Saturday, November 17, 2012

Fashola visits Fela’s museum P. 2

Vol. 02 No. 49

z z z z z

Opposition merger talks: PDP is paranoid –ACN P. 9

UNIPORT 4: z Toku Lloyd z gets final z P. 2 z farewell z

N150

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Power project ready in 2013, says FG

P. 7

INSIDE

Celebrity MAGAZ INE

Justice Kayode Maheeda Just Gina Eso dies at 87 Four Nigerian ‘I am not Sexy Gina’

P. 8

Born again and having fun

ex talk

P. 18

y boys, size s matter: Science irms men’s worst oom fear

z z

z z z

z

Relationships Must your spouse know before you give to your family?

z z

Fashion

z z z z

• Gypsy queens • Colour me beautiful

P. 17

girls invent urine-powered generator

P. 36

Fuel price hike

Expect the worst strike, protests –NLC

P. 6

PHCN: N24bn fraud uncovered during inventory P. 6

Page

Two

Power to the women!

Rashidat, the Keke Marwa driver

P.35

Molawa, your electronics technician

P.36

Urine-powered generator

...by four bright-eyed girls

Top Stories t

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

November 17, 2012

Government goes to the people

…as Fashola visits Fela’s museum MURITALA AYINLA

L

agos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) yesterday visited the Kalakuta Republic Museum, which is dedicated to memory of late Afrobeat Icon, Fela AnikulapoKuti, saying the building will help generation after generation to connect with and relive the Fela experience.

Governor Fashola who spoke with newsmen at the Gbemisola Street, Ikeja (Lagos) location of Kalakuta Republic added that the decision to give the building a facelift is in realization that more could be done with the legacy of Nigeria’s biggest cultural and artistic export to the world.

He said having visited several interesting and historic places, the Kalakuta Republic Museum represents one of the concepts that he has come across, saying that even in Fela’s lifetime, the place was a museum.

“It was a place that connected and resonated with so many people and I thought that if we give it a face lift, it will continue to serve the same purpose and keep his ideas about humanity, about governance, about social contracts, about the power of black people and their resources alive”, Governor Fashola added.

On what lessons could be learnt from the visit of an incumbent governor to Fela’s house, considering the fact that Fela was very antagonistic towards established order during his lifetime, Governor Fashola said political officers, especially in a democratic dispensation, must listen to the critical other side.

“We must respect that there is another side there. But we

“Public officers, especially in a democratic dispensation, must listen to the critical other side. We must respect that there is another side out there.”

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (left), Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Oladisu Holloway (middle) and one of the sons of the late Afrobeat Legend, Mr Femi Anikulapo-Kuti (right) during Governor Fashola’s visit to Kalakuta Republic Museum at Gbemisola Street, Ikeja, Lagos yesterday.

will continue to do our best within the limit of our skills, our exposure and our experience because we know that we are not infallible.

“Therefore there would be another side, the side that disagrees with methods and policies. There must be a commonality of purpose about doing what is right and there would be very fine lines of disagreement about what are the best methods and politicians must listen to that side. And if there are arguments, we should concede”, the Governor reiterated.

The Governor was taken round the building by Femi, first son of the late Afrobeat Maestro, and his sister Yeni. He was accompanied by members of the State Executive Council including Commissioner for Tourism

and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr Disun Holloway, Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Town

planner Olutoyin Ayinde.

Other members of the Anikulapo- Kuti family also played host to the governor and his men.

Governor Fashola standing in front of a display of Fela’s shoes

UNIPORT 4: Toku Lloyd gets final farewell P.51

‘How I escaped from kidnappers’ den’

Story on Page 12

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

3

November 17, 2012

Saturday Starter

Students of Nigerian history will remember the then Brigadier Sani Abacha in a national broadcast to announce the termination of the Second Republic on 31 December, 1983, saying: “You are all living witnesses to the great economic predicament and uncertainty, which an inept and corrupt leadership has imposed on our beloved nation for the past four years. … health services are in shambles as our hospitals are reduced to mere consulting clinics without drugs, water and equipment….”

Sadly, 29 years after this statement, the situation, rather than improve, has nosedived, even though the maker of the speech was in the saddle of power for five years.

Public health institutions in the country have now become a place feared to be visited by even the common man. The affluent, which includes political office holders and top civil servants, don’t even go near them at all.

The result: Over 700 million dollars lost annually by Nigeria to medical tourism. What is the way out?

Dwindling fortunes of public health K AYODE FALADE, A ZA MSUE, TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, MARCUS FATUNMOLE

F

ormer Oyo State Governor, Lam Adesina, who died in Lagos last Sunday, rejected the idea of being flown abroad, because, according to his son, “he preferred to be treated where common Nigerians are taken care of.”

His son recalls that “he never treated himself outside Nigeria, even when he was governor. Even if he would die, he said he would not go abroad.” So the patriot’s hospital of choice was the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan.

Somewhere along the line, however, his family members and political associates decided to move him to the highbrow St Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, which would be the equivalent of being flown abroad for the common Nigerian whom Lam Adesina had “preferred to be treated where they are taken care of.”

A few days before Lam’s demise, foremost businessman, Hope Harriman died in the United States. The godfather of Kwara politics, Dr. Olusola Saraki, made several trips abroad to treat the cancer to which he finally succumbed in Lagos last Wednesday.

Only yesterday, the family of Justice Kayode Eso announced his death at the famous Hammersmith Hospital, London. Other prominent Nigerians who have died abroad

are Dim Chuwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, First Ladies Stella Obasanjo and Maryam Babangida, fashion icon, Remi Osholake (Remi Lagos) and others too numerous for mention.

There is hardly any affluent Nigerian who does not carry the patient card of a foreign hospital. Think presidents, vice presidents, governors, ministers, commissioners, lawmakers, judges among a host of other public servants.

Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Suntai, was recently flown to Germany after a plane crash. His aides have since been flown out too.

Even ordinary Nigerians are not left out of the medical pilgrimage trend. Relatively cheaper India plays host to thousands of Nigerians who troop to the Asian nation in search of solutions to their health problems.

The result, according to President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Osahon Enabulele, is that over 700 million dollars is being lost annually by Nigeria to medical tourism.

While Nigeria is a signatory to the Abuja 2001 Africa Declaration by African Heads of Governments, which states that a minimum of 15 per cent of the National Budget of African countries should go to health, only 6.02 per cent of the 2013 national budget is slated for health.

What does the future hold for healthcare delivery in Nigeria?

4

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saturday Starter

Blame Govt for decay in health sector – NMA President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Osahon Enabulele, in this interview with Health Reporter, Marcus Fatunmole, sheds light on the ills besetting the health sector and the way out of the conundrum.

H

ow do you see the challenges in the Nigerian health sector, especially funding?

It is very disappointing the fact that Nigeria always signs agreement to keep to some minimum amount of budgetary spending for health and year in, year out, the country’s leaders never meet up with this signed declaration. The Abuja 2001 Africa Declaration by African Heads of government states that a minimum of 15 per cent of the National Budget of these African countries should go to Health. Nigeria hosted the African Heads of Health, 2001. But, since that year, Nigeria never met up with that declaration that it agreed to, which of course, is very disappointing.

To say that we are very restive over the possibility of Nigeria not meeting the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, we had expected that even in this 2013 budget that has just been presented that there would be substantial vote given to the health sector to meet up with that minimum of 15 per cent. But, here again, we have 6.02 per cent of the national budget devoted to health. That essentially cannot drive any fundamental progress in the health sector because that is not too much different from obtained in the 2012 budget.

If as at 2012 we are not very sure if Government did not show greater commitment by allocating more resources, the dreams of the Millennium Development Goals cannot be achieved. A paltry allocation of 6.0 per cent against the expected 15 per cent, we can easily see where we will be at the end of 2013 or 2014.

Usually, it is something that the government needs to think about. It is something they need to reflect on.

They need to show more commitment to health care delivery. There is no how you want to provide good health care services that you will not provide the necessary resources which include aggressive and sustained determination to allocate good funds to the sector.

How would you react to medical tourism in Nigeria, especially among the highly placed in the nation’s political arena?

I made the declaration about a week ago that the political leadership at all levels of government in the country must commit themselves to the health of this country. They must be ready to walk the talk. There is no reason making budget for health when you know you will not be in the country to even patronise those institutions into which you are putting the money.

The reason is that the utilization of health care resources by the people is largely driven by confidence in those facilities. The consequence of such attitude is that our political leaders are giving a message that Nigerians should not have confidence in the facilities which they are supposed to be using. When a top political office holder, at a slightest medical condition, is finding his way to India, Germany or France for conditions that can be managed by doctors in this country who are actually working and who have the expertise but are not encouraged by the actions of these political leaders, then, you see the problem persisting. The message they are sending to Nigerians, especially ordinary Nigerians is that even when they have their own health conditions, they should resort to other means other than orthodox.

Let us consider a monumental feat that was

Enabulele

achieved at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

Rather than popularize it, they prefer to still take their patients, their relatives abroad for stem cell transplant. Here, stem cell transplantation is taking place in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. I think it is wrong policy direction. It is wrong priority and it just shows the kind of complex that even though the government with regards to handling their own initiatives, development and facilities. The point I am making is that for medical tourism to be reversed, there has to be substantial commitment towards the enthronement of very up-to-date standard facilities in our hospitals. There has to be commitment to the utilisation of those facilities; starting from the topmost political office holder in this country. There has to be enough resources to drive day to day maintenance of these facilities. There has to be conscious effort to re-orientate Nigerians to make Nigerians aware of the existing opportunities in our country.

Medical tourism is not good for the country. Over 600 to 700 million dollars is being lost annually by Nigeria on the account of foreign trips by Nigerians. This is something that is very despicable. It is something that is unacceptable.

How about the challenge of brain drain in Nigeria? Many of our health professionals leave the shore of the country for advanced economies to practise their trade?

Brain drain is interplay of what I call the pull and the push factors. Something certainly is pushing them away from the country and something is pulling them to those countries. So, the pull factors are very evident to us. That borders on poor motivation of the health human resource that we have in this country, especially in the medical manpower. Certainly, labour is international. For you to able to checkmate labour migration, you must be able to provide an enabling environment

in your own locale to prevent your resources from moving into economies that offer better facilities, opportunities and much more a better enabling environment.

What that shows is that unless we are able to equalise in terms of building the bridge with other wellfunctional systems by way of providing the necessary facility for the medical manpower, the health human resource by way of providing appropriate reward system for them; by way of ensuring that appropriate training and retraining are given to equip their skill acquisition; improve the working condition in the work places to ensure that there is increased level of job satisfaction. You cannot stop them from moving. You must ensure that the security of lives of these health practitioners is guaranteed, including the remuneration.

Without these, you will continue to have immigration of medical manpower abroad.

I didn’t see a situation where somebody who has been trained to the highest level for over 15 years becomes a medical consultant and paid far lower than a councillor in a local government. How do you justify that in a country where a Professor is earning far less than a legislator? That is why people are no longer interested in giving service at professional level which is quite unfortunate. I do not want to excuse anybody for doing that. But, the existential reality is what is pushing them to either abandon their professional trade or join politics which now is the easy access to wealth or to join in the movement across Nigeria to other countries that are more receptive and have more enabling environment.

That is why you find out that Nigerian professionals, including medical professionals, the moment they get across, for instance, to United States, you will discover that they just need two or three weeks before they begin to excel far above those they met on ground there. That tells you about the innate possibilities in this country.

That tells you about the great potentials that Nigerians are endowed with by our Creator.

But, unfortunately, our leaders do not care to see the great things that God has endowed us with and then harness and manage them effectively to ensure that Nigerians maximally benefit from them. The question is that “can we address those factors that are pulling them away?” That remains a very huge task for our country because of the way we govern ourselves.

Instead of what the Indians are doing, the Indian government gives interest-free loans to the private practitioners. That is why you find out that the thriving health businesses in India today are all private hospitals. They have the resources to build standard health facilities which all our political leaders are running to. These are private initiatives.

But in Nigeria, the reverse is the case. You can’t take a loan as a private medical practitioner because the banks will not give it to you. Even if they give it to you, it will be at huge interest rate. So, why do you blame the person leaving his country to work in a facility that is of world standard? Those countries have training facilities and low interest rates that are given to them.

There are lots of issues that we need to address here.

These are issues that can be managed if we have committed and sincere government.

What is your appraisal of the current administration’s efforts in the health sector?

The Minister of Health and other officials in the ministry must ensure that the little resources available to them are well utilised to ensure there is modicum of improvement in some of the health indices. We can see some indices already showing some signs of progress even though it is not enough to maximally set the pace in terms of the infant mortality rate which has dropped from about over 100 to about 75 per a thousand births. Of course, the maternal mortality rate has dropped from the value it was in 2005 among others.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

5

November 17, 2012

Saturday Starter

‘There are problems which must be addressed’ Professor Adenike Grange, former Minister of Health, spoke with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE on the gradual transfer of health responsibility from government to private initiative.

A

s a health expert, are you satisfied with the state of medical services in the country?

The situation is terrible and that is not the way it should be. I believe one of the reasons behind the problem is the removal of all motivation from all those that would have even improved the health system. Those who should be using the system are not using it, so most of them are not bothered any more. It is not a good thing at all that many Nigerians are going abroad for medical services.

Is it right to conclude that the rate Nigerians are seeking foreign medical services is damaging to our health system?

It is very damaging. The act has been going on for a very long time now and one doesn’t even know how

to correct the situation because all attempts to correct it are usually frustrated. At the moment, there is gradual transfer of responsibility of health care to private people. Private hospitals are doing better but they also have some constraints. The private hospitals have constraints because many things they could do, they cannot do because they are not manufacturing the machines in Nigeria. So when they order the equipment there is so much money put on it to import it into the country. Also, we don’t have people who will repair the equipment if they got spoilt. So there is a big gap in the health system. What is happening in the country is a pity and we need to study the situation very well because it is not something that we can resolve by telling people not to go abroad. There are problems in the health system that needs to be resolved.

Grange

‘Nothing wrong with Nigeria’s health system’ Dr. Raimi Dejo is a former director of medical services in Oyo State and also former Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

He spoke with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE on the state of the country’s health sector.

D Dejo

o you still have confidence in the country’s health system?

Our health services are not as bad as many people think. People still visit UCH from all over Africa. They still bring patients to UCH, LUTH, UNTH and ABU Teaching Hospital. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo during his tenure as President did a lot on health services; his administration equipped the teaching hospitals and they ensured that enough good hands

are in the hospitals. Many of those that seek medical service abroad just go there to waste money because many of them usually die after visits to foreign hospitals. For example, I heard of someone who went to London and on getting there he was charged a huge amount of money for treatment. But on getting to the doctor that would treat him, the doctor told the patient that his own teacher was still in UCH and what did the patient man want in foreign hospitals that he could not get at UCH? The doctor then sent the patient back to UCH. The fact that people are dying of terminal diseases in Nigeria or people going to foreign hospitals for treatment is not an excuse to say that our health services are bad.

But in the last few years many Nigerians have reportedly died as a result of inability to get good medicare in Nigeria?

I believe nobody can be blamed for

‘Public health is in shambles’ Mr. Mohammed Fawehinmi, son of the late human rights activist and constitutional lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, spoke with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE about the state of public health system in the country.

Excerpt:

W

hat is your take on the state of public health in the country?

The public health system in Nigeria is in shambles.

Do you have confidence in Nigeria hospitals?

I don’t have confidence in Nigerian hospitals.

Who should be blamed for poor medical services in Nigeria?

I will blame the President and the Minister of Health for the poor state of public health in the country.

What advice do you have for federal and state governments towards the improvement of medical services in the country?

They should increase spending on the health industry and monitor it to ensure that it’s up to global standard. They should also make it affordable.

Fawehinmi

the death of many Nigerians who have died after one illness or the other. Lam Adesina died of diabetics while Saraki died after a long battle with cancer. We should also not forget that they died at old age. Anybody that is above 70 years is just living on extra time. Saraki was taken abroad many times and at last they brought him home. The medical doctor might have advised the family to bring him to die at home. So nobody should give excuse that he died due to inadequate medical services in the country.

Lam Adesina and Olusola Saraki were very influential and they had people who could foot their bill for the best treatment available in the world if there is anywhere they could be cured in the whole world. We have cases of many people who travelled abroad for medical treatment and at the end many of them were brought home dead while some died shortly after their arrival from medical check-up or treatment.

6

NATIONAL NEWS

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fuel price hike: Expect the worst strike, protests –NLC •Says Jonathan not honest about oil sector problems

OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

T

he country may soon witness a major industrial crisis and mass protests as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has again vowed to mobilise Nigerians to resist any planned hike in petroleum prices.

The threat came just as the Labour group declared that President Goodluck Jonathan was not honest with Nigerians about the real problems in the oil sector.

The NLC, in a statement signed by the its president, Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, and obtained electronically by our correspondent in Abuja yesterday, warned that government would be shocked at the spate of protests which the planned increment would precipitate.

President Jonathan had, at a meeting with Course Participants of the 2012 Senior Executive Course 34 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), subtly made a case for total deregulation of the petroleum sector, insisting that the present subsidy regime could not guarantee the needed investment in the sector.

But reacting, the NLC president said, “The crisis that will welcome any announcement of further withdrawal of subsidy on petroleum products will be so monumental and so far reaching than envisaged by anyone.

“The January protests would seem a child’s play compared to what might follow any attempt to deregulate the downstream sector of the oil industry.”

The NLC boss further argued that the statement by the president claiming that only the removal of fuel subsidy would allow for domestic refining of fuel was highly disturbing, especially coming at this time of the year, when many see the current fuel scarcity being experienced in most parts of the country as being artificially created.

He stated that rather than further inflicting pains on ordinary Nigerians, the president should dissipate energy on fighting corruption in the industry as he promised Nigerians.

“All those so far indicted in corrupt practices in the fuel subsidy scam have not yet been prosecuted.

More revelations on corruption keep coming out by the day,” he said.

He said the way Jonathan openly romanced with those alleged to have messed up the petroleum sector through alleged massive looting, cast doubt on his willingness to bring to book culprits in the fuel subsidy scam.

“Majority of them are political associates of those in power. Indeed, the president has been seen severally hobnobbing in public with some of the key persons indicted by the reports,” he said.

Puncturing government argument on the proposed plan for total deregulation,

he said, “The argument proffered that domestic refining of petroleum products is only possible under private operators cannot be defended. Our refineries were built and operated successfully as fully publicowned enterprises in the past and until the industry was massively inflicted with corruption and home for corrupt government officials and their cronies, the refineries functioned well.”

The statement reads in part: “With the wave of revelations regarding monumental corruption in the Petroleum industry it will be unimaginable to contemplate any other thing than focusing on ridding the industry of the endemic corruption that has become so pervasive

in the industry.

“Today, the problem with the petroleum industry is largely lack of decency and political will on the part of the government to deal with those who have already been identified as having corruptly enriched themselves with funds meant for the industry.

“We believe Mr. President is not being honest with Nigerians about the real problems of the industry. The same President who set up several committees to identify the crisis in the industry and who have been given detailed reports by the committees cannot validly say he is still helpless. Some of the committees, including those set up by the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives Adhoc

Committee led by Hon. Farouk Lawan identified not just the problems of the industry but specifically named individuals and companies who have diverted subsidies meant for the industry to private use.

“In a decent society, all those who have been indicted by all the reports would have been facing accelerated prosecution or serving severe jail terms for committing economic crimes injurious to public interest.

“As at this moment, N1.7 trillion meant to subsidise the industry has been diverted by identified private individuals and companies and the government is not in any hurry to prosecute the alleged thieves. We can’t therefore understand why the President is in so much haste to inflict deeper poverty on Nigerians.

L-R: Vice President Namadi Sambo; Deputy Corps Marshal, Motor Vehicle Administration, Danjuma Garuba; Corps Medical And Rescue Officer, Abubakar Ringim and Deputy Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC, Bisi Kazeem, at a special Jumat service to mark 2012 World Remembrance Day for Road Crash Victims in Abuja.

“When government kept silent over the prevailing scarcity of petroleum products in the country, we alerted Nigerians that it was clear the government was testing grounds for further increases in fuel prices and we wish to reiterate our resolute rejection of such attempts.

“No responsible government will allow private interests to hold her hostage against the collective interests of the people. It is becoming apparent that those in power seem more inclined serving individual interests than protecting our collective treasures.

And we will massively mobilise Nigerians against his new anti people plans.

“While the Department of Petroleum Resources of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum has the responsibility to ensure consumers are not shortchanged by marketers, the DPR, security and other government agencies watch helplessly as marketers sell far above the official rates.

They are even bold enough to display the unilaterally fixed new prices in their pump meters. These cannot be reigning under a serious government.

“This government has more than enough reports and details to commence a honest process of punishing those in illegal possession of our collective wealth rather than inflict more pains on Nigerians, while industries and virtually all public infrastructures have collapsed.”

PHCN: N24bn fraud uncovered during equipment inventory SEGUN ADIO

M

inister of State for Power, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi, yesterday disclosed that a cartel in the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) had fooled the Permanent Secretary in the ministry to raise a memo for the payment of N24 billion for equipment that were already available in the company.

The minister made the disclosure when power distribution equipment, worth billions of naira, for which request for fund had been made, were found to be already available and rusting away at the premises of the Trans-

mission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Ojo, Lagos.

The minister was in Lagos as part of her tour of PHCN facilities in the state.

A mild drama played out when the minister’s entourage entered the premises, and she found the equipment that a memo was raised for its purchase, available.

Two trucks fully loaded with various sizes of cables and other power distribution equipment were about leaving the premises and were ordered to stop for verification of the materials loaded and the papers ordering the release of the consignment.

The minister and her entourage were shocked to discover that the materials

ordered to be loaded into the vehicles were different from the ones on them.

The enraged minister immediately ordered that proper inventory of equipment in the facility be taken. She also ordered the seal-off of the facility and armed soldiers were immediately drafted to keep watch over it.

Speaking with journalist after the tour round the facility, Hajia Kuchi claimed that a powerful cartel in the ministry and PHCN were behind the precarious electricity situation in the country.

She however promised that the present administration was ready to confront the menace head on.

Her words: “It is ap-

palling what we have seen here. A certain cartel in PHCN is behind this monumental fraud. Just last week, the Permanent Secretary processed documents with respect to a lot of things that are lying here running into N24 billion, by the same people who knew that these things were there. This is ridiculous and we talk of government not doing enough to give the people stable power.”

The minister also told journalists that on a similar tour the previous day, a PHCN inventory official was drugged by people she described as saboteurs apparently to cart away equipment when they discovered that the official

was a cog in their wheel.

In his reactions to the large multi-billion dollar equipment rusting away at the facility, Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Power, Mr. Reynold Dagogo-Jack, said that the challenge of power in Nigeria today is not that of generation, but of distribution.

His words: “The challenge of power today in the country is that we currently grow electricity at the generation level. We have sizeable electricity, but for it to move down to homes, these people (PHCN officials) must do the right thing. The transmission must be good.

Transmission is turning out to be a weak link,” he said.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL NEWS

November 17, 2012

Power project ready in 2013 –FG V ice President Namadi Sambo has said that most power plants belonging to the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) will be completed and commissioned in 2013.

Speaking yesterday at a special meeting on gas supply to power plants at the State House, Sambo directed that all problems that might hinder the delivery of power, especially gas supply, should be addressed forthwith.

On the issue with the power plant at Sapele, which was the subject of the meeting, it was noted that the early gas system was delivering gas to the power plant but some issues needed to be solved.

The issues were intermittent high influx of condensate; unsatisfactory operation of the heater in service, which is currently not in service; the cooling effect and capacity limitation to 90mmscf to orifice plate and other factors.

The Vice President further directed the experts handling the Sapele project, who have designed a mechanism to arrest these issues, to be in a meeting next week to discuss the solutions to the problems.

Sambo said he was expected to be adequately briefed in the meeting on gas infrastructure, financing and securitisation and to resolve all issues including financial implications.

He noted that the Gas Aggregator should sign

another 60mmscf to meet up the required amount of gas needed for the plant.

Earlier, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the World Bank was waiting for Nigeria to access the $600 million facility, which she said would assist in fixing some of the problems in the power sector.

She assured that there was nothing wrong in getting the facility.

7

Court dismisses contempt charge against FAAN MD K AYODE KETEFE

A

Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday dismissed the contempt charge filed against the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and its Managing Director, Mr. George Uriesi, by an aviation services firm and former concessionaire of the authority, Maevis Ltd. The presiding judge, Justice Ibrahim Bubam, held that the application instituted against the company and its MD by the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), on behalf of its client, Maevis, was defective and therefore incompetent.

Prof Osinbajo had

urged the court to commit the MD into prison for contempt.

He had also urged the court to dismiss an application by FAAN and Uresi, which is challenging its jurisdiction to hear a contempt case initiated against them by an aviation services firm, Maevis Limited.

He further stated that the applicants had already brought a similar application which had been heard and dismissed by the former trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako.

FAAN had however brought the application challenging the competence of the committal proceedings.

It contended that conditions precedent for filing such committal proceedings had not been met.

FRSC committed to 50% reduction in road crashes

Participants at the Nigerian Institute of Management Workshop on Women in Management and Leadership in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

‘Nigerian Constitution is too big and cumbersome’ TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

T

he chairman of the South-West zonal public hearing on constitutional amendment, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, yesterday said that the National Assembly would do its best to ensure that it works on the memorandum submitted by various individuals and groups.

The assurance came just as the Senaor representing Osun Central Senatorial District, Prof. Sola Adeyeye, declared that Nigeria’s constitution is rather big and cumbersome.

Speaking at the end of the two-day zonal public hearing on constitutional amendment in Lagos, Senator Solomon said the present National Assembly was passionate about change in Nigeria and therefore, would work towards issues that would be in the interest of the people in the proposed constitution amendment.

In his address, Adeyeye, said that Nigerian Constitution to big and therefore, its amendment would require a lot of commitment.

“Nigerian Constitution is too big and cumbersome.

There are some issues being raised in the constitution amendment process that are supposed to be a matter of law and not to be included in the constitution. There are a lot of issues involved in constitution amendment and Nigerians should be grateful to the present National Assembly for initiating the constitution amendment.

“The 1999 Constitution is not a product of the present National Assembly. We inherited it from the military and what we are doing now is to protect the document we do not create. Nigerians should be gracious to the present National Assembly for attempting to review the constitution,” Adeyeye said.

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of African Renaissance Party (ARP) and the Convener of the Peoples Movement for a new Nigeria, Alhaji Yaya Ndo, yesterday declared the proposed constitutional amendment as unconstitutional, saying that Nigerian constitution gives the National Assembly power to amend con-

stitution and not power to review it.

“Section 9 of the Nigerian constitution gives the National Assembly power to amend constitution and not power to review the constitution. What the National Assembly should do is to make an Act for the people of Nigeria to convene a national conference. The reality of Nigerians was that the 1999 Constitution was imposed by the military

and there was absolutely no input by the Nigerians masses,” he said.

During the two-day public hearing, individuals and groups from the six states in the South-West geo-political zone presented their memoranda and dominant issues during the public hearing include state creation, removal of immunity clause, state police, land and chieftaincy matters, tenure of office and fiscal federalism.

Jonathan speaks on current national issues

T

he next edition of the Presidential Media Chat where President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to speak on matters that are currently of interest to the nation comes up tomorrow.

A statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati said that during the chat which would be broadcast live on the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Ra-

dio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Jonathan would answer questions and respond to comments from a panel of reputable media practitioners on a broad range of issues that are presently in the public domain.

The Presidential Media Chat would begin at 7p.m while all other television and radio stations in the country are advised to hook up to the network services of NTA and FRCN to transmit the programme for the benefit of their viewers and listeners.

T

he Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Osita Chidoka has reiterated the Corps’ resolve towards a 50% reduction in road crashes in Nigeria, in line with the United Nations decade of action on road safety.

Giving this reassurance during a special Jumat service to commemorate this year’s world remembrance day for road crash victims, the Corps Marshal who was represented by the Deputy Corps Marshal, Motor Vehicle Administration, Danjuma Garba, expressed the concern of the FRSC over the spate of avoidable road crashes in the country which has not only left most families

in anguish but has also put a serious strain on the nation’s socio-economic growth.

He added that this year’s event which is being organised in collaboration with the federal ministries of Works and Health to underscore the level of partnership among the government agencies to stimulate increased consciousness among Nigerians on the menace of road crash and its attendant consequences on national development.

The Corps Marshal also said that the scourge of road crashes could only be addressed through strict compliance with existing traffic rules and regulations by road users across the country.

8

NATIONAL NEWS

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Justice Kayode Eso, 1925-2012

Kayode Eso, 87, dies in London •Nigeria has lost a great legal mind –Jonathan

ROTIMI FADEYI AND KEMI OLAITAN ABUJA AND IBADAN

T

he nation was yesterday thrown into mourning with the death of the retired judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Kayode Eso. Aged 87, Eso died in a London hospital.

The family of the legal icon, in a statement issued in Ibadan to announce his death, said he was survived by his wife, Helen and two children.

The statement signed

by Architect Olumide Eso and Mr. Ladipo Eso reads: “With Glory to Almighty God, we wish to announce the peaceful passing on of our husband, father, grandfather and brother, Justice Kayode Eso, JSC, CON, CFR, on Friday 16 Novem-

ber, 2012 at Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Helen Aina Eso, his children, Funmilayo Eso-Williams and Olumide Eso, as well as his grandchildren.

Saturday Mirror gathered that the legal luminary had been away from the country for close to three months now for medical treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

Except for the gateman and the Secretary, his Ikolaba area residence in Ibadan was desolate as it was learnt that his wife and the children had also travelled to London.

But a condolence register opened for him at his residence has been filled with words of grief from prominent Nigerians that

include the first woman Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Folake Solanke and the Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Prof.

Oluyemisi Bamgbose.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said that he received news of the death of Justice Eso with sadness and a feeling of great national loss.

A statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati said, “On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to the Eso family, their friends, associates and the government and people of Osun State as they mourn the eminent jurist, courageous judge and consistent advocate for an independent

judiciary, whose long and exemplary life was dedicated to the service of law and order, and the dispensation of true justice, equity and fairness to all.”

Jonathan urged all to take solace in the incontestable fact that Justice Eso would forever be remembered as a very bold, fearless and courageous judge who contributed enormously to establishing the independence of the Nigerian judiciary, and the national effort to entrench the highest levels of professionalism, discipline and integrity in the country’s legal system.

The president said he believed that members of the legal profession in Nigeria would always owe a debt of gratitude to the late Justice Eso for his immense contribution to the legal profession.

Eso’s death, a monumental loss –Mark EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

S

enate President, David Mark, has described the death of former Supreme Court Justice, the late Kayode Eso, as a monumental loss to the nation, particularly the Judiciary saying, he was indeed one of the “best and fertile minds in the judiciary.”

According to Mark, Eso was one of the brains behind the current judicial reforms, which he noted, had “ushered in the era of dignity and the independence of the nation’s judicial system.”

The Senate President

Justice Eso loved Nigeria to death –Babatope TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

F

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru (left), receiving a performance contract from the Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa, PHOTO: NAN Amb. Sonni Yusuf, at the signing in Pretoria, South Africa.

added that as then ProChancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), the late Supreme Court justice brought positive reforms in university administration, especially the tenure of Vice-Chancellors.

Said Mark: “As a legal officer and jurist, Eso was a voice for the voiceless.

He defended the defenseless and was there for the oppressed. He was forthright and a distinguished officer. Nobody doubted his integrity and where he stood on national issues were clearly unambiguous. He was a patriotic Nigerian”.

ormer Minister of T r a n s p o r t at i o n , Chief Ebenezer Babatope, has described the death of Justice Kayode Esho as a great loss to Nigeria.

In a press statement issued on Friday, ha said the late Esho was a forthright, brilliant, fearless and honest man who loved his country to the very end.

The statement reads: “The country is on once again thrown into mourning with the death of

one of the greatest legal minds in Nigeria, Justice Kayode Esho.

“Justice Eso was my uncle as we are both of the Odole chieftaincy family of Ijesaland. He was a forthright, brilliant, fearless and honest man who loved his country to the very end.

“His judicial decisions and pronouncements in his many years in the High and Supreme Court were simply flawless. His book, “The Secret Gunmen,” reveals a lot about his character and his entire life based on truth, justice and fair play to all”.

Eso used Law for social Justice Kayode Eso was re-engineering –Amosun integrity personified –Atiku Amaechi mourns late Justice Kayode Esho

O

gun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has mourned the death of Justice Kayode Eso. Amosun also condoled with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Judiciary, government and people of the State of Osun on the demise of the revered jurist.

In a press release by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, Amosun lamented that the late justice died at a time when the nation would have benefitted immensely from his wealth of experience in the ongoing re-

forms in the justice sector.

The governor also described late Eso as an embodiment of all the sterling qualities of an ideal judge, adding that he used Law as an instrument of social re-engineering.

“Erudition, sagacity, courage, integrity and commitment are among the noble qualities that defined the life and times of Justice Esho”.

Amosun recalled that Kayode Eso belonged to the golden era of the Nigerian Supreme Court, which turned out landmark judgements that have remained reference points till date.

F

ormer vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has extolled the extraordinary virtues of integrity of the late retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Kayode Eso. Atiku, in a statement by his media office in Abuja on Friday, said the late legal luminary was notable for his courage and integrity because of his role in saving the image of the judiciary from the nadir of moral eclipse.

As a judicial activist, he said the Eso was always on the side of justice, regardless of whose ox was gored.

The former vice president also recalled that almost every administration in Nigeria had invited Eso to head one judicial inquiry or another because of the recognition that he was a rare man of probity.

His words: “Honour counted above money in the eyes of the late Eso and even his enemies must privately find themselves admiring his unique uprightness.”

The Turaki Adamawa said one of the greatest desires of any man was to retire with his integrity intact and that the late Eso had achieved this ambition.

CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

G

overnor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has expressed shock over the demise of Justice Kayode Esho.

According to a statement by his spokesman, Mr. David Iyofor, Amaechi described Justice Eso as “an accomplished jurist, a rare breed of uncommon wisdom and sharp intellect who always stood on the side of the law and what is right.”

He also hailed Justice Eso’s enormous contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s legal and justice system and the good work he did as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

“Justice Eso was a man of uncommon virtues. His work in the apex court would not be easily forgotten. Most important to us here in Rivers State was his commitment to the Rivers State Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) which he chaired, contributing to the return of peace and sanity in the state.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL NEWS

November 17, 2012

9

Opposition merger talks: PDP is paranoid –ACN T he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has accused the PDP of suffering from deep paranoia over the ongoing merger talks involving key opposition parties, including the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) as well as other progressive forces in the country.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said there is no better indication that the PDP is deeply worried by the talks than the resort to downright lies and abuse of the opposition parties by its spokesman, Olisa Metuh, in order to discredit the talks.

It said that in Mr. Metuh’s latest statement against the opposition, he described the ACN as a ‘’one-man party’’ and the CPC as a ‘’believing in violence’’.

‘’The truth of the matter is that PDP is terrified of the outcome of the merger talks. From the commencement of these talks, PDP has been having nightmares. However the truth of the matter is that these talks have the blessing of a significant chunk of the leadership of the PDP who, for the time being, cannot come out publicly. ‘’Well, Mr. Metuh, here is a message you may want to convey to your paymasters: No amount of name calling, blackmail or character assassination can stop an idea whose time has come. ‘’And if the PDP is so sure that the talks will fail, why is it even bothering to make any comments at all? We are comforted by the wise saying that anywhere you see the sign that reads “No Thoroughfare”, then it means there

is a road there. PDP’s days as a political party are numbered with the assured success of these talks,’’ ACN said.

The party said the tagging of the ACN as a oneman party by the PDP has become a meaningless cliche, adding: ‘’All we have to say is that those who have the good fortune of belonging to the ACN know that there is no political party with a more robust democratic practice than the ACN. ‘’As a matter of fact, the usual remarks of former PDP members who joined our party is that they never believed any political party can be as democratic and inclusive in arriving at decisions affecting the party and its members as they have found in ACN. ‘’Perhaps Metuh had not joined the PDP when Gov. Rotimi Amaechi of

Rivers State, who won the PDP primary elections for the Governorship of Rivers State, had his ticket forcibly taken away from him and it took the Supreme Court of Nigeria - in a landmark decision - to restore his ticket to him and pronounce him Governor, even though his name was not on the ballot. ‘’Or may we ask where was Metuh when the PDP, after the death of late President Umaru Yar’Adua, decided to jettison its zoning agreement on the platform of shameless expediency to pave the way for President Goodluck Jonathan,’’ ACN queried.

The party said while the CPC is quite capable of defending itself against the irresponsible allegation that it believes in violence, the trophy for violence and gangsterism goes to the PDP.

L-R: Minister of State for Power, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi; Chief Executive Officer Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, Engr. Akamnonu; Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Dere Awosika, and vice chairman of Presidential Task Force on Power, Major-General Adebayo Olaniyi, during the minister’s tour of Ikeja, Lagos office of the company, yesterday.

‘’Again, we ask: Where was Metuh when some gangsters with the full backing of the highest echelon of the PDP kidnapped a serving governor, or when the leader of

the same gangsters openly confessed to the then President that he singlehandedly rigged election in favour of the PDP in the 2003 Anambra Governorship poll?

PDP will win Oyo in 2015 –Folarin KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

F

ormer Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin , has given the assurance that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win the 2015 elections in Oyo State as the party is set to reconnect itself with the people of the state .

Folarin gave the assurance while speaking with journalists after commiserating with the family of the former governor of Oyo State, the late Alhaji Lamidi Adesina at his Felele, Ibadan residence, alongside hundreds of his political loyalists.

According to him, leaders and members of the PDP in the state are presently busy reconciling as well as putting their houses in order politically for the future challenges.

He stated that: ‘’We cannot be talking of winning elections without first putting our home in order first. We have to reconnect ourselves back to the people because gone are the days when we take people for granted by saying I have the PDP ticket and that will guarantee me victory; this

time around, we have to reconnect ourselves to the people first.”

He said the situation in Oyo PDP in the last three months had been encouraging considering the outcome of the ongoing fencemending within the party leadership and members with the purpose of having a strong and united party. ‘’We are doing everything to put our party together in Oyo State, we are making progress if you consider what has happened in our party in the last three months. Like myself and my good brother, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja ,we are constantly in talking terms now. You should expect something like that from a big political party like the PDP and when the time comes we will be a strong force we are expected to be,’’ Folarin added.

Speaking on the late Action Congress of Nigeria ( ACN )national leader , Alhaji Lamidi Adesina, the former Senate Leader said his death would surely change the landscape of Oyo politics.

His words: “His death came to me as a shock .His death will surely change the landscape of Oyo politics’’.

Boko Haram: Obasanjo’s comment, ‘BoI’s loan boosts small invitation to civil war -Northern Patriots scale businesses’ OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

T

he recent comment by former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo that the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was weak and had failed to approach the Boko Haram menace like he did in Zaki Biam and Odi, has received a knock from a northern group, Coalition of Northern Patriots.

The group said the comment was a call to civil war.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the chairman and secretary of

Coalition of Northern Patriot, Alhaji Ali Abacha and Engr. Ibn Ahmed Mohammed, said “there is no better way to plunge the nation to crisis and even civil war than Obasanjo’s call for the destruction of the North.”

The group further said that it was unfortunate that Obasanjo was advocating, yet again, the “callous destruction of the innocent citizens and their properties as a mark of strong leadership.”

It wondered how Obasanjo could take pride in what has remained a stain in the human rights record of the

nation in the destruction of Odi and Zaki Biam.

The group said, “we condemn Obasanjo’s call for the destruction of the Muslims in the entity and call on all Nigerians to condemn this unpatriotic call.”

It warned that any attempt by President Jonathan to tow Obasanjo’s lines would be construed to mean “government’s declaration of war against the muslim North, and the consequences of such action will no doubt affect the cooperate existence of Nigeria negatively.”

The coalition said the

calling of truce by the Boko Haram sect is a testimony of the workability of the approval of the present administration’s bid to resolve the crisis.

“A critical assessment of the situation will show that one cannot place the problem the nation is faced with in Odi and Zaki Biam on the same platform with the challenge of Boko Haram. It will be thoughtless and irresponsible for anyone to suggest to the president to apply the tactics of the destruction of Odi/ Zaki Biam, to the entire North or the North East,” the group cautioned.

A

beneficiaries of part of the over N37 billion loan facilities of the Bank of Industry (BoI) has said that the good gesture of the bank towards industrialists has encouraged the small scale industry in Nigeria.

According to an entrepreneur, Mr. Emmanuel Oguot, the BoI had, through its loan facility come to the rescue of entrepreneurs at different times.

The Bank of Industry’s (BoI) loan to small scale industries is a joint effort between the bank and each of the government in the 36

states and FCT and meant to encourage and improve industrialists’ contributions and participation in the nation’s industrial growth.

Under the terms of agreement, each of the contributing states will pay a sum of N500 million counterpart fund, while the BoI will provide the other N500 million to make a total of one billion naira loan facility for small scale industries in the state.

But some states pledged to contribute more than N500 million as a way of ensuring more small scale industrialists in their domain to enjoy the loan facilities.

10

REGIONAL NEWS

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SOUTH WEST

Lawmaker advocates people-oriented policies, not dialogue with terrorists ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

G

ood policies and commensurate budgetary allocations for implementation and not dialogue with terrorists have been recommended as way out of nation’s woes.

House of Representatives member, Opeyemi Bamidele, described the dialogue being proposed as mere cosmetic approach that could not permanently tame the activities of terror groups in the country.

Opeyemi, who spoke yesterday in a lecture at Ekiti Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Week 2012 in Ado Ekiti, said ad-

equate funding of security agencies and putting a stop to unhealthy rivalry among them would further reinforce security in the country.

The lawmaker, representing Ado/Irepodun/ Ifelodun Federal Constituency, spoke in a lecture, entitled: ‘Nigerian Media and the Emerging Trends of Terrorism.’

According to him, terror groups are gradually operating like a cell in Nigeria.

But he said their activities could be curtailed through proper budgeting, massive youth employment and other people-oriented policies capable of eradicating poverty in the different

geo-political zones.

He said: “When the militant groups were bombing and kidnapping foreigners in the Niger Delta, Government dialogued with them and they were given amnesty which ended the crisis.

But today, it is the issue

of Boko Haram and you never know where attacks will be coming tomorrow”.

He said the paltry 28 per cent allocated to capital expenditure in the 2013 Federal Government Budget would have farreaching negative impli-

cations on the populace.

According to him, this budgetary policy will further impoverish the poor masses and exclude them from democratic dividends, thereby strengthening them to take up arms against the government in any form they

deem fit when they feel oppressed and depressed.

Bamidele said that each of the geo-political zones in the country had a stand-by group that could wreak havoc on the nation, thus necessitating a holistic approach by government.

Lam’s death a personal loss –Lamido KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

T

he governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, yesterday described the death of former governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina, as a personal loss.

He made the disclosure in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, shortly after attending a ‘Special Sitting’ organised by the state House of Assembly in honour of the late leader of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Lamido said, “I lost a good friend, a brother, we were together in the House of Representa-

K AYODE KETEFE

A

judge of a Federal High Court, Lagos, Justice Okon Abang ,yesterday voided the congresses of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) conducted in the state in July which brought into power the Executive Committee led

by Mr. Dipo Odujinrin.

Consequently, the judge ordered the affected officials, who emerged from the voided ward, local government and state congresses conducted in

tives between 1979 and 1983 in Lagos. We were part of the then progressives and to me, it’s a personal loss and I cannot help it,” he said.

He continued: “f you look at the older generation, it’s only Lam and I that survived the political terrain and Lam is gone. I am very lonely. He was the governor in his state while I am the governor in my state, apart from the fact that we hold the same idea, now he is gone, so it is a personal loss. That is why I came here with old personal friends and we represent a powerful delegation from the North to officially register our condolences with the people of Oyo State over the demise

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Right) and National President of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Lateef Olufemi Okunnu, during a courtesy visit by the national leadership of the Society to the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta on Friday.

of ‘Great Lam’”.

Lamido however tasked the younger generation to contribute their quota to the development of the country, adding that Lam had played his part successfully.

Earlier, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, in his tribute, said: “We can never be like Lam but we will continue to live by his legacies of consistency, sincerity, devoid of deception, uncompromising and courageous” adding that the state mourned the great lover of the common man.

In her remarks, the speaker of the House,

Monsurat Sunmonu, said the state owes the late former governor a duty to immortalise his memory.

She said Lam was a man who made his marks at the various levels and particularly in the state, education, socio-political arena and became a reference father of the state.

Dignitaries present at the event include former governors, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, the National Chairman of ACN, Chief Bisi Akande, Senator Lekan Balogun, Senator Ayo Adeseun, Chief Michael Koleosho among many others.

PDP’ll win Oyo in 2015 –Folarin KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

F

ormer Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win the 2015 elections in Oyo State as the party is set to reconnect itself with the people of the state.

Folarin said this while speaking with journalists after commiserating with the family of the former governor of Oyo state, late Alhaji Lamidi

Court voids Ogun PDP Congresses the state in July to vacate offices and yield the party’s management and control to those officials who emerged from the earlier congresses conducted by the Harmonised Dayo Soremi led-Committee.

The court also affirmed the judgement delivered by another judge of the same Federal High Court Lagos, Justice Charles Archibong, on 2 May, 2012, which earlier pronounced the Adebayo Dayo led -Executive Committee as the

authentic management body of the party in the state.

Justice Abang further ordered the PDP to adopt the said committee and give it all necessary materials to operate throughout its four-year tenure as provided in the PDP Constitution.

The judge directed the Inspector General of Police, and all other relevant security agencies to help in enforcing this judgment which may include

arrest of anyone who violates the pronouncements in the judgement.

Justice Abang, berated the PDP for acting against known principles of rule of law and constitutionalism when, accusing it of having taken steps aimed at circumventing the judicial process by conducting the July 23 congresses rather than await the outcome of its appeal it had filed at the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal.

The judge said: “The

unchallenged evidence before the court showed that defendant (PDP and others) had conducted congresses in July in Ogun State, while the judgment was yet to be set aside.

“This action of the alleged contemnors is distasteful, senseless, oppressive, high handed, sufficiently outrageous, reprehensible to the extreme and showed gross disregard for the rule of law.”

Adesina at his Felele, Ibadan residence, alongside hundreds of his political loyalists.

According to Senator Folarin, leaders and members of the PDP in the state are presently busy reconciling as well as putting their houses in order politically for the future challenges.

“We cannot be talking of winning elections without first putting our home in order first. We have to reconnect ourselves back to the people because gone are the days when we take the people for granted by saying I have the PDP ticket and that would guarantee me victory.

This time around, we have to reconnect ourselves to the people first.”

The former Senate Leader said the situation in Oyo PDP in the last three months has been encouraging considering the outcome of the on-going fence mending within the party leaders and members with the purpose of having a strong and united party.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

November 17, 2012

11

SOUTH EAST

Constitution review hearing: Ebonyi Dep Gov booed DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

E

bonyi State Deputy Governor Dave Umahi was yesterday booed by participants at the South East public hearing for constitution review in Enugu when he declared that his state is not in support of the recognition of the six geopolitical zones as federating units in Nigeria.

Umahi was also booed for submitting that Ebonyi State does not support granting autonomy to local government councils in the country.

The deputy governor rather contended that Ebonyi would prefer the current federation with states instead of grant-

L-R: Eze Ndi Igbo of Lagos State, Eze Nwabueze Ohazulike; Eldest Son of late Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Chief Debe OdumegwuOjukwu, and Peoples Democratic Party Chieftain, Chief Olabode George, at Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe memorial lecture in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

ing the geopolitical zones powers to correspond with the Federal Govern-

ment, adding that the local governments are better off under the yoke of

state governments.

The state also agreed that additional states

MASSOB chieftain sues Army, police for N25m over right violation NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

A

n Otuocha High Court 1 in Anambra State of Justice V. N. Umeh is expected to begin hearing in a civil suit filed by a chieftain of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Arinze Igbani, against the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police.

Igbani, MASSOB’s Regional Administrator for Onitsha Region, had dragged top army officers, including the Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Col. Taritimiye Gagariga; the Adjutant at the 302 Regiment, the General

Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to the court for allegedly breaching his fundamental rights as guaranteed under Sections 33, 34 (1) (a), 35 (6), 36 (5) and 41 of the Constitution of the Nigeria 2010, as amended.

Joined in the suit are the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

In his statement of claim, Igbani, through his legal counsel, Charles Ugo, is seeking a court declaration that the respondents violated and are still violating the his fundamental rights and an order of perpetual

injunction restraining the respondents either by themselves, their servants, agents, privies or subordinates from further arresting, detaining intimidating, harassing and threatening his life.

Also Igbani noted that he was involved in an auto accident in April, 2012 and had a fractured leg and as a result was admitted in an orthopaedic hospital located at No. 3 Ezeakunne Street, Okpoko Layout within Onitsha suburb.

Igbani noted that on 4 September, 2012, a team of armed soldiers from the office of the first respondent, led by the second respondent, invaded the hospital at about 9 a.m. and started shooting

sporadically in the air for a minute and half and at the same time surrounded the compound and was ready to shoot anyone who dared to move out of the hospital premises.

He contended that the soldiers arrested six persons who came to sympathise with him, forced out his fractured leg hung and rested in an iron for medical treatment and pushed all of them into their waiting Hilux Army patrol van and drove off to Army barracks where they were flogged with ropes, horse whips, belts, planks and subjected to severe torture and humiliation, to the extent of shattering the fractured leg with their boots and gun butts.

Emulate Zik’s virtues, Bode George, Ojukwu’s son task politicians TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

F

ormer Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, and a son of the late Igbo leader, Dim ChukwuemekaOjukwu, Chief Debe Odumegwu-Ojukwu, have called on Nigerian politicians, especially public office holders to emulate

the good virtues of the first Nigerian President, Dr. NnamdiAzikiwe.

Speaking at the 2012 Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe (Zik) Day in Lagos, George and Ojukwu paid tributes to the late statesman and other founding fathers of the country for their tireless efforts toward Nigeria’s independence from the British government.

George, who was the

guest speaker at the event said: “We must return to the sanitising beginning where the diverse richness of public debate governed the tenor and tempo of partisan politics. We must acknowledge the guiding credo of the Great Zik of Africa whose whole political philosophy is summed up in these words: “You talk, I listen, you listen, I talk.

“In the simplicity of this wisdom one can discern the instinctive accommodating spirit of the Great Zik of Africa.

He was a man ever prepared to mend the broken places, to heal the frayed edges. He was a great reconciliator, a nationalist without partisan bitterness, a natural patriot without the least venom of ethnic colouration.”

should be created in the South East zone but failed to take side on which of

the six agitating states should be created unlike Imo, Enugu and Abia states that stated unequivocally which of the proposed states it supported.

Ebonyi said that the choice of which of the proposed states should be adopted for creation by the zone should be left to the governors of the area to decide.

Other states that made submission at the public hearing agreed on devolution of powers, rotation of the Presidency among the six geopolitical zones and kicked against State Police. The agitating states for creation that made presentations included Adada, Aba, Anim, Equity, Orimili and Orashi states.

Nkpor/Ogidi crisis: IGP deploys team to take inventory to other houses NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

I

nspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, has dispatched a team of policemen to Anambra State to take the full inventory of all the properties damaged during the October 1, 2012 bloody land dispute between Umusiome village, Nkpor and their neighboring Oramadike village, Ogidi both in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The team, drawn from the Federal Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS), Abuja is led by Mr Gaji Gaji, a Deputy Superintendent of Police. The team arrived at the disputed land yesterday, in company of some policemen from Ogidi Division and went round the disputed area.

The team was conducted round the strifetorn land by a community leader and chairman of AborAkuzor kindred of Umusiome village, Nkpor, Chief Okechukwu Nwaforagu.

Nwaforagu who has a chieftaincy title of Ochiaghan Nkpor, further took the police team

that were equally damaged by the gunmen.

The police team also visited the Crown Hospital, Nkpor-Uno to confirm that the corpse of one Mrs. Ogechukwu Uga, who was allegedly shot dead by the gunmen, was still in the hospital’s mortuary.

At the hospital, the Medical Director, Dr. Emegoakor who confirmed that Uga’s remains were at the mortuary, told the bereaved husband, Monday, and the police team, to arrange for a post-mortem examination of the body before the corpse could be released for burial.

Nwaforagu has volunteered to foot the bill of the proposed postmortem.

Gaji then advised the bereaved husband to come with the team to Ogidi police station from where some policemen would be detailed to assist him in the post mortem examination of his dead wife.

The Abor Akuzor kindred has been enmeshed in a land dispute with their neighbouring Oramadike village Ogidi in recent times.

12

REGIONAL NEWS

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SOUTH SOUTH

Edo guber tribunal begins sitting, hears Airhiavbere’s witnesses SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN CITY

T

he Edo State Gover norship Election Petition Tribunal sitting at the State High Court Complex in Benin City on Friday began the trial of the petition filed against the re-election of Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) by the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Major-General Charles Airhiavbere (retd).

Before the trial began, the tribunal had adopted the judgment of the Court of Appeal that upheld Airhiavbere’s appeal and directed the tribunal to hear the petition afresh, or de novo, after the former tribunal had thrown it out before it was dissolved.

Airhiavbere, Oshiomhole as well as top state government offi-

cials including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu; the new Chief of Staff, Patrick Obahiagbon attended the tribunal session.

Addressing the tribunal, Airhiavbere’s

counsel, Mr. Sunday Agwuinede, said, “I am pleased to inform your lordships that the amputated part of the petition has been restored by the Court of Appeal. It is now necessary to re-formulate

new issues in view of the new shape of the restored paragraphs,” a request that the tribunal Chairman, Justice Mu’azu Pindiga completely agreed with but with a condition that it would be done later

before asking Agwuinede to open his case with the formal invitation four witnesses to prove his allegation of malpractices.

The witnesses retired Regimental Sgt-Major Victor Ojo; Messrs Sunny

Governor Godswill Akpabio (r) handing over his message of condolence to former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshall Nsikak Eduok (Rtd), during the funeral service of Air Marshall Eduok’s wife, the late Mrs Nkese Nsikak Eduok, yesterday.

Imafidon, Best Okposisi and Saturday Oimen, all of whom testified as PDP supervisors in the elections, alleged that there were irregularities in Units 1, 4 and 11 of Wards 10, 3 and 2 respectively in Edo South Senatorial District.

Notably, under cross examination, the witnesses could not produce any identity or accreditation materials to support the claim of being PDP supervisors in the election. They claimed that they lost their tags when they were assaulted by ACN members during the election, sending the over-filled court house roaring with laughter.

The attempt by Airhiavbere’s counsel to bring in some portions of the voter’s register in exhibit was resisted by the counsel to Oshiomhole, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), who said the document was not pleaded in the witness’ statements.

Ibaka seaport to ensure decongestion, reduce unemployment –Akpabio TONY ANICHEBE UYO

G

overnor Godswill Akpabio has said that when completed, the Ibaka Deep Seaport in the state would ease port congestion and solve some unemployment issues for people of the state.

Akpabio stated this yesterday when a team

of consultants handling the project visited him in his office in Uyo. The team was led by Dr. Aisha Achimugu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Felak Concept Limited, handlers of the project.

“With the congestion of the Lagos seaport, there was the need for another seaport in the country and for the cre-

ation of employment of our youths. Nigeria needs to gallop and run faster to catch up with the rest of the world.

So, we must re-double our efforts and work because I believe in quality delivery, which would be made possible by our consultants. We would work with them to achieve this milestone project,’’ the governor

yesterday, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan, said the amount showed a decrease of 12 per cent over the amount approved for this year’s budget.

Akpan explained that the draft budget, tagged ‘Budget of Consolidation and Industrialisation’, will enable the state government complete ongoing development projects in the state as well as continued the provision of basic infrastructure and security as well as implementation of the state industrialization programme.

The commissioner noted that in the draft budget, the state government took cognizance of fluctuating petroleum prices in the international market, saying that the government would explore internally generated revenue to help in the implementation of the budget.

AkwaIbom State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, stated that with the draft budget, the state government would complete projects as Tropicana Entertainment Centre and the International Stadium, Uyo.

A’Ibom exco approves N459b as 2013 budget proposal TONY ANICHEBE UYO

A

kwa Ibom Executive Council has approved 2013 draft budget amounting to N459,305,166,710. The draft would be forwarded to AkwaIbom House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

Of the total amount, Capital Expenditure is given N340,515,000,000 or 82 per cent while Recurrent Expenditure will gulp N118,790,166,710 representing 18 per cent.

Briefing journalists after the Exco meeting

added.

Akpabio said the power-point presentation by the consultants showed that the project is on the right track, and commended the Federal Government for the realisation of the need of another seaport in Nigeria to enhance the economy of the country.

Akpabio continued, ‘‘to say there is need for

CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

F

orty two days after he and his three friends were brutally murdered by a senseless mob at the now infamous Umuokiri, Aluu Community, Lloyd Toku, a 200 level Engineering student of the University of Port Harcourt, has been buried.

He was seen to his final resting place at the Port Harcourt City cemetery rest by family, friends and well-wishers after a service and procession that held the town spellbound.

Family and sympathisers, some clad in black TShirts with Lloyd’s image emblazoned in front, started gathering at the Toku Mike residence as early as

a second seaport would be an understatement.

There is always need to think of another seaport and Ibaka Seaport is yet to be fully explored. Ibaka is not only a solution to unemployment but also answer to port decongestion in the country’’.

Achimugu in her comment assured that the handlers of the project

would fast track the development and completion of the project in record time. Also speaking, Mr. Paul Van Eulem, the Technical Partner and Head of Maritime Transport Business Solution (MTBS), said that they are committed with the project, and with the refinery there, they can produce 100,000 barrels of oil per day.

UNIPORT 4: Toku Lloyd gets final farewell 8am.

The ambulance bearing the body arrived the compound to a massive uproar of anguish at 10.00 am.

His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Toku Mike who were also wearing black T-shirts with their son’s picture welcomed the ambulance.

His mother ran her hands across the vehicle, muttering “my baby has arrived.”

Almost immediately, the body was moved to the Number 6 Field in the old Port Harcourt Township, where an open air church service was held before the remains were taken to the City Cemetery for intern-

ment.

The service, which featured choruses and exhortations, was handled by members of Salvation Ministries, the church where the family worships.

Paying tribute to his late first son, Mr. Toku Mike said: “Lloyd, you called and wished me happy birthday on Thursday, October 4, 2012. You promised you would come home on Friday, October 5, 2012 after lectures but you never did. Little did I know that your birthday wish was your goodbye to me, your mother, and your younger brother….”

Politics

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

November 17, 2012

13

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

T

o many Nigerians, especially the people of Ilorin in Kwara State, the death of Waziri of Ilorin and strongman of Kwara State politics, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, on Wednesday is a great loss.

Without any iota of doubt, Saraki, Second Republic Senate Leader, during his lifetime was one of the respected and astute politicians in Nigeria. He was regarded as a kingmaker and political gladiator in Kwara State politics.

Saraki, a politician and doctor was born on May 17, 1933 at Ilorin. His mother was from Iseyin in Oyo State and his father was from Ilorin. He was educated at Eko Boys High School, Lagos and attended the University of London and St. George’s Hospital Medical School, London, where he acquired various skills in Medicine. After his education abroad, Saraki worked as a medical officer at the General Hospital, Lagos and the Creek Hospital, Lagos, before venturing into politics.

He first entered politics when he contested in the 1964 parliamentary election for Ilorin as an independent candidate, but failed to win. After the election, he returned to his medical practice in Lagos and his passion to serve the people forced him to return to party-politics in 1978/79.

In 1977, Olusola Saraki was elected as a member of the Constituent Assembly that produced the 1979 Constitution. In 1979, he contended for the presidential slot of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and when he could not clinch the position, he took part in the senatorial contest. He emerged as the Senator representing Kwara Central and was later appointed the Senate Leader during the Second Republic.

In 1983 Saraki was re-elected into the Senate on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) but the military intervention through a coup led by General Muhammadu Buhari, ended the Second Republic. While in the Senate, Saraki as Senate Leader used his position to build bridges of understanding with the vibrant opposition, the Unity Party of Nigeria and the Great Nigeria Peoples party.

In 1998, Olusola Saraki became a National Leader and member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the All Peoples Party (APP), contributing to APP’s success during the 1999 general elections in Kwara and Kogi states.

Since his breakthrough into politics, Saraki, who many people called ‘Oloye’ has been playing prominent roles in Nigerian politics but his biggest influence was felt more in his home state, Kwara, where he had been a constant determiner of who becomes the governor of the state. Saraki, as a result of his generosity, won the heart of the people of his state and the electorate usually moved towards any direction he leaned. Based on his remarkable influence in determining who governed Kwara State during his life time, many people likened him to Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, the strongman of Ibadan politics.

Olusola Saraki

Kwara politics after Saraki: More questions than answers

Saraki during the Second Republic in 1979, single-handedly installed the state’s first governor, Adamu Attah. It is believed that there is no permanent friend or enemy in politics, but permanent interest. This notion became a reality in Kwara State prior to the 1983 election as Saraki and Attah fell out. Saraki thereafter played a decisive role in ensuring victory in 1983 for Chief Cornelius Adebayo, the candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

Saraki, in 1992, during the Third Republic single-handedly nominated and worked toward the emergence of Alhaji Shaaba Lafiaji as governor of the state.

Lafiaji governed for about 22 months before General Sani Abacha took over power through a palace coup.

The former Senate Leader also played a crucial role in the present Fourth Re-

public. In 1998, Olusola Saraki became a national leader and member of the Board of Trustees of the All Peoples Party (APP), contributing to the APP’s success in Kwara and Kogi states. He assisted and installed his godson, Rear Admiral Mohammed Lawal as Governor of Kwara State. Like what happened during 1983, Saraki and Lawal also fell out prior to the 2003 general elections.

Despite Lawal’s power of incumbency during the 2003 general elections, Saraki proved to the world that he was the kingmaker in Kwara State politics. He staged a double political act by installing his son, Bukola Saraki, as the governor of the state and his daughter, Gbemisola as a Senator, under a different political platform, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Bukola and Gbemisola, with the influence of their father, also secured

a second term during the 2007 general elections.

History repeated itself again prior to the 2011 general election as Saraki and his son, Bukola, fell apart over the choice of governorship candidate. The Waziri of Ilorin pushed his daughter, Gbemisola as Bukola’s successor, but the governor rather than supporting his sister gave his blessing to one of his commissioners, Abdulfatah Ahmed.

With the development, many people believed that the outcome of the election would determine the political future of the Waziri of Ilorin. Despite the intervention of many people prevailing on Bukola to dance to his father’s tune, he stood his ground and dared his father during the 2011 general elections.

For the first time in Kwara politics, Saraki was demystified as his attempt to install Gbemisola as Bukola’s successor failed abysmally during the election. Gbemisola, who contested on the platform of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), came a distant third to Ahmed of PDP and Mohammed Dele Belgore of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

To many people, Saraki’s demystification during the election was not a surprise. They believed that the old Saraki lost the election to his son because of old age and inability to defeat the incumbency power like he did during the 1983 and 2003 general elections. Many people also attributed the clamour for CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

14

POLITICS

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PDP’ll win Lagos in 2015 –Gbadamosi

Gbadamosi

Babatunde Gbadamosi is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, who contested for the governorship ticket of the party in 2011. He speaks with OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU on the effect of the recent tribunal verdicts on the 2011 Lagos local government poll in favour of the PDP in Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Authority and how the PDP will win Lagos and bounce back in the South West in 2015, among other salient issues. Excerpts:

R

ecently the local government election petition tribunal declared the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA as the winner of the 2010 election. How do you react to this development?

It is my candid opinion that the tribunal could not have decided otherwise, and it is clear that the chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), last year, only announced names of winners and not the result on television where he declared the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to have won the election. As at the time he was making the announcement, the ballot that were cast in Ikoyi/ Obalende LCDA, were still at the collation centre at the local government headquarters on Glover Road; they have not been counted and collated, so where he got who won and who didn’t win from, without collating the result of the election, is still a misery till this day, to all Lagosians.

Justice Dolapo Akinsanya demon-

strated the sort of bravery and courage of conviction, as well as an affinity for truth that we have long associated with the most excellent minds in the judiciary, and in refusing to be cowed, in refusing to be intimidated by the formidable arsenal of the ACN, into committing a gross miscarriage of justice. Justice Akinsanya deserves a great deal of commendation from the good people of Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA for helping them retrieve their stolen mandate and giving it to the person of their choice, the chairman of their choice, Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro.

This verdict definitely has some kind of effect on both the PDP and the ACN. How do you think this verdict will affect the ACN and what lesson do you think the PDP should learn from it?

I think that the verdict merely confirms a trend which we have noticed in Lagos State since 2008, when the seat for the House of Representative member for Ibeju/Lekki constituency became vacant.

In the election that took place subsequently, the ACN, or whatever they were called then, sponsored a candidate, through the Alliance for Democracy (AD), and the PDP candidate went head to head against it and won that election convincingly. The same thing happened in Ikorodu state constituency, where the PDP also recorded another resounding victory in 2010. So, there has been a definite shape in the direction of political affair in Lagos State, in the direction of the PDP. At the local government election, we know for certain that PDP won the election in Badagry Central, we also know for certain and as has been confirmed by the judiciary now, that PDP won the election in Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA. There are other local governments, for instance, like in Alimosho where the PDP also won. But there have been all sort of machinations, all sort of legal technicalities being used; all sort of tricks and mischief have been deployed to ensure that the mandate freely given to the PDP candidate by the people of Lagos have continued to remain in the hands of usurpers.

So, definitely what it means for the ACN is a confirmation that in fact they have lost control of the mind of the people, because that is what they have always had, control, rather than love. In terms of love the PDP is reaping bountifully from the hearts of Lagosians, who have tasted the ACN for 13 years now; they have carried the burden of multiple taxation that has been imposed on them by the ACN; they have endured the lack of infrastructure which has been supplanted by cosmetics projects, flower planting and such like, as well as a plethora of dictatorial laws, some of which are completely impossible, unrealistic in nature. Laws have been enacted by the ACN government in a desperate bid, either to raise money or to present themselves as the party of law and order which of course we all know they are not.

How would you access the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan so far?

I think that President Goodluck Jonathan has been quite unfortunate, quite unlucky. He’s unlucky in the sense that he’s been trying to fight corruption at the very root of corruption. What is the main root of corruption in Nigeria? What is one of the biggest drain pipes in Nigeria? It is fuel subsidy payment - money paid out to individuals who we’ve now discovered have not even been importing the fuel, or have imported the fuel, and the government paying for it multiple times. It also comes in the form of people collecting subsidy and then shipping the fuel out through the back doors to sell to our neighbours, thus making Nigeria to subsidise fuel consumed by our West African neighbours.

So, Mr. President has been unfortunate, from the point of view that he has exposed the fuel subsidy scam. Nobody else did.

Mr. President is doing everything he can; it’s also unfortunate that it is his time that the Boko Haram Islamic fundamentalists have decided to hold the country by the jugular, perpetrating violence of great magnitude. Also unfortunate is the fact that it is in his own regime that climate change has reached such a level that River Benue and

Niger are over flowing their banks, causing untold hardship to the people. It’s just unfortunate that this things are happening at this time, but I think in view of all these things, if one takes an overall view, one realises that President Jonathan has done extremely well considering the challenges he is being confronted with.

How would you rate the chances of the PDP, first in Lagos and in the SouthWest in the 2015 election?

I think the people of the South-West now see the ACN as the party of charlatan that it is. It thought it could fight, but when it comes to actually doing the work, it fell down flat, and it is actually quite terrible when it comes to corruption. You see incidences in Oyo State where jamborees of all sort have been embarked on by the executive governor. The members of the House of Assembly, the wives of the members of the House of Assembly have gone on jamboree to the UK; we see situations were projects that have been embarked on by previous PDP government like the Osun Oshogbo festival which has now become a United Nations recognised festival, are being milked, attacked, degraded by the Islamic government imposed on Osun and Ekiti State, by the Court of Appeal.

It is glaring that the South-West has fared very badly under this roguish political tendency. But at the end of it, the Yoruba are very discerning people. You can say anything you like, but what Yoruba people are looking for is what you do, and the ACN have fallen flat on their faces where performance is concerned. The PDP governors and the PDP as a party have never been good at publicity but it’s always been good at working, working really hard. The best governor in Nigeria today is Godswill Akpabio; you don’t see him in the newspaper shouting all over the place, and receiving awards left and right; you don’t see him being named man of the year by anybody. He would rather spend the money on the people he has been elected to serve; it’s a tradition that was established by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that your work should speak for you. President Obasanjo left $65 billion in the external reserve at the time he left office. He also left us with substantial amount in the excess crude account, billions of dollars. Governors usually at the fore front of the clamour for the sharing of the excess crude account have been ACN governors led by the governor of Lagos State.

You haven’t spoken about the chances of the PDP in the next election.

The PDP will win the next elections in Lagos, that much is clear, if the electoral trends over the last couple of years are followed. The people of Lagos are fed up of being taxed to death, they are fed up of being told over and over again by a nonperforming government that they are performing, when what they can see with their own very eyes is the reverse. So, as far as the electoral chances of the PDP, at the next election is concerned, the PDP will win Lagos State. That is certain. If there is no rigging, if people are not paid off, if INEC officials are not paid off, if the police are not paid off, if there is no corruption on the scale that we have seen in the past in the electoral process, the PDP will win.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

POLITICS

November 17, 2012

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 change and freedom from the grip of the Saraki dynasty over Kwara State as one of the reasons why people voted against the Waziri’s choice.

Looking at the scenario that followed Saraki’s death, considering the mass movement of mostly aged and middle aged women and men including thugs that thronged his Iloffa GRA home, where they used to meet him for his philanthropic gestures, this time around, to mourn him, his death was a great blow to the people.

Without any iota of doubt many people within and outside Kwara State believe strongly that the death of the former Senate Leader has ended an era in the state politics and the question begging for answer is, who will steps into the big shoes left behind by the Waziri of Ilorin.

Considering the role Bukola played in installing Governor Ahmed against his father’s wish, some analysts see the former governor as the likely successor of his father.

Political analysts are of the view that Bukola Saraki, during his eight years in office as governor of Kwara State, underwent the required tutelage under ‘Oloye’ for him to become a voice to be reckoned with in Kwara politics. Bukola, a green horn in politics during 2003 election, within his eight years in office, built his own political machinery. During the 2011 election, the young Saraki did not only win the oppositions, he also beat his father to it, using his political machineries, his structures and eventually his own methods to achieve victory. No doubt, Bukola Saraki had learnt the rope very fast such that many believe that the cap of the next political leader in Kwara State would just fit him very appropriately.

But if agitation of the opposition is anything to go by, Bukola may find it difficult to have a grip on Kwara politics like his father did for over 30 years. Some people are of the view that those who are dissatisfied with the late Saraki’s great influence on Kwara politics may gather and build a formidable force to end the reign of Saraki’s dynasty in Kwara State in future elections.

Head or tail, Saraki’s death has created a big vacuum, not only in Kwara State, but in the entire country, considering the popularity of the former Senate Leader in many parts of the country.

Many people will definitely miss the generosity of the late Saraki.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos shortly after his father’s death, Bukola said that all the children are very proud of the legacy left behind by the Waziri of Ilorin. He therefore tasked people to look at what the former Senate Leader fulfilled rather than what he didn’t fulfill.

His words: “We give praise to Almighty Allah who has life. He (Olusola Saraki) lived a great life and left many legacies.

We are proud of what he achieved in his life time and all of us his children thank God for his life. He touched many lives and we are proud of what he has been able to do. We should look at what he fulfilled rather than what he didn’t fulfill.

He fulfilled many good things.”

Former governor of Lagos State and national leader of the Action Congress

15

Kwara politics after Saraki

Olusola Saraki

of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described the late Saraki as a statesman of immense character said that the philanthropic character of the deceased would be missed. He also tasked politicians to learn from Saraki’s political strategy and maturity.

Said he: “Saraki was a national hero to many of us in this country and had greatly contributed to the freedom and political emancipation of Nigerian democracy.

His death came as a shock but he has lived a very fulfilling life. His death is a loss to the country.

“The ability to create a political platform that endures is part of his legacies.

He understood the country’s political terrain so much and that made him contribute greatly to the evolution of democracy and sustenance of welfare programmes.

We have lost a man of immense political strategy at the time Nigeria needs to promote and further our democratisation in a free and fair election that will elect true leaders. As a political leader and philanthropist, his philanthropic character will be immensely missed.”

Speaking to Saturday Mirror, former Secretary of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, said the death of Saraki would create an uncertain scenario for a short time because of the roles he played in Nigerian politics, especially in Kwara State. He therefore called on people of the state to organise themselves tactically and ideologically to reconfigure the political process in Kwara.

“Saraki’s death will certainly create uncertain scenario for a short time because the old man was a multi-state politician throughout his time. He was a multi-state politician to the extent that during his presidential aspiration, he will bear Olusola Saraki in Yoruba land with Yoruba gown; he will bear Sola Saraki in the East with his suit and English dress and in the North, he would bear Abubakar Saraki with Northern gown to match. The bane of master-servant politicking; that is the politics of stomach he established, will be difficult to be sustain.

“Those who were interested in total transformation of Kwara State now

Bukola Saraki

have greater opportunities to organise themselves tactically and ideologically to reconfigure the political process in Kwara. The challenge is now on people of goodwill to rally round themselves to establish a totally ideological political platform to undo what Saraki has done in Kwara politics.”

Former Minister of Transportation and PDP chieftain, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, said the death of Saraki would

not create so much vacuum because of the remarkable impact he made during his life time.

“The death of Saraki will not create any vacuum at all. He was a very charismatic person and many people love him.

I also respect him and even though we shared different political views, in 2005 we worked together during the 2005 National Political Reform Conference organised by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and it was then that I knew the qualities of Saraki.

“He was a charismatic politician and a man who was never known to nurse any grudges against people who are his political opponents. In 1983, he made sure that his own faction of NPN cooperated and collaborated with UPN toward the emergence of Chief Cornelius Adebayo as governor of Kwara State. Saraki is not someone we can forget easily. No doubt, people will surely see his death as a big challenge,” Babatope said.

Will Kwara State politics be the same after the exit of Dr. Olusola Saraki? Will there be a change in the state? Can the death of Saraki free Kwarana from the grip of the Saraki dynasty? Will the Waziri of Ilorin’s death bring a new beginning in the area of social, mental, physical and political development? Who will be the next kingmaker and strongman of Kwara politics? These are questions begging for answers.

In your refreshingly different Nigeria’s teenage breadwinners It is the story of young boys and girls who fend for their families, taking over the role of their parents. Across the nation, hunger is growing and putting food on the table has become a nagging problem in most homes. So, these kids have thus assumed the responsibility of providing for their homes, as they struggle to eke out a living on the streets of Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and other urban and even village centres. It is a chilling tale of abuse, degradation and wonder.

Dateline

Saro-Wiwa and his times

Seventeen years after the judicial murder of world acclaimed environmentalist and activist, Kenule Saro-Wiwa, by the General Sani-Abacha junta, the ripples generated by that incident in which eight other activists from oil-rich Ogoniland were hanged, are yet to wane. In this breezy prose, we take you on a trip down memory lane, bringing out all you need to know about

Sacked by Áood, and by fellow men After they had been sacked from their homes by flood, hardly did the locals of Bayelsa taking refuge in government’s relief camps know that more troubles awaited them. This is not the best of times for these folks as they were forcefully ejected from their temporary relief camps by soldiers and policemen in the state.The state government appears to be overstretched on the welfare of the victims, amid horrid tales of sharp practices by officials saddled with delivering relief materials. It is a moving story.

Who succeed Saraki, Lam? Coming a few days after the former governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina, breathed his last, the strongman of Kwara State politics and a nationally acclaimed politician, Senator Olusola Saraki, also died, Wednesday.

However, their deaths have created a yawning gap in the political configuration of their respective states. Saraki, who had successfully installed two governors in his homestate and Adesina who was seen as a political godfather in Oyo were both great in their times. But now that they are both gone, what will the politics of Kwara and Oyo look like? And who are the possible politicians to take over as godfathers? We give you insights, tomorrow.

How I cope with advances –Mercy Aigbe

In the Yoruba movie genre of Nollywood, Mercy Aigbe is no pushover. In this interview, she explains what she does to shrug off amorous moves by some of her fans. She also reveals a lot on her career, family and social life.

These and many more available tomorrow in your

16

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAGAZ INE Maheeda Born again and having fun

Sex talk

Sorry boys, size does matter: Science confirms men’s worst bedroom fear

z z z z z z

Relationships Must your spouse know before you give to your family?

z z z z z z

Fashion • Gypsy queens • Colour me beautiful

18 ‘Sexy’ Gina is an Abujabased singer-performer who is currently making waves.

She, however, tells OSEYIZA OOGBODO that her name is just Gina and not Sexy Gina which is how she is introduced at concerts.

November 17, 2012

Celebrity

shows, they call me that and because I know they love me, I just answer sometimes because I know when they see me on stage, some just can’t hide what is in their mind.

Has the Sexy Gina name then been a hindrance or a help to your music career?

I haven’t had any hindrance thus far in my career. Gina is my name and brand name as well which only gives me more blessings.

L

agos is reputed to be where the action is when it comes to entertainment. Why are you based in Abuja?

Lagos is the New York or Hollywood of Naija, we all know that, but my being in Abuja isn’t stopping me at all.

I do things I want to do in Lagos and Abuja and being a very mobile individual, I can say I work in Lagos and am based in Abuja. I am not missing anything at all.

Since you are referred to as sexy, have you been attracting sexual advances from men?

My name is Gina and it’s a sexy name and men love the word sexy too, but for me, I don’t notice anything as I’m fully focused on my career for now.

But would you say you are sexy?

If so, how sexy are you?

You sef, you no dey see? I am sexy and I know it. In the rating of 1-10, I will say I am 10 over 10.

How long have you been in music and why?

I have been around for a while but professionally I will say five years now.

And my being an artiste is just like a calling, you know, like a priest called

by God to serve. That’s how I found myself doing what makes me happy.

Who are your role models?

I would say Jesus Christ is my role model and musically it has got to be Ciara. She is just the kind of artiste I would call a full package. I’m looking forward to a collabo with her someday.

How have you fared in music?

Music has given me that piece that I thought was missing in my life. I have achieved goodwill, more friends in the industry, the joy of doing what I love to do and making money from it. It’s just an amazing feeling.

What do you mean by Jesus Christ being your role model?

Jesus Christ is my role model because He forgives you even when you hurt Him badly. His humility is second to none and above all, He is the King of Kings and the reason I do what I do.

Is being a woman affecting your progress?

Being a woman has been a blessing and a lesson for me and I can tell you here that it has really made me a stronger person in this industry with lots of bonus as well because a lot of people, including our very established colleagues, want to do things for you for free.

How often do you perform?

Quite often but lately after the release of my hit single, Te’leye, it has been really tremendous. I have done a lot of shows but I will highlight the last three. Face of Sylvia’s Hair at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos. The Runway Abuja 3 event at The ThisDay Dome in Abuja, and I will be performing today at the International Conference Centre in Abuja alongside international star, Keri Hilson, and the best in the Nigerian music industry.

As a singer-performer, what is unique about you in the industry?

As an artiste in this very talented country, you just have to carve a niche for yourself which is one thing I have a lot of above some of my colleagues.

My stage performance is my strongest asset. It stands me out. I just have one thing on my mind when I have a show and that is Gina go out there and give it to them and so far I can say it has been really good. I just know how to rock a stage and my kind of music also stands me out as well.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Have you won any awards?

No, not yet, but it’s not for too long, it’s just a matter of time now. Just keep your fingers crossed.

Do you do any other thing apart from music?

Yes, I am a full package. I am also an entrepreneur.

What else are you into?

I am an advocate of lovely female shoes so I import and sell first class female designer shoes and perfumes.

Just Gina

‘I am not Sexy Gina’ Is your style of music different?

Sure, I have a different kind of music from what you find around. I do a blend of afro-techno and soul with a lot of house feel. And that gives me a different flavour from what is heard around.

How did you come about the name Sexy Gina?

My brand name is Gina without the

Sexy, and my name is Gina Abiola, and I am from Ogun State.

Why then are you introduced as Sexy Gina at concerts and events?

Fortunately, I didn’t come up with that name. My brand name is Gina, like I said earlier, although people have different perceptions about me. Some think I am sexy and can’t hold it and after my

What are your plans?

My plan is to make more good music and more hit tracks that will make people happy, work on the shooting of my videos, do more shows and all that.

So in the next couple of years I see myself rocking the bigger stages.

What are your plans for your album?

My album is going to be dropped some time next year. It will be an album with a difference. I have the intention of doing a world tour so all the songs on the album will be world standard as well. I will just say let’s keep our fingers crossed and see Gina take it to the real next level.

When are you then releasing another single?

My next single will be out before the year runs out so you all watch out.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

19

November 17, 2012

Entervaganza

With OSEYIZA OOGBODO

08023755142 kingseiza@gmail.com

Maheeda flays ladies of easy virtue

‘My music makes me high’

E

ver since Mima Ikyor stormed the music scene professionally, she hasn’t looked back. Rather, she has continued to grow from strength to strength. Due to the success of her singles, Love You, Kanyin and others, she’s been able to release her album, Just Fine, and she says the songs in it are all based on her personal experiences.

“I make songs that can always be related to in some way, shape or form.

Like a mirror, my music reflects who I am, a lyrical poetess that does music with no frills added.”

A singer-songwriter who says she was musically influenced by internationally renowned female musicians, America’s Brandy and Colombia’s Shakira, she says she is deeply in love with music and gets naturally high while recording or writing songs.

“Music is what I live for. It is everything to me. That’s why I took a leap of faith and resigned from my job with a popular telecoms firm to concentrate on music.”

And her faith is paying off.

She won the Best New Artist Video at the Nigerian Music Video Awards last year and her latest single, Vinesho, is fast gaining ground too.

Ikyor

I

Mavin, D’Banj Records rivalry continues

S

ince their sudden split months back, the rivalry between D’Banj and Don Jazzy has continued to grow with each on a quest to prove to the other that he has more clout in the industry.

Jazzy fired the first move after their split by announcing his label, Mavin Records, with the artistes Wande Coal, Tiwa Savage, Dr Sid and D’Prince. Not to be outdone, D’Banj thereafter announced his own D’Banj Records with less fanfare than Jazzy presented Mavin to the world.

Suffice it to say that both have been releasing records and videos of their artistes and both are yet to have the upper hand over the other.

However, D’Banj made a recent move that Jazzy has had no choice but to copy.

D’Banj signed two producers to D’Banj Records and Jazzy too has now done same by signing Freshboy and Altims to Mavin Records.

Maheeda

t seems Maheeda’s born again status is really making her see things in a new light. Maheeda, who projected a sexy image for herself and even posted almost nude pictures of herself on social network sites, is now campaigning against ladies of easy virtue.

In several tweets by her during the week, she flayed young ladies who preferred to sleep with men for money rather than work hard or learn a trade.

In one tweet, she asked, “Who told u you can’t make it, only when you sell your body? Who told u you can’t be a millionaire if you are a carpenter? You just lazy, men!”

In another, she was again blunt.

“No young girl wants to do hair dressing anymore, or tailoring, we rather sell our body quick and easy open leg collect money! High way to hell.”

It wasn’t only young ladies she vilified though. “Some of our youths prefer collecting money from politicians to vote them in than their future, selling their birthright! God help us!”

And emotionally, she tweeted, “Oh God help us! I see things I never see before! And I wish my fellow Nigerian youths can see this with me!

We need a change of mind!”

Finally and most revealing of her new status, she tweeted, “Honestly, life in Christ is not as boring as the Devil made it look. I am having great fun! Hallelujah!”

MI begins work on new album

S

BabyFresh

hort black boy, Jude Abaga, has disclosed that he has begun work on his new album.

When released, it will be his third studio album, and his disclosure that he has commenced work on it will be pleasant news to his fans who are always eager for his albums.

Talk About It, his debut album, was so keenly anticipated that it broke sales records for rap albums in Nigeria despite the fact that its lyrics were hardcore.

M1 2: The Movie, his sophomore album, was made for commercial purposes with a commercial sound, style and lyrics so it did well too.

MI

ENTERVAGANZA

20

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLASSICAL RYHMES

AIRWAVES LINK

Channel O awards holds today T

op African music video station, Channel O, is set to hold its annual music video awards today in South Africa. The Channel O Music Video Awards is one of the most prestigious on the continent and Nigerians have done well in it in recent times.

This year 13 Nigerian artistes are nominated and the country is probably set to do well again at the awards tonight.

The nominated Nigerians are PSquare, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Orezi,

B

eat FM DJ, producer and Chocolate City artiste, DJ Caise, is aiming for the top spot in the music industry with his Waje-featured recently released song, Number One. “Number One is a statement,” Caise says confidently. “It is a blend of old and new sounds and having Waje on the vocals just raises the bar. I am grateful for all the love people have shown it so far on the internet, on the radio and in the clubs.”

Co-written by Caise and Waje, the song is already living up to its name as it’s already in the charts and headed for the number one spot on several of them.

The success of Number One is not really surprising as Caise is not a stranger to making hit songs. His credits include Lynxxx’s International and MI featuring Waje One Naira Remix.

He has worked as DJ at the MTV Base Africa Awards and Big Brother Africa 2011. He is currently signed onto Chocolate City and plies his trade as DJ on Channel O’s Basement as well as for Beat FM’s popular show In the Mix.

Flavour, Naeto eto C, Ice Prince, Davido, Wande e Coal, D’Banj, Mo’ Cheddah, BrymO rymO and Tuface Idibia. It is hoped that they will do the country ry proud by carting home their nominated categories.

And with Chocolate City rapper, Ice Prince, hosting ing the show alongside a South Africa a model, Bonang Matheba, one honour has already come the way of the country ry.

DJ Caise, Waje aim for top spot

Oga Police Artist: P-Square

Mo’ Cheddah

DJ Caise, Waje aim for top spot

Waje

Caise

Banky W drops new singles

I

Banky W

f saying Banky W is the musician who has probably released the most songs and videos this year is not the truth, then it’s not far from the truth.

His record label, Empire Mates Entertainment, has released several songs and videos he featured prominently on from the EME

compilation album, Empire Mates State Of Mind.

Before EMSOM’s release, he dropped two solo singles, Low Key and Setting P, in the last month of last year. Now, he is back with two new singles, Yes/No and Good Good Loving, from his highly anticipated third album, R&BW.

[Siren blaring] Na which kind yawa be dis ye? (2x) Verse 1 I was driving Wasn’t speeding so fast I just dey go jeje I no high See this honey she was looking so fly As I dey try to step up to her Then she say hi Come on baby make you step into my car Me I go take you to a place where you like I no lie We can stay back relax and feel fine Cos seriously I get plans Then all of a sudden Say dey dem are coming They tell me make I stop But I don’t know why Who be that the police They took my papers from me And I say sir, why you do me so o Chorus Oga police Wetin be this You just dey stress me dey vex me Na which kind yawa be this o Why you doing this ye Oh no see wetin I miss Oga police Wetin be this You just dey stress me dey vex me Na which kind yawa be this o Why you doing this ye Oh no [Oh no] Oga police ye [na which kind yawa be this ye] Verse 2 Na so we dey for beer parlour just dey jolly With a friend from America wey get money Na for my front I get isi ewu and turkey Different kind of shaYo Wey dey make eye doti Plenty bobos just dey make noise [hei] Enough chicky to just dey make dem choice [One more plate] As I dey hail my guy Begin dey wash my hand e I just dey start e Then all of a sudden Say dey dem are coming All of them start to run But I dont know why Who be that the police They put their handcuffs on me Then I say sir, na wetin I do Repeat chorus Oga police ye, na which kind Yawa be this ye No no Tell me, wetin you go do for this life Wey police no go come harrass you Even if you be superstar dem Go still come embarass you Tell me, wetin you go do for this life Wey police no go come harrass you Oga police,wetin be this ye Na which kind yawa be this ye No no no no no no...

Chorus

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ENTERVAGANZA

November 17, 2012

21

BOX-OFFICE HITS

BRAIN BEHIND THE SCENE

L

Amuwa

Oluseyi Amuwa … all-round production expert

O

luseyi Amuwa, better known as Asurf, is one guy who can hold his head high as a veritable brain behind the scene. His tentacles spread into virtually every facet of production, and best for him is that he’s very good at all those facets so he’s not a Jack of all trades, master of none.

He’s a producer, director, cinematographer, editor, cameraman and animator. As a producer, he has produced short sketches for top comedians AY, Basket Mouth and Bovi. As a director, his credits include live concerts of PSquare, Wizkid and Wande Coal in the UK. His work is however not limited to the music industry. He has been involved in the production of several short films as well, is planning his first feature film to commence production next year and has also produced documentaries for terrestrial TV stations.

A go-getter who works not just for the money but basically to contribute his quota to the development of the society, he founded his own production firm, Asurf Films and Production, and it has since become a reputed organisation for the fact that it doesn’t compromise on quality in all its dealings.

Like his colleagues who are also excelling, his Midas touch is not by magic. Though he has the innate talent, he has to enhance it by taking a diploma course in video editing at the Pencils Film and Television Institute and a further course at the London Film Academy.

As is usual with many brains behind the scenes, he too started his foray behind the scene from in front of the camera. He wanted to become an actor and attended an audition to get a movie role. In the process of auditioning, he lost the zest to be in front of the camera but behind it instead.

incoln is the latest movie directed by Steven Spielberg. The Spielberg name alone is guaranteed gold at the box office. But with Lincoln being about the famous American President, Abraham Lincoln, the buzz it’s generating is quite intense.

With renowned actor Daniel DayLewis cast in the role of the late president, Lincoln opened to rave reviews last weekend.

Needless to say, Lincoln is a biopic that seeks to bring the life and times to the current generation. It is not the only movie that tells the story of Abraham Lincoln but it is the latest to do so. So if you’ve been eager to have a live feel of the Abraham Lincoln who contested

C

Amuwa (left) with Ramsey Noah

hristmas In Compton has the distinct honour of being the first Christmas movie released this year. You can be sure that many more Christmas movies will be released before the year runs out. Be that as it may, CIC beat every other one to release. Will it being the first release aid its success? It just might as movie lovers know Christmas is just around the corner and they want to start getting into the annual Christmas groove.

the American presidency four times before he won at the fourth attempt, make it a date with Lincoln at the cinema.

Plot-wise, CIC doesn’t disappoint. The plot revolves around the domestic strife between gruff Christmas tree salesman Big Earl and his und e r a c h i ev ing son Derrick who in-between working for his father is attempting to make it as a record producer, with little success.

H e ’ s repeate d l y taken advantage of by crooked White record executive Tommy Maxwell (Eric Roberts), who takes advantage of Derrick’s lack of attention to the fine print in his contracts to deny him his royalties and steal his acts.

Determined to prevent Tommy from co-opting his latest find, the talented girl group trio Sugar Stuff, Derrick resorts to arranging a break-in at his house and stealing a diamond ring worth $300,000 from his wife and not so hilarious complications ensue.

22

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Relationships

Must your spouse know It is not necessary

C

onsultation most times stem from trying to minimise potential power struggles between couples. It’s a way of compromising and letting peace reign in the relationship. Consultation in most cases doesn’t mean seeking approval but as a form of informing one’s partner on steps that one wants to take concerning an issue relating to giving out individual or collective property.

It is generally an accepted norm that making decisions within a relationship is the responsibility of both spouses. It is at this point that most women start talking about equality of both genders in the marriage forgetting that in this part of the world, major and minor decision making rests solely with the man who is seen as the head of the home. Call me what you will but the truth has to be said even though things are changing, whether for the better or not I cannot say. But the question here is does one need to consult and maybe even get a silent or quiet permission before giving things to one’s family members?

On answering this question, most people will say it depends on whether the gift is a personal property or whether it is a collective property but as a man I beg to disagree from the male point of view. Most women will tell you that they do not like it when their spouse gives his family members things without letting them know beforehand.

They will go further to say that to do this on the part of the man means that he doesn’t care about making them feel alienated in the marriage. They feel they need to be kept abreast of things happening in the life of their partner because the marriage has made them one with the man. Other women will even go as far as creating undue strain in the relationship because they weren’t consulted in what they perceive to be matters or decisions that the man has made and which may or may not affect them.

Reality check here is that whether you like it or not, it

is still a man’s world in this part of the world and men can do things in the marriage like making decisions for the whole family without consulting the woman not to talk of something as mundane as giving your relatives money or any other thing the man may deem fit to want to give his extended family.

Most men won’t even consider doing so. Why should we? Fine I may be married, I may have children by just one wife but people should not forget that my extended family was there for me before I got married.

How I spend my money after taking care of the basic needs of the home like food, children’s school fees and other things that affects the home should not be a thing of concern to my spouse likewise I don’t ask how my partner spends her money too.

Joint property or accounts on the other hand are a different ball game entirely. As the name implies, it’s for both parties and if it’s not going to be used for mutual benefits, then permission through consultations has to be gotten or granted. Most times decisions are taken singularly by the man, women have to understand that we mean well. On the other hand, even for issues relating to the commonwealth, decisions taken by the man most times reflect what we believe will be good for the common good. Yes there are a few men who have given the men folks a bad name when it comes to decision making and I’ll be the last person not to admit that some men just haven’t gotten it right yet when it comes to their nuclear and extended families.

I personally do not believe you need to consult before giving your family and anybody for that matter, things or money that’s yours. If you took time off to study your partner before the wedding day, you’ll understand where he’s coming from and where he’s going and issues like this would be seen for what it means, that a man is not a baby and can take decisions without rushing home to mama or in this case the wife.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

Sorry boys, size does matter: Science confirms men’s worst bedroom fear If you are a man who has been cursed with penis length influenced their ability to orgasm a less than generous handout in the pants de- with vaginal stimulation.

Defining ‘average’ as the length of a £20 note, partment you might want to look away now.

New research by the Journal of Sexual which is 5.8 inches (14.9 cm), the researchers Medicine has shown that contrary to popu- asked women if they were more likely to orlar (wishful?) thinking penis size does matter gasm vaginally with a longer-than-average or shorter-than-average penis. when it comes to pleasing a woman in bed.

Supporting the hypothesis that size matters, The good news is that it only matters for Brody and his colleagues found the women some women and some types of orgasms. who reported the highThe research, printed est number of vaginal online in September, has orgasms in the past found that women who month were most likely have frequent vaginal to say that longer was orgasms are more likely better. than other women to say Brody told Live Scithey climax more easily ence: ‘This might be due with men with larger peat least in part to greater nises. ability of a longer penis Stuart Brody, a psyto stimulate the entire chologist at the Univerlength of the vagina, sity of the West of Scotand the cervix. land who conducted the He added: ‘Male anxiresearch asked a sample ety about penis size may of 323 women about prenot reflect internalized, vious sexual encounters. culturally arbitrary They were asked about masculine stereotypes, their recent sexual bebut an accurate apprehaviors as well as how ciation that size matters important penile-vaginal to many women — just intercourse and other sex as men feel legitimate acts were to them. They New research shows that size does matter if anxiety when they enter were also asked whether women want to have vaginal orgasms

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

RELATIONSHIPS

November 17, 2012

23

CHINWE ANNIE AMAECHI 07028684481 chinweamaechi@gmail.com

what you give your relations?

It depends

A

This column is x-rated the mating market about their intelligence, personality traits, sense of humor, social status, height, wealth, and other traits known to be favored by women across cultures.’

These findings come eight months after the same journal reported sensational new evidence that vaginal and clitoral orgasms are, in fact, completely separate phenomena and activate different areas of the brain.

A series of essays published in April this year showed that contrary to popular belief - and many previous scientific findings - there was more than one way to satisfy a woman in bed and that the clitoris was not the only key to a woman’s sexual satisfaction.

The research showed that not only can women climax through sexual intercourse alone, but the resulting orgasm is wildly different to those reached by clitoral stimulation.

Other startling findings cited by the essays in the series include:  Women are not only be able to orgasm from both vaginal and clitoral stimulation, but from stimulation at a range of erogenous zones, with some able to even ‘think’ themselves to a peak;  The sensitive G-spot - once thought of as a semi-mythical orgasm hot spot - could have a role in pain relief during labour by more than doubling a woman’s pain threshold;  The ability to reach climax through vaginal stimulation could be linked to both physical and mental health, with healthy women more likely to orgasm without clitoral stimulation.

French gynaecologist Odile Buisson in her essay argued the case for the classic understanding of the female orgasm as depen-

This column is x-rated dent on clitoral stimulation.

According to this view, the front wall of the vagina is closely linked with the internal parts of the clitoris, meaning that stimulating the vagina without activating the clitoris ought to be impossible.

So, she concludes, so-called ‘vaginal’ orgasms could in reality be clitoral orgasms by another name.

The Journal of Sexual Medicine essays also included a provocative claim that that vaginal-only orgasms are less likely in women with poor physical and mental health.

One study found that women who have vaginal orgasms have a lower resting heart rate than others who did not experience them.

Other research found that women who can reach a sexual peak without clitoral stimulation are less likely to use specific maladaptive psychological coping mechanisms.

Given the psychological link between different kinds of orgasms, Stuart Brody, a psychologist at the University of West Scotland who conducted the research, slammed as ‘malpractice’ the common advice to women that orgasms originate only with the clitoris.

Emmanuele Jannini, a professor of endocrinology at the University of Aquila in Italy, called on women to take heed of the findings, but warned against fetishising them.

She said: ‘A woman should have an understanding — who is she, how is her body composed, what is the possibility of her body, but she should not be looking for something like a race, like a game, like a duty.

‘Looking for the G-spot orgasm or the vaginal orgasm as a need, as a duty, is the best way to lose the happiness of sex.’

s we know, the idea behind marriage is to “leave and cleave” i.e. leave your nuclear family and cleave to your spouse to start your own nuclear family.

But the truth is that leaving and cleaving does not mean that you should cut off totally from your immediate family; it simply means that their positions should change on your priority list. Your benevolence towards your family members may reduce somewhat, but it must not end. It is true that you are expected to consider your spouse and children whenever you want to give to your family members, but must you obtain your spouse’s consent before you give to them?

As we know, money matters rank tops on the list of marital problems and part of this stems from gifts to family members – cash and kind. One would assume that a person should not have issues when his/her spouse informs him/her when giving to family members, but sadly, the reverse is the case. This is one major reason why some people give to their family members in secret.

This usually backfires, anyway.

I believe that a reasonable way of addressing this issue is to consider three categories of what can be given to family members – personal cash/property, joint cash/ property and spouse’s cash/property. I believe the third category is a ‘no go area’. In my opinion, I should feel free to give my family members part of my personal income and property and the decision to consult my spouse should be mine; I should not be compelled to consult him. (This may clash with the school of thought that there is no such thing as personal income or property in marriage.

Yeah right!). However, when cash and property are jointly owned, it would definitely be proper to consult my spouse before I give any part of it to my family members.

To aid better communication and transparency in marriage, a woman should be wise enough to know when to consult and when

to simply inform. There is a big difference between consulting (seeking permission) and informing (just for his knowledge, not consent). I may have a car which is solely mine and I can decide to buy a new car. But it would be funny to give my younger sister the old car without consulting my husband. However, if my sister who is an undergraduate calls me to ask for a little amount of money, I need not consult my husband, I may or may not inform him after giving her the money. But imagine if my parents are undertaking a building project and I want to contribute a very handsome amount, shouldn’t I consult my spouse? There are varying opinions on this.

I think that what one must consider in giving to family members is the need to ensure that the gift to the family member will not create a need in your family. In other words, if school fees or rent has not been paid and I know my spouse requires some support in footing the bills, I ought not to ignore the need and channel what I have to my family members.

I am a strong advocate of transparency and complete communication in marriage. Full disclosure should, under normal circumstances, breed peace in a marriage. Once your spouse knows that you rank his/her needs and that of your children above your family members, I don’t think he/she should frown when you want to give them cash or kind. As much as I don’t subscribe to spouses demanding full disclosure and trying to control their partner’s benevolence, I think life will be much better if we involve our partners in giving to our family members. Clearly, the general rules don’t work for everybody and people must study their spouses to know how to handle such issues. Like I always say, different strokes for different folks!

So must your spouse sign off on gifts from you to your family? It depends.

24

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Woman ‘Failure is a necessary signpost to success’ Mrs. Folasade Eunice Ofurune is a woman of many parts.

A development practitioner and the Executive Director of Health Education and Empowerment Initiative, (HEDEN), she is also a writer, a producer of cleaning agents and a fashion designer. She spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on how she combines all her activities with her marriage of over a decade. Excerpts:

W

here did you grow up and what were the fun and gains of growing up?

Growing up was fun and very interesting. I come from a family of sanguines. We are very funny. Visitors always find it difficult to leave our house because we always make them laugh. My family is one that is humane.

We were brought up to respect people’s rights and to treat others with fairness and justice. I was brought up to be very confident; there is no one I can’t talk to.

We are never afraid of people no matter your position. My parents believe you are never too big to say sorry and please. This they do among other ways by always apologising if they wronged us. My parents are religious.

Though my parents didn’t have much, they never made us see the difference between us and others. They never grumble or envy others. They will say for example that as long as you wear something on your feet, even if it is a bathroom slippers you are equal to the person with a designer’s shoe because you are not bare footed. So, I never knew that there is suffering in using only what you can afford. In fact, when things got better for my family, it is people that let me know that I am different from them.

I grew up in Iju- Ishaga Lagos. I attended Nigerian Airport Authority Staff School (now FAAN), MMM 2, Ikeja. From there I went to Ikeja High School and completed my secondary education in Sonmori Comprehensive High school, iju. I attended University of Ilorin where I read Agriculture for my first degree.

Then, Lagos State University, Ojo, where I did a postgraduate degree in early childhood education. My primary school enforced my parents’ teachings of fairness and humanity. I learnt how to treat people right. I suppose this background made me have the love to help people, to improve their lots no matter how small.

What informed your choice of course?

My choice of courses, Agriculture and Education, is informed by my love to watch things grow. To see the physical effect of what I do be it on plants, animals or human. I can say my nature also contributed a lot. I just love to help even without being asked.

You are into so many things. Did anything prepare you ahead for all these when growing up?

As a growing child, my mum always told me that I must learn how to do many things at the same time because of my gender. Someday, she would say, I would become a mother, need to cook, breastfeed, wash clothes, and clean the home, all with little time at my disposal. This training I took beyond housekeeping. I was also made to oversee the feeding of my family and took care of the affairs of my younger ones from age 8. I was more or less a mini adult. So, handling many responsibilities has been my way of life.

What informed the formation of your NGO? My organisation, Health Education and Empowerment Initiative-HEDEN (formerly known as Eclipse Development Initiative) was founded by my husband and I. It focuses on maternal and child health, sexual reproductive health, community engagement, youth empowerment using entertainment education mostly. My involvement in maternal and child health was borne out of a need I saw while attending antenatal for my first child in 2003. From the questions we

Ofurune

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

WOMAN

November 17, 2012

asked ourselves as mothers present, I discovered that most mothers don’t know much about the issue of maternal and child health. I saw a need here and decided to organise talks during antenatal days. I discussed with the medical director of the hospital and he accepted. That was how I started the Sweet Mother Programme delivering topics on areas I thought of great concern to mothers.

My greatest motivation came when I lost my friend during childbirth. I was scared because I was also pregnant at the time and was due in a month. I decided to read more on maternal health and death. I discovered that most deaths are preventable and ignorance was the major killer. I continued the programme even after my delivery and a question-and-answer session evolved. I started joining networks and requesting for materials.

I felt the need to share them with the mothers. I included video sessions if I had video on the topic. To make the programme lively, I included songs, dance and role-plays. I ran the programme for four years on our personal funds before Child Health Foundation U.S.A., Rainbow Cards Limited and Olubayo Nigeria Limited sponsored it in 2007. In 2008, my organisation got funding from CAP Plc for its youth programmes, Painting for Development.

What are your major achievements and what are your regrets?

My major achievements have been delivering papers at conferences, attending international trainings and receiving one or two international grants. On the home front, my achievement has been building up a happy home- a haven of love and peace. On regrets, I really cannot pinpoint any major one.

How do you cope with managing the home?

Sincerely, it has not been easy. Most time, I feel torn into many pieces.

What has helped me to cope is prioritising what is to be done at each point.

Then, I just do it, I don’t dwell on how difficult or stressful it might be. I just go ahead fully determined to finish whatever I have started. Then, I move to the next thing. Yet, I can’t do all without my husband’s support. He’s been there for me, very understanding. Most times, he helps me out. He is the best thing that ever happened to me.

Marriages crumble very easily these days. How long have you been married and what would you say has been keeping you going?

I have been married for over 10 years now. My sustenance has been prayer, patience- lots of patience - perseverance, heart to heart communication and trust. I am determined to make my marriage work come what may.

Marriage is like a boat. We are in it together. It is either we swim together or we sink together. Since I don’t want to sink, then I must swim with my husband, come what may. I am in an intertribal marriage. I’m from Ogun State

while my husband is from Delta. However, we see each other as friends.

What would you say is responsible for failed marriages and how can they be avoided?

In my own opinion, failed marriages are caused by a number of reasons.

Marrying for the wrong reasons - he is rich, she comes from an influential family, extended family interference, lack of patience, lack of trust, no heart to heart communication and selfishness. They can be avoided by understanding what marriage is before you go into it. It is not just two people living together. Praying for God to give you your own marriage mate, determination by the two players to make the marriage work and ability to leave your extended families out of your home affairs will definitely help any marriage to work.

How best do you think kids can be brought up to become better leaders that they should be?

Kids can be brought up to be future leaders by bring them up in way of Jehovah. Once you are able to imbibe into them fear and love for Jehovah then you have laid the right foundation. Furthermore, parents must keep a closer watch on each child’s development, character and so on, so as to quickly notice anything wrong and correct it before it blossoms. It is also good to treat each child according to his or her personality. Show them lots of love and be patient with them. Rome was not built in one day.

The girl child is believed to require great attention. How best can they be nurtured?

A child can be nurtured especially the girl child by being a model of what you want them to be. Don’t say one thing and do another. Kids are quick to notice inconsistencies in parents. Help them have good friends. Teach them to identify who a good friend is. Teach them sex education, how to protect themselves from paedophiles. Hold practice sessions of peer pressures to do what is bad. These will help them to be prepared before they find themselves in that situation. Talk heart to heart with them; make yourself their friend, so that you will be the first person they will tell what is on their minds. Most importantly, always pray for and with them.

What advice do you have for younger ladies and women generally?

My advice for younger ladies and women generally is that they should not cheapen themselves. They should highly esteem themselves no matter how bad their circumstance may be; never sell your body for money. You are worth more than you think. Never give up on yourself too because you can still be what you want to be if only you will try long enough. Nothing good comes easy; failure is a necessary signpost on the road to success. So, look inwards and find that part of you that is your strength, use it and be one of the beautiful things God gave the world.

25

Keeping ABREAST

Cell phone radiation can harm your baby –Study  May cause hyperactivity  Cell phone manufacturers, including BlackBerry and Apple, say consumers should keep devices away from the body due to potential safety risks.  These warnings go unnoticed because they are featured in device manuals.

A

ttention pregnant women: put down your cell phone.

Cell phone radiation exposure during pregnancy impacts fetal brain development and may cause hyperactivity, Yale School of Medicine researchers say.

Dr. Hugh Taylor, a medical professor and chief of Yale’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, co-authored a recent study to probe the impact of cell phone exposure on pregnancies.

“We had pregnant mice in cages and we just simply put a cell phone on top of the cage. In half the mice, the cell phone was active and in half of the ... cages the cell phone was turned off so it wasn’t transmitting a signal at all,” Taylor said.

Taylor said the researchers allowed the mice to give birth and waited until offspring were young adults before behaviors were tested.

“The mice exposed to cell phones were more active,” Taylor said. “Their memory was slightly decreased ... these mice were basically bouncing off the walls and didn’t have a care in the world.”

Taylor says the study shows there is a “biological basis” to suggest cell phone exposure can impact pregnancies. He says he is encouraging patients to be cautious with devices and recommends pregnant women hold phones away from their bodies.

Cell phone manufacturers, including Blackberry and Apple, also say consumers should keep devices away from the

body due to potential safety risks, but these warnings often go unnoticed because they are featured in device manuals.

Taylor is slated to join other global researchers for a panel discussion about the impact cell phone exposure may have on pregnancies. The panel was organized by Dr. Devra Davis, who runs Environmental Health Trust, a NonGovernmental Organisation.

Davis’ organisation has been pushing governments around the world to take action on cell phone safety.

“While it may be legal for companies to show advertisements of phones being used in ways that are not recommended, it is not ethical,” Davis has said. “When they sell phones to people, and they tell them in fine print to not use them next to the body, and then all their advertisements show them (models) using cell phones exactly next to the body ... I think that is really a profound disconnect that people ought to be aware of.”

The world now has almost as many cell phone subscriptions as inhabitants, according to recent numbers published by the United Nations telecom agency.

In 2011, the World Health Organization’s cancer arm said cell phones could cause cancer and called for more research.

Some other countries around the world, including France, have banned companies from advertising cell phones to children due to the possible risks.

Culled from mailonline.com

26

November 17, 2012

Parenting

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression

How to teach your kids to save money

K

ids, they say, are your future, and anything you teach them affects what shape your future takes.

Since money can be a big part of yours and their future, you need to teach your kids how to save money from an early stage. So, as soon as your kids learn the concept of counting, tell them about money and how to save it.

Tell them it takes money to get new toys, games and food There are many parents who want to keep their small children away from the dirty words of money, which is a mistake. There are many kids who believe food comes out of the refrigerator and mum and dad bring the toys. Take them along when you go out shopping and pay in front of them.

It’s not that they’ll immediately understand what’s going on, but at least they’ll be exposed to the concept of having to pay for things.

Explain to them why you need to work and earn money Almost every kid knows that mum or dad, or both, have to go to work. Tell them why you do it everyday. Tell them that when you work, you get paid and then you can use this money to buy different things like food,

milk, electricity and toys. Tell them when they grow they too will have to earn money.

Encourage them to save They don’t have to do it all the time but for some toys or games you must encourage your kids to save money and then buy them. You can help them by giving one naira yourself for every naira saved by them. This will also act as an incentive. For instance, if a toy costs N1,000 you can tell your kid to save N500 and then you can add N500 from your side and let him buy the toy. Gradually as the child grows you can reduce the percentage of contributions from your side.

Involve them in financial planning As your kids enter their teens you can involve them in your household financial planning. Every month you sit down and allocate funds to different monthly expenses like medicals, school fee, food and nutrition, entertainment, etc.

Seek their advice. Ask them what is important and what is not. Let them write down list of things you need every month and how much you can spend on them. If your kid thinks that buying an expensive video game is important than buying milk, don’t oppose him immediately. Figure out a

ParentingUpdate

Elliot, Jenson, and Sidney Deen with their parents

way you can buy both milk and the video game by prudent financial planning or by saving money from his weekly allowance.

Help them differentiate between needs and wants Food is a need, chocolate is a want. Similarly, school fee is a need, a video game is a want.

Help your kids differentiate between them. Be careful though: something that you feel is a want may be a need for them.

Instead of rejecting their opinion outright, let them save for wants while you provide for the needs.

Let them make their own decisions At a smaller scale it’s not dangerous to let your kids decide how much they want to spend and how much they want to save. Just let them face the results. If your kid needs to save N2,000 to buy her favourite doll she can either do it in a month, or in two months — it all depends on how much she

is eager to save.

Convey to them not everything costs money Your love and care for them doesn’t cost money. Some things like love, friendship, character, values and traditions cannot be bought with money.

•Culled from www.howtoplaza.com

Tiny Feet

Help your kids track their savings Create a new spreadsheet and encourage them to enter whatever they’re saving. It’s very exciting to see the amount of money saved increasing with every new addition.

Encourage them to open a savings account All kids like doing things grown ups do, including banking. Take your kids to the local bank and help them open savings account. Many banks offer special categories for kids.

They’ll not only be more inclined to save money there, it’ll also be a bit difficult to retrieve money casually.

NAME: Oluwapelumi Faidat Afolabi BORN TO: Mr. and Mrs Afolabi AGE: 5 months BIRTH WEIGHT: 3.8 kg

Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

World’s heaviest triplets born in California •Weighed in at a combined 9.1 kg

A

California (USA) mother has given birth to three bouncing baby boys who may set a new record for the world’s heaviest triplets.

Jason and Brittany Deen of Sacramento, California, welcomed three sons into the world on November 8, 2012, and the little guys immediately made their mark.

Their combined weight of 9.1 kg means they have a shot at getting into the Guinness Book of World Records.

First-born Sidney came in at a whopping 3.5 kg, and fraternal brother Elliott was close behind at 3.3 kg. Little brother Jenson tipped the scale at 2.4 kg.

The hospital recorded the birth weights and now the fam-

ily has to submit the paperwork to Guinness for verification.

The current record is held by a couple in North Carolina (USA), who had triplets weighing a total of 8.1 kg in 2011.

Brittany Deen, who conceived the boys naturally, attended weekly classes at to learn how to give her triplets the best possible neonatal care.

“Being a multiple birth mother is really scary,” says Brittany, 32. “You hear of complications and challenges.

“I hope that seeing me and hearing about my positive experience will inspire other mothers not to be scared, and will help others to realise they’re not alone.”

Deen, an oncology nurse at UC Davis Medical Center, was

determined to carry the triplets to full-term.

She gave special attention to learning how to eat for four -- which meant consuming up to 6,000 calories a day.

She ate as many as a dozen eggs daily, and had full meals every two hours.

Her healthy triplets were delivered at 37 weeks by Csection.

New father, Jason Deen said they were thrilled with the outcome, even though they originally had planned on only having one or two babies.

“Three, we agreed, was too many,” a happy Deen said, cradling his hearty boys.

He definitely does not think so anymore!

•Culled from www.mailonline.com

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27

November 17, 2012

le StyGlam and

with Yemisi Adeniran

T

(08037801158) ydiran@yahoo.com

ired of the same old look? Get adventurous and revamp your style by adding a touch of colour to your life through your hair. Colouring your hair is a fantastic way of updating your look and there are various ways of doing this.

• Whichever colour you have picked for your new look, it is always good to carry out a skin patch test 48 hours before attempting to do the colouring.

• Follow the skin patch instructions included with your

product. It should tell you the proper mixture of dye to use.

• With a cotton swab, apply the solution to the desired region. Let it dry and be sure not to wash the area until the test is finished.

• When selecting a colour, pick the shade that is compatible to your complexion and lifestyle.

• Consult a professional for further guidance on your choice of either a temporary, semi-permanent or a permanent colour.

28

STYLE & GLAM

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashion Frenzy

YEMISI ADENIRAN

O

ne of the most beautiful items on the fashion scene right now is the gypsy style. It comes in both long and short lengths, dresses, skirts, and even blouses. It is also one of the easiest and most inexpensive to put together, a costume that can generally be thrown together easily on short notice. A lot of times now, you may even already have the necessary clothing items you will need in your closet. This is why they are always best in different colours of fabrics.

If you are going for just a gypsy skirt, pick a bright colour, either a solid or a patterned

BEAUTY

Q&A

colour; the more colour the better. Fo plementary blouse, any bold colour The blouse does not need to match th in fact, it is even better if it does not tionally, a gypsy blouse is a long-sleev fitting, peasant-style, but this is no sary. Just sew or get a fitted style si skirt is free styled. For a more defin a wide width belt of a bold colour w advantage. A gypsy dress will also lo when it is well-shaped to the waist allowed to flow freely down to your length of a gypsy style. Remember th complement your look with heels. T els here give you different ways of sty your gypsy ideas.

Your candid response to all fashion questions Smart ways to hide a bulging stomach in a wedding dress (II) CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK • Wedding dress fabrics come in different thicknesses and weights.

Heavier fabrics will cling to curves, making a large waistline notice-

able. Heavier fabrics can also cause a bride to perspire. Pear-shaped brides should purchase a gown made from a lightweight chiffon or tulle fabric instead of taffeta or satin. • If you are with a pear-shaped figure, do not select a mermaid or sheath cut dress. A-line dresses and ball gowns work best to hide

weight an with a fu gowns co dress con vertical d

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

November 17, 2012

29

Facelift

Tips for a glowing face CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK Papaya scrub Use the skin of the papaya and of course you can enjoy eating the papaya. You got to rub the inner part of the skin of a papaya on your face. And then let it dry. Once it is dry wash your face with cold water and wipe dry. This will make your skin glow beautifully and is very apt for normal skin.

Massage with oranges Extract the juice of half an orange and mix it with two teaspoons of curd. Lightly massage onto your face in an upward direction. Let it dry. Then, wash your face with cold water and wipe it slowly. It is very good for normal skin type.

Cucumber mask Cucumber can be used if you have an oily skin. Grind half a cucumber and squeeze to remove the juice. Apply the juice on your face and leave it to dry. Then wash with water and pat dry. It helps refresh, tighten your skin and also makes it glow.

or a comwill do. he skirt, t. Tradive, looseot necesince the ned look, ill be an ook cute and it’s desired hough to he modyling up

nd pregnancy. You should select a broad-shouldered dress uller bust to emphasize your shoulders and chest. Wedding ome in either vertical or horizontal patterns. A horizontal ntrasts the figure of a bride, highlighting her stomach, and a dress streamlines her figure, making her look thinner.

STYLE & GLAM

Tips for natural face glow 1. Drink plenty of water everyday 2.Avoid eating lots of fried food.

3.Always eat fresh vegetables and salads.

4.Avoid frozen foods as much as possible.

5.Drink fresh fruit juices and eat fresh fruits.

• A wedding dress design that features ruffles or folds, creates a fuller look and is likely to hide a big stomach. Lace and sequins on a wedding dress distract the eyes of onlookers, making them less likely to notice a bride’s midsection. A dress with additional fabric, such as one that features full arms and a long train, further removes focus from the waistline of a bride. Best of luck.

6.Once in a month detoxify by eating just fruits and liquids all day.

From now on invest your time and effort at least once a week on these home remedies by using the ingredients available in your kitchen for instant face glow. So, what are you waiting for? Start your beauty therapy right now and be prepared to receive the compliments for your beautiful glowing face.

30

Male Essentials

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

08036961187

with Oseyiza Oogbodo kingseiza@yahoo.com w kingseiza@ @yahoo.com

Go braided

I

f you didn’t know before, then you ou are about to know that braiding of the hair is not for women only. Agreed that in our society, it’s mainly a female style, butt some bold men have braided their hair and the heavens did not fall.

As a matter of fact, they were even admired for how handsome they looked with their braids so there’s no doubt that if you braid your hair, not only will it stand you out, it will also make you attractive.

Like all fashion trends, braiding can also be done in different styles so you can always look different every week by changing from one style to another.

If you so desire, you can grow your hair itself to be braided or you can orderr for hair attachments to be braided into o your natural hair and you can also add dd beads to your braids and look as cool as the celebrities pictured here: Take Banana nana singer D’Prince, Follow Follow crooner LKT, Carolina rapper Sinzu ((formerly pp y known wn as Saucekid) and Lemar.

How to get a perfect haircut every time (2) Step 3: Neck and Sideburns Ste

“G

uys often forget to take the time to speak to their stylist about the length around the ears and how they want aroun back of their neck shaped,” Kothe b morowski says. “Two very important moro aspects of an end look that should not aspec In other words, talk it out be ignored.” ign stylist and make sure all the with your y details are covered so you don’t leave detail disappointed. If you hired somebody disap install cabinets and they left off the to ins knobs, you wouldn’t be like, “F*ck it, knobs just put those on myself.”

I’ll jju

S Step 4: Style Your Hair Once you have a quality cut, what’s O really going to make your hair look reall different is the hair product. The easidiffer est e st way to pick one is to just buy whatever your stylist uses, but if you’ve already spent so s much on a cut, that can be hard stomach. “You’d be surprised,” Cutto stom says. “A lot of mass brands have llerr sa le access a ac ces to incredible labs like everybody else. They may not choose to bod put quality ingredients in, but they pu have access to good chemists like h

anybody else. There are some products out there like Suave and Gillette that are actually really good.”

So let’s say you’ve got this cut with two to three inches of length on top and want to be a little daring. Allow us to suggest a modern take on the pompadour, like the one Komorowski, who styles young celebrities like Justin Timberlake and Ryan Gosling, gave to Ed Westwick. “You want to brush back your hair, manipulating the front to sweep up and back while the sides and back of the head lie flat and smooth,” she says. “This version of the pompadour is a softer, natural one, so you only need to finish off the look with a bit of pomade for hold and to keep the ‘bump’ in front in place.”

Getting Older “The 20s are a time to try lots of styles and be a bit more daring,” Komorowski says. In your 30s, your hair will thin and you’ll have real things to care about, like earning a living and taking care of a family. You’ll say things like, “We made good time,” and you’ll spend whole afternoons with a leaf blower. It’ll be time to cut your hair short. For now, get out there and get a pompadour.

People Favour Arewe:

Teacher with a passion OSEYIZA OOGBODO

F

avour Arewe is tall, slim and beautiful. She could easily pass for a model, actress or singer. But she is neither of these. Indeed, she is in a vocation that is considered unglamorous when compared to the aforementioned vocations: she is a teacher.

“I love teaching,” she claimed. “I love imparting knowledge to children, my friends and those around me. It is my passion.”

Elaborating, she said, “I started teaching from childhood. Anything I was taught in school, I would look for people to teach it to. I learnt that I learn better when I taught others what I was taught and I got to know it better too.”

According to her, she discovered she benefitted from teaching others when she was 10 years old. “I can’t really say how I got to know it was beneficial to me to teach others. But I just knew there was always this compulsion in me to teach and when I did so, it made me happy, so I kept doing it, and now I teach for a living.”

Arewe doesn’t teach just any subject but the ‘dreaded’ Mathematics. Is she actually that brainy or even possibly a Mathemat-

OYINKAN SOMORIN

S

unday Adiku is an upcoming artiste whose stage is Soni.

Though he has been in the music industry since 2010 performing on stage he just recently released two singles which hopefully would be heard nationwide very soon.

The artiste, who started his music career in early October 2011, specialises in hip-hop and RnB the reigning trends for the Nigerian youths coming into the music industry. An indigene of Benue State he the fifth born of his parents.

Soni who gets his inspiration from his environment says he is ready to tell the world his story: “Nothing actually inspires me more than my environment when it comes to my music, everything about the environment brought me into full time music. I want the world to know me when it comes to my music because I really want to affect the world, especially my country Nigeria. I want them to see the new born talent,” he added.

Soni goes into what actually pulls him into the world of music. “There are sometimes I find myself in a situation where I need all the courage in the world, especially when things are not working out for me, and I feel the world

ics guru?

“There really isn’t any big deal about teaching Mathematics,” she said. “It’s just like teaching the other subjects that people think are simple. But if anyone decides that they want to know Mathematics, they will know it because they will set their mind to it. I won’t say I’m a Mathematics guru but I know enough of it to teach and for my own good.”

Currently, she teaches the Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1 – 3 students of Omaarts Private School, Egbeda, Lagos Mathematics.

“My course in the university, Economics Education, helped me to know Mathematics a lot more. Economics involves a lot of calculations so it prepared me well for teaching Mathematics now. I also keep studying, and even though I teach others, I still go to people who know more than I do to learn more,” she added.

Since all she wants to do is teach, all her plans revolve around teaching thereby making teaching easier for her.

“I never get frustrated by students who are slow in catching up with what they are taught. I don’t lose my patience with them.

What I do is get to know them and teach them one-on-one. Everybody is not the

Sunday Adiku:

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

November 17, 2012

same, so that’s my unique method to make slow learners know what they should.

It’s not about beating them in anger. That won’t help them. It might even turn them off. It’s better to show them love. That will make it easier for them to catch on. When a student loves you, it will be easy for him to learn from you,” she enthused.

Though teachers charge a fee to teach students outside school hours, and she also does the same, she says there are also some slow students whom she teaches free.

“Money is not everything. I don’t worry about payment as long as such students I take on of my own accord become better people. At least they will remember me in future and what I did for them,” she added.

At just 27 years of age, she is halfway to owning her own school. “I’ve already registered my own school and it will begin with the next academic session in September 2012. Its name is Hind’s Feet Nursery and Primary and it is located in Ota, Ogun State.”

The one-storey building that will house Hind’s Feet is also owned by her, and she explains how she was able to achieve this feat of owning her own building and her own school at her relatively young age.

Her words: “I was doing an online business, Genius Funds, in 2008. Through it, I made a lot of money that enabled me to buy land and start developing it. Now that I can’t do the online business any longer, my father is supporting me to complete the building in time for my school’s scheduled kick-off date.”

Cutting his teeth in music is coming to an end, I just find myself singing and the people who are around me, listen and enjoy my music. This makes me happy” Going into full time entertainment is one of Soni’s dreams for a bright future for himself but he also wants to fulfil the dreams of his parents. They want him to be a banker or a military man.

“I hope to get into the university soon to study Banking and Finance. My parents actually dream of me becoming a banker and I want to fulfil that wish and dream. But I will also like to be a military man; I really admire them, especially when they are in their uniform” And he plans on achieving this by giving in to God’s plan in his life and like what an international wrestler John Cena would say “never give up”.

“For me, it’s only time that would tell, I believe in God and I know by His grace I will be what He says I will be and that is a great artiste. I am not just singing.

I sing music of hope and courage. I will never give up,” he added.

31

32

Dear Igho

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

TTel: e 08023924679 (SMS only) ighomit@gmail.com

Having difficulties with relationships, family, work or any other aspectt off your life? lif Help is at hand with TOBORE IGHO OVUORIE Dear Igho, My fiancée left me almost three weeks ago. There has been no contact since. We had our problems. It all started after we got engaged. We couldn’t agree on a wedding date. It was up to me to pay for everything. We had no help and I didn’t want loans. We looked at options and I told her that 2014 would be when I would be financially ready for it. She is the type to jump right in, and then figure it out later, and I’m not. I try to be as prepared as possible. Also, she would go and say whatever to her family and, then, these people who used to put me on a pedestal are treating me like crap. I’ve always been respectful and helpful. I got very uncomfortable and stopped going to their houses. I also did not feel like my ex was sticking up for me. We had plenty of talks and I told her we may not feel the same about the wedding but I’m not doing anything wrong. I told her that I’m just trying to do the best I can for the both of us. I am also in school for Nursing, and I will be done in 2015. As well, we have differences in religion. She left me a week after I had knee surgery on our third year anniversary. I couldn’t help but feel so alone and betrayed. All she said was that she wasn’t happy and she was tried everything. I’m still thinking about it all and questioning myself- if I should let it go or do

My fiancé doesn’t care about me

something to get her back? I feel like there was a lot wrong and if she left so easy, I didn’t mean that much to her. But I don’t know and I don’t have anyone to talk to about this. What do you think?

Kelvin Onajite, Eku, Delta State.

Dear Kelvin, I feel for you, but it should not have

She’s insecure Dear Igho, I have been with my girlfriend for two years. We had a bumpy start but have worked very hard on this.

She is very insecure, to the point that I am no longer on FaceBook or have any contact with people from my past. She questions my whereabouts. She is a fun and great person but I feel as if I’m losing my own needs and walking on eggshells

most of the time. What should I do?

Jaiye, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Dear Jaiye, I don’t admire you sacrificing your own needs and you have a lot of blame to share in why this has happened. If you allow anyone and I mean anyone to cut

Feeling rejected!

What should I do?

Aunty Igho, I’m 15 years old and live in Lagos. I’ve been having feelings for a girl for some time now but she hasn’t accepted.

What do you think I should do? Please reply me.

Worried guy.

Dear Worried guy, I’ll advise you forget chasing girls for now and face your studies. You still have more years ahead of you for all that. For the time being, have females strictly as platonic friends and nothing more. This way, you’ll be able to study them properly and under-

come as a shock. You and she were not suited for each other. I always tell my advice seekers (and here I go for the umpteenth time) these elements make a quality relationship: trust, respect, common interests and values, open communication, and a willingness to form a working and lasting relationship.

It appears to me that many of these elements were missing. You are a practical man while she is not. She wanted an exyou off from friends in your past, that’s something you let happen, and it has to stop now. You have to ask yourself: where does this end?

Indeed, you are enabling her to continue to foster her insecurities and jealousy by doing as she wants. Emotionally weak people can be extremely powerful in paradoxical ways. They can get other people to jump through hoops for them and that’s what you’ve done. You may love her but this relationship is doomed not to be a success- no matter how hard you and she have worked at it.

stand them. When you’re ready much more later in life to settle down, you’ll be able to make your choice easily and wisely.

Meanwhile, add value to your life by taking part in activities or joining groups in which you learn new and healthy things.

Learning doesn’t start and end in the four walls of the classroom.

This way, as well as when you take a vocation serious, you’ll be better equipped for life and be in a better position to ask a lady out and gain her respect. Wishing you the best ahead!

pensive wedding, sooner, rather than later, and debt was of no concern to her. She was not willing to be your biggest fan but rather an adversary.

And she was insensitive enough to leave you when you needed help after surgery. That certainly hurts.

I know how wounded you are, but you saw red flags in some very crucial areas, but chose to ignore them; perhaps thinking they would magically work out with time. Sorry, that’s not the way it works. If you’re not as sure as you can be that the relationship is strong when you walk down the aisle, you’re heading for marital hell or divorce! And when you have kids thrown into such mix - oh my, that’s when it can get really messy and heartbreaking.

Fifty percent of marriages end in divorce (for various reasons) and one is because a couple marries hoping things will improve after the “I do.”

And you know that old saying, “Hope is not a plan.”

Really, I think you dodged a bullet and although difficult for you now, remind yourself how different you and she were, and that it’s best for you to find a woman who compliments you, rather than makes you feel cheap, and irrational. I wish you all the best in your nursing career. I think it’s highly possible you’ll find a fellow nurse who is just what the doctor ordered. Best of luck ahead dear!

Apparently, little has changed and she remains in control. That’s exactly where she feels comfortable. I suggest she gets to the core reasons for wanting you to cut contact with your friends, why they threaten her so vehemently and what she has to do about it. I also suggest counselling. Walking on egg shells is not what you should be doing and it’s wimpish behaviour on your part.

Sincerely, you’re not helping her by doing it her way. You are enabling her and you’re being taken down a path of emotional bondage.

RE: Life partners needed Dear Igho, Please, re-run my request of 15 September, 2012. I’m Olumuyiwa Abayomi Olaiya and need a decent widow NOT divorcee to be my wife. She should live in Lagos and can be from any ethnic group in Nigeria or Africa.

Interested women between 32 to 57 years only can contact me

on 08088668947 08174692554.

or

Dear Igho, I’m 33years old and a single mum but need a God- fearing, honest, caring, good looking, working-class Yoruba man between age 38-40 who resides in Lagos for marriage. Any interested man could reach me on 08083530098 or 08180671319.

Living Who says some professions or fields are the exclusive preserve of a particular gender? If you still hold on to such a view, then you have been overtaken by the tide of time.

Consider this. Four teenage girls: Duro-Aina Adebola, Akindele Abiola, Faleke Oluwatoyin and Bello Eniola have brought to reality the joke most Nigerians make when there is no fuel to power their electricity generators – “Go and urinate in the tank ….” With the invention of these girls, you can actually urinate in the tank of your generating set to get electricity.

Around most neighbourhoods in the country, the handyman for your faulty electrical appliances is like the name – a man. Then you are yet to hear of Molawa Adeleye Daramola: your handywoman with electronics. Not only is she an electrical electronics technician, she is also a leader in the trade.

Then your next commercial tricycle aka keke Marwa driver is rotund, curvy and in Bermuda shorts and matching baseball cap. On a closer look you discover “he” is a she. Yes, that would be Rashidat Ayo Bello.

She drives and operates a commercial tricycle.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

November 17, 2012

??????????????

What a man can do, a woman can... even better

33

34

LIVING

Rashidat Ayo Bello, in 1998, suffered a setback in the hands of her colleagues in the hairdressing business when they carted away her property for setting up a practice without registering with their association. Today, however, she finds fulfilment in riding a commercial tricycle, otherwise known as Keke Marwa, a vocation generally regarded as an exclusive male preserve.

November 17, 2012

Rashidat, the Keke Marwa driver

YEMISI ADENIRAN

T

he Keke Marwa (commercial tricycle) driver sat at the wheel ready to take off as soon as the last passenger arrived. It was a bright Tuesday morning. Some of her colleagues at the park in Ojodu Berger bus stop of Ogun State were also out, calling several destinations where a number of other tricycles lined-up to be boarded were bound. Soon, the last passenger boarded and one of the passengers called on the driver to start the vehicle.

“Ogbeni, je ka lo, ero e ti pe” (Gentleman, let’s go, your vehicle is filled up).

The driver promptly looked back to see who the impatient passenger was. But as their eyes locked, the passenger was startled. Astonishment was written on his face. For a few seconds, he scrutinised the driver who spotted a pair of shorts and a base ball cap to match. Seeing a rotund figure with busts shooting out, he was obviously surprised that the person at the wheel was a actually a woman.

The passenger might have encountered a female member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, popularly called “agbero” in local parlance found at Ojodu Berger bus stop of Lagos State, not one driving Keke Marwa. To him, all the female NURTW member at the garage is saddled with are the collection of toll and loading of passengers, not the kind of expertise that the driver of a commercial tricycle would require.

Throughout the trip, he was amazed at the dexterity with which the female driver manoeuvred through the traffic She displayed so much confidence and enthusiasm such that the man must have agreed in totality with the saying that “What a man can do, a woman can do even better.”

Rashidat Bello, the female commercial tricycle driver in question, is familiar with the kind of surprise and interest expressed by her passenger through the journey to Akute area of Ogun State from Ojodu Berger.

Bello’s path to uniqueness began in 1998 when she completed her hairdressing training. With the eagerness to operate her outfit, she decided to use one of the shops in front of her mother’s house at Arifanla area of Akute in Ogun State. She had barely operated for a week when the area’s chapter of the hairdressing association in the area stormed her shop accusing her of not going through the appropriate procedure of setting up a new outfit.

Rashidat

“Before I could explain my predicament and possibly beg for leniency, they had packed all my equipment and property away. I was left with nothing else to operate with,” Bello recalled.

Although disappointed by the encounter with people of same gender and ethnic group, young Bello did not see the event as the end of the world.

“I felt bad that a dream I had held so strongly to my heart was killed by some people. I was not ready to go into prostitution or any kind of crime to make a living,” she said Respite however came when, one day, she saw a woman riding a Keke Marwa in her neighbourhood.

“I was instantly challenged by the sight of a woman riding a Keke Marwa and I made up my mind right there to try my luck on it.”

She approached one Baba Ayo who trains people to drive a tricycle. She was admitted and she trained for two months.

“At first, I was ashamed to start taking my lessons even after I had been registered,” she told Saturday Mirror.

“It was a big shock to people around to see me learning to ride a Keke Marwa. It was considered a job for men alone. But I refused to be distracted in anyway. I told myself that I own my own life and no one should run it for me,” she added.

After two months of serious apprenticeship, and a Keke Marwa procured with

payment to be done in instalments, Bello launched her independence and joined the teeming operators of tricycles in Akute, Ogun State.

As the first and only female Keke Marwa driver in the area, she enjoys a lot of respect from her male counterparts.

“They neither collect any fee from me like they do with any man who operates one nor allow me call passengers myself.

They do all for me and I tell you, this really encouraged me,” pointed out Bello. Her perseverance and commitment again won her both respect and admiration from her female contemporaries and passersby alike.

Exuding pride and enjoying the dignity of labour, Bello said she had no regrets being a Keke Marwa driver. According to her, becoming one is easy. “ All you need to do is get an expert to teach you, get a Keke Marwa to buy if you have the money or get one and pay on instalment basis and operate,” she said.

Compared to other trades like hair-dressing and fashion designing which currently seem over-flooded, driving a Keke Marwa is easier and better to make a living from. The latter, by her calculation, is void of those essentials such as a shop, hair-dryers, sprays, shampoos, an electric generator and so on apart from a stylist and her salary.

She said with a Keke Marwa, all that is required is a tricycle and the commitment to pay up for the vehicle within a year.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bello disclosed that she takes home between N2,000 and N4,000 daily depending on how hard she works or how busy the day is.

“While my mates struggle to pay a daily contribution of N100.00, I save nothing less than N500.00 in a day,” she said cheerfully.

Interestingly, her unique selling point is what initially could have been the inhibition - her gender. She confides in Saturday Mirror that men chatter her for special businesses to any part of Lagos and Ogun State because they are amazed at the expertise and carefulness on the wheel.

“I have many parents whose kids I pick to school every morning and afternoon on a daily basis. This gives me an edge in the business. Even on days like weddings and other occasions, I receive calls from people who need me to take them home,” added Bello.

The amazement that her sight as a Keke Marwa driver has never ceased and she has different examples to share. On one occasion, according to her, a male motorist who had not seen a female Keke Marwa driver raced after her to catch a glimpse.

Oblivious of the bumps on the roads, the curious man coming closely behind her hit her from the rear causing injury.

“The man, out of fear, took to his heels but was later caught by my fellow Keke Marwa drivers. He took me to the hospital. I have since been nursing a chest pain that comes intermittently after a strenuous work,” Bello recounted.

Bello is not intimidated by her male counterparts. Her words: “It is no doubt a man’s world, but as a woman, I am firm with my male colleagues. I don’t allow them to harass me in any way; I always tell them I am their mother here. When it is time to scream at them, I do and when it is time to play a motherly role, I do. This has made me very indispensable to them.”

Listening to the woman Keke Marwa driver talk about the job makes easy meat of it. To her, even as a mother of four, coping with the job is no big deal.

“I have four wonderful children, two girls and two boys (twins). With my mum around, I have a good assistance. All I need to do is to wake up early to bath and take them to school and go back to bring them home. I go back to my work after doing that. I don’t allow my job to take all of my time. I don’t leave them absolutely to my mother, I find time even during the day to cater for them. It is not easy but God has been very wonderful,” she said.

Over the years, she has trained few men in the same job and is willing to train more.

“With just N5,000, a smart person will learn driving Keke Marwa within a month,” she said.

Meanwhile, the enterprising tricyclist nurses the ambition of owning more Keke Marwa to teach and lease out to intending operators.

“I will love to go beyond just riding Keke Marwa,” she stressed.

Asked if she has any advice for women in general, she said: “Women should rise up and be supportive at home. They must improve themselves either academically or vocationally as the situation may demand. Women should realise that there is a lot they can do without going into prostitution or armed robbery. There is no job that is exclusive for men or women. They should work hard to secure the future of their children and that of their gender.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIVING

November 17, 2012

35

Molawa Adeleye Daramola is actually a woman in a man’s world. Not only is she an electrical electronics technician, she is also the chairperson of the profession’s body in her area even as she remains the first and only female member of the association to date. However, for this petite woman with a strong heart, the path to her current status was not only thorny, it was torturous.

OSEYIZA OOGBODO

I

n these times when the debate continues to rage over gender equality, Molawa Adeleye Daramola proves indeed that there is no basis for the debate, that the genders are equal.

Molawa is a woman in a profession that is not just dominated by men, but can be reasonably said to be the sole preserve of men. Her presence in the profession, electrical electronics, is therefore both astounding and commendable.

As a matter of fact, she is reportedly the only female electrical electronics technician in Ogun State where she is based presently. And when Saturday Mirror met with her during the week, she confirmed it.

“I have been a member of the Agbado zone of the Ogun State chapter of the Electrical Technicians Association of Nigeria for eight years now, attended several meetings both at the zonal and state levels and I am always the only woman there.”

She is a woman in a man’s profession, the only woman in its state association made up of men, and now she is the head of her zone of that association. “I was first secretary of Agbado ETAN, but then I decided to contest for the chairmanship.”

If the men in Agbado ETAN had been tolerating her membership before, her decision to become their head brought out their true feelings.

“When I announced my intention to contest, I heard that some said I cannot be the chairman because I’m a woman.

But I wasn’t deterred. I went ahead and we held the election on October 25 and it was very tough because I won by just one vote.”

According to her, she only got to know how the men really felt by her decision to contest after she had won. “After my election, I have held two meetings and after seeing the way I handled the meetings, the men started saying they didn’t know I could run the association properly and that’s why they opposed me but now they are rest assured that there’s light in our association and that we’ve been in darkness before.”

Daramola

Photos: OSEYIZA OOGBODO

Molawa, your electronics technician

Her workshop

Saying that she has begun to think and act like a man is not an insult on her female personality. When asked how she feels as the only woman among the men at their meetings, she said, “I feel like a man when I’m at the meeting. I don’t even really have any woman friend. But I’m trying to encourage other women to come into the profession.”

With her emergence as Agbado ETAN chairman or chairlady, whichever you prefer for the sake of political correctness, Molawa can rightly be said to be flying high. But the path to this current status of hers has not been a bed of roses.

“There was opposition to my desire to become an electrical electronics technician,” she recalled without a trace of bit-

terness in her voice. “It wasn’t seen as a profession for women so I was urged to go into a field more suitable for women.

But because this was what was in my mind, I was adamant.”

And her stance cost her dearly. “After my secondary school education, I had to become a labourer in a farm in order to earn money to achieve my dream of going for a university course in electrical electronics.”

Due to her childishness, her plan was soon aborted. “I was keeping my earnings with a family member and when it had gotten to N50, he squealed on me and the money was seized.”

Not ready to give up, she found another way of saving money and started plotting how to escape from home. “It wasn’t an easy proposition because our house faced the road so I would be seen if I was running away. But one day, the opportunity arose and I grabbed it immediately. As at then, I had only N10 with me and the transport fare from Ijowa Isalu where we were living then in Kwara State to Ilorin was N10. And if I used it all for transport, I wouldn’t have any money left so I had to ride on the back of a Coca-Cola truck and I paid them just N6.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

36

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Urine-powered generator to the rescue W

ho says teenage girls don’t like science? Four entrepreneurial Nigerian teenagers have demolished the oft-quoted stereotype by inventing an electricity generator powered by urine.

Although the country’s economy is on the rise, more than half of the acclaimed well above the official 140 million people in the land have no access to electricity.

In areas where there is electricity, however, it is erratic and in short bursts with power not available for the major part of the day.

Efforts have been made by the Federal Government to shore up the generation and distribution of electricity and these gave birth to the on-going privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

Now, the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) has given final approval for bidders of PHCN successor companies including five Generation Companies (GENCOs) and 10 Distribution Companies (DISCOs) which have met requirements set for the firms.

However four teenagers just couldn’t wait, and have found their own solution - using a resource that is free, unlimited, easily obtainable, and does not depend on the government.

Fourteen-year-olds Duro-Aina Adebola, Akindele Abiola, Faleke Oluwatoyin, and 15-year-old Bello Eniola presented their invention at the Maker Faire Africa entrepreneurs’ event, in Lagos, on No-

...Courtesy of four bright-eyed girls

Three of the girls and their invention

vember5 and 6.

According to the Maker Faire blog, urine is put into an electrolytic cell, which cracks the urea into nitrogen, water, and hydrogen. The hydrogen goes into a water filter for purification, which then gets pushed into the gas cylinder.

The gas cylinder pushes hydrogen

into a cylinder of liquid borax, which is used to remove the moisture from the hydrogen gas. This purified hydrogen gas is pushed into the generator, and one litre of urine provides six hours of electricity.

Co-founder of the two-day event, Erik Hersman, said the event showcased practical innovation.

The Maker Faire blog described the generator as “possibly one of the more unexpected products” at the event.

While the system does have one-way valves for safety, more robust measures may be needed before it can be sold widely.

•Culled from MailOnline.com

‘Women are afraid of electrical electronics’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 Her arrival in Ilorin only buttressed the fact that she was going to have a hard time achieving her heart’s desire.

“In Ilorin, I put up with my father’s elder sister, late Mrs Adeoti Ojo. When she asked me what I wanted to do and I told her, she assisted me to go to the National Directorate of Employment which was the only agency that could help me.

“But when I got to the NDE, the manager said he couldn’t take me on because I was a girl. He said all the girls they took on as electrical electronics technicians had all left to become tailors and hair dressers so they couldn’t waste their time on me.

“When I returned home, my aunty suggested that I should go and start selling beer or change into another occupation but I said never. Luckily for me, about a month after, an NDE man came to play ayo in our neighbourhood and he saw me and still recognised me and when I told him I was really interested in electrical electronics, he gave me a recommendation letter to Gbemi Radio.”

Though she was accepted as an apprentice at Gbemi Radio, it could be said due to a stroke of fate as GR’s proprietor turned out to be a blood relative. His mother was her paternal grandmother’s

Pa Daramola, Molawa’s father

sister.

“I met another girl at GR. She had been there for eight months and she left after a year without completing her apprenticeship. I was the third girl to apprentice there. I was the only one that completed my apprenticeship. The previous two left to become a hairdresser and a tailor respectively.”

Trying to shed light on why girls

don’t like to be electrical electronics technicians and why those who even nurse the desire end up giving it up, she said, “I think it’s because they are afraid.

Women are afraid of this profession.

For instance, like when I was learning, my seniors would deliberately burn me with a soldering iron or shock me with a wire. They would say that if I couldn’t stand their playful burning or shocking, I wouldn’t stay in the profession if I got shocked or burnt on the job.

“Another of their tricks is to make capacitors explode and the explosion is always scary so women are always afraid of all these and so run away. If you look at my hands, all the dark marks there are from being burnt by soldering irons.”

So why did she stay and learn when others didn’t? Why did she even pick an interest in the profession in the first instance?

“I was able to apprentice successfully because this is the only thing that’s always been on my mind. As a little girl, I developed an interest in it out of some sort of necessity. Our TV got spoilt and when someone came to repair it, I stayed with him and was fascinated by how he repaired it. Then NEPA came to cut our light one day and I watched the man as he removed the wire from the fuse.

“After he had gone, I reset the wire and the light came back. When my father

asked who rewired the light, I didn’t say I was the one. We were just enjoying the light until NEPA came again the following week and asked who reset the wire so he now removed it from the meter.

“I watched him again and when he had gone, I returned it into the meter and as I was coming down, my father saw me and he beat the daylights out of me.

Afterwards, he went to pay the NEPA bill and then hide the meter away from me so I wouldn’t be tempted to fiddle with it again.”

Molawa’s success is not however without the input of her father, Reverend Dr. Chief Sunday Adesola Daramola. “I’m a disciplinarian and the disciplined way I brought her up is helping her a lot now.

She is able to compete with the men and doesn’t allow them to cheat her but she doesn’t cheat anybody also.”

Molawa’s shop is currently attached to his house and he recalls further that “I had to divide my parlour at Nathan Street in Ojuelegba for her to use as her workshop. It was while we were at Ojuelegba that the later Folorunso Akinbiseyin saw her and so believed in her that he was her best customer and always paid her many times over what she charged him.

It was from the money he gave her that she built her shop here in Agbado and she has been doing fine ever since by the grace of God.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIVING

November 17, 2012

St. Saviours School PTA with members of OIPA and other guests at the event

SEGUN ADIO

T

ears freely rolled down the cheeks of parents, teachers and pupils of Canal Primary School, Orile-Iganmu, in the CokerAguda Local Council Development Authority area of Lagos State, on Wednesday, November 14. The tears were not of sorrow but of joy for the love shown the pupils by a philanthropic organisation based in the state.

It was a case of the haves extending hands of support and love to the have-nots and the downtrodden. That was the case when a group of well-todo women, representing the Parent Teacher Association of St. Saviours School, Ikoyi, Lagos State presented teaching aids to the pupils and students of the beleaguered primary school.

The relationship between the PTA of St. Saviours, Ikoyi and Canal Primary School in Apelogun community of Orile-Iganmu started about nine months ago. That time, a non-governmental organisation, the Orile Iganmu Progressive Association (OIPA) had approached one Kingsley Omose, a lawyer, about the plight of the school.

In retrospect, Canal Primary School until early this year when St. Saviours Schools PTA turned its attention on it was said to be in total state of dilapidation.

It is a school for children for the less privileged in the society. The classrooms were not only overcrowded, but the teachers had a Herculean task passing instructions to the students. Not a single teacher had a table to write or chair to sit on. Even until now, a large chunk of the pupils of the school receive instructions in wooden classrooms and under pitiable circumstances.

Omose, who was once a chairman

Tears of joy as school ‘adopts’ school Love your neighbour as yourself is a religious injunction often mouthed but rarely practised. This, however, was the case recently when a high brow primary school ‘adopted’ a primary school for less privileged children in Lagos.

of the PTA of St. Saviours Schools, Ikoyi and knowing the philanthropic gesture of the group, approached the current leadership of the PTA to come to the rescue of the children of Canal Primary School.

As concerned mothers and lovers of children, the current leadership of

Some of the donated items

Mrs. Bolanle Gobir first visited Canal Primary School to see for themselves the situations there and also determine how they could help.

Speaking with Saturday Mirror, Gobir traced the journey of the relationship with Canal School thus, “When Omose brought the issue of

37

this school to the PTA, we discussed among ourselves that we needed to visit the place. So we came here on a fact-finding mission. What we saw here then was totally disgusting.

There were no chairs, tables for teachers; there was no play ground for the children to play, the two blocks of classrooms standing were in a dilapidated state”.

Since the period of their first visit to Canal School coincided with when St. Saviours School PTA was hanging its pupils’ playground, the used one was transferred to the former school.

The gift was then received with great enthusiasm by the Canal Primary School pupil, who probably had not seen such equipment all their lives, let alone play with it.

Back then, the group also entered into agreement with OIPA to have all teachers in Canal Primary School trained in basic computer knowledge, a proposal that OIPA carried out without any charge to the teachers.

From then on, the PTA St. Saviours Schools Ikoyi decided to ‘adopt’ the school and their own and also set out to seek donations for the school.

They did not search for long however, as telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria, offered N250, 000 support towards the project.

So, last Wednesday, the St. Saviours’ Schools PTA made good their promise to return with much bigger items for the pupils and their teachers. Several teachers’ chairs and tables, marker boards for the pupils, scores of books as well as writing materials. That was not all. A 24 inch coloured television set, a DVD player and a generating set were provided for the school. Gobir explained that the items were provided for the pupils to watch instructional lessons on the screen.

The St. Saviour Schools PTA, in appreciation of the shrinking global community, also provided computers with Internet facilities for the use of both teachers and pupils. A cash donation of N50, 000 was also added to top up the internet connection once it is running out.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Y. Fatoki, Executive Secretary, Surulere Local Government Education Authority, commended St. Saviours Schools PTA for the gesture towards Canal Primary School.

“This kind of gesture is unmatched in this state and we will always remain grateful to you for this gesture,” she said.

Presiddent of OIPA, the group that facilitated St. Saviour’s Schools PTA to the area, Olabode Medale told Saturday Mirror that OIPA would not stop at Canal Primary School but will continue to nose around for schools in dire need like Canal School and drive corporate world to assist them.

Omose was full of gratitude for the PTA for rising to the challenge when presented with the case of the ‘adopted school.’

Mrs Chika Nnadi the headmistress of Canal Primary School, who fought back tears while speaking with Saturday Mirror, promised donors that all items provided the school would be put into good use.

38

TOURISM

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Footprints on the rock: Try your size on Idanre Hills

An aerial view of Idanre

Aghagha Hill

Arun River

On the awesome hills of Idanre, in Ondo State are many mysteries: Footprints on the rock, river flowing out of the rock, smoke emitting from the rocks and a host of other extra-normal phenomena. YEMISI ADENIRAN reports.

while on the throne. In other words, the cow heads are kept to account for the tenure of the tra-ditional rulers.

Apart from the abandoned palace and its ancient courtyard, there are various shrines on the hills. Although the people have moved to the new site, it is evident that the hills still serve as a rendezvous for the gods and goddesses of the land. Right on the hills were worshippers of Orosun who all appeared in white regalia as they paid their yearly obeisance to their goddess.

Speaking on why some of the indigenes have not moved from the hills, Tosho Awoyemi, one of the worshippers who had half of his hair shaven said “ It is our ancient shrine, the gods are here because our ancestors were buried here ( he said as he pointed to differ-ent spaces indicating their graves). We come here once a year to appease Orosun and other gods of the land, fasting for seven days.”

Another wonder on the hills is the Arun River which everyone rushes to make contact with. It is a mysterious river in a serene corner of the hill. The water is clear, clean and potable. The river, according to the guide is multi-purpose.

“It is used for spiritual cleansing from curses and bad luck, for fertility, cure form different ailments, for success and all,” explained Awoyemi. A lot of people were seen having their bath in the river, obviously for one spiritual reason or the other.

T

he people of Ondo State and especially the indigenes of Idanre cannot boast enough about the unique gift of the mystical Idanre Hills. Located about 24 kilometres Southwest of Akure, the hills draw tourists and spiritualists in droves.

Ascending the hills is an arduous task.

It is a daunting climb of 640 steps that only the strong with a flair for adventure can confront.Strange that the people of Idanre town actually lived in these awe-inspiring boulders for almost a millennium.

Idanre hills surround Idanre town, envelope it and dominate life in it. So imposing are the hills that from any angle, one can easily see the hills and virtually every activity around it. One catchy sight on these hills is found on a particular one known as Aghagha Hill. This hill emits smoke all through the year. Beside this mystery is the Agboogun footprint. According to a guide, Kunle Ojo, the footprints are mysterious and are the legacy of one of the past warriors of the land.

Agboogun, as he is called, was a brave hunter and warrior who lived in Idanre in the 17th century. These footsteps, Ojo said, can accommodate any kind of foot size at

any point in time, provided it does not belong to a devilish person. It expands and shrinks to meet with the size of anyone who steps into it. As far as Ojo and the indigenes believe, Agboogun footprint has defied human understanding. “It is the work of the gods. Witches and wizards keep their distance from here. Once the footprint is unable to accommodate your foot, you are considered a witch or wizard.

This is why we have a lot of people coming here for spiritual cleansing and certification,” Ojo said.

Located on top of the hill is the Owa’s palace which, although ancient, still serves as a custodian of the people’s culture, arts and tradition. It houses an in timidating courtyard where the Oba used to hold court, as well as some historical monu-ments about the establishment of Idanre town.

The coronation rites of a new Oba, as Ojo pointed out, is incomplete until he visits Oke Idanre. Palm fronds and tortoise skulls mark the path the Oba-elect has to take, a path forbidden to the uninitiated.

On one side of the palace, are heaps of cow skulls. According to the guide, each skull stands for each year in the life of an Oba

Saturday Mirror spoke with some tourists on the hill. Michael White, an Italian was there with his wife and two children . He said, “I keep marvelling at the wonders of nature in Africa. The land is blessed no doubt and the state government should tap into this very well. I was expecting a hotel or, at least, an accommodation on top of the hills but there is none. So, we have to go down immediately. There are also no guide.”

“Idanre hill is full of mystery and rich in culture. It is a place for fun seekers and lovers of adventure,’’ Barrister Tunde Oni, also a tourist, remarked.

“Although climbing the hills is a strenuous exercise, I love the experience. The discoveries are great. I would have preferred to come back here with my family to savour its delight some more but there are no provisions for that. All the same, I have really enjoyed my trip,” says John Chucks, an undergraduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Adetola Wewe, Ondo State Commissioner for Culture, however, allayed the fear of tourists as he said the state government is working on a conducive environment for tourists. “We are aware of the importance of Idanre hills and as you would have seen, Idanre hills of today are definitely not the same as those of yesteryears. It is part of the plan of the state’s government to improve on the condition of the hills to make it a better tourist attraction,” he said.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

39

November 17, 2012

W

hat is typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is an acute illness associated with fever that is most often caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria. It can also be caused by Salmonella paratyphi, a related bacterium that usually leads to a less severe illness. The bacteria are deposited in water or food by a human carrier, transmitted through the ingestion of food and drink contaminated by faeces or urine of infected people in the area. Typhoid fever is rare in developed countries but continues to be a significant public-health issue in developing countries.

How do patients get typhoid fever?

The bacteria which causes typhoid fever may be spread through poor hygiene habits and public sanitation conditions, and sometimes also by flying insects feeding on faeces.

Typhoid fever is contracted by the ingestion of the bacteria in contaminated food or water. Patients with acute illness can contaminate the surrounding water supply through stool, which contains a high concentration of the bacteria. Contamination of the water supply can, in turn, taint the food supply. Some patients suffer a very mild illness that goes unrecognized. These patients can become long-term carriers of the bacteria.

The bacteria, multiplies in the gallbladder, bile ducts, or liver and passes into the bowel. The bacteria can survive for weeks in water or dried sewage. These chronic carriers may have no symptoms and can be the source of new outbreaks of typhoid fever for many years.

Public education campaigns encouraging people to wash their hands after defecating and before handling food are an important component in controlling spread of the disease.

How do the bacteria cause disease and how is it diagnosed?

After the ingestion of contaminated food or water, the Salmonella bacteria invade the small intestine and enter the bloodstream temporarily. The bacteria are carried by white blood cells in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

The bacteria then multiply in the cells of these organs and reenter the bloodstream. Patients develop symptoms, including fever, when the organism re-enters the bloodstream. Bacteria invade the gallbladder, biliary system,

Typhoid Fever and the lymphatic tissue of the bowel.

Here, they multiply in high numbers.

The bacteria pass into the intestinal tract and can be identified for diagnosis in cultures from the stool tested in the laboratory. Stool cultures are sensitive in the early and late stages of the disease but often must be supplemented with blood cultures, and Widal test to make the definite diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of typhoid fever?

Symptoms usually develop one – three weeks after exposure, and may be mild or severe. The duration of the illness is about four-six weeks. Healthy carrier state may follow acute illness.

The patient experiences  poor appetite;  abdominal pain;  headaches;  generalised aches and pains;  high fever  lethargy (usually only if untreated);  intestinal bleeding or perforation (after two to three weeks of the disease);  diarrhoea or constipation  Rose-coloured spot on the chest  Enlarged spleen or liver Chest congestion develops in many patients, and abdominal pain and discomfort are common. The fever becomes constant. Improvement occurs in the third and fourth week in those without complications. About 10 percent of patients have recurrent symptoms (relapse) after feeling better for one to two weeks. Relapses are actually more common in individuals treated with antibiotics.

What is the treatment for typhoid fever, and what is the prognosis?

Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics that kill the Salmonella bacteria.

Death occurred from overwhelming infection, pneumonia, intestinal bleeding, or intestinal perforation. With antibiotics and supportive care, mortality has been reduced to 1-2 per cent. With appropriate antibiotic therapy, there is usually improvement within one to two days and recovery within seven to 10 days.

Several antibiotics are effective for the treatment of typhoid fever. The choice of antibiotics needs to be guided by identifying the geographic region where the organism was acquired and the results of cultures once available. The carrier state can be treated with prolonged antibiotics. Often, removal of the gallbladder, the site of chronic infection, will cure the carrier state.

Surgical treatment Surgery is usually indicated in cases of intestinal perforation. Most surgeons prefer simple closure of the perforation with drainage of the peritoneum. Smallbowel resection is indicated for patients with multiple perforations.

What is likely to happen if typhoid fever is not treated?

Classically, the course of untreated typhoid fever is divided into four individual stages, each lasting approximately one week. In the first week, the temperature rises slowly and fever fluctuations are seen with relative low heart rate, malaise, headache, and cough. A bloody nose (epistaxis) is seen in a quarter of cases and abdominal pain is also pos-

sible. There is a decrease in the number of circulating white blood cells and a positive reaction and blood cultures are positive for Salmonellatyphi or paratyphi. The classic Widal test is negative in the first week.

In the second week of the infection, the patient lies prostrate with high fever around 40 °C with low heart rate.

Delirium is frequent, frequently calm, but sometimes agitated. Rose spots appear on the lower chest and abdomen in around a third of patients.

The abdomen is distended and painful in the right lower quadrant. Diarrhea can occur in this stage: six to eight stools in a day, green with a characteristic smell, comparable to pea soup. However, constipation is also frequent. The spleen and liver are enlarged and tender.The Widal test is strongly positive.

Blood cultures are sometimes still positive at this stage. (The major symptom of this fever is that the fever usually rises in the afternoon up to the first and second week.)

In the third week of typhoid fever, a number of complications can occur:  Intestinal haemorrhage/bleeding: this can be very serious but is usually not fatal.  Intestinal perforation in the distal ileum: this is a very serious complication and is frequently fatal. It may occur without alarming symptoms until infection in the blood sets in.  Neuropsychiatric symptoms with picking at bedclothes or imaginary objects.

The fever is still very high and oscillates very little over 24 hours. Dehydration ensues and the patient is delirious (typhoid state). By the end of third week the fever starts subsiding. This carries on into the fourth and final week.

Prevention Sanitation and hygiene are the critical measures that can be taken to prevent typhoid. Typhoid does not affect animals and therefore transmission is only from human to human. Typhoid can only spread in environments where human faeces or urine are able to come into contact with food or drinking water. Careful food preparation and washing of hands are crucial to preventing typhoid.

There are two vaccines licensed for use for the prevention of typhoid. Boosters are recommended every five years for the oral vaccine and every two years for the injectable form.

LETTER

Do I have Atypical Pneumonia?

Dear Mirror Doctor, I read your column on Atypical Pneumonia. I have been admitted into a hospital for such before and was treated. But for some days now, I have been having some symptoms related to the ones you listed such as sweating, loss of appetite, low

energy, and clammy skin. Please advise me, on the drug to take because I am a student and I don’t want to be placed on admission in a hospital again. +2348036---------49

Mirror Doctor replies Atypical pneumonia is a pneumonia not caused by one of the more traditional pathogens and with a clinical presentation that contrasts to the “typical” pneumonia. It can be caused by a variety of microorganisms. Pneumonia is a condition in which there is an infection of the lung.

The fact that you have similar symptoms with the ones I listed in my write-up some time ago does not confirm that you have atypical pneumonia. There are other health conditions that have similar symptoms and presentation.

Persons with suspected pneumonia should have a complete medical evaluation. You may have to see a health care professional for proper evaluation before initiation of treatment.

40

LEISURE

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport CAF Champion’s League final

Egyptian Al-Ahly player Walid Soliman (right) vies for the ball with Harrison Afful (left) of Esperance de Tunis during their CAF Champions League final first leg tie played at the Army Stadium in the town of Borg al-Arab, near Egypt’s northern port city of Alexandria on November 4, 2012.

History beckons as Esperance, Al-Ahly battle for trophy Sayo Ogundeji

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

A

l-Ahly of Egypt’s hope of winning their seventh record title hangs in the balance as they try to upturn their 1-1 first leg result against Esperance of Tunisia in the second -leg of the CAF Champions League final which holds today in Tunis.

Despite playing in front of over 20,000 fans for the first time since February’s Port Said disaster, Al-Ahly failed to carve out a convincing victory in that epic cracker.

A late strike by El-Sayed Hamdi rescued Al-Ahly from a stunning home defeat by Esperance in the first-leg a fortnight ago. And an improved performance from the Egyp-

tians could fetch them the Africa’s premier club competition they last won in 2008.

Esperance seemed on a course for a famous win in that first-leg tie in Alexandria when Walid Hichri capitalized on a blunder from Al-Ahly keeper Sherif Ekramy to score against the run of play four minutes after the restart, but a timely equaliser gave the Egyptians a ray of hope.

Therefore, the Egyptians will obviously be looking to replicate their remarkable victory over Tunisia’s Sportif Sfaxien in 2006 when the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in Cairo before Mohamed Abou-Treika scored a last-gasp goal in the return leg to hand his side a 2-1 aggregate win.

Obviously, the Tunisian giants will be a tough opponent for the Egyptians as they

We need to P. 43 close shop in our sports industry –Oduah

look set to lift the trophy for the second time in a row, and third overall.

It will be recalled that Al-Ahly were knocked out of the 2010 CAF Champions League at the semi finals by Esperance following a controversial second-leg goal

by Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo and will obviously aim to repeat the same feat against their opponent today.

Though Esperance stands a better chance of lifting the trophy going by their first leg impressive result, but the Director of the club, Riadh Bennour, expressed concern over the team’s second leg match, saying they would strive for at least one goal to avoid Sportif Sfaxien’s scenario of 2006.

“We have to score in the second leg in Tunisia to avoid Sportif Sfaxien’s fate in 2006.

Consolidate P. 44 on Venezuela victory, Erico charges Keshi

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

November 17, 2012

41

“We played a superb game in Egypt but the second leg in Tunisia will be difficult,” Bennour said.

And despite their slim advantage going into today’s match against the defending champions, Al-Ahly, manager, Hossam El Badry believes his side has the talent and maturity to get a famous victory away from home.

According to the former international, both teams still have chances to lift the Champions League title, adding that his side will give it their all when they take on the Tunisian champions in Tunis.

“It’s not a bad result; I can say it’s all square and even and this gives both sides the chance to win the trophy in the return leg in Tunis.

“It’s not difficult for Al-Ahly to go and reverse the situation in Tunis and win the trophy. It’s not unusual or impossible because the team have achieved that before. And if Esperance managed to score here, we also can go and score there and win the match.

“We played well in most of the games and had the luck stood with us, we should have scored more goals, especially from the chances that Abou Treka had in both halves.

“We conceded from a defensive error but despite that we could have won the game.

Nothing is decided yet in this final,” El Badry said.

Al-Ahly midfielder, Abdallah El-Saied, also revealed that he and his teammates would do their best to win the CAF Champions league title.

“We can beat Esperance in Tunisia and snatch the Champions League title,” ElSaied enthused after the first leg. “We still have a chance.”

The Egyptian side departed for Tunisia on Thursday with Ivorian striker Oussou Konan and winger Ahmed Shokry being left out of Ahly’s 22-man squad.

Konan has struggled to establish himself since joining Al-Ahly in the summer, with coach Hossam El-Badry preferring to rely on the likes of Emad Meteb, Mohamed Nagy ‘Gedo’ and Dominique Da Silva upfront.

Shokry is also finding it difficult to play regular first-team football after ending a loan stint at Bani Sweif telephones, given the abundance of attacking midfielders at El-Badry’s disposal.

The squad did not include regular leftback Sayed Moawad, who also missed the first leg against Esperance because of a knee complaint.

Meanwhile, former Ahly manager, Manuel Jose, has warned the team about refereeing mistakes in the CAF Champions League final and urged the players to be more focussed and not waste time during the match.

“African refereeing mistakes can be fatal and Al-Ahly suffered from them many times in the past.

“This match needs a special strategy and it has to be carried out with concentration, accuracy and confidence,” the 66-year-old Portuguese said prior to today’s second leg final tie.

Balotelli P. 45 may return to Italy –Evra

42

SPORT

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NFF’s unending power tussle

T

he crisis which has engulfed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its affiliate body, the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) has continued unabated during the passing week following the recent move by NFF to stop NPL’s congress billed for today in Kano. And whether the NPL board would react to the directive is another piece of cake for the media to feast on.

As a kicker, it could be recalled that from the first day after the elections that ushered in Aminu Maigari-led board was concluded, series of court cases took centre stage over the legality of the elections.

As if that was not enough, the affiliate body, NPL, also had their own share of problems; this time over the rightful head of the Nigeria Premier League board.

Shortly after that, the lingering case of who should own the title sponsorship rights of the Nigerian top flight division reared its ugly and till date the issue of title sponsor of the NPL league is being fought in courtrooms as the quality of our league continues to wane.

Coming back to the subject matter for this weekend’s piece, on Wednesday, November 14, HT received a nauseating press statement from the NFF, this time directing the NPL to stop its congress billed for Kano today which seems not to go down well with many soccer pundits across the country.

Many of them saw the move as another diversionary tactics by

Hard Tackle with

Andrew Ekejiuba anelsports@yahoo.com

NFF President, Alh. Aminu Maigari

NFF to throw Nigerian football into a major crisis instead of concentrating on how best to prepare the Super Eagles for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations holding in South Africa early next year.

The letter which emanated from the NFF was addressed to the Acting Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Premier League, Tunji Babalola, and signed by NFF General Secretary, Barr. Musa

08023103605

Amadu, read, inter alia: “I have the mandate of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation to inform you to put all arrangements for the staging of the NPL 7th Congress 2012 on hold until further notice.

“This is as a result of several lingering issues around the Nigeria Premier League that have come to the fore and which must be fully resolved before a Congress can be called to set the date for the beginning of a new season.

“You may kindly recall that the Nigeria Football Federation had earlier directed you to suspend plans for the commencement of a new season based on some issues.

Now, other matters have been added, for which the NFF issued you a query that has only recently been answered.”

And defending this action, Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of the NFF, Chief Emeka Inyama, said the decision to stop the congress was to ensure that the next league season kicks off without rancour.

But HT sees this latest move as a pure interference by the NFF on the administration of the league body which FIFA to a great extent frowns at.

Aside the aforementioned, many stakeholders of Nigerian football believe that the stoppage of NPL’s Congress is a ploy by the football house to flex muscles with NPL and possibly put themselves in a vantage position, pending when the sponsorship deal of the league would be sorted out.

Also, a few weeks back, the NFF showed its readiness to commence a campaign aimed at cursing more harm to the fragile peace existing in the administration of our country’s football when they called in external auditors to check the record books of NPL without purging themselves of the chains of fraudulent allegations that has continued to trail them.

Therefore, if Inyama and his godfathers in the NFF are really ready to purge the NFF board of corrupt practices, they ought to have started it when they came into power by inviting external auditors to probe the immediate past board of the NFF led by Alh. Sanni Lulu whose tenure witnessed the disappearance of the sum of $230,000 in their secretariat and till date the money has not been recovered.

Also, it beats the imagination of many stakeholders of football in the country that the present board of the NFF has refused to answer questions regarding the monies Lulu claimed to have left

NIGERIANS SHOULD IN STRONG TERMS, CONDEMN NFF’S RECENT ACTION TO CANCEL THE NPL CONGRESS IN KANO BECAUSE HT BELIEVES IT HAS A SELFISH MOTIVE UNDERNEATH behind while leaving office and even refused to clear the air on what happened to the FIFA development fund.

What about the $8million from the 2010 World Cup? Therefore, if the present NFF board is sure they have not invited ant-infested faggots inside the Glass House of Nigerian football, they should allow external auditors to commence an immediate auditing of their accounts as was done to the NPL board.

According to HT of October 27 piece which was titled, “Corruption in sports and Amaechi’s outburst,” the NFF doesn’t have any moral right to poke its nose into what is happening in the NPL, instead they should purge themselves of all the corrupt allegations trailing the Aminu Maigariled board.

Nigerians should in strong terms, condemn NFF’s recent action to cancel the NPL Congress in Kano because HT believes it has a selfish motive underneath.

SPORT NEWS

Friends of Rugby League ends, Martial arts channel debuts in DStv as Police vows to crush Cowrie M ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he Friends of Rugby, Lagos League which commenced four months ago would be concluded tomorrow at the main bowl of the National Stadium in Lagos, as the Police Machine of Lagos RFC (Rugby Football Club) has vowed to crush Cowrie RFC. The participants in this year’s event have been Cowrie RFC, The Police Machine of Lagos RFC, Young Lions RFC, Ilorin RFC and Gosar RFC. So far, each of the games has been well attended, with exceptional demonstrations of good sportsmanship with out-

standing quality of rugby.

And the last round of this year’s league takes place tomorrow. it promises to be action-packed.

The first bout features Gosar RFC against Young Lions RFC, which kicks off at 12 noon and it will be followed by the battle between Lagos RFC and Ilorin RFC at 2pm.

The remaining teams, however, (Cowrie RFC and The Police Machine) will take the centre stage by 4pm as they currently sit on top of the league.

Expectedly, there can be only one winner, as Cowrie will face the formidable Police Machine in the final match of the day to decide the overall winner of the league.

The organizers told

Saturday Mirror that the encounter promises to be a contest of fireworks, and spectators can expect to see a display of blood and guts from both sides who have shown the desire, tenacity and ability to be crowned as champions.

Individual prizes on offer include, the highest Try scorer and the highest Points scorer which is keenly contested for by Azeez Ladipo of Cowrie RFC with 68 Points, and Samson Yahaya of Police RFC who have scored 65 Points respectively.

Meanwhile the winners of the League have been guaranteed a trip to play in the prestigious Dubai 7’s Rugby Tournament in two weeks time.

ultiChoice has announced the launch of a new sports channel called Blackbelt TV in Nigeria.

The 24-hour martial arts television network will feature classic martial arts movies, great Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights from around the globe and MMA lifestyle oriented interviews from Hollywood.

Speaking to sport journalists in Lagos during the

launch, the MD of MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe says his company is delighted at the introduction of Black Belt TV which will serve the interest of a large community of martial arts lovers and practitioners in the country.

“I am especially delighted because the exploit of Nigeria in martial arts sports such as taekwondo and boxing means that the new channel is destined

General Manager SuperSport, Felix Awogu (middle), flanked by Head of Public Relations, Multichoice Nigeria, Segun Fayose (right), and PR Executive, Timothy Okwu, during a media launch of new channel, BlackBelt TV, at the SWAN secretariat, National Stadium, Surulere in Lagos on Wednesday.

to fill a void created by the absence of any dedicated channel for martial arts in the country,” he said.

The channel will be available to DStv Access, Family, Compact, Compact Plus and Premium subscribers in the country and programming will include the screening of “3 Rounds With”, a half hour interview show where stars stop by in a fun, casual way and talk entertainment and combat sports.

Meanwhile, guests will include director Brett Ratner, actors John Cusack and Jackie Chan, and legendary warriors like Evander Holyfield, Dolph Lundgren, and Manny Pacquiao.

Additionally, viewers will see Kung fu movies.

Films will include Drunken Master, Slippery Snake, Fists of Dragons, Shaolin Fox Conspiracy and Ninja the Protector.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

November 17, 2012

43

We need to close shop in our sports industry –Oduah Prince Isidore Oduah was a board member of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) who served under Chief Sunny Dankaro’s regime in the mid 70s. In this no-holds-barred interview with ANDREW EKEJIUBA he expresses sadness over the poor state of sports development in the country and called for a total surgery of the ailing sports industry. Excerpts:

T

ake a look at the state of sports development in Nigeria, how comfortable are you?

I’m not comfortable because there is no development going on in our sports sector.

The current people at the helm of affairs in the sports ministry do not know what it entails to develop sports. I don’t know what they are waiting for and what they are doing in that regard.

Having said that I want to state that sports development is dead in Nigeria as far as I’m concerned.

Compare and contrast how sports development was administered during the past decades when our athletes excelled in major sporting events worldwide and how it is being run now.

What are the differences?

They are miles apart because when we administered sports during our time we developed sports with interest. Right now the interest has been commercialized because the present administrators are looking for money to line their pockets.

You were a former board member of the NFA, what did you achieve during your tenure?

I was a former board member of NFA in the mid ‘70s and till date the Chief Sunny Dankaro’s regime has remained the best Nigerian football ever had because it was during that time we won the All Africa Games football event in 1973 in Lagos and lifted the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time also in Lagos in 1980.

That board had people who had conscience and great interest to develop the game of football in the country and we achieved many things for the country while on that board.

Dankaro introduced the idea of forming committees in the NFA who were given targets to accomplish and they did succeed.

Every committee formed worked hard for the interest of the nation and whatsoever we achieved in the past in the NFA was because of the solid foundation we laid for the development of our football.

At that time, and at every meeting of the NFA board, the Director of Sports in the sports ministry was often invited to join us. Even the chairmen of football associations in various states were also in-

Oduah

vited to join in the meeting. They compare notes during meetings and football had a tremendous boost in terms of administration then.

What’s your reaction to Team Nigeria’s flop at London 2012 Olympics?

That was one of our worst outings at the Olympics and a big flop indeed. I was surprised that even the man who calls himself the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Chief Patrick Ekeji did not resign after that monumental failure. He was beating his chest that we were not going to London for a jamboree, but at the end, he deceived Nigerians because he failed to tell stakeholders of Nigerian sports that we never prepared to win any medal.

After spending so much during the build up to the global showpiece, we could not get a single medal in London and the same Ekeji is still there today. What is he administering? Whenever I remember the flop at the last Olympics in London, I feel like vomiting because it’s a great shame the sports administrators in the NSC brought to the nation. A tested sports technocrat cannot promise what he or she cannot deliver.

During the Olympics, the sports minister, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi acknowledged in a press conference that we failed in London. Do you think the minister has learnt anything from that dismal outing by Team Nigeria?

As far as I’m concerned the sports minister is not a sports person, though he was a journalist and very lucky to be in that position today. I feel he was carried away by the euphoria that we were going to London to win medals.

A sports minister who worth his salt should be a complete sports person who should be the flag bearer of the nation in terms of achieving results for his country in a big event like the Olympics. Even since he came back from the Olympics he is yet to reorganize the NSC so that we will not record the kind of result we had in London at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil.

The sports minister has not learnt any lesson from the London flop; instead I hear a lot of noise being made. Even when Mr. President instructed him to put the sports industry in order after the London crash, the minister is yet to take the necessary actions in that regard. In fact the minister

has failed to clean up the sports ministry in order to usher in a new dawn in sports administration in the country which is very unfortunate.

Coming to your home-state, Anambra, are you impressed with what is happening to sports development there?

I am ashamed of what is happening in Anambra State in terms of sports development and if I remember that I’m one of the best sports administrators that Nigeria has produced, I feel bad the more. The Anambra State government is not interested in developing sports in my state because they do not have the interest.

Until the state government changes their negative attitude towards sports development, I will continue to criticise them in this regard.

We have lots of youths who have shown great interest in sports, but the state government is not interested in harnessing them and giving them that opportunity to showcase their God-given talent.

In the past, Anambra was noted as the home of great sportsmen and women, but today the reverse is the case.

You can see that the crime rate is high in the state because lots of Anambra youths are idle, but with sports, I’m sure these idle youths would leave the roads, and face their sporting careers squarely.

The Rojenny Tourists and Games Village in Oba is an edifice wasting away in Anambra, what advice would you want to give to the state government to assist in reviving the place because the facilities there had been used in the past to develop athletes in the country?

What the state government suppose to do is to assist those who have shown interest in developing sports in the state.

Secondly, I feel that the state government should work hard to develop more sporting facilities for the people so that Anambra will regain its pride of place as the home of sports in Nigeria. For the past three sports festivals Anambra State has remained a shadow of itself and this should be a source of concern to the state government.

If you check the past medals table of the National Sports Festival, Anambra and Ebonyi are always at the rear which is shameful.

The African Women Championship (AWC)just ended in Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria finished fourth after losing 1-0 to Cameroun in the third place match, what do you think went wrong with the team?

Really the outcome of that championship is an indication that there are no more minnows in women’s football in the continent. Cameroun, South Africa and others have caught up with Nigeria as far as women’s football is concerned.

The best we can do is to rectify all these flops in our sports development is to close shop and do a total surgery on the administration of sports. And the best time to do this is now because we are not making progress in our sports.

We need to begin afresh as quickly as possible because every African country is after Nigerian athletes in major sporting events, so we need to come back home and strategise on the way forward.

Also, we are not making any gains in our sports, so we are into bankruptcy which necessitates that we must close shop now and plan how to get out of the woods.

As soon as we close shop we need to take our local coaches overseas for retraining as we did in the past and start building our national teams afresh.

Whether it takes two or three years for the surgery on our sports to be completed, nobody will die or lose sleep over it because we are taking such a tedious measure to reposition sports development in our nation after the free fall. We don’t need to waste money sponsoring a losing team to any sporting event.

Finally, do you think the Super Eagles would do well at the Africa Cup of Nations holding in South Africa early next year?

I think Nigeria will do well provided they are prepared for it. The players need to be physically, mentally and spiritually ready before we can say we are going there to win. The coaching crew and the players must know the quality of game they are going to play in South Africa and must decide to play according to instructions.

Finally, I’m in support that the national team must have a full time psychologist who will help guide the Super Eagles to play as a team with great determination.

44

SPORT

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Consolidate on Venezuela victory, Erico charges Keshi Ifeanyi Eduzor

F

ormer Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, Joe Erico has advised the Super Eagles handler, Stephen Keshi, to use the victory over Venezuela to consolidate the team ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by South Africa.

The Super Eagles on Thursday morning in Miami USA, defeated their Venezuelan counterparts 3-1 in an international friendly organized to prepare the team for the

forthcoming Nations Cup. He told our correspondent that although the Super Eagles posted a good performance against their South American counterparts they should be more focused to enable them maintain the winning mentality in subsequent matches.

“It is a good thing that the Super Eagles posted a good performance against La Vinotinto, but they should not be carried away by that victory but rather use it to improve on their form.

“I expect the coaching crew to critically analyze the match with

the view of discovering areas of deficiency and improve on that in subsequent matches because is the only way the team can improve ahead of the Nations Cup,” he advised.

Erico while commending the Super Eagles gaffer, Keshi, for giving opportunities to many players to showcase their talents, noted that the rebuilding process he has embarked on is yielding result, even as he advised Nigerians to be patient with him as he will soon build a national team the country would be proud of.

Ogun resuscitates Principals’ Cup Andrew Ekejiuba

T Erico

Eko 2012: ITTF umpire Swimming federation ends warns against betting workshop for festival officials T in table tennis

J

ohn Peters, an International Table Tennis (ITTF) Umpire, on Friday warned punters (gamblers) that betting in the event was banned at the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos.

Peters spoke against the backdrop that players and spectators alike bet in matches in the past.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the new rule by ITTF, banning betting, would be applied at the festival, and any player caught would be disqualified.

“The ITTF has placed a ban

on betting and we have been talking to our players and coaches about betting. If anyone is caught, especially the players, it is automatic disqualification.

“If the player is not disqualified due to the discretion of the umpire; marks would be awarded to his opponent. So, I appeal to them to adhere strictly to the rules,” he said.

He also said the racket control exercise would be applied, explaining that players must use the ITTF identified rackets and manufacturers’ logo must be on it.

he Nigeria Swimming Federation (NSF) has ended a three-day workshop to acquaint officials selected to officiate at the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos with the sport’s current rules.

The Coordinator of the workshop, Samuel Jesimiel, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that the course which ended on Thursday was to ensure fair officiating.

“Swimming is a dynamic and universal event, it is prone to changes and therefore there is the need for us to update our personnel with the latest inno-

vations,” Jesimiel said.

He said that it was a standing rule in the federation that coaches and active swimmers should not be included in the officiating hence, the need for the training.

According to him, the workshop afforded the participants a veritable opportunity to update their knowledge as many of them had retired from active swimming for years.

In his reaction, a participant Samson Opuakpo from Delta State who retired six years ago said the exercise had kept them abreast with today’s swimming rules.

…As Amike makes case for cadre system

T

he Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA) has decried the absence of cadre system in the itinerary of the National Sports Festival (NSF), and said this could be detrimental to the country’s grassroots sports development objective.

The NOA president Henry Amike said in Lagos that the NSF of today is much different from what obtained in his days as an athlete.

The former national quartermiler wondered why the cadre system which used to cater to all comers was abandoned.

“During my days the NSF was organised in a much different manner, we had the junior, intermediate and senior categories.

“But today it’s just one event which is senior, so it makes it difficult to do the catch them young programme.

“Because most of the people that will be competing are above

16, so what happens to age nine and above? Obviously the one we were doing before was better,” Amike said.

Amike, who placed eighth in the 400m hurdles event at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, however, charged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to ensure continuity.

NTRA to train taekwondo refs

F

Sergio Daniel (left) with Super Eagles Assistant coach, Daniel Amokachi.

Sergio Daniel vows to improve Kaduna United Sayo Ogundeji

N Amike

he Ogun State government has resuscitated the Principals Cup competition.

Speaking at a ceremony signalling the revival of the competition, the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Olugbenga Otenuga said the decision to bring back the moribund competition is to bring back the old glory and offer the present secondary school students in the state the opportunity to showcase their talents in one of the oldest soccer competitions in the country.

Otenuga therefore thanked Guaranty Trust Bank for accepting to bankroll the competition for the next three years saying their partnership will further boost the state government’s policy of catching our athletes young.

The competition which will start at the end of this month will see a total of 834 secondary schools taking part in both the male and female categories.

The winner in each of the categories will go home with N1 million, second – placed teams, N750, 000, third-placed teams N500, 000, while the fourth-placed teams will collect N250,000.

Aside from the prize-money, there will be a two-week camping exercise for selected Most Valuable Players with the aim of nurturing them for future assignments.

ewly appointed coach of Kaduna United, Sergio Daniel, also known as “Mourinho”, has expressed his readiness to change the fortune of the club as he hopes to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the team.

The Portuguese, who recently joined the 2011 CAF Confederations Cup quarter finalist, says he is delighted at teaming up

with the club, insisting that his target is to ensure they improve on their performance in the last league campaign.

Daniel also disclosed his interest in bring some established and top rated players to the club, adding that “I have a lot of good and talented players that I want to bring to the team in order for Kaduna United to perform well in the new season and I will do my best to ensure the club returns to the top both on the Nigeria scene and on the continent,” he said.

erguson Oluigbo, President, Nigeria Taekwondo Referees Association (NTRA), on Friday said that 50 referees would be trained to officiate with electronic equipment at the 18th National Sports Festival.

Oluigbo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that a seminar to acquaint them with the current rules and regulations of the sport would be conducted between Nov. 26 and Nov. 28.

“Our aim is to ensure that the competition is managed in such a way to avoid competitors protesting against unfair judgment on the part of the referees.

“The electronic scoring media will be used during the competition; therefore, officials need to be trained on the use of the equipment prior to the festival.

“They will be trained on the use of the Protector Scoring System, Video Replay System, Electronic Socks Application System and on other officiating rules,” he said.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

November 17, 2012

Guardiola is football’s Steve Jobs, says Valdano

F

ormer Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano has praised Pep Guardiola, hailing the successful coach’s innovative approach at Barcelona.

The 41-year-old guided the Catalan club to a number of trophies during his four-year spell in charge at Camp Nou, and the Argentine had nothing but praise for his footballing philosophy.

“Guardiola did a fantastic job.

He is the Steve Jobs of football: experimental, brave, a lover of beauty, and innovative. He is an important point of reference in the footballing world, and rightly so.

“Barca have turned their football into a culture and everything that the youngsters learn at La Masia is then applied at the Camp Nou,” he said.

Valdano then went on to discuss Real Madrid’s youth policy, and stressed academy players are no longer as important as they used to be at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“In Real Madrid’s history, the youth system has been essential, but times have changed. There seems to be some truth in the idea that for the youth system to play an important part, it’s better to be poor than rich,” he said.

Valdano

Valdano left Real Madrid in May 2011 after a conflict with Jose Mourinho.

PREMIERSHIP TABLE TEAM

P

GD

PTS

1. Man Utd

11

13

27

2. Man City

11

10

25

3. Chelsea

11

12

24

4. Everton

11

7

20

5. West Brom

11

5

20

6. West Ham

11

3

18

7. Tottenham

11

2

17

8. Arsenal

11

7

16

9. Fulham

11

5

16

10. Newcastle

11

-3

14

11. Swansea

11

1

13

12. Stoke

11

-1

12

13. Liverpool

11

-2

12

14. Wigan

11

-6

11

15. Norwich

11

-10

11

16. Sunderland

10

-4

9

17. Aston Villa

11

-7

9

18. Reading

10

-6

6

Falcao hails Chelsea Bassong: We don’t fear ambition Red Devils

A

tletico Madrid ace Falcao has fuelled speculation linking him with a Chelsea move by voicing his admiration for the European champions.

Rumours that the 26-year-old Colombia international could move to Stamford Bridge in January have intensified in recent weeks, while Blues striker Fernando Torres has been linked with a return to his former club Atletico as part of the deal.

Manchester City and Real Madrid are also thought to be interested in Falcao, who has scored 10 Primera Liga goals in as many games this season, but the striker has suggested he would be keen on a Blues move.

“Chelsea are champions of Europe and there is not much more to say than that.

“Even after winning the Champions League they still go and sign players of the highest quality. Their ambition is clear.

S

Falcao

“I was also a big fan of (former Chelsea forward) Gianfranco Zola when I was growing up,” Falcao said.

The striker does not believe he would have trouble adjusting to the physical demands of the Premier League should he make the move to England.

ebastien Bassong has accused many Premier League sides of being ‘scared’ to play Manchester United and the defender insists Norwich will not take the same approach this weekend.

Bassong, 26, has been a standout for a Norwich side looking for just their third win of the season when they face United at Carrow Road today.

Bassong will be tasked with marking the in-form Robin van Persie and while he admires United’s attack, he believes it is important not to be too cautious like many teams that have played the league leaders.

“It will be really hard to stop Manchester United, but I think we can do it,” Bassong said. “Van Persie is a good player; he finished as top scorer last year and is in good form now. He has great touch,

Balotelli may return to Italy –Evra

P

atrice Evra has claimed his Manchester City rival Mario Balotelli is homesick and wants to return to Italy.

City are believed to want to offload the controversial striker in January and Manchester United’s France defender believes the 22-year-old is just as keen on leaving.

And Balotelli’s City future looks even bleaker after City defence coach Angelo Gregucci admitted that the player is ‘definitely sellable’.

“Mario really misses Italy.

I don’t know if he will stay in Manchester, because he wants to return to his country. I am

not his agent - I am only telling you how he feels.

“He is my rival in Manchester - I meet him a lot, I know him well. Off the pitch, we joke around and I take the micky out of him,” Evra said.

City boss Roberto Mancini has grown weary of his errant forward and wants to offload the Italian to make room for the hottest striker in the Barclays Premier League, Luis Suarez.

And City defence coach Gregucci admitted that Balotelli’s future at the Etihad Stadium is far from certain, despite a change in attitude while away with the Italy squad this week.

Balotelli

19. Southampton

11

-14

5

20. QPR

11

-12

4

great quality on the ball. He has scored against my teams before.

“Even if he does not have time, he can score goals, he can smell the football and knows where to go, just like Rooney, they know where to move on the pitch. They are high level players.

“But whether it is him, Rooney, Welbeck, Javier Hernandez, no matter who is up front, they will be quality. Manchester United can scare some people before the game has started, but I am sure it will not be the case with us.”

45

EURO BRIEF Mancini rules out Suarez signing

R

oberto Mancini has rubbished suggestions that Manchester City are lining up a January bid for Luis Suarez. Reports in the press on Thursday suggested the Premier League champions would try to lure the Liverpool striker away from Anfield when the transfer window re-opens.

Suarez

Jenkinson debut delights Wenger

A

rsenal manager Arsene Wenger was thrilled for Carl Jenkinson after the defender made his England debut against Sweden on Wednesday. The 20-year-old, who previously represented Finland at Under-21 level, came on for the final 16 minutes of the Three Lions’ 4-2 defeat to the Zlatan Ibrahimovicinspired Swedes.

Wilshere calls for patience

J

ack Wilshere has called for patience from the Arsenal supporters as he continues to build up his fitness. The 20-year-old has made three appearances for the Gunners since returning from a 17-month spell on the sidelines due to a stress ankle fracture.

Alves blames squad for Guardiola exit

B

Bassong

Benteke reveals Arsenal love

C

hristian Benteke has declared his love for Arsenal and revealed he thought Aston Villa were based in London before he signed for the Midlands club.

The revelations are likely to stun Villa supporters after seeing the Belgian forward swiftly become a fans’ favourite since he arrived from Genk in a £7million deal in August.

Benteke, who has scored four goals for Villa and moved ahead of £24m signing Darren Bent in Paul Lambert’s pecking order, also cited Gunners legend Thierry Henry as his idol, admitting it would be a dream to play for Arsene Wenger’s side.

arcelona’s Dani Alves believes former manager Pep Guardiola left the club because the players were no longer responding to him. In four years at the Nou Camp, Guardiola became the most successful coach in Catalan history as he led his side to three straight La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and two UEFA Champions League titles before he resigned earlier this year.

Agbonlahor happy to stay at Aston Villa

G

abriel Agbonlahor has insisted his situation is different to other players who have left Aston Villa in recent years and he is fully committed to the club. Gareth Barry and James Milner are among the high-profile names to have departed Villa over the past couple of seasons and could line up for Manchester City on Saturday against their former club.

Agbonlahor

46

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘African economies are doing well’ Dr. Peter Bamkole, is the coordinator of African Diaspora in Nigeria and director of the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-African University, Lagos. He spoke with STANLEY IHEDIGBO, on the Diaspora Engagement and Innovation Forum (DEIF) 2012, coming up in December in Lagos and other related matters.

Excerpt:

W

hat are the main objectives of DEIF and what does Nigeria stand to

gain?

The Diaspora Engagement and Innovation Forum is the coming together of the Africans in Diaspora in an event where ideas are shared for the development of the African continent. Early this year, the US Secretary of State, Mrs. Hilary Clinton, launched second home coming known as the global Diaspora as a way to encourage Diaspora groups in the US to reach out to their own countries.

Another thing is to build a network with expected development centre to make it easy for the Africans in the Diaspora to have soft landing when they come back home.

It is also for providing opportunities and creating an innovation institute to drive their innovative ideas and projects. In addition, it will also help create a platform through the different developmental organisations about encouraging Small Medium Enterprises (SME) because they are the engine room of any country’s economy. Again, we want to improve on the voluntary medical services rendered by the Africans in Diaspora.

What are their challenges of creating medium for information about Nigerians in Diaspora?

What are their experiences and what is the success story.

There is plan for the forum to create Diaspora Innovation Institute that will be in partnership with Enterprises Developmental Centre of the Pan Africa University. This is to maximise different ideas or dif-

Bamkole

ferent projects .For example a medical doctor that wants to build a hospital in the country. The questions will be what do you need and what will we be able to do in order to help the person to achieve the result?

Last but not the least is the Diaspora Intervention Fund. The fund is to support small scale businesses that can be funded within $4000 to $5000.

There have been several initiatives of bringing Nigerians in Diaspora home; do you think that enough has been done to achieve the desired result?

There are several initiatives all aimed at bringing Nigerians in Diaspora home and there is reason for that, because it cannot be one. There will be several of them and they will all have different degrees of success. Some are happening informally while some are in a semi structured way. But I think what has to be done is to deliberately formalise the home coming. In the last two to three years, one constant thing is when I engage in discussion with Nigerians or Africans in Diaspora especially those of them that are above 40 years old; they really want to come back home. But one of the challenges is how they will land.

And there is no platform for them to come back home. Again, the reality is that Africa is probably the last frontier

to be conquered by the world. In terms of growth, African economics are doing very well compared to other continents.

The real action is in Africa now. Look at what the Chinese are doing in Africa today economically. This is where the real investment is happening in the world. This is where possibilities for job growth are. When some continents have 0.5 per cent growth, Africa is about minimum 5 to the average 7 percent. This year only, there are several initiates, like the Africa Diaspora Market place, this is an initiative that was launched by the Western Union. The idea is to provide some kind of funds for the Africans who wish to come back home to establish business.

What difference will this conference make from other conferences that had held with the same view?

The Chinese are doing something similarly. Also in India, it has become formalised. Instead of just going home and having nothing to do, they set up a structure where for instance, if the person is a medical doctor and is going home for one month, the person will inform the centre that he or she has one month to spend and also their area of expertise. So the central pool or the organised developmental centre for the Indians in Diaspora will then log the person in into the system, and they will be

aware that the person is coming home in a particular month and that he or she is a specialist in such field. The centre will look out for a hospital and the medical people will assist. The hospital will not be too far from where the person will stay or accommodation will be provided for the person.

So, as the person is visiting his family members he is as well doing some work that is useful to their country.

So the people gain in both ways. The person has the opportunity of coming back home, at the same time contributing to the development of the nation.

In most cases, some are rewarded but may not be as expected for such services. The reality is they get home, get paid; they have a good holiday, their country benefit from their expertise that they may not be able to offer ordinarily. When this is well structured, you can actually have high profiled professionals all around the year coming back home and offering their services to their home country.

Looking at the agriculture as the highest employer of labour in the world, is there any plan for Nigerians in Diaspora coming to develop the sector in the country?

Again that it is just an example, in the agriculture sector for example, a senior fellow has resumed duty with the Ministry of Agriculture and this lady is coming from the United States.

She is a Nigerian being recruited and supported by the Tony Elumelu Foundation. She has an extensive experience working in the agriculture sector internationally. She is working and advising the Minister of Agriculture full time. And there are so many of them like that working in the high places in the country. We in the EDC are going to be supporting them, even after the conference, we will have a security summit where we are bringing all the players together. We have technocrats that are already in Ghana, they are doing very interesting things and they work extensively in Kenya. So all these things are happening and the reality is that Africans in Diaspora, especially in Nigerians, have the capacity and the technocratic skills. But the only challenge, as I said earlier, is their landing. They are afraid; they don’t know how to land.

They hear so many stories about their country and some of the stories are not very good. People who have been out of the country for 10 to 15 years, when they start hearing these stories, they ask themselves if I go, what will happen to me?

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

November 17, 2012

It can be comfortably set up in a rented building of three bedrooms flats. This will take care of the production room, the storage and raw material rooms as well as the administration/accounting rooms

Financial implications

Invest in napkins, diapers and smile to the bank I ntroduction

The only way to reduce unemployment in this country is to embark on establishing small, medium and large-scale industries. The Federal Government of Nigeria now, under President Goodluck Jonathan is putting every effort to see that an enabling environment for setting up and running of industries in the country is achieved.

At present telecommunication problem is resolved, bank consolidations carried out to ensure that enough investment fund assistance is obtained from the country’s banks. There are hopes that Nigeria will have all the necessary facilities for a more favourable business/manufacturing environment in the near future.

Having said so, there are some manufacturing investment projects which one can set up on small scale level with the intention to expand in the near future.

The writer is readily available to guide prospective investors in this regard.

One of them is napkins and diapers production. This is a project that can ensure regular provision of daily cash for you and your family.

This is a project that you can introduce after related products like serviettes, toilets rolls, facial tissues, face towels etc.

In this write up brief information is provided on how to set up and run the project. For further, detailed informa-

tion please contact the writer.

Project concept

The envisaged project will be able to produce quality napkins and diapers to be well accepted in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

Marketing potentials and strategies Napkins and diapers are consumed on daily basis by all and sundry irrespective of age, social class or religious.

Napkins and Diapers are device for sanitary and cleansing purposes. They enjoy high aggregate demand in places like households, schools, hospitals. Others are maternity homes and shopping centres.

The arsenals of any mother/lady are not complete and properly assembled without a napkin and diaper. Consider the number of new born babies and children under the age of six in the country.

The number is also rising every day.

Napkins and diapers have a high repeat sales tendency which is fuelled by such factors as increasing sanitary awareness of the need for hygienic and good quality living standard, geometrically exploding population, continued drift from the rural to the urban centres in search of the better things of life and job opportunities, after ability of the product price etc. The markets for napkins and diapers have been well established and developed. It is large, expand-

ing and sustainable.

My recent research findings revealed that supply is inadequate to meet up with the increase in demand, thus creating a large gap yearning to be filled.

This enormous demand supply gap translates into a viable venture for Nigerians.

Raw materials The essential raw materials needed for this project are the jumbo reels and cotton lint and packaging materials like the wrapping with the producers name logo, address and brand name conspicuously printed.

Each of these is obtained locally from suppliers and producers. Details will be given to prospective investors.

Plants & machinery The machines for the project are not locally available. They are all imported machines. The writer has reputable producers and suppliers of quality machines from South Africa, China, Taiwan and Germany. Details will be given to prospective investors.

Packaging machines The project can be located in any part of the country particularly where the market lies and nearness to the source of raw materials. The writer will discuss this issue with prospective investors.

Accommodation The project does not need much space.

The project will take an estimated sum of about N20.0 million to set up.

This amount many change depending on the capacity level the prospective investor intends to embark upon.

The breakdown of this amount on a small-scale level is as follows

Financial Estimates (take off) Accommodation (rented)

N1, 500, 000

Plants & machinery

N12, 300,000

Utilities

N 2, 500,000

Working capital

N3, 000,000

Preliminary Expenses (including feasibility studies/ Bus plan)

N500, 000

Total

N19, 800,000

If the project is going to be on medium or large scale, the cost will be higher than the above. Details will be presented via a feasibility studies reports.

Investment analysis The payback period based on our preliminary projections will be about two years.

The return on investment is about 52% and there is positive NPV. Details will be discussed with the prospective investors.

The project is very profitable with about gross profit of N16million in the first year, N24million in the 2nd year, N38million in the 3rd year and N62million in the 5th year of operation. The turnover is also very impressive.

Conclusion This project is very profitable.

The market is wide and the supply demand positions keep on elongating.

This is need for Nigeria to set up small medium and large-scale industries to reduce the level of unemployment in the country.

Courtesy: Uba Godwin, u b a g o dw i n @ ya h o o . com

48

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osazuwa

‘Poultry business is risky but lucrative’ FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

P

oultry farming, no doubt, is an important aspect of farming as the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations and other stakeholders all agree that developing the poultry industry in Nigeria is the fastest means of bridging the protein-deficiency gap prevailing in the country.

Little wonder many people are into poultry farming. Ruth Osazuwa has found fortune and pleasure in poultry farming. But this does not happen overnight. Rather, it took many years for her to nurture into business the interest in rearing livestock especially birds which she picked from her mother.

In a recent discussion with Saturday Mirror in her farm at Alagbado area of Lagos, Osazuwa spoke on various issues, including the challenges peculiar to the Nigerian poultry farmer.

“My mother was operating a poultry business and that was what sparked up my interest in the business. It was what she was doing to assist my siblings and I through school and I picked up an interest in it since my school days,” stated Osazuwa.

According to her, everybody needs protein for a healthy life.

“Children need at least an egg a day. Adults also need eggs and we all need meat,” she stated.

She further noted that there are three different breeds. “We have the

layers, broilers and cockerels.

“The layers usually take 18 weeks before they start laying eggs while the broilers are ready for the market at 12 weeks of age. Cockerels, on the other hand, take about six months before they are ready for the market. Cockerels are rugged and can absorb shocks better than broilers. They are more resilient,” explained Osazuwa.

This mother of two stressed the importance of funds in the poultry business saying that without sufficient funds, one cannot do well in any aspect of agriculture, especially poultry farming.

“If there is enough capital, you will enjoy the business because it is a business that helps to meet the protein needs of human and adds value to life.

But if the funds are not as forthcoming, it may crumble because it is a very capital intensive business.”

On what it takes to start a poultry farm, she said: “Before you start a poultry business, like any other business, you have to sit down and do your homework well; you have to do the costing.”

Enumerating the very important things to get, she noted thus: “Firstly, you must acquire a piece of land on which to run the poultry. Secondly, you have to put up structures for the birds.

You have to acquire the birds (usually day-old chicks) which you need to really take care of for the first eight weeks of their life.

For instance, if you are to start with 500 birds, you will need about N2 million. This will buy you a piece of land which is quite expensive in Lagos State.

And you must ensure that you have

THE MARKET FOR OLD LAYERS IS HUGE AND THE PRICE OF EGGS PER CRATE DEPENDS ON THE SIZE OF THE EGGS enough space for the chickens to run around; then you put up structures because chickens need shelter from the rain and predators,” remarked Osazuwa.

“You can protect them by building them coops or purchasing pre-built ones. Then you get the feeding and drinking troughs. You will need to medicate and vaccinate them. You will feed them from day-old to maturity. All these will involve a lot of money but at the end of the day, you will discover that poultry business is lucrative,” she explained.

Inquiring if it will not be cheaper for an intending poultry farmer to rent a piece of land instead of buying one, she stressed that, “it is always better to buy your own piece of land and have a permanent site than to lease because one day, when you must have settled into the business and making progress, the owner of the land may decide to take the land back from you and that becomes a problem because you may lose some birds and customers in the process of relocating.”

On the challenges faced in the poultry business, she said: “There are a lot of challenges. Capital is a very big challenge and in this area where we do our business, we really need power to pump

water and keep the birds warm.”

“We have provided wells for ourselves but there is no electricity to pump the water so most of the farmers use generators. Water is very important for the chickens,” she stressed.

“The birds need light to keep them warm, especially the chicks so in the absence of electricity; we use stoves, lanterns and charcoal. Unfortunately, this time around, a gallon of kerosene is now very expensive so we use coal.

There is also the challenge of transportation.”

She noted that depending on the source, some layers start laying eggs as soon as they are 18 weeks while others start between 18 and 22 weeks.

While explaining some of the intricacies of the business to Saturday Mirror, she stated that layer farming is the most lucrative because apart from giving you eggs, they are also sold for meat at the end of the day.

“The market for old layers is huge.

Prices of eggs per crate depend on the size of the eggs. A crate of pullet eggs goes for N500, semi-pullet goes for N600 and a crate of large eggs goes for N800.

“For the chickens, old layers go for between N900 and N1, 000 at wholesale price. A day-old chick costs N220.00.”

She advised anyone who wants to get into the poultry business to be prepared because it is not a get-richquick business but one that requires knowledge and hard work. Finally, she appealed to government for support in the area of infrastructure and also for banks to support small scale enterprises.

Crime Watch Crime Watch

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

November 17, 2012

49

P. 51

How man escaped from kidnappers’ den

BRIEFS

Woman, 20, docked for allegedly stealing wristwatch

A

20-year-old woman, Joy Tasieobi of Port Harcourt, Rivers was on Friday arraigned before an Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court for stealing her boyfriend’s wristwatch.

The prosecutor, Abdullahi Adamu, told the Court that on Nov. 13, one Moses Kalu of Zone C, Jahi village, Abuja, reported the case at Jahi Police Station.

Adamu said that the complainant invited the accused from Port Harcourt to Abuja to visit for three days.

He said that when the accused got to Abuja on Nov. 12, she collected a sum of N10, 000 from the complainant as cost of transporting herself to Abuja.

The prosecutor said that the accused stole the complainant’s gold wristwatch and returned to Port Harcourt the next day without spending the three days as planned.

He said that the offence contravened the provision of Section 287 of the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Senior Magistrate, Mrs Grace Adebayo granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 and a surety in like sum.

2 robbery suspects killed by mob in Owerri

T

he police in Owerri, Imo State yesterday said a mob killed two suspected members of a four-man robbery gang, believed to have been terrorising residents of Spibat area of Akwakuma, Owerri.

The Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, Mr Vitalis Onugu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the suspects were arrested by members of the Special Anti-Robbery squad at the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) who responded to a distress call.

He said the two suspects were first arrested by the local vigilance group operating in Spibat area in Akwakuma and about to be lynched by the mob when the police arrived at the scene and rescued them.

“Responding to the call, the anti robbery squad got there and found the suspects already tied down with tyres around their necks and were about to be burned alive.

“They were rescued but at the point of death as a result of machete cuts dealt on them by the angry mob. They died before we could get them to the hospital.

Adetula

Uramah

Nemesis for a money launderer: Couriers to forfeit N52m There are many slips between the hand and the mouth, so the adage says. When Ifeanyi Uramah allegedly tried to smuggle out $1.4 million from the country, he perfected his entire plan but he never bargained for the eagle-eyed security operatives at the airport.

SEGUN ADIO

I

feanyi Uramah is a renowned bureaude-change operator who moved a lot of money about in his business. Apart from his money changing business, Uramah is also reportedly involved in some foreign businesses. Hence his movement of foreign currencies to and from Nigeria.

But Section 12 of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act cap F34 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Sections 2(3) and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 have been a thorn in the flesh of Uramah’s business dealings.

The law stipulates that anyone that intends to move a large amount of money out of the country must first declare same to the Nigerian Customs Service.

For months now, Uramah could not reportedly conduct his business in the way he wanted ostensibly because of the ‘stringent’ constitutional requirements mentioned above. But he was under intense pressure to meet his business associates overseas to purchase a commodity he had ordered for many months back. With the calls coming thick and fast, Uramah thought of devising a way out of the legislation quagmire.

Uramah‘s many foreign trips naturally makes him a known figure among travellers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. He is said to be loved by many airport workers apparently

for his cheerful giving. Then came a time when Uramah’s kind gestures were to be rewarded by those he reportedly assisted at the airport.

On Sunday, 21 October, 2012, Uramah allegedly recruited a security man with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to convey about $1.4 million through security checks at the airport for an undisclosed amount of money as rewards.

The FAAN security guard, Akin Adetula and another Emmanuel Nnanna both reportedly volunteered to courier the large sum through the airport security checks to a point where its owners would come take possession of the money.

It was later discovered that the plan was that once the foreign currency was successfully conveyed past the security checks, Uramah would get a call from the airport official and later appear for screening at the checks before he later picked up the bags containing the money from Adetula.

On his part, Adetula, well known to security operatives at the airport needed no checks carried out on him when passing through the security posts.

On that fateful day, Adetula, wearing his FAAN tag hung on his neck, and the said Nnanna, both had easy passage with the foreign currency hidden under their clothes. Once Adetula got past the security check easily, he reportedly started making frantic calls to someone believed to be Uramah, as arranged.

When security operatives discovered that Adetula was not entering the aircraft, but was making suspicious phone calls, they approached him to demand what exactly he was doing there. The security operatives did not hesitate to look into the heavy bag Adetula hung on his back. The search on the bag would later reveal a staggering $1.4 million in foreign currency.

Investigations also revealed that Uramah was recently granted bail by the EFCC after he was arrested with $996,000 in similar circumstance.

A security operative, who spoke to reporters on the latest arrest, said that Uramah, Adetula and Nnanna were later picked up and detained for further questioning.

Adetula and Nnanna reportedly confessed to the crime. The trio was later arraigned in court for unlawful possession of foreign currency and not declaring them before customs officials as demanded by law.

Speaking on his involvement, Adetula was quoted to have admitted to his crime thus, “I was approached by Ifeanyi to help him take the bag past security operatives for a fee. We all worked out the details of the scheme and on that day he was to travel, I successfully took the bag to where he was supposed to collect it but before he showed up, I was accosted by security operatives and when they searched the bag, they found the money there.”

In his ruling, Justice Okechukwu Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos ordered that Adetula and Nnanna, who pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them, forfeit 25 per cent of money to the Federal Government.

Uramah however denied counselling Adetula and Nnanna on how to take the money past security operatives.

Do you have a story for us? Contact 08138773277 or crimewatchmirror@yahoo.com

50

CRIME WATCH

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Employer, salesgirl lock horns over N.4m goods z She stole the items – Employer z I didn’t. Her guests must have stolen them – Salesgirl Between Janet Ochei, a salesgirl, and her employer, Mrs. Victoria Ofoegbu, things are no longer as they were. The two are now trading words over the whereabouts of items worth N400,000 belonging to Ofoegbu.

House where the crime was committed

SEGUN ADIO

J

anet Ochei is currently assisting law enforcement agents to unravel her level of involvement in the disappearance of her employer’s wares.

The said items are reported to be worth about N400, 000.

Ochei, 23, lives with her employer, Mrs. Victoria Ofoegbu at No 4, Sinuti Lane, Sholuyi, in Ifako-Gbagada area of Lagos State. Ofoegbu is a well-travelled businesswoman who shuttles Europe to buyfemale wears, shoes and confectionaries. Ofoegbu also operates a shop at the famous Alade Market off Allen Avenue, in Ikeja, Lagos.

Ofoegbu and Ochei both oversee the former’s shop at Alade Market anytime she is in the country. But once she goes abroad to order for more consignment, the running of the shop falls naturally on Ochei.

Sometime between August and September 2012, Ofoegbu was in the United States to replenish her stock as the yuletide approached. The woman returned into the country middle of September

with a lot of items including shoes, jewellery and bags.

On Sunday, September 23, 2012, while preparing for the Monday sales, Ofoegbu reportedly handed over to Ochei some bags, shoes and children’s clothes to take to the shop at Alade market. Ofoegbu reportedly left Ochei at home and went her ways. Following day at the shop, Ofoegbu reportedly opened the bag with

which she sent Ochei with to the shop the previous day to discover that some of the items were missing from the bag.

When confronted with the missing items, Ochei reportedly told her boss that she (Ofoegbu) must have left the missing items, worth almost N400, 000, in the guest room in the house. She probably insinuated that one of the numerous guests of her boss who came for visits in the house

had made away with the items.

By the contract agreement between Ochei and her employer, the former was supposed to conclude her stay with Ofoegbu by Christmas period. But four months before the time she was expected to complete her tenure and reunite with her parents back in the village, Ochei started mounting pressure on Ofoegbu that she wanted to go home.

When Ochei intensified her pressure on her boss to leave, Ofoegbu gave in to her demands. But the night before Ochei was to leave, Ofoegbun reportedly searched the young lady’s bag thoroughly. The search would later produced Ofoegbu’s laptop and a portable video player she came from America with.

The discovery sent Ofoegbu crashing and she subjected the other bags she came from the US with to ascertain whether her consignments are still intact. That was not to be after all. Ofoegbu would discover that a complete sack of shoes, bags and children’s wears were missing. Ofoegbu immediately called Ochei’s attention to the missing items but the latter denied knowledge of the disappearance of the items.

Ofoegbu, not wanting to take laws into her hand, reportedly called in the police and the two women were whisked to police station.

At the station, Ochei initially claimed she was not behind the disappearance of the items, but her boss thought otherwise.

Speaking before law enforcement agents, Ofoegbu was quoted as saying that: “She (Ochei) is the only one that knows where I keep my wares and she is the only one who has access to the room.

For her to deny knowledge of how the items got missing sound ridiculous”.

A police source told reporters that the matter was under investigation and that the suspect would be arraigned in court upon the completion of investigations.

Police officer, businessman held for torture, misinformation

L

agos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umaru Manko, has said that a Lagos-based businessman, Olatunji Adeyemi, who misrepresented his case with a mechanic, Adebanjo Oladele, has been charged to court for providing wrong information to the police.

Adeyemi, who sold a Mazda bus 2000 on hire purchase for N1.8 million to Adebanjo, had reported at the Oworo Police Station, alleging that Oladele stole the vehicle from him, before the case was transferred to the state Anti-Robbery Squad.

Adebanjo reportedly spent seven days in the custody of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Ikeja, over allegations that

he stole the commercial bus, whereas he took it on hired purchase in August 2011, at N1.8 million to be paid at the rate of N30,000 monthly by installments.

But Adeyemi had petitioned the police alleging a case of theft, leading to his re-arrest by one ASP Taofeek Olokede of SARS, who allegedly gave him a slap, stripped his pants, and tying his hands and hanging him to a metal pipe fitted to a wall.

Manko, who spoke with our reporter in Lagos, also said that though Adeyemi, has been granted bail, he would ensure the case got to its logical conclusion to serve as deterrent to other people with

a penchant for implicating their business partners.

The police boss noted that the ASP Olokede, who fired and tortured Adebanjo, has been queried by the command and “will be dealt with for such unlawful action.”

According to Manko, “But for his (Olokede)’s rank, the ASP would have been given orderly room trial and be arraigned in court for his action. In the words of Manko, “If he were a rank and file or an Inspector, I would have ensured he was dismissed from the force. But as it is the due process in the police must be followed.”

Crime Extra

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

November 17, 2012

51

SEGUN ADIO

F

or 24 hours, last month, Olawale Alade (not real names) was the guest of suspected kidnappers. His wife and family were unable to trace his whereabouts. Alade’s abduction was carried out in front of his house at Ajibola Street, Okota, in Lagos State on Sunday, October 21, 2012.

Alade had reportedly attended church in the morning of that fateful day but did not return home with his family. He reportedly went to a get-together after the church service. Apparently wanting to return home before dusk to refresh for office for the next day, Alade left the party earlier than his friends claiming he wanted to beat the terrible traffic at Isolo area, close to his house. Alade drove his Acura TL Saloon car that day.

In less than an hour, he was at the gate of his house, which is always securely locked. As is the practice in the compound for car owners, Alade reportedly alighted from his car trying to open the gate to his house. But before he could do that, something happened.

Just as Alade shut the door of his car for him to open the gate to his house gate, another car screeched to a halt beside him.

Unknown to Alade, however, it was discovered that the car had trailed him all the way from where he was coming. Inside the car were gun-wielding men.

Two of them reportedly alighted and walked briskly towards Alade who was asked to cooperate with them and follow them to their own car. A bemused Alade would not yield to such threat. He wanted to give a fight, but was reportedly dealt a slap by one of the men, who threatened to have him shot, should he refuse their orders.

While this drama was going on, passersby were held spellbound by the kidnappers as no one in the vicinity could raise his voice apparently for fear of being killed by the men. Alade’s abduction reportedly did not last more than three minutes. Like in a novel, Alade was reportedly bundled into the kidnappers’ car and the driver sped off immediately to an unknown destination.

A female neighbour, who pleaded anonymity, told reporters narrated Alade’s abduction saying it smacked of rehearsed scene.

“I was going to the bus stop to get some items when I suddenly saw that the man (Alade) being slapped by one of the men.

At first I thought he had hit their car and tried to escape being held accountable for it. But when the three men brought out guns, everyone around ran for cover and no one could do anything until the man was bundled into their car right in our presence.,” the woman said.

Alade later told security operatives that

How man escaped from kidnappers’ den z Saves family N50m Olawale Alalde (not real names) was at the gate to his residence when he was abducted by unknown gunmen. He was also taken away. But hours later, without being released and no ransom paid, he returned home to his family. How? he was blindfolded once in the kidnappers’ car and driven round the state until nightfall when they finally arrived at his abductors’ hideout. The hideout later turned out to be a three bedroom flat at Lambe area in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Immediately he was taken to their hideout, the kidnappers allegedly seized Alade’s two mobile phones from where they got their his wife’s telephone number.

The kidnappers immediately rang Alade’s home whose family were already reporting the matter at nearby police station at the time the kidnappers rang. The kidnappers were firm in their demand of N50 million ransom for the abducted. That night at their hideout, Alade claimed his abductors celebrated and drank themselves to stupor. Their joy perhaps was the cooperation of their victim’s family to the ransom demand.

After some hours of merry, the kidnappers retired to their rooms and left Alade in the store of the flat. Deep into the night, Alade reportedly walked to the door of the apartment and tried the knob which he discovered was unlocked. He reportedly quietly opened the door and walked towards the entrance door which was also not securely locked.

Within minutes, Alade was at the gate of the building and reportedly climbed the wall to scale the fence. Moments later, Alade was racing towards the nearest bus stop where he reportedly found a commercial motorcycle that ferried him out of the area. The okada rider would later told Alade that the place he picked him (Alade) was called Lambe.

Alade later turned up at the SARS following day to report the incident. The law enforcement agents immediately began a

manhunt for the kidnappers. Alade later took policemen to the hideout of the kidnappers. By the time policemen got to the house, the kidnappers had disappeared.

Luck, however, ran out on the kidnappers on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, as two of them, including a woman, were picked up by operatives of the Lagos SARS at another hideout. The other two were arrested by same team around Alagbole area of Akute, near Lagos State.

A police source said that Alade’s bravery saved him from the kidnappers.

“The man was only lucky because the manner of his escape were the sheer help of God. He could have been killed if found to be making an escape attempt. We were able to trace them to their hideout at Lambe and arrested two of them.

“During a follow up, two others were arrested at Alagbole area of Akute, Ogun, and some exhibits were recovered from them,” the source said.

Head of Lagos SARS, Superintendent of Police Abba Kyari, confirmed the arrest of the four suspects. Kyari tlld reporters that the suspects are being interrogated to know their level of involvement in the crime. The crime buster claimed that upon conclusion of investigation, the suspects would be arraigned in court.

Taxi driver, 60, arraigned for allegedly causing accident

T

he police on Friday arraigned a man, Titus Aderimi of Mpape, Abuja before an Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court for allegedly causing obstruction and inconsiderate driving.

Prosecutor Paul Anigbo told the Court that the case was lodged at the Lugbe Po-

lice Station on October 29, 2012, by one Umar Idris of National Centre for Women Development, Abuja.

Anigbo said that on Oct. 29, Aderimi drove his Nissan Sunny vehicle with registration number XP 743 ABC in an inconsiderate manner along Jabi, Airport

road and entered the major road. ``Aderimi wanted to make a U-turn to Galadimawa junction but eventually obstructed an oncoming Honda Accord vehicle with registration number AQ 725 ABJ belonging to Idris. `` Aderimi’s action resulted in a colli-

sion between his Nissan car and Idris’s Honda Accord, which severely damaged Idris’s Honda Accord vehicle.

The prosecutor said that Aderimi’s offence contravened the provisions of Sections 39 (3) and 29 (1) CAP 548 of the Road Traffic Act.

52

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

November 17, 2012

53

NORTH

Fulani-farmers crisis threat to Al-Makura govt – Ex-commissioner IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

A

former Commissioner for Water Resources in Nasarawa State, Mr. Patrick Nguepe, has alleged that the Governor Tanko Al-Makura-led administration was being threatened by activities of some disgruntled elements in the state.

Nguepe claimed that the elements are bent on disrupting the peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethnic nationalities using the Fulani/farmers crisis as a cover up.

Nguepe said that the persistent feud between farmers and herdsmen in the southern part of the state was being fuelled by the said elements, adding that un-

L-R: Bauchi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Sani Burra; Governor Isa Yuguda and Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yusuf Gumli, at the inauguration of Barkumbo improved water tank in Bauchi, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

less the state government identifies such individuals, efforts being made to restore peace in the state would continue to be in

jeopardy.

Speaking to Saturday Mirror in Lafia, Nguepe, who is also the paramount leader of Tiv

community in the state, further alleged that the said individuals benefit unduly from crisis.

His words: “Farmers

and herdsmen have always resolved their differences amicably, but because some people who felt the state belongs only

to them are hiding under the guise of Fulani/ Farmers crisis to send perceived enemies out of the state.

“I call on our governor to beware of these elements that are versed at ensuring the failure of his administration.

The same people go to misinform the government about the truth of what is happening in order to achieve their selfish purposes”.

While applauding the strides of the Almakura-led administration especially in the area of infrastructural development, Nguepe appealed to the state government to extend same gesture to Tiv settlement areas to enhance their socioeconomic activities for the overall progress of the state.

Kogi pensioner threatens suicide over unpaid benefits ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

A

71-year-old man, Dr. John Oshagbemi, who claimed to be a former Director in the Kogi State Ministry of Education, has threatened to commit suicide

over the refusal of the state government to pay him his retirement after disengaging from the service in 2005.

Oshagbemi, who claimed he was a director in examination department of the ministry be-

fore retirement having put in the mandatory 35 years alleged that he was paid N100, 000 out of N3 million owed him by the state government as his entitlement.

The retired educationist stated that the N100,

Borno group seeks media support INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

C

hairman of Support for Widows, Orphans and Ts a n g ay a / A l m a j i r i s (SWOT), a non-governmental organisation operating in Borno State, Alhaji Mohammed Bello (Sardaunan Gwoza), has solicited the support of media practitioners in the state to move the Foundation to a greater heights.

SWOT is a foundation set up by Borno State First Lady, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima to carter for the less privileges in the society.

Bello made the call in Maiduguri when Chairman of the Correspondent’s Chapel, Alhaji Abdulkareem Haruna led other members to present a token gesture to the Foundation.

Receiving the donation from the chapel’s chairman, Bello expressed gratitude to the journalists in the state for identifying with and assisting the foundation by educating, enlightening and informing members of the public on its activities and programmes.

He said, the rate at which husbands are killed in Maiduguri following the security challenges is very alarming, as the number of widows and orphans increased on daily basis, which according to him, government alone cannot address the immediate needs of the less privileged and vulnerable, hence, the setting up of the SWOT foundation.

While presenting the donation to executive members of SWOT, Abdulkareem used the

opportunity to call on meaningful individuals and corporate organisations to also donate to the foundation.

Gov Shettima

000 paid him by the pension board had 10 percent deduction as a tip by the accounting officers in the office.

He said he has been leaving from hand to mouth as a result of refusal to pay him his entitlement. Os-

JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

K

atsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema has described as ‘unfortunate’ last Thursday night’s fire incident that razed the secretariat complex of Katsina Local Government Area. Shema, however, pledged that the state government would fix the damaged structure.

Shema made this pledge yesterday when he visited the burnt secretariat to see extent of the damage.

hagbemi maintained that he would commit suicide if all attempts to secure his money which he had laboured for failed.

The distressed former retiree who spoke to Saturday Mirror in Lokoja said he is currently on N37,000 naira

as monthly pension which according to him could not cater for his feeding and other family up-keep.

When contacted, Acting Chairman of the state pension board, Mr. Ohiemi declined comment on the issue.

Shema to fix razed Katsina secretariat The governor also was also thankful that no life was lost in the inferno; despite that property worth millions of naira was destroyed.

Shema advised enlightenment programmes between the state fire service and other stakeholders, which he claimed would sensitise the public on dangers as-

sociated with and how to address fire incidents.

He also called on people of the state to be mindful of how they use electricity and other sources of light especially during approaching harmattan season, adding that government employees should always switch off electrical applications after work hours.

5 held as gunmen attack STF troops in Plateau JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

S

ome gunmen on Thursday attacked members of the Special Task Force(STF) drafted to maintain peace in Plateau State.

The STF’s personnel were said to be on routine patrol at Maijankai village in BarkiLadi Local Government of the

state when they were accosted by the gunmen.

Saturday Mirror learnt that the gunmen said to be on their way from Bauchi to Jagindi village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on citing the soldiers, opened fire on them. The soldiers reportedly responded to the attackers’ assault with superior fire power.

In the end, four of the gunmen were shot in the legs while one was captured by the soldiers unhurt.

Spokesman of the Special Task Force, Captain Mustapha Salisu, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said items recovered from the gunmen include two AK 47 riffles, two riffle magazines and

24 live rounds of 7.62 mm(Special)’’ The statement further added that the four injured gunmen have been handed over to the Nigerian Police in the local government while one of them had been taken to the STF’s headquarters for further investigation. The statement also warned citizens of the state to be vigilant.

54

REGIONAL NEWS

November 17, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NORTH

Southern Kaduna attack: Plot to destabilize Yakowa govt A ZA MSUE KADUNA

G

overnor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa’s kinsmen, under the auspices of Youth Wing of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, yesterday alleged that the persistent killings in the zone is a ploy to blackmail their son.

In a statement signed by the group National President, Mr Sabastine Bahori Luka, and sent by electronic mail to Saturday Mirror, the group alleged that the continued massacre of Southern Kaduna people was to incite them against Governor Yakowa.

Unknown gunmen had early on Thursday morning burnt members of six households

including two pregnant women in Madauchi, Zangon-Kataf Local Govern-

ment Area of Southern Kaduna State.

The statement read in

part: “From the foregoing, the persistent killings in Southern Kaduna portray

that there is more than meets the eye. And the killings are deliberately

Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, planting wheat at Bakolori irrigation project at the launching of dry season farming and wheat production in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, Zamfara State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

skewed to pitch the people of the area against the person of Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State” The statement, however, added: “It is also deliberately planned to cause confusion in Southern Kaduna, and blackmail the person of the governor. We wish to state that come what may, we are standing and in full support of Governor Yakowa without any acrimony contrary to the image some elements want to create and want the world to believe” The group, while calling on the Federal Government to investigate the massacre, urged security agencies stationed in Southern Kaduna to ensure protection of the residents.

Ex-Minister lists panacea to nation’s woes HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

A

former Minister of Communications in the Second Republic, Chief Isaac Shaahu, has advocated a

referendum of all ethnic nationalities in the country as a way of arriving at the solutions to the problems facing the country.

Shaahu made the suggestion yesterday in Gboko, Benue State just as the

members of the National Assembly wound up the one day zonal conference on constitutional review debate which he described as an exercise in futility.

“As far as I am con-

cerned the 1999 document is no longer tenable because it was a brain child of the military administration which is not tailored towards civil rule and if we are desirous of sustaining the present

Ciroma, Gbenga Daniel commiserate with Sarakis WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

F

ormer Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Northern Political Forum, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, yesterday led members of his group to Ilorin, the Kwara State capital to pay condolence visit to the family of the late Waziri of Ilorin, Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki and the government and people of the state on the demise of the politician.

In the same vein, former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, also joined eminent Nigerians to mourn the departed statesman.

Ciroma said Saraki lived a life of sacrifice to the unity and development of the country and also noted that his demise was a great loss to the country.

Other people in Ciro-

ma’s entourage included the former Minister of FCT, Adamu Aleiro, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, former governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Adamu Muazu as well as the Hausa Community in Ilorin.

According to him Saraki in his lifetime was a very good bridge in the

democratic rule we have to do something that would be unique and devoid of military tenets,” he said.

He also advocated a national conference where all segments of the na-

Again, strike looms in Plateau’s tertiary institutions

nurturing of the nascent democracy in the country.

He said that his sense of humour and care for the common man at the grassroots endeared him to all that he came across.

In his own remarks, exGovernor Gbenga Danniel urged the Saraki family to thank God for their late patriarch for what he stood for during his life

time describing Saraki as being there for every common man that ever came around him.

Governor of Kebbi state, AlhajiSaidu Nasamu Dakingari said “indeed Nigeria has lost a leader who is committed to the nation pointing out that Saraki died at a time Nigeria needed his experience and counsel most.

ndications have emerged that tertiary institutions workers in Plateau State may embark on another round of strike over what they called ‘no work no pay’ policy imposed by the state government It will be recalled that

N120 and N136, depending on the station and source of supply.

However, the fuel situation in the state this week showed signs of abatement as fuel could be obtained in some stations though with long queues.

It is a great improvement from the chaotic situation some weeks back when virtually all the stations were literarily shut, leaving the black market

as the only source of fuel.

Saturday Mirror’s investigations also showed that the activities of black market operators are hampering free circulation of fuel as the ambush the fuel companies from the point of supply and move substantial quantity to unauthorised places.

Another development in the Kano fuel situation is that most of the stations, especially those that adjusted

their pump price upwards now operate at night.

Some fuel stations, however, open for the public between 8pm to 10 pm, which is considered unusual, given the security situation in the state.

Sources also disclosed that the development was part of the strategy to avoid being caught by the regulatory bodies which have been accused of complicity in whole episode.

JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

I

Fuel crisis escalates in Kano AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

A

s the fuel crisis rocking the country lingers, most authorised dealers of the product in Kano State have arbitrarily hiked their fuel pump price by about 70 per cent.

Saturday Mirror’s investigation revealed that the price of the product per litre staggers between

tion would sit at a round table and fashion the best way out of the current situation. He also called for the abolition of the contentious immunity clause in the nation’s constitution.

the workers were on strike for eight months last year and only suspended the industrial action in July last year.

Addressing a press conference in Jos, Chairman of the Joint Unions of Plateau State Owned Tertiary Institutions (JUPTI), Comrade Victor Dawurung, said that since the members of the union suspended the industrial action, their three months salaries are still being withheld by the government because of its ‘no work no pay” policy.

Dawurung said: “What has become very worrisome to us is that despite the agreement reached with the government on the 15 June and 17 October 2011 that no worker would be victimised for participating in the strike we are today being out rightly denied our three months salaries under the guise of no work no pay.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

November 17, 2012

55

Has Obama dyed his hair? z The president is sporting a more evenly colored coiffure post-election

B

eing the leader of the free world and running a grueling campaign comes with its fair share of stress.

Onlookers are now wondering if President Barack Obama has had some help covering up the specks of grey hairs that seemed to increase during the course of the presidential campaign - based on photos

from the commander-inchief on Wednesday at a White House press conference.

The 51-year-old’s coiffure seemed to appear a softer black post reelection, with the salt and pepper look he sported during the campaign a distant memory ... much like his GOP challenger.

It’s a tough call consid-

ering a hair colour can appear vastly different as lighting changes but the Washington Examiner first suggested the potential artificial assistance after analysing President Obama’s appearance at his press conference at the White House on Wednesday.

‘President Obama’s reelection didn’t just put a

bounce in his step. It appears that it also erased his gray hair,’ the paper suggested.

FOX News host Greta Van Susteren also joined in on the debate, asking her viewers on Twitter, ‘Did Obama dye his hair?’

At least on social media, the consensus was that the reelected president had some help to achieve a

more evened yet still natural look.

‘Obama had greying temples. Obama’s dyed his hair all along,’ one Greta viewer tweeted, with others posting their amens.

‘I’m pretty sure Obama dyed his hair. It was grey like 2 weeks ago. Now it’s black again,’ with another user adding, ‘I see Obama has dyed his hair again, I see you Mr.President! #SWAG.’ Obama’s hair colour has made a traceable shift from a youthful, solid black to the increasing presence of the dreaded grey as his responsibilities and stress piled on.

His hair shade appeared a distinguished salt and pepper as he worked through his first term in office - and turned 50 - and as he entered his reelection campaign, more and

more greys began invading - understandable given the nonstop schedule.

While scientists have said aging is the primary cause for going grey, they have also suggested that stress could be at the root of whitening hair, in addition to other factors like smoking.

Hair follicles have pigment cells, called melanocytes, which produce various hair colours that contribute to the production of keratin, the protein in hair.

But when there is a breakdown in keratin producing cells, melanocytes become less active and over time die off.

Obama has admitted he has struggled with trying to kick his smoking habit but said he ultimately was inspired by his two daughters to quit.

Gaza conflict: Militant rocket targets Jerusalem What a difference a few days makes: President Obama appeared to have a more evenly coloured head of hair on Wednesday (left, at a White House press conference) compared to earlier (right, on Nov. 5 in Ohio)

Putin takes Russia back to the dark old days •Brings in law which makes it treason to talk to a foreigner

R

ussian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new treason law which opponents say could be used to smother dissent and put anyone who has contact with foreigners at risk.

The law means Russians representing international organisations could be charged with treason. The maximum sentence for the offence is 20 years in prison.

The law was published in the official government gazette, despite a promise

by Putin that he would re-

view it.

Political opponents and rights activists say the legislation is the latest in a series of laws cracking down on the opposition and reducing foreign influence since Putin returned to the Kremlin in May for a six-year third term.

‘Citizens recruited by international organisations acting against the country’s interests will also be considered traitors,’ the official gazette, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, said on its website.

At a meeting of his hu-

man rights council on Monday, Putin listened to a retired Constitutional Court judge’s concerns about the legislation, which she said did not require authorities to prove a suspect damaged state security.

Putin indicated that he would move cautiously, but also said ‘nonetheless, I am ready to return to this again, to look more attentively’.

Russian officials have said the law is needed to help prevent foreign governments using organisations in Russia to gather

state secrets.

The legislation allows Russians representing international organisations to be charged with treason, as well as those working for foreign states and bodies, and expands the range of actions that can be considered treasonous.

Putin signed the law on Tuesday and it took effect on Wednesday when it was published in the official gazette, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, despite a promise by the president on Monday that he would review it.

Hague war court acquits Croat generals

A

war crimes court in The Hague has overturned the convictions of two Croatian generals charged with atrocities against Serbs in the 1990s.

Appeals judges ordered the release of Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markac.

In 2011 they were sentenced to 24 years and 18 years respectively over the killing of ethnic Serbs in an offensive to retake Croatia’s Krajina region.

The men arrived in Zagreb later on Friday to a hero’s welcome. But their release was condemned in

Serbia.

On Friday morning, the presiding judge at the tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Theodor Meron, said the court had entered “a verdict of acquittal” for Gen Gotovina and Gen Markac, both aged 57.

Last year the two men

were convicted of murder, persecution and plunder.

Judges at the time ruled that they were part of a criminal conspiracy led by late Croatian President Franjo Tudjman to “permanently and forcibly remove” the Serb civilian population from Krajina.

H

amas militants have launched a rocket on Jerusalem - the first time the holy city has been targeted in decades - and the first such attack from Gaza.

Militants said they wanted to hit the Israeli parliament, but the missile landed outside the city - and there were no casualties.

The upsurge follows Israel’s killing of Hamas’s military chief on Wednesday and its continued air strikes on Gaza.

Egypt’s leader has vowed to back Gaza in the face of

“blatant aggression”.

Twenty Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed since Wednesday.

Militants and civilians, including at least five children, were among the Palestinian dead, Palestinian officials said.

Hamas’s military leader Ahmed Jabari was killed by an Israeli air strike on Wednesday.

Two Israeli women and a man died when a rocket fired from Gaza hit a building in the southern town of Kiryat Malachi on Thursday, Israeli officials said.

Petraeus testifies to Congress on Benghazi attack

F

ormer CIA chief General David Petraeus is testifying to Congress about a deadly attack on the US consulate in Libya.

He appeared at the House Intelligence Committee and was then due to give evidence to the Senate Intelligence Committee, both in closed session.

The testimony on Benghazi, where four Americans died, comes a week after Gen. Petraeus quit over an affair.

Republicans have criticised the White House over the Benghazi attack, saying the administration misled the public.

Gen. Petraeus has said he left his post at the CIA only because of his extramarital affair with biographer Paula Broadwell, and not because of the CIA’s handling of the attack.

US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens was among the four Americans who died in Benghazi on 11 September.

Quote

of

the

day

Up till now, after going through our register, we have not seen any such name as Orji Uzor Kalu in any of our registers and we want it to remain like that.

Ihendu Eke, PDP leader in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, speaking on how all ward chairmen and secretaries in the area have been directed to reject any move by former governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, to return to the party (PDP).

Saturday, November 17, 2012. www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wanted: A thriving mining industry in Africa M

ining has been a source of wealth for many individuals and groups and a reasonable source of revenue for many countries and communities for some time. In recent times and with focus on the issue of environment and impact on the local communities, questions are being asked particularly in many parts of Africa on how to go about it so that the country and the community may not be the losers.

Establishment and growth of mining industry is a function of many factors.

First among these factors is geological endowment. In most countries and communities these endowments are already known and in some they are not yet known fully. Investigation and enquires to determine the full extent and type of geological endowments continued to be pursued. Surveys through satellite imaging, aerial and land are used to determine initial and follow up geological endowment. But knowledge of geological endowment without exploration and exploitation is dormancy which currently serves no purpose.

The country and the community must draw up legislations, regulations and codes which will serve as a road map for both domestic and foreign investors. Invariably domestic investors if there are available, are small or junior operators if not just seeking concessions to be sold without adding any value or making any

with President Olusegun Obasanjo hexcellency2011@yahoo.com investment. But out there are big foreign investors that are ready to make the big investment with the attendant risk involved necessary.

The legislations, the regulations and the codes must be even handed to encourage and to support genuine investors while protecting and safeguarding the environment. The health of the community and social responsibility of the operators for the community must be upheld while also ensuring equitable revenue for the state and employment opportunity for the locals.

The government must also realize that return from investments in mining may take time and therefore learn to be patient.

It normally helps to get a flagship investor to blaze the trail then others will follow.

The government may not have people

with the requisite knowledge and expertise to match flagship investor in skills for negotiating terms and conditions.

For this type of negotiations, assistance from countries, organizations and international bodies that have gone that way before must be sought. Regional Economic Communities, World Bank and such other international organizations can be of tremendous help. International mineral or commodity organization can also be of tremendous assistance.

The formulation of good policy is the second very important factor to assist the establishment and growth of mining industry. In other words, good policy must help geological endowment to have a thriving mining industry that will serve the purpose of the government and the community and the interest of the in-

SPORT EXTRA

CAF U-17 Championship: Golden Eaglets set for Malian challenge IFEANYI EDUZOR

N

igeria’s U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, will tomorrow at the U.J Esuene Stadium, Calabar, confront their Malian counterparts in the third round of the qualifiers for the 2013 CAF U-17 Championship to be hosted by Morocco.

To get to this stage of the qualifiers, the Coach Manu Garba-tutored side sent Niger Republic packing on a 10-1 aggregate in the first round before recording a 7-0 aggregate win against Guinea in the second round. Mali got to this stage of

the competition with a 7-2 aggregate win over Mauritania.

Speaking on the match, Coach Manu Garba, noted that his players are aware of what is at stake at this stage of the qualifiers and will go all out to have a convincing win against the young Eagles, to make the second leg a mere formality.

“We have prepared very well for the match and we are not going to disappoint Nigerians. The players are looking forward to be in Morocco for the CAF U-17 Championship and no stone will be left unturned to ensure we win the match on Sunday.

“Our target is to score as many goals

as possible and make the second leg in Bamako, in a fortnight a mere formality. I believe with the caliber of players in camp, we will achieve good result,” he said.

Meanwhile the assistant coach of the team, Emmanuel Amunike has expressed optimism that the team will put up a good performance against the Malians, even as he assured that they will not underrate their opponents.

According to him, the technical crew has prepared the players very well for the challenge and will put in extra effort to ensure the team emerges victorious after the full regulation time.

vestor who wants a reasonable return on his investment and wants adequate compensation for his entrepreneurship. To all concerned, the rules of the game must be clear and be scrupulously followed by both the government and the investor.

There must be mutual understanding, respect and commitment that make predictability and sustainability possible. Good relations must be fostered. The third factor that cannot and must not be ignored is the international market condition.

This again is a factor of the global political situation in terms of peace and security, absence of debilitating conflicts and violence in consumer areas and ease of transportation and movement.

The growth and situation of world economy, particularly the economy of countries and regions that are known to be drivers of global economies is also important. Both the geologically endowed countries and the investors are interested in conducive global markets and they must work for favourable international markets conditions.

Finally, for all countries in Africa, mining must not be placed as top priority at the expense of agribusiness. Where geological endowment makes focus on mining necessary and desirable, it must be realised that, mining is capital intensive and may not generate commensurate number of jobs with the investment put in.

PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES Today’s Matches Arsenal v Tottenham 12:45 Liverpool v Wigan 15:00 Man City v Aston Villa 15:00 Newcastle v Swansea 15:00 QPR v Southampton 15:00 Reading v Everton 15:00 West Brom v Chelsea 15:00 Norwich v Man United 17:30

Sunday, November 18, 2012 Fulham v Sunderland 16:00

Monday, November 19, 2012 West Ham v Stoke 20:00

Printed and Published by Global Media Mirror Ltd: Head Office: Mirror House, 155/161 Broad Street, Lagos Tel: 07027107407, Abuja Office: NICON Insurance House, Second Floor, Central Business District Area, Abuja Tel: 08070428249, Advert hotline: 01-8446073, Email: mail@nationalmirroronline.net. Editor: GBEMISOLA OLUJOBI. All correspondence to PMB 10001, Marina, Lagos.

Printed simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Ondo State. ISSN 0794-232X.