issue43 by Barth Emuekpere

EZEINDIGBO! ODUMEGWU OJUKWU LOSES FINAL BATTLE No. 43

International N 500 8 3 GHc 6 201103

ALSO INSIDE:

Celebrating Chinua Achebe:

The Dean of African Literature

Starting A Business Without Money Ten Principles of Good Parenting THE SCINTILATING & COLOURFUL MILITARY WEDDING OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL JIMMY & GRACE IN KADUNA

XCEL Reveals The 40 Most Powerful Celebrities In Africa

FORMER DEPUTY SPEAKER RT. HON. AUSTIN OPARA LAYS FATHER TO REST IN GRANDEUR

YOUTH ACTIVIST VICTOR TULUTU BRIGGS & FAMILY DEDICATES BABY

EXCLUSIVE:

COMMUNITY NAMED OGBUNABALI (KILLERS AT NIGHT): WHY & HOW

Number 43

International

Book Launch A Right To Be Wrong and Dismissal In Nigeria Labour Law, SIR CELESTINE OMEHIA'S Books Launched In Abuja 24

24 Passage

When Nigeria’s Former Deputy Speaker HON. AUSTIN ADIELE OPARA Laid Father To Rest In Oil-rich Rivers State 41

Society Fashion & Style

Day LIEUTENANT COLONEL JIMMY Married His Heartthrob In Kaduna

Appreciating Our Traditional Wears

“Ukpon-O-Ghe-Khamwen” -Pride of Bini People 73

Ecstasy and Fanfare as HON. VICTOR BRIGGS Takes Baby JANELLE to Church 31

Fashion Counsel

Port Harcourt Glamourous Lady NNEKA REASON-ONYA Celebrates A New Beginning At 40 64

Tips on Choosing The Right Bra

For Men Only Men & Tie Knotting

Tribute

EZEINDIGBO! Odumegwu Ojukwu Loses Final Battle

The Beauty Files

The splendor of Diamond Stud Earrings 78

Special Report

Departments

The 40 Most Powerful Celebrities In Africa

6 XCEL People:

Chinua Achebe: The Dean of African Literature

12 Health Matters:

Heart Disease and Diabetes: Symptoms...

30 Feminine Talk:

Sisters & Tittles-Tattling

40 Moving Up The Ladder: What Are You Bringing Into 2012?

51 XCEL Revelation: OGBUNABALI: An Abode of Killers at Night?

54 Career Wise:

How To Win Over Your Boss

54 Relationship:

7 Dating Ups & Down, 3 Keys To Meeting...

60 Parenting:

10 Principles Of Good Parenting

61 Nature & Science: The Secretary Bird 70 Thinking Cap:

Activating The Entrepreneur In You

THE PEOPLES’ VOICE The letter by Clara Akpan from Abakaliki is the Star Letter of this edition and wins our N1,000 prize money. Congratulations. Dear Editor, I must commend XCEL Media for their doggedness on issues bothering the nation, especially the publisher's message concerning Nigeria at 51 on the 42nd edition. The way our new crop of leaders are handling the affairs of this country is so discouraging, some are clamoring for the division of the country for their own selfish interest, not minding the hard prizes our founding fathers paid to keep this country Nigeria intact no matter the challenges that was before them at that time, even some lost their lives in the struggle but they still worked together in unity and in one accord. So am saying that this new generation of leaders should try to settle their differences and sheath the sword in other to move this nation forward to the betterment of everyone, for this country Nigeria has come a long way and it must stand tall among other nations of the world. Prince I. Eleanya Port Harcourt We appreciate your concern towards the challenges besieging our country. We are even more impressed with your enthusiasm about the prospects of Nigeria. Nigeria truly ought to stand tall in the comity of nations and we need people like you to make that happen. Dear Editor, I'm a regular reader of your magazine, especially Feminine Talk? I enjoyed the article on your 42nd edition, “Sisters Rave!” It baffles me that people can still behave like animals to one another at this jet age. The animalistic acts of those men shows that they are not born of woman and they are not fit to live within the society, the attitude of our governments and the society to such acts is so discouraging that nothing is done to bring the perpetrators of such evil act to book. But one thing is sure; no matter how they hide or run they cannot escape the punishments of the Almighty God, including those who don't see any wrong in it. I pray that the Almighty God would give the victim and all those who have suffered such pains, humiliation and anguish the courage to live life again, because it is only him that can comfort, heal, compensate, encourage and put a smile on one's face if you can put your trust in him. Clara Akpan, Abakaliki

We share in your sentiments on that rape incident. One thing it did was to regurgitate discussions on the poor operation approach of our security agencies. It is our sincere belief that if the security agencies are up to scratch on routines of policing and safeguarding of the lives of citizens, they would have at least uncovered traces to the gangsters that carried out the ignoble act. We can only pray that the good Lord should shield us from deadly threats posed by unholy men. Dear Editor, Am a regular fan of your media and your articles in your magazines is something else. I must say this 42nd edition is really great and it is something to end the year with. Though the page I love most was not included, that is the parenting page or are you people planning to remove it, just like you did to others that are not there anymore. I pray that in this New Year you people at Xcel should try and bring back those products that have been making waves before. And I use this medium to wish you at Xcel merry Xmas and a prosperous new year. Esther Aruchi, Lagos Thank Esther. It's always nice to hear from readers who have been following our progress over the years. As a medium which lays premium emphasis on excellence, we are constantly looking for avenues and newer ways of adding value to the lives of our readers. I am happy to inform you that the Parenting Page is back in this edition. Dear Editor, I am an ardent reader of your magazine, especially the moving up the ladder page. The article: Don't Burst Your Bubble on your 42nd edition was a welcome development, especially at this time when the year 2011 is coming to an end. This article if taken seriously will be able to equip one on the challenges ahead in 2012. The information exhibited on this page would make one to stand firm in the coming year no matter the dream deflators that will be paramount in 2012 and this will make one to remain focus in life. Benedicta Chindah, Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt Hi Bene, thanks for your sweet thoughts on Moving Up The Ladder. We are glad it had such positive impact on you. We have already conveyed your message to the columnist. Happy 2012.

Dear Editor, I must commend you people at XCEL for the good job in the media industry. Not all media will give a detailed account on late Libyan leader, Gaddafi like you people did and that article will go a long way in teaching our so called leaders who like to hold on to power, even when the people they are ruling don't want them anymore, a lesson. They fail to understand that you can not eat your cake and have it and there is another saying of late Bob Marley; “you can fool the people sometimes, but you can't fool all the people all the time”. Leaders should always see the handwriting on the wall, when they are not needed and step aside, instead of forcing themselves on the people. Chidiebere Emmanuel New Heaven, Enugu Though we must state categorically that Muammar Gaddafi is not an altogether bad leader, his sit-tight acquisition gave him off as a tyrant. It ensured that a well orchestrated empire he was building for over 40 years, went crumbling within a twinkle of an eye, no thanks to a volatile Arab Spring. It is a lesson not just for political leaders alone. We all must know when to quit from any battle, struggle or expedition. Dear Editor, Your article: Ditching Your Bad Habit. On your 42nd edition is really a good one, especially as the year 2011 is coming to an end, most individuals would want to do away with their bad habit and would not want to cross over with it come 2012. As the saying goes, new year new life, I pray that they hold on to the fact of changing their lifestyle and bad habit in this new year 2012, so that the country would be a better place for us to live in. I say kudos to everyone that would take up this challenge of dropping his or her own bad habit to the betterment of our society come 2012. Ibinabo Georgewill, Opolo, Bayelsa Thanks Georgewill. Indeed many people seriously need to do away with certain ignoble traits before they can successfully climb to the next level. Besides that, and even more important is for one to be vigilant, so that he does not fall into the misfortune of going back to the bad habit.

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Barth E. Emuekpere Acting Editor Obinna Ebogidi Operations (Nigeria) Dare Adesanya - Kaduna Olawale Osolo - Abeokuta Boniface C. Ihiasota - South-East Mohammed Dikko - North Business Development Mohammed Ladan - North Yakubu Akhagbemhe Foreign Operations Chief Otonye Igoni (UK) Weni Diffa (UK) +447944059488 Ralph Odua +13474995559 (USA) Ossai Ngozi (South Africa) +27827070039 Woods Eyituoyo (South Africa) +27765599668 Frank Ebo Sagoe (Ghana) +233244180012 Columnists Emmanuel Ameh Photo Journalists Ini Ekpo Eke Okoro IT/Web Operations Syswaves Digitech Services p Computer Graphics/Typeset Uzezi Elebe (Head) BUREAUX USA 100 Elgar Place,Apt. 17g Bronx NY 10475 USA, Tel: +13474999655 United Kingdom 3 Guildford Road, London, E6 5QS Tel: 0207 476 0804, Mobile: 0793 282 3036 South Africa Xcel Media SA (PTY) Limited. 130 Portobello Place, Camilla Lane off French Lane, off North Road, Morningside, Rivonia - Sandton. Tel: +27727533060, +27827927278 United Arab Emirates African Restaurant Deira-Dubai XCEL Magazine is a periodical publication of XCEL Media Limited LAGOS 10b Olufunmilola Okikiolu Street, Off Toyin Street,Ikeja, Lagos Tel: 01-8949344 SOUTHERN NIGERIA REGIONAL OFFICE 1st Floor, Left wing, 31 Aba Road, Opposite Union Bank, Port Harcourt Tel: 084-233578, 0805-5181009, 0803-7825667

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CREDITS Inspiration, Wisdom and Strength - God Almighty Special thanks - Our loyal Readers

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International

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Just Before We Crucify Jonathan T

he most common word on the lips of even the least follower of Federal Government programs in Nigeria today is the seven letter word SUBSIDY. While government has used various medium including a Christmas Carol to appeal for the understanding of Nigerians on its decision to remove the subsidy on petrol, the organized labour, on the other hand, threatened fire and brimstone should government go ahead with the planned removal. In fact, they have threatened to shut down socioeconomic activities through the instrumentality of a nationwide strike. The Civil Societies have also indicated interest to throw their weight behind labour. The market woman is also threatening to withdraw subsidy on even foodstuffs like garri, pepper, tomatoes and others. The Youths, who already regard themselves as major victims of a seemingly visionless society with no conscious effort at fixing neither their today nor their future, are not left out of the Subsidy debacle. They are of the opinion that the toll of subsidy removal will impact in no small measure on them, as they constitute the major chunk of u n e m p l o y e d N i g e r i a n s . To t h e transporter, he is neither here nor there. They believe that subsidy withdrawal will naturally translate to a hike in transport fares - a boost to their business, at the expense of commuters, of course. In fact, every facet of society has its own version of the pains a possible removal of subsidy will inflict. After several months of debates, and perhaps failed attempts to get labour leaders see the wisdom in making the necessary sacrifice; the Nigerian Government it would seem, is prepared to go ahead to remove petrol subsidy. However, it is ironical that in the midst of all the debates, many people, including some analyst have become blinded to the major focus. The big question to ask here is: What does the withdrawal of petrol subsidy portend for us as a Nation? Would it turn out to be a blessing or a curse? During a Presidential media chat, President Jonathan painted a gloomy picture of a nation borrowing about N1.4tn to finance the subsidy which ironically ends up filtering into the pockets of a few Nigerians otherwise known as “cabals” in street side subsidy parliaments' debate. He did ask a salient question which simply implied that, if the nation decides to give everybody fuel for free in Nigeria, how will that alleviate poverty, create jobs or build our infrastructure? If the answer is in the negative as I have opted for, why don't we take some time to ponder over this issue with a view to towing a more appropriate option aimed at building our nation? Reality fable Only recently, the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA) exposed how the so-called

Petrol importers have continued to milk the nation of millions of dollars annually by pretending to import products from abroad. It was indeed a startling revelation on how some importers get their products from our local refineries, discharge into other vessels, take them out of our territorial waters and return them back into the country. They would then demand for subsidy for the imported product after indicating a bogus volume of the commodity. What an irony and heartless way of defrauding one's country. Even at our refineries, there are cartels, that specialize in buying off invoices from dealers and in turn put all purchased invoices together, doctor them in such a way that will enable them collect subsidy from the Petroleum Equalization Fund an agency of government saddled with the responsibility of ensuring equal price of Petrol everywhere in the country. These and many more ways abound for milking our nation dry by these cartels. Against this backdrop, it is imperative that we decide whether it will be more profitable if we continue to allow the subsidy to finance the interest of a few persons who end up maintaining a fleet of private jets at the expense of other Nigerians, or support government’s decision to withdraw subsidy and use the savings to finance our infrastructure development, job creation, healthcare improvement and a host of other sectors requiring robust intervention just as the government has promised. There is no doubt that given the facts available, Nigerians will prefer the later. But the major obstacle is the level of distrust Nigerians have for government, not forgetting the subsequent hardship this removal will inflict on the masses, as any increase in pump price of petrol will inadvertently lead to a hike in cost of living. If we must tell ourselves the truth, the level of sacrifice required of Nigerians to see through this process, to say the least, is enormous and burdensome. That is why the level of skepticism about the sincerity of government is high amongst the people. Nigerians know that despite the virility of the idea of subsidy removal, except the government adopts a sincere and people-oriented face, the entire exercise will go the way of previous efforts. This is why the government of President Goodluck Jonathan must realize the enormous responsibility on the part of government to first alleviate the sufferings which the people are likely to face in the area of transportation. This they can do by providing subsidized mass transit busses and the reactivation of our existing railway system as a quick attempt to cushion the impact of the expected transport hike on transportation of goods and services. Second, they must ensure that the gains of subsidy removal become evident in no distant time.

Despite the rebuilding of our decaying infrastructure which seems to be in the front-burner of the administration, they must embark on quick-impact programs and projects which will help to alleviate the suffering of the people occasioned by subsidy removal. Our Refineries must be made to work at full capacity while we encourage the building of new ones by the Private sector. The epileptic power anomaly must be fixed, while a modern and comfortable Rail system for mass transit should be a priority to allow for less dependence on petrol for movement of people, goods and services. Our schools must be equipped and the curriculum restructured to encourage proper upbringing of the younger generation with morals and love for one another, as well as the nation. Our hospitals should enjoy intervention such that they will be transformed from mere consulting clinics which they seem to be now, to heath institutions where affordable and quality healthcare will be dispensed. Above all, government must be prepared and wear the amour of courage to fight corruption at all level, as that has been the bane of our underdevelopment. This is the task before the Jonathan-led administration and the pen is in their hands to decide whether to write their name on tablets of Gold or as a reign of infamy. Having said all that, may I implore Nigerians to give the subsidy removal a chance and channel all efforts towards engaging the Federal Government in various ways to ensure compliance with their promises. It may just turn out to be the epicenter of a new Nigeria of our dream. Away from that, we present you in this edition, as a prelude to the good things to expect in the coming year, brand new departments like XCEL REVELATION where we hope to serve you stories you will probably find in some cases as bizarre and in others simply unbelievable. It debuts with the tale of a community in Rivers State named Ogbunabali, literally interpreted to mean Killers at Night. Also debuting in this edition is our NATURE & SCIENCE department where you are sure to get stories on the beauty of nature and innovative scientific breakthroughs. There's no doubt you will find this edition as interesting as ever with landmark events cutting across the length and breadth of the nation. Enjoy it as we wish you a Merry Xmas and a fun-filled and prosperous New Year of your dream. Welcome to 2012.

XCEL PEOPLE

Chinua Achebe The Dean of African Literature

he first living author to be examinations for, and was accepted at lost his scholarship and had to pay tuition represented in the Everyman's both the prestigious Dennis Memorial fees. Library collection published by Grammar School in Onitsha and the even In 1950, Achebe wrote a piece for Alfred A. Knopf, a crusader for moral more prestigious Government College in the University Herald entitled "Polar rejuvenation in Nigeria, and author of one Umuahia. Undergraduate," his debut as an author. It of the most significant books in African Once there, Achebe was doubleused irony and humour to celebrate the literature, today we honour a mega African promoted in his first year, completing the intellectual vigour of his classmates. He intellectual and the continent's worthy first two years' studies in one, and followed this with other essays and letters literary ambassador. spending only four years in secondary about philosophy and freedom in Best known for his first novel and school, instead of the standard five. academia, some of which were published magnum opus, Things Fall Apart, in this Achebe was unsuited to the school's in another campus magazine, The Bug. edition of Xcel People, we celebrate the sports regimen and belonged instead to a While at the university, Achebe Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and group of six exceedingly studious pupils. wrote his first short story, "In a Village critic, Albert Chinụ alụ mọ gụ Achebe, So intense were their study habits that the Church," which combines details of life in popularly known as Chinua Achebe. headmaster banned the reading of rural Nigeria with Christian institutions Born 16 November 1930, Achebe was textbooks from five to six o'clock in the and icons, a style which appears in many raised by his Christian parents in the Igbo afternoon (though other activities and of his later works. Other short stories he town of Ogidi in south-eastern Nigeria. At other books were allowed). Achebe started wrote during his time at Ibadan (including the age of twelve, Achebe moved away to explore the school's "wonderful library". "The Old Order in Conflict with the New" from his family to the village of Nekede, In 1948, in preparation for independence, and "Dead Men's Path") examine conflicts four kilometres from Owerri where he Nigeria's first university opened. Known as between tradition and modernity, with an enrolled as a student at the Central University College, (now the University of eye toward dialogue and understanding on School, where his older brother John Ibadan), it was an associate college of the both sides. taught. University of London. Achebe obtained In 1956, Achebe was selected for In Nekede, Achebe gained an such high marks in the entrance training in London at the Staff School run appreciation for Mbari, a traditional art examination that he was admitted as a by the British Broadcasting Corporation form which seeks to invoke the gods' Major Scholar in the university's first (BBC). His first trip outside Nigeria was an protection through symbolic sacrifices in intake and given a bursary to study opportunity to advance his technical the form of sculpture and collage. When medicine. After a year of grueling work, he production skills, and to solicit feedback the time came to move to secondary changed to English, history, and theology. on his novel (which was later split into two school, in 1944, Achebe sat entrance Because he switched his field, however, he books).

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Back in Nigeria, Achebe set to work, revising and editing his novel (now titled Things Fall Apart, after a line in the poem "The Second Coming" by William Butler Yeats). He cut away the second and third sections of the book, leaving only the story of a yam farmer named Okonkwo who lives during the colonization of Nigeria. He added sections, improved various chapters, and restructured the prose. By 1957, he had sculpted it to his liking, and took advantage of an advertisement offering a typing service. He sent the only copy of his handwritten manuscript (along with the ₤22 fee) to the London Company. After he waited several months without receiving any communication from the typing service, Achebe began to worry. His boss at the Nigerian Broadcasting Service, Angela Beattie, was going to London for her annual leave; he asked her to visit the company. She did, and angrily demanded to know why it was lying ignored in the corner of the office. The company quickly sent a typed copy to Achebe. Beattie's intervention was crucial for his ability to continue as a writer. Had the novel been lost, he said later, "I would have been so discouraged that I would probably have given up altogether." In 1958, Achebe sent his novel to the agent recommended by Gilbert Phelps in London. It was sent to several publishing houses; some rejected it immediately, claiming that fiction from African writers had no market potential. Finally it reached the office of Heinemann, where executives hesitated until an educational adviser, Donald MacRae just back in England after a trip through West Africa read the book and forced the company's hand with his succinct report: "This is the best novel I have read since the war". Heinemann published 2,000 hardcover copies of Things Fall Apart on 17 June 1958. According to Alan Hill, employed by the publisher at the time, the company did not "touch a word of it" in preparation for release. The book was received well by the British press, and received positive reviews from critic Walter Allen and novelist Angus Wilson. Three days after publication, the Times Literary Supplement wrote that the book "genuinely succeeds in presenting tribal life from the inside". The Observer called it "an excellent novel", and the literary magazine Time and Tide said that "Mr. Achebe's style is a model for aspirants". Things Fall Apart has become one of the most widely read and important books in African literature. Selling over 10 million copies around the world, it has been translated into 50 languages, making Achebe the most translated African writer of all time. His later novels include No Longer at Ease (1960), Arrow of God (1964), A Man of the

People (1966), and Anthills of the Savannah (1987). Achebe writes his novels in English and has defended the use of English, a "language of colonisers", in African literature. In 1975, his lecture An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" became the focus of controversy, for its criticism of Joseph Conrad as "a bloody racist". In 2011, The Guardian of London named An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" one of the 100 greatest non-fiction books ever written. The style of Achebe's fiction draws heavily on the oral tradition of the Igbo people. He weaves folk tales into the fabric of his stories, illuminating community values in both the content and the form of the storytelling. Another hallmark of Achebe's style is the use of proverbs, which often illustrate the values of the rural Igbo tradition. He sprinkles them throughout the narratives, repeating points made in conversation. Critic Anjali Gera notes that the use of proverbs in Arrow of God "serves to create through an echo effect the judgment of a community upon an individual violation." The use of such repetition in Achebe's urban novels, No Longer at Ease and A Man of the People, is less pronounced. Achebe's novels approach a variety of themes. In his early writing, a depiction of the Igbo culture itself is paramount. Critic Nahem Yousaf highlights the importance of these depictions: "Around the tragic stories of Okonkwo and Ezeulu, Achebe sets about textualising Igbo cultural identity". The portrayal of indigenous life is not simply a matter of literary background, he adds: "Achebe seeks to produce the effect of a precolonial reality as an Igbo-centric response to a Eurocentrically constructed imperial 'reality' ". In June 2007, Achebe was awarded the Man Booker International Prize. The judging panel included US critic Elaine Showalter, who said he "illuminated the path for writers around the world seeking new words and forms for new realities and societies"; and South African writer Nadine Gordimer, who said Achebe has achieved "what one of his characters brilliantly defines as the writer's purpose: 'a new-found utterance' for the capture of life's complexity". In 2010 Achebe was awarded The Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize for $300,000, one of the richest prizes for the arts. In the same year Things Fall Apart was published, he met a woman named Christie Okoli. Sent to the hospital for an appendectomy soon after, she was pleasantly surprised when Achebe visited her with gifts and magazines. Achebe and Okoli grew closer in the following years, and on 10 September 1961 they were married in the Chapel of Resurrection on the campus of the University of Ibadan. Their first child, a daughter named Chinelo, was born on 11 July 1962. They had a son, Ikechukwu, on 3 December 1964, and another boy named Chidi, on 24 May 1967. After the Biafra War, the Achebes had another daughter on 7 March 1970, named Nwando. Achebe when asked about his family stated "There are few things more important than my

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family." They have five grandchildren, Chochi, Chino, Chidera, C.J. (Chinua Jr.), and Nnamdi. On 22 March 1990, Achebe was riding in a car to Lagos when an axle collapsed and the car flipped. His son Ikechukwu and the driver suffered minor injuries, but the weight of the vehicle fell on Achebe and his spine was severely damaged. He was flown to the Paddocks Hospital in Buckinghamshire, England, and treated for his injuries. In July doctors announced that although he was recuperating well, he was paralyzed from the waist down and would require the use of a wheelchair for the rest of his life. A fervent crusader for moral revolution in Nigeria, Achebe recently set a good example of an honest and strong willed leader. It all started when popular rapper, James Jackson Curtis III, also known as "50 Cent", offered to pay $1 million to keep the title: "Things Fall Apart," which he gave to a film he has been shooting. Achebe turned down the offer and described it as an “insult,” adding that the title is not for sale, not even for a billion dollars. This story holds a lot of lesson for everyone, especially here in Nigeria where the quest for money has blinded most people to the sublime virtues. Not many Nigerians still live under the dictum, “Good name is better than silver and gold”. What he has done sends strong signals to the youths that there are things money cannot buy. Recently, he berated Nigerian academics for overseeing the liquidation of Nigerian university system. He also set another example not long ago, when he, unlike title-seeking celebrities in Nigeria-and for the second time in seven years-turned down an offer of National Honours Award from the Nigerian Government. He cited widespread corruption around government cycle and gross mismanagement of public funds meant for the infrastructural and economic development of the country, as reason. Achebe was also recently ranked first, on a debut list of Forbes compiled list of The 40 Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa which included actors, enigmatic authors, musicians, movie producers, supermodels, TV personalities and athletes, drawn from African countries and traverses the generational divide. Professor Chinua Achebe, who remains one of the icons of this country, nay Africa and the Black race, has reinforced his place in the pantheon of African leaders of great character and worthy of emulation. We salute his good example and recommend it to all. XL

AFRICA PERISCOPE

Namibia: ‘Space Ball’ Drops On Country

large metallic ball fell out of the sky on a remote grassland in Namibia, prompting baffled authorities to contact NASA and the European space agency. The hollow ball with a circumference of 1.1 metres (43 inches) was found near a village in the north of the country some 750 kilometres (480 miles) from the capital Windhoek, according to police forensics director Paul Ludik.

Nigeria Produces Its First Female Fighter Pilot

lessing Liman, a 25-year-old lady from Kaduna State, has become Nigeria's first female military pilot. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) commissioned her along with 126 others who completed the Direct Short Service Course 2010/11 Cadets of 325 Ground Training Group at the NAF Base, Kaduna. Miss Liman said she was very excited and proud to make history. She said: "It is very uplifting and I feel very proud of myself though it has been very challenging. Coming from the civil war and the civil mentality, the Air Force has done a great job because it has changed our orientation. "I believe that all females have equal opportunity to dignify their rights in whatever adventure they choose they can do." Liman, who wants to encourage other females, called on other womenfolk to see her feat as a challenge for them to explore their capabilities "for nation-building". Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar, said the successful passing out from cadet training of the first female pilot was "a very laudable achievement" to the nation. The armed forces were directed to produce female combatants, he said, in order to give impetus to gender equality in the polity as part of President Goodluck Jonathan's transformation agenda - as well as affirm the belief that women can make valuable contributions to nation building. Umar said by producing the first female military pilot, NAF had given a good account of itself and justified the vision of its founding fathers as a veritable tool for nationbuilding. He noted that although the federal government had taken steps to address the internal security situation across Nigeria, there was the need for the armed forces to be abreast of the general security situation in the country. “Your primary responsibility is ensuring national security and the territorial integrity of our dear nation; hence I need to remind you where your loyalty lies," he said, charging members of the armed forces to cultivate harmonious relationships with the populace without compromising military values.

Locals had heard several small explosions a few days beforehand, he said. With a diameter of 35 centimetres (14 inches), the ball has a rough surface and appears to consist of "two halves welded together". It was made of a "metal alloy known to man" and weighed six kilogrammes (13 pounds), said Ludik. It was found 18 metres from its landing spot, a hole 33 centimetres deep and 3.8 meters wide. Several such balls have dropped in southern Africa, Australia and Latin America in the past twenty years, authorities found in an Internet search. The sphere was discovered midNovember, but authorities first did tests

before announcing the find. Police deputy inspector general Vilho Hifindaka concluded the sphere did not pose any danger. “It is not an explosive device, but rather hollow, but we had to investigate all this first," he said

RWANDA: Former Top Politicians Sentenced To Life Imprisonment A

rusha The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has sentenced to life imprisonment two former top Rwandan politicians, Matthieu Ngirumpatse and Edouard Karemera, for their role in the implementation of the 1994 Tutsi genocide. The two were held responsible as senior officials for crimes committed by members of their party, notably its Interahamwe youth wing. Judges convicted Ngirumpatse and Karemera, who were respectively President and Vice-President of the former ruling party MRND, of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Those crimes include rape and sexual violence perpetrated throughout the country. The Chamber concluded that rape and sexual violence constituted acts of genocide and crimes against humanity. “Having considered the gravity of the crimes for which Karemera has been convicted, as well as all the aggravating and mitigating circumstances, the Chamber unanimously sentences Edouard Karemera to life imprisonment," presiding Judge Denis Byron pronounced, repeating the same words for Matthieu Ngirumpatse. On April 11 and 12, 1994, the Chamber noted, the accused met with senior officials of the interim government at Hôtel des Diplomates, where weapons were distributed to the Interahamwe militia, and from that date the joint criminal enterprise began to incorporate government officials, politicians, Interahamwe leaders and influential businessmen. According to the judgment, Karemera and Ngirumpatse had authority and effective control over Interahamwe, who participated in attacks on Tutsi civilians throughout the genocide, and failed to punish them. They also had authority over personnel such as Colonel Théoneste Bagosora in ministries controlled by the MRND, such as the Ministry of Defence, the court said. Furthermore, it said that as of May 25, 1994, Karemera had authority and effective control over civilians who participated in the Civil Defence

Programme and local officials who were part of the territorial administration. “Keremera and Ngirumpatse failed to take necessary and reasonable measures to prevent their subordinates from further killing Tutsis and to punish them for committing these further killings. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of unarmed men, women and children were killed as a direct result of policies of the Interim Government," the judge said. According to the Chamber, the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Tutsi women and girls were raped, mutilated and sexually assaulted by Interahamwe, other militias, soldiers and civilians on a large scale in various places in Rwanda, as part of a widespread and systematic attack that intended to destroy the Tutsi ethnic group. The judges noted that the accused took no action to prevent Interahamwe from raping or to punish the perpetrators. "Accordingly, the Chamber finds that Karemera and Ngirumpatse are liable for the rapes and sexual assaults against Tutsi women and girls," the judges ruled. Ngirumpatse was born in 1939 in Ntare commune, Kigali Rural prefecture, and trained as a lawyer. He was President of the MRND party in 1994 and had been a member of its steering committee since 1993. Ngirumpatse was arrested in Mali on June 11, 1998, and transferred to the ICTR in Arusha, Tanzania, a month later. Karemera was born in Mwendo commune, Kibuye prefecture, in 1951 and also trained as a lawyer. Like his coaccused, he held various senior positions, including Minister of Interior in the interim government in place during the genocide. He was arrested in Togo on June 5, 1998 and transferred to the UN Tribunal on July 10, 1998. Their trial began in November 2003. The prosecution fielded 46 witnesses, of whom 30 appeared in court and 16 gave written evidence. The defence called a total of 74 witnesses, of whom 35 for Karemera and 39 for Ngirumpatse, including the defendants themselves. Throughout their defence, Karemera and Ngirumpatse strongly denied that either they or their MRND party had the power to control the Interahamwe militia.

Yaya Toure is named CAF African Player of the Year

VORY COAST - Yaya Toure has been named the 2011 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football. The Ivory Coast and Manchester City player held off competition from Seydou Keita, the Mali and Barcelona midfielder, and Ghana's Andre Ayew, who plays for Olympique Marseille. Toure, 28, was chosen by coaches of national teams on the continent. It's unbelievable, it's amazing. It's a first step in my big career. This is the highest prize I can get in my career," said Toure, who has helped City to the top of the Premier League. He also scored the only goal of the game as Manchester City beat Stoke to win the FA Cup last May. An emotional Toure said he was proud to have received the honour on "a special day for me", and he hopes the honour will spur the

Ivory Coast on as they look for a second Nations Cup title in 2012. "But for now I am very happy and very proud - it's unbelievable, it's amazing. It's a first step in my big career." Toure's triumph capped a fine night for Ivory Coast who also scooped the referee of the year award, which went to Noumandiez Doue. Tottenham youngster Souleyman Coulibaly won the Most Promising Talent. Esperance's Oussama Darragi was named the African-based Player of the Year. Niger and Botswana's qualification for their debut Nations Cup next year was recognised in different categories. Niger's Harouna Doula was named coach of the year while Botswana took the Africa team of the Year. Cameroon was named the female team of the year with the female African Player of the Year crown going to Nigeria's Perpetual Nkwoche.

Swedish journalists found guilty in Ethiopia

n Ethiopian court has convicted two Swedish journalists of supporting terrorism. Ethiopian troops captured Johan Persson and Martin Schibbye six months ago during a clash with rebels in the East African state's Somali region. The court ruled it was "very unlikely" that they had entered Ethiopia illegally only to gather news. Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said they were innocent and should be freed. Judge Shemsu Sirgaga said Persson and Schibbye had failed to prove that they had not supported terrorism - a decision which human rights groups have slammed as absurd, saying the onus must be on the prosecution to demonstrate the crime was committed instead of the defence proving it was not. The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) rebel group - which Ethiopia regards as a terrorist organisation - had arranged the men's journey from London to Ethiopia, with stop-overs in Kenya and Somalia, Judge Shemsu said the AFP news agency reports. They entered Ethiopia illegally under the pretext of investigating the impact of potential oil discoveries, he said. "Instead they accompanied the ONLF into the country and were caught alongside the rebels. This contradicts their claims," the judge said. "Guilty as charged, period, unanimous vote." Both reporters appeared expressionless at the verdict and it was not clear whether they understood the judge

since they had no translator, AFP reports. In a statement, Mr Reinfeldt said Sweden viewed the convictions in a very serious light and was already making high-level contact with the Ethiopian government to secure their release. “Our position is and continues to be that they were in the country on a journalistic assignment. They must be released as soon as possible in order to be reunited with their families in Sweden," Mr Reinfeldt said. Ethiopian government spokesman Shimelis Kemal, however, denied that the trial was political and said the tribunal was

Sierra Leone Seizes Drugs From Ecuador in Nappies

ierra Leonean police say they have seized drugs from Ecuador, hidden in a shipping container full of nappies. Police Assistant Inspector General Morrie Lengor said UK anti-drug officers have been called in to assist with investigations. Latin American drug cartels use West Africa as a transit point to smuggle narcotics to Europe. Five people - Sierra Leoneans and foreigners - have been arrested, Insp Gen Lengor said. The arrests took place following a series of raids in the capital, Freetown. A source at the police laboratory said initial tests showed that it was a cocaine haul, reports the BBC's Umaru Fofana from Freetown. Insp Gen Lengor however said he could not confirm the drugs were cocaine. The UK's Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) would assist in conducting conclusive tests and carrying out further investigations, he said. Reports say the haul appears to be big, as the container of nappies in which the drugs were hidden was 40 ft (12.19m) tall. The container had arrived from Ecuador and, strangely, had duty free concessions, writes Afro News. The bust comes just weeks after a light aircraft mysteriously landed at the main international airport in Freetown. The plane had no landing rights and police said they had made several arrests.

completely independent. During their trial, the journalists admitted entering Ethiopia illegally with the ONLF but denied all other charges, including those of terrorism which were dropped last month.

Man Dies for Arsenal FC In Sierra Leone K

enema Police personnel attached to the Kenema Police Station are presently investigating the circumstances that led to the untimely death of a 45-year old Arsenal FC supporter who slumped while watching the Arsenal FC and Manchester City encounter during the yuletide and subsequently died. In the joyful spirit of the season, the deceased, Abdul Azis Bala, joined a battery of football lovers who converged on the We Yone Cinema situated on 9, Kalilu Street to support their respective clubs. Unfortunately, Bala lost his life as soon as the first and sudden goal was scored against his team, Arsenal FC. Other Arsenal FC supporters at the scene were shocked by the sudden demise of Bala who had earlier in the day engaged in series of arguments before the match commenced.

"We were all together arguing for Arsenal. He was a strong supporter and always challenges those who are against his team," one of the late Bala's friends, Usman Lahai, explained. "We were seated closely discussing the match and some of the players. When the goal was scored and spectators went into jubilation, he collapsed and went into a coma. He died later while rushing him to the hospital." Meanwhile as medical report stated that Bala died of heart attack, the police, headed by the Regional Crime Officer East, ASP James Kargbo, have arrested the owner of the cinema, Amadu Jalloh, to enquire about how the entertainment centre has been operating particularly the situation under which the tragic incident occurred among others. “We have nothing against those arrested but the law makes provisions for us to investigate circumstances that lead to such an unfortunate incident," ASP Kargbo said. "We want to know if the cinema is registered and whether the environment is conducive to accommodate such a large crowd.” XL

Message to My

y beloved President and Brother, I am indeed glad to communicate with you once again through this medium. How has it been with you and the family since my last letter? Bro, I am not ignorant of the many wahalas involved in leading a diverse and developing country as ours, but one thing you can be rest assured of is the prayers and support of me and my family. I have never stopped praying for you since you became President. I hope all is well at the Aso Chambers? For us here, as usual the economy seems to be growing more teeth and biting harder. Yabeh, I was recently shaken to my marrows when I read a copy of a warning issued by the Witches and Wizards Association of Nigeria (WWAN) to the effect that you need to be very careful with the advice you receive from members of your kitchen cabinet as some are actually leading you astray. My dear President, I must admit that I found that statement not only disturbing, but also, to say the least, perhaps revealing. Even though you probably have been adviced to discard such a warning from a faceless and unprofessional group like the WWAN, I would humbly request that you apply more caution in your dealings with some of those sabi sabi people in your cabinet. My beloved president, in recent weeks, there have been more burning matters that need to be discussed. My Bros! what is all this talk about Fuel Subsidy and the other one, Sovereign Wealth Fund? You and I know too well that this is not the best of times for the masses, not with all the economic and financial boredom afflicting the land. I have personally taken time out to seek explanation from E.B, that garrulous economist friend of ours, and some other experts, on this your proposed fuel subsidy removal. Bros, the truth is that their explanations point to the fact that it is about one of the best things that can happen to our country. However, they were quick at warning that it will translate to economic hardship for the Nigerian masses most of who would not be in the best economic position to survive the suffocating hike in prices of transport fare and foodstuffs that the removal of subsidy would cause. Like I was saying, it promises a lot for our economy and I believe that Nigerians appreciate the fact that we need to put a stop to servicing the protruding stomachs of some powerful greedy cabals in the guise of subsidizing petrol for the masses. However, bros, my concern as well as that of many Nigerians is that you first must provide reasons to convince us that proceeds from the aborted subsidy would actually be channeled meaningfully for the infrastructure and economic development of the country. Yabeh, if I must tell you the truth as my brother, so far you have not been able to successfully do that. Nigerians have been asking for instance what has been done to the cabals so identified as the major beneficiaries of the subsidy fraud. The fact that Federal Government's expenditure on petrol subsidy has risen from a moderate N300bn to about N1.3 trillion during your own administration is also very worrisome! Nigerians want to know what led to that increase in the first instance. Again, my beloved President, Even if the subsidy has to be removed, it is very important that palliatives to cushion the immediate effect be put into place, perhaps weeks before its eventual removal. You and I know the beggarly power condition in this country and how much it

Beloved President

costs both public and private enterprises that run their operations at the mercy of petrol and diesel generators. What about the masses who rely daily on four or five liters of petrol to power their I Pass My Neighbour generators, even with an operational fuel subsidy, talk more of when the subsidy is removed. Big Bros! Permit me to say that such development just might lead to mass revolt against your government, especially with NLC's treat to proceed on strike. That definitely would not argue well for our growing economy. Brother J, I seriously think you should provide an alternative mass transit scheme with which the masses will continue to comute without fare hike after the withdrawal. It is important that this scheme will be on before you withdraw the subsidy. You must reexamine this particular matter because the masses are already complaining about how you promised them a fair dose of your apocryphal Goodluck and how you now want to biblically increase their y o k e , l i k e Re h o b o a m , t h a t recalcitrant son of old wise King Solomon. In short, I think some dose of Solomon's wisdom should do you a lot of good at this turbulent time. Lest I forget, how is our mother? I need not ask if she is fine, because I have gotten used to seeing her daily on both national and local TV. But come oh, Bros J, I must confess that the rate at which she commits small small grammatical blunders at different forums is increasingly becoming an issue of concern. In fact I always feel very bad when I see those good for nothing cartoonists in some of our garrulous newspapers make caricature of her. Yabeh! Did you listen to her speech at your brother's wedding or the one at a widows gathering where she addressed them as, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My fellow widowsâ&#x20AC;?? Brother, I think this is one issue that you need to take seriously, before it turns to something else. My beloved President, I was really impressed when I saw you on TV patriotically eating bread made from 4o% of our locally cultivated cassava. For Heavens sake, there are just so much imported commodities in our country. There is a serious need to rid our nation of every trace of this culture of Acquired Imports Dependency Syndrome (AIDS). We need to get our industries working and build new ones. At least with this cassava breakthrough, one can only

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imagine the number of persons that would become gainfully employed by this singular development. Brother, I know that I have already taken much your time, but before I rest my pen, let me draw your attention to two critical issues. First, this ASUU strike before you. As an academic, you know the role a buoyant and strong educational system plays in the polity of a developing nation as ours; hence I begin to wonder why you allowed that negative trend to crawl into your administration. I felt like crying when I watched the ASUU Chairman lamenting that they had expected that the situation would change with your assumption of office as President. Second, the issue of security. You must realise that the security of lives and properties of Nigerians is your responsibility, and to tell you the truth brother, though I may not say it outside, you have failed Nigerians in this regard. That you seem to find it difficult to take decisive actions against a group like Boko Haram is so disappointing to Nigerians. Bros even your recent declaration of state of emergency on local government areas was more laughable. Bros, those who adviced you to do that wanted you to be a laughing stock, and they succeeded. State of emergency declared and the council chairmen are still in place? Bros, what kind of state of emergency is that? If you think of it without bias, bros I think you may see reason with Nigerians who think you are afraid of the governors. Afterall, what is wrong in declaring state of emergency on the states where Nigerians and the whole world is aware of their volatility? This will show Nigerians that you are ready to fight the menance of terrorism. Bros, you must try and rise up to the billing as the number one security chief of the nation, as these issues are gradually painting your administration as weak and lacking the political will to tackle issues bedeviling the nation. My beloved president, as usual, there is so much to talk about, but let me stop here for now to allow you go back to your very demanding schedule. Please extend my greetings to our mummy and as usual, your brother in Abuja, Namadi. May God bless you as you continue in the service of our beloved country! I remain yours, Akpos

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Heart Disease and Diabetes

Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Heart disease is common in people with diabetes. Data from the United States National Diabetes Fact Sheet show that in 2004, heart disease was noted on 68% of diabetes-related death certificates in people between 65 and above. Stroke was noted on 16% of the diabetes-related death certificates in people amongst the same class of people. In general, the risk of heart disease death and stroke is 2-4 times higher in people with diabetes.

owever it is imperative to indicate that while diabetics have an increased chance of developing heart disease, the condition is more common in those with type 2 diabetes. Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes produce insulin; however, either their pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot use the insulin adequately. This is called insulin resistance. When there isn't enough insulin or the insulin is not used as it should be, glucose (sugar) can't get into the body's cells. Anyone can get type 2 diabetes. However, those at highest risk for the disease are those who are obese or overweight, women who have had gestational diabetes, people with family members who have type 2 diabetes and people who have metabolic syndrome (a cluster of problems that include high cholesterol, high triglycerides, low good 'HDL' cholesterol and a high bad 'LDL' cholesterol, and high blood pressure). The Framingham Study was one of the first pieces of evidence to show that people with diabetes are more vulnerable to heart disease than people who do not. The Framingham Study looked at generations of people, including those with diabetes, to try to determine the health risk factors for developing heart disease. It showed that multiple health factors -- including diabetes -- could increase the possibility of developing heart disease. It should be noted that aside from diabetes, other health problems associated with heart disease include high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol levels, and a family history of early heart disease. Just like anyone else, people with diabetes have an increased risk of dying from heart disease if they have more health risk factors. However, the probability of dying from heart disease is dramatically higher in a person with diabetes. So, while a person with one health risk factor, such as high blood pressure, may have a certain chance of dying from heart disease, a person with diabetes has double or even quadruples

the risk of dying. For example, a medical study found that people with diabetes that have no other health risk factors but heart disease, are five times more likely to die of heart disease than those without. Another medical study showed that people with diabetes, no matter the number of other heart disease risk factors, were as likely to have a heart attack as someone

without diabetes who has already had a heart attack. In fact, experts recommend that all people with diabetes have their heart disease risk factors treated as aggressively as people who have already had heart attacks. Causes of Heart Disease in Diabetics The most common cause of heart disease in a person with diabetes is hardening of the coronary arteries otherwise called the atherosclerosis, which is a build up of cholesterol in the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrition to the heart. This build up of cholesterol usually begins before the increase in blood sugars that occurs in type 2 diabetes. In other words, heart disease almost always has established itself prior to the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. When the cholesterol plaques can break apart or rupture, it causes blood clots and blocks the blood vessel. This can lead to a heart attack. The same process can happen in all of the arteries in the body, resulting in lack of blood to the brain, causing a stroke or lack of blood to the feet, hands, or arms causing peripheral

vascular disease. Not only are people with diabetes at higher risk for heart disease, they're also at higher risk for heart failure, a serious medical condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood adequately. This can lead to fluid build-up in the lungs that causes difficulty in breathing, or fluid retention in other parts of the body (especially the legs) that causes swelling. Some symptoms of a heart attack include: Shortness of breath, Feeling faint and dizzy, excessive and unexplained sweating, Pain in the shoulders, jaw, and left arm, chest pain or pressure (especially during activity) and Nausea. Remember not everyone has pain and these other classic symptoms with a heart attack. This is especially true for women. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. How to Treat Heart Disease in Diabetics There are several treatment options for heart disease in those with diabetes, depending on the severity of the heart disease, including: Aspirin therapy to reduce the risks of clots that lead to heart attacks and strokes, diet, exercise not only for weight loss, but to improve blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels and to decrease abdominal fat, a risk factor of heart disease, application of drugs and surgery. How to Prevent Heart Diseases in Diabetics Heart disease like every other malady can be prevented even in diabetics. The best way to prevent heart disease is to take good care of yourself and your diabetes. Ensure that your blood sugar is as normal as possible, control your blood pressure, with medication if necessary. The target for people with diabetes is under 130/80. Get your cholesterol numbers under control. You may need to take medication to do this. Lose weight if you are obese. Ask your doctor if you should take an aspirin a day. Exercise regularly. Eat a heart-healthy diet low in fat and salt and as a matter of urgency, immediately quit smoking.

Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greetings

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ, May the reason for the season bring us all the good tidings of the yuletide.

May the season usher us into a brand New Year of peace, prosperity, abundant blessings & excellent living.

MERRY MAS & A Fulfilling 2012

SPECIAL REPORT

l u f r e w o P t s o M 0 4 e a h c i T r f A n I s e i t i r C e le b ial icons in t n e u fl in t s o m Who are the culture? p o p n a ic r f A y contemporar

n September, Forbes put out a request for nominations for a list of the 40 most powerful celebrities in contemporary Africa. Within three weeks, over 7,500 entries flooded in. This is the result of respondents' choices. The debut list of The 40 Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa includes actors, cerebral authors, musicians, movie producers, supermodels, TV personalities and athletes, drawn from all across Africa and traverses the generational divide. Don't be surprised to meet timeless artistic greats like Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe (ranked No. 1) and Zimbabwe's Oliver Mtukudzi listed alongside younger up-and-comers like famed Kenyan crooner Eric Wainaina, Ivorian soccer sensation Didier Drogba (No. 3) and Nigerian screen goddess Genevieve Nnaji. Perhaps not surprisingly, the list is dominated by musicians. How they were selected Determining the celebrities who exert the highest degree of influence in contemporary African pop culture involved sifting

through the nominations for the individuals with highest number of votes, and then measuring their media visibility (exposure in print, television, radio and online), number of web references on Google, TV/radio mentions and their general clout across the continent. Ideally, a robust social media presence would have been an invaluable yardstick in determining the intensity of influence these individuals exert on their enthusiasts. However, apart from Senegalese hip-hop act Akon, Nigerian beat maker, Michael Collins A.K.A Don Jazzy and a handful of others who boast 6-figure followers on networks like Facebook and Twitter, an overwhelming number of Africa's most influential celebrities have either a very small or non-existent social media presence. These days, Africa's favourite idols harness the â&#x20AC;&#x153;currency of celebrityâ&#x20AC;? to impact social change on many levels. Take Liya Kebede, for instance: The Ethiopian-born supermodel has leveraged on her celebrity status to raise awareness about maternal health issues. She currently serves as the World Health Organization's Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and child health. She also founded

the Liya Kebede Foundation, which seeks to reduce maternal mortality rates in Ethiopia and around the world by funding advocacy, training and medical programs. Ivorian soccer star, Didier Drogba has also built on the cultlike following he enjoys at home to call for peace in his war-torn country. Cote D'Ivoire had been enduring a civil war since 2000. After he led the Ivorian national team to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, Drogba famously made a plea to the combatants, requesting that they drop their weapons in pursuit of peace. They listened. A few days later, there was a cease fire. Apart from playing a pivotal role in the peace process, Drogba also donated a $5 million endorsement fee he earned from Pepsi to construct a world-class hospital in his hometown of Abidjan. A handful of celebrities on this list have done very little to support social causes, but make the list anyway because of the overwhelming number of votes they received and the immense acclaim they enjoy across the African continent and the world. Here's a serenade of Africa's 40 most powerful pop icons. They are the greatest influencers on African pop culture and their ideas, skill and actions bring us gratification and inspire conversations.

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Chinua Achebe Chinua Achebe, 80, Nigerian, Novelist The father of African literature authored the 1958 classic, Things Fall Apart which has been translated into over 50 languages and has sold over 10 million copies internationally. In September (2011), Achebe made headlines when he turned down a $1million offer from American Hip-Hop act, Curtis Jackson (A.K.A 50 Cent) for permission to use the Things Fall Apart title for an upcoming movie. The renowned novelist is also an essayist, political critic and currently serves as Professor of African studies at Brown University, Rhode Island.

Credits: Forbes

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Angelique Kidjo, 51, Beninoise, Musician

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Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba, 33, Ivorian, Soccer Player

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At 51, the Beninoise Grammy-award winning musician is still one of Africa's greatest divas. Over the course of her career she has collaborated with Alicia Keys, Josh Groban and Carlos Santana amongst others on tours and album recordings. The UNICEF Goodwill ambassador is also the founder of the Batonga Foundation, a Washington-based charity which promotes and funds education for African girls. She is a passionate advocate for African women's rights.

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Angelique Kidjo

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Youssou N'dour

Youssou N'dour, Age: 51, Senegalese, Musician In 2004, the Rolling Stone Magazine referred to the Senegal's most coveted musician as "perhaps the most famous singer alive." That's highly unlikely, particularly in contemporary music scenery dominated by the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Justin Bieber. But N'dour, 59, is arguably Africa's most electrifying and mesmerizing entertainer. He helped popularize Mbalax, an inimitable genre of music which blends western sounds like Pop and rock with sabar, the traditional dance music of the Senegalese. During the course of his career, N'dour has toured with stars like Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Tracy Chapman and Dido and has been the subject of two award-winning films- Retour Ă GorĂŠe and Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love. Also a shrewd businessman, the Grammy-award winner owns a Nightclub, a record label and a Television station. The UNICEF ambassador has been vocal in his campaign for an end to the humanitarian crisis CELEB L U F in the horn of Africa.

A striker for England's Chelsea football club and captain of the Cote D'Ivoire national team, Drogba's dexterous strength and finesse on the pitch has consistently earned him the admiration of adoring fans across the globe. But it is his transcendent compassion that has endeared him to both soccer aficionados and the uninitiated. In 2006, Drogba played a pivotal role in restoring peace in Cote D'Ivoire after five years of civil war and unrest. After his country had qualified for the World cup in Germany, Drogba, surrounded by his team mates, famously fell to his knees on live television and urged the warring factions to give up their arms. It worked. In 2009, he donated his $5 million endorsement fee to the construction of a hospital in Abidjan, his hometown. Very recently, the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador joined the Ivory Coast Peace Commission, an organization which aims to heal the wounds left by years of fighting in Ivory Coast.

AKON, 38, Senegalese, Musician The Senegalese-American hip-hop act stepped into the limelight in 2004 with the release of 'Locked Up,' the first single from his debut album, Trouble. Success has been meteoric ever since. He has gone on to produce three successful studio albums which have sold millions across the world. Also one of Hip-Hop's businesses savviest: Co-owns Kon Live, an Interscope-backed record label which helped jumpstart the career of Lady Gaga and T-Pain and owns Konvict clothing. He maintains a strong bond with home country and founded the Konfidence Foundation which promotes education and health causes in Senegal and elsewhere in Africa.

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Wole Soyinka, 77, Nigerian, Playwright In 1986, the Nigerian Playwright and author became the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Easily the most famous playwright ever to emerge from Africa, the erudite wordsmith has published over 20 plays, including The Lion and the Jewel, A Dance of the Forests and The Strong Breed. XL

SPECIAL REPORT

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Yvonne Chaka Chaka

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Oumou Sangare

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Toumani Diabaté

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Oliver Mtukudzi

Femi Kuti, 49, Nigerian, Musician

Yvonne Chaka Chaka, 46, South African, Musician The 'Princess of Africa' is one of Africa's most illustrious musicians. Debuted on the stage at the age of 18; rose to fame at the height of South Africa's Apartheid regime with infectious pop melodies and a sonorous voice with girlish charm, Chaka gained local and international acclaim with popular songs like "I'm in Love with a DJ" and “I cry for freedom.” She now devotes her time to philanthropy as a United Nations Goodwill ambassador and UN envoy for Africa.

Femi Kuti

The eldest son of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has his father's fiery blood flowing through his veins. Toured and performed extensively with his father while he was alive, but his biggest break came with his father's death in 1999 when the Afrobeat mantle fell on him. Just like his father, Femi attempts to use his music to combat corruption, poverty, and other socio-economic issues prevalent in Nigeria and Africa through his lyrics. In 2001 he collaborated with American acts, Common, Mos Def and Jaguar Fight on his album, Fight to Win, which sold over 500,000 copies. The album is widely regarded as the most influential Neo-Afrobeat album of the 21st century.

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One of Mali's most idolized musical legends; Sangare popularized Wassoulou, a popular genre of traditional music peculiar to Mali. Wassoulou is typically performed by women accompanied by traditional instruments like the Djembe drum and the Kora (a traditional African harp). Lyrics dwell on women right issues and feminism. Sangare, a United Nations Goodwill ambassador has been vocal in her advocacy against Polygamy; was named an official ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 2003. Also a successful entrepreneur: In 2006 she partnered with a Chinese automobile company to create a car named after her, Oum Sang.

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Salif Keita

Oumou Sangare, 43, Malian, Musician

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A direct descendant of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, Salif is one of the pioneers of Afro-pop. As a member of a Malian Noble family, Keita was famously rebuked when he set out to become a musician as it was considered an occupation beneath his status. At 18, he was banished from his village

because of a superstitious belief that albinos brought ill fortune. He went on to play for Les Ambassadeurs, a Malian music group before striking out on his own. Success has been phenomenal. His latest album, La Différence is dedicated to ending the stigmatization of albinos across Africa and the world

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Salif Keita, 62, Malian, Musician

Toumani Diabaté, Malian, Musician One of the world's most famous Kora players and an extremely popular Malian musician, Diabete has gained an international renown for his fusion of traditional Malian music with western influences like flamenco, jazz and the blues. He has released over 13 albums which have sold over 3million copies across the world. One of Diabate's songs, Tapha Niang, is featured in the Playstation 3 Video game, LittleBigPlanet.

Oliver Mtukudzi, 59, Zimbabwean, Musician Before the year runs out, the Zimbabwean legend will collaborate with Alicia Keys on an album that will sensitize African mothers on the importance of HIV programmes. Mtukudzi, 59, is the most popular musician from Zimbabwe to have found substantial success and acclaim in international circles. He sings in Zimbabwe's dominant Shona language about political violence and struggles of everyday life and has released over 45 albums till date which have sold millions of copies. He is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Eastern and Southern Africa.

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Khaled Hadj Ibrahim, 51, Algerian, Musician Haile Gebrselassie, 38, Ethiopian, Athlete

Samuel Eto'o, 30, Cameroonian, Soccer Player In August, [2011] the Cameroonian striker left Inter Milan to pitch tent with Russian club, Anzhi Makhachkala in a deal that has earned him the title of not just the highest earning footballer in the world, but the highest-paid athlete in professional sports. Estimated salary: $29 million per season. The four-time African player of the year also enjoys lucrative endorsements from brands like Ford and Puma.

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The world's number 1 long distance runner has won the Berlin Marathon four times consecutively. He has also won the Great Manchester run in England for four times, and boasts two Olympic Gold medals for 10,000 Metre races. But Gebrselassie is still searching for gold. After announcing his retirement in November last year, he rescinded on his decision a few days later. Reason: Plans to run in the 2012 London Olympics before bowing out. Gebrselassie is a brand ambassador for Johnnie Walker.

Popularly referred to as 'Khaled', the Algerian singer and songwriter is the most famous rai singer in the world. His style of music, rai, is a special genre of folk music which intermixes French, Spanish, Arabic and African musical influences. He found mainstream success in France, where his singles “Aicha” and “Didi” topped the charts. Khaled remains one of Africa's bestselling artists of all time- has reportedly sold over 20 million albums.

Samuel Eto'o

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Liya Kebede

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Dobet Gnahoré

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Khaled Hadj Ibrahim

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Haile Gebrselassie

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Alek Wek

Alek Wek, 34, Sudanese, Supermodel The Sudanese-born supermodel fled her conflict-ridden country to find fame and fortune on the catwalk. She first made her professional debut at the age of 18, featuring in music videos by Tina Turner and Janet Jackson. Today, as one of the world's most recognizable models, she has modeled for Calvin Klein, Victoria's Secret and Christian Lacroix. Wek is an active member of the U.S. Committee for Refugees' Advisory Council and also serves as an ambassador for Doctors without borders in Sudan.

Liya Kebede, 33, Ethiopian, Supermodel Born and raised in Ethiopia, Kebede stepped into the global limelight in 2000 when Gucci offered her an exclusive contract for its Fall/Winter 2000 fashion show. Over the years, the svelte Ethiopian model has strutted the catwalk for Victoria's Secret, Tommy Hilfiger, Escada, Louis Vuitton and Estee Lauder. She is a passionate maternal heath advocate. In 2005, Kebede was selected by the World Health Organization as a goodwill ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. Through her Liya Kebede foundation, she also funds initiatives which promote the use of proven, simple, low-cost strategies to save the lives of mothers and their children.

Dobet Gnahoré, 29, Ivorian, Musician The Ivorian Grammy-award winner dropped out of school at the age of 12 to start singing alongside her father, the famed master percussionist, Boni Gnahore. Today, Gnahore is one of the world's most sought-after musicians from Africa, and has earned critical applause for her sonorous voice and her eccentric and energetic dance moves. She sings in eight different languages, while the content of her lyrics dwell majorly on social issues and the plight of the African woman. Continued on page 66

Pix by: Success Olorunfemi

SOCIETY

Day Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Married His Heartthrob In Kaduna T

he City of Kaduna in Northern Nigeria, recently went agog with military vibes and jibes when a Military echelon lavishly tied matrimonial knots with his heartthrob, in a memorable Church Wedding and Reception, which attracted top Military Officers from different parts of the country. At the centre of the fanfare was Mathias James Emuekpere, a fine Army Lieutenant Colonel and Grace Zainab Usman, both from Edo State, Southern Nigeria. The Church Service held at the famous Our Lady of Apostles Catholic Church along Independence Way in Kaduna. Attired in full Military regalia, Lieutenant Colonel Emuekpere and his pretty wife emerged from the Church to the protective and decorative cross-of-swords display by Military Officers outside the Church. They were afterwards, moved to the Gymnasium Hall of Ahmadu Bello Stadium, for the

colourful reception that followed where their entrance was heralded by a startling Military procession to the glee of guests at the dazzlingly tinted arena. Highlight of the event which blossomed under the chairmanship of Major Gen. P.O.Edomwande (Rtd), a Former Director General of the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), was the presentation of swords on behalf of the President and Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and a privilege of using it to cut the wedding cake. Earlier, the Lieutenant Colonel had performed the traditional marriage rites to his heartthrob at a posh event at Plot 1 Ghana Close , Phase 1, Barnawa in Kaduna Xcel Magazine was part of the entire celebration and now presents to you the memorable highlights of the event for your pleasure.

Couple cutting the wedding Cake with a military Sword

Jimmy & Grace in a joyous mood

Bride & Dad, Mr Benson Fayam

‘With this ring,I thee Wed’

Grace signs the dotted lines

It’s Jimmy’s turn

Couple with sponsor, Mr & Mrs Lucky Igberaese & Rev. Fr. Anthony Ikhenoba

A joyous moment for Jimmy & Grace Grace feeds her husband

Groom’s parents, Couple & Rev. Fr. Anthony Ikhenoba

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Lt. Col. K.M. Samuel with the couple

Elegance on display

Jimmy & Grace

Lt. Col. Jimmy Emuekpere

Jimmy receives the Sword presented on behalf of the President

With Bestman, Lt. Col. K.M. Samuel & Chief Bridesmaid, Deborah Bindo

Mr Ahams, Dare & Barth with the couple

Couple with Groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family Couple dance with both mothers

Groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mom (with Mic) appreciates guests

Groom’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. William Emuekpere

Chairman, Major Gen. P.O. Edomwande (Rtd) Mr Osagie, Gen. Edomwande, Mr Emmanuel & Mr Ogbomo

A cross-section of Groom’s family

Groom’s siblings; Philip, Peter, Franka, Tommy, Andy & Barth

Alhaji Ibrahim & wife, Hajiya Jummai

Mrs. Theresa Bindo, Mrs Roseline Olayemi & Hajiya Sadatu Aminu Sambo

Hajiya Ganiyat, Hajiya Jummai Ibrahim & Hajiya Muslimat Olaniyi

Mrs Nweke, Hajiya Medinat, Hajiya Jummai, Mrs Ochei & Hajiya Ramatu Hajiya Aisha, Hajiya Salmat, Mrs Fayam & Hajiya Zainab Umaru

Mr & Mrs Olayemi's family.

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Groom with family members

Couple with Bride’s family

Couple with both parents

Alhaji & Mrs Ibrahim, Mr & Mrs Olayemi, Groom with Mr & Mrs Fayam

Groom’s family

Couple with Bride’s brothers

Mr. King Anyam, Mr. Benson Fayam with Mother & wife, Maryam

Bride’s sisters

Mrs Onyia, Mrs Fayam,Mrs Nobert, Hajiya Jummai, Hajiya Amina, Mrs Blessing, Mrs Jimoh & Mrs Bamfor.

Couple with Groom’s colleagues of the Armed Forces

AT THE TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE

Bride in a smashingly elegant look

Bride steps in with Mrs Ada Joesph

Cutting the beautifully designed Cake

Bride steps in with Mrs Ada Joesph (right)

...With Parents-inlaw

Jimmy gives a traditional marriage ring

...With Mom, Alh. Ibrahim (left) & Mr. Fayam (right)

Groom, brothers & friends on arrival Peter Imoesi, Groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents & other family members

Dare

Peter Barth

Groom with family members XL

Pix by: Mohammed Salihu

BOOK LAUNCH

Barr. Celestine Omehia

A Right To Be Wrong and Dismissal In Nigeria Labour Law, Sir Celestine Omehia's Books Launched In Abuja

ssues relating to the triangular precept of jurisprudence, Democracy and Rule of Law in Nigeria were profoundly echoed from the sonorous walls of the prestigious Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotels & Towers which played host to the launching ceremony of two books authored by Former Rivers State Governor, Barrister Celestine Omehia KSM, KSS.

book, A Right To Be Wrong, throws some light into the Authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s background, modest and consistent growth on the political ladder of Rivers State, and pointedly explores the issues surrounding the historic and apocryphal Thursday October 25th 2007 Supreme Court Judgment, which took away the mandate bestowed on him by Rivers People to serve as Governor. It was reviewed by Dr. Ike

Held under the Distinguished Chairmanship of Aare Afe B a b a l o l a ( S A N ) , Founder/President of Afe Babalola University represented by Former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, the ceremony attracted top dignitaries from all walks of life, both from government, private sector and the traditional institution. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) represented President Goodluck Jonathan while Royal Father of the Day and Father of the Day, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo were represented by Senator Issa Mohammed and Hon. Dotun Olaifa respectively. Forwarded by foremost constitutional legal luminary, Professor Ben Nwabueze, the first

Okechukwu and presented to the public by Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwaise. The second book, Dismissal In Nigerian Labour Law, as forwarded by Justice Mohammed Uwaise seeks to address the commonplace problem of misunderstandings and occasional breach in contractual agreements between employers and employees-arising majorly, as a

result of outright ignorance, in some cases, and miscomprehension of the provisions of the Labour Law. It was reviewed by Prof. C.J Dakar, Director, Nigeria Institute of Advance Legal Studies, while the National Secretary of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) presented the book to the public. The two reviewers did a fabulous job in establishing the value of the books. While Dr. Ike Okechukwu asserted that A Right To Be Wrong stimulates constructive discussions on matters surrounding jurisprudence, Democracy and Rule of Law as it concerns INEC, PDP and the Nigerian Judiciary, Prof. Dakar viewed Dismissal In Nigerian Labour Law as a long awaited reprieve on issues pertaining to industrial disputes, employment inconsistencies and employees dignity. The reviewers left no one doubt on the usefulness and veracity of the books in the Nigerian society Chief Launcher, T.K Turaki (SAN) set the appropriate tune for the launching. Other guests at the event include a representative of Kano State Governor, NLC President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, Nigeria Law School Class 86 Monitor, Joe Gadzama (SAN), Publisher Xcel International Magazine, Barth Emuekpere and a host of associates and well-wishers too numerous to mention.

Justice Minister, Bello Adoke, T.K. Turaki (SAN) & Sir Celestine Omehia

Dotun Olaifa, T.K. Turaki (SAN) & Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar

Barr. Celestine Omehia, Lady Tonia & Justice Mohammed Uwais

Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) representing President Goodluck Jonathan Justice Mohammed Uwais presents â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A Right To Be Wrongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Minister of Justice & Attorney General, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) with Sir Celestine Omehia XL

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National Anthem

Dr. Abiye Sekibo with Sir Celestine Omehia & wife, Tonia

Attorney-General, Mohammed Adoke, J.K Gadzama, Sir Omehia & wife

Rev. Fr. Tony & Rev. Fr. Calistus Esara

Dr. Sekibo, Dotun, T.K. Turaki, Comrade Omar & Sen. Isa Mohammed

Alh. (Dr.) Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi

Dr. (Mrs) Tonia Omehia

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Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Chief Glory Emeh, Sir Omehia & wife

Dotun Olaifa, representing Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar (NLC President) & Sen. Isa Mohammed

Congratulations Your Excellency

Sen. Joy Emordi & Chief Ojo Maduekwe

Dr. (Mrs) Tonia Omehia & Osi Imomoh

Chief Ojo Maduekwe & representative of Kano State Governor

Hon. Emmanuel Omah & J.K Gadzama (SAN) Hon. Tamunosisi Gogo-jaja & Hon. K.K. Kobani

BOOK LAUNCH

Prof. C. J. Dakar reviewing Dismissal In Nigeria Labour Law

Chief Launcher, T. K. Turaki (SAN)

Dr. Ike Okechukwu reviewing A Right To Be Wrong

Prof. Johny Otaiegbe

Prof. Okey Onuchukwu

Prof. Blessing Didia

Mr, Njoku (Compere)

Mrs. Bummi Aina Craig (Chairman Organsing comm.)

Alhaji Isa

Amaechi Nwaiwu (SAN)

Jeff Atata

Mr. Brown

Lawrence Chinwo, Dr. Ogbona & Ken Chinda

Guests XL

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Mohammed, Chidiebere, Sir Omehia. Abuking & Barth

Eze Ahiakwo, Albert Amachree & Dr. Ogbonna

Victoria Idoko, Dr. Joan, Sir Celestine Omehia & Choko Idoko

Dominic Satta & Barr. Bebu

Barr. Sunny & Faith Ikunwa

Ken Chinda, Hon. Gogo-Jaja & Terry Godfrey (4th, 5th & 7th left respectively) & others

Sir Omehia & wife with Organising Committee members

Victor, Romeo, Albert, Nyenemi, Tyger & others Peters, Dennis, Tony, Monday, Nich & King

Sir Omehia with Ushers

By Maryann Adibe

Sisters & Tittles-Tattling

hree females are discussing amongst themselves, with so much zest and humor, jesting and making fun. Suddenly another female approaches the door. She finds her way inside and the topic of their discussion changes, not because it was time to introduce another item on the order paper for the discussion, but because the unexpected intruder happens to be the topic of their discourse. Besides, she will never appreciate whatever it was they were talking about her. How sad! In the street parlance, the centerpiece of this piece is referred to as “Amebo” or”Talka thief”. There is no gainsaying that it is general belief that we sisters gossip a lot. In fact, whenever the issue of tittle-tattle arises in any environment, every preying eye is always often directed at any sister around, why? You might want to ask, as Chimamanda Adichie would want to query. Be that as it may, I do not intend to arouse any male-female chauvinism here for a debate of any kind. It does not matter what judgment the world has passed on us on this matter, let's try not to bring that into this confab. In fact, let me sound it boldly clear that this discourse is strictly restricted to us; I mean me and you, the sisters. Intruders are not welcomed here today. But seriously, have you ever confided in a friend who decided, like someone suffering from the diarrhea of the mouth, to confide in another person who also confided in yet another person that later told it to you. There is hardly any reason to ask you how it felt because you definitely would have felt terribly devastated and disappointed at your friend, as everyone would, if they found themselves in the same situation. Ironically, we often times suffer such treatments from people whom we repose so much trust and confidence on like our close friends. In most cases, we would always have very little to do to save ourselves the repercussion that such unfriendly action by our friends seldom generates. For this reason, so many of us have decided to seclude ourselves from certain friends, friends who stab us behind us. More and more people have adopted the option of keeping to themselves and allowing their problems becloud them rather than disclose it to a tittle-tattling friend. Others prefer to talk to guys because they believe that they rarely gossip, while a few would rather talk to strangers who know virtually nothing about them and can never tell it to someone they are conversant with. If your friends have ever gossiped about you, it's easy to get upset at them and do all sort of things, but if the truth be told, have you taken time to examine

yourself? Self examination is important. In fact, you just might be surprised at what such painstaking activity would reveal. You might want to ask yourself, for instance, when last someone confided in you and you told no one about it. Naturally, anyone who gossips about others should not religiously expect their words to be kept as a secret. Even the Holy Books forbid it. It is what a man (even sisters) sows that he would rightly reap in good measure, the Holy Bible, proclaims, for example. In its worst cases, some sisters can become so engrossed in higher levels of gossip like the acts of rumour peddling and slandering, such that they helplessly become addicted to the repugnant trade and not even know when they begin to indulge in the act or what prompted them to talk so badly about an innocent stranger. Let me share a story with you. Some

ladies and a guy were at a company's reception waiting to see the Personnel Manager. Judging from the guy's dark complexion and slim figure, the ladies thought he was from a northern tribe. Like an overzealous parrot, they soon got into a discussion about the poor guy in their native Igbo dialect assuming that he was not understanding anything they were saying about him. It did not take long before reality knocked them back to their senses. When the receptionist came to announce that the manager was ready to see him, she called him Emeka to the amazement of the ladies who were terribly astonished because it was obvious that he heard all they had been saying because he was from their tribe. This is a problem for erring sisters because sooner than latter, their walls of integrity will collapse, that is, if they ever had any. As in predicted by the golden rule of sowing and reaping, They will likely lose their friends, people around them will have no esteem for them and the confidence reposed on such sisters will be truncated. What an astronomical

loss, all because they could not restrain themselves from talking like a soccer commentator. Imagine trying to store water in a basket, that's exactly what it is like to confide in a gossip. I have lost count of number of marriages that has crumbled at the mercy of tittle-tattling of annoying amebos. A married woman is having troubles with her husband over her inability to bear a child after two years of marriage. She feels like talking to someone about it. In search of help, she calls her love starved friend who has tried severally to hook a guy after several years of flirting without success--and divulges everything that has transpired between her and her husband. Her friend tabled her advice and promises not to radio-wire the matter to anyone and to communicate with her if she comes up a solution. The following week the woman stumbles into a heated disagreement with a nagging neighbor. The quarrel gets so bad and her neighbor insults her with the information she had told her friend a week ago. It is saddening that some mothers have imbibed this trait in their children. You did be amazed to see the way and manner some mothers engage their children in mischievously talking about family relatives and friends. Like every other bad habit there is a way out. If you want a plant dead, you have to take it away from the source of its nutrient: Such nugget of apocryphal wisdom comes very handy in this matter. For a start, you first have to make up your mind to embrace change. You have to repent from your old ways and turn a new leaf. Next, you must avoid scenes where your former friends are gossiping. Nevertheless, if you're in a situation where you can't avoid the scene, you can listen to music from your phone with the aid of earphones or you can grab a magazine or book to feed your mind. You could as well remain quiet in such gathering, no matter how intriguing their subject matter might be. Do not say a word about their discussion. I can assure you that you won't fall sick or have headache. Rather you'll feel elated and fulfilled because you are making progress. I have been in places where ladies were joyfully gossiping and I just kept quiet as if I wasn't hearing or interested in their discussion. You really have to make up your mind on this. You have the will power, use it wisely. Not gossiping makes you a better person, wife, mother, accountant, lawyer, student, doctor … it could be a female's thing but I refuse to partake in it, what about you sisters. It's your choice. Choose rightly.