals flaws, smoothes, evens the skin tone. It mattifies and brightens the skin making it stand out from other compact powders. It contains SPF 25 sunscreen which protects the skin and complexion from the harsh effects of the sun. It is lightweight, oil free and non comedogenic, ensuring the skin can still breathe and pores are not clogged. For women with sensitive skin, the powder is allergy tested and dermatologist approved, making it a great option for every day wear. To crown it all, it comes in 6 shades. Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos recently, Brand Manager Maybelline Clear Smooth Powder, Bukola Balogun said Maybelline New York intends to host a series of events to herald the introduction of its new super powder, beginning with a premium launch event which will see celebrities and fashion and beauty insiders in attendance. “Mini makeup studios will also be set up in selected Universities across Nigeria to introduce the powder and bring the Maybelline New York experience alive on campus. These will be flanked by contests and activities on their vibrant social media platforms,” She informs. In line with the DNA of the Maybelline New York brand which is product accessibility, the brand recently got into a strategic partnership with House of Tara studios, an indigenous makeup retailer with nationwide presence, which will now stock its products. This is in line with the vision of the House of Tara multi brand retail strategy, which encompasses retailing a wide variety of beauty brands alongside the Tara brand in its outlets across Nigeria. For Maybelline New York, this means that more people can be afforded the opportunity to interact with the brand’s innovative products everywhere in Nigeria. L’Oreal Central West Africa, a subsidiary of L’Oreal Group, the No 1 beauty company worldwide with a presence in over 130 countries, set up operations in Nigeria in November 2011.

Brand Manager Maybelline Clear Smooth Powder, Bukola Balogun, Managing Director L’Oreal Central West Africa, Idorenyen Enang and the Chief Executive Officer House of Tara, Tara Fela Durotoye at the media launch of Maybelline Clear Smooth All in One Powder

42—SA TURD AY 42—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

Makeup is important to women as food — Tara Durotoye Tara Durotoye is one of the few outstanding female entrepreneurs in Nigeria who have been able to evolve from being a makeup artist to having a complete cosmetic line tailored to suit the delicate feminine features of African woman. Her journey which started several years back has shown that with determination, consistency and integrity, success is attainable. For many, her story has been celebrated because she started doing a business that didn’t exist before in this part of the world, which is inspiring and great. More inspiring is the fact that she has built her business from just doing makeup to having her beauty products line, having chains of training schools and luxury studios built with the brand experience in mind. In this interview with Esther Onyegbula, she shares how she was able to turn a passion into a goldmine, her company’s empowerment drive, her new studio and the future. Impact of make-up on the Nigeria’s economy One of the strategic intent of our make-up brand is based on empowerment. Our desire is to create avenues where people develop their skills based on their passion for beauty and become entrepreneurs or business owners. The impact is that for every 1000 makeup artists that trained in our schools across Nigeria, whether it is in our school in Ilorin, Bayelsa, Lagos or Benin, they can now become their own business owners. The impact of that is that many of them can now begin to build their own micro businesses and employ one or two persons. By the time they employ one or two persons, first of all, they themselves have left the pool of unemployed people. And those they now engage are also pulled out of the pool of unemployment. This has a catalyst effect on the economy. Some of the married ones find a source of income to support their families. Future focus Our focus in the next five years is to remain true to our strategy which is to constantly be that enabling brand.We also want to continue to build the infrastructure that can create the platform and distribution channel where other brands can find expression and sustain education. That way,people who are developing in the makeup school can support the industry and give the brands not just the infrastructures required to present our products properly to the consumer but also to have the calibre of staffing

and team that can help them express their unique brand. In the next five years, you are going to see more House of Tara across the country. We are going to stay focused in our empowerment. You will see the core driver of our strategy at multiple levels; whether in terms of the sales force that is carrying the products across to Nigeria or in terms of the people who will train in the make-up school to start their own businesses or the platform we create for other Nigerians or international brands to find expression through our multiple channel distribution approach. Evolution To a large extent, the brand is an expression of who Tara Durotuye really is, and as a person, the story is always told of how when I was a child, whenever I visited my grand mother in the village, I’d pick up the children of her tenants and because I went to a private school, I could teach the children what they didn’t know, and every time I could from those holidays, I did that and people used to call me teacher. So, House of Tara teaching and empowering people is still an expression of who I am. But I am also grateful to God that people are attracted to the brand and they come and work for the brand because they find it as a way of developing themselves as well as others. We are proud of the role that we are playing in developing the economy and the people. Expansion We have already expanded,

•Tara Durotoye we already have 14 branches and we are working on adding 14 more. The reason why it is taking us this long and why we think that we can jump from 14 to 28 is because we have spent time, taking it step by step, in building the first fourteen. This means that we grew organically, we learnt from our mistakes and we now know what it cost us to be able to open these branches across the countries. Hence, we have picked how many empowerment centres we want to have and how many Mall stores we want to have. It is based on that survey that we are doing this expansion. Generating finance We have reached a stage in our business where financing is no longer an issue because we can generate the funds internally to expand and we can also engage our bankers to finance a portion of that expansion. Initially, we have issues with financing because many people didn’t understand beauty as a business. So, the bankers were not interested in financing but we have jumped that hurdle and the industry is getting bigger. The

bankers also understand that beauty is the next telecommunications and internet business. These are what we have taken into consideration. We are going to employ people and it is also important that we make a difference. Cost implication Yes, you should understand makeup is as important as food for women. When you walk or drive around, look at the faces of each woman to see how many of them won’t have makeup: foundation, eye shadow, lipstick, lips gloss. How many women will leave their houses without wearing makeup? Each time you find a woman wearing makeup, just know that it is money that is being transferred to the beauty industry. The 100 voices project The hundred voices is a CSR arm of our brand and it’s focused on celebrating young women and men of enterprise who have shared their stories with us in the past and whose stories have inspired us. We took their stories, brought it out to the world because the world needed to hear their

stories and be inspired by it. We want the stories to change the perception of Nigeria to a point where people no longer see Nigeria as that place where young girls go to Italy for prostitution but that place where young girls are enterprising, industrious and courageous. We know that there are challenges in Nigeria but in spite of these challenges, people are still doing something. A formidable force

I think there are two things

that have kept me strong all

these years, and one of them is the vision that I have. I didn’t go into this business to copy anyone. I went into this business because I knew that this is what I should be doing at this time of my life. So, I have a vision and that vision is what keeps me going. Secondly, I have been blessed with people who carry the vision of brand, and run with it. They are assets to us. They are called employees by other people but they are assets to us as a company, and their commitment to the vision is what keeps the vision going.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, APRIL 26 26, 2014—43

When the Smooths and Utuamas dedicated their When the grandson, Jeremy Smooth t was double celebration

IIt was double

for the families of Chief Tunde Smooth and Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama, SAN at the weekend. Apart from joining millions across the world in the celebration of Easter, the two families also celebrated the dedication and baptism of their grandson, Jeremy Preye Smooth at the St Andrew Catholic Church, OtuJeremi in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State. It was followed by a grand reception at the residence of the Smooths in GRA, Warri, on Sunday.

The Smooths and the Utuamas cutting a cake to celebrate the dedication /baptism of Jeremy Smooth

celebration for the of families Chief Tunde Smooth and Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama, SAN at the weekend. Apart from joining millions across thethe world in celebration

L-R: Chief Johnson Boro former DESOPADEC Commissioner and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Boro and Mr Lucky Avweromre, Dep. Chief of Staff, Govt House.

Barr Newworld Safugha Commissioner, Directorate of Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs with Queen Victoria Ikenchukwu, Commissioner for MDGs

L-R: Delta State Dep. Gov., Prof Amos Utuama, SAN, wife, Dr (Mrs) Nelly Utuama, Barr and Engr Edwin Smooth, Chief Tunde Smooth carrying the baby, Jeremy Smooth and Mrs Tunde Smooth.

L-R: Dr Rukevwe Ogwumba, SA to the Gov on Health Matters, Mr Oma Djebah, SSA to the Gov on Foreign Relations, Hon Solomon Funkekeme, Commissioner for Works, Engr and Barr (Mrs) Edwin Smooth with baby Jeremy, Prof Amos Utuama, SAN and Newworld Safugha, Commissioner, Directorate of LG and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Mr Charles Ajuya, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State with Dr. Chris Oghenechovwen, Commissioner for Water Resources.

10 consumers for legend Extra Stout’s Dubai shopping experience emerge

he first raffle draw of the 2014 edition of Legend Extra Stout’s National Consumer Promotion was held on Thursday, April 17 at O’Jez restaurant, Surlere, Lagos. The lucky consumers that emerged from the raffle draw and will go to Dubai for an all-expense paid trip to Dubai are: Nwala Simon (Imo), Aliuhuo Vivian Chinasa (Imo), Okon John Sampson (Akwa Ibom), Bishara Yohanna (Sokoto), Ernest Favour Nzelu (Abuja), Kazeem Sadiku Gbenga (Ogun), Femi Sikiru Atanda (Lagos), Okonofua Friday (Lagos) and Abayomi Victor Jubilee (Lagos).

Winners of refrigerators

One of the consumers at the event picking a raffle ticket.

Members of the Zion band entertaining the audience.

Consumers enjoying bottles of Legend Extra Stout.

Winner of one of the Dubai trip tickets, Mr. Jubilee Diagboya celebrating with the anchor of the event Alincology C M Y K

44—SATURDAY Vanguard , APRIL 26, 2014

08 116759 759 081 6759759

Why obese woman who founded nightclub for larger women stepped down

bese woman who f o u n d e d nightclub for larger women has to leave... after losing a mighty 17 stone. A mother who founded the world’s first nightclub specifically for larger women has stepped down as figurehead of the group after losing 17 stone, having been warned by doctors that the excess weight could leave her paralysed. Shadoe Gray, 49, set up Club Curves in LA, California, seven years ago, when she weighed 25 stone. But when she dropped to just eight stone her frame no longer represented her

‘A pat on the bum is not assault’ A

pat on the bum is not as sault’, says actress Joanna Lumley in swipe at wave of sex claims at the BBC. Joanna Lumley has hit out at the wave of historic sexual assault claims against veteran TV stars, saying being ‘patted on the bottom’ is not assault. The 67-year-old actress suggested unwanted male advances were often the fault of women who lead them on, adding: ‘It just became what men did.’ Miss Lumley began her career as a model in the Sixties, when many of the alleged abuses by showbusiness stars were said to have been carried out. But while she defended the victims of the most serious assaults, she said many have been blown out of proportion and questioned why victims have taken so long to speak out. She told the Times: ‘This is not dissing the women who have had their lives wrecked,

although why some took 50 years to say it, I don’t know. It’s difficult. At the time, Vivienne Hayes of the Women’s Resource Centre said ‘Such comments frighteningly normalise “victim blaming”. They re-allocate blame from the perpetrator to the victim. ‘It is horrifying that Ms Lumley would claim that “something in our society ” has caused young women to behave badly; the focus here is entirely upon the women who have experienced rape and other forms of violence at the hands of male perpetrators, as opposed to condemning a society which breeds male rapists.’

company and she felt she had to step down. The mother-of-one had previously loved her larger size - and admits receiving plenty of male attention - but when doctors warned that her health was in danger she decided to change her lifestyle. But losing 17 stone after gastric surgery has, the blue-eyed blonde says, come at a price. Not only is she celibate - the types men who used to be attracted to her having now lost interest - but she has also been bulled out of the club she founded, leaving her feeling ‘outcaset from my own people’.

Shadoe said: ‘I set up Club Curves after suffering fat discrimination - but when I lost weight I was bullied for being too thin. ‘It’s left me devastated - I’ll never get stop feeling like an outcast from my own people. I’ve lost a lot of friends along the way because they couldn’t accept that I’m not fat anymore. ‘But even though I’ve been forced into the shadows, I’m still flying the flag for big women.’

The couple who tried to stiff cab driver of $83 fare after having sex in the back of his cab

intoxicated Illinois man who refused to pay his taxi fare after having sex in the back seat A was forced to use his mother ’s credit to cover his n

debt. The taxi driver called police when Andrew Vukovich, 27, and Stefanie Herringer, 31, who were picked up outside Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill in Rosemont on February 9, wouldn’t pay the $83 charge. Driver Faisal Kokazeh, 28, said the lovebirds had spent the 40-minute journey to the home Vukovich shared with his mom in Orland Park making love after the couple took off most of their clothes. Chicago Tribune reported that cops to the 15500 block of Sunset Ridge Drive encountered two incoherent passengers and clothing ‘strewn throughout the taxi’. Vukovich eventually agreed to cover his bill, using his mother’s credit card, before leaving Herringer to find her own way home. Police said they took the Herringer back to the police station, where her brother picked her up. She was from Elgin, about an hour drive from Orland Park.

Doct or ound 112 2 gold bar Doctor orss ffound barss inside Indian man's body W

hat doctors found inside an Indi an businessman after he complained of having a stomach ache (12 gold bars worth £1,100 each). Doctors in India were shocked to find 12 gold bars inside the stomach of a businessman who was admitted after complaining of pains. The 63-year-old man went to a hospi-

tal in Delhi earlier this month saying he had swallowed a cap from a water bottle and wanted it removed from his body. He also complained of pain and vomiting prompting surgeons to operate, when they discovered the hoard though to be worth around £13,900. Doctors discovered a total of 12 gold bars, each weigh-

ing 33g which were discovered in his stomach rather than a bottle cap, it has been reported. And now it is understood that customs officials have questioned the man and the gold has been confiscated. Senior consulting surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Dehli Dr C S Ramachandran told the Indian Express: ‘He approached us on April 7 seeking surgery to remove a water bottle cap which he claimed he had accidentally swallowed. ‘We got an X-ray done and it didn’t appear to be a cap. As the gold bars got stacked one behind the other it appeared to be a metal. We were shocked to find not one but 12 gold biscuits in his abdomen.Customs officials questioned the man and the gold was confiscated. Total haul has an estimated value of $23,300 (£13,900).

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014 — 45

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014—47

'I have no ambition to go to the Senate' in office, you donated money to many organisations. Was it a strategic move …? (cuts in) Those who know me over the years will tell you that I am allergic to money being spent wrongly. It is not about being stingy. Some even have the good sense to call me “araldite” to my face. All I request is that money should be spent properly. Not just money, we have the moral obligation to do things properly. The other day, I was at the airport and a cleaner offered to carry my bag. I refused. I made it clear to her that she was paid to clean the airport and not to carry people’s bag. By carrying bags, she hoped to be given tips, but in the course of doing that, her work suffers. All I do is to insist she should do what she is expected to do. As a former Governor, I was not expected to be sharing the money of the State to people who would not utilise it to add value to the State. I am financially responsible and not stingy. Talking about donations, I have even seen newspapers used it for cartoon. Immediately I started my second tenure, we entered into collaboration with the Churches. Having returned their schools to them in 2010, we started offering them support in the form of grant. We also supported their health institutions as well as organisations that contribute one way or the other to the development of Anambra State. It is wrong to call those supports “donations”. I am happy that the effect of what we did has presently led the Federal Government to consider direct support to institutions, the Coordinating Minister for Education, Barr. Nyesom Wike said so when he visited Anambra State and witnessed the generators and computers we distributed to schools in the State. Even the World Bank commissioned a team of experts in education led by Prof. Paul Collier to visit Anambra and study what we were doing. They recommended other States to do the same, having taken the fruits it is yielding into cognisance. It has become a tradition for past governors to go to the Senate. Are you nursing such ambition? I have said it repeatedly that I will not go to the Senate. Those aspiring to go have their reasons as much as I have mine. What of taking up a Ministerial appointment as is widely rumoured? Let me start by saying it loud and clear that I am not looking for job. However, I believe that

public service remains one of the highest callings because if one is genuine, through it, one will serve humanity. Nigeria belongs to all of us and it is a duty to support the President in the task of governance. If I am appointed a Minister or directed by the President to assist in any way possible even at Local Government level, I will answer the call. How would you rate the Presidency of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan? I pity him Is that all? Yes Why? Each time I remember him, I am reminded of what Niccolo Machiavelli said about introducing a new order. He said that those introducing new orders are never popular, because they will have opposition from those that benefitted from the old order and lukewarm defenders in those not sure of his success. President Jonathan took over this country when she was laying prostrate on the ground. He is making a lot of efforts to revive her. Today, under Jonathan, our roads are changing. Our Airports have completely changed. He is particularly beholden by my people for making Enugu airport an International Airport and starting the second Niger Bridge. We today witness the commitment towards providing power to the country. Under Jonathan, we see the rule of law in operation. We now have a democracy properly so called. Today, everybody says what he fancies without anybody harassing him. Today, we no longer link deaths to politics. Jonathan has introduced decency into governance. It is not in the best interest of the country when people criticise him unfairly. Are you saying he should not be criticised? If you look at Nigeria today, one is appalled by the quality of the opposition. The aim of opposition is to keep the ruling government awake to her responsibilities and not to pull her down. In Nigeria, most of what passes for opposition are pure ill-will that ends up hurting the country and not the President. China is a good example of what parties should be. During electioneering, parties in China are opposition parties, but once elections are over, they become supporting parties, offering advice even if in the form of criticisms on how the State would be properly governed. In Nigeria, what we see is parties opposing the most noble of decisions because they want to be seen as the opposition. This is political recklessness and immaturity

Continued from page 15

I often say that there must be the lunatic fringe in all reform movements. People told me about the publication, but the only thing is that I refused to read it because they are minor distractions intended to snare the lowly minded

Peter Obi

rather that encouraging political behaviour.

Your successor recently organised a Security Summit. As the immediate past governor, how would you access security situation in the State? On the 17th of March, a journalist met me at the Akanu Ibiam Airport and wanted to know the secrets of our relationship with International Development partners. I merely told him to go to the rising sun, Gov. Willie Obiano, as my gubernatorial sun has set. I am no longer the governor. Obiano is and it is appropriate you go to him for such questions. We asked the question because during the Summit, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Abubakar Muhammed, advised the new Governor to follow in your footsteps on security. He went…. I also listened to the IG. He did not say you should come to me for questions on security in Anambra State. He merely commended what we did, the over 500 vehicles we purchased for security agencies in Anambra, the cordial working relationship, he linked all of them to the low crime rate in the State. I

remember he talked about Anambra State not experiencing any bank robbery in five last years. I

think if the same cordiality is maintained, Anambra’s safety is guaranteed. I am particularly happy over the Summit. If nothing, it is early signs that the present government in the State have security at heart. What is the situation in your party APGA? Would it support Jonathan’s bid? APGA is much more than a party. It is a mass movement. Like all organisations founded by fallible sons of Adam, we had our challenges. At a point, I disagreed with the Chairman, but following the judgement of the court, we all came together and forged ahead. There is no doubt that Chief Victor Umeh remains the Chairman of APGA. As for supporting Jonathan’s bid, it is not a decision I would take right now. All I can tell you is that our party will mee t and collectively take decision on that. What is your advice to your successor? I will only appeal to him to remain focused on the job. As a governor, many tendencies would be perambulating around him. Many people will be holed up in different hotels writing one empty proposal or the other. Some will be close to him with the aim to be given an opportunity to loot the treasury. Once he remains focused, he will get it right.

48 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

“I am in Rivers State to do a professi •Speaks on MD Abubakar’s regime as IGP

s a Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Fraud Unit at Milverton Street, Ikoyi, Lagos State, Tunde Ogunsakin held sway with an unwavering candour and astuteness coupled with a tenacity of purpose, he has been riding the crest of success. He resolutely cracked many fraud cases that exposed vicious syndicated gangs thus making it very difficult for fraudsters popularly known as 419ers to excel. Then, he was posted to the volatile and highly politicized Rivers State command where his predecessor was involved in a ding-dung battle with Governor Chibuike Amechi. Expectations were high, so also were doubts. So far, he seems to be weathering the storm as exemplified by streaks of successes recorded in a short time. He spoke with EMMA NNADOZIE on this and other issues. Excerpts: Posting to Rivers State When the Inspector-General of Police called and told me that I will move to Rivers State, I saw it as another challenge, and in view of the character of MD Abubakar, in putting round pegs in round holes, he is a man you cannot take away his ability to determine officers, give them specific instructions and assign jobs appropriately to his satisfaction . As a matter of fact, he is a core professional and an operational man who has transformed the police from

All this credit I can give to my IGP in the sense that he has given good leadership and when you give good leadership, what you get is good follower-ship

lackluster, lackadaisical conduct to a viral and efficient force. I think in this country today, we have been particularly lucky to have him at the helm of affairs. He is somebody who can manage men effectively and he knows where to put officers and get the best out of them. When he said I was coming here, I had no doubt in his ability to read effectively what I was coming here to do, and whether I actually fit the bill to be able to put Rivers State in order and ensure lives and properties are safe. When I came here, the C M Y K

brief IG gave me was to go and do Police work and since I came here, what I did first was to meet the Governor during a courtesy call and I told him that I was going to meet all stakeholders irrespective of the parties they belong to or religious affiliations. So after meeting the Governor, I met all traditional rulers, pressmen, all the political party executives in Rivers State, and my sermon has always been for all to fight crime and all forms of criminality, that everybody must join hands with me to ensure that the politics of hatred, of deceit and rancour are not allowed to have root here. What am doing essentially is to take Police out of political wranglings and make sure that the police do a very professional work here and since I came and met with the political parties, realised that we are doing a professional job too, they are happy, both parties have been cooperating to ensure there is peace and tranquility in the state. In the administration we have now, we can do good policing and electioneering, since I came here, the command has been devoid of bickering and all those problems. All this credit I can give to my IGP in the sense that he has given good leadership and when you give good leadership, what you get is good followers. Some of us that are following him, that have worked with him, we know the stuff he is made of. He is somebody that I know that what

he has put together in the Nigeria police today, even when he stopped road blocks, if you know the kind of good name that singular act has given to the police, the kind of credibility he has given to the police, the kind of courage to be able to face the public that we are not as corrupt as people think. Now, we can raise our heads and stand shoulder to shoulder with any force anywhere in the world because of encouragement he has given us, has given us the latitude to perform better and hold our heads high as members of the

•IGP Mohammed Abubakar—praises garlore

force. We can now stand and look at anybody and say that we have an IGP who is forward looking, who is IT compliant, he is all that you need as an IG. Surmounting the misgivings hen I came in, it was apparent that both parties, I mean the two political parties in the divide were very conscious, what is this man coming to do. The government in place was very suspicious,and the PDP too; what is this man coming to do. I think my first message did the magic in the sense that I came in and told them what I was coming to do. In my first speech, I said that the Governor is the Chief Security Officer of the state as enshrined in the constitution and I added that I am the Chief Law Enforcement Officer and that both of us must synergize to protect lives and properties in Rivers State, and I told the Governor then that I will meet all stakeholders irrespective of political parties, religious leaning or whatever. Everybody has seen my openness, my ability to carry people along and be impartial, to be firm, resolute and desirous to carry the work which the IG has given me to do. This speaks volumes that since we came in, crime has reduced, the political tension has gone down and that is exactly what we are doing.

Assessment of crime in the state Two weeks after resuming duties here, I found out that

•Tunde Ogunsaki

there are crimes that are very prevalent.... Then I look at the statistics of crime too, two, three months before and two months after I arrived and I just noticed there was no serious increase in crime,but I found out that the crime of kidnapping, cultism armed robbery etc are the ones that are very prominent here. So, what I started doing was to look at the ones that are prevalent and devise strategies to curb them. I can tell you that for kidnapping, I was able to stem the tide by increasing and improving on our intelligence, operational aspect and made sure that I deployed armed guards along the water front. I deployed like a unit even though the water front is very large. When I noticed that the kidnappers were picking victims, run straight to the water front, then take a boat and take their victims across to the creeks, that informed my deploring serious armed guards along the water fronts and it was apparent that I was able to stop their running to the water front and into the creeks because of the guards we put there. Although there are still some of them that escape because of the size of the water front, we found out that atimes when they pick their victims, they find it difficult to take them out. There were instances in the local Government where they have to put their victims in an underground water tanks from where they will be taken out. We are happy with our strategies so far. The challenges

we have is getting our gun boats repaired.

opefully, some of the stakeholders are trying to assist us. We are optimistic that we can man those water fronts effectively and kidnapping will go down and we are very happy with the reduction in kidnapping.We are also working with other security agencies. In fact, we work as a family. About four days ago, we launched ‘Operation Spark’, which is borne out of the understanding we have with other security agencies like the Navy and Army. We are working assiduously to ensure that crime is gravely reduced. That is what we are doing and we are happy things are working out accordingly. Containing excesses of politicians I think we are succeeding, in the sense that, their excesses are being curbed and because I operate with them with openness,firmness and with full knowledge knowing that politicians can be very funny.Like when state government officials come here to request for armed guards, like commissioners, local government chairmen, that they want armed guards in their homes and as their escorts. We are following the rules and the law strictly. What they are entitled to is one armed guard and because of this, I don’t need to hide anything if you request and I tell you this is what you

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014 — 49

onal job” — CP Ogunsakin are entitled. They know I am not going to cut corners. So, if you are not entitled to anything, I will tell you, I don’t care what political divide you belong to. Even if you are not a government official, unless we have reports that someone’s life is being threatened, we will give you security coverage. It could be a non-Nigerian who possibly could be an object of kidnapping, we give them coverage. People now see the police in Rivers State to be very fair and that we really don’t have any issue as per the political party you belong to. As far as I am concerned, everybody is equal before the

tandem with what you will see at the Force Headquarters, Abuja and you will know that every police man is proud to be associated with the IGP. When we came here, we tried to follow his footsteps and also replicate that at the various police stations. We give lectures to the officers that the neatness and security of lives and properties of the public is what the IG is harping on. What we are doing is to carry on with his instructions and with the good examples he has laid down. So, we are following his transformation agenda and making sure that all officers adhere to them. People are

If you are not entitled to anything, I will tell you, I don’t care what political divide you belong to, even if you are not a government official, unless we have reports that someone’s life is being threatened, we will give you security coverage

law. What is my concern is whether you are entitled to security guard or not, and I think the politicians have realized that we are strict but open and very firm. They now know that everybody is equal before the law. IGP’s transformation in the force IGP’s transformation agenda essentially is to ensure that good governance translates to good policing and that is what we are doing. We all know that the IG has a zero tolerance to corruption, we know that he is a very diligent officer with high integrity. He is an officer who believes in carrying his officers along. If you go around the headquarters or stations, you will see neatness which is in

bound to see the little success we have achieved here as the carryover of what IG has instructed us to do. If we are succeeding, it means the IG is succeeding, what we are doing here is in consonance with the directives and order of the IG. So, we must thank the IG for giving us this kind of leadership and we are following in that process. Continuity in Police hierarchy s a commissioner of police, I am a junior officer to determine who handles police leadership or whatever. But personally and as a professional who has worked with IG and what he had done and you are asking

me even though I don’t have the power but on a personal level, I would think that you don’t change a winning team. To me he is doing well and will do more if given the opportunity. Expectation of Rivers State people he people of Rivers state should continue to enjoy the protection of life and property as we are here carrying out the instruction of the IG and his transformation agenda. We are going to give them this leadership to ensure that peace reigns in the state and that the working relationship between the police and the society is cordial and that the people should be free to befriendthe police. The police in Rivers state is a friend to the people, the people of the state should continue to give us information while we continue to do our bit without harassment from any body. People should be rest assured that armed robbery and other criminality are reduced to the barest minimum so that they can do their business without anybody harassing them. Challenges in fighting crime Our major problem is getting materials to work with. We have problems getting gun boats because of the topography, and the critical environments where you have big water front, where you have creeks where criminals hide. We need to reinforce our marine capability, we need to increase our man power, we need to increase our fighting prowess in terms of arms and ammunition. There are some police stations that need to be upgraded in the use of material things to work with. These are the only challenges we have but we have the will and the leadership is ready to do what is desirable at all

P-H-O-T-O-S-P-E-A-K Two books on crime written by DSP Ezema Mathias, were recently launched in Enugu. From left:CP Yakubu Jubril, CP. James Olatunji Caulcrick, The Commandant Police Detective College, Enugu, HRM,Igwe A.I. Ofuegbu (JP) MON, CP Abubakar A. Mohammed of Enugu, DSP Ezema Mathias (The Author), DR. Barr. C Akpamgbo (SAN), CP Abdul Majid Ali of Imo State, Col. UT. Musa, Garrison Commander, Enugu and ACP B.A. Igbe, unveiling the books.

•Tunde Ogunsaki times. Since we are not lacking in that way, we should be able to use whatever materials we have to achieve the best so that the people of the state can live happily and sleep with their two eyes closed. Patrolling the streets have been doing patrols and virtually visited the commands and all the Local Government commands and stations. There have been lectures and meetings even with the traditional rulers and we are trying to build a synergy with all other security agencies to ensure that lives and properties are safe.

Boosting moral of officers We are doing all within our power to ensure that officers are happy. In terms of accommodations, welfare, you will realize that since IG came in, he has been improving the welfare of officers and men of the force. We have been using that to preach to the officers that to whom much is given, much is expected. So, what the IG is doing in terms of welfare is what we are carrying out and I can tell you even as we speak, the issue of back log of salary not being paid is now history. Officers now get their salary as and when due, officers are happy. If you go around to sample their opinions, they will tell you they are very happy, and because of the performance of the welfare, corruption is eradicated as officers now live within their means. When I arrived here, I emphasized that the DPO’s, on no account should give money to Area commanders, and no one must come to the Commissioner to give money because no one remits money to the IGP. We are taking a cue from IGP and you must as well take a cue so no one tells you he’s been asked to give any

money to the Commissioner of police. The IG has maintained zero tolerance to corruption and we must take cue from him. It has been my watchword since I came here. I told every officer that while I am here, we are all going to say no to corruption and this command has launched say-no-tocorruption, say-no-tokidnapping. So far, I have no regrets, I am satisfied with the job I am doing. Advice to policemen My advice to men and officers of this command is that they should remain loyal and committed to their job and that the work we are doing is a job that the public appreciates, forget about the saying that police reward is in heaven,if you are satisfied with the job you are doing by saving people’s lives and properties, you should have satisfaction in doing that. That today, as a police officer, you are saving people’s lives and properties, you should continue to be diligent and industrious and continue to serve the people, to ensure that lives and properties are safe. Assessment of leadership of the force under MD Abubakar MD Abubakar’s leadership has transformed the police to be more efficient and proactive in all spheres of combating crime and we are happy to have a leadership that has transformed the police so far, and has brought us courage and integrity, that people now respect a policeman on the road. Before he came in, it wasn’t like that and now you can raise up your head and stand shoulder to shoulder with anybody and then feel proud that you are a policeman because of what MD Abubakar has done to the police. He has transformed us. C M Y K

50 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 26, 2014

puts the ‘green’ on Nigeria’s Brazil 2014: Needless distractions Greene athletics he will also attract multifor NFF THLETICS Federa Greene in the Nigeria national endorsement Ation of Nigeria offi- team generated a lot of deals to Nigerian track BY YAKUBU IBN cials are feeling proud, interests and favorable and field. MOHAMMED

after the cynicism that greeted the arrival of former 100m world record holder, Maurice Greene as coach to the Nigeria relay teams ahead of the IAAF World Relays, Commonwealth Games and the African Championships. Greene, a four-time world champion is currently with the Nigerian relay teams touring the USA. The team featured in the Mt Sac relays last weekend and they will also run in the Penn Relays today. It was gathered that the presence of

ITH barely two months to go to the kick-off of the world’s most glamorous and most watched sporting spectacular, the FIFA Senior World Cup, all the thirty two finalists are by now surely putting the final pieces in place for the journey to Brazil. True, there are teams for whom participation alone is enough motivation to prepare well for the tournament as they, their supporters, the pundits and the bookmakers do not see them making it beyond the first round of matches. Nigeria is certainly not in this category on account of our pedigree and past showings in continental and global football tournaments. Our preparations are therefore tailored towards not only making up the numbers but also giving a very good account of ourselves and doing the country and Africa proud in Brazil by standing shoulder to shoulder and mixing it up creditably with the world’s best footballing nations. It is however, pertinent at this stage to observe that some recent happenings in our footballing clime have the potentials of casting shadows on our preparations and unwittingly marring our dreams of an outing in Brazil worthy of our reputation, pedigree and capability. I am worried and all soccer loving Nigerians should also be perturbed. My source of worry is the spate of the needless and unnecessary distractions that the NFF is constantly having to contend with

•Keshi in the recent past. The first that readily comes to mind is the innocuous (and, I dare say, right) decision by the NFF board to seek to appoint an assistant for Stephen Keshi. This simple administrative move (perfectly in order and within the purview of the powers of the board) was enough to set tongues wagging among the avowed critics of the Board who latched on to it and used it to create confusion and bedlam. The fact that the Board averred that Keshi was at liberty to pick such an assistant did nothing to stem the tide of innuendo against the Board. There was also the veiled attempt by some so called analysts and football administrators to rail–road Keshi into changing his mind and recalling players he had jettisoned for professional reasons. Add to these to Sylvanus Okpala’s diatribe and malicious, unsubstantiable and therefore unsubstantiated allegation of financial impropriety and

the highly laughable and ridiculous charge by some that the NFF President Aminu Maigari was working to undermine Keshi and what you have is an amazingly annoying and disgusting design aimed at unsettling the NFF Board and the Super Eagles handlers ahead of the 2014 World Cup finalsa luxury we cannot afford. This therefore is a passionate appeal to all and sundry to shun all things capable of distracting the NFF from its noble and patriotic task of ensuing that the Eagles soar majestically in Brazil. The task at hand requires our unquestioning support. Those who are incapable of giving it should do well to maintain a silence of any kind. •Yakubu Ibn Mohammed, is a retired NTA Executive Director, Former Member Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna States Football Associations and One time Chairman Bauchi State Football Association

Heineken, LCM support Apapa Club Tennis Tourney

EMBERS of The Apapa Club are bracing up for the much anticipated Tennis Tournament organized by the Tennis Section of the Club and sponsored by Heineken and LCM - Lagos Channel Management. Captain of the Tennis Section, Hon. Dozie Udeze said at a crowded Press Conference that this year’s tournament will hold between April 25 – 26. The Opening ceremony was held yesterday with the first playing session taking place between 5:30 to 9:00pm. The second playing session will serve off at 9:00am todaty while the third and final playing session which

will have members of the invited NPA - Nigeria Ports Authority Sports Club in attendance will be between 4:30pm to 7:30pm. The closing ceremony comes up immediately and will be followed by the Chairman’s Night Party. Dozie Udeze explained that sponsors of the event, Heineken and Lagos Channels Management have decided to partner with Apapa Club following the giant strides achieved by the Club under the leadership of the Club’s President, Tunde Akin-Taylor and Chairman of the Tennis Section, Ben Ozoadibe. According to the chairman of the section Ben

Ozoadibe, “My Captain Dozie Udeze has turned around this section in less than one year and has brought in a lot of corporate sponsorship to the section and more to come. I am sure our sponsors have been following the tremendous transformation going on here especially in the Tennis Section and have chosen to identify with us. We are a Club of great history having been established in 1930”. Dozie Udeze revealed that over 60 players will slug it out in the three closed categories; Veterans, Main Draw and the women‘s category which is making its debut as well as the open invitational with NPA club.

comments from US and world track and field officials and according to a member of the AFN, it was a development that made them feel proud of having the veteran athlete in the camp of Nigerian athletes. “Greene joining us in Nigeria was well received here in the US. In all the stops we made, he generated a lot attraction and interest to us and this is a very good thing,” said the official. He added that Greene was happy associating himself with the Nigerian team and was hopeful that

When AFN president announced the appointment of Mr. Greene as Nigerian relay coach and motivator, it generated unsavoury comments from athletics enthusiasts who felt that since Greene has no coaching precedents it was a bad investment. However, the bright side of hiring Mr. Greene is beginning to manifest as it has been observed in the USA. May be more goodwill; will fallout for Nigeria track and field, only if officials tap into opportunities when they arise.

Bahamas 2014: Nigerian athletes rehearse at Penn Relays

IGERIAN athletes are hoping to come up with a good run in the final of day of the Penn Relays today in Philadelphia, USA and put themselves in a good stead for the forthcoming World Relay Championships May 2425 in Nassau, Bahamas. According a member of the men 4x400m, Orukpe Erayokan the Nigerian quartet are motivated to produce a better performance, better than they did last weekend. “We want to do our best. We ran well at the Mt. Sac Relays but want to do better this time. We are going against countries like Jamaica and the US but I am not afraid because we all have two hands and two legs. There is nothing to be scared about,” said the athlete. Meanwhile excitement is starting to mount with exactly one month to go until the first gun goes at the inaugural IAAF World Relays. Although most of the expected teams have yet to make their final squad selections, it is already known that the sport’s superpowers like Kenya, Jamaica, the USA and many European nations, will be sending their strongest men and women teams to contest the five disciplines on the programme of this innovative event. There are two big incentives for nations to send their best squads to contest the 10 events which will be staged in the newly-built 15,000-seater Thomas A. Robinson Stadium, with both men and women competing in the 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m, 4x800m and 4x1500m. The top eight teams in both the men’s and women’s 4x100m and 4x400m will automatically qualify for the IAAF World Cham-

Dashing.... Noah Akwu contesting with Usain Bolt at the London 2012 Olympics. pionships in Beijing in 2015. In addition, the top eight teams in each event will be awarded prize money with the gold medallists taking home no less than USD $50,000. In the event that a team breaks a World record in Nassau, an additional bonus of USD $50,000 will also be awarded. Preliminary entries sug-

gest that more than 700 athletes from 48 IAAF Member Federations will take part in Nassau. Whetting the appetite for the forthcoming relay extravaganza, 2014 has already seen the US men set a World indoor 4x400m record and a quartet of Kenyan women running a 4x1500m faster than ever before.

Golden League: Athletes continue chase for N2m

ODAY in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria/ Solid Works Golden League will run its full course with the top athletes aiming to remain in contention for the N2million prize money at stake. Though some of the front runners are in the US with the relay teams,

Athletics officials are hopeful that the athletes on ground will do justice to the meet and produce an improved performance better than they did at the first leg in Abuja. AFN Vice President, Tunde Abdulkareem said that everything has been done to provide a conducive atmosphere for the athletes to excel.

Okpekpe: Edo governor steps up training

DO State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has stepped up training for the second edition of the Okpekpe road race, scheduled for May 3 in the serene town of Okpekpe in the northern part of the State. The governor who also ran in the first edition is training to do five minutes per kilometer in the tenkilometer race through a hilly and sandy terrain. Technical coordinator of

the race, Yussuf Alli disclosed that 18 world elite athletes including former world cross country champion, Joseph Ebuya have listed to contest for the prize money at stake. “Preparations are on course. We are doing confirmation of the athletes; so far we have 18 world elite athletes and 3000 Nigerian runners,” said the former African long jump champion.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014 — 51

Police parade 14 hoodlums for attack on Baraje’s residence •13 others for setting mad man ablaze BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI, Ilorin

HE Kwara state Commissioner of Police Mr Ambrose Aisabor yesterday paraded fourteen persons including the gang leader suspected to have attacked the house of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje. The police commissioner also paraded thirteen hoodlums who allegedly set a mad man ablaze same day at the A Division area of ilorin even as he reiterated his warning that no persons in the state should take laws into their hands. Saturday Vanguard reliably gathered that the hoodlums allegedly invaded the former national chair of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family house in Baboko area of Ilorin, the state capital on Wednesday night and destroyed no fewer than ten vehicles parked in the premises. Also, the gate to the main entrance of his house was said to have been riddled with bullets. Speaking at a press conference at the state police command headquarters in Ilorin, Ambrose Aisabor said: “On April 23rd this year, we got a distress call from Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje at Baboko quarters that hoodlums were attacking and destroying property in the premises. “So two patrol teams were dispatched to the scene, but before the policemen got there the hoodlums had fled. “Three people were shot and are now recovering in the hospital; 14 vehicles among other property were destroyed. The building was also riddled with bullets. In fact, bullet holes are still conspicuous on the premises.“The leader of the gang was identified and picked up. His confessional statement led to the arrest of 14 other members of the criminal gang.”Items recovered from them include one dane gun, one axe, one hammer, one scrapper, two criminal charms, two wraps of weed suspected to be cannabis sativa, one pack of rizzler, two palm slippers, two packets of matches, one playing ludo and seeds, two Nigerian

voter’s cards bearing Salihu Dauda and one vigilante grand ID card bearing Dauda Salihu. The police commissioner while parading the 13 persons explained that they were suspected to have set ablaze a person suspected to be insane for alleged kidnapping. According to him,“in another incident, the 13 suspects were picked up when they set an insane person ablaze. This also happened the same day around 4.30pm at ‘D Division’ of the state police in the metropolis. “The hoodlums lynched a young man at Adeta Roundabout. They also lynched one Saka Shehu suspected to be an insane person. In the course of investigation, the thirteen suspects were picked up and they have made c o n f e s s i o n a l statements.“The third incident was at Ganmo, in the outskirts of the metropolis. It happened on the 24th of this month. “In the evening, a suspect by name Olayiwola Dauda was arrested. He alongside others now at large, was about to lynch a victim named Ademola Olanrewaju. The victim was immediately rescued by police men who were on patrol.” He warned Kwarans not to take the law into their hands by illegally taking the lives of others.”We will not tolerate criminality in this state.

It is a peaceful and harmonious state and we should be able to maintain that. People should be able to go about their business without molestation and harassment by street urchins and mischief makers,” he added.On APC’s state congress taking place today, the police boss said security personnel will fortify the venue of the event, warning mischief makers to steer clear of the place.Said he: “All the congresses held in this state so far have been peaceful apart from few isolated cases that we recorded; there is no curfew in the town. I advise people to go about their normal business. People that have nothing to do in the congress should not be seen in that area as the place will be fortified by police”.

L-R: Country Director Officer, Lafarge Cement, Mr. Guilleume Ruox; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga (representing President Goodluck Jonathan); Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Mr. Tha’anda Jaisun Rabainu; and Chairman, Board of Ashaka Cement Plc, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, during the unveiling of the plaque for the 2.5 million tonnes New Line Production capacity expansion of Ashaka Cement, in Gombe

Capture of terrorists escalates fighting in Bulabulin •40 terrorists, 4 soldiers killed BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

HE capture of a number of terrorists believed to be the ringleaders of those operating around Alagarno remote villages of Damboa Council Area of Borno state, has sparked off a major fight in the outskirts of Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State last night. Bulabulin is a remote village between Alagarmo and Sambisa Forest

where the terrorists have been attempting to establish a stronghold in their campaign. During the deadly encounter, 40 suspected terrorists died while 4 soldiers lost their lives and 9 were wounded. This was contained in a press statement issued to Journalists and signed by the Defence Headquarters Spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade yesterday. Our Correspondent ob-

2015: INEC begins voters registration in May •To be preceded by distribution of permanent voters cards BY OKEY MDORONE

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

will commence registration of voters in 10 states across the country next month. The exercise would

Glo/CNN African Voices hosts goldsmith Labi Kapo

HE Globacomsponsored CNN African Voices will this weekend bring to viewers South African goldsmith, Thomas Labi Kapo, who will be special guest on the programme. Born in May 1958, Kapo is a gifted and artistic jeweler who has worked with renowned jewelers such as Andrew Grima (Queens Court Jewelers), Universal Gem Trade and Alexis

Jewelry Limited. From some of the finest jewelry shops in London to the mine fields deep in Ghana, the renowned goldsmith has been all over the world gaining the experience that has made him the master craftsman he is today. Now, he is sharing his knowledge with Africa’s next generation and allowing others to benefit from their countr y ’s valuable resources.

commence on May 25 in the affected states and would be categorized under Phase One. The affected states are: Taraba, Gombe and Zamfara. Others are Kebbi, Benue, Kogi, Abia, Enugu, Akwa-Ibom and Bayelsa. The exercise would be preceded by distribution of permanent voters cards between May 15 and 18 in all the affected states. This was contained in a bulletin issued yesterday by INEC. The bulletin further revealed that the the information was obtained from a Decision Extract released by the Commission following its meeting on Thursday, 17th April 2014.

served that there were three explosions on the night of Thursday at 9pm and 11pm and another explosion went off at about 5am yesterday in the outskirts of Maiduguri, thereby leading to intensive stop- and- search operation within the city by military and civilian JTF. Olukolade stated that more than 16 rifles and a substantial number of assorted calibres of ammunition, Improvised

Explosive Devices (IED) materials, SIM Cards and electronic items have so far been recovered. He noted that two of the terrorists were earlier arrested at a local market two days ago while trying to procure foodstuff while others were spying on the military base in the area. Others still being trailed according to the Defence Spokesman include a terrorist medic who was on a mission to procure drugs for use by his colleagues.

Three suspected kidnappers burnt in Osun

HREE suspected kidnappers were yesterday burnt to death in different parts of Osogbo, the Osun state capital. The suspected kidnappers according impeccable sources were apprehended by youths at the various locations before a mob eventually set them ablaze. One of the suspected kidnappers was burnt to death at Ayetoro area of Osogbo by a mob, while the other two were burnt at Plantation and Igbona areas of the town. A suspected kidnapper had earlier on Thursday escaped being lynched by irate youths at Olaiya area of the town and it was gathered that the confession of the suspect

who reportedly confessed that he had nine other colleagues in the town prompted youths of different areas to be vigilant. The suspect who was however beaten to pulp before he was rescued by the Police and a soldier who were on transit reportedly confessed that the 10 of them came from outside the state to kidnap young children in Osogbo and its environs. However, luck ran against him when a commercial motorcyclist popularly called Okada rider discovered that the suspect who dressed like an insane person carried a baby who was crying on his hands.

52—SA TURD AY 52—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , APRIL 26 26, 2014

Anxiety, panic as Lagos APC holds congress •Ajomale, Seriki, Odunbaku slug it out for chairmanship seat BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

•Chief Henry Ajomale

•Ademola Seriki

behind the incumbent chairman because of his laudable achievements and well-rooted knowledge of the state’s terrain. At the end of today, the winners and losers would be known. But the big issue among faithful members is, who will Tinubu pick as the chosen one to fly the party’s flag in the forthcoming 2015 governorship election? Many political watchers believe that Tinubu is the one who will ultimately pick the party’s flag bearer as he did years back when he singularly picked Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) who was then his Chief of Staff for eight years. It was gathered that because of Tinubu’s unmatched influence within the Lagos political circle and especially the APC, his role in who emerges is paramount. According to feelers, Tinubu is most likely to settle for a Christian candidate. Also within the party, the choice of who the party anoints has been zoned to Lagos East. This is because the Christian community in Lagos State believes that the next choice has to be a Christian after 16 years. Besides, Lagos West has produced a Governor (Tinubu) and also Lagos Central (Fashola) leaving Lagos East made up of Ikorodu, Epe, Ibeju Lekki and some areas in Ajah out. Though, Fashola had once said that he was interested in who succeeds him, recently, it had been confirmed that Fashola has resigned to fate by supporting Tinubu’s choice on the strength that he (Tinubu) is his

political leader and mentor. Recently, a lot of names of possible aspirants have come up in public. On the list of aspirants are: Akin Ambode, former Auditor General in the state; Senator Bareehu Gbenga Ashafa; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Leke Pitan, member, House of Representatives; Femi Gbajabiamila, the Minority Leader Federal House of Representatives and few others. The national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu had at a stakeholders’ meeting early in the year declared that APC was indivisible despite efforts from different quarters to divide the party. He however, assured all members

s part of preparations toward ensuring electoral victory in the forthcoming 2015 general elections in the country, particularly in Lagos, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos State chapter, will today holds its state congress that will produce the executive members of the party to steer the ship for the next four years. APC had earlier postponed its state congresses scheduled for Wednesday, April 23rd, to allow state governors under the aegis of the party to attend the rescheduled expanded National Security Council meeting, fixed for that day to discuss the security situation in t h e c o u n t r y . In a statement issued in Lagos by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, “the postponement is a confirmation of the party’s stated stand to be part of all genuine efforts to end insurgency in the country, and its strong belief that bipartisanship must replace the crass partisanship of the presidency and the ruling party if the security crisis is to be overcomed.” It will be recalled the APC is an amalgamated party following agreed merger of different political parties. The parties were: Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN; Congress for Progressive Change, CPC; All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and the new Peoples Democratic Party, led by Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo. Meanwhile, tension is currently high in Lagos chapter of the party as delegates from the 374 wards across the 20 Local Government Areas, LGAs and 27 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, file out today to elect 23 new state executive members that will oversee affairs and functions of the party in the next dispensation. Five delegates from each ward will vote at the open ballot. Leading the pack in the fight for the chairmanship seat is the incumbent, Chief Henry Ajomale; Ademola Seriki; James Odunbaku, alias Baba Eto and Mr. Sunny Ajose, former Chief of Staff to former Governor of the state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Among other offices to be filled include: Vice- Chairman from each of the three senatorial districts; Secretary; Publicity Secretary, and Treasurer. It was gathered that new members from other political parties prefer to have considerable number of representatives in the new executive members particularly, the chairmanship. They argued that the present chairman, Ajomale should step aside for a new person to reflect the new status of the party. Also, majority were said to be stoutly,

torial districts, local governments and ward levels. Let there be peace. We will not allow those who are trying to divide us, we are indivisible. We are five and six, twin brothers and sisters and that is the only way we can achieve victory. “If you are contesting and start running a caucus and campaign organization, once that campaign is over, dissolve into the party like a cube of sugar. “We want to show example with Lagos State, because I’m still sending some of you to other South West states because we want to show maturity, leadership and good quality that we know what we are doing and we will bring it to victory. In this party, we will remain as one to victory and it must start from now.” Tinubu also warned members against using the congress to create divisions among the rank and file. “There is discipline in APC. If you are caught promoting division, you will be suspended pending trial. APC is my party. I do not have a group. We cannot encourage grouping or caucuses in APC. If you want to contest for any office, the procedure is in the party constitution”. Dismissing the allegations that he was planning to impose the former Accountant-General of Lagos, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, as the next governor of the state, Tinubu described it as not unusual especially as elections are around the corner. Speaking through his Media Adviser, Mr. Sunday Dare, Tinubu said;“It’s the season of politics and an election year. Such allegations and insinuations will be commonplace. This particular one is unfounded. Let them provide proof. He who alleges must prove. “Just like he governed Lagos and laid a foundation for Governor Babatunde Fashola, the next governor of Lagos must also be competent and qualified.” Also commenting on the allegation, Lagos State chapter of APC, through Interim Publicity Secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, described it as false, unfounded, baseless and mere rumours. According Igbokwe, “it was a well known pattern in political de-marketing which the opponents of the party use to try to confuse and deceive Lagos residents”. The party therefore explained that at present, the party merely zeroed the choice of its governorship to the Lagos East senatorial zone in line with the tenets of justice, equity and fair-

Many political watchers believe that Tinubu is the one who will ultimately pick the party’s flag bearer, as he did years back when he singularly picked Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) who was then his Chief of Staff for eight years

and intending members that the party would follow due process to the letter in the selection of candidates for various offices and urged all prospective and old members to register in accordance with the party’s constitution, saying that only registered members would get the party’s identity cards and be recognized as such. Tinubu, said: “We love peace in this state. We want peace at various sena-

play and that there are many credible aspirants of the party that had indicated interest in governing Lagos and “these would meet in a credible primary to elect a worthy, competent candidate who would be expected to continue the great works the APC had been doing in Lagos for the past fifteen years.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014 — 53

54 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 26, 2014

SATURDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 26, 2014 — 55

LMC moves to lure ex-internationals to Glo Premier League

N innovative scheme that is aimed at at tracting to the Glo Premier League, Nigerian players with international exposure has been launched by the League Management Company (LMC) and this is already accom-

I am not indisciplined —Osaze declares A S Nigerian football fans wait and wonder, if coach Stephen Keshi will recall Peter Osaze Odemwingie to the Super Eagles for the 2014 World Cup, the Stoke City striker has said that he was not an unruly player as he as been portrayed in the media. He argued that he was only demanding to be respected and that has nothing to do with his performance on the field of play. “When people talk about discipline, in reality in football, discipline is what you do on the pitch. Everything else – what you do in the media – is all about people’s opinions. We are all different... there are no angels in the game. As stubborn as many people say players like Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] or Mario [Balotelli] are, they are big players. There are things about Messi that people don’t know.

•Osaze

“The discipline in sport is what you do on the pitch. An undisciplined player is one who comes to training late all the time, gets red cards all the time. All the things off the pitch are about your personality, and you can’t please everyone. Things don’t have to be taken personally. There

are a lot of boring athletes that never say anything,” said the player in an interview with four-four-two magazine. He submitted that he has made up with coach Keshi and was looking forward to a call up. “It’s fine. We’ve been speaking. We’re on good

terms now. Last time I spoke with him was when he arrived in Nigeria. I heard he landed and I read your [FFT] piece with him. I called him and wished him all the best, because it will not be an easy period for him since he has raised the bar high and our fans have tasted success.

modated in the 2013/14 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Framework and Rules. The scheme, christened the ‘Elite Players Project’ was explained in detail to the 20 Premier League Clubs in a circular signed by Salihu Abubakar, the LMC Chief Operating Officer and listed the major objective to include the improvement of professionalism in the NPFL by permitting clubs to register a maximum of two exinternational players in addition to the maximum 35 allowed in a season. Introducing the project to the clubs in the circular of April 20, the LMC said “the LMC hereby brings to the notice of all participating Clubs of the NPFL the commencement of its ‘Elite Players Project’. This project is pursuant to Rules 9.65, 9.67. 13.60.1, 13.60(viii) and 15.21 of the NPFL Framework and Rules 2013/14 season” The LMC further explained that the benefits of the scheme to clubs, players, fans, sponsors and the League. “It has been designed to increase and

deepen players-experience pool of the league, bolster the morale and confidence of younger players in the NPFL, project the image of the league as a welcoming and conducive playing environment for the return of Nigeria’s finest crop of international professional footballers and boost the mass appeal of the league for commercialization”. The LMC however also listed criteria which will qualify any player to benefit from the scheme and stated “the ex-international player must have played for Nigeria at the Olympic Games, Nations Cup, World Cup or alternatively have earned at least 20 international caps and must have played in a world class league of indisputable pedigree for a minimum of five seasons”. In special circumstances that will be determined by the LMC, wavers may be granted in some cases and the Clubs can register such elite players at any point in the season so far they have not exceeded the maximum quota of two in the season.

Ex Barca coach succumbs to cancer T

ITO Vilanova, the former Barcelona coach, has died aged 45 after a long battle with cancer. Vilanova had a tumour removed from his throat in November 2011 before suffering a relapse in December 2012. He stepped down as Barca boss last July to continue his treatment, with Gerardo Martino taking charge. “FC Barcelona is in immense mourning. Tito Vilanova has died at the age of 45. May he rest in peace,” said a statement from the Spanish club. “The club wishes to express its most heartfelt sympathy to his family, who are being joined in these moments of mourning by FC Barcelona

•Irabor

Cameroon’s Lionesses invade Abuja

•Vilanova

members and fans all around the world, as well as the rest of the footballing and sporting world. “The Vilanova family has asked for respect for their desire for the strict-

est intimacy in the moments after his death.” The club added that a “space for condolence” would be opened in the main grandstand at their Nou Camp stadium on Friday. The ex-Barca youth

Ex tennis star, Olagbegi-Kassim buries mum today

OLAKE Olagbegi Kassim, one of the greatest tennis players Nigeria ever produced, joins her brothers and sisters, friends, relations and in-laws to pay last respect to her mum and commit her to mother earth today in the historic town of Owo in Ondo State.

C M Y K

Eunice Olateru Olagbegi, one of the wives of the late famous Oba of Owo, Olateru Olagbegi passed on last year. She was 85. “We all mourn with Rolake and pray that God grants her and the entire family the fortitude to bear this huge loss,” Chuka Momah, one time president of the Nigeria

Tennis Federation said. He added: “God bless Mrs. Eunice Olagbegi. She gave us a fine tennis player. She is resting with the Lord now” Many people are already in Owo for the burial ceremonies, which started on Thursday. Her remains were taken around the city before the wake last night.

team player was Pep Guardiola’s assistant before stepping up to replace the now-Bayern Munich boss when he decided to take a sabbatical from football in June 2012. Vilanova had surgery in December 2012 and spent 10 weeks in New York having chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but he returned in March 2013 to see his side take the Spanish title in his sole season in charge. Tributes are beginning to be made, with Real Madrid and Spain defender Sergio Ramos tweeting: “Lots of support to all of Tito’s family and friends. An example of fighting and strength for all of us. RIP.”

IGERIA’s Senior Women’s Team formally begins a new life under Coach Edwin Okon with an international friendly against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon at the National Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday, starting from 4pm. Cameroon’s contingent of 18 players and 14 officials will arrive in Lagos on Saturday evening aboard an Arik Air flight from Douala, and fly to Abuja on Sunday morning. The friendly international pits two of the leading women football teams in the continent against each other, as both nations look ahead to the fi-

nal round of qualification series for the 2014 African Women Championship. The Falcons have a date against She-Amavubi of Rwanda, with the first leg away in Kigali on May 24, and Tuesday’s session is expected to provide the six-time African champions a good idea of what to expect in East Africa. Since the African Women Championship was launched in 1998, the Falcons have only failed to lift the trophy in the two editions hosted by Equatorial Guinea, in 2008 and 2012. NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, has charged the girls to not only ensure qualification for Namibia 2014, but to go and reclaim the title.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 26, 2014

Confed Cup: Bayelsa Utd will overcome Sewe — Bubagha B

AYELSA United head coach Ri chard Bubagha has assured his side will achieve the required result against Ivorian side Sewe Sport to head into the group stage of the Caf Con-

federation Cup. The nation’s survivors on the continent lost 02 to the West African side in Abidjan in the playoff first fixture and will have to score at least three unreplied goals today at the Sapele Township Stadium to guarantee progression to the group stage of Africa’s second-tier club competition. “We have a two-goal deficit to cancel, if I said it will be tough that means either I don’t know my work or I’m not simply working. “It won’t be tough for us to cancel the deficit as we’re determined to score three unreplied goals or even more goals. “We know our shortcomings, which is finishing. We’ve been working on our finishing and I’m positive we’ll get it right on Saturday.”

Ban on Lee Evans: Dr. Anugweje defends AFN “Please tell our compatriots (in the Diaspora) that we just have to clean up our sports.” “Nobody is the object of a witch-hunt.” Since the announcement of the four years sanction on Lee Evans and a life ban on Raul Abbas, a few weeks ago, by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Medical and Anti-Doping Committee led by Dr. Ken Anugweje, there have been questions on the development, some doubting the transparency of the exercise. Dr. Ken Anugweje put everything in the perspective I felt should be shared with Nigerians. It was his response to Nigerians in Diaspora as captured by SADIQ ABDULLAHI, Florida.

HE context: In 2010, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation were out of compliance of the World Anti-Doping Code and the Nigerian National Anti-Doping Rules and Regulations. The popular sentiment then was that we needed to put in place proper mechanisms to check and balance the abuse of illegal substance, and to make sure the international embarrassment does not happen again. In 2012, the NSC identified six sports as priority sports. They are: Athletics, Boxing, Shooting, Weightlifting, Wrestling, and Football. These sports have the comparative advantage and are most likely to win medals at both the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Doping may undermine our medal winning chances if nothing is done now. When Dr. Ken Anugweje and his team went public with their decision banning for life Abas Rauf and Lee Evans being suspended for four years, there were mixed reactions on the verdict.. Opinions, assumptions were expressed everywhere, even in United States, suggesting that perhaps a big error in judgment had been made. Dr. Anugweje disagreed. He believed that the team which comprised of Dr Femi Ayorinde, National Doping Control Officer, Mr Eric Campbell, Athletics Performance Director, Mr James Eakyns, AFN Assistant Secretary and himself as the Chairman, followed all due process. Dr. Anugweje was the Medical and Anti-Doping Delegate

WAFU Tourney: Benin stop Eaglets

•Lee Evans to the Africa Youth Athletics Championship, Warri where the case originated and had the jurisdiction and authority to superintend over the case. Dr. Anugweje argued that a third party, the IAAF, was consulted. “IAAF upheld the sanction on the coaches but suggested a stiffer penalty for the athlete.” “Due diligence was followed as directed by WADA and IAAF. Due process was followed. He (Evans) was given a fair hearing, by the AFN and based on our findings, we made our report and he was rightly sanctioned. AFN conducted an investigation in Calabar in 2013 on those athletes on the AFN profile list or those who set new national records. “It is about the song and not the singer! Evans can still appeal the verdict if he has additional information.” Asked to respond to Mr. Enefiok Udo-Obong’s allegation that ‘’a top AFN official’’ asked that a top female 400 metres athlete should not be tested. Dr. Anugweje said Udo Obong’s was right. “I am that AFN official and here’s the reason: At the All Nigeria Athletics Championships in Calabar, 2013, we had to test athletes as usual. Doping control starts with Test Distribution Planning and we had targeted and paid for the testing of the top 4 finishers in the sprints (because of the relays), two each in the jumps, throws and middle distances. Because of tight budgets, this is prioritized. We do not reckon with long distances. Unexpected-

•Ken Anugweje ly, however, two new national records were set in the 20 kilometers walk race for the male and female events, and by IAAF regulations, these athletes must be drug-tested before new records can be ratified. I pleaded for a long time before the Doping Control Officer agreed to accommodate just one more test. I took the well-considered decision to substitute one planned test with one additional test because one of the top 4 in the women’s 400 was competing with a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) and which had been confirmed by our tests in Warri the previous week. Unanimous decision was Across 1 Iran National President, Hassan – (7) 4 Former Katsina State Governor, Sumaila – (5) 7 Venomous Snake – (3) 8 L.G.A in Yobe State – (7) 9 He Invented The Submarine in 1624, Cornelius – (7) 10 Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Vincent – (7) 13 State in Nigeria Known as “The Sunshine State”? – (4) 15 L.G.A in Sokoto State – (6) 18 Director-General, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar – (6 21 Estonia Currency Unit – (4) 23 Former Senator Representing Rivers West Constituency, Mr. Wilson Ake – (7) 25 Member, National House of Assembly, Honourable Ganiyu – (7) 26 L.G.A in Sokoto State – (7) 27 Urinate – (3) 28 Colour – (5) 29 Country in Africa – (7)

reached based on the available information and discussion. The panel found it highly likely that the said Athlete had used a Prohibited Substance, and proceeded with the case as an asserted anti-doping rule violation in accordance with the disciplinary procedures set out in the IAAF AntiDoping Rule 38.”

HE Golden Eaglets failed to book their ticket for the Final Match of the WAFU B Tournament on yesterday following a 3-1 penalty shoot-out loss to Republic of Benin-after both neighbours had played out a pulsating 1-1 draw. Golden Eaglets’ second-half substitute, Suleiman Abdullahi cancelled Benin’s Adaomu Nassiru early minute lead and a winner did not emerge in regulation and extra time. Golden Eaglets started the game without injured midfielder Kingsley Michael who was replaced by Dayo Femi. But as early as the second minute, Femi was punished for ball-watching when fleetfooted Nasiru ghosted past him to score the opening goal of the match.

TODAY’S MATCHES S’hampton Fulham Stoke City Swansea West Brom Man Utd

Down 1 Netherlands Prime Minister, Mark – (5) 2 Borussia Dortmund Full-back, Matt – (7) 3 Oyo State Capital – (6 4 Britain’s Prime Minister, David – (7) 5 Flamingoes (U-17) Striker, Rasheedat – (7) 6 Former Minister of Defence, Mrs. Modupe – (7) 11 Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Mr. Ekpo – (3) 12 Rodent – (4) 14 Spots – (4) 15 Scotland Capital City – (7) 16 Brazil National Coach, Luiz Felipe – (7) 17 Traditional Ruler of Ondo – (7) 19 Bayelsa State Capital – (7) 20 Crowd – (3) 22 France “Ligue 1” Premiership Club – (6) 24 L.G.A in Kaduna State – (5)

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Everton Hull City Tottenham Aston Villa West Ham Norwich

12.45 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 5.30 pm

SOLUTION on page 11

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